《Saga of Ebonheim [Progression, GameLit, Technofantasy]》 Chapter 1: Fake It Til You Make It 14th day of Withergrasp, 1363 ¡°I just don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea to fake our own deity,¡± grumbled the man named Sven as he picked his teeth with his crusted fingers while slouching against the back corner of the newly built feast hall. ¡°We¡¯re not faking a deity, Sven,¡± Engin replied from across the room. Most of the gathered elders huddled around the firepit to feast on the spit roast boar in the center. Engin continued, ¡°We are envisioning our ideal deity to pay homage to precisely because the ones we¡¯ve worshiped before turned out to be arseholes or deviants that couldn''t care less about the plights of those they¡¯ve marginalized.¡± Sven squinted his eyes at him. ¡°I¡¯m two mugs deep into this mead brewed by Bogdan here, which, by the way, tastes just as well as the sweat off my old sack, so would you kindly speak like a simple man and not use so much gibberish.¡± Bogdan grunted in protest across from Sven as he downed his own mug of mead, eyes wincing from disgust. Engin sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll explain my intent once again so that you can understand clearly.¡± He paced around the hall, passing by each of the fifteen elders who attended his summons. ¡°In the past ten months that we¡¯ve traveled together, worked together, and lived side by side, I realized that we all have two things in common. The first is that we have all been wronged, one way or another, by terrible gods.¡± Engin gestured towards two elders in tribal garments of earthen tone. ¡°The Jixisha tribe were forced to flee after their lands were conquered by a belligerent god of battle that oversaw the city of Metosia. They attacked unprovoked, despite the Jixisha keeping to themselves and only wanting peace.¡± ¡°What does belligerent mean?¡± Sven asked. ¡°Overly aggressive,¡± Engin answered as he approached another pair of elders. ¡°Bjorn and Thorsten here are from a clan that used to serve under Nidur, the city god of Hrafnsteinn, but their clan was exiled for speaking out against Nidur¡¯s tyranny.¡± Engin motioned towards another elder. ¡°Ionus was a former vassal of the god Zemos that oversaw the town of Tormery, until another god usurped control after killing the former. His group was forced to leave their hometown, or else meet the same fate as their fallen deity.¡± Engin looked at each of the gathered elders and noticed that they wore the same somber expressions he had seen when he first met them during the month-long journey to this place. The journey started from his former home city of Mistfell. Other groups hailing from different regions slowly joined his caravan until what was once a small group of eighty people became seven hundred after arriving at their destination, an ancient valley between the arms of two titanic mountain ranges. No expedition has ever taken root there, they were the first. ¡°My son,¡± Engin continued. ¡°Died from a supernal disease at the feet of a god calling himself Zareus. I begged and prayed for my son¡¯s salvation because I saw that god perform such divine miracles for others. But he merely stood there with a sneer, stating that I have not contributed enough to his treasury to warrant the use of his divinity, even after I offered everything I owned.¡± The silence from the room was palpable as many recalled their own misfortunes. ¡°I apologize for reopening old wounds,¡± Engin said as he poured himself a mug of mead. His recollections and the wretched aftertaste of the mead brought tears to his eyes which he wiped away. ¡°Bogdan, you seriously need to reassess your brewing methods.¡± Bogdan joined in with the dry chuckle echoing across the room. ¡°But why is there a need to come up with a fake deity for us then?¡± Sven asked. A few others nodded their heads in agreement with him. ¡°That goes with the second thing we all have in common,¡± said Engin. ¡°We are all good folk. Despite our differences, we have worked hard and helped each other to settle into this foreign land with unknown dangers and tribulations. We have shared our knowledge with each other and partaken in each other¡¯s customs and traditions to better know each other as friends and neighbors.¡± He walked towards an open window and looked out at the silhouette of towering trees beyond the recently cultivated fields. ¡°But just because we are all good people doesn¡¯t mean that we will be safe from harm.¡± His gaze drifted to the campfires of the numerous encampments dotting the open regions of the forest and continued. ¡°Everyone knows that a settlement, whether it be a village, town, or city, that is not overseen by a deity is at an extreme disadvantage compared to ones that do have one.¡± He turned towards the others. ¡°Gods, for better or worse, are essential to the longevity of nations. By their very existence, they deter most hostile forces bent on acting within their domain.¡± Engin walked back to his original spot at the firepit and sat down. ¡°Alas,¡± he continued. ¡°We don¡¯t have a deity watching over this region and I don¡¯t think any of us would accept some god that may wander here and claim this settlement as their own.¡± The other elders collectively nod in agreement. Engin nodded in turn. "My proposal to invent our own deity has two objectives. First, it will serve as a bridge to unite our various cultures and heal the past traumas associated with gods. Many of us have been raised to honor the divine, and I believe faith can still be a positive force. Instead of discarding it, we can develop a new faith that is tailored to our needs. Some might label this idea as delusional, but if it provides us with comfort and fosters harmony, then there''s no harm in pursuing it." Engin stopped speaking, letting the others speak amongst themselves for some time before continuing. ¡°The second purpose is to deceive any potential outsiders who would fancy causing trouble for us. If we are convinced enough of our belief, then they will believe that a deity watches over us as well. No one sane would risk the ire of the divine even if they haven¡¯t witnessed its physical manifestation.¡± ¡°This seems like a lot of effort for what may all just be lip service in the end,¡± said Bjorn with a gruff tone. His boulder of a frame loomed over the others. Despite his advanced age, he still carried an imposing demeanor. ¡°Aye, that may be so,¡± said Engin. ¡°This will only work if we fully believe in it with our heart of hearts. We must put in the effort, in order to deceive ourselves and our past trauma so that we can look towards our future with dignity and pride.¡± Engin ended his speech with a raised fist. The silence returned as the elders pondered about what to decide. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Hilda, the druid from the Jixisha tribe as well as the eldest of those gathered, sipped her tea without uttering a single word throughout the debate. She felt Engin¡¯s sincerity in his appeal and his wisdom in his approach, but she also saw the three mugs of mead he drank beforehand. She also smelled the distinct aroma of dreamleaf that permeated from his being, the scent lingering after he partook in smoking the substance with a few others earlier in the gathering. Most of the others present were in a similar state. She on the other hand, had been satisfied with the pleasant company, and only sought nourishment with small morsels of boar meat and her own blend of tea. ¡°I think it¡¯s a worthwhile venture to try,¡± said Hilda. She thought that Engin¡¯s idea, while influenced by beverage and substance, would not cause harm to others. It may just be a way to cope with everyone¡¯s worries and uneasiness living in the frontiers without the influence of a divine. Her tribe had no need for reverence for such beings, but perhaps this was worth going along with. ¡°If after some time people stop believing in this non-existent deity and eventually forget what the original purpose for it all is, then we can reconvene and see if it accomplished its purpose.¡± The others looked at her and thought of her words. None were completely against the idea, but only strained to justify the effort. Engin spoke up. ¡°So let¡¯s decide on a vote. All those in favor raise your mugs.¡± The votes were unanimous, all mugs and a single teacup rose. Engin smiled with pride and nodded. ¡°Now comes the next part of the discussion. What would our deity be like? I have an idea¡ª¡± ¡°A wise, merciful, and dashing god!¡± shouted Ionus, heavily influenced by his past admiration of Zemos. ¡°A bold, strong oxen of a god,¡± said Thorsten. ¡°I want our god to have a long white beard to show his wisdom,¡± said one elder. ¡°A god with four arms would be kind of nice,¡± said another. ¡°How about four legs?¡± ¡°Two heads!¡± ¡°A god in the form of a tree would be fitting.¡± ¡°Why does it have to be a god? I¡¯d rather worship a goddess.¡± ¡°Here, here!¡± ¡°Can the goddess have big bosoms?¡± asked Thorsten. ¡°You¡¯re onto something there brother,¡± said Bjorn as he clasped hands with Thorsten. ¡°Men, they only want one thing and it''s¡ª¡± ¡°Does anyone want the boar¡¯s tongue?¡± ¡°...¡± Hours passed. Each popular idea was carefully deliberated and voted on. No aspect of their deity was defined until the votes were unanimous. The mead ran low from the effort. ¡°Alright,¡± said Engin while slouched against the wall, massaging his temples. ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s been voted on so far. We have decided on a goddess, whose visage is that of an innocent young girl whose flesh is that of the earth, whose hair flows like water, whose eyes are brilliant like the sun, and who is garbed in a blanket of clouds.¡± The other elders raised their mugs in agreeance. ¡°Good,¡± Engin continued. ¡°Now we all agreed to our goddess¡¯ virtues. She is to be kind, affectionate, wise, lovely, and bold when the need arises.¡± The elders raised their mugs once more. ¡°Then lastly, before we adjourn this meeting and retreat to the peace of slumber, which I know many of you are already feeling, we must decide on her name.¡± ¡°Iris.¡± ¡°Alexandra.¡± ¡°Selene.¡± ¡°Lorelei.¡± ¡°Xena.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a little late to ask, but have we decided on a name for our village yet?¡± asked Prudnik as he raised his hand. The youngest of the elders, having only lived for forty-one years, he hadn¡¯t spoken much but this question had always bothered him. The others gave Prudnik blank stares in return, realizing that despite already living in this valley for over a year and even managing to erect several buildings, no one has thought of a name for the village yet. No one brought it up until now. How? Another hour passed. Many became weary, but another unanimous vote passed. ¡°Then it is settled,¡± said Engin. ¡°This village will hereby be called Ebonheim, in honor of the ancient Ebon trees in the forest that resists even the sharpest of axes. The name will be a symbol for the resilience of its people in the face of adversity as its longevity.¡± A round of applause filled the room. ¡°Lastly, once again, we now just have to come up with and vote for the name of our goddess,¡± said Engin with a heavy sigh. The others groaned. After another bout of silence, someone mumbled a response. ¡°How about we just call her Ebonheim?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You mean the name of our goddess will be the same name as our village?¡± ¡°That sounds strange.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t it get confusing?¡± ¡°Hmm, I think it makes things easier. Fewer names to remember. It¡¯s not like this goddess will take offense to it. She¡¯s just made up, after all.¡± ¡°You¡¯re¡­not wrong.¡± ¡°Does anyone else have another hour or two to spare to debate on her name?¡± ¡°...¡± Engin raised his mug. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Our goddess will be named Ebonheim, in honor of our village of Ebonheim. That our goddess and village are one in the same. Both serve its people and are part of us.¡± They all raised their mugs while collectively yawning. ¡°Good work everyone,¡± said Engin as he slowly headed out the main door. ¡°Remember to spread the word of what we discussed here, and with that¡­I bid you all a good night.¡±
[Akashic System initialized] [Law of Plausibility activated] [Constraints of Causality activated] [Domain Administrator request initiated¡­accepted] [Beginning accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 1%]
Two months later¡­ What started as a cute lip service to appease the village elders¡¯ seemingly whimsical decision to revere a non-existent deity became a trend that took root in the hearts and minds of the villagers. The delusion became activities of endearment, especially to the younger generation of the community. ¡°Goddess Ebonheim,¡± said a young man tending to his garden. ¡°If you can bless my tomatoes so that they turn out plump and juicy, I¡¯d appreciate it.¡± ¡°The goddess would say to you that you should be diligent in tending to those weeds if you want your tomatoes to grow,¡± said the neighbor living in a tent from across the way. ¡°Thank you much. Goddess be praised.¡± ¡°Goddess be praised indeed.¡± They chuckled at each other. [Accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 12%]
Six months later¡­ The village held a small festival, celebrating the completion of a tannery, an apothecary, another cistern, a decent autumn harvest, and the safe birth of several newborns in the past year. Many danced around the wooden effigy of Ebonheim atop a small shrine consisting of a miniature garden atop a pile of large flat stones found at a nearby riverbed, and decorated by Jixishan trinkets. The celebration lasted throughout the night, with many paying homage at the shrine after congratulating each other for another year of hard work paying off. [Accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 33%]
One year later¡­ [Accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 65%]
Another year followed¡­ [Accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 99%] [Accumulation of requisite quintessence for divine creation¡­Status: 100%] [Requisite quintessence for divine creation acquired] [Initiating creation process¡­] [Inputting requested parameters¡­process complete] [Loading¡­] [Divine creation complete] Vivid colors permeated through the darkness, first as blobs splattering around the canvas of pitch black void. The blobs slowly flowed into discernable shapes with clear boundaries that contained its corresponding colors. A tapestry of green atop a trunk of browns and grays signified the trees, while the canvas of blue with streaks of white illuminated the sky. Sounds of the earth shifting, the leaves blowing, and the animals roaming assailed her senses. Her vision shifted around to scan her environment. Everything seemed so new, yet so nostalgic. She sensed herself, a floating, disembodied mote of essence. A string of words revealed itself in her vision, manifesting as glowing text in a language she inherently understood. [Name] Ebonheim [Divinity Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial) [Divine Rank] Lesser God - Dawn Stage [Quintessence] 717 / 8000 The mote of Essence known as Ebonheim found herself uttering her first word. ¡°Eh?¡± Chapter 2: Whats Fake is Real, and Whats Real is Fake? 8th Day of Highglow, 1366 Ebonheim spent the morning flying around the forest as a fuzzy ball of light, invisible and intangible to those that dwelled in the material realm. The sun rose above the trees, casting a pale light over the landscape. The birds began to stir, and the forest gradually came to life. She came across a small stream. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and as she drew closer, she saw a large fish swimming in the stream. The fish swam by a small outcropping of rock where a wildflower grew. Ebonheim watched the fish for a time, fascinated by its movement. Everything she saw and heard seemed so pretty and wonderful. There were still so many things to experience, but before she got too distracted, she turned her attention back to the village and flew there. The village nestled itself within the thick forest, comprising many clusters of simple thatched-roof cottages connected by dirt trails that wove between the trees. Pockets of clearings dotted the land, which the villagers turned into gardens and fields for cultivation. A pair of tributaries snaked through its western and southern quadrant before converging into the larger river to the south. As she floated over the village, she noticed a small group of children gathered around a tall, lanky man, who was telling them stories in a dramatic way, his hands flailing about as if he was living the story himself. She watched as the children listened with rapt attention, their eyes wide with wonder. The man''s stories seemed to transport the children to a different world, one filled with adventure and excitement. Ebonheim felt a surge of delight and wondered if she could weave a story like that herself, something that could captivate the hearts and minds of the villagers. She made a mental note to try that sometime. Further on, Ebonheim saw a group of women sitting in a clearing, spinning wool from the sheep that grazed in the nearby meadow. They chatted and laughed as they worked, their fingers expertly guiding the spindle and distaff. Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel impressed by their skill, and made another mental note to learn how to spin herself one day. In another part of the village, a man was hammering away at a piece of metal, sparks flying in all directions. His workshop was cluttered with all sorts of tools, each one looking more complicated than the last. At the center of the village resided the feast hall, an imposing structure built of gray stone and thick lumber. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings. The roof was steeply pitched, made of thatch, and adorned with a chimney that gave off a steady stream of smoke. The scent of roasting meats and spices wafted through the air. It didn¡¯t take long for her to see that the village was more than just a collection of houses and farms. It was a living, breathing organism, with each person playing their unique role in its continued existence. She marveled at how the villagers were able to carve out a life for themselves in the midst of such a wild and untamed forest, using the resources around them to build a thriving community. What a lively bunch. The smiles on their faces filled her puffy, glowing form with happiness. The Akashic System¡¯s glowing text reappeared in her view. [5 Attribute Points need allocation] [Choose 6 starting abilities] ¡°Hmph.¡± These messages were an annoying distraction. She willed them away once more, but knew they would return to her view sometime later. Right now, she had many more important things to think about. She flew away from the village and headed back into the forest.
As Ebonheim made her way deeper into the seclusion of the forest, she found herself surrounded by a grove of dark towering trees. Their gnarled roots jutted out from the ground, twisting and coiling like a writhing serpent. The trunks of the trees were massive, with thick, gnarled bark that seemed to have been carved by the winds and the elements over the centuries. She continued to float around them and noticed something odd. One of the trees, a massive oak with twisted branches, was glowing with a soft, ethereal light. She floated closer, her curiosity piqued, and saw that the tree was covered in a blanket of lichen that shone like thousands of tiny stars. As she floated on, she came across a small clearing, its edges defined by fallen trees that lay scattered about like discarded toys. In the center of the clearing was a small pool, its surface as still and reflective as a sheet of glass. She watched as a pair of dragonflies flitted about, their iridescent wings shimmering in the dappled sunlight. While wandering, she stumbled upon a thicket of briar and some fallen trees that formed a natural barrier. Ebonheim''s intangible form floated through the dense thicket, its thorny tendrils reaching out as if to snag her, but passing harmlessly through her. This seemed like a cozy, secluded space to think. However, after meandering around the thicket for a while, she realized that she was no closer to finding a solution. Should she just casually walk into town and announce her presence? Should she produce some omens of her arrival? ¡°What do I do? They can¡¯t even see me or hear me.¡± Suddenly, those annoying messages popped up again, interrupting her thoughts. ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m having an existential crisis right now, and I just came into existence not too long ago. Damn it, there¡¯s got to be a way for them to notice m¡ª¡± [Divine Ability] Manifestation (Rank I) [Effect] Materializes a physical form until the form is destroyed [Cost] 60 Essence ¡°O¨COh¡­I could do something like that already? Wait, how much Essence do I have?¡± [Essence] 180 ¡°Manifest!¡± She channeled her essence and the glowing mote that was her form pulsed and expanded until shattering into fragments of light that revealed a young human girl standing in her place. [Essence] 180 -> 120 Ebonheim opened her eyes, then blinked, and immediately became amazed at blinking. ¡°Woah!¡± she shouted, then gasped, covering her mouth. She sounded a little different compared to her incorporeal form, but it still sounded nice nonetheless. Ebonheim extended her arms and marveled at the way her fingers moved, bending and flexing with ease. She ran her fingers through her long hair, feeling its silkiness as it slipped through her fingers. Ebonheim took a step forward and felt the soft grass beneath her feet. She giggled as she wiggled her toes in the lush blades, feeling their coolness on her skin. She had seen the world before, but it had never been like this. Everything was so vivid and real, and she reveled in the sensations. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Her hands and fingers looked great; her feet and toes...exquisite. Her white dress¡ªShe had a dress?! She pinched and stretched the fabric and felt its softness. She sniffed and savored the scent of it. She spun around, feeling the fabric of her dress billow around her. It was so light and airy, and she loved how it moved with her. As she twirled, she noticed the way the sun glinted off the threads of her dress, making it shimmer in the light. As she continued to explore her physical form, Ebonheim realized that she was hearing things differently too. The sounds of the world around her were clearer and more defined. She heard the rustling of the leaves in the trees, the chirping of the birds, and the distant murmur of a river. It was like a symphony to her ears, and she reveled in the richness of the sounds. Finally, Ebonheim looked up at the sky through the forest canopy, marveling at the shapes of the clouds. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the chance to experience the world in this way. As she stood there, taking it all in, she knew that she would never forget this moment¨C the moment when she first stepped into her physical form and truly felt alive. She placed her hands on her hips and smiled to herself. ¡°As expected of a goddess, there¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t do.¡± As she admired her new form, she realized that she had made up her mind. She settled on a simple plan. All she had to do was materialize herself in all of her glory to her beloved villagers after they prayed to her. Easy. They¡¯ll be so amazed. She scanned the area for an exit through the briar. None. She trapped herself. Ebonheim frowned. ¡°Hmph. You think some bush can trap a goddess? Think again!¡± She tried burrowing through a slight opening but was met with sharp thorns and jagged branches that pricked at her skin and tore through her dress. She winced at the pain but refused to let it deter her. She tried pressing on but was met with further resistance. ¡°Ow, ow, Owww!¡± She recoiled back to her starting point, falling on the ground. ¡°Ow.¡± [Health] 180 -> 179 So this was what pain felt like. It wasn¡¯t pleasant, not at all. She winced as she stood to brush off the leaves and dirt that clung onto her. Never had she felt so much shame, being trapped by mere bushes¡ªbut also because this was the first time she felt shame. ¡°Ooh..ugh.¡± Let¡¯s not repeat this. But now she was in her second predicament. How can she escape? Could she dematerialize? [Divine Ability] Demanifestation (Rank I) [Effect] Dematerializes physical form [Cost] 30 Essence [Limitation] You cannot use Manifestation for two hours after demanifesting. ¡°It costs Essence to dematerialize too? That¡¯s a scam!¡± She buried her face in her hands and groaned. ¡°I still have to do it.¡± Poof. Her physical form shattered into particles of Essence, and only a single ephemeral mote of light remained that quickly darted back to the village. [Essence] 120 -> 90
The best place to announce her presence would have to be by her little shrine near the center of the village, just between the feast hall and the commons. Ebonheim made her way there and saw a dozen villagers gathered, their voices carrying through the air as they discussed which crops had the best yield, how to prepare the hunted game, or how low rainfall had been compared to last year. An elderly man tended to her shrine with care. His hair was combed to the side and his mustache was thin and grey. She hovered above him and watched. He polished her wooden effigy that was worn down from being outside and set it back on top of the miniature garden. ¡°You are looking majestic today as well, oh great goddess,¡± said the old man. ¡°I pray for Ebonheim¡¯s continued prosperity and her people¡¯s happiness.¡± He bowed his head at the effigy. [2 Quintessence acquired] [Quintessence] 717/8000 -> 719/8000 Aww, what a kind prayer. If a mote of light could smile, it would look like her right about now. This was the perfect time to reveal herself, right? Surely this merited her presence. It had to be now. But what would she say to him? Ebonheim orbited around the unsuspecting old man¡¯s head as she pondered. An idea formed in her mind. Manifest! [Essence] 108 -> 48 The old man gasped and covered his eyes as a blinding flash of multi-colored light erupted into existence in front of him, accompanied by a strong gust of wind that toppled over the trinkets and effigy atop the shrine. Ebonheim¡¯s physical form slowly came to view as she descended to the ground beside him. She opened her eyes slowly and smiled as she spoke. ¡°Your earnest prayers have reached me. This day, I will bestow upon you a gift for your sincerity. May you live long and pros¡ª¡± ¡°Eaauurgh!¡± The old man screamed as he stared at her wide-eyed with bewilderment. He then wobbled and fell on his back, one hand clutching his chest while the other reaching out at the sky. ¡°Aaaah!¡± It was Ebonheim¡¯s turn to scream. ¡°What happened?!¡± The small crowd around the area also took notice and began screaming and yelling. Some ran away in an absolute panic while others remained, looking horrified at the sight of a girl standing over a fallen old man who was gasping for air. A young man tried to approach but backed away instead. ¡°Something is wrong with old man Doyle¡¯s heart. He¡¯s dying!¡± A middle-aged woman pointed at Ebonheim. ¡°That girl put a curse on him!¡± Ebonheim shook her head vigorously. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it! It wasn¡¯t me.¡± ¡°Someone call the elders, call Bjorn or Thorsten or one of their sons,¡± a woman from further back shouted. One man ran towards the feast hall. Ebonheim looked back down at Doyle, mouth agape and eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. What do I do? What do I do?! There was definitely something she could do. She was a goddess. Healing her devotees should be innate to her. But what were her powers again? [Choose 6 starting abilities] What? She didn¡¯t have one by default? She still had to choose? Argh, Fine. ¡°I need healing!¡± [Divine Ability] Self-Regeneration (Rank I) [Effect] Regenerates Health at a rate of 8 every 6 seconds [Duration] 1 minute [Range] Self [Cost] 30 Essence ¡°Not for me, for Doyle! Hurry, he¡¯s foaming at the mouth!¡± [Divine Ability] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank I) [Effect] Restores 15 Health to the target immediately. Every 12 seconds, the target can make a successful recovery from a non-supernatural disease by making an Endurance check versus the disease¡¯s Severity. This ability gives a +8 bonus to the target''s Endurance for the check. [Duration] 1 minute [Range] Touch [Cost] 20 Essence ¡°Yes! This one. I¡¯ll pick this one. Hurry so I can heal him.¡± [Divine Ability Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank I) acquired] [Choose 5 starting abilities] ¡°Later, this is more important.¡± Ebonheim kneeled beside Doyle and placed her hands on his chest. She focused her thoughts into healing him. Her hands emitted a vibrant green light as she poured her Essence into Doyle. [Divine Ability Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 48 -> 28 Doyle seemed to breathe easier, the pained look on his face softened. A faint green aura surrounded his chest. The aura burst away then reformed back in intervals. ¡°Come on, Doyle. You can do this. You still have many years ahead of you. I don¡¯t want my first act as a goddess to be murder.¡± A minute later, her power faded. Doyle lay there, eyes closed but with a content expression, his chest rose and fell. Ebonheim fell on her butt and gave a big sigh of relief. This was a disaster but at least the crisis was averted. She needed a new plan to save face in front of the remaining gathered. They continued to look at her with shock and wariness. ¡°I¡ª.¡± She was cut short by a large shadow that suddenly loomed over her from behind. She arched her head back to look, only to be greeted by a meaty hand grabbing her head, lifting her off the ground, and suspending her in mid-air. ¡°Who are you and what did you do to Doyle?¡± Ebonheim knew that this towering man¡¯s gruff tone belonged to Thorsten. He twisted his hand to turn her around to face him, still maintaining his tight grip. She could only muster an awkward grin.¡°I¡¯m¡­Ebonheim. Um, I just cured Doyle of his ailment. Nice to¡­meet you?¡± Thorsten¡¯s grip tightened as the veins in his neck and forehead bulged. Ebonheim winced, her grin contorted into a panicked look. ¡°Ow! S-sir, Violence isn¡¯t the answer, ow!¡± ¡°Your jest does not amuse me, young one. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re some feral child or an evil spirit, but you¡¯ve just landed yourself in jail for your crimes.¡± Chapter 3: Captured?! Goddess vs Elders Ebonheim rattled the bars of the wooden cage Thorsten threw her into after he carried her inside the feast hall. The cage was only big enough to house something the size of a full-grown wild boar so at most she could sit on her knees or butt. ¡°I¡¯m telling you the truth, I am Ebonheim,¡± she said towards Thorsten who was stoking the fire pit near the center of the feast hall. ¡°Quiet,¡± he replied. ¡°Once the others arrive then we¡¯ll decide on your fate. And don¡¯t even try to use any of your magic while I¡¯m around. I¡¯m a good throw with my axe and don¡¯t think I won¡¯t use it on you just because you look like a child.¡± Ebonheim sat cross-legged in front of him, fuming at his words, trying to ignore the cold chill creeping through her bones from being held captive in the small cage. "Are you always this mean to people you''ve only just met?" she asked. She''d tried to be as polite as possible given the situation, but he still wouldn''t stop scowling. "Only to those who cause the village trouble," he replied without looking up from what he was doing. He kept piling more wood into the firepit. "I''m not causing anyone trouble. If anything, all I want to do is help the village." "You''re a stranger, and strangers come with danger. Look what you did to poor ol'' Doyle. You bewitched him with your words and looks until his heart couldn''t take it. Just because the man has been alone for all his life doesn''t give you the right to break his spirit." Ebonheim made a disgusted face at him. "That''s a terrible thing to say about Doyle. He''ll cry if he heard you say that¡ªand I didn''t bewitch him!" "You cursed him then." "For what reason?" "Does an evil, unscrupulous, witch-child need a reason?" he replied sarcastically. Then he finally turned around towards her and spoke out loud again. "Just keep still until the others arrive." ¡°Ugh, can you at least put me in a bigger cage? It¡¯s dirty in here.¡± ¡°Then maybe we¡¯ll have you clean the cage as punishment while you stay locked up until we decide your fate.¡± Ebonheim folded her arms across her chest and pursed her lips together to keep from saying something she would regret later. She bumped her head against the bars of the cage and let out a sigh. It seemed like there was no convincing him, but maybe when the others arrived she¡¯ll fare better. As she waited, she took a good look at the room and Thorsten. The room was filled with the warm glow of the central hearth surrounded by four long wooden tables. The arched roof, with its rafters and pillars, made the room look like the hull of a longship that was toppled over. Thorsten was covered in leather and hide, much like many of the villagers she saw earlier. He was built like a solid wall, with arms thicker than her legs and legs probably heavier than her entire body. His rust-colored hair was braided and tied to a low ponytail while his disheveled beard spilled down to his belly without care. The main door swung open as a middle-aged man with a scholarly air about him entered. He had a sharp jawline, a straight nose, and deep-set brown eyes that seemed to hold a wealth of knowledge. His hair was a mess of dark curls that cascaded down his shoulders, framing his face. He wore a simple woolen cloak over a tunic and trousers, the mark of a man who valued comfort over fashion. Ebonheim knew her potential savior to be none other than Engin, the genius prophet who heralded the idea of her existence, the muse who inspired her majesty, the poet who sparked her identity, the philosopher who shaped her ideals, the scholar who deciphered her mysteries, the entrepreneur who recognized her value, the¡ª ¡°Thorsten, what¡¯s all this I hear about Doyle almost dying and you catching a spirit?¡± Engin asked. ¡°Engin! I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here,¡± Ebonheim said as she rattled her cage. ¡°Thorsten didn¡¯t believe me that I¡¯m Ebonheim. He was so mean to me. I think I still have dents on my head from him grabbing me and carrying me here. He put me in this cage! This is undignified. This cage hasn¡¯t even been cleaned all that recently. It still smells like vomit, dung, and regret. I need you to convince him to treat me properly and I already apologized for what happened to Doyle earlier. It was an accident but I healed him. He¡¯s better now. I think I fixed what was wrong with his back too. So tell him!¡± Engin stood by, mouth agape, and stared at her with an incredulous look for an awkward amount of time before turning towards Thorsten. ¡°What¡¯s with this sassy, caged child?¡± Engin asked while violently wagging a finger toward Ebonheim. Thorsten walked over to Engin and glared at Ebonheim¡¯s way before speaking back to Engin. ¡°From what I heard, she suddenly appeared before Doyle while he was at the shrine and caused his heart to almost burst. And just as you¡¯ve heard, she¡¯s spouting nonsense about being Ebonheim.¡± ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t do that to him,¡± Ebonheim said. Engin motioned Thorsten to follow him across the room further away from her.
¡°Did you see it happen?¡± Engin asked. Thorsten shook his head. ¡°Not at first, but I did come out in time to see her using some magic over Doyle while he was lying on the ground.¡± ¡°What happened afterward?¡± ¡°He looked stable and fell asleep. After I told one of the men there to summon you, I had the others tend to him while I put that child in the cage.¡± Engin looked back over at the young girl. She seemed to exude an otherworldly aura. Her olive skin reminded him of people from the Jixisha tribe, but all of the druids who could use their magic left for an expedition and weren''t due back for another few days. However, she was distinctly different from anyone he has ever come across. He marveled at her hair, a cascade of iridescent white that shimmered and danced like the waves of a restless sea. Her tresses framed her face, accentuating her eyes which were a striking gold that seemed to pierce through the darkness. The girl''s lithe form was veiled in an intricate white dress that seemed to defy the gloom around her. The fabric was pristine, as if untouched by the dirt and grime of her captivity. The detached sleeves that adorned her arms were an elegant touch, giving her an ethereal quality that only added to her mystique. Whoever she was, she did not seem like a child from the village. He looked back at Thorsten and furrowed his brow. ¡°So, you think that she¡¯s some spirit in human flesh?¡± Thorsten leaned closer. ¡°Or some feral child, but I think she might be some sort of spiritual being¨COh, maybe an abyssal being from the way she¡¯s acting over there, rattling that cage like some wild animal.¡± ¡°Has she done anything else suspicious while in the cage?¡± Engin asked. ¡°No, aside from blabbering about being Ebonheim, nothing. I don¡¯t know why she keeps insisting on her story since¡­you know.¡± Thorsten shifted his eyes around him before leaning even closer to whisper into Engin¡¯s ear. ¡°Ebonheim doesn''t really exist.¡± Both men heard the caged girl groan from across the room. ¡°Hmm.¡± Engin rubbed his chin as he pondered. ¡°If she really was some spirit or abyssal entity, she would have known of the farce and would know that trying to impersonate Ebonheim wouldn¡¯t work.¡± Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Unless she knew that we¡¯d know that she¡¯d know so¡­¡± Engin saw Thorsten¡¯s eyes dart around as if trying to finish his line of thought but failing miserably. ¡°So?¡± Engin asked. Thorsten shrugged. ¡°I, I don¡¯t know where I was going with it. Sorry. But I doubt she¡¯s powerful since she hasn''t escaped or killed me for locking her up. Is there any way to find out what she really is and why she¡¯s here?¡± Engin shook his head. ¡°Hilda and her group of druids aren¡¯t back yet so I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anyone in the village with powers to discern this one¡¯s true nature. But¡­¡±
Ebonheim saw the two men walk back towards her, stopping just outside her cage. She gave the biggest pout she could muster. Somehow, she sensed that they were speaking bad about her in their corner. Gut feeling. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me, do you?¡± she asked. ¡°Look,¡± Engin said. ¡°You seem like a fine lass, but we don¡¯t know who you are. However, what we do know is that you are most certainly not someone from this village. So, you could either be a child of someone from outside the village who can do a bit of magic, or you are a spirit that took on a human form. You then insist on being our goddess which I am certain is not the case therefore, for your well-being, I would advise you to stop saying that or else be smote by the celestial realm for impersonating the divine.¡± Thorsten tapped Engin on his shoulder. ¡°Engin. You¡¯re using too many big words. She''s a youngling. Speak simply.¡± Engin tilted his head at Thorsten. ¡°I am, aren''t I.¡± ¡°Aye.¡± Thorsten looked over at her. ¡°What he meant to say was. Don¡¯t lie about being a goddess. We know it ain¡¯t the truth.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not impersonating. I am Ebonheim.¡± Thorsten crossed his arms in front of him. ¡°Prove it.¡± ¡°How?¡± she asked. ¡°Tell us something only Ebonheim would know or show us something only a goddess can do,¡± Engin answered. It was Ebonheim¡¯s turn to cross her arms in front of her. She had to come up with something convincing to get out of this predicament. What else could she do anyways? She needed something flashy and grand to shut their mouths and prostrate themselves in front of her for treating her like unwanted garbage. [Listing all Activatable Abilities: Divine Sight (Rank I), Manifestation (Rank I), Demanifest, Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank I)] Didn''t seem like any of those were flashy. She couldn¡¯t even use most of them because she didn¡¯t have enough Essence. She hadn''t used Divine Sight yet though. What could it do? [Divine Ability] Divine Sight (Rank I) [Effect] Reveals the aura of the target. Concentrating on one target will reveal its basic information. If the target is one of your followers, more information can be revealed. [Duration] 1 hour [Cost] 5 Essence That wasn''t flashy, but it could be something so she focused her thoughts on activating it. [Essence] 28 -> 23 Her eyes gave off a faint glow. Both men took a step back. She saw that both men were enveloped in a translucent blue aura. She focused her attention on Thorsten. [Name: Thorsten Gustafsson, Age: 38, Date of Birth: 5th Day of Raincrown, Devotion Rank: Follower, Status: Healthy] Ebonheim blinked. It didn¡¯t really show much, but she was more curious about what the Devotion Rank was about. [Devotion Rank displayed in order from lowest to highest: Unbeliever, Follower, Believer, Worshipper, Devotee, Faithful, Disciple, Devout, Zealot] [An increase in Devotion Rank will increase the Quintessence gained from that individual.] Tsk. Thorsten was only at that point. He still had so much more to improve on. Fortunately for him, she was there to help. Ebonheim pointed at Thorsten and grinned. ¡°Your name is Thorsten Gustafsson. You are still living at the prime of your life at thirty-eight years of age. You were born on the fifth day of Raincrown.¡± Thorsten¡¯s eyes widened, then he looked at Engin alarmed. ¡°She knows! Only my family knows that about me.¡± Ebonheim looked at Engin and focused her Divine Sight. [Name: Engin Meric, Age: 48, Date of Birth: 20th Day of Lustertide, Devotion Rank: Follower, Status: Healthy] Only at that rank? For someone who was instrumental in her existence, only that?! Disappointing. She gave Engin a disapproving look before speaking in a monotone voice. ¡°Your name is Engin Meric. You were born on the twentieth day of Lustertide. You are forty-eight years of age and people make fun of your eyebrows behind your back.¡± She lied about the last part though. Engin looked at Throsten. ¡°What? You did?¡± Thorsten shook his head. ¡°I never did. I swear it. Maybe Bjorn did once or twice, but not me.¡± Ebonheim giggled. Engin grumbled under his breath. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s clever but I¡¯m not too impressed. What else can you do?¡± Ebonheim blinked once more. ¡°Eh? What else can I do?¡± She glanced above her. Maybe she could pick one that only cost 5 Essence? [Choose 5 starting Abilities] [Searching for abilities with an Essence cost of 5 or under] [¡­] [Only one eligible ability found] [Divine Ability] Divine Cantrip [Effect] You harness a small amount of divine essence to create one of the following effects: create a harmless sensory effect, make a small object move or levitate, clean a small object or surface, light a small torch or candle, make a small plant grow or wilt. [Range] 10 meters [Duration] Instantaneous or 1 hour (depending on effect) [Cost] 5 Essence ¡°You¡¯re kidding me,¡± she said out loud. She doubted that they¡¯d be impressed by any of that. She really needed to take time and look through all of her ability options later. This was ridiculous. Why was every ability she could use so expensive? Or rather, why was her Essence so low to begin with maybe? ¡°What?¡± Engin asked. ¡°Uh, nothing. I was talking to myself.¡± She thought hard for a minute, but couldn¡¯t come up with anything. ¡°So, what¡¯s going to happen if I can¡¯t show any other proof?¡± Thorsten patted Engin¡¯s shoulder and grinned as he made a subtle wink at him. ¡°Then we¡¯re going to cook you and feed you to the other elders when they get here. That¡¯s what we do to wicked spirits and liars around these parts.¡± Engin crossed his arms and nodded. ¡°They¡¯ll arrive any moment now.¡± Ebonheim covered her mouth as she gasped. Wait, what? Since when did the villagers practice cannibalism? But she wasn¡¯t human, this was just her manifested form. But was she really human in this form? Would she taste like one? What would happen if she was killed and eaten in this form? Many more questions floated in her head as she started to drift into another existential crisis. She wasn¡¯t sure if she believed their threat or not but sticking around to find out wasn¡¯t sounding too appealing with every passing breath. She needed a strategic retreat¡ªand there was only one plan she had in mind. ¡°Actually, I do have one more ability I can show. But it¡¯s a little cramped in here so, it¡¯d be better if I can show you outside this cage. So, can you let me out for a little bit?¡± Ebonheim batted her eyes at them like a puppy wanting to play outside. Both men looked at each other. Thorsten shrugged and opened the cage door. ¡°She¡¯s done nothing dangerous so far. She could have caused our hearts to burst but maybe she doesn¡¯t have enough power for another attempt. What else can she possibly do now?¡± Ebonheim crawled out of the cage then stood up, giving Thornsten a somewhat stern look. This big oaf still suspected her of foul play yet was sharp enough to notice her lack of power. ¡°Alright,¡± she said. ¡°I need a little more space before I can show you.¡± She gesture for the two men to back away. Both men took a few more steps back and watched her intently. Ebonheim closed her eyes and took a deep breath and lunged forward, hurling towards the open window. Her body twisted and turned with fluid grace, tucking and rolling through the small opening before landing on her feet with a graceful flourish before continuing to sprinting away without breaking stride. She heard Engin and Thorsten shouting behind her as they scrambled through the door to give chase. A small group of men were walking towards the feast hall from the clearing in front of her. Despite their first encounter, she instinctively knew them to be some of the other elders in the village¡¯s council. As she passed by and saw their quizzical expressions, she smiled and waved at them before turning towards the nearest boundary to the forest. She heard Engin bark orders of pursuit. The rest of the elders joined in the chase. She leaped over fallen logs, ducked under low-hanging branches, and moved across the undergrowth without any impediment. The sound of her pursuers¡¯ footsteps echoed through the trees, growing fainter with each passing moment. Ebonheim stuck her tongue out as she continued her escape. ¡°Hah! You¡¯re a hundred years too early to catch me.¡± Well, she was caught earlier, but that was honestly a fluke in her eyes. Ambushes didn''t count! A short while later, collapsed against a towering tree, her chest heaving with exhaustion. Her muscles were burning with fatigue, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She slouched against it, panting heavily, beads of sweat trickling down her brow. Did everyone become exhausted this easily? It didn¡¯t seem that long since she escaped from them. She eventually laid down and stared up at the forest canopy in a daze. Her first appearance was a disaster. Maybe she was a little careless in her approach and should have planned things out better. One thing she realized for sure was that she needed to understand more about herself and how being a goddess worked. Her stomach let out a pitiful grumble. Chapter 4: Goddess 101 Ebonheim nibbled on an assortment of berries she scavaged around the forest: thimbleberries, raspberries, juniper berries, and huckleberries. She closed her eyes and savored the explosion of flavors in her mouth as she chewed on the sweet, juicy huckleberry. The tangy notes of the berry provided a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on her tongue. She reached for another berry, this time a plump raspberry. She admired the vibrant red color of the fruit and took a deep breath before taking a bite. The raspberry had a soft and delicate texture, unlike the slightly firmer huckleberry. She relished in the contrast of the two flavors, enjoying the unique taste of each berry. She couldn''t help but let out a contented sigh as she reached for another berry, feeling grateful for this moment of peace and tranquility that almost made her forget the tribulations she endured earlier. Almost. The image of Engin and Thorsten chasing after her still lingered in her mind. They may have won the battle and caused her to retreat, but she wouldn¡¯t give up that easily. That¡¯s right. She was ill-prepared in that entire ordeal, but that was all about to change. She stared in front of her, focusing her gaze on nothing in particular. [5 Attribute Points need allocation] [Choose 5 starting abilities] The glowing, translucent interface appeared before her eyes, hanging in the air like an ethereal mist. Knowing what something was, yet not knowing much about it, was not a new experience for her despite having only recently awakened. The very moment she became aware of herself and her surroundings, she always felt that she knew a little bit of everything that she encountered even though it was her first time experiencing them. She knew what the sky was, what a tree was, what animals were, and even knew the names and faces of all the people she saw in the village. But, she didn¡¯t know a great deal about any one thing. The Akashic System...she felt sure that it was instrumental to her birth and her role as a deity. The times that she had interacted with it, it felt like calling upon something outside of herself while also dredging into the deep recesses of her mind. Whatever the sensation, she could manifest it through her will and it reacted accordingly. Maybe it was how gods and goddesses managed their powers and domain. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get started then,¡± she spoke aloud to no one in particular. ¡°Show me my attributes.¡± [Attributes are only applicable while in manifested form] [Attributes] [Intelligence:16, Perception:23, Resilience:20, Strength:12, Agility:26, Endurance:16, Charisma:27, Manipulation:10, Wit:13] Hmm. Her intuition had a rough understanding of what those attributes said about her, but she had nothing to compare herself with. ¡°What would a normal human¡¯s attributes be?¡± [Average attribute for a human is 16] ¡°Sixteen?!¡± She blinked and looked at her attributes again. So she was as smart as an average human, quite a bit better at perceiving things, was more resilient, weaker than average, quite a bit more nimble, average in endurance, a lot more charismatic which was natural, being a goddess and all, but somehow it didn¡¯t help at all dealing with Engin and Thorsten¨Cwas this system lying to her? She probably couldn¡¯t manipulate a child into giving her head pats. Lastly, below average wit. ¡°Am I a plebian goddess?¡± She groaned and fell back, the remaining bundle of berries rolling off her lap. The screen lingered in front of her as she covered her face in shame. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d like the answer but, what¡¯s the best attribute a human can have?¡± [Maximum attribute for a human is 32] She groaned again, stomping her heels on the soft dirt beneath her. ¡°I¡¯m not even better than the best a human can be at any one attribute?!¡± Ah, but if she put her five attribute points into her Charisma, then she¡¯d be on par with the most charismatic human. Or maybe she could put it all into Strength so she could be average. Or maybe she could be smarter, or wittier, or¡­ After a short time passed, she popped another berry into her mouth. ¡°Calm down, Ebonheim, don¡¯t be rash again. The sun is still up, and you¡¯re in a safe spot that they haven¡¯t been to yet. Take your time.¡± She nodded to herself. Before she could decide on what Attribute to put her points into, she needed to know a little bit more about other things. ¡°I want to know about my Health and Essence.¡± [Health] 180/180 [Passive Health restoration: 9 per hour] [Endurance and Resilience correlate to Health] [Essence] 41/180 [Passive Essence restoration: 9 per hour] [Intelligence and Resilience correlate to Essence] She pondered for a bit. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s try adding a point to my Resilience.¡± She focused her will on feeling more stubborn and unyielding. [One point allocated to Resilience. Resilience: 20 -> 21] [Health] 185/185 [Essence] 46/185 [Passive restoration unchanged] She furrowed her brow. ¡°Hrmm, it hasn¡¯t really changed much.¡± She had four points left. She could put it all in Resilience but maybe she¡¯d be better off fixing her shortcomings. She focused inwardly again. [Intelligence:16 -> 17, Endurance: 16 -> 17, Wits:13 -> 14, Charisma: 27 -> 28] [Health] 190/190 [Essence] 51/190 [Passive restoration unchanged] Well, the last attribute wasn¡¯t really a shortcoming, but who could say no to being more charismatic. She needed every bit of it to deal with the elders anyways. She didn¡¯t feel any different. Maybe it was because it didn¡¯t increase by much. At least now she knew where she stood compared to humans. ¡°Is there a way for me to see the attributes of humans?¡± [Divine Ability: Divine Sight (Rank II)] [Effect] Reveals the aura of the target. Concentrating on one target will reveal its basic information and Attribute distribution. If the target is one of your followers, more information can be revealed. [Duration] 1 hour [Cost] 5 Essence ¡°Ooh! It¡¯s at rank one right now, how can I increase it?¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. [50 Quintessence cost to increase from Rank I to Rank II] [Current Quintessence: 719/8000] Quintessence. Out of all the things she inherently knew about, this one was the most intimate to her. Quintessence was prayer and faith manifest. Much like how plants grew from the light of the sun, gods grew from the accumulation of Quintessence. She felt that iota of rapture acquiring just a single Quintessence from Doyle¡¯s prayer earlier. Seven hundred nineteen. That number represented the villagers'' faith in her and she cherished every point of it. It bothered her that she would have to spend some of it to make her abilities stronger or if she wanted to have more powers. "What happens after I''ve gotten eight thousand Quintessence?" [After acquiring 8000 Quintessence, you are eligible to increase your divine rank from Lesser God - Dawn Stage to Lesser God - Ascendant Stage.] [Additional abilities will be unlocked after each rank increase.] [Accumulated Quintessence will be reduced to zero and a new limit of 16000 will have to be met in order to ascend to the next divine rank.] After eating the rest of the berries, Ebonheim left the small clearing and headed southward for a change of scenery. The direction led further into the thick forest but she wanted to visit the small lake that was there. She walked across the dense foliage unimpeded. Leaves, small plants, and branches seemed to shift ever so slightly away from where she would step. [Forest Stride passive active] She smiled. A handy ability, given that the village was in a forest. It helped in her escape earlier as well. She probably had more abilities that she wasn''t aware of, but she''d find out once she reached her next destination.
The forest grew thicker and denser as she continued to walk. The trees were evergreen and so dense that it was hard to see the sky through them. It was difficult to remember just how long it took for her to reach the lake. Ebonheim made a habit of taking random paths as she walked so that she could learn more about the forest and its inhabitants. She saw many small creatures on her path, each denizen allowing her light footsteps to pass uncontested. She soon found herself at the edge of a small lake¡ªThe water of which was crystal clear and cold to the touch. Ebonheim took a moment to sit down on a large fallen log near the shore. The bark was smooth from long exposure and felt comfortable under her butt. She pulled her feet up and rested them on her knees, letting the sunlight wash over her face and skin. She looked up to the sky through the trees and noticed a small bird passing by overhead. It swooped down towards the water, plopping itself gracefully onto the surface of the lake. Ebonheim looked back at the water, watching the ripples move outwards from where the bird had landed. Apart from a slight distortion from the fading ripples, the water was like a mirror, showing her a reflection of herself and the forest around her. She found it peaceful. She closed her eyes and leaned back, letting her feet dip forward. The cold water from the lake was a pleasant contrast against her skin to the heat of the sun. After a time resting like this, she opened her eyes and gazed peacefully at the shore. The gentle waves lapped softly against the shore. She reached underneath the log and felt around for a suitable target, before pulling out a small, flat rock. She flicked it out onto the water, watching it skip once, twice, five times before finally sinking below the surface. After a few moments, the ripples spread and faded until all that was left was the calm surface of the water once more. Ebonheim placed both hands on her hip and stood proudly. "Twenty-six agility right there! Hah!" Silence greeted her. "Hmm, what was I going to do again? Oh yeah." She wanted to see what abilities she currently had. [Innate Abilities] Manifestation (Rank I), Demanifestation (Rank I), Divine Sight (Rank I), Domain Administration (Rank I), Domain Knowledge (Rank I) She already used the first three, but the last two were foreign to her. [Domain Administration (Rank I)] [Effect] Administrator privilege to all Bound objects within your domain [Domain Knowledge (Rank I)] [Effect] Basic understanding of all objects and denizens within your domain "Oooh, I know the second part. That''s probably why I knew who Doyle, Thorsten, Engin, and the others were even though it was the first time I''d met them. That''s pretty useful. The Administration part though, I''m not so sure about. Can you give me an example?" [Error. No Bound objects within immediate vicinity] "Guess I''ll have to find one. Probably on my own too. Thanks." She sighed. She looked back up to the sky and noticed another bird. This one was bigger than the first, flying much higher up. It swooped down over the lake and with a flutter of its wings, landed nearby. She watched as it walked towards her, its beak opening with a loud squawk. Ebonheim didn''t flinch or jump away, only staring at it. The bird cocked its head to the side and looked at her in return. It hopped up on the log beside her and looked down at her. Ebonheim leaned forward and extended her hand, patting the bird on the top of its head. "Well hello there," she said. The bird snorted and took a few steps back, sitting down on the log again. Ebonheim continued to pet it. "You don''t have a name do you? No worries, I can give you one. Now, what should your name be?" The bird looked at her with curiosity before suddenly squawking and opening its wings. It took off into the sky and disappeared. "Wha¨C you didn''t want me to name you? Come on, I''m a goddess! You could have been blessed or something." Ebonheim ruffled her hair and chuckled to herself. As she continued her laughter, a rustling in the foliage followed by a wet, squelching noise from behind her caught her attention. "What is it this time, a doe? Well, you''re not gonna get away from me naming you-" Ebonheim looked over her shoulder at the thicket of underbrush. Her eyes widened as she saw a strange creature protruding out of the foliage. It was about six feet tall, vaguely frog-like in appearance, and had mottled green and brown skin that blended in with the surrounding trees and brush. Its skin had a slimy texture, as if covered in a layer of mucus, and appeared to be thick and tough. The creature''s arms and legs were long and slender, ending in sharp, clawed fingers and toes that dug into the ground as it moved. Its body was thin and wiry, with a hunched posture that gave it an almost predatory appearance. Its head was wedge-shaped, with a wide mouth that opened and closed in a never-ending cycle. Its eyes were a bright yellow, and they glowed with an otherworldly intelligence, giving the impression that it was far more cunning and intelligent than its bestial form suggested. As the creature turned towards her, its lips pulled back, revealing rows of sharp teeth, long and curved, protruding from its gums like the tines of a fork. "Um, well met. You don''t happen to be a denizen of my domain, are you?" she asked though doubtful of any friendly response. It let out a piercing shriek that echoed through the forest. Its voice was a guttural, croaking sound. It was somehow both terrifying and hypnotic, drawing Ebonheim¡¯s attention towards its slitted eyes. The creature''s skin rippled and bulged as if something was moving underneath its surface, causing its appearance to shift and distort. It charged towards her. Ebonheim sprang backwards, landing on the lake shore. The creature followed and lunged at her. She dodged to the side and felt the cold water splash against her ankles. "Aaaah! That''s not a normal animal, what is that thing? Why is it attacking me?!" The creature jumped again at Ebonheim but she ducked and dodged out of the way. It attacked her with either its claws swipes or large bites with its maw which was wide enough to swallow her whole. "Alright, alright, I get it! You''re a monster and you don''t want me to name you. Fine, fine, I''ll stop." The creature croaked at Ebonheim and took another leap. This time, it came from the side and landed on the log, its maw wide open. It lunged for her but she jumped back and barely avoided the attack, its claws merely a hair''s breadth away from giving her neck some gills of her own. She screamed and scampered toward the forest. This was the second time someone or something had chased her except this time, the pursuer was more able-bodied. She briefly glanced behind her and saw it barreling through the thickets, its headlong rush just barely keeping up with her forest stride. She ran as fast as she could, but it was still on her tail. The long legs of the creature gave it a clear advantage over Ebonheim''s short nimbleness. She kept running and dodging. Did she have anything to fight back with? [No offensive abilities acquired] [Choose 5 starting abilities divided between Active and Passive Abilities] [Active Ability list: Ailment-Cleansing Pulse, Self-Regeneration, Element Re¡ª] "I don''t have time to pick and choose! Something''s trying to eat me!" Her lungs started to burn as she sprinted for her life. She glanced back in time to see the creature lunge at her. She leaned forward and rolled her body to the side, tucking into a ball. It jumped over her and landed where she had just been standing. It turned its head around to see her and hissed. Ebonheim took a moment to catch her breath. She was panting and her heart was beating rapidly. The creature stood up and walked closer, its eyes narrowed in determination. It lunged forward as Ebonheim maneuvered behind a tree. The creature collided with the tree with an audible thud, momentarily dazing it. That was all the time she needed to double her efforts and continue her escape. She happened upon one of the trails the villagers had paved and turned her direction to head towards the village. It recovered, and was once more in pursuit. Wait. Why was she running away from a mere monster? She was a goddess. Surely, she could take it on and defeat it herself. What threat could a frog-beast pose anyways? A second frog-headed creature burst through the bushes right behind the first and joined the chase. "Thorsten! Bjorn! Engin! Save me! I don''t care if you put me back in that cage. HELP!" Chapter 5: Hostile Aggro! The Village in Danger?! Bjorn wiped the sweat off his brow as he carried the lumber down the trail to the main road. It was a hot day today, even for summertime in these mountains. The sun beat down hard on him and his tunic was soaked through with perspiration. He paused mid-stride and stopped dead in his tracks. A loud glottal roar reverberated throughout the forest followed by several other similar sounds. They sounded like roars coming from giant beasts instead of animals, making them seem much larger than they actually were. He heard footsteps approaching along the path leading to the village and knew immediately what those steps meant¡ªsomeone was being chased. Bjorn set down the lumber he had been carrying and unsheathed his broadsword from its scabbard. "This is no ordinary beast," he said to himself, preparing for battle. He waited for the creature to appear before him. A young girl dashed out from a side trail ahead of him, running toward him. The girl looked frightened. As she got closer, Bjorn noted her distinctly unnatural iridescent hair. Before he could announce himself, another loud roar echoed through the forest and caused her to jump in fright. The creature emerged from the forest, roaring at its prey. Bjorn recognized the creature right away. It was an aberrant form of a creature known as a Kungwan, a frog-headed monster not native to the valley, but Hilda and her druids went on an expedition a few days ago to cull their numbers before they could threaten the village. This was worrying. One shouldn''t be this close to the village. "Whoa there, young one. Don''t worry, I''m here to help you," Bjorn called out to her. The girl never broke stride as she ran up to him then jumped with her legs parted and used Bjorn''s head as a springboard to vault over him, landing on the other side. "Bjorn! Be careful. There''s two of them," the girl said to him. "There''s two?!" Bjorn turned his head and saw another Kungwan emerge from the dense foliage behind the first. These monsters weren''t exactly easy to deal with. One was bad enough, but having to fend off two at the same time would make things difficult indeed. "Keep away then, lass! Head to the village and call for Thorsten or the other guards!" He motioned for the girl to flee. The creature leaped at Bjorn, its claws slashing down at him. He dodged to the side, evading the attack, and parried its next swipe with his sword. He swung his blade downward at its leg, cutting deep into its flesh. The creature screeched loudly in pain. It fell backward onto the ground and struggled to stand back upright. It glared at Bjorn menacingly, its mouth gaping wide. The Kungwans¡¯ slime-covered hide had a fair resistance against mundane attacks but what made fighting them more disadvantageous was their regeneration and endurance. Already he saw the cut he made slowly knit itself back together. Bjorn kicked the creature in the stomach, sending it flying backwards. He took a quick glance behind him to see the girl sprinting toward safety. The outskirts of the village wasn''t that far. Once the girl tells a perimeter guard of the danger, reinforcements should soon follow. He just had to hold out until then before¨C The first Kungwan regained its footing and leaped at him again, lunging with a series of swipes. Bjorn blocked each blow with practiced poise while swinging his sword in counterattacks. The second Kungwan leaped over him and continued its chase. "Damn it!" Bjorn cursed under his breath. Waiting for reinforcements would not be feasible if the guards had to deal with that monster inside the village. The remaining Kungwan started to force him on the defensive as it renewed its vigorous attacks. Bjorn would lose in a battle of endurance against this resilient creature unless he had the means to inflict a grievous wound with a single attack. Already he was feeling the fatigue of fending off the Kungwan¡¯s blows. He didn''t have time to waste fighting off one creature alone. After gaining some distance, he quickly drew his handaxe from its sheath and hurled it at the creature, hitting it squarely on the chest. His axe buried itself halfway into the creature''s torso. The Kungwan shrieked in agony, thrashing wildly about as it stumbled on its back. Bjorn took that time to run after the Kungwan that got past him earlier.
Ebonheim watched as the creature leapt from the treetop and crashed down onto the dirt below, causing a large cloud of dust to rise up. She couldn''t believe how agile it was despite its size and bulkiness. She continued running down the trail and saw a clearing that contained many houses nestled together. Several villagers were gathered outside talking amongst themselves, unaware of the commotion happening nearby. "Run! Run!" Ebonheim shouted, hoping to alert anyone who might hear her. Her voice was lost amidst the din of the creature''s thunderous roar. The villagers noticed the creature charging behind her and scattered in every direction, some heading to safer areas within their homes while others fled deeper into the woods. Two men garbed in leather armor and armed with spears rushed out to confront the creature. "Back away slowly and keep your weapons ready!" one yelled. They both held their spear tips high above their heads to ward off any attacks from the creature. Ebonheim ran behind them before turning around. "Where is Thorsten?" she asked. "Thorsten? No one knows where he went this afternoon." The creature lunged at them with its clawed hands raised high overhead. Ebonheim leaped back while both men moved aside and deflected the creature''s attack with their spears, keeping their distance from the creature. The creature''s powerful jaws snapped shut on empty air when it tried to bite them. It roared in frustration as it reared its head back to unleash a flurry of punches at the two warriors. The men retreated farther, taking cover behind the nearest house. The creature charged forward once again. One of the men threw his spear at the creature, striking it between its shoulder blades. The creature staggered back, momentarily stunned by the sudden impact, but it recovered swiftly and attacked again, striking the unarmed warrior''s chest hard enough to send him flying through the air. The other man managed to dodge most of the blows, but several landed solidly on his shoulders, knocking him to the ground. Another pair of villagers emerged from beyond the nearby houses, wielding swords in their hands. They circled around the creature cautiously, readying themselves for a fight. "Stay back, lads!" the injured warrior shouted. "You''ll only end up dead if you try to face¨C" The creature struck the wounded man with a vicious punch, knocking him unconscious. Ebonheim gasped at the sight. The creature seemed too strong for even seasoned warriors to handle. She had to do something to help them. Anything. The system popped up on her peripheral and started listing names of abilities, as if prompting her to choose but there was no time. ¡°Just find me something to immobilize that!¡± [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I)] [Effect] Conjures vines from the earth or nearby flora to constrict one target. The vines have 25 Health, 20 Physical Defense, 5 Damage Reduction vs. Blunt and Piercing Physical Damage. The vines can also be used to bind objects to other objects. You can concentrate to animate the vines. [Range] 10 meters [Duration] until destroyed or canceled [Cost] 15 Essence Good enough. She chose that ability and a rush of information detailing its use flooded her mind. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) acquired] She took a step forward and closed her eyes, focusing her mind and calling upon her divine powers. She reached out to the earth beneath her feet, feeling its warmth and vitality flow through her body. She focused all her energy on sprouting vines from the soil, wrapping around the creature''s limbs and torso. Vines grew out from the ground and wrapped around its ankles, slowing its movements and preventing it from moving freely. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 51 -> 36 As the creature attempted to break free, its jaw opened wider than ever before, revealing row after row of jagged teeth. The beast snarled angrily as it tore at the vines with its teeth and claws. [Vines Health] 25 -> 11 Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. [Vines Health] 11 -> 0 ¡°Are you kidding me? Already?¡± She gritted her teeth and focused her will once again to entangle the creature. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 36 -> 21 [Vines Health] 25 -> 15 [Vines Health] 15 -> 3 [Vines Health] 3 -> 0 ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Ebonheim squinted her eyes as she renewed the entanglement. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 21 -> 6 More vines shot forth from the ground and latched onto its arms, legs, and head, holding it tightly as the previous grip loosened. The creature shook its head violently, trying to shake loose its restraints. [Vines Health] 25 -> 12 Vines snapped and cracked under the force of its struggle, leaving broken tendrils dangling from its body, yet more vines continued to grow rapidly to replace those severed. [Vines Health] 12 -> 0 [You do not have the requisite Essence to use Divine Ability: Entangle (Rank I)] [You are allowed to convert Health into Essence at a ratio of 3:1] [Would you like to convert Health into Essence?] She didn¡¯t even need to think about her response. The answer was obvious. [Conversion initiated] [Health] 190 -> 145 [Essence] 6 -> 21 [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 21 -> 6 Ebonheim kept growing new vines in response to the creature''s efforts to escape, covering its entire torso in seconds. She could feel the life within her begin to drain as she fought desperately against the creature''s strength, using everything that she had left in order to slow it down. [Vines Health: 25 -> 12 [Vines Health: 12 -> 0 [Conversion initiated] [Health] 145 -> 100 [Essence] 6 -> 21 [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 21 -> 6 The creature lashed out with a mighty swing of its clawed hand, which knocked one villager to the ground. Another villager rushed in close and slashed open the creature''s belly with his sword. The creature screamed in agony as blood poured from the wound. With its attention diverted, Ebonheim wrapped a final vine around the creature¡¯s maw with all her remaining power. The last vestiges of her Essence drained from her body, leaving her weakened and exhausted. Her vision blurred as she slumped to the ground. A pair of hands grabbed her by her shoulders and dragged her away from the creature. She looked up to find Bjorn standing over her, panting heavily from exhaustion. "Are you alright?" he asked. "I... I''m fine," she replied weakly, still catching her breath. "Just give me a moment." Bjorn nodded and let go of her. As he turned around to check on the other villagers, Ebonheim rose unsteadily to her feet. She felt a throbbing pain in her temples, and her vision began to blur again as the creature started to pull itself free from the vines that bound it. [Vines Health] 25 -> 15 "No!" Bjorn exclaimed, rushing towards the creature. Suddenly, the second creature arrived and tackled Bjorn from the side, knocking him backward and sending him crashing into the side of a house. He slid along the wall, falling to the ground. Ebonheim heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and she spun around to see two more warriors emerge from a nearby trail. One carried a large mace while the other brandished a longsword and a studded shield. Their faces were grim, their eyes filled with determination. While the first creature continued to tear at its bindings, the second creature charged forward, swinging its fist wildly, smashing into the first warrior and bowling him over like a ragdoll. The second warrior blocked another blow from the creature''s claws with his shield, deflecting it harmlessly away. The creature quickly reversed its stance and kicked the warrior in the gut with its foot, dropping him to the ground. The warrior rolled over, spun around and with his momentum slashed at the creature''s throat. The creature dodged the strike and leapt straight upward, landing atop the roof of a nearby hut. Ebonheim rushed towards Bjorn and helped him stand upright. "What do we do now?" she whispered urgently. "We need to stop this thing somehow..." he said, gasping for breath. "If it gets further inside the village, many people will die." Ebonheim glanced around frantically. There weren''t any trees near them for her to use her magic. She needed something else¡ªsomething big! She scanned the area and spotted a fallen tree trunk by the edge of the clearing. "Bjorn, I have an idea. Can you corral those two monsters towards that spot over there and keep them there?" She pointed towards a spot between a nearby hut and a tree. Bjorn nodded and picked up his sword. The remaining able-bodied warriors joined his side as they charged at the creature that finally freed itself from the vines while the one atop the hut jumped down to join the melee. Ebonheim scampered toward the fallen log and channeled the Essence that sustained her physical form and used it as fuel to use her ability once more. [Conversion initiated] [Health] 100 -> 55 [Essence] 6 -> 21 [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 21 -> 6 Vines spewed forth from the ground underneath the log, coiling around it while others snaked through the air to wrap around two nearby trees. She focused her will and the vines grow thicker and stronger by the second, weaving together to form a sturdy sling. With a deep breath, Ebonheim gripped the vines and pulled back, the muscles in her arms bulging with effort. The log rose off the ground, swaying back and forth as she aimed it towards the snarling monsters. The vines creaked and strained, but they held fast, allowing Ebonheim to take careful aim. She watched as Bjorn and his men maneuvered to coerce the creatures towards the spot she designated. "Bjorn! I''m ready, get out of the way!" Ebonheim shouted. As Bjorn and his men dodged out of the way, Ebonheim released the log with a mighty yell, sending it hurtling through the air towards the creatures. The log spinned wildly, the vines unwinding from around the trees as the log gained speed. The creatures saw the log coming and tried to dodge out of the way, but it was too late. The log crashed into them with a resounding thud, sending them tumbling backwards. They landed hard on the ground, stunned and dazed from the impact. [Ranged Attack direct hit. 25% of damage resisted. Physical Damage 70] Ebonheim''s legs buckled from exhaustion and she collapsed onto her knees. Her vision blurred even worse than before, and she struggled to breathe. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, threatening to burst through her ribs. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing deeply until the feeling passed. When her vision returned, she noticed that both creatures were already moving again and engaged in melee with Bjorn and the other warriors. The creatures wore grievous injuries sustained from Bjorn''s and the others'' attacks, as well as hers. She did do something to help. She did contribute. But why did she feel that it still wasn''t enough? Why did she think it was a good idea to go seek help from the villagers in the first place? These creatures were obviously a danger to them. Why would their goddess bring them danger? The creatures jumped over Bjorn and charged towards Ebonheim. Bjorn yelled from behind them, looking at her in alarm. She tried to move but her strength failed her. She could only stare, eyes glazed, in bewilderment at how things unfolded. Nothing seemed to go right for her today. The nearest creature reached towards her throat with its claws. She braced herself for the worst. The faint scent of chamomile and rosemary wafted through the air. The sweet, comforting aroma enveloped Ebonheim''s senses. Roots burst from the ground beneath the charging creatures and wrapped themselves around their bodies, constricting their movements. The creatures tried to struggle while suspended in the air, but the roots remained unyielding. This wasn''t her doing. Those roots were many times thicker and hardier than the measly vines she could produce. Who¨C "Thank the goddess we''ve arrived in time," said the gentle voice of an elderly woman from behind her. Once more, the voice seemed familiar despite hearing it for the first time. Tears welled up underneath Ebonheim''s eyes. A soft breeze brushed against Ebonheim''s cheeks as the leaves rustled above her head. She turned her gaze behind her and met the smiling visage of Hilda, approaching her with a walking cane at hand. Hilda stepped closer and lowered her hands. She smiled warmly down upon the exhausted deity. "It''s alright," she said softly, reaching out with her hand to stroke Ebonheim''s forehead. "You''re safe now." Ebonheim leaned into the touch, savoring the sensation of being cared for after such a harrowing ordeal. "I''ll make sure your wounds heal properly." Hilda stroked Ebonheim''s cheek gently, brushing away some of the tears streaming down her face. "But first, I need to finish some work." Ebonheim watched Hilda''s silver eyes glimmer briefly as the elder woman cast her spell. Hilda tapped her cane onto the ground. Shimmering lichen sprouted from the roots around the creatures and released spores that drifted slowly through the air. The spores took root inside them, growing into small plants that began to spread throughout their bodies, wrapping around their limbs like ivy. The effects didn''t seem immediate, but soon the creatures stiffened and grew rigid. Their heads drooped forward, their mouths gaping open in silent screams. Soon, their bodies went limp, their chests no longer rising and falling. "There we are," said Hilda, satisfied. Ebonheim looked over at Bjorn and his men approaching. "Hilda, you''re back earlier than expected. How did you know to come here?" asked Bjorn as he sheathed his blade, his voice strained with fatigue. "The noise mostly," answered Hilda. She smiled and reached up to pat Bjorn''s shoulder. "You and your men did well staving off the Kungwan with ordinary weapons." Bjorn sighed and rubbed his neck, looking back at the corpses entangled in the roots. "Aye, I was caught ill-prepared and didn''t have my proper blade with me." He looked back at Hilda. "I trust your expedition went well then? Where are the other druids?" "We finished earlier than expected. However, we didn''t expect stragglers to have come this far. I asked the others to scout the area around the village to make sure we didn''t miss anymore. We also came across Thorsten earlier when he was wandering the forest." Bjorn nodded. "Well, I''m glad you made it back in time. I would have had nightmares to contend with if they''d gotten to this young one." He turned to look down at Ebonheim. He smiled, but then tilted his head and looked at her curiously. "I''ve...no memory of meeting a young one like you until today." He looked back at Hilda. "Is she a child from your tribe?" Before Ebonheim or Hilda could answer, Thorsten stormed out of the woods from where Hilda had emerged before and marched behind Ebonheim, promptly picking her up by her head once again. Ebonheim neither had the energy nor the will to resist and could feel the familiar squeeze of Thorsten''s fingertips on her head. "Finally caught you, you little bugger," Thorsten said. "Back in the cage you go." Ebonheim could only mumble. "Okay." Chapter 6: Diplomacy Check! Secrets of the Ebon Tree Revealed The air was heavy with trepidation in the feast hall as the elders exchanged furtive glances, each harboring their own doubts and fears. Engin cleared his throat and spoke first, his voice reasonable and steady. "First, we must discuss the matter of that girl over there who proclaims to be...Ebonheim." Engin pointed towards Ebonheim, sitting quietly inside the wooden cage by the corner. "She claims to be the deity of our village, but we all know that to be impossible.¡± ¡°And I asked around to see if she is anyone¡¯s child,¡± said Thorsten. ¡°No one''s claimed her, so she is not from our village.¡± ¡°Who or what is she then?¡± asked Bjorn. ¡°She displayed druidic powers, I can attest to that, and she did help in dealing with the Kungwan, so she doesn¡¯t seem a threat to our village. So why does she claim to be a goddess?¡± Engin shook his head and sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t understand either. I¡¯ve already had this conversation with the girl earlier today and nothing conclusive came out of it except that she is clever and has nimble feet.¡± Bogdan raised his hand. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the celestial realm smite you for impersonating a god?¡± Engin nodded. ¡°Aye, but that¡¯s only true if you speak it within that god or another god¡¯s dominion. Since our deity doesn¡¯t actually exist, nothing would happen.¡± ¡°So what are the other possibilities?¡± asked Sven. Engin scratched his chin. ¡°I can only think of three possibilities. The first is that she is a human who has druidic powers. If that¡¯s the case, then she belongs to a family outside of our village that we haven¡¯t encountered yet. However, I find that rather unlikely because she has shown to have intimate knowledge about us that no outsider should know about.¡± ¡°And the second?¡± ¡°The second is that she really is a goddess who just happened upon our village, realized we fabricated our deity, and decided to try and fool us into thinking that she is the very same that we envisioned.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. Why would a real god go through the trouble of impersonating a fake god if they knew that we made that god up?¡± asked Bogdan. Thorsten shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe because she¡¯s stupid?¡± Sven sat straight up in his chair, leaning forward. "What are you talking about? This girl doesn''t look or even act like any god or goddess I''ve ever met. Not that I''ve met many, directly, but the only unusual traits of hers are her hair and eyes. Alright, and she apparently has druidic powers but so do Hilda and the other druids in her tribe. Besides, I¡¯ve also heard that the powers that girl displayed couldn¡¯t even defeat a Kungwan. You expect us to believe that someone that weak is a goddess?" Corinna leaned forward as well and whispered something to Ionus. Ionus responded with a nod and a smirk. ¡°Gods can¡¯t impersonate another,¡± Ionus stated plainly. ¡°Each god has a name that¡¯s tied to their nature and ego. They can¡¯t pretend to be someone else, they can¡¯t just switch roles like actors in a play. Their name is tied to their very being.¡± Engin glanced over at Ebonheim, who stared blankly ahead with unblinking golden eyes. He shrugged. "Then both possibilities seem unlikely. It¡¯s looking more like what I surmised earlier which was the third possibility. She is more likely some other spirit that has taken on a human form and is trying to impersonate a god. I don¡¯t know why a spirit would do that and I haven¡¯t heard of any tales of spirits impersonating gods before. Either way, we can¡¯t progress in this matter until we hear her side of things." Thorsten grunted in agreement. Bjorn rose from his seat. "Agreed. If she is neither a human child nor a true deity, but a mischievous spirit, then perhaps she has lived in this region before us, and only now did we encounter her. In which case, we might learn quite a lot from her if she cooperates." "And if she refuses to cooperate with us?" asked Thorsten. "Then we can always try force-feeding her answers until she tells us what we need to know," added Levan. Ionus looked away, embarrassed by his friend''s statement. Thorsten snorted. "Force-feed her? You make it sound like we''re interrogating a criminal here. Just because she may or may not be a divine being doesn''t excuse our behavior. We have no reason to mistreat her or use violence against her." Ebonheim coughed in the corner. Engin gave Thorsten a knowing glance. Thorsten looked between Engin and Ebonheim, covered his face with his palm, then coughed. Levan shook his head. "I''m not saying we should mistreat her. I''m just saying that if she won''t cooperate, we''ll have to do something about it." "Like what?" Ionus asked. Levan smirked. "Well..." He paused briefly, looking around the room for support. None of the elders seemed willing to join him in voicing their opinion. "I don''t know. Forget about it. I spoke out of line again, didn''t I?" Engin rolled his eyes. "Yes, you did. But let''s get back on topic, shall we? Do any of you have anything else to add?" As the elders continued their deliberations, each with their own doubts and misgivings, it became clear that no consensus would be reached by mere speculation. The torchlight flickered, as though echoing their uncertainty, casting a chiaroscuro of doubt across the gathering. Engin raised a hand, silencing the growing din of voices. "We are no closer to the truth than when we began," he conceded, his voice resonating with authority. "Let us bring forth the girl and allow her to speak for herself." Thorsten nodded and walked to the girl. He opened the cage and gestured for her to come outside. She hesitated, unsure of what to expect. Then she slowly stepped out of the cage and walked over to stand next to Thorsten.
All eyes turned to her, curiosity piqued. Silence enveloped the group as they observed her approach. Ebonheim stood still, studying each face with intent, anticipating someone to break the quiet. "Now, explain yourself. This time, don¡¯t try to run away,¡± Engin said. Ebonheim¡¯s shoulders slouched as she sighed. Deja vu. Instead of dealing with just Engin and Thorsten, this time she had to convince all of the elders, somehow. Everyone looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze except for Hilda who was in her own little world, sipping her cup of tea while looking outside a nearby window. It was only been a couple of hours since the Kungwan were dealt with and now she¡¯s facing a different battlefield. This one was definitely harder. She placed her hands on her hips and looked eye-to-eye at each elder in turn. ¡°I¡¯m not a human¨C¡± ¡°Then you¡¯re a spirit?¡± Sven interrupted. ¡°No, I¡¯m not a spirit. At least, I don¡¯t think I am...unless gods are spirits, then yes?¡± Ebonheim answered. The thought never really crossed her mind. Every essence of her being, every bit of her newly formed memories since her awakening, and even the Akashic System that she had interacted with reinforced the idea that she was a divine being. ¡°I am Ebonheim,¡± she continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much more clearly I can explain it. I know who everyone is in this village. Even though this is my first time meeting you, most of you anyways, I know a little bit of who you are.¡± ¡°She knew my name, how old I was, and when I was born,¡± Thorsten said. ¡°No one could have told her all of that beforehand.¡± The other elders looked amongst themselves. ¡°I¡¯ll prove it again, just in case you have doubts,¡± Ebonheim said. [Divine Sight (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 24 -> 19 Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. A gentle radiance emanated from her eye. She looked at each elder once again before speaking. ¡°Engin, Thorsten, Bjorn, Sven, Bogdan, Ionus, Odette, Corinna, Bertram, Brzenk, Levan, Gunter, Renfred, Aleyn, Franco, and Hilda.¡± Bogdan threw his hands up. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m convinced. She¡¯s a goddess.¡± ¡°Th¨CThat¡¯s not impressive,¡± Sven said as he hid behind Bjorn. ¡°Any mage who has learned a few cantrips could do that.¡± Ebonheim¡¯s eyes twitched as she glared towards Sven, causing him to slink further back behind Bjorn. Cantrip? Did he just compare her divine sight that could reveal anyone¡¯s secrets to a mere cantrip? Sven! That adorable but balding eejit! She¡¯d remember this slight. If he ever asked for her blessing to grow his hair back, he¡¯ll be in for quite a surprise. ¡°Can you show anything else?¡± Engin asked. ¡°The gods that I am accustomed to seeing usually have an aura about them that imposes their will upon others. This may seem a bit frank but you do not exhibit an intimidating presence, and it¡¯s not just because of your appearance.¡± An aura? Ebonheim crossed her arms and tapped her foot as she thought. If that was what it took to convince them, then she might as well select it as one of her abilities. [Searching for relevant ability¡­] [Divine Ability: Divine Aura (Rank I)] [Effect] Manifests an aura around you. The aura acts as a barrier with 300 Health, 25 Arcane Defense, 25 Divine Defense, 25 Physical Defense, 10 Damage Reduction (All). The aura imposes penalties to any hostile beings without a divine rank: -5 Attack (All), -5 Defense (All), -5% Hit Chance, -5% Block Chance, -5% Dodge Chance. All allies gain +5 Attack (All), +5 Defense (All), and +5% Hit Chance when within 50 meters of you. [Duration] Until destroyed or canceled [Cost] 30 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Restriction] If destroyed or canceled, it cannot be activated again for 1 day Ebonheim blinked. Last time she checked, the system said she was at the Dawn stage. She needed to get more quintessence before ranking up to Ascendant stage. Ebonheim twiddled her thumbs together and looked up at Engin meekly. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not quite powerful enough to have an aura. But hear me out, I was just born earlier today. You can¡¯t hold that against me, can you?¡± Engin looked at the others and shrugged. ¡°Seems like we¡¯re still at an impasse. I¡¯m not sure what else to do about this. Does anyone have any other ideas?¡± The other elders whispered amongst themselves, their expressions reflecting their skepticism. ¡°What say you, Hilda?¡± Bjorn asked. Hilda set her cup down and raised her cane slightly. It gave her an aura of authority that caused the other elders to fall silent. ¡°She is a goddess, that I have no doubt,¡± Hilda stated plainly. ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± Engin asked. ¡°We druids, as you may well know by now, are intrinsically attuned to nature and the spirits within the world. Gods are, in essence, a type of spiritual being, albeit a divine one. That essence has its own color, its own form, and its own signature that makes it distinct from other spirits. In my eyes, this girl bears the same divine essence.¡± Ebonheim watched the other elders¡¯ solemn expressions, their eyes darting back and forth to perhaps consider Hilda¡¯s revelation. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something earlier?¡± Engin asked. ¡°I felt it important for you to voice your concerns and ideas first.¡± Gently pushing her way through the group of elders, Hilda approached Ebonheim and reached out to pat her head. ¡°The only question remains, is if she really is the goddess we envisioned. I¡¯m sure there is one task she can perform that would solidify her claim. Wouldn¡¯t you say so, Ionus?¡± Ionus raised an eyebrow then rubbed the bridge of his nose in contemplation. ¡°Gods who have been accepted by the people have authority over certain aspects of that domain. The god of my old hometown had power over the wheat that grew in our fields. If this girl really is Ebonheim, then the one aspect of our village that she has authority over is¨C¡± ¡°The Ebon trees,¡± Engin interrupted. The other elders murmured their assent. ¡°Daylight is waning and there is quite the crowd waiting in anticipation outside,¡± Hilda said as she turned to face the others. ¡°Let us not waste too much time with further debate.¡± Engin nodded. ¡°Very well. Everyone, let us head to the nearest Ebon tree. Thorsten, escort the girl.¡± Thorsten looked down at Ebonheim. She raised her hands. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t run off again. This means much more to me than you realize. Let¡¯s go.¡±
Ebonheim and the elders left the feast hall. Outside, it seemed like the entire village of seven hundred people waited in silence. Engin was the first to approach and explained what transpired inside. ¡°We¡¯re off to that Ebon tree over there.¡± He pointed behind the crowd towards the eastern edge of the commons where the dark, weathered form of an Ebon tree towered over the oaks and pines. The crowd parted as the elders escorted Ebonheim to the tree. She saw many curious and skeptical gazes were thrown her way, causing her heart to race even more compared to before. This was her biggest, and perhaps only chance to earn her welcome. The group stopped beneath the Ebon tree, its tall and slender trunk stretching upwards the sky like a pitch-black spear. The branches of the Ebon tree were long and slender, reaching outwards like skeletal fingers, each one tipped with sharp, needle-like leaves that glinted darkly in the sunlight. Engin placed a hand against the tree and looked over at Ebonheim. ¡°Our goddess and village bear the name of Ebonheim, born from these ancient trees that dot this valley. It is the Ebon tree¡¯s resilience that inspired us to choose such a name. Unlike its kin that falters and succumbs to fire and steel, the Ebon tree stands tall and impervious. If you are whom you claim, then show us the secrets of this tree.¡± Ebonheim approached the tree and looked at it carefully. In the short time that she¡¯d existed, she always felt a strong affinity towards this type of tree compared to the others. She placed her hands on the tree as Engin stepped back to join the other elders in watching her. [Domain Administration (Passive Ability) Rank I] [Bound object detected] [Ebon tree] Special Qualities: 30 Arcane Defense, 25 Divine Defense, 40 Physical Defense, 20 Damage Reduction (All) [Harvestability] None Her eyes widened. Engin wasn¡¯t exaggerating. This was one tough tree. She wondered how the other types of trees compared. At least now she knew what her other ability was for. It seemed to present her specific information about things like this Ebon tree compared to general knowledge about things that her Domain Knowledge granted her. She wasn¡¯t really sure how this information would help her though. She stared at the word ¡®Harvestability¡¯. Were all trees supposed to be harvestable? [Edit mode¡­] [Select the Harvestability for the bound object ¡®Ebon Tree¡¯] [Options] None, Limited, All [None] Object will not change to type(resource) after being felled [Limited] Object will be changed to type(resource) after being felled by denizens under your domain [All] Object will be changed to type(resource) after being felled by any force [Object will temporarily lose its enhanced defensive properties when being harvested if Limited or All is selected] ¡°Eh? Is that really how it works?¡± Ebonheim asked. She willed the change to happen. [Limited option is selected] [Domain Administration (Passive Ability) Rank I] [Bound object detected] [Ebon tree] Special Qualities: 30 Arcane Defense, 25 Divine Defense, 40 Physical Defense, 15 Damage Reduction (All) [Harvestability] Limited Ebonheim looked back at the elders and the large crowd of people behind them. ¡°So¡­I¡¯m not sure about showing you its secrets, but I am allowing you to be able to harvest these trees. Is that good enough to convince you that I am Ebonheim?¡±
Murmurs resounded throughout the crowd. Bjorn and Thorsten approached the Ebon tree with trepidation, their axes ready. They had tried to chop it down before, numerous times throughout the years, but it seemed impossible. Its dark, almost black bark was tougher than any they had ever seen. They looked at Ebonheim who stood behind them. She nodded her head as if bidding them to start. They swung their axes with all their might, determined to make a dent. Each blow reverberated throughout the forest. Both of them expected to see no sign of damage, but this time, the bark cracked slightly. Bjorn and Thorsten looked at each other in surprise, unsure of what was happening. As they continued to strike the tree, the tree seemed to shudder and quake, as though in response to their efforts. With each blow from the axes, the bark gave way, revealing the dark wood underneath. The crowd watched in amazement as the two burly warriors continued to hack away, their muscles straining with the effort. As the tree started to sway, they stepped back, watching in awe as the massive trunk fell to the ground with a resounding thud. Bjorn and Thorsten whooped in triumph, their faces flushed with exertion and excitement. Engin¡¯s mouth dropped in awe. Though what just transpired was a miraculous event, he could only stare at the girl smiling brightly as she patted the two men on their backs in congratulations and danced around them in joy. He heard the cheers from the crowd behind him, with many people rushing past to gather around the girl. His doubts seemed to fade with every passing breath. Engin felt Hilda¡¯s presence beside him. He turned to see her looking at the girl with a gentle gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of gods being born from the collective beliefs of people,¡± Engin said. ¡°There have been no records of this happening in all of history.¡± ¡°Then perhaps we are the first to witness this miracle,¡± Hilda said. ¡°This girl¡­Ebonheim, we are all responsible for her existence. You especially.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Hilda chuckled. ¡°It was your idea in the first place, if you recall. Now that the idea has become reality, you¡¯d best not get cold feet. That would be unbecoming of a man of your conviction.¡± Engin rubbed his neck and sighed as he watched Ebonheim laugh merrily with the others, the entire crowd gathered closely around them. A warm smile crept upon his lips. ¡°You speak no truer words. Though, I suspect there will be less peaceful times ahead.¡± Chapter 7: Village 101 8th day of Lustertide, 1366 Ebonheim opened her eyes. The first rays of sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the inside of her hut. She stretched her arms over her head, arching her back, and let out a contented sigh. She rolled onto her side and propped herself on one elbow, gazing at her surroundings. The hut had a single room with a sleeping platform by the corner. It was made from sturdy logs cut into rectangles, which formed a frame. The top part of the platform, where she slept, had a thin cushion laid atop the wood, covered by a blanket. The rest of the platform consisted of two benches, which folded up during the day. One side held her belongings, and the other held a basin and a bucket. A small fire burned in a stone hearth in the center of the room. The hut had been built by the villagers themselves. It wasn''t fancy, but it did have a certain rustic charm. The walls and roof were made from sturdy timbers, and the roof was thatched with bundles of straw. The floorboards creaked softly underfoot, adding to the cozy, rustic feel of the space. The ceiling consisted of wooden rafters, which were visible between layers of thatch. Small gaps between the thatch allowed shafts of light to filter through, giving the room a warm and inviting glow. She got off the bed and stretched again. Her muscles ached pleasantly, and she smiled to herself. She thought back at what she had accomplished since that fateful day. The past month had been a whirlwind of activity, leaving Ebonheim physically and mentally exhausted every night. Ebonheim spent her days exploring the village and interacting with its residents. She walked through the village trails, visiting their homes and farms. She greeted everyone she met with a smile and a kind word, asked questions about the village and its people, and listened carefully as they told her stories and shared their experiences. She watched as children played games and sang songs, laughed along with them as they made jokes, and she wiped away their tears when they wept. She enjoyed the moments she spent with each and everyone, whether they had anything special to share or not. It wasn''t always easy, though. People sometimes didn''t want to talk to her. Some kept their distance, while others actively avoided her. Some villagers went about their daily chores with little interest in engaging with her. Still, Ebonheim persevered. She spent hours talking to people, learning about their lives, and trying to make a good impression. She hoped they would begin to trust her more and open up to her. During that time, the Akashic System displayed information regarding the village itself rather than her own. Village Name: Ebonheim Population: 717 Quintessence per Month: 752 Professions: Age Distribution: Devotion Rank Distribution: Building Types: Special Resources: She spent her nights before bed poring through the details but always ended up dozing off and forgetting about most of what she¡¯s learned the next morning. The amount of information presented by the system was overwhelming, with extensive details about each term, correlations between terms, hierarchies, and numeric values, all seemingly endless. There were too many things to keep track of, and her average intelligence was proving to be inefficient. Perhaps next time she should invest more points into her Intelligence stat. The elders have done a good job managing the village and there seemed no need for Ebonheim to tackle that role¨Cmaybe not yet. She already had a lot on her plate building rapport with the villagers. Going out and interacting with her people felt more gratifying than reading through layers and layers of text.
Ebonheim emerged from her small hut with a small wooden bucket at hand and walked outside, eager to start the day''s work. She stretched out her arms, enjoying the warmth on her skin as the morning air caressed her body. She reached behind her head and unbraided her long iridescent hair. It fell in waves over her shoulders and back, gleaming like liquid mercury under the sun. She breathed deeply, savoring the smell and taste of the air. She walked past several houses until she reached the village well. After filling her bucket, she headed back to her hut, walking past the fields where the men were working. The sound of their voices drifted across the field as they talked among themselves, sharing jokes and stories. A few glanced her way, smiling warmly, before going back to work. Once she got back to her hut, Ebonheim set the bucket down beside the hearth and inspected the fire from the single log from the Ebon tree that Bjorn and Thorsten felled. The log still burned just as intensely as the nights before. [Ebon Log (x1)] Resource Type: Fuel. Burns one hundred times longer than other hardwood of similar mass. +10% to cooking and brewing. After Ebonheim explained this property of the Ebon tree to the villagers, everyone wanted at least one in their household. She watched as the log burned slowly and steadily, without any need for additional wood or adjustments to the fire. She filled a small iron pot with water from the bucket and placed it on the metal grate above the log. As the water began to heat, she retrieved some vegetables and herbs from a nearby shelf, chopping them into small pieces and adding them to the pot. She stirred the mixture with a large wooden spoon, inhaling the fragrant aroma of the herbs as they began to release their flavors into the soup. During the times she spent talking with the villagers, several of the womanfolk taught Ebonheim how to cook various dishes and this simple soup was one of them. Once properly simmered, she ladled the hot soup into a bowl and ate slowly while looking at the commons through her open window. As Ebonheim raised the spoon to her lips, she savored the aroma of the hot, steaming soup. But just as she took a sip, a sudden gruff cough erupted from the side of the window, causing her to choke on her broth. To her surprise, she jolted backward and fumbled her grasp of the bowl, spilling its contents down the front of her dress. The scalding liquid burned as it soaked through the fabric, causing Ebonheim to yelp in both pain and surprise. She stumbled backward, flailing her arms as she tried to regain her balance, only to find herself slipping on the spilled soup and landing unceremoniously on the floor with a loud thud. As she lay there, squirming and writhing, Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel like a hapless fool. She flailed her arms and legs, trying to find some semblance of balance, but all she could manage were a series of awkward, twitching movements that only served to make her look more ridiculous. The soup that had spilled on her chest had now seeped down into her undergarments, and she could feel the hot liquid burning against her skin in all the wrong places. She let out a pained groan, half from embarrassment and half from discomfort, as she tried to find a way to stand up without making things worse. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. The gruff cough from outside had now turned into a full-blown fit of laughter¡ªThorsten¡¯s laughter. She wobbled towards the door and opened it to see Thorsten¡¯s towering form, hands on his belly, laughing like a walrus gasping for air. Ebonheim¡¯s eyes twitched as she glared at him while wrinkling her face into a forced smile. ¡°You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked. ¡°I only meant to grab your attention,¡± Thorsten responded. ¡°The rest of that was your own doing, which by the way, is unbecoming of a goddess.¡± ¡°Anyone would have been startled when you did that!¡± She threw a flurry of playful jabs that bounced harmlessly on Thorsten¡¯s belly, causing him to laugh even harder. Thorsten folded his arms across his chest, his expression turning serious. "Well, I guess you should probably get changed before we meet with the other elders," he said as he waved his hand in a gesture for her to close the door. Ebonheim grumbled and nodded, closing the door. She focused her mind on using her divine power. She ended up taking it as one of her other starting abilities. [Divine Ability: Divine Cantrip activated] [Essence] 190 -> 185 The air around her seemed to shimmer with energy. A soft breeze stirred the leaves of nearby trees, and the scent of freshly fallen rain filled the air. With a flick of her wrist, Ebonheim conjured a small burst of divine energy, directing it towards her soiled clothes. Instantly, the soup stains began to fade away, replaced by the clean, unblemished fabric beneath. She repeated the process, cleaning the floor until the room once again smelled fresh and pleasant. She headed back outside. ¡°Alright you big lug, to the feast hall!¡± Thorsten bowed in an overdramatic way towards her. ¡°At your command, o¡¯ goddess.¡± Ebonheim stuck her tongue out at him. The duo headed up the trail towards the feast hall. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy this past month,¡± Thorsten said. ¡°You¡¯ll be off to do your usual routine after the meeting, I take it?¡± Ebonheim nodded while glancing at the message displayed by the Akashic System. [Daily Quest Complete (0/3)] [Quest 1] Gather herbs and plants from the forest for use in medicines and food. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence [Quest 2] Assist with farming and harvesting crops. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence [Quest 3] Assist with tending the village¡¯s livestock. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence [Quest 4] Assist with building new structures within the village. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence [Quest 5] Patrol the outskirts of the village and ensure the safety of its inhabitants from any potential threats. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence [Quest 6] ¡­ [Repeatable Quest] Increase a villager¡¯s Devotion Rank by one. Completion reward: 5 Quintessence Earlier in the month, the system provided her with a list of quests, three of which she could complete each day. The sixth quest varied each day, ranging from helping a villager with a specific task to giving advice or mediating between two or more people. Between accumulating Quintessence passively every month and upon completion of her daily quests, getting to the next divine rank wouldn¡¯t take too much time if she was diligent about her work. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± she answered. ¡°There¡¯s always things to do for the village. So if there''s anything you need, let me know." ¡°I might take you up on that,¡± he said.
The pair reached the entrance of the hall and walked inside. Engin and the rest of the elders greeted them as they entered. Ebonheim took her seat at the head of the table. The other elders sat around the table in a semicircle facing her. Engin cleared his throat. "Good morning, everyone. I only have a few things to report today. Firstly, thanks to Ebonheim''s blessings, all of our crops will be yielding twice their usual harvest this year." Some elders applauded, and others voiced their appreciation. Ebonheim placed her hands on her hips and smiled with pride. "It''s the least I could do." [Name] Fecundity of Creation [Effect] This ability enhances the fertility of the soil and the growth of the crops, resulting in a doubled yield of the harvest. The plants grow stronger and healthier, with larger and more plentiful fruits, vegetables, and grains. [Range] 1 acre of land [Duration] Until the next harvest season. The ability continues to affect the crops until they are ready to be harvested. [Cost] 40 Essence. It was a good choice to pick Fecundity of Creation as one of her new abilities. "You did more than that," Hilda replied. "You restored the faith we had lost in gods, which is no small feat." "Aye, no small feat indeed," Engin said. "You''ve also been making your way around the village and your contributions have been more than welcome." "I''m glad to be of service," Ebonheim replied. She took a moment to assess the faces of each elder, trying to get a feel for their mood. "So, what else is on your minds?" "Well," Engin continued. "While we are very thankful for having such a kind and generous goddess..." Engin fidgeted slightly as he looked at her. "There''s been some complaints¡ªvery, very small ones mind you, about you being...how do I say¡ª" "Weak," Bjorn finished the sentence. Ebonheim blinked, "Eh?" Thorsten let out another thunderous laugh. Engin shook his head and smiled. "We''re not saying you''re weak," he said. "It''s just that some of us can''t help but feel that we''ve grown accustomed to deities being strong and powerful. It''s hard to adjust to a goddess who is so¡ª" "Puny," Bjorn finished the sentence. Thorsten stumbled out of his chair, clutching his sides from laughter. Odette, who was sitting next to him, kicked him lightly. Ebonheim could feel her face flush in embarrassment. She tried to keep her composure as she glared down at Thorsten. Weak? She''ll show him weak. She was still looking for an ability that could cause baldness¡­and her potential target was rapidly switching to Thorsten. "Now, none of us here really know exactly how powerful a god is supposed to be. Ionus is the only one among us who has witnessed two gods battling each other in personal combat. I''m not suggesting that you should demonstrate your strength to ease the worries of others but¡ª" "You need to lift," Bjorn interjected. "Logs." "Bjorn, please!" said Corinna, who was sitting to his left. "You''re asking too much of a child." She approached Ebonheim from behind, embraced her, and patted her head. "Do you think her slender arms and soft hands could lift logs as well as you can? Don''t be so unreasonable." "But she is a goddess though," Sven said as he sipped on his morning mead. "Shouldn''t she be naturally strong despite her appearance?" Several of the elders shrugged. "In any case," Engin said. "You don''t need to pay it much mind. I''m sure we''ll witness your true power and strength in the years to come." Ebonheim sighed, rubbing her thumbs against her temple. She recalled the starting abilities she picked so far. [Active Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse, Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura, Vines of the Bramble King, Fecundity of Creation, Pest-Repelling Prana None of the abilities she picked were flashy or destructive. The first one healed people, the second one did minor things, the third could help her survive hostile elemental conditions, the fourth could immobilize someone but it wasn¡¯t necessarily all that good, the fifth was to help with harvests, and the last only created barriers against pests and vermin. She had nothing to help her in combat aside from Entangle and Hilda had a stronger version. The only way she could get stronger is to either increase her divine rank or acquire more abilities using her Quintessence. [Quintessence] 1998/8000 She¡¯s saved up a lot by completing all of her quests every day as well as getting her monthly Quintessence from the villagers. It would pain her to use those precious points gifted to her by her people but spending them to make herself stronger would help the village in the long run. But¡ª A message from the Akashic System popped into Ebonheim¡¯s view. [Special Quest] Convince the villagers of your great power by displaying a feat of strength. Completion reward: 100 Quintessence, a slight increase to the villagers¡¯ Devotion Rank. "No," Ebonheim said boldly as she stood up from her seat, a firm determination burned in her eyes. "It''s my fault for appearing to be weak. People are right to be skeptical of my strength." ¡°Are you sure?¡± Engin asked. Ebonheim nodded and excused herself from Corinna''s embrace. She approached Thorsten who was still lying on the floor, chuckling. She loomed over him, arms folded across her chest. "Thorsten." Thorsten blinked, wiping a tear off one eye. "Huh?" She grinned. "Get up. I challenge you to a sparring match." Chapter 8: How To Train Your Goddess, Part I The training ground was a natural amphitheater, its grassy floor framed by the towering oaks and elms that had stood sentinel for centuries. A gentle slope encircled the clearing, providing a vantage point for spectators to observe the clash of steel and the grunts of exertion that echoed through the trees. Scattered about the training ground were a variety of wooden dummies and straw-filled targets, each bearing the marks of countless practice blows. Cobbled paths led from the village to the training ground, winding through the forest like veins of stone. A small stream, fed by a bubbling spring hidden deep within the forest, meandered along the edge of the clearing. The crystalline waters provided a source of refreshment for the weary combatants, their faces flushed and dripping with sweat as they paused between bouts to slake their thirst. Ebonheim stood at the center of the clearing, holding her wooden sword aloft, and Thorsten stood across from her, his own wooden sword in hand. She watched as he moved his weapon from a defensive position into an attacking pose and then back again. A few warriors who were training earlier had begun to gather around them, watching the sparring match. They all wore the same leather armor over chainmail shirts, and their weapons of choice were short swords or spears. Bjorn stood by Hilda, who was sitting down on the ground, knitting a scarf as she watched the match. Thorsten took a few steps forward, keeping his wooden sword at an angle, and Ebonheim stepped back, her wooden sword held straight up in front of her. Thorsten lunged forward with his weapon, and Ebonheim held out her hand to signal him to stop. "Wait!" she called out. Thorsten stopped and waited for Ebonheim to say something, but she didn''t. "Is there...a problem?" he asked. "I need to get ready first, just so that I''m at full power," Ebonheim answered. Thorsten quirked an eyebrow and looked between Ebonheim and their audience before shrugging and walking back to his starting position. Ebonheim grinned from ear to ear. Thorsten must be thinking that she was an easy win. But little did he know that Ebonheim came prepared with a few tricks and a plan of attack. Trick number one, know your enemy. She spent a little of her Quintessence to increase the rank of her Divine Sight. Now it enabled her to get a glimpse of his attributes. Her eyes glowed as she used her Divine Sight at Thorsten. The Akashic System displayed his information in her peripheral while she kept track of her own. [Divine Sight (Rank II) activated] [Essence] 190 -> 185 [Ebonheim''s Attributes] Intelligence:17, Perception:23, Resilience:21, Strength:12, Agility:26, Endurance:17, Charisma:28, Manipulation:10, Wit:14] [Health: 190, Essence: 190] [Thorsten''s Attributes] Intelligence:18, Perception:21, Resilience:23, Strength:27, Agility:18, Endurance:25, Charisma:19, Manipulation:11, Wit:15] [Health: 300 (240 Base, 60 from Profession)] Ebonheim''s sword fell out of her grasp, and she stared wide-eyed at the screen. That big, dumb oaf was smarter and wittier than her?! How was this possible? There¡¯s no way. The system must be broken. She rubbed her eyes and stared at the screen again. Nothing changed. She turned her head slowly to look over at Bjorn and Hilda. She had a sinking feeling that comparing herself to them would only crush her pride even more. [Bjorn''s Attributes] Intelligence:19, Perception:23, Resilience:24, Strength:26, Agility:19, Endurance:25, Charisma:22, Manipulation:16, Wit:19] [Health: 305 (245 Base, 60 from Profession)] [Hilda''s Attributes] Intelligence:24, Perception:28, Resilience:26, Strength:12, Agility:12, Endurance:19, Charisma:25, Manipulation:18, Wit:28] [Health: 225, Mana: 370 (250 Base, 120 from Profession)] Sweat started to drip off her forehead as she took in the information. She was a goddess, right? The system said that she was. Did all gods start their lives this weak? She looked back over at Thorsten, standing idle just staring at her like a parent watching over a confused child. Ebonheim reached down to pick up her sword and new information popped into view. [Ebonheim Combat Stats] [Weapon] Wooden Sword; Melee Attack: 19 (19 Base, no modifier); Weapon Damage: 4; Block: 24 (24 Base, no modifier); Physical Defense: 21 [Skill] No applicable skill found. ¡°...¡± [Thorsten Combat Stats] [Weapon] Wooden Sword; Melee Attack: 40 (22 Base, 18 modifier); Weapon Damage: 4; Block: 37 (19 Base, 18 modifier); Physical Defense: 30] [Skill] Melee Proficiency: Sword - Renowned Rank (+18 modifier) She wasn¡¯t sure how big the gap was when she compared herself to Thorsten, but judging by how much being an expert swordsman increased Thorsten¡¯s numbers, every point of difference seemed to matter a great deal if compared to her being unskilled. [You can spend 50 Quintessence to attain skill Melee Proficiency: Sword - Apprentice Rank. You can spend an additional 50 Quintessence to attain skill Melee Proficiency: Sword - Novice Rank. Skills can be acquired up to Novice Rank using this method. Would you like to spend a total of 100 Quintessence to learn the skill Melee Proficiency: Sword - Novice Rank?] Yes. [Quintessence: 1948 -> 1848] [Acquired Skill] Melee Proficiency: Sword - Apprentice Rank (+2 Modifier) [Skill Upgrade] Melee Proficiency: Sword - Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) [Ebonheim Combat Stats] [Weapon] Wooden Sword; Melee Attack: 23 (19 Base, 4 modifier); Weapon Damage: 4; Block: 28 (24 Base, 4 modifier); Physical Defense: 21 [Skill] Melee Proficiency: Sword - Apprentice Rank (+4 modifier) Whispers of information fluttered at the edges of her mind, forming a torrent of knowledge that threatened to overwhelm her. Information about swordsmanship came rushing in: stances, techniques, footwork, and more. She was inundated with it all, but she focused on absorbing and understanding the basics, letting the advanced techniques flow past her. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Ebonheim opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She could feel the knowledge settling within her, like puzzle pieces clicking into place. It was time to put it into practice. Taking up a beginner''s stance, she raised her sword and began to practice the basic cuts, her movements initially clumsy and uncertain. As she repeated the motions, however, her movements began to grow smoother, her confidence increasing with each passing minute. Her footwork improved, and her sword strokes became more deliberate and precise. Ebonheim was no longer simply swinging the sword; she was wielding it, guided by the newfound knowledge from the Akashic System. The gap got a little smaller. Maybe this could be a competitive match after all. Ebonheim took a deep breath, then held her sword out towards Thorsten. ¡°I¡¯m ready now.¡± "All right, Ebonheim," Thorsten said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll let you initiate the attack this time.¡± She nodded, then took another deep breath and charged at him, swinging her sword. He stepped forward to block the attack, his own sword rising up to meet hers. They clashed together, and they both staggered back slightly. She backed away, looking for an opening, but he wasn''t making it easy. They traded blows, each one parrying the other''s attack and countering as well. The spectators cheered loudly. It seemed that everyone enjoyed seeing two good fighters competing against each other. Thorsten swung his sword downward, aiming for her chest. She blocked the blow with her wooden sword and countered with a slash for his legs. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding getting cut. Ebonheim feigned left, then turned right and slashed at his side. Thorsten immediately countered with a stab for her torso. Ebonheim deflected the attack with her wooden sword. She dodged the next swing, but Thorsten followed up quickly with a chop for her neck. Again she managed to deflect it. Ebonheim dodged the next swing, and Thorsten threw himself back to avoid being struck. This pattern continued for several minutes, neither of them giving ground. "This isn''t working," Ebonheim muttered. "I''m not making any progress." She looked over at the crowd and saw that they were still cheering. They seemed to be enjoying the fight as well. Ebonheim looked over at Thorsten and smiled brightly. "I think I have a plan." Thorsten raised an eyebrow. He grinned back at her and nodded. "And what might that be?" She grinned, her eyes glowing with power as she raised her free hand upwards. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 185 -> 170 Vines sprouted from the ground beneath Thorsten''s feet, wrapping around his legs and pulling him down. More vines crawled out from under his body and wrapped themselves tightly around his arms. His sword fell out of his grip as he struggled against the ropes binding him. Ebonheim laughed. "I''ve got you now!" She lunged forward, slashing downwards with her wooden blade. Thorsten managed to rise to his feet to meet the oncoming blow. The Akashic System displayed a message in red just as Ebonheim''s sword connected with Thorsten''s chest. [Thorsten activated Barbarian ability - Wildheart Defiance: He receives +5 Arcane Defense, +5 Physical Defense, 5 Damage Reduction (Physical), and 30 temporary Health] "Eh?" Her blow connected but bounced harmlessly off his chest. Ebonheim watched in disbelief as Thorsten shook his head and grinned. "You better come up with better tricks if you plan on winning," Thorsten said as he grabbed his sword off the ground and started hacking at the vines constricting him. [Vine health] 25 -> 12 That much damage with a wooden sword?! Ebonheim jumped back and took a defensive stance. Alright, trick number two didn''t work as well as she hoped. It was probably of no use trying to keep Thorsten entangled if she couldn''t inflict any damage on him. She needed to acquire a more offensive ability to break through his defenses. The Akashic System started listing abilities, one after the other. All of their names sounded great and powerful but barely gave any hint about what each would do. There must be something else here that would help her win. Something that would give her the advantage over Thorsten. Ebonheim looked over and saw Thorsten continue to cut away at the vines with his wooden sword. [Vine health] 12 -> 0 As soon as the vine hit the critical threshold, it began to wither and die. Thorsten ripped the rest of the vines off his body and stood up straight. "Ugh, damn it!¡± She lunged at him with a series of slashes. His response was swift. He leapt backward and brought his weapon down hard on top of her wooden sword. Her blade shattered instantly under the force of his strike, sending splinters flying everywhere. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched her precious sword fall apart. As she stared dumbfounded at her broken sword, Thorsten tapped Ebonheim''s head with the tip of his wooden blade. "Looks like it''s my win, this day," he said. Thorsten walked over to Bjorn and Hilda as the other onlookers applauded. One lanky warrior at the back of the small crowd heckled Thorsten. "Boo! You''re a boo-ly, Thorsten. You should have let her win. Boo-ly!" "Hey, shut yer trap, Titus!" Thorsten barked. "You''ll be sparring me next." "What did you make of her skills?" Bjorn asked. Thorsten rubbed his neck and chuckled. "Her swordsmanship was on par with a novice, at best. I honestly didn¡¯t expect her to be that skilled. But her agility and awareness during our exchanges show a lot of talent and potential. That was the only reason why the match lasted that long." "You were also taking it easy on her since the beginning. Though, you didn''t have to use the Wildheart, you know," Bjorn said. "Her blow wouldn''t have produced much force with her small frame." "Aye, quite right. But she was keen enough with her attack that it would have left quite a bruise on me if I hadn''t done that." He chuckled. Ebonheim finally approached the trio and tossed her broken sword by Thorsten. "You broke it, so you have to make a new one." "I''ve not the skill to make a passable wooden sword so I''ll have someone else make it." Bjorn approached her and ruffled her hair. "Don''t be too upset. You had your chance and lost fair and square." Ebonheim frowned. "It doesn''t feel that way." "Well, you could always try again later," Bjorn offered. "Maybe you''ll get lucky next time." "Do you think I''ll be better if I use a different weapon?" she asked. Bjorn and Thorsten pondered. Hilda spoke first. "Why don''t you try your hand on a bow?" Ebonheim blinked. "I can use a bow against him?" Thorsten flicked at Ebonheim''s nose lightly. "That''s not how people spar around these parts, you hear? It''d be a proper duel at that point." They all burst into laughter. "I think Hilda is right," Bjorn said. "With your fleet of foot, your keen awareness, and your grace, you''d make a great archer." "Should we commission a fletcher to make her a bow?" Thorsten asked. "No need for that," Hilda said as she stood up with the help of her cane. "Our goddess can create one for herself." "I can?" Ebonheim asked. "You don''t know?" Bjorn asked her. "Gods are not omniscient. History has proven that, time and time again," Hilda said as she placed a hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder. "She is young when compared to her peers." Hilda walked steadily to the center of the training ground before turning back to look at Ebonheim. "Now then, goddess Ebonheim, today''s training is not yet finished. I have felt your affinity with nature ever since our first encounter. If you wouldn''t mind letting this old druid teach you some things..." Ebonheim nodded eagerly and approached her. She has already witnessed firsthand just how powerful Hilda was when she slew those frog-like creatures with ease. Maybe she could pick her powers to mimic what Hilda could do. Chapter 9: How To Train Your Goddess, Part II Ebonheim followed Hilda to the eastern edge of the village where the Jixisha tribe had settled. From there, Hilda led her along a winding path that snaked its way through the trees, the scent of damp earth and the whispers of the forest enveloping them. As they walked, Ebonheim could feel the presence of countless tiny spirits that resided within the woods, watching them intently yet without malice. Finally, Hilda guided Ebonheim into a hidden grove surrounded by a natural cathedral of ancient trees, their intertwined branches formed a canopy overhead, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through the leaves, creating an ethereal atmosphere. A carpet of soft moss covered the ground, and a small, crystal-clear stream bubbled nearby, its gentle murmurs adding to the grove''s tranquility. Hilda sat down on the moss, facing Ebonheim. Ebonheim sat across from her, mimicking her posture. "It''s nice to finally get a chance to talk with you in private," Hilda said with a warm smile. "You''ve been quite busy this past month." Ebonheim grinned cheekily. "Well, it''s the least I could do as your goddess. I had to make up for that awful first impression by racking up some good deeds and helping out around here. Besides, I really wanted to get to know everyone better, so it''s been a lot of fun!" Hilda chuckled. "You''re quite the honest one. Everyone has enjoyed having you here. You''re quite popular with the younger children, and many of the older women want you to come over for tea." Ebonheim sniffled and wiped away a stray tear. This was it. This was what she craved all along---just a gesture or word of appreciation, and maybe a little bit of quintessence once in a while. "Thank you. I like tea." "I must say," Hilda said as she looked at her with a curious expression. "You feel a little different from the gods I''ve encountered." Ebonheim blinked. "Eh? What do you mean? You still think I''m not a deity?" Hilda shook her head. "No, no, has always been clear to me. It''s just that your demeanor is so unlike what one would expect from a god." "Can you give me an example?" Ebonheim asked. "Mmm, personally, I''ve only met with two other gods besides you. The first one called himself Aaldir. He came to our tribe when I was a bit younger and wanted to establish himself as a god for our tribe. We politely declined his request and he made a show of force to let us know his displeasure, but he left without incident." "What an arsehole." "He was, and he had an overbearing presence that matched his imposing form." "What did he look like?" "He had an androgynous humanoid form, two meters tall, four arms, and a face devoid of features except for one eye that looked like a pool of silver." "Oooh..." Ebonheim tried to imagine herself looking similar to that and shivered at the thought. "The other god I encountered was much more recent. He went by the name Boravil and ruled over the city of Metosia which was a close neighbor to our tribe. Our encounter with him..." Hilda pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. "Was more confrontational. Rather than forcing us to come under his rule, his only intent was to wage war against us for the sake of bloodshed. When we asked why he was so bent on his aggression, he merely replied that he wanted to test his new powers to further awe his worshippers. Trying to reason with him fared no better than reasoning with a deranged beast." "I see..." Ebonheim sighed. "So I can''t blame the villagers for their distrust." "Well, not all gods are like the two I''ve mentioned. Others have told me that other gods could be just as cordial and kind as you, but they all still seemed distant to those that revered them and rarely show their physical forms to walk among us at leisure." "Aww, that''s a shame. Having an actual body to move around and experience the world with feels so great!" "That''s what makes you quite peculiar," Hilda said. "You move and act just like a normal human would. If it wasn''t for your hair and eyes, anyone would have mistaken you for just another villager. You even get fatigued and hungry. Why is that?" "Eh?! Don''t people with bodies get tired and hungry?" "Not for gods, as far as I recall. They make take on a physical form but there''s never been a record of one resting. Some partake in consumption but only as a recreational activity, not for any need of nourishment." "Oh, wow... That''s interesting..." Ebonheim said, her mind racing to find an explanation for the discrepancies. The Akashic System didn''t mention anything about needing to eat and sleep while she was manifested so she figured it was just the way things were. "Yet you get tired?" Hilda asked "Every day." "And hungry?" "Three times a day." "Thirsty?" "Do you have some tea?" Ebonheim asked. Hilda chuckled. "After your training." "Right! You said you''re going to train me. So let''s get started." Ebonheim leaned forward, eyes full of eagerness. "I suppose that''s enough for idle talk," Hilda said. "Very well." "Are you going to teach me about the magic that you use?" Ebonheim asked. "No. Learning Druidry from me won''t benefit you." "Eh? Why not? You said we both had an affinity for nature." "That''s right, I said that. But that doesn''t mean you''re able to learn Druidry." Ebonheim frowned. "Why not?" Hilda chuckled. "Because it would be like a child teaching a fish how to swim." Ebonheim furrowed her grow and her eyes squinted as she tried to make sense of what she just heard. Her mouth opened slightly, as if she was about to say something, but then closed again. "Am I the child?" she asked. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "No, no. I''m the child in this example." "Eh? Uh...what? I don''t get it." Hilda looked up at the canopy and smiled. "Druidry is a deep connection with nature, a bond that allows us to harness its power and commune with the spirits of the earth. It is a discipline that takes years, even decades, to master. However, Ebonheim, I must tell you something." Hilda paused, her gaze meeting hers with a mixture of reverence and regret. "You, as a divine being, are already more attuned to the natural world and the source of magic itself than any druid could ever hope to be." Ebonheim looked puzzled. "So I can''t learn any magic from people?" Hilda smiled gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You are already a divine embodiment of the natural world, Ebonheim. Your connection to the land and its magic is beyond what any mortal can comprehend. Druidry is a way for mortals to forge a connection to the natural world, but you, as a goddess, already possess that bond." Ebonheim crossed her arms and pouted, still unconvinced. "The way you entangled those creatures was still much better than what I did though." Hilda chuckled. "I''m sure it won''t take much time for you to surpass my abilities." "Ha hah... Yeah, probably not." Ebonheim nodded confidently. "It''ll be fine!" Hilda laughed softly and stroked Ebonheim''s hair. "Although you cannot learn Druidry as we mortals do, I can teach you how to make some practical use of your powers. I mentioned earlier that you''d do well using a bow. Would you like to learn how to make one?" Ebonheim''s face lit up, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yeah! Let''s make one." Hilda nodded, then picked up her wooden walking cane. The gnarled, twisted wood seemed to come alive in her hands, pulsing with energy. "Watch carefully," she instructed. "While I can''t teach you Druidry directly, if you observe what I do and understand its principles then you can find the path that will lead you to the same outcome." Ebonheim''s gaze followed the old druid''s movements with rapt attention. Hilda closed her eyes and began to whisper softly, her voice blending with the rustle of leaves above. As she spoke, the wooden cane began to transform before their very eyes. The gnarled wood straightened, knots and imperfections disappearing as if they had never existed. The cane elongated, its bark smoothing to reveal a lustrous surface beneath. Hilda''s hands moved gently along the wood, guiding its transformation with the precision of a master craftsman. Finally, the once-crooked cane had become a perfectly balanced bow, its curves and bends a testament to the harmony of nature and the skill of its creator. Hilda opened her eyes, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "You can shape wood and other natural materials to your will, creating tools that are both beautiful and functional." Ebonheim marveled at the bow in Hilda''s hands, her mind racing with the possibilities that lay before her. "But how does it work, Hilda? How does one use a bow?" Hilda chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "A bow is a simple yet elegant weapon. It relies on the tension of the wood and the string to propel an arrow with great force and accuracy." She gestured for Ebonheim to come closer, then carefully explained the different parts of the bow, from the upper and lower limbs to the nocking point on the string. "The key to a well-crafted bow," Hilda said, "is the balance between flexibility and strength. The wood must bend easily, but it must also be strong enough to withstand the tremendous forces at play when the bow is drawn." Ebonheim nodded, her eyes following Hilda''s hands as she demonstrated the proper technique for drawing the bow. "Now, Ebonheim," Hilda said, "I want you to try it for yourself. I''m sure you can find the power within yourself to shape nature to your will. Once you do, find a piece of wood, and I can guide you in shaping it into a bow." Ebonheim closed her eyes and the Akashic System''s interface revealed itself in her mind. [Searching for relevant ability] [Name] Verdant Craftmanship (Rank I) [Effect] This spell allows you to shape wood from trees to craft items, such as tools or weapons. The wood can be twisted and shaped with precision, allowing the druid to create intricate designs and patterns. The resulting items are imbued with Essence, making them stronger and more durable than their mundane counterparts. [Range] Touch [Target] Single tree, or wooden material [Duration] The effects of the spell last for 24 hours, after which the wood reverts back to its original form. [Cost] 20 Essence. [Verdant Craftmanship (Rank I) will cost 100 Quintessence to acquire] Perfect. She''ll take it. [Verdant Craftmanship (Rank I) acquired] [Quintessence] 1848 -> 1748 Knowledge of the ability''s use streamed to her mind. Now she just needed to find a tree to use. Ebonheim eagerly set off into the forest, her eyes scanning the trees and underbrush for a suitable piece of wood. Her eyes widened as she suddenly came up with an idea. Ebonheim rushed back to her hut and grabbed a long, thin log of Ebon tree that Thorsten had cut for her. She returned to Hilda with the piece at hand. Hilda examined the log and nodded in approval. "Oh my, I never thought of using the Ebon tree for the material. Yes, this will do nicely. Now, let''s begin." Ebonheim stood before the log, her eyes closed as she focused on using her new power. She reached out with her senses, feeling the Essence within her converge to her hands. [Verdant Craftmanship (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 190 -> 170 Slowly, she began to channel that energy into the branch, guiding its transformation just as Hilda had done with her cane. [Hidden Quest Completed] Learn skill Craft: Bow from an Elder [Reward] Acquired Skill: Craft: Bow - Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) The wood seemed to respond to her touch, bending and shifting to her will. Under Hilda''s watchful eye, Ebonheim carefully shaped the part of the log into a bow, its graceful curves mirroring the natural beauty of the forest around them. When she was finished, she opened her eyes and looked at her creation with wonder. "Well done, Ebonheim," Hilda praised, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "You have crafted a fine bow, one that any archer would be proud to wield." Ebonheim smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and accomplishment. But what was that about completing a hidden quest? And she got a great skill from it? Wait...Did that mean she could have learned swordsmanship from Thorsten or Bjorn without spending Quintessence to get it? Son of a¨C "Now," Hilda said, "Let''s move on to the next step¨Cstringing the bow." Following Hilda''s guidance, Ebonheim carefully stripped the fibers from the remaining log and twisted them together, creating a sturdy yet supple cord. She then tied the cord to one end of the bow stave, stringing it with a practiced ease that belied her inexperience. [Verdant Crafting complete] [Weapon] Ebon Bow; Ranged Attack: 24; Weapon Damage: 10; Damage Type: Kinetic (Piercing); Special Properties: Ignores 5 Damage Reduction] [Skill] No applicable skill found. With the bow now strung, Hilda turned her attention to the crafting of arrows. She demonstrated the process of selecting and preparing the necessary materials ¨C wooden shafts, arrowheads, and feathers for fletching. "You can spend time crafting your own arrows another time, using the Ebon tree as material perhaps, but for now you can use the ones I''ve prepared," Hilda said as she grabbed a quiver of arrows for them to use. Hilda led Ebonheim to a small archery range. She demonstrated the proper stance, grip, and technique for using a bow, emphasizing the importance of a steady hand and a keen eye. Ebonheim listened carefully, her body naturally falling into the correct stance as she practiced her draw. With each motion, she felt a growing sense of power and control. "Yes, that''s it. You''re learning well," Hilda said before handing her an arrow. "Try and hit the target now." Ebonheim nocked the arrow, her fingers finding the nocking point with ease. Drawing the bowstring back, she felt the power stored within the stave, the tension that would propel the arrow toward its target. And then, with a deep breath, she released the arrow. The arrow flew through the air, striking the target with a satisfying thud. Ebonheim stared at her handiwork, her heart pounding with exhilaration and pride. [Hidden Quest Completed] Learn skill Ranged Proficiency: Bow from an Elder [Reward] Acquired Skill: Ranged Proficiency: Bow - Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) [Weapon] Ebon Bow; Ranged Attack: 28 (24 Base, 4 modifier); Weapon Damage: 10; Damage Type: Kinetic (Piercing); Special Properties: Ignores 5 Damage Reduction] [Skill] Ranged Proficiency: Bow - Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Hilda chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You''re a natural at learning new things. As expected of our great goddess.¡± Ebonheim¡¯s eyes started tearing up and she embraced Hilda in a big hug. ¡°Hilda! Thank you, thank you!¡± Chapter 10: Darkness at the Mines, Part I 12th day of Scarlettide, 1366 Beneath the earth, the mine spread out like the dark veins of a slumbering giant. Torchlight flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls as the miners chipped away at the rock face with rhythmic precision in search of the rich veins of iron and copper. Their hammers and pickaxes rang out against the stone. Sweat dripped from their brows, their muscles strained with exertion, and their breaths came in ragged gasps as they labored. A lithe figure stood apart from the group, a shadow against the flickering torchlight¡ªLira, a druid from the Jixishan tribe tasked with protecting and assisting the miners in their perilous work. She was tall and slender, with an earthen-toned skin and long auburn hair. Her deep green cloak shimmering with a life of its own, seemingly woven from the leaves and vines that she commanded. Her eyes, the color of summer leaves, scanned the darkness, vigilant for any dangers that might lurk within the mine''s depths. "Oi, Lira!" a miner bellowed, his voice echoing in the cavernous space, "I thought druids were s''posed to be one with nature. Yer not scared of the dark, are ya?" Lira offered the grizzled miner a wry smile. "Fear not, friend. The dark and I are well acquainted. I am here to safeguard you all from the dangers that may hide in these shadows." A nearby miner, his face streaked with soot, chimed in. "Aye, and we''re grateful for it. I''d rather have a druid with us than face whatever nasties might be lurking down here by ourselves." Lira leaned against a timber support, her keen eyes watching as the miners hewed the rock face with determined vigor. A burly miner named Tarn, his beard matted with sweat and dirt, sidled up beside her. He grinned, his teeth stained from chewing the leaves of a local herb. "Y''know, Lira," he began, his voice a gravelly rumble. "I''ve been thinking. You druids can command plants and have powers over the earth and such, aye? Why not just grow us a tunnel straight to the ore?" Lira''s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Tarn, there''s more to the earth than just bending it to our will. We druids respect the balance of nature. Besides, if we did all the work for you, you''d miss out on the joys of hard labor." ¡°Oh, aye. I do love me some hard labor,¡± Tarn snickered. ¡°Nah, truthfully I do enjoy the work. Some folk are just meant for mining. It¡¯s my calling.¡± ¡°I¡¯m hearing the mine calling you to get back to work,¡± another miner further into the tunnel shouted. Laughter erupted among the miners. Lira smiled. She had always admired their resilience, their ability to find camaraderie and laughter even in the most arduous of conditions. Tarn did have a point. Unfortunately neither Lira nor any of the other druids, including grandmother Hilda, had the power to rend apart the earth to such a degree. Maybe someone who has ascended into an Archdruid could, but none in her tribe¡¯s history has managed to attain it. "Hey, Lira," one of the older miners called out, taking a momentary break from his labor. "I heard that druids can talk to animals. Is it true?" Lira smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Indeed, it is true. We are able to commune with the creatures of the earth, to listen to their thoughts and share our own." The miner raised an eyebrow, his weathered face creased with interest. "So, have you ever asked a squirrel what it thinks about when it''s scurrying up a tree?" Lira chuckled, shaking her head. "I have not, though I imagine their thoughts are largely focused on the task at hand and the location of their next meal." A younger miner, her face flushed from exertion, chimed in, "What about birds? Can you talk to them too? I''ve always wondered what it would be like to fly." Lira nodded, her expression growing thoughtful. "Yes, I have spoken to birds, and their experience of flight is both exhilarating and humbling. They see the world from a perspective that few of us can even imagine, and yet they do not take it for granted." Another miner wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes alight with curiosity. "So, if you can talk to animals, do you ever, y''know, ask them for favors? Like, have a squirrel fetch you a nut or something?" Laughter rippled through the group, the sound echoing through the dimly-lit cavern. Lira grinned, her eyes dancing with mirth. "I must admit, I have never requested such a favor. My relationship with the creatures of the earth is one of mutual respect and understanding. We aid one another when needed, but we do not exploit each other''s abilities for our own gain." The grizzled miner who had started the conversation scratched his beard, his gaze fixed on Lira. "Well, if you ever change your mind, I reckon a squirrel would be mighty helpful at fetching tools from the surface." A burst of laughter filled the mine, the sound warm and infectious. Even Lira could not suppress a chuckle at the thought, her eyes crinkling with amusement. The conversation carried on, a symphony of banter and laughter that resonated through the mine. Lira watched the men and women at work, their camaraderie and determination evident as they heaved their tools against the stubborn rock. "Say, Lira," a young miner inquired as he wiped sweat from his brow, "what''s the worst thing you''ve ever seen down here?" The druid pursed her lips, considering the question. "Well, there was a time when a group of miners unearthed a nest of cave spiders. Their venom was potent, but we managed to drive them back and ensure the safety of the miners." A shudder rippled through the workers, their imaginations conjuring visions of monstrous spiders with fangs that dripped venom. Another miner, his voice wavering slightly, chimed in. "We''re lucky to have you here with us, Lira. Don''t know what we''d do without you." Lira nodded, her gaze once more scanning the darkness. "I¡¯m here to serve and protect. As long as we don''t disturb any spider nests, this week should end rather uneventfully." As the miners continued to work, the easy banter persisted. The mine rang with the sounds of laughter and the striking of metal against stone. Lira remained vigilant, her senses attuned to the slightest shift in the air or tremor in the earth.
Ebonheim sat on a moss-covered rock close to the archery range, her legs swinging back and forth as she hummed a cheerful tune. Her fingers danced over the screen that appeared before her. [*New* Abilities List]: Enchanted Essence Bolt, Forest¡¯s Call, Tempest of the Grove, Blazing Essence Bolt, Arboreal Stride She couldn''t help but giggle as she saw the names of her newly acquired abilities. The thought of the devastation and awe she could now wield with just a flick of her wrist excited her, especially considering her impending rematch with Thorsten. [Name] Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank I) You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. [Effect] Shoots an arrow made of Essence that deals 20 divine damage to the target. Bypasses 10 Damage Reduction. Deals double damage against dark and corrupted creatures. [Range] 50 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] Five charges. [Cost] 15 Essence [Requirement] Ebon Bow equipped "Enchanted Essence Bolt, huh?" she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she imagined the powerful, shimmering arrow piercing through a target. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun!" Her laughter echoed through the forest, the spirits of the trees and plants seeming to join in her amusement. As she continued to peruse the list of her new abilities, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation bubbling within her. [Name] Forest''s Call (Rank I) [Effect] Awakens two trees within range, imbuing them with divine power that animates and instills them with duty and purpose to aid and protect the caster. [Range] 20 meters [Target] Two non-enchanted trees [Duration] 5 minutes or until canceled [Cost] 25 Essence "Forest''s Call," she read aloud, her voice filled with glee as she pictured the trees themselves rising up to aid her in battle. "Oh, Thorsten won''t know what hit him when I show off this little trick!" She snickered as she pictured Thorsten desperately trying to fend off the animated trees that would come to her aid, a look of confusion and disbelief on his face as he realized he was no match for her divine powers. Her competitive nature and the memory of her previous defeat at the hands of the veteran warrior fueled her enthusiasm as she continued to read through her new powers. The thought of facing Thorsten again, this time armed with her newfound powers, filled her with delight. [Name] Tempest of the Grove (Rank I) [Effect] Creates a massive cyclone that envelops the target, dealing 15 continuous damage every five seconds and reduces the target¡¯s movement speed in half. The target suffers a -5 Attack, -5 Defense, -10 Evasion for the duration of the effect. 15% chance to immobilize target for 2 seconds, can occur once every 5 seconds. [Range] 30 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] 1 minute or until canceled [Cost] 25 Essence "Tempest of the Grove?" she said, her eyes widening as she imagined a massive cyclone of wind and foliage tearing through the battlefield, restraining her opponent. "Oh, this is just too good! I can''t wait to see the look on his face when I unleash this one!" Her laughter rang out once more, accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the whispers of the spirits that seemed to share her amusement. As she scrolled further down the list of her powers, her excitement only grew. [Name] Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank I) [Effect] Shoots an arrow of Essence that deals 100 divine and fire damage to the target. Bypasses 20 Damage Reduction. Has a 20% chance of instantly destroying dark and corrupted creatures. [Range] 100 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] Instantaneous [Cost] 50 Essence [Requirement] Ebon Bow equipped. Can only be used when the caster is below thirty percent health. Ebonheim paused for a moment, her eyes widening as she read the description of her next ability. "Blazing Essence Bolt," she murmured, her voice trembling with anticipation. "This is it. This is my secret weapon. If I¡¯m ever in a bind again like that time with the Kungwan, I can finish them off with this power!" Her laughter rang through the forest once more, the spirits of the trees and plants joining in her mirth. [Name] Arboreal Stride (Rank I) [Effect] Allows you to quickly travel between trees, entering one tree and emerging from another tree of the same kind up to 100 meters away. The trees must be living and large enough to accommodate your size. You instantly know the location of all other trees of the same kind within 100 meters and can pass into one of those trees or step out of the tree you are in. [Range] 100 meters [Target] Self [Duration] Concentration, up to two minutes. [Cost] 20 Essence "And finally, Arboreal Stride," she said, her tone a mixture of pride and excitement. "Not only will I be able to strike him down, but I''ll also be able to vanish into a tree and reappear elsewhere like a true goddess of the forest!" She had to spend a decent amount of Quintessence to get all of them; six hundred was no small amount. Fortunately, she was diligent in performing her daily quests these past two months so at least she was steadily gaining more beyond her monthly stipend from the villagers'' devotion. [Quintessence] 3708/8000 As she closed the Akashic System interface, a grin spread across her face. The prospect of testing her new powers on the archery range was simply too tempting to resist. With her bow in hand, Ebonheim strode confidently toward the target she had set up earlier. She could already picture the look on Thorsten''s face when she finally got her chance to face him again, and she couldn''t help but giggle at the thought.
As the hours wore on, the air grew colder and the torchlight seemed to dim ever so slightly. Lira furrowed her brow, her instincts prickling with unease. She knew that something was amiss, though she couldn¡¯t yet pinpoint the source. The encroaching darkness was unnatural. A sudden, chilling scream tore through the mine, a sound of primal terror that struck the hearts of all who heard it. Lira''s eyes widened as she saw a miner collapse, his face contorted in fear and agony, an inky black tendril wrapped tightly around his arm. From the darkness emerged a creature of nightmares, a hulking, twisted mass of corruption and malevolence. Its form was ever-shifting, a swirling mass of shadow and tarry blackness that defied description. Its presence seemed to sap the warmth from the air, casting an oppressive chill over the cavern. The torch lights dimmed to the paltry glow of candlelight in its presence. Lira sprang into action, her voice rising in an ancient chant that sent tendrils of green energy spiraling from her fingertips. The vines and roots that had lain dormant within the earth surged to life, wrapping themselves around the monster''s limbs and holding it fast and allowing the ensnared miner to escape its clutches. "To me!" she shouted, her voice ringing clear and commanding above the din. "Flee, and do not look back! I will hold it at bay!" The miners, their faces etched with fear, needed no further encouragement. They dropped their tools and fled, their footfalls echoing through the caverns as they scrambled toward the surface. The aberration roared, a sound that seemed to reverberate through the bones of the earth. It strained against its bindings, the darkness within it seething and writhing as it fought to break free. Lira stood her ground, her hands outstretched as she continued to channel the primal energy of the earth into her bindings. The monster''s tendrils whipped through the air, seeking to ensnare her, but she deftly dodged their strikes, her movements fluid and graceful. With each passing moment, the creature''s struggles grew more desperate and wild. It battered against the walls, sending showers of rock and debris raining down upon the cavern floor. The air filled with the dust and grit of its fury, making it difficult to breathe. As the last of the miners disappeared from sight, Lira knew that she could not hold the creature forever. She glanced back at the entrance, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she must retreat, for now. Lira sent a powerful blast of roots and vines surging through the cavern. They entwined the aberration, pinning it to the cavern walls, buying her precious seconds to flee. Her heart raced as she sprinted down the dark, twisted tunnels of the mine, the echoing roars of the monstrosity filling her ears. Her breaths were labored, and her legs ached from the exertion, but she knew she couldn''t afford to slow down. The miners had managed to escape, and now it was her duty to ensure the creature wouldn''t follow them. As she rounded a corner, Lira skidded to a halt, her eyes quickly scanning the cavern before her. The walls were lined with thick, gnarled roots that had grown deep into the mine. She could sense the life force pulsing within them and knew they would be the key to her plan. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lira raised her hands and began to chant, her voice steady and strong as she called upon her druidic powers. The ancient words of power echoed through the cavern, the energy in the air crackling with anticipation. The roots shuddered, as if awakened by her command, and began to twist and grow, reaching out to form a thick, interwoven barrier across the cavern. As the wall of roots continued to grow and thicken, Lira could feel her strength waning, but she refused to falter. Behind her, the aberration was closing in, its roars growing louder and more enraged with each passing moment. Lira knew she was running out of time. With a final, desperate push of her will, she sent a surge of energy into the roots, urging them to complete their task. The wall of roots closed in on itself, forming a solid, impenetrable barrier that sealed off the cavern. The creature''s furious roars shook the mine as it collided with the barrier, its inky tentacles scraping and tearing at the roots in an attempt to break through. But Lira''s spell held strong, the roots reinforced by the essence of the earth. Gasping for breath, Lira allowed herself a moment to marvel at her handiwork. The aberration was trapped, at least for now, and the miners were safe. But she couldn''t linger, not while the monstrosity still raged behind her. With a final glance at the barrier, Lira turned and fled, her cloak billowing out behind her as she raced through the darkness. Chapter 11: Darkness at the Mines, Part II The moment the miners saw the entrance of the mine, they scrambled towards the daylight, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and relief. Lira followed close behind, her every muscle aching from the battle¡¯s exertion. As they crossed the threshold, the cool, crisp air washed over them like a soothing balm, bringing with it the promise of safety and reprieve from the darkness. The miners collapsed onto the ground, their bodies trembling with exhaustion and the adrenaline that still coursed through their veins. Lira knelt beside them, her eyes filled with concern as she assessed their injuries and offered what aid she could. One of the miners, a stout man with a grizzled beard, looked up at Lira, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What in the name of Ebonheim was that thing, Lira? Where did it come from?" Lira sighed, her brow furrowing as she considered the question. "I''m not sure. It''s some sort of aberration but I''ve never seen anything like it before. Its presence here is... troubling. I managed to seal it inside but I''m not sure how long it will hold." The grizzled miner nodded, his expression grim. Lira glanced around, noting how the miners had settled into various positions on the ground. Most were sitting, though the miner who was first attacked by the aberration lay flat on his back with his arms stretched out to the side. She moved over to him and crouched, placing her hand gently on his chest. His heart thudded under her palm, beating too quickly, like the wings of a frightened bird. "Take a few minutes to catch your breath," Lira said, offering the miner a kind smile. "Then we''ll head back to the village." The miner nodded and laid his head back against the ground. His breathing was labored, his lungs still working to recover from the stress of the escape. Lira rose to her feet and turned to the other miners, her eyes searching their faces. She took note of the ones who needed to sit, and she gestured to the grassy area nearby. "Please, gather round." The miners obeyed, moving to form a loose circle. Lira knelt again beside the injured miner she had spoken to. He had not moved, and he still breathed deeply, the sound audible in the quiet evening air. Lira placed her hands on either side of the miner''s face and closed her eyes, reaching out with her mind. She searched the surrounding area, seeking out the tiny flickers of life. There, she found the spirit of a single flower growing on the edge of the clearing. The flower''s spirit whispered softly in her mind, telling her how to heal the miner. Lira smiled as she concentrated on the task, allowing the flower to guide her efforts. She focused her magic on the miner, drawing the power into her body until she glowed with an inner light. When she opened her eyes, the miner''s breathing had slowed, his chest rising and falling steadily. His color had improved, and the lines in his face had faded. Lira released her connection with the flower and stood, smiling at the miner. "You''re all right now," she said, smiling. "Are you ready to go?" The miner nodded. "Yes, thank you." Lira held out her arm and the miner grasped her wrist, letting her help him to his feet.
In the bowels of the mine, the formless mass shifted and turned in on itself, writhed in a grotesque dance. An unsettling glow emanated from it, the only source of light in the stygian dark, painting the rock walls with disturbing shadows. Clusters of eyes blinked open across its body, glistening like gemstones in the faint light. They glinted with a cold intelligence, casting unsettling gazes that flicked back and forth through the cavernous darkness. Scores of tendrils burst forth from the shapeless mass, waving and thrashing about as though caught in an unseen current. At their tips, barbs extended and contracted, probing the surroundings with an unsettling diligence. Its gaping maw spread wide, a cavernous orifice ringed with jagged teeth. A venomous ichor dripped from the teeth, hissing as it hit the ground. The creature began to ascend, its countless tentacles slithering across the mine''s rough surfaces with an eerie grace. As it moved, a tangible darkness trailed in its wake, consuming the pallid light that dared to pierce the mine''s gloom.
Ebonheim stood at the edge of the archery range, her eyes gleaming with pride as she surveyed the target she had just struck with her Enchanted Essence Bolt. The bolt had buried itself in the center of the target, the wood around it still smoldering from the divine energy that had coursed through it. "Oh, who''s the goddess now?" she said, unable to hide the smug grin that spread across her face. "That''s right, me! I''ve got this archery thing down!" She twirled her bow in a dramatic flourish, her movements accompanied by the soft rustle of leaves. The Akashic System displayed her combat prowess with the bow: [Weapon] Ebon Bow; Ranged Attack: 32 (24 Base, 8 modifier); Weapon Damage: 25 (20 damage, 5 modifier); Damage Type: Divine; Special Properties: +5 weapon damage [Skill] Ranged Proficiency: Bow - Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Over the past two months, Ebonheim had devoted herself to honing her skills and unlocking her divine potential, determined to prove herself and avenge her loss against Thorsten. The memory of that embarrassing defeat still rankled her, but now, armed with her new powers and newfound confidence, she could hardly wait for the chance to even the score. Of course, her only concern was her lack of experience using her abilities in real combat. While she had no trouble practicing on her own, she couldn''t help but feel a bit nervous about facing an opponent who actually knew what she was capable of. And though she had no doubt that she would do her best to come out on top, she wasn''t exactly confident that she could pull off an epic win against someone with actual combat experience. She sighed, ruffling her hair and letting out a short puff of breath as she mentally steeled herself. "Just wait until Thorsten sees me now," she said, taking aim at the target and letting loose another bolt of divine energy. "I''ve got him beat, hands down." The bolt struck the target with a sharp crack, leaving a smoking crater in its wake and sending a plume of ash into the air. Ebonheim let out another whoop, pumping her fist into the air as she did a victory dance. "Yes! This is how we do it!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the forest. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. As the adrenaline slowly began to fade, a thought crossed her mind: perhaps she''d been a little overconfident. Sure, she''d made a few slight improvements to her abilities and she had practiced with her bow enough to be able to hit a target with a few stray shots, but was that really enough to make a difference when faced against someone like Thorsten? The smile fell from her face as she let her arm fall to her side. What if she lost again? Just imagining Thorsten''s gloating face sent a wave of frustration and embarrassment coursing through her. She pouted, her fingers tightening around her bow. "Grr. Well, fine then! If I lose this time, I''ll just have to find a way to win next!" she declared, her expression determined as she looked up at the sky. "There''s no way I''m gonna let Thorsten beat me again!" [Emergency Quest] Save the miners. Defeat the aberration at the mines. Quest Duration: 10 minutes. Completion Reward: 200 Quintessence. Failure Condition: Lira dead. All miners dead. Suddenly, her brow furrowed, her senses picking up a note of discord, a subtle undercurrent of fear and anxiety that sent a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes, focusing her senses, and heard the faint echoes of cries for help, the desperate pleas of the miners encountering danger northwest of the village. Without a moment''s hesitation, Ebonheim rushed to the tree line, her heart pounding with dread. Her gaze fixed on the distant forest that separated the village from the mine. Engin had told her that the journey there would take half a day on foot, but she couldn¡¯t afford to waste precious time when their lives were on the line. [Arboreal Stride activated] She stretched out her hand towards the nearest tree. The air around her shimmered, and a subtle breeze rustled the leaves above. Ebonheim felt her connection to the forest intensify. The towering oak seemed to beckon her, its bark pulsating with a newfound vitality. She approached it, her heart racing with anticipation, and without hesitation, she stepped into its embrace. The world around her vanished, replaced by a shadowy realm of twisted roots and gnarled branches. The realm of the trees, the verdant pathways hidden from mortal eyes, stretched out before her. Ebonheim moved with purpose, her lithe form gliding from tree to tree, her senses heightened by the urgency that thrummed within her veins. Each stride brought her closer to her destination. The trees whispered to her as she passed, their ancient voices guiding her through the labyrinthine network of their hidden world. The air within the realm was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of the forest floor and the murmur of unseen life. Ebonheim''s pace quickened, her movements becoming a blur as she leaped from one tree to the next. Her breaths were measured and focused, each exhalation in sync with her steps. She could feel the distance closing between her and her destination. The shadows grew thinner, the darkness beginning to give way to the familiar hues of the forest beyond. Sensing the mine close by, Ebonheim braced herself, her hands gripping her bow in anticipation. With a final, powerful stride, she burst forth from the shadowy realm, emerging from the trunk of a massive tree.
Lira felt a sudden chill race down her spine, her instincts screaming a warning that she could not ignore. As they rested near the mine entrance, the air around them hung heavy with unease. The miners huddled together and whispered nervously among themselves, casting wary glances at the entrance. A sudden tremor shook the ground beneath them, and Lira''s heart raced with alarm. The miners looked at her, their eyes wide with fear, searching for reassurance. She felt the pulse of the earth beneath her feet, the vibrations growing stronger, more insistent. At that moment, she knew the aberration had broken through her earthen seal¡ªit was coming for them. The miners cried out in terror as a surge of unnatural darkness spilled forth from the mine¡¯s entrance, consuming the once-peaceful clearing. In its wake, the aberration emerged, its tentacles writhing and coiling around its central body like a nightmarish mass. The aberration¡¯s presence seemed to suck the light from the air, as the surrounding forest was swallowed by an impenetrable gloom. "Stand back!" she commanded, her voice ringing with authority. The miners, now fully aware of the danger they faced, scrambled to their feet, seeking cover behind the boulders and trees that dotted the clearing. With a roar of defiance, Lira called upon the ancient power of her druidic lineage, her hands glowing with a brilliant, ethereal light. She hurled a torrent of searing energy at the abberation, the force of her attack driving it back towards the entrance of the mine. The creature howled in pain and fury, its tendrils thrashing wildly as it fought against the onslaught of Lira''s magic. Suddenly, the monster surged forward, its many tendrils whipping through the air as it lunged for Lira. She barely had time to react, raising her arms in a desperate attempt to shield herself from the creature''s deadly grasp. The tendrils wrapped around her, their barbs digging into her flesh as they began to constrict, squeezing the breath from her body. As Lira struggled in the monster''s grip, her vision darkening and her strength fading, the miners looked on in horror, powerless to help their friend and protector. The creature emitted a chilling, guttural sound that echoed through the evening as it began to drag Lira back towards the mine, her body limp and battered in its grasp, her face a mask of pain and determination. The miners, initially paralyzed by fear, found their courage reigniting in the face of Lira''s peril. With a battle cry, the grizzled miner charged forward, his pickaxe raised high, while a younger miner followed close behind, brandishing a heavy iron bar. As the two miners attacked the aberration, their weapons striking its hideous flesh with all the force they could muster, the creature bellowed in rage. Its grip on Lira loosened for a moment, allowing her to catch a gasp of air and summon the last of her strength. Drawing upon the essence of life that flowed through the earth beneath her feet, Lira unleashed a desperate surge of druidic power. Vines erupted from the ground, entwining themselves around the creature''s tendrils and pulling them away from her body. The pain was immense, the barbs tearing her flesh as they were wrenched free, but Lira gritted her teeth and held fast, refusing to succumb to the darkness. The creature, now focused on the miners attacking it, continued to fight back, its tendrils whipping through the air as it sought to strike them down. But the miners, fueled by their determination to save Lira and protect the mine, fought on, dodging and weaving as they continued to strike at its monstrous form. ¡°Fall back!¡± Lira shouted. In a desperate effort, Lira''s eyes blazed with emerald fury as she summoned the primal essence of fire, the spirits in the air sparked and ignited, unleashing a torrent of flame that consumed the aberration in a maelstrom of heat and light. The aberration retaliated with a blast of dark energy that dissipated her flames and forced Lira to stumble backwards. She fell to the ground, her body wracked with pain as she struggled to rise to her feet. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she could hear the shouts of the miners echoing through the forest. In the aftermath of the first onslaught, Lira''s breaths came in ragged gasps, her body battered and her resolve shaken. She watched as the aberration, still enshrouded in darkness, prepared for another attack. The chilling screams and cries of the miners rang out, their fear palpable in the air. Lira knew she couldn''t fail them; she had to find the strength to stand her ground and protect those who depended on her. But just as the shadows seemed to close in around them, a brilliant light pierced the darkness, illuminating the battlefield with a radiance that seemed to defy the essence of the corruption that had tainted the mine. The air shimmered and rippled, and with a sound like the chiming of a thousand silver bells, a figure stepped forth from the light. Her radiant form was a beacon of hope, her eyes shining with fierce determination as she took in the scene before her. The miners fell to their knees in awe, their spirits lifted by the sudden appearance of their divine protector. "It¡¯s alright," Ebonheim called out, her voice like a warm embrace. "You¡¯ve fought bravely. I¡¯m here now, so leave the rest to me." Chapter 12: Darkness at the Mines, Part III Ebonheim stood with her hands on her hips, trying to look confident and heroic as Lira and the miners retreated behind her. Hope it looked as awe-inspiring to them as it did when Hilda came and saved me. "You''re welcome!" she shouted after them while her legs trembled below. She stared, wide-eyed at the abomination in front of her. W¡­w...what madness of the forest is that?! That monster looked absolutely terrifying. Her Divine Sight made it look even worse as she saw the malevolent aura radiating out from its body. [Divine Sight (Rank II) active] [Target] Name: Qliphothic Remnant; Type: Dark; Threat Level: Very Difficult Qliphoth. That name sounded dangerous and terrifying. Well, at least the Akashic System didn¡¯t say that it was an impossible threat to her. That gave her a little bit of comfort. But she had no idea how she was going to defeat it. Where did this thing come from anyways? In the mines? Why was something like that in there? Were there more inside? Hope not. Its putrid presence made her skin crawl and at this point, she would have rather fought against a dozen Kungwans instead of this monstrosity. The aberration roiled towards her, faster than she thought was possible for its size. ¡°Uh oh!¡± She scampered away and headed towards the forest opposite to where her villagers fled to. "Okay," she said to herself, "you''ve got this. Just lure it into the forest, and then... then... figure out what to do from there." She gulped and darted into the trees, hoping the creature would follow her. The aberration hissed and snarled, its countless tendrils thrashing about as it gave chase. Ebonheim raced deeper into the woods, nimble and agile, leaping from tree to tree. "Okay, so it''s big and scary," Ebonheim muttered, clinging to a tree branch high above the ground. "But it''s also slow and dumb, right? Maybe I can just keep my distance and take it down bit by bit?" As she weighed her options, the aberration burst through the trees, its twisted form a nightmarish vision of writhing tendrils and unblinking eyes. The forest trembled under its approach. ¡°Woah! Maybe it¡¯s not that slow.¡± Taking a deep breath, she drew back her bowstring. Golden light coalesced into a radiant arrow. The arrow soared through the air, crackling with divine energy, and struck the vile creature square in its multitude of eyes. [Attack Hit; 40 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 4 Charges remaining] The aberration roared in pain and anger. Ebonheim raced away, her heart pounding in her chest. "Come on, you big, ugly beastie!" she taunted as she leapt through the trees, her lithe body easily navigating the dense foliage. "Let''s play a little game of cat and mouse!" The aberration pursued her, its tendrils whipping and slicing through the trees in its path. She leaped between trees and fired off Enchanted Essence Bolts whenever she could, trying to keep the monster at a distance. [Attack Missed; 3 Charges remaining] [Attack Missed; 2 Charges remaining] [Attack Hit; 40 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 1 Charge remaining] The aberration snarled and snapped at her, its tendrils reaching out for her like hungry snakes. "Ha! Can''t catch me!" Ebonheim taunted, though her voice trembled slightly. She knew she needed a strategy to win, but her mind felt like it was spinning in circles. As she dodged another of its attacks, Ebonheim tried to think of a plan. She needed to use her powers to their full advantage, but she also needed to conserve her energy. Maybe if she could just wear the creature down, she could land a powerful hit to finish it off. "Alright, you ugly blob," she muttered, "let''s dance." Ebonheim sprinted through the forest, ducking under branches and leaping over roots as the aberration roared behind her. She fired off another Enchanted Essence Bolt, and it struck the creature squarely in one of its many eyes. It howled in pain, but it didn''t slow down. [Attack Hit; 44 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 0 Charges remaining] "Just gotta keep it up," she panted, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Just a little more." She channeled her Essence to activate her ability once again. Five leaves comprised of ethereal golden light manifested behind her. [Divine Ability: Enchanted Essence Bolt activated] [Essence] 165 -> 150 [5 Charges remaining] "Hey, ugly!" she yelled, taunting the aberration as she fired off another Enchanted Essence Bolt¡ªOne of the leaves floating behind her vanishing. "You''re not so tough, are you? Bet you didn''t think you''d be facing a goddess today, huh?" [Attack Missed; 4 Charges remaining] Crap! The creature screeched in response, and Ebonheim couldn''t help but shudder. "Okay, maybe that wasn''t such a great idea," she thought. With each step, Ebonheim grew more and more afraid. The aberration was relentless, and it seemed like her attacks were barely making a dent. Even when her attacks landed, its amorphous flesh regenerated at a steady pace. "Alright, think!" she muttered to herself. "That thing is big and scary, sure, but you''re a goddess. You''ve got powers and stuff. It''s just a matter of figuring out how to use them to take this thing down." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. She glanced back at the aberration, which was crashing through the trees in pursuit, tendrils flailing wildly. Easier said than done.
As the scene of the battle shifted deeper into the forest, Ebonheim could see the aberration tearing through trees and uprooting plants in its rage. She knew she couldn''t keep running forever, but the thought of confronting the creature head-on terrified her. "Okay," she whispered to herself, "time for a new plan." Just as the aberration was about to reach her, Ebonheim darted behind a large tree and activated her Vines of the Bramble King. [Divine Ability: Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I) activated] [Essence] 150 -> 135 The vines shot out of the ground and wrapped around the creature''s tendrils, holding it in place for a brief moment. "Now''s my chance!" Ebonheim thought, launching another barrage of Enchanted Essence Bolts at the aberration. [Attack Hit; 41 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 3 Charges remaining] [Attack Hit; 40 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 2 Charges remaining] [Attack Hit; 43 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 1 Charge remaining] The aberration screeched in fury as Ebonheim''s arrows found their mark. With a surge of power, the creature broke free from the vines, its tendrils lashing out with renewed vigor. [Vine Health] 25 -> 0 ¡°Oh, come on! Why are my vines so weak?!¡± A blast of dark energy spewed from the aberration¡¯s central maw, hitting Ebonheim square on her stomach and sending her crashing to the ground. [You¡¯ve taken 35 Necrotic damage] [Health] 190 -> 155 ¡°Ugh!¡± She winced in pain as she got back up to her feet. The blast had eroded through the fabric of her dress and her flesh burned from beneath. The aberration surged forward, its tendrils lashing out at Ebonheim whose back was against a tree. She channeled her essence without thinking. [Arboreal Stride activated] [Essence] 135 -> 115 Before the tendrils could reach her, Ebonheim melded into the tree and emerged from another tree some distance away. She gritted her teeth and pulled back her bowstring, sending another Enchanted Essence Bolt fly. A barrier of dark energy swirled around the aberration. The divine arrow hit the barrier and exploded in a burst of blinding light. The barrier quivered and lost some of its intensity. [Attack absorbed; 26 Divine damage to Umbral Shield; 0 Charges remaining] ¡°Damn it! I have to deal with its shield now?!¡± She activated her Enchanted Essence Bolt again. [Divine Ability: Enchanted Essence Bolt activated] [Essence] 115 -> 100 [5 Charges remaining] She shot another essence bolt at it, and again her attack was absorbed. [Attack absorbed; 25 Divine damage to Umbral Shield; 4 Charges remaining] "Ugh, seriously?" Ebonheim huffed, frustrated by its new defense. With a determined glare, she nocked another arrow and fired it at the shield. The arrow seemed to vanish as it struck the barrier, but Ebonheim wasn''t deterred. She continued to fire, hoping to find a weak spot or somehow overwhelm the shield.
The forest echoed with the sounds of their battle, Ebonheim''s arrows and the aberration''s dark blasts creating a chaotic ballet of destruction throughout the forest. Trees were shredded by the creature''s tendrils, and the ground was scorched by the dark energy. Ebonheim gritted her teeth, knowing that she needed to end this before the entire forest was laid to waste. She managed to break through its barrier after another direct hit. For a moment, it seemed like Ebonheim was gaining the upper hand. Her continuous attacks were forcing the aberration to focus on defense, and she was managing to stay out of its reach. She felt a spark of hope, thinking that maybe she could actually do this. But the aberration was nothing if not persistent. It continued to lash out with its tendrils and shoot dark blasts at Ebonheim, seemingly unfazed by the damage it was taking. "Come on, just give up already!" Ebonheim shouted in frustration, her anxiety mounting. As Ebonheim continued to pepper the aberration with arrows, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of fear. What if she couldn''t defeat it? She shook off the doubts and steeled herself, focusing on the task at hand. "Just keep shooting," she told herself, nocking another arrow. "It has to come down eventually." The battle raged on, and Ebonheim decided it was time to step up her offense. She was tired of playing the defensive game, and she knew she needed to hit the aberration harder. "Alright, you disgusting pile of sludge," Ebonheim muttered, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Let''s see how you handle some friends of mine!" With a flourish of her hands, she invoked the Forest''s Call, animating two nearby trees to join the battle. [Divine Ability: Forest¡¯s Call activated] [Essence] 100 -> 75 The trees, now imbued with life and purpose, lumbered towards the aberration, their massive limbs swinging like clubs. "Go get ''em, boys!" Ebonheim cheered, her fear momentarily forgotten in the thrill of the fight. "Show this monster what it means to mess with a goddess and her forest!" The animated trees clashed with the Aberration, their powerful blows shaking the earth beneath them. Ebonheim took advantage of the distraction, using her agility to position herself for the perfect shot. "Okay," she whispered to herself. "Just breathe, aim, and let it fly." Her enchanted bow hummed as she fired arrow after arrow, each one striking the creature with deadly precision. [Attack Hit; 44 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 1 Charge remaining] The Aberration roared in fury, its tendrils lashing out at the animated trees with brutal force. The trees groaned and splintered under the onslaught, but they refused to back down, fighting with a primal rage that matched the aberration''s own. Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride at their tenacity. "That''s it!" she shouted, her voice filled with fierce encouragement. "Don''t let up!" As it fought the animated trees, its body began to regenerate, the vile mass of putrescent tissue knitting itself back together with sickening speed. Ebonheim''s heart sank as she realized that her attacks weren''t causing enough lasting damage. "No, no, no!" she cried, her frustration mounting. "This can''t be happening!" As the battle intensified, the forest became a chaotic whirlwind of flying leaves, splintering wood, and dark energy. The trees managed to land a few solid hits on the aberration, but the creature was relentless. With every passing moment, it seemed to grow more and more enraged, its attacks growing wilder and more destructive. Ebonheim watched the melee unfold, feeling a mixture of pride and fear. She knew she couldn''t keep this up forever, but she had to find a way to bring the aberration down. Her fingers ached from drawing her bowstring, but she refused to give in to the pain. "Come on, you big oaf," she muttered, firing another arrow. "Just... die already!" [Attack Hit; 41 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 0 Charges remaining] The aberration shrieked and redoubled its efforts, its tendrils tearing through the trees with renewed savagery. The animated trees, valiant to the end, finally succumbed to the onslaught, their broken forms crashing to the ground in a storm of splintered wood and crushed foliage. With the trees defeated, the aberration turned its full attention back to Ebonheim, its countless eyes glowing with an unholy rage¡ªand she suddenly felt very, very small. [Divine Ability: Enchanted Essence Bolt activated] [Essence] 75 -> 60 [5 Charges remaining] "Uh-oh," she whispered, backing away from the rampaging monster. "This isn''t good." Chapter 13: Darkness at the Mines, Part IV Lying on the forest floor, Ebonheim struggled to catch her breath, her body bruised and battered from the relentless onslaught of the aberration. She knew she couldn''t hold out much longer¡ªshe was on the verge of giving up when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. "Ebonheim!" Lira, the druid who had been with the miners when the aberration was unearthed, emerged from the trees flanking the aberration, her own injuries evident from the blood staining her clothing and the pained expression on her face. Despite her wounds, there was a determined glint in her eyes, and she limped toward Ebonheim with purpose. Ebonheim was shocked to see her¡ªshe had assumed Lira had escaped with the others. "Lira, you shouldn''t be here!" Ebonheim called out, her voice trembling with concern. "Go back with the others!" "I can still fight," Lira replied, her voice filled with determination. "We have to stop this thing, and you''re not faring any better than I am right now." Ebonheim hesitated, torn between her worry for Lira''s safety and her desperation for help. But she knew Lira was right. They had to stop this aberration, no matter the cost. Lira uttered an incantation and Ebonheim watched in awe as the earth beneath the aberration''s twisted form began to shift and tremble. Vines and roots surged from the ground, wrapping around the creature''s legs and tendrils, binding them in place. The aberration roared in fury as it struggled against its restraints. "Alright, keep it bound, Lira!" Ebonheim exclaimed, her heart swelling with hope. "Now it''s my turn!" With the aberration temporarily immobilized, Ebonheim knew she had the perfect opportunity to use her Forest''s Call ability again. She closed her eyes, focusing her divine energy on the task at hand. [Divine Ability: Forest¡¯s Call activated] [Essence] 60 -> 35 Two massive trees, their bark gnarled and ancient, suddenly uprooted themselves and began to lumber toward the aberration. Their limbs creaked and groaned as they moved, their branches stretching out like enormous arms. They towered over the creature, ready to strike at Ebonheim''s command. With the aberration temporarily restrained by Lira''s vines and roots, Ebonheim''s animated trees relentlessly attacked the monstrous creature, their powerful limbs striking it from every angle. Lira, despite her injuries, focused on maintaining the vines that held the beast in place. Ebonheim, sensing the opportunity to strike, unleashed a barrage of Enchanted Essence Bolts, each one finding its mark on the aberration''s grotesque form. Lira, her druidic powers surging, summoned gusts of wind to buffet the creature, and lightning crackled down from the sky, striking it with a deafening roar. But their victory was short-lived. The aberration suddenly unleashed a devastating burst of energy, shattering its restraints and sending the animated trees crashing to the ground. The force of the blast was so powerful that it knocked both Ebonheim and Lira off their feet, leaving them sprawled on the forest floor, gasping for breath. As they struggled to rise, the aberration writhed towards them, its myriad eyes twitching and darting in every direction. However, the animated trees were not finished yet. With a groan, the massive trees righted themselves and stood between the wounded warriors and the monstrous aberration. Their branches stretched out like enormous arms, entwining and grappling with the creature''s tendrils. Lira, still weakened from her injuries, was unable to evade the creature''s attack. The aberration''s tendrils shot forward, striking her with brutal force and sending her flying through the air. She slammed into a nearby tree, her body crumpling under the impact, and fell to the ground, unconscious. "Lira!" Ebonheim cried, her voice cracking with despair. "Please, no!" The aberration unleashed another devastating burst of energy. The sheer force of the blast sent the animated trees staggering backward, their bark scorched and splintered as they crashed into the ground. A barrage of tendril attacks cut through the prone giants until they stopped moving. With the trees destroyed, the aberration turned its attention back to Ebonheim. It advanced toward her, its tendrils writhing and undulating like monstrous serpents. I can''t do this. Her heart pounded in her chest as she backed away. I''m going to lose. The aberration seemed to sense her fear and pressed its advantage. It lashed out with its tendrils, cutting through the air with terrifying speed. Ebonheim managed to dodge most of the attacks, but she couldn''t avoid them all. The tendrils slashed across her arms and legs, drawing lines of blood that dripped down onto the forest floor. [You¡¯ve taken 30 Necrotic damage] [Health] 155 -> 125 "Aaaugh!" she cried, gritting her teeth against the pain. As the aberration slithered closer, she backed herself into a tree. She knew she couldn''t outrun it forever, and she was running out of energy. Her breathing was labored, her muscles aching from the strain of the battle. In a sudden burst of speed, the aberration lunged forward, its maw opening wide as it tried to finish her off. Ebonheim''s eyes widened in terror¡ªshe willed her Arboreal Stride ability to activate and sunk into the tree behind her just as the maw reached where she had stood, and she emerged from another tree nearby, her heart racing as she felt the creature''s foul breath on her skin. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. "That was way too close," she gasped, stumbling away from the monster. I can''t keep doing this. I have to find a way to finish it off! The creature continued its relentless assault, and Ebonheim''s body was battered and bruised, her energy dwindling. The tendrils struck her again and again, each hit feeling like a whip tearing into her flesh. She could feel the blood seeping through her white dress, staining it a deep, dark crimson. [You¡¯ve taken 35 Necrotic damage] [Health] 125 -> 90 She screamed in pain, clutching at her wound as warm blood seeped between her fingers. Another tendril lashed out, wrapping around her ankle and yanking her off her feet. She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of her as she struggled to free herself. [You¡¯ve taken 25 Necrotic damage] [Health] 90 -> 65 As a particularly wicked tendril caught her across the chest, Ebonheim cried out in pain and fell to her knees. The impact of the hit forced the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping for breath. She clutched at the wound, her hands slick with her own blood. "I can''t... I can''t do this," she panted, her vision starting to blur. "It''s too strong!"
In the heat of the battle, Ebonheim''s desperation grew. The aberration''s attacks grew fiercer. She tried to counter with her own attacks, but her fear and exhaustion had taken their toll, her enchanted arrows flying wide of their mark. She knew she was running out of time and energy. Her body ached from the wounds she''d sustained, but she couldn''t give up now. "I have to find a way," she whispered, her voice ragged. "I have to beat this thing." As she fired another arrow, Ebonheim''s vision blurred, and she stumbled, her legs threatening to give out beneath her. She knew she didn''t have much left in her, but she refused to go down without a fight. [Attack Hit; 44 Divine Damage to Qliphothic Remnant (Damage Doubled); 0 Charges remaining] The aberration let out a glottal roar. As she dodged another tendril, she noticed that the aberration was beginning to show signs of weariness¡ªIts once frenzied motions now sluggish and weak, its attacks less precise. Wait¡­ it''s working? Is it almost dead?! Ebonheim realized that all of their previous attacks had taken their toll on the creature, and a spark of hope ignited in her chest. She gained some distance and turned towards the aberration slowly roiling its way towards her. [Essence] 35 She didn''t have much Essence left, and her Enchanted Essence Bolts may not have enough power to completely eliminate it. Tempest of the Grove could slowly wear it down, but it didn''t last long enough to be effective. She had one last power to try. "This is it," she thought, desperation giving way to determination. "I have to finish this now, or I''ll never get another chance!" [Divine Ability: Blazing Essence Bolt requires you to be below 30% maximum health to use] [You do not have the requisite Essence to use Divine Ability: Blazing Essence Bolt] [You are allowed to convert Health into Essence at a ratio of 3:1] [Would you like to convert Health into Essence?] Just do it! [Conversion initiated] [Health] 65 -> 20 [Essence] 35 -> 50 Her knees bucked from under her as she felt her life force being drained. "Okay," she panted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "One last shot. Make it count." Drawing on her last reserves of strength, Ebonheim activated her Blazing Essence Bolt ability. [Divine Ability: Blazing Essence Bolt activated] [Essence] 50 -> 0 As she raised her enchanted bow, her entire body shook with the effort. Pain seared through her veins like wildfire, and her vision swam before her eyes. But she forced herself to focus, to concentrate on the power building within her. The air around her grew heavy, charged with divine and fire energy. Her iridescent hair seemed to float and shimmer, as if it had a life of its own. The ground beneath her feet trembled, and the wind whispered softly through the trees, as if the forest was urging her on. The energy within her built to a fever pitch, threatening to overwhelm her. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm growing louder and faster, like the beat of a war drum. And then, with a cry of pure determination, she loosed the Blazing Essence Bolt from her bow. The arrow streaked through the air, leaving a blazing trail of divine and fire energy in its wake. Time seemed to slow down as the blazing projectile streaked through the air like a comet. The aberration''s countless eyes locked onto the arrow, its tendrils reaching out in a futile attempt to deflect the attack. The Blazing Essence Bolt slammed into the aberration, the impact resonating through the forest like a thunderclap. It shrieked in agony as the divine and fire energy consumed it, its twisted form writhing and convulsing in the blazing inferno. The air around it seemed to warp and distort, as if reality itself was being torn asunder by the force of the attack. [Attack Critical Hit; Conditional effect triggered; ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö Divine damage inflicted] [Qliphoth remanent destroyed] The Blazing Essence Bolt dissipated, leaving nothing but a smoldering crater where the aberration had once stood. The forest seemed to exhale, the oppressive atmosphere lifting like a heavy fog. Exhausted and barely able to stand, Ebonheim lowered her bow and looked at the remnants of her foe. Gone...finally, it was over. "We did it," she whispered as she limped towards Lira. After seeing Lira¡¯s chest rise and fall, Ebonheim¡¯s legs finally gave out beneath her as she collapsed to the ground. "We actually did it." She rested her arm over her eyes and quietly sobbed in relief. Lying on the forest floor, Ebonheim took in the aftermath of the battle. The trees were scarred and broken, the ground marred by the struggle. But the aberration was gone, its dark presence banished from her domain. As the adrenaline began to wear off, Ebonheim''s injuries made themselves known, and she winced at the pain. She knew she needed to heal herself and tend to the forest, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of rest. "I''ll fix this," she promised, staring up at the sky through the canopy of leaves. "I''ll make it right. But first, just a little rest." With that, Ebonheim closed her eyes, the sounds of the recovering forest her lullaby as she drifted into a well-deserved sleep. [Qliphoth remanent destroyed] [You¡¯ve acquired 1000 Quintessence from defeating the Qliphoth remnant] [You''ve acquired 200 Quintessence from completing the Emergency Quest] Chapter 14: What Lies Beneath A day had passed since the battle. Ebonheim¡¯s natural regeneration had completely healed her injury and replenished her Essence. Lira was still recuperating with the aid of another Jixishan druid that had arrived along with Bjorn and Thorsten. Ebonheim had told them about her fight against the aberration. As she recounted the tale, they all listened intently. "I didn''t even realize how strong I''d become until we faced off," said Ebonheim. "All the training I did really showed during the battle." She smiled as memories of the battle filled her mind. Her smile faded slightly, though, when she thought about what could happen if another aberration ever returned. As soon as Ebonheim finished recounting the events, Bjorn spoke. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve fought quite a fearsome foe.¡± "So, you were able to defeat this thing?" Thorsten asked. "Yes, but barely," replied Ebonheim. "It took everything we had just to take it down." They looked at her with stern expressions, their arms crossed over their chests. Ebonheim blinked. ¡°What?¡± ¡°If you were having a hard time dealing with that monster, you should have just slowed it down and retreated,¡± Thorsten said. ¡°There was no sense in fighting it by yourself when you haven¡¯t even been in a real battle.¡± ¡°Hey.¡± She placed her hands on her hip and puffed her chest out. ¡°I fought the Kungwans, remember?¡± ¡°Aye, but you weren¡¯t by yourself back then, were ye?¡± Thorsten puffed his chest out in response. ¡°And you were about to be eaten had not been for Hilda¡¯s intervention.¡± ¡°Thorsten, that¡¯s enough of the banter.¡± Bjorn pat Ebonheim¡¯s head gently. ¡°You did well.¡± She smiled proudly then gave Thorsten a smug glance. Thorsten shrugged and threw his hands up in defeat. ¡°Aye, you won by the skin of yer teeth, but victory was yours¡­and well deserved.¡± He walked over and patted her head as well. ¡°You¡¯ll make a fine warrior yet.¡± ¡°I¡¯m your goddess, you know? I live off of praises and compliments, you know?¡± ¡°Hah! You¡¯ll get it from me when ye earn it.¡± ¡°More importantly,¡± Bjorn interrupted. ¡°Is finding out where that creature came from.¡± ¡°They said it came from inside the mine,¡± Ebonheim said as she looked over at the miners. ¡°Well, let¡¯s go ask ¡®em then,¡± Thorsten said. We made our way to the group resting in a small clearing. "Can you tell me exactly what happened before that thing appeared?" Ebonheim asked the group, her voice tinged with concern. The miners exchanged uneasy looks before one of them, a grizzled older man named Hulgrav, spoke up. "We were just doin'' our job, diggin'' deeper into the mountain like we always do. Then, out of nowhere, this wall we were workin'' on crumbled away, revealin'' a pitch-black void behind it. Before we knew it, that... that thing came crawlin'' out of the darkness." Ebonheim listened intently, her brows furrowed in thought. "You couldn''t see anything inside the void? No signs of where it might''ve come from?" The miner shook his head. "No, goddess. It was like the darkness itself swallowed everything up. We couldn''t see a thing beyond that wall." ¡°I did not sense its presence until it was already upon us,¡± Lira added, leaning against a tree nearby. ¡°Did you sense only that one?¡± Bjorn asked her. Lira nodded her head. ¡°I¡¯m certain." Thorsten stood by the entrance to the mine. ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a day since then and nothing else appeared." "Still¡­it¡¯s strange," Ebonheim muttered softly under her breath. "Why would something like this appear here and now? Was there some sort of event that triggered its emergence?" "Maybe an earthquake?" suggested Bjorn but immediately shook his head. ¡°No, otherwise we would have felt it at the village.¡± "Or maybe someone summoned it?" offered Thorsten. Lira shook her head. ¡°I did not sense any magic before its appearance.¡± Ebonheim pondered these ideas for a moment before shaking her head. "This doesn''t feel right. This feels more like a coincidence than an actual event." "But what could cause such an anomaly?" Thorsten pressed. Ebonheim closed her eyes and focused on the situation. After a few moments, she opened her eyes again and turned to the group. "I need to investigate the mine. It''s important we find out if there are any more threats lurking in there. In the meantime, none of you should enter the mine. Please, tell everyone in the village to avoid it until I give the all-clear." ¡°Oh no you¡¯re not,¡± Thorsten said. ¡°You¡¯re not going in there by yourself.¡± ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Bjorn added. ¡°Too risky. We¡¯ll go with you. It¡¯ll be safer that way.¡± Did they really mean to babysit her like this just because they thought that something might happen to her in there? Did they really have so little faith in her even though she just bested something that could have probably bested them as well? Ebonheim stomped her foot on the ground in protest¡ªand hurt her foot. She used the pain to fuel her anger. ¡°I said I¡¯ll take care of this. None of you will enter until I give the all-clear. I can escape danger any time I want so your concern isn¡¯t needed. I¡¯m the only one qualified to inspect the mine so shush and just wait here.¡± ¡°But¡ª¡± Thorsten was about to speak out but she interrupted him. ¡°No buts! This is my first divine decree.¡± Bjorn and Thorsten looked at one another, then shrugged in unison. ¡°Alright lass,¡± Bjorn said. ¡°Get to it then. Just be careful and at the first sign of danger, you come back here and we¡¯ll face it together, aye?¡± She nodded. With that, she strode toward the mine.
Ebonheim hesitated for a moment at the entrance of the mine, her heart pounding in her chest. "Alright, let''s do this!" she muttered to herself, trying to sound brave and confident, even though her heart was racing. She took a deep breath, and then stepped into the mine, activating her Divine Sight to pierce the darkness that enveloped her. The world around her came alive with a soft, ethereal glow, revealing the rocky walls, the wooden supports, and the twisting tunnels that snaked off in different directions. "Wow, would you look at that?" she whispered to herself, her voice echoing through the tunnels. "I never knew the world could be so... well, so... rocky." The rough-hewn walls of the tunnel sparkled with veins of precious minerals, and the air was cool and heavy with the scent of earth and stone. It was a whole new world to explore, and she couldn''t help but feel a thrill of excitement. "I can''t believe I''ve never been in here before," she said, her voice echoing softly through the tunnel. "This is amazing! Look at all the shiny stuff!" She reached out to touch a vein of ore, feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath her fingers. "I wonder what this is? I should ask the miners when I see them again." Ebonheim continued down the tunnel, her anxiety temporarily forgotten as she eagerly examined her surroundings. She ran her fingers along the walls, fascinated by the textures and colors of the rock, and stopped occasionally to pick up interesting-looking stones, turning them over in her hands and admiring the patterns carved into their surfaces. "Ooh, what''s this?" she wondered aloud, stooping to examine a cluster of sparkling crystals embedded in the rock. "They''re so pretty!" She continued to wander deeper into the mine, her child-like curiosity driving her forward despite her fear. As she went, she talked to herself, her voice a constant, upbeat chatter that filled the silence around her. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Wow, this tunnel is so long! I wonder how far it goes. And look at all these tracks! I bet they use carts to move stuff around down here. Ooh, I''d love to ride one of those! Can you imagine just whizzing through the tunnels, like, wheee!" Lost in her exploration, Ebonheim almost forgot the reason she had come to the mine in the first place. But as she rounded a bend, the tunnel narrowed and she found herself facing a large crack in the wall. It was just wide enough for her to squeeze through, but the darkness beyond it seemed almost unnatural. She suddenly remembered the aberration and the danger it had posed. A shiver of fear ran down her spine, and she hesitated, wondering if she should turn back. But curiosity won out, as it always did. "Well, no turning back now," she murmured to herself, taking a deep breath and pushing herself through the crack.
The instant she emerged on the other side, she knew she had stepped into a world unlike any she had ever seen before. The chamber before her was vast, its walls lined with strange, flickering lights that cast eerie shadows across the floor. "Woah¡­what is this?" Ebonheim whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself. She took a tentative step forward, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. The chamber was filled with bizarre contraptions, their purpose utterly foreign to her. There were large, glass tubes filled with a strange, glowing liquid, and metal devices that hummed and whirred softly. Countless wires snaked across the floor, connecting the various pieces of equipment in an intricate web of interwoven cables. There were several smaller chambers branching off from the main chamber, each containing odd machines or mysterious tools. Some of these looked familiar to Ebonheim; she recognized gears, pulleys, levers, and springs among others. Ebonheim approached one of the machines, its surface covered in blinking lights and symbols she couldn''t decipher. "I''ve never seen anything like this before," she said, reaching out a hand to touch the device. The moment her fingers brushed the smooth surface, a panel slid open, revealing even more cryptic symbols and buttons. Her heart skipped a beat and she jumped away, startled. "Whoa!" As she stared at the machine, her mind raced. What does this thing do? Is it dangerous? Should I try pressing some of the switches or moving a lever somewhere? She pressed one of the buttons at random, and the machine emitted a low hum before a soft, melodic tone filled the air. "Did I just... do something?" she asked, half expecting the machine to explode. Instead, nothing happened except for the sound. She glanced nervously around the chamber once more, looking for signs of danger or hidden traps. Nothing seemed amiss, however, so she tentatively touched another button and heard the same soothing tone play. Then another, and still another, testing each switch and listening carefully to see if any of them produced the same effect. Each time, however, she received only the calming tune. At last, she gave up and sat cross-legged on the floor beside the machine, gazing at it intently while humming a tune under her breath. After a few moments spent contemplating the strange machinery around her, Ebonheim finally stood up and walked further into the chamber, examining the devices scattered throughout. After a brief search, she located a control panel and began tinkering with the various dials and switches. Suddenly, the chamber came to life, the air filling with a cacophony of beeps, whirs, and hums as the machinery awoke from its slumber. The room was bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors as the strange devices began to function. "Uh oh..." Ebonheim muttered, her voice tinged with both awe and fear. "I''ve done it now." She watched as the machinery whirred and clicked, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to comprehend the spectacle unfolding before her. As she watched, she noticed a series of symbols etched into the base of a cylindrical structure glow. They were familiar, and yet... not. It was as if they were a distorted reflection of the language she knew, a twisted mirror of the script she was used to reading. "Alright, Ebonheim," she muttered to herself, "you''ve faced down an aberration. You can handle this. Just... take it one step at a time." And with that, she set to work, her mind racing as she began to unravel the enigma of the strange, otherworldly chamber. With each passing moment, Ebonheim delved deeper into the mysteries of the chamber, her curiosity and determination driving her forward. She moved from device to device, studying the strange symbols and attempting to decipher their meaning. The pulsing energy that suffused the walls and floor seemed to resonate with her own divine essence, filling her with a strange sense of familiarity. "This place... why does this place feel kind of familiar?" she asked, her voice soft with wonder. As she pondered that question, she found herself drawn to a large, circular panel set into the floor near the center of the chamber. The panel was adorned with an intricate pattern of glowing symbols, their shapes, and forms echoing the design that she had seen on the walls. She approached the panel cautiously, her senses on high alert. As she neared the glowing symbols, she felt a surge of energy coursing through her body, as if the air itself was alive with power. "What is this?" she gasped, staring at the swirling symbols before her. Her head swam slightly, and she staggered backwards until she bumped against the wall behind her. For a second, she feared she might faint, but then she shook her head vigorously, clearing her vision and forcing herself to focus. "Okay, okay," she said, breathing deeply and trying to regain her composure. She knelt down beside the panel, her fingers hovering just above the glowing symbols as she hesitated for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, she placed her hands on the panel, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns. The moment she finished, a shock of energy coursed through her, her vision filling with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. She felt as if she were being pulled into the heart of the chamber, her consciousness merging with the pulsing energy that suffused the air. It wasn''t painful, exactly; instead, it was strangely exhilarating. Like drinking fine wine, tasting exquisite cuisine, or enjoying a night out dancing, it left her feeling lightheaded and euphoric. But it was fleeting, leaving her drained and disoriented when it faded. When she opened her eyes again, she blinked several times, her mind struggling to process what had just transpired. "That was...weird." Slowly, she rose to her feet and turned toward the panel, studying the markings engraved onto its surface. Their meaning eluded her, but she could tell that they represented something important. As she studied the markings, she couldn''t help but feel a growing frustration at her inability to understand any of it. It was like trying to read a book in a language she had never encountered before. "Ugh, why can''t anything ever be easy?" she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. As she wandered deeper into the chamber, she came across a large metal door, its surface smooth and unadorned. She placed her hand against the cool metal, wondering what secrets lay hidden beyond it. "Alright, big mysterious door," she muttered, giving it a gentle push. To her surprise, the door remained stubbornly closed. She frowned, giving it a harder shove ¨C but it still wouldn''t budge. "Come on, open up!" she cried, her frustration mounting as she pounded her fists against the door. "Why won''t you just... ugh!" She slumped against the door, her energy spent. Desperate for answers, Ebonheim closed her eyes and reached out to the Akashic System, hoping it could provide some insight into the bizarre room she had discovered. "Akashic System," she whispered, "please help me figure out what all of this is." To her surprise, the Akashic System responded with a terse message: [ Warning! Access Denied. Insufficient Administrator Privilege. Initiating Security Protocol. ] "Huh?" [ Warning! Access Denied. Insufficient Administrator Privilege. I?n?i?t?i?a?t?i?n?g? ?S?e?c?u?r?i?t?y? ?P?r?o?t?o?c?o?l?.? ] [ Warning! Access Denied. I?n?s?u?f?f?i?c?i?e?n?t? ?A?d?m?i?n?i?s?t?r?a?t?o?r? ?P?r?i?v?i?l?e?g?e?.? ?I?n?i?t?i?a?t?i?n?g? ?S?e?c?u?r?i?t?y? ?P?r?o?t?o?c?o?l?.? ] [ Warning! ?A????c????c???e???s???s???? ????D????e????n????i????e?????d????.????? ????? ?I???n???s???u???f???f???i???c???i???e???n???t??? ???A???d???m???i???n???i???s???t???r???a???t???o???r??? ???P???r???i???v???i???l???e???g???e???.??? ???I???n???i???t???i???a???t???i???n???g??? ???S???e???c???u???r???i???t???y??? ???P???r???o???t???o???c???o???l???.??? ]? [?????? ??????????W??????????a???r???????n????????i???????n???????g???????!?????????? ??????A????c????????c???????e?????????s????????s??? ??????D????????e??????n????i??????????e?????????d??????????.???????? ???????I???????n??????????s??????????u?????f??????f??????????i???????c??????i??????e??????n?????t???????? ??????A????????d????m???i??????n???????i??????s???????t??????????r???????a?????t???????o?????r?????? ??????P????????r???i????v??????????i?????????l??????????e???g??????e??????????.????????? ?????????I?????????n????????i???????t?????????i??????????a?????????t?????????i?????????n??????g???????? ??????S??????????e???????c???????u??????????r???????i????????t?????y?????? ?????????P???????r????o???????????t???o???????c?????o???l??????.??????? ???????]??????? Ebonheim''s eyes snapped open, her heart racing. "What? What does that even mean?" she muttered, her confusion mounting. Before she could ponder the message further, her vision blurred, and she felt an overwhelming wave of dizziness wash over her.
¡°Ebonheim,¡± spoke Thorsten. ¡°Stop dilly-dallying already. We''re waiting on you. Let¡¯s head back home.¡± She found herself back outside the mine, the sounds of the miners'' chatter reaching her ears as they started walking back toward the village. She blinked, her head spinning as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. ¡°Are you alright, lass?¡± Bjorn asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Did I... forget something?" she murmured, her brow furrowing in confusion. One of the miners turned to her with a friendly smile. "Good idea to stop mining at this spot, Ebonheim. We''ll find another place to dig, don''t you worry." Ebonheim hesitated, feeling a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. "Was it... my idea?" The miner looked puzzled. "Of course it was, lass. You sealed it up yourself, remember? Just in case something else happens in there." ¡°Did a rock hit yer head on your way out or something?¡± Thorsten asked. She nodded slowly, her memories of t?h?e? ?s?t?r?a?n?g?e? c???h???a???m???b???e???r??? ???b???e???n???e???a???t???h??? the mine already beginning to fade. "Right... I must have just... forgotten." As they walked back to the village together, Ebonheim couldn''t help but steal one last, lingering glance at the mine. Something about it called to her, a nagging sense of curiosity that refused to be silenced. But as they said, it was best to head home. The danger has passed. She was content with the safety of the miners. That was more important than one mine. They could always find another¡­ Chapter 15: An Eccentric Merchant, Part I 20th day of Withergrasp, 1366 The merchant Roderick found himself weaving through the verdant expanse of the Eldergrove forest. He was on his way to Ebonheim, a remote village shrouded by the lush embrace of the ancient woods. His mode of transport was as awe-inspiring as it was unusual: a gargantuan mechanical spider, a fusion of magic and technology that stood as a testament to the ingenuity of the age. The mechanical arachnid was an imposing sight, its body the size of a small house, crafted from plates of shimmering metal adorned with delicate, swirling engravings. Its abdomen, a bulging capsule of reinforced steel, served as storage for Roderick''s vast array of wares, while a plethora of cogs, gears, and arcane conduits hummed beneath its segmented exoskeleton. Atop the cephalothorax, Roderick occupied a plush leather seat, his hands expertly guiding the spider''s movements with a series of levers and dials. The mechanical beast responded to his commands with fluid ease, its eight legs working in perfect synchrony as it navigated the forest terrain. "Why must you insist on stopping by that village every time we journey through here?" asked Roderick''s masked bodyguard, Simon. "It''s a matter of faith," Roderick said with a shrug. "The villagers have never been unkind to me, and I find their ways of life refreshing and comforting. They''ve been displaced from their homes because of some trouble with a god or gods, and I find that very intriguing. I like to stop by once in a while and learn more about the situation." Simon sighed. "They''re not your friends, Roderick. They don''t want you around." Roderick scowled as he looked back at his bodyguard. "They are my friends. They just don''t know it yet." Simon snorted. "Roderick, they''re not your friends, they''re your customers. Even then, you don''t gain much profit from them. You only barter with trade goods since they don''t use any currency." "Trade goods are the backbone of any business. They have value, and I''m a merchant. What''s wrong with trading with people?" "Nothing, but I''m sure most of them don''t want you around." Roderick let out a hearty laugh and looked out at the forest. "Bah! They''ve been nothing but friendly and cordial to me. I know at least a few that I''m on good terms with. But, for some of the more wary ones I suppose I can''t blame them, really. A merchant is a hard thing to trust." Simon leaned back against his seat. "Hard, but necessary." "I suppose you''re right," Roderick agreed. As the mechanical spider made its way through the woods, it moved with a grace that belied its immense size. Its eight articulated legs, powered by a combination of steam-driven pistons and intricate enchantments, stepped deftly over roots and rocks, leaving nary a trace of its passage. The sounds of nature¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds¡ªwere accompanied by the soft hissing of steam and the gentle whir of gears. Roderick steered the giant arachnid with practiced precision, manipulating an array of levers and dials that responded to his touch with a satisfying click. Above him, an intricate web of copper piping fed steam and magical energy to the spider''s limbs, the pipes occasionally releasing puffs of vapor that shimmered with a faint, iridescent glow. The air surrounding the mechanical marvel seemed to crackle with arcane energy, a palpable reminder of the potent forces that coursed through its metallic veins. He had spent years tinkering with the arachnid''s designs, and he was very pleased with its performance. It had taken him a great deal of effort to make it work properly, but the results had been worth the effort. Roderick eased his foot on the pedal to halt its forward motion. The spider''s legs unfolded, the gait of its body returning to a crawl. He scanned the trees for signs of the markings the villagers had used to navigate through the woods and also served as a means to lead him to their village. "Help me look around for the markings," Roderick instructed his bodyguard. "I''ve a good memory but sometimes I can''t quite recall where those markings are." Simon nodded and stood up from his seat. The two men quickly scanned the area, moving from tree to tree in search of a particular set of markings. "Here," Simon said, pointing at a small colored band laced with feathers tied to a branch. "Is that the marking you''re looking for?" Roderick nodded. "Yes, that''s the one. I remember now. These markings are quite distinctive." He pointed to a nearby tree trunk. "This was the first marking, and that one over there is the second." "They''re easy enough to spot once you know what to look for," Simon said. "I''ll take care of finding the rest, while you go on ahead." Roderick nodded and took hold of a lever, adjusted it, and began cranking the legs of his vessel into motion again. It lurched forward and resumed its trek through the forest. The dense foliage parted around them, granting the mechanical arachnid passage into the glen beyond. Roderick relaxed in his seat as he watched the trees pass by, taking in the sight of the magnificent woodland vale. It was beautiful, as always. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting its golden rays through the canopy above, Roderick caught his first glimpse of Ebonheim in the distance. A small clearing emerged from the trees and gave way to a collection of thatched houses and modest-sized stone buildings. A few people strolled the paths connecting the various homes, their children dressed warmly playing with wooden swords and shields. The villagers, hearing the approach of the mechanical spider, gathered at the edge of their settlement to welcome the merchant "Roderick! Welcome back to Ebonheim!" said one of the villagers, his face beaming with delight. "Come in and rest your weary limbs." A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. With a final hiss of steam and a soft whir of gears, the giant arachnid came to a halt at the outskirts of the village. Roderick descended from his perch, a broad smile gracing his weathered face as he greeted the villagers who had come to meet him. Simon followed suit, descending from the other seat. The villagers clustered around the mechanical spider, gazing upon its unusual construction and marveling at its peculiar nature. A few children poked at the spider''s metal limbs, trying to find a way inside, but they failed to do so. They soon grew bored and returned to their games, though the adults remained fascinated with the mechanical marvel. "I brought you some trade goods," Roderick told them, "and I''m willing to barter with anyone who''s interested." "I''ll let the elders know," said one of the villagers. "Almost didn''t realize that it was that time of the year again, but here you are."
A short while later, Engin approached Roderick with a big smile on his face and his arms outstretched for a hug. "Roderick!" Engin said. "You''re here! I''m so glad you came." "And I am glad to be back," Roderick said as he hugged Engin. "You''ve done well, my friend. Your village has grown so much since I last visited." "Thank you," Engin replied with a smile, "but you''ve done plenty for us too. Your wares have become invaluable to our village." "I''m glad it helped," Roderick said. "Do you need anything?" "We''ve been fine this year, but we would like to trade for more iron tools," Engin replied. "I can supply you with plenty of those," Roderick said. "I''ve been selling a lot of them lately and brought a sizable amount with me." Engin smiled and clapped his hands together. "That''s all I need to hear. Come then, let''s speak with the others first, and we''ll see what we can work out." Simon and Roderick followed Engin back to the center of the village as he led them to the feast hall. Roderick glanced at the shrine of their ''supposed'' goddess along the way. It was a simple structure, consisting of a small altar surrounded by several rocks, and adorned with a few colorful flowers. When Engin first told him of a deity adopting the village over a year ago, he was skeptical of the story. He couldn''t imagine why any god would care to root themselves into governing a remote village, let alone a village that was only erected no more than a year prior. Any god would naturally flaunt their image and stature to visitors in their domain but when he pressed to meet this ''goddess'', Engin and the rest of the villagers were reluctant to show him any sign of their deity. Roderick had eventually given up on the idea and chalked it up to some inside joke, but he couldn''t shake his sense of unease. They entered the feast hall and Engin took a seat at one of the tables, motioning for Roderick and Simon to take theirs. Roderick saw a few familiar faces already waiting for them inside. Bjorn and Thorsten were already seated at the table, looking as formidable as always with a flagon of ale in their hands. Roderick recognized the other two men at the table as well: Sven, a middle-aged man with a weathered face and beard who looked as though he was dressed for the fields, and Ionus, a younger man wearing heavy but practical clothing that matched his dark skin. "Ionus, Sven, Thorsten, Bjorn," Roderick said with a smile, "it''s good to see you all again." "And I you, Roderick," Ionus said in a thick accent. "I''m glad you''re here." "Roderick!" Thorsten barked. "I''ve been waiting for your arrival. You did acquire what I asked you to last year, aye?" "Aye," Roderick said as he sat down and poured himself a cup of ale. Thorsten''s face immediately brightened and he beamed at Roderick, his arms reaching out to embrace him. "I knew you would come through for us." Roderick accepted the hug and returned the smile. "I''m glad to be back," he said. "What brings you here this time?" Sven asked. "I brought a shipment of iron tools," Roderick said. "As well as a few more wares that this village might fancy." Sven''s eyes lit up. "Good! We could use more tools than we have now. The last batch you traded wasn''t as plentiful as it should have been." Roderick smiled at Sven. "Of course, Sven. I''ll bring you as many of them as you need." "I''m glad to hear it," Sven said. As the five of them chatted, the main door of the feast hall slammed open. A young girl rushed to their table and vaulted over Roderick in a blur of white, silken dress and iridescent hair. He noticed Simon reaching for the large sword strapped to his back. The girl landed atop the table and marched towards Engin without breaking stride. "Engin!" the girl bellowed. "Did you see that huge iron spider outside?! What is that? It''s not moving and I tried poking at it but it didn''t react. Where did it come from? Do you think there are more of them out there? Should I be worried?" Roderick chuckled as the girl barraged Engin with question after question. Simon''s hand, which was wrapped around his sword, began to relax as the girl continued speaking without pause. "Calm down," Engin finally interrupted, rubbing his temples. "That thing that you saw is no creature. It is a vehicle, much like a wagon." The girl didn''t seem convinced. "That? A wagon? Are you drunk already?" Thorsten burst out in laughter. "That''s what we call a mechanical spider," Bjorn spoke, holding up his ale glass. "It''s the latest marvel in travel." "Mechanical spiders?" the girl said, her gold eyes wide as she turned to look at Bjorn. Wait...gold? Roderick blinked and rubbed his eyes. Yes, the girl''s irises were certainly gold in color. Not only that, her long iridescent hair was even more unusual. It seemed to be composed of fine strands of silver that seemed to shimmer in the light, almost as if they were reflecting the colors around them. Bjorn nodded and motioned towards Roderick. "He''s the owner of the vessel." The girl turned to look at Roderick, her eyes widening in surprise. "You own that thing?" Roderick nodded. "It''s mine." She walked over to him as he remained seated. Roderick took a sip of ale as he looked up at her. In any other circumstance, the girl''s behavior would be rather uncouth but since she hailed from this remote village, it was best not to reprimand her. The girl''s hair fell over one shoulder and Roderick marveled at how perfectly she matched the color of her dress. "Well, hello there young one," Roderick said, offering a friendly smile. "Um, I''m sorry but I don''t think we have met." The girl placed her hands on her hips and smiled back at him. "Welcome to Ebonheim! I am Ebonheim." Roderick let his mouth hang as he was about to take another sip of ale. He glanced over at Engin, who was staring at him with an amused look on his face. He glanced around the room, but everyone else wore the same expression. "I''m sorry," Roderick said, looking back up at the young girl. "Ebonheim?" The girl''s smile grew even wider. "Yes!" she replied enthusiastically. "You...do realize that that''s the name of this village, right?" Roderick asked. "Yes." "And your name is Ebonheim?" The girl furrowed her brow at him as if she was somehow offended by the question. "I am Ebonheim." Roderick took a deep breath and exhaled loudly as he glanced back over at Engin. "Engin, this girl does not look like she was born just yesterday and had her parents name her after the village so...did you allow her to change her name?" Engin shook his head. "Of course not. She has always been Ebonheim." Roderick set his ale mug down. "What do you mean? I''m not following what you''re saying." Engin leaned forward with a bemused look. "Well, you always said you wanted to meet the goddess of this village." He nudged his head towards the girl atop the table. "This is her." Roderick looked back at Ebonheim and she stared back at him with curious eyes and a big grin. "Wait, I..." Roderick stammered, unsure of what to say. "Seriously?" Chapter 16: An Eccentric Merchant, Part II Roderick ruminated on everything that Engin had told him, taking a deep toke from his herb bundle and letting the fragrant smoke swirl around him as he exhaled slowly. The girl...Ebonheim...had left shortly after, mumbling something about Deja Vu and not wanting to experience another interrogation so soon. The others had also left one by one to retire for the night, leaving only him, his bodyguard Simon, and Engin in the feast hall. "I don''t know if you and the others are lucky or foolish." Roderick shook his head and exhaled a cloud of smoke. "But I''ll ask you again what I had asked you last year. Why would you accept the governance of a new god when you had just left your homes and journeyed here because you didn''t want to be lorded over by one anymore?" Engin took a deep toke from his own herb bundle. "She was lost and desperate to be acknowledged. Ebonheim had been rejected by every settlement she offered to represent. Though quite different from our own experiences with gods, we saw her as a kindred spirit." Roderick sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "So you mean to try and live in harmony while licking each other''s wounds?" "You could say that." "Hrmm." Roderick scratched his beard and looked over at Simon who was leaning back against a wooden pillar. "Simon, I trust your senses. What do you think of her?" "She is a genuine deity," Simon answered. "Though, her presence is weak compared to others I''ve seen." "Well, even a weak god is better than no god protecting your settlement." Roderick leaned towards Engin. "So, what boon has she bestowed upon the village?" Engin sat up and walked to another room, returning shortly carrying something wrapped in cloth. He held the object out to Roderick. Roderick unwrapped the cloth and saw a small bundle of dark wood. He furrowed his brow as he inspected the lumber. "Isn''t this just a-" His eyes went wide. "Don''t tell me..." Engin nodded. "It is what you suspect." "A piece of an Ebon tree?" "There''s nothing else quite like it." Roderick reached inside his pocket and pulled out his enchanted monocle and put it over his eye. Runes of light shimmered into view as the monocle began displaying the properties of the piece of lumber. His mouth hung agape as he read the information. "This...this is remarkable. Its qualities are even greater than Runite forged at Hrafnsteinn." He looked up at Engin. "How did you manage to cut an Ebon tree down? We''ve tried all that we could last year, even with the tools I provided." Engin sat back down. "Ebonheim allowed us to harvest them. They fall like any other tree to our axes." "Yet it is more durable than Runite. May I test this?" Engin nodded. "Go ahead." "Outside." Roderick grabbed the piece of lumber and motioned for Engin and Simon to follow. They walked outside and Roderick set the piece of lumber on the ground. "Simon, try cleaving through this." Roderick watched as Simon unsheathed his claymore. It was a gift Roderick had given him years ago. The blade was forged from Runite and enchanted by high-ranked Artificers. It was sharp enough to damage even the Aurichalcum plates of an Aetherframe. Simon raised the blade and swung, making a loud clang as the blade bounced against the Ebonwood. Roderick heard Simon grunt in surprise. Engin whistled from behind them. Roderick leaned down and inspected the wood. The blade had cut into the bark and managed to carve a shallow gash that was as deep as the width of his thumb. "This is...incredible." He looked over at Engin. "Is it still able to burn?" Engin scratched his chin. "The peculiar thing is that it burns a hundred times longer than other types of wood. But when we crafted shields and armor with it, it could resist even magical fire." "How is that possible?" Engin shrugged. "Divine will? The Ebon trees have existed here long before written history and no one''s been able to decipher its secrets until perhaps now. It was all thanks to Ebonheim that we finally managed to make use of the wood." "Engin, do you realize how revolutionary this could be?" Roderick asked, still mystified at what he just witnessed. "Think of the implications...and the opportunities this could present for the village." Roderick''s mind raced with thoughts and ideas of this new material entering the market. "I would like to discuss this further." Engin chuckled and motioned for them to head back inside. "Of course."
The next day, Ebonheim looked up at the masked form of Roderick''s bodyguard. The man had stood beside her during their meeting yesterday, never saying a word, yet always watching her. She had left early that evening because she didn''t want to be bothered having to go through explaining herself again but also she was very curious about the mechanical spider. Now she waited outside of the lone guesthouse in the village for Roderick to wake up so that she could ask him about his spider wagon. His bodyguard was standing outside looking as mysterious and stoic as the first time she''s seen him. "So, what''s your name?" she asked. The man turned towards her. "My name? I have many names. My true name is unknown to the world. I am known by many others though, and I am called..." He paused and seemed to struggle with his words. "...Simon." Ebonheim raised her eyebrow. "Simon? You don''t strike me as someone who''d answer to such a simple-sounding name." Simon''s mask remained fixed. "No, you''re right. I am known by many names and my true name will remain unknown." "Wha..." What''s with this fellow? He wasn''t making any sense. It was better to just find out directly. Her eyes shimmered as she used her Divine Sight. [Name: Simon; Status: Healthy] [Simon¡¯s Attributes] Intelligence:20, Perception:28, Resilience:25, Strength:24, Agility:24, Endurance:23, Charisma:14, Manipulation:19, Wit:19] [Health: 300 ( 240 Base, 40 Profession, 20 Item Bonus)] [Mana: 225] He took a step back. "What are you doing?" "Peeking. Your name really is Simon." Simon turned away and pulled down his hood. "That''s...not my true name. But I''ll allow you to continue using that when you refer to me." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow then shrugged. "Okay. So...you''re Roderick''s bodyguard? How long have you known him?" "Long enough." He folded his arms over his chest. "Do you work for him full time or...?" She tilted her head in confusion. "I''m not working for anyone." Simon stepped closer and lowered his voice. "I protect Roderick because that''s what Roderick wants me to do." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Ebonheim blinked in surprise. "So he doesn''t pay you?" "I get paid. But I choose to serve Roderick for free." Ebonheim cocked her head. "Y...you get paid, but you work for free? That doesn''t make any sense. What do you mean?" "I have my own reasons." Without missing a beat, she dropped down into a deep squat on her tippy-toes, her heels just barely hovering off the ground. She rubbed her temples and stayed in that position for a moment, taking a deep breath and collecting her thoughts, before looking up at him with narrowed eyes. "Are you okay?" Simon stared back at her. "I said, ''That''s what Roderick wants''. Not what he needs." She squinted her eyes. "Okay..." Not really. This person''s got bats in the belfry. Better change the subject. "So, why do you wear a mask anyway?" Simon scoffed. "I''ve worn masks since the age of ten. Even before Roderick found me and gave me a home." "W...Why?" "Because I prefer to hide who I truly am. Because people find me unsettling. And if they don''t like what I say, they can blame their discomfort on the mask rather than me." "Huh... Well, whatever makes you happy. If you ever need help or anything while you''re here, please come talk to me." She smiled warmly at him. "It''s nice to meet you, Simon." She held out her hand for a shake. Simon hesitated for a moment and shook her hand. The door abruptly opened and Roderick stepped outside. He wore a loose robe and had tousled hair. His face was haggard from sleep and he yawned. "Can''t even have a moment''s respite with the two of you babbling outside my door." He stretched his hands out. "Come on in." Ebonheim followed Roderick inside as Simon closed the door behind them. Roderick glanced over at her. "You''ve had breakfast already?" Ebonheim nodded. "I was waiting for you. I wanted to ask you about something." Roderick scratched his head. "Oh? Go ahead. Ask." She hesitated. "About the wagon you brought yesterday. The spider." Roderick let out a hearty chuckle. "Ah yes, the spider. Yes. It''s fascinating stuff. It''s a prototype model and we''re still developing the technology. Why do you ask?" "Well, I wanted to know how you built it and how you made it move. Is it like a golem?" Roderick''s eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. "You''ve got an eye for fine craftsmanship, Ebonheim. It is indeed a type of golem. The spider that I have is a cargo golem, specifically designed for carrying heavy loads and transporting goods." "So...how does this golem work?" she asked. "Hrmm, that requires a bit of explanation and demonstration. Tell you what, after breakfast, we can head to my golem and I''ll explain more there."
After eating breakfast together, Ebonheim followed Roderick and Simon to the outskirts of town. A small group of children had gathered around the spider golem, which sat in front of an open field. Ebonheim approached the golem and ran her fingers along its metal exterior. "How did you build this?" She examined the joints carefully before turning her attention to the cockpit atop its head. Roderick leaned against the side of the golem and crossed his arms. "For starters, I wasn''t the one that built this. I employed Artificers specialized in crafting golems. They started by creating the basic framework from brass and steel plates. Then they used stronger material to reinforce certain areas where it needed extra strength and durability." Ebonheim continued to examine the golem closely but also kept glancing over at Roderick curiously. "Afterwards," Roderick continued, "the Artificers then attached the magical parts¡ªthe engine, the power source, etcetera." He tapped the golem''s leg lightly with his finger. "This part here contains a spring mechanism powered by a magical enchantment, which causes the entire golem to lift off the ground when the lever on top is depressed." Ebonheim''s eyes widened and she gasped. "That''s incredible! I''d love to learn how it all works!" She grinned excitedly at Roderick before turning her gaze back towards the golem and continuing to run her hands along its surface. "What else does this golem do?" she asked. "Well, you can load things into its belly. For example, I use this to transport supplies between places or bring building materials to our construction sites." Ebonheim stopped examining the golem and turned toward Roderick with wide eyes. "So you mean this thing carries things?" Roderick chuckled and climbed atop the cephalothorax to pull one of the levers. The spider golem''s abdomen slowly opened from the back. "Many things. Come on, I''ll show you my wares." Roderick led her around the abdomen, which was twice as large as her hut. Her eyes widened at the sight of the various wares on display. Hesitantly, she entered the spider''s abdomen. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, glass vials filled with luminescent elixirs lined the shelves, and gleaming artifacts of unknown purpose lay scattered about. "Wow," she breathed, taking in the sight of the enchanted emporium. "These tapestries," Roderick explained, gently running his fingers over the vibrant threads, "tell stories of ancient battles and mythical creatures from faraway lands. Each one is a masterpiece, painstakingly woven by skilled artisans." Ebonheim reached out to touch the tapestries, but Roderick quickly stopped her. "Careful. These are delicate works of art, not meant for curious little hands." She withdrew her hand, nodding solemnly before something shiny caught her attention. "What''s this?" She reached out to touch a small, ornate box resting on a nearby shelf. Roderick gently placed a hand on her shoulder, guiding her away from the box. "Ah, that''s a rather delicate item, my dear. It contains a tiny, enchanted music box. The melody it plays can soothe even the most troubled of hearts. But it''s quite fragile, so we must be careful with it." She nodded, her curiosity piqued. "What about this?" She pointed to a vial of swirling, shimmering liquid. "That," Roderick explained, "is a potion of rejuvenation. It has the power to restore one''s energy and heal minor wounds. Quite valuable, indeed." As they continued to explore the chamber, Ebonheim peppered Roderick with questions about the various items and their origins. He regaled her with tales of his travels to distant lands, encounters with strange creatures, and the many adventures he''d had while collecting and selling his wares. She listened attentively as he spoke, hanging on every word he uttered. Her eyes brightened as he described his latest acquisition: a rare piece of armor crafted from an unknown alloy, which had been found deep in a hidden tomb beneath a forgotten ruin. She gazed at him with sparkling eyes. "You''re such an interesting man, Roderick!" He laughed heartily and patted her on the back affectionately. "That''s me." The pair emerged from the spider''s abdomen and walked over to the edge of the clearing. Simon glanced at Roderick and Ebonheim and cocked his head. "I''m surprised you haven''t sold anything to her yet, Roderick." Roderick snorted. "What kind of person do you take me for? I''m not some charlatan who would take advantage of a goddess who knows nothing of trade and barter. Defamation, I say!" He tossed his head back and let out a booming laugh. Ebonheim giggled and glanced over at Simon. "He''s right, you know. I don''t have the knowledge to judge the value of his wares. I''ll leave that to Engin and the others. So, how long are you planning on staying at our village?" "Oh, I plan to stay for a few more days," Roderick replied, "there are more things I''d like to discuss with the elders." "Is there anything I can do for you while you''re here?" she asked. Roderick rubbed his chin. "Well, I do have something to ask you." Ebonheim blinked. "What is it?" Roderick leaned down until his face was close to hers. "Would you be interested in having more people flock to you within the next two years?"
In the dim recesses of the mine, a ragtag band of miners toiled relentlessly. Their hands, calloused and cracked, grasped their pickaxes with grim determination. Flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows upon the walls, revealing the faces of the weary laborers. Sweat dripped from their furrowed brows, mingling with the dust and grime that caked their skin. Their breaths, heavy and labored, filled the oppressive air as they chipped away at the unforgiving rock. As each day passed, the miners delved deeper into the bowels of the mountain, guided by a persistent hope for more iron and copper ore veins now that their previous mine was sealed off. Their pickaxes, dulled by ceaseless use, struck the rock with rhythmic precision, a testament to their years of toil. The clangor of metal meeting stone echoed through the caverns. On a day that seemed no different than any other, a miner named Halvar, his beard matted with sweat and dirt, took a moment''s respite. As he rested his aching back against the cold stone wall, he noticed an odd glint in the torchlight. Curious, he stepped closer, squinting through the dim illumination to discern the nature of this peculiar anomaly. Halvar''s calloused fingers traced the rough surface of the wall, seeking the source of the glimmer. When his hand finally alighted upon a narrow vein of gleaming metal, his heart leaped into his throat. He dared not breathe, lest the vision vanish before his eyes. With trembling hands, he retrieved his pickaxe and struck the vein with a cautious, deliberate force. As the chisel split the rock, a cascade of golden shards tumbled to the floor, each one winking with a radiant light. Halvar''s breath caught in his chest, for there, exposed by the force of his blow, gleamed a narrow streak of gold snaking its way through the dark stone like a celestial ribbon¡ªa vein so rich it seemed as though the sun had bled into the heart of the mountain. "Halvar, what have you found?" called Tessa, a young and spirited miner, her voice tinged with curiosity. She drew closer, her eyes widening in disbelief as they fell upon the glittering vein. Her breath hitched, and she whispered, "Gold...we''ve found gold!" The other miners, drawn by the unmistakable tone of wonder in Tessa''s voice, approached the scene. As one, they gazed upon the shimmering vein, their eyes reflecting the fire of newfound fortune. A hush fell upon them, as if they were standing in the presence of some ancient, revered deity. The silence was shattered by a jubilant whoop from Olaf, the elder miner whose once-mighty frame had been whittled by time. "By Ebonheim! Gold! We''ve struck gold!" His voice, ragged with age, filled the cavern with a triumphant, infectious glee. The miners erupted into laughter and cheers, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they basked in the golden glow of their discovery. Embraces and hearty backslaps were exchanged and the tunnel was transformed into a hive of frenetic activity as the miners chipped away at the rock, the gold vein beckoning them deeper into the earth like a siren''s song. As the precious metal was painstakingly extracted, the miners worked in a feverish state, whispers of fortune and glory igniting their imaginations. Chapter 17: Winds of Change "I believe it is time for us to consider the possibility of opening your village to others," Roderick began, standing in the center of the feast hall. The sun filtered through the windows, casting long shadows over the gathered elders. "More people means more hands to work the land, more minds to innovate, and more resources to be shared.¡± Ebonheim watched from her place on a raised platform, flanked by the village elders. She watched as Roderick paced back and forth, his hands gesticulating wildly to emphasize his points. Engin, the self-proclaimed head of the village, nodded in agreement. "He''s right, you know. If we bring more people here, we can strengthen our village, and our goddess will gain more followers. It''s a win-win situation for all." "Engin, your faith in Roderick''s proposition is admirable, but we must be cautious," said Hilda, her voice strong and steady despite her age. "Inviting the outside world into our village could also bring unwanted attention and danger." The feast hall echoed with the murmurs of agreement from some of the elders, while others nodded their heads in thought. Ebonheim watched the scene unfold before her, her golden eyes taking in every detail. She felt a strange sense of responsibility, knowing that her very existence was the reason for this gathering. Engin leaned forward, his green eyes narrowing as he addressed Hilda. "I understand your concerns, Hilda, but we cannot hide from the world forever. With the resources we possess and the protection of Ebonheim, our village has the potential to become a thriving community." Odette, a gentle voice amongst the elders, spoke up. "I, too, see the value in Roderick''s proposal. However, we must consider the dangers as well. Inviting outsiders into our village could threaten our way of life." "I just don''t see the point in inviting strangers into our village," Bjorn grumbled, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "We''ve built this place on our own, and we''ve done just fine without outsiders meddling in our affairs. We''ve lived here for years, hidden and safe. Why risk that now? What''s the point of inviting strangers into our home?" "Progress, Bjorn," Engin replied, his voice firm. "We cannot stagnate. Our village has much to offer, and we have much to gain from the world. With Roderick''s help, we can do so in a controlled manner." Thorsten, stroking his unkempt beard, leaned forward. "We are strong and resourceful, but we are few in number. If we want to thrive, we need more people. More people means more workers, more hunters, and more crafters. It also means more mouths to feed, but that''s a challenge we can overcome together." Roderick flashed a smile, sensing an opening. "Indeed, think of the possibilities! Ebonheim could become a hub of trade and culture, attracting the best minds and artisans from all over the continent. And as your village grows, so too will your goddess''s influence." "Roderick, it''s not that simple," Sven began, his brows furrowed as he clasped his hands together tightly. "We appreciate your offer, but inviting outsiders could disrupt the delicate balance we have.¡± Bogdan, a stout elder with a bushy mustache, grumbled, "Sven¡¯s right. We''ve been hiding for a reason. We''ve managed to survive and thrive without attracting unwanted attention. Why risk it all now?" Bertram, a wiry elder with a sharp gaze, countered, "But what kind of life is it if we live in fear, forever skulking in the shadows? We owe it to ourselves and our children to explore the possibilities." The debate continued, each elder voicing their thoughts and concerns. Roderick did his best to reassure them, detailing the benefits of trade and the potential for cultural exchange. He spoke of how their unique resources and connection to a benevolent goddess could make them an influential power in the region. Corrina, a cautious elder, questioned the merchant. "Roderick, how do we know that you truly have our best interests at heart? You''re not one of us." Roderick paused before replying, his voice filled with sincerity. "You''re right, I''m not from Ebonheim. But I have traveled far and wide, and I know a special place when I see one. I believe in the potential of this village, and I only wish to help you achieve it." The discussion went back and forth, with no clear consensus in sight. Corinna addressed the room. "We are at an impasse," she declared. "Perhaps it would be wise to take some time to reflect on this matter and reconvene later." Engin nodded, seeing the wisdom in Corinna''s suggestion. "Agreed. Let us take a break and gather our thoughts. We will reconvene in one hour." As the elders dispersed, Ebonheim approached Roderick, her iridescent hair shimmering like a cascade of stars. ¡°What do you think so far?¡± she asked. Roderick smiled, his blue eyes twinkling as he regarded her. "I think they''ll come around. It''s not every day that someone offers to increase their numbers. That alone makes them curious about what they might gain. But, I understand their reservations. I really do. What you all have now, and what you could have if you choose to open your doors to outsiders¡ªthey''re two different things. And you can''t expect everyone to welcome change with open arms. Change comes slowly, and even then, there will always be those who resist." Ebonheim cocked her head to the side. "Were you expecting things to turn out like this?" Roderick shrugged slightly. "It always happens, and it''s not just because they see me as a merchant who only cares for profit." "What do you mean?" she asked. Roderick sat down on an empty chair. "Well, I suppose I should explain. There''s a saying in my homeland, a phrase which I find rather fitting here. It goes, ''The road to the Abyss is paved with good intentions.''" Ebonheim tilted her head further, studying Roderick with newfound interest. "I''m not sure I understand what you mean." "It''s a saying among the people of my country. It means that people who mean well can still cause harm. In other words, people''s good intentions don''t necessarily guarantee good results, and their actions can backfire, causing harm instead of good." Ebonheim''s eyebrows rose. "Oh, I don''t like the sound of that. Do you mean to say that people like you can cause problems?" Roderick chuckled. "I suppose you could say I''m the perfect example. I''ve spent most of my life trying to convince others to embrace change. Sometimes, though, I''ve found myself making more enemies than allies. People like me often put others in a defensive position, making them wary and distrusting." Ebonheim placed her hands on her hips. "Hmm, well. I think it''s not a bad idea to have more people around. But I trust the elders to make the right decision for our village." Roderick inclined his head in respect. "I know. Thank you, Ebonheim. I simply wish to see your people flourish. If my proposal is accepted, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure the village''s success." As they left the feast hall, she couldn''t help but ponder the implications of the conversation. While she wanted the best for her people, the idea of opening the village to strangers was fraught with potential dangers. It would be a difficult decision, one that would undoubtedly shape their future.
They all returned to the feast hall an hour later, each having taken time to reflect on Roderick''s proposal. Ebonheim watched as they took their seats, the room tense with anticipation. Ionus, a thin man with a thoughtful expression, was the first to speak. "I have considered Roderick''s proposal, and I must admit it has merit. However, we cannot ignore the potential dangers of opening our village to outsiders. We must ask ourselves if the benefits are worth the risks." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Engin countered Ionus''s argument. "We cannot live in fear of the unknown, Ionus. Our village has the potential to become a powerful force, and we cannot achieve that by remaining isolated." "Let us not forget the reason we came together in the first place,¡± Engin continued. ¡° We came together to escape the gods who have forsaken us and find a new path. We are a village of outcasts, and our strength comes from our unity and our shared purpose. Should we not extend the same opportunity to others?" The room fell silent as Engin''s words resonated with the gathered elders. The question hung in the air, a somber reminder of their past and the difficult choices that lay ahead. Thorsten nodded in agreement. "He¡¯s right. Who are we to deny others the opportunity to find a home here, as we once did? Our village was built by those who were cast out, and now we have the chance to offer sanctuary to others in need." Ebonheim''s heart swelled with pride at Engin and Thorsten''s words. She knew that her people''s strength came from their diversity and their shared history of struggle. Renfred, a scholarly elder, adjusted his glasses and raised his voice. "What of our traditions, our way of life? How can we ensure they are not lost in the midst of this growth you propose?" Roderick spread his hands wide, as if embracing the room. "Your traditions and culture are what make Ebonheim special. By sharing them with others, you can ensure that they are preserved and celebrated. And, in turn, you can learn from the newcomers as well, enriching your own understanding of the world." Odette chimed in, "It is as Roderick says. We cannot ignore the potential benefits of opening ourselves up to the world. Our resources, the Ebon trees, and the gold deposits¡ªthey could bring prosperity to our village, allowing us to improve our lives and provide better opportunities for our children." Gunter, a skeptical elder, countered, "But at what cost? How much of our souls must we sell for this prosperity you speak of?" Roderick spoke up once more. "I understand your fears. I am not asking you to blindly embrace change, but rather to consider the potential for growth and the opportunities it may bring. I am confident that, together, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger for it." Ebonheim listened attentively, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the nearby hearth. She recognized the passion behind each elder''s argument, and the weight of responsibility they felt for the village''s future. Franco, a diplomatic elder, offered a compromise. "What if we were to start small? Allow Roderick to promote our village, but within certain limits. We could set terms, ensuring that we maintain control of our growth and that our traditions are not lost." The suggestion was met with thoughtful murmurs, as the elders considered the possibility of a more measured approach to Roderick''s proposal. The merchant nodded, willing to work within their constraints. Aleyn, a reserved elder who was also from the Jixishan tribe, spoke up. "I am not opposed to this idea, but I worry about the consequences of opening our doors to the outside world. What if we attract the attention of those who wish us harm, or those who would seek to exploit our goddess and our resources?" Bertram, a man with sharp eyes and a calculating mind, leaned forward. "True, we must also consider the security of our village. Roderick, you claim that opening our borders will bring allies and connections, but what guarantees do we have that it will not also bring danger?" Roderick met Bertram''s gaze, unwavering. "There are no guarantees, but I believe that the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. The key is to proceed with caution and wisdom." A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall, and Ebonheim watched as the elders exchanged glances, the weight of the decision growing heavier. The debate continued, with each elder voicing their concerns and offering potential solutions. Ebonheim watched them closely, admiring their wisdom and dedication to their people. Brzenk, a stout elder with a grizzled beard, leaned forward. "Roderick, if we agree to your proposal, what do you intend to do? How will you bring these people to our village, and how will you ensure our safety?" Roderick scratched his beard, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "First, I will spread the word of Ebonheim''s existence and the opportunities it holds. I will use my connections with merchants and traders to establish trade routes and draw people to the village. As for safety, I propose setting up a system of checks and balances to ensure that any newcomers adhere to your laws and customs. Of course, I will defer to the wisdom of the elders and Ebonheim in all matters concerning the village." Sven spoke up. "If we decide to proceed with Roderick''s plan, how can we ensure that the outsiders we bring in will honor our ways and respect our goddess?" Roderick''s eyes flicked to Ebonheim, a respectful nod in her direction. "You could establish a code of conduct, a set of rules that every newcomer must agree to follow." As the discussion continued, it was clear that the elders'' positions were beginning to shift. Some who had initially been opposed to Roderick''s proposal now considered the potential benefits more seriously, while others who had supported the idea from the outset began to acknowledge the risks involved. Brzenk put forth a question. "If we do decide to move forward with this plan, how can we ensure that we maintain our values and traditions? How do we strike a balance between growth and preservation?" Roderick, prepared for this query, outlined his vision. "By establishing a council that includes both elders and newcomers, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of the village in mind. This council can work to preserve your traditions while also adapting to the changing world." "I have an idea," Franco said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled over the feast hall. "What if we were to send a small group of our own to accompany Roderick? They could observe the newcomers and ensure that they are trustworthy before inviting them to join our village." The room buzzed with murmurs and thoughtful nods. Engin stroked his peppered beard, considering the proposal. "That is a promising idea, Franco. It would give us some control over the situation without outright denying others the opportunity to join us." Ebonheim, ever watchful, felt the subtle shift in the room. She knew that the fate of her village rested in the hands of these wise men and women, and she trusted that they would make the right decision. Aleyn, a gentle soul with a love for nature, looked to Ebonheim, his voice soft but clear. "What are your thoughts, Ebonheim? Do you believe that opening our village to outsiders is the right path?" Everyone turned their eyes to her, who had been quietly listening to the conversation. Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. She had only recently learned of the existence of the outside world, and now her people were debating the prospect of inviting new inhabitants into their village. She swallowed, searching for the right words. "I... I think it''s not a bad idea. Everyone in the village came from different places. If we stay secluded for years or decades, then if outsiders show up one day, it might be harder for us to welcome them. But if we open ourselves to others starting now, we can build trust and familiarity with them from the beginning. That will make things easier later and..." She trailed off. She couldn''t finish her sentence; instead, she glanced around at her elders, trying to convey her message with her eyes alone. The elders nodded, their faces thoughtful. "You''ve given us food for thought," said Hilda, her tone calm and reassuring. "Thank you for sharing your insight. I understand what you mean, and I believe the same way." Engin looked around the room, his green eyes sharp and discerning. "It seems we are at a crossroads," Engin said. "To embrace change and growth, or to hold fast to the way things have always been. I propose we put the matter to a vote. All in favor of adopting Roderick''s plan, raise your hands." One by one, the elders raised their hands, signaling their agreement with the proposal. As the last hand was raised, a sense of unity filled the room. Though the decision had not come easily, they had reached it together, as one. Engin, his expression solemn, nodded. "Very well. We shall move forward with Roderick''s plan. We''re not expecting an immediate influx of settlers soon, it''ll probably take a couple of years at the earliest. During that time, the village can prepare to welcome them. So, steel yourselves...there''s a lot more work to be done." Roderick, his face a mix of relief and determination, bowed his head. "I am honored by your trust, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the success of this endeavor. Together, we will shape a brighter future for Ebonheim." With the decision made, the elders began discussing the logistics of implementing Roderick''s plan. Hilda turned towards Ebonheim. "This is a new beginning for our village, and I pray that it will bring us closer to the dreams we have held in our hearts." Ebonheim smiled warmly and nodded. Engin walked over and placed a hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder. "And you...have the most work to do amongst all of us. You''ve been lacking in your administrative role and although I am the head of the village, you need to start pulling your weight and help me with the daily tasks." Ebonheim blinked, her mouth wide open. "...Eh?" Chapter 18: Hello, Neighbor! Part I 15th day of Whitehelm, 1367 Two months had passed since Roderick and Simon left to continue their journey to the western kingdoms. During their stay, Roderick had traded all of the tools he had in stock as well as other wares for a small bundle of Ebonwood. During that time, Engin had rigorously tutored her about the ways of governing a settlement. It took a while, but she had started getting the hang of it and even assisted him with some daily tasks. But today, she had been given a new mission¡ªto build a road to the western entrance of the valley. It was first suggested by Roderick since traversing the forest took a toll for any traveler without a road to travel through. Engin had reaffirmed that it took a great deal of effort and time to find the grounds to settle in when they first arrived here. "It''s just building a road, how hard could it be?" She reached into her mind and search through the myriad of powers the Akashic System listed for her. Eventually, she found what she was looking for. [Name] Path of the Earthen Passage [Effect] Upon casting, you create a 5-meter-wide, 100-meter-long dirt road through a forest environment, starting at a point within range. The road is smooth and free of any impediments, such as protruding roots, rocks, or vegetation [Range] 20 meters [Duration] 24 hours. You must expend 5 Quintessence to make the road permanent. [Cost] 15 Essence to cast. [ Would you like to spend 50 Quintessence to acquire this ability? ] "Of course!" She purchased it and information about its use immediately flooded her mind. Once the memory had settled, she checked her remaining Quintessence. Quintessence: 7508/8000 Ebonheim crossed her arms over her chest and grumbled softly. She almost had enough to transcend to the next divine rank, but now she had to start spending some to create a road. Hopefully, the whole process wouldn¡¯t consume a lot but she didn¡¯t know how far it was to the entrance of the forest. "Well, only one way to find out." She sighed and headed off to start her work.
Ebonheim''s golden eyes narrowed as she surveyed the dense forest before her. "Alright, trees," she declared, "it''s time to make way for progress!" Her iridescent hair shimmered as she raised her hands, the air around her crackling with energy. As she concentrated, the ground shook, and the trees seemed to part before her, roots retracting, trunks bending, and foliage rustling in acquiescence. "Ha!" she cried triumphantly. "This is great! I can¡¯t wait to see their awed faces once the road is fully built. They''re going to be so proud!" She beamed, imagining all the praises to come her way. She skipped along the freshly cleared path, humming to herself as she went. She paused every so often to admire her handiwork, the newly formed dirt road snaking through the dense forest. Ebonheim''s hands glowed with a warm, green light as she shaped the earth, careful to leave the trees and plants unharmed. The trees seemed to heed her call, branches swaying and twisting out of the path''s way. Ebonheim moved gracefully, her silken white dress fluttering around her as she skipped along. She hummed a tune, her golden eyes shining with anticipation of the travelers her road would bring. As a few days passed, the dirt road grew longer, winding its way through the dense forest valley. Engin had told her to follow the markings they had left and it would guide the western entrance. Her enthusiasm never waned, her laughter echoing through the valley. The animals, sensing her benevolence, would often approach, watching her work with curiosity. Ebonheim would greet them warmly, offering a few strokes of her hand before resuming her task. The Akashic System chimed with a sudden message: [ Warning: You are about to leave the boundary of your domain. You will receive a -20% penalty on all Stats and Abilities. If your manifested form is destroyed, there is a 10% chance that your divine spark will also be destroyed. ] As Ebonheim approached the end of her domain, she could feel the change in the air, a subtle shift in energy that marked the boundary of her influence. She paused for a moment, her brow furrowing as she considered the challenge that lay ahead. That¡¯s quite a scary message. It seemed like leaving her domain wasn¡¯t a sound idea and posed quite the risks. But it should be safe, she was a goddess after all and the forest should be relatively quiet. "Well," she said, determination burning in her eyes, "there''s no turning back now. Time to venture into uncharted territory!"With a deep breath, she stepped over the invisible boundary, her powers surging as she prepared to continue her work. She was met with resistance, however, as the trees beyond her domain seemed to stubbornly refuse her command. "Oh, come on!" she huffed, frustration mounting. "Why won''t you just move?" As she continued to struggle, a deep, rumbling voice echoed through the forest, halting her efforts. "You dare to command me, little goddess?" Ebonheim blinked in surprise, her hands still raised, the green glow around them fading. She turned to face the source of the voice, her eyes widening as she took in the sight that awaited her. Before her stood a colossal tree, its trunk gnarled and twisted with age. Slowly, the bark shifted and rearranged, revealing two glowing eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Limbs creaked and groaned as the ancient tree unfurled its massive branches, taking on the semblance of arms and legs. It stepped forward, the ground shuddering beneath its weight, leaves rustling like a thousand whispers. Ebonheim''s eyes widened in awe, her iridescent hair rippling with excitement. Despite seeing it for the first time, somehow she knew what it was. "Wow, you''re... you''re an Ent!" she exclaimed, momentarily forgetting her frustration. "I''ve never met one of you before!" The Ent''s eyes narrowed, its voice like the grinding of stones. "And I have never met a goddess who thought she could command my forest," it replied, its tone both stern and accusatory. Ebonheim hesitated, her hands falling to her sides. "Oh, well, I didn''t mean any disrespect," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep rose. "I was just trying to make a road for my people." "A road?" the Ent asked, its voice dripping with skepticism. "What need have your people for a road through my domain?" The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "My village is nestled deep in the valley, and it''s difficult for travelers to find their way through the forest," she explained, her golden eyes pleading. "A road would make it so much easier for them to reach us." The Ent regarded her thoughtfully, its eyes reflecting the sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. "And what makes you think I would allow such a thing?" it inquired, crossing its massive arms over its chest. Ebonheim shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her fingers nervously twisting in the fabric of her silken dress. "I... I thought that maybe we could come to some sort of agreement," she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper. The Ent let out a low chuckle, a sound like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. "You are bold, little goddess," it said, a note of amusement in its voice. "Very well. Let us talk." Ebonheim''s face lit up, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Really?" she asked, her excitement bubbling over. "Thank you! I promise I''ll do whatever it takes to make this work." The Ent waved a branch, beckoning her to sit on a nearby moss-covered boulder. "We shall see," it replied, lowering itself to the forest floor with a grace that belied its size. "Now, tell me more about this road of yours." Ebonheim sat on the bounder and stared up at the colossal being, her mouth agape. The Ent''s eyes, two glowing orbs of green light, bore into her, and she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of fear. But she was a goddess, after all, and she refused to be intimidated. She stood tall, mustering all the divine authority she could muster, and called out, "I am Ebonheim, goddess of the village south of here! Who might you be?" The Ent stared down at Ebonheim, its massive form casting a shadow over her. It took a moment to reply, its voice deep and resonant, like the wind blowing through the trees. "I am Elmsworth, guardian of the forest and protector of this realm. I have stood watch here for centuries, long before you came to be." Ebonheim floated up, bringing herself eye-to-eye with the ancient being. "Elmsworth, huh? Nice to meet you," she said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I''ve been working on this road, and it''s brought me to your lovely domain." Elmsworth''s eyes narrowed as he glanced at the dirt road behind her. "Yes, I see that. You''ve certainly been... busy," he replied, his tone dripping with disdain. Ebonheim ignored the Ent''s disapproval and continued cheerfully, "Isn''t it great? So, as I was saying earlier. I''d like to extend my road through your territory, if you don''t mind. I need the road to reach the western entrance of the forest valley." Elmsworth snorted, a sound like branches snapping. "You young gods always think you know best," he grumbled. "But the forest has its own ways, and it does not need your meddling." Ebonheim crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing in irritation. "Well, I think it''s a great idea, and I''m not meddling! I''m just trying to help my village." Elmsworth shook his head, his leafy hair rustling. "You may have good intentions, but you must learn to respect the natural order of things." Ebonheim huffed, her iridescent hair shimmering with annoyance. "Oh, I''m sure it''ll be fine. I''ve been careful not to disturb any homes or habitats while constructing it. Besides, the forest is vast! Surely there''s enough room for a simple road." The ancient Ent stared at her, his glowing green eyes unblinking. They stood in silence, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves and the babbling of the river nearby. The Ent sighed, the sound like the rustling of leaves on a windy day. "You may be right, but I must still consider the matter carefully. There is much to think about before allowing such a change in my domain." Ebonheim perked up, a hopeful smile on her face. "Really? You''ll let me build my road?" Elmsworth sighed, the sound like the creaking of ancient wood. "I did not say that. I said we shall talk. I will listen to your reasons, and then I will decide." Ebonheim nodded, eager for the opportunity. "Okay, that''s fair. Thank you, Elmsworth."
The two of them settled on the riverbank, Ebonheim''s feet dipping into the cool water as Elmsworth lowered himself onto his massive root-like legs. They began to talk, exchanging stories of their respective domains and the creatures that lived within them. As they spoke, Ebonheim couldn''t help but be captivated by the ancient Ent''s tales. He spoke of a time when the forest was young and the trees whispered secrets to one another. He told her of the great battles fought beneath the canopy, and the heroes who had come and gone. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the forest, Ebonheim knew she had to broach the subject of the road once more. "Elmsworth," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I''ve really enjoyed our conversation, but I must ask you again. Will you let me build my road through your domain?" Elmsworth sighed, his breath rustling the leaves around them. "Ebonheim, I must admit, you are a charming and passionate young goddess. However, I still cannot allow you to build your road through my domain." Ebonheim frowned, her golden eyes pleading. "But why, Elmsworth? I''ve told you how important this road is to my village. It could bring prosperity and new opportunities for my people." The ancient Ent shook his head, his voice firm. "The forest has existed long before your village, and it has its own ways. Building a road through my domain would disrupt the delicate balance of life here." "But think of all the good it could do!" Ebonheim insisted, her hands gesturing wildly. "We could create trade routes, connect distant kingdoms, and bring people together!" Elmsworth snorted, his limbs creaking as he folded his arms once more. "And what of the creatures that call my forest home? The delicate balance of nature that has existed here for millennia?" Ebonheim hesitated, her enthusiasm dampened by the Ent''s words. "Well, I... I hadn''t really thought about that," she admitted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "But surely there must be a way to create the road without causing too much harm?" The Ent''s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "And what guarantee do I have that your people will respect my forest once the road is built? That they will not chop down my trees and trample my flowers?" Ebonheim clenched her fists, her frustration growing. "But we can be careful! We''ll make sure not to harm any of the creatures or plants that call your forest home." Elmsworth''s green eyes bore into hers. "You may have good intentions, young goddess, but you cannot foresee the consequences of your actions. Once the road is built, there is no turning back." Ebonheim huffed, her patience wearing thin. "Well, what if we make a deal? I''ll do something for you in exchange for your permission to build the road. Anything you want!" The Ent raised a massive brow, considering her offer. "Anything, you say?" Ebonheim nodded eagerly. "Yes, anything! Just name it, and I''ll do it." Elmsworth stroked his mossy beard, deep in thought. After a few moments, he finally spoke. "Very well, Ebonheim. I propose a challenge. If you can best me in a contest of wits, I will allow you to build your road." Ebonheim blinked, taken aback by the unexpected proposal. "A contest of wits? What do you mean?" The ancient Ent grinned, revealing a row of bark-like teeth. "A battle of riddles, young goddess. If you can solve my riddles, then you may build your road. But if you fail, you must abandon your project and leave my domain in peace." Ebonheim hesitated, unsure if she was clever enough to outwit the ancient being. But the fate of her village hung in the balance, and she knew she couldn''t back down. With a determined nod, she agreed. "Alright, Elmsworth. I accept your challenge." The Ent and the goddess exchanged riddles, their banter filling the air with laughter and groans of frustration. Ebonheim found herself surprised by Elmsworth''s humor and wit, despite his grumpy exterior. And while some of his riddles were undoubtedly ancient and perplexing, she managed to hold her own. However, as the contest drew on, it became clear that neither of them would emerge a clear victor. Their riddles and answers flew back and forth, the night growing darker as the stars appeared overhead. Finally, as the moon reached its zenith, Elmsworth held up a massive hand, signaling the end of their contest. "Enough, Ebonheim. We have been at this for hours, and it seems we are evenly matched. I must admit, you have surprised me with your cleverness." Ebonheim smiled, feeling a sense of pride at the Ent''s words. ¡°So, what does this mean for my road?" Elmsworth''s expression grew serious, his eyes heavy with the weight of his decision. "Ebonheim, your dedication to your village and your tenacity in our contest have impressed me. However, I still cannot permit you to build your road through my domain." Ebonheim sighed, her hands on her hips as she stared at the Ent. "Come on, can''t we work something out?" she implored, her eyes glimmering with determination. Elmsworth paused, considering her words. "There is a task you could perform, young goddess. Deep within the forest, there is a grove of trees that has been tainted by a dark presence. If you can cleanse the grove and restore balance to the land, I will grant you permission to build your road through my domain." Ebonheim''s eyes lit up at the challenge. "A dark presence, you say? Consider it done, Elmsworth! I''ll cleanse the grove and prove that I''m capable of handling the responsibility of the road." The Ent nodded, the creaking of its branches echoing through the forest. "Very well, young goddess. I shall await your return, and if you are successful, we shall discuss the road further." Chapter 19: Hello, Neighbor! Part II Ebonheim paced the edge of the feast hall, her iridescent hair shimmering with each step. Her fingers danced over the smooth wood of her Ebon bow, her eyes searching the room for the elder she sought. A hush fell over the gathering as Hilda entered, her white hair cascading like moonlight over her shoulders. "Ah, there you are, Hilda," Ebonheim said, breaking the silence. "I need to talk to you about something important." Hilda raised an eyebrow, her blue eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And what might that be, dear goddess?" she replied, her voice a rich, warm timbre. "An Ent called Elmsworth has given me a quest," Ebonheim said, her gold eyes flashing with determination. "I need to cleanse a corrupted grove in his forest. It''s the only way he''ll allow us to build the road we need." Hilda''s gaze sharpened, her face falling into a somber expression. "Elmsworth, the ancient Ent of the West? I''ve met him once before, over a winter ago. He''s a wise and powerful being, but his trust is hard to earn." Ebonheim sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her responsibility. "I know, but our village needs this road, and I''ll do whatever it takes to secure his favor." Hilda sat on her chair. "Tell me more of this quest that Elmsworth tasked you with." Ebonheim recounted her encounter with the Ent as the other elders listened in. Hilda furrowed her brow, concern etched on her features. "If it''s to cleanse a corrupted grove, it most likely has something to do with Aelindra." Ebonheim tilted her head. "Who''s that? Someone you know?" Hilda placed a wrinkled hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder. "I haven''t met her personally, but I''ve heard of her plight from the other forest spirits that reside within Elmsworth''s forest. They told me that she was a gentle and kind spirit who cared for all living things. Something must have happened to her, something that caused her to become corrupted." "What could have caused her to fall so far from her original nature?" Ebonheim asked. Hilda shook her head, her white hair swaying gently. "I cannot say for certain, but I believe it may have been a dark force, an evil that has seeped into the heart of the grove and twisted Aelindra into a malevolent being." Ebonheim''s grip tightened on her bow, her resolve growing with each word. "Then I must help her and cleanse the grove of whatever plagues it." Hilda''s expression softened, a proud smile gracing her aged features. "You have a kind heart, Ebonheim, and I know you''ll do whatever it takes to save Aelindra and the grove." Ebonheim''s cheeks flushed at the praise. "Thank you, Hilda. I won''t let you, the village, or Elmsworth down. I promise." The elder placed her hand over Ebonheim''s, her voice filled with warmth. "I know you won''t, dear goddess. Now, let me tell you more about the grove itself..." Ebonheim listened intently as Hilda spoke, committing every detail to memory. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the feast hall filled with the soft glow of firelight, she prepared herself for the journey ahead. Thorsten and Bjorn awaited her as she exited the feast hall. "You need us to come with you?" Bjorn asked. "We don''t want another repeat of what happened at the mine," Thorsten added. They were both properly geared for battle. Ebonheim shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but no, I''m going alone. We don''t know the details of the corruption and I can''t risk you two getting hurt." Bjorn sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Very well, we''ll do as you command, goddess." "That''s fine, we''ll stay here and guard the village," Thorsten said, sounding rather disappointed. "Just don''t get yourself killed out there." Ebonheim laughed. "No way that''ll happen. Don''t worry, I''ll be back soon enough." The pair watched as she strode through the village, her gait brisk, her white dress billowing behind her. "You worried?" Bjorn asked Thorsten. "Very."
The sun had barely risen when Ebonheim, armed with her Ebon bow and the knowledge Hilda had shared, set out to cross into Elmsworth''s territory. The forest was still, its silence broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant song of a lark. As Ebonheim crossed the invisible border, she felt a subtle shift in the air, as though the essence of the forest had changed. A whisper of wind brushed past her, carrying with it the faintest scent of pine and wildflowers. The trees seemed to lean in, their branches intertwining overhead, creating a canopy that bathed the forest floor in dappled sunlight. Ebonheim couldn''t help but marvel at the beauty around her, the serenity that Elmsworth''s domain seemed to exude. As she ventured deeper into the forest, she began to encounter the creatures that called it home. A family of deer grazed in a nearby clearing, their ears flicking at Ebonheim''s approach before deciding she posed no threat. A squirrel chattered at her from a high branch, its bushy tail twitching with curiosity. She even caught sight of a majestic white stag, its antlers a tangled crown of branches that stretched toward the heavens. Ebonheim moved through the forest with reverence, careful not to disturb the delicate balance that Elmsworth had cultivated. As she spent a good part of the morning walking, she started to realize that she was lost. The way to Aelindra''s grove was forgotten even after Elmsworth and Hilda had told her. "Uh oh..." With no other guide to follow, she kept wandering and hoping to stumble upon her destination.
The sun had climbed high into the sky when Ebonheim came upon the first sign that something was amiss. A solitary tree, its leaves wilted and blackened, stood like a blight upon the otherwise pristine landscape. As she approached, she could feel the tree''s pain, its once vibrant energy now tainted and twisted. Ebonheim laid a hand upon its trunk, murmuring a soft word of comfort. "I''ll find the source of this corruption," she promised. "I''ll cleanse this grove and restore your beauty." This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. As she continued on her path, the whispers of the forest seemed to grow louder, their voices a mixture of sorrow and anger. Ebonheim strained to understand the words, her heart aching with empathy for the forest''s plight. It was clear that Aelindra''s influence had spread far beyond the grove, her corruption seeping into the heart of Elmsworth''s domain. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon when Ebonheim felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. She turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she beheld a tiny, ethereal figure that had appeared beside her. Its body seemed to be made of leaves and vines, its delicate wings shimmering like gossamer in the fading light. "Greetings, o'' goddess. I am Ivera, a spirit of this forest," the creature said, her voice the gentle rustle of leaves on the wind. "I know of your quest, and I wish to help you find the corrupted dryad and cleanse our home." Ebonheim''s heart swelled with gratitude, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Oh, thank the gods," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I was so lost. I think I''ve been walking in circles for hours and I was about to shout Elmsworth''s name and ask for directions again." Ivera''s spindle-shaped eyes blinked. "Um...what? Did you get lost? That''s...that''s wonderful! Oh, I should have known you''d figure out a way to get lost in a place like this. Don''t worry, I''ll take you straight to the Aelindra''s grove." It was Ebonheim''s turn to look confused. "Pardon?" Did this sprite just make fun of her? Ivera giggled, her leafy body shaking with mirth. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude. Come, come. I''ll show you the way." With a nod, Ivera took to the air, leading Ebonheim deeper into the woods, toward the heart of the corruption and the fate that awaited her there.
Ebonheim followed Ivera through the dense forest, the sun''s rays growing weaker as they ventured deeper into Elmsworth''s territory. The once-vibrant foliage now appeared sickly, the leaves tinged with a sinister darkness. The whispers of the forest grew more insistent, their voices warped and unsettling, like the echoes of a nightmare. Ivera flitted ahead, her tiny body radiating concern as they neared the source of the corruption. "We''re close now," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I can feel the grove''s pain, its despair." Ebonheim''s grip tightened on her Ebon bow, her eyes scanning the shadowed woods for any sign of danger. "I''m ready," she whispered, her voice filled with resolve. "Whatever it takes, I will cleanse this grove and free Aelindra from her torment." As they continued on their path, the forest seemed to close in around them, the twisted branches forming a suffocating embrace. Ebonheim could sense the trees'' anguish, their once-harmonious song now a discordant cacophony of pain and fear. A question formed in Ebonheim''s mind, one that had been gnawing at her ever since she had set foot in Elmsworth''s domain. She glanced at Ivera, her expression troubled. "Ivera, there''s something I''ve been wondering," she began, her voice hesitant. "Why hasn''t Elmsworth cleansed the corruption himself? Surely, as the lord of this forest, he has the power to do so." Ivera paused in midair, her wings fluttering softly as she considered the question. "Elmsworth is ancient and wise," she said slowly, her voice thoughtful. "But even he has his limits. Aelindra''s corruption has spread too deep, too quickly, for him to combat on his own. He has tried to heal the grove, but his efforts have only slowed the spread of the corruption, not stopped it." Ebonheim nodded, taking in the sprite''s words. "But why me?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I''m grateful for the opportunity to help, but I''m no powerful deity. I''m still learning about my own abilities." Ivera smiled gently at Ebonheim, her luminous eyes filled with warmth. "Sometimes, it is not raw power that is needed, but a compassionate heart and a strong will. Elmsworth believes in you, as do I. We have faith that you will succeed where others might falter." "Really? Thank you for having faith in me. I''ll do everything in my¡ª" Ivera squinted at her eyes and interrupted. "No, no. I was just flattering you. Honestly, I don''t know why he decided to ask for your help. It''s like asking an ant to stop a forest fire." Ebonheim felt the vein on her forehead begin to throb. "Oh...well, I''ll do my best anyways." The whispers of the forest seemed to grow quieter, their voices a twisted symphony of sorrow and rage. Ebonheim strained to understand their words, her heart heavy with the weight of Aelindra''s influence. "What do they say, Ivera?" Ebonheim asked, her eyes searching the shadows for the sprite. Ivera hovered nearby, her expression grim. "They speak of Aelindra''s transformation, the darkness that has consumed her heart," she replied, her voice barely audible above the whispers. "They mourn for the loss of their guardian and the grove that once flourished under her care." The whispers seemed to grow quieter, as if acknowledging her pledge, and Ebonheim felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Ivera at her side, she continued onward, her eyes set on the heart of the grove and the darkness that awaited her there.
As they delved further into the corrupted grove, Ebonheim spotted a small, ethereal figure flitting between the twisted branches of a nearby tree. The figure appeared to be another forest spirit, its body shimmering with a soft, green light. It glanced warily at Ebonheim and Ivera before approaching them with a curious tilt of its head. "Who are you, and why have you come here?" the spirit asked, its voice delicate and wavering. Ebonheim stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I am Ebonheim, goddess of the village that bears my name," she replied. "I have come to cleanse this grove and free Aelindra from the corruption that has taken hold of her." The spirit regarded Ebonheim with a mixture of surprise and hope. "You are brave to venture into this darkness," it said softly. "But I fear the task you have set before yourself is not an easy one. Aelindra''s corruption runs deep, and the source of her torment is unlike anything we have ever encountered." "What is it?" Ebonheim asked, her brow furrowing in concern. "What has caused her to fall so far from her true nature?" The spirit hesitated, its eyes filled with sorrow. "We believe the source of the corruption is a strange device that has become lodged within Aelindra herself," it explained. "It is unlike anything we have seen before, a mixture of magic and technology that seems to feed on her essence, twisting her powers and turning her against the grove she once protected." Ebonheim furrowed her brow. "Magitech?" she whispered, her voice filled with dread. "But how did such a device come to be within the dryad? Who would do such a thing?" The spirit shook its head, its expression pained. "We do not know. The device appeared suddenly, and its effects were swift and devastating. Elmsworth has tried to remove it, but the corruption has spread too quickly, and he has been unable to reach Aelindra herself." "Then I will find a way to remove the device and free Aelindra from its influence," she vowed, her voice strong and unwavering. "It''s not the first time I had to deal with something corrupted." The spirit gazed at Ebonheim with newfound respect, its eyes alight with hope. "If anyone can succeed in this task, Ebonheim, it is you," it said softly. "Aelindra''s fate, and the fate of this grove, now rest in your hands." Ebonheim''s eyes shimmered from the praise but still held her breath to see if the spirit turned it around as Ivera did earlier. Nothing. This one was genuine. She looked over at Ivera and smiled with pride, to which Ivera just shrugged and gave a faint smile as well. As Ebonheim and Ivera continued their journey towards the heart of the corrupted grove, guided by the forest spirit, it told of the tale between Elmsworth and Aelindra. The spirit paused, its gaze distant, as if lost in memory. "Long ago, Aelindra and Elmsworth were close allies, their bond a testament to the harmony that once existed between our forest and the Ent''s domain. They worked together to nurture the grove, their combined power creating a haven for all who dwelled within." The spirit''s voice caught, the weight of its grief evident in its words. "But now she has become corrupted. The darkness consumed her, transforming her into the twisted creature that now haunts these woods." Just as the spirit finished speaking, a guttural roar echoed through the grove, followed by the sound of branches snapping and the earth trembling beneath their feet. Ebonheim''s heart raced as she readied her Ebon bow, her eyes scanning the darkened forest for the source of the disturbance. "What was that?" she whispered, her voice tense with anticipation. The spirit''s face paled, its eyes wide with fear. "Something is coming," it breathed, its voice barely audible. "Something terrible." Chapter 20: Hello, Neighbor! Part III A chilling gust of wind blew through the grove, carrying with it the distant echoes of the corrupted creatures'' guttural roars. Ebonheim readied her bow, her eyes scanning the darkened forest for the source of the disturbance. Beside her, Ivera fluttered anxiously, the sprite''s usual glow dimmed in the face of the impending threat. The forest spirit that was with them faded out of the material realm, its body disappearing in a swirl of leaves and branches. [Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank II) activated] [Essence: 170 -> 150] [6 charges remaining] Six leaf-shaped ethereal lights manifested behind her shoulder as she channeled her Enchanted Essence Bolt. "Stay close, Ivera," she whispered. The sprite nodded, her tiny wings fluttering nervously. She took refuge in the goddess''s hair, her body a cold pinprick against Ebonheim''s scalp. The first creature to emerge from the darkness was an abomination, once perhaps a bear, now a hulking machine of flesh and twisted metal. Its eyes glowed an unnatural red, and steam hissed from the contraption on its back. It roared, a sound that was more mechanical than animal, and lunged for Ebonheim. Ebonheim moved fluidly, sidestepping the attack and letting her Essence Bolt fly. The bolt struck the creature''s chest and exploded in a brilliant burst of light and energy. The creature roared in pain, its flesh melted, and the metal on its back warped and cracked. Despite her weakened state from being outside her domain, the divine energy still proved effective against corrupted creatures. Out of the mangled underbrush, more corrupted animals emerged, their forms twisted and grotesque. Metal protruded from their flesh, their eyes glowed with a sickly green light, and a chilling mechanical hum accompanied their movements. A pack of corrupted wolves, their bodies misshapen and covered in thick, chitinous plates, slunk out of the undergrowth, growling and snapping at her. Ebonheim loosed a bolt into the pack''s midst, its ethereal light exploding across the creatures'' bodies, but the beasts only redoubled their efforts. Ebonheim readied her bow again, her face grim as she took aim and let fly. The Essence Bolt struck a wolf in mid-leap, its head exploding in a shower of blood and gore. From her vantage point, Ivera called out, "Ebonheim, don''t you have more powers?" Ebonheim didn''t hesitate. Raising her free hand, she invoked her Forest''s Call, her voice a melodic chant that carried over the growls and roars. [Divine Ability: Forest''s Call cannot be activated in this domain] Her eyes widened. That wasn''t good. Was it because she was within the corrupted grove or was it because this was outside her domain? Her Enchanted Essence Bolt was working, so did that mean she was only barred from using powers that affected the forest? "I can''t use some of my powers right now," she stated. This complicated things a bit, but she could still fight. The corrupted bear, recovering from Ebonheim''s attack, lunged at her again. Ebonheim rolled away, narrowly avoiding its claws, and quickly loosed another Essence Bolt. It struck true, exploding on the creature''s face, and with a bellowing roar, it fell. Suddenly, a corrupted stag, its eyes gleaming with a strange, unnatural light, charged towards her. Ebonheim turned, but it was too late¡ªthe impact knocked her off her feet, sending her sprawling onto the ground. [You''ve taken 17 kinetic damage] [Health] 170 -> 153] Gritting her teeth against the pain that flared in her side, Ebonheim rolled, narrowly avoiding the stag''s antlers as it lunged at her. She scrambled to her feet, her hand closing around the shaft of her bow. She fired another Essence Bolt, the divine projectile cutting through the air to sear through the stag''s side. It collapsed, the light in its eyes fading away. Ebonheim took a moment to catch her breath. The wolves, however, continued their assault. They were agile, circling around her, snapping at her legs and back as she maneuvered through the forest. A wolf leapt at her from behind, its jaws wide and ready to snap, and Ebonheim spun around and swung her bow, hitting the wolf on its head, the impact staggering it. Another wolf lunged at her. "Ivera!" she shouted as she deflected its bite with her bow. "A little help here?" The sprite bobbed her head. "I probably should," she responded, fluttering out of Ebonheim''s hair and into the air. Ebonheim watched as the sprite danced around a pair of corrupted wolves, her tiny form a blur of motion. She danced between their snapping jaws, leading them on a merry chase while her tiny hands glowed with a soft light. Along Ivera''s path, images of fluffy rabbits flickered into existence around the wolves that chased her. She laughed as one by one they started chasing after their phantom prey. "Did that help?" Ivera asked. "Yeah, that''s...a big help!" Ebonheim strained as she kept the wolf''s mouth wedged with her bow as it continued to reach for her. "I can''t hold this thing off forever. Can you help me out with this one too?" "Of course, Ebonheim," the sprite said, floating closer to the creature. She extended her hands towards the beast and let loose a bolt of light, its ethereal tendrils wrapping themselves around the wolf''s torso. The wolf thrashed and growled, but its strength flagged as Ivera''s power held the creature in place. Ebonheim quickly dispatched the wolf with a final bolt to the head. The last of the glowing leaves floating behind her shoulder faded out, signifying that her Enchanted Essence Bolt had no more charges. "That''s four," Ivera said. "Are you going to be okay to take care of the rest?" Ebonheim nodded, activating her Enchanted Essence Bolt once more. Six new leaves of ethereal light sprouted behind her. [Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank II) activated] [Essence: 150 -> 130] [6 charges remaining] Power flowed from the bow, seeping into her veins, and she rose, her golden eyes ablaze. She pulled back her bowstring and her divine energy coalesced into the form of a radiant arrow. Time seemed to slow as she took aim, the snarling wolves a mere backdrop to the singular point of her focus. She released the Essence Bolt, the world exploding back into motion as it streaked towards its target. The arrow hit true, striking a wolf in the neck and exploding into a flash of blinding golden light. She loosed another Essence Bolt, and then another, each one finding its mark. The corrupted wolves fell one by one, their bodies crumpling to the ground. Finally, the last of the corrupted creatures fell, the forest once again silent but for the creaking of the trees and the soft murmur of the wind. Ebonheim sagged, the adrenaline leaving her in a rush. "Are you okay?" Ivera asked, hovering beside her. Ebonheim nodded. "I''m fine. Thanks for the help." Ivera sighed. "If you''re already struggling here, then I''m not sure how well you''ll fare with saving Aelindra." Ebonheim shrugged. "She''s been corrupted by a Magitech device. But if she''s not mindless and hostile like these animals, then I''ll find a way to return her to normal." Ivera nodded, but her face still showed concern. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Ebonheim reached out and took the sprite''s hand. "I''ll figure something out. You''ll see." "Alright, I''ll trust you on this. We should get moving then. Aelindra awaits."
Into the heart of the tainted grove they trekked, the usual songs of the forest replaced by an eerie silence. As they broke through a thicket of brambles, they reached a clearing, the center dominated by a large, twisted tree that stood taller and more grotesque than the others. It was around this tree that the corruption seemed most potent, the ground beneath it blackened and lifeless. At the base of the tree, hunched over and shrouded in a miasma of corruption, was a figure. Ebonheim''s heart clenched at the sight, a pit forming in her stomach. It was Aelindra. The dryad¡¯s skin had taken on a sickly hue, patches of it replaced with gleaming metal. Her hair was a tangle of vines and leaves, her eyes a haunting, vacant green. A filigree of wires tethered her to the tree. Ebonheim took a step forward, her hand reaching out to the dryad, but Ivera''s tiny hand on her arm stopped her. "Ebonheim, wait," the sprite said, her voice filled with fear. "It''s too dangerous. If you get close, you could get corrupted too." "It''s alright," Ebonheim replied. "I''ll be fine. Just stay back." Ebonheim''s gaze fell on the dryad once more and saw a faint glow emanating from Aelindra''s chest, a pulsating light that beat in time with the dryad''s shallow breaths. The Magitech device. ¡°Hang on, Aelindra. We''re here to help,¡± Ebonheim called out, her voice firm yet gentle. The dryad didn¡¯t respond, her vacant eyes staring blankly ahead. But as Ebonheim drew closer, a low growl rumbled through the grove, the ground beneath them shaking. The dryad¡¯s form shifted, her body twisting and contorting as she turned to face Ebonheim. The magitech device in her chest glowed brighter, and with a chilling scream, Aelindra lunged at her. Ebonheim was ready. She sidestepped the attack, her hand reaching to draw her bow but she hesitated. She couldn¡¯t kill Aelindra; she was here to save her. She needed another way. ¡°Ebonheim, look out!¡± Ivera¡¯s warning came just in time. Ebonheim ducked, a gnarled branch swiping over her head. She rolled away, putting some distance between her and the corrupted dryad. ¡°Ivera,¡± she called out, her eyes never leaving the dryad. ¡°The device. I need to get to it.¡± Ivera¡¯s eyes widened in understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll distract her, you go!¡± With a nod, Ebonheim readied herself. This was their only chance. As Ivera darted forward, her magic sparking to life, Ebonheim charged. Aelindra¡¯s attention was on the sprite, her attacks wild and unfocused. Ebonheim closed the distance. She reached out, her hand closing around the magitech device. And then, everything went black. [You''ve taken 40 arcane damage] [Health] 153 -> 113] Ebonheim''s fingers barely brushed the device when a force like a lightning bolt coursed through her, hurtling her backward. She crashed into the underbrush some distance away, her head spinning and her hand stinging from the contact. "Hey, you okay?" Ivera fluttered over, her tiny face etched with concern. Ebonheim sat up gingerly, rubbing the back of her head. She looked at her palm, the flesh seared as if she had just grasped a lump of hot coal. "I''ve been better," she muttered. "That thing''s got some serious protection on it." She looked over and saw that Aelindra had returned to her vacant state. It looked like she only became hostile if they got too close. Even the animals around the grove looked dazed, meandering around aimlessly and ignoring their presence. Turning to Ivera, Ebonheim said, ¡°We need to remove that device.¡± ¡°But how?¡± Ivera fluttered anxiously. ¡°Look what it did to you.¡± Her mind raced, bits and pieces of information jumbling together. The Magitech device was causing the corruption, but how? Was it releasing some sort of energy? Was it manipulating the natural magic of the grove? And if so, how could they stop it? Ebonheim¡¯s gaze flitted back to the device, her brow furrowing. ¡°I''m not sure, but I think...¡± her voice trailed off as she activated her Divine Sight. [Divine Sight (Rank II) activated] [Essence: 130 -> 125] The world around her transformed. She could see the rivers of energy flowing through the grove, converging on Aelindra. Intricate webs of arcane energy swirled and pulsed around the magitech device. But she could also see something else, a pattern, a rhythm to the pulse. Ebonheim''s gaze was drawn to the flow of energy, watching as it twisted and contorted, bending to the will of the Magitech device. Something about it seemed... systematic. Like it was following some kind of pattern, a set of rules. "Ebonheim?" Ivera''s voice broke through her thoughts. "What do you see?" "It''s... It''s like a dance," she said, her brow furrowing in confusion. "The energy around Aelindra, it''s moving in a pattern." "A pattern?" Ivera fluttered closer, her light reflecting in Ebonheim''s wide eyes. "What kind of pattern?" "I... I''m not sure. It''s not natural. It''s..." Ebonheim paused, struggling to find the words. "It''s mechanical." "Mechanical?" Ivera''s wings fluttered nervously. "Like the device?" "Yes," Ebonheim nodded, her gaze still locked on the flow of energy. "I think...I think the device is controlling it." "But how do we stop it?" Ivera asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don''t know," Ebonheim admitted. Ebonheim turned to face the dryad again, her eyes fixed on the device. "Maybe if I can break the pattern, I might be able to free her from the device." Easier said than done. She had no clue where to start. Maybe if she was more familiar with Aelindra and the grove, she''d have a better idea of how to start. "Ivera, I need your help. I need you to tell me everything you know about this grove, about Aelindra. Everything." Ivera hesitated, a flicker of fear passing over her face. But then she nodded, her tiny shoulders lifting in a shaky breath. "Okay." Ivera began to share her knowledge of the grove, of Aelindra, of the rhythm of life that had once flowed harmoniously here. Ebonheim listened, her eyes still locked onto the pulsating device lodged in the dryad''s chest. The sprite¡¯s words wove a tapestry of the grove''s life, the symbiosis between its flora and fauna, and the part Aelindra played in it. The sprite spoke of seasons, of cycles, of life and death and rebirth. She spoke of the way Aelindra would hum lullabies to the seedlings in the spring, her voice coaxing them from their slumber. She spoke of the birds that would nest in Aelindra''s branches, the squirrels that would scamper along her limbs, the deer that would seek shelter under her leaves. "The grove used to thrive," Ivera said, her voice wavering. "Aelindra was its heartbeat, its soul. But now..." Ebonheim nodded, a grim understanding in her eyes. "This device... it''s taken over. I think it''s controlling the rhythm, the cycle." "What does that mean? How can that device control the rhythms of nature?" "I don''t understand either," Ebonheim confessed as the pieces began to fall into place. "But I think that device is creating a new rhythm, a new pattern, one that''s unnatural, unbalanced." Ebonheim looked over at Aelindra once more and peered at the Magitech device lodged in her chest. Her eyes widened as she saw something that she hadn''t noticed at first glance since she was focused only on the arcane energies flowing around the dryad. There were symbols etched into the air in front of the device. She squinted, trying to make out the details. Each symbol pulsed and twisted in time with Aelindra''s heartbeat, a rhythm that seemed to echo through the entire grove. "Wait, there are also symbols in front of the device," Ebonheim said. "What do they mean?" Ivera asked, her light dancing across Ebonheim''s eyes. "Do you recognize them?" "They''re...numbers," Ebonheim replied as she stared at them intently, the numbers glowing in an eerie sequence. "And they''re not just glowing, they''re changing. Almost as if...like it''s counting." "Counting?" Ivera gave a puzzled look. Ebonheim nodded. "Yeah...like it''s following a set of rules. An equation, maybe?" "What''s an equation?" Ivera asked. Ebonheim was hard-pressed to answer since she had only learned about the concept from having listened to Roderick''s brief explanation of how magitech devices like his mechanical spider wagon worked. After he had left, Engin started teaching her about mathematics, stating that it would be useful in the future when she would take a more active role in managing the village. It was all a lot to take in and she barely understood half of his lessons. Though it all, she''d been skeptical of its value, but maybe it could prove its use here. "It''s a bit hard to explain," she answered. "But I learned from a friend of mine that the enchantments inside magitech devices rely on complex equations to work properly. If I can figure out how that device is working, I might be able to disable it." "Great! Come on then, figure it out already!" "I''m thinking, I''m thinking." From what she''s observed so far, webs of arcane energy flowed throughout the grove and converged to Aelindra. The device emitted a pulse that had some sort of pattern to it, but the symbols pulsed in tandem with Aelindra''s heartbeat. There was something there. Ebonheim frowned, taking a step back to take in the whole scene. She focused her attention and traced the flow of energy that branched off of the dryad. It flowed to the trees, but not to all of them. It flowed to different types of animals, but only those within a certain distance of the dryad. When an animal wandered too far away, the energy connected to it switched to a different animal nearby. The corrupted trees, the corrupted animals, Aelindra... Suddenly, a realization dawned on her. "The equation isn''t just on the device," she said slowly. "It''s the grove." "What do you mean?" Ivera asked, floating closer. Ebonheim took a deep breath, piecing together her thoughts. "Look around. The number of corrupted trees, the variety of corrupted animals. Since the grove is a part of Aelindra, they''re all parts of the equation. And her heartbeat...I think it''s a constant in this equation." Ivera blinked at her, then looked around the grove. "So how do we change the ''equation''?" Ebonheim¡¯s gaze hardened as she looked back at Aelindra, an idea taking root in her mind. "We change the grove. If this... equation is based on the grove, we change the factors it''s counting and maybe that will give us a way to reverse the corruption." Chapter 21: Hello, Neighbor! Part IV Ebonheim stood at the edge of the clearing, her gaze sweeping over the corrupted grove. The twisted trees, the corrupted animals, the pulsating device lodged in Aelindra''s chest. Each piece of the puzzle was right in front of her, but how did they fit together? Her Divine Sight allowed her to see the arcane energy that emanated from Aelindra, but more specifically from the magitech device lodged in her chest. The energy flowed like a river, branching off from Aelindra and weaving through the grove. Ebonheim focused on the trees first, tracing the flow of energy to each one. She counted silently, her brow furrowing as she realized the extent of the corruption. Next, she turned her attention to the animals. They were harder to count, their forms shifting and changing as they moved throughout the area. There were more corrupted trees than animals. But while the animals were fewer in number, their corruption was more potent, the energy around them pulsating with a darker hue. She looked back at the device and found the sequence of numbers that correlated to the number of trees and animals. However, there were still two sets of numbers that were unknown to her. One of them could be related to Aelindra''s heartbeat. An idea popped into her mind on how to figure out the remaining mystery. "Ivera," she called, "I need you to do something for me." The sprite fluttered over, her tiny face filled with concern. "What is it? What can I do to help?" "I need you to lure a few animals away from the grove," Ebonheim explained. "Huh? What for?" "Earlier, when an animal wandered off the grove, the energy connected to it vanished. I didn''t look at the numbers on the device at that time so I didn''t see what changed. So now I need you to lure a few animals away while I watch the device. Can you do that?" Ivera looked doubtful. "I can try placing a charm spell on them to guide them away. I''ve done it before so I know it still works on them but...are you sure that this will do something?" "I''m not," Ebonheim admitted. "But it''s worth a try." With a sigh and a nod, Ivera flew off, her tiny form disappearing into the underbrush. Ebonheim watched her go, then turned her attention back to the grove. She focused on the device, watching the numbers change as Ivera led the animals away. As the numbers shifted, there was no change in Aelindra. The dryad remained still, her vacant eyes staring blankly ahead. The corruption was still there, as potent as ever. However, she noticed that the numbers on the device associated with the number of corrupted animals in the grove diminished. One of the unknown sets of numbers also diminished. A short while later, Ivera returned, flying over to land beside Ebonheim. "Alright, I got lured some of them away. Just so you know, they go crazy and hostile once they left the area and after my spell wore off. Maybe that''s why those animals attacked us earlier." Ebonheim nodded. "Yeah...maybe." She turned her attention back to Aelindra and narrowed her eyes as she studied the device again. "How many animals did you manage to lure?" "Um...two deers, three squirrels, and a rabbit." Six animals. Ebonheim looked at the numbers once more and saw that the amount matched how much the numbers represented the number of animals linked to the device. She shifted her attention to the unknown set, expecting the number to be three less...and it was! "I think I have an idea now," she said softly. "Well don''t just keep it to yourself," Ivera fumed. "What is it?" "Sorry," Ebonheim said sheepishly. "The numbers in front of the device represent the number of corrupted trees and animals linked to it. Some of the numbers also represent the types of animals...and maybe even the types of trees in the group, I''ll have to look at each one to be sure. The last bit of numbers must represent Aelindra''s heartbeat since it didn''t change." Ivera tilted her head in confusion. "Alright...so now that you''ve figured all of that out, can you save Aelindra?" "I have a few ideas to try. First, I want to see if having fewer corrupted trees compared to the number of corrupted animals linked to it would have any effect." "You mean to destroy the trees?" Ivera gasped. Ebonheim nodded firmly, readying her bow. "I don''t know how Aelindra will react but be prepared for any retaliation." It didn''t sit well with her, having to destroy trees that still had a chance to be cleansed, but she''ll devote some time to regrowing the damage done even if Elmsworth didn''t ask her to. "But what about the animals?" Ivera asked, her eyes wide with fear. "Won''t they attack us?" Ebonheim paused. She hadn''t considered that. If they saw her attacking the trees, they might see it as a threat and attack. "We''ll have to be careful," Ebonheim said, lowering her bow. "If that happens, can you try distracting them?" Ivera gulped. "Only if a few of them attack. If you put the whole grove into a frenzy then you''re on your own." Ebonheim smiled grimly and lifted her bow once more. "Let''s hope they don''t make things difficult." She activated her Enchanted Essence bolt power once more and six leaf-shaped sigils of light manifested behind her shoulder. She took aim at a corrupted tree, her fingers steady on the bowstring as light flared into existence, shaping into the form of her arrow. The Essence Bolt cut through the air, a streak of divine energy that hit the tree with a resounding crack. The tree shuddered, its branches shaking as the energy coursed through it. Then, with a deafening roar, it exploded, shards of wood and energy scattering in all directions. Ebonheim didn''t wait to see the aftermath. She nocked another divine arrow and let it fly, then another, and another. Each Essence Bolt found its mark, each tree exploding in a burst of energy, though the larger ones took three or more shots to destroy. As she worked, she kept a close eye on the animals in the grove, expecting them to attack. But the animals seemed to be ignoring her attacks altogether in their stupor. They continued to wander aimlessly. Ebonheim continued destroying the corrupted trees and watched their number dwindle on the device. But it wasn''t enough. There were still too many corrupted trees compared to the number of corrupted animals, and she didn''t have the Essence to continuously use her Enchanted Essence Bolt to bring the number of trees down further without waiting hours for her energy to replenish. She did notice a change in the number she thought only corresponded to the types of animals, which meant that the number also took into account the types of trees the device was linked to. She tried piecing it all together once again: There were more corrupted trees than animals, but each one was less than the number representing the types of animals and trees corrupted. The number representing the types of trees and animals corrupted was less than the combined amount, which made sense since multiple animals or trees of the same type were in the group. Finally, Aelindra''s heartbeat was less than the number representing the different types of trees and animals corrupted, but not by much. If all these factors were necessary to keep the grove corrupted, what if it was all reversed? A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. She turned to Ivera, her voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawing at her. "We need to lure more of the animals into the grove." Ivera''s eyes widened. "What?! You just told me to lure them out of the grove earlier. Now you want me to lure them back in?!" Ebonheim smiled apologetically. "Sorry, sorry! I don''t have the Essence to destroy enough of the trees unless you want to sit around while I recuperate my energy. Instead, I want to get more of the corrupted animals back in here. You won''t do it alone this time, I''ll go out too. We also need to make sure not to add more types of animals than what''s already present here." Ivera crossed her arms in front of her and grumbled. "Alright fine! But just so you know, I''m also running low on mana so this had better work." Ebonheim nodded and focused on accessing the Akashic System. She needed something similar to Ivera''s magic that could charm the animals. Glowing words shimmered into view in front of her. [Name] Charm Animals (Rank I) [Effect] This ability allows you to temporarily charm animals within a certain radius, influencing their behavior and making them friendly and cooperative towards you. [Range] 10-meter radius [Target] Animals within range [Duration] 1 hour [Cost] 10 Essence [Would you like to acquire this ability for 50 Quintessence] It¡¯d be a good investment, so yes. [Quintessence] 7508 -> 7458 [Acquired Divine Ability: Charm Animals (Rank I)] Perfect. This was much more efficient to use than her Essence Bolt and if it came down to it, she could use herself as bait and corral the animals back here.
Ebonheim and Ivera split up, each heading in a different direction. Ebonheim moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the forest for any signs of corrupted animals. She moved quietly, her steps light and careful. She didn''t want to startle any potential targets. She found a corrupted fox first, its fur matted and its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. It snarled at her approach, but Ebonheim held up her hands in a placating gesture. She reached out with her will and soft, soothing energy calmed the fox''s aggression. With a gentle push of her power, she guided the fox back towards the grove. It moved reluctantly, its body tense and ready to bolt. But Ebonheim kept her magic steady, her presence a calming force that kept the fox from fleeing. She repeated the process with a corrupted badger and a pair of corrupted birds, each one adding to the number of animals in the grove. Each time she returned, she checked the numbers on the device. The number representing animals was increasing, but it was still less than the number of corrupted trees. Meanwhile, Ivera was having her own success. She returned to the grove with a corrupted boar trailing behind her, its snout twitching nervously as its hooves thudded against the ground. The creature''s eyes glowed bright yellow and its mouth hung open. Following the boar was a corrupted hawk, crow, and sparrow, her magic guiding them into the grove. She was panting heavily, her wings fluttering weakly. "I...I think that''s all I can do," she said, her voice weak. "I''m...I''m out of mana." Ebonheim patted the sprite''s head lightly. "Good job." She looked back at the device. The number of corrupted animals was now greater than the number of corrupted trees. But the number representing the variety of species was still greater than the dryad''s heartbeat. In order to bring the number below the threshold, she needed to reduce the types of trees corrupted by three. "Okay. The last thing to do is see how many types of trees are corrupted, then destroy enough so that there are three fewer types." "And then Aelindra will be saved?" Ivera asked. "I''m hoping," Ebonheim replied. Ebonheim turned her attention to the corrupted trees, her gaze sweeping over the twisted forms. Each one was different, the corruption twisting and warping them into grotesque parodies of their former selves. But beneath the corruption, the essence of what they once were still remained. She moved closer to the nearest tree, her hand reaching out to brush against the gnarled bark. The tree shuddered under her touch, a low groan echoing through the grove. Ebonheim pulled her hand back, her brow furrowing as she studied the tree. It was an oak, its once mighty branches now twisted and gnarled. The leaves were a sickly yellow, the veins glowing with a faint, eerie light. Ebonheim moved on to the next tree, a birch. Its bark was blackened and cracked, the leaves shriveled and lifeless. One by one, she examined each tree, her mind cataloging the different species. Oak, birch, ash, pine, maple, willow, elm, yew, and hawthorn. Nine different species, each one corrupted and twisted. Her gaze fell on the hawthorn trees. There were only a few of them, their twisted forms standing out amongst the others. They were the fewest of a given type. If she destroyed them, it would reduce the number without causing too much damage to the grove. Ebonheim activated her Enchanted Essence Bolt once more and drew her bow, her fingers steady on the string. She took aim at the nearest hawthorn tree, her breath steady as she let the arrow fly. The arrow struck true, the tree shuddering as the divine energy coursed through it. With a deafening crack, the tree exploded, shards of wood and energy scattering in all directions. As the last tree fell, Ebonheim lowered her bow and looked over at the magitech device. The number representing the animals remained greater than the number of trees, and the variety of trees and animals was now less than the dryad''s heartbeat. The pattern of energy emanating from Aelindra and the device changed to a more subdued rhythm, a more natural flow. "That should be it." Ebonheim let out a breath she hadn''t realized she''d been holding. The conditions had been met. The grove should be cleansed. But nothing happened. Ebonheim frowned, her gaze locked on the device. The numbers were right. The conditions had been met. So why wasn''t the grove cleansed? "Ebonheim?" Ivera''s voice was soft, filled with worry. "What''s wrong? Why isn''t it working?" "I don''t know," Ebonheim admitted, her voice filled with frustration. "The conditions have been met. The grove should be cleansed." "Maybe...maybe it needs a push?" Ivera suggested. "Like, a burst of mana or something?" Ebonheim paused, considering the sprite''s words. It was possible. The device was magical, after all. Maybe it needed a magical trigger to deactivate. With a nod, Ebonheim raised her hand, her Essence gathering at her fingertips. She focused on the device, her Essence reaching out towards it. She could feel the corruption, the twisted arcane energy that pulsed from the device. But beneath it, she could also feel the natural magic of the grove, the life energy that had been suppressed by the corruption. With a deep breath, Ebonheim released her Essence. It surged forward, a wave of pure, cleansing energy that washed over Aelindra. It collided with the device, the impact sending a shockwave rippling through the grove. For a moment, everything was still. Then, slowly, the device began to glow. The light grew brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding. Then, with a final, brilliant flash, the light faded. Ebonheim blinked, her eyes adjusting to the sudden darkness. She looked at the device, the numbers were gone. The device was deactivated. She reached out, her hand closing around the device. This time, there was no shock, no force hurling her backward. Instead, the device felt cold, lifeless. With a firm tug, she pulled the device free. Aelindra let out a gasp, her body shuddering as the device was removed. The corruption receded, the sickly glow fading from her skin. The dryad slumped forward, her body limp. Ebonheim caught her, her arms wrapping around the dryad''s frail form. A soft gasp drew her attention. She turned to see Ivera, her eyes wide with awe. "Ebonheim...look." Ebonheim followed her gaze, her breath catching in her throat. The grove was changing. The corruption was fading, the twisted trees straightening and the animals shaking off their unnatural metallic shells. The grove was returning to its natural state. But the most dramatic change was Aelindra. The dryad was glowing, her body radiating a soft, green light. The metal patches on her skin were receding, replaced by healthy, vibrant bark. Ebonheim let out a breathless laugh, relief washing over her. Aelindra''s eyes fluttered open, the vacant look gone. She looked at Ebonheim, her gaze filled with confusion and fear. "What...what happened?" "You were corrupted," Ebonheim explained gently. "But you''re safe now." Aelindra''s gaze drifted to the device in Ebonheim''s hand, her eyes widening in horror. "That...that was in me?" Ebonheim nodded, her grip on the device tightening. "But it''s over now. The grove is safe." Aelindra let out a shaky breath, her body sagging against Ebonheim. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you." Ebonheim smiled. They had done it. They had cleansed the grove. The corruption was gone, the grove was safe, and Aelindra was free. As she held the dryad, Ebonheim looked around at the grove. The trees were regaining their natural color and shape. The metallic filigree covering the animals had vanished, leaving behind healthy fur and flesh. The ground around them had returned to its normal grassy brown. Ivera flew over and hugged Aelindra''s arm, a soft coo coming from her lips. Ebonheim let go of Aelindra and watched as both of them embraced. Ebonheim looked at the magitech device on her hand, its intricate spherical surface gleaming in the dim sunlight. Part of her wanted to completely destroy it here and now, but it didn''t seem to pose any threat anymore. And destroying it could potentially cause something worse to happen. She had never seen anything like it before, not even amongst Roderick¡¯s wares. Maybe she could ask him if he knew anything about it whenever he comes back from another visit. Either way, she should store this device somewhere safe and secluded before it could cause any more harm. Chapter 22: A Road to a New Horizon The sun was just beginning to set, casting long shadows through the ancient forest. The air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, a symphony of bird songs echoing through the trees. Ebonheim and Ivera stood before the colossal form of Elmsworth, the ancient Ent who served as the guardian of the forest. His bark-like skin was dappled with the golden light filtering through the canopy above, and his eyes glowed with a soft, green light. "Ebonheim," he rumbled, his voice echoing through the trees. "You have done well. The forest sings with joy, and the corruption has been purged. For this, you have my thanks." Ebonheim beamed, her golden eyes sparkling with pride. "It was the least I could do as your neighbor," she said. "My village has a saying: ''A friend in need, a friend indeed.''" Elmsworth''s eyes, two glowing orbs of green light, bore into her. "Indeed, you have," he rumbled. "You have proven yourself to be a goddess of your word, Ebonheim." Ebonheim smiled and placed her hands behind her as she looked up at him with while doing her best impression of a cute puppy expecting a treat. "I''m glad to hear you say that. So, about that road..." Elmsworth let out a low chuckle, a sound like the rumble of distant thunder. "Impatient as ever, I see," he said, a note of amusement in his voice. "Very well. You may build your road through my domain." Ebonheim''s eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Really?" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. She let out a whoop of joy, her iridescent hair shimmering as she spun around. "Thank you, Elmsworth! Thank you, thank you!" Elmsworth raised a massive hand, silencing her. "However," he continued, his voice stern, "there are conditions. You must respect my domain and its inhabitants. Any harm caused by those who travel your road will be your responsibility." Ebonheim nodded. That seemed like a fair enough condition. "I understand, Elmsworth. I promise to uphold my end of the agreement." "Good," Elmsworth rumbled, his eyes softening. "Then we have an understanding." Her eyes sparkling with joy, she turned to Ivera who was floating nearby. "Did you hear that?" Ebonheim exclaimed. "I can build my road!" Ivera rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "We heard, Ebonheim," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It''s not like Elmsworth''s voice is quiet or anything." Ebonheim stuck her tongue out at Ivera, causing the sprite to laugh. "Oh, hush, you," she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "This is a big deal!" The Ent''s gaze shifted to Ivera, who stood a little way off, her arms crossed over her chest. "And you, Ivera," he rumbled, "you have also played a part in this. Your guidance and wisdom have been invaluable." Ivera''s lips curled into a small smile, her icy blue eyes twinkling. "I merely offered advice," she said, her voice cool and calm. "Ebonheim did all the hard work." Ebonheim shot Ivera a playful glare. "Oh, don''t be so modest, Ivera," she chided, her tone light. "You were a big help, whether you admit it or not." Ivera rolled her eyes but said nothing, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. As they spoke, a soft rustling sound echoed through the forest, and Aelindra, the dryad, emerged from the trees. Her green eyes were bright, her skin glowing with a newfound vitality. She moved with a grace that was captivating, her every step in harmony with the rhythm of the forest. Elmsworth''s gaze then turned to Aelindra. "And you, Aelindra," he said, his voice softening, "you have endured much. Your strength and resilience are commendable." Aelindra bowed her head, her hands clasped before her. "Thank you, Elmsworth," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am just grateful to be free of the corruption." She then stepped forward, her eyes meeting Ebonheim''s. "Ebonheim," she said, her voice soft, "I... I wanted to thank you. For everything. You''ve saved not just me, but the entire grove." Ebonheim smiled, reaching out to gently touch Aelindra''s arm. "I''m just glad I could help, Aelindra. And I''m glad to see you''re doing well." Elmsworth made a sound as if clearing his throat, drawing their attention. "As touching as this is, there is still one matter that remains unresolved." Ebonheim turned to face him, her brow furrowing. "What''s that, Elmsworth?" Elmsworth''s eyes narrowed, his gaze turning to Aelindra. "The device that was embedded in you," he said, his voice grave. "How did it come to be there?" Aelindra''s expression darkened, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I... I''m not sure," she admitted. "I remember a group of humans came to the grove. They were different, not like the villagers from Ebonheim''s domain. They wore strange clothes and carried odd devices. They... they did something to me. I''ve no memory of what happened afterward. When I woke up, I was in Ebonheim''s arms." Ebonheim glanced between Aelindra and Elmsworth. This wasn''t good news. "And these humans," Elmsworth continued gravely, his voice grim, "do you recall anything about them? Their faces, their names...?" Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Aelindra shook her head. "No, I''m sorry. I wish I could tell you more." Elmsworth frowned, the corners of his mouth pulling downward. "That''s unfortunate," he said after a moment. "When did all this happen?" Ebonheim asked. Elmsworth turned to face her. "Four seasons ago was when I noticed the taint on the grove." "Did you sense any intrusion in your domain during that time?" Ebonheim pressed. Elmsworth gave a slow shake of his head. "Nothing," he said softly, his expression darkening further. "My senses are limited, unlike those of a god. Unless an event causes a great disturbance, the passing of mortal creatures through my forest goes unnoticed." Ebonheim frowned as she considered this. It seemed like a dead end for now. Perhaps they''d find a lead somewhere else? Aelindra placed her hands over her chest where the device had been embedded. "Do you think they''ll come back?" she asked quietly. "We cannot rule out that possibility," Elmsworth said slowly, his gaze drifting back to Aelindra. "But I will make certain precautions are taken should any inkling arise. You should do well to do the same for your domain, Ebonheim." Ebonheim nodded, then glanced at Ivera. "Ivera?" she asked. "Have you any thoughts about all this?" Ivera shook her head, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Not sure," she said, "the only strange thing I''ve seen recently was a human riding on top of his mechanical spider. He travels through the forest once in a while, but I''ve kept a close eye on him and I haven''t seen him do anything suspicious." She must be talking about Roderick. "I know of him," Ebonheim said. "His name is Roderick and he''s a traveling merchant that passes through my village. I don''t think he''s involved but I could ask him about the device the next time he comes over." Elmsworth inclined his head. "That would be wise. But for now, I believe our discussion has reached its conclusion. I will leave you to your duties, Ebonheim." "Thank you, Elmsworth. And I will be sure to keep an eye out." Elmsworth nodded, giving a brief bow before he turned to walk away, his lumbering footsteps soon faded into the forest. Aelindra followed suit after thanking her one last time, leaving Ebonheim and Ivera alone. As soon as they were gone, Ebonheim turned to Ivera, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey! Want to watch me build my road?" Ivera blinked at her. "What?" she asked, confused. "You want me to come along with you?" Ebonheim grinned. "Of course. I''ll get bored otherwise." Ivera rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. Let''s go then."
The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the forest as Ebonheim and Ivera set off. The air was crisp and cool, filled with the sweet scent of dew-kissed leaves and the gentle rustling of the trees. Ebonheim''s hands glowed with a soft, green light as she gently coaxed the earth and trees to make way for the road, her movements graceful and precise. Ivera fluttered around her, her tiny wings leaving a trail of sparkling dust in her wake. Her voice was soft and melodic, a stark contrast to Ebonheim''s bold and boisterous tone. "Are you sure this is the right way, Ebonheim?" Ivera asked, her tiny brow furrowed in concern. "The forest is dense here, and the trees are old and strong. It won''t be easy to convince them to move." Ebonheim chuckled, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "I''ve been told that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. But don''t worry, I''ve got this." She raised her hands, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air. The ground beneath them trembled, and the trees slowly began to part, their branches swaying and twisting out of the path''s way. Ivera let out a low whistle, her eyes widening. "That''s impressive." Ebonheim gave her a pleased smile. "You haven''t seen anything yet. I''ve got a lot more tricks up my sleeve." As they worked, the two of them shared stories and laughter, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Ebonheim used her powers to shape the land while Ivera provided moral support and occasional commentary. They laughed and chatted, their voices echoing through the forest. She found herself growing fond of the sprite, her cheerful disposition and playful teases were a welcome presence in the often lonely task of road-building. As time passed, the road grew longer, winding its way through the dense forest and towards the western entrance of the valley. Ebonheim''s enthusiasm never waned, her laughter echoing through the valley as she worked. Finally, after a couple more days of hard work, they reached the western entrance of the valley. Ebonheim stood at the edge of the forest, her eyes wide with awe as she took in the sight before her. The valley opened up into vast open plains, rolling hills stretching out as far as the eye could see. A few scattered trees dotted the landscape here and there, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The sky above was a brilliant blue, unmarred by clouds, and the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the landscape. A cool breeze wafted through the valley, carrying with it the scent of meadows and flowers. As she stood there, looking out over the vast expanse of land, Ebonheim felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. Her first task was done. She had built a road through the forest in hopes of connecting her village to the outside world. But as she looked out over the plains, a sense of uncertainty crept in. What would this new connection bring? Would it bring prosperity and new opportunities for her village, as she hoped? Or would it bring unforeseen challenges and dangers? She shook her head, dispelling the doubts. She had to believe that this was the right path, for her and for her village. Ivera fluttered in front of Ebonheim. "What are you thinking about?" she asked curiously. Ebonheim gave the sprite a warm smile. "Nothing," she said, returning her gaze to the plains. "I''m just glad we''ve made progress." "So, what''s the plan from here?" Ivera asked. Ebonheim gave a thoughtful frown before looking back at Ivera with a big smile on her face. "Wanna visit my village?" Ivera cocked her head to one side, her tiny eyes sparkling in curiosity. "Your village?" she asked. "Is there anything interesting there besides more humans?" Ebonheim laughed. "Of course there is. There are a lot of interesting things in my village. While we''re there, you could also talk with our druids, I''m sure they''d love to meet you," she said with a wink. "Come on. Let''s go." "Alright, alright," Ivera said, her wings fluttering as she flew beside Ebonheim. "I''ll at least humor your wishes some more as thanks for all the work you''ve done saving Aelindra." Chapter 23: The Ascendant Stage 14th day of Frostflee, 1367 The sun rose high over the village of Ebonheim, warming the rooftops of thatched houses and dappling light across the interconnected dirt trails. A festive cheer filled the air, fueled by excitement and anticipation. The village, nestled in the heart of Eldergrove forest, buzzed with activity, the villagers busy preparing for the grand festival in honor of their goddess. Ebonheim stood in the middle of the festive bustle. Around her, the villagers moved with purpose and efficiency; she smiled at their jubilant mood as she watched them work. A few glanced her way and offered smiles and respectful nods in greeting; she waved to them and continued her tour of the village. She wandered from one cluster of people to the next, stopping to offer words of encouragement or praise for a job well done. After a while, she decided to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet. She settled down on a nearby bench and closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the village at work. There was a pleasant breeze, rustling through the leaves above her; she smiled to herself as she leaned back against the bench and soaked up the sun''s warmth. As she listened to the sounds of the village around her, her thoughts drifted to the upcoming festival. It had been a long time coming; the villagers had been waiting for this day for over a month now, ever since she had mentioned to the elders that she was nearing her ascension to the next stage of divinity. She had been excited too, eager to see what awaited her on the other side¡ªbut now, as the day drew closer, her nerves began to get the better of her. She had no idea what to expect; there were so many things she didn''t know about her role as goddess and the Akashic System had been of little help in providing answers. A soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "You''re lost in thought, o'' Goddess." Engin Meric, his eyes crinkling in mirth, approached her. He settled on the bench beside her and took a deep toke from his herb bundle. "What''s on your mind?" Ebonheim grinned. "Just the festival," she replied, "and everything that comes after." Engin nodded sagely. "Ah, yes, I see," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "So many preparations to be made¡ªit''s no wonder you''re lost in thought." He chuckled to himself and blew a smoke ring at the sky. "Still, no reason to fret¡ªthis will be a good day for all." Ebonheim tilted her head, curiosity evident in her voice as she asked, "How do you know?" Engin shot her a look. "Because you''re here." Ebonheim blushed and nodded, biting her lip to hide her smile; Engin''s expression softened, and he patted her shoulder in a fatherly gesture. "Now, you''re too serious¡ªyou need to relax." He stood up and offered her his hand. "Come on, let''s go for a walk." Ebonheim took his hand gratefully and followed him along the path as he chatted idly about the day''s festivities and his plans for the village''s future. She listened with half an ear as she marveled at how much she had come to care for the villagers in such a short time¡ªshe was like a child in her first years of life, eager to learn and experience everything that came her way. As they walked, they came upon a group of young boys and girls who had stopped to play. One boy held a stick; he was swinging it in slow arcs, moving back and forth as though he were trying to keep his balance on a horse. A girl sat to his right, watching him with a small smile on her face, while two more boys sat on his left. They laughed at his antics and gave him encouragement when he wavered off-balance. Ebonheim couldn''t help but laugh as well; she watched with a smile as the boy stumbled and fell, giggling as he got up again. They continued their walk, chatting idly about this and that until their conversation was interrupted by Hilda, her striking blue eyes twinkling in joy. "Oh, there you are, my dear," she crooned, moving towards them. She wrapped Ebonheim in her arms and hugged her close before turning to greet Engin. "Thank you for keeping our little goddess company." Engin grunted and ruffled Ebonheim''s hair. "Well, someone had to do something about her endless worries," he grumbled good-naturedly. Hilda shot him a pointed look; Engin rolled his eyes and shook his head in resignation, mouthing a silent prayer before turning back to Ebonheim. "We''ve finished the preparations for tonight''s feast," he said, gesturing towards the village square. "There will be a bonfire and music¡ªthe entire village will gather to celebrate your ascension." Ebonheim smiled brightly, her golden eyes glittering with excitement as she gazed towards the feast hall in the distance. "It sounds lovely." Hilda nodded in agreement. "It is." She chuckled softly and nudged Engin with her shoulder. "Though we''ve had to make some last-minute adjustments." She paused and raised an eyebrow at Engin; he groaned and sighed heavily before turning to face Ebonheim. "There was an unfortunate incident that happened yesterday," he began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "One of the villagers forgot to lock his shed, and several pigs managed to escape into the forest¡ªthere was a bit of a panic, but most had been found." He cleared his throat and fixed his gaze on the ground; when he spoke again, his voice was strained with embarrassment. "There might be a few piglets around the village¡ªnothing to worry about, of course." "And who was this villager, hmm?" Hilda drawled, her tone light but her eyes sharp as she glared at Engin. "Do tell." "It was me," he muttered, avoiding both their gazes. Ebonheim stared at him with wide eyes for a moment before bursting into laughter. She held onto Hilda''s arm for support as she gasped for breath and shook with giggles. "I can''t believe you forgot to lock your shed!" she wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. Engin looked at her in mock outrage. "I was preoccupied," he muttered, crossing his arms defensively. Ebonheim giggled and poked him in the ribs, earning a startled yelp from him; he glowered at her as she ducked away and stuck out her tongue, laughing all the while. Hilda shook her head and smiled fondly at them both. "Alright, that''s enough," she scolded playfully. "There are still more preparations to be made and I came over to ask for Ebonheim''s help." She patted Ebonheim''s shoulder gently before turning to leave. "If you''d be so kind," she called over her shoulder. "Of course!" Ebonheim called after her. She turned back to Engin, her expression sheepish. "Sorry for laughing." Engin chuckled and waved off her apology. "It''s fine." He pinched Ebonheim''s nose between his fingers, his expression mock-serious. "Now, off you go¡ªthere''s still much to be done." Ebonheim grinned and swatted his hand away. "I will." She started to walk away, but turned back to face him one last time. "Thank you, Engin." She flashed him a brilliant smile and waved goodbye, then hurried off to Hilda''s side.
The next day, the vibrant energy of the festival resonated with the early morning chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves as the village stirred to life. Banners of silk and bunting adorned the thatched rooftops, fluttering in the gentle wind. Each one bore the symbol of their goddess: a delicate sprig of elder tree framed by a crescent moon, representing their hope, their Ebonheim. Stalls brimming with fruits, nuts, and savory delicacies lined the village commons, their enticing aromas wafting through the air. At the heart of the festivities stood Ebonheim herself, radiating an aura of tranquility. Her iridescent hair caught the sunlight, shimmering like a kaleidoscope of colors as she moved through the crowd, her gold eyes gleaming with joy. This was her first festival, and she was determined to make the most of it. The cobbled square filled with the sounds of laughter, the clang of goblets, the lilting notes of lutes, and the rhythmic pounding of dancing feet on the worn, earthen floor. Games of strength and wit, dancing circles, and stalls laden with food, all vied for Ebonheim''s attention. A group of children pulled her towards the ring-toss, their giggling faces lit up with excitement. She bent down, her white silken dress pooling around her, to listen to their quick-fire rules of the game, nodding and giggling along with them. "Aye, lass, ye best watch your aim!" came Thorsten''s booming voice, as he strode over, his armor discarded for the day, replaced by a sleeveless tunic and brown trousers. He held up a handcrafted wooden ring, grinning at Ebonheim teasingly. "This is a hard game." Ebonheim scoffed and snatched the ring from his hand. "Is that a challenge?" She raised an eyebrow at him in a dare; he shook his head in mock horror and backed away as she tossed the ring with a flick of her wrist. It landed squarely in the middle of the peg, and the children cheered. She straightened up, puffing her chest out in pride as Thorsten chuckled and handed her another ring to toss. They played until Thorsten conceded defeat, handing her the final ring with a resigned sigh. "Ye''ve bested me." He ruffled her hair fondly, his gruff features softening as he regarded her with a tender smile. "Good game." Ebonheim winked at Thorsten and beckoned the children over to come pick their prize. They surrounded her in a rush, each clamoring to choose first, their voices overlapping in a jumbled mess of squeals and shouts. Ebonheim laughed and relented, allowing them to pick their prizes from the display of wood and leather bracelets and rings. Thorsten stepped forward, a wry grin on his face, as the children ran off in a cloud of giggles and grins. "Good aim, lass." Ebonheim grinned at him and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You should know¡ªyou''re always telling me to be more competitive." She cast him a sidelong glance. "Besides, I had to get my revenge the spar we had a while back." Thorsten shrugged unapologetically. "Can''t blame a man for wanting to see a goddess win at something." He crossed his arms over his broad chest, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Where to now?" "To the wood chopping competition!" Ebonheim said with a mischievous grin. She slipped her hand into the crook of Thorsten''s elbow as she led him to the clearing where the competition would take place. "This should be interesting." As they arrived, they found the crowd buzzing with excitement, and the contestants taking their places: four men, standing in a row with axes resting on the flat of their open hands. "Bjorn''s gonna win, as always," Thorsten''s voice boomed over the crowd, his face creased into a teasing smile. He patted Ebonheim''s hand resting on his arm and chuckled as she rolled her eyes at him. "But who knows¡ªthe competition has been growing fierce recently." Bjorn looked over at them and waved, flashing them a winning smile. Ebonheim waved back, grinning widely; she took a deep breath and prepared to cheer, but Thorsten covered her mouth with his hand and shook his head. "Best not to jinx ''em," he murmured in her ear. She nodded in agreement, and the competitors set off at the signal to start. They swung their arms with practiced ease; axes thudded into logs as they circled around the log pile. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The crowd erupted into cheers and roars as Bjorn swung his ax, the strike resounding through the clearing as wood chips flew. In three hefty blows, the log was split cleanly in two, and the crowd went wild. Ebonheim laughed, her claps blending with the villagers''. She squeezed Thorsten''s arm affectionately, and he squeezed her hand in return. Bjorn grinned and accepted the congratulations and cheers from the crowd, laughing and waving to them all. Ebonheim cheered the loudest, jumping up and down as she shouted his name. When he turned to face her, his eyes gleamed with a playful glint. He inclined his head to her, and the crowd parted as he strode towards her, the two meeting in the middle with a firm clap on the back. Ebonheim grinned at him. "Nicely done. What prize did you win?" she asked, gesturing to the collection of trinkets leftover from Roderick''s visit a while back. Bjorn grabbed a silver bracelet and dangled it in front of her. "This. My wife''s been nagging me to get her a gift for a long while now." Ebonheim eyed the bracelet with mock concern. "Are you sure she''d like this one?" she asked, reaching out to touch the cool metal. "It doesn''t seem fancy enough." Bjorn chuckled and shook his head. "Don''t worry about that¡ªshe''ll love it." "She''d better," Thorsten said on his approach, "because yer one mistake away getting tossed out of yer house." Bjorn snorted and elbowed Thorsten in the ribs. "Not my fault she''s picky." Thorsten threw his hands up in surrender and guffawed, the three of them falling into a fit of laughter. Ebonheim wiped the tears from her eyes, shaking her head at them with an exasperated smile as she tried to calm her breathing.
The festivities continued throughout the day. After the wood-chopping competition, the three of them joined the rest of the crowd in a wrestling tournament. After that, there was music and dancing. Ebonheim found herself on the floor, rolling about with the crowd as they laughed and sang and clapped to the rhythm of the lute and the drum. It wasn''t until late afternoon that she paused to take a breath; she stepped off to the side, to avoid getting crushed, as she heaved air into her lungs. Her cheeks were flushed, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest, but she couldn''t stop smiling as the villagers cheered her name and called for more. Thorsten and Bjorn ambled over to her, their faces flushed with exertion and ale. "Yer a good sport," Thorsten said, gesturing to the crowd with his half-empty goblet. Bjorn nodded in agreement, grabbing her hand and holding it up in the air. "Aye, a champion!" he boomed, the crowd cheering again as he gestured to Ebonheim. "Let''s hear it for our goddess!" Thorsten elbowed Bjorn in the ribs; Bjorn retorted by elbowing him back before turning his attention to Ebonheim with a beaming smile. "Take a break¡ªwe''ll watch over things here." Ebonheim shook her head, her golden eyes sparkling. "No, no," she said, patting them both on the shoulders, "you two go and enjoy yourselves." Bjorn opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off. "Really, I insist." Thorsten grinned and clapped her on the back. "As ye wish." He pulled Bjorn along with him back to the crowd and held up his goblet in salute to her as she waved goodbye. Ebonheim sighed happily and leaned against the wall for support as she closed her eyes to soak in the sounds of revelry around her¡ªthe roar of laughter, the lilting notes of the lute, and the rhythmic pounding of the dancing feet all faded into the background. When she opened her eyes, she then turned her attention to a group of children, their laughter chiming through the noise. They were racing around the commons, little legs kicking up dust, cheeks flushed with excitement. Lira was cheering them on, her gentle clapping accompanied by soft words of encouragement. When she noticed Ebonheim watching them, she beckoned her over. Ebonheim excused herself from her companions and joined Lira at the edge of the race. "Congratulations on winning," Ebonheim said to the winner, a boy with bright blue eyes and dark blonde hair. He puffed out his chest with pride, beaming at her as she handed him a pouch full of sweets. "Here¡ªthis is for you." The boy grinned, his eyes sparkling as he tore into the bag, the others joining in with raucous laughter. "Thank you!" he said, grinning widely as he darted away, the other children trailing after him. Ebonheim waved goodbye to them as they vanished into the crowd, then turned to face Lira. "That was fun." Lira nodded in agreement. "Indeed." She gestured to the children, her eyes twinkling with affectionate fondness. "They''re so energetic, and always so full of life." Ebonheim nodded in agreement, then glanced at Lira curiously. "Are you enjoying the festival?" "Very much so," Lira said with a smile. "It''s a wonderful celebration¡ªone that we all deserved." She turned to face Ebonheim, her expression solemn as she bowed her head. "Thank you, Goddess, for blessing us with such joy." Ebonheim blinked and blushed, taken aback by Lira''s display of reverence. "You''re welcome." She reached out and rested her hand on top of Lira''s head; the young druid looked up at her in surprise, her expression tinged with awe. "We all worked hard to make this day as special as possible." Lira''s smile was radiant as she touched the tips of her fingers to her forehead. "That''s very kind of you. I look forward to witnessing your divine ascension." She nodded, her expression solemn once more, and departed. Ebonheim watched her go, feeling oddly shy and flushed. She turned to join the elders on the feast hall porch. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with strokes of scarlet and gold, the village was alive with chatter and laughter. A band of musicians had started playing a lively tune on their flutes and drums, their melodies weaving through the air, enticing people to tap their feet and swing their hips. Ebonheim found herself caught in the rhythm, her body swaying with the music. The aroma of roast meat and baked goods filled the air, as the villagers prepared for the grand feast. Ebonheim''s mouth watered at the scent of spiced meats and sweet berries, the promise of a delightful meal making her stomach rumble. Bogdan, the quiet and steady presence in the council, approached Ebonheim, offering her a goblet filled with honeyed mead. "To our goddess," he raised his own goblet in toast, a genuine smile on his face. The villagers followed suit, their voices ringing through the clearing, "To Ebonheim!" As she drained her goblet, feeling the sweet liquid warm her throat, she felt the weight of their eyes on her. Their smiles and cheers echoed in her ears as she searched their faces, feeling oddly at a loss for words as their praise filled her with an unexpected warmth. It hadn''t been that long since she first appeared before them. Her first impression was awful¡ªpoor Doyle''s heart nearly giving out, Thorsten putting her in a cage, her fleeing the village only to come running back while being chased by monsters, and then being interrogated by the other elders. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she thought back on it, but she forced herself to shake off her past misdeeds. Everything had changed since then¡ªthey trusted her now. They believed in her, and she wanted to show them how much their faith had meant to her. She would give them anything¡ªeverything¡ªif they only asked for it.
[You''ve acquired 2 Quintessence from a villager''s reverence] [Quintessence: 7998 -> 8000] [Quintessence: 8000/8000] [You have reached the required Quintessence to increase your Divine Rank to ''Lesser God - Ascendant Stage''] The celebration continued, but a change started to take form, a stirring within Ebonheim. The quintessence she had been amassing felt restless, eager to surge and propel her towards her ascension. Sensing the shift, Hilda appeared at her side, a knowing look on her face as she nodded at Ebonheim. "It''s time," Hilda whispered, before tapping the end of her walking cane onto a flat stone on the ground. A resounding chime rang through the air, reverberating through the village square and all the way to the outskirts of the forest. The musicians fell silent and the crowd grew still, their eyes drawn to the sight of the elders and their goddess in the center of the commons. [Would you like to ascend?] Ebonheim stood with her eyes closed and hands clasped together, her expression serene as the villagers gathered around her, gazing up at her with expectant eyes. As she inhaled deeply, the quintessence responded to her summons, rushing towards her like a storm surge; her eyes snapped open. Her essence swelled, harmonizing with the accumulated quintessence, merging and morphing into a symphony of divine ascendance. A brilliant burst of divine energy erupted from Ebonheim, casting a radiant golden light that bathed the forest clearing. Her body levitated, caught in the throes of a power beyond mortal comprehension. Around her, a dazzling aurora erupted, painting the evening sky in hues of celestial blues and purples. It pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat, a cosmic dance that held the entire village spellbound. The force of her ascension pushed the crowd back, the villagers crying out in awe as they struggled to stay on their feet. Her dress of white silk fluttered as if caught in a tempest, the fabric rippling with the force of her divine power. Iridescent hair fanned out, strands of light dancing around her, as the surge of quintessence ignited the change. Her golden eyes shone bright as twin suns, the depth of her divinity echoed in her unwavering gaze. As the quintessence took hold, her physical form shimmered, caught between states. Her skin seemed to glow, the olive tone imbued with a divine sheen. Her silhouette wavered, then solidified, her slender figure clad in a pristine white dress. The gossamer fabric clung to her curves, billowing with the force of her quintessence-infused wind. [Your Divine Rank has increased from Lesser God - Dawn Stage to Lesser God - Ascendant Stage] [Your Quintessence has reset to 0. Your next ascension will require you to accumulate 16,000 Quintessence.] [You have 32 Attribute Points to allocoate] [Your Health increases by 50% of your base Health] [Your Essence increases by 50% of your base Essence] [You are now able to purchase Divine Abilities with the requisite requirement of Lesser God -Ascendant Stage] [All of your current Divine Abilities increase by one rank] [You have acquired Divine Ability: Divine Aura (Rank I)] [The ability is automatically activated upon first acquisition] [Divine Ability: Divine Aura (Rank I)] [Effect] Manifests an aura around you. The aura acts as a barrier with 300 Health, 25 Arcane Defense, 25 Divine Defense, 25 Physical Defense, 10 Damage Reduction (All). The aura imposes penalties to any hostile beings without a divine rank: -5 Attack (All), -5 Defense (All), -5% Hit Chance, -5% Block Chance, -5% Dodge Chance. All allies gain +5 Attack (All), +5 Defense (All), and +5% Hit Chance when within 50 meters of you. [Duration] Until destroyed or canceled [Cost] 30 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Restriction] If destroyed or canceled, it cannot be activated again for 1 day Ebonheim descended gently onto the sacred ground, the glow around her dimming to a soft aura. As her feet touched the soft bed of grass, she breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the scents and sounds of the village. A chorus of gasps and cries sounded around her as she opened her eyes. She tilted her head to the side, as if listening to the melody of the night. Their wide-eyed expressions, their held breaths, and the quiet that descended so heavily that even the insects had stopped their chirping¡ªall of it made her pause. She bit her lip, hesitating, a thrill of fear and anxiety running through her. Ebonheim looked on at the crowd, giving a tentative smile as she addressed the stunned onlookers. "Well, what do you think?" There was a pause, then a ripple, before the crowd erupted into a wild cheer. Ebonheim startled, a soft, surprised "Oh!" The crowd swallowed her in a sea of embraces and hugs, and Ebonheim laughed as she was passed from villager to villager. As the onslaught subsided, she spotted Engin and the other elders making their way to her. Her expression softened as she turned to them, smiling at each one. Engin, who was the first to reach her side, embraced her warmly. "Well, that was quite the spectacle." His smile was genuine and sincere, his eyes twinkling with pride. He patted her shoulder gently, and she pressed her forehead against his in a gesture of reverence before stepping away to give the others a chance to greet her. Hilda hugged her tightly, kissing her forehead as she whispered words of praise and congratulations in her ear. "The village and the forest are blessed by your divine grace," she said, her expression serene. "Your ascension brings us joy¡ªwe shall endeavor to live up to your expectations." Bogdan and Sven shook her hand, both grinning widely as they told her how happy they were for her. When she turned to Thorsten, however, the man had his usual stoic expression on his face. Ebonheim bit her lip to hide a smile, noting his odd behavior, but remained silent as he regarded her. After a while, he finally nodded to her. "Don''t see much change. Maybe just a tad taller, but you''re still the same clumsy lass that fell over and spilled a bowl of soup on herself." He reached out and patted her head lightly, his touch surprisingly tender as he smiled at her. "But there''s some improvement." Ebonheim smiled at him as he stepped away to make room for the others, her heart warmed by his words and mannerisms. The villagers returned to their celebration, and Ebonheim spent the rest of the night walking around the village, talking with them all. By the time she retired to her hut, she was exhausted but happy, the sound of music and laughter echoing in her mind as she started to drift off to sleep. Just before her sweet slumber, the Akashic System suddenly chimed a message that shocked her awake: [You have reached the required Divine Rank to participate at the Celestial Auction residing in the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala] [You are invited to attend the next Celestial Auction which will occur in 25 days] [Eight Lesser Gods and three Intermediate Gods have accepted the invitation to attend] [Do you wish to accept the invitation?]
(Image generated using Stable Diffusion and edited with Photoshop) Chapter 24: Progress and Opportunity Ebonheim woke up the next morning, refreshed and calm, her mind quiet and at peace. She prepared herself a breakfast of fruit and nuts and sat on her bed as she ate, her thoughts turning to the events of the day before. As she had expected, the villagers had been eager to celebrate her ascension; they had been so eager that she had barely slept from all the hugs and pats on her head. Her expression turned sombre as she recalled the prompt that had popped up after her ascension. She had read the prompt so many times in the night that her eyes had grown sore from staring at the screen; now that she had a moment to think, she was more curious than ever about its contents. What was this Celestial Auction that the Akashic System had mentioned, and why had she been invited? It had been clear that the other gods had been invited too¡ªwere they there to trade as well? If so, what would they trade and how much would they sell for? As she finished her breakfast, Ebonheim stood up and began to pace, her mind whirling with thoughts and questions. As she paced, she realized that she had been so preoccupied with the Auction that she had forgotten to check her status screen. She reached out with her mind to the Akashic System, calling forth a prompt that materialized in front of her: [Name: Ebonheim] [Divinity Type: Terrestrial God (Artificial)] [Divine Rank: Lesser God - Ascendant Stage] [Quintessence: 30/16000] [Health: 285/285] [Essence: 285/285] [Attributes: Intelligence 17; Perception 23; Resilience 21; Strength 12; Agility 26; Endurance 17; Charisma 28; Manipulation 10; Wits 14] [Combat Stats: Divine Attack 19; Divine Defense 22; Melee Physical Attack 19; Ranged Physical Attack 21; Physical Defense 21; Block 24; Evasion 24] [Innate Abilities: Manifestation (Rank II), Demanifestation (Rank II), Divine Sight (Rank III), Domain Administration (Rank II), Domain Knowledge (Rank II)] [Active Abilities: Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank II), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank II), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura, Fecundity of Creation, Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank II), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank III), Forest¡¯s Call (Rank II), Tempest of the Grove (Rank II), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank II), Arboreal Stride (Rank II), Path of the Earthen Passage (Rank II), Charm Animals (Rank II), Divine Aura (Rank I)] [Passive Bonuses: Forest stride, +50% Health, +50% Essence] [Skills: Athletics - Intermediate Rank, Craft: Bow - Intermediate Rank, Melee Proficiency: Sword - Intermediate Rank, Ranged Proficiency: Bow - Intermediate Rank, Stealth - Apprentice Rank, Socialize - Intermediate Rank, Survival - Intermediate Rank, Investigation - Intermediate Rank, Bureaucracy - Apprentice Rank] Ebonheim crossed her arms over her chest as she read through the prompt, her gaze lingering on her attributes and skills. It was comforting to see her progress in some ways; she had already grown a lot in just eight months, but at the same time, she had barely scratched the surface of what she could do. Another prompt materialized, distracting her from her train of thought. [32 Attribute Points need allocation] "Ah, I almost forgot about this," she murmured aloud. "Hmm." She pursed her lips as she considered her options, wondering where to allocate her points. Considering that the average human had an attribute of 16 and a maximum potential of 32, her own stats didn''t seem so impressive. Should she focus on increasing her physical stats to gain an advantage in combat? Should she keep her stats balanced so as to avoid having any weaknesses? She frowned. If she had to choose between physical and mental stats, she would go with mental stats because she needed to grow more powerful, both for her own sake and for the sake of the village. But she also didn''t want to neglect the physical part of herself; after all, she wanted to be able to fight as well as Thorsten, Bjorn, Lira, and Hilda¡ªin fact, she wanted to be even stronger so that they wouldn''t even need to fight. Ebonheim sighed as she paced back and forth, chewing on her lower lip as she mulled over her options. Eventually, she stopped in her tracks and made up her mind. [You''ve allocated 32 Attribute Points] [Attributes: Intelligence 17 -> 22; Perception 23 -> 26; Resilience 21 -> 24; Strength 12 -> 16; Agility 26 -> 32; Endurance 17 -> 21; Charisma 28 -> 32; Manipulation 10; Wits 14 -> 16] [Your combat stats have been adjusted accordingly] [Combat Stats: Divine Attack 19 -> 23; Divine Defense 22 -> 25; Melee Physical Attack 19 -> 24; Ranged Physical Attack 21 -> 29; Physical Defense 21 -> 26; Block 24 -> 29; Evasion 24 -> 29] [Health: 285 -> 337] [Essence: 285 -> 345] "Right," Ebonheim said to herself, satisfied with her choices. "That should be enough." With that settled, she left her hut and went to the training grounds to practice her swordsmanship, humming cheerfully to herself as she strolled along the dirt path. She found the others sparring with each other as they had done since day one; she greeted them cheerfully as she entered the practice grounds. "Good morning!" she called out, waving to them. They paused to wave back before resuming their spar. Thorsten tossed his practice sword to the side and walked over to her. Ebonheim greeted him with a smile, then took a few steps back so she could watch their practice session. After a moment, Thorsten called out to her. "Oi, lass, want to spar?" Ebonheim tilted her head. "Against you?" she asked dubiously, raising an eyebrow at him. "Wouldn''t I lose?" Thorsten gave her an exasperated look. "We''ve been over this before, lass¡ªit''s not whether or not ye''d lose." He frowned at her for a moment before his features softened into a warm smile. "Besides, I want to see how much stronger you got after your ascension." Ebonheim beamed at him and nodded. "Then yes, please." She found a makeshift sword and shield in the corner and picked them up, then stood facing him as he picked up his own sword and shield. They eyed each other warily for a moment before beginning to circle each other slowly, keeping their distance from the other''s blades. As she circled him, Ebonheim kept her attention fixed on his every move, memorizing his stance, his breathing pattern, his footwork¡ªanything that could give away his intention to attack. When they got close enough to each other that their swords crossed each other''s path, they struck simultaneously, their blades meeting with a sharp clash. Ebonheim leaped back and retreated a few steps, raising her shield to protect her face from his heavy downward strike. As she recovered, she shifted her grip on her sword and brought it down on his shoulder before he could recover from his own strike. Thorsten grunted, the force of the blow throwing him off-balance; Ebonheim grinned in triumph as she lunged towards him to press her attack. Thorsten recovered and sidestepped her swing, striking her in the ribs with the edge of his blade; Ebonheim stumbled back, but kept her feet firmly on the ground as she raised her shield to block the next blow. They continued their fight like that, exchanging blows and feints, their swords clashing against each other as they danced across the dirt. As they fought, Ebonheim was pleased to find that she was holding her own better than their first spar; she was still losing overall, but she had improved significantly¡ªshe had learned to block Thorsten''s attacks better, and even managed to parry a few of his strikes. As they fought, Thorsten started to grin as he began to perceive a change in her fighting style: instead of blocking every blow he made, she started to attack as well, taking advantage of the openings in his defense to try to get in a strike or two. Still, she had yet to land a decisive blow on him. Thorsten brought his sword up and gestured to her with his shield. "All right, lass," he said with a grin. "That was a good round." He walked over to Ebonheim and patted her shoulder affectionately; Ebonheim leaned against him as she rested for a moment, panting heavily as she caught her breath. "You''re getting better," he said with a laugh. "Must be all that practice." Ebonheim laughed and swatted his arm lightly as she caught her breath. "I just ascended and I can''t even beat you in a fight yet?" she protested, raising an eyebrow at him in mock outrage. "How embarrassing." If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Thorsten chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "I don''t know how gods progress in their power, but most of us take years to reach your level of skill in swordsmanship." He paused for a moment to adjust his grip on his sword and shield. "Besides, you didn''t use any of your divine powers, so expecting to win against me with pure mortal skill is..." he trailed off with a chuckle and shook his head. "I''m afraid you have a long way to go." Ebonheim''s shoulders slumped. "Fair enough. Maybe after my next ascension, I''ll be able to beat you with just skill." She shot him a sidelong glance. "So, what now?" Thorsten gave her a mischievous grin. "Well, if you''re ready, we could go another round. Only way to improve your skill is through repetition." Ebonheim rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated groan, earning a bark of laughter from Thorsten; they both laughed as they returned to the practice grounds to begin again.
As she rested after the sparring session, Ebonheim contemplated her recent ascension as well as the upcoming Celestial Auction. In the last eight months, she had learned so much¡ªnot only from the villagers, but also from the Akashic System¡ªand she was eager to take part in the auction. Of course, she would also need to consider the risks: if other gods wanted to participate too, then there was a chance she might end up having to fight them for the items they wanted to buy, but she figured she would just have to make peace with the possibility. Then again, what items did she want to buy for herself? Would the auction even have the kind of items she wanted to buy? What kind of currency did they use? She sighed, annoyed with herself for getting so distracted by her thoughts. If she wasn''t careful, she would be late to meet the elders at the feast hall for lunch. She cleaned up her practice equipment and put them in the corner of the grounds, then hurried to the feast hall as quickly as she could. When she arrived, she found everyone seated around the feast hall porch, and Bogdan was busy serving them plates of food. As she sat down next to Hilda, she was greeted by the delicious aroma of warm poultry, crispy fried potatoes, and fresh, green vegetables. "Good timing," Bogdan said with a smile as he set down a plate in front of her. "Just in time for lunch." As Ebonheim thanked him and started eating, he settled in the chair beside her and rested his hands on his belly as he gazed at the village below with a smile. "It''s such a nice day." Hilda nodded in agreement as she sipped her tea. "It is." She glanced at Ebonheim and inclined her head to her. "How are you?" Ebonheim shrugged and gave a small, sheepish smile. "I''m good¡ªjust got done training with Thorsten." As she spoke, she cut up the chicken on her plate with her knife and fork; when she noticed the elders staring at her with expectant expressions, she stopped and looked up at them, giving them an amused smile. "I still couldn''t win." Sven snorted and took another bite of his food. "Told you." Bogdan shot him a look, but said nothing, instead turning to Ebonheim. "Well, you''re making good progress." He nodded at her as if to reassure himself, then continued in a cheerful voice. "Now, enough talk of fighting¡ªlet''s enjoy our lunch."
A few weeks passed in a blur; as usual, Ebonheim spent most of her days performing her daily quests and learning from Engin. After their morning lessons, she would join the villagers in their tasks: caring for the animals, doing laundry, cooking, tending to the crops, and so on. By the time she had finished all that, it was late in the evening. Most days, she would join the elders for dinner before returning to her hut to sleep. Her quintessence had steadily accumulated since her ascension and the promise of the upcoming Celestial Auction loomed over her every waking thought. Today was no different; after spending all day on her assigned quests, Ebonheim returned to her hut to rest up for the day to come. [The next Celestial Auction which will occur in 23 hours] Ebonheim smiled as she read the prompt. Soon, she would be able to participate in the Celstial Auction; she couldn''t wait to see what was available for trade and what would be sold. But more than that, the thought of meeting other deities excited her; she had only heard stories about them from Engin and Hilda and she was eager to learn more. She wondered what they would be like¡ªwhat kind of abilities would they have? Would they be friendly or hostile? How would they act around each other? She imagined herself in a large room filled with gods and goddesses; each one unique, their faces unfamiliar yet captivating. With that delightful thought in mind, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
When the Akashic System chimed an alert, Ebonheim jerked awake. She groaned and rubbed her eyes with her palms, then opened them again as she blinked at the bright light in the room. As she struggled to get her bearings, she blinked at the prompt that had popped up in front of her: [The Celestial Auction begins in 15 hours] "Right." Ebonheim nodded to herself as she sat up and yawned, stretching her limbs as she swung her legs over the side of her bed. "Not long now." She smiled to herself as she walked to the door of her hut and stepped out into the bright morning sun. This was going to be an exciting day¡ªshe just knew it. She spent the day performing her daily quests like usual, and then went to see Engin in his house after sundown. When she arrived, he was bent over a table covered in plants and tools; he looked up when she knocked on his door, giving her a welcoming smile. "Ebonheim." He beckoned her inside. "Come in." Ebonheim slipped through the doorway and closed the door behind her, then leaned against the wall to watch as Engin sorted through the plants on his table. As he picked up each plant to inspect its leaves and roots, he muttered under his breath as if talking to himself, then placed them back on the table one by one as he grunted in disapproval. Ebonheim gave him a puzzled look. "What are you doing?" Engin huffed and tapped his finger on the table in front of him. "I''m trying to decide what to grow this year," he said. He gave her a sheepish look. "Usually, I rely on Hilda''s advice to help me decide on what to do with my time, but she''s been away with Lira lately." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, looking pensive as he stared at the plants on his table. "She has a good eye for these things. But anyways, what brought you over?" Ebonheim explained to him about the Celestial Auction and how she was excited to participate in it. Engin''s eyes lit up with interest as she spoke, and by the end of her explanation, he was eagerly nodding in agreement with her. "Yes, yes¡ªthat sounds like a grand opportunity." He stood up and started walking around the room, the way he did when he was in deep thought. "You should definitely attend, especially with your prospects." As he walked, he gestured with his hands as he explained what he thought she should do. "When you get there, you need to stand out, you need to make your presence known; you don''t want to just blend in with the other gods and goddesses." He came to a halt, turned to face Ebonheim, and gave her a serious look. "If you want to earn their respect and consideration, you have to stand out from the pack." She blinked at him for a moment before letting out a small chuckle. "You sound like you''re talking about a battle," she said dryly. Engin nodded in agreement, his expression still serious. Ebonheim arched an eyebrow at him, then burst out laughing, shaking her head as she covered her face with her hands. "Okay, okay." She wiped her eyes and smiled at him as he came to stand in front of her again. "So how do I do that?" Engin hummed thoughtfully as he stroked his beard. "That is something I can''t answer." He shook his head. "You will need to figure that out for yourself." He smiled at her and gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Just do what feels right." Ebonheim nodded slowly. "Right." She flashed him a smile to show she had taken his advice to heart, then stood up. "Okay, I should get going now. Thank you." As she made her way to the door, Engin called out to her: "Ebonheim." When she turned around to face him again, he gave her a wink and said, "Good luck." Ebonheim smiled at him and ducked out the door; she waved goodbye to him as she made her way back to her hut for the night.
Underneath the cerulean sky, Ebonheim stood in front of her hut and waited for the Akashic System to announce the time for the Celestial Auction to begin. The Akashic System shimmered in front of her, its glowing runes displaying a single phrase: [The portal to the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala is ready] Ebonheim stepped back and eyed the empty air in front of her hut. A swirling, shimmering gateway that looked like a watercolor painting in motion appeared before her; its edges fuzzed as it rotated slowly in a circle, casting the air around it with a faint white glow. As she approached, the gate widened as if welcoming her through its threshold. The air shimmered with a spectral iridescence as Ebonheim stepped into the portal, the ether around her prickling her skin with ethereal static. With a final look towards her village and a small sigh, she stepped through the threshold and into the unknown. There was a moment of weightlessness, like being submerged in a timeless ocean, followed by a gentle thud as her feet found purchase on the ground once more. She had arrived. The Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, the sanctuary of deities, unfolded before her in all its resplendent glory. Its atmosphere shimmered with an iridescent light, reflecting off the surreal architecture of the Sanctum. A complex weave of floating islands, interspersed with shimmering waterfalls that fell into the infinity below, and above, structures of luminescent crystal stood proudly, resembling a city nested amongst the clouds. Pillars that shimmered with galaxies in perpetual motion ascended towards a ceiling that mirrored the night sky itself, complete with constellations that sparkled in patterns unknown to her. Around her, the air vibrated with a hum, a melodious sound that resonated through her like a tuning fork struck against glass; the air seemed to caress her skin as she stood on its precipice. Her breath caught in her throat as she struggled to take in all the sights before her¡ªshe had never been to a place so wondrous before; the only word she could think of to describe it was sacred. She found herself standing on a pathway of glowing quartz that curved along a winding path. As she stepped onto the path, it hummed beneath her feet as if welcoming her into its embrace; its gentle thrum reverberated through her body, lulling her into a daze. Without realizing it, she began to stroll along the path, as if pulled along by a tide; as she did so, she noticed more pathways branching off in other directions¡ªshe could only guess what wonders awaited her down each one. Slowly, she began her journey down the pathway. She walked with purpose but without haste, taking in the sights of the Sanctum with an unwavering gaze. As she did so, she found herself remembering Engin''s words from earlier: you need to make your presence known, you don''t want to just blend in with the other gods and goddesses. Be daring and bold; they will respect that. "Right." She straightened up and stepped forward, keeping her gait as regal as possible as she strode down the path. "Daring and bold." Chapter 25: Hello, Fellow Gods! As she approached the end of the pathway, she began to hear voices; when she stepped off the pathway and into a clearing, she found herself at the foot of an imposing staircase made of gleaming, smooth stone that spiraled upwards. In front of the staircase stood two figures¡ªtwo deities who had not yet noticed her arrival. Their voices echoed throughout the atrium, sounding as though they had come from somewhere else. Ebonheim moved closer to them, stepping quietly and hiding behind pillars to listen to their conversation. "...so there''s no chance that this is just a ruse?" One of the deities spoke; her voice was melodious and enchanting, like wind chimes singing in the breeze, and her form shimmered with a radiant blue light. "Are you sure you haven''t been tricked?" Ebonheim stared in awe at their otherwordly forms. The female deity reminded her of an exquisitely-crafted string instrument. Her human-like form appeared to be carved from a singular piece of wood with graceful curves and delicate contours, and her face¡ªwhile beautiful¡ªseemed to lack facial features, save for two large shimmering eyes with irises shaped like a musical clef, a G-clef for the right and a bass clef for the left. A filigree of strings intertwined her body, glistening with a vibrant azure hue and quivering with each movement, creating beautiful tones in harmony with her melodious voice. Her companion, an ethereal, translucent being with flowing silken robes of turquoise and aquamarine, tilted his crowned head to one side and gave her a placating smile. "Yes," he replied in a melodious voice. "I''m certain." As he spoke, his robes fluttered like windblown veils in time to the tune of his voice; a rippling aura of blue energy surrounded him like a soft halo that highlighted his translucent silhouette. He gestured with a slender hand and conjured an image of the Celestial Hierarchy above his head¡ªa diagram of the gods at various ranks¡ªto prove his point. "No deception, no subterfuge; everything has been in order." The female deity narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the diagram above her head. "Then it''s true," she murmured. "We''re really stuck in this cycle." As she stared at the diagram, her voice took on a bitter tone. "It''s been over a decade since we''ve even had a chance at ascension." The male deity lowered his head to meet her gaze; his expression was sympathetic, but firm as he spoke to her with a voice full of resolve. "That doesn''t change our duty to the mortals." He gave her a sidelong glance and let out a long, thoughtful breath before continuing. "We must ensure the integrity of the System¡ªfor their sake as well as for ours." The female deity scoffed, then turned away from him to gaze up at the staircase; her eyes roamed over the shining quartz surface with a troubled expression. After a moment, she shook her head, then turned to face the translucent deity again, her voice soft and apologetic. "I''m sorry¡ªyou''re right, of course." As she spoke, she rested a hand on the translucent deity''s shoulder. "It''s just..." She paused to gaze up at the ceiling; a cloudy haze obscured the constellations on its surface as she trailed off. After a moment, she shrugged as she turned her attention back to him again. "I suppose we have no choice but to wait." The male deity nodded in agreement. "As always," he replied with a solemn smile, his voice warm and comforting. They lapsed into silence after that; Ebonheim didn''t want to interrupt their conversation by announcing her presence, so she waited a moment longer before clearing her throat to get their attention. The female deity turned to look at her as the translucent deity glanced in her direction; they exchanged confused glances as they regarded her for a moment before the female deity spoke. "Hello." She gave her a polite nod, her tone even and neutral. "Who might you be?" Ebonheim bowed deeply before the two deities as she introduced herself. "Well met. I am Ebonheim," she replied with a cheerful smile as she straightened up again. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Perfect execution. Those lessons of etiquette with Engin had paid off. Although she felt nervous talking to other deities for the first time, she had managed to speak politely and not stammer; as long as she remembered to maintain eye contact with them and speak clearly, she should be able to navigate any social situation. She made sure to keep her posture straight and her voice even and calm¡ªthat was another trick she had learned from Engin: how to portray a confident, welcoming demeanor despite being unsure or anxious on the inside. As Ebonheim spoke, the two deities exchanged puzzled glances again; she paused to study them for a moment before clearing her throat awkwardly. "Forgive me if I have interrupted something," she said as she inclined her head to them in a gesture of respect, then gave them a curious look. "What were you two discussing?" "Nothing important," replied the female deity; as she spoke, she gestured for Ebonheim to follow them up the staircase, then began walking towards it without waiting for her to follow. The translucent deity shrugged at Ebonheim and walked past her; they both followed the female deity up the staircase as she led the way. "You have come at a good time¡ªwe were just about to head to the auction." She tilted her head at Ebonheim. "Are you here to bid on something as well?" Ebonheim shook her head as she matched their pace, walking a step behind them as she spoke. "I am here to observe," she replied with a smile; she had been worried about what to say when she approached them, but the words flowed naturally from her mouth as she spoke to them. "I have never been to one of these before." At that, the male deity turned to give her a puzzled look. "What do you mean, you''ve never been?" He paused and turned to give her a polite smile. "Ah, you must be new." As he spoke, he motioned for her to walk beside him; she did so without question and fell into step beside him. "Welcome then...to the Sanctum of Divine Mandala." She returned his smile with one of her own; even though he seemed a bit intimidating¡ªhis air was calm yet powerful¡ªhis voice was warm and soothing. As they continued walking up the staircase, she mused to herself how their forms were not dissimilar from her own: they had the same body structure as a human, and their faces were reminiscent of a human''s, although theirs had very little features to speak of besides what resembled eyes and a mouth¡ªif those were even considered features on a divine form. The female deity, on the other hand, was beautiful to behold; even though she didn''t appear to have any facial features, she radiated grace and poise, and Ebonheim couldn''t help but wonder how such a deity could be so captivating. Even her voice was bewitching; the musical tone of her voice reminded her of the nightingales that lived in the forest near her village and the notes she sang as she spoke made her feel as though she were in a trance. As the three of them reached the top of the staircase, they stepped onto a wide platform with an expansive view; in front of them was an intricate, gleaming mandala engraved on the floor, its inscriptions glowing with a soft blue light. Ebonheim gazed at the beautiful mosaic in awe; from this angle, the inscriptions almost seemed to be moving, as though the pattern had a life of its own. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. "Beautiful," she breathed as she marveled at its intricate design. "What do the inscriptions say?" "They tell a story," replied the female deity, her voice echoing across the empty chamber. As she spoke, the blue hue around her shifted to a faint teal; Ebonheim noted with amusement that the color change seemed to coincide with the deity''s emotions. "A record detailing the fables of all divinity that has ever existed." The female deity shook her head. "Unfortunately, most of these stories are lost to time now." Ebonheim tilted her head at her as she studied her; the deity''s face, as far as she could tell, was expressionless, but her voice revealed a note of sadness and longing. "Why is that?" As if sensing Ebonheim''s curiosity, the male deity chimed in to speak to her. "When a god perishes, their fable ends." As he spoke, his eyes roamed across the vast chamber, pausing to stare at the stars on the ceiling above them. "Although no longer existing in the present, their fable is kept within the mandala itself¡ªan eternal testament to the divinity they once were." As he spoke, his gaze drifted to the glowing inscriptions on the floor; his voice had a note of reverence to it as he continued. "They are inscribed here to ensure that their memory is preserved and their actions are not forgotten." They lapsed into silence after that; Ebonheim couldn''t think of anything to say¡ªthere was so much to take in. For a moment, she forgot where she was, her thoughts only occupied with the stories and memories of divinity etched into the floor beneath her feet. When she snapped out of her reverie, she realized they had been standing here for quite some time; as she glanced at the two deities beside her, they seemed to be deep in thought as well. Ebonheim cleared her throat as she spoke, hoping to get their attention. "Are we going to start the auction soon?" The two deities glanced at each other, then looked at Ebonheim; after a moment, they nodded at her and began to walk towards the center of the chamber again. The male deity took the lead, gesturing for them to follow him. "Yes¡ªlet us head to the auction space." They walked through a wide doorway at the edge of the chamber; Ebonheim followed them through a hallway that was lined with intricate sculptures made of glass and crystal. As they passed each one, Ebonheim found herself gawking at their intricate details¡ªeach sculpture seemed to tell a story of its own¡ªand couldn''t help but marvel at their craftsmanship and beauty. Eventually, they came to a stop at a large amphitheater surrounded by a hovering dome of translucent crystal. As they stepped into the arena, Ebonheim stopped to admire the view. Around them was an expansive view of the Sanctum of Divine Mandala, including its various floating islands and glittering spires that floated within a nebulous expanse of swirling mist. The nebulous expanse shimmered with an ethereal glow as the stars sparkled in the distance; the air around them hummed with the same spectral static Ebonheim had felt earlier when she had first stepped onto the platform where the inscriptions had been displayed. There was a weightlessness to this place¡ªthe pressure of being here at all made her feel like she was floating. If she closed her eyes, she could almost imagine she was flying¡ªthe sensation was so vivid, she had to open them again to take in her surroundings once more. When she glanced at the two deities beside her, they had taken their seats and were gazing at her expectantly; they seemed to be waiting for her to do the same. With a start, Ebonheim realized they expected her to sit with them, so she quickly hurried to do so. As she sat down between them, she felt herself relax; there was something about this place that put her at ease¡ªmaybe it was the vast openness around them or the quiet hum of the air itself or even the warmth she felt radiating from them as they sat there. Whatever it was, she didn''t want to ruin the moment by speaking too soon; she wanted to enjoy this experience to its fullest. The male deity had already begun to speak as she sat down. "It appears that I have neglected to introduce myself properly." He inclined his head at her, his voice soft as he spoke to her. "My name is Aetheron, god of Silvaria." As he introduced himself, his aura glowed an electric blue as though responding to the emotion he was feeling. Ebonheim wondered if most deities did that¡ªthe female deity''s aura had been teal earlier. Maybe her own Divine Aura would change color, too, if she was upset or angry about something? The thought made her curious. Maybe she''d have to try and change her Aura colors on purpose just so she could see what it was like. As she pondered this, she turned to the female deity. "May I know who you are?" The female deity turned to her, her eyes twinkling as she replied. "My name is Ariastra." She bowed her head at her, her voice lilting as she spoke. "I watch over the city of Byllais." As she introduced herself, she gestured with a delicate hand; a melodious tune rang out in the air as she did so. "I am intrigued to meet you." As they spoke, the amphitheater came to life with activity; several more deities entered through the wide doorway, their voices echoing throughout the chamber as they conversed with each other. Ebonheim watched as they passed by. One deity looked like a towering statue of polished alabaster carved into an elegant humanoid shape, her gleaming form contrasting against the blue backdrop around them. Her countenance was sculpted into a stoic, expressionless face with two twinkling star-like eyes; her irises and pupils were pure white and illuminated her face with a faint, luminous glow that made her appear to be glowing from within. There were small crystalline protrusions on her face¡ªa delicate crown¡ªthat glinted in the light, and her hands had long, slender fingers that moved with a fluid grace as she walked. Aetheron greeted her with a polite nod and the being smiled at him in turn as she settled into her seat across the aisle. Across from her slithered a god resembling a giant, lumbering worm with slick, dark cobalt skin and a translucent body that rippled with bioluminescent patterns. Its long body uncoiled in an elegant arc as its head came to rest on its body, then began to vibrate with a deep, rhythmic hum before coiling itself around its seat. It glanced at them briefly before returning its attention to the god who had sat down next to it. Another god that entered the amphitheater was composed entirely of a translucent crystal-like structure in the shape of a humanoid figure with four elongated arms. His eyes, devoid of irises, were pools of golden light that seemed to glow as they reflected the lights around them. He regarded Ebonheim with a silent stare as he settled into his seat, and she found herself feeling oddly scrutinized by him. A few more gods entered after that; Ebonheim watched them take their seats and began to study them as well, noting the differences between them and how they acted. Some sat close together while others chose to sit alone. The last god to arrive appeared to be made entirely of solid, unyielding stone, resembling a towering golem with glowing fissures forming a complex network of luminous veins. As he strode into the arena and took his seat, his granite-like body crunched and ground together like gravel as he sat down. Ebonheim tried to catch his gaze as he took his seat, but he didn''t seem to notice her. His face was an expressionless mask as he stared straight ahead; the only thing she could make out on his granite visage were two glowing golden eyes that flickered with an eerie intensity. Even though he was sitting a few rows ahead of her, the power she felt emanating from him made her shudder¡ªshe could only hope he wasn''t annoyed by her presence here. The amphitheater fell silent as everyone settled into their seats; then, as one, all the deities turned their attention to center stage. Ebonheim followed their gaze and watched as ethereal bands of light shimmered to life in the air above the stage and formed into glowing words: [The Divine Auction will now commence] [Sixteen Divine Abilities and five artifacts will be offered] As the words dissipated, a platform of iridescent light emerged from the center of the stage; hovering on top of the platform were five objects and sixteen floating screens that flickered with divine light. Ebonheim blinked as she gazed at the display, then turned to Aetheron. "Are those...?" Aetheron nodded in response. "Indeed¡ªthose are the Divine Abilities." As he spoke, his aura glowed with the same electric blue hue as earlier; Ebonheim guessed he was excited about something. "Those screens will provide further information about the abilities." As he finished speaking, he turned to Ebonheim again and winked at her. "Now, let us see what is to come." Chapter 26: The Divine Auction, Part I There was a pause as everyone settled into their seats; Ebonheim turned to glance at the other deities in the amphitheater, watching as they exchanged intrigued glances and muttered amongst themselves about which item to bid on. She listened for a moment, hoping to catch the topic of discussion, but couldn''t quite make out what was being said. When she glanced at the two deities beside her, they had also turned to watch the proceedings with rapt attention. Suddenly, Ebonheim felt something wet drip onto her shoulder and turned to find a deity looming behind her. It had a shimmering, watery body in the shape of a long serpentine creature that flowed and undulated like the gentle currents of a flowing stream. There were tiny, iridescent fish-like entities that swam within its liquid form; they gave off a faint, ethereal glow that shone through the translucent membrane of its body as it moved. It had no legs and instead coiled around itself as it drifted through the air. The head of the serpentine deity was flat and elongated, with two swirling pools of shimmering water for eyes. When it tilted its head at Ebonheim, a spray of mist spilled from its eyes. Ebonheim watched as the mist settled on her shoulder, forming droplets on her skin. As it spoke, its watery voice echoed across the room, rippling and quavering with each movement. "I did almost mistake thee for a mortal who had trespassed upon our divine convocation," it said in a tone of gentle reproof, then flicked its long tail as though swatting at an inconvenience. "Yet thou art clearly divine." It blinked its swirling eyes and tilted its head at her again, with droplets falling from its gaze. "Why dost thou take the form of mortals, o'' strange one?" Ebonheim glanced at Aetheron for help; the deity beside her had not yet moved to respond to the serpentine deity''s question. Aetheron turned to meet her gaze, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he studied her. "I am curious as well. When I first saw you, I thought it strange that your form looked indistinguishable from a human''s." He reached over to give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "A body of flesh is...unusual, even among divinity." As he spoke, his eyes roamed across Ebonheim''s face; the color of his aura seemed to brighten as he gazed at her. "How curious." As Aetheron continued to examine her, Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, then turned her attention back to the serpentine deity that had spoken to her. Its eyes twinkled with amusement as it watched her, the water within them shimmering and swirling like a slow-moving current. After a moment, it flicked its tail again and turned its gaze to Aetheron, "It has been a full moon since thou didst grace our auction." Its voice sounded slightly apologetic as it regarded Aetheron. "How fare things in thy dominion?" Aetheron shrugged, his gaze distant as he answered the serpent deity. "Nothing new." As he spoke, his aura dimmed to a neutral hue; his expression was somber as he turned to the god again. "The mortals have been causing some trouble¡ªa band of thieves has been preying on travelers through my city." His tone was pensive as he continued, his gaze wandering to the sky above them. "However, it will not last long." His voice was soft and solemn, yet full of resolve. "They shall fall, and the mortals will learn to obey." There was silence for a moment after he had spoken; Ebonheim noticed a few of the other deities glancing in their direction, then turning their gazes back to the auction. The serpentine deity tilted its head at Aetheron and flicked its long tail in amusement. "Thy dedication to thy dominion is verily unmatched." Its gaze flicked to Ebonheim once again. "Strange one, who bears the form of mortals, I greet thee." As it spoke to her, its eyes swirled with gentle waves; Ebonheim tried not to stare at the creatures within its liquid form as the deity continued to speak. "My name is Nephri. I watch over the city of Azure Oasis." As it introduced itself, it waved its tail at her. "Pray, what be thy divine name?" Ebonheim gave Nephri a small smile in return. "I am Ebonheim." She pondered for a moment on how to explain herself, then shrugged as she continued. "I''m the goddess of a village called Ebonheim." Aetheron and Ariastra turned their gaze towards her at once; Aetheron''s eyes widened as he studied her with renewed interest, and Ariastra emitted a discordant note from the strings within her body as she stared at her. Nephri''s eyes widened with surprise as well; before it had a chance to reply, another deity chimed in to speak to them. Before either of them could speak, Nephri let out an audible gasp as well¡ªit was a low, gurgling sound like water rushing into a deep crevice. "Thou hast persuaded thy worshippers to take up thy name as theirs?" Its voice was filled with awe; when Ebonheim nodded, Nephri stared at her for a moment longer, then spoke again in a soft voice. "How bold...and envious. Rare indeed is such an accomplishment amongst us." "What do you mean?" Ebonheim asked. Nephri glanced at Aetheron and Ariastra; Aetheron seemed to understand and nodded at her to proceed, so it continued. "Many a god hath tried to convince their worshipers to adopt their names as theirs, but alas, their efforts have oft been in vain." Nephri slithered closer to them, the creatures within its liquid form swam in slow-moving eddies as it spoke again. "Mortals can be stubborn beings, their pride oft getting in the way of their true desires." Ebonheim noticed its liquid form making a puddle on the ground as it moved, but she decided to keep quiet about it. More importantly, she never realized how big of a deal it was for a deity to share the same name as their domain. It seemed so ordinary to her¡ªshe hadn''t even considered how strange that was until now. "Well, the circumstance around the name of my village is a bit unusual," Ebonheim explained with a sheepish grin. "So, please pay it no mind." Nephri flicked its tail in response; the creatures within its liquid body glittered and shone in response to the movement. "Indeed, a rarity of great measure." It coiled around itself once again and began to glide across the amphitheater towards another deity from across the aisle. "Very well¡ªwe shall engage in discourse again at a more fitting time." As Ebonheim watched Nephri slither away, she turned to Aetheron and Ariastra again; both of them seemed to be lost in thought as they gazed at her with varying degrees of curiosity and wonder. "What is it?" she asked them. "Nothing," replied Ariastra in a gentle, lilting voice. "I am simply intrigued by your form." She shook her head and turned back to face the stage again. Aetheron was more forthcoming with his answers than she expected. "I find myself curious about you as well." As he spoke, his eyes roamed across her face and down her body again. "That mortal form is fragile and unimpressive, yet you seem to be at home in it." When crossed his arms over his chest and leaned forward slightly as he continued to regard her. "But when it comes to acquiring the humans'' devotion, that form is most advantageous." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably as he studied her; she didn''t like being the focus of so much attention at once and couldn''t help but feel self-conscious now. Aetheron continued to stare at her even as she shifted in her seat, so she tried to smile to make herself look more appealing to him¡ªEngin had said it would be better to appear confident while talking to gods, but now she wished she had just stayed home instead. She needed to change the subject before he kept staring at her like this. "So, how does the auction work?" she asked. Aetheron gave her an amused smile as he replied. "You will see soon." As he spoke, he gestured to the screen hovering above the stage with his long finger. "It will begin momentarily." Ebonheim blinked in response; she wanted to ask more, but the translucent deity''s aura shifted to a deep green color¡ªhis aura was reacting to the energy he felt in the air¡ªso she held her tongue and turned to watch the display. The lights on the platform flickered as the first Divine Ability shimmered into view; the inscriptions glowed a brilliant silver as the words scrolled across the screen: [Name] Echoes of the Past [Effect] This power allows you to access the temporal imprints of any object or location within your domain. You can peer into the history of the object or place, viewing past events as though you were a spectator. When using this power, you witness the historical timeline of the chosen target as if viewing a recording. You have the ability to fast-forward, rewind, and pause these historical scenes, but you cannot interact with or alter the events witnessed. This power may grant you access to lost knowledge and hidden truths, enabling you to better understand historical events and guide your domain more effectively. [Range] Touch (for objects), self (when used on a location) [Target] Single (an object or location) [Duration] The viewing duration is up to your discretion, however, each viewing session can last up to 1 hour. [Cost] 32 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage Aetheron inclined his head towards her and said, "A fascinating ability¡ªI imagine many will find it useful." As he spoke, his aura shimmered to a deep blue color; Ebonheim assumed that meant he was excited about something. Ebonheim was intrigued by the idea of this power¡ªthe ability to access and view historical events from the past sounded amazing. Maybe she could use this power to learn more about her domain''s history, or understand what happened during certain times in history, or even see events from different perspectives. That would certainly be helpful. She didn''t think she would ever use it for personal gain, though¡ªshe didn''t like the idea of digging into people''s private lives and learning about things they didn''t want shared. "Is that power something you might like to bid on?" she asked as she turned to him. "Among other things," Aetheron replied with a smile. "This is just the beginning¡ªthere will be many more to bid on." As he spoke, he leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. "Although, this is a fine choice to start us off." His eyes flicked towards the floating screens, then back to Ebonheim again. "We shall see how much interest is shown in the ability before the bidding begins." Ebonheim was curious about the other Divine Abilities being offered, so she looked down at the floating screens by the base of the platform. However, the details on the screens were illegible. After a moment, she turned to Aetheron again and tilted her head as she spoke. "Why can''t I read the details on the screens?" Aetheron shrugged as he replied. "Because their mystery means that one can gamble on waiting for a chance that the next power on the bid will be greater than the last. It is a strategy some choose to use." As he spoke, his aura shifted to a dull green; his eyes focused on the main bidding screen in atop the stage as he continued. "I do not engage in such strategies¡ªthey are unreliable, and I prefer to avoid the risk." As he spoke, his eyes never left the bidding screen and his voice took on a stern tone. "That is why, when I see something that intrigues me, I do not hesitate to place my bid on it, regardless of what the other gods might think." Ebonheim''s eyes widened as she listened to his words. He seemed to be passionate about his bidding strategy¡ªshe had to admit that she was intrigued now. "How often do you win your items?" she asked. Aetheron paused, then held up five slender fingers and wiggled them in the air. She nodded at him, impressed, then turned her gaze back at the bidding screen. Another message appeared below the Divine Ability''s description: [The bidding for ''Echoes of the Past'' will begin. The initial bid will be 1000 Quintessence. The bidding will end in one hour. If no bid is presented within fifteen minutes of the initial bid, the auction for ''Echoes of the Past'' will end and the next Divine Ability will be displayed.] Ebonheim''s eyes widened as she stared at the number on the screen. A thousand quintessence?! That was so much¡ªwhat did the other deities have to offer for something so valuable? And a thousand was just the start¡ªthe actual price would be even higher if they managed to win the auction. She glanced to her side and willed the Akashic System to show her the amount she accumulated since her ascension: [Quintessence: 962/16000] So much, but so little all at once. If the rest of the Divine Abilities and artifacts were even half as valuable as this one, she doubted she could afford any of them. Even though she didn''t want to leave empty-handed, it looked like all she could do was watch¡ªat least that would be educational. As the bidding began, Ebonheim studied the deities sitting in the amphitheater. The only deity to bid on this ability so far was Aetheron; his aura remained a deep blue color as he made his bid for 1400 Quintessence. [The current bid is 1400 Quintessence by Aetheron] One of the other gods¡ªthe being with a translucent crystal-like structure¡ªgazed at Aetheron with a neutral expression on his face before adding another bid for 1600 Quintessence. Aetheron tilted his head in response and gave him an amused smile before responding with 1800. The crystalline deity narrowed his eyes at Aetheron, then countered with an offer for 2000 Quintessence. As they battled, Ebonheim realized that she had been wrong about Aetheron and his excitement¡ªhis aura was an intense orange color now. She glanced at him to get his attention and asked, "Why did you bid so high?" As she spoke, she tried to keep her tone neutral¡ªshe didn''t want him to think she was judging him. "It''s not worth that much, is it?" Aetheron turned to her and replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "It is." He paused to gaze at the bids on the screen with a serious expression on his face before adding, "And I am not bidding high just to be competitive¡ªI have a good reason for wanting this Divine Ability." As he spoke, his aura glowed to a fiery orange and then dimmed again¡ªEbonheim guessed that his mood was shifting again, even though she wasn''t sure why. "Although you have only been here for a short time, you should already know that each Divine Ability has its own worth and it is rare for a particular ability to show up again in the next auction." Ebonheim crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side, giving Aetheron a quizzical look. Something didn''t seem right about all this. She glanced to her side once again and prodded the Akashic System in her mind to display an ability similar to what was presented at the auction. After a moment, an ability appeared in her mind¡ªthe same ability as the one displayed on the screen, with one major difference: [Divine Ability: Echoes of the Past will require 100 Quintessence to acquire] [Do you wish to acquire this ability?] She blinked as she looked at the Akashic System again, then back at Aetheron who raised a slender hand and increased his bid to 2100 Quintessence. The main central screen revised the current bid: [The current bid is 2100 Quintessence by Aetheron] Ebonheim rubbed her eyes and stared at her her own Akashic System screen. Its message still hovered in front of her view. [Divine Ability: Echoes of the Past will require 100 Quintessence to acquire] [Do you wish to acquire this ability?] What...what''s going on? Couldn''t they just get the ability like this instead of getting it through the auction? Chapter 27: The Divine Auction, Part II The bidding for the ''Echoes of the Past'' ended with Aetheron winning the bid for 3000 Quintessence. Ebonheim glanced at him¡ªthe god sat with a satisfied expression on his face, his aura glowing a brilliant yellow-orange; she couldn''t help but think that Aetheron had wanted this ability all along¡ªwhy else would he bid so much on it? The information screen for that Divine Ability drifted towards Aetheron flickered briefly before disassembling into shards of light that seeped into his translucent head. Ebonheim watched as his eyes fluttered, as though he were experiencing some sort of strange dream, then opened wide again as though he had just awakened. As the glow faded from his eyes, he turned to Ebonheim and gave her a triumphant smile. Ebonheim managed to give Aetheron a weak smile in return; she wasn''t sure she wanted to admit her confusion, but she wasn''t sure she could hide it anymore. She waited for him to say something, but instead he turned back to watch the display again, so she finally broke the silence. "Are the Divine Abilities listed in the auction special? Can''t you just acquire the ability yourself by just asking the Akashic System?" Aetheron turned his head and stared at her with a quizzical expression on his face; he blinked for a few moments, then tilted his head as he replied to her question. "You must not have been properly instructed by the System upon your awakening. That, or you have not paid attention to its explanations at all." As he spoke, his aura dimmed to a dull grey color; his gaze wandered to the sky above them as he continued. "Aside from the powers we are born with, the only way for us to acquire more is by bidding for them through the Divine Auction. One cannot simply ask the System to bestow upon you another ability." She shifted her gaze to the prompt hovering in her peripheral. [Divine Ability: Echoes of the Past will require 100 Quintessence to acquire] [Do you wish to acquire this ability?] Maybe later. She looked back at Aetheron and met his gaze. "So...do we just accumulate Quintessence each year just to spend them here to get stronger?" Aetheron nodded as he replied, "That is correct¡ªit would do well for you to understand that acquiring abilities is more paramount than hoarding your Quintessence to ascend to the next Divine Rank. While doing so increases your overall power, if you lack the ability to utilize what you have then you will be left with fewer options when dealing with outside threats to your domain, or attempts to it." That made sense...so then why was she able to acquire new abilities on her own without having to participate in the auction? Were her powers the exception to this rule? Ebonheim pondered about that for a moment, but her thoughts were interrupted by a chime from the central screen as it listed another Divine Ability on display. This one had an initial bid of 600 Quintessence. Ebonheim remained silent and watched the other deities bid on this ability¡ªnone of them seemed to be interested in acquiring this one at first, but after a half hour, several more bids emerged at once, increasing the total price to 1150 Quintessence before finally being acquired by the deity with the form of a gigantic worm. The auction continued for hours on end. Some abilities were left without a bid, remaining unclaimed. Throughout the event, Ebonheim kept glancing at the Akashic System visible only to her, and watched as it also displayed the abilities listed on the auction screen. Just like before, each one could be acquired just by spending a fraction of what the other gods had spent in the auction to acquire them. She furrowed her brow as she pondered over this strange phenomenon. Why was she even allowed to acquire them like this? The time for the artifacts came, and the bids started slow. This time, the information presented for the items was minimal and vague. [Crown of Celestial Vision: A radiant crown that grants the god wearing it the ability to perceive the subtle shifts of quintessence in their domain, providing insights into the state of worship and devotion among their followers.] [The initial bid would be 400 Quintessence. The bidding will end in one hour. If no bid is presented within fifteen minutes of the initial bid, the auction for ''Crown of Celestial Vision'' will end and the next Divine Artifact will be displayed.] Oh, that seemed like a really useful item¡ªEbonheim would have been interested but doubted she''d win with her measly 962 Quintessence. However, she watched as several bids emerged from across the amphitheater, until eventually being won by the goddess that resembled polished alabaster for 850 Quintessence. The next artifact was up for bid: [Cloak of Illusions: A shimmering cloak that allows the god to project illusions, making them appear as anything they desire. This is particularly useful for gods who wish to interact directly with their followers while hiding their divine identity.] That one was won by the god that resembled a towering golem. [Harp of Harmony: This divine harp can inspire peace and tranquility when played, soothing conflicts within a god''s domain and fostering unity among their followers.] Ebonheim had a hunch that Ariastra, the goddess would want to get it...and she was right. In the end, Ebonheim didn''t manage to win any of the artifacts on display, despite her curiosity about each one. While she did learn some valuable information about the auction, she ended up just watching the event unfold. Aetheron had managed to acquire two more Divine Abilities. As for Ariastra, she ended up only acquiring the harp. When the auction ended, Aetheron turned to Ebonheim with an eager expression on his face and asked her, "So, how did you find the auction?" Ebonheim pondered over his question for a moment before answering. "It was interesting." After a few moments, she added with a sheepish grin, "I should save up on more Quintessence for next time. Oh, when will the next auction be?" Aetheron stood up from his seat and stretched; as he did so, his glass-like structure rippled and shifted like liquid metal, sending sparkling shimmers across his form. "Next year. There will be another auction one year from now¡ªif you''ve saved enough Quintessence by then, then perhaps you will get a chance to win what you desire. However, your invitation is not always guaranteed. The higher your divine rank, the less likely that you would be regularly invited. It is one way to ensure that gods of higher Divine Rank do not monopolize all of the boon presented here." If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. One year... a lot could happen in that time frame. Ebonheim pondered over how she could gather more Quintessence, but before she could think about it more, the other deities stood and began to move towards the exit of the amphitheater. Ebonheim turned to Aetheron and asked, "Where are they going?" Aetheron looked back at her and answered in a matter-of-fact tone, "Most likely back to their respective domains. We are given four days after the auction ends to mingle and converse with one another should we choose to. Afterward, we are forcibly ejected from the Sanctum." Ebonheim blinked in response, then tilted her head to one side. "Wait, why?" Aetheron shrugged and said, "Aside from attending the auction, many use this time to build alliances or form new partnerships¡ªit is not unusual for them to share information regarding their domains." He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, I find it bothersome¡ªsome tend to be brusque in their dealings with one another, often leading to conflicts." "You seem to get along well with some of them, like Ariastra and Nephri," Ebonheim said. He raised a slender hand and rested his chin on it as he replied in a calm tone. "Indeed." He paused for a moment before adding, "Some are more challenging to deal with, though." As he spoke, his aura shifted to a light purple hue¡ªhe seemed to be thinking about something again. "Although, I do find that Ariastra has a calm demeanor when compared to some other deities, and Nephri is surprisingly...knowledgeable." His gaze wandered back to Ebonheim again. "If you ever wish to have a conversation with any of us in the future, we would not mind if you joined us." Ebonheim nodded and smiled at Aetheron, but before she could respond, he raised a slender hand and floated up into the air. As he did so, his body slowly transformed into a shimmering orb of light, then began to move towards the exit with a blurry trail of light behind him. Ebonheim turned to Ariastra and spoke to her as she stood up from her seat. "Will you be going too?" she asked. Ariastra shook her head. "I wish to stay for a bit longer¡ªI am curious about your mortal form." As she spoke, her strings swayed gently in the air around her. "Would you like to accompany me while we converse?" Ebonheim nodded, then followed Ariastra''s movements as she drifted across the aisle and moved towards the exit with her. Ariastra led her through the hallways, away from the grand entrance of the amphitheater and towards a small, secluded corner of the complex. As they walked together, they passed several deities coming and going; most seemed to ignore Ariastra''s presence and remained focused on their own conversations. Ariastra came to a stop at a small room where a pool of glowing water was formed within a luminous basin. "I find it fascinating," Ariastra said with a gentle voice as she turned to Ebonheim. "I''ve only met a few others whose forms were nearly identical to that of a mortal, but never one that matched so precisely." Ebonheim shifted her eyes to the water and smiled. "Well, it just sort of happened that I look the way I am. Aside from being teased for my height by a few of my friends, I really enjoy being like this." As she spoke, she brought her hand closer to the water and ran her fingers over its surface¡ªIt felt smooth and cool against her skin, yet there was also a tingling sensation that crawled across her palm, like tiny prickling needles. "I can''t imagine being any different." Ariastra tilted her head to one side. "What do you mean by ''being teased''?" Ebonheim brought her hand back and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she replied. "You know, about my height, and things like that." When Ariastra continued to stare at her, Ebonheim explained further: "Well, people seem to tease me about being small¡ªthey say I look cute or childish." As she spoke, she turned away to hide the blush she could feel warming her cheeks. "But I don''t mind it¡ªI know people mean well." Ariastra nodded at Ebonheim''s reply, but remained silent for a few moments before saying, "How often do you interact with the mortals within your domain?" Ebonheim brought her knees to her chest and hugged them as she replied, "Every day. If I''m not sleeping, I''m usually out and about¡ªand if not, I spend my time in my hut." Ariastra''s eyes widened as she listened to Ebonheim''s answer. "You interact with them frequently?" As she spoke, her strings shifted with a gentle melody as though in response to her surprise. Ebonheim nodded, then closed her eyes and settled back into the seat; she rested her chin on her knees as she replied, "Oh, yes, I spend most of my time with the villagers. Is that surprising?" Ariastra continued to stare at her in silence for a few moments before giving her a slow nod. "Yes," she replied at last. "It is surprising." As she spoke, her strings shifted to a quiet rhythm. "Most of us do not interact with our subjects unless there is a need to do so. Those that do tend to...not last long." Ebonheim gave Ariastra a puzzled look¡ªher tone sounded odd, like she was telling her something she shouldn''t be telling anyone else. "What do you mean by that?" Ariastra narrowed her eyes as she replied, "There were several deities in the past who have tried to get close to their subjects only to be betrayed by them. In the end, they either lost their domain or were driven mad." Her strings swayed gently, shifting to a somber tune. "It has happened time and time again¡ªmost deities will eventually figure this out, but there are always some who are not mindful enough." That did sound alarming, but Ebonheim couldn''t imagine the villagers ever turning against her; they were kind and gentle people, and they cared for her as much as she did for them. "Oh," Ebonheim said as she leaned forward and placed her palms on the water''s surface again. "Well, I doubt that would ever happen." As she spoke, she ran her fingers through the water''s surface again, creating ripples in its otherwise calm surface. "I love my people¡ªthey''re my family." Ariastra watched Ebonheim play with the water for a few moments before continuing to speak. "For the sake of a young one such as yourself, I advise you to be more mindful. It is best not to draw too much attention to yourself, lest you find yourself in an undesirable situation." As she spoke, she shifted her gaze to Ebonheim''s face¡ªher eyes seemed to be pleading with her, as though she was warning her. "Take care to maintain a low profile while you interact with your followers." Ebonheim brought her hand away from the water''s surface and studied Ariastra''s expression; something about her seemed different to what she had seen before, but Ebonheim couldn''t place her finger on what it was. "Why do you say that?" Ebonheim asked as she placed a hand on her chin in thought. "If I''m careful, I''m sure that nothing bad will happen." Ariastra shook her head and said, "That may not be the case. While I do not doubt your good intentions, mortals are not always so innocent." As she spoke, she glanced back at Ebonheim, her eyes twinkling like two stars. "Just be aware." As they continued their conversation, Ebonheim learned about Ariastra''s home: her domain, the city of Byllias, was a peaceful city, known for its grand music and culture; Ariastra was a patron deity that promoted art and music among its citizens. It was also a popular destination among travelers and merchants on their way to other cities. Ebonheim found her company pleasant. Ariastra was kind and thoughtful¡ªshe was curious about many of the things Ebonheim did and asked about them often. They spent the next day exchanging stories about their lives in their respective domains and spent their time chatting about many topics, ranging from the mundane to the mysterious. At the end of their time together, Ariastra asked Ebonheim to accompany her to Byllias next year. Ebonheim had no problem agreeing¡ªthe time she had spent with Ariastra was interesting, and she wanted to learn more about her domain and her people. As she watched Ariastra depart, she couldn''t help but wonder why Ariastra had been so wary about her interactions with mortals before. Ebonheim was sure that Ariastra just meant that humans can sometimes be tricky, but the more she pondered about it, the more she began to suspect that she had a different reason for being so concerned. After all, why else would she warn her about interacting with her people? Chapter 28: Encounter with the Beastkin 21st day of Raincrown, 1367 The huntsmen of Ebonheim always felt a sense of awe whenever they ventured out through the forests of the Eldergrove Valley. Leaves rustled overhead, the dappled sunlight casting a kaleidoscope of hues onto the dense foliage. The tall ancient trees appeared as sentinel guardians, their gnarled roots sinking deep into the rich earth, while squirrels scurried about, their tiny claws scraping against rough bark. The scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the musky aroma of the forest floor. Bedecked in simple leathers and carrying handcrafted bows and quivers filled with arrows, three huntsmen made their way through the forest¡ªThese were men who knew their path and moved with an intimate familiarity. Elric was their leader¡ªa man in his late thirties, burly and broad-shouldered, with a weather-beaten face that bore the evidence of a life spent outdoors. His eyes were keen, his movements precise. The silence he maintained was not one of austerity but born from the focus of a seasoned hunter. Then there was Orin, a younger man with shaggy brown hair and bright green eyes that sparkled with mirth. His frame was wiry but sinewy, showing strength of a different kind. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue that often lightened the mood during their ventures into the forest. Lastly, there was Eddard, the elder of the group. His silver hair and beard were a stark contrast to the others. Despite his advanced age, Eddard possessed a strength and stamina that rivaled men half his age. He was a stoic figure, rarely speaking unless he deemed it necessary. ¡°Look there,¡± Elric whispered, pointing towards a thicket. ¡°Deer tracks.¡± ¡°Right, let''s see if we can catch a big one today,¡± Orin said, grinning widely. The trio moved silently, following the tracks. The thrill of the hunt, the subtle harmony of nature all around them, it was moments like these that reminded them why they loved their roles in the village. Their serenity was disrupted when a low growl echoed through the forest. They exchanged nervous glances, unable to immediately recognize the unfamiliar sound. ¡°Be on your guard,¡± Elric whispered, his grip tightening on his bow. They moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the dense undergrowth. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. A silhouette that bore the frame of a human, but was far more imposing. A wild mane of black hair framed a face that looked carved from stone. The figure stood at a distance, eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent chills down the huntsmen''s spines. It was not just one figure, but several that appeared, their bodies adorned with tribal tattoos, their eyes wild and feral. Orin swallowed hard, his throat dry as he stuttered, ¡°Wh-who are they?¡± ¡°I have no idea,¡± Elric replied, his voice steady despite the uncertainty. ¡°But we''ll soon find out.¡± The forest held its breath, the usual chatter of woodland creatures replaced with an unnerving silence. Elric, Orin, and Eddard stood frozen, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of the figures emerging from the forest''s depths. "Beastkin," Eddard murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His seasoned eyes had seen many things in his lifetime, but the sight of the them, in their fierce yet regal forms, brought a chill of trepidation he hadn''t felt in a long while. Elric''s eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the tales he had heard about these half-human, half-beast beings. Orin''s eyes were wide with fascination and fear, a strange combination that had him rooted to the spot. A lone figure distinguished herself from the others. Taller than her kin, she held herself with an animalistic grace. Crimson tresses spilled over her shoulders like a lion''s mane rippling in the forest breeze. Her eyes, ruby-red and fierce, sparkled with an inner fire that eclipsed the others, and remained steadfastly locked onto their small group. High cheekbones sculpted her face, accented by a chiseled jawline. Her beauty was wild, raw, a stunning tableau of savage grace and deadly allure. Intricate tattoos wound their way over her muscular form, trailing the curves of her body. Her tail swished rhythmically in the air, brushing against the rustling leaves as she prowled closer. The intensity of her presence cut through the forest hum, a palpable, commanding aura that silently marked her as the undisputed leader. She, along with her kinsmen, was garbed in tribal garments of earthen hues: animal furs, loincloths, and feather capes. The garments covered them modestly, yet failed to conceal their proud figures. Their clothing bore signs of wear and tear, each item tattered and torn¡ªthey looked as though they had spent years roaming the wilderness, forsaking civilization and its trappings for a simpler life. Elric instinctively stepped forward, positioning himself between the beastkin and his companions. He raised his bow slightly, not aiming an arrow but showing that he was prepared to defend his fellow huntsmen. His voice echoed through the forest, steady but loud, "Who are you? What do you want?" Suddenly, the leader broke into a run¡ªElric barely had time to react. In less than a breath, she stood over him, her presence so overwhelming that he stumbled back and fell on his backside, his bow flying out of his grip. She did not attack, did not roar, instead, she spoke. Her voice was smooth, a stark contrast to her appearance. "Hello, human. You seem lost." The other beastkin followed suit, surrounding the huntsmen; Their eyes gleamed with amusement, their smiles displaying a row of sharp teeth. The huntsmen were well and truly caught, and they had no idea what was about to unfold. The lioness beastkin, her ruby eyes simmering with untamed vitality, squatted to match Elric''s gaze. She spoke with a soothing purr, her tone so casual it was as if they had encountered each other during a routine morning stroll, rather than in the confines of an ambush. "Lost? Or perhaps trespassing?" "We''re hunters," Elric responded, striving to keep his voice steady. "From Ebonheim." The lioness tilted her head and studied him with a quizzical expression, her eyes narrowed and focused on his face. "Ebonheim, you say? Is that the name of your tribe?" As she spoke, her hand inched closer to him, her claws almost grazing his neck. Elric suppressed a shudder, and said, "Y-yes? It''s the name of our village." She brought a slender finger to his chin and lifted his face. As she did so, she leaned in closer; Elric could smell the aroma of the forest on her: earthy and damp. "Then, what is your name?" Elric swallowed hard, trying to focus on the question instead of the closeness of this half-beast. "E-Elric," he stammered, "My name is Elric." ¡°A name as sturdy as oak. Elric,¡± she said, rolling the syllables around her mouth as if tasting them. At that moment, one of the other beastkin tapped the lioness'' shoulder. "Serrandyl," he said. "A word with you?" She glanced at the other and nodded, giving a sharp growl in acknowledgment. She gave Elric one last appraising glance, her eyes lingering on his face, before rising and returning to her kin. Though they tried to speak in hushed whispers, Elric could make out what they were saying. "What are you complaining about now, Reo?" Serrandyl whispered to the one that tapped on her shoulder before. "What do we do now?" the male beastkin named Reo asked, "Those humans seem dangerous. We don''t know if they are friend or foe." "You always have to be so dramatic, Reo." Serrandyl scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Does it matter? Look how weak and scrawny they are. If they pose a threat to our tribe, we will take care of them." Elric and the others tensed, but they continued to eavesdrop on their conversation. Another one chimed in. "Shouldn''t we keep hunting? We still need to feed everyone." Serrandyl turned to face the one who spoke, her face twisted in a scowl. "And manage to hunt what? Another rabbit or two for the day? I am sick and tired of always being on the verge of starvation." Elric furrowed his brows. What did she mean? How did these beastkin, who seemed so well-fed, be starving? There was enough game and plants in the forest to feed many cities comfortably, let alone a handful of beastkin. Orin whispered to his companions, "This might be our chance to escape." Eddard shook his head, his eyes hard and intense as they peered through the thicket. "No," he growled in a hushed tone. "It''s impossible for us to outrun them. Just stay put and don''t provoke them." Serrandyl turned and met Elric''s eyes again, her gaze unwavering as if daring him to attempt an escape. Elric shifted awkwardly under her gaze, his eyes meeting hers and then quickly averting back to the ground. She walked back towards Elric and stood over him, this time the rest of the beastkin followed suit. Elric was surrounded on all sides, their towering figures looming over him as they stared at him with piercing eyes. "Look. We mean no harm," Elric began, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. "We''re just looking for game." Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. They regarded him silently for a moment. Then, to his surprise, she threw back her head and laughed. It was a rich, infectious laughter that echoed through the trees and caused the birds to scatter from the branches. She brushed back her mane of fiery red hair and looked at Elric with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, how thrilling!" she exclaimed, her voice rich and velvety. "Hunters, are you? And what might you be hunting in our woods, hm?" There was an undertone of amusement in her voice, and Elric could only look at her, dumbfounded. Her presence was larger than life and, despite the fear gnawing at him, he found himself enthralled by the creature in front of him. "Erm... deer, mostly," Orin chimed in, his voice a little higher than usual. "Deer, mostly," she mimicked Orin, looking at him with amusement dancing in her eyes. The others chuckled, causing the huntsmen to shift uncomfortably. "Well, hunters, it seems we have a problem," she continued, her amusement fading to be replaced by a steely gaze. "You see, we''ve been hunting in these lands too. And game has been scarce." "What are you saying?" Elric asked, trying to keep his voice even despite the panic rising in his chest. "I doubt your claim in this territory," Eddard interrupted, his voice level despite his words, "We''ve hunted through this region for over a year and we''ve not encountered your kind before." Elric noted a tinge of defiance in Eddard''s words¡ªalthough his response was true, it probably wouldn''t bode well to provoke them. A fierce grin spread across Serrandyl''s face¡ªthe hint of amusement was back in her eyes. "We just got here, old wolf," she purred. "This is our first hunt in this area, but I don''t see how you can stop us from claiming this territory as our own." As she spoke, her tail brushed against Elric''s legs, causing him to flinch away instinctively. Orin slapped Eddard''s arm lightly and hissed. "What are you doing, old man? Don''t provoke them. They''ll kill and eat us." Elric narrowed his eyes as he studied Serrandyl''s face; he wasn''t sure if she was serious or toying with them. "Maybe we can work something out," he said, drawing her attention again. "We could trade you something¡ªsomething valuable to your tribe." A murmur of discontent swept through the beastkin at Elric''s words, causing him to panic slightly. However, he soldiered on, despite his rising fear. "I can''t speak for all of us," he continued, "but I can speak for myself." As he said this, he reached behind him and rummaged through his leather pouch. "I can give you this," he offered as he placed a small glass bottle filled with a purple liquid in front of her. She studied it intently for a moment before shrugging. "What''s so special about this?" she asked as she picked it up and examined it. Elric said nothing for a moment¡ªhis gaze darted from the bottle to her face to her companions. Then, as he collected his thoughts, he said, "It''s a tonic for minor illnesses." At this, those around her began to murmur again. Elric dared not speak further until they had quieted down, but when they did, he continued, "It can cure colds, fevers, even common illnesses like coughs and sore throats." She regarded the glass bottle with a cocked head before turning back to him. "What does this get you in return?" she asked. "A bit of space for our hunts," Elric said. "We can hunt elsewhere in the forest for the rest of the year." There was silence as she pondered Elric''s offer; after a while, she nodded slowly, then held out her hand for him to shake. "Deal," she purred, her smile sharp like a blade, "I will take this potion and let you and your companions pass in peace." As she spoke, she regarded him with those crimson eyes, her gaze burning like fire. Elric stood in silence for a moment before shaking her hand¡ªhis instincts told him that if he did not, his death would follow soon after. "Agreed," he said, and bowed his head slightly in gratitude. Reo stepped forward again, tapping the lioness'' shoulder. Once again, the lioness tilted her head slightly and said, "What now?" Reo hesitated for a moment before moving closer to whisper into her ear. Elric watched as she frowned and narrowed her eyes at Reo before glancing back at him. A slow smile spread across her lips, and she turned back to him, her voice once again laced with amusement. "Before we let you go, hunter," she said. "We need some information." She moved back to her group, her fingers dancing along the intricate tattoos that adorned her muscular form. Elric watched her, a mixture of fear and curiosity welling within him. He had the unnerving feeling that their lives had just taken an unexpected turn. "Information? About what?" Elric asked, his brows knitting together in confusion as he looked at the fiery-haired beastkin woman. "Your village. We need to know about its defenses, its resources," she responded. Her voice was firm, and there was a calculated look in her ruby-red eyes that made Elric tense. "Why?" Eddard demanded. "Are you planning something?" Orin hit Eddard''s arm again to silence him¡ªhe shot his old friend a reproachful glance. After a moment of silence, the lioness answered, "Just curious." Elric frowned, but didn''t say anything. He knew nothing about these half-beasts and their motives, but he couldn''t help but feel wary of their intentions. Still, they had struck a deal with them¡ªthe least he could do was trust their word. Maybe they just wanted to get to know Ebonheim a little better? Serrandyl studied the huntsmen in silence for a moment before speaking again. "Well?" "What would you do with that information?" Elric countered warily. "Haven''t decided yet," she answered casually, grinning at Elric''s grim expression. From her side, a slightly smaller, but no less intimidating beastkin with sleek black fur covering his arms stepped forward. "Better cooperate, human," he warned, his voice gravelly and his fangs gleaming menacingly in the sunlight. Caught between the threatening visage of the black-furred one and the enchanting, yet equally intimidating woman, Elric looked back towards his fellow huntsmen. Orin gave a slight shrug while Eddard folded his arms, his expression stern and impassive. "And if we refuse?" Eddard asked, his gaze flitting from the black-furred one to the lioness. In answer, the woman chuckled again. Her laughter echoed through the trees, and a few small animals scattered, spooked by the sound. "Well, I would hope it doesn''t come to that, old wolf. It would be rather...unpleasant." "Eddard," Orin hissed, shooting the old man a glare. "Maybe we should just cooperate." Eddard said nothing in return. Instead, he shifted his weight slightly and fixed his gaze on the lioness again. Ignoring their bickering, the woman turned to the rest of her group, giving them an expressive look. A few of the beastkin broke off, circling the huntsmen with an almost playful ease that belied their deadly intent. Elric considered this for a moment before sighing deeply. "Fine," he said. "We''ll tell you." As he spoke, he looked back at the lioness, his eyes boring into hers. "Will that be sufficient?" She grinned at him and nodded. "Yes. Tell me about Ebonheim, your village. How many warriors do you have? What kind of food are you hoarding?" He coughed, trying to keep his composure. ¡°We aren¡¯t hoarding food. We¡¯re simple people. We hunt, we gather. As for warriors¡­ we have enough to protect our own.¡± Serrandyl cocked her head, an eyebrow quirking up as if she''d heard a particularly amusing joke. ¡°Enough, huh? You must consider the measure of your enemies before you can claim to have ''enough'' warriors.¡± A ripple of laughter rolled through her companions, the sound dissonant amidst the tense atmosphere. Orin stiffened, his grip tightening on his spear. But Elric held up a hand, silently urging him to stand down. "We have enough," he repeated firmly. "Besides," he added with a half-smile, "we do have a goddess watching over us." As the tension built up, a sudden, incongruous rumbling broke through. Orin blushed, his hand on his stomach. "Sorry, haven''t eaten all day." Another ripple of laughter washed over them, their leader shaking her head, her chuckles filling the air. "You''re funny," the lioness purred. "Why would a god care about a little village like yours?" Elric opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, one of the beastkin behind the Serrandyl clapped his hand on the woman''s shoulder and said something in a low growl that Elric couldn''t make out. Suddenly, Serrandyl turned away from Elric and walked a few steps to join her companions. "What, Reo?! What are you complaining about now?" she exclaimed, annoyance clouding her features as she threw up her hands. "It wasn''t me!" Reo hissed, pointing at the one who had interrupted her. "It was him!" Serrandyl shot the other one a furious glare, her eyes narrowing to slits as she growled at him, "This better be important." The other one gulped and nodded his head, stammering, "W-what if they really have a goddess? What if they aren''t lying?" Serrandyl''s face dropped, and she stood in silence for a few moments, deep in thought. As if sensing the leader''s indecision, Reo spoke again, his voice low, "There''s no way a single village far outside the human kingdoms would have a deity looking over them. They would have chased us off or subjugated us once we entered their domain." Serrandyl frowned and folded her arms, tapping her foot thoughtfully on the ground as she racked her brain for an answer. After a few moments, she shook her head and began to pace back and forth. "My gut is telling me that they''re lying. And I always trust my gut." A low grumble echoed from the stomach of another beastkin near her. A few of them snickered and nudged each other in amusement, but she ignored them as she walked back over to Elric. "Stop spouting nonsense about having a god as your protector. Just tell us more about your village," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she met Elric''s gaze again. "Speak, hunter." As twilight draped itself over the forest, the interrogation carried on. The lioness beastkin, her eyes glowing like smoldering embers in the dwindling light, prodded the captive huntsmen with questions that seemed deceptively benign. Yet, with every passing minute, Elric and his companions found themselves reluctantly unraveling the secrets of their village. "And the food?" she asked, leaning back against a tree, the sinuous grace of her movement unmistakably predatory. "Mostly game," Elric answered truthfully, "Some produce from the farms... grains, vegetables." A murmur spread through the others at the mention of food, their eyes lighting up in anticipation. A robust-looking beastkin, his mane as fiery as their leader''s, spoke up. "If this village is as you say, raiding it could solve our food shortage." The huntsmen stiffened at his words, but their fear went unnoticed, drowned by the collective growl of approval from the others. The lioness nodded. "Yes," she said, her voice taking on an icy tinge that caused Elric''s skin to prickle. "It would solve our problems." Their leader approached Elrich once again. "We will raid your village," she declared, her tone brooking no argument. "We won''t kill anyone, but we will take what we need." Elric clenched his fists¡ªhe knew he should be furious, but all he could feel was a numbness creeping into his mind and body. All he could hear was the blood rushing in his ears. Before the huntsmen could protest, she raised a hand. "You will come with us. Ensure your villagers do not resist, and no harm will come to them." Before Orin and Eddard could voice their objections, she added, "Do as we say, and you will be spared." Sensing their distress, the lioness nodded to her kin behind the huntsmen, and they stepped forward to forcefully seize the huntsmen and bind them with leather ropes. As the beastkin yanked them to their feet and bound them tightly, Elric let out a low growl of annoyance. "You don''t have to do this," he muttered. "We can just make a deal, like we did before. I''m sure the elders of my village can arrange something¡ª" Before he could finish, a meaty hand came crashing down on his cheek, causing him to stumble backwards against the force of the blow. Orin hissed as he fought against the restraining arms of the beastkin holding him back, while Eddard struggled against his own bonds. The one called Reo stepped forward, his teeth bared and his eyes ablaze as he spoke, "You will learn to mind your tongue, hunter." Elric fought against the haze of pain and the beginnings of fear that pooled in his stomach. A part of him wanted to shout at them, to demand an explanation for this senseless raid on his village¡ªbut he knew any such pleas would only cause more harm to himself and his companions. As he tried to regain his composure, Serrandylr slammed her fist onto Reo''s face, causing him to stumble back. "Reo! You dumb grass-eater," she said with a growl. "Stop that. You''re making us look like a bunch of bandits!" Elrich quirked an eyebrow at her words. But...they were acting like bandits, weren''t they? They had abducted three huntsmen and threatened to raid their village for food. Something seemed a bit off about them. Reo seemed unfazed as he lowered his head and let out a low, growling apology. Once the beastkin had secured them and slung the huntsmen over their shoulders, Serrandyl led them through the forest towards Ebonheim. With each step deeper into the twilight, Elric felt a nagging feeling at the back of his mind¡ªsomething was off about this encounter, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on it. His first thought was his worry for the village¡ªyet as he continued to listen to the beastkins'' banter and the easygoing attitude of their leader, his worry shifted for them. Chapter 29: Raid of the Beastkin, Part I The gentle rustling of the Eldergrove trees sounded like a whispered symphony as Ebonheim, Bjorn, and Thorsten stepped into the sun-dappled clearing. In the center, an orderly phalanx of village guards stood at attention, garbed in their newly forged Ebonwood gear. Bjorn, his muscular frame enveloped in hide armor, walked towards the guards with a sense of reverence. His hands, calloused and battle-worn, caressed the edge of a guard''s Ebonwood shield. "Ebonheim, come, look at this," he beckoned, his voice echoing within the forested cathedral around them. Ebonheim approached, her silken white dress rustling against the undergrowth. She ran a slender hand over the shield''s grainy texture. It was as dark as the night sky, yet warm to the touch, as if the life of the tree from which it was made still resided within it. But what impressed her the most was the craftsmanship of the guards'' armor. Each one was made from an intricate latticework of interwoven Ebonwood fibers and plates over a sturdy layer of hardened leather, creating a defensive garment that offered excellent protection yet still allowed for freedom of movement. Each guard''s shield bore the crest of Ebonheim: a stylized tree with the moon etched on the background. The Akashic System displayed the properties of the enchanted gear on her peripheral: [Domain Knowledge (Rank II): You can view the properties of all objects in your domain.] [Ebonwood Shield - Type: Light Shield; Properties: +24 Physical Defense, +12 Block, +13 Arcane Defense, +10 Divine Defense, 17 Damage Reduction (All); Penalties: -2 Melee Attack, -6 Ranged Attack] [Ebonwood Scale Mail - Type: Medium Armor; Properties: +22 Physical Defense, +13 Arcane Defense, +10 Divine Defense, 15 Damage Reduction (All); Penalties: -2 Melee Attack, -2 Ranged Attack] "Looks sturdy enough," Bjorn commented, his eyes critically appraising the guards. "Much better than the leather scraps we wore before." Thorsten nodded, his lips curling into a smirk as he looked at Bjorn. "Better than your fur-clad armor." "Pfft," Bjorn snorted, his grin growing wider as he gave Thorsten a playful shove. "My new one is being built as we speak. I''ll show you soon." Thorsten laughed and shoved him back. Ebonheim watched the men fondly, then sighed and shook her head with an affectionate smile. These two were so similar¡ªyet so different from each other at the same time. It was always a source of entertainment to watch them banter with each other. She was curious how their new armor compared to the armor Bjorn currently wore so she looked at its properties as well. [Enchanted Hide Armor - Type: Medium Armor; Properties: +12 Physical Defense, +6 Arcane Defense, 6 Damage Reduction (Kinetic, Cold); Penalties: -3 Melee Attack, -4 Ranged Attack] Oooh...the new armor was way more impressive. The penalties imposed on the wearer weren''t as severe, but she wasn''t sure if the new armor was more cumbersome compared to the leather armor the guards had worn prior. "What about their mobility?" she asked the two men. "Can they move just as well in this armor as they did with the old leather?" At this, both men paused and looked at her, their expressions sobering slightly. Thorsten turned towards the guards and asked, "How well can you move in this new armor, soldier?" One of the guards stepped forward and replied, "As well as we did in our old armor, sir. This new one may seem cumbersome at first, but we''ve been practicing with it over the past week and now our movements are as good as before." The others nodded in agreement. A few even gave a confident grunt to drive their point home. Ebonheim nodded in return, satisfied with the response. "Good," she said. "Looks like it''ll do just fine." As she stepped forward, the guards snapped into a more formal position, their eyes forward, hands clenched at their sides. Ebonheim moved to the first of them, her slender fingers reaching out to trace the intricate pattern of Ebonwood scales embedded in the armor. She nodded approvingly as she examined the fine craftsmanship before continuing down the line, her delicate fingers gliding over the sturdy plates and smooth leather. The helm was the first to capture her attention. It was a full-faced design with an open grille at the front to allow visibility and airflow, and a stiff brim to protect against arrows and projectiles. At the back, the helmet tapered into a curved crest, which jutted up to protect the back of the neck. It was a striking design, and Ebonheim marveled at the intricate beauty of it. Suddenly, one of the guards spoke up, breaking her concentration. "Oh," he said as he lowered his head and placed his fist over his chest, "It''s an honor to have you examine our armor, goddess." Ebonheim grinned at him as she replied, "Don''t be so formal with me." As she spoke, she straightened his armor for him; the young guard went rigid at her touch, his eyes wide as he stared at her in awe. "You''re among friends," she added with a wink and a light pat on his armored shoulder before moving on to the next guard. Bjorn and Thorsten joined her, their gruff voices filling the clearing with their appraisal of the gauntlets, greaves, and other pieces of the Ebonwood armor. While Bjorn focused on the details of the craftsmanship and efficiency of the armor, Thorsten''s appraisal focused on the suitability of the equipment for combat. Their opinions on the armor were so similar to Ebonheim''s that she could barely tell them apart¡ªbut they often bickered over minor details like their preferences in terms of armor design or its function as protection from enemy arrows or blades. "Bjorn, did you come up with this design?" She queried, pointing towards a breastplate made from a thicker slab of Ebonwood with a series of scales running along its length. "I love the idea of scales here." Bjorn nodded, his blue eyes twinkling with pride. "I thought of it, but it was the crafters who brought the idea to life. They worked night and day, their hands guided by your blessings, Ebonheim." They finished their tour of the equipment and turned to regard the guards again. Thorsten gave a hearty chuckle, then bellowed at the gathered men. "With those new shields and armor, you will be the guardians of Ebonheim, the protectors of our home. Wear it with pride, wield it with honor!" A cheer erupted from the guards. Ebonheim watched in satisfaction as they stood tall, their chests puffed out with pride and their weapons held aloft. Thorsten and Bjorn stood behind her as she surveyed the gathered warriors. They had trained to acclimate to the new equipment¡ªthe warriors had become stronger, more confident, and better trained as a result. Ebonheim could see it in their eyes: they were prepared, and they were willing to do what was necessary to defend their home.
Serrandyl stalked through the undergrowth like a hunter on the prowl. With each step, she lifted her head and sniffed the air, her eyes scanning the shadows for any trace of movement or sound. Her warriors, thirty in number, followed behind her, their steps silent but confident as they took up their positions in the foliage around the village. It was only a few hours after dusk when they had arrived¡ªa time when most people were settling down for the night¡ªso Serrandyl''s group had been able to secure a good position to observe Ebonheim from a distance. With her enhanced senses, Serrandyl could even hear the faint sounds of laughter and conversation from within the village, but she ignored these, focusing instead on the task at hand: observe, wait, and plan. After a while, she halted, her head cocked to the side as she listened to the distant conversation again. She frowned, but shrugged and turned to the others. "Gather round," she whispered. "We have to talk about our next move." As her warriors gathered in a small clearing near her position, Serrandyl spoke. "Listen," she began, her voice soft but her eyes wide and alert. "There aren''t that many warriors guarding the village. If we strike quickly and quietly, we can take them down before they even have time to react. Then we can find where they keep their livestock and grab as much as we can carry." One of the warriors nodded, his tail swishing behind him as he replied, "I volunteer to carry the meat." Serrandyl nodded in response, then said, "We''ll split into two groups. One group will find our bounty while the other will follow me to head to the center of the village and deal with anyone who tries to stop us. Remember, no killing. We need them to stick around and stay healthy so we can raid them again if we have to." Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. She turned to address all of them again. "Now, listen up," she began, "Once you''ve grabbed the food, we''ll rendezvous at the edge of the village by the river and head back to the rest of our tribe. Is everyone clear on their roles?" A warrior from the back spoke up. "Are you sure we should be doing this?" he asked. "I don''t think the Pridelord would approve of us making an enemy of the humans here." Serrandyl''s eyes blazed as she glowered at him. "My father will have to get over it if we''re ever going to survive in this valley," she replied, her voice taking on a steely edge as she spoke. "Would you rather we fight with the Kungwans when we first arrived here? Or would you rather we starve?" As he shrank back from her words, Serrandyl''s gaze softened and she let out a sigh. "Look," she said, her voice growing gentle again. "We just need to take some of their food to help our tribe and keep them healthy until we get used to hunting and foraging in this valley. The humans here won''t die from losing a meal or two." The other warrior nodded. "I understand," he said, and Serrandyl gave a smile as she patted him on the shoulder. With a silent whoop, her warriors formed a small phalanx and moved through the foliage towards the village, their movements almost unnoticeable as they reached its outskirts. Serrandyl grinned and held out her hand, her eyes glimmering in anticipation of the raucous night ahead. "Let''s go." Without warning, she broke into a sprint, dashing through the forest as if she could fly. In moments, she was in the heart of the village, surrounded by buildings and a few passersby, with no one the wiser to her presence. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a group of guards on patrol. Quickly and quietly, she climbed up to the roof of a building near them and crouched down. The guards passed underneath her as she watched them from her vantage point. They moved slowly and steadily, their weapons at the ready in case they encountered any trouble. Serrandyl observed them for a moment, but they moved past without incident. The other warriors with her moved into position nearby and observed, but none made any move to attack, either. As Serrandyl waited for the guards to move, she considered her options: could she take them on herself? It would be risky¡ªbut she was confident she could handle them alone if she had to. While she was considering her options, one of the guards paused and sniffed the air¡ªhe must have caught her scent on the breeze. Serrandyl froze as he turned his head in her direction, but the guard wasn''t paying attention to her. Instead, he gestured to the others and said, "It''s just the wind." But Serrandyl was already in mid-leap¡ªshe landed on top of him and knocked him to the ground, pinning him beneath her with her weight. As he struggled against her, she whispered into his ear. "Surprise," she said with a toothy grin before punching him in the face. Her blow hit the side of his helmet as he rolled with her punch, so she drew back to strike again¡ªbut he managed to squirm out from beneath her. Before she could react, the other guards had pounced on her: they seized her arms and dragged her off the guard she had attacked. The rest of her group rushed the guards, jumping out of hiding to engage in a fierce fight. There were four guards in all, and each one was ready for them¡ªthey fought as a unit, blocking her warriors'' blows with their shields and attacking with their swords and spears. "Form up!" Serrandyl kicked away the guard grappling her. "Focus on one guard at a time." As her warriors began to fight more aggressively, Serrandyl launched herself at another guard, her claws raking across his shield¡ªcausing only a few scratch marks to the unusually dark wood. With a roar, she leapt on top of him, but he raised his shield to block her¡ªthe momentum sent him stumbling backwards while he tried to maintain his balance. With her opponent momentarily off-balance, Serrandyl threw a barrage of punches, hitting him over and over again as he raised his shield to protect himself. Finally, he managed to kick her off and jump out of the way; he swung at her with his blade as she stumbled backwards, but she raised her hands in time to block the strike with her forearm. A searing pain shot through her arm and shoulder¡ªthe force of the blow had cut into her flesh and bruised her bones¡ªbut she ignored it as she lashed out with her claws. Her foe staggered away from her, leaving an opening for Serrandyl to strike again: she punched him hard, once, twice, and then again until he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Meanwhile, her other warriors continued to fight, their movements quick and sharp as they dodged and ducked to avoid their enemies'' blows. Outnumbering the defenders three to one, Serrandyl''s group emerged victorious¡ªbut not without a few injuries on their side. A thin trail of blood tricked down towards her wrist. Serrandyl glanced at her injured forearm, then down at the sword of her fallen foe. She shook her head in annoyance; somehow the plain-looking blade had managed to wound her, despite her resilience to normal weapons. She wasn''t expecting a village soldier to carry enchanted weapons¡ªin fact, she hadn''t even considered it as a possibility. She grabbed the sword and inspected it closely; it appeared to be nothing more than a standard broadsword but the blade looked different¡ªit had a peculiar dark texture that didn''t look metallic. She frowned and tossed it aside as she walked over to join her group. Reo caught sight of her and scowled. "Are you injured?" he asked, his tone steely and his brows furrowing in concern. "It''s just a scratch," she replied as she flexed her injured arm experimentally. It was painful, but already the wound was starting to heal. "Nothing to worry about," she added with a dismissive wave. She hadn''t expected this much resistance from a human settlement beyond the reaches of the major kingdoms. The guards were almost as capable as her tribe''s warriors. Going easy against them would probably not bode well. "We should move and take out the other guards on patrol. Don''t underestimate them." Before Reo could respond, she turned away from him and barked out orders to the others. "Keep going!" she shouted, "We need to finish this quickly so we can get our meat!" The warriors cheered as they followed her lead¡ªthe sound echoed through the empty streets and resounded in Serrandyl''s ears, a sound she relished as she raced towards the village''s center to find the remaining guards. As her warriors fanned out, they split into two groups¡ªone to head towards the north while Serrandyl led the other to the east. The sound of an alarm bell cut through the night air as Serrandyl and her warriors raced across the village, her steps light and fast as she rushed to meet another group of defenders. The group of five guards charged at her, their expressions tense and their weapons drawn. "We will not let you harm our village!" one of them cried out, his voice shaky but firm. Serrandyl only grinned in response as she darted towards him¡ªbefore he had time to react, she was upon him. Her claws raked across his chest, expecting her attack to shred through his plated armor but instead, her claws skidded off its hard surface with only a few scratch marks to show for her effort. Frustrated by this unexpected development, Serrandyl lunged at him again and again with the same result¡ªhis armor held firm against her assault, only her claws managed to inflict injury. She had no choice but to back away as he counterattacked. The other guards joined the fray and surrounded her, but she danced away from their blades and distanced herself from them. Once she had space to breathe, Serrandyl paused to assess the situation. What was wrong with her attacks? Why was the armor resisting her claws, which should have cut through leather or hide with ease? Even if they wore iron armor, she would have at least caused more damage than mere scratches. And what about the way the sword had cut into her flesh?... There was something strange about this village. A quick glance around showed her that the other groups of warriors had also been repulsed by their opponents'' armor¡ªshe watched as one warrior stabbed his opponent with his spear but was met with a dull thud instead of a sharp stab as his spear should have met its mark. Another warrior came at his opponent with a heavy club but failed to make contact; instead, his club seemed to slide off the guard''s armor and simply clattered to the ground. As she watched this happen, Serrandyl felt a surge of anger pass through her veins¡ªthese people had trapped her, like an animal in a cage. For a moment, she considered giving up on this plan and returning to her people, but a new plan began to form in her mind: if this armor was so resilient, what if she took the armor as a trophy and brought it back to her people? With a mischievous grin on her face, she turned to Reo and shouted, "Reo! Strip them off their armor once you''ve defeated them! We can use them later!" Reo roared in reply and charged into the battle along with his group. Serrandyl grinned and joined the fray again; as she fought, she kept an eye on the others, eager to see how they fared with their opponents. A guard lunged at her with his sword¡ªshe dodged his attack but caught a glancing blow from another guard''s shield. The force of the blow sent her reeling back¡ªbut she pushed back against the pain and launched herself at another guard, lashing out with a vicious kick to his gut. As the guard stumbled back, she spun and aimed another kick at his head; he blocked the attack with his arm, the impact sending him crashing to the ground, his helmet lost in the fall. Before she had time to follow up her attack, another guard was on her, his shield raised to block her kicks. Serrandyl swung at him, but he dodged her attack¡ªher fist slammed into his shield again, sending him tumbling backwards into his comrade. She punched her way through them as they scrambled to their feet, determined to keep her momentum. As she continued to fight, she saw Reo emerge victorious with the other group; he stood over his defeated foes and began unbuckling their armor, his comrades following suit. Serrandyl grinned as she turned her attention to the last two guards who had yet to be defeated¡ªshe was determined to claim this armor as her own. Suddenly, her ears perked at the sound of groaning wood from behind her as a large shadow loomed over her. With a cry of alarm, she spun on her heel to find herself facing a tree¡ªsporting arms and legs¡ªtowering over her. A gasp escaped her lips as she stared up at its massive arm swinging down at her like a giant club¡ªswatting her away like a pesky insect and sending her crashing to the ground. As she lay there in the dirt, she blinked away the spots in her vision and turned towards her attacker, her eyes wide with shock. The tree sentinel stood over the scene as her group rallied to her side, their eyes wide in awe at the spectacle unfolding before them. "What''s going on?" Reo asked as he pulled her to her feet. "What is that?" Before she could respond, she spotted a figure perched atop the tree sentinel''s shoulder. A girl, clad in a flowing white dress, with long iridescent hair and golden eyes, watched them with an impassive expression on her face. A radiant aura emanated from her slender form¡ªcoloring the surrounding in its ethereal glow. Serrandyl''s instincts told her she had encountered something dangerous; an oppressive weight permeated through her senses as she stared up at the girl who had crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, did I startle you?" the girl asked, her voice airy and light but her expression deadly serious. "I''m sorry, but I don''t take kindly on people attacking my village." Chapter 30: Raid of the Beastkin, Part II "Oh, did I startle you?" Ebonheim asked, her voice airy and light but her expression deadly serious. "I''m sorry, but I don''t take kindly to people attacking my village." The echoes of her words resonated through the chaotic night¡ªA daring challenge unearthing an uncanny calm amidst the pandemonium. "Who are you?" The beastkin woman who commanded the attention of her fellow invaders met Ebonheim''s gaze unflinchingly. Her crimson eyes smoldered with an intensity that belied the ease with which she held her ground. "I am Serrandyl, of the Aslankoyash tribe," she declared with a regal tilt of her chin, the corners of her mouth twitching into a smirk. Her chest heaved with the exertion of the night''s events, but she appeared unfazed as she took a few steps closer to Ebonheim. "We''re here to claim your food as tribute." Ebonheim raised a single eyebrow, her face blank, "Tribute?" Serrandyl nodded, then continued, "Yes, tribute! Your meat, your grains, and your crops, everything you''ve hoarded for yourselves¡ªit belongs to us now." Ebonheim didn''t respond, instead her eyes drifted over the assembled beastkin and lingered for a moment on each of them in turn. The warriors tensed under her gaze, each one prepared for a fight. "You came here and did all this...just to claim our food?" Ebonheim asked. Serrandyl grinned, a sharp and predatory grin. "That''s right," she answered. "So just tuck your tails between your legs and keep your noses down. Then none of you will get hurt." Ebonheim tilted her head slightly to the side, the iridescent strands of her hair fluttering in the cool night breeze. Her curiosity was piqued, yet her protective instincts overruled any fascination she might have had. "So you wanted to raid us because we had more than our fair share, and you needed to eat?" Serrandyl nodded again, a single finger tapping her temple as if she were explaining something to a child, "Exactly! So just sit back and watch while we take what we want, okay?" A deep silence fell over them, and Ebonheim studied the beastkin as they shuffled around awkwardly. Finally, she sighed and asked, "Why go through all the trouble of raiding a village when you can just hunt and gather for your food elsewhere? The valley is large enough for all of us." Serrandyl let out a huff, her lip curled up in disdain. "We''ve had enough of being shoved around, taken from our homes, left to starve¡ªbut now, we will take what we want!" she declared as she stomped her foot on the ground in anger. "I heard a saying from a human once, about how the weak gives food to the strong, and so it must be." Ebonheim blinked as she watched the beastkin continue her tirade. Did she hear that right? That sounded like an idiom similar to something she learned from Engin and Bjorn¡ªthough it was a bit off the mark. "That doesn''t justify your actions," she countered, shifting her weight slightly, the animated tree at her side creaking in response, shadows of leaves dancing around like playful sprites. "And attacking us won''t improve your circumstances." Serrandyl sneered as she stood up straight, arms folded across her chest. "And what are you going to do about it? Even if you have a stupid tree helping you, a puny druid girl like you doesn''t stand a chance against the Aslankoyash''s strongest warriors!" As the beastkin warrior ranted, Ebonheim considered the situation: Serrandyl seemed to be the leader of these raiders. If she could convince the leader to see reason, then perhaps she could avoid any needless conflict¡ªwhich meant, for now, she had to take care of the leader first. Her eyes shimmered as she activated her Divine Sight. [Divine Sight (Rank III) activated] [Serrandyl''s Attributes] Intelligence: 12, Perception: 20, Resilience: 24, Strength: 25, Agility: 24, Endurance: 21, Charisma: 22, Manipulation: 10, Wit: 13] [Health: 254/265 (225 Base, 40 from Beastkin trait)] [Serrandyl''s Base Combat Stats] Melee Physical Attack 24, Block 22, Evasion 24 (22 Base, 2 Modifier), Physical Defense 22, Arcane Defense 22, Divine Defense 22 [Weapon] Claws/Bite; Melee Physical Attack: 32 (24 Base, 8 modifier); Weapon Damage: 17 Kinetic (12 Base, 5 modifier); Block: 30 (22 Base, 8 modifier)] [Weapon] Punch; Melee Physical Attack: 32 (24 Base, 8 modifier); Weapon Damage: 12 Kinetic; Block: 30 (22 Base, 8 modifier)] [Weapon] Kick; Melee Physical Attack: 32 (24 Base, 8 modifier); Weapon Damage: 12 Kinetic; Block: 30 (22 Base, 8 modifier)] [Skill] Melee Proficiency: Unarmed - Intermediate Rank (+8 modifier) [Skill] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons - Intermediate Rank (+8 modifier) Ebonheim was impressed. This one seemed quite capable¡ªdefinitely more than her village guards although she wasn''t sure how well this one would fare against the likes of Thorsten or Bjorn. But now that she had ascended, she felt more confident that she could handle them without too much trouble. "Well," Ebonheim began as she reached out to touch the tree at her side. "I suppose we''ll just have to see what happens." As she spoke, her animated tree charged towards Serrandyl, its arms outstretched in a mighty swing. Serrandyl leapt to the side just in time to avoid its blow, her feet touching lightly on the ground as she regained her balance¡ªthen she launched herself at Ebonheim''s tree with a swipe of her claws. Her blow tore into its bark, leaving a gouge and sending splinters flying everywhere. Before Serrandyl could take another step, another tree joined the fight¡ªit charged towards Serrandyl from behind, swinging its arms with reckless abandon as if to crush her with its weight alone. Serrandyl dodged the first tree''s strike, but was sent tumbling through the air from the impact of the second. The other beastkin ran to join in the fight, launching themselves at Ebonheim''s animated trees with wild abandon; they lashed out with claws and fists, striking the trees relentlessly as they knocked them over and sent them crashing to the ground. Serrandyl, dazed, staggered to her feet as she stumbled back to join the others; Ebonheim''s attention was diverted from the fighting as she considered what to do next. There were too many to fight on their own¡ªand besides, she didn''t want to harm them unless absolutely necessary. Just then, a ruckus erupted from the peripheral parts of the village. Cacophonous bleats of panicked livestock punctured the eerie silence. Ebonheim''s attention, drawn to the outskirts, caught sight of more beastkin darting in between houses, grabbing chickens and sheep and fleeing toward the forest edge. A low growl of command from Serrandyl cut through the still air, "Scatter! Take what you can and meet at the rendezvous point!" With that, the other beastkin dashed off in different directions, scattering as planned. A moment later, one of Ebonheim''s animated trees lumbered towards the beastkin leader; Serrandyl turned to meet its charge with a sharp punch to its side, then another to its torso¡ªboth strikes knocked it off balance and sent it stumbling to the ground. As the other beastkin darted past, Ebonheim flexed her fingers, feeling the familiar stir of power, and motioned towards them. [Vines of the Bramble King (Rank II) activated] If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The ground trembled, the roots from beneath bursting through the ground, tangling around the legs of a few raiders, pulling them down. Her face tightened in concentration as she directed her power, the air crackling around her. [Your Tree Sentinel cast Vines of the Bramble King (Rank I)] The animated tree beside her mirrored her movements, its branches swaying with an ominous creak. More vines and roots erupted from the ground beneath several more beastkin, binding them in place and trapping them in the dirt as they struggled and groaned in protest. Her golden eyes, ablaze with raw energy, turned back to Serrandyl, her voice resonating with a powerful echo, "This is your last chance. Call them off or face me." A fierce grin stretched across Serrandyl''s face as she began to circle Ebonheim. Serrandyl''s beastly features were stark under the moonlight, her fiery gaze bore into Ebonheim¡¯s. Her muscles rippled underneath her skin, tensing for a fight. Ebonheim, in stark contrast, held an air of serene determination, her divine aura sparkling like stardust around her. Her Ebon bow in hand, she faced Serrandyl with a steady gaze. Without warning, Serrandyl lunged forward, her movements a blur of crimson and black; her claw-tipped fingers extended as she neared Ebonheim and swung for her face. With a swift sidestep, she dodged the initial attack, her form flowing with graceful ease. Her fingers pulled at the bowstring, an arrow of pure energy forming, aimed straight at the advancing beastkin. She released. The Essence Bolt hurtled towards Serrandyl¡ªits glowing energy blazing a trail through the night sky, as though to ensure its target would see no escape. Serrandyl blocked it with her forearm, her muscles bulging with the effort, sending ripples through her lean frame; the bolt shattered against her forearm, its fragments exploding into motes of light, leaving scorch marks on her skin. [Attack hit; 37 Divine Damage to Serrandyl; 6 Charges remaining] But it didn''t slow her down. Serrandyl grimaced as she lunged forward again and again, swinging at Ebonheim in a flurry of blows while dodging the counterattack of Ebonheim''s guardian tree. Ebonheim ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding Serrandyl''s sharp claws; she could see the other beastkin still struggling to free themselves from her roots, but she focused on Serrandyl, determined to end the battle quickly. Their dance of aggression and evasion painted a vivid tableau on the battleground. Ebonheim''s graceful arcs in evasion contrasted with the Serrandyl''s ferocious swings. Ebonheim would respond with a volley of energy arrows, their radiant trails cutting through the darkness. Each one found its mark, slowing Serrandyl slightly, but not enough to bring her down. [Attack hit; 37 Divine Damage to Serrandyl; 5 Charges remaining] [Attack hit; 37 Divine Damage to Serrandyl; 4 Charges remaining] Amid the frenzy of the fight, Ebonheim maintained a steady calm. Serrandyl''s movements were erratic¡ªeven from the corner of her eye Ebonheim could see that her feet were planted in an unsteady stance¡ªas if her body was fighting against her brain. It was only a matter of time before she wore herself out; but even though Serrandyl was clearly struggling, Ebonheim knew she had to be careful not to injure her too much if she could help it. In a quick move, Serrandyl managed to close the distance between them. With a fierce growl, she lunged again, this time her claws extending. She swiped with them, aiming for Ebonheim¡¯s midsection. Ebonheim twisted to evade, Serrandyl''s claws scraping against the ethereal protection that encased her, sending sparks into the air. [Your Divine Aura has taken 4 Kinetic Damage; 296 Barrier Health remaining] But the closeness meant Ebonheim couldn''t draw her bow. Instead, she grabbed Serrandyl''s wrist with her free hand and twisted¡ªshe felt Serrandyl''s muscles strain beneath her grip as she pulled away from another blow. Ebonheim pivoted to dodge a kick¡ªthen quickly yanked back on Serrandyl''s wrist as she crouched, sending the beastkin''s momentum in the other direction. With Serrandyl off-balance, Ebonheim shoved her away, sending her careening into a pile of brush at the edge of the clearing. Serrandyl slid on the ground for a bit, her back against a thicket. "You''re going to have to do better than that!" Ebonheim called out, her tone light, but her eyes boring into Serrandyl''s as she approached. Serrandyl picked herself up, shaking off the impact. Her fiery gaze locked onto Ebonheim once again. "You haven''t seen anything yet," she retorted, a feral grin spreading across her face.
The moon gleamed overhead, casting long shadows that danced with the flickering of the battle. Serrandyl''s breaths came out in rough pants, and she grimaced as her muscles twitched with fatigue, yet she was undaunted by her opponent''s seemingly limitless stamina¡ªher claws raked against Ebonheim''s defenses as she struggled to overpower her, but each strike bounced off Ebonheim''s incorporeal barrier. Her muscles tensed, ready to spring into action once more. On the other side, Ebonheim stood tall atop her tree sentinel, her aura ablaze with divine energy. Ebonheim''s brow furrowed. Even with her barrier, Serrandyl''s prowess was astonishing. The beastkin leader''s movements were sure and practiced, but they lacked the brute force of Thorsten''s. Her attacks were relentless and fierce¡ªand yet, Ebonheim could tell that she was tiring, her movements slower now compared to when they had first started the fight. Serrandyl dashed forward again, the tree sentinel missing her by a hair. Ebonheim could see that her beastkin opponent was angry now, her claws striking harder, her motions quicker. Yet each blow Serrandyl unleashed against her was easily blocked by her divine aura, and each hit resulted in a shower of sparks and a burst of radiant light. [Your Divine Aura has taken 4 Kinetic Damage; 292 Barrier Health remaining] [Your Divine Aura has taken 5 Kinetic Damage; 287 Barrier Health remaining] With an angry growl, Serrandyl lunged once more, swinging her claws at Ebonheim''s midsection. Ebonheim dodged her attack, sending another shot of her Essence Bolt at Serrandyl¡ªbut her opponent vaulted off the arm of the tree sentinel during its swing to dodge both attacks. Serrandyl landed awkwardly, and her feet caught on a root buried in the ground¡ªher movements slowed, and the impact threw her off-balance, sending her toppling to the ground with a grunt. Ebonheim sprung into action, jumping off her sentinel to follow Serrandyl down. Ebonheim landed a few feet away from Serrandyl and darted to one side as Serrandyl reached out and tried to grab her with her claws, narrowly missing as she skidded against the ground. Serrandyl didn''t even pause to get back on her feet; instead, she sprung back up and lunged at Ebonheim again, her claws sweeping through the air. Ebonheim jumped back to avoid the attack, and Serrandyl pivoted in mid-air to face Ebonheim, her momentum carrying her around in a circle and back into the assault with another swipe of her claws. Ebonheim side-stepped the attacks with grace¡ªSerrandyl''s movements slowed again as she ran out of steam¡ªher footwork sloppy now compared to her earlier graceful dance. With a savage yell, Serrandyl lunged once more, a vortex of claw and fury. Ebonheim parried her assault, bow clashing against claw, a resounding echo breaking the silence of the night. Sparks erupted from their clash, leaving Ebonheim''s arms tingling with the impact of Serrandyl''s blows. A moment later, Ebonheim stumbled backwards as Serrandyl spun past her in a whirlwind of claws and teeth, the beastkin leader''s form momentarily shrouded in a crimson haze. Ebonheim felt a burning pain lancing across her back as Serrandyl''s claws made contact¡ªthe beastkin had managed to bypass her divine barrier and scratch her skin, even with its energy shielding her from harm. [Serrandyl''s special attack bypassed your Divine Aura (Rank I)] [You''ve taken 20 Spirit Damage] Serrandyl paused for a moment, her chest heaving with exertion, her eyes blazing with a feral fury. "How do you like it now, eh?" she growled as she lunged again¡ªonly to be intercepted by the guardian tree''s fist. The impact knocked Serrandyl to the ground once again; she rose to her feet slowly, grimacing in pain as she wobbled, her stance unsteady. Ebonheim regarded her with a concerned frown¡ªher aura flaring brighter around her as she noticed Serrandyl''s injuries. "You''ve done enough." Ebonheim said, her voice carrying a note of regret, "Just surrender and tell your people to bring back what they''ve stolen." Serrandyl let out a half-chuckle, half-groan as she shook her head. "No way," she managed to spit out, "I''m not giving up!" With a yell, she launched herself at Ebonheim again. As Serrandyl approached, another figure broke away from the nearby foliage. Thorsten, his sleeveless tunic billowing in the night breeze, stormed towards Serrandyl and wrapped his arm around her neck in a chokehold. "Oi! Stop playing around, lass. Go help catch those thievin'' bastards!" he growled as he pulled her back against him. Serrandyl struggled against him, but Thorsten held on, refusing to let go of her as he tried to keep her pinned against his chest¡ªhe grunted as Serrandyl swung back with her elbow, connecting with his belly, but his grip did not falter. "Let me go!" she snarled in protest as she writhed against him. "Hah," Thorsten replied with a derisive grunt, "That''s a good one." His grip tightened around Serrandyl''s neck, his thick forearm digging into her throat. Serrandyl''s struggles continued as she snarled and cursed at him; Thorsten just kept a steady hold on her as he adjusted his stance to avoid her wild kicks. "Go on, Ebonheim! I''ll deal with this one." Ebonheim nodded, then turned to the guardian tree beside her¡ªits amber eyes bore into hers, acknowledging her command before it lumbered off in search of the escaped raiders. She glanced back one last time before turning to follow it. Chapter 31: Raid of the Beastkin, Part III With Thorsten keeping Serrandyl occupied, Ebonheim left to pursue the other beastkin. She dashed through the village, dodging between the houses as she tracked the footsteps of the raiders. One such thief had acquired an impressively fat pig, and was struggling to keep a hold of the squirming animal. Ebonheim watched the scene unfold for a moment, then stifled a giggle at the sight. This one, bulky and brute-ish, seemed to meet his match in the surprisingly agile pig. It squirmed and squealed, its hooves skittering across the ground as it endeavored to evade capture. Ebonheim couldn''t help but smile at the scene: as he stumbled forward, attempting to keep his balance as he wrestled with the pig, he fell flat on his face, the pig atop him. His voice trailed off into an unintelligible mumble before he turned his head to glare at the pig. It snorted in reply before turning tail and scampering away. Ebonheim stepped into view and asked, "Are you quite done?" At the sound of her voice, his head shot up¡ªEbonheim noted a torn patch on his right ear¡ªhis gaze wide with surprise as he took in her form. "Huh? Why you..." he managed to spit out before he launched himself at her with a ferocious howl. Ebonheim dodged to the side and planted a swift kick in his side, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Stop," Ebonheim said as she stood over him, "And turn yourself in." She focused her will, and one of her tree sentinels emerged from behind a house to scoop the prone beastkin and trapped him in its clutches. Ebonheim spotted another raider in the corner of her vision. Unlike the others, he did not seem surprised by her powers; instead, a defiant look had settled on his face. He was trying to hoist a wriggling goat over his broad shoulder, ignoring the bleating protest from the distressed animal. ¡°Hey!¡± Ebonheim called, walking towards him. Her gold eyes danced with a mischievous glint. ¡°That doesn¡¯t belong to you!¡± He turned his attention towards her, and for a moment, there was a silent standoff between them, a clash of wills communicated through gazes alone. His expression did not waver, but neither did Ebonheim''s. [Divine Ability: Charm Animals (Rank II) activated] Deciding to engage with her playful side, Ebonheim issued a low whistle, and from the nearby shrubbery, a cluster of squirrels darted out. Their tiny bodies dashed towards him, their path marked by a flurry of rustling leaves. The sudden onslaught of squirrels took the beastkin by surprise. The goat seized this opportunity to wiggle its way out of his loosened grip. It took off running towards the herd, its ''maa'' echoing in the cool night. He watched in utter bewilderment as the squirrels scampered up his legs and body, their little claws tickling as they moved. Ebonheim giggled, watching him stumble and swat at the cheeky critters. His mighty roars were replaced by squawks of surprise as the squirrels chittered and ran circles around him. Once her furry allies completed their mission, they scattered back into the undergrowth, leaving a flustered and goatless beastkin behind. The village folk watched the spectacle with wide-eyed amusement, a ripple of laughter echoing through the scene. As Ebonheim approached the humiliated beastkin, her laughter still clinging to the edges of her voice, she told him, ¡°My village is not a pantry for you to raid whenever you please. You should remember that for the future.¡± Ebonheim waved her hand; her tree sentinel grabbed him by his feet before dragging him away with a yelp. How many more of them did she have to capture, anyway? And how much longer would this take? Ebonheim sighed as she continued her journey through the village, stopping briefly at one corner to repel a boar that had snuck into someone''s home. She spotted another group of raiders engaged in a struggle against the village''s guards. Fortunately, the guards outnumbered them¡ªand with the raiders'' hands full trying to wrangle their stolen goods, it was easy enough for the guards to subdue them. Ebonheim moved in to lend her aid and help subdue the raiders, but one of the guards motioned her to stop. "Please wait," the guard said, "we''ve got this, goddess. Thank you!" Ebonheim sighed¡ªshe didn''t like standing idly by, but she also didn''t want to embarrass the guard if he was right and she needed to back off. "Okay," she replied. "Just be careful." After a brief conversation with one of the guards, the guard motioned to a few others, and they escorted the subdued raiders to a holding area near the feast hall. Ebonheim watched them leave, then continued her journey through the village. Soon enough, she spotted another raider trying to steal another goat from a small herd, a small girl clutching onto its tail in a bid to keep hold of the creature. Ebonheim blinked in surprise¡ªwhy was there a little girl here? Wait¡ªwas she alone? Where were her parents? The beastkin thief, oblivious to Ebonheim''s presence, was busy trying to pull the goat out of the girl''s arms without hurting her. After a few fruitless moments, he tried to pry the girl off the goat; a frightened squeal and a flailing arm in response left him stumbling to the ground in surprise. Ebonheim rushed over, scooping the little girl into her arms. "Are you alright?" she asked as the girl clung to her. "I saw him trying to take the goat away." The little girl sniffed as she held her hand against her cheek, tears brimming in her eyes. Ebonheim smiled at her, then looked back up at the beastkin. "You''ve done enough," she said, her voice carrying an edge of sternness. "Just surrender and tell your people to bring back what they''ve stolen." The beastkin managed to pull himself off the ground with a grunt, shaking his head¡ªbut this time Ebonheim didn''t give him the chance to reply. As he rose to his feet, Ebonheim called on her divine power once more and conjured vines and roots from the ground, holding him in place while her tree sentinel emerged from behind a nearby building to restrain him. With another sigh, Ebonheim turned to the little girl and gave her a warm smile, "Come on, let''s get you back to your parents. I''m sure they''re worried." After making sure the child was safe in the arms of her family, Ebonheim continued on her way. She spotted a few more raiders carrying off more livestock while being pursued by other guardsmen. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Ebonheim''s figure rippled with an inner light, and her hand gently swept the air before her. Beneath the startled thieves, vines surged from the ground, wrapping around their limbs and dragging them down. Branches snapped out like the arms of an angry parent, snatching away their stolen goods and swatting them on the heads. The results were comically instantaneous. One burly beastkin tripped over a suddenly pert vine, his arms flailing in the air as he tumbled headfirst into a large bush, his hindquarters adorned with a fluttering chicken. "Come now," Ebonheim chided, her voice laced with a gentle amusement as she beheld the spectacle. "Did you really think you could just take what you wanted?" Squawking hens and bleating goats were flung into the air, only to be caught by leafy tendrils and gently deposited back into their pens. Burly men with bags of grain and loaves of bread were halted by an insurgence of foliage, their curses silenced by a loaf stuffed into their gaping mouths by overzealous branches. The scene was filled with resounding thuds, echoing roars, and the sporadic crunch of underbrush under the feet of the beastkin attempting to flee. "Alright, who''s next?" Ebonheim asked her question to the open air, but her piercing gold eyes were already scanning her surroundings. From the corner of her eye, she spotted another group, clumsily hauling a large pig between them. With a shrug and a dramatic flick of her wrist, she summoned forth a twine of vines that surged towards the would-be pork thieves. However, the poor pig, frightened by the sudden eruption of greenery, broke free from the startled beastkin and bolted away. They fell over each other in a jumble of limbs, their collective cries piercing the night. Ebonheim stifled a giggle as she watched them struggle to right themselves. The guards who had been following the thieves soon arrived to capture them. Yet just as Ebonheim was beginning to truly relish the scene, she spotted a pair of thieves attempting to roll a large wheel of cheese towards the outskirts of the village. Despite the serious nature of the intrusion, the sight of them struggling with an oversized cheese was too comical to ignore. "They really are trying to take everything, aren''t they?" Ebonheim wondered aloud, her voice filled with amusement as she summoned another bout of vines beneath the cheese rollers. With a startled yelp, they toppled over backwards and fell into a tumble, their precious cheese rolling away. Meanwhile, the vines intended for the beastkin found their new purpose in catching the runaway cheese. With a quick wrap, they secured the wheel, preventing it from rolling further into the chaos of the raid. A cheer echoed from the nearby villagers who had been watching the spectacle unfold, and Ebonheim, finding herself the center of attention, gave a small curtsy. As the cheering died down, she spotted two more thieves¡ªa male and a female¡ªlugging a basket of produce between them; the female spotted her and nudged her companion''s shoulder before gesturing towards her with a jerk of her chin. The male glanced in Ebonheim''s direction before giving the basket to the female and breaking into a run, causing the female to scream obscenities at him. Ebonheim turned to follow him as he disappeared down a dark alley between a pair of houses¡ªthe sound of his footsteps echoed as he fled deeper into the village. As Ebonheim began to give chase, one of her tree sentinels snatched the female beastkin while she was too dumbstruck to act and held her in its grasp along with the others it captured. Ebonheim raced along the dirt trails, her luminous eyes scouring the darkness for any signs of the escapee. Finally, she spotted him in the distance, dashing down a pathway near the village''s perimeter. "Stop!" she cried out, but he paid her no mind¡ªhis feet pounding across the ground as he struggled to escape. Ebonheim dashed after him, her aura shimmering with light. She focused her will and linked her essence with the surrounding trees, the verdant pathways manifesting themselves in her mind as she jumped into a nearby oak tree¡ªemerging in an instant through a tree in front of the fleeing beastkin. At her sudden appearance, he skidded to a stop, his face a mask of confusion and surprise as he stared up at her. She wasted no time and entangled him with more of her vines before he could run again. "Oh, come now," she began, a small giggle on her lips, "you can''t just run away!" Still bound in Ebonheim''s roots, he glared at her as she approached him, then let out a sigh of defeat as he surrendered himself to his fate. "That''s better," she said with a smile, "I don''t like having to chase you all over the village." Another of her guardian trees approached to pick up the fallen raider and hauled him back towards the center of the village¡ªhe let out a yelp and struggled against its clutches. Ebonheim let out a small laugh and turned away from the spectacle. More beastkin still scattered in every direction, arms laden with goods, livestock being hauled away in frantic haste. Ebonheim dashed after them, catching up with them as they fled toward the forest edge. She planted her feet firmly on the ground and raised her hands, palms facing the moonlit sky. Power thrummed in her veins, connecting her to every root and branch, every leaf and blade of grass within her reach. She whispered to them, the undercurrent of her voice holding an urgency she seldom used. Her domain answered, its loyalty unwavering. The response was immediate. From the ground, walls of vegetation erupted around the fleeing raiders, boxing them in. Trees bowed low to catch those who attempted to scale the barriers, their branches entwining to form an impenetrable net. Roots erupted from the ground, snagging feet and tripping them, causing them to sprawl over each other in a pile of limbs, furs, and startled yelps. Ebonheim''s voice rang out, clear and commanding. "Drop what you have stolen, and you will be released unharmed." The captive beastkin exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes wide with apprehension. But stubborn pride still glinted in some of their expressions, and Ebonheim sighed. This was going to be trickier than she''d thought. A sheep, scared and confused, let out a plaintive bleat from within the arms of a burly beastkin. Ebonheim''s gaze softened at the sound, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Let¡¯s start with the sheep, shall we? Please put them down gently." After a bit of coaxing and a few more vines sprouting from the ground for emphasis, they began to reluctantly release the terrified livestock. Each animal was gently put down, the hens flapped their wings and squawked, the sheep bleated in indignation and the stolen crops were reluctantly dropped from shaking hands. Ebonheim found herself lecturing the beastkin on the ethics of theft, her tone that of a disappointed school teacher. This, she thought with an internal chuckle, was probably not how most gods would handle a raid. Finally, as the last sheep was released from its captors'' embrace and scampered off into the darkness, Ebonheim considered the captured raiders. They sat in a disheveled heap on the ground, their eyes downcast in a mixture of shame and indignation. She could almost see them mentally debating on whether to break free from their bonds. "Come on," she said, her voice lighter now, "that''s enough of the fighting." A chorus of groans and grumbles echoed in reply. More guards arrived and bound the raiders with rope, then escorted them back to the village square to await judgment. Ebonheim and her trio of tree sentinels followed suit. A small crowd gathered at the scene¡ªwith more villagers emerging from their homes¡ªeach face filled with equal parts shock and relief. As she waited for the crowd to gather, Ebonheim''s attention wandered over to Thorsten approaching with Serrandyl slung over his broad shoulder. "They''ve all been rounded up," Thorsten said, "not an ounce of food or supplies left in their little hands." Ebonheim nodded in reply, then turned her gaze to the beastkin leader, her expression somber as she studied Serrandyl''s face. "Is she alright?" she asked. Thorsten nodded in reply. "Aye, lass," he began, his voice solemn, "just a few bruises for her troubles." A smile crept onto his face as he added with a chuckle, "This one''s strong." He sat her down with her captured companions before letting go of her. Serrandyl slumped to the ground, her breathing labored as she rubbed her wrists¡ªThorsten''s grip had left dark bruises on her skin. A large bruise and a bloody nose marred her face¡ªwitnesses described Thorsten punching her in the face when she refused to stop fighting him. Ebonheim regarded Serrandyl with a disapproving frown, but said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the task at hand. A short time later, Engin, Hilda, and the other village elders arrived and made their way towards the captives. They stopped beside Ebonheim and took turns studying each beastkin''s face. "Now then," Engin started, his voice gruff. His sleepwear was disheveled and tufts of his gray hair stuck out wildly. "It''s time for us to talk." Chapter 32: Raid of the Beastkin, Part IV "As we were discussing," Engin began, his voice grave, "we have a few choices to make." His eyes drifted across the gathered crowd¡ªthe captives studied the ground with downcast eyes while the guards exchanged nervous glances. "This is not a matter to take lightly." Ebonheim regarded the crowd, her golden eyes darting from one person to the other¡ªeach face bore a range of emotions: some were worried, others curious, and others grim. No one seemed eager to speak, even as the villagers nodded in agreement with Engin''s words. After a while, she cleared her throat and stepped forward. "What do you have in mind?" she asked Engin. Engin regarded her for a moment. "Hang them, imprison them, or allow them to go free." His words were matter-of-fact, but Ebonheim could detect a note of reluctance in his voice. "Fortunately," he continued, "there were no casualties on our side, all livestock and food supplies have been secured, and the guards who had fought with them are recovering from their injuries." Thorsten stepped up beside Ebonheim. "Aye," he added with a scowl, "things could have ended worse, all around. I''ve witnessed raids in the past where entire villages were burned to the ground. These lot," he paused to gesture to the captives, "seem to be more interested in stealing than attacking¡ªand even then, their tactics were more like those of unscrupulous children than that of trained raiders." "Yet even then," Engin replied with a frown, "they still violated our property and trespassed on our village." Hilda sighed as she took a step forward, joining them. "Take a good look at their faces," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "see how young they are. Do they look like hardened criminals?" The villagers regarded them and Ebonheim noted that most did not look more than twenty winters of age. Despite some being burly and brute-ish in appearance, they all had youthful faces and lacked the jaded expressions usually associated with bandits. Many of them carried the fresh wounds of youthful inexperience¡ªthe odd bruise here and there, scrapes, and small cuts. There was a mumble of assent, but before anyone could comment, Thorsten interjected, "Aye, they look like lads who''ve been pushed to do something they shouldn''t have. But still, that doesn''t change the fact that they''re thieves." "True," Hilda said with a nod. "But this is not an issue to be handled with violence. Let''s do what we can to offer them a second chance." A moment later, Bjorn arrived followed by a trio of huntsmen: Elric, Eddard, and Orin. He glowered at the group of beastkin who stood before them, then glanced at Ebonheim and Thorsten. "Found these three tied up outside the village. They told me that they had encountered these ones earlier during the day and forced them to reveal the location of our village." Elric hung his head low as he bowed before Ebonheim. "I''m sorry, goddess," he said, his voice shaky, "my fear and carelessness brought danger to our village." Ebonheim''s eyes widened at the sight, and she reached out to touch his shoulder, reassuring him with a gentle pat. "It''s alright," she said softly, "you did what you thought best for your companions." Elric remained bowed in shame until Thorsten cleared his throat¡ªEbonheim''s eyes darted to him before returning to Elric. "Stand up straight," she told him with a smile. "Don''t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, even the most capable of us can be caught off guard." Elric nodded, then stood up and stepped back, giving Bjorn a wide berth as he stood beside the other elders. Bjorn''s eyes remained locked on the would-be thieves. "Well?" he asked, his voice gruff, "Do you have anything to say for yourselves?" One of the beastkin¡ªthe one who had tried to grab the goat before¡ªstepped forward. "We''re sorry." The words tumbled out in a rush. "We didn''t mean to hurt anyone, but we had to take what we needed to survive." He fidgeted nervously as he spoke, his tail brushing against the ground behind him as he stared at the dirt, unable to look any of the villagers in the eye. Another captive gave the one that spoke a shove, a small growl rumbling in his throat. "Shut up, idiot," he snarled, "where''s your pride?" The first beastkin staggered to one side but didn''t respond¡ªhis ears flattened against his head. A small silence lingered in the air. Some of the captives appeared ashamed, while others struggled to remain defiant. "Is there anything else?" Bjorn asked after a moment, "No?" Then he turned to Thorsten and the elders and said, "It''s your choice." As Bjorn took a step back, Engin sighed and ruffled his unkempt hair. "Given the circumstances...we could be more lenient, I suppose," he said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he thought aloud. "Yet, I fear this may only embolden them¡ªor worse, incite them to attack again." Thorsten let out a loud guffaw at this. "Aye, I can see that happening. Imagine these lot wandering back home after a failed raid." Thorsten''s comment drew a round of laughter from the crowd, but it was short-lived as they recalled their current predicament. Engin shrugged at Thorsten''s reply and turned back to Ebonheim, "Your thoughts?" Ebonheim pondered the question as she surveyed the scene before her¡ªthe haggard beastkin sitting in the dirt, surrounded by guards, and the faces of the villagers, tired but earnest. Her eyes fell on Serrandyl, sitting slumped on the ground with her arms folded over her chest¡ªshe lifted her chin defiantly as their gazes met. For a moment, they studied each other in silence. Serrandyl''s eyes glinted with anger and frustration, but beneath that was something else: Ebonheim saw a spark of doubt, perhaps even shame, flickering in those red eyes. She turned away from Serrandyl to look at the rest of the captured would-be raiders. Their expressions mirrored Serrandyl''s: the beastkin, despite their bravado, appeared to be thoroughly shamed and disappointed in themselves for their actions. Some even avoided meeting her gaze entirely. One of them, a scrawny male with a scar over his brow¡ªthe one that pushed his other fellow earlier¡ªraised his head. "So what''re you going to do with us?" he asked, his voice loud and brash. Engin gave him an appraising look. "Let''s hear your side first," he said before turning his gaze on Serrandyl. "Would you like to speak?" Serrandyl shook her head and glowered at him. "No." Ebonheim approached Serrandyl and sat cross-legged before her. "Would you like to talk to me?" Ebonheim asked, studying her face and noting how blood still trickled from her nose. She reached out to touch Serrandyl''s cheek with a gentle brush of her hand¡ªthe beastkin leader flinched and jerked her head away in response, but Ebonheim persisted and focused her divine power into healing her, the warmth of her palm spreading across the beastkin''s face. Serrandyl stared at her, eyes wide with surprise. She watched as Ebonheim''s hand hovered over her skin, glowing with a faint light. "W-what?" she stammered. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Let''s talk," Ebonheim said as she withdrew her hand, "before we decide on anything." Serrandyl studied Ebonheim for a long moment, then let out a defeated sigh and nodded, "Alright." Ebonheim turned back to the crowd as Thorsten moved to stand next to her¡ªhe studied Serrandyl with an appraising look, but said nothing as Ebonheim began to speak. "It seems like this could have turned out worse," she said, her voice light but firm, "but things have already gotten this far. I think we need to get to the root of this situation. Tell me, why did you do this?" Serrandyl frowned for a moment before replying in a sullen tone, "Our tribe''s territory was taken over by a stronger clan a few months ago." She gave Ebonheim a sideways glance. "We lost many members of our tribe to them and from the journey here. A bunch more things happened when we got here, so we couldn''t settle for more than a few days at a time before moving along." Ebonheim nodded in understanding, "Go on." Serrandyl sighed again, this time with an air of frustration and indignation. "Hunting and foraging here is different from our land. We''ve had a hard time finding enough food to feed everyone. We didn''t have much food to begin with¡ªnow we have even less." Thorsten frowned. "And how does that involve our village?" Serrandyl let out a huff of annoyance, then turned to him with a glare. "When we captured your hunters, we realized that there should be a village nearby. I figured that if you weren''t strong enough to defend your food, you didn''t deserve to have it." Thorsten narrowed his eyes at her, but Ebonheim, sensing his rising ire, interrupted him before he could speak. "What does your tribe do now?" she asked with a sigh. "For food." Serrandyl shrugged and answered in a resigned tone, "We hunt what we can for now, but the prey here are hard to hunt." Ebonheim could see her shoulders slumping with resignation as she said this. "We couldn''t even go on a proper hunt in the southern part of the valley when we got here without risking our lives." "Why not?" Ebonheim asked. Serrandyl grimaced and studied Ebonheim before replying in a hesitant voice, "There are too many Kungwans to compete with there. You must know what I mean¡ªthe ones that live in the southern part of this valley." Hilda spoke up then, her voice resonating with a quiet authority, "Yes. Some of their numbers have encroached on our territory as well. We do our best to keep them at bay, but they still cause a bit of trouble." "And that''s why I wanted to get our hands on your food," Serrandyl continued, "anything to help my tribe." Ebonheim listened to Serrandyl''s explanation, but frowned as she pondered her words. She turned to Thorsten, "What do you think?" Thorsten gave Serrandyl an appraising look, then replied with a scowl, "This lot has caused a ruckus enough already. Fortunately, they didn''t cause too much damage¡ªaside from brawling with our guards and wrecking through several farmhouses, coops, and barns." He let out a heavy sigh and gave Ebonheim a troubled glance. "Though I can''t say for certain what would''ve happened if they successfully made off with our food." Ebonheim nodded in agreement, then turned back to Serrandyl, "So why didn''t you just ask?" Serrandyl raised an eyebrow and frowned. "What do you mean ''just ask''?" she asked in reply. "If you needed help with food, then why didn''t you ask for our help instead?" Ebonheim asked, a small smile on her face as she said this. "You wouldn''t have had to go through all this." Serrandyl''s jaw went slack as she stared at Ebonheim in disbelief, "You wouldn''t..." she started, her voice trailing off with confusion, "You can''t be serious?" Ebonheim blinked at Serrandyl''s confusion and tilted her head at Thorsten. "Did I say something wrong?" Thorsten chuckled and shook his head. "It''s not you," he replied in a reassuring tone. "It''s just, well..." his voice trailed off as he considered his words, then continued, "It''s how we do things here. But most beastkin tribes, from what I gather, wouldn''t even consider asking for help from someone they consider to be beneath them." Ebonheim studied Serrandyl with a quizzical frown, then turned to Thorsten again. "Even though this was the first time we''ve met?" Thorsten shrugged. "Maybe they don''t think they can trust us." Serrandyl interjected then with a frustrated sigh, "Look, raiding your village was my idea. You won the battle, and now you''ve captured us. It''s your victory." A look of resolve settled on her face as she added in a firm tone, "I''ll offer my head as an atonement, but let my warriors go back to the rest of our tribe." There was an outburst of angry cries from the captured raiders at this statement: most protested vehemently at the offer, while others shot Serrandyl sullen glares. Reo was the first to stand, and he called out to Serrandyl with a snarl, "We''re not going to leave without you! You are the Pridelord''s eldest daughter!" "You will if I say so," Serrandyl replied in a cold voice as she stared at Reo. "It is my decision." "No!" Reo protested as he turned to Ebonheim, "This isn''t right. Goddess, do what you will to the rest of us and let Serrandyl go!" Another beastkin, a smaller male, stepped forward to stand beside Reo. "Let her go!" he said with a loud voice, "Please!" Ebonheim''s eyes widened at the sentiment from her captives; she looked up at Engin and Thorsten with a baffled expression. "Wait, when did I ever say that they had to die?!" Thorsten scratched his beard and let out a chuckle. "Let''s calm down now, eh?" he said as he placed a hand on Reo''s shoulder and urged him to sit down. "No one''s dying tonight, or any night, for that matter." "He''s right," Engin added. "This isn''t how we handle these matters." He turned to Serrandyl with a solemn gaze. "Is there anything else you can tell us about your tribe?" Serrandyl frowned in response to Engin''s question, but her gaze softened as she thought on it for a moment before answering. "There are only a little over two hundred of us left," she said after a pause, "a lot of our number fell during our fight against another tribe." She bowed her head as she continued, "We''ve been surviving off small prey like rabbits and birds¡ªtiny game to fill the bellies of our tribe." Thorsten gave Serrandyl a sidelong glance and shook his head. "If that''s true," he said with a resigned sigh, "then we can''t turn a blind eye." Ebonheim regarded Serrandyl for a long moment, then turned to her companions. "We should still help them," she said, "if only to help rebuild their tribe." Engin nodded in agreement. "We can discuss details later," he replied. He studied Serrandyl for a moment before continuing. "As the leader of this village," he said with a sigh, "it is my duty to punish those who violate our laws. We cannot tolerate such behavior. But...given the situation," he paused for a moment before continuing, "it is in the best interest of the village to help rebuild their tribe. If you are to become our neighbors in the future, it''s best to make amends and have friendly relations." Serrandyl''s eyes widened at Engin''s words, but she said nothing as her expression softened with relief¡ªshe glanced around at the villagers gathered around them before looking back at Ebonheim. "So we can all go free?" she asked in a hesitant tone. Ebonheim stood up and studied Serrandyl''s face for a moment before nodding. "Not right away. Tonight, you''ll stay where you are and reflect on your wrongdoings. The guards and I will keep watch." She glanced around at the gathered crowd and raised her voice as she spoke, "Expect to be punished for what you''ve done tonight, but we will help your tribe rebuild, as long as they help the village in turn. Is this clear?" A chorus of affirmative voices answered her, even among the captured raiders. Ebonheim nodded at them. "We will work this out tomorrow," she said, "for now, just stay put here." Serrandyl''s eyes glistened with gratitude and relief. She bowed her head and replied in a respectful tone, "Thank you, goddess of this village." Ebonheim studied Serrandyl for a moment, then nodded in reply and turned away from them to join Thorsten and the other elders. "Anyone else wants to join me in keeping watch?" she asked. Engin rubbed his eyes and started walking back to his house, muttering to himself about having a talk with the villagers tomorrow morning. The rest of the elders and the gathered crowd followed suit, each shuffling off to return to their homes. Thorsten placed a hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder and chuckled as he said, "I''d join you, but I''ve got a few things I should take care of at home." Ebonheim sighed and nodded. "Alright, alright. I''ll take care of the rest." Thorsten patted Ebonheim on the shoulder and gave her a wink before walking off. After a moment, he turned to Serrandyl and gave her a slight smirk. "As for you," he added, his voice low and gruff, "that was a good show back there. You''re a strong warrior. Well fought." Serrandyl''s eyes went wide as Thorsten''s words registered in her mind. She studied him with a wary glance before giving him a slow nod in reply. Ebonheim yawned and looked up at the night sky, sighing once again. No sleep tonight, and tomorrow will be quite another exhausting day. Special Announcement! Hello! I''d like to take this time to thank you for continuing to read the Saga of Ebonheim. It''s been three months since I published the story here at Royal Road. I didn''t even know of the site until the beginning of this year. The story attracted the attention of a hundred followers after a month and I was stoked that so many seemed to be enjoying the story so far. During the Writeathon, I decided to start a new story for the challenge since I didn''t feel confident enough to be able to output the amount needed to win the challenge. In hindsight, it was probably not a good idea in the long run and now my workload has doubled, trying to keep up with two stories at once. Recently, I''ve decided to refocus my attention back to Saga of Ebonheim, as I feel more comfortable in the narrative style (third person, past tense, multiple perspectives, etc). I also decided to do a few shoutouts, review swaps, and placed an Ad for the story to see how far it reaches other readers. Needless to say, I was very surprised at the rise in exposure and readership. Thank you! This story is my first foray into the LitRPG genre. I''ve never read any LitRPG novels until fairly recently, and this story is something that''s been brewing in my mind for the past decade. I figured it could be a good fit for the genre so I designed the System and experimented with how prevalent it is shown through the narrative. You probably noticed that there''s a lot more present in the early chapters compared to the later chapters. I''m still trying to hone in on a nice balance so let me know your preferences. I think the main weakness of the story is that it doesn''t seem like it has an obvious or grand main plot to follow. It''s got a lot of slice-of-life moments, but also some parts that fit the adventure and call-to-action structure that LitRPGs are usually known for. But, I think this slow-burn pace will help readers immerse in the characters and setting, before things begin to gradually ramp up in scale and stakes. Please look forward to it! Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Now then. While it may be a bit early, a bit hasty, or a bit presumptuous, I decided to create a Patreon page for those wishing to support me through that avenue. There are three tiers of support, the first is for those who would like a tip for encouragement and thanks, and the other two are for those who wish to read the advanced chapters I haven''t published yet on this site. All three tiers will have Discord access with unique roles. Man...I hope I didn''t mess anything up when I set up the tiers and advanced chapters. I''m not expecting to make a living through just writing, though it is a wish that I and other authors share. But every bit of support is an affirmation that there is something in the story that''s worth that extra appreciation. I''ve also created a Discord channel for those wanting to discuss the story beyond the confines of the comment sections. It''ll have behind-the-scenes information about the lore of the world and a detailed breakdown of the LitRPG system that I use for my stories. I''ll try to make sure to keep what I''ve presented there as spoiler-free as possible. The Server is still a work in progress so more information about the story will be added. Here is a link to the Discord Server Come join! So, to hype up the launch of my Patreon page. I''m going to list the titles for the advanced chapters I''ve written so far as of June 30th: Chapter 33: Aslankoyash, the Pride of Ebonheim Chapter 34: How to Train Your Beastkin, Part I Chapter 35: How to Train Your Beastkin, Part II Chapter 36: Elemental Conflux, Part I Chapter 37: Elemental Conflux, Part II Chapter 38: Elemental Conflux, Part III Chapter 39: Elemental Conflux, Part IV Chapter 40: Elemental Conflux, Part V Chapter 41: Elemental Conflux, Conclusion Chapter 42: Knowing How to Break... Chapter 43: An Arcanist, a Goddess, and an Enigma Chapter 44: Hello, Neighbors?! Part I Chapter 45: Hello, Neighbors?! Part II Here is a teaser for the next story arc! Once again, I cannot thank each and every one of you enough for sticking through and still enjoying the story. I''m sure I''ll stumble and make mistakes in the future, which is why I read and take to heart all the comments and criticisms, even if I don''t give answers at times. This web novel will be a long journey (I want to reach 256 Chapters for the story!) and I''ll go for as long as I''m healthy and able to write, no matter if I make a single dime on the story or not. As long as there are readers invested, I''ll keep going. Zanafar Chapter 33: Aslankoyash, The Pride of Ebonheim The ethereal glow of dawn slowly seeped over the horizon as Ebonheim and her companions¡ªThorsten, Bjorn, and a few dozen of the village guards¡ªled the subdued Aslankoyash warriors back to their tribe''s encampment just southeast of the village. Serrandyl and her warriors, though captive, walked with a restrained pride, their heads held high and their eyes unwavering. There was a certain respect in that gaze Ebonheim felt¡ªa silent acknowledgment that they were fighting for survival just as much as the villagers of Ebonheim were. The journey was relatively silent, the only noise being the crunch of dry leaves underfoot, and the occasional twittering of birds high up in the canopies of the forest. Nestled within a clearing, the beastkin camp appeared haphazard and unkempt¡ªits structures cobbled together from rough-hewn timber and cloaked in shadows under the dense canopy. A soft breeze rustled through the leaves overhead, and a few low-hanging branches occasionally swayed in its wake, revealing glimpses of a hodgepodge collection of crude huts and tents built on a rise overlooking a small pond. Beastkin men and women moved about slowly, their movements indicative of a weariness that was more than physical. Children, their faces drawn with hunger, peeked from behind the threadbare tents, while the elderly, too weak to stand, lay on mats of straw, their gazes vacant. Serrandyl led them with her head held high and a regal air about her despite her current predicament. The atmosphere in the camp changed as the tribe''s warriors caught sight of their returning fellows, escorted by foreign soldiers. Murmurs of concern rippled through the crowd, their body language tense as they prepared for the worst. As they ventured further into the encampment, they were greeted by a large beastkin¡ªtowering and formidable despite the limp in his gait and a missing arm. His mane, a fiery red touched with streaks of silver, cascaded over his broad shoulders. Recognition flared in his eyes as he gazed at Serrandyl and the other warriors, followed swiftly by relief. "Father," Serrandyl began, her voice taut, echoing through the silence of the early morning. "I¡ª" "Serrandyl," the Pridelord interrupted, his voice a deep rumble that reverberated through the clearing. He limped forward, closing the distance between them, his gaze never leaving his daughter''s face. "My reckless cub," he murmured, pulling her into a brief but fierce embrace. His eyes then fell on Ebonheim and her entourage, curiosity sparking in their depths. Ebonheim stepped forward, her silken robes whispering against the dew-kissed grass. "Pridelord, I am Ebonheim," she said, "the goddess of the village just northwest of here." She gestured to Thorsten and Bjorn beside her and continued with a curtsy, "These are my people." The Pridelord glanced between Thorsten and Bjorn, his gaze thoughtful as he considered them for a moment before turning his attention back to her. "There is no need for formalities," he rumbled, his voice gentle as he added, "I am Argoran. I can already guess what has transpired and why you''re here." He looked back at Serrandyl. "You attacked their village to steal their food, didn''t you?" Serrandyl''s ears lowered in shame; her gaze fell to the ground as she replied in a quiet voice, "Yes." A pained expression flickered on Argoran''s face; he rubbed his forehead with a sigh as he muttered to himself before turning back to Ebonheim. "We have much to discuss, Ebonheim," he replied, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "Please, come."
Beneath the towering trees and the watchful eyes of the Aslankoyash tribe, Ebonheim, Thorsten, and Bjorn followed the Pridelord, ready to begin the negotiations that could change the fate of the two communities. With the sun cresting the horizon and casting long, latticed shadows upon the makeshift camp, Ebonheim and her companions stood before Argoran, the Aslankoyash Pridelord. His single arm, thickly corded with muscle and lined with scars of old battles, flexed as he gestured towards the logs arranged in a crude circle¡ªtheir makeshift council table. "Please, sit," he said, his voice as gruff as gravel underfoot. His gaze flicked to Serrandyl, a glimmer of parental reproach flitting across his fierce eyes before he sighed, ruffling his fiery mane. "Apologies are due," he began, his voice heavy with an unspoken burden. "Serrandyl''s actions were misguided. But desperation can turn even the kindest heart towards dark paths. Our tribe was exiled from our homeland by a more powerful tribe, backed by a deity who rivaled the might of the storms themselves." Thorsten''s face hardened as Argoran''s words sank in, his eyes clouding with memories long buried in his past. Bjorn, sensing his unease, placed a large hand on Thorsten''s shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. Argoran continued his story, "Our journey through the mountain passes left us weary and depleted. We''ve traveled through the southern mountain ranges, heading northward to find a new home. The Eldergrove valley offered us refuge, but upon our entry, we encountered the Kungwans that made their territory there, and they drove us away." "We fought them off," Serrandyl added, her voice sounding small in comparison to Argoran''s gruff baritone, "but lost more warriors in the process." Argoran shook his head and continued in a somber tone, "Thus, we pushed further north, hoping to find a bit of solace." His eyes turned to Thorsten and Bjorn and he added in a subdued voice, "We didn''t know this was your territory." Thorsten''s face was inscrutable as he studied Argoran; a short time passed before he let out a sigh. "We don''t mind sharing," he said after a pause, "but you''ll have to answer for any misdeeds your people have done." Argoran nodded in understanding. "We''re grateful for your offer," he replied, "and we understand that." He looked over at Serrandyl and pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out another heavy sigh as he said, "What she and those that followed her did was foolish, and I deeply regret our people''s actions. This is not our way." A chorus of grunts erupted from the other Aslankoyash warriors who sat with their arms folded over their chests, glaring at the young would-be raiders who stood in line outside their circle¡ªtheir ears flattened against their heads and tails bristling with annoyance at this reminder. "In their hunger and foolishness, they''ve forgotten the pride that we once had," Argoran continued, his eyes lingering on each captive for a moment before turning his gaze back to Thorsten and Ebonheim. "I am grateful that you''ve brought back these young ones and not killed them as they deserved." A solemn silence fell over the group as Ebonheim considered the Pridelord''s words. Serrandyl, her posture deflated as she awaited her father''s judgment, bowed her head and remained silent. Thorsten nodded at Argoran. "Well," he said with a sigh, "I''m not averse to letting them go, but we can''t let this sort of thing happen again." Argoran nodded and stood from his seat, approaching Serrandyl. "Serrandyl..." He winced as he spoke the next words, "Hold out your dominant arm." Serrandyl gave her father a quizzical look, then her eyes widened in understanding and fear as she realized what he intended to do. She stiffened, her entire body rigid as she stood unmoving. "Father!" she gasped, her voice a choked whisper, her gaze pleading as she looked up at him. "Do as I say!" Argoran said in a firm voice, "It is our way!" He glowered at Serrandyl with a stern expression before sighing again, then continued, "You must pay the price of your transgressions." Serrandyl''s ears flattened against her head as tears started to well in her eyes; she gave her father an incredulous look as she whimpered and her shoulders trembled with fear. "Father..." she croaked again as her face flushed red with shame and despair. Thorsten and Bjorn looked at each other in surprise, then regarded Argoran, unsure of how to react to this unfolding drama. The other beastkin in attendance seemed just as surprised by Argoran''s actions, their jaws agape and eyes wide with shock. They murmured amongst each other in hushed tones, exchanging glances. Ebonheim''s eyes widened at the scene unfolding before her; she had never heard of such a barbaric punishment¡ªno one had been seriously hurt, and all that had been stolen were recovered. This punishment was too much. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Thorsten stepped forward. "Pridelord," he said, his voice gruff as he regarded Argoran with a steely gaze, "is this necessary?" Argoran looked up at Thorsten and gave him a soft smile before shaking his head. "It is not your place to question our customs," he said. Then he turned his gaze back to Serrandyl, his voice soft but firm as he said, "Serrandyl." In between her sobs, Serrandyl lifted her quivering arm as commanded¡ªthe other Aslankoyash warriors tensed and winced as their eyes settled on her outstretched limb. Argoran grabbed his obsidian blade and raised it high over his head, his own arm trembling as he prepared to strike. Serrandyl let out a choked whimper, her shoulders hunching against the anticipated pain, her tail tucked between her legs and eyes scrunched tight as she prepared for the blow to come. The Pridelord swung his blade down. The blow veered off to the side as Ebonheim''s bow deflected it away¡ªthe blade struck the ground, gouging a shallow furrow into the earth as it came to a halt inches away from Serrandyl''s arm. "Stop!" Ebonheim cried out, her voice carrying throughout the clearing as she reached out and grabbed the Argoran''s wrist in an effort to restrain him. Thorsten and Bjorn sprang to their feet, drawing their blades and positioning themselves to protect Ebonheim should the Pridelord or any of his warriors try anything else. A stunned silence fell over the crowd at this unexpected turn of events¡ªArgoran froze as Ebonheim''s words reverberated through his mind, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at her face. Serrandyl, her ears still flat against her head, stared at Ebonheim with wide, teary eyes and a trembling jaw, unsure of how to react to this development. "Goddess," Argoran rasped after a moment, his eyes darting between her and Ebonheim''s hands clasped on his wrist, "why did you stop me?" Ebonheim sighed and released his wrist; she glanced at Thorsten and Bjorn to ensure they had relaxed their guard before replying. "You don''t need to do this," she said in a soft tone, then smiled at him. "Just let her off with a warning. The elders of my village had already thought of an appropriate punishment for them. No one needs to lose their limbs or their lives." Argoran blinked at this, then at Thorsten and Bjorn; he turned to Serrandyl, noting her tear-stained face as she regarded him with a mixture of shock, relief, and apprehension¡ªand a small note of gratitude for Ebonheim''s intervention. A long silence lingered in the air as the Pridelord sheathed his blade and returned to his seat at the council table; he rubbed his face with a heavy sigh as his eyes wandered across the group. "Very well, goddess Ebonheim. It is not our place to question your decisions, especially when we''ve been so heavily indebted." Argoran''s eyes flitted to Serrandyl and lingered for a moment before returning to Ebonheim with a solemn nod. "I shall accept your mercy." There was a heavy silence then, with the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze and the low murmurs of conversation from the gathered crowd. Ebonheim regarded them with a fond smile before turning back to Argoran and continuing the conversation. "I understand your predicament, Pridelord Argoran. My people, too, have been displaced and found a home here. I propose that we offer you what surplus food we have to help sustain your tribe until you''ve settled and regained your strength." Argoran''s gaze softened, and he bowed his head in gratitude. "Your kindness is more than we dared to hope for, goddess Ebonheim," he murmured, his gruff voice choked with emotion. "We shall gratefully accept your help." In the warm glow of the fire, Ebonheim caught a glimpse of hope igniting in the Pridelord''s eyes. But there was also a flicker of uncertainty, as though he was carefully considering his next words. The room held its breath as Argoran met Ebonheim''s gaze once more, "However, food alone will not secure our future. We seek a place to call home, a community to be part of...I ask, if it pleases you, to allow us to integrate with your village. We are prepared to pay homage to you and respect the laws of your land." A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd; Thorsten and Bjorn exchanged glances as they studied Argoran and the crowd gathered before them. Serrandyl, after wiping the tears from her eyes, gave her father a wide-eyed gaze and said in a choked voice, "Father, you can''t be serious. Do you want another god to impose their will over us like that one who had a hand in banishing us to these lands?" Argoran shook his head as he turned to Serrandyl. "No, my cub," he replied in a soft voice, "It is not an imposition, but an act of charity from one people to another." He sighed and rubbed his forehead with his remaining hand as he continued, "I am not a young man anymore; I fear that my strength and prowess are no longer up to the challenges this land poses. And you are still too young and naive to take over as Pridelord." Serrandyl''s mouth snapped shut as she absorbed her father''s words¡ªEbonheim could sense her hurt, anger, and indignation. "I have to do this," Argoran continued in a heavy voice, his tone resigned and heavy with regret. "If we have to choose between joining another tribe and dying out in these woods, I am content with this." Serrandyl bit her lip and looked away. "And if they turn us away?" Argoran''s gaze hardened then, and he gave Serrandyl a sharp look. "Then we will have to find our own way." There was a steely resolve in his voice as he turned to Ebonheim and bowed his head again, "If you allow us to, we wish to join your village." Ebonheim''s eyes widened, momentarily taken aback, at the Pridelord''s unexpected request. It was an open invitation to incorporate the Aslankoyash into her village¡ªa great honor, but also a heavy responsibility. She knew that this decision could not be made lightly, and that it would forever change the fates of both groups of people. She turned to her companions, Bjorn and Thorsten, seeking their counsel. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice soft as she studied their faces. Bjorn, ever the stoic, stared into the flickering firelight for a moment, then met Ebonheim''s gaze with his steely blue eyes. "It won''t be easy," he began, his voice as gruff as the bark of the Eldergrove trees, "There will be differences to settle, prejudices to overcome. But our village was built by those seeking a fresh start, a chance to live without the shackles of the past. The Aslankoyash are no different." Thorsten grunted in agreement, his usually jovial face creased in thought. "Aye, there will be challenges. And no small number of disputes, I wager," he added, a hint of his usual humor returning to his voice. "But what''s life without a bit of excitement?" Bjorn scratched his beard, a thoughtful frown tugging at his brow. "Aye, it''s risky," he admitted. "But we''ve faced worse, haven''t we? I believe that we can find a way to live together, Ebonheim. We''ve always been a melting pot of cultures. What''s one more? If Engin was here, he''d be the first to shake the Pridelord''s hand. Hilda wouldn''t be opposed, and the others would eventually come around to it." Ebonheim chuckled and smiled at their words and turned back to Argoran. "Our village was founded on the principles of acceptance and unity, and we will not forsake those now. However, I must ask that your people strive to live harmoniously with ours, respecting our traditions and laws." Argoran nodded, relief washing over his rugged features. "We are no strangers to adaptation, Ebonheim. We will abide by your rules and honor your traditions." She nodded. "Oh, but as I mentioned earlier. Serrandyl and the ones who came with her must be punished." She gave them a stern look then, and added in a firm tone, "They will spend the next two months helping around the village, and performing whatever labor they can to earn back our trust." Argoran glanced at Serrandyl then, his gaze softening as he asked her in a gentle voice, "How does that sound?" Serrandyl bowed her head in silence; she didn''t meet his gaze and kept her lips shut tight as her shoulders slumped with resignation. Ebonheim could see that the beastkin girl''s pride had taken a beating¡ªbut her resolve hadn''t yet crumbled. "Two months," Serrandyl whispered. Argoran nodded. "It is a fair punishment." Ebonheim studied them for a moment, then gave them both a nod and continued, "Very well then, I will let the elders of our village know of your intentions." With that, Ebonheim rose, the silken fabric of her dress rustling softly. She extended a hand towards Argoran, her golden eyes gleaming with conviction. "Let this be the start of a new chapter for both our communities, Pridelord Argoran," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Welcome to our village." As their hands met, there was an air of unspoken promise: a pledge of trust and hope that no matter the differences between them, their bond would always stand strong.
As Ebonheim and her companions began to depart, Serrandyl approached her. "Ebonheim," she murmured, her red eyes downcast. "I would like to talk to you." Ebonheim gave Serrandyl a puzzled look. "Sure," she replied, "what about?" Serrandyl sighed and continued in a quiet voice, "About what I''ve done." There was a long pause, and she finally squatted down and raised her head to meet Ebonheim''s gaze. "It wasn''t my place to make that decision, and I''m sorry for punching your guards and trying to steal your food." Ebonheim regarded Serrandyl for a moment before letting out a chuckle. "No worries," she said with a smile, "you''re forgiven." Serrandyl frowned for a moment before blinking in surprise. "You''re not mad?" she asked in a baffled voice. "Most gods would''ve punished me severely for my crimes." Ebonheim tilted her head and replied with a wistful smile, "In truth, I had considered that option." At Serrandyl''s stricken expression, she continued, "I''m kidding. It was in jest. I know you were desperate and hungry. You made a bad decision, but I believe you''re an honest soul with good intentions." There was a faint note of warmth in Serrandyl''s voice as she spoke again, "Thank you." Ebonheim chuckled while ruffling Serrandyl''s hair with a hand and said, "There, there. It''s all water under the bridge now." Serrandyl made a face at her as she pouted, "Who says ''water under the bridge?''" she muttered, "I''m not a child." C¡ªCute! Ebonheim stifled a giggle as she realized how adorable Serrandyl was being; she bit her lip and decided to tease the beastkin a little more. "Is that how you speak to a goddess?" she asked. Serrandyl''s face reddened, and she blinked at Ebonheim in surprise. "What?" she exclaimed, then added, her voice small and defensive, "Oh, come on!" This! Finally! She''s not on the receiving end of being teased for once. Ebonheim chuckled, unable to hold back any longer¡ªSerrandyl''s embarrassment was just too cute, and Ebonheim couldn''t help but tease her more¡ª A strong, meaty hand clamped down on top of Ebonheim''s head¡ªand she was all too familiar with the squeezing pressure. "Oi," Thorsten interrupted as he scooped her off the ground with a grunt, "Stop dilly-dallying and let''s go." Ebonheim groaned as Thorsten turned and tossed her over his shoulder, but she managed a half-hearted protest. "Let me down! I was just getting along with Serrandyl here!" Thorsten laughed as he thumped her on the butt. "You two can catch up later," he said, then turned to Serrandyl with a smile, "Don''t cause trouble for your father again." Ebonheim frowned in displeasure at Thorsten''s brusque treatment but waved goodbye to Serrandyl as she was carted off to the village. With the matter settled, Ebonheim returned to the village to report to Engin. They needed to discuss the logistics of integrating two disparate tribes into one community¡ªit would not be an easy road ahead. Chapter 34: How to Train Your Beastkin, Part I 22nd day of Dayhelm, 1367 The first rays of dawn had barely begun to pierce the night''s veil when a resounding crash jolted Ebonheim awake. She sat bolt upright in her small cot, blinking to clear her bleary eyes while her cowlick jutted up like a defiant peacock''s crest. Silhouetted against the early morning light stood a wild-haired figure, grinning like a delighted child who had just discovered a new plaything. "Serrandyl?" Ebonheim''s sleep-hazed brain struggled to process the sight of the boisterous warrior woman in her doorway. She squinted at the broken door barely holding on to its remaining hinges, then at Serrandyl, and groaned. "Serrandyl, we have doors for a reason, you know. You turn the handle, and it opens. Why''d you go and break my door?" "Oh? I thought it was a piece of driftwood trying to impersonate one!" Serrandyl guffawed at her own jest, flicking her feline ears playfully, the booming sound of her laughter filling the hut. Ebonheim winced at the noise, pulling her linen sheets closer around her as if they could shield her from the chaos. "Then what are you here for? It''s barely dawn. The roosters aren''t even up yet. Ugh...why are you here in this ungodly hour?" "Ungodly?" Serrandyl''s eyebrows rose in mock surprise. "That''s a strange choice of words coming from a god herself." Rolling her eyes, Ebonheim ignored the jab. "What do you want, Serrandyl?" Serrandyl strode into the hut, her muscular arms folded over her chest. The morning light streaming in from behind her cast an odd glow around her that almost made her seem otherworldly. Her grin widened, an unsettling sight for anyone not accustomed to her brand of humor. "I challenge you, for the right to rule over this village." Ebonheim blinked, rubbing at her eyes. "I beg your pardon?" "I said, I challenge you," Serrandyl repeated, her smirk widening into a toothy grin as she tossed back her wild mane and puffed out her chest. "To see who gets to boss around this quaint little settlement of yours," she declared, slapping a clenched fist into an open palm. Ebonheim yawned, dragging herself into a sitting position and rubbing at her eyes. "It''s too early for this, Serrandyl," she muttered, casting an exasperated glance at the grinning warrior. "And what''s with that ''boss around'' talk? I don''t boss anyone around, and I certainly won''t start just because you fancy some sort of¡­ spectacle." "Well then," Serrandyl chuckled, leaning against the wall of the hut, her grin never leaving her face. "I suppose it''s your leadership skills I''m challenging. A bit of friendly competition, nothing more." Ebonheim groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. "Go bother Thorsten with your ''friendly competitions'', Serrandyl." But there was no escaping the insistent warrior. With a snort, Serrandyl reached over and yanked the blanket away. "Come on, Ebonheim! Time''s a-wasting. Rise and shine!" Ebonheim peered out from under her mop of bedhead, scowling at her as she tried to bury herself deeper under her quilt. "Ugh, I don''t wanna," she muttered, pouting, "it''s too early." Serrandyl quirked her head at her as she reached over again, pinching Ebonheim''s cheek and jiggling it like one would a baby. "Now now now, little one," she crooned in a mock-motherly tone, "get up and have some breakfast." Ebonheim groaned and batted Serrandyl''s hand away. "Stooooop!" she whined, flapping her arms as if to drive Serrandyl away. "Go bother someone else!" "Well, that''s disappointing," Serrandyl said, her face falling momentarily before she cocked her head to one side, her expression changing to one of mischief. "Are you scared, Ebonheim?" Ebonheim sputtered, sitting up suddenly in her bed. "Scared?" she exclaimed. "Of what?" Serrandyl leaned forward, her face just inches from Ebonheim''s as she said, "That I might beat you." "Don''t be absurd," Ebonheim snapped, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I''m not scared." Serrandyl raised a brow, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "Well, that''s a relief, I suppose. You''re tiny. I wouldn''t want you to break a nail or something." "Hey!" Ebonheim retorted, her cheeks flushing. "I am not tiny! And I don''t break nails. But more importantly, you can''t even enter a house without breaking the door. How do you plan to run a whole village?" Serrandyl huffed, her cheeks flushed crimson. "I can learn!" Ebonheim shook her head, still lightly yawning. "You don''t challenge a goddess, Serrandyl. It''s not how it works." "Then how does it work?" Serrandyl demanded, her tone playfully petulant. Ebonheim paused, pondering Serrandyl''s question as she shrugged her shoulders. "Ah, well," she began, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "First, you must approach the deity in question with the utmost respect. No breaking down doors, no noisy challenges." Serrandyl''s pout deepened at this. "Fine," she muttered. "Then I, Serrandyl, humbly request to be the leader of this village." "Thank you for your request," Ebonheim replied, her tone formal but her eyes dancing with mirth. "Your application will be considered and you''ll hear from us in six to eight weeks." This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Serrandyl''s jaw dropped as she stared at Ebonheim''s smirking face. "Six to eight... You''re making fun of me, aren''t you?" Ebonheim giggled at Serrandyl''s stunned expression, then shook her head, her hair rustling against her silken gown. "Maybe a little," she said, stifling another yawn with the back of her hand. "Serrandyl, this isn''t how things work around here. We don''t fight for power. Besides, I¡¯m not some tyrant that rules with an iron fist.¡± "Sure, sure," Serrandyl chuckled, winking at Ebonheim before turning towards the door. "Well, if you change your mind, I''ll be at the training grounds. Ready to take your throne¡­ and probably your breakfast too." With a dramatic flourish of her tail, she sauntered out of the hut, leaving Ebonheim to sink back into her bedding. Shaking her head at the absurdity of the early morning encounter, she leaned back onto her pillow, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she stretched and settled back into her cot. After a moment of silence, her gaze wandered towards the gaping hole that was once her door. "I''ll have to get that fixed," she mumbled, closing her eyes to settle into another nap before her day began.
Ebonheim''s golden eyes followed the sight of Serrandyl as she danced with Thorsten amidst the dust and sweat of the training ground. The morning sun shone down on the makeshift arena, casting a warm glow that reflected off their bodies as they sparred. With a smirk on her face, Serrandyl feinted, making Thorsten brace for an attack from the right. But as he moved to block, she spun around him and tried to land a blow on his left side instead. Thorsten''s superior combat experience shone as he managed to pivot just in time to catch her attack on his shield. Ebonheim watched, spellbound. She could see the raw power and speed in Serrandyl''s movements, but she also sensed the grace and fluidity of her motions. Every shift of her feet and subtle tilt of her hips sent her attacks precisely where Thorsten stood. There was a wild energy to Serrandyl¡ªa visceral ferocity that thrived on instinct and reactiveness. Ebonheim had been enthralled by her fighting spirit at first sight, but now she found herself admiring her even more. They circled each other, trading blows in a dazzling dance of parries and counters. Sweat glistened on Serrandyl''s skin as she fought, her wild mane swept back in a smooth ponytail, her muscles taut with tension as she lunged and ducked. In comparison, Thorsten''s style was rigid and stoic¡ªit was plain to see that his unyielding demeanor matched his brute strength. "Ebonheim!" Thorsten''s voice broke her reverie. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to learn a thing or two?" Ebonheim shot him a glare, folding her arms over her chest. "I''m watching," she replied, "but I''m taking it easy today. Besides, I''d rather have a pillow fight with a bear than spar with you when you''re using a weapon and a shield." Thorsten only chuckled, his broad shoulders shaking as he parried another of Serrandyl''s strikes. He was obviously enjoying the match. "Oh, I can see that, your highness," he called out, his tone teasing. "Just remember, a god can always learn from her people." She stuck her tongue out, but did not offer a rebuttal. Instead, she turned her attention back to their sparring match, her eyes narrowing in concentration. She watched as Serrandyl switched tactics, resorting to swift jabs and quick footwork in an attempt to outmaneuver the more heavily armored Thorsten. Despite the apparent difference in size and strength, Serrandyl held her ground. Her agile form darted in and out of Thorsten''s reach, always just a step away from his retaliating strikes. Her sharp claws glinted under the morning sun as they swept through the air, aimed at Thorsten''s exposed areas. Yet, for all her speed and strength, Thorsten seemed unflappable, his shield and axe always in the right place at the right time to deflect her attacks. Ebonheim couldn''t help but marvel at the spectacle. She knew Thorsten was a skilled warrior; she had seen him train and fight off dangers threatening the village. But it was rare to see him spar like this, with such grace and finesse. It was almost as if he were dancing rather than fighting, his movements fluid and precise. But, as the match continued, it became clear that Thorsten was gaining the upper hand. His larger build and experience allowed him to read Serrandyl''s moves before she even made them, enabling him to block and counter her attacks with ease. It wasn''t long before he managed to sweep her legs from under her with a swift movement of his axe, sending her sprawling onto the dust. As Serrandyl laid on the ground, gasping for breath, Thorsten extended a hand to help her up. Ebonheim watched as Serrandyl accepted the hand, pulling herself up with a huff of laughter. "You''re a tough one, Gustaffson," she said, grinning at him. Thorsten returned the grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you''re a worthy adversary, Serrandyl," he replied, a note of respect in his voice. Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy. For as long as she could remember, she had been the one receiving Thorsten''s praise. But now, here was Serrandyl, a new member of their community, earning his respect. It stung a little, but she also couldn''t deny the sense of pride she felt for Serrandyl. The beastkin warrior had managed to hold her own against one of Ebonheim''s best, and that was no small feat. Serrandyl patted herself on the chest with a fist as she laughed at the compliment. "Psh," she chuckled, "I''ve been training with my father since I was a cub. What do you expect?" Thorsten''s shoulders shook as he laughed at this, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I''m sure," he said, giving Serrandyl a playful pat on the head with his large hand. "You''ve done well." Serrandyl shoved Thorsten''s hand off her head and scowled at him, her cheeks reddening. "Don''t patronize me," she huffed as she turned to face Ebonheim. "What do you think?" she asked. "Am I fit to lead this village?" Ebonheim hesitated, suddenly nervous at being put on the spot. "Well," she began, glancing at Thorsten before continuing, "I have to admit, you''re good." Serrandyl''s ears perked up at Ebonheim''s words, and her eyes grew wide. "Really?" she exclaimed. "But!" Ebonheim added quickly as Serrandyl''s expression turned to one of glee. "Leading the village is more than just being good at combat." She gave Serrandyl a gentle pat on the shoulder before continuing. "And just in case you try and break my door down again to challenge me, don''t bother. Engin and the elders are the leaders of the village. I''m just the goddess. So if you want to lead, you''ll have to ask Engin." Not even a breath passed before Serrandyl ran off to find Engin. "Engin! Engin! Engiiin!" she yelled as she bolted up the slope towards the village. "Engiiiiiiiiiiin!" Ebonheim rubbed her forehead with a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose as she watched Serrandyl race off. "Did you really just tell her to go ask Engin for a leadership position?" Thorsten asked, his voice thick with disbelief. Ebonheim stared at Thorsten blankly for a moment before finally nodding. "Yeah? Don''t worry. He''ll be able to convince her to give up on the idea," she replied, giving him an uncertain smile. "Probably." "Sounds like you''re just trying to make Engin a target too now," Thorsten said, quirking an eyebrow at her. "Do you want to keep fixing my door whenever she kicks it down?" Ebonheim snapped at him, giving him a cross look. Thorsten laughed, shrugging his broad shoulders. "You can''t deny she''s got a lot of spirit," he said, shaking his head as he recalled the chaos of her entrance the previous morning. "No wonder she gets along with you so well." Ebonheim huffed and rolled her eyes, then smiled to herself as she turned away from Thorsten to follow after Serrandyl. "Well, let''s hope she doesn''t get into too much trouble." Chapter 35: How to Train Your Beastkin, Part II The morning sun had barely begun to cast its dappled glow through the dense canopy of Eldergrove forest when Ebonheim found herself journeying to the newly marked lands just south of the village. The towering trees were in quiet conversation with the morning breeze as she weaved her way through their gnarled roots and moss-covered trunks. Clutched in her hands were bundles of herbs and supplies to aid the settling Aslankoyash tribe, including a basket of bread and some dried meats for breakfast. Even though they would soon be living together, Ebonheim did not want to make them feel indebted to the village¡ªthey were welcome to take as much as they needed, but she realized that the Aslankoyash''s pride would not let them be their sole providers. They worked and contributed to both communities as if they''d lived together all this time. Walking through the thick underbrush and listening to the crunch of leaves under her bare feet was soothing to her; the peace and tranquility of nature grounded her thoughts, even allowing her to escape the worries of leadership for a time. Ebonheim¡¯s radiant aura seemed to dance with the dappled sunlight, casting a gossamer glow on the forest floor. The makeshift dwellings of the Aslankoyash were a stark contrast to the thatched houses of Ebonheim. They were grand tents woven from animal hides and decorated with symbols and stories painted in vibrant natural dyes. The tribe¡¯s camp buzzed with activity as the warriors carried bundles of wood, children ran around playfully, and elders sat around an open fire, their voices carrying tales of old times. In her white dress, Ebonheim stood out like a star amidst the earth-toned surroundings, her iridescent hair glinting under the morning sun. But the beastkin welcomed her, their feline features softening into warm smiles. Under the open sky, amidst the cluster of tents, she set down her bundles and began her work. The children were the first to approach her, their curiosity piqued by the bright array of herbs. With gentle hands, Ebonheim showed them how to apply a simple poultice made from healing plants, laughter bubbling from her lips as the children mimicked her movements. ¡°Ebonheim,¡± a deep voice echoed. She turned to find Pridelord Argoran approaching her, his one arm raised in greeting as he approached. Clad in thick leather armor and bearing an obsidian sword on his back, he looked every inch the proud leader of a fierce, tribal warrior race. Ebonheim took a step back, kneeling on the ground and giving him a deep bow. "Pridelord," she said, rising back up to her feet. Argoran reached over and took one of her hands, pressing it with the gentleness of a father. "Goddess, you needn''t kneel before me," he said, his gruff voice softening for her. "You are a benevolent deity for what you have done for my tribe. I must be the one who bows to you." Ebonheim smiled shyly as she heard Argoran''s words; he was too kind. "It''s no problem," she said, giving him a smile in return as she continued to show the children how to apply the poultice to their cuts and scratches. "Your people have suffered enough, and now you have a fresh start with us." Argoran sighed and nodded, giving her a wistful smile. "Yes," he said softly, "our old life was taken from us. This is a new beginning." As he spoke, Ebonheim took in the scars on his face and his missing arm with a gentle frown; the battles he had faced had left him scarred and emaciated, and she could sense his old age and fatigue weighing heavily on him. But there was also a determination to him¡ªa glint in his eye that belied his age, an unyielding will to protect his people. Argoran must have noticed her scrutiny because he turned away from her and knelt down beside the children, drawing their attention to the basket of food she had brought. "Come," he said, "let us eat." As she began to help Argoran serve food, Ebonheim smiled to herself. In the presence of the Aslankoyash, Ebonheim felt a kinship. She saw the same stubborn will to survive, to thrive, that she had seen in her own villagers. And she was eager to learn more about them. From Argoran, she learned about their traditions, the stories etched on their tents, and the rites of passage for their young ones. Later in the day, Serrandyl bounded up to her as she was tidying up after the children''s playtime. "Ebonheim!" Serrandyl exclaimed, her red eyes lighting up as she came to a sudden stop in front of her. "Good news!" Ebonheim blinked at her in surprise; Serrandyl seemed more excited than usual, like an eager puppy with its tail wagging, her cheeks flushed and her feline ears perked up. "Oh?" she asked, curious about the good news Serrandyl had to share. Serrandyl''s grin broadened as she pulled Ebonheim to her feet. "Engin agreed to my request!" she exclaimed. "I get to lead the village." Ebonheim gawked at her, dropping the apple she was holding as she stared at Serrandyl with wide eyes. "Wait...what?!" Serrandyl laughed and patted Ebonheim on the head, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Don''t act so surprised," she said, her voice soft but brimming with excitement as she gave Ebonheim a playful shove. "You told me to go ask Engin. And that''s what I did!" Ebonheim''s mouth opened and closed like a beached fish for a moment before she finally managed to squeak out, "What did he say?" Serrandyl''s tail swept back and forth, the ends of it dancing in front of Ebonheim''s face as she bounced on the spot with joy. "Well," she began, her grin widening as she recounted her conversation with Engin, "first I went to him and challenged him for his position¡ªbut I lost. So I challenged him again the next day, then the next, then the next!" "How many times did you challenge him?" Serrandyl counted on her fingers for a moment before responding with a dismissive shrug. "Just eight times?" she answered with a puzzled frown. "I don''t remember. Anyways, eventually he told me to stop bothering him, so he decided to appoint me as the leader of the..." She tapped her chin and peered off to one side, mumbling to herself for a moment before continuing. "... ''Special Task Force''. Something like that." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Ebonheim groaned and slumped to the ground, burying her head in her hands. Oh, thank the gods¡ªerr, she meant herself! Ebonheim let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness it was something and not a position in the village''s hierarchy. Just the thought of Serrandyl taking on a role as one of the village elders was...well, she shuddered, thinking of all the chaos Serrandyl would cause. Serrandyl poked Ebonheim on the head, jolting her out of her thoughts. "Are you even listening?" Serrandyl demanded, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I said I''m the leader of the ''Special Task Force'' now." Ebonheim groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose with one hand. "Okay," she replied in a quiet voice, "what exactly do you do as the leader of this ''Special Task Force?''" "Not sure yet," Serrandyl admitted with a shrug. "I rushed over here as soon as Engin told me." Ebonheim groaned again; of course, Serrandyl wasn''t even going to try and get an answer until she had gone and started celebrating. With an exasperated sigh, she pulled herself to her feet and dusted off her dress. Argoran, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up and cleared his throat. "Forgive my daughter for being so hasty," he said as he approached them, reaching over to ruffle Serrandyl''s hair. "She can be impulsive at times." Serrandyl scowled at him before batting his hand away with a huff and shooting him a sour look. "Hey!" she protested, "I am not impulsive!" Argoran ignored her outburst and continued speaking to Ebonheim. "I''ll have a talk with Engin about Serrandyl''s duties in the village. In the meantime, please let us know if you need anything." He bowed his head and then turned to leave, giving Serrandyl one last pat on the head to her obvious chagrin. After Argoran had left, Ebonheim turned to Serrandyl with a chuckle. "Leader of the ''Special Task Force'', huh?" she asked, grinning at the pouty beastkin. Serrandyl huffed and crossed her arms again, her expression still sour. "It sounds cool," she grumbled, her voice trailing off at the end. "I have to admit, it has a certain ring to it," Ebonheim said as she stepped closer to Serrandyl. "It''ll probably do wonders for your ego." She shot Ebonheim an exasperated look before swatting her on the backside with a growl, which only sent Ebonheim into peals of laughter. "Come on," Ebonheim said, wiping away the tears from her eyes as she regained her composure. "Let''s get you back to the village so you can start planning this Task Force."
8th day of Highglow, 1367 The moon was but a ghost behind the ominous veil of storm clouds; the wind howled through the vale, whipping at the tents of the Aslankoyash in a frenzy as it raced over the hills and the thick canopy of the Eldergrove. One of the tent flaps swayed in the wind, banging against its post and producing a rhythmic knocking sound that echoed through the night. Serrandyl groaned and pulled her thin blanket over her head as the noise continued unabated. "Ugh," she muttered as she turned onto her stomach, her ears flicking against her head. "It''s cold." As if in response, the flaps of the tent stirred again, the wind''s fury buffeting against its sides. A gust of cold air swept through, making Serrandyl shiver and burrow deeper under her covers. With another sigh, she sat up and began to drag herself to the entrance of the tent. As she pulled aside the flap, a sheet of rain whipped against her face, soaking her skin with cold drops. Outside, the camp was bathed in a haze of rain and swirling leaves, the shadows of the trees dancing along the ground like frenzied spirits. Serrandyl stepped out into the downpour, letting the cold water rush over her body as she stared off into the distance, her eyes focused on the rising and falling mist as it swirled around the vale. Her red eyes glowed faintly in the dark, reflecting the faint light cast by the moon behind the clouds. A flash of lightning crackled overhead, illuminating the darkness briefly before being snuffed out by a thunderous peal. Serrandyl stared up at the sky for a moment, the smell of ozone heavy on the air¡ªher feline ears perked up and her eyes widened. A shiver ran down her spine, her tail flicking as she squinted at the sky. This didn''t feel like a normal storm...
The storm hit the village with the ferocity of a wounded beast. Rain lashed down in relentless torrents, hammering the thatched roofs and turning the dirt trails into rivers of mud. Lightning scored the heavens, illuminating the village in flashes of stark, ethereal white, and the accompanying thunder was a drumbeat of doom echoing through the forest. Trees around the village swayed violently, their verdant canopy in a constant shiver, and branches fell from their trunks in great sweeping arcs that crackled as they struck the ground. The air hummed with an untamed energy, and the earth itself seemed to groan under the force of the tempest. Ebonheim watched the tempest unfold from the soaked sheets of her cot¡ªher thatched roof already tumbling down in a heap of broken beams and splintered wood¡ªher hair plastered to her skin like strands of seaweed. As the rain beat against her hut, she sat in silence, a dazed expression on her face as she held onto her bedding for dear life. "Why?" she asked the tumultuous sky above her. "Why are you like this?" Outside her hut, the earth rumbled with a low growl, and the skies burst open with a deafening roar of lightning and thunder. With a curse, she threw her soaked blanket to the side and marched towards her front door. It creaked and groaned as she approached¡ªthen it gave way to the storm, ripped away from its hinges, and flew towards her. "What in the¡ª?" The door slammed on her, sending her sprawling onto the ground as she collapsed under its weight. She groaned and stared at the door for a moment, dumbfounded, before gathering her wits about her and forcing herself to her feet. Rain lashed against her iridescent hair, the droplets kissing her olive skin as they slipped down to mingle with the damp earth beneath her feet. Her silken white dress, billowing in the gale, was soaked through. A blast of frigid air swept through as she exited her hut and began to survey the damage. "This can''t be good," she said to herself as she gazed around the village. In the village''s heart, where the feast hall and craft buildings clustered together in an act of communal solidarity, the villagers gathered. Lanterns flickered, casting trembling light on the anxious faces of men, women, and beastkin. Engin, his peppered beard slicked to his jaw, was at the forefront marshaling the villagers, shouting orders over the din of the storm to secure loose items and fortify their dwellings as best they could. Her villagers, hardy and resilient though they were, struggled to withstand the onslaught of the elements; their clothes were soaked through and they trembled with cold as they fought to complete their tasks. Young and old worked side by side, piling up whatever they could find¡ªtables, barrels, crates¡ªagainst the ingress points, their determined faces mirroring the storm''s intensity. Children clung to their mothers, eyes wide with fear, as the adults worked with frantic energy. Bjorn and Thorsten, usually the picture of indomitable strength, struggled to maintain control, their brows furrowed and clothes drenched. Even the beastkins, with their primal connection to nature, were unsettled. Ebonheim''s eyes shimmered as she activated her Divine Sight. Powerful fluctuations coursed through the air around her¡ªtorrents of elemental energy poured from the heavens, merging and churning within her domain, creating a turbulent reaction between the two. A grimace formed on her face as she continued to stare up at the sky, watching as the swirling clouds grew ever more frenzied, their violent dance drawing ever closer to the ground. Lightning sizzled overhead, a boom of thunder following soon after, and the tempest raged on, its ferocity intensifying by the second. "What''s happening?..." Chapter 36: Elemental Conflux, Part I The storm seemed to have reached its precipice, and fortunately, the houses had been secured to withstand the worst of it. Most people had retreated inside for warmth and shelter from the onslaught of rain and wind; the beastkin, whose tents and makeshift huts had been ravaged by the tempest, had bundled themselves up in thick blankets to resist the chill as they sat around the fire pits in the feast hall, the warmth of their bodies offsetting the frigid air. Serrandyl felt her lips growing numb from the cold as she rubbed her hands together, her tail flicking irritably behind her. "This is ridiculous," she grumbled, glaring at the feast hall as if its roof were personally responsible for this disaster. "It''s too cold." "It''s just a bit of rain," Bjorn chuckled at her. Serrandyl turned to stare at him with an exasperated expression, her eyes wide with disbelief. "It''s just a bit of rain?" she exclaimed. "How can you say that? Did you see what it did to Ebonheim''s little hut?" Bjorn didn''t respond; he only raised an eyebrow at her as he chewed on his food, his gaze calm and measured. "Bjorn, did you see?" Serrandyl pressed. "It flattened her whole hut like a tent!" Bjorn''s deep chuckle rumbled through the hall as he shook his head at her. "You''re partly to blame for that too," Ebonheim added as she approached them, her wet hair tied up into a bun with a string of leather. She sat down on the floor next to Serrandyl and snuggled into Serrandyl''s blanket, smiling gratefully when Serrandyl let her borrow a corner. "If you hadn''t broken my door down so many times, maybe it could have held out." "Oh, come on," Serrandyl huffed, rolling her eyes at Ebonheim as she threw her arm around her shoulders to keep her warm. "That had nothing to do with me. Blame its lousy construction." "She''s right," Bjorn added with a laugh. "When your hut was hastily built back then, we didn''t really spend time on securing the structure. It was only supposed to be a temporary shelter before we built a temple for you in earnest, but you seemed to have grown fond of it and didn''t want to move." Ebonheim sighed, leaning against Serrandyl''s side. "I really did like my hut." After a moment of silence, Engin, Hilda, and Lira approached them with bowls of food and blankets in their hands. "It''s not much," Engin said, handing a bowl of stew to Ebonheim and Serrandyl as Lira passed another bowl to Bjorn, "but it should help keep you warm." The stew was simple¡ªa broth made from root vegetables flavored with herbs¡ªbut it warmed Serrandyl from the inside out as she sipped from her bowl. Hilda peered out into the storm, the thunder rumbled over the village and lightning streaked across the heavens in stark flashes. "This isn''t a normal storm," she said, turning to face them. "It seems like something is affecting the weather." As if in response, there was another blast of thunder that shook the ground beneath them. Lira nodded in agreement as she wrapped herself up in her blanket and settled onto the floor beside Bjorn. "This is unusual," Lira began as she nibbled on her food. "I''ve never seen weather this severe in the valley before." "Do you have any idea of the cause, Hilda?" Engin asked as he took a seat beside Ebonheim, his beard dripping with rainwater. "Any clue as to why this storm suddenly appeared?" Hilda shook her head, her brow furrowed. "This storm feels unnatural," she replied, her tone measured. "As if something was influencing the weather. I don''t possess the spiritual communion to discern the cause." Argoran joined them and gave Hilda an apologetic nod as he sat down beside her. "Thank you for your assistance in escorting my people to the feast hall earlier, Hilda," he said, his voice a low rumble in the hall. "I am in your debt." Hilda gave him a gentle smile in return before her expression grew thoughtful as she turned back to face the storm outside. "I would like to investigate further," she said. "But this storm will not let up anytime soon." The thunder boomed once more, echoing through the feast hall as if in agreement. Serrandyl drained her bowl and let out a sigh as she rested her head against Ebonheim''s shoulder. "This sucks." She poked Ebonheim''s cheek to get her attention. "Hey, can''t you just use your powers to calm this storm?" Ebonheim paused for a moment, her spoon hovering in her mouth as she glanced at Serrandyl. "Well," she began, hesitating as she glanced at the others. She had already tried searching through the Akashic System to find any power that could quell the storm, but the only one that yielded any results required the rank of Intermediate God. "I''m not strong enough to calm this storm," Ebonheim said with a shake of her head. "We might just have to wait until it clears." Serrandyl''s ears drooped with disappointment. "That''s too bad," she muttered, glancing outside as rain continued to pour down in heavy sheets. "Unfortunately, we cannot afford to wait it out," Hilda said, turning to face them again. "The land cannot weather the storm for too long. This is not just a problem for our village, but for the entire valley." Engin frowned at her words. "Then what do you propose we do?" he asked. "If the storm worsens, our village will be flooded with rainwater." Hilda pursed her lips into a thin line as she gazed around the hall before turning back to face them. "I and the other druids will do what we can to mitigate the damage to the land," she said as she placed her hands on top of her cane, "we must seek out the ancient spirits who have resided in the valley long before us to ask for their aid." Ebonheim''s eyes widened at this revelation, but before she could interject, Serrandyl pushed herself off the ground, a determined glint in her eyes. "In that case," she said, "I''ll come too!" All eyes turned to Serrandyl as she glanced around at them, her feline ears perked up and her tail swishing behind her as she waited for their response. Ebonheim felt a shiver run down her spine¡ªSerrandyl looked like she was ready to go to war at a moment''s notice. Engin heaved a sigh and rubbed his forehead with a hand. "You should probably stay here," he said with a worried frown. "I don''t think brawn can solve our predicament." Serrandyl''s shoulders drooped at this and her tail went still. "Ugh," she grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Fine, fine." "Hilda," Ebonheim spoke up as she turned to face her. "Did you mean that we should ask Elmsworth?" Hilda nodded at this suggestion. "Yes," she said with a gentle smile, "that is what we should do. Elmsworth might know more about what is ailing the land." She glanced up at Serrandyl as she continued speaking. "Ebonheim can go and speak with the elder Ent, but there is another task that needs done. We still must find the source of this storm. Do you think you can find it, Serrandyl?" Serrandyl''s ears perked up at this question and she nodded, a fire burning in her eyes. "Yes!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes as she gave Hilda a grin. "I''ll do my best!" Ebonheim couldn''t help but chuckle as she watched Serrandyl leap to her feet, eager to tackle this new task. "You might want to bring someone with you," she said as she pushed herself up with her hands. Engin sighed again and stood up as well. "Alright, alright. I suppose this calls for the Special Task Force to be deployed. Lira, Thorsten, and a few of your kin will accompany you in this task. Make haste and come back safely," he said as he turned to face them. "We''ll try and hold the fort as you go." Serrandyl gave Engin a grin before giving him a brisk nod. "Thanks!" she said with a beaming smile before turning on her heels and bounding towards the door. "Come on!" she called out to Lira and Thorsten, who were already preparing to leave. "We have a storm to hunt!" Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Ebonheim arrived within the elder Ent''s domain using her Arboreal Stride. She exited the verdant pathways and emerged through an oak tree just on the outskirts of the last place she had met with him some time ago. As expected, Elmsworth was there, his towering form pelted by a deluge of rain and his gaze fixed on the skies above. "Elmsworth!" Ebonheim called out as she approached him. The elder Ent turned to face her as she came closer, his expression grave. "Ebonheim," he said with a nod. "I believe I know why you are here." Ebonheim nodded as she stood beside him. "Yes," she said with a frown as she glanced up at the sky. "This storm¡ªit isn''t normal. Do you know anything about it? Please say you do, because I have no idea what''s going on." Elmsworth continued to stare up at the sky for a moment longer before turning his gaze back to Ebonheim, his expression grave. "An Elemental Conflux has occured. The convergence of great elemental powers has triggered an alteration of the weather." "An elemental what?" Ebonheim asked, giving him a bewildered look. Elmsworth heaved a sigh, his gaze growing distant as he turned to face the horizon. "It is a rare alignment of planes, when the fabric separating our realms grows thin and fragile. Not since the age of my seeding have the planes so intruded on our reality. The last Conflux... it shattered the tranquillity of Eldergrove, leaving scars that took many a moon to heal." Ebonheim sighed and rubbed her temple with a hand. "Wait¡ªwhat do you mean an alignment?" she asked, feeling as though she were struggling to catch up to Elmsworth''s discourse. "The convergence of elemental energies," Elmsworth began as he turned back to Ebonheim. "It disturbs the flow of power throughout our realm. Great natural disasters have been known to occur when such disturbances are prevalent. Of course, such a phenomenon is not impossible for a god to cause." "Wait, you think a god caused this?" Ebonheim asked, staring at Elmsworth in surprise. "Just so you know, I had nothing to do with this. Honest!" Elmsworth huffed and shook his head at her response. "No need to defend yourself, Ebonheim," he said with a wave of his hand. "This elemental confluence is not your doing. No, this one is not caused by a deity. I am certain of it." Ebonheim sighed with relief and slumped against a nearby tree. "That''s a relief." Elmsworth gave Ebonheim a sidelong glance as he turned away again to gaze out across the horizon. "You should not be so relieved," he said, his voice low. "It means that there is another force at play, one that has not yet revealed itself. And that makes it all the more dangerous." She pursed her lips as she mulled over his words. "What do we do?" she asked after a moment of silence. "Where does this storm originate from?" Elmsworth turned to face her again, the raised his hand up to point towards a maelstrom that danced in the distance. "There," he said, his voice grim. "The focal point of the Conflux seems to be coming from southeast of our domains." She climbed atop Elmsworth and perched on his shoulder as she peered into the distance. A swirl of energy churned in the sky, glowing like a nebula caught in a tornado that stretched across the horizon, its vortex roiling in a deep azure, streaked with tendrils of purple and crimson with lightning sizzling over its surface. "That''s... not good." As she stared at the storm, her Divine Sight activated and she began to pore over its nature. [World Quest: Elemental Conflux] A natural disaster triggered by the convergence of elemental powers, resulting in a storm that will decimate the region has appeared. Find the way to dispel the convergence. Completion Reward: 3000 Quintessence Penalty for Failure: ??? Ebonheim stared at the words that scrawled themselves across her vision as she studied the storm. "Well," she said with a frown as she closed her Divine Sight, "I think the others were headed in that direction earlier. Hopefully, they''ll be able to find out more about it." Elmsworth glanced at her as she began to descend from atop his shoulder. "Yes," he said with a nod. "That is the center of the storm." He took a moment to watch as a bolt of lightning arced from the storm into the distance before turning back to her again. "Do you know how to stop it?" she asked, her tone subdued. She had tried asking the Akashic System for help earlier, but it only offered a divine ability that would allow her to control the weather, but it required her to be of Greater God divine rank. "Do you have any ideas? Please say you do." A lengthy pause preceded the Ent''s response. "There is a way," Elmsworth''s voice rumbled, causing the smallest of tremors beneath their feet. "It is the only way." Ebonheim held her breath, her eyes wide as she stared at Elmsworth, her gaze searching as if willing him to divulge more information. "Well?" she said, trying not to sound too excited, "What is it?" Another pause followed her words. "Deep within Eldergrove lies the Elemental Keystone," the elder Ent said, his voice low and solemn. "It is a powerful artifact designed to control the flow of elemental power within the realms." Ebonheim blinked at him in surprise and cocked her head to the side. "What''s a keystone?" she asked. "And why haven''t I heard of it before?" The elder Ent sighed again and shook his head as he gazed down at her. "It is a repository of elemental energy, a device crafted by the Ancients to channel, focus, and control elemental power. It was once used by them to realign the errant planes and restore balance. However," he paused as he turned back to face the storm, "it has been dormant for countless generations. There is no way to know whether it is still functional." Ebonheim''s eyebrows shot up as she listened to Elmsworth speak, a kernel of hope budding within her at the prospect of salvation. "So, if we get this keystone, this will resolve this storm?" If this elemental keystone existed, and was functioning correctly¡ªor even remotely¡ªthen this storm could be fixed. She just needed to get the keystone to stop this storm before anyone got hurt. "The Elemental Keystone will indeed restore equilibrium," Elmsworth replied with a solemn nod. "It will not undo the damage the storm wrought, but at the very least, the Conflux will disperse and cease to affect our realm." "So where is this Elemental Keystone?" Ebonheim asked as she began to pace around him. "Do you know where it is?" Elmsworth closed his eyes and did not respond, his expression wistful as he stood facing the storm, the rain pelting him as though in defiance. "It has been a long time since I have seen it. Longer still since it has been used to its fullest potential. But, yes, I do know where the Keystone is. It resides within a sanctum behind the largest waterfall following the river that separates our domain." She froze mid-step, her eyes widening at his words. "Wait," she began, turning to face him with a bewildered expression. "This Elemental Keystone is near here? It''s in the valley?" "Yes," Elmsworth replied. "The Keystone lies deep within the sanctum beyond that waterfall. It is sealed, protected against all who might wish to use it to misuse its power." Ebonheim heaved a sigh and ran a hand through her hair, her fingers catching on tangles as she brushed them away from her face. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" she asked as she turned to face Elmsworth again. "So you want me to go to a waterfall, grab this artifact, and bring it back?" "Once you have acquired the Elemental Keystone, you must wield its powers to harness the Conflux and reestablish balance. But the Keystone has not been used since the age of the Ancients, so there may not be much power left in it." Ebonheim frowned at this, her face scrunching up in thought as she tried to process this new information. "Even if there''s not much power left, it''s worth a shot to try and fix this. We can''t just wait for this to blow over. Is there anything I should watch out for? Anything dangerous?" Elmsworth was silent for a moment as he appeared to ponder her question before responding. "Be on your guard when traversing the forest," he warned, his voice low. "Elementals have begun to coalesce into greater numbers and are roaming free from their native planes. The Conflux has affected them, making them unstable and hostile to any form of sentient life. Avoid them if you can, and let your village know to do so as well." Ebonheim paused and glanced at Elmsworth in alarm. "Wait¡ªwhat?" she said with a shake of her head. She focused her mind and tapped into the Akashic System for any information about Elementals: Elementals: Creatures with a body formed of elemental matter. They consist of elements of a single elemental plane. Their existence is tied to their plane of origin. They will become corporeal as long as they exist in a place where their respective element exists as well. They possess physical forms with varying degrees of corporeality based on their plane of origin and elemental type. For instance, an elemental made of fire would have physical forms with physical bodies made out of fire, while an elemental made out of water would have liquid forms of physical matter. They can be physically harmed by non-elemental forces such as weapons and magic, but their respective elements cannot harm them and heal them in turn. They can also convert a non-elemental object into one of their type. "Great," she grumbled to herself as she closed the Akashic System. It wasn''t just the storm that was dangerous. These Elementals would be dangerous too, so she needed to be careful. Hopefully, the other group wouldn''t encounter any Elementals on their way to the Conflux. "Okay," Ebonheim began after a moment as she straightened her posture and took a deep breath to collect herself. "So I need to find this waterfall and get the Keystone." Elmsworth nodded slowly. "Indeed," he rumbled in response. "For the sake of our forests." A great crash of thunder rippled through the heavens above them as if in response to his words. Ebonheim turned back to face him and gave him a hopeful smile. "Is there anything else you can do to help us out?" "I will do my part to keep the storm''s damage minimal," Elmsworth replied with a solemn nod. "But the burden of stopping the storm still rests on your shoulders." Ebonheim sighed, running a hand through her hair as she nodded in response. "If that''s what I have to do, then so be it." The elder Ent nodded in acknowledgment before turning away to leave. "May the benevolence of nature always be by your side., Ebonheim." Ebonheim watched Elmsworth lumber away before turning to face the skies above again¡ªa frown forming on her face as she gazed into the heavens. "Alright," she muttered to herself, "time to bring this storm to a halt." Chapter 37: Elemental Conflux, Part II The sky held an angry rumble in its depths, and above, great storm clouds still massed like a brooding armada ready for war. Sheets of rain cascaded down upon the Eldergrove, battering foliage and soaking the earth beneath. Serrandyl and Thorsten led the way, their figures barely visible amid the torrential downpour. They were closely followed by Lira and a small group of determined Beastkin warriors, each of them hardened by the trials of survival and the strains of nature¡¯s wrath. Thorsten''s axe was strapped across his back, the blade gleaming wetly in the sporadic lightning flashes that split the darkened heavens. His disheveled rust-colored beard was darkened further by the rain, dripping water onto the dark wood of the Ebon armor that covered his broad chest. His dark eyes were focused ahead, scanning the landscape for any sign of danger. Beside him, Serrandyl moved with feline grace, her Beastkin agility making the slippery terrain seem like a walk in the park. Her lion-like traits were more visible now, her ruby eyes reflecting the gloomy light with a spectral glow, and her crimson hair plastered onto her muscular back, appearing like a drenched mane. Tribal tattoos on her skin seemed to come alive, their intricate patterns animated by each lightning flash. Following close behind, Lira moved with equal determination. The honey-hued strands of her hair were plastered onto her forehead, her robes soaked through and clinging to her form. With nature''s fury lashing all around them, they navigated through the dense underbrush, their footsteps muted by the ceaseless rainfall. The winds howled, tearing at the treetops, and the roar of thunder echoed through the vast expanse of the forest. The first anomaly was near a river, where the foliage gave way to an open expanse of grass that stretched from one side of the riverbank to another. A large serpent of water roared and frothed, writhing along the river like an enraged beast as its frothing waves struck the sides of the river and soaked the ground beneath with muddy water. Yet, it wasn''t the serpent''s rage that stilled their hearts but the erratic dance of flames on its surface. The flames, sapphire blue and indigo, twirled and cavorted like miniature hurricanes on the serpent''s back. But, unlike normal fires, these flames didn''t consume the watery serpent; instead, they remained perfectly contained on its surface. "What is that?" Serrandyl asked, her tone wary as she stared at the serpentine beast with her ruby-red eyes. Lira was quick to respond as she stepped forward, her eyes shimmering as she observed the flames. "It''s an elemental," she said, her voice soft and calm despite the violent tumult around them. "It''s rare to come across one, and a water elemental usually resides in lakes or rivers. But, I''ve not encountered here in the Eldergrove...until now." As they watched, the serpent opened its mouth and spewed forth a stream of water from its throat. Instead of dissolving into droplets in the air, however, the water became incandescent as it collided with the swirling flames on its back. "But this..." Lira paused for a moment as she narrowed her eyes at the strange spectacle before continuing. "Elemental fire and water...It''s a confluence," she answered, her voice somber as she gazed at the flames on the water''s surface. "There''s an elemental confluence here." Thorsten grunted in response, glancing at the raging waters beside him before turning back to face Lira. "An elemental confluence?" he asked, his tone hesitant. "What does that mean?" Lira hesitated for a moment before answering. "That''s not a normal water elemental. There are traces of a fire elemental mixed along with it," she said, her voice growing distant as she continued to stare at the flames on the water''s surface. "It''s as if the elemental energies are entwined together." Serrandyl took a step back and gazed around at the surroundings, her tail swishing irritably behind her. "Are there any others?" she asked, keeping her voice low. "Can you sense any other ones nearby?" Lira closed her eyes and went quiet, focusing on the magical currents flowing through the area. After a moment, she opened her eyes again, her brow furrowing as she scanned the vicinity. "A few," she said with a shake of her head. "Somewhere far off." Thorsten stepped forward with a scowl and rested his hand on his axe. "Do you have a way to stop it?" he asked. "Because that thing will be a challenge for any of us." Lira didn''t respond at first; she only gave Thorsten a solemn nod and continued to study the hybrid elemental, her face etched with a contemplative frown as she reached out with her senses. "As long as we do not approach it too closely, we should be alright," she said finally, a slight tremor in her voice. "But we need to be careful. From what Hilda has taught me, elementals are usually docile unless attacked. But I sense that these ones... they are different." Serrandyl peered at Lira with a questioning gaze before turning back to face the hybrid elemental again. It rumbled and hissed from its place by the river, its movements agitated and volatile. "You mean they might attack us?" she asked. "Like a wild beast?" Lira nodded in response. "That might be an understatement," she answered with a grimace. "It feels like they are being compelled by something else. As if there is something greater influencing their actions." "So let''s just smash it then," Serrandyl said, cracking her knuckles with a smirk as she stepped forward, but Thorsten reached out to hold her back with his large hand. "We''re here to look for the source, remember? I don''t think this one is it," he said, his voice stern as he shot her a glare. "Let''s move on." Serrandyl scowled at him, crossing her arms over her chest in a huff, as she watched Thorsten begin to march upriver. "I''m supposed to be the leader here." Lira chuckled at her comment and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Don''t worry," she said with a wink. "We''ll get this done." They pushed forward, leaving the riverside spectacle behind. The forest seemed to change as they ventured deeper, the familiar trees and pathways contorting under the storm''s lingering spell. It wasn''t long before they came across the next anomaly ¨C rocks, massive boulders that seemed to have sprouted legs. They skittered around the clearing, clashing and breaking into smaller pieces, only to reform and continue their chaotic dance. Thorsten let out a low whistle. "I know these ones. I''ve met one or two, many years ago in the North. Stone elementals. But I''ve never seen ''em so stirred." Lira nodded in agreement as she continued to stare at the stone elementals in front of her with a furrowed brow. "They''re usually dormant," she said. "This elemental confluence must have disrupted them, as it did to the one by the river." A gust of wind whirled, spiraling leaves into the air. Yet, the gust was not merely wind; it had form, an ephemeral shape of a bird crafted from pure air. The air elemental dove and swirled around them, rustling leaves and making their clothes billow. As if on cue, the stone elementals grew agitated and began to chase after the elemental bird with renewed vigor. Thorsten grunted, his eyes narrowing as he watched the stone elementals scrabble off to the distance, their limbs skittering over the grass. "If these elementals happen upon our village," he muttered with a frown, his brow furrowing as he gripped his axe tighter. "We might need to make plans for defense." "Good idea," Serrandyl added with a firm nod.
The hours that followed were a journey into the heart of the unnatural, as the scouting party bore witness to more elemental phenomena, each more bizarre than the last. They saw trees shudder and quake, their roots slithering like serpents as earth elementals ran amok. They watched as spectral showers fell from cloudless skies, droplets disappearing before they ever hit the ground, only to be replaced by bolts of lightning that struck the earth. Even fire elementals danced at the edges of their vision, their red and orange forms reflecting in the puddles that had formed on the forest floor. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Thorsten grunted and hefted his axe as he scowled at the fiery apparitions. "This is getting out of hand," he said, his tone rough with ire. "It seems every corner of Eldergrove''s gone mad. Rocks on the run in the north, winds causing a ruckus in the west, and the heart of the forest ablaze in the east." "I see something!" Serrandyl suddenly shouted from her perch atop a tall tree. She pointed southeast of their position. "Up there!" Lira, who had been deep in thought, snapped out of her reverie and glanced up at Serrandyl before squinting into the distance. There, she saw a tear in the sky above a small clearing¡ªa section of the heavens above was ripped open as if the sky was a shattered window letting through a glimpse into the elemental planes. With each crackle of lightning in the heavens, she could see a multihued glow emanate from within the rent, and even from her distance she could feel the overwhelming sense of elemental power surge through the air. "A breach," she muttered, her voice shaking slightly. "That might be the source of all this." Serrandyl jumped down and landed with a heavy thud in front of them, her tail swishing irritably. "Well?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared at Lira and Thorsten with a frown. "How are we supposed to fix this?" Lira opened her mouth to answer, but before she could utter a single syllable, an ear-splitting boom tore through the heavens. The earth tremble beneath their feet and a jolt ran through their bodies. From the breach emerged a colossal elemental. It hovered in the sky, its enormous body taking up most of their field of vision, and emitted an echoing roar that shook their bones. Its form resembled that of a gargantuan humanoid made from blistering, burning flames and incandescent blue magma. Flames licked along its surface, shimmering and changing as they twisted and danced about while glowing blue lines crisscrossed its molten body like veins in an ancient heart. Horns protruded from the top of its head, curling inward as they sloped to a point, while an elongated snout spewed forth tongues of flame. The rain hitting its body sizzled as if it were water on a furnace, wrapping it in a misty aura. "That''s not one I''ve seen before," Thorsten muttered, his eyes widening as he gaped at the entity before them. "Is that an elemental as well?" Lira shook her head. "It feels similar to that hybrid one from before," she said, her voice quiet with awe. "But this one is far more powerful. And more primal." "I don''t like it," Thorsten growled, his brow furrowed as he gave her a concerned look. "If that thing heads towards the village, the consequences will be grave." Lira''s expression turned grim as she gazed up at the colossal elemental with her shimmering green eyes. "Let''s head towards the breach," she said, turning to face the others. "Avoid its attention as best you can. If we incur its wrath, we are doomed." Thorsten gave her a nod, his brow still furrowed, before leading them into a sprint towards the breach. "You hear that, lass?" he spoke to Serrandyl. "Stay out of its way." Serrandyl glanced at Thorsten with a scowl as she kicked off the ground and bounded after them. "I''m not reckless enough to fight something that big!" Lira strode forward, her footsteps light against the ground. Thorsten, who followed closely behind, wore an expression of grim resolve. Serrandyl and the other beastkin warriors kept pace as they navigated through the foliage with silent haste. It was not long before they neared the breach; Lira halted her stride and closed her eyes to gather her strength as she pushed out with her senses to sense any magical forces in the vicinity. A piercing chill ran down her spine and she opened her eyes to stare ahead into the breach with a grimace. Boulders of earth, uprooted from the ground, floated in the air like oversized water droplets as they spun slowly around in the air, their surfaces shaking violently. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the gargantuan elemental rumbled overhead, its massive frame blocking out most of the sky above as it let out a bone-chilling howl that shook them to their core. Serrandyl turned to Lira with a frown. "So how do we stop this...breach thing?" she asked, glancing up at the sky above her. "Is it even possible?" Lira turned to face them, her eyes shimmering as she gave them a firm nod. "That breach is an opening between planes¡ªthe elemental planes and our realm. An opening like this must be closed to prevent further chaos," she replied, her expression solemn as she glanced up at the colossal elemental. "Unfortunately, I do not know the means to close it...but the elder Ent that Ebonheim is meeting with might know how... I hope." Thorsten furrowed his brow as he watched the elemental move across the sky above him with its burning form. "Then the rest falls on what Ebonheim can gather from the Ent," he said with a scowl. "Let''s hope she''s got good news." Serrandyl glanced at Lira and gave her a nudge on her shoulder. "Can we go back to the village now?" she asked, her voice exasperated. "I don''t like this storm." Lira nodded at Serrandyl''s request, turning on her heels and following behind Thorsten, Serrandyl, and the others. "We''re bound to run into more elementals on our way back," she said, glancing up at the sky above them as she strode through the forest. "We''ll need to avoid them in case it might delay us or cause the elementals to follow us back to the village." "You hear that, lass?" Thorsten called out to Serrandyl from ahead of them. "Try and do your best to avoid any trouble." Serrandyl made a face in response, but her features settled into a grim expression as they marched back to the village.
Ebonheim arrived at the base of a large waterfall after using Arboreal Stride to traverse the forest. Water crashed against rock at the base, churning into a frothing cauldron before spilling into the river below. The air was filled with a fine mist that clung to her skin, dampening her clothes and hair with droplets. Ebonheim cast a glance at the waterfall above her before walking closer to the water''s edge and perching on a flat rock jutting out over the river. "Alright," she said to herself, staring at the waterfall and listening to the river churn below. "Elmsworth said that the sanctum should be behind this waterfall." After a brief moment, Ebonheim walked to the base of the waterfall, her bare feet making imprints in the wet dirt beneath her as she approached the cascading river. The sound of the waterfall grew louder, drowning out all other sound as water thundered into the river below, creating a vortex of spray and foam that washed over her skin. Ebonheim approached the wall of water, and tried to peer through it. Yet, even when she squinted, all she could see was a solid sheet of white, veiling her sight from anything beyond. She let out an irritated huff before turning away from the wall and running her hand through her damp hair with a sigh. "Okay," she muttered to herself as she began to pace along the edge of the river. "I just have to walk through and hope there''s a cavern on the other side. Believe in the tree, who believes in you." Without waiting any longer, Ebonheim took off in a sprint, closing her eyes as she rushed through the cascade of water, bracing for the impact as she moved. She barreled through, her body nearly toppling forward from the force of the water''s resistance. As she emerged on the other side of the waterfall, her eyes snapped open and she glanced around herself with a start. To her surprise, a great cavern lay beyond, covered in moss and lichen, and encrusted with stalagmites and stalactites. Huge stones lay piled into a semi-circular wall in front of the waterfall, forming a large archway leading into a cave within. Ebonheim let out a relieved sigh as she crossed the cavern floor, the cool stone beneath her feet sending a shiver down her spine. As she ventured further into the cave, she found that the tunnel opened up into a larger space¡ªa chamber large enough to accommodate dozens of people standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Stalactites and stalagmites in the form of great columns protruded from the ground and roof of the cavern, supporting each other with an almost religious reverence. A large, multihued crystal shimmering at the center of the chamber caught Ebonheim''s attention, and she approached it slowly. The crystal glowed with a faint light, its silvery surface reflecting in Ebonheim''s eyes as she stepped closer. The crystal floated atop a still pool of water at the bottom of a small pit¡ªthe shallow basin extending about five meters from one end to the other. Ebonheim looked around the cavern before her gaze returned to the pond at her feet. "Is this it?" she muttered to herself as she kneeled by the pool of water. "The Elemental Keystone?" The water rippled with a slight tremor, a vague reflection of Ebonheim''s face wavering on its surface. The pool seemed shallow enough for Ebonheim to wade through without issue, so she rolled up her dress to her knees before stepping into the basin. With a sigh, she waded across the water to the floating crystal, the surface of the water sloshing around her, and stood by its side as she gazed into the crystal''s glittering surface. Ebonheim felt the immense power within the crystal¡ªit emanated waves of magical energy that were difficult to discern, and they rippled through her senses. She cast a brief glance around the chamber before leaning closer to the crystal, staring into its surface with a furrowed brow and an intense gaze. "Elmsworth said the Elemental Keystone has the ability to realign the elemental planes," she said as she stared at the crystal, its silvery surface reflecting her face back at her. "How do I use it? How does one align planes?" The crystal shifted slightly at her touch, its surface rippling like an agitated pond. A crackling sound filled the air¡ªthe sound of a burning flame¡ªand several ghastly figures, garbed in hooded robes, manifested around the basin. Ebonheim took a step back in surprise, staring at the apparitions with wide eyes as they appeared one by one out around her and the crystal in a semi-circle. They did not speak nor move¡ªtheir obscure gazes cast on the crystal and Ebonheim as they stood motionless in the silence. She managed a meek smile and gave them a small wave. "Um...hello?" Chapter 38: Elemental Conflux, Part III The spectral figures made no move to answer Ebonheim, their ghostly robes rustling as though touched by an unfelt wind. Their silence, punctuated only by the distant roar of the waterfall, heightened the anticipation in the cavern, making Ebonheim feel like an intruder in a hallowed sanctuary. Then, as if in response to a signal Ebonheim could not see or hear, one of the figures floated forward, a hazy form emerging from the collective. It glided towards Ebonheim and stopped just before her. Ebonheim stepped back but slipped on the slippery surface of the pond, landing on her behind with an audible splash. She stared up at the apparition in front of her as she attempted to get back to her feet, her gaze lingering on its featureless face that seemed to be made of starlight and shadow. "Greetings, great goddess," the figure said, its voice echoing like a murmur through a valley, filling the chamber with an eerie resonance. Ebonheim gave the figure a stiff nod in acknowledgment but remained silent as she adjusted her sodden dress. "Um...hello," she said. "And how do you know that I''m a goddess?" "You bear the divine spark within you," the figure replied as the others moved to gather behind it. "It is faint¡ªyour essence still in its infancy¡ªyet you are certainly no mortal." Ebonheim gave them all a quick glance and rubbed her arm sheepishly. "That''s... true," she said, choosing her words carefully. "I am Ebonheim, a goddess of the village called Ebonheim." Silence filled the chamber again as the figure stared at Ebonheim with its hazy gaze. "Ebonheim..." the figure repeated slowly, the others echoed in its wake. "Fate has been generous to us, then, to hear it spoken once more." Ebonheim shifted on her feet. "Do you know me?" she asked, peering into the featureless face of the figure before her. "Am I supposed to know you?" What did it mean? They''d heard my name spoken before? The figure said nothing for a moment, floating on the surface of the water as the others murmured. Then, slowly, as if reluctantly, it nodded. "We''ve known of your coming, but that does not mean you remember us," the figure said quietly, its voice no longer echoing. "That is well¡ªit was not meant to be." Ebonheim blinked at the figure. "Okay..." she said slowly. These figures seemed oddly cryptic. What were they talking about? "I''m sorry, I''m a little confused...Who or what exactly are you all?" The spectral figures seemed to regard each other before turning their gazes to Ebonheim once more. "We have no name," one of the figures said, its voice almost inaudible, "save for the title our founder bestowed upon us." Huh. That was a bit odd. They had no name except the title they''d been given? That didn''t exactly give her a lot of information to work with. Maybe they were just being secretive, but at least they weren''t being hostile. Yet. She thought for a moment, then remembered what Elmsworth had mentioned to her about the ones that created the Elemental Keystone. "Are you Ancients that created the Keystone?" The figures seemed to shift at her question, their gazes dimming slightly. "We are...simply its guardians." Ebonheim tilted her head as she watched them. "Guardians?" she repeated with a frown. "You''re the ones that keep watch over this place, then?" One of the figures drifted closer to Ebonheim, its features hidden beneath its hood. "We have guarded the Elemental Keystone since its inception, great goddess, and we will continue to do so until one with privileged access to its power arrives to claim it." Her gaze lingered on the figure for a moment before shifting to the crystal hovering over the pool of water, its glittering surface reflecting her features. It sounded like she needed to prove herself worthy of using the Keystone, but how long would that take? What if she wasn''t qualified? If they were its guardians, would she have to defeat them as part of some trial? She didn''t have time for that. "There''s a lot going on in this valley right now," she muttered. "I really need to use that Keystone, so...how will you know if I''m worthy?" Silence met her question for a moment, the only sound filling the chamber being the distant roar of the waterfall. Then, one of the figures spoke up, its voice once again echoing through the cavern. "Our dialogue is proof of your worth," it said. "We were tasked to guide you by the creator of the Keystone itself. Any others would have met their end before coming within arms reach of the Elemental Keystone." Ebonheim sighed in relief, giving the figure a sheepish smile. "That''s comforting. I was afraid that you guys would end up getting in my way. Oh! Not that I would want to fight you, but I get what you mean." The figure drifted closer to her and tilted its head slightly, making a vague sound like a chuckle in the back of its throat. Before she could ask further questions, one of the other figures drifted closer to the crystal and gazed at it with its indistinct face. "A great undertaking lies before you, great goddess," it said, its voice muffled and hushed as though speaking from underwater. The hooded figures moved again, shifting in place as if anticipating some kind of response from her. "You seek to realign the elemental planes," one of them said, its voice echoing through the chamber. She nodded in response. "Yes. There''s an unnatural storm occurring and I have to realign the planes to stop it. An Ent named Elmsworth said that the storm is caused by an Elemental Conflux. Do you know of it?" "The Conflux... a grave predicament indeed," the figure to the right of the first murmured with its ethereal voice. "Such alignments of the planes have caused cataclysms in past epochs, upending the equilibrium and allowing elementals to encroach upon your realm." Ebonheim nodded again, her expression grim as she watched the hooded figures in front of her. "If you don''t mind," she began, raising her arms into the air in a gesture of peace, "can you tell me how to align the planes? What do I do with the Elemental Keystone?" The central figure, who had remained silent thus far, moved to stand in front of the large crystal before responding to Ebonheim''s query. "The Keystone is a conduit, a gateway, and a seal. It is the fulcrum upon which the Elemental Planes find their balance." It waved its ethereal hand over the hovering crystal. In response, the Keystone shone brighter, its pulsing light reflecting off the still pool beneath it, casting dancing shadows on the cavern walls. "To wield it, you must understand it. Each facet of the Keystone represents a plane - Fire, Water, Earth, and Air," the figure continued. "The planes now bleed into your realm due to the Conflux, causing upheaval. The Keystone must be used to realign them, to seal the rift that has opened." "How?" Ebonheim asked, her gaze fixed on the now luminescent crystal. Her mind buzzed with questions, but she chose to focus on the Keystone for now. "How do I do that?" The spectral figure that had first spoken moved forward, reaching its hand out towards Ebonheim. "It is a task that requires both power and knowledge, goddess Ebonheim. Are you prepared for what is to come?" Ebonheim swallowed hard, her gaze shifting from the crystal to the spectral figures before her. Somehow, the trial she had to go through to save Aelindra came to mind. Power, she probably had enough of¡ªbut knowledge was something she was still lacking in. Despite increasing her Intelligence stat and spending time under Engin''s tutelage, she was still rather ignorant about the world at large. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. But she had an important task to accomplish. She straightened her back and met the apparition''s gaze. "Yes," she replied, her tone resolute. "I need to realign the planes¡ªto save my village." The figures nodded approvingly. Then, the central figure, with a wave of its hand, began to weave an intricate pattern of light in the air. "Watch closely, goddess Ebonheim," it intoned. "The fate of the valley rests in your hands." And as Ebonheim watched, the glow from the spectral figure''s hand grew brighter, the pattern more intricate, until the air was filled with a mesmerizing dance of luminosity and shadow. The light pulsed and moved, shaping itself into an elaborate diagram in front of the spectral figure. It was a representation of the Prime Elemental Planes, four interlocking circles with the Keystone in the center. "Each plane is a world unto itself," the spectral figure said, gesturing to the four circles. "The Conflux is the result of their alignment, a powerful gravitational pull that disrupts the equilibrium." Ebonheim watched as the circles began to overlap, the center growing chaotic and vibrant with fluctuating energy. The spectral figure continued, "The Keystone serves as an anchor, keeping the planes separate. It absorbs the energies of the Conflux, preventing them from spilling into your realm." "But when the Conflux is too powerful, the Keystone cannot hold the planes apart," a different spectral figure added. Its voice was soft like the whisper of a gentle breeze. "The planes bleed into each other, and your world becomes a stage for elemental chaos." Ebonheim''s eyes moved back to the diagram, the overlapping circles pulsating with a disconcerting intensity. She imagined the world consumed by fires that would not quench, storms that would not abate, earths that moved of their own accord, and winds that cut like blades. "But the Keystone was created to prevent such a catastrophe," the third figure interjected, its voice raspy and low as though spoken from the bottom of a well. "It has the ability to reset the alignment and seal the rift between the planes. The Conflux ends, and the chaos with it." "How do I activate it?" Ebonheim asked. "At the origin point of the Conflux, the Keystone needs to absorb the essence of each element to realign the planes," the figure continued. "Each facet must be charged with its corresponding elemental energy." The spectral figure waved its hand, and the diagram changed. Each circle now had a bright point that corresponded to a facet on the Keystone. Ebonheim bit her lip, her gaze intensely focused on the diagram. "How do I charge the facets?" The first spectral figure spoke again. "With a ritual. A sacred Arcane ritual that binds the energies of the Elements to the Keystone. A ritual we will teach you." The other figures stepped back, and the first figure moved to the center, its form becoming even more ethereal, shimmering in the light from the Keystone. Its hands began to move, weaving an intricate dance in the air as it began to chant in a language older than the Eldergrove itself. Ebonheim watched in silence, committing each movement, each syllable to memory. As she watched, she felt the quintessence within her begin to stir, as though awakening after slumbering for ages. The spectral figure''s voice echoed off the cavern walls, filling the chamber with its reverberating chant. The other figures joined in the chant, their voices harmonizing and amplifying until the whole chamber vibrated with their unified song. As the last word of the chant echoed into silence, the central figure lowered its hands, and the spectral light slowly dissipated, leaving only the glow of the Elemental Keystone. The diagram of the planes evaporated, and the figure turned its gaze back to Ebonheim. "Remember the ritual, goddess Ebonheim," the ancient intoned. "Perform it correctly, and the Elemental Keystone will absorb the disruptive energies, severing the connection with the elemental planes, and returning stability to your realm." Ebonheim nodded, her throat dry. She replayed their chants and movements over in her mind and repeated them slowly to commit them to memory. The spectral figures watched her, as though gauging her reaction, until Ebonheim finally straightened and turned to face them with a decisive nod. "I got it," she said, her voice firm and confident. Still, she couldn''t help but bite her lip as her brow furrowed in worry. "But what if I fail?" The first figure answered, its voice a mere whisper in the cavern. "Then your world will be subjected to the whims of the elements until the Conflux ends naturally... If it ends at all." Ebonheim took a deep breath, steeling herself. The stakes were even higher than she had first thought. Failure was not an option. "But you will not fail," the second figure said with a somber voice, as if sensing her thoughts. "You are Ebonheim, the goddess of this world. This time...and always." With a final nod from the spectral figures, they began to fade, their forms growing less distinct. The figures were gone as swiftly as they had appeared, leaving Ebonheim alone with the Elemental Keystone. Their last words lingered in her mind, though she didn''t bother to dwell on them. After taking a deep breath, Ebonheim waded through the water and approached the Keystone, its radiant glow casting long shadows in the cavern. The crystal floated just above the surface of the still pond. Ebonheim reached out, her hand coming to rest on its shimmering surface. It hummed under her fingertips, the energy pulsating through it resonating with the quintessence within her. The crystal began to splinter into tiny fragments that flowed into her hand, filling her with a rush of elemental energies that permeated through every fiber of her being. An intoxicating sensation washed over her, drowning out everything in her senses as a flood of powerful new abilities flooded into her mind. [You have acquired the legendary artifact ¡®Elemental Keystone''] [500 Quintessence has been subtracted from your total in order to bond with the artifact] [Quintessence] 1822/16000 -> 1322/16000 [Name] Elemental Keystone [Item Type] Legendary Artifact [Apperance] The Elemental Keystone is a large, multifaceted crystal of resplendent design, standing about two feet tall and one foot wide. The crystal boasts a myriad of colors, each facet flickering with hues that correspond to one of the elemental planes - azure for water, ember-red for fire, stone-grey for earth, and zephyr-white for air. [Effects] The Elemental Keystone has two primary effects: When absorbed into the user, it grants the following bonuses: +10 INT, +10 RES, +5 PER, +200 Health, +200 Essence, +32 Arcane/Divine Defense vs Fire/Cold/Kinetic/Electric Damage, +5% Crit Chance. When not absorbed, the Elemental Keystone can be activated to manipulate the alignment of the elemental planes and mend any tears in the fabric of their connection to the mortal world. It has the power to absorb and redirect elemental energies, effectively dispelling any elemental anomalies or infestations from the world. [Prerequisites] Activating the Keystone requires knowledge of an ancient arcane ritual, known only to a select few. If the ritual is conducted correctly, the Elemental Keystone pulses with energy and projects an ethereal light that is capable of drawing elementals towards it before sending them back to their respective planes. [Durability] The Elemental Keystone is indestructible under normal conditions. However, its power can be depleted if used excessively, requiring a period of recharge that varies depending on the severity of the elemental disruptions it has resolved. [You have acquired a Legendary Ability ¡®Elemental Admixture¡¯ (granted by the Elemental Keystone)] [Name] Elemental Admixture (Rank I) [Description] Elemental Admixture allows the user to temporarily harness and combine the raw energies of the elemental planes, forging them into a unique, mixed-element ability. This ability presents itself differently for each user, depending on their individual connection with the elements and their personal skills and attributes. The Elemental Keystone allows the user to cycle between these abilities, although they can only harness one at a time. [Starting Abilities] Flamegale Slash (Fire + Air): The user conjures a blade of roaring fire wrapped in a whirlwind, launching a ferocious aerial attack on their enemies. This attack inflicts 30-40 fire damage while also tossing enemies into the air, disorienting them. Cost: 10 Essence Stoneflood Wave (Earth + Water): The user slams the ground, causing a wave of rock-hard water to erupt from the earth and surge forward, damaging and knocking back enemies in its path. This attack deals 20-30 kinetic and 20-30 cold damage and has a high chance of causing enemies to lose their balance. Cost: 10 Essence Fiery Lightning Quake (Air + Fire + Earth): The user smashes the ground, creating a fiery earthquake that sends electrically charged fissures towards their enemies. This attack deals a combination of 20-30 fire, 20-30 kinetic, and 20-30 electric damage and may cause enemies to become paralyzed. Cost: 15 Essence Frostwind Gust (Air + Water): The user conjures a chilling wind that envelops enemies in a blizzard. This attack inflicts 30-40 cold damage and slows down enemies, reducing their attack and movement speed. Cost: 10 Essence [Limitations] Each admixture ability comes with a cooldown period. The exact duration of the cooldown period varies depending on the consecutive use of each other ability. Ebonheim closed her eyes and let out a long, deep breath, releasing all thoughts and emotions as she let the new powers settle into her. Then, with a snap, she opened her eyes and stepped out of the pond, her body glowing with an ethereal light as the powers within her stirred to life. A long moment of silence hung over the cavern before she turned to face the exit. A thin smile played on her lips. "Time to save my village." Chapter 39: Elemental Conflux, Part IV By the time Thorsten, Lira, Serrandyl, and the others arrived at the village, the storm had eased considerably. Yet, it was still raining and thunder still rolled across the heavens in great peals. It would take days for the village to dry and to clear up¡ªdays they did not have. "What did you learn from Elmsworth?" Lira asked as they approached the village entrance. "Do we still have to go to the Great Ent?" Ebonheim shook her head, her smile deepening as she strode past them. "That won''t be necessary," she said as she continued to march ahead, "I got something to stop this storm." Serrandyl blinked, her expression dumbfounded, but Thorsten only sighed and hoisted his axe over his shoulder as he began to follow her. "I''m glad you figure something out," he said, a hint of weariness in his voice. "The forest has gone mad¡ªluckily we were able to avoid the worst of it." They stepped through the village entrance and found themselves in the village square. Many villagers had gathered around to see who had returned, their curious gazes following them as they made their way through. Their eyes fell on Ebonheim''s form¡ªwho glowed with a brilliant silver radiance as if she had been touched by starlight¡ªher body emitting a light that brightened the whole square as she strode forward. "Looks like something good happened to you while you were out," Thorsten muttered to himself before addressing Ebonheim again. "What did you learn?" "I''ll explain it at the feast hall," she replied, shooting him a quick smile before turning her gaze forward again. Thorsten glanced at Lira before nodding and following after Ebonheim. "Right. Let''s see what you''re on about." They made their way to the feast hall and gathered around a large wooden table at its center. Engin, Hilda, Argoran, and the other elders had already gathered to await their return. All eyes turned to Ebonheim as she took a seat at the head of the table, her radiant glow dimming so as to not dazzle the onlookers. Lira was the first to speak, recounting what they uncovered during their scouting mission. "Aside from the tempest that seemed to span the entire valley, we found elementals running amok. There were rocks and earth elementals on the move in one area, fire elementals dancing on the river''s surface in another, spectral showers fell from cloudless skies in yet another, and gargantuan elemental bearing a minotaur form appeared in the heavens," she said, her voice even as she recounted the sights she''d witnessed. "It was quite the sight." Serrandyl crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against a pillar on the side of the feast hall. "We had to fight off a few that we couldn''t avoid while on our way back here." Lira glanced at Serrandyl and nodded before continuing with her story. "We think we found the source of all these phenomenons. We found a tear in the fabric of reality¡ªan opening between the elemental planes. It is an active breach, and its chaotic energies are causing all this." A tense silence fell over the hall as the others contemplated Lira''s words. Hilda let out a thoughtful hum, her gaze moving to Ebonheim. "What did Elmsworth have to say?" she asked. "Surely he had some insights into these phenomena." Ebonheim took a deep breath and began her story. "Right...I talked with Elmsworth and he told me that all this is caused by an Elemental Conflux. It''s exactly as Lira described. When I asked if there was a way to dispel it, he told me about the Elemental Keystone," she said, her tone even as she recounted what Elmsworth had told her about the device. "It has the ability to realign the elemental planes so that they do not bleed into our world." A murmur went through the hall as the elders began to talk amongst themselves about what she''d said. Ebonheim raised her hand, quieting them all down again, and continued. "There is just one catch," she said, her tone solemn. "To align the planes, I need to charge each facet of the Keystone with elemental energy, and to do that, I need to perform a ritual at the origin point of the Conflux." Serrandyl gawked at Ebonheim, her eyes widening as her arms fell to her sides. "You mean you have to be at that breach thing to try and close it?" she asked, her voice rising in pitch with each word as she spoke. "That huge elemental is right over that place! You''ll get caught in that thing''s sights!" Thorsten nodded, his gaze shifting to Ebonheim. "How much time do you need to complete that ritual?" Ebonheim bit her lip, a crease forming on her brow as she recalled the spectral figures'' instructions. "It''s going to take about eight minutes to charge all four facets," she said, her voice resolute as she gave them all a stern nod. "That''s if I am able to do it right." Thorsten leaned back against his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, "That''s quite a long time to hope that nothing interrupts you. If you''re going to do this, you''ll need others there to deal with any threats while you complete this ritual." Serrandyl slammed her fists together and grinned, her tail swishing and her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Count me in! I''ll deal with any enemies that get in your way¡ªexcept for that huge one...I''ll leave that to Thorsten." Thorsten grunted as he shot Serrandyl a glare. "You''ll be better at distracting that lumbering titan than I will," he said, his tone flat and unamused. "Just have it chase you around the forest. You''re nimble enough to escape." Engin rose from his seat and cleared his throat. "So, there we have it then. If the only way to stop this tempest and save our village is to seal that breach," he began, turning to Ebonheim as he spoke. "Then we all know what we must do. Assemble a team and get ready to leave once you''ve rested. You will need all the strength you can muster." Ebonheim nodded at Engin''s words, giving them all a small smile, as she rose from her seat at the head of the table. "Right," she said, turning to the others. "Let''s start our preparations."
Thorsten rose from his seat and made his way outside the hall, the sound of thunder still rumbling in the distance as rain pelted the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the braided ends before letting out a deep sigh. "Are you still worried, Thorsten?" Lira asked, joining him outside the feast hall. "Ebonheim can do this." Thorsten turned to her, a half-smile tugging at his lips, and chuckled. "You''re a bit optimistic for this kind of situation, aren''t you?" he asked, raising a brow at her as he lowered his hand from his hair to his side. "Even so," he added, shaking his head, "she needs help to ensure her ritual goes off without a hitch. I just wish there was more time to prepare." Lira turned her gaze to the heavens as another thunderclap rolled overhead. "This tempest is causing so much havoc across the valley," she murmured. "If we don''t do something about this soon, there will be nothing left for us." Thorsten let out another sigh as he leaned against the hall''s wall, his gaze settling on the dark sky above them. "What a mess," he said, the corners of his lips falling. The mission to seal the breach and put an end to this Elemental Conflux...it all depended on Ebonheim. But dealing with those elementals around the rift¡ªespecially that gigantic one¡ªwould be no easy task. He, Lira, and Serrandyl would be sorely tested while protecting her from any interruption. Bjorn, Hilda, and Argoran could join them, but that would put the village in a vulnerable position if they were to be attacked. A quick glance at Lira told him she was also thinking about the same thing he was. He shook his head and sighed as he ran a hand through his hair again. "I''ll assemble our most capable soldiers to aid us," he said, straightening his back as he pushed himself away from the hall''s wall and turned to her. "There is no other option." Lira gave him a tight-lipped smile before nodding in agreement. "We should move quickly then," she said, "in case our preparations will fall short." Thorsten nodded before turning on his heels and making his way down the village''s central path toward the barracks, his mind already planning a formation for their party. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Ebonheim paced across the feast hall as she listened to the others talk amongst themselves. She let out a breath, her fingers absently toying with the edge of her skirt as she bit her lip and chewed on her thoughts. There were so many things that could go wrong, and she couldn''t afford for them to fail at this point. Not when the village''s fate depended on their success. She crossed her arms over her chest as she continued to pace, her expression falling as her gaze shifted to Serrandyl, who sat on a nearby bench watching her with a curious gaze. "You''re pacing," Serrandyl said, raising a brow at her as she leaned forward, planting her elbows on her knees, and folded her hands together. "You''re nervous." Ebonheim let out another breath as she stopped pacing and stared at the ground, her gaze fixating on a single pebble on the floor as she leaned against a nearby pillar. Nervous? Yes, she was nervous, but that was an understatement. She was worried sick. She let out a wry chuckle and nodded at Serrandyl. "More than a little," she replied, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I''ve never done anything like this before." Serrandyl barked out a laugh and rose to her feet, striding over to lean against the same pillar. "Yeah, but you''re a goddess," she said, grinning as she nudged Ebonheim''s arm with her elbow. "You''ll be fine. This breach thing is like a broken door, right? You should already be used to fixing broken doors." Serrandyl gave a small wink. Ebonheim huffed a laugh and glanced at her, her lips pulling into a half-smile as she gazed into her crimson eyes. "Thanks for trying to make me feel better," she said, her tone earnest. Serrandyl chuckled and reached up to ruffle her hair with a hand before straightening and planting her hands on her hips. "Of course," she said, nodding. "I''ve got your back." Ebonheim laughed, her gaze shifting to the feast hall''s entrance as Thorsten and Lira strode in. "We have everything prepared," Thorsten said, nodding at Ebonheim as he continued to speak. "We are ready to depart." Ebonheim bit her lip and nodded at Thorsten before turning her gaze to Serrandyl and Lira. "Serrandyl," she said, nodding at the woman with a soft smile. "Lira." Lira returned her smile with one of her own while Serrandyl flashed her a toothy grin, both of them nodding. "We''ll protect you," Lira said, giving Ebonheim a small nod and a reassuring smile. "You''ll do fine." They left the feasthall, making their way to the village''s outskirts as they prepared to set off. A dozen soldiers gathered, all clad in Ebonwood armor and carrying spears, shields, and other weaponry. Several beastkin warriors had joined them as well, all of them sporting fierce grins and confident nods. Ebonheim approached the group and stood before them, her gaze moving across their faces. Some looked up at her expectantly while others bowed their heads to her, their expressions solemn as they waited for her words. "We set off for the breach soon," she said, her voice soft as she addressed them. "Once we get there, I will begin a ritual to seal the breach. If there are any elementals nearby, I will need your help in delaying them until I complete my task." Thorsten stepped forward and added, "You heard her. This mission is crucial to the village''s survival," he began, turning to Ebonheim as he continued speaking. "Our goddess will put an end to this unnatural storm. Our duty is to defend her at all costs until she seals the rift." "Understood," the soldiers replied as one before turning to each other and exchanging nods. The beastkin warriors with them also gave affirmative growls and grunts as they raised their weapons. Thorsten nodded at them, and Ebonheim could have sworn he gave them a proud smile, before turning to her and nodding. "Let''s go."
Ebonheim stared at the breach in the sky from her vantage point atop a tall pine tree. Wind and rain buffeted her small figure as she shielded her face with one arm, her other hand holding on to a branch as she leaned back against the trunk for stability. The skies around her raged and tore¡ªthe air charged with chaotic energies that stung at her skin like tiny needles. Thunder rumbled across the heavens as a gargantuan elemental in its minotaur form circled above the breach, its massive body blazing with bright flames and illuminating the forest with its fiery glow. Ebonheim could make out Serrandyl from a distance, sitting atop another tree branch, her tail swishing in anticipation. Thorsten, Lira, and the volunteer beastkin warriors and village guards had positioned themselves nearby, their weapons drawn and ready. Ebonheim looked back at the breach and bit her lip as her thoughts turned to the spectral figures from her encounter in the sanctum beneath the waterfall. ''With a ritual,'' one of them had said to her, ''a sacred Arcane ritual that binds the energies of the Elements to the Keystone.'' Ebonheim gave herself a mental shake before releasing a deep breath. It was now or never. She climbed up to another branch and gave the signal to start. Serrandyl was the first to move, leaping from her perch as she dashed off into the forest like a crimson blur. The gargantuan elemental let out an ear-splitting roar as it took off after her, its heavy footfalls shaking the earth in its pursuit. Serrandyl dodged and weaved through trees and rocks with ease, leading the elemental deep into the woods until they were out of sight. Ebonheim dived into the pine tree and flowed through the verdant pathways, emerging from the base of another tree directly below the breach''s origin point. As she landed on the earth, she could feel the Conflux''s energies emanating from deep within the breach''s center, crackling with chaotic energy as she neared. Thorsten and the others were positioned behind trees nearby, watching the sky above for any signs of trouble. Serrandyl had distracted the gargantuan elemental, but there were other, smaller threats in the area¡ªsmaller elementals that may interfere with her ritual. She wouldn''t be able to support the others once she began the ritual. Her eyes shimmered as she bade the trees around her to become her sentinels. Three large cedar trees uprooted themselves from the ground, shaping themselves into vague humanoid forms as they took up defensive positions around her. She instilled within them the power to wield her ''Vines of the Bramble King'' ability and told them to guard her at all costs. The sentinel trees nodded and turned to face the breach, their branches rustling as they shifted into a protective stance. Ebonheim watched them for a moment before turning her gaze up to the heavens again. Time to begin. Ebonheim raised her arm into the air, and the Elemental Keystone stored within her appeared at her side in a shimmering flash of silver light. Ebonheim''s body glowed with a silver radiance as she stared up at the rift in the fabric of reality, feeling the chaotic energies swirl around her and tingle against her skin like icy rain. ''At the origin point,'' another had said to her, ''the Keystone needs to absorb the essence of each element to realign the planes.'' Ebonheim''s hand began to move in a hypnotic, slow dance. Her fingers weaved intricate patterns in the air as she began to chant under her breath in a language that seemed oddly familiar yet foreign at the same time. As she spoke, the energies from her surroundings flowed into the Keystone as if guided by an invisible hand. Light emanated from the crystal and pulsed like a heartbeat, mirroring the energies around her as they flowed into its silvery surface. As the Keystone absorbed the energy, the breach''s chaos grew, expanding and sending out jolts of energy that lashed out against the heavens as though trying to break free of the Keystone''s grasp. Ebonheim continued with the ritual, her chants growing more fervent and her movements growing more precise as she weaved her hands through the air and led the elemental energies into the Keystone. She poured every ounce of her concentration into the task at hand, hoping against hope that this would work¡ªthat she could seal the rift between the planes and restore peace to the valley. ''It is a task that requires both power and knowledge, goddess Ebonheim,'' one had said to her before teaching her the ritual. Ebonheim began to sway back and forth as she continued the ritual, the motions fluid and practiced, beckoning the chaotic energies into the Keystone. The rift began to retreat, receding into itself more and more as power poured into the crystal. Then, from behind her, Ebonheim heard the sound of cracking wood and branches breaking apart. Elementals burst from the forest all around her. Spouts of flame, streams of water, and swirling tornadoes made of wind¡ªall different forms of elementals charged towards her, their forms shimmering with chaotic light and energy as they bore down on her from all sides. Thorsten and the others sprang into action as they leaped out from their hiding places to meet the charging elementals. Her tree sentinels came to life, their bark-covered bodies reforming and extending like spears as they plowed through elementals with their sharp branches and swung their great limbs around like clubs. Ebonheim kept her focus on the ritual as she continued to lead the energies into the Keystone, her voice never faltering and her movements never slowing down as she continued to pour more energy into the crystal. ''You must understand it'', one of them had said to her before teaching her the ritual to align the planes. Each facet represents a plane¡ªFire, Water, Earth, and Air. Ebonheim continued to lead the energies into the Keystone, pouring more into the device with each passing second, until its glow blazed with an unrivaled intensity. Suddenly, a sound like an explosion echoed throughout the valley, shaking the earth beneath Ebonheim''s feet and throwing her off balance. That didn''t sound good...it came from the direction where Serrandyl had led the gargantuan elemental. Ebonheim paused for a brief moment before continuing on¡ªshe couldn''t lose focus now. [Your Divine Aura has taken 11 Electric Damage] A bolt of lightning from one of the air elementals struck her, but her divine aura absorbed the damage. As she continued to lead the energies into the Keystone, she heard Thorsten shouting from behind her as he fended off attacking elementals, and the sound of roots and branches snapping as the sentinel trees continued to battle against their foes. "Ebonheim!" Thorsten shouted, his voice carrying through the air. "Are you alright?" Ebonheim kept her eyes fixed on the rift in the sky above her and responded to Thorsten, her voice shaky and strained from the exertion of controlling so much elemental power at once. "I''m fine! Just keep those elementals away!" "Right!" Thorsten replied before striking down another elemental with his axe and continuing his battle with the others. Another explosion echoed from the distance¡ªthis one closer¡ªand Ebonheim grit her teeth. She was barely halfway through the ritual, and more elementals kept appearing by the second. She just had to keep going. Chapter 40: Elemental Conflux, Part V Engin Meric stood atop the watchtower overlooking the village, his eyes focused on the distance where Ebonheim and the others had set off to seal the breach. The tempest that had previously subsided was now raging again, its fury even more intense than before. Lightning streaked across the sky as thunder rolled across the heavens, rattling the very earth underfoot. His eyes, hard as flint, took in the havoc the elements had wrought upon his village. Homes half-submerged, grain stores ruined, the river swollen and wild. He had been working on fixing up the place with the rest of the villagers when the tempest had struck again and he had taken his place on top of the watchtower, watching the chaos unfold in silence as he waited for news of his goddess'' return. Yet, he was no stranger to hardship. He knew resilience was the only response to such destruction. An ear-splitting crackle of thunder rattled the watchtower as Engin watched, but he did not flinch. Instead, he gazed intently at the sky, his keen eyes seeking out anything that seemed to be out of place in this tumultuous storm. ¡°Engin!¡± a voice called out. Bjorn, towering and fierce as ever, marched to the base of the watchtower with his prized claymore at hand. "Elementals!" he shouted as he neared, "Swarming in from all directions!" Engin snapped out of his reverie and began to bark out orders. "Get the men to gather near the village''s edge! We need to get everyone together and prepare a defense!" "Right!" Bjorn replied, hefting his claymore over his shoulder. "On it!" With that, Bjorn dashed off into the village, shouting orders to the guards and sending them scurrying to prepare the defenses. Engin moved to stand on the highest edge of the watchtower''s platform and watched as elementals burst from the forest all around the village. Bjorn was right. They were swarming everywhere. Torrents of wind whipped through the main thoroughfare, shaking the thatched roofs of houses. Clumps of earth rose from the ground and hurtled aimlessly, shattering against stone and wood. Flames flickered ominously, consuming what they touched with an insatiable hunger. And water, inky and deep blue, snaked its way between homes, its surface bubbling with chaotic energy. He climbed down from the tower''s edge, descending the spiral staircase that led to the ground floor, the wooden steps creaking under his feet as he made his way to the ground. "To the barricades!" He roared, his commanding voice ringing through the village. "We need to fend off these elementals! Keep them at bay while we await Ebonheim''s return!" Bjorn nodded and rallied the villagers. They took to the streets with haste, armed and ready to repel the invading elementals. Torrents of wind burst through the main street, sending debris and broken pots flying into the air with deadly force. Elementals flowed freely out from the forest, their forms shimmering with chaotic light and energy as they charged at the villagers. With a heavy swing, Bjorn swung his claymore in a wide arc, cleaving through three elementals at once, sending chunks of them flying through the air as they dispersed into wisps of glowing light. "Keep your guard up!" Bjorn roared, swinging his sword again, "Watch your backs!" Guards and beastkin warriors fought the tide of elementals, their weapons flashing through the air in swift strokes and their bodies twisting and turning as they battled against the surging horde. On the other side of the village, Argoran, the leader of the Aslankoyash tribe, stepped to the fore, swinging his obsidian blade through the air as he carved a path through the elementals with expert precision. He roared as he moved, his voice echoing through the village and ringing with a deep, authoritative voice. "Rally to me!" he bellowed. "Stand fast and fight!" A vanguard of beastkin warriors leapt to his side, joining Argoran in his charge and bringing their weapons down onto the enemy with ferocious blows that sent elemental fragments scattering through the air. Another boom sounded through the village, and everyone stopped fighting and turned their eyes to the direction of the blast. Hilda and her Jixishan druids had joined the fray, their bodies glowing with a verdant hue as they wielded their own elementals to combat the invaders. They worked in tandem, keeping the elementals at bay while directing their allies to fight in various formations to hold them off. "We must defend!" Hilda shouted, her eyes shimmering with an inner glow as she conjured a vortex of wind that pushed away a swath of elementals. An earth elemental shot up from the ground, its body composed entirely of loose dirt and mud as it lunged towards Hilda with its sharp tendrils of earth. Hilda turned to face it, her eyes narrowing as she swung her staff in an arc and summoned a wave of water to wash away the elemental. It disintegrated with a roar, its body disappearing into a shimmering haze of light. Fire elementals spewed forth from the sky, shooting flames down upon the villagers like arrows of light. Guards and beastkin warriors alike dove to the ground and rolled out of the way to avoid being set ablaze by the flames. A few managed to take cover behind their Ebonwood shields, their natural resistance to fire proving useful in fending off the attacks. As the tempest of elements crashed against their fortifications, a sense of unity born of desperation gripped the defenders. They fought with a newfound urgency, their attacks more ferocious than before as they rallied to defend against the surging horde. Engin clenched his teeth as he watched the village defenses waver under the onslaught. "We must hold out!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring tempest as he tried to rally his men. "Our goddess will return soon!" Bjorn grunted as he struck down another elemental with his claymore, "No telling when that will be!" he replied, his tone strained. "We need to keep them off us!" The winds howled, sending showers of leaves and debris into their ranks. Engin braced himself against the gusts, his eyes stinging as he looked for any villagers caught in the open. Spotting an elderly woman struggling against the wind, he sprinted towards her, wrapping his arm around her frail body and guiding her towards the relative safety of the nearest barricade. "Stay strong, Maeryn," he encouraged, his voice carrying warmth that the cold wind couldn''t strip away. The woman nodded, her eyes glinting with a quiet resolve. As he turned to rejoin the front line, a roaring torrent of water rushed towards the barricades. Engin''s heart pounded in his chest as he saw the wave, the watery leviathan barreling towards them like an angry sea. "Brace for impact!" He yelled, rallying the villagers as he rushed back into the fray. The surge of water hit the barricades with thunderous force, but to his relief, they held. Engin''s feet slipped in the muddy ground, but a firm hand grabbed him, keeping him upright. "Easy now," Sven said with a grim smile. "Don''t get yourself killed out here." Engin shot his friend a nod of gratitude before turning to face the water elemental that now flailed on the other side of the barricade. "Not to be a bother, Sven," he began, "but could you take a few to take care of that?" "What do you think I am? An Arcanist?" Sven asked with a snort. "If that blasted ol'' recluse of one that''s been hiding in his cabin all year long would appear once in a whi¡ª" Sven was interrupted as a fireball blazed past him, striking the water elemental dead center, and engulfing its form in a blaze of flames. A cloaked figure emerged from the foliage behind them; his hood concealed his features except for the scruffy white beard that spilled from underneath. Rain bounced off an invisible barrier around him, shielding him from the storm''s wrath as he raised a hand, conjuring another fireball before hurling it at the water elemental, incinerating it in a wave of heat and light. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Sven shot the cloaked man a glare and muttered under his breath, "About bloody time..." Engin nodded to the old man. "Th''maine...you can certainly pick your moments," he said as he turned his gaze to the battle raging on beyond the barricade. Th''maine glanced at him with his cloudy gray eyes before his gaze followed Engin''s to the front lines. "The noise," he said, his voice raspy and aged as he spoke. "Got a bit more annoying than I''d like." Engin shot Th''maine a small smile before turning back to the battle. "Fair enough. Glad you came out. We don''t have any other Arcanists in the village except for you. We could use your help." Th''maine shrugged in response. "Tsk," he grunted as he raised his hand towards a charging earth elemental. Th''maine''s fingers curled into a fist, and his eyes flashed with an inner glow. Streaks of light crisscrossed over the elemental''s form, slicing it into cubic fragments that crumbled onto the ground. Th''maine nodded to himself and returned his hand to his side. "I expect adequate compensation for this," he said as he strode past Engin and made his way towards the front lines. "I''ll let you know my terms later." Engin shook his head, letting out a small laugh as he watched the old Arcanist walk away. Th''maine was certainly one to keep things simple and uncomplicated. As the old man disappeared from sight, Engin turned his attention back to the battle before him. The defensive line was holding steady, but he knew they couldn''t maintain the defense forever. It was up to Ebonheim to end this tempest. They had to hold out for as long as they could¡ªhopefully, they would be able to buy enough time until she succeeds in sealing the Conflux.
Ebonheim continued to lead the chaotic energies into the Keystone, her motions never wavering as she focused on her task at hand. It was taking too much time, but she couldn''t let up now. The planar energies crackled with chaos as she led them into the Keystone. Tendrils of lightning shot out from its surface as its silvery glow grew brighter and brighter. From the corner of her eye, she saw the gargantuan elemental returning¡ªits flames blazing with a fiery red-orange hue. As its lumbering footsteps drew nearer, the sound of wood snapping and breaking filled the air, and the ground shook from its movements. Serrandyl rushed past its legs, her form a blur of crimson as she darted around it in an effort to distract it again, but to no avail. Giving up on her attempts, she changed course and lunged at a small earth elemental, shattering it with a powerful kick¡ªsending pieces flying through the air¡ªbefore shouting at the group. "That big thing suddenly stopped chasing me and headed back here! What do we do?" Thorsten cleaved through another elemental with his axe before ducking to avoid a gout of fire. "Keep distracting those other elementals!" he shouted at the soldiers as he swung his weapon around and hacked another elemental''s head off with one swing. "We have to hold out until Ebonheim is finished! Serrandyl, you and I will distract that big one for as long as we can." Serrandyl nodded, leaping through the air and spinning to avoid another fireball, before she rushed forward to engage the gargantuan elemental again. Thorsten followed suit while Lira and the other soldiers continued to fight against the rest of the elementals. Ebonheim''s body shuddered, and she let out a gasp, almost losing her balance for a brief moment as a bolt of lightning from an air elemental struck her divine aura. An earth elemental charged at her, but was swatted down by one of her sentinels, its broken body slamming into the ground with a sickening crunch before exploding into a pile of dirt and rocks. With a grunt, she turned her focus back to the Keystone and continued to lead the energies into it, the silver crystal crackling with bright light as the energies surged and flowed like a raging river, her chants becoming more strained as she struggled to keep up with the rising energies. She didn''t like the idea of Thorsten and Serrandyl being the only ones to keep the gargantuan elemental distracted, but there was nothing she could do about that now¡ªher focus was too absolute to allow her to break focus again to aid them. Another explosion echoed in the distance, this time close enough to send tremors through the earth, and Ebonheim cursed to herself as she bit her lip and kept going. She wasn''t there yet! Another blast and then another, and the ground continued to shake like a frightened animal as the gargantuan elemental plowed through the forest and lashed out with its burning limbs, slamming against trees and reducing them to splinters while Thorsten and Serrandyl worked to keep it at bay. "Woah!" Serrandyl exclaimed, her form blurring as she dodged another punch from the elemental''s massive fist. "Thorsten! Got any ideas on how to knock this big thing down?" Thorsten grunted as he sidestepped the elemental''s stomp, his eyes fixed on its flaming body as he swung his axe around and hacked away at the elemental''s feet, ripping a chunk of flaming earth off and sending it flying through the air before he shouted in reply, "I''m thinking!" Ebonheim narrowed her eyes and let out a deep breath, forcing herself to concentrate despite the distractions around her, her fingers continuing to weave complex patterns through the air as she poured more and more energy into the Keystone. Lira and the others were holding their own against the smaller elementals. If that''s the case... She willed her trio of tree sentinels to attack the gargantuan elemental, and they dashed forward as one, their roots and branches ripping from the ground, sprouting spikes and sharpened limbs as they reared back and struck the elemental''s flaming body with their limbs. The elemental let out a roar, its limbs flailing about like firebrands before it turned its fiery gaze on the three trees. As one, the sentinels attacked, swinging their limbs at the elemental¡ªwho was now forced to deal with them while Thorsten and Serrandyl continued to distract it¡ªand tore gashes into its body with their limbs, sending fiery debris flying into the air. With a deafening roar, the fiery elemental swung its heavy arm, sending one of the sentinels flying and crashing against a nearby tree, its body burning as flames lashed at its bark and leaves. It hit the ground and crumpled into a pile of blackened ash before exploding in a shower of embers, showering the area with bright orange sparks. The second sentinel held out against the elemental, exchanging blows with the gargantuan fist as its flaming limb came crashing down against the sentinel''s torso. It held its ground, its oaken body lacerated and burned, but it continued to fight, its limbs striking against the elemental''s body with powerful blows that sent flames and debris flying through the air. Then, in a flash of bright light, the gargantuan elemental''s fist reared back and punched through its tree sentinel''s chest in a shower of flames and sparks, leaving a gaping hole where the sentinel''s torso had been moments before. The elemental roared, its form blazing with flames as it swung its arm around and hurled the remains of the sentinel like a discarded rag at Serrandyl, who darted out of the way as the remains pelted the ground at her feet. The last of her tree sentinels was pinned against the gargantuan elemental''s chest, the elemental''s arm holding it in place as flames flared from its body, burning away its bark and leaving patches of blackened wood in its wake until the sentinel''s form began to disintegrate into ash and embers. Ebonheim grimaced as she felt the sentinels'' energies fade, but she steeled herself, ignoring their loss as she kept focus. As the gargantuan elemental turned to face her, Serrandyl stepped in again, a toothy grin on her face as she leaped into the air and delivered a powerful kick to its face, sending it reeling back with a roar. "Hey, ugly!" Serrandyl taunted as she slid under its legs to avoid being grabbed, "Come and get me!" Thorsten joined the fray, leaping into action as he cleaved through an oncoming elemental with his axe before rushing in to aid Serrandyl. "Here''s something for you, oaf!" he shouted as he struck the elemental with his axe. A burst of magical energy accompanied each hit, sending shards of molten rock from its wounds blasting in all directions. "How''s that for a taste?" Serrandyl shot Thorsten a grin and rushed past him, a faint crimson aura enveloping her as she dived through the air and barreled at the elemental in a whirlwind of claws and kicks. With each impact, she left claw marks in its form, shredding its rocky flesh and leaving smoking wounds behind. The gargantuan elemental raised its giant fist, but before it could strike, Thorsten threw his axe at its arm. As the weapon flew through the air, its blade glowed with a green hue, and the axe sped toward the elemental''s arm with tremendous force. As the axe struck its forearm, a blast of green energy erupted from its impact point, sending the gargantuan elemental staggering backwards. The axe fell to the ground with a metallic clang as the elemental stumbled, its fiery glow flickering for a moment as though doused by water. With a grunt, Thorsten stooped to pick up his axe and spun towards the elemental as it recovered from its blow. "How much longer?!" Thorsten shouted, his voice strained and gruff. Ebonheim clenched her teeth. "Almost there!" she shouted, her eyes never leaving the rift above her. "Just keep them off me for a little longer!" The gargantuan elemental emitted another roar and raised its arms up in the air. Serrandyl and Thorsten both ducked as its giant fists came crashing down on them like giant sledges. It then brought its fists together, sending out a blast of super-heated air that swept across the clearing¡ªevaporating the rain, and setting everyone ablaze. "Ugh!" Serrandyl cried out, her skin burning as she rolled on the ground to put out the fire. "Dammit!" Gritting his teeth, Thorsten pushed through the blast and leapt towards the elemental, slashing at its leg with his axe, causing another green explosion that sent the elemental reeling again. The guards¡ªthanks to the fire resistance granted by their ebon armor¡ªwere largely unaffected by the attack, but the beastkin warriors didn''t fare so well. Several of them writhed on the ground from their burns while others gritted their teeth in pain as they fought through the flames. Lira was among them¡ªher face a mask of agony as she crawled towards the gargantuan elemental on her hands and knees. "Lira!" Thorsten shouted, his voice booming over the tempest as he spotted her lying on the ground nearby. "Lira, are you okay?!" Lira staggered to her feet, her body covered in burn marks as she let out a strangled cry. "I''ll be fine..." she said, her voice strained as she tried to catch her breath. She clasped her hands together and murmured under her breath. A burst of verdant energy erupted from her palms, and pulsed across the area like a wave, soothing her allies'' wounds and leaving a faint green glow where the healing magic had touched. As Lira''s healing washed over them, their burns disappeared, and they stood again, refreshed and ready to continue fighting. Ebonheim felt a spark of hope well up in her chest as she saw them pull together. She returned her attention to the Keystone; only one more facet left to go. All she had to do was keep going¡ªjust a little more¡ªand they could finally put this tempest behind them. Chapter 41: Elemental Conflux, Conclusion Beneath the towering canopy of Eldergrove, elemental beings, their forms wavering with chaotic light and energy, swarmed through the woods like a disturbed hornets'' nest, attacking anything that moved. An eerie mist blanketed the forest, coiling around tree trunks like great pythons. Wind and lightning tore across the skies overhead¡ªtheir force buffeting trees and shaking their branches with terrible force. The villagers and beastkin warriors fought back with the resolve of desperation, but even with their numbers and their experience in combat, the tide was beginning to turn against them. Elements clashed against one another as they bombarded the defensive line, and their casualties mounted with each passing moment. "Hold on!" Engin roared, his eyes fixed on the battle beyond the barricades. "We need to hold the line for just a little longer!" Bjorn grunted and swung his claymore through the air, cleaving through another elemental with a mighty swipe. "How much longer do we have?" he asked, his tone as gruff as ever as he fought against the tide. "Elementals just keep coming!" Th''maine conjured a fireball in his hand and hurled it at a charging earth elemental, sending it flying back with a thunderous explosion. He peered up towards the direction of the breach. "The elemental energies are starting to recede," he said, his voice raspy and dry. "Whatever that girl is doing over there must be working." A look of relief swept across Bjorn''s features, but he kept fighting. "Good!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the tempest. "Just a little more and she''ll be done!" Engin nodded, but didn''t turn away from the battle¡ªhe kept his eyes fixed on the line, searching for any sign of weakness among the defenders'' ranks. Another boom rang through the village, this one closer than the last, and Engin grimaced. What now? As if on cue, a surge of fire elementals burst from the treeline, their bodies shimmering with flames and glowing with heat as they rushed towards the defenders. "Blast," Bjorn muttered under his breath as he braced himself to fight off another wave. Th''maine raised his hand and clenched his fist, muttering under his breath. As his fingers uncurled, a wall of stone materialized before them¡ªa great bulwark that towered over the villagers and beastkin, blocking their enemies from view. As the elemental beings collided against the wall, explosions and bursts of flame erupted all over its surface like fireworks, but Th''maine''s stone wall stood firm, defying the power of the attackers as they struggled to break through. "Hmph," Th''maine grunted, his raspy voice betraying no hint of exertion as he glanced at Engin, "That should hold them back for a while." A sly grin tugged at Engin''s lips as he gave Th''maine a small nod. "Thanks," he said with a wry smirk, "I just hope that reward you''re seeking to claim won''t be too costly." Th''maine shrugged, "We''ll see," he said before turning his eyes back to the battle before them. Bjorn nodded in approval and swung his claymore again, cutting through another elemental with a mighty sweep before returning to his defensive stance. Engin peered back over the horizon¡ªhe could only hope that Ebonheim was nearly done with her ritual. "Come on, Ebonheim," he muttered to himself, a slight frown marring his features as he clenched his jaw, "end this storm."
In the heart of the tempest, Ebonheim''s eyes blazed with an otherworldly light. Her voice swelled, rising above the chaos, her words intertwining with the howl of the wind and the crackle of fire. The Elemental Keystone, held aloft in her slender fingers, absorbed her voice, drinking in the celestial notes of her chant. As Ebonheim continued to pour the chaotic energies into the crystal, she felt its energies stabilizing. It was a tiny movement at first¡ªa subtle shift in the power swirling around them¡ªbut as she continued to lead the elemental energies into the crystal, the shift became more noticeable. Its silvery glow seemed to blaze brighter than before, casting its light on the raging tempest all around them. Her focus honed onto the ancient symbols etched into the Keystone, a myriad of looping glyphs and interlocking lines that formed the ritualistic circle of the Conflux. Thorsten, his hair slick with sweat and water, wiped the rain from his eyes with a grumble and shouted at Ebonheim. "Are you almost done?!" he asked, his voice resounding with an urgency she could hear even over the tempest raging all around them. Ebonheim gave Thorsten a curt nod. "Almost!" she shouted back in response as she led more power into the Keystone. "Just one more!" Suddenly, the gargantuan elemental charged at them again, its massive fists glowing red-hot as it swung them at the others, knocking them aside with a thunderous roar. Its foot slammed on the ground, shaking the earth and sending chunks of dirt and grass flying through the air as its massive form loomed over them. Thorsten rolled out of the way just in time to avoid being hit, but Serrandyl was too slow¡ªthe giant fist closed around her, sending her flying into the air as she let out a blood-curdling scream. Ebonheim''s eyes widened as Serrandyl''s body soared through the air like a red cannonball, hurtling towards a large, thick tree trunk that stood close to the edge of the clearing, but she kept her focus on the Keystone, leading the chaotic energies into its silvery surface. Lira scrambled to her feet and rushed towards Serrandyl as she fell towards the ground, catching her body with a burst of green magic before she could hit the ground too hard. Ebonheim could only watch as Serrandyl lay helpless in Lira''s arms¡ªher eyes half-closed, her breathing ragged, and her face as pale as paper. The gargantuan elemental raised its other fist and brought it down hard on Thorsten, knocking him down with a mighty swing and sending him rolling across the ground with a painful groan. As Thorsten came to a stop, a surge of red light began to emanate from his body. Ebonheim''s eyes widened at the sight¡ªthe red glow grew brighter, surrounding him in a vermillion hue until he seemed to be engulfed in flames. Then, he rose to his feet, his body moving with a speed and agility that he didn''t have before. Without hesitation, he rushed towards the elemental and leapt into the air before landing on its arm with a burst of red energy. With a guttural roar, he slammed his axe into the elemental''s forearm again and again in an effort to hold on as the giant elemental struggled to shake him off. Their plight was evident, their struggle desperate. Ebonheim, her voice ringing out amidst the havoc, continued to utter the ancient chant under her breath. Each syllable of the ancient language dripped from her tongue with greater intensity, her voice growing stronger and louder with each word as she guided the chaotic energies into the crystal''s silvery surface. The keystone pulsed in tandem with her desperation, its glow intensifying, echoing the stakes of the elemental storm around them. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Lira cradled Serrandyl''s body in her arms, whispering words of healing under her breath as she worked to save her. The gargantuan elemental''s eyes blazed, its massive form seeming to shake with anger as it watched Ebonheim''s effort to seal the rift. A pulse of energy rippled through its body, converging into its maw before releasing a searing beam of multicolored light towards Ebonheim. "Shield wall! Protect our goddess!" Several guards stepped in front of Ebonheim, forming a protective barrier with their Ebonwood shields. The multicolored light slammed against their shields, bathing them in a blaze of color as they struggled to hold up against the sheer force of the attack. Several guards fell to one knee under the barrage, their shields creaking as they fought to keep the elemental''s attack from reaching her. Another burst of light from the elemental followed through, slamming against their shields with a blast that sent them stumbling backwards and dispersing them like leaves on a gust of wind. Ebonheim gritted her teeth as the blast struck her Divine Aura, sending her sliding across the muddy ground, but she held firm¡ªher eyes never leaving the crystal hovering in front of her. [Your Divine Aura has taken 140 Fire damage and 140 Electrical damage; 16 Health remaining] Her aura flickered and waned, but she kept going, ignoring the notifications that flashed through her mind as she continued to lead more elemental energy into the crystal. As the last word of the ritual left Ebonheim¡¯s lips, she felt a rush of power surge from the keystone. Then, with a sound akin to a great bell, the keystone resonated louder, a golden light exploded from the crystal, expanding in a spherical wave that swept across the clearing and into the stormy skies. The elemental beings recoiled, their forms shimmering as the Keystone''s energy touched them. Ebonheim felt the shift, the ripple in the fabric of reality as the Keystone began to exert its power. It emitted a blinding light that pierced the stormy darkness, striking at the rift that towered above them¡ªlike a star awakening from an ancient slumber¡ªand causing the rift to shudder and convulse in response. Elementals surrounding the Keystone burst into pieces as they disintegrated, leaving wisps of light in their wake that flowed into the rift like water being drawn to dry land. Those further away from the crystal felt a similar effect, their forms shrinking and dissolving as they flew into the rift''s tear. The gargantuan elemental let out another roar, its form beginning to flicker like a flame on a windy night. Its body seemed to struggle against the transformation, its form shifting and writhing against its will. As it raised its hands towards Ebonheim, Thorsten leapt off its arm and buried his axe in its neck, sending a shockwave through its body that knocked it down to its knees. In a flash of crimson light, Serrandyl burst from Lira''s arms and sprang into action¡ªdashing forward with her right leg extended as she spun in the air and brought her leg down hard onto the gargantuan elemental''s face, sending its head crashing down with a resounding crack. Bit by bit, its massive form flickered and wavered before disintegrating, like a mirage disappearing into thin air, flowing into the rift above. Thorsten, upon seeing the gradual cessation of the elemental onslaught, let out a breath he had not realized he was holding. His grip on his axe slackened, and he watched, awe-struck, as the elemental forms before him shimmered, flickered, and disappeared. More and more motes of elemental particles streamed towards the rift from all across the Eldergrove. The rift was now a torrent of color and light, pulsing in time with the Keystone''s brilliance. The tempest, once an unrelenting storm, seemed to falter¡ªthe wind gradually ceased, and the rain began to fall gently again, its light patters against Ebonheim''s skin a soothing balm after the chaos she had just weathered. Then, with a final thundering crack, the rift collapsed into itself and vanished, leaving only an ethereal mist hanging in the air like a cloud on a sunny day. All around them, the winds died down, and the rain ceased to fall. Silence blanketed the air, broken only by the gentle patter of raindrops on leaves and grass. The Elemental Keystone, its silvery glow dimming with each passing moment, floated in front of Ebonheim¡ªits power waning as its crystalline surface returned to its original shine. [World Quest: Elemental Conflux ¡ª Completed!] Completion Reward: 3000 Quintessence [Quintessence] 1322/16000 -> 4322/16000 Ebonheim slumped onto her knees and let out a shuddering breath as she gazed up at where the rift had been. "We did it..." she said, her voice a mere whisper amidst the silence that surrounded them, "We did it!" A smile lit up her face as she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the Keystone in a tender embrace. Thorsten and the others approached Ebonheim, their footsteps soft on the damp earth as they neared her, each one sharing her triumphant smile with their own relieved grins. Thorsten leaned back against a nearby tree and let out a sigh of relief as he ran his hand through his hair. "About time..." he said, his voice still raspy with exertion as he gazed up at the blue sky above them. Lira, her features creased with concern, approached Serrandyl and kneeled by her side. "Serrandyl..." she said, her voice gentle yet strained, "Are you all right?" Serrandyl, her body still unsteady and her skin still pale, gave Lira a weak smile and nodded. "I''ll be fine." she replied with a weak laugh. "Thanks for catching me." Lira smiled back and helped her to her feet. "Come on," she said as she slung Serrandyl''s arm over her shoulder and wrapped hers around Serrandyl''s waist for support. "Let''s get you back to the village." Thorsten pushed himself off the tree and made his way towards Ebonheim, his steps slow as he walked across the grass-covered earth. "That was a close one," he said with a small grin as he approached. Ebonheim nodded and got to her feet. "It was," she replied with a chuckle, "But we managed to pull through." Thorsten placed his hand atop her head and ruffled her hair playfully, "Not bad," he said with a grin, "not bad at all." Ebonheim huffed and batted Thorsten''s hand away with a frown. "Ugh, cut it out," she said as she tried to fix her hair. Thorsten chuckled and patted her on the back. "Come on," he said with a nod towards the direction of the village, "We should head back." He looked around at the others, his expression turning somber as he spotted the few guards and beastkin still lying on the ground in the distance. "We''d better check on our losses." "Eh?..." Ebonheim''s smile faltered. Her gaze followed Thorsten''s, landing on several scattered bodies on the ground. Her heart clenched in her chest, a sharp pain, like the edge of a blade, digging into her ribcage as she watched their limp forms lie on the ground¡ªtheir eyes staring blankly at the sky above them¡ªunseeing and unmoving. She moved forward, her steps heavy, her breath hitching in her throat. "No..." she whispered under her breath as she neared them. "No..." "They did their best," Thorsten said as he walked beside Ebonheim, his voice gentle but his words solemn, "They''ll be honored." She kneeled beside one of the fallen, a young man she recognized as a guard from the village¡ªCaleb, eldest son of Harris the tanner. His bloody face had a look of peace, a stark contrast to the chaos that had reigned moments before. Why? What happened? How did he?... She had just spoken with Caleb not too long ago. When was it?... He... They all... One of the guards, Caleb, had stepped forward and replied, "As well as we did in our old armor, sir. This armor may seem cumbersome at first, but we''ve been practicing with it for the last two days... ...As she stepped forward, the guards snapped into a more formal position, their eyes forward, hands clenched at their sides. ...Ebonheim nodded in return, satisfied with the response. "Good," she said. "Looks like it''ll do just fine." ..., Caleb spoke up, breaking her concentration. "Oh," he said as he lowered his head and placed his fist over his chest, "It''s an honor to have you examine our armor, goddess." Ebonheim grinned at him as she replied, "Don''t be so formal with me." As she spoke, she straightened his armor for him; the young guard went rigid at her touch, his eyes wide as he stared at her in awe. "You''re among friends," she added with a wink and a light pat on his armored shoulder before moving on to the next guard... "With those new shields and armor, you will be the guardians of Ebonheim, the protectors of our home. Wear it with pride, wield it with honor!" Chapter 42: Knowing How to Break... A cold rain fell upon Ebonheim, the droplets weaving through the ancient Eldergrove and splattering against the rooftops of the village. The chill wind carried the scent of wet earth and something else, something that stung the nostrils, the bitter fragrance of loss. The storm of the Elemental Conflux had passed, leaving in its wake the residue of sorrow. Gravestones of wood and stone sprouted like dark mushrooms amidst the labyrinth of dirt paths in the village. Ebonheim stood on the periphery, her vibrant gold eyes, normally the incarnation of the sun''s brightness, dulled by the veil of dreary mist that shrouded her heart. Her iridescent hair, usually dancing with life, lay flat against her, soaked through by the rain. Her silken white dress clung to her skin, weighing down her limbs and making her sluggish as she trudged to the center of the village. The villagers mourned around her, each wrapped in their own world of sorrow, their whispered prayers mingling with the drizzle. They gathered at the communal graveyard, each taking turns to visit their fallen kin and honor their memory with prayers and eulogies, before taking to their homes to mourn alone. Her hands gently caressed the wood of the newly crafted headstones, each one a testament to a life given in service to the village. She gazed down at the first of the graves, belonging to a farmer who had taken up arms to protect his home. His name was Leiv, a simple man who had dedicated his life to tilling the soil and nurturing life from it. Now, he lay beneath it, surrendered to the same cycle of life and death he had once controlled. Another headstone marked the grave of Caleb. A young man of only twenty summers, he had left behind a family¡ªa mother, a father, and an infant sister. His smile had been infectious, lighting up the village with its mirth, and his comrades that joined him on the morning guard shift had agreed on one thing: he had always been the first to volunteer for any task that needed doing. Ebonheim glanced up as an elderly woman approached her with a small smile and placed a woven wreath of flowers on Leiv''s grave. Then, the woman shuffled to the side, making room for a young woman who placed a similar wreath on Caleb''s grave. The young woman looked up to meet Ebonheim''s gaze, her eyes meeting Ebonheim''s own before she nodded to her and left. The rain died down, the droplets now falling with a gentler patter against her skin. On the fringes of the village, the Aslankoyash tribe, once considered invaders, were now grieving alongside their newfound family. Their funerary rites were different; They believed in celebrating life, not mourning death. With their vibrant body paintings and haunting, solemn songs, they honored their fallen. Serrandyl, her wild crimson mane reflecting the firelight, led the ritual, her voice raising in an anthem of life, not of death. The echo of her primal roar, a final salute to their fallen warriors, carried through the village. The bodies of those fallen who were born from the same homeland as Bjorn and Thorsten, lay atop large pyres, waiting to be burned so their essence could find peace and move on to whatever waited in the beyond. The warriors who had chosen to protect Ebonheim and her village were treated with respect, their bodies being removed from their battle gear and laid on bedding of grass and leaves to ease their passage into the afterlife. She looked on as each funeral pyre was lit, the flames leaping skyward as if reaching for the heavens. A tear slipped from the corner of her golden eyes, trailing a wet path down her cheek. Ebonheim sank to her knees and cradled her head in her hands, letting out a choked sob as she wept. It wasn''t long before a gentle hand rested on her shoulder, and a soft voice consoled her. "Grief, dear one, is the final act of love." Hilda knelt beside Ebonheim, her voice a soothing balm on the turmoil roiling in Ebonheim''s heart. "It''s the price we pay for having something worth losing." Engin stood beside them, his green eyes reflecting the dancing flames. He turned to Ebonheim, his voice a low whisper, "This... is a part of life too, Ebonheim. A painful part, but one we all must face." He placed his hand atop Ebonheim''s shoulder and squeezed gently, before turning towards those gathered around as he delivered his eulogy for the fallen. "We mourn today, for we have lost a part of us. Lives that lit up our village are now stars in the sky, guiding us through our darkest times. Lives that embraced us are now nourishment for the earth, giving us strength to endure. But in our hearts, they remain, in the laughter we share, the grain we harvest, and in every leaf that falls; they remain... within us. Life, as it is, brings moments of joy and sorrow, beginnings and ends. But in every end, there is a new beginning. In our loss, we find a chance to cherish life anew. To stand strong against the chaos, to adapt, to grow. That is our testament to those we''ve lost. Our promise to never let their light fade." The flames blazed as Engin spoke¡ªtheir fire leaping higher and higher with each word he uttered as if his words alone could keep it alive. Hilda, her voice soft and kind as she spoke her own words of solace to Ebonheim. "They have not left us. They have simply changed, as the seasons change, as day turns to night. And so, we must change with them. Grow with them. For to grow is to honor their memory, to honor their sacrifices." Ebonheim buried her face into Hilda''s shoulder and sobbed, her heart breaking all over again at the weight of Hilda''s words. "I''m sorry," she choked out, "I''m so sorry. I should have protected them..." Hilda nodded, acknowledging the guilt that hung in Ebonheim''s words. "And you did, dear. You saved this village from a fate much worse. Those who fell, fell with honor, protecting their home, their kin. And in their sacrifice, they''ve taught you the value of what you protect." "I feel their absence, Hilda," Ebonheim admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel the void they left." This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Engin knelt down and embraced Ebonheim too, his arms wrapping around her like the trunk of a great oak as he held her. "You will carry them with you," he said as he pulled away to look at her in the eyes. "Their memories are etched in your heart." Bjorn approached from the side, his footsteps soft against the mossy forest floor, and knelt by Ebonheim''s side. "They defended their home, their people. There is no greater honor than that. They may have fallen, but their spirits remain with us, their stories forever woven into the fabric of Ebonheim." Thorsten joined them with his arms folded across his chest. "We''ll mourn for them," he said with a nod as he met Ebonheim''s gaze, "but we will not wallow." Bjorn nodded in agreement and patted Ebonheim''s back. "They wouldn''t want us to." He placed his hand atop Ebonheim''s head and ruffled her hair gently, before pushing himself to his feet and gesturing for Thorsten to join him. "Let''s help with the cleanup." Thorsten gave Ebonheim a small nod and followed after Bjorn, leaving Engin and Hilda with her. Ebonheim wept for a while more, until her tears were spent, and she sat motionless beside Engin and Hilda. As she watched the flames dance, she could almost picture their souls hovering above their bodies¡ªtheir laughter like a sweet breeze as they shared stories of their lives. Then, as though they had taken leave of her, they vanished into a sea of embers and smoke that rose to the heavens¡ªeach speck of ash a burning star. It wasn''t long before Engin and Hilda bid Ebonheim goodbye with soft, encouraging words before they too made their way back to the village, leaving her to her own thoughts as she stood over the smoldering pyres. For a long time, she remained like that, standing over the fires and watching the flames dance until all that remained were tiny embers. She was not sure how long she stood there, or if she even slept. The world had stopped for her on that day¡ªthe world had ceased its flow. Life went on without her, but she did not move. After a while, the night wore on, and a gentle breeze swept past her, carrying the scent of dawn''s approach on its wings. The night sky brightened with the glow of the waning moon as Ebonheim stood alone in the clearing¡ªa lone figure surrounded by pyres and gravestones.
Serrandyl and Thorsten watched over Ebonheim as she stood vigil over the pyres and graves like a silent sentinel. She had remained unmoving throughout the night, not even sleeping as she waited for the pyres to cool and the sun to rise. Thorsten had asked if she wanted company, but Serrandyl shook her head, telling him to leave Ebonheim to her vigil. So, he had done so, leaving her to her thoughts, and continued his duties around the village until the morning had come. "Do you think she''ll be okay?" Serrandyl asked with a glance at Thorsten. Thorsten looked up to meet Serrandyl''s gaze and nodded. "Give her time." He turned to the direction of the village and began to walk back to the village, gesturing for Serrandyl to follow. "Come," he said, "There''s work to be done." Serrandyl followed him into the village and helped as they finished preparing for the day''s activities; tending to the livestock and making preparations for their next harvest. Then, as the morning passed into the afternoon, the villagers set about tending to their farms and repairing the damage caused by the storm. As the sun began to set, Serrandyl made her way to the graveyard only to find Ebonheim still standing vigil over the graves. She approached her and knelt by her side, unsure of what to say as she looked at Ebonheim''s still form. Her hair had lost its luster, and her golden eyes lacked their usual glow as she stood silently and unmoving. Serrandyl couldn''t help but feel an ache in her chest at the sight. She placed her hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder, rubbing it gently. "Hey," she said with a small smile, "Don''t stay here all day. People will get worried." A small nod was the only response she got as Ebonheim''s lips pulled into a tiny smile. "I''m fine," she said quietly. "I just need to be alone." Serrandyl nodded and stood up. "I understand," she said as she started to make her way out, "I''ll leave you then." As Serrandyl turned to leave, Ebonheim stopped her with a soft word, "Serrandyl." Serrandyl paused and turned back to face her, "Yes?" she asked as she approached Ebonheim again. Ebonheim gave her a smile. It was small and weak, but it was a smile, nonetheless. It was enough for Serrandyl. "Thank you." Serrandyl nodded, and gave her a wink, before taking her leave, leaving Ebonheim alone again.
Ebonheim remained by the graveyard until the night began to fall again and she could no longer stay awake. Her eyes closed, and her mind drifted into the motes of quintessence that swirled within her body¡ªthe quintessence gifted by each and every one of her subjects that bore their hopes, their aspirations, their happiness, their fears, and their love for her. Within the sea of her followers'' quintessence, Ebonheim found herself wandering a gentle stream¡ªits waters meandering through a vast and beautiful meadow as it ran through an endless, idyllic landscape. Flowers bloomed in the meadow''s lush green fields, their scents drifting on the air like a sweet spring breeze. Ebonheim sat down on a flat rock on the bank and watched as the stream rushed past her; the water washing over stones and reeds as it continued on its journey. As the water rippled across the surface, creating tiny eddies in its wake, she reached down and scooped up a handful of water into her palm. The water shimmered in her hand, reflecting the sunlight that danced through the canopy overhead, before coalescing into motes of light. They spun and swirled around her hands, weaving among her fingers like a swarm of fireflies. These motes of quintessence... belonged to the will of the fallen: Caleb, Leiv, Ivor, Roland, Audri, Milo, Ferand, Symon, Siegmar, Wendelin, Nykso, Hathu, Mikyrr. The last vestiges of the quintessences that had been given to Ebonheim by her subjects before the day of their passing¡ªthe final imprint of their life force. These motes, these life-affirming fragments of her subjects'' essence... she will never heartlessly spend them away. Such a gift would be an affront to those who had given them. If only there was a way to bring them back... [Error. Resurrection is beyond your current capabilities.] If only she had the power to bring them back... [Error. Resurrection requires the Greater God - Dawn Stage divine rank to be achieved] If only she could have shared a fraction of her power... [Error. The Divine Transcendence Ability ''One for All'' requires the Intermediate God - Dawn Stage divine rank to be achieved] If only... if only... if only...
Chapter 43: An Arcanist, a Goddess, and an Enigma 4th day of Scarlettide, 1367 [Quintessence] 4703/16000 The ramshackle cottage crouched, as though apologetic, at the edge of the dense Eldergrove forest. A solitary wisp of smoke curled lazily from the rickety chimney, lost in the verdant canopy. Dark mud clung to the sides of the cottage in splotches like stains on an old shirt. A thin line of cobblestone traced a crooked path from the front door to the small field out back where a group of wildflowers bloomed, their petals a brilliant purple, each one shaped like a five-petal star. Ebonheim stepped lightly along the mossy path that lead to the cottage, her bare feet falling softly on the green earth as she made her way to the door. The door of Th''maine''s cottage creaked open, its timeworn hinges whining in protest. She peered into the dimly lit interior. A hodgepodge of arcane paraphernalia, countless manuscripts stacked haphazardly, and countless items of indiscernible purpose were strewn about the cramped space. She knocked on the doorframe. "Th''maine?" Ebonheim called out. "Are you here?" As her eyes adjusted to the dimness inside, she saw Th''maine himself with his back turned to her as he rummaged around inside his work table. "Ah! You''re here." The reclusive Archanist turned to greet Ebonheim with a wizened smile while holding a few pieces of parchment in hand. "I''ve been expecting you." He stepped away from his cluttered desk, navigating the labyrinth of his abode with an ease only familiarity could afford. "Come in," he gestured towards the only empty spot in his room¡ªa simple stool tucked away in the corner by the wall. "Sit down. I''ll be right with you." He made his way over to the small hearth that crackled on the other side of the room and began preparing tea. Ebonheim stepped inside and took her seat, keeping a respectable distance from the cluttered mess around her as she waited for him to finish making tea. Her gaze swept over the hodgepodge of clutter. Scrolls strewn about like they¡¯d been tossed in the throes of fevered revelation, age-tattered tomes, and the acrid scent of herbs all spoke of a mind consumed in the throes of relentless discovery. "I hope you''ll forgive the disorder," Th''maine said as he added the dried herbs to the teapot along with a measure of water. "An Arcanist''s mind often mirrors his surroundings." Ebonheim let out a small laugh and nodded. "It''s fine," she said with a slight smile. "It''s... comforting." Th''maine gave her a half-grin as he picked up the teapot and took it over to the small table between them, brushing aside several papers and bits of parchment on his way. He settled into his own seat, his expression thoughtful as he considered her for a moment before he began to speak again. "You''re wondering why I called you here today." Ebonheim nodded again and waited for Th''maine to continue. Th''maine set down the teapot and picked up a pair of small cups. "Well," he began, "it''s to help with my research." He poured a measure of tea into each cup before he set one down in front of Ebonheim. "I was hoping you could help with something." He brought his own cup to his lips and took a small sip before setting it back on the table with a small sigh. Ebonheim picked up her cup and took a small sip before she answered, "I don''t mind. What do you need help with?" The tea was bitter¡ªthe taste of dry herbs and black tea, but Ebonheim appreciated the warmth that spread through her mouth and throat as she took another sip. With a nod, Th''maine picked up a hefty tome from a stack nearby. The cover, worn and faded, held an air of profound antiquity. "I''ve dedicated my life to a singular pursuit, Ebonheim," he began, his voice as grave as the words he spoke. "A quest to unravel the secrets of the Akashic System." She spat out a mouthful of tea at his words, coughing uncontrollably before she managed to clear her throat and compose herself again. "W-what?" she stuttered. "Wha¡ªhow¡ªWhy?" A sliver of tea dribbled down her chin before she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Th''maine gave her an amused smile as he watched her reaction to his revelation. "Isn''t it obvious?" he asked, as though his words were self-evident and Ebonheim was being ridiculous for not understanding them on sight. Ebonheim eyed him suspiciously. "No," she said flatly. "It''s not." Th''maine chuckled at her response before leafing through the tome until he found the page he sought. "For eons, Arcanists have tried, and failed, to pierce the veil of its mysteries. It''s been a century since the last true Arcanist took up this task and dedicated their life to the search for its mysteries." He leaned close to her, prompting her to lean away from him as his eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Do you know why?" Ebonheim shook her head slowly, keeping her eyes focused on Th''maine as he leaned in even closer¡ªhis nose an inch from her own as he stared right back into her eyes, his gaze burning with zealous fervor. "Because," he said, "it doesn''t want to be pried into." "Wh¡ªwhat doesn''t?" she asked warily. Th''maine placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The Akashic System." His fingers dug into her skin, his grip like a vise. "It doesn''t want to be uncovered." Ebonheim swallowed nervously, her eyes flickering to his hand and back to his eyes as she peeled his fingers off her shoulder¡ªhis right hand was missing a couple of fingers, which made his grip even more unsettling. "Okay," she said as she pulled away from him. "So, what are you getting at with this exactly?" Th''maine cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat, letting out a small cough as he did so. "Ah, yes," he said as he flipped through the pages of the tome before he found the section he wanted. "As you know, we''ve recently experienced an... unusual event." The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Ebonheim nodded slowly. "The Elemental Conflux." Th''maine paused for a moment before he gave Ebonheim a sagely nod. "Yes," he said, "the Elemental Conflux." He paused again to take a sip from his cup before he continued. "As you also know, such a conflux is a rarity in these lands¡ªit only occurs when four elemental conglomerations converge in close proximity." Ebonheim nodded again, keeping her eyes on Th''maine as she sipped from her cup. "As rare as it is, however," Th''maine said as he continued to read through the pages of the tome, "such an event cannot be ignored." He let out a soft hum as he flipped through page after page before he finally found what he sought. "According to ancient texts," he said with a note of triumph in his voice, "such an event can only be stopped by sealing off the source of elemental energies." She set her cup down and stared at him with a flat expression. "And where exactly were you when the elders and I were trying to find out what was going on when this all began?" Th''maine paused and stared at Ebonheim with an expression of mild indignation as though the question was absurd. "I was right here, safe and sound," he said with an offended huff. "I''ve cast magic that helped my cottage weather the storm. As you can see, I''ve not been caught in the elements." He gestured to the room around them with a flourish as if to emphasize his point. "Right...unlike my hut," she said drily as she gazed around at the mess that surrounded them. Th''maine cleared his throat again and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Anyways, my point is," he began again, "that the Conflux is but one of many phenomena that the Akashic System may be responsible for. In order to avert future calamities that it could cause, its secrets must be uncovered." "You think this...system was responsible?" Ebonheim asked skeptically. The thought that it had a hand in manifesting the phenomenon seemed absurd. All it has ever done was present quests to her after the fact¡ªwhether those quests were daily tasks around the village, or from sudden dangers that impacted the village in some way. "Oh, come now. You don''t need to try and hide it." Th''maine let out a small laugh as he picked up the tome again and flipped through its pages again. "You don''t have to pretend to not know about the system. It''s been well-documented by the Arcanists of old that the gods and the Akashic System were intricately connected." Ebonheim''s eyes widened slightly, and she found herself unable to form any words¡ªher mouth opening and closing like a fish on land as she tried to formulate a response. Th''maine ignored Ebonheim''s shocked expression. "Now," he began, "we know that the system exists, but we''ve long been uncertain how it works." He stopped on a certain page in the tome and pointed at the text written there. Her lips curled into an uneasy smile, and she shrugged nonchalantly as she tried to keep up the appearance of indifference. "Uh... okay?" she said as she took another sip of her tea. "What''s so important about knowing how it works?" ¡°Understanding,¡± Th¡¯maine replied simply, his voice level and calm, almost like he was merely discussing a favored hobby with a close friend. "A chance to glimpse the celestial mechanics that dictate our existence. To know why a god is born and another fades. To discern the echoes of faith that fuel divine quintessence. And ultimately,¡± he paused, looking at her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, "to know the truth about our world." His dedication to his craft was undeniable¡ªbut this conversation had strayed far from Ebonheim''s comfort zone. It was like being a deer who had run straight into a steel trap¡ªthere was no escape. "Uh," Ebonheim tried to formulate an answer, "So, what kind of help do you want from me?" Th''maine pulled Ebonheim out of her reverie with a loud clap as he set his cup down with a grimace and let out a cough to clear his throat. "I''ve been studying the Akashic System for decades," he continued, his voice barely a whisper. "It''s a complex, dynamic structure, perpetually evolving, changing. And you, Ebonheim, you''re an anomaly, an enigma within an enigma." Ebonheim blinked, unsure of how to react. She was a simple deity, born from the villagers'' faith and love. How could she be an anomaly? Th''maine gave Ebonheim a thin smile as he leaned in closer again. "If there''s anyone who could help me, help us uncover its secrets and decode its mysteries," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity, "It''s you. You are the only deity that would be willing to let us mortals take a glimpse into its divine workings." Ebonheim laughed nervously and leaned away from Th''maine again as she ran a hand through her hair and shook her head. "You''re... you''re asking too much," she said as she gazed around the cluttered room¡ªher eyes drifting to a large crystal ball on top of a table nearby that caught the sunlight that streamed through the windows and refracted through its facets. Th''maine held his hands up in a gesture of peace. "Now, now," he said with a soft chuckle, "I''m not expecting you to help me this moment." He settled back into his seat and regarded her with a frown. "I understand that what I''m asking is quite the demand," he continued as he stroked his scraggly beard thoughtfully, "and I would never ask you to give anything you weren''t ready to offer." Ebonheim let out a small sigh and nodded as she took another sip from her tea. Th''maine gestured to the tome on the table between them and gave her a wry grin. "Perhaps, when you''re ready to help me with my research," he said, "I could do something in return?" Ebonheim raised a questioning brow and eyed him suspiciously. "And what could you do in return?" she asked warily. Th''maine gave Ebonheim a sly smile and waved his hand around in a flourish. "I can teach those who wish to learn the arcane from me." He picked up his cup again and took another sip before continuing. "Those who wish to expand their own knowledge and grasp on the arcane arts. I would be glad to teach them. I''m sure the village will benefit from having Arcanists amongst its ranks." Ebonheim pondered his offer for a moment. Having him teach others would be good for the village¡ªif they had more mages, they could better defend against future disasters, like the Elemental Conflux that had hit the village. Th''maine stood up with a soft groan and gathered his teacups, taking them over to the wash basin by the far wall. "So," he said as he began to rinse his cups, "when you''re ready to help me with my research, just come by again." Ebonheim nodded slowly and took another sip from her cup to finish the last of her tea. "Okay," she said as she stood up to leave. "I''ll keep your offer in mind." Th''maine flashed her a toothy grin and nodded. "Good," he said with a chuckle as he walked her to the door and held it open for her. "You take care on your way back." Ebonheim gave him a small smile and walked down the path outside, heading back to the village. As she walked, she mulled over her conversation with Th''maine. While she wasn''t exactly keen on helping him with his research, having more mages on their side might be a good idea¡ªbut to help him uncover the secrets of the Akashic System was a tough ask. Who knew what consequences such a discovery could bring? There was probably a good reason why these Arcanists had failed to discover the System''s secrets after all this time. The truth about our world. Th''maine''s words echoed in her mind, ringing in her ears like the toll of a funeral bell. Honestly, such thoughts never crossed her mind. All of her attention was focused on the mundane, on the things that mattered to her¡ªthings like protecting her subjects from harm, providing for their needs, and watching them grow in contentment. If she did decide to help Th''maine uncover the secrets of the Akashic System, could she take responsibility for any consequences? After all, what would happen if doing so endangered the village? Ebonheim shook her head with a sigh. These questions could wait until a time when she had an answer to them. Chapter 44: Hello, Neighbors?! Part I 13th day of Scarlettide, 1367 The day was bright and sunny, with nary a cloud to be seen. A gentle autumn breeze swept across the field, rustling the dry grass as though it were an ocean of green, swaying as the water would, and carrying on its back the sweet fragrance of autumn''s harvest. Ebonheim reclined on a hay bale and gazed up at the blue sky above her and sighed. A few leaves drifted down from the branches above her, gliding through the air like small boats on the breeze. Some landed on Ebonheim''s lap while others drifted by without notice. A few moments later, one landed on Ebonheim''s face, tickling her nose. With a gentle snort, she pushed the leaf away and let it drift away in the wind. A soft giggle caused Ebonheim to open her eyes again to find Ivera floating above her head, her gossamer wings fluttering as she hovered in the air. "Having fun?" she asked with a mischievous grin as she spun in the air to face Ebonheim again. Ebonheim propped herself up on one elbow and smiled at Ivera. "I was," she admitted, "I''ve been a bit lazy today." Ivera lowered herself to the ground, her leafy wings folding against her back, and plopped down on a hay bale beside Ebonheim. "It''s been a while since we''ve seen each other. How have you been?" she asked as she picked up a leaf and began to play with it. Ebonheim gave Ivera a wry smile and shrugged. "It''s been... tiring. I''ve been trying to come up with ways to keep my village safe. With everything that''s been happening recently..." she paused and trailed off with a small sigh as she stared at the sky again. "I''m just glad that you''re doing well." Ivera nodded and placed the leaf she''d been playing with down with a frown. "Well, that''s all well and good," she said, "but that''s not why I came here." Ebonheim gave Ivera a confused glance and tilted her head to the side. "Did Elmsworth send you?" Ivera nodded again and clasped her hands together in front of her chest. "Yep! I''ve been sent to fetch you," she said with a lopsided grin. "The yearly gathering between the lords of the Eldergrove valley is soon, and you''re expected to attend." "The what now?" Ebonheim blinked and sat up, crossing her legs beneath her as she stared at Ivera with an arched brow. "Lordly gatherings?" Ivera rolled her eyes with a huff and flicked Ebonheim on the forehead with the tip of her finger. "You''re such a dunce." When Ebonheim rubbed her forehead with a pout, Ivera relented with an apologetic smile. "The lords of the Eldergrove meet on the eve of Scarlettide the usual grove at the center of the valley," she explained patiently, "to discuss anything important and to determine any issues or threats that affect the valley." There was such a thing? "I didn''t know we had something like that," Ebonheim said, her brow creasing in confusion. "Elmsworth never mentioned it to me." "Well, back then he probably thought that you didn''t qualify to attend," Ivera said with a shrug as she played with Ebonheim''s hands. "But after everything you did to help everyone during the Elemental Conflux, well, he decided to extend an invitation." "Oh." She didn''t know whether to feel flattered for being invited or offended for not being invited beforehand. Ivera gave Ebonheim''s hands a playful squeeze as she turned to face her with a grin. "That said, you don''t have to go...but... if you don''t, the other lords might not take it too kindly. Trust me, you don''t want any of the other lords coming over here for a visit. They''re not as... nice... as Elmsworth." Ebonheim wrinkled her nose at Ivera''s warning¡ªthe last thing she wanted was a lordly visit from someone who didn''t care for Ebonheim''s subjects. "Fine," she sighed, "I''ll go." "Take me with you." A sudden voice startled both women, causing them to jump and whirl around in search of its source. From the bushes nearby, Serrandyl poked her head out and grinned at the two of them. "I want to go too," she said, her voice excited. "Take me to the lordly gathering." Ebonheim shot a questioning glance at Ivera. Ivera shrugged in response. "You''re allowed to bring a retainer or two. But if they cause any trouble, you''ll be held responsible." Serrandyl bounded towards Ebonheim, brushing off the leaves that stuck to her clothes before wrapping her arms around Ebonheim''s neck in a tight hug. "So, can I?" she asked with a huge smile on her face. "Can I? Can I?" The idea of bringing along a beastkin who is known for being brash, impulsive, and highly competitive was like inviting a flame to a field of dry grass. And there was no guarantee that Serrandyl would behave while at the gathering. Just looking at those sparkling, crimson eyes was enough to bring a cold sweat to her forehead. What could that pea-brain be thinking between those feline ears of hers? As if sensing her reluctance, Serrandyl pressed her face against Ebonheim''s as she nuzzled against her. "I want to go," she said in a pleading tone. Serrandyl rubbed her forehead against Ebonheim''s with a purr, and the sensation sent a shudder down Ebonheim''s spine as her body tensed at the sudden display of affection. "C''mon," Serrandyl continued as she pressed her forehead against Ebonheim''s again, "Take me with you." She would probably try and follow her in secret if Ebonheim said no, so she relented and sighed in defeat. "Fine," Ebonheim said with a groan. "You can come with me." Serrandyl immediately pulled away from Ebonheim and clapped her hands, letting out a happy squeal as she bounded around Ebonheim like a manic grasshopper. "Bless! You! Ebonheim!" she exclaimed with a hoot. "I''m gonna go pack!" With a hop and a skip, she turned around and bounced off towards the village in a hurry, leaving Ivera and Ebonheim in stunned silence as they watched Serrandyl disappear from sight. Ivera turned to Ebonheim, a bemused expression on her face as she gestured to Serrandyl''s retreating form. "Never thought I''d see the day when Leonine beastkin would live in the valley." "Are there other beastkin in the valley?" Ebonheim asked with a tilt of her head. "There are," Ivera said, "but not many. The Lord of the South has a tribe of Ophidian beastkin in her lands, but they don''t venture out to the other territories much." "I see." Ivera gave Ebonheim a gentle nudge with her shoulder. "Anyways," she said with a playful smirk. "Once your retainer is ready, we''ll head off to Elmsworth and he''ll guide us to the gathering." "You''re going with him?" Ebonheim asked with a note of surprise in her voice. She hadn''t expected Ivera to be going as well, but it made sense¡ªshe did serve under Elmsworth. Ivera nodded in response as she let out a small yawn and stretched her leafy wings, causing them to flare out behind her before they folded against her back again. "He told me to. Ah! Aelindra is coming along too." Aelindra... she had been corrupted by a Magitech device at the start of the year. Ebonheim recalled the incident vividly. "How has she been doing lately?" "She''s doing well. Pretty much back to her old self and her grove managed to weather through the storm with barely any damage." Ivera gave Ebonheim a beaming smile. "We''ll have to stop by there before heading off to the gathering." Ebonheim smiled back at her as she nodded in agreement. "That sounds great." They sat together in comfortable silence, staring at the clouds drift past overhead as they waited for Serrandyl to come back. After a while, Serrandyl returned, dragging an old travel pack behind her as she joined them again. "I''m ready!" "Good! Let''s go then." With a quick leap, Ivera took to the air and drifted towards Elmsworth''s domain. Ebonheim let out a loud groan and trudged after Serrandyl who had already started walking off after her.
Elmsworth led the group southeastward from Ebonheim''s domain, moving through the Eldergrove''s dense canopy for a few days before arriving at the grove where the gathering would take place¡ªa small, unassuming clearing nestled within a ring of willow trees, bisected by a stream that flowed through its center where a circle of moss-covered stones rested. As they arrived, Ebonheim looked around to see if others had arrived earlier, but the grove was empty save for them. Serrandyl tossed her pack onto the ground and plopped down beside it, muttering something about how tired she was from walking. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Ivera playfully tugged at Serrandyl''s tail, prompting Serrandyl to swipe at Ivera with a loud huff. The journey here certainly had been lively with those two around. They were like two children who couldn''t stop bickering with each other¡ªnaturally, their bickering had moved on to poking at Ebonheim as well. As much as Ebonheim tried to ignore their antics, their constant teasing left her exhausted. Aelindra, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself, laughing heartily at their antics as she watched them from afar. She looked refreshed, and her posture was straight and tall, with none of the weariness that plagued her before. Elmsworth lumbered to a spot large enough to accommodate his immense form and settled down, his roots splaying outwards as he did so. "We''ll wait here until the others arrive," he said as he closed his eyes to rest. Ebonheim nodded and joined him on the ground, folding her legs beneath her as she sat on the soft earth. "How many lords are coming?" she asked, her eyes on Aelindra as she watched Ivera and Serrandyl wrestle with each other. "Three others will be attending." Elmsworth opened his eyes to stare at the others as he spoke, letting out a soft sigh. "Liselotte of the North, Calyxia of the South, and Nillen of the East." "I''m...assuming that you''re Elmsworth of the West then?" Ebonheim asked with a wry smile. Elmsworth arched his head and peered down at Ebonheim from his towering height before letting out a low chuckle. "A fair assumption," he said before his gaze drifted back to the other lords that had yet to arrive, "I am." A moment of silence settled between them, punctuated only by the soft laughter coming from Aelindra, Ivera, and Serrandyl. As Ebonheim watched Ivera and Serrandyl wrestle with each other¡ªthough, more like Serrandyl playing with Ivera like a cat playing with a ball of yarn¡ªher thoughts drifted to the meeting ahead. Lordly gatherings sounded rather... ominous, but perhaps they weren''t so bad if they were as cordial as Elmsworth was. "When do you expect them to arrive?" "They''ll arrive precisely when they mean to," Elmsworth said in his typical, curt manner. "Until then, we''ll wait." Ebonheim sighed and ran a hand through her hair before leaning back on her arms and gazing at the clear blue sky above them. This might be a long wait.
Under the twilight''s sapphire veil, the verdant grove lay still, a deep quiet settling over the clearing as though the breeze had stilled its winds and the leaves ceased their whispers. The evening sun kissed the earth with its crimson gaze, painting the tall grasses in a blazing hue as though the grove had caught fire and burned under its rays. Suddenly, a rustle disturbed the tranquility. Ebonheim stirred at the sound and shifted her eyes to where it came from. From the grove''s edge, the ferns shivered, parting as a figure slithered forth. The figure''s upper body was that of a powerful woman, her strength evident in the corded muscles and the imperious set of her shoulders. Her visage bore an exotic allure, features distinctly serpentine in nature, with sharp fangs peeking from the edges of her lips. Ebonheim''s gaze was drawn upward to a crown of writhing serpents that hissed and curled atop her head, their scales of midnight black glistening like strewn obsidian. Each serpent appeared to have a mind of its own, weaving across her forehead and descending downwards to circle her neck in an adornment of living coils. As she watched, one of the serpents flicked its tongue, tasting the air around them. She found her gaze locked with the woman''s slit-pupil eyes. The emerald green irises glowed with an eerie, unnerving light, and in that chilling, endless gaze, she sensed an ancient coldness that ran bone-deep and seeped into her marrow like frost on the first day of winter. A chill coursed down Ebonheim''s spine, but she forced herself to keep her composure and swallowed against the dryness in her throat as she watched the woman approach them. The stranger was draped in regal attire, a rich, royal-purple tunic that clung to her muscular torso, clasped by a belt of gold and resplendent gemstones. Bone vambraces shielded her arms, adding to her already formidable appearance. Ebonheim followed the transition of her body with a fascinated gaze. Where a woman''s hips and legs would be, the figure possessed a muscular tail, as thick as a tree trunk and easily thrice the length of a man, layered with midnight scales that glinted darkly. As the tail swayed and swished through the underbrush, Ebonheim noted that the end tapered into a barbed tip with the smallest hint of venom glistening from its edge. Slowly, the woman made her way towards them, the snapping of twigs and rustling of leaves trailing behind her. Serrandyl crouched behind Ebonheim, her hair on end and a hiss escaping her lips as she turned to face the stranger, baring her fangs and growling like a rabid beast. The serpents on the woman''s head hissed back in response, their eyes narrowed as they stared Serrandyl down, as though they were mocking her with their natural ferocity. As the woman approached, she drew herself up to her full height, towering over them, her tail flicking from side to side as she slithered forth. Her gaze swept over each one of them before settling on Ebonheim as she addressed her with a low hiss. "So," she said as she curled her upper body around to face Ebonheim, "you are the little goddess that has taken up residence in this part of the world." Ebonheim felt her spine stiffen, but she held her ground, meeting the woman''s gaze with an unflinching stare. "I am," she said, her voice even. "Fascinating," the woman said, her tongue flicking through the air as she regarded Ebonheim with an appraising stare. "Go on. Announce your name. Gods do love to speak out their names at every opportune time." Ebonheim kept her gaze locked on the woman as she answered, "I am Ebonheim." A low hiss escaped the woman''s lips before she leaned her upper body forward, looming over Ebonheim as she drew close enough for Ebonheim to feel her cold breath against her face. Serrandyl slinked away from them, choosing to huddle close to Aelindra instead. Ebonheim maintained her cool gaze, meeting the woman''s eyes as they locked together, neither one willing to look away or blink first. "Ebonheim," the woman repeated, her tone laced with amusement. "A curious name for a curious little deity." "So, who might you be?" Ebonheim asked, ignoring her last comment as she watched the serpents on her head rise and curl around her neck again as though they were embracing their mistress. A cold smirk curled on the woman''s lips before she answered. "You may call me Calyxia," she said as she continued to gaze at Ebonheim with that unnerving stare, "and I am the lord of the southern reaches of this valley." "It''s a pleasure to meet you." Ebonheim kept her tone cool and composed, though inwardly, she felt her skin crawl under Calyxia''s gaze. It was almost like being in the Divine Auction again, except this time, it wasn''t curious stares thrown her way but a cold, piercing gaze. "You have quite the imposing presence." Calyxia let out a low chuckle as she leaned her upper body away from Ebonheim and waved her tail in a lazy motion. "Is that a compliment?" Ebonheim let out a soft laugh and shrugged nonchalantly. "Take it as you will." Calyxia gave Ebonheim an appraising glance before she turned her gaze to the clearing around them. "Well," she said, "For once, I am not the last to arrive. How quaint." With that, Calyxia slithered into the clearing to join Elmsworth''s side, leaving Ebonheim alone to contemplate their exchange. Once Calyxia had made herself comfortable and settled down next to Elmsworth, a thunderous gust of wind rushed past the clearing, scattering leaves in a riot of color. Ebonheim squinted against the sudden onslaught, her eyes watering as she covered her face with her arm to brace against the winds that buffeted them. In the heart of the tempest, she discerned a silhouette, a shape unfamiliar and as wild as the gusts that heralded its arrival. Without a hint of sound, the shape descended, the winds obediently clearing a path. As the figure touched the earth, the gale subsided, leaving an echo of its fury in the rustling leaves and the ripples coursing through the grassy grove. Ebonheim looked up at the new stranger¡ªher form an alluring fusion of avian and human. Her expansive wings, a cosmic canvas of azure and stark white, caught the sun''s dwindling rays, casting a shimmering spectrum over the verdant landscape. Unfazed by Ebonheim''s gaze upon her, the woman straightened her stance, an unspoken challenge resonating from her posture. Her eyes, a stormy blue, bore an unblinking intensity as she held her gaze on Ebonheim. Her long hair was a cascade of glimmering white feathers, a magnificent blend of iridescence and alabaster that drifted along in the breeze. The woman¡ªor was it a bird?¡ªsmiled at Ebonheim, revealing a row of sharp, white fangs as she gave her a low bow before stepping forward, her taloned feet crunching against the leaf-littered ground. She unfurled her wings, arching them high above her head as she greeted the gathered group. "Good evening," she said with a musical voice. "I am Liselotte of the North." Another lordly arrival. This one is a bird-woman? Was she some sort of beastkin? No, Ivera or Elmsworth would have mentioned it. This one is... "She''s a Harpy," Serrandyl whispered in her ear, her eyes wide as saucers as clung onto Ebonheim''s back. "Harpy queen!" Liselotte corrected, a feral gleam in her eyes. "Don''t you dare forget it." Calyxia responded with an annoyed hiss while Serrandyl quivered like a terrified fawn under Liselotte''s gaze. Liselotte took a quick glance at Calyxia before turning back to Ebonheim with a slight smirk on her lips. There was a moment of silence before the harpy moved again. This time, she folded her wings, drawing them close against her body as she knelt before Ebonheim and lowered her head until her face was almost at eye level with her. "And you must be the little god I''ve heard so much about." Deja vu¡ªEbonheim had been on the receiving end of a similar greeting just moments earlier. "I''m Ebonheim," she said with a polite nod, "it''s nice to meet you." Liselotte rose again with a swift flutter of her wings as she cast another glance at Calyxia before turning back to Ebonheim again. "Ebonheim. Yes, I''ve heard a lot about you from Elmsworth. I''ve been told that you''re quite a capable little goddess." Ebonheim tilted her head in acknowledgment as she offered the harpy a small smile. "Well, thank you." Liselotte smiled back and spread her wings again, letting out a contented sigh as she stretched them out to their fullest. "Phew. It''s good to be back." Liselotte turned her gaze towards Calyxia and flashed her a feral grin. "See? Not the last one, but not the first either. If ol'' Kelzryn were here, you wouldn''t be graced with my presence. Rest assured, he won''t come." "Because he has no reason to," Calyxia snapped with a venomous glare. "All that''s left is to wait for Nillen to show up." Liselotte clicked her tongue and let out a dismissive scoff before settling down beside Calyxia with an indignant huff. "Funny how you can be so snippy when Nillen''s not around," she said as she draped a winged arm around Calyxia''s shoulders and pulled her in close. "Or do you just enjoy showing off your cute face?" Calyxia''s serpents hissed and writhed in response, causing Liselotte to reel back in mock surrender. Liselotte shifted her gaze to Serrandyl and bit the air with an exaggerated chomp. Serrandyl let out a low whine and cuddled even closer against Ebonheim''s back, trembling like a frightened little child as she tried to bury her head in the crook of Ebonheim''s neck. "I want to go home," Serrandyl whispered as she gripped Ebonheim''s shoulder, "I want to go home." Ebonheim glanced at her with a blank look and spoke dryly. "You wanted to come. If you leave my side now, you might end up as their food on your way back." Chapter 45: Hello, Neighbors?! Part II Ebonheim woke early the next morning, stirred by the sound of rustling leaves and birds chirping to announce the dawn''s arrival. As she stirred, she felt Serrandyl stir as well, her feline ears twitching as she let out a soft growl before settling again. With a stretch and a yawn, Ebonheim blinked away the sleep in her eyes and lifted herself onto her elbows before sitting up with a groan. Serrandyl lifted her head and rubbed at her eyes before letting out a small yawn herself. "Good morning," she said with a raspy voice. Ebonheim nodded in response and stifled another yawn behind her hand before standing up and brushing the stray blades of grass and leaves off her clothes. As she did, she noticed Aelindra and Ivera standing by, waiting for the two of them to get up. "Good morning!" Ivera chirped, her leafy wings fluttering in excitement as she glided closer to the two of them. "Did you sleep well?" Ebonheim smiled as she nodded to Ivera. "I did." Serrandyl grumbled something inarticulate and laid back down on the ground with a huff, hugging her bag close as though she were trying to shield herself from the cold. "Ugh," she moaned, "I dreamt that I was being chased by harpies. Harpies are sca-" A loud snore interrupted her as her eyes fluttered shut again, and she drifted back to sleep. Ebonheim snorted and shook her head at Serrandyl''s antics. She had certainly been rather talkative during their journey to the gathering. But ever since the lords had arrived, she had been uncharacteristically quiet, despite her earlier bravado. Maybe she sensed their unfriendly aura and chose to be on her best behavior? "Hey!" Ivera waved at Serrandyl with a huff, "No more sleeping!" Serrandyl didn''t respond, but she rolled onto her back with a loud snore, prompting Ivera to let out an exasperated huff. "Nope," Ivera said as she floated off to join Aelindra, "I''m not dealing with this one." Aelindra chuckled as she watched Serrandyl''s sleeping form from a distance and shrugged. "Let her rest," she said to Ivera. With Serrandyl asleep again, Ebonheim stretched and lumbered towards Aelindra and Ivera before settling down on the soft grass beside them. "So, how long do you think we have to wait?" she asked. Aelindra shrugged as she let out a small sigh and gazed at the sky above them. "I don''t know," she admitted with a soft groan, "I never had the chance to attend one." Ebonheim nodded and leaned back, placing her arms behind her as she gazed up at the sky. The morning sun had yet to crest over the horizon, and the sky above was still dark, but the stars had vanished, and the last traces of the moon were fading away into the dawn''s light. As she watched the sky transform from a dark indigo to a deep blue with puffs of white clouds against a backdrop of rich sapphire hues, a soft rustling drew her attention to a curtain of willow fronds, gently parting to reveal the silhouette of a creature stepping into the hallowed light. Standing taller than the mightiest stag she''d ever seen, the newcomer possessed a grace that silenced even the birds'' morning chorale in pure reverence. Its head, framed by a flowing, ethereal mane that glows like a constellation in the night sky, is adorned with a pair of golden antlers. The antlers twist and turn, reaching out like the branches of an ancient tree, adorned with leaves and flowers of pure jade that glimmer in the sunlight. Light from the burgeoning dawn caught upon an opalescent horn spiraling from its forehead, creating a dazzling display of colors that resembled a rainbow forged into an ethereal blade. The creature had the overall form of a stag, its body etched with lean muscles that hummed with a quiet, yet profound strength. Yet, it was enveloped in iridescent dragon scales, shimmering under the soft morning light. Its hide was a living painting, deep emerald green and gold melding together at the crest of its back in a stunning mimicry of sunlight through leaves. The creature''s sides shone with silver, while its underbelly softened to an earthy brown, all reflections of the forest''s myriad hues. Its mane and tail flowed like water, shifting and twinkling with iridescent hues that reflected the spectrum of the dawn. Awe-struck, Ebonheim watched as the glow of the creature''s azure hooves illuminated the verdant field. A shroud of early morning mist wreathed around its legs as if the Eldergrove itself reached out to caress its guest. As she watched, the creature''s head turned towards her, and its eyes met hers¡ªancient and serene, they shone with a silver-blue light, like liquid moonlight. A silent moment passed between the Ebonheim and the newcomer, their eyes locked together for a drawn-out beat as she stared back into the creature''s ethereal gaze. Then, with an elegant dip of its head, as if acknowledging her presence, the newcomer strode past her with a soft wreath of mist in its wake, its azure hooves clopping against the ground as it approached Elmsworth''s and the other lords'' side and lowered its head to greet him. "Nillen." Calyxia let out a soft hiss, but there was none of her usual venom in her tone. "We''ve been waiting for you." Nillen acknowledged Calyxia with a simple nod before his gaze wandered towards Ebonheim''s party, lingering for a moment longer on Ebonheim before shifting his attention to the others. "It''s been a while." He addressed Elmsworth. His voice, when it came, was as melodious as the bubbling brooks, harmonizing with the surrounding birdsong. He turned towards Liselotte. "And we''re all here now." Calyxia''s tail flicked lazily behind her while Liselotte sauntered towards Nillen, her wings flaring out wide before she folded them again as she planted herself next to him. "You''re the last to arrive this time. How unusual." Nillen cast a look at Liselotte before nodding towards the other lords in greeting, ignoring the harpy queen''s antics. "Indeed." Calyxia huffed and rose from her spot beside Elmsworth and slithered over to Nillen with a scowl on her face. "Let''s begin. I don''t want to be here longer than I have to." "What''s the matter, gorgon?" Liselotte chuckled as she circled around the both of them, her gaze drifting over to Calyxia''s crown of writhing serpents. "Eager to lose the game again so you can return to your little den to cry yourself into a stupor?" Calyxia''s serpents hissed at Liselotte and turned their gaze on Nillen, as though expecting him to admonish her. Instead, he spoke calmly, his tone even as he addressed Calyxia. "Now, now," he said to her in a gentle voice. "Don''t let her rile you up." Calyxia flicked her tail with a low hiss. "Let me remind you," she said to Nillen in a harsh whisper as she leaned close to him and narrowed her eyes at him, "That the last loss was entirely your fault. If you''d been paying attention, she wouldn''t have been able to¡ª" Liselotte let out a cackle and jumped in between the two of them with an obnoxious clap of her taloned hands. "Well, now," she said, "Don''t be such a sore loser. I won fair and square." "You let me have your dice!" Calyxia snapped back as she attempted to shove Liselotte out of the way with her tail. "I''m sure you did something to tamper with them." Liselotte stepped back with an amused smirk on her lips as she dodged Calyxia''s attempts to push her away before sidestepping to Nillen''s side again. "Did I?" she asked in a sing-song voice as she cast a sidelong glance at Nillen. "I have no recollection of such a thing." Nillen let out a soft sigh before glancing back at Ebonheim and the others who had now gathered around to watch the lords bicker. He approached Ebonheim with a steady stride and greeted her with a gentle dip of his head. "I greet the goddess that has come to reside in these parts," he said in a voice as serene as a warm breeze, "Ebonheim, was it? I am Nillen, the lord of the eastern quadrant of the vale." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Ebonheim met his gaze with an impassive stare before nodding in acknowledgment. "I greet the lord of the east," she said in a low voice and a reverent bow, "I am Ebonheim, goddess of the village bearing my name." Nillen dipped his head again in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to the other lords. "Shall we begin?" he asked, his voice loud enough to cut through the bickering. "Or are you all too caught up in your little squabble to pay attention?" Calyxia hissed and shot Liselotte another glare before gliding back to her spot next to Elmsworth. "Let''s." Elmsworth, who had been silent all this time, raised his head and addressed the gathering. "We have all arrived," he said, his voice ringing out loud and clear in the grove. "And now, we begin. First...," he paused before turning his head towards the rest of the lords. "Ebonheim will be participating in our gathering for the first time. Due to her contribution to averting the disaster wrought by the Elemental Conflux, I have declared her as a lord of the valley, equal in standing to the rest of us who bear the responsibility of protecting this vale." Liselotte clapped and let out a low whistle, grinning mischievously as she flashed Ebonheim a wink. "That''s wonderful!" she said as she raised her talons to her forehead in a salute. "A goddess among us! What a fortuitous turn of events." Calyxia gave Liselotte a sour look but said nothing, instead narrowing her eyes as she watched Ebonheim with a cold stare. Nillen''s gaze wandered over to Ebonheim with a note of surprise before he gave her a small nod and let out a soft hum of acknowledgment. "Indeed," he said, his eyes searching hers before turning back to the others, "she has served well. If the Conflux had been allowed to progress further, we would have suffered great losses." Ebonheim suppressed a shiver at the reminder of the Conflux and offered the lords a slight nod of thanks before turning back to Elmsworth again. "Will my presence affect anything?" she asked. Elmsworth shook his head. "Not at all," he said, his gaze solemn as he looked her way again. "We will be discussing matters pertinent to the valley. For your sake, and theirs, I would recommend listening carefully to what is said." Ebonheim nodded again. "I will."
For the rest of the day, the gathering proceeded without any fanfare or extravagance. Aside from the occasional quip by Liselotte or a disdainful hiss from Calyxia, the lords maintained a sober demeanor as they discussed the state of the valley and their respective lands. Serrandyl eventually woke up from her slumber and joined them, albeit in a sullen mood as she slinked around and huddled close to Ebonheim as though to avoid Liselotte''s attention. Ebonheim watched on, remaining quiet most of the time while occasionally asking questions to clarify certain matters. "The Kungwans have encroached upon my territory this past month," Calyxia said with a low hiss, "Ever since Kelzryn''s ''disappearance,'' they''ve begun to grow bold and foolish." Liselotte let out a snort as she folded her wings back behind her and leaned forward with a scowl. "That old wyrm is hardly ''missing,'' you know," she said with a derisive click of her tongue. "He''s probably gone off to spread his influence or search for some lost treasure." Ebonheim raised her hand to forestall any further arguments from the two and turned to Calyxia, who was glowering at Liselotte, her serpents hissing angrily. "Who or what exactly is Kelzryn?" Calyxia blinked before turning her gaze to Ebonheim and waved a dismissive hand in Liselotte''s direction. "Kelzryn is the lord of the southwestern part of this valley," she said in a blunt voice. "We''re not allied with him, but he''s never done us any harm." Liselotte clicked her tongue again before turning to Ebonheim with an amused smirk and said, "Kelzryn is an elder dragon, one of the four ancient dragons that still exist in this world...or so I''ve been told by Elmsworth. Isn''t that right?" Elmsworth dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Correct," he said in a calm, measured voice, "Kelzryn is a dragon whose age and power eclipse even mine. Although he does not see eye to eye with us on certain matters, he has never been hostile towards us." "A dragon?" Ebonheim asked in disbelief. A dragon?! Where has she heard that word before¡ªBjorn and Thorsten mentioned it once or twice when they shared tales from their homeland, Engin mentioned it during one of his history lessons, and a few storytellers in her village weaved tales of dragons in their performances for the children. Serrandyl, who had been quietly watching on with wide eyes, tugged on Ebonheim''s sleeve to draw her attention before whispering in her ear, "What''s a dragon?" Ebonheim blinked and shook her head. "I...I''ll tell you later," she said to Serrandyl with a whisper before turning back to Elmsworth again. "Then why does Calyxia think he''s missing?" Liselotte let out a chuckle as she shifted her wings and leaned back with a casual air. "Well, you see," she said, "the old wyrm hasn''t been attending our gatherings for the past ten years or so. None of us know what happened to him." She glanced at Calyxia and flashed her a mischievous smirk, her eyes narrowing in an appraising gaze as she watched Calyxia''s reaction to her words. "I''m sure that if Calyxia did, she''d have said so by now." Calyxia''s serpents hissed at Liselotte again before twining around her neck. Ignoring the serpents'' hisses, Liselotte shrugged and waved her wing dismissively. "But as far as the Kungwans go, since my territory is the farthest away from theirs, I''ll leave them to you." "I would have dealt with them long ago if they were not so favored by Kelzryn," Calyxia hissed at Liselotte. "He was the one that let those damnable frog-beasts nest in the valley, despite my objection. Now I have to deal with their harassment on top of everything." Ebonheim leaned back, observing Calyxia''s tail, which had been twitching and flicking in annoyance ever since she had spoken Kelzryn''s name. As though feeling her gaze, Calyxia glanced at Ebonheim and narrowed her eyes at her before she turned away again with a huff. While Calyxia continued to fuss about her problems with the Kungwans, Elmsworth watched the exchange with an impassive expression, his silence only breaking when Nillen addressed him again with a question about the forest''s resources. A few more hours passed as they continued to discuss matters in the clearing. Some points were contentious, such as Calyxia''s claims that the Kungwans were encroaching on her territory. Other points, such as Nillen''s concerns about the state of his forest''s flora and fauna, were far more mundane. Aelindra chimed in to recount her ordeal with the magitech device that had corrupted her mind. Ivera added her own experience, describing how the dryad''s grove had been changed and warped by its influence. Aelindra''s tale of how she had been enslaved by the device until Ebonheim saved her was listened to with somber silence by all present. Nillen gazed at Ebonheim and gave her a small nod of appreciation speaking again after a moment of silence. "Have you found out more about the origin of the device, or who planted it into Aelindra?" That device was still kept locked within her strongbox, underneath the floorboard of her now-abandoned hut. She had asked Engin briefly about his knowledge of magitech, but the elder knew little about them. He did mention that the best person to ask would be an Artificer, or to ask Roderick the next time he visited. Even asking the Akashic System had been met with silence, but she still hoped to discover more about the device at some point. Ebonheim shook her head. "I haven''t," she admitted with a heavy sigh, "I wish I could tell you more." Nillen nodded and lowered his gaze before speaking again, his tone sympathetic as he said, "I understand," before turning back to the others. "Let us be vigilant against any group of strange beings that may lurk within the valley. If they have the means to corrupt spiritual beings such as Aelindra, then we are all at risk." Elmsworth nodded in agreement. "Indeed," he said, "we must remain wary and cautious." Liselotte clicked her tongue again and drew herself to her full height with a huff, spreading her wings wide in a dramatic display of agitation. "If I find even an inkling of these vermin prowling in my domain, I''ll eviscerate them and feed them to my flock. I swear this!" Calyxia gave Liselotte a condescending smirk before snickering. "Oh, sure. It''s all talk and no action." Liselotte shot Calyxia an icy glare as she bared her fangs at her, her pupils narrowing into slits as she hissed, "You''ll eat those words." Calyxia coiled her tail around her body, a challenge gleaming in her eyes. "And you''ll choke on them," she said with a low chuckle, her serpents hissing and slithering around her head in response. More discussions followed, with Calyxia and Liselotte engaging in verbal jabs with one another while Nillen tried to keep them in check. Elmsworth remained silent, occasionally addressing the others with a few words, but overall, he chose to observe rather than intervene. Eventually, the sun began to set again, painting the sky in a brilliant array of purples and crimson hues as it descended past the horizon, leaving only the twilight to cast a subdued light over the clearing. Liselotte yawned and let out a low groan before rising to her feet with an audible crack as she stretched her wings out wide again, letting the last rays of light caress her feathers. "Well," she said as she folded her wings back again, "Now that the boring stuff is done with, I''m going to find something to eat. See you at the game tomorrow." With that, she leapt into the air and fluttered her wings before taking off into the darkening sky with a thunderous gust of wind and scattering leaves in her wake¡ªprompting Serrandyl to cling to Ebonheim. Ebonheim blinked and looked up at Elmsworth. "What about these games?" Elmsworth dipped his head again and gave Ebonheim a smile. "Every year, we play a game that the humans have invented." He glanced over to Nillen and gave him a small nod before turning back to Ebonheim again. "To make things more...interesting, we wager portions of our domain against one another. The winner gets claim over whatever they desire within the losers'' domain. However, since you are new to this gathering, we will only wager for minor goods or services...this time around." That''s...unexpected¡ªA bunch of powerful beings wagering away their territories in a game? How do they do this? How do they keep track of who has what territory and how big each territory is? "Um..." She made an uneasy smile as she glanced at Elmsworth again and asked, "Can I opt out of it?" Chapter 46: Queens Gambit, Accepted! "Four-handed chess?" Ebonheim repeated with a blank stare, her gaze lingering on Elmsworth for a moment before turning to the other lords. "What is that?" Elmsworth raised his head with a soft smile on his face. "It''s a game of chess," he said, his voice calm and level, "played by four players instead of two." "And...what is chess?" She asked again, hoping to stall for some time and collect her thoughts before she made an irreversible decision. Elmsworth paused and studied her face before continuing. "Chess is a game that the humans created, based on their knowledge and understanding of war, combat, and tactics. It is played by two players in which the objective is to capture all of your opponent''s pieces. They made the game as an exercise to train their minds, and as a way for their royalty to test one another in terms of strategic mind games." "This chess that we play is a variant," Elmsworth continued, "played by four players instead of two, but with similar rules and gambits." Liselotte''s laugh rang out from somewhere overhead before she swooped down into the clearing, gliding close to Ebonheim''s group before hovering in midair, her talons clutching a deer. "Hey, snakey," she said to Calyxia, "Are you ready to get trounced again?" Calyxia''s serpents hissed at Liselotte again as she answered with a scowl. "Not a chance," she said through gritted teeth. "Not this time." With a rumble that resembled a chuckle, Elmsworth reached into the depths of his gnarled barken trunk and retrieved a simple, but intricately-carved wooden box that resembled a larger version of a human chest. With a wave of his hand, he placed the box on a clear patch of ground and opened the lid with a creak. "It''s been a while since this has seen the light of day," Elmsworth rumbled, his amber eyes twinkling. Ebonheim watched as Elmsworth unfurled a roll of satin cloth to reveal a carved wooden board, its squares alternately dark and light, with pieces of intricately crafted stone scattered about. The Ent''s long, nimble fingers delicately picked up the pieces, introducing them one by one to the curious onlookers. "The King and Queen, lords and ladies of the board, are protected by the noble Knights, the cunning Bishops, and steadfast Rooks," Elmsworth explained, his voice a soothing rustle of leaves in the breeze. "The humble Pawns, though numerous, carry weight and power in numbers." Ebonheim furrowed her brows, leaning over the board to take a closer look. The Ent explained in detail the rules of the game, illustrating each piece in turn with the appropriate moves and strategies for them. She soaked in his words, listening attentively, while her eyes wandered to the pieces scattered about the board. The concept of the game seemed simple, a dance of wit and strategy between four contenders over hundred-sixty squares. Her fingers brushed against a queen piece, the stone cool and smooth. She picked it up, admiring the craftsmanship. It was almost as tall as her hand and intricately carved. Elmsworth set the board down on a flat, open patch of ground, then beckoned for Ebonheim and the other lords to sit around the board. "Count me in, old tree," Liselotte hopped to Elmsworth''s side and perched herself on his shoulder, a predatory gleam in her eyes as she surveyed the board. "If we''re talking about war games, I''m in top form." Calyxia simply nodded, her serpent-like tail coiling around her as she leaned over the board with an anticipatory expression. Nillen took a step back, his head lowering in a small bow to Elmsworth before turning to Ebonheim. "I think I''ll watch this round. Only four may take part in the game, and I wish to see Ebonheim''s mettle. So, I will observe from the sidelines." Elmsworth nodded. "As you wish." With a low hum and a creak, Elmsworth started setting up the pieces on the board, his gnarled fingers moving with surprising dexterity. Ebonheim watched him, her mind racing to make sense of the symbols and placements. There was a logical pattern to it, she was sure, but it was hard to decipher at first glance. Her mind whirled with thoughts and calculations while Elmsworth placed each piece. So if a piece moved like this, then it''ll be this piece, and if this piece moves then, and so on... Pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, queens, and kings danced across the board in her mind as she attempted to formulate her strategy¡ªbut there were many... way too many things to consider. Was this really a game?! This was nowhere near as simple as the games she had played with the children in her village. This was something that Engin would probably task her with in between her lessons. Ebonheim glanced at her fellow participants, Liselotte and Calyxia, who were watching the setup with various degrees of interest. Calyxia leaned in closer to peer at the board while Liselotte leaned back with a knowing smirk. Elmsworth finished setting up the pieces and stepped back to admire his handiwork. "There," he said with a satisfied smile, "the board is set." Liselotte snickered and jumped from her perch on Elmsworth''s shoulder and landed left of Ebonheim. Calyxia positioned herself across from the harpy queen while Elmsworth loomed opposite Ebonheim. A hush fell over the grove as the game began. Ivera and Serrandyl, who had been watching from the sidelines, circled around Ebonheim with eager expressions on their faces. Aelindra stood beside Nillen in silent conversation. "State your demands," Elmsworth rumbled, his voice cutting through the silence, "and let us begin." Liselotte waved a wing before grinning broadly and calling out first. "If I win," she cawed, her wings flaring wide in grandeur, "Calyxia, you''ll have to let my harpies roost in your territory for a full moon''s cycle. Elmsworth, you will assist with the necessary construction and repairs." She stared at Ebonheim, her grin widening, flashing a row of sharp teeth. "And our lovely Ebonheim," she continued, "will have to come visit my roost when I want her to." A shiver jolted down Ebonheim''s spine as she blinked in shock at Liselotte''s statement. "What?!" she sputtered in disbelief. "Hold on! What do you mean by that?" Liselotte merely laughed and flipped her wings in an exaggerated gesture of dismissal before turning to Elmsworth and Calyxia. "Is that acceptable?" Elmsworth nodded in silence. Calyxia''s serpent tail flicked irritably. "Fine," she hissed, her cold gaze not wavering from Liselotte''s. "But if I win, you''ll instruct your flock to hunt for my beastkin for the same period. Elmsworth, you will help with the crops in my fields for the next harvest season." She glanced Ebonheim''s way before saying, "And you...well...you''ll give me a tour of your village, in detail. If there''s any object there that I fancy, you must relinquish it to me." Ebonheim gulped at Calyxia''s proposal. "Anything?" she asked in a low whisper, her voice quavering. Calyxia gave her a smile that would have frozen blood. "Anything," she repeated, her voice low and sultry, her serpentine gaze cold and steady. "If you want to back out, now''s your last chance." Ebonheim swallowed again and closed her eyes to block out the glares on all sides, letting out a deep breath to calm herself before opening her eyes again. "I''ll accept your terms," she said, "I''ll visit your roost... and... um... show you around my village." It was Elmsworth''s turn to speak his demand. "If I win," he said as his voice rumbled through the clearing, "All three of you must present me a riddle that I have not heard before, as well as present a new game that is not already part of my collection." Ebonheim blinked in surprise. "You have a collection?" she blurted out. Elmsworth tilted his head and gazed at Ebonheim with a knowing look in his eyes. "Of course," he said with a gentle smile, "how do you think we learned to play this game?" Ebonheim smiled and let out a breathless laugh. "Alright then," she said, "That''s much more manageable. I accept." The other two competitors nodded as well, agreeing to Elmsworth''s terms. "My turn, then," Ebonheim said, her golden eyes twinkling with a fierce gleam. "If I win... um, Liselotte and Calyxia will take turns to show me around your respective domains for a day." She glanced at Elmsworth before continuing, "And you must lend me your aid to defend my village should any problem arise¡ªOne time is enough." Liselotte clicked her tongue again, shooting Ebonheim a smirk. "That''s fair, I suppose," she said, her feathers fluffing up as though in protest. "A bit boring but... alright." Calyxia tapped on her chin with a claw, narrowing her eyes in contemplation before nodding again and saying, "It''s acceptable." Elmsworth let out a soft chuckle and inclined his head. "Very well," he said with a wry smile before rising to his full height again. "If it is within my power, I shall assist in your village''s defense just once. Now then, let us begin."
The game kicked off. The clacking sound of stone against wood echoed throughout the grove as pieces were moved across the board. Elmsworth''s gnarled hand moved first, sliding a pawn forward with the patience of a seasoned player. His move, cautious and safe, contrasted sharply with the sprightly hop of Liselotte''s knight. The harpy squawked with delight, ruffling her feathers in delight as the stone piece advanced. Liselotte squawked about how she should have gone first with an affronted look on her face. "I''m the queen of the skies, aren''t I?" she huffed, crossing her arms, "Why does Elmsworth get to go first?" "Tradition," Elmsworth replied simply, his eyes twinkling with amusement. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Well, I think it''s biased," Liselotte shot back, but she leaned over the board, her keen eyes scanning the layout. "Always trying to steal the spotlight, aren''t you, Lise?" Calyxia mused, her voice tinged with amusement as she examined the board. Her move was elegant and precise, sliding a pawn to control the center. Liselotte glanced at Calyxia and smirked. "Of course," she said as though her behavior was obvious and should not have been questioned. "I am the queen!" As the turn passed onto Ebonheim, she felt a tingle of anticipation. Her fingers lightly danced over the pieces, selecting one that looked the most promising and moving it forward to a diagonal position on the board, which she hoped was advantageous. Elmsworth nodded in approval and responded by sliding a pawn forward to counter her move. The clearing echoed with the sounds of thoughtful murmurs, cheerful banter, and the clinking of stone on wood. Ebonheim''s first few moves were clumsy. She was still trying to understand the patterns, and more than once she had to take back a move after Liselotte pointed out a blatant mistake, even after all the preparations she''d done in her mind. Liselotte''s moves were bold and audacious, much like her personality. "Why play it safe when you can soar, right, Caly?" the harpy queen quipped, leaning back with a smirk, her wings rustling behind her. ¡°Unlike you, Lise, some of us prefer to not let our tails precede our heads,¡± Calyxia retorted coolly. Her fingers gracefully glided over the board, choosing a piece and moving it with purpose. It was a smart move, Ebonheim noted, balancing defense and offense. Calyxia wasn''t one to be easily outflanked. Elmsworth¡¯s turn arrived like a slow rumble of thunder, a rumination of time and space. His ancient fingers picked up a knight, shifting it to an advantageous position. It was a move that revealed years of practice and patience, just like his nature. His deep-set eyes twinkled with quiet satisfaction. Ebonheim nodded, analyzing Elmsworth''s move with a thoughtful hum as she pondered her response. She had already committed to a move, but now her attention turned to her opponent''s game. After a moment of contemplation, she moved her queen forward with a soft thud, catching the other players'' attention. The unexpected play drew murmurs of surprise and admiration from the spectators. Serrandyl wooped from the sidelines, then turned to Ivera. "Is she winning?" Ivera slowly brought her hands up in a shrug. "Your guess is as good as mine." The pieces continued to dance across the board, their movements dictating the ebb and flow of the game. Ebonheim felt a thrill run through her as she began to see patterns, to understand the silent dialogue between the players. She saw the potential pitfalls, the traps each player set for the other. Ebonheim, through the first few rounds of the game, felt a growing sense of attachment towards her pieces. There were the knights, which reminded her of Bjorn and Thorsten, with their brave charges. The bishops were like Hilda and Lira, moving along the diagonals, with an ability to reach places others couldn''t. Her king, she decided, was like the village itself, whose safety was paramount to the survival of the game. With every move and countermove, the battle of the chessboard intensified. The initial playful banter had given way to a palpable tension, an impending confrontation of wills and strategies. Ebonheim''s mind whirled as she stared at the board, trying to predict her opponents'' moves. It didn''t help that the game, despite the size of the board, was growing increasingly complicated as moves were made and pieces captured. Calyxia and Liselotte were engaged in their own thrilling duel. Their pieces seemed to mirror their personalities ¨C Liselotte''s pieces were spread across the board, daring and unrestrained, while Calyxia''s were arranged with a surgical precision, an echo of her meticulous and analytical nature. Their banter was just as sharp. "Getting a bit backed up there, Caly?" Liselotte''s teasing voice cut through the tension like a dagger. "Feeling a bit... squeezed?" "Just thinking of the perfect move to clip your wings, dear," Calyxia shot back with an icy smile, moving her queen to a strong defensive position, effortlessly blocking Liselotte''s advance. Meanwhile, Elmsworth positioned his pieces entirely for defense, carefully guarding each space on his side of the board with a calm and calculated approach. Ebonheim could tell that his game was quite different from the other two. There was no immediate tension in the way Elmsworth played, no sign of panic or discomfort, only a quiet assurance in his every move, a thoughtful deliberation. Ivera, fluttered about, peering at the board from every angle, and offering a commentary that was as whimsical as it was insightful. "Careful, Ebonheim! The rook''s a sneaky one, don''t trust its rigid straight lines!" she¡¯d chirp, her voice a melody of dulcet tones. "Move your rook, goddess. Claim the open file," Nillen suggested in his soft, kind voice, pointing to an opportunity on the board with his horn. "Hey! No outside help!" Liselotte piped in with an indignant squawk. "It''s against the rules!" Calyxia tapped her chin with her claw and smirked. "I''m willing to make an exception," she said to Nillen, her eyes glinting in approval. Ebonheim gulped, her throat going dry as she stared at the board again. With a small huff, she moved another piece. This time, to her surprise, Elmsworth moved his rook to block her. "Not so easy, is it?" Elmsworth said in a voice as calm as ever. Just then, Liselotte swooped in, her bishop claiming one of Calyxia¡¯s pawns. ¡°Gotcha!¡± she crowed, her laughter echoed by Serrandyl from the sidelines. Calyxia bared her fangs in frustration and hissed at Liselotte again. "You''ll choke on those words!" she shot back in a low voice before moving a knight for a counterattack. Liselotte grinned at Calyxia before returning to her original position and bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Oh, you''re the one who''ll choke on them!" With every passing turn, the tension mounted. Pieces were lost, claimed, and sometimes, narrowly saved. Calyxia retaliated against Liselotte with a clever maneuver that left the harpy squawking in disbelief. Elmsworth, ever the patient strategist, steadily fortified his defenses while chipping away at his opponents. Ebonheim¡¯s eyes darted across the checkered battlefield, her gaze sharp, her mind whirring with calculations. She found a string of potential moves, each cascading into the next, leading her to a particular outcome. She pressed her lips into a thin line, her fingers delicately capturing her bishop and moving it across the board with the confidence of a seasoned player. The spectators watched in stunned silence as her bishop slid into position, threatening Elmsworth''s king, as well as putting a wrench in the power play between Calyxia and Liselotte. "Oh, I didn''t see that coming," Elmsworth admitted, his large barky finger tracing possible escape routes on the board. The usually composed ent looked ruffled, his focus shifting to Ebonheim¡¯s impending threat. In a corner of the chessboard, Liselotte had maneuvered her pieces into a position that cornered Calyxia''s king. "Well, well, dearie. Looks like you''re a move away from checkmate." Her voice was filled with a triumphant cackle. But the looming confrontation was diffused when Ebonheim''s move forced Calyxia to abandon her defensive stance. "A game of chess is like a swordfight," Calyxia said, her voice ringing clear and cold. "You must think first, before you move." Calyxia skillfully moved her rook, nullifying Liselotte¡¯s advantage and countering Ebonheim¡¯s aggressive strategy, all in one stroke. Elmsworth let out a low chuckle and moved his king a step away from Ebonheim''s bishop. "And you must choose your opponent," he said with a wry smile. "Calyxia is as strong as she is cunning." The game was in its final throws. It was the first time that Ebonheim had participated in such a large, complex game, and she was fighting with everything she had. Sweat trickled down her brow, her breath came in short pants, and her heart pounded against her ribs. But the game was close. Very close. Ebonheim glanced at her pieces again before making another move. A light breeze ruffled her hair as she made her move, her knight jumping across the board. The forest seemed to hold its breath, every leaf rustling in hushed silence. Ebonheim''s move, calculated and bold, put Elmsworth''s king in check¡ªa hidden threat, stealthily posed and cleverly concealed until just the right moment. As Ebonheim''s knight gallantly leaped across the board, it revealed an avenue that was previously closed. The newfound path was long and clear, leading directly from Calyxia''s vigilant bishop to Elmsworth''s king, catching everyone off guard. Calyxia''s eyes widened slightly, her usual cool demeanor replaced with a flicker of surprise. Her gaze followed the path her bishop could now travel, a slow smile forming on her lips as she recognized the shift in power. "A cunning move, Ebonheim," she praised, her voice a soft hiss filled with newfound respect. Ebonheim only grinned in response, a quiet sense of satisfaction filling her as she gave a modest nod of her head. "Thank you, Calyxia," she replied. Elmsworth, the wise ancient Ent, did not respond immediately. His eyes flickered over the board, looking for possible salvations. The quiet that followed was more oppressive than any clamor, every breath held in anticipation. But even the sage Ent could not deny the inevitable. With a rueful smile and a tilt of his head, he acknowledged his defeat. "Checkmate, it seems. A splendid play, Ebonheim. And equally splendid cooperation, Calyxia." "Elmsworth is down, only three remain!" Serrandyl yelled gleefully from the sidelines while Ivera cheered Ebonheim on from her perch on the bough above the board. Liselotte rolled her eyes before giving Ebonheim a playful thwack on the shoulder. "You''ve got guts, toying with the old tree like that!" she said with a laugh. "But don''t get ahead of yourself!" She moved her rook to capture one of Ebonheim''s pawns that was undefended. Ebonheim let out a puff of air, shaking her head as she chuckled. "I think that was a blunder." "Wha¡ª" Liselotte was interrupted by Calyxia swiftly moving her queen to the back rank of Liselotte''s side. "Oh." The harpy squawked in realization and went into a spirited string of curses that was as colorful as they were creative. "Noooo!" she cried out, flapping her wings in frustration and sending dirt and leaves flying in all directions. Calyxia shook her head in exasperation, but she had the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. "You moved the only piece defending your king just to gobble a pawn," she said with a small snicker, her snakes hissing in delight as they twirled around her face. "How very like you. Checkmate." Before Calyxia could revel in her victory, the tips of Ebonheim''s fingers danced across the board again, gently moving one of her pawns to the promotion square near the center of the board. She grabbed a spare queen piece and slid it onto the vacant space, completing the last step of her plan. "Check. And incidentally..." Ebonheim¡¯s newly promoted queen stood resolute, gazing across the expanse of the board towards Calyxia''s king who was now trapped in the corner of her board. Calyxia, surprised yet again, studied the move. Her serpentine hair hissed and coiled restlessly, mirroring her inner turmoil. There was nowhere for her king to escape, and no piece to block the queen''s attack. ¡°Well¡­¡± Calyxia said, a thoughtful expression on her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t see that coming. You play like an old schemer, Ebonheim.¡± Her voice echoed with the faintest note of admiration as she laid her king down on the side, surrendering to the inevitable. "Checkmate," she conceded. A burst of applause echoed through the grove. Serrandyl¡¯s joyous laughter rang through the air, matched by Ivera¡¯s excited squeals and Aelindra''s soft clapping. Elmsworth chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. ¡°And the game is yours, Ebonheim. A splendid end indeed,¡± he said, nodding in approval. His ancient eyes twinkled, reflecting the giddy euphoria that pervaded the crowd. "You are the winner of this year''s game." Liselotte, meanwhile, was half-screeching, half-laughing. ¡°You sly little goddess! Had us all fooled, didn¡¯t ya?¡± she said, raising her voice as she laughed again. Ebonheim blushed and let out a small giggle of her own while bowing her head to her opponents. "Thank you," she said with a sheepish grin on her face. "This was... fun!" Calyxia gave her a soft smile in return. "Good game," she said as she patted the queen piece in her hands. "I''d love to play with you again sometime." Nillen stepped forward, his hooves clopping gently against the earth. "Well played, Ebonheim," he said, the low rumble of his voice reverberating in the air like a soft breeze. "That was an outstanding match." Ebonheim collapsed on her back, the pressure of the game finally subsiding and leaving her lightheaded. Her stomach grumbled loudly, causing her to let out an embarrassed laugh. "And now," she said as she sat up, "I''m starving!" Liselotte let out a laugh as she flew to the deer she had caught earlier and picked at its innards with a gleefully crunchy sound. "Uh¡ª" Ebonheim stammered, watching as Liselotte ripped a chunk of raw flesh out of the carcass and swallowed it down in one gulp, blood dribbling down her chin. "Maybe I''ll just go find some berries..." Chapter 47: Thorsten’s Frozen Challenge, Part I 9th day of Withergrasp, 1367 [Quintessence] 5830/16000 The bone-chilling winds of Eldergrove, with their wintry whisper, found their way through the thin gaps of Engin¡¯s austere wooden office. Engin sat at his desk, hunched over a sprawl of parchments. Frost covered the windowpane, spider-webbing across the glass, making the outdoor world seem like an impressionist painting¡ªmuted, soft, and dreamlike. He glanced out and shivered, not at the cold but at the sheer magnificence of the Ebon trees scattered beyond the clearing, those black sentinels standing proud and resolute amidst the frost-kissed forest. Under Ebonheim''s auspicious will, they had been granted the grace to harvest these silent guardians. Yet, Engin¡¯s heart held an innate reverence for these ancient trees ever since his arrival in the Eldergrove. His pen paused, the drone of his mundane clerical work succumbing to the call of these memories. "Ebonwood," he mused, its mere name resonated with a kind of divine awe. Unyielding in strength, imbued with a longevity that made normal timber seem frail in comparison. But more than its practical merits, it was the ethereal aura, the inherent divinity that radiated from the trees that fascinated him. Engin had been there when the first tree was felled¡ªa sacrilegious act felt even amidst the profound reverence. As Bjorn and Thorsten''s axes bit into its pitch-dark bark, a profound silence fell over the villagers, like they were tearing into the fabric of their world. Yet, the tree yielded, bowing to their goddess¡¯s will and their necessity. The memory was visceral, the sight of those ebon logs in their hearths, burning with a stubborn tenacity, driving away the icy claws of winter¡ªA manifestation of Ebonheim¡¯s protection, an amulet against the relentless cold. But in their goddess'' abundant generosity, had they been blind to the cost? Engin ran his fingers through his peppered beard, deep in thought. The Ebon tree wood was a boon in these frigid times, burning longer, hotter, and brighter than any common kindling. But there was a price to pay for such luxury, a price paid by the land itself. He couldn''t shake the gnawing uncertainty over how long these ancient giants took to regrow once harvested. Like the cycles of life and death, seasons of plenty and scarcity, every living thing had its time, and he feared they were borrowing heavily against the Ebon trees'' natural clock. But, surely Ebonheim knew that as well? Or at least, he hoped she did. She was a goddess after all, with the wisdom to make such judgments¡ªerr, perhaps he was giving her too much credit. Wisdom was not her forte from what he had observed so far. Nonetheless, even Engin couldn''t deny the Ebon wood''s efficacy against the cruel and relentless forces of nature. Even the tempest brought about by the Elemental Conflux did little more than shake the leaves. They were, to put it bluntly, invincible against nature''s fury, unbowed and unfazed by the squall. The tools and armaments crafted from this wood were a boon as well¡ªstronger than any steel and reliable beyond doubt. When he shared the news of the Ebonwood with Roderick, Engin knew that soon word would spread of the harvest and the mythical qualities of this new resource. It was all well and good for the village to reap the benefits of Ebonwood, but when more people flock to this small village, the danger of exploitation from those with dubious motives weighed heavily on his mind. He could only trust in Roderick''s discretion and good judgment to ensure the village would not fall victim to unscrupulous dealings. And as for the villagers themselves... well, the recent integration with the Aslankoyash had provided a valuable experience in taking in newcomers and settling them in. Learning how to coexist and respect each other''s cultures and identities was a crucial first step to ensuring a harmonious and peaceful village. Engin let out a sigh, his breath fogging up the glass in front of him. "Times are changing," he murmured to himself as he leaned back against his chair again. "I should prepare." Picking up his quill once more, he began to draft the plans for the harsh winter ahead, rationing the use of Ebon wood while eyeing alternatives and safeguarding against potential shortages. There was a great deal to do before the coming season, and the snow did not wait for those who dawdled.
26th day of Withergrasp, 1367 Thorsten Gustaffson stood in the middle of the frozen square, Ebonheim''s playful taunt still ringing in his ears, warming his blood. Ice crystals hung in his beard, twinkling like stubborn stars. The villagers of Ebonheim moved around him like ghosts under the veil of winter''s white silence, their breath coming out in frosty puffs that evaporated before their eyes. They bustled around him, bringing out their stock to stockpile against the winter cold. The children, bundled up in thick coats and furs, darted through the village like little sparrows in search of new toys to keep them busy in their long days indoors. As hearty as a bear awakened prematurely from hibernation, he stomped his boots free of snow and headed to his cottage in search of his morning ale¡ªa fine draught, brimming with flavor after much trial and error from Bogdan''s brewery. The banter he had shared with Ebonheim, while a bit daft and a bit juvenile, still echoed in his mind. A smirk crossed his face as he reached his cabin and lifted the latch with an exaggerated flourish. With a kick, he slammed the door wide open, its hinges squealing in protest. "She''s got the audacity of a snow hare in summer, that one," he grumbled, picturing her teasing smile. "There''s muscle beneath this belly!" He gave his belly a loud slap with his hand before tugging his coat off and dropping it on the chair with a loud thud. "Aye," he sighed as he reached for a tankard on the shelf and retrieved the jug of ale hidden at its side. "There''s muscle to be found in there all right. It''s just a bit shy ''s all." He paused as he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of the windowpane¡ªhis gut seemed a bit bloated, and there was a slight heaviness to his frame that hadn''t been there before. Could the snow hare be right? Or perhaps he had simply eaten too much at the feast? Shaking his head, Thorsten upended the jug over his tankard and began to pour. "Never mind that," he muttered as he filled the tankard with a frothy mouthful, "the ale will keep me warm." While he downed his morning ale, Thorsten watched the villagers going about their business with quiet approval, content in the knowledge that his work as their shire-reeve was going smoothly¡ªwell, mostly. Some issues cropped up now and then, but nothing too taxing. Ordinarily, there was always something to do¡ªmending roofs and walls, trimming branches in the spring, mending tools and armor in the summer, and cutting wood for winter fuel in the autumn. This year though, aside from a solid month of repairing what the Elemental Conflux had wrought on their village, there was a decive lack of chores that needed doing. It was a welcome circumstance, to say the least¡ªa time of peace and prosperity with nothing to do. "Hmmm..." he mused as he brought his tankard to his lips again, savoring the bold flavor that filled his mouth before swallowing it down. "It''s good," he said to no one in particular as he placed the tankard on his desk with a thud and rubbed his stomach with a chuckle. "A bit too rich though." He stared at the glowing embers in his hearth, the crackle and pop of the firewood a soothing drone in the silence of the cabin. A sudden gust of wind rattled the wooden window shutters, the whistling sound a familiar song from his homeland. Home. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. On the wall hung a faded tapestry, the colors dimmed but the tales it told as vibrant as ever in his memory. The patterns depicted the story of the Ulfhendar, the elite wolf warriors of his homeland, and of his own journey through their ranks. Thorsten picked up the old, unadorned helmet lying at the corner of the table. It was an artifact from a time when he was more wolf than man, an echo of a chapter closed yet never forgotten. He ran his thumb over the cold iron, the smooth surface marred by nicks and scratches, each one a ghostly whisper of battles fought, victories claimed, and losses mourned. As he held the helmet, his gaze slid over to the corner of the cabin where his enchanted axe lay. It was a beast of a weapon, its edge still sharp, its power undiminished by the years. But today, it lay quiet, a sentinel in his sanctuary, waiting for the call of duty. A soft chuckle escaped him; his younger self would have been appalled at the sight of such a weapon in slumber. He remembered those days clearly¡ªthe raw energy, the searing passion, the relentless desire to prove himself. Rising through the ranks had not been a journey bathed in glory; it was a steep, treacherous climb, each step earned with blood, sweat, and unwavering resolve. He had been a storm then, his fury and power as unpredictable and devastating as the tempests that ravaged his homeland''s shores. Thorsten leaned back in his chair, the rough wooden backrest pressing against his broad shoulders. The faint scent of pine and aged timber filled his nostrils, grounding him in the present, yet his thoughts were far from the tranquil cabin and the snowy village of Ebonheim. The life of an Ulfhendar was one of balance¡ªbetween the man and the beast, the chaos and the calm. In the heart of battle, he was the storm''s fury, his wrath as relentless as the winter winds. But amidst the quiet of his homeland''s woods, he was the storm''s end, his spirit as gentle as the first snowfall. A sudden gust of wind swept through the open window, carrying with it the crisp scent of winter. Thorsten closed his eyes, listening to the songs of the elements, carrying his thoughts further back. He remembered the winters of his youth, the thrill of the hunt, the biting cold, the silent dance of predator and prey. He remembered his first winter wolf encounter, a beast of legend, its icy gaze holding a challenge that his fiery spirit could not resist. Opening his eyes, he found himself back in the present, back in his cabin, the heart of the morning sun filtering through the window, casting a warm glow on the faded tapestry. He set the helmet back on the table, a gentle clink echoing in the cabin¡¯s quietude. After finishing his breakfast, Thorsten pulled on his boots and his fur coat, picked up his whittling axe, and headed to the forest to replenish his woodpile¡ªstill a necessary task despite having Ebonwood to burn in his hearth. As he neared his chosen spot, he was greeted by a familiar face¡ªSerrandyl, the beastkin warrior from Aslankoyash who was every bit as cheeky as Ebonheim, but a whole lot less clever. Thorsten suppressed a groan before greeting her with a wave. A thick fur coat enveloped her athletic frame, leaving only her face and tail exposed to the elements. "Good morning!" she called out, her voice cheerful and bright, before gesturing to the pile of logs and branches she had gathered from a nearby bush. "What do you think?" she asked with a proud smile, her tail swishing about with excitement. "Will these do?" He leaned over the pile with a critical eye and nodded. "Aye," he grunted, "that''ll do." Serrandyl clapped her hands together in satisfaction. "Perfect!" she said before pulling her fur coat tighter around her body to keep warm. "I''ll be going then. These logs aren''t going to haul themselves!" With a playful wave, she made her way to the Aslankoyash camp, leaving Thorsten alone in the snowy forest. He gazed after her in silence for a moment before moving to gather his own supplies for the day''s work. It took a bit of time, but her tribe had now adapted quite well to living in the valley. As he busied himself, an idea popped into his head. He stopped, an amused smile creeping up his face. Thorsten returned to the village after collecting his haul and making his way to Engin''s house. Without bothering to knock, he pulled open the door with a flourish and barged in without so much as a word of greeting¡ªand then stopped, taking in the scene in front of him. Ebonheim sat on a chair across from Engin, their heads leaning over a large parchment spread across Engin''s desk. They seemed to be locked in an intense discussion as Ebonheim pointed out something on the parchment, while Engin squinted at the paper, an old quill in his hand. Both looked up as Thorsten entered, his boots thudding noisily against the floorboards as he walked to their side. "I''ve got an idea," he said with a grin, "If you''ve got time." Engin blinked in surprise before chuckling and nodding. "A moment," he said before turning back to his papers and adding something to his notes with a small grunt. After a moment, he laid down his quill with a sigh and said, "What did you have in mind?" Thorsten cleared his throat, trying to remember his idea in full. "It''s like this," he started, "I propose that we host a survival challenge in the wilderness. A few days at most." He held up his hands to forestall any objections. "But there''s a catch..."
In the snow-covered commons of the village, Thorsten stood shoulder to shoulder with the village elders, a motley assembly gathered to watch his proposal unfold. "All right, listen up!" Thorsten''s voice resounded across the assembly, a wild symphony of grit and jocularity. "Here''s how this little exercise''s going to play out." Even Engin, usually stern, sported a faint grin as he watched Thorsten''s lively banter cut through the winter''s chill. The burly warrior paced before the crowd, each thud of his heavy boots striking the snowy earth punctuating his words. "We''re all going to have a go at roughing it in the wilderness of the Eldergrove," he announced, throwing a wide sweep of his arm towards the dense expanse of the forest. "But aren''t we doing that already?" one of the youngsters shouted in protest from the crowd. "We live in the wilderness!" Thorsten let out a hearty laugh, a wild grumble that caused the youngling to shrink back in embarrassment. "Aye," he said with a sly grin, "but the game this time requires that we survive out there on our own for three days and three nights. Those of us that hunt and gather already have the skills we need to do so, but those of us who have no survival experience..." Thorsten trailed off as his eyes scanned the crowd, and an understanding murmur passed among them. Those who did not possess such knowledge and skills had been recruited to participate¡ªsome with enthusiastic glee and others with nervous anticipation. "But," Thorsten continued, dragging his fingers across his rust-colored beard, "there''s a twist. Each of you will head in with nothing more than a bundle of basics." He gestured to a nearby cart laden with rudimentary survival kits¡ªa sturdy hunting knife, a whittling axe, a waterskin, a flint and steel, a small pot, a blanket, and some dried meat. The crowd drew closer, gathering around the cart to get a better look at the supplies while Thorsten continued his explanation. "And it won''t just be the wilds you''ll contend with." He turned to Hilda and Th''maine. The old druid and reclusive Arcanist stood side by side, each wearing thick fur coats over their clothing. "Our beloved druid¡ªas well as our Arcanist friend who had come out of his study just to help for this event and not because I dragged him out¡ªwill add a dash of difficulty to this event by placing magical surprises within the forest. Aye, you''ll need to keep your wits about you." Th''maine cleared his throat while Hilda pulled her hood down to expose her lined face to the elements, a knowing smile on her lips. "Be careful, children," she said with a chuckle. "Your Arcanist here is not to be trifled with." Th''maine rolled his eyes before fixing his gaze on the crowd again, his expression blank. "What Hilda means," he said in his dry tone, "is that I''ve prepared several magical traps along your path. If you''re unaware or unlucky enough to get caught in one, it''ll be to your embarrassment and our amusement." Whispers spread through the crowd, a low susurrus that rustled the silence of the snowfall. Some of them looked at one another with a gleam in their eyes, while others shook their heads or rubbed their arms nervously. "But remember," Thorsten''s tone softened, the gruff timbre taking on an air of gravitas, "the aim ain''t to endanger anyone." He looked over at Ebonheim who nodded. Her golden eyes were earnest, their usual mirth subdued. He knew she shared his concern. "If any of you feel you can''t continue, call out Ebonheim''s name. She''ll fetch you and bring you back. We''ll also have watchers throughout the forest. Any sign of danger, and you''ll be brought back." Thorsten let out a deep, satisfied sigh as he surveyed his audience. "There''s an end to this little exercise, a reward for those who endure and succeed. You will be rewarded with a meal cooked by our goddess herself." A loud cheer rose among the crowd, voices ringing with a vibrant enthusiasm as the younglings scrambled to reach the cart. Thorsten stepped forward to open the bundle, handing over a few items to eager hands, while the adults watched from a respectful distance. "Be careful out there!" Hilda called out as she made her way towards Thorsten. "Remember to stay warm, find water, and eat properly." As Thorsten watched the crowd break up and disperse, he caught sight of Serrandyl approaching the cart and gathering her supplies into a sack slung over her shoulders. He gave her a quick, questioning glance. "You''re participating?" Serrandyl''s tail flicked around with an eager wag. "Why not? Sounds like fun!" she answered, a toothy grin on her lips as she brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. "Besides," she continued, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I want to see what those magical traps do." Chapter 48: Thorsten’s Frozen Challenge, Part II On the frost-kissed afternoon of the challenge, a rousing cheer echoed across the village as participants, clad in furs and clasping their basic kits, set off into the icy embrace of the Eldergrove. Some strode with lone-wolf confidence, while others huddled in small bands, their voices mingling with the sigh of the wind through the skeletal trees. The day unfolded with a symphony of sounds ¨C the crunch of boots on virgin snow, the scrape of flint against steel, and the low murmur of voices discussing strategies and plans for the trial ahead. A skinny tailor named Huxley, known for his relentless work ethic and steady hand, wrestled with a stubborn fire. His hands shook, the wind''s icy fingers making his attempts all the more challenging. Finally, after a long and arduous effort, the flame from his flint and steel ignited the kindling on the log and soon the crackling warmth of his fire bloomed in his small clearing. He let out a tired but satisfied sigh, puffing his chest out as though he had accomplished some great feat. His companion, a stoic man named Waylan, merely grunted his approval as he wrapped himself in his cloak while tending to his own fire, a small pile of logs stacked in front of him. Huxley made his way to Waylan and plopped himself down with a grunt, warming his hands with his fire and wiggling his toes inside his boots. "Three days and three nights," he said, shaking his head in disbelief, "can''t believe I agreed to this." Waylan turned towards his companion, an amused glint in his eyes, his lips curled into a thin smirk. "Surely you didn''t expect anything less?" he replied in his cool voice. "This is Thorsten we''re talking about." Huxley shrugged and leaned forward to prod the flames with a stick. "I mean, yeah, but... survival?" he muttered, shaking his head again before adding a branch to the fire. "And those magical traps..." As if on cue, a piercing scream echoed through the forest. Both men jerked at the sound and whipped around to locate its source, their eyes darting around for any movement or change in the landscape. After a moment of silence, they shared a knowing glance and sighed in relief as they returned to their fires. "What in the bloody abyss was that?" Huxley muttered as he leaned forward to place another piece of wood onto the fire. "Someone must have run into one of those traps," Waylan said with a wry smile, "and judging by the sound... I think it''s the beastkin girl that joined us." Huxley''s eyebrows shot up as he let out a laugh. "Ouch," he said with a low chuckle, "poor thing." "If anything, she probably had it coming," Waylan retorted as he turned back to his fire again, poking at the kindling with a stick. "I overheard her mentioning that she wanted to see what that old Arcanist''s traps could do." Huxley let out another laugh and clapped his hands. "True!" he said as he turned back to his own fire. "Sounds like her luck ran out." A lull fell upon them as they resumed their respective tasks¡ªthe fire crackled in the silence and the howl of the wind filled their ears. Soon, another scream resounded through the forest, the sound less shrill than before and more akin to a growl than a cry for help. Huxley and Waylan shared another glance before rolling their eyes and shaking their heads with a small smirk on their faces. "Go, warrior girl!" Huxley cheered as he puffed his chest out again with pride. "Go forth and conquer!"
From his vantage point on the hill, Thorsten watched from a distance, his gaze keen, hawk-like, focused on the specks of light from the participants'' fire pits. From time to time, a brief glimpse of someone wandering past his line of sight would cause his brow to furrow and his jaw to tighten. When he saw someone take a wrong turn or cross paths with one of the traps, he let out a frustrated sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. His breath clouded the air in puffs, mixing with the swirling snowflakes, an icy ballet that marked the passing hours. His weathered fingers traced the handle of his enchanted axe, the cold metal familiar and comforting. The engraving was barely visible under the layers of use, but he knew every groove, every curve of the sigils that marked his status as an Ulfhendar. His gaze softened, a flicker of memories lighting up the craggy landscape of his face. His years as a warrior had aged him, the weight of battles fought, and comrades lost etched into his soul. He watched the flickering fire pits, their warm glow a defiant stand against the creeping chill of the winter night. His mind wandered to the villagers, their enthusiasm and nervous anticipation tangling with the sobering reality of surviving the Eldergrove''s brutal wilderness. A smile tugged at his lips, a quiet chuckle escaping his mouth, the sound muffled by the hush of the falling snow. Bold as a summer storm, they are. His gaze drifted from one fire pit to another. The flame was life; it was warmth in the biting cold, a guide in the forest''s shadowy depths, a beacon for the weary. As long as those flames burned, the spirit of the villagers lived on. Thorsten squinted, his keen eyes picking out a figure gathering firewood¡ªSerrandyl, he recognized. Even from a distance, her fierce determination was unmistakable. He watched as she turned to help another participant, her muscular figure bending to assist the smaller one with their bundle. There was strength there, he mused, not just of the body, but of the heart as well. He remembered the sly grin on her face when she¡¯d announced her participation, the twinkle in her eyes when she''d mentioned the magical traps. It had amused him, that spark of eagerness. But watching her now, he saw more than just a thrillseeker¡ªshe was dedicated and earnest, ready to help anyone who needed her. Perhaps his original assessment of her had been too hasty?¡ª He saw Serrandyl plunge herself into one of the traps, her scream echoing through the forest like a song, and he let out a snort of laughter. Well, perhaps not too hasty then.
Under the canopy of the forest and through the crunching undergrowth, Serrandyl hunted with the precision of a seasoned scout. She panted heavily as she trudged through the snow, sweat dripping down her forehead despite the winter chill. While her legs ached and her muscles burned with fatigue, she felt an exhilaration run through her as she stepped over fallen trees and shrubs, the scent of snow, evergreen, and earth filling her nose with each breath she took. She detected the first trap not with her keen sight, but her sensitive nose. As she reached a bush, she paused for a moment to sniff at its surface. It smelled of elderberries. That was odd. She had learned that elderberries didn''t bloom in winter. She followed the scent until she found a bush abundant with unseasonal fruits. "Here goes nothing," she muttered before giving the bush a gentle poke. Poof! With a startled yelp, Serrandyl leaped back, landing on her bottom in the snow. Slender vines from the bush slithered out and squirmed their way beneath her coat and breeches, tickling her bare skin. Her eyes widened into saucers as she shrieked with laughter, causing nearby birds to take flight from their roosts. She wriggled around, struggling to reach into her coat with her gloved hands to remove the clinging vines¡ªbut the gloves failed to a grip on the slimy ropes and they simply wormed their way further into her clothes. Their assault left her dizzy and helpless, laughing uncontrollably as she kicked her legs in the air, her tail thrashing about wildly. In the middle of her hysterical laughter, she spotted a trio of participants for Thorsten''s challenge walking past her location, chatting amiably amongst themselves. One of them¡ªa woman with braided blonde hair¡ªturned to her with a furrowed brow and frowned. "Is everything all right?" she asked with a curious tilt of her head. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Serrandyl struggled to compose herself and wipe the tears from her eyes as she smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "Fine!" she yelled, still giggling as she added, "just a false alarm! Also... if you find any elderberries, don''t touch them. It''s a trap!" While the other two exchanged confused glances, the blonde woman chuckled and nodded her head in understanding. "Ah," she said with a shrug, "thanks for telling us. We''ll be careful." The group left and after a nod and a final wave, Serrandyl covered her mouth to stifle another burst of laughter as the vines continued to slither about her body. When she finally regained control of her breathing, she tore off her gloves, yanked off her coat, and peeled off her pants, before gripping the vines firmly between her claws and tearing them free from her skin. Panting heavily and wiping the sweat from her brow, she grabbed her belongings and quickly put them back on before as the frigid air crept through her damp clothes and began to nibble at her skin. She grumbled in annoyance, flexing her sore muscles as she adjusted her layers again. "Ugh! Freezing!" she hissed as she shivered, rubbing her arms vigorously to keep warm. She sneezed, sending a spray of droplets flying into the air, and hurried away from the cursed bush, vowing never to touch an elderberry bush again. The second trap she encountered was triggered by her lack of attention to her surroundings¡ªnot due to negligence or recklessness but rather because she was lost in thought. One moment she was scouring the forest floor for pinecones to build her fire with; the next, she tripped over a gnarled root and tumbled forward, her fall broken by a prickly bush. In an instant, her fur coat had transformed into an oversized feathered outfit, complete with a ridiculous cap and a large peacock tail. She glanced at her extravagant plumage, stunned by the garish spectacle, before the chilling cold settled in and drove her to stand up and elicit a string of loud, colorful curses from her lips followed by a shuddering sneeze. Her ears perked as she heard Ebonheim''s laughter far into the distance. Serrandyl blushed and glared at the canopy above, her tail swishing angrily behind her. "Shut up! This isn''t funny!" she yelled, kicking the nearest tree with her foot. Still fuming, she stalked off in search of shelter, pulling off her strange hat and clutching it against her chest. Without her fur coat, she couldn''t resist the biting cold anymore and her cheeks flushed red as she shuddered violently. "Brr!" she mumbled as she stomped through the snow, glaring at the passing scenery as though it had insulted her family. She needed to find shelter soon and start a fire¡ªfast. Hopefully whatever magic turned her clothes into this travesty would only last for a short while. Soon, she stumbled across a hollowed-out log and gratefully climbed inside, curling up into her blanket to shield herself from the bitter cold. There she remained, hugging her makeshift tent tightly and desperately trying to sleep through the evening hours. But every time she drifted off, she would wake up with a start, gasping for air and trembling from the cold, which was gradually getting worse. "R¡ªright. Gotta start a f¡ªfire." She groaned as she untangled herself from her blanket and got to her feet, swaying slightly as she walked towards the opening of the log to peer outside. "Just gotta find some sticks." Despite her urgency, she moved slowly and cautiously as she collected deadwood and piled them up near the log''s entrance before retreating inside again. Then, with trembling hands, she used her flint and steel to strike sparks into the wood, coaxing the faintest glow into existence. Once the tiny flame flickered to life, she held her breath as she crawled out of her log shelter to toss the branches onto the fire. When the heat finally permeated her bones, she flopped onto the ground and rested her head against the log''s rough exterior, watching as the flames consumed the twigs and grew larger. Eventually, she succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep, snuggled close to the fire.
The second day dawned with a sky heavy with grey clouds. Participants wandered through the forest in search of sustenance¡ªboth food and fuel for their fires¡ªin order to prepare for the night ahead. They kept their conversations brief and quiet, listening intently for any unusual sounds that might indicate a magical trap. By now, most had figured out how to spot the subtle indicators of such traps, and thus avoided being caught in them. But Serrandyl, determined to see through each one, persisted in her foolish quest to explore each and every magical trap in the forest. By the third day, even the hardest-nosed survivors had started to waver. Most of them sat by their campfires shivering from the cold, quietly praying to Ebonheim for salvation and promising to give her gifts for a tasty meal when she finally emerged from the forest to pick them up. A sudden roar of winds broke through the relative calm of the forest, accompanied by a furious tempest of snowflakes. Several pairs of eyes peered through the dense foliage, glancing upwards at the cloud-heavy sky. The gentle snowfall swelled into a malevolent squall. Delicate flakes transformed into a tempest of white a howling blizzard that blotted out the sun and turned the afternoon into a twilight landscape of ice and snow. Serrandyl''s eyes hardened as the weather worsened. Lithe and swift, she cut through the icy gusts, ignoring the discomfort as she raced to find the other participants. "Follow me!" Her voice boomed across the wilderness, bouncing off the leafless trees and calling out to the others hidden within the blinding snowstorm. "I''ll guide you back!" A ragtag group of participants, mostly ones her age, scampered to her, their eyes wide with panic. Their frightened whispers reverberated through the woods like a song of dismay as they pushed through the storm to follow Serrandyl''s direction. "Hold on to each other!" Her voice, a resonant command that rivaled the storm''s fury, cut through the howling winds. "Don''t lose sight!" Several did as she instructed, forming a loose chain and following her closely as they headed back to the village. Despite the brutal conditions, they pressed on, stumbling through the drifts and sinking waist-deep into the snow. They would pass by Huxley and Waylan who sat huddled together, both miserable and half-frozen, waiting for rescue. "Ebonheim! Goddess save us!" Frantic calls began to echo through the storm, panicked voices cutting through the gale as people shouted to one another. Ebonheim emerged from a nearby tree, her aura blazing brightly amidst the swirling snow. A comforting warmth washed over the group, instantly dissipating the bite of the freezing temperatures and calming their fear. "It''s okay," she said with a reassuring smile, "I''m here." Serrandyl breathed a sigh of relief as she gazed at Ebonheim. "I''m going to go around and find the others," she said, nodding to Ebonheim before sprinting off through the blizzard.
The snowstorm swirled around Thorsten like a frothing sea of white, its icy tendrils reaching out to seep into the marrow of his bones. He stood his ground, his face steeled in the frigid wind, his brows furrowed in deep thought. Something was amiss; The sudden escalation of the storm was not lost on him. The nature of the tempest was too violent, too out of the ordinary to be a mere trick of weather. In the back of his mind, a nagging suspicion stirred, a memory from his past days as an Ulfhendar¡ªwarriors who held dominion over the icy wilderness and its magical creatures. A memory of one creature, in particular, came to mind. A winter wolf¡ªa beast of legends whose presence could conjure brutal snowstorms. Did the valley contain such a creature? Was it hiding somewhere, patiently biding its time before unleashing its wrath upon the unwary? His answer came in the form of a guttural roar. Through the haze of snow, a large silhouette gradually appeared, darkening the field before him. Its outline blurred as it prowled towards him, yet he could make out enough to know that it was huge. A creature emerged from the blizzard, each step a deliberate imprint in the white expanse. Its fur, a crystalline white, almost glowed against the snow, its form undulating with a savage, silent grace that belied its monstrous size. "At times like this, I wish I''d been wrong," he muttered under his breath. The winter wolf''s ice-blue eyes glowed with a spectral light, an arctic fire that bored into the shelter and found Thorsten''s gaze. A shudder ran down his spine, the memories of his Ulfhendar days flooding back, a deluge that consumed his senses and transported him back in time. Thorsten''s past surged forth, a tide of vivid recollections. The years fell away, revealing a younger version of himself, standing tall and proud in the role of an Ulfhendar. He remembered his first encounter with a winter wolf, a duel to the death on a frost-laden field, where every breath stung his lungs and the landscape was as white as the beast he battled. He recalled the terrifying majesty of the creature, the raw power it wielded over ice and snow, the way it could transform a calm winter''s day into a chaotic snowstorm. The Ulfhendar''s creed echoed in his mind¡ªa promise he had whispered in the heart of countless snowstorms: I am the storm''s end. I am the beast''s bane. The wolf''s haunting howl rang out, echoing through the frozen forest, heralding the battle to come. It pawed at the ground, ready to attack, while Thorsten merely watched, letting the familiar dread settle in his stomach. His fingers tingled with anticipation as he drew his axe from its sheath and braced himself for battle. Chapter 49: Thorsten’s Frozen Challenge, Part III Thorsten stepped forward, the light of recognition dawning in his steely gaze. Before him stood a winter wolf, a beast from an age-old legend, a mythical adversary. Its form seemed to blend into the snowstorm, creating a spectral illusion, its ice-blue eyes the only beacon in the whiteout. Its eyes, a pair of luminescent azure orbs, bore into him, piercing through the swirl of snowflakes. Each breath it released fogged the air before it, its powerful exhalations dancing with flecks of ice. The sight of the beast did not induce fear in him, but rather a deep sense of familiarity. It was a reminiscent echo from a past he had lived, a past he had worn like a second skin. The name of his past life¡ªUlfhendar¡ªcoursed through his veins, resurrecting memories he''d thought long-buried beneath the drifts of time. Images of himself, bedecked in the pelts of slain wolves, raced across his mind, his heart pounding with the rhythm of tribal drums, his ears filled with the call of the wild, the old rites of battle. The blizzard was no longer just a storm to him. It was a battlefield, and the winter wolf a worthy opponent. Ebonheim''s domain was threatened by this formidable intruder, and as a guardian of the village, he would not stand by. As the wind howled around him, Thorsten took a step towards the monstrosity, his grip tightening around the haft of his enchanted axe¡ªGaldraslag. Its blade shimmered with an arcane light, resonating with the chill of the blizzard. "You''ve picked the wrong place to wander," he growled as he fixed his gaze on the beast. "Leave now, and I won''t have to carve your pelt from your hide." The wolf howled, an eerie dirge that seemed to intensify the storm, whipping up the snow in vicious eddies that almost obscured its form. The frost bit into Thorsten''s skin, each gust of wind an icy lash against his face, but he held his ground, his grip tightening around the hilt of his axe. With that, the beast lunged, leaving behind a cloud of snow. As the wolf lunged, Thorsten roared, invoking the Wildheart Defiance. A warm surge coursed through him, making his skin feel as if it were reinforced with iron, the winter''s cold grasp blunted against his enkindled resolve. The winter wolf''s jaws snapped closed just inches from his face, its icy breath stinging his eyes. But Thorsten was quicker, sidestepping the beast''s attack with the nimbleness of a warrior in his prime. The Wolf''s Instinct, an Ulfhendar ability, enhanced his perception, sharpening the world around him as though time itself had slowed. He struck out with his axe, the enchanted blade biting into the beast''s flank. The wolf howled, more in surprise than pain, its form momentarily flickering in the storm. Thorsten felt a primal satisfaction, his Berserker''s Fury fuelling his strength, filling his senses with a visceral anticipation for the next strike, even as his defense seemed to thin against the creature''s counter-attacks. With a swift movement, the wolf retaliated, its enormous paw slashing towards Thorsten. He deflected the blow with his axe, the force of the hit sending a jarring shiver up his arm. But he stood firm, his boots sinking deep into the snow, his heart pounding with an adrenaline-fueled rhythm. In a show of supernatural prowess, the winter wolf reared onto its hind legs, its mouth opening to release a freezing gust, a blizzard within a blizzard, that seemed to freeze everything it touched. It swept across the field in a raging torrent that sent shards of ice flying in all directions, threatening to freeze Thorsten where he stood. Yet, Thorsten stood his ground, his Ulfhendar''s Roar echoing against the storm''s fury, the booming sound causing the beast to falter. Fear flickered in its ice-blue eyes, a brief lapse that gave Thorsten an opening. Thorsten charged, sidestepping the wolf''s icy jaws at the last moment. With a swift spin, he brought Galdraslag down in an arcing sweep. The enchanted axe bit into the wolf''s flank, drawing a snarl of pain from the beast. With a twist of his wrist, Thorsten reversed the momentum of his swing and spun around to bring Galdraslag crashing into the wolf''s hind leg. It leapt away, dodging the strike, its sharp claws carving grooves in the snow as it skidded to a halt. The Ulfhendar spirit within Thorsten flared, awakening his instincts, igniting his rage. As the wolf sprang at him again, he roared and hurled himself at the beast, colliding with its muscled form and knocking it off-balance. They tumbled across the snowy field, exchanging blows and striking blows until Thorsten straddled the wolf''s midsection, his weapon poised to strike. A ferocious growl erupted from its jaws as it attempted to roll itself over, forcing Thorsten to release his hold on its throat. They grappled with one another, rolling over in the snow, trading blows until Thorsten delivered a punishing kick to the wolf''s muzzle, stunning it momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Thorsten flipped himself over and rolled to his feet before stepping forward to launch another blow at the beast''s exposed flank. Again, Galdraslag sliced through the wolf''s flesh, spilling ichor across the snowy field. However, the winter wolf retaliated with a snap of its jaws, its fangs digging into Thorsten''s arm. A stream of crimson flowed from the wound, splattering across the snow as the Ulfhendar danced away, blood flowing freely from his torn flesh. He clutched his arm as he assessed the damage. While not lethal, the injury would need to be tended to later. However, there was no time to dwell on it¡ªthe wolf charged at him again. This time, Thorsten anticipated the attack and blocked the wolf''s snapping jaws with the axe''s blunt side, grunting as he wrestled with the beast. Using its momentum against it, he launched the wolf over his shoulder, flipping it through the air and slamming it into the ground. While the wolf scrambled to its feet, Thorsten pulled out a handful of throwing knives from his belt and hurled them at the beast. It reared back as the projectiles sunk into its shoulders and sides, allowing Thorsten to regain his footing and draw his axe once more. Calling upon Predator''s Vigor, he felt his wounds start to close, the intense chill lessening as his body regenerated. It was a momentary reprieve, but one that offered a much-needed breath of respite. The bitter cold was kept at bay, held off by the resurgence of energy flowing through his veins. "Is that all you''ve got?" he taunted, heaving with exertion and spitting out a mouthful of blood, his words slurred through his split lip. "Thought you could take on an Ulfhendar?" With a primal roar ripping from his throat, Thorsten charged at the wolf again. His feet pounded on the snow, each step leaving a deep imprint in the white expanse. As he closed the distance, the winter wolf reared up, an aurora of frost shimmering around it. With a powerful swipe of its claw, it hurled a blade of freezing wind towards Thorsten. He pivoted, his enchanted axe raised to deflect the chilling attack. The force of the wind threatened to knock him off his feet, but his warrior resolve held. He took the opening, launching himself at the beast, his axe arcing down in a powerful swing. The axe met with the winter wolf''s hide, the blade cutting through the icy fur. A growl of pain and anger echoed across the field, the beast recoiling from the force of Thorsten''s attack. But it was far from defeated. It retaliated with a sudden lunge, its massive body a blur in the snowstorm. Thorsten stepped aside, barely evading the snapping jaws. He swung his axe again, aiming for the wolf''s flank, but his opponent was quick. The wolf spun around, its tail catching Thorsten in the chest and sending him sprawling in the snow. Before he could rise, the temperature plunged further, a cold so intense it was almost physical¡ªeven his innate resistance to the winter''s bite had its limits. The wolf summoned an ethereal armor of ice, its body encased in a layer of crystalline frost that amplified its formidable strength. Its eyes glowed brighter, the icy-blue hue a beacon in the storm. Suddenly, a figure bounded into the fray. Serrandyl''s crimson hair whipped around her as she sprang forth, plunging herself into the wolf''s flank and breaking through its ice shell. She straddled the wolf''s back, gripping its fur tightly as she pummeled its head with her fists. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Thorsten!" she called, her voice fighting against the howling winds to reach his ears, "Are you alright?" Thorsten''s eyes flickered in her direction, noting her frantic movements. "Fool! You shouldn''t be here!" he bellowed, forcing himself to his feet again. "You''re going to get yourself killed!" Serrandyl raised her head and glared at him, her red hair spilling around her face as she rained down a flurry of blows on the wolf. "Is that any way to talk to your comrade?" she growled, "I came to help!" The winter wolf roared as it writhed around in an attempt to shake off its attacker. Yet Serrandyl clung on, refusing to budge, even as she was flung around with each motion. Just as Serrandyl was about to rake her claws across the wolf''s skull, ice shards exploded from its back, catching her in the chest and sending her sailing across the snow. With a pained moan, she landed at Thorsten''s feet, blood seeping through her coat. "Fall back, girl!" Thorsten barked as he grabbed Serrandyl by the scruff of her neck and pulled her back. "You''re not suited for a fight like this!" Serrandyl grunted as he heaved her up. "I''m fine!" she hissed, wincing from the pain and wrapping her arm around her middle as she staggered back. Thorsten noted the frostbite on her fingers, the skin blackened and torn where it had touched the wolf''s icy armor. Patches of frost crept up her neck as she shivered against the cold, her teeth chattering loudly. "You''re not fine," he said as he glanced back at the wolf. "You''ll freeze to death before the wolf can tear at your throat." The wolf paced back and forth, its movements slow, deliberate. Its ice shell reformed, the creature''s frost-encrusted fur glistening under the livid glow of its eyes. "This battle is mine," Thorsten said as he glared at Serrandyl, his fingers tightening around the handle of his axe. "Get yourself to safety, now!" Serrandyl opened her mouth to protest but a bout of shivering silenced her. Shaking her head in resignation, she turned and limped away, making her way back towards the village. "Come back once you''re done!" As Serrandyl left, the wolf turned to face Thorsten. Its form began to shimmer, a prismatic fog rising from its fur before coalescing into an orb of frosty light. Then, with a flick of its paw, it hurled the icy sphere at him. With a grunt of effort, Thorsten heaved his axe upwards to meet the frozen projectile in midair. A sharp crack rang out, a line of fractures spreading across the ball''s surface as Thorsten deflected it away. The impact was more than enough to stagger him, his feet slipping and sliding as he skidded across the snowy field. Instinctively, he dropped to one knee to steady himself, using Galdraslag as a cane. With a grunt, he pushed himself to his feet again and readied his weapon once more. "Come on then!" he called out to the wolf in challenge. "Let''s end this!" With a roar, it bounded towards him again, its claws scraping against the ground and carving furrows into the snow. They collided in a flurry of motion, the force of Thorsten''s attack against the raw power of the winter wolf. As their battle raged on, the snowstorm around them grew more intense, as if feeding off their ferocity. Wind howled and ice shards whipped through the air, cutting through clothing and drawing blood as they sliced through skin and muscle. "I am the storm''s end!" Thorsten bellowed as he parried yet another blow from the wolf. "I am the beast''s bane!" Even through the blizzard''s fury, he could see the beast''s eyes¡ªa pair of piercing azure orbs that seemed to burn into his soul. It snapped its jaws at him, its chilling breath frosting the warrior''s beard. He countered with a powerful swing, his axe cleaving through the icy gusts towards the wolf''s face. It dodged, its form briefly flickering as it danced around him. Thorsten''s instinct led him to follow its movements, his axe sweeping through the air with deadly accuracy, striking blows wherever he could. Just then, a blue-white glow began to pulse within the wolf''s maw. Its icy gaze locked onto Thorsten as a swirling mass of frost gathered within its open mouth. Thorsten faltered for just a moment, his eyes widening in the face of the impending attack. And then, the world exploded in white.
The blinding light subsided, revealing a blasted expanse of snow-covered trees that had been blasted apart, their shards strewn across the battlefield. The winter wolf stood in the center of it all, its chest heaving and frosty breath mingling with the snow-laden wind. A dozen paces away, Thorsten rose to his feet, his rugged face a mask of blood and frost. Thorsten took a step forward and released a deafening war cry as he charged the beast again. The winter wolf leaped to meet him in a slashing attack that he sidestepped with almost unnatural ease. He reached within himself, tapping into his Ulfhendar abilities, a visceral energy rising in response. With a surge of Predator''s Vigor, his wounds began to close again, and his muscular form radiated an intense energy, heat rippling off him in visible waves. ¡°Come on, you overgrown pup,¡± Thorsten growled, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. In his hands, Galdraslag glowed with arcane fire. That was close¡ªmuch too close. One of its eyes was swollen shut before it spewed that icy blast at him, enabling Thorsten to barely dodge out of its path. Serrandyl''s attack. It had not been in vain. With a shout that echoed through the storm, Thorsten activated his Berserker''s Fury. His muscles surged with power, the veins in his arms throbbing with the force of his vitality. Every fiber of his being focused on the winter wolf, his whole world shrinking until nothing existed but him and the beast. The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping, its icy claws leaving trails of frost behind. With a roar, Thorsten met it head-on, his enchanted axe biting deep into the beast''s flank. Blood oozed out from the wound, splattering across the snowy field as he cleaved into its skin. He spun out of the way, the wolf''s jaws closing on empty air. With an agility that belied his size, Thorsten rolled, putting distance between him and the beast. It charged again with another roar. Thorsten did not hesitate to meet it¡ªhis Berserker¡¯s Fury igniting. His strength swelled, veins pulsating with a primal might. His grip on the axe tightened, its keen edge slicing through the bitter air. But as the wolf drew closer, Thorsten realized his mistake. His defense had dropped, leaving him vulnerable. The wolf¡¯s powerful jaws snapped shut, the force of its bite throwing him back. He skidded across the icy ground, the taste of blood fresh in his mouth. A ragged breath hissed through his clenched teeth as he pushed to his feet, the world spinning. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging through his veins. He tapped into his Wolf¡¯s Instinct, his perception sharpening until every snowflake, every gust of wind became an intimate detail. He saw the winter wolf bounding towards him again, its jaws agape, ready to bite down on his throat. In the midst of the icy onslaught, Thorsten activated Ulfhendar''s Roar. His bellow filled the snow-laden air, echoing off the nearby trees. The effect was instant, the winter wolf paused, its good eye flickering with fear. Capitalizing on this moment of hesitation, Thorsten closed the distance, his body seeming to blur as he darted across the snowy field. Thorsten swung his axe at the wolf''s muzzle as he neared the beast. His blade struck true, slicing across the animal''s face. A growl of pain erupted from its jaws as Thorsten withdrew his axe again and spun around to deliver another blow, the blade slicing across the wolf''s throat. In a moment of pure fury, Thorsten slammed the pommel of Galdraslag against the wolf''s skull, and the beast staggered back, its legs collapsing beneath it. With another roar, he brought Galdraslag crashing down into the wolf''s neck. It sunk deep into the animal''s flesh, spraying ichor as it cleaved through fur and bone. A guttural growl erupted from the beast as Thorsten wrenched his axe free, its blade stained with blood and gristle. A spray of blood hit his face, its coppery stench burning his nostrils. There was no hesitation, no time for remorse, no pity for the wolf whose life was slipping away. It had brought this on itself, had dared to enter Ebonheim''s domain, and now he would send it to its death. The winter wolf opened its maw, preparing for another icy blast. But with a final roar, Thorsten swung Galdraslag again, severing the beast''s head from its shoulders with a single blow. Blood and gore spurted out, splashing across the snowy field as its head tumbled to the ground and rolled to a stop a short distance away. The light in its eye flickered out, its body convulsing once before lying still. Thorsten stood there for a moment, panting heavily as he let the adrenaline rush course through him, his heart thumping loudly in his chest as he slowly let out a ragged breath. The snowstorm began to ease, the winds dying down to a gentle whisper. Thorsten stepped over to the headless corpse and nudged it with his foot, but there was no reaction. The frost seemed to melt away from its form, and its pelt slowly transformed into a simple fur coat as it lost its icy shell. Thorsten fell to his knees beside the wolf''s head, his hand reaching out to rest on its skull. The beast''s eyes, once filled with icy fury, now held a calm resignation. "Rest now," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the whispering winds. He closed the wolf''s eyes with a gentle brush of his fingers and closed his own eyes in turn. Silence fell, broken only by the gentle sigh of wind blowing through the surrounding trees. With a grunt of effort, Thorsten rose to his feet again and turned his back on the remains, sheathing Galdraslag across his back before trudging back towards the village. A few steps later, his legs buckled under him and he began to fall¡ªonly to be caught by Ebonheim''s warm embrace. Thorsten heaved with exertion, breathing deeply as he glanced down at Ebonheim''s smile of relief. "Didn''t know you were there," he grunted as he swayed, exhaustion finally setting in. "Are the others safe?" Ebonheim sighed, relief washing over her features as she nodded her head. "Yes," she said with a tired smile. "We''ve managed to gather them all." Thorsten said nothing. He merely nodded and rested his head against Ebonheim''s shoulder for a moment, welcoming her comforting warmth before he released his hold on her. "Good," he said, pushing himself up again. "Help me get there." With Ebonheim''s help, they walked through the snow to the village. Chapter 50: Arcana and the Akashic System, Part I 9th day of Frostflee, 1368 [Quintessence] 10718/16000 Spring arrived, bringing with it the promise of warmer days and green fields. Life in Ebonheim had returned to normal, or at least, what constituted as normal in this valley. The inhabitants of Ebonheim had gradually returned to their normal routines after spending most of the winter holed up in their homes to protect themselves from the cold weather. Only a select few remained outdoors throughout the bitter months; mostly the hunters who continued to do their patrols. Engin had packed all the essentials for his two-week journey to the neighboring city west of the Eldergrove. Bjorn, Thorsten, and a few other village guards would join him as he set out on his merchant venture to trade the gold ingots from the mine. Having already prepared for the trip, Engin now stood in the village feast hall, enjoying a few hearty bites of food to fuel his energy for the journey ahead. Bjorn and Thorsten stood nearby, each with a mug of ale in hand as they listened to Engin''s latest musings on politics and economics. "Such an era of change," Engin mused, his gaze far off as he watched the flames in the hearth. "Alliances are formed and broken with little consideration for the repercussions, but it matters not¡ªeach nation works to strengthen their hold over their own people while pushing their rivals further down." Bjorn grunted in agreement and took a hearty gulp of his ale as Thorsten merely stood there, listening, his gaze distant as though he wasn''t even there. "How does such a terrible world even come to be?" Engin shook his head and sighed. "It is only by the grace of our benevolent goddess that we have been spared from this madness." Bjorn took another swig from his mug, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Yes," he agreed, his voice growing softer. "Ebonheim has blessed us." "Did someone just praise me?" Ebonheim appeared in the doorway leading into the feast hall, her gaze bright as she sauntered towards the group. "Ooooh, my heart is about to burst!" A few chuckles broke out as people turned to greet Ebonheim''s arrival. She approached the table with a delighted smile on her face, her features a mixture of childlike innocence and divine wisdom¡ªwell, her wisdom was still being cultivated. Engin smirked and nodded his head to the village''s resident goddess, "Yes," he said, "the villagers have been praising you quite a lot recently. You''ve been working hard to improve our lives and provide for us." "Have I?" Ebonheim asked as she leaned forward and glanced at Bjorn and Thorsten, who merely chuckled in response. "Well, I''m glad to know my people are doing well. Are you all set to depart today?" Engin nodded and stood up, pushing back his chair. "I believe so," he said, "though I do still need to make sure we have enough food and water for the journey." Bjorn gulped down the last of his ale and joined Engin as they made their way outside. Thorsten remained standing by Ebonheim''s side as they watched the two men exit the feast hall. "So, what''s on your mind?" she asked, peering at him curiously. Thorsten blinked, his thoughts returning to the present moment. "Hmm?" he asked, his gaze slowly turning to meet hers. "You seem like you have something on your mind," she said, her lips forming a small smile as she glanced at him. "Out with it." Thorsten sighed, glancing at her and then back at the doorway where the men had vanished through. "It''s been a while since I last took part in a long journey," he said, his brows furrowing as he returned his gaze to Ebonheim again. "Not to mention the city we''ll be going to is...not exactly one I''d care to visit." Ebonheim shrugged her shoulders and turned to face him again, her lips forming into a half-smile as she inched closer to him. "Oh?" she asked, her tone curious as she tilted her head to the side. "Is the great Thorsten Gustafsson worried about visiting a city? I would have never thought!" Thorsten blinked and straightened up, his brows furrowing again. "Wha¡ªno," he said with a frown. "Don''t be ridiculous." Ebonheim giggled and elbowed him in the side, her eyes glinting with mischief. "C''mon," she said with a bright smile, "what''s there to fear? You''ll be surrounded by friends on this journey!" Thorsten huffed and turned away from her, crossing his arms against his chest as he scowled in her direction, but there was no bite to his tone as he spoke again, "It''s nothing. I''m just not used to seeing such a large number of people in one place." With a quick pat on his back, Ebonheim smiled and reached out to take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You''ll be fine," she said, "just think of it as an adventure! New sights, new smells, and most importantly, new people you can meet!" Thorsten snorted and shook his head. "Perhaps," he muttered. Ebonheim rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove. "Stop sulking!" she said with a laugh as she started to walk off towards the village commons. "Don''t be such a grump!" With a reluctant nod, Thorsten followed after her, a small smile crept on his face as he lumbered along in her wake.
It took until the afternoon before Engin, Bjorn, and Thorsten were ready to depart Ebonheim. The men packed their belongings onto the two-horse cart Engin had prepared, along with a few canvases to use as makeshift tents and bedrolls for the journey ahead. Engin turned to Ebonheim and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We should be back within a month''s time," he said with a reassuring smile, "though I may be delayed if my contacts are busy." Ebonheim nodded and smiled back, "Alright," she said, "just be careful on your journey. We''ll be waiting here for you." "We''ll be back soon enough," Thorsten grumbled as he reached for his bag and hefted it over his shoulder. "C''mon, Bjorn." Engin sighed and shook his head in exasperation as he watched the two men walk off with their bags, muttering to each other under their breath. Then he turned back to Ebonheim. "I''m trusting that you''ll take care of my daily tasks while I''m gone," he said as he gave her a stern look. "You remember all that I taught you?" Ebonheim fiddled with her hair and nodded her head, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. "O¡ªof course, I remember," she said with an unsteady voice. "Everything will be fine, I promise." Engin sighed and shook his head again. "I have my doubts," he muttered as he patted her on the head, "but you''ve proven yourself to be quite resourceful." Ebonheim smiled and rolled her eyes playfully as she reached up to pat Engin on the back. "See you soon," she said as she guided him towards his cart, "make sure you bring back a few good stories!" This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. With a laugh, Engin nodded his head and climbed onto his cart, clucking at his horse to get it moving. Bjorn and Thorsten clambered onto the back of the cart and sat on a bundle of blankets and rolled up furs. Another cart manned by a few other guards trailed behind Engin''s. Ebonheim waved until their cart vanished into the distance, then sighed as she turned away and walked back towards the village, her hands on her hips as she made her way to Engin''s house. For now, she had work to do¡ªa lot of it.
A gentle breeze rustled the papers strewn across Engin''s oak desk as Ebonheim perused over his notes with a puzzled expression on her face. "Alright," she said, "so this is an estimate of all the gold we''ve mined?" It seemed like a lot, although she didn''t really have much to compare it to. Engin had taught her about currency and trade, as well as economics and all the many ways people managed to create wealth by either bartering goods or exchanging money. It was all a bit complicated, but Ebonheim had paid attention and tried to keep track of everything as much as she could. The village had no use for money, so the gold had just been sitting in Engin''s cellar until he left to sell it. While he was gone, Ebonheim had taken it upon herself to go through every account Engin had meticulously noted down¡ªeach one describing how much gold they had mined, along with the gold''s estimated value. "There''s quite a lot," she mused to herself as she looked over Engin''s notes again, "but I wish the mines had gems instead. They''re much prettier to look at." She continued to flip through the documents, looking over Engin''s observations and scribbles. The usual steady hum of life outside the window comforted her as she carefully traced her finger over Engin''s writing, humming to herself as she reached for the next set of papers. Just as she moved to the next page, a soft knock echoed through the room. It was a pattern she recognized. Th''maine. Ebonheim looked up from the parchment, a smile tugging at her lips. The old Arcanist had an uncanny ability to turn up just when she least expected him. "Come in," she called out, her voice echoing through the study. The door creaked open, revealing the familiar figure of Th''maine. His brown robes seemed to have seen better days, and his eyes, always brimming with enigmatic intent, searched hers for a moment before he strode in. "Ebonheim," he greeted with a nod, his attention now on the parchment in her hand. "I see you''ve been keeping busy." "Just taking care of a few things while Engin''s away," Ebonheim replied, gesturing for him to take a seat opposite her. Th''maine hesitated for a moment, then finally eased into the chair. His gaze drifted back to her, his expression guarded as always, almost as if he didn''t want to say anything, but there was always an uneasiness to his stance that suggested otherwise. "Ebonheim," he began, and something in his tone told her this was not a casual conversation. "I''ve given our previous discussion much thought. About the Akashic System, its secrets..." Ebonheim felt a twinge of apprehension as he spoke the words again. It had been a while since they last spoke about it, and Ebonheim had nearly forgotten all about it until now. Last time Th''maine broached this topic, it was clear he was treading on uncharted territory. "I recall," she replied, her fingers drumming lightly on the table. "And?" "I ask your cooperation once again," Th''maine continued, his voice hesitant. "I believe...I believe the time is right for us to pursue the truth." Ebonheim paused, her gaze dropping to the document in her hand. His request echoed in her ears, weighing heavily against the silence in the room. She could deny him, send him on his way. Yet, as she looked at Th''maine with his weary eyes staring at her, she found herself nodding before she could stop herself. "Alright," she replied, "where do we start?" Th''maine seemed to relax, a sigh escaping him as he ran his fingers through his gray beard. "We begin with our own histories," he said, "the history of the arcane." Ebonheim leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and folding her hands as she gave him her full attention. This sounded much more interesting than what she had been doing up until now. Was this just an excuse for her to procrastinate on her work? Maybe. Was Engin around to call her out on it? No. Was she a little concerned that Th''maine was delving into divine secrets that even she was not privy to? Very concerned. And yet, she was still curious. So far, she hadn''t really thought of why the Akashic System even existed, why she had this intimate connection to it, or what its role is in this world. This could be her chance to find out. "The basis of our understanding of Mana," he began, meeting Ebonheim''s gaze, "comes from the works of Arcanists of yore. They postulated that Mana is not merely some form of energy; instead, it''s the capacity of the mortal mind to interface with the Arcane." Mana? What did this have to do with the Akashic System? Ebonheim had to stop herself from blurting out her questions to Th''maine, but she was soon engrossed in his words again as he continued. "Mana is often misinterpreted as some form of energy. It''s not. Mana is the capacity of the mortal mind to comprehend and manipulate the Arcane." Th''maine took a breath before continuing. "At least, that''s how the first Arcanist, Elaedria, believed Mana to be. Based on what she had learned through her research, she theorized that every sentient being possesses this capacity for Mana¡ªthat Mana is not something unique to a particular creature." Ebonheim leaned back in her chair, her brows furrowed. "So, it''s not an energy source, but rather a form of cognition?" "Precisely," Th''maine said, nodding approvingly. "A mind capable of holding more Mana is simply one that better understands the Arcane''s intricacies." "And the Arcane?" Ebonheim prodded, intrigued despite her initial reservations. "The Arcane, or Arcana, as it''s often called, is the very magic that we Arcanists tap into," Th''maine elaborated, his hands moving as if to physically weave his words into existence. "It''s a rich tapestry of spells, rituals, and enchantments, all woven into the fabric of our reality." He gestured towards the symbols on the parchment, his fingers hovering over each one as he explained. "Druidry, Shamanism, even the outstanding abilities of warriors like Thorsten and Bjorn... they are all different expressions of the Arcana. They have distinct traditions, rituals, and interpretations, yes, but ultimately, they all tap into the same underlying weave of magic." "So Druidry, Shamanism... they''re different threads of the same tapestry?" Ebonheim asked as she cocked her head to the side. That seemed a little bit strange. If they all had similar traits, why was their practice so different? Wouldn''t that mean a druid like Hilda could learn and use magic like Th''maine does? "Indeed," Th''maine agreed, his gaze focusing intently on her. "They might differ in technique or form, but they all tap into the same source of magic. The Akashic System, as we''ve come to call it." Her eyes widened. Wait... was he saying that the Akashic System was some sort of repository for all magic? Then what was its connection to gods? Maybe there had been some sort of misunderstanding in the early research. Surely... "You believe that all magic is stored and administered by the Akashic System?" Ebonheim asked, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Isn''t that a bit far-fetched?" Th''maine grinned before answering, as if he had been waiting for her to ask this question. "Far-fetched? No. This is an ancient hypothesis, passed down through generations of Arcanists. We believe that the Akashic System is a divine repository of all magic, holding the patterns of every spell ever cast and every energy ever conjured." As he spoke, his face softened, his gaze drifting past her to the window, where sunlight streamed through the frost-covered glass. "Imagine if you could learn every single spell known to the world in a single instant. All the knowledge, all the wisdom, and all the secrets of the Arcane, stored in a single place, accessible at a moment''s notice. How would you even describe such a paradise? Such an impossibility?" Ebonheim fell silent as she mulled over what he said. She had no idea where Th''maine was going with all this, but he seemed confident in his theory. It was a bold claim, to be sure¡ªbut she herself had tapped into that wellspring of knowledge since inception. "Such an idea," Th''maine said softly, his eyes still focused elsewhere, "such a dream. All the wisdom, all the knowledge, all the secrets of the Arcane, at our fingertips. We Arcanists have long sought this paradise." Ebonheim pursed her lips as she absorbed this information. She glanced at Th''maine again, searching his eyes for any sign of misgiving¡ªand for once, she could read his expression clearly. Th''maine didn''t think this was an exaggeration. No, he believed it was something more. "So," she mused aloud, "If the Akashic System is the storehouse of all magic and Mana is your capacity to harness it, then what does that have to do with me?" Th''maine opened his mouth to reply, but hesitated again; his hands clasped in front of him as he stared at her for a moment longer before he finally spoke in a hushed tone, "Because I have reason to suspect...that gods are agents of the Akashic System." Chapter 51: Arcana and the Akashic System, Part II "So, if I''m understanding you correctly," Ebonheim began, her tone measured, "you''re saying that the Akashic System is at the heart of all magic, and that gods¡ªme being one of them¡ªare its agents?" Th''maine nodded again, "Precisely." He locked eyes with her, his gaze intense. "I believe that the gods are essentially agents of the Akashic System. They are the living embodiments of the Arcane, granted personality and agency by the system itself." Ebonheim blinked at this, her mind whirling. She thought back to her own mysterious origins¡ªthe collective will and wishes of the villagers manifesting her existence. No...it wasn''t the system that gave her life, right? The system heard the villagers'' prayers, granted them the power to manifest their will, and then...then she came into being? Did the system create her, or did the villagers? It felt like a brick had dropped into her stomach and was now rolling around in there as she considered the implications. Her existence...her very nature...could be explained by something as simple as an interaction between the Akashic System and the mortal world? No. That wasn''t quite right¡ªat least, she didn''t think so. "That... that''s a bold claim, Th''maine," she finally managed to say, skepticism seeping into her voice. Th''maine merely nodded, seemingly unperturbed by her disbelief. "It''s a radical thought, I know. But consider this: gods acquire Mana from their worshippers, yes? The more faith and worship they receive, the stronger they grow." Well, he wasn''t wrong about that, but also wasn''t quite right. She didn''t have Mana, she had Essence. And she didn''t receive Mana from the villagers, it was Quintessence. Even so, she kept quiet. It wasn''t as though she could argue with him about the exact details. "What are you getting at with all this?" she asked with a frown as she leaned forward again. "Why would the Akashic System need gods? Why us?" Th''maine took a deep breath, his gaze softening. "I think it''s about balance, Ebonheim. The Akashic System tasks the gods with keeping mortal progress in check, preventing them from overreaching. If a mortal civilization reaches the brink of its understanding and becomes too powerful¡ªbecomes too advanced¡ªthe system will intervene. Gods could serve as checks on mortals'' power." Ebonheim fell silent again as she mulled this over. Her skepticism was not diminished. She knew she had come into being because of the will and belief of the villagers. She was born out of need, love, and faith¡ªnot by the cold machinations of some impersonal system. As part of the village, he should know that. But she chose to hold her tongue, nodding for Th''maine to continue. "That''s the theory," he added after a while, "it''s not something I''ve proven." "So where does all this lead you?" Ebonheim asked. "What do you need from me?" Th''maine hesitated again, and Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel like he was holding something back from her¡ªbut this time, he seemed to weigh his words carefully before speaking again. "You are different than most gods," he explained. "In fact, you might be the only god I''ve encountered that seems...more like a mortal. I''m privy to your origin," he added, holding up his hand to stop her from interrupting him. "No god had ever been born from the faith of mortals before. They''ve always arrived from without¡ªalways from the fringes of the world. They come bearing the aura of divinity and the promise of salvation, of prosperity, and power in exchange for the worshipper''s faith." Ebonheim pursed her lips again, not exactly liking where this was going. "You are different, Ebonheim. I don''t believe that you are its agent. I believe the Akashic System has changed...or perhaps evolved," Th''maine explained, his voice hushed and urgent as he leaned forward in his chair. "If you are now the sole example of a mortal-born god, then perhaps you could be our way to...break through. To unveil the truths hidden in the Akashic System." Ebonheim blinked at him. Uncover truths? Like how exactly? "What does that mean?" she finally managed to say, her tone growing louder with each word. "Are you asking me to seek out answers for you?" Th''maine nodded. "Yes. You might be the only one who could uncover the truth. The other gods? I doubt any of them can even fathom the idea of prying open the secrets of the Akashic System." She pinched the bridge of her nose, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to organize her thoughts again. She was beginning to understand his intent, but at the same time, she didn''t like it at all. Something in the back of her mind was telling her that she shouldn''t pry into this any further¡ªthat it might be dangerous to even consider it. But maybe Th''maine was onto something and there was something in her mind that was causing her to withhold the knowledge she had? Or even something compelling her into resisting his wild theories? Ebonheim took a deep breath, opening her eyes again and meeting Th''maine''s gaze. "Your theory is... intriguing, to say the least." "Indeed," Th''maine agreed, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned back in his chair again. "But it''s just that, a theory. I cannot prove anything by myself. But with your help, perhaps we could." Ebonheim sighed and crossed her arms, her gaze drifting to the floor as she considered his request. On one hand, this sounded dangerous and risky. On the other hand, if Th''maine was on to something¡ªeven if it was just a wild guess¡ªthen shouldn''t they explore this? Shouldn''t she be willing to help him? If she was being honest with herself, there was a tiny part of her that was curious about this idea. Maybe she should look into it with Th''maine''s help, even if she didn''t believe she could be the agent of the Akashic System. Even if she didn''t fully understand her own nature, she didn''t feel like she was wrong about what she believed. And, well, this might be the only chance she got to figure out what she really was. "Alright," she finally said, nodding slowly. "What do we do first?" Th''maine seemed relieved by her response as he straightened up again and pushed back his chair, rising from his seat. "First," he said as he gathered his papers and placed them into a neat pile on his desk, "we have to understand how the Akashic System works¡ªor at least, how the gods interface with the system. Would you be willing to aid me in this endeavor?" Ebonheim took a deep breath, her gaze darting to the window beside her as she contemplated his question. There was no harm in it, right? It didn''t seem like anything dangerous or too reckless. So why not? She nodded again, and Th''maine smiled, reaching out to pat her on the shoulder. "That''s wonderful," he said, a glimmer of excitement shining in his eyes. "Then let''s begin." He began pacing in front of her, his questions came in quick and fast, like a deluge in the monsoon season. "So, how do you access the Akashic System?" he asked, and Ebonheim''s gaze snapped up to meet his again. "Is there an incantation or ritual you must perform?" Ebonheim hesitated before answering. "No, nothing like that. I just...know how to reach it," she finally said, waving her hand in the air as though trying to describe the phenomenon to herself. "It''s like a thought at the back of my mind. If I need something from it, I think about it, and the system responds." Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Th''maine hummed and nodded his head thoughtfully as sat down again. He began writing in his book, his eyebrows furrowed as he jotted down notes. "Could you consult the system if you had any questions, queries? Like a mentor or guide?" Th''maine continued, leaning forward, his quill poised over his parchment. She nodded in response, shifting her weight in her seat uncomfortably. "Yes," she said, "I suppose you could say that. It answers in its own way." "Mhmm," Th''maine hummed again, scribbling away in his notebook as he ignored her discomfort. "And how does the system...appear to you? Is it a being? A voice in your head?" That question gave her pause. How could she explain something so intrinsically strange and otherworldly? She considered her answer, the familiar sight of glowing letters and screens coming to her mind. "It''s neither, Th''maine," she began. "It''s... difficult to describe. The system...it manifests itself in a form that I can interact with. It...it appears as screens with glowing letters, floating in the air before me. I can see them, and they display all the information I need." Th''maine squinted, his forehead creasing as he tried to grasp her words. "Floating screens, you say? Like... magical parchment suspended in the air?" "Not exactly," she sighed, feeling the inadequacy of words in describing this phenomenon, "They aren''t physical objects. Only I can see them, and they just... appear when I need them." "Is there a screen present right now?" Th''maine asked as he leaned forward again, his attention on her face as if searching for something¡ªfor what, she didn''t know. Ebonheim shook her head. "No," she said, "it''s not active." Th''maine nodded again and continued to write, his lips pursed in concentration. Ebonheim found herself fidgeting again, her fingers tapping against the tabletop as she tried to keep herself still. "Does the system only respond to you?" Th''maine asked as he peered up again, his gaze piercing hers. "I think so. But you can try asking it something right now." Th''maine paused and studied her face again, then straightened up in his chair and cleared his throat. "Alright," he said, "O'' great system that houses all knowledge and power, will you please appear before me?" Silence. Ebonheim stared at him expectantly as he glanced at her, but nothing happened. After a few seconds, Th''maine cleared his throat again. "It didn''t work." Ebonheim shrugged again. "I didn''t think it would. But it was worth checking to be sure." Th''maine sighed and sat back down, picking up his quill again, "Let us continue, then. Does the system have an... essence, a distinct magical signature?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with scholarly fervor. "I... I don''t know," Ebonheim admitted. "It''s not something I''ve considered." "But surely, you must feel some sort of magical force when you interact with it?" Th''maine persisted. Ebonheim thought for a moment. "It''s not so much a force as... a presence, an awareness," she said, hoping her answer would suffice. Th''maine, to his credit, was nothing if not relentless. He continued his barrage of inquiries, each one more detailed and esoteric than the last. His quill danced over his parchment, capturing Ebonheim''s responses as best as he could. "Does the system ever refuse you?" Th''maine asked, his eyes flickering with a thousand unspoken thoughts. "I wouldn''t say refuse," Ebonheim replied, "It doesn''t respond to everything. Some things remain... elusive." Th''maine''s brows furrowed, but he nodded, "And if you were to request something from the system, would you receive it?" "Often, yes," Ebonheim answered. "But not always. There seem to be certain... rules, restrictions." Th''maine''s quill paused, he looked up, his gaze piercing. "What kind of restrictions?" The question caught Ebonheim off guard. She hadn''t contemplated the limitations in such explicit terms before. "It''s difficult to explain... It''s as if the system itself has a will, a purpose. It guides, but also withholds." "Interesting," Th''maine whispered, his eyes gleaming, "a will... an intent. Yes, that fits well with my theories." As the discussion progressed, she found herself wondering about the boundaries of her knowledge. Th''maine''s questions forced her to view her connection to the Akashic System from a different perspective. She realized that despite her familiarity with it, there was still so much she didn''t understand. Each answer she provided seemed to uncover a myriad of new questions. Th''maine, for his part, looked no less perplexed. His initial excitement was slowly replaced by a contemplative silence. Ebonheim watched as he tried to fit the pieces together, his expression a mix of awe and confusion. Despite his evident struggle, there was a spark of understanding in his eyes, a tiny flame in the vast darkness of the unknown. The office had grown silent, with only the occasional scratching of Th''maine''s quill echoing within its walls. Ebonheim watched as the Arcanist stared at the parchment, seemingly lost in thought. ¡°Does it show you the past, or the future?¡± Th''maine''s voice broke the silence, his eyes never leaving the paper as he asked the question. Ebonheim considered it, her brow furrowing slightly. ¡°The past, yes. The System can recall certain events, but the future...¡± she paused, shaking her head. ¡°I''ve never tried asking it about the future." Th''maine jotted down her response, nodding slowly. ¡°So it seems the System doesn''t hold omniscience then, or at least, it doesn''t share everything with its users." ¡°Perhaps," Ebonheim agreed, the corners of her lips lifting into a small, thoughtful smile. ¡°Or maybe it''s a limitation placed on me, not the system." He took a moment, absorbing her words before finally lifting his gaze to meet hers. His eyes bore into hers, intense and questioning. ¡°Does it feel separate from you? Or does it feel like a part of you?" Again, she was taken aback by his question. She had never considered her relationship with the system in such terms before. After a moment''s hesitation, she answered, "It feels... both. It''s separate in that it seems to have its own consciousness, its own rules. But it also feels a part of me, as if it were a second skin, or perhaps another sense." The room fell silent once more as Th''maine returned to his writing. His quill moved swiftly across the parchment, the words pouring out of him in an unsteady stream. Ebonheim watched as his brow furrowed, his fingers gripping the quill tighter with each passing second. Hours passed as they delved deeper into the mysteries of the Akashic System. The room filled with the hum of their conversation, interspersed with thoughtful silences. By the time Ebonheim looked out the window, the night had spread its cloak across the land, and the stars were strewn across the sky like glittering diamonds. Their dialogue had been exhaustive, both enlightening and draining. But when she turned back to Th''maine, she saw not a trace of fatigue. His eyes still gleamed with that unquenchable thirst for knowledge, their light a testament to his relentless pursuit. Eventually, Th''maine put his quill down, heaving a sigh of relief. His eyes, glazed with deep thought, met Ebonheim''s. A mixture of satisfaction and confusion flashed across his face as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°I still can''t fully comprehend the breadth of what you''re describing," he admitted, his voice filled with equal parts awe and frustration. ¡°It''s like trying to describe color to someone who was born blind. But, I believe...I understand more than I did before. This has been... enlightening." Ebonheim could only nod, unable to do much more than agree with him. She sat there, dazed and still trying to wrap her head around their conversation. It was like unraveling a tapestry, only to find more threads to be unraveled. Every answer she provided opened a door to new questions. "So...does that mean that we''re done?" she asked, her voice trailing off as her gaze drifted to the stack of parchments on the desk. Th''maine glanced at them, then turned his gaze back to Ebonheim, his lips twitching into a wry smile. "Not quite," he said, shaking his head as he continued, "I have more questions for you, many more. But those can wait. For now, we have made a good start." A wave of relief swept over Ebonheim as she slumped against her chair and heaved a sigh. Finally, they could stop. After hours and hours of discussions and debates, Ebonheim felt like she had just been dragged across a field at full sprint. Th''maine rose to his feet and patted Ebonheim on the shoulder. "Thank you, Ebonheim," he said as he gathered his papers and stuffed them into his satchel. "This has been a fruitful discussion indeed." "Of course," Ebonheim replied with a tired smile, rising to her feet as well. "I hope it helped." Th''maine''s smile brightened as he slung his satchel over his shoulder and nodded his head. "More than you know," he said as he stepped outside, his hand on the door. "You have my gratitude. We will talk more soon." With another wave, he left, leaving Ebonheim standing in the middle of Engin''s study, utterly exhausted. Chapter 52: Return to the Divine Auction 8th day of Raincrown, 1368 [Quintessence] 11845/16000 Ebonheim stepped through the portal into the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, blinking away the sensation of vertigo. As her vision cleared, the celestial vista came into focus, with the majestic ceiling painted with stars and constellations. It was even more magnificent than she had remembered. A year had already passed since then, yet the scene in front of her remained unchanged. Time, it seemed, stood still here¡ªeven if the gods went about their busy lives. As she drew nearer to the center, she could hear the murmur of chatter. It was quieter than she expected, but then again, the auction had not yet begun. There were a few gods and goddesses milling about as they conversed amongst themselves. Ebonheim walked past the large crystal columns and entered the main hall. She recognized a few of them, mostly from their distinctive appearances. Nephri, the serpentine goddess, lounged against one of the columns, the iridescent creatures swimming within her translucent body occasionally rising to the surface as they scurried about. Another goddess that looked like a towering statue of polished alabaster, stood beside a god with a crystalline body, talking quietly to one another. As she approached the group, they turned their attention to her. Before she could introduce herself, a loud voice cut through the murmur, and a god, clad in silver armor, strode towards her. "What''s this? A new face I''ve not seen?" said the armored god as he glanced at her, his eyes shimmering like gemstones within the void of his helmet. "Well met," he continued with a nod, "My name is Syntris. I oversee the nation of Nir''Vash, on the far shores of the Osnuan coast." "A pleasure," Ebonheim replied as she returned his nod. "I am Ebonheim." Ebonheim''s gaze flickered to Syntris, taking in his form. Syntris'' body appeared to be made entirely out of shining silver armor that melded seamlessly into a cloak of shimmering golden silk and a robe lined with flowing trails of diamond dust. When he moved, the gems embedded in his armor sparkled like miniature suns, reflecting the light from the crystals around them. Syntris seemed to study her as well, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than she liked. "Right, Ebonheim. I shall remember it. Is this your first time being invited to the auction?" Syntris asked, his tone brisk and polite. She shook her head in response. "No," she replied with a small smile, "I attended last year." "Ah! How splendid." Syntris clasped her on the shoulder, his grip firm and surprisingly warm despite its cold metallic appearance. "Then you should know what to expect¡ªand who to avoid." Before Ebonheim could ask what he meant by that, Syntris pointed towards a god on the other side of the room. Ebonheim followed his gaze, her eyes fixing on a deity that stood in the corner. Clad in a cloak as dark as the void, the deity stood alone, an island of darkness in the sea of celestial bodies. His form was a stark contrast to the grandeur of his divine peers, the frail outline of his body evident even beneath the cloak''s heavy drape. The cloak''s hood cast a shadow over his face, but the faint celestial light revealed a tangled mop of indigo hair that cascaded over his narrow shoulders. His skin was marked by intricate patterns that glowed with an eerie light, like a sprawling celestial map etched onto his flesh. But what truly mesmerized Ebonheim were his eyes. They were large and almond-shaped¡ªentirely pitch-black, as if they absorbed all light, radiating an intense depth that was almost unsettling. The rest of his attire was equally unusual. He wore loose breeches that were tattered and frayed, as if he had been traveling for years and never bothered to repair them. "Who is he?" Ebonheim asked, unable to keep the curiosity out of her tone. Syntris paused before answering, his voice dropping to a whisper, "That," he began, "is the most unfortunate vagrant god you''ll ever see. I believe his name is...Xellos. Yes, Xellos." As Syntris spoke, Ebonheim saw Xellos turn around to face them, his dark eyes meeting hers for a moment before turning away again. After a moment''s hesitation, she asked, "What happened to him? What''s a vagrant god?" Syntris chuckled softly and shook his head. "I had a feeling that you were still a godling," he said, his tone amused and faintly condescending. "Well, it''s quite simple. Vagrant gods are the unfortunate ones who have not yet managed to acquire their domain. They wander the mortal realm in search of settlements that they could either subjugate or appease¡ªwhatever method they find success in, but ultimately fail in the end. As such, they are left without a divine domain and find themselves wandering aimlessly, trying to gather what scraps of quintessence they can here and there. Poor, pitiful things." "Oh," Ebonheim said as she glanced at Xellos again. That''s...unfortunate. Just imagining herself in his shoes made her feel more than a little sympathetic. If things hadn''t ended up the way they did during that time, who knows what she might have ended up as? "Don''t feel too sorry for him," Syntris said, his tone playful and taunting. "It''s not like he''s the only one. There are a few others wandering around, even now. But, as I''ve said before. It''s best that you avoid him. There is nothing to gain from such an unruly acquaintance." Syntris walked away after that, his attention now on the other gods that had begun to gather, leaving Ebonheim to muse over his words. He didn''t seem particularly pleasant, but his warning to stay away from Xellos made her hesitant to approach. So she chose to linger by the columns and observe the scene from afar. This time, she was sure to participate in the Divine Auction. She hadn''t spent much of her accumulated quintessence over the year, so she had plenty to spend today. Rather than trying to purchase those Divine Abilities that she could acquire for a cheaper cost, the six artifacts that were on offer this year piqued her interest the most. Before she could drift further into her thoughts, Ebonheim almost missed the rhythmic cadence of melodies wafting through the Sanctum. Turning towards the sound, her golden eyes widened in joy as she spotted the familiar form of Ariastra. As always, Ariastra was breathtaking as she strode through the hall, a graceful blend of musical and human attributes. Her willowy figure was adorned with sparkling strands of gossamer silk, shimmering as the light struck them. The filigree of strings that intertwined her mahogany body produced a musical harmony, vibrating and resonating in time to Ariastra''s movements as she approached her. The stringed goddess lifted a slender hand in greeting, her gesture as graceful as a maestro directing a grand orchestra. Ebonheim returned the gesture with a warm wave and began to move towards her friend. "Ebonheim, it''s delightful to see you again," Ariastra sang, the notes forming words that seemed to dance in the air between them. "I trust you have been well?" Ebonheim smiled and nodded, "Yes, Ariastra," she replied as she gazed into Ariastra''s shimmering eyes. "It''s been a while." She looked around and added, "Is Aetheron joining you this time?" Ariastra shook her head and her musical tone became somber as she replied, "No. Unfortunately, the Akashic System did not select him to participate in this year''s auction. No one knows the exact criteria for its selection process, but a few have speculated that the more bids won during the Divine Auction, the likelihood to be chosen for the next one diminishes." "Oh," Ebonheim said as she pondered Ariastra''s words, "He did win a few last time. That''s unfortunate. I was hoping the three of us could spend time together again." "Indeed," Ariastra''s tone softened as she nodded, "Perhaps next year. With a little luck." Ebonheim couldn''t help but smile again at the thought and nodded. "I do hope so. So how have you been?" As they began to walk together towards the amphitheater, Ariastra''s body swayed gracefully, her alien physique creating harmonious music with each movement. "Busy, like always," Ariastra hummed in reply, her body strings vibrating with the tempo of her words. "Byllais has been thriving in the last year. More and more people have flocked to my domain, whether to tour its many marvels or simply to enjoy the arts. As such, I have been putting all my efforts into ensuring the city''s continued prosperity." Ebonheim nodded, her smile widening as she watched Ariastra''s animated body and listened to her melodic voice. "It sounds like you''ve been doing great things," she said, "I can only hope to do as much." Listening to Ariastra''s experiences, Ebonheim realized how different their divine duties were, and yet how similar their goals. Ariastra''s focus was on creativity and music, while Ebonheim''s centered around nurturing nature and her people. Yet both aimed for their cities'' prosperity and their inhabitants'' happiness. As they walked together, Ariastra began to recount her tales from Byllais, regaling Ebonheim with her descriptions of its many marvels and spectacles¡ªof its artistic communities, festivals, and performances, both grandiose and intimate. While listening to Ariastra speak about her city was inspiring to say the least, Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel a tinge of envy. Her village didn''t have anything like Byllais did. Sure, they had their festivals, feasts, and performances¡ªbut nothing on Ariastra''s scale. There were times when she had wondered whether her people needed more from her, whether she was providing enough to satisfy their wants and needs. Ariastra''s stories seemed to validate her worries and give them weight. Ariastra and Ebonheim found their seats, their arrival signaling the start of the Divine Auction. As they settled down, Ebonheim stole a glance around, studying the other deities that had gathered. From the corner of her eye, she could see Xellos standing in a far corner¡ªthe only one who seemed to be entirely alone. A pang of sympathy coursed through her again and she looked away. As Ebonheim watched him, Xellos turned to face her again, and their eyes met. Once again, he did nothing more than stare at her for a moment before turning away again. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. As the Divine Auction began, Ariastra shifted her attention to the stage as well. Ebonheim soon found herself following suit as she focused on the scene that unfolded before them. An Akashic projection manifested before the stage, with large glowing screens floating above its surface, their light casting the whole hall in a gentle glow. [The Divine Auction will now commence.] [Fifteen Divine Abilities and six artifacts will be offered.] As the message faded, the stage began to glow, the golden radiance emanating from the crystals on the floor illuminating the platform. One by one, screens with glowing words appeared on the stage as well¡ªone for each Divine Ability on offer. Ebonheim noted their names and descriptions. Even though she wasn''t planning on bidding for any of them, just reading what they were all about could be useful in the future. As the bidding commenced, Ebonheim watched as a number of gods bid on each one of them. It went on for a while before Ariastra finally raised her hand and bid on one of them. As Ariastra''s quintessence trickled into the Akashic System, she won the bid and received the Divine Ability in question. One particular ability caught Ebonheim''s attention¡ªnot because of how powerful it seemed, but because no god bid on it: [Name] Aura Inversion [Effect] This ability swaps the percentile of your remaining health with your Divine Aura''s. [Target] Self [Duration] Instant [Cost] 40 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage How peculiar. It seemed like a good way to replenish the aura. If she paired it with some form of health regeneration for herself, it could be useful. So, why were they not interested? Maybe they already had it. Well, she didn''t and the cost to purchase it through her usual method was only a hundred quintessence, so she''ll acquire it later. Something tells her that it could be useful. After that, Ebonheim lost interest as her mind began to wander again¡ªuntil an unfamiliar voice coming from what she thought had been an empty seat next to her caused her to turn around. "Why are you not bidding?" Xellos asked with a hushed and raspy tone. His expression remained inscrutable, but the pitch-black pools of his eyes were fixed on Ebonheim as she nearly jumped out of her seat in surprise. What the¡ªWhen had he moved there? And how had she not noticed him? She shook her head and replied, "Um...because I wanted to buy an artifact or two this year, not a Divine Ability," she explained, doing her best to keep her tone even despite the shock still coursing through her body. "Why?" Xellos asked, his voice incredulous as he leaned towards her, his dark eyes fixating on hers with an intensity that made her shiver. "Abilities offer so much more than artifacts," he added, his voice soft but insistent. "Not all gods seem to be aware of this truth." Ebonheim could only nod in agreement as she turned away from him and tried to ignore the uncomfortable sensation in her chest as he leaned in so close to her. She wasn''t exactly sure if she wanted to entertain his inquiry or not¡ªif she even wanted to engage with him at all¡ªbut his insistence and inscrutable gaze compelled her to say, "Because my...powers are enough to protect my village." A lie, she could tell that Xellos was unconvinced, but thankfully, he seemed to let it go, nodding his head slowly as he sat back in his seat. "I see," he replied as he turned away from her again and began to study the abilities on display. "If that''s what you wish to do, then I won''t question your choice¡ªno matter how foolish I find it." Ebonheim forced herself to maintain her composure and pretend that she had not heard those last few words¡ªbut the urge to reply was stronger than she liked. Fortunately, Xellos didn''t seem to notice her reaction and turned his attention back to the stage. She let out a long breath and slumped into her own seat. One glance towards Ariastra, who sat on the other side of her, revealed that her friend''s attention was still focused on the stage, so she too returned her gaze to the scene unfolding before them. As each Divine Ability was sold off, the screens on the stage vanished one by one until only one remained. Xellos'' body tensed as he sat up straight and stared at the remaining screen with undisguised intensity. [Name] Irresistible Influence Mantra [Effect] This ability allows you to weave your words with an almost irresistible force of persuasion. When this ability is activated, your arguments, requests, or commands carry a compelling power that can sway even the most stubborn minds. This could make social interactions more favorable for you by compelling others to agree with your perspective or comply with your requests. It could be particularly useful in situations where persuasion is key, such as negotiations, interrogations, or commanding subordinates. Bonus: +24 bonus to all Social actions. [Target] Self [Duration] One hour. [Cost] 60 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage Xellos raised his hand and spoke his bid. "Four thousand!" Ebonheim''s eyes widened. Xellos must have had a lot saved up to be able to make a starting bid like that¡ªfour thousand quintessence was an astounding amount, especially for a god who didn''t even have a domain yet. Wait...then how did he acquire that much quintessence in the first place? Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment longer as she studied him. Despite his ragged clothes and bedraggled hair, there was something about Xellos that caught her attention, a certain indefinable quality that she couldn''t quite place. Perhaps it was his dark eyes, or perhaps it was the faint glow of his strange markings that revealed an endless depth, but something about him left her unsettled, as if something was lurking behind his still exterior. No one else had bid after Xellos. Ariastra had given him an uncharacteristically long glance before shaking her head and turning away, as if she knew exactly why Xellos wanted that particular Ability. As a result, Xellos was the one who had won the bid. The screen floated towards Xellos before fading away as he placed his hand over it. There was a flicker of emotion in his dark eyes as he closed them, and a satisfied smile crossed his lips¡ªthe first Ebonheim had seen from him. "You must have really wanted that," she said, finding herself speaking before she even realized she had opened her mouth. Xellos'' gaze snapped up, his eyes meeting hers again. Ebonheim hesitated, her words catching in her throat as he regarded her with a piercing stare. After a moment, his expression softened again as he nodded and replied, "Of course I have," his tone was confident as if he was stating something obvious. "With this, I''ll finally be able to acquire a domain." With that said, Xellos rose to his feet and exited the amphitheater. Ebonheim turned to watch him go, and he did not look back even once, his stride purposeful and swift¡ªlike someone who had only one goal in mind and refused to deviate from it. She thought about the ability he had just acquired. While she didn''t know its full effects, she had a feeling she understood why he had been so determined to win it. He was probably going to use that ability to help him influence others so that they''d accept him as their deity. A frown crossed her face, and she turned back to watch the rest of the auction. Using such power to convince others to accept them, no matter how necessary it might be, was an act of manipulation. Did Xellos not recognize that? Did he not realize he was taking advantage of others by using that ability for his own needs? Or was she merely assuming he was using it for such purposes? Perhaps he had a different goal in mind... Ebonheim sighed and turned her gaze towards Ariastra, who seemed lost in her own thoughts as she gazed at the stage, her delicate fingers playing with the filigree on her body. Before long, the next phase of the auction began, and six artifacts appeared on the stage. This was it¡ªthe moment that Ebonheim had been waiting for all day, and yet now that the moment had arrived, she couldn''t help but feel nervous. After all, this was her first time acquiring a divine artifact, and she had been excited about it all week. Still, she forced herself to sit upright in her seat and pretend like she was completely calm and collected, despite the growing flutter in her chest.
Ebonheim left the amphitheater with a triumphant smile on her face, clutching the two artifacts in her hands, one on either side. The excitement still pulsing through her body made her bounce on her feet as she turned to Ariastra, who walked beside her. "I did it," Ebonheim said, the words bubbling up out of her like a stream in the spring, "I got my first two artifacts!" Ariastra hummed, and her strings hummed with her as she nodded and said, "That''s wonderful," her musical voice bright and sincere. "I''m sure they will come in handy." Ebonheim nodded enthusiastically as she turned her gaze to the items in her hands: One was a pair of gauntlets with intricate engravings in the steel, while the other was a chalice, carved from a single, transparent crystal that glimmered like a starry night sky. [Gauntlet of the Storm Giant] Drawing upon the power of storm giants, this gauntlet grants the wearer the ability to summon and command tempestuous weather. Thunderstorms, lightning, and high winds can be wielded at their command, making it an excellent tool for gods who wish to control the elements or unleash nature''s fury. [Chalice of Eternal Nectar] A goblet made of pure crystal, filled with an ever-flowing, golden divine nectar. This chalice can provide life-enhancing sustenance to a god''s most loyal followers, granting them vigor and prolonged life. The nectar glows with divine power, embodying celestial vitality. The bid for the gauntlet had been intense, fortunately, she had won it at what seemed like a fair price¡ªthree thousand quintessence. When the chalice had come on offer, she knew she had to win it. Everyone in her village would benefit from its use. She had started the bid at a generous one thousand five hundred quintessence...but no other deity placed a bid afterwards. No one seemed interested in the chalice at all. Why not? Why didn''t they vie for the chalice''s use? It seemed like a valuable item, not to mention the symbolism of such a gift. She turned to Ariastra, her smile wavering slightly as she asked, "I''m puzzled, Ariastra. Why did the others not contest more fervently for the Chalice? It offers so much to their followers." Ariastra seemed to ponder the question before replying. "It is not the lack of value, Ebonheim," she began, "The Chalice is potent, but to us, it is more nuanced than it appears." Ebonheim looked at her, waiting for further clarification. "It grants prolonged life, yes," Ariastra continued. "But it can cause rifts among followers, create imbalance, give rise to greed, jealousy, even violence. The substance of extended life can become a destructive force if not used wisely. Many gods fear this potential for chaos among their worshipers." Ebonheim looked at the Chalice in her hands, the golden nectar inside flowing like a river of light. "But surely, it''s about how you guide your followers in using it?" "Indeed," Ariastra affirmed, "it is about the right guidance. But many deities prefer to provide their followers with tools that demand less intervention, less moral and philosophical complexities. They fear the consequences of misuse, the potential disharmony it could sow, and perhaps the threat it could pose." Ebonheim frowned at Ariastra''s words. Was that really why no one else had contested for the Chalice? Was it because they thought they could never control its use among their followers? Maybe they were being too overly cautious¡ªbut maybe they had a point. Yet, she was undeterred. This was a chance to benefit her followers, and she would navigate the rocky path that lay ahead. There was another artifact she had wanted to get¡ªa staff that could calm the weather a certain amount of times per year¡ªbut the bidding had been so intense that she didn''t have the courage to continue bidding until it was too late. Oh well¡­at least she got these two. Good enough. "Ebonheim, why don''t you join me in my city?" Ariastra said, her melodic voice pulling Ebonheim back into the present. "Byllais has a great many marvels, and I''m sure you''d love to see them. I did promise to take you there last year, didn''t I?" Ebonheim''s smile widened as Ariastra''s words reached her ears. She had almost forgotten about that! Ebonheim had been curious about Ariastra''s city ever since their talk a year ago, and the idea of exploring a place like that was a tantalizing one¡ªespecially considering what Ariastra had said about Byllais'' musical culture and vibrant artistic communities. "I''d love to!" Ebonheim exclaimed, nodding her head enthusiastically, "Yes, of course!" Ariastra''s musical laughter sounded as she reached over to pat Ebonheim on the shoulder. "Wonderful!" Ariastra replied as her body strings vibrated with the tempo of her words. "Follow me then, I shall conjure a portal back to Byllais." With a snap of her fingers, Ariastra summoned a swirling portal in the middle of the hall, its vibrant surface shimmering with an ethereal radiance. Ebonheim followed Ariastra through the portal, and as she stepped through, the Celestial Plane melted away¡­ Chapter 53: Byllais, City of Tones The Sanctuary of the Divine Mandala lay behind them, its divine brilliance dimming as they traversed the ethereal pathways. The excitement of the Divine Auction was still a faint echo in Ebonheim¡¯s heart, but now, her anticipation was keenly attuned to the journey ahead. In front of her, Ariastra guided the way, her delicate form moving gracefully along the path, her gossamer garments trailing behind her like the tails of a celestial comet. As the shimmering veil between dimensions parted, Ebonheim and Ariastra stepped into a breathtaking panorama of white stone, glimmering towers, and cobbled streets bordered by graceful hedgerows and sweeping archways crowned with towering gates. On the horizon stood the sea, reflecting the afternoon sunlight in shimmering silver streaks¡ªbut as mesmerizing as the view was, Ebonheim couldn''t tear her eyes away from the center of the city. Glorious bridges, appearing like gossamer strands from a distance, arched gracefully over the city''s serpentine canals, connecting the city''s vast stone towers and marble edifices. Above each tower, a great glass dome shimmered with its own brilliance, each one illuminated by a celestial light that seemed to pour into the streets below, radiating in colorful streaks over the city''s rooftops and reflecting off its canals, filling the city with a mesmerizing glow. "Welcome to Byllais," Ariastra said, sweeping her hand across the horizon. ¡°My city. My symphony.¡± Ebonheim breathed in sharply. She had thought the Eldergrove forest to be enchanting, but Byllais was breathtaking in an entirely different manner. Her head spun as she looked around, her gaze drawn to every architectural marvel¡ªfrom its waterways, adorned with exquisite arches and decorative piers; to its glittering towers and elaborate gardens; to its bustling thoroughfares and airy promenades. Every inch of the city exuded refined beauty. She couldn''t help but envy Ariastra¡ªeven if only slightly. Compared to her little village, Ariastra''s city was beyond magnificent. For a moment, she forgot about the artifacts clutched in her hands, their sacred magic now but a distant memory. With a flick of her wrist, Ariastra conjured a grand chariot to float beside her, its golden runners trailing shimmering magic that glistened in the sunlight. Ebonheim''s eyes widened as she gingerly stepped aboard, feeling the pleasant heat that radiated from the chariot''s surface beneath her feet. Ariastra, on the other hand, seemed to glide across the chariot''s surface as if she was weightless, her body strings vibrating with her gait. After a moment, Ebonheim settled into her seat, finding herself relaxing as they made their way across the city.
As they journeyed through the city, the city folk cast their eyes upon the pair, expressions of curiosity, admiration, and reverence dancing upon their faces. They would nod in deference to Ariastra, offering her silent songs of respect. Ariastra''s name echoed in the melodic chatter of the city, spreading like an undercurrent among the throngs of people who bustled through the streets. Ariastra, however, paid them no mind. She was like the conductor of a grand orchestra, more focused on the overall melody than the individual notes. Her eyes never left Ebonheim''s, her attention devoted to nothing else. Through the winding avenues, they ventured deeper into Byllais, each new street leading into a new part of the city. As they journeyed, Ariastra explained the history, culture, and legends of Byllais, enriching the experience for Ebonheim with each new tale and anecdote¡ªfrom the mystical origins of its canals, to its more mundane beginnings as a trade hub. Their chariot stopped in front of a modest courtyard ringed by sculpted hedges. Ariastra motioned for Ebonheim to take a walk with her, leading her deeper into the courtyard, past fountains filled with colorful blossoms and lily pads, and into an open-air gallery. Ariastra began to point out the various arches and alcoves, each one adorned with a mosaic of clay and tile, depicting scenes of life within the city. "As you can see," Ariastra began, her melodious voice echoing in the empty chamber, "Byllais was founded as a trade hub, but its purpose has evolved over time." Ariastra lifted her hand as she spoke, gesturing at the mosaics on the wall beside them. "Each of these panels tells the story of the city''s development." Ebonheim smiled as she studied the scenes painted on the wall. While each one depicted a different event, all shared a common theme¡ªthe city''s prosperity through music and art. As they walked along the city streets, Ebonheim watched as people of all shapes and sizes went about their business, each one dressed in a variety of garments that ranged from plain to elaborate, each one unique and fascinating in its own way. Among the crowd, she noticed, were several individuals wearing robes of pure white, with distinctive markings on their foreheads and necks¡ªthey were probably Ariastra''s priests. Ariastra''s presence did not go unnoticed. As they passed, the citizens seemed to revere Ariastra from afar, giving them a wide berth as they walked. Some knelt, others whispered prayers, their faces etched with a profound sense of reverence and awe. The stark contrast to her own relationship with her villagers stirred a strange sense of unease within Ebonheim. She was used to warm smiles, shared meals, and friendly banter¡ªnot this distant adoration. Despite her discomfort, Ebonheim remained silent, her gaze steadfast as she continued to observe the city and its people, a silent promise to herself to understand this alien world better. Their journey took them through winding lanes and expansive plazas, all echoing with the harmonious hum of Byllais. As they strode, Ebonheim noted how the city dwellers barely interacted with Ariastra, save for distant expressions of reverence. She was like a melody held in high esteem but played from afar, touching the lives of the citizens indirectly. On a few occasions, when their path intersected with a priest or a member of the city''s ruling council, they would pause, offering prayers and reports to Ariastra. The deity would respond with a melodic hum, her strings vibrating to produce divine harmonies. It was an indirect way of communication that seemed to suit Ariastra, who emanated an air of aloof benevolence. A particular instance lingered in Ebonheim''s mind when a young woman, holding a newborn, approached them. She seemed to radiate a quiet desperation as she extended the child towards Ariastra. But before the woman could utter a word, a priest intercepted her, offering a quick prayer before sending her off with a blessing. Ebonheim found it odd. In her village, she would greet each person, and spend time learning about their lives, their dreams, and their worries. Despite her circumstances, she had always made the effort to talk with people, and had enjoyed learning about them. But here, in this vast city, she saw no such interaction. It was as if an invisible wall existed between Ariastra and her subjects. Her golden eyes turned to Ariastra. "Why didn''t you speak with her?" she asked, her voice a hushed whisper as they walked. "In my village, I know everyone by their names. I laugh and talk with them, help them when they''re in need, listen to their troubles, and try my best to counsel them if I''m able to." Ariastra paused to regard her, the stringed goddess tilting her head slightly. "I govern, inspire, and protect. They offer me their belief, and I give them a city of harmony. That is our bond. Interactions like these," she gestured at the retreating figure of the woman, "are for my priests to handle." But...wouldn''t that be unfair to them? Didn''t the citizens deserve to be heard directly by Ariastra as well? The detached nature of Ariastra''s rule was in stark contrast to her own interactions with her villagers. She thought of the guards who had lost their lives defending her village, of the promises she''d made to ensure their safety. In her heart, each villager was a friend, a family. "But isn''t it lonely?" She found herself voicing the thought before she could stop it. "You''re their goddess. Doesn''t it feel more...real when you interact directly?" Ariastra seemed to contemplate her question, her strings vibrating as she regarded her once more. "My role is not to be their friend but their deity. It''s a different kind of connection, one of reverence and respect. It''s harmonious in its own way." She resumed walking, gesturing for Ebonheim to follow. "Besides, I have tens of thousands of worshippers. It''s impossible to know each one of them personally." She gestured to one of her nearby priests, who was listening to a man plead for some assistance. "That''s why I have my priests. They interact with the people, and relay their needs and prayers to me. It''s more efficient this way." Eventually, they arrived back at the chariot and boarded, making their way to the center of the city.
After a while, their chariot came to a stop in front of an opulent structure at the edge of a tranquil park¡ªa large building made out of gleaming marble and white stone, crowned with a spectacular glass dome and towering edifices of its own. "This," Ariastra said, pointing towards the structure, "is the Serenissima, the Royal Cathedral of Byllais." As Ebonheim''s eyes focused on the structure, its grandeur and opulence were impossible to miss. The building itself was enormous, with wide balconies on several floors and arched entrances. Ebonheim didn''t know where to look first. Each entrance had its own intricate design, and the palace was flanked on either side by towering colonnades, supporting the glass dome overhead like a flower petal cupped by its stamen. As they stepped off the chariot, a group of women approached, each of them bowing in reverence to Ariastra. Their ornate robes were adorned with jewel-encrusted ornaments hanging from their elaborate headpieces, and elaborate girdles, with flowing silken tassels trailing down from their waists, settling in the folds of their gowns. Long sleeves draped over their fingers as they clasped their hands together in prayer. Their long, flowing hair, done up in elaborate braids and curls, fell gracefully over their shoulders and down their backs. "These are my attendants. Pay them no mind." Ariastra walked past them without so much as a glance in their direction and guided Ebonheim to the palace doors. Ebonheim could only offer the women a sympathetic smile and a nod as they bowed once more before following along a short distance away. When the doors of the Serenissima opened, the sight that greeted Ebonheim was spectacular. Bright, airy interiors were lit by the daylight pouring through the great glass dome, and a crystal chandelier, hanging from the dome''s ceiling, sent a shower of glittering motes drifting downward as the two goddesses passed underneath its glowing circle. Large frescoes depicting events from Byllais'' history covered the walls and floors as they continued forward. At the end of the corridor was a tall door guarded by several armed soldiers in shining armor. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. After a short walk, they stopped before a staircase that led to another level above them. Instead of continuing, Ariastra motioned to a young woman who sat at the foot of the stairs. "Pirika," Ariastra said, motioning towards Ebonheim, "This is my guest for today." The woman, who Ebonheim assumed to be Pirika, rose to her feet and walked towards the two of them. "Your Eminence," she said with a graceful curtsey, her voice soft and melodic. "Pirika will escort you," Ariastra continued, her tone gentle and unhurried as she turned to regard Ebonheim. "She''ll answer any questions you may have, and will help you find your way around the palace until tonight''s concert begins." "Concert?" Ebonheim asked as her gaze flicked back and forth between the two women in surprise. Ariastra nodded and replied, "Yes. I have scheduled a concert to be held in the grand hall tonight. You will be a guest of honor." Ebonheim''s gaze shifted to Pirika, who gave her a warm smile and nodded, "It will be a delight to have you, my lady." "Thank you," Ebonheim replied, returning the smile as her gaze lingered on Pirika for a moment longer before turning back to Ariastra. "Well then, I guess I''ll see you again at the concert?" Ariastra gave her a warm nod and hummed in response before turning on her heels and walking away. Ebonheim watched as Ariastra''s graceful form drifted towards the stairs and up to the upper level. As Ebonheim turned to face Pirika again, she could feel Pirika''s curious gaze upon her, studying her. For a moment, she didn''t know what to say, the silence lingering for a moment before Pirika finally spoke, "Shall we?" she asked, her melodious voice bright and cheerful as she gestured towards the stairs. "I shall show you to your room." Ebonheim nodded and followed after her. As they walked through the palace''s winding corridors and hallways, she found herself studying the decor and architecture with newfound interest. On their way, they passed a group of people who were busily setting up for the concert, carrying musical instruments, equipment, and tools from place to place as they prepped for the evening performance. Ebonheim paused to watch them, admiring the care they put into their tasks. She wondered if she should help them with their work as well, but Pirika didn''t stop so she chose to remain silent instead. As they continued, Ebonheim began to feel the weight of Pirika''s unspoken questions. Still, Ebonheim maintained her silence, not knowing what to say to the woman. Eventually, Pirika broke the silence, her voice soft and apologetic, "I''m sorry if I seem a little overbearing," she said. "It''s just that..." she paused for a moment as her words trailed away before finally adding, "It''s just that you''re...are you a goddess?" Ebonheim blinked and turned to regard the woman who had asked the question before chuckling in response. "Yes," she replied, "Yes, I am Ebonheim." Pirika''s eyes widened at the mention of Ebonheim''s name, and she nodded as she stared at her for a moment longer before finally adding, "I apologize," she said again, "It''s just that...you look so...human. So..." her voice trailed away again and she fell silent, her expression troubled as they continued to walk together. What was wrong with looking human? Ebonheim couldn''t help but feel puzzled at her words¡ªwas there a rule against gods looking like this? Even the other gods had commented on her appearance. Honestly, she didn''t understand why this was such a big deal. After a moment, Pirika spoke again, her tone hopeful, "Do you have a domain?" "Yes," Ebonheim nodded as she answered, "Yes, I do. I have a quaint little village in a beautiful forest." Pirika''s expression brightened, her shoulders relaxing as she asked, "Really? Oh, that''s wonderful! Please, do tell me more about it," she said as they continued their walk. Was it alright to talk about her village to a stranger? What would Engin do in this situation? Many of the elders had been apprehensive about outsiders knowing anything about the village, so perhaps they wouldn''t approve. After a moment, Ebonheim relented a little and began to tell Pirika a little about her village¡ªenough to satisfy Pirika''s curiosity and still maintain her village''s privacy. Eventually, it was nearing time to attend the concert.
Ebonheim sat with Ariastra at the royal box, overlooking the hall''s grand stage as they watched the performers prepare for the concert. Before them, a wide orchestra had gathered, its members donning fine uniforms as they tuned their instruments. Beyond the stage, a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling''s glass dome, casting a dim light over the crowd, which had already begun to fill the hall. Ariastra hummed in contentment as she gazed at the musicians below her, the strings on her body vibrating as she did so. "This concert should be very enjoyable," Ariastra said, her gaze fixated on the orchestra below, "This year''s concert is the highlight of the season." Ebonheim nodded in agreement and replied, "It''s very impressive," she said, "The Serenissima is an incredible place." A loud thud sounded as a man banged his drum and the crowd silenced to listen. It was as if the city was holding its breath, waiting for the performance to begin. A hushed silence fell over the hall the Maestro appeared on the stage below, his posture straight and proud, a silver baton in his hand. At the Maestro''s signal, the musicians began to play¡ªa bold, crashing chord that sent a wave of warm applause through the hall. It was like a storm of sound, crashing against the hall''s walls with each blow of the Maestro''s baton. As the orchestra performed the first piece, Ebonheim was awed by the orchestra''s precision and the skill of the performers¡ªfrom the volume and nuance of their instruments to their synchronized movements as the conductor led them through the piece''s various themes. She sat at attention as the symphony played, each note resonating in her heart as she focused on the music. With each piece, her ears became more attuned to the subtler details of the music, her eyes shifting from the orchestra to the conductor, and finally to Ariastra. The goddess'' body strings hummed softly in tune with the music below, her eyes half-closed, as if she had drifted off to a world of her own. For a moment, Ebonheim was almost overwhelmed by the feeling of serenity and harmony that seemed to emanate from Ariastra''s very being, her very existence like a soft lullaby to Ebonheim''s senses. As the concert continued, the music swelled, its intricate harmonies drawing her into its spell, her vision and senses seemingly narrowed to the stage, and only the music that poured from the orchestra''s instruments mattered. As the performance drew to an end, a soft swell of applause rippled through the hall before the audience rose to their feet, their faces glowing with admiration and wonder as the performers took a bow. Ebonheim clapped as well, smiling as she did so. That was quite the experience. Though the music of her village had its own charm, she had never imagined such an incredible orchestra could be so moving and mesmerizing. As the concert concluded, Ariastra and Ebonheim rose to their feet and exited the royal box, leaving the hall behind them. Once outside, Ebonheim breathed in the fresh night air, relishing the cool breeze that caressed her face as her eyes roamed across the city''s marvels once more. "What did you think?" Ariastra asked, her melodic voice drawing Ebonheim''s attention again. "Did you enjoy the concert?" Ebonheim nodded and replied, "Yes, I did. It was a beautiful performance." As they made their way through the boulevard by the Serenissima, Ebonheim continued, "And your city, too, is quite lovely." As the two goddesses walked together through Byllais'' streets, Ebonheim was reminded of her conversation with Ariastra earlier¡ªabout how Ariastra was perceived by the people, and how her priests spoke on her behalf. It seemed like Ariastra was content with the status quo, but still... As if reading her mind, Ariastra spoke, "In places like this, we deities are reminded of our divine purpose. We are not here to be their friends, but to lead them on the path to harmony and peace. We serve a higher purpose¡ªone that I cannot compromise." "Are we not too distant from them? Should we not try to interact more and not just...be observers?" Ebonheim found herself voicing her thoughts again, but Ariastra didn''t seem to mind. "Our roles as deities are complex, Ebonheim. Yes, we protect and guide our followers. But, it''s equally important to maintain a certain distance." "But why?" Ebonheim protested, her tone confused. Ariastra''s strings hummed, casting a soothing melody into the air. "Because...we are not mortal. We are immortal beings with immense power. Too much familiarity can lead to complacency, which in turn can jeopardize the respect and reverence they have for us." "But, isn''t the love and trust I share with my villagers also a form of reverence?" Ebonheim asked, her eyes filled with determination. "They see me not just as a goddess, but as a friend, a family member. Isn''t that a stronger bond?" Ariastra contemplated Ebonheim''s words, her melody quieting. "Perhaps, in a village such as yours, Ebonheim. But you must remember that the role of a deity is not merely to rule or to be loved. We are symbols, inspirations, the apex of our domains. It is our duty to stand tall, to inspire faith, and to guide our people towards harmony and prosperity. In a way, it is a form of love, but it''s distant, impersonal. That is the nature of divinity." Ebonheim listened, her expression heavy with thought. What Ariastra said did make sense, in a way. Even she had a responsibility to the villagers, and it was her duty to protect them and ensure they prospered in any way she could. Still, she valued the personal connections with her villagers, the shared joys and sorrows, the sense of community, of family. Struggling with her thoughts, Ebonheim quietly responded, "I understand your words, Ariastra. They ring true, but they''re so different from my own experiences. I love my villagers, they''re like my family. To me, being their goddess means being there for them, in person, sharing their lives, their joys, their sorrows." She looked up at Ariastra. "Is it wrong to want to be more than just an inspiration? To want to be a friend, a guardian, a part of their lives?" Ariastra didn''t respond immediately, but her gaze softened a little. After a moment, she replied, "Your determination is admirable, Ebonheim. I''ve warned you before of the dangers that await those who do not keep their distance from their followers, but perhaps you still do not understand. This is a lesson you may have to learn through your own experiences." As they continued their walk, Ebonheim remained silent. How could she explain the pull she felt towards her villagers, the love, the sense of devotion, the bond that she shared with them? It was a bond like no other. A bond that went beyond words, beyond rational thought. After a while, Ariastra spoke again, her musical voice soft but insistent as she added, "It''s late, Ebonheim. You should return to your domain." Ebonheim opened her mouth to respond¡ªbut she hesitated and fell silent again. While she had been enjoying herself in Byllais, she had been so preoccupied with everything around her that she had forgotten about the most crucial thing she should have asked at the beginning of her visit. Ariastra seemed to have sensed her thoughts, as she paused, her gaze shifting to Ebonheim''s face. "What''s the matter, Ebonheim?" "Ariastra, I''m sorry, I''ve forgotten to ask," she managed a sheepish smile and added, "How exactly do I go back to my domain?" Ariastra''s eyes blinked several times before she finally responded with a soft sigh. "If you de-manifest, your divine spark will return to your domain in an instant. Haven''t you done this before?" Wait...she could do that? Ebonheim shook her head and replied, "No, never. The last time I de-manifested was...a couple of years ago. And actually...that was the only time." Ariastra''s brows knitted with concern before she sighed again and said, "That''s surprising...and rather peculiar...and a bit worrying." Ebonheim tilted her head, puzzled by Ariastra''s response. "Why is that?" Ariastra shook her head, waving the question off and replied, "Nothing...you should head back now. My final advice is for you to consult with the Akashic System so that at the very least, you understand all of your basic capabilities...if you still have not done so¡ªwait, one more thing," Ariastra paused before continuing, "Be sure to attune yourself with the artifacts you''ve acquired. If you de-manifest without their prior attunement, they will not be transported along with you." Ebonheim''s mouth hung open in shock. "Wait...what?!" Ariastra gave her a solemn nod. "Yes," she replied, her tone firm, "Taking them through a portal is fine, but you won''t be able to take them with you after de-manifesting if you don''t attune with them first." That...was...close. Too close. If Ariastra hadn''t said anything, she would have gone home empty-handed, and would probably be screaming and crying without stop for the rest of the week. Oh...praise Ariastra. Bless! Ebonheim stared at Ariastra for a moment before nodding her head. "Right...thank you." She paused and added, "For what you''ve shown me today." Ariastra''s strings hummed again, her musical voice warm as she replied, "Of course. Until next we meet, Ebonheim." Chapter 54: Live Long, and Prosper? 10th day of Raincrown, 1368 [Quintessence] 7245/16000 Ebonheim felt a peculiar excitement bubble in her chest, a thrill that prickled her skin like the gentle touch of a forest breeze. Her hands gently cradled the divine artifacts: the Gauntlet of the Storm Giant and the Chalice of Eternal Nectar, recent spoils from her celestial jaunt. She had gathered the villagers to the commons to announce the artifacts she had won at the Divine Auction. They huddled around the dais erected at the heart of the village commons. A soft luminescence emanated from the two items she held in her hands, casting ethereal shadows onto her youthful face. The villagers watched with bated breath, their eyes reflecting the strange glow. She raised the first item, a massive gauntlet wrought from darkened steel, inscribed with ancient runes, and carved with intricate geometric motifs. The aura around it crackled like an impending storm, and arcs of lightning danced around its surface as she waved it through the air, drawing startled gasps from the onlookers. "This," she began, her voice carrying through the silent crowd, "is the Gauntlet of the Storm Giant." Eyes widened. A collective murmur echoed through the crowd as they beheld the divine artifact. She observed the villagers, her eyes lingering on the trio of warriors standing a little apart from the crowd. Bjorn, Thorsten, and Serrandyl stared at the gauntlet in awe, their mouths hanging open. "This Gauntlet," Ebonheim began, "is imbued with the power of a storm giant. Not only will it bestow immense strength, but it also has the ability to summon a storm and command lightning from the sky, and expel bolts from its fingertips!" She placed the gauntlet down on the dais and shrugged her shoulders. "I was thinking of using it, but I like archery more than melee combat, so..." she gestured at the crowd as she continued, "I was thinking of gifting it to one of our warriors," her gaze shifted from one warrior in the crowd to the next as she added, "So I''ll let you decide." A momentary silence hung in the air, thick as the evening fog that often shrouded the forest''s outskirts. Then, a hearty chuckle broke the stillness. It was Thorsten, his laughter booming, a playful grin splitting his weathered face. "Ah, Ebonheim, are you trying to stir a feud between us?" He raised an eyebrow at Bjorn and Serrandyl, his voice brimming with joviality. "What say you, Bjorn? Fancy being the storm-bringer?" Bjorn''s reply was calm but firm, "If it''s for the village''s safety, I''ll do whatever is needed." His blue eyes, usually as placid as a serene lake, now blazed with a resolve as solid as the mountains that bordered their village. "A divine artifact deserves to be in the hands of someone experienced, Ebonheim. I have the strength to wield it." Thorsten chuckled, shaking his rust-colored hair out of his eyes, "With all due respect, Bjorn, the gauntlet calls for more than strength. I reckon it needs a wielder who can challenge its stormy temperament, much like mine. Besides, everyone knows I''m the stronger one." A ripple of amusement flowed through the villagers at the banter. Even Ebonheim couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her light-hearted chuckles resonating in the evening air. A loud cough echoed in the ensuing silence. All eyes turned to the fiery figure of Serrandyl, her ruby eyes gleaming like fiery coals as she stared at Bjorn. "We Aslankoyash are children of the sun, but we are no strangers to the storm, either," she declared with a feral grin. "If anyone can master the gauntlet, it would be me." "Is that right?" Thorsten folded his arms over his broad chest and grinned. "You think your little twig arms could even wield the gauntlets?" Serrandyl''s expression shifted into a fierce scowl, her jaws clenched as she glared at Thorsten while flexing her biceps. "You call this ''little twig''?" Thorsten flexed his own, larger biceps in response, his muscles bulging to the point of bursting out of his tunic. "Bigger than yours, that''s for sure." Serrandyl''s scowl deepened as she seemed to struggle with her words, but Thorsten chuckled, raising his hand to pat her on the head before she could respond. "No need for such a fierce expression," he said, his voice calm and steady, "I was only playing with you." Ebonheim watched the friendly rivalry play out before her, her heart warm as she admired the warriors'' camaraderie. She thought about the conversation she had shared with Ariastra just days before¡ªabout the potential dangers of having a close relationship with mortals. It wasn''t that she had forgotten about Ariastra''s words, but she had also come to understand that she could never live her life according to those rules, and that, sometimes, the risk was worth the reward. This was her family, her village. Even though they bantered and teased, she knew that when it mattered, they stood together, strong and united. Their strength was her strength, and as she looked at the artifact in her hand, she felt a sense of rightness wash over her. Yes, it would be in better hands among them¡ªthat much was certain. Once the clamor of the banter receded, Ebonheim summoned their attention back to the second object she held. She lifted the Chalice of Eternal Nectar into the air, a goblet wrought of pure crystal, its surface reflecting the rays of the sun in shimmering, fractal waves. The aura it emanated was subtler than the gauntlet, more reserved¡ªa quiet yet steady power that seemed to beckon with its inviting warmth. The Akashic System displayed its properties for only her eyes to see: [Name] Chalice of Eternal Nectar [Effect] Consuming the elixir provides the following effects: Restores all health lost to full, regenerates all bodily injuries, cures all non-magical ailments, increases Endurance by four, and increases lifespan by twenty years. [Limitation] The chalice can only be used up to twenty times per year. The recipient can only benefit from its effects once every twenty years. Each subsequent consumption after the first use will have a cumulative two-percent chance of acquiring an addiction to the elixir. "This," Ebonheim introduced, "is the Chalice of Eternal Nectar. It holds within its embrace a divine elixir, a nectar that grants vigor and prolonged life to those who drink it.¡± A wave of chatter rolled through the crowd once more as they stared at the glowing chalice in awe. But the murmurs were different this time, tinged with an undercurrent of unease. "How does it work?" A villager called out from the crowd, his voice laced with doubt. "Do we just...drink from it?" Ebonheim nodded, her smile brightening with each passing moment. "That''s right! The nectar will replenish your vitality and heal any injuries and ailments you might have. It will also extend your lifespan by twenty years!" At first, there was silence, as if no one dared to speak, or wanted to be the first to do so. A moment passed, then another, until finally, a man stepped forward from the group. It was Kervan, the village herbalist. He wore a solemn expression on his face, his voice hesitant as he spoke. "Ebonheim, forgive my words, but are you saying the chalice will grant us...immortality?" The question caught Ebonheim by surprise. She had not thought about immortality, only a longer life. But the way Kervan had asked the question made her hesitate. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again, unsure of how to respond. She could see the weight of uncertainty and confusion on the villagers'' faces, and she quickly tried to reassure them. "Kervan, the chalice doesn''t make you immortal, not exactly. It merely prolongs your lifespan. It doesn''t prevent death from occurring, but it does slow its approach." She smiled gently, hoping to alleviate their concerns. "Think of it as a boon, a blessing." The villagers glanced at each other, their expressions uncertain. Kervan shifted uneasily. "A boon? A blessing? Is it truly what you call it? What happens when the Chalice runs out of the Elixir? If we are not given more, what then? Would we still live longer, or would our bodies grow weaker? Will we age faster?" The questions tumbled out of him as fast as falling leaves, his voice rising with each one. He stopped and took a breath, trying to compose himself. That''s...odd. Wasn''t quite the reaction she had envisioned. This chalice was a blessing, a gift of celestial vitality. Surely, they could see that, couldn''t they? Why were they so hesitant? "Will everyone be able to have a share, goddess?" A voice rose from the crowd, feminine and uncertain. It belonged to Masha, one of the village bakers. Ebonheim glanced at the woman''s round face, framed by braided auburn hair streaked with grey. "No. The chalice can only produce enough for twenty people every year," Ebonheim replied, trying to keep the disappointment from her voice. "And once you''ve consumed its nectar, you can''t benefit from its sustenance until twenty years have passed." A murmur swept across the villagers. Some shook their heads, while others mumbled anxiously. Engin approached from the crowd and walked beside her, his gaze flickering from the cup in her hands to her face, his expression solemn as he spoke. "Ebonheim, living long and healthy is a blessing...but isn''t there a danger in gifting such power to us?" Ebonheim turned to him, her eyes wide, before lowering her gaze to the cup in her hands and a heavy silence settled upon the clearing. "I think it would only make our lives better," she responded, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Why shouldn''t everyone have the chance to live as long and as healthy as they can?" From the crowd, a soft voice rose. Hilda hobbled forward, her worn face crinkled into a frown. "There is truth in Engin''s words, dear goddess. The promise of a prolonged life can lure many into paths they might regret. What would it mean for our village if we live longer than nature intends?" If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Ebonheim lowered the cup to her side and faced them again, her expression earnest. "I see your concerns," she assured them, "but consider the possibilities. With this nectar, our people can live healthier lives, free of sickness and frailty. Can that not be a boon for us?" Engin shook his head, a pensive frown creasing his forehead. "Life is a journey, Ebonheim. Its beauty lies in its ephemerality. What will happen to our sense of purpose, our drive, if we are no longer bound by time?" Hilda nodded. "Living longer may not mean living better, Ebonheim. The nectar might grant us life, but can it also give us the wisdom to use that life well?" Ebonheim¡¯s brows furrowed¡ªa sense of unease creeping into her. The jovial atmosphere had shifted. The trepidation in their voices was something she hadn¡¯t expected. To her, the offering was one of love, of wishing the best for her villagers. She wanted them to see the joy, the blessing. Yet, all they saw were potential complications, fears she had naively overlooked. The sudden realization made her stomach churn. Before she could voice another response, Serrandyl spoke, her words blunt and steely, "Isn¡¯t a longer, stronger life worth a little change?" "It''s a matter of perspective," Engin retorted. "For some, it may not be." "It¡¯s a divine gift, why deny it? It¡¯s a chance for us to be stronger, live longer. What¡¯s there to debate?" Serrandyl''s response was curt and lacked the warmth and jovial tone that Ebonheim was so accustomed to hearing from her. The villagers'' whispers crescendoed into a symphony of diverse opinions. Each voice, each word, each emotion resonated with the crowd, carrying from person to person as they spiraled into a buzzing, incoherent storm of discussion. "Why should we meddle with the divine?" Greta, an elderly woman asked, her frail voice echoing through the silence that briefly consumed them. "What is the meaning of a life unnaturally prolonged?" "But doesn''t it offer a chance to achieve more? To learn more?" countered Jorund, the alchemist. "Imagine the knowledge one could amass over centuries! The contributions we could make!" "Indeed!" Eramis, the village bard, stepped forward with his lute slung across his shoulder, his handsome face alight with excitement, ¡°Imagine the songs we could sing, the tales we could tell with the sands of time on our side! The Chalice is a treasure, a miracle!¡± Bjorn, who earlier vied for the storm giant''s gauntlet, now bore a contemplative look. "Aye," he began, his deep voice cutting through the clamor, "A long life is a precious gift, but what of our spirits? Will they not grow weary of the world, of the battles, of love and loss repeated over the endless stretch of time?" "But think of the possibilities," Thorsten argued. "The nectar could give us time, time we need to perfect our crafts, to bring glory to our village." Engin shook his head, his face somber. "There is truth in your words, Thorsten, but there is also folly. The Chalice would offer us time, yes, but what if it saps away our desires? Our motivation to succeed? Will we live long and simply exist, content with the illusion of perfection rather than pursue true excellence?" "No one is denying that we need motivation, Engin, but a longer life could serve as the fire in our hearts to reach for the stars and the heavens!" Jorund chimed in. "More years could allow us to contribute more to our village, to the world." Liliana, a young mother, wringing her apron nervously, voiced her fears, "But what about our children? Will we deny them their rightful place because we refuse to grow old and pass on?" "She''s right!" A young man with scruffy dark hair, Nels, raised his hand. "If the elders live for so long, will they ever give us a chance to lead, to bring new ideas to the village?" An old man, his back bent with the weight of his years, lifted a crooked finger as he offered his own insight. "Twenty more years of life, but at what cost? I don''t want to be a burden to my children or my grandchildren, nor do I want to lose myself in a fog of apathy." "If Master Artem lives for another twenty years, when will I ever become the lead blacksmith?" Eron, a burly apprentice shouted his grievances for the whole crowd to hear. Ebonheim remained silent as she listened to the villagers argue amongst themselves. She didn''t have answers to their questions. In truth, she herself did not know how a prolonged life could affect them. "You''re all skirting over the real issue here," Kervan cut in, his expression grave. "She said the Chalice could only grant its boon twenty times a year. It means that not everyone in the village can have a turn." He let his words sink in before continuing. "So how are we supposed to decide who gets to live longer than everyone else?" Silence blanketed the gathering as the villagers'' murmurs faded, the question hanging over them like a suffocating fog. Ebonheim turned away and studied the ground as Kervan''s words weighed heavily upon her mind. In the excitement and exuberance of winning the auction, she hadn''t thought much about the limitations and possible consequences. Her decision to grant the Chalice to the village was done solely with the hope of bringing happiness to her people, without considering the alternative perspectives. As she listened to their doubts, her conviction faltered. Were her actions misguided and short-sighted? Had she been so blinded by her desire to improve their lives that she neglected to take the time to fully consider the ramifications? No, she mustn''t waver. They didn''t understand, yet. She needed to find a solution. Something she hadn''t considered before, something to ease their minds, to prove that everything was going to be alright. There had to be a way, there had to be... Others joined the conversation, each voicing their fears and hopes, their dreams and apprehensions. Arguments about natural order clashed with cries for seizing divine gifts. Philosophical debates over life''s value if stretched beyond what nature intended intertwined with heartfelt pleas of mothers wishing to see their children live longer, healthier lives. Ebonheim stood amidst the tumult, her mind spinning. She felt dizzy, overwhelmed, and helpless, unable to pick a side, unable to convey the words she wished to say¡ªwords of gratitude, words of apology, words of regret, words to console her villagers'' fears and concerns. So this was what Ariastra had warned her about. She retreated into the comforting embrace of her thoughts, turning inward, seeking solace in her mind''s quiet corners. The village''s harmony was paramount, but so too were the promises held by the chalice¡ªshe believed it could do good. For a long moment, she stood there, silent, as if in a trance. A solution seemed elusive, dancing just beyond her grasp, and then, like the break of dawn, it dawned on her. Ebonheim stepped forward, her gaze calm, her voice steady. ¡°Enough,¡± she commanded, her voice cutting through the heated discussion. The villagers fell silent, their attention drawn to her. She bowed her head, closing her eyes for a brief moment before looking up again at the villagers, her expression earnest. "I''m sorry," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I hadn''t meant to cause strife." She took a deep breath, and continued, "I''m sorry for getting ahead of myself. I was so excited to share this with you that I hadn''t stopped to think about what this gift may bring. I''ve made a mistake." They watched her with wide eyes, listening quietly as she continued. "It is my responsibility to offer you blessings and provide what you need. I had hoped to offer you something that will make our lives better, but I failed to consider your concerns." "You haven''t failed, dear goddess," Greta spoke, her voice gentle as she added, "You only wish to do what''s right." "You''re not wrong to want the best for us, Ebonheim," Engin assured her with a patient smile. "It''s your heart that wishes us to prosper. It''s just that this gift is...hmm," he paused and stroked his beard thoughtfully, "Complex. There''s much to consider, and much to discuss." Ebonheim gave him a grateful nod and then continued, "That''s what I''ve come to realize. So, I''ve thought of a plan to address this issue." The crowd stirred, their expressions eager as they awaited her next words. She took a deep breath, bracing herself. "I propose," she began, her voice measured and strong, "the formation of a council. This council will be made up of representatives from our village¡ªwarriors, crafters, farmers, parents, elders, anyone who has a stake in the life of our community. They will make the decisions about when and how the Chalice should be used. Its purpose will always be to serve our village¡¯s needs without favoring anyone unduly." Engin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "So, you''re suggesting shared responsibility and decision-making. That sounds reasonable. What would happen if a dispute were to arise?" "Well, the council will have to reach a consensus, or make a ruling if it can''t come to one," Ebonheim replied. "It would be up to the council to make the right decision, but I''m hopeful that any disagreements will be resolved amicably." "But how would this council decide?" Bjorn queried, his deep voice rippling through the crowd. Ebonheim nodded at Bjorn, acknowledging his question. "They''ll implement a set of guidelines. For example, the Chalice could be used when someone is gravely ill, when there''s a significant challenge, or when the village needs the wisdom or skill of a particular individual for a longer period." A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Nods followed, thoughtful looks replaced initial skepticism. "But won''t this create another form of power struggle, Ebonheim?" Thorsten asked. "Maybe," Ebonheim said, her gaze shifting from Thorsten to the rest of the crowd, "but the council will be diverse and will operate on consensus. It will be a collective decision, not the mandate of a single person. It would be our shared responsibility to prevent that from happening." Argoran stepped forward from the crowd. "And what of the individual who drinks from the Chalice? What ensures their prolonged life is used for the good of the village?" "I thought of that as well," Ebonheim responded. "Whoever drinks from the Chalice must commit to serving the village in a way that aligns with their skills and abilities. In this way, their extended life benefits everyone." Thorsten scratched his head, his face etched with thought. "So, the Chalice will not be a tool for personal gain, but rather a means to serve the village better?" "That''s right," Ebonheim answered, her tone firm and confident. "This chalice isn''t intended to be a blessing for any single individual. It exists to provide a benefit to our community." Engin turned to the crowd. "What say you all?" A murmur swept across the crowd, voices intertwined in a chorus of approval and contemplation. This was the essence of their village¡ªnegotiating, debating, making decisions together. Jorund, the village alchemist, voiced his approval. "This... this is a prudent plan. It keeps the power of the Chalice in check, it prevents abuse, and it ensures the gift serves the village." Greta, the elderly woman, raised her voice next. "I suppose that sounds fair and just," she declared. "I''ve already lived a long and fulfilling life so the gift is lost to me. But, I can appreciate the goodwill in offering such a boon to others." Even Liliana, the young mother, seemed comforted by the idea. "As long as we remember that our children are our future, and we don¡¯t overshadow them, I see no harm in this." Hilda patted Ebonheim on the shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. "It''s a good plan, Ebonheim. It maintains the balance, gives everyone a voice. But remember, we''ll need to tread carefully. Too much trust can be harmful." "Are you going to be part of this council?" Bjorn asked. Ebonheim nodded. "Yes, I will be. I''ll be the only one to bestow its blessings, but I will not act as the sole arbiter." Engin smiled, clapping a hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder. "Well said, Ebonheim. This is why we trust you¡ªyou take our worries seriously, and you come up with solutions that are thoughtful and fair." A wave of agreement washed over the crowd. Their faces lightened, their postures relaxed, and they looked at Ebonheim with respect and relief. Ebonheim breathed out, her heart lighter. Her hands, which had been clammy with sweat, were now dry and steady again. Yes, this was the right choice. It was not only the safest route¡ªbut also the right one. "Great, great. Glad that''s over with," Serrandyl''s voice rang in her ears as she felt herself being pulled into a tight embrace by the beastkin, "Can we go back to the more important matter? Who gets to wield the gauntlets?!" A collective sigh echoed through the crowd as the villagers laughed heartily. Ebonheim laughed as well, shaking her head and stroking Serrandyl''s wild hair gently, before she glanced back at the rest of the crowd. "Does anyone have an idea on how to decide who gets the gauntlet?" Silence settled again, but then, Engin cleared his throat and spoke up. "If we are to do this, we should do it properly. We will host a tournament. The victor earns the right to wield the Gauntlet of the Storm Giant." Serrandyl''s ears perked up. "That sounds like a fine idea." Thorsten, too, grinned and said, "Now you¡¯re speaking my language." A chorus of agreement followed as the villagers murmured their assent. Ebonheim blinked in surprise. A tournament? Chapter 55: Over the Top The next day, the village was abuzz with the news that a tournament would be held to decide the gauntlet''s wielder. On the training grounds, the village''s warriors and crafters assembled to prepare for the event¡ªan arm wrestling tournament. As the midday sun shone bright, a small crowd gathered around a platform in the village''s training grounds to watch the competition. Ebonheim stood by the crowd, her hands on her hips, watching as the match was about to begin. In the middle of the platform, a rustic table, waist high, had been erected. Built of gnarled ashwood, its sturdy top was lacquered to a rich, dark shine that gleamed beneath the sun''s tender touch. Two rectangular pads on either side, stuffed with straw and upholstered in worn leather, served as resting places for the elbows of the combatants. They were discolored from use, their rough texture imprinted with the memory of every elbow that had dug into them over the years. Just beyond each pad, a cylindrical peg rose, as if sprouting from the tabletop. Towards the edge, on each side of the table, was a lowly block of wood wrapped in the same rawhide as the elbow pads. Engin climbed onto a makeshift platform and began to explain the rules, his tone firm and measured. "Remember, this is a test of strength, not a brawl. No elbows off the pads, no kicking under the table, and definitely no biting!" Laughter echoed through the crowd at Engin''s stern admonition. The rules seemed simple enough, but the stakes were high. Engin coughed and continued. "First, both competitors grip each other''s hands. The thumb knuckles must be visible, and the wrists must be straight. The aim is to pin your opponent''s hand to the pad. The match can be restarted for fouls, such as a false start or lifting the elbow off the pad. If the grip slips, we go to the straps¡ªbinding the hands together to ensure a fair contest. Lastly, the one who pins the other''s hand to the pad is the victor. Any questions?" The first contenders took their places¡ªa beastkin warrior named Torald and a human soldier named Regan. Both men seemed equally confident as they settled their elbows on the table''s pads and grasped the table''s handles. Ebonheim sat on a stool in front of the gathered crowd. She was tasked to commentate on the matches, though she had little knowledge of the sport. Ivera''s leaf-like wings fluttered, and her small form settled on Ebonheim''s shoulder. "And we have the first match! Torald the beastkin leatherworker versus Regan, the stalwart guard!" Ebonheim glanced at her with a raised eyebrow and remarked, "You''re quite excited, aren''t you, Ivera?" Her visit had been unexpected, but as soon as she got wind of the tournament, she had pestered Ebonheim to let her observe the event and commentate. It was more surprising that such a small figure could have such a loud voice¡ªmust be fae magic. Engin eased the combatants into the starting position, and the crowd hushed. After a moment, Engin asked, "Ready? Go!" Instantly, the two combatants flexed their biceps and strained against each other''s grip, the strength of their arms, their shoulders, and their muscles visible through the thin fabric of their tunics. Torald surged forward, trying to pin Regan''s hand. However, Regan, perhaps realizing he couldn''t match the beastkin''s strength, went for a slip¡ªletting his hand go limp to avoid being pinned. The crowd gasped as Engin, true to his word, called for the straps. Ebonheim leaned over to Ivera, whispering loudly enough for the crowd to hear. ¡°I don''t know what he did, but it seemed like a smart move, don''t you think?¡± Ivera squinted at the contestants and nodded. "Yes, indeed. It''s always important to avoid being crushed in the first seconds of a battle. Prolong the fight, tire the enemy, and then attack. Classic strategy." "Or he¡¯s just sweaty with nerves," Ebonheim chimed in. "Wait...since when did you become an arm wrestling expert?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Ivera puffed out her chest and answered, "I asked the human named Bjorn and he happily shared his wealth of arm wrestling knowledge. But enough of that! Watch! They''re now strapped together which means that Regan won''t be able to slip away from Torald''s grip now." Once the leather straps were tightly bound around the contestants'' hands and wrists, Engin positioned them to a fair start again. "Ready?" Engin asked. As soon as the two gave their consent, Engin resumed the match and the crowd cheered. Regan focused on turning his hand over his opponent''s to bring the beastkin''s wrist beneath his. But Torald retaliated with another surge, his powerful arm turning inward, his bulk leaning into the movement. "Look at that! Torald''s arm is bending like a bear hugging a tree!" Ebonheim replied, her brows furrowed, "That''s... not the same thing, Ivera." Torald, his hand shaking, muscles bulging, managed to turn the tide, forcing Regan to arch his back to try and resist the beastkin''s power. It was no use¡ªthe beastkin pushed through, the crowd cheering as he brought his opponent''s hand down onto the pin pad with a loud thud. "And that''s a win for Torald! It seems the beastkin has more than muscle in him!" Ivera exclaimed as she flew into the air, waving her hands to encourage the crowd to clap. The crowd erupted in cheers as the beastkin roared in victory, his muscles flexing with exertion and triumph. Ebonheim clapped, her eyes sparkling with delight. ¡°Now that was exciting!¡± Ivera nodded. "It is indeed! Now, it''s time for the next match."
The tournament continued, each contestant pushing his or her own limits as they endured match after match, until, after a few hours, the finalists came down to three¡ªBjorn, Thorsten, and Serrandyl. Bjorn had to face off against Thorsten in the semi-finals, while Serrandyl earned a bye to face the victor in the final match. The match between Thorsten and Bjorn promised to be thrilling. Both men were renowned for their strength, yet each had a distinct advantage. A veritable mountain of a man, Thorsten¡¯s shoulders seemed to crowd out the world around him. His arm rested upon the rough-hewn table, his muscles bulging against his skin, straining at the seams. He was a warrior by nature, his strength the testament of many battles fought and won. This time, however, his arena was different. His opponent was not some snarling beast or marauding brigand, but Bjorn, the grizzled veteran with forearms like Ebonwood. Thorsten glanced at his opponent, lips curling into a good-natured smirk. ¡°Bjorn, I hope you¡¯ve said your goodbyes to that gauntlet,¡± he said, flexing his arm for effect. Bjorn shot back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°Remember, Thorsten, it¡¯s not just about brawn. Technique matters, too.¡± Thorsten had expected as much. Bjorn was notorious for his grip, a vice-like hand that could bend iron as if it were as pliable as dough. He had to work smart, not just hard. As Engin reiterated the rules, he found himself calculating, strategizing. Engin''s hand wrapped around their knuckles, ready to commence the match. Thorsten took a deep breath, readying himself for the herculean effort this match would demand. "Ready, go!" Engin''s hand lifted, and the world seemed to narrow to the table, the arm wrestling match, and Bjorn. Thorsten tried to start off with a hook technique, curling his wrist and pulling it towards his body. But he soon realized that while his arm might be stronger, Bjorn¡¯s wrist and hand strength made the technique ineffective. Bjorn''s grip didn¡¯t waver, his eyes twinkling with a triumphant gleam. So, he switched tactics, using his shoulder press. He pushed down, trying to use his weight to his advantage, and forced Bjorn''s arm closer to the table. But Bjorn''s grip strength was a wall he couldn¡¯t break through. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to beat you at your own game,¡± Thorsten muttered to himself. The situation was dire but not hopeless. He had to rely on his raw power, the brute strength that had felled enemies on the battlefield. Every tug and push seemed to resonate through the crowd, drawing excited shouts and cries from the onlookers as their battle intensified. Thorsten shifted his focus, targeting Bjorn''s arm and shoulder. He couldn¡¯t let Bjorn dictate the pace of the match and eventually allow him to roll his hand over Thorsten''s. In the end, as his wrist was being strained to the breaking point, Thorsten decided on a desperate gamble. He knew he couldn¡¯t win in a straight contest of hand strength. So, he allowed his hand to slip from Bjorn''s grip. Despite Bjorn''s iron-like vice, their sweat-slicked hands came loose, and Thorten''s hand managed to slip out. Thorsten massaged his hand and forearm as he looked over to see Bjorn doing the same. He didn''t like fleeing from their war, but sometimes, retreating was the only way to win a battle. ¡°Guess I''ll have to tie you down to beat you, old man,¡± he quipped, a grin spreading across his face. The crowd erupted into laughter, and even Bjorn chuckled, despite the high stakes.
Bjorn couldn''t help but chuckle at Thorsten''s tactics, even as the straps were wound around their hands. He saw the smug satisfaction in his eyes, as if victory was now assured. "Still full of tricks, aren''t you, lad?" Bjorn teased, grinning at his opponent, his grip tightening around the strap. Thorsten was indeed strong, his biceps like solid steel. The very muscles Bjorn once boasted in his youth¡ªalthough Thorsten wasn''t that much younger. Yet, experience had taught him strength wasn''t the only factor in a match like this. He had the stronger hand, the stronger wrist, and a reservoir of patience honed by countless bouts just like this one. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Engin secured the straps around their wrists, effectively binding them together. The crowd roared with anticipation, each person praying for their respective fighter''s victory as the two men prepared for the second round. With the signal from Engin, they were off again. Bjorn immediately felt the pressure of Thorsten''s arm, a powerful force that sought to crush his resistance. But he held on, maintaining a defensive stance. He knew he needed to pace himself, let Thorsten exhaust his energy before making his move. And so, he held on. He let Thorsten strain and push, gritting his teeth as he felt the pressure building on his wrist. But he didn''t yield. He couldn''t. He had a village to inspire, a gauntlet to win. Thorsten seemed tireless, pushing and pulling with a determination that would have unnerved a lesser man. Yet, Bjorn saw the subtle signs of fatigue creeping into his opponent¡¯s movements. His breaths were becoming ragged, sweat beading on his forehead. Biding his time, Bjorn finally made his move. As Thorsten made another push, Bjorn twisted his wrist, forcing Thorsten''s hand to open. The top roll. His grip strength came into play here, allowing him to control the direction of the match. Thorsten struggled, but his weariness was starting to show. The crowd watched with bated breath, the tension palpable. This was no longer just a bout, it was a battle of wills. Bjorn, with his years of experience and sheer endurance, against Thorsten, the young warrior with his impressive strength and indomitable spirit. With one final surge of effort, Bjorn drew from his deep reserves of energy. He felt Thorsten''s resistance falter, felt the hand under his slowly give way. With a triumphant roar, he brought his opponent¡¯s hand down onto the table. The crowd erupted into cheers, the air filled with jubilant shouts and applause. Thorsten, defeated but not dishonored, managed a tired smile. ¡°Well fought, old man,¡± he said, clapping Bjorn''s shoulder. Bjorn raised his arm, acknowledging the cheers of the villagers. His heart was pounding with exhilaration. The victory was sweet, not for the promise of the gauntlet, but for the respect and camaraderie he shared with his fellow villagers. But the tournament was far from over, he had to face Serrandyl next at the final match.
After a brief break, the final match of the tournament began. Serrandyl marched towards the table with her chin held high. She stood, feet planted wide apart, her lean muscles on display, her waist-length crimson hair cascading down her back like a majestic mane. Bjorn strode to meet her, his powerful body moving with a natural grace, the heavy stomp of his steps masking the subtlety of his movements. While he was a man of quiet power and wisdom, Serrandyl was a wild cat¡ªa coiled spring ready to pounce on her prey. They both took their positions, their arms resting on the padded table, gripping the pegs firmly with their offhand. Engin carefully adjusted their positions to ensure a fair start. "No cheating, no breaking bones, no excessive growling, please," he instructed with a stern, yet playful smile. Bjorn grunted in response, a confident smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Serrandyl, on the other hand, let out a purring chuckle, her ruby eyes gleaming with excitement and a hint of ferocity as she bared her sharp teeth in a feral grin. "You''re on. Just don''t cry when you lose, old man." Bjorn chuckled heartily, his demeanor steady as a rock. "I''ve seen more winters than you have, lass. This won''t make me shed a tear." Engin''s hand lifted in the air. "Ready, go!" Serrandyl put every ounce of her strength into her first move, muscles rippling under her tribal tattoos. She surged, her fierce eyes never leaving Bjorn''s. But the experienced warrior didn¡¯t budge; he held her back, his calm exterior belying the strain of the battle. His seasoned hand on hers was like an immovable rock. The match continued, Serrandyl¡¯s lion-like tenacity meeting Bjorn¡¯s unyielding strength. But just as Bjorn seemed ready to pin her, Serrandyl''s hand slipped, and she let out a low growl of frustration. An uproar from the crowd followed, a mixture of gasps and shouts. Engin quickly intervened, calling for a pause. "Hold on, hold on!" he cried, restoring order. "There was a slip. It''s only fair we restart." "Is that a Beastkin strategy, or are you just avoiding defeat?" Bjorn teased, his voice booming over the chatter of the onlookers. "Neither. My hand is just too sweaty," Serrandyl retorted, her smirk mirroring Bjorn''s. Despite her bravado, Ebonheim saw the slight tremble in Serrandyl''s hand and the glint of worry in her eyes. She turned to Ivera, whispering, "Do you think Serrandyl can win this?" Ivera tilted her head and tapped her chin in thought. Her eyes lit up, and Ivera flitted off Ebonheim''s shoulder, flying over to whisper something in Serrandyl''s ear. Serrandyl''s eyes widened for a moment, before she burst into laughter, causing the crowd to turn their attention towards her. Ivera flew back to Ebonheim, her tiny hand on her waist as she let out a self-satisfied smirk. "What did you say to her?" Ebonheim asked, her eyes narrowed. Ivera merely shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Just a little fairy secret." Engin once again set Bjorn and Serrandyl''s hands in position, but this time he bound their hands and wrists together in a leather strap. The tension in the village square grew as Serrandyl and Bjorn locked hands once more. This time, Serrandyl had a secretive smile on her face and a newfound confidence in her posture. Ivera must have told her some winning strategy. What could Serrandyl possibly do to win? In terms of sheer strength and experience, Bjorn had her beat by leagues. There had to be something more, some other advantage Serrandyl was playing to. "Ready, go!" Once Engin gave the signal, Bjorn surged forward, using his superior strength and size to his advantage. His tactic was direct and forceful, akin to a battering ram storming a gate. Serrandyl struggled to maintain her hold, her sinewy muscles straining against his power. "Oh! Serrandyl''s in trouble! Bjorn''s pushing through!" Ivera cried, her voice rising over the crowd''s excited exclamations. "Come on, Serrandyl!" Ebonheim shouted, her fingers twining with the fabric of her dress. Thorsten, who stood behind Ebonheim, flicked her on the back of her head. "Oi, you''re supposed to be impartial," he reminded her, his voice gruff and low. "I am impartial," Ebonheim shot back with a pout, "I''m cheering for everyone equally. Go, Bjorn and Serrandyl! Woooo..." Bjorn continued his onslaught, pulling Serrandyl''s hand lower and lower onto the table, but despite her faltering grip, she refused to yield. For a moment, the match hung in the balance¡ªSerrandyl''s hand hanging over the pin pad by a few finger widths. As if sensing her dwindling chances, Serrandyl leaned in, gritting her teeth against the effort. Despite her wrist bent back, she surged with the strength of her arm and shoulder, the muscles and sinews beneath her skin bulging with the strain to bring the match back to the center. A sudden, mischievous glint sparked in her ruby-colored eyes as she leaned in closer, putting her weight behind her arm, and shifted her stance¡ªcausing the beautifully crafted cylindrical swath of fabric that wrapped securely around her chest to slip down, exposing a tantalizing glimpse of her generously endowed bosom. Bjorn, despite his focus, couldn''t help but take a sudden glance at the unexpected sight. Serrandyl noticed this and grinned, flexing her arm and pressing her chest forward to emphasize her generous curves. Her top slipped further down, exposing her firm, enticing bustline and hinting at the delicate peaks beneath the fabric. For a moment, Bjorn''s eyes flickered down. His usually calm demeanor crumbled into surprised confusion. He had been preparing for a test of strength, not a test of self-control. His grip faltered, his momentum slowed, and his eyes widened. And it was that moment of distraction that Serrandyl needed. She summoned all of her strength for a final surge, pressing her arm back down with enough force to smack Bjorn''s hand to the pin pad. The crowd erupted in cheers. Some laughed, others clapped, while still others cheered and whistled in appreciation of Serrandyl''s antics. Ebonheim groaned as she realized what Serrandyl had done and quickly covered her face with her hands, too embarrassed to watch any further. Thorsten, on the other hand, gave a low wolf whistle while clapping his hands in admiration. "That was your advice?" Ebonheim asked Ivera incredulously. Ivera cackled, fluttering in joyous circles around Ebonheim''s head. "It worked, didn''t it?" Serrandyl beamed triumphantly at the crowd. "How does it feel to be defeated by boobs?" she teased, giving Bjorn a playful wink as the crowd cheered her on. Bjorn, slowly recovering from his shock, managed to let out a sheepish laugh as he facepalmed. "That was a dirty trick," he told Serrandyl, though there was no malice in his voice. "Shouldn''t that be against the rules?" Engin chuckled and shrugged. "No rules were broken here. There''s more than one way to win at psychological warfare." Bjorn sighed, nodding his head in agreement. "That there is. Well done then, lass. That was a match." Ebonheim spotted Argoran in the middle of the crowd, his hand over his face, his ears flattened against his head. Meanwhile, Bjorn''s wife marched over and dragged him away by his ear¡ªno doubt to give him some, perhaps undeserved, scolding. The moment finally caught up to her, and Ebonheim burst into a fit of giggles, clutching her stomach as she struggled to breathe between wheezing fits. "And with that, we have a winner!" Engin''s voice cut through the laughter and cheering, and the crowd turned its attention towards him. "Serrandyl, the... ah, how shall I put it? Brazen, yet clever warrior, will now be the owner of the Gauntlet of the Storm Giant!" Serrandyl let out a victorious whoop and leapt into the air, her hands raised high in triumph, her tail thrashing wildly. Ebonheim wiped the tears from her eyes and made her way towards Serrandyl, clapping as she went, still recovering from her bout of laughter. "Congratulations, Serrandyl. That was...something else." Serrandyl grinned from ear to ear as she rubbed her hands together with glee. "I told you I''d get the gauntlet," she declared. "You sure did," Ebonheim agreed. With a smile, she raised the Gauntlet of the Storm Giant, casting its mythical silhouette against the dimming twilight. "By the power vested in me, and by the will of the villagers, I declare Serrandyl the rightful wielder of this divine artifact." She handed the gauntlet to Serrandyl who took it reverently and bowed her head in gratitude, her face split by a triumphant grin. The crowd cheered, clapped, and whistled, their voices blending together into a celebratory song. Gently, almost reverently, Serrandyl slid her hand into the gauntlet, and a gasp echoed through the gathering. The gauntlet, massive and intimidating, began to morph and alter its size. It conformed, wrapping around her muscular forearm and adjusting its fingers to align with her clawed hands. It reshaped itself, as if it was made for her. A powerful rush of energy surged through Serrandyl, as if she''d been struck by lightning. It coursed through her, surging from the tip of her tail to the top of her head, tingling along every vein, every nerve, every muscle. Ebonheim glanced at the screen that displayed the gauntlet''s properties: [Name] Gauntlet of the Storm Giant [Item Type] Epic Artifact [Base Weapon Damage] 12 Kinetic, 10 Electrical [Effects] The wearer acquires: +22 Strength, +8% Hit Chance (Unarmed, Natural Weapons), +4% Critical Hit Chance, +20 Arcane/Divine Defense vs Electric Damage Storm Summoning: The wearer of the gauntlet can summon a fierce, raging storm in a five-kilometer radius, which lasts for three hours. After its activation, the power cannot be used again until a week has passed. Lightning Control: The gauntlet provides the wearer precise control over lightning, allowing them to direct lightning strikes against specific targets during a storm. Each lightning bolt has an Arcane Attack rating of 35 and deals 80 Electrical Damage. Only one lightning bolt can be conjured every five minutes. Lightning Blast: Outside a storm, the wearer can discharge a bolt of lightning from the gauntlet with an Arcane Attack rating of 30 and dealing 40 Electrical Damage. The gauntlet stores five charges before requiring a week to recharge. Wind Warden: Once per day, the wearer can evoke gale-forced winds, either as a concentrated blast or a wide-area effect. These winds can deflect projectiles, granting an 18 Damage Reduction against Ranged Kinetic Damage for ten minutes, push back enemies, or triple the wearer''s jump and leaping distance for one hour. Serrandyl looked up at Ebonheim with a startled expression, but her eyes soon lit up with excitement, a toothy grin stretching across her face as she pointed at her. "Ebonheim! I challenge you, for the right to rule over th¡ª" A firm smack on the back of Serrandyl''s head from Argoran ended that little proclamation. Chapter 56: The Kungwan War, Prelude 13th day of Sunswell, 1368 [Quintessence] 8372/16000 Nestled in the heart of her lair, amongst glistening stalagmites and ancient stone, Calyxia indulged herself in a private pastime. Arrayed before her, a lavish collection of arcane texts, their leather-bound covers aged, but well-preserved. Her emerald eyes scanned the cryptic symbols, a rare smile gracing her stern visage, her serpent crown softly hissing in response to her subdued delight. There was a subtle softness in the way she stroked the book''s cover, the softest taps of her scaly fingers against its supple skin, and then a faint rustle as she flipped its pages to absorb its secrets once more. She loved learning new things, but these tomes had long since grown stale to her ever-curious mind. It was an enchanting collection to be sure, but an ancient one at that¡ªwritten by scribes of a bygone age that was long forgotten by all but the most dedicated scholars. And yet, Calyxia kept coming back. These arcane tomes were the first relics she had ever salvaged, and their knowledge was indispensable to her, no matter the age. She closed the book and returned it to its place on the shelf, before she stretched her arms over her head and let out a yawn. As always, after spending an afternoon surrounded by arcane script, a well-deserved nap was in order. Basking in the warmth of the dappled sunlight filtering through her grotto, Calyxia coiled languidly around a monolithic shard of quartz, the sunbeams glinting off her obsidian scales. The serpentine muscles beneath her scales thrummed in harmony with the gentle lull of the forest outside, her snake-crowned head lulled in contemplation of a delicate moss patch growing on the stone''s cold surface. As the minutes melted away into an hour, and then another, Calyxia drifted into a warm slumber, the weight of her slumberous body pressing into the quartz and the moss, as if they were the most comfortable bedding she could dream of. The serene calm was interrupted when a shadow fell upon her. Turning her emerald gaze towards the disturbance, she beheld a serpentine beastkin, an underling of her court. The Seraphid beastkin was sinuous and lithe, his lower body a long coiling snake and his torso akin to a man''s, but covered in glistening cobalt scales. His face was a blend of the reptilian and the human, with high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes that glowed with a subdued luminescence. "Forgive me, O great one," the beastkin rasped, a sibilant undertone echoing in his words. "Another intrusion by the Kungwans. Their insolence grows with each passing moon." The news caused Calyxia''s serpents to stir. Her emerald gaze hardened as she slowly unwound herself from her cozy spot, scales whispering against the quartz, and rose to her full height, towering over the beastkin as she coiled around him. "How many?" she hissed, her tail curling around him in a possessive gesture as she peered down at him with slit-pupil eyes. "Ten," he replied without hesitation, keeping his gaze lowered and respectful. "We managed to slay four of them, but the rest fled back to their territory." Calyxia''s serpents hissed, their ire a mirror to her own. "This is getting tiresome," she murmured, the harsh syllables sliding off her forked tongue. "They breed unrest throughout my forest." She was silent for a long moment, her gaze distant. The increasing frequency of the Kungwans'' incursions was becoming more than just an insult to her sovereignty. She had been patient, but it seemed that the Kungwans misunderstood her restraint for weakness. They would learn differently soon enough. "Their insolence knows no bounds," she remarked, her voice cold as the depths of her serpentine eyes. She uncoiled herself from around the beastkin and dismissed him with a wave of her clawed hand. "Rally your leaders. I will join them shortly." "As you wish," he bowed deeply before departing from her chamber. Calyxia''s serpentine tail flicked idly, stirring dust and sand into a glittering cloud that floated about her throne like motes of sunlight caught in a whirlwind. Her serpent crown swayed as her coils flexed, rising and falling in graceful arcs as she paced back and forth with languid ease. Kelzryn had kept those Kungwans around merely as a source of nourishment and as a buffer for those who would invade his territory. But now that he has gone missing, the Kungwans were beginning to make trouble¡ªtoo much trouble to ignore any longer. It was time to deal with them once and for all. She pondered what course of action to take as she left her grotto and slithered through the tunnels leading to the outside world.
Under the vast umbrella of the Eldergrove''s emerald canopy, Calyxia journeyed. Her serpentine lower body moved with graceful power, stirring up the carpet of fallen leaves that cushioned the forest floor. The shafts of sunlight, intruding through the verdant ceiling above, glistened against her obsidian scales as she navigated the complex maze of roots and undergrowth. The tribe of serpentine beastkin¡ªcalling themselves the Seraphidae¡ªhad rooted themselves here no more than fifty summers ago, despite her repeated attempts at intimidating them into leaving her territory. But where she expected the usual fear and submission, she instead found awe and reverence in their eyes. Perhaps it was because they shared similar serpentine traits, but they came to see her as their guardian deity. If she were an actual deity, the reverence would have worked in her favor. But such devotion did not grant any additional boon to ancient spirits such as herself or any of the other lords of the Eldergrove. Instead, she was left with the hassle of overseeing a beastkin tribe that had steadily grown from several hundred to now numbering more than two thousand. Calyxia had considered driving them off for good, but something stopped her from doing so. Perhaps it was because they were a bit different, or perhaps it was their culture that garnered her respect, but she could not bring herself to be rid of them. Instead, she left them to their own devices and watched over them from a distance, albeit a rather nosy one. The Seraphidae''s settlement, the Coils, unveiled itself before her¡ªa labyrinthine commune of homes and spaces, seamlessly woven into the landscape. It was an architectonic tapestry of living wood and vine that spiraled in harmony with the towering trunks and branches. Homes twined around robust trunks, spiraling upward to the high boughs. Treetop abodes, interconnected with sinuous bridges, crisscrossed above the forest floor. As she moved, Calyxia''s serpentine tail undulated rhythmically, the scales grazing over the mossy forest floor. Her sharp eyes missed no detail. The Seraphidae had not simply adapted to their forest home; they were a part of it, living harmoniously within its bosom. Abodes resembling elaborate snake dens lay low to the ground, home to the young and less nimble, their entrances adorned with bright wildflowers and pieces of polished shell. Higher up, stronger and larger Seraphidae resided, their dwellings hanging amidst the foliage like ripe fruits, connected with an intricate network of bridges and pulleys, displaying an elegant solution to vertical living. Moving further into the settlement, Calyxia took a moment to observe the daily activities of the Seraphidae. She watched as a group of younger Seraphidae practiced their Serpent Song, their bodies swaying and undulating to an unseen rhythm, their vocalizations an eerie yet captivating melody that resonated in the air. She passed by a mature Seraphid, whose golden scales glowed under the sunlight, his eyes closed as he meticulously etched patterns into the skin of a younger kin, narrating another story of life into their living tapestry. A communal area lay in the heart of the settlement, a clearing where the trees bent to create a natural dome, the sunlight speckling the ground below. Here, the Seraphidae congregated, a tapestry of greens, golds, and blacks. A group was engaged in what seemed to be a storytelling session, their song-like language echoing through the forest. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. There were smaller clearings too, dotted around the main gathering space. In one, Seraphids harvested fruits and herbs, their hands moving with the practiced ease of their craft. In another, young Seraphids played in shallow pools, their laughter echoing among the trees. Fishers returned from the nearby stream, their catch glistening under the sunlight, set for preparation and sharing in the spirit of communal living. As she moved through the settlement, her serpentine hair hissed and writhed, each snake a separate witness to the life thriving around them. She passed under a massive archway made of intertwined tree roots leading to the den where the Eldress resided, and the council of Oracles deliberated the path of their kin. As Calyxia approached, the activities around her dimmed, the vibrant eyes of the Seraphidae turning towards her. Their reactions to her presence were a blend of reverence and curiosity, gazes lingering on her snake-tressed head, her regal attire, and the mesmerizing patterns of her black scales shimmering under the sunlight. Calyxia could feel their scrutiny but felt no discomfort. Instead, her stern lips curved slightly into a knowing smile. As much as she had detested the very idea of interacting with these beastkin in the beginning, she had come to terms with it. At this point, they were so interwoven within her territory that it would be more bothersome to get rid of them. Another turn, and the entrance to her den came into view. Two sentries, clad in ceremonial armor, flanked the entrance, their weapons held firmly against their armored chest. Both of the Seraphidae, one male and one female, lowered their gazes respectfully as she approached. "Lord Calyxia," the male sentry spoke, his voice a deep rumble, "Welcome, the Eldress and the Oracles await." Calyxia lifted her chin as she looked down at them, her forked tongue flicking against her lips as she regarded them with a smile that showed off her sharp fangs. "It seems you have done your training well. You may escort me inside." Calyxia allowed the Seraphidae to lead the way, her gaze cast upwards at the intertwined foliage above. As they rounded a bend, they entered into the Eldress'' den, and Calyxia''s serpent crown twisted in approval as she took in the scene before her. The Eldress sat atop a dais of stone, her regal countenance framed by a curtain of greenery. Beside her, the Oracles¡ªfour elderly Seraphid sat in a semi-circle. Their attire was the same, a drape of finely woven cloth hanging loosely from their shoulders. "Our lord Calyxia," the Eldress said with a nod as she regarded her guest. "We have awaited your arrival." Calyxia slithered past the sentries, her gaze turning to the Eldress. "Skip the usual pleasantries and tell me what happened," she replied, her tone clipped and to the point. The Eldress shifted her weight and gestured to the Oracles. "A fresh Kungwan incursion, Ophis," she began, addressing the Seraphid who bore the title of Battle Seer. "Report." Ophis, a Seraphid of magnificent gold, his crest a striking blood-red, stepped forward. His voice was a mixture of serpentine hiss and melodic tone, the unique melody of Serpent Song. "The Kungwan breached our western border, my lord," he recounted, his features as hard as ancient stone. "Ten of them. They struck in the twilight, and attempted to burn the Coil. They killed several of our kin, including the young." Calyxia''s tail thrashed against the ground, her emerald eyes flashing in anger. "Where were your sentries?" she hissed, her voice a sibilant snarl. "How did they manage to breach the settlement''s defenses?" Ophis'' face contorted into a grimace, the slightest hint of frustration flickering across his face before his composure returned, his expression set and determined. "We lost fifteen sentries, my lord," he said, a hint of regret in his tone, "including the scouts and lookouts. Their loss is an offense to our honor." Calyxia did not answer. Instead, she regarded Ophis for a long moment, her emerald gaze weighing his words and sifting through the faint undertones for truth and deception. At length, she sighed and flicked her tail, releasing some tension in the process. "So, a warband," she mused, her emerald eyes darting to the other Oracles. "What happened after?" Ophis nodded. "A team was sent to drive them off, while the remaining Seraphidae tended to the wounded," he answered. Calyxia flicked her tongue, her reptilian features contemplative. "How far did they retreat?" she asked, her voice growing cold again, as if her earlier anger had never even existed. Ophis'' expression clouded over with a frown as he considered his answer. "They fled for a good distance," he replied, his voice hesitant, "but our warriors managed to slay four of them. Unfortunately, the rest escaped." Calyxia''s coils flexed and writhed at the news. A Kungwan warband in her territory was no small matter. A low, guttural growl echoed from Calyxia''s throat, the serpents on her head flaring angrily. "How often have these attacks occurred over the year?" Ophis sighed, the edges of his mouth tightening. "Too often, my lord. Once a season, then once a moon, and now twice in the last fortnight." The Eldress''s voice faltered. "Our people are...afraid, my lord. These constant attacks disrupt our way of life. The young ones are terrified. The loss of our brethren has left us all...shaken." "Too many. The frequency of these incursions, the audacity... this cannot go unanswered." Calyxia''s voice was cold as ice, and the finality in her tone left no room for dissent. "Gather your warriors and prepare for war." "But our defenses, my lord," a Seraphid interjected, her crest a soft, shimmering blue that reflected her status as a Wisdom Keeper. "They are strong but stretched thin." Calyxia''s gaze turned towards the Wisdom Keeper, her expression softening slightly. "I am well aware, Zephyra. The Kungwan are relentless, and your resources are finite." She paused, letting her words sink in. "You cannot rely solely on our traditional defenses. The Serpent Song, your magic... it is potent, but against a tide of Kungwan, you must think of alternatives." "How, my lord?" Zephyra asked, her almond-shaped eyes filled with questions. "Our warriors are fierce, but the Kungwan are resilient to our weapons and magic. We''ve learned that they are vulnerable to fire, but that element is not part of our Song. What other recourse have we?" Calyxia considered Zephyra''s words for a moment. "First, you must bolster your defenses. The Kungwan have learned your patterns and exploited your weaknesses. You need a shift in strategy. Ophis, can you devise a defense that will keep the Kungwan from the Coil?" "Of course, my lord," Ophis answered, his voice booming and confident, "I will draw up plans at once." Calyxia nodded in approval. "Good. Once you''ve done so, prepare a hundred warriors for the counter-offensive. Our goal will be to eliminate the Kungwan once and for all." Ophis'' brows creased in a frown. "Eliminate the Kungwan? But won''t that incur the wrath of the dragon that rules over that land?" Calyxia flicked her tongue, her serpent crown swaying in disapproval at Ophis'' words. "That is my concern for a later time," she hissed, her tone icy. "Focus on your preparations." Ophis bowed low. "Of course, my lord." Calyxia turned to Zephyra and the other Oracles. "You will need to increase patrols around the smaller Coils," she said, her voice curt and commanding, "but ensure that the warriors sent are well-trained and able to fend off any attack." Zephyra nodded, her voice a soft whisper. "I will do as you ask, my lord." Calyxia regarded the Eldress with a stern stare. "Fear not, the Kungwan will not plunder your settlements again." With that, Calyxia turned to leave. As she slithered out of the den, the sentries stepped aside to let her pass, bowing their heads in respect. She didn''t slow her pace. There was no time to waste. There was a war to prepare for. It was a matter of pride now. Calyxia had tried to avoid conflict with the Kungwans but found her patience tested repeatedly. Upon her return to the solitude of her lair, Calyxia brooded over the looming conflict. The cool seclusion of the cavernous space wrapped around her like a cocoon, providing a quiet sanctuary amidst the gathering storm. War was a predator, and the Eldergrove Valley was its prey. But Calyxia was a predator too, a cunning one, and she had no intention of becoming the hunted. Her serpents writhed and hissed atop her head, reflecting the whirlwind of strategic calculations occupying her mind. The Kungwan numbered a few hundred at best, but they were all hardy, voracious, and some of their elites possessed battle magics. The losses that the Seraphidae would endure would be immense. Despite her power, she alone wouldn''t be enough to topple them. A sudden spark lit her eyes, her lips parting in a vicious smile that revealed her deadly fangs. An idea had surfaced, a plan that might just turn the tide of the war in their favor. Ebonheim, the little fledgling goddess that ruled over the land between Elmsworth and Liselotte, could provide the support they needed. Their territories were both susceptible to the Kungwan''s incursions. If Calyxia could convince Ebonheim to participate, this war could be won with little loss to the Seraphidae''s side, and her forest would finally be free from the Kungwans'' harassment. Convincing Ebonheim might not be too difficult of a task. From their first encounter some time ago, Calyxia sensed that Ebonheim was lighthearted and easygoing, yet perceptive enough to act prudently. Calyxia could manipulate the way she perceived this situation. It would not take much to convince her. A smile creased Calyxia''s lips as she slowly slithered towards the exit. It was time to pay Ebonheim a visit. Chapter 57: The Kungwan War, Unexpected Visit 16th day of Sunswell, 1368 [Quintessence] 8372/16000 As the rooster''s first call announced the arrival of a new day, the earthy scent of tilled soil and the warmth of the nascent sun brought a subtle sense of contentment to Osgar, a humble farmer of Ebonheim, who rose with the dawn''s first blush, as was his daily custom. The coolness of the morning hung like dew upon the land, kissed by the breath of spring, turning the fields of rye into a shimmering sea of gold. He picked up his hoe, the old wood smooth under his worn hands, and set to work¡ªbeginning his habitual chores with an absentminded rhythm, the mundane monotony soothing him and helping him to lose himself in the simplicity of farmwork. A chilling wind swept through the farmland, ruffling the verdant tapestry of crops and stirring him from his reverie. He blinked away the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead, peering out at the edge of the woods bordering his farm. There, he caught the subtle shifting of the shadows, a flicker in the corner of his eyes. A gleam, as if two emerald pools, peered out from the woods, studying him as he worked. Osgar frowned and leaned on the handle of his hoe. "Who''s there?" he asked, his tone a mixture of annoyance and suspicion. A slight rustle and a gentle hiss answered him as the figure emerged from the treeline. For a moment, Osgar doubted the veracity of his own eyes. The terror, both beautiful and ghastly, bore the guise of a woman, her upper body muscular and noble, her face an alarming blend of womanly charm and serpentine horror. A crown of living serpents hissed and writhed upon her head, their scales gleaming ominously in the morning sun. Where Osgar expected human legs, instead, there undulated the terrifying length of a monstrous serpent, its black scales glistening with a menacing allure. Her figure was both an ode to regal elegance and a testament to monstrous dread, sending a shiver down Osgar''s spine, making his grip on his tool falter. "W-Well met, uh...stranger," Osgar stammered, his voice barely a whisper in the wind, "wha...wha...what brings ye to these humble parts?" The serpents on her head swirled as if chuckling at his fear. She spoke, her voice as cold as the mountain winds, "Where is Ebonheim? I seek to speak with her." Osgar hesitated, a cold dread wrapping around his heart, his tongue tied into knots. "I... I ain''t..." he stammered, before clearing his throat and trying again, "I don''t rightly know who ye mean." The serpent-woman narrowed her eyes at him, her posture stiffening with displeasure as she towered over him. "This is an important matter," she hissed, her forked tongue flickering against her lips. "You will take me to her." Osgar swallowed the lump in his throat, and nodded, lowering his eyes as his shoulders slumped in defeat. But before another word could escape his lips, the rattling of armor and the hurried footfalls reached his ears. A squad of village guards, their faces etched with an alarmed urgency, emerged from the other farmhouse nearby, their weapons brandished. "Halt!" commanded the captain, a burly man whose height stood head and shoulders above the rest, "Who goes there?" For a moment, the serpent-woman''s gaze turned towards the guards, her body coiling threateningly as the serpents on her head hissed in disapproval. "Halt!" the captain repeated, his voice booming across the fields, "Stand down. Who are you?" Osgar was about to speak, but the serpent-woman''s voice stilled him. "I am Calyxia, lord of the southern forest of this valley, and I seek an audience with Ebonheim. I would advise you to stay out of my way, lest you want to taste my fangs." A murmur stirred through the village guards, their collective gaze darting back and forth between the stranger and their captain. The captain grimaced, his brow creasing as he stepped forward, his stance defensive as he rested a hand on the pommel of his weapon. "Osgar, come behind us," he ordered. "Take cover." Osgar gulped and nodded. "O-Of course," he said with a fearful nod before backing away slowly. Calyxia''s serpentine eyes darted to Osgar and his retreating form, before turning back towards the guards. "You know well I can break your ranks with a single strike," she warned, a menacing smile creasing her lips as she bared her fangs. "A word of advice: Do not do anything foolish. Escort me to Ebonheim or bring her here." A moment of silence passed as the guards'' eyes shifted amongst themselves, their unease palpable in the air. One of the guards, his face young and features soft, spoke to his captain with a hesitant whisper. "What are we to do, captain?" he asked. "She doesn''t seem hostile, although her visage could probably kill a man with a glance." "Speak for yourself, Liam" retorted another guard who casually leaned against his spear. "Are you blind or daft? Are you not seeing that alluring face and that ample bosom on her? What part of her do you find terrifying?" Liam, the guard who had spoken first, turned towards him with an incredulous frown. "Floyd, are you insane? Do you not see those serpents atop her head? Do you think they''re there for decoration? Stop thinking with your loin and look at what she is." "She looks fine to me," Floyd replied, his eyes gleaming, his tone that of a young lad flirting with a girl. "Why don''t we take her to the village, captain? We could show her around." "Do you have a fetish for monsters?" Liam scoffed and shook his head in disapproval, as if dealing with an idiot. "They don''t call me the snake charmer for nothing," Floyd boasted, wiggling his eyebrows while puffing out his chest. Another, older guard shook his head, his face lined with worry as he adjusted his grip on his spear. "Liam is right, Floyd," he said. "Don''t let her beauty fool you. That is no mortal woman." Stolen story; please report. Floyd scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Well, yes, I know she''s not a mortal woman," he replied, his tone nonchalant. "It doesn''t matter. I''ll be her lucky charms." "More like you''ll be her dinner," Osgar muttered under his breath. The captain facepalmed at the exchange, his eyes closed in annoyance. "Is this a comedy act, or can I continue?" he grumbled, his gaze directed towards Calyxia. "One, you do not intimidate us. Two, I''m not taking you to our goddess just because you are some lord of the forest or something. Three, Floyd is an idiot." Calyxia''s lips formed a slight frown. "Are you defying my orders?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous. "I will not repeat myself." Captain Seigfried grimaced, but didn''t back down, keeping his hand on the pommel of his sword as he narrowed his eyes. "That depends," he said, "What do you want with our goddess?" Calyxia''s serpentine coils slithered restlessly as she slithered back and forth in the grass. "I seek an audience," she said, her voice low and measured, "the matter is important and must not be delayed. It is about the Kungwans who reside south of your domain." Seigfried''s eyes widened at the mention of the name. "Kungwans?" he repeated. "You know something about them?" Calyxia didn''t reply to his question but continued with hers. "As I said, I need to speak with Ebonheim." Seigfried''s brows furrowed as he turned to his fellow guards, and to Osgar, who was still hiding behind them. "Osgar, head on out and fetch Ebonheim. We''ll keep watch over her." Osgar nodded and wasted no time as he hurriedly made his way to the village center. Seigfried turned his attention back to Calyxia, regarding her carefully, his hand still on the hilt of his weapon. "You''ll have to wait here until Ebonheim arrives. I''d rather not escort you through the village since your appearance might alarm the village folk." Calyxia''s serpentine eyes narrowed in annoyance, and her lips curled into a feral sneer. "Very well," she said, "but do not make me wait too long." With a flick of her tail, Calyxia made her way to the edge of the fields, coiling herself around a tree, and made herself comfortable, resting her head against the trunk. Seigfried sighed and relaxed his grip on his weapon, turning back to the guards. "Stand down," he said. "And Floyd, stop staring." Floyd blushed and lowered his gaze, muttering something under his breath.
Ebonheim arrived soon after Osgar''s message reached her. To say that she was surprised was an understatement. It had been nearly seven months since she''d last seen Calyxia, and though Ebonheim had been meaning to visit her domain, she didn''t expect to see Calyxia visiting her instead. "Calyxia?" she asked as she approached the guards, her voice soft, her eyes wide with confusion. Seigfried stepped forward and bowed low, his tone respectful. "Goddess, this visitor came to see you and seeks an audience." Ebonheim turned towards Seigfried and smiled in acknowledgment, and then shifted her gaze to Calyxia who was coiled around a tree. "I didn''t expect that you''d pay us a visit, Calyxia," she said. "What''s the occasion?" Calyxia rose up from her spot, her serpentine tail moving with practiced ease as she slithered towards Ebonheim. "Unfortunately, I did not intend to come for a leisure visit. There is something I need to discuss with you." Ebonheim arched an eyebrow. "Oh, what about?" she asked, her voice hesitant. Could it be something to do with the next lordly gathering? Was it almost that time already? Calyxia''s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Ebonheim, her voice low as she spoke. "An urgent matter, Ebonheim," she said. "One that concerns both our lands." That didn''t sound anything but ominous. "Is everything alright?" Calyxia merely shrugged, her gaze turning serious as she spoke in a low tone, "Follow me, and I shall tell you." Without another word, Calyxia turned and headed towards the woods, not even waiting for Ebonheim to respond. Ebonheim glanced back towards the guards and bade them to return to their normal duties, and then followed after Calyxia.
The glade was a whispering place. An air of quiet draped it, a patchwork shroud made of hushed tones of wind lacing through age-old trunks, the susurrus of ferns tousling in the undercurrents, and the scattered serenades of hidden forest life. Ebonheim, her countenance warmed by the morning light dappled through the foliage, sat upon a moss-covered stone, her golden gaze casting a curious glance upon the coiling form of Calyxia. The Lord of the South, her ebony scales glistening with an oil-like sheen, occupied the silky sward of green that crowned the rise. She reclined, seemingly in comfort, her serpentine lower body undulating softly in what seemed a lazy display. However, beneath that languorous movement, lurked the undercurrent of muscle. A gracefully lethal force of strength, harnessed by an ancient spirit forged of pride and dignity. Her slit-pupil eyes locked onto Ebonheim''s. A moment''s silence bloomed between them, only to be shattered by the raspy whisper of Calyxia''s voice. "Do you recall one of the plights I mentioned during our last encounter?" Calyxia asked. "Um, you mentioned several," Ebonheim replied, her brows knitting into a slight frown as she tried to recall. "Which one did you have in mind?" Calyxia flicked her tongue against her fangs, a gesture that Ebonheim had come to recognize as a sign of displeasure. "The Kungwan." "Oh! Right, now I remember," Ebonheim exclaimed, her eyes widening with realization. "You said that they''ve been encroaching into your territory more often." It had been a long while since Ebonheim and the village dealt with the Kungwans. The day of her ''birth'' was also the day she encountered a couple of them¡ªand she had almost been eaten by one before Hilda''s timely rescue. But there had been no other encounters with them since then so she assumed they had left the valley. Calyxia nodded and closed her eyes. "Correct. Since then, the Kungwans have grown more brazen, and have become more aggressive with each passing moon. They have made many incursions into my territory, disturbing the Seraphidae who reside there." Seraphidae...Ebonheim had briefly asked about them during the gathering last year. They were a race of beastkin that were a blend of serpent and humanoid. "They have? That doesn''t sound good." "Indeed. Their incursions have gone from rare to common," Calyxia confirmed, her tongue flickering as she paused, as if contemplating her words. "Their raids are growing more and more frequent and their numbers, greater." "A raid?" Ebonheim repeated. "Wait, what exactly happened?" Calyxia closed her eyes, as if to gather her thoughts. "A few days ago, ten Kungwans breached my border and managed to invade the main Coil. They slew several Seraphidae and set aflame one of the outer clusters before escaping." "Coil? What''s that?" Ebonheim asked. "A term they use for their settlements. Their homes are built on the ground and in the treetops. Their central den is known as the Coil. So when I refer to ''the Coil'', it refers to their settlement," Calyxia explained. Ebonheim nodded in understanding. "I see...I think. What happened after? Did you go after the raiders?" Calyxia hissed, a gesture that sounded more like an exasperated sigh than a threatening one. "No. Although a team went after them, they were unsuccessful. The Kungwan got away." "Why didn''t you give chase? You could have stopped them from destroying more of your territory. Ten Kungwans isn''t too big a group for you, I assume?" "Unlike a deity like you, I do not have the omnipresence to watch over all of my domain, Ebonheim," Calyxia replied, her voice containing the barest hints of irritation. "While I have a considerable amount of power, my range of awareness does have a limit. Most of my time is spent in my den. And by the time I heard what was going on, the damage had already been done." That made sense. "Okay, fair point," Ebonheim agreed with a nod. "What did the Seraphidae do, then?" Calyxia shifted her weight, stretching her serpentine body as she moved. "The Eldress led her kin to rebuild the burnt cluster, while a team, led by my Battle Seer, fortified the borders and guarded against further incursions. The Seraphidae are resilient and resourceful, so rebuilding the damaged den should not pose a problem. My concern lies with the Kungwans. I have convened with the Eldress and her Oracles, and we have agreed that drastic measures have to be taken." Ebonheim listened quietly, her hands clenched together tightly. "Drastic measures, what do you have in mind?" Calyxia flicked her tongue once more. "War," she replied, her voice firm. "The Kungwan will no longer be tolerated within the Eldergrove. They are a menace, a threat to all the creatures living here. I wish to eradicate their kind." She paused, her eyes searching Ebonheim''s gaze. "I propose that we unite our forces and destroy the Kungwans together." Calyxia extended a hand towards her. "Join me in this war, Ebonheim." Chapter 58: The Kungwan War, Request for Aid Ebonheim didn''t quite expect Calyxia to ask for help. "War?" she asked, her eyes widening as her voice rose an octave. "Isn''t there a chance for a peaceful resolution?" Calyxia''s posture stiffened, and her lips pulled into a deep frown, the tip of her tail twitching in displeasure. "One cannot make peace with monsters," she hissed, her voice a sibilant snarl. "The Kungwans have proven to be a persistent and unyielding threat. There is no other recourse than to eradicate them." A war. The word hung heavily in the air. How was she supposed to get involved in a war? What could she even do to help? Not only that, but being involved would also put her village at risk, and she couldn''t endanger the lives of her people like that. Ebonheim shook her head. "I can''t," she replied, her voice hesitant. "If they''ve been causing trouble for you, I understand you''re upset and need to take care of them. But¡ª" Calyxia slithered closer, and lowered herself so that her face was level with Ebonheim''s. "Do you not wish to protect your people?" she asked, her tone hard as steel. "If the Kungwan continue to grow, they will eventually threaten your village." "They''ve left Ebonheim... my village, untouched so far. They''re not interested in us," Ebonheim countered softly, her voice wavering ever so slightly as she tried to hold her ground. "The last time that they ventured close to the village was nearly two years ago." Calyxia flicked her tongue against her fangs and tilted her head to the side in contemplation. "For now, yes," she said, her tone clipped and terse, "and that is a blessing. But one cannot live in the shadow of the mountain, forever assuming it will not erupt." Ebonheim felt a shiver run through her at Calyxia''s analogy, the logic in it chillingly clear. Yet, could she risk the lives she had pledged to protect on an ''if'' and a ''when''? Calyxia must have sensed her doubt, for her demeanor softened, and her voice grew quieter. "You should consider your position, Ebonheim," she said, her tone surprisingly gentle. "I am not asking you to risk your people needlessly. If I did not think you would be in danger, I would not have called upon your aid." She lowered her head until her serpentine eyes were level with Ebonheim''s once more. "What is a goddess without her people?" Ebonheim opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat, her chest tightening at the gravity of Calyxia''s words. She was right, as much as she didn''t want to admit it. Even if the Kungwan hadn''t paid the village any attention so far, there was always the possibility that they would, and despite having grown in power recently, Ebonheim may still not be strong enough to defend the village by herself. She inclined her head, allowing the silence to stretch as she considered Calyxia''s words. Her heart throbbed with a protective urgency; the safety of her village was her prime responsibility, and any threat to it, even an indirect one, required her attention. But a war...she''s read about them, and Bjorn even told tales of war from his younger days. War was brutal and horrific. So many would die, and even if Ebonheim fought alongside Calyxia, there was no guarantee that the village would come out unscathed. "War...war is a terrible thing," Ebonheim said, her voice tremulous. She remembered the guards she had failed to save, their final breaths a silent accusation that still echoed in her dreams. "But is not inaction worse, Ebonheim?" Calyxia''s voice was a soft caress, a seductive whisper that held Ebonheim in its grip. She uncurled her massive form, the sinuous motion casting eerie shadows over the woodland glade. "The Kungwans show no mercy. They''ve killed the Seraphidae and put a blight upon this valley. They are a wildfire that would ravage all in their path. They have to be stopped. And to achieve that, I need your aid." Calyxia extended her arms out to the sides, a wide and all-encompassing gesture. "Will you not help me, Ebonheim? Will you let...my people suffer while yours lives on, free of concern?" Ebonheim averted her gaze and focused her attention on the ground at her feet. Her mind whirled with myriad thoughts and feelings. Calyxia''s words, woven with threads of dread and urgency, settled heavily on her. The thought of her village razed, her people in the clutches of a merciless enemy, turned her blood to ice. But she was no seasoned warrior, no cunning leader. She was a guardian, a keeper of peace. Would her participation ignite the very catastrophe she wished to avoid? "You may have been spared their onslaught, but for how long?" Calyxia continued. "Can you afford to remain aloof while your neighbors bleed?" A silence descended upon them, the weight of the question pulling them both into its embrace. Ebonheim''s hands clenched, her nails digging into her palms as she wrestled with the implications of Calyxia''s words. "My duty is to my villagers," Ebonheim finally murmured, her voice laden with the heaviness of responsibility. "My village hasn''t been raided. The Kungwans do not seek conflict with us." A knowing smile curled up the corners of Calyxia''s lips. "Not yet, perhaps," she retorted, her gaze piercing through Ebonheim''s determined facade. She gracefully slithered forward, the strong undulations of her lower body showcasing the raw power she wielded. "Your duty extends beyond their immediate needs. You must safeguard their future. If the Kungwans go unchecked, who is to say your village won''t fall into their destructive path?" Ebonheim frowned, a faint heat rising to her cheeks at Calyxia''s words, as if she was a child being admonished. "You''re right," she said, her tone holding an edge of indignance, "but I won''t just blindly jump into a war. Until the threat stands at our door, I can''t, in good conscience, lead my people into battle." "Dwell on my words, Ebonheim," Calyxia implored, her gaze never leaving Ebonheim''s. "The Kungwan''s ravenous march will not cease at the boundaries of my territory. This is a war not of my choosing, but it''s a war nonetheless. I seek no glory. Only to bring peace to these lands. Our fates are intertwined. Whether we like it or not, this war will not spare you, nor your people, from its wrath. But, united, we have a greater chance of preventing the worst from occurring." A shudder coursed through Ebonheim. Calyxia''s words had stoked the flames of her protectiveness. It was a plea for solidarity, a call to arms against a common foe. But beneath that, Ebonheim sensed something else, as if Calyxia''s intentions weren''t purely motivated by selfless concern. Was Calyxia''s prediction mere conjecture, or based on information and insight? Could she believe Calyxia''s words, and use them to justify the risks of bringing the war to her people? Or was Calyxia using this as a pretense to bait her into joining this war, thus giving her what she wanted all along? Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. There was a subtle undertone of another reason hidden behind Calyxia''s words. Ebonheim couldn''t quite place a finger on it, but a tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered to her, cautioning her to tread carefully. Still...For the first time, Ebonheim found herself questioning the safety of her isolation. Would remaining neutral truly shield her village from the escalating conflict, or was it merely a comforting illusion, a balm for her fears? The weight of her responsibility bore heavily upon her. Each word that Calyxia spoke sowed seeds of disquiet in her heart, sowing doubts about the steadfast course she had so adamantly clung to. Yet, her resolve remained. She would not let her people be dragged into a conflict they had no stake in. At least, not yet. "I won''t bring my people into the heat of battle, not if I can prevent it," Ebonheim shot back. "You said this war isn''t of your choosing, but here you are, courting my aid to fight it." A low hiss escaped from Calyxia''s lips, her emerald eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and annoyance. "Must I remind you, Ebonheim?" she said, her voice a harsh hiss. "This war will not remain confined to my borders. If you wish to safeguard your village, you must do more than wall yourself up and hope for the best. It''s a folly that could cost you dearly. Should you stand idle now, you may find yourself forced to do battle alone later." The silence that followed was thick, charged with an energy that hummed through the air between them. Calyxia''s serpents stilled atop her head, their glittering eyes fixed upon Ebonheim. For a brief moment, Ebonheim imagined she could almost see the thoughts swirling within Calyxia''s mind, but they vanished, obscured by a veil of mystery, as quickly as she had glimpsed them. "Peace is not achieved through isolation, Ebonheim," Calyxia pressed on, her words flowing like a mournful dirge. Her serpentine body coiled and uncoiled with a restless energy, mirroring the relentless pursuit of her argument. "The Eldergrove is a woven tapestry of interconnected lives. What befalls one thread affects us all." "Is that so?" Ebonheim countered, her voice resolute. "Then why have you chosen to involve me now? Why didn''t you call upon me when the Kungwans first invaded your lands? Have you not protected your own people all this time?" Calyxia''s tail gave a frustrated flick, as if Ebonheim''s retort was an irritant she sought to swat away. "That''s not the point. I tried to avoid conflict, but they refuse to leave us in peace. They''ve been relentless. With every moon, the Kungwan attacks increase. The Seraphidae will not survive this onslaught unless we strike back and eradicate them." Calyxia bristled at the insinuation, the living crown of serpents atop her head hissing and writhing, their anger mirroring their queen''s. "The Kungwans are a threat to us all," she spat out, emerald eyes flashing with indignation. "Your stubborn refusal to see that may be the downfall of your beloved village." Ebonheim held her ground, her golden gaze meeting Calyxia''s wrathful one. "And what of the aftermath, Calyxia?" she retorted, her words ringing through the glade. "Suppose we vanquish the Kungwans, what then? Will the Eldergrove not be bathed in blood? Will my people not be mourning their lost? Is this the peace you speak of?" The tension in the glade was palpable, a silent battle of wills waged between the two leaders. The rustling leaves and the burble of the distant brook seemed amplified in the weighty silence that followed. "Aye, there will be blood," Calyxia conceded, her voice softer, almost a whisper. "But it will be the blood of heroes, not victims. It will be the blood of those who fought to protect their land, their kin, and their peace. Is there not honor in that?" "Honor?" Ebonheim echoed, her voice hollow. "What honor is there in needless bloodshed? What honor is there in turning our peaceful realm into a battlefield?" "No battle is needless that defends our home," Calyxia argued, her tone firm. "Your reluctance is born of fear, Ebonheim. Fear of change, fear of responsibility, fear of loss. But fear is not a trait of leadership. It is a trait of followers." Ebonheim stiffened at the veiled insult. "You''re wrong," she hissed, her voice strained with emotion. "It''s not fear that guides me. It is prudence. And you speak of leadership as if you know its burden. Have you shouldered the burden of a village? Have you had to lead them through dark times?" Calyxia''s response was a low, throaty laugh, her emerald eyes gleaming with mirth. "Oh, Ebonheim, you have much to learn," she said, her tone patronizing. "Leadership is not about making the easy choices. It''s about making the right ones, even when they''re the hardest." The words cut deep, echoing painfully in Ebonheim''s mind as she processed them. Was she truly making the right choices for her people? Or was she merely protecting them to satisfy her own selfish desire for safety? "We are not so different, you and I," Calyxia continued, her voice taking on a surprisingly gentle tone. "We both have lands and people we...care for, lives we...would do anything to protect." Ebonheim considered the comparison, a small part of her wanting to agree with Calyxia, but a stronger voice in her mind warned her against accepting the serpentine woman''s words at face value. Something about Calyxia''s motives was still off, something that Ebonheim couldn''t quite put her finger on. "Yet the difference lies in the means, Calyxia," Ebonheim replied, her voice a mere whisper. "I seek to protect mine by maintaining peace, you by preparing for war." "And what happens when peace is not an option, Ebonheim?" Calyxia pressed, her gaze never wavering. "When the enemy is at your doorstep, will you still offer them peace?" "Enough of your scare tactics, Calyxia," Ebonheim retorted, a fresh wave of defiance coursing through her. "Your words are aimed to manipulate, to incite fear. But I know my people. I know their strength, their resilience." Calyxia tilted her head to the side and regarded Ebonheim with a bemused smirk. "Resilience, you say?" she murmured, her voice as cold as winter''s breath. "Will your people''s resilience protect them when the Kungwans raid your village, when they desecrate your homes, slaughter your kin? How much resilience will be left then, Ebonheim?" The stark imagery sent a cold shiver down Ebonheim''s spine. She pictured her tranquil village in flames, her people screaming, running, dying. Her hands clenched involuntarily, her knuckles turning white. "Why... Why must it come to that?" she stammered, her voice trembling. "Because it is the nature of the beast," Calyxia replied, her voice chillingly calm. "The Kungwans know only violence and conquest. They will not stop until they have ravaged all in their path." "Yet..." Ebonheim hesitated, her mind spinning with fear and uncertainty. "Is there not a way to negotiate peace, to find a compromise?" "Peace?" Calyxia echoed, a cruel smirk playing on her lips. "You think they would negotiate peace? The Kungwan are not like us, Ebonheim. They do not value life, they do not understand compromise. To them, you are either food or a seedbed. Stop thinking of them as rational beings." Ebonheim felt a lump in her throat, the gravity of Calyxia''s words weighing heavily upon her. She looked at the serpentine lord, her gaze filled with conflict and uncertainty. The threat of the Kungwans¡ªno matter how distant¡ªwas seemingly real, and the peace she had so cherished was hanging by a thin thread. Would she sacrifice her principles for the greater good? Or would she stand her ground, risking the potential fall of her village? Calyxia turned her head to the side and exhaled a long breath, as if releasing some tension from her body. "I did not mean to be so blunt, but you need to understand," she said, her voice growing softer, "There is no peace to be found in inaction." "Help us, Ebonheim," Calyxia implored, her voice softer, almost pleading. "Help us protect our lands, our people. Help us ensure that the horrors I spoke of never become a reality." Ebonheim swallowed the lump in her throat and took a deep breath, the words sticking in her mouth as her mind churned with uncertainty. "I... I need time to think," she said, her voice barely a whisper. Calyxia nodded in understanding. "Take your time," she replied, her voice taking on a gentle, reassuring tone. "I will await your answer at my lair. But do not take too long. The longer we wait, the greater the danger becomes¡ªand to put your heart at ease, I am not asking for your village to join this war directly. I am only asking for you." With that, Calyxia rose and slithered away, her serpentine body coiling and uncoiling with a grace that belied the power that Ebonheim knew lay within. Ebonheim watched as Calyxia left the glade, the echoes of her words still ringing in her mind. She sat down on the moss-covered stone and tried to make sense of the conflicting emotions warring inside her. On one hand, she didn''t want to jeopardize the safety of her village by dragging them into a war that they had nothing to do with, but on the other hand, the thought of the Kungwans ravaging her peaceful home and hurting her people made her blood boil with indignation. Should she remain firm in her decision to not involve the village in Calyxia''s war, or should she swallow her pride and take a stand alongside the serpentine woman, putting her trust in her and hoping for the best? Maybe she should seek counsel from the elders to discuss the matter. Chapter 59: The Kungwan War, History Lesson The Aslankoyash encampment was a rich tapestry of life and laughter, nestled amidst the verdant, towering trees. The smell of woodsmoke filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat. Colorful tents and woven banners provided a vibrant backdrop for the hustle and bustle of the village. The sounds of laughter and chatter echoed through the forest, punctuated by the clanging of swords as warriors trained in a nearby clearing. Children scampered and played, their tails wagging with playful exuberance and their carefree voices a melodious counterpoint to the adults'' gruff baritones. Old men and women sat in shaded nooks, exchanging tales of old, their wrinkled faces etched with a mixture of pride and worry. A great central firepit, encircled by a ring of stones, glowed with a merry blaze, its heat warding off the chill of the Spring morning. A brace of spit-roasted boars crackled and sizzled, the scent of their savory meat wafting through the air. Bjorn reclined on a fallen log, his mighty arms crossed over his armored chest. Beside him, Engin, Hilda, and Argoran sat in quiet repose, their conversation echoing softly against the backdrop of the encampment''s muted activity. "It''s been a busy week around the village, hasn''t it, Hilda?" Engin asked, his gaze following a group of children as they chased each other through the tents. "How have the crops been coming in?" Hilda shrugged, her face etched with a weary smile. "The spring rains have been kind to us," she said, "although the irrigation channels could use some repair." "That can be taken care of easily," Argoran remarked, his tail swinging back and forth across the ground. "I''ll send a party to the upper slopes to gather the needed materials." "That would be much appreciated," Hilda replied, her smile widening. "And what about the hunting parties, Argoran? Did the last hunt yield enough meat?" A proud smile creased Argoran''s lips. "Aye, the hunt went well," he said, "and the surplus meat will go to good use in our winter stores." "That''s good news," Engin said, his eyes glittering with approval. "And how about the warriors, Bjorn? How have the recent training sessions been going?" Bjorn chuckled and leaned back, his arms still crossed. "The youngsters have been showing promise," he replied. "They may be rough around the edges, but with time and practice, they will be formidable." "I''m glad to hear that," Engin replied, a hint of pride in his tone. "Our young warriors will need to be strong if they''re to keep the village safe." As the conversation continued, a new sound cut through the din, drawing the attention of the group. The figure of Ebonheim emerged from the woods. She strode purposefully towards the group, the grasses and plants around her feet parting as she passed. As they turned their attention to her, she seemed to hesitate, a gesture not lost on Bjorn. "Ebonheim," Bjorn greeted, a smile spreading across his face. "How fares our goddess this morning? Come, sit with us." Ebonheim nodded, and took a seat beside Engin. "I''m well, thank you." She paused, a flash of indecision flickering across her face, as if she was wrestling with a difficult decision. "What''s on your mind, Ebonheim?" Engin pressed gently. Ebonheim inhaled deeply, her gaze fixed on the ground. "There''s... There''s something I''ve been thinking about," she began, her voice hesitant, "and I want to ask you all for your opinions." "Go ahead," Hilda said, her tone encouraging. "You can speak freely." Bjorn remained silent, his gaze never leaving Ebonheim. He sensed a tension in her, and he could tell that she was troubled by something. Their discourse over the Chalice of Enchanted Nectar had not been that long ago, and she looked just as torn as she did then. Ebonheim glanced nervously at the group, her golden eyes betraying her apprehension. "First, I want to ask what you all know about the Kungwans." Bjorn felt a cold knot form in his stomach at the mention of the monstrous race. Argoran echoed the sentiment, his tail lashing against the ground. "Kungwans?" Argoran rumbled, his voice heavy with disdain. "Those vile creatures. Our tribe had suffered at their hands upon our entry to the Eldergrove. Their savagery knows no bounds." "Why the sudden interest in those dreadful creatures?" Engin asked, a frown creasing his brow. Hilda nodded in agreement. "Yes, Ebonheim. I''m as surprised as the others. You''ve never shown any interest in them before." Ebonheim glanced away, her fingers idly tracing patterns in the dirt. "I have...reasons," she offered cryptically. Bjorn noted her evasive response, the nervous shift of her slender fingers, and the guarded expression in her eyes. There was more to this than she was letting on. He traded a glance with Hilda, whose brows were furrowed in thought, and Argoran, who remained stoically silent, his dark eyes brooding and deep. There was a story here, hidden within Ebonheim''s reticence, and Bjorn was set on coaxing it from her. But first, they would fulfill her request. "Well then," Engin sighed, adjusting his spectacles. "Let''s take this from the beginning, shall we?" His gaze met Bjorn''s, and the warrior gave a subtle nod, silently urging him to continue. "To start with, the Kungwans are a powerful and dangerous race," Engin began. "They are not native to the Eldergrove, and it has long been suspected that they came from realms beyond the one we live in now. There are ancient texts and legends that speak of their origins and their nature, but they are often contradictory, so I can''t speak to the veracity of them. But the prevailing belief is that they hail from a chaotic world similar to ours and that the Arcanists of old had summoned them here to serve as soldiers during the great wars." Bjorn nodded, his face growing grim. "Aye. And these beasts were as fierce as they were powerful. They fought with a savage fury the likes of which none had ever seen. But with the wars over, the Kungwans remained in our world, and their nature did not change. They were as wild and bloodthirsty as the day they had arrived." Engin nodded, continuing on with the tale. "Yes. The wars over, the Arcanists had no more use for them. Though creatures summoned by the Arcanists'' magic normally returned to their realms of origin after fulfilling their purpose, Kungwan born in our world had no such compulsion." "What do you mean?" Ebonheim asked, her golden eyes wide. Hilda chimed in next, her druidic nature allowing her a unique perspective on the Kungwan''s nature. "Their ferocity and violent tendencies were not what made them dangerous. It was their reproductive methods. They birthed new Kungwans by infecting other creatures with their transformative essence." "Transform?" "Yes. A Kungwan''s maw is laced with its larvae. When they bite another creature, the larvae burrow into the victim. Once inside, the larva begins the gruesome process of changing the host from the inside out. It takes weeks for the larvae to metamorphose from the pupal state. During this period, the host suffers terrible pain as the transformation slowly takes hold. The creature''s flesh and bones twist and warp into the semblance of a Kungwan. Then, after the metamorphosis, the new Kungwan emerges, and the cycle of infection continues." "That''s...awful," Ebonheim gasped, her face paling. Bjorn''s jaw tightened, his memory haunted by the memory of his comrades, their bodies mutilated and mangled, their faces twisted with horror. "Aye, it is a fate worse than death. We have seen the aftermath of their depredations, and they are not a sight to behold. Fortunately, druids have the means to cure those infected as long as they are still within the early stages of the transformation, but there are cases where the victims cannot be saved." Ebonheim shook her head, a horrified expression etched on her delicate features. "I can''t even imagine what that must be like." Argoran growled low in his throat, his hackles rising at the memory. "We learned the cost of underestimating them. Twenty of my tribe members had fallen to their cursed bite before being dragged to their foul dens." "I''m so sorry," Ebonheim replied, her eyes shining with empathy. Engin nodded, his gaze distant and solemn. "Yes, the Kungwans are a grave threat. They roam the lands, infecting any unfortunate creature they come across. Fortunately...or rather, unfortunately, depending on one''s perspective, this method of infection and reproduction can only occur within a humanoid host." "A small blessing," Argoran muttered, his tail lashing the ground. "Had they been capable of spreading their vile larvae among the beasts, we would not be having this conversation. The Eldergrove would have become a breeding ground for them." "But if these creatures are that dangerous, why are they still allowed to live and roam freely?" Ebonheim asked, her voice soft but her gaze resolute. "Why didn''t everyone band together and wipe them out when they had the chance?" Engin shook his head, his expression regretful. "We would have if we could, Ebonheim. But the Kungwans are cunning and elusive. They can adapt to any terrain, and their abilities allow them to camouflage themselves almost perfectly, making them nearly impossible to track by normal means." "Not to mention," Bjorn added, "that they are fiercely territorial. They are known to attack on sight if trespassed upon. And despite their nature, they are not mindless beasts, they have an intelligence about them, which makes them more dangerous. They fight with a viciousness and savagery unmatched by any other race. It takes a tremendous effort to hunt a single one, and losing even a small number in the process is a heavy price. Their flesh is highly resistant to all manner of mundane weapons unless imbued with magic, and wounds inflicted upon them heal rapidly, making battles of attrition a costly affair." "So they''re tough to kill," Ebonheim said, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. "But surely they must have a weakness." Bjorn nodded, his lips forming a tight line. "Aye, and we have found a few ways to weaken them. Consecrated silver blades blessed by gods, seem to be effective. It will not kill them outright, but a blade forged from such a material can inflict lasting damage. Fire and other elemental magics have also proven to be effective against them." If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Yes," Argoran chimed in. "However, some breeds of Kungwans have proven to be resistant to certain elements. I''ve encountered one that looked different from the others, its skin possessed a red tone and it spewed fire from its maw." "Sounds like the Flamecallers," Bjorn murmured. "I''ve fought a few in my time. They''re nasty business. Some can also breathe frost, and others have a corrosive touch. There are many breeds of them, each with their own unique abilities." Ebonheim nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Thank you. This information will be useful." Bjorn quirked an eyebrow at her words, his eyes narrowing. "Ebonheim, why the sudden inquiry?" he asked, hoping his voice didn''t betray his suspicion. "Is something going on with the Kungwans south of here? They are far enough away and their numbers are small enough that we have no immediate concerns." "Didn''t we estimate that there shouldn''t be any more than a few of dozen left since we purged the ones that encroached near the village two years ago?" Engin asked, concern in his eyes. "Argoran, how many of them did your tribe encounter?" "Hmmm... I''d say...at least twelve," Argoran replied. "But since losing twenty of my kin to them, I can only assume that there are around fifty or sixty." "If there''s only that many, then it''ll only be a matter of time until they''re wiped out," Engin reasoned. "They''re a threat, but they aren''t an immediate danger to us. As long as we don''t go poking around in the South, we should be fine until we muster enough people to exterminate them once and for all." Bjorn turned to look at Ebonheim who had remained silent. He could sense that she was holding back, and he wanted to get to the bottom of her hesitation. "Ebonheim," he pressed, his voice edged with a note of warning. "Out with it. What''s this about?" Ebonheim swallowed, her slender hands fidgeting in her lap. "I''ve been approached by Calyxia," she said softly, her gaze fixed on the ground. "One of the lords of the Eldergrove? The one you mentioned some time ago after returning from their gathering?" Hilda asked. "Yes, that one. She sought me out earlier today." "And what did she want?" Bjorn inquired. Ebonheim paused, as if trying to gather the words. "She asked me to join her in the war she''s been fighting against the Kungwans." Bjorn and the others exchanged a glance. A long moment passed before anyone spoke. "Join her in the war, huh?" Bjorn echoed. "Yes. She told me that the Kungwans have been getting more aggressive. They''ve been attacking the denizens of her territory. She believes that they will eventually threaten the village and wants to form an alliance with me to fight against the Kungwans." "She wants our village to join the war?" Engin asked, his eyes widening. "No, no, nothing like that," Ebonheim quickly clarified. "Just me, not the entire village." "What did you tell her?" Bjorn asked, his gaze never wavering. "I...I told her that I would consider her request, but I''m not sure what to do. That''s why I came here to ask for your advice," Ebonheim replied. "Should I go with her? Or should I stay and protect the village?" "Protect the village? Are you afraid the Kungwans would attack us if you were to leave?" Bjorn asked. Ebonheim nodded, her eyes flashing with concern. "If I join Calyxia, the Kungwans may see the village as an enemy. So yes, I am concerned for the village''s safety while I''m gone." "Are you implying that they might target us instead while you''re away?" Bjorn asked. "Maybe..." Ebonheim murmured. A tense silence descended upon the group, each member of the council contemplating the ramifications of Ebonheim''s choice. Bjorn watched as a series of emotions flickered across Ebonheim''s face. Doubt. Worry. Concern. Uncertainty. She was conflicted, and it was clear to him that she was struggling with the decision. Bjorn let out a heavy sigh, breaking the silence. "Listen, Ebonheim. If your goal is to protect us, and this is your way, then I say go." "You say go?" Ebonheim questioned. "You mean you agree with her?" "I don''t know her or her motives," Bjorn said carefully, "but if the Kungwans do pose a threat to the village, and you could help prevent them from becoming a problem, then we have to give you the freedom to do so. No one can say for sure whether or not your presence here would actually deter them, but I doubt it." "Why do you say that?" Bjorn looked over at Hilda and raised an eyebrow. She gave a slight nod in return, then turned to face Ebonheim. "Remember when the two Kungwans were bent on attacking you two years ago?" she reminded her. "If their only goal was to take and infect hosts to breed more Kungwans, then the guards who fought them would have been a more tempting target. But instead, they focused on you. Perhaps they realize that your presence presented more of a danger to them." "Yeah...perhaps. I do recall that happening," Ebonheim pondered, her fingers trailing absently across her cheek as she reflected. "Do you think I should go then?" "The thought of a war in the Eldergrove is indeed a terrifying prospect," Hilda admitted, her eyes gazing off into the distance as if imagining the destruction. "But it is also the reality that we may have to live with now." "And if war does come for us," Engin said, "then we''ll have to prepare for it. In the meantime, it seems that the best way to protect our people and the Eldergrove is for you to go with Calyxia and support her efforts. While you''re away, we can strengthen the village''s defenses in case the worst happens. As the village elder, I can assure you that we will be able to handle things in your absence." "This may be the right course of action," Argoran agreed, "and perhaps this Calyxia''s intentions are genuine, but regardless of her intentions, there is one thing we can be certain of: if you''re truly allied with the other lords and your efforts help them eradicate the Kungwan threat, then we stand to gain as well." A thoughtful silence followed as the weight of the words settled in. "Honestly, I wish we were present during your meeting so that we could get a read on her," Bjorn mused. "We still don''t know the important details, like how strong the Kungwan forces are, how long you''ll be gone for, and what exactly your role is in all this. But based on what we do know, I believe that supporting this war is the most prudent decision, for both you and your village." Ebonheim closed her eyes, her fingers interlacing with her opposite hand as she contemplated Bjorn''s words. "And even if you decide not to go," Bjorn continued, "my gut tells me that this war Calyxia intends to fight may end up drawing you in regardless of what you do. If she needs your aid now, she will likely require your aid again in the future, especially if this war goes poorly." "All I can suggest is that you speak with her in private and try to get a better idea of her motivations," Argoran offered, "and ask about the particulars of what she expects from you in this alliance." "That''s good advice," Ebonheim conceded, opening her eyes. "You should go and help Calyxia," Engin said. "We can''t risk having the Kungwans expand their territory. We can''t afford to have them come north and encroach on our lands again if they are growing in number and are beginning to show more frequent aggression." "Are you sure that the village will be alright if I leave?" Ebonheim asked. "I am confident," Hilda responded. "My druidic order and the village guards will ensure the village''s defense in your absence, and we will increase patrols throughout our area as an additional precaution. Besides, it''s not the first time you''ve left to pursue your duties. We will manage in your absence." "That''s right," Engin agreed. "Besides, we''re more than capable of defending the village if the need arises." Ebonheim furrowed her brow, still seemingly unconvinced. Bjorn watched her carefully. He understood her apprehension and concern. As a leader, he knew that it was never easy to leave behind the safety and security of your people for a greater good. But sometimes, it was a necessary sacrifice, and the villagers would understand that, too. "Ebonheim," he said, his voice firm. "You know in your heart that we''re right. Our village is safe here. If anything, Calyxia needs your help more than we do." Ebonheim was silent, her gaze falling to the ground once more. Bjorn waited, allowing her to mull over her thoughts. He knew that she understood the truth in his words, but that didn''t make the decision any easier. He sympathized with her, for he, too, had been in her position once. He''d had to make tough choices that had seemed to go against his intuition, and while they had not always been the correct ones, they had been the best ones he could have made at the time. Finally, Ebonheim let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging as if a great weight had been lifted from them. She raised her eyes to meet Bjorn''s, and he could see the resolve shining in their depths. "Very well," she said softly. "If you all believe that it is the right decision, then I will go to Calyxia. I will do what I can to help her fight the Kungwans." Bjorn reached forward and clasped Ebonheim''s hand in his own, giving it a firm squeeze. "You''re doing the right thing, Ebonheim," he reassured her. "We''ll be here to keep the village safe. We''ll be waiting for your safe return. Now, when do you plan on joining Calyxia?" "She said she would wait for my decision at her lair." "Then there''s no time to waste. You should go immediately. If the Kungwans are as much of a threat as Calyxia claims, you can''t afford to dawdle. You should leave right away," Bjorn urged. With those words, Ebonheim rose to her feet, her head held high. "Thank you all for your wise counsel," she said, her voice steady and strong. "I''ll head to Calyxia''s lair now and inform her of my decision." With those words, she turned and strode off, her form fading into the trees. The group sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. "We may have urged her to help, but I can''t help but worry that she may not be up to the task," Engin said after Ebonheim was out of earshot. "You told me back then that she couldn''t restrain even one or two of them with her powers and was nearly overrun." "That was when she was still inexperienced and had yet to come into her current power," Hilda chimed in. "But she''s grown since then. I sense much potential in her. Her power has increased exponentially ever since her ascension, and she has been diligent in her training all this time. I have faith that she will do what is needed." "Perhaps," Bjorn replied, his voice heavy with doubt. "But still, I can''t help but wonder. How could Ebonheim be the only one to receive Calyxia''s invitation? Why not any of the other lords? Isn''t this a little strange?" "Yes, it is. It''s a mystery, to be sure," Engin said. "There''s more to this than we know," Argoran growled, his ears flicking back. "There''s a lot of unknowns in this situation. Regardless, all we can do is trust in Ebonheim and hope that her actions will lead us to a favorable outcome." "I don''t like this," Bjorn grumbled. His shoulders squared as he crossed his arms over his chest. Something was off about their assumptions, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. What was it? Was it the fact that Ebonheim''s inquisition on the Kungwan had been so odd? Or was there something else going on that he had missed? He ran his fingers through his beard as he pondered, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Something didn''t add up. Ebonheim''s nervousness, the odd timing of the conversation, and the fact that she was the only one to be contacted to join this wa¡ª Bjorn''s eyes widened at the realization. Why didn''t he realize it earlier? Why did this Calyxia woman declare their conflict as a full-blown war rather than an extermination mission? If there were only fifty to sixty to deal with, then claiming it to be a war would be an exaggeration, wouldn''t it? But if they''ve grossly underestimated the Kungwan''s numbers, and there were hundreds or more, then... "Argogan, how many Kungwans did you encounter again? The ones that you and your tribe fought?" Bjorn asked, his voice urgent. "Twelve or so. Why?" Argoran asked. "Bjorn, what is this about?" Hilda asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "We may have a serious problem," Bjorn said. "What do you mean?" Engin asked. "Ebonheim mentioned a war with the Kungwan. Why would there be a war with only fifty or seventy Kungwans, especially if Ebonheim and this lord of the Eldergrove could potentially defeat them all at once if they were together?" "Then, what are you suggesting, Bjorn?" Hilda asked. "There may be a lot more than that." "You mean to suggest that the Kungwan population is a lot larger than we anticipate?" Argoran asked, his eyebrows raised. "I don''t want to speculate, but that''s what I''m getting at, yes," Bjorn said. "How much more?" Engin asked, his brows furrowing. "What if there are hundreds? Or more?" Engin''s eyes widened. "Hundreds?! That''s impossible. Surely we would have noticed their presence earlier and more frequently if that was the case. If a hundred of them were to attack our village, then we wouldn''t stand a chance. Why have they not done so before?" "It could be a territorial thing," Argoran suggested. "They are closer to Calyxia''s territory than they are to ours, after all. But if that''s the case, I don''t understand why Calyxia is requesting help to deal with a handful of them. Wouldn''t she be able to handle them on her own?" "Hundreds...such a frightening amount," Hilda murmured. "That would mean the Kungwan have the means to acquire and infect a sufficient amount of hosts, would it not? Aside from our village and the ones that reside within Calyxia''s territory, I have not heard of any other settlement in the valley." "Then the Kungwan are getting those host bodies some other way then," Bjorn reasoned. "From where? How?" Argoran asked. "Your guess is as good as mine. But Calyxia might have some insight into that. I need to let Ebonheim know," Bjorn said, rising to his feet, his gaze fixed on the forest where Ebonheim had disappeared. With that, he turned and strode off to search for her. Unfortunately, she had already left the village. Chapter 60: The Kungwan War, Strategy? 20th day of Sunwell, 1368 [Quintessence] 8372/16000 Under the dappled sunlight piercing through the dense canopy of the Eldergrove, Ebonheim trod the path leading to the heart of the Seraphidae settlement, her footfalls muted on the lush, moss-covered ground. Before her sprawled a tableau of vividly decorated huts and sinuous paths, nestled against the thick, ancient trunks of towering trees. Ebonheim''s keen eyes caught sight of a small group of Seraphidae children playing in the shadow of a great tree. They chased each other, their playful shrieks and laughter filling the air. Ebonheim smiled. Seeing children running freely through the forest warmed her heart. It was the simple joys like this that reminded her of why she was a goddess in the first place. As she made her way through the throng of Seraphidae, their gazes followed her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She smiled and nodded at them, her face a mask of calm, even as she silently marveled at how different these people were compared to humans. As she drew nearer to the central clearing, she saw the glimmering shapes of Seraphidae warriors standing guard. She paused. Their stances were tense, their eyes wary, their bodies ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of danger. Ebonheim slowly walked towards one of the Seraphidae and lifted her hand in greeting. "Hello," she said with a warm smile. The Seraphidae met Ebonheim''s gaze with a steely glare and leveled her weapon, a spear, in Ebonheim''s direction. Ebonheim stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wait...don''t point that at me," she sputtered, her hand lifted in an attempt to pacify the Seraphidae warrior. "I''m here to speak to Calyxia." The warrior''s posture did not waver, her sharp eyes studying Ebonheim''s form for any hint of movement. After a moment, the Seraphidae lowered the tip of her spear, her stance relaxing slightly. Ebonheim let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Um...so, can you take me to Calyxia? I have something important to discuss with her." The Seraphidae tilted her head, a slight frown creasing her brow. "Who are you?" she asked, her tone cautious, yet curious. "I am Ebonheim. I am a...a friend of Calyxia," Ebonheim replied, a slight blush staining her cheeks. "I...I mean, I know Calyxia...a little bit. I''ve spoken to her once or twice." "You are Ebonheim?" The Seraphidae''s expression shifted to one of wonderment, and she quickly bowed her head. "My apologies. I did not recognize you. Please, follow me." The path wound through the village which was easily thrice the size of her own, the curious gazes of the Seraphidae following them. The buildings were woven from branches and vines, their roofs covered in moss and flowers. Ebonheim saw a few Seraphidae tending to the gardens, harvesting fruits and herbs. One Seraphidae was weaving a basket from the fibrous inner bark of a large tree, his hands deftly shaping and tying the material into a fine shape. Ebonheim turned to her guide. "Your people are very skilled. Your homes are lovely." The Seraphidae''s face lit up at her words. "Our ancestors learned to weave and work with the forest and its resources. Our magic helps us work with nature, to coax the forest to do our bidding," she said, her voice filled with pride. "That sounds amazing." The Seraphidae warrior smiled. "Thank you," she replied, "And we''re quite skilled with our hands too." "Oh, I can see that." Ebonheim''s gaze lingered on the intricate designs carved into the wood of a nearby building, the polished facades shimmering under the sunlight. At the end of the winding path, Ebonheim came upon a small grotto. The entrance was framed with ivy and moss, and a soft, luminescent glow emanated from within. Two sentries stood watch, their armor and weapons ornate and ceremonial. As they approached, the sentries bowed their heads and stepped aside. The Seraphidae warrior who escorted Ebonheim motioned her forward. As Ebonheim entered the grotto, her eyes widened in surprise at the scene before her. In the middle of the cavern, a massive shard of quartz twinkled with the sunlight. Calyxia was coiled around it, her body basking in its glow. She rested her head upon the shard, her eyes closed as if in meditation. Her serpentine hair hissed and wriggled with the slight movements of her head, reflecting the play of light ahd shadow against the crystals and adding their song to the gentle trickle of water that flowed from the rocks above. Ebonheim slowly approached Calyxia, her steps careful and deliberate. "Hello," Ebonheim greeted, her voice echoing slightly in the chamber. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I¡ª" "Ebonheim, you''ve arrived," Calyxia said, her voice a sibilant whisper, and her tail lashing in a gesture of welcome. She opened her eyes and regarded Ebonheim with a placid expression. "Welcome to my lair." Ebonheim smiled sheepishly. "Hi, I didn''t mean to disturb your nap or... whatever it is you were doing. I apologize if I''m interrupting." "No apologies needed. I sensed your presence long before you arrived." "Ah, I see," Ebonheim replied, nodding as if she understood. "You know, I would have arrived sooner if your directions weren''t so hard to follow," she joked. "The Eldergrove is vast, and its paths can be deceptive," Calyxia explained, her emerald eyes shining with amusement. "But you found your way regardless. Come, join me." She gestured to an ornate stool fashioned from twisted branches. Ebonheim sank onto the seat, her legs grateful for the reprieve. She looked around the grotto, her eyes taking in the array of glowing crystals and mineral deposits, the faint hum of magic vibrating in the air, and the bookshelves arranged along the walls. "You have a beautiful home," she remarked, her eyes tracing the geometric patterns carved into the stone. "It has been my sanctuary for a long time," Calyxia replied, her gaze distant. "It has served me well." She turned her attention back to Ebonheim, her emerald eyes glimmering in the dim light. "Have you made your decision?" Ebonheim shifted, her gaze meeting Calyxia''s. "I have," she began. "I want to help. I think it''s worth the risk." A smile creased Calyxia''s features, her eyes glinting in the light. "Excellent." She uncurled from the quartz and moved towards Ebonheim, her long tail undulating over the moss-covered ground. "I''m glad to hear that. Your aid will be invaluable." She leaned closer, the scent of lilies and moss enveloping Ebonheim. "We have much to discuss."
A quartet of Seraphidae arrived at the grotto shortly after Ebonheim''s discussion with Calyxia. They were clad in ceremonial armor, and their spears and bows were adorned with feathers and beads. They bowed respectfully as they approached, and Ebonheim returned their greeting with a friendly smile and a wave. "Ebonheim, allow me to introduce Zephyra, the Wisdom Keeper of the Seraphidae," Calyxia said, gesturing to the blue-crested Seraphidae. The Wisdom Keeper bowed deeply. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Ebonheim," she said, her voice a soft whisper. "Thank you for agreeing to help us." Ebonheim inclined her head. "Of course. I would be more than happy to assist you and your people in any way I can." Calyxia gestured to the three remaining Seraphidae, their scales ranging from bright orange to shimmering gold. "These are the Oracles: Ophis, the Battle Seer, and Ysiris and Asperia, the Shaper Sisters. Together, they advise the Eldress in matters of diplomacy, battle, and spirituality." The three Seraphidae bowed in unison, their voices a melodious harmony as they spoke in tandem, "We are honored by your presence, Ebonheim. You are most welcome here." Ebonheim nodded and smiled. "It''s good to meet you all. I look forward to working with you." Calyxia led the group to an adjacent chamber where a large table and several stools had been arranged. "Let us begin our preparations," Calyxia said, her voice echoing through the cavern. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Ophis, the plans for our defenses," she directed towards the Battle Seer, her voice carrying an air of authority. "Of course." Ophis removed a rolled-up piece of parchment and unfurled it over the table. The parchment was covered in diagrams, notations, and symbols that Ebonheim didn''t understand. The Battle Seer pointed to the western border of the settlement, where a cluster of trees was marked with a series of interlocking circles. "This area is the only way to access our Coil from the Kungwan side of the valley. The plan is to make use of our terrain, and fortify this location with as many traps and magical snares as we can. We will also station a portion of our forces here." Zephyra nodded in approval, her tail tapping on the ground thoughtfully. "What about the other borders?" she asked, pointing to the other marked locations on the map. "The other areas are too difficult to traverse," Ophis replied. "Only the Skyclingers could move through them with relative ease, but we would be unable to adequately defend them. We''ll be relying on our network of scouts to notify us should the Kungwan try to take that route. This location is the most defensible, and I believe it is our best option." "What''s a Skyclinger?" Ebonheim asked, her gaze shifting between the Seraphidae. Zephyra answered first. "A sub-race of the Kungwan," she explained. "They''re more nimble and athletic, and are adapted to the canopy and the treetops." "They are also quite adept at stealth," Ophis added. "They can camouflage themselves, and they often utilize aerial ambushes to great effect." A Kungwan that can blend with their environment and launch surprise aerial attacks? A shudder ran through her as she imagined such an opponent. That''s... unsettling. "Have they tried to infiltrate the settlement?" Ebonheim asked, her mind already churning with strategies to counter their movements. Ophis shook his head. "No, not to our knowledge. The Kungwan focus most of their attacks on the exposed villages near the edge of our territory. However, it is prudent to assume they can, and have the ability to do so." Ebonheim nodded, filing this information away for future reference. "So, how do we defend against them? Do you have a plan?" Ophis looked to Calyxia for permission, and at her nod, continued. "Some of our warriors have the means to sense hidden enemies. We can utilize them to scout the perimeter, and we will also post archers on the surrounding trees." Ebonheim furrowed her brows, a slight frown creasing her face. "How many warriors do you have?" "Enough," Ophis replied. "We have nearly five hundred warriors at the ready, and a further two hundred in reserve." Ebonheim raised her brows, but said nothing. The numbers were larger than what she expected. The number of warriors her village could muster was just over a hundred. Ophis continued. "We will also have Zephyra''s magic casters provide additional support, while Ysiris and Asperia''s enchantments will strengthen our warriors and defenses." "Enough with your defensive preparations." Calyxia''s voice cut through the air like a blade, her emerald gaze glinting with a hint of impatience. "Tell us your plans for the counterattack." Ophis cleared his throat. "Yes, my lord." He unfurled another piece of parchment and pointed to a hand-drawn map. "We''ve located their primary nesting grounds here," he said, indicating a small area on the map. "It''s a large complex built into the base of a ravine, with several layers of defenses." Calyxia arched her serpentine body upwards to peer at the map, her gaze intent. "How large is it?" "Large enough to hold roughly a thousand Kungwan, maybe more," Ophis replied, his tone grim. "However, as you mentioned before, my lord, their actual numbers are fewer. Our scouts believe there may be a few hundred Kungwan currently in the nest, with others out hunting or patrolling their borders." Zephyra frowned. "That is still a large number of them, Ophis. At best, it takes three of our warriors to slay just one of theirs. Are we certain we can defeat them?" Ophis hesitated, his eyes flicking to Ebonheim before returning to Zephyra. "We cannot hope to defeat them with our forces alone, which is why this counterattack will require lord Calyxia and Ebonheim to act as our vanguards and destroy as many as they can before we commit to an all-out assault into their nest." The words drew a gasp from Ebonheim. "You''re expecting us to fight them alone? Just the two of us?" Ophis gave a solemn nod. "Yes. You and lord Calyxia are the only ones capable of such a feat." Ebonheim''s brows knit in uncertainty as she turned to Calyxia for guidance. "Calyxia?" Calyxia, however, appeared unperturbed, her countenance as stoic and unyielding as the ancient stones that surrounded them. "You propose, then," she began, her tone laced with a cold, hard logic, "that Ebonheim and I serve as the vanguard, drawing their mightiest towards us?" "Indeed." Ophis nodded, his voice unwavering. "Your power will cripple their strongest soldiers, allowing our forces to penetrate their defenses and take them by surprise." "And once their defenses are broken, the rest of your forces will join in the slaughter," Calyxia mused, her voice taking on an edge of excitement. "A sound plan." Ebonheim swallowed, her stomach twisting. "You''re suggesting we use ourselves as bait? To be used as...as distractions?" "You are a god, and Calyxia is one of the most powerful spirits in this valley," Ophis stated matter-of-factly. "To them, you will be the most dangerous threats, and they will mobilize their forces to deal with you. With you two at the helm, our warriors will have an easier time fighting them, and victory will be all but assured." Ebonheim didn''t like the sound of this plan one bit, but she knew she had little say in the matter. The Seraphidae were the ones with the most stake in this battle, and the ones who stood to lose the most if they failed. But to fight these Kungwan on her own¡ªwell, not completely on her own since Calyxia would be by her side, but still, her last encounter with the Kungwan wasn''t exactly a pleasant memory. To have to fight them again, and this time with no one to save her¡ªno, no, no, this wouldn''t be easy. Not at all. "Well...if this is what you believe we should do, I trust your judgment," Ebonheim said with a sigh. Zephyra shifted on her seat, her posture tense, her face drawn. "So, you will help us?" she asked, her voice hopeful. "Yes." Ebonheim nodded, her words heavy with finality. "I will do all I can to help you." The Seraphidae glanced at each other, relief etched across their faces. "Thank you." Zephyra inclined her head, her crest quivering in gratitude. A silence fell over the group, broken only by the trickling sound of water, until Calyxia''s voice pierced through the stillness. "What of their scouts? Surely, they will anticipate our approach." Ophis responded quickly. "We have planned for diversions," he assured, gesturing towards several marked points on the map. "These positions will be held by our fastest warriors. They will harass the Kungwan sentries, keeping them occupied while we move into position. They will also help draw their warriors away from their main encampment so they can be isolated and defeated." Ebonheim took in a deep breath as she studied the map, trying to memorize as much information as she could. "Sounds precarious. What if the diversions fail to draw enough attention?" Calyxia¡¯s voice chimed in, a trace of concern lacing her words. "Our entire plan could fall apart if we cannot draw enough of their attention away from their nest." Ophis nodded. "Then I will lead a diversionary force personally, and we will attempt to draw as many of the Kungwan''s defenders away as possible and bring them to your location." "A bold plan indeed, Ophis," Calyxia noted, her tone almost admiring. "It''s our best chance," Ophis said. "If the Kungwan do not move in strength, we will have a better chance at destroying their forces." "What happens after the first phase of the battle?" Ebonheim asked. "Do we fall back to a secondary position and regroup, or do we charge into the Kungwan''s nest?" Ophis answered, pointing to another spot on the map. "If our plan goes well, we''ll fall back and regroup before we charge their nest." Calyxia tilted her head in consideration. "We will wait for your forces to arrive. Then we will press the attack. I will lead our combined forces into their nest and annihilate them." The other Seraphidae murmured their assent. "And what if things don''t go as planned?" Ebonheim inquired, her gaze flicking to the intricate map on the table. "What if there are too many of them, or me and Calyxia get overwhelmed and are forced to retreat?" Ophis did not respond immediately. Instead, he shared a meaningful look with the other Seraphidae, a silent message passing between them. "That would be...unfortunate. If you have to retreat, we will not be able to offer support. Our main force will attack once we''ve received your signal that you''ve engaged the enemy. If the survivors of your battlefield somehow join with the ones we are engaged with, our plans will likely fail, and our forces will be decimated." The gravity of his words hung heavily over the room like a blanket, the weight of it pressing down upon Ebonheim. This plan relied on her and Calyxia, and their ability to defeat the Kungwan by themselves. It all came down to the two of them. Ebonheim felt a shiver run down her spine. This plan had the potential to end in utter disaster. "What if their elites choose not to come out to engage us?" Ebonheim voiced her concern. "What if they choose to defend their nest and stay put instead?" Ophis considered her words. "It''s unlikely that they''ll ignore you. You represent the most immediate threat to their forces and their lives. You and lord Calyxia have the potential to obliterate them if they choose to remain passive." Ebonheim''s gaze met Calyxia''s, and she nodded. "Well, I''ll try my best to be as scary as you are." Calyxia''s laugh echoed in the cavern, and even Ebonheim could not help but crack a smile at her own joke. However, the others stared wide-eyed at Calyxia, clearly shocked by the sight of a being that could radiate such intimidation and power displaying a lighter side. "Alright, so, to summarize." Ebonheim gestured to the map. "Calyxia and I will draw out the Kungwan with our presence, and the Seraphidae warriors will move into position and attack the forces guarding their nest once we''ve given the signal. Then after we''ve dealt with as many Kungwan as we can, we''ll join with the main force and charge into their nest and wipe them out. Did I get everything?" Zephyra nodded, her gaze fixated on the map. "Yes, that sums it up." Ophis gestured to the symbols marked along the map. "Our scouts have noted these areas as likely ambush points, where the Kungwan could launch attacks upon our forces as we travel through the valley. We''ve identified a few routes through the valley that might be less likely to encounter these ambushes." "Great, so...when do we start?" Ebonheim asked, eager to get started and over with the whole affair. "In two days," Calyxia declared, her eyes shining with a steely glint. "Prepare yourselves. We have a war to win." Chapter 61: The Kungwan War, Investigation The night was cool, the stars twinkling overhead. The village of Ebonheim was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of conversation drifting from house to house. Bjorn sat on the porch outside of Th''maine''s cottage, a tankard of ale in his hand. He gazed up at the stars, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending conflict with the Kungwan. The smell of woodsmoke filled the air, and he could hear the crackle of fire from Th''maine''s hearth. He let out a sigh and took a long swig from his cup, the warmth of the liquor spreading through him. "You seem troubled, Bjorn," Th''maine said as he stepped onto the porch. He settled on a stool across from Bjorn, a tankard of his own in his hand. "Aye, I am," Bjorn admitted, his gaze fixed on the stars overhead. "I can''t shake the feeling that there''s more going on here than we realize." "You speak of the situation with the Kungwan?" Th''maine asked, his tone curious. "Aye," Bjorn confirmed, taking a sip of his drink. "Something about it doesn''t add up. Their numbers could be greater than what we''ve anticipated. That''s the most likely conclusion given the evidence so far." Th''maine frowned, his expression contemplative. "Indeed. The question, then, is where are they acquiring the hosts for their brood? We have yet to identify any settlements beyond Ebonheim and the Seraphidae territory. To grow their numbers to such a degree...perhaps there are¡ªor there were other settlements in the valley that we weren''t aware of? After all, it''s only been five years since we''ve settled here. Much remains unknown to us." "That''s a possibility," Bjorn agreed. He let out a sigh, the weight of the situation resting heavily upon his shoulders. "I don''t like it. I don''t like not knowing. Not knowing means not being able to plan adequately. Not knowing means danger for all of us." Th''maine nodded, his face solemn. "Yes, you speak true." He sipped his drink, the sound of his breathing mingling with the crackle of the flames. The silence stretched between them, both men lost in their thoughts. Finally, Th''maine spoke. "Perhaps it would be wise to venture out into the Kungwan-held lands and scout for clues¡ªto find where the Kungwan might have been coming from, where they may have been getting their hosts." Bjorn furrowed his brow in contemplation, the idea appealing to him. "Perhaps. That would be a valuable endeavor indeed, to be sure. But," he continued, "it would be dangerous, especially without Ebonheim''s presence." Th''maine stroked his beard, his fingers moving absentmindedly through the coarse hair. "True, but we have a few individuals capable of handling such an undertaking." Bjorn considered the proposition. Th''maine''s words rang true. This valley was still relatively uncharted, and the information they had so far was scarce and incomplete. They needed more information to have a better understanding of what they faced. Perhaps this expedition was exactly what they needed. As far as the individuals Th''maine had in mind...he had a good idea of who he referred to. "I have a few ideas," he said, a slow smile spreading across his lips. Th''maine gave a knowing chuckle. "I figured you would." He stood, stretching his back before moving to the door. "Well, I shall retire for the night. Let me know when we''re ready to depart. Most likely it''ll be sometime tomorrow or the next day, aye?" Bjorn nodded. "Aye. I''ll let you know when we''re ready." Th''maine entered the cottage, the door clicking shut behind him. Bjorn remained on the porch, his gaze fixed on the stars above. There was much to prepare, and many plans to finalize. But at least he had a course of action. That was a start.
Bjorn, Th''maine, Serrandyl, and Lira crept through the forest, their footsteps soft and silent on the damp earth. The air was thick with the scent of moss and pine, the shadows long and dark beneath the canopy of trees. They had left the village of Ebonheim the previous afternoon, and had traveled south, toward the Kungwan territory. They had yet to encounter any resistance, but they remained cautious, keeping an eye out for any sign of movement. As the group walked, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot was occasionally interrupted by the distant growl of a creature or the babbling of hidden brooks. Every so often, Bjorn would glance upwards, catching glimpses of iridescent birds flitting from tree to tree. Serrandyl walked at the head of the group, her ruby-colored eyes alert and her ears pricked. Her pace was brisk, her long legs carrying her over the terrain with ease. Her posture was relaxed, yet her movements were fluid and graceful, like a predator on the hunt. Lira walked behind Serrandyl, her staff in hand. She cast her gaze to the woods, her eyes glowing with a green hue, a sign of her use of druidic magic to sense hidden enemies. Her expression was calm and composed, her lips set in a thin line. Th''maine and Bjorn brought up the rear, their eyes and ears attentive to the slightest change in the environment around them. Th''maine wore a long coat over his robe, its voluminous folds concealing the spellbook strapped to his waist. A stout wooden staff was gripped firmly in his right hand, the metal tip scraping across the ground as he walked. As the group approached a break in the trees, the faint sound of rushing water drifted to their ears. Serrandyl motioned for the group to halt, her ears twitching. She crouched low and crept to the edge of the trees, her body blending with the shadows. The river rushed past, the water clear and sparkling in the sunlight. The banks were lined with reeds and sedges, the tall grass swaying in the breeze. Serrandyl surveyed the area for a moment, before turning to the group and motioning for them to approach. As they gathered around her, she pointed to a cluster of large rocks near the riverbank. "We can cross there," she said in a low voice. "It''s shallow enough to wade across." Bjorn nodded, his gaze drifting to the surrounding forest. "After you," he said, gesturing for the Aslankoyash woman to take the lead. Serrandyl slipped into the river, the water reaching up to her waist. She waded across, her steps careful and deliberate, her eyes darting to the surrounding trees. Lira followed suit, her druidic magic allowing her to move through the water with relative ease. She reached the other side and waited for the others, her staff planted in the ground, her eyes still glowing with a green hue. Bjorn and Th''maine followed, the water cold as they stepped into the river. Th''maine hissed softly as the water soaked through his robe, the fabric clinging to his skin. He hurried to the other side, his teeth chattering as he clambered onto the bank. Bjorn chuckled at the old mage''s discomfort, earning a glare from Th''maine. "Don''t worry, you''ll get used to it," Bjorn said with a wry smile. "Besides, if you''re cold, you could always use a spell to warm yourself." Th''maine shook his head. "Absolutely not. It''s a waste of magic, and I need to preserve as much mana as possible. The journey will be long and arduous, and I need to be prepared for anything." "Suit yourself." Bjorn shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. Serrandyl and Lira waited for the two men, their expressions a mixture of amusement and concern. "Let''s keep moving," Serrandyl said, gesturing for the group to follow her. "The longer we linger here, the more likely we''ll attract unwanted attention." Bjorn nodded. "Agreed." With that, they resumed their trek, the forest around them growing steadily more dense and wild. The trees grew larger and more twisted, the air heavy with the scent of decaying leaves and animal musk. The ground became more uneven, with rocks and roots jutting from the earth. The group picked their way through the tangled undergrowth, their steps careful and cautious. As the sun began to set, the shadows deepening beneath the trees, they came to a halt. Serrandyl motioned for the group to crouch low, her posture tense. "Stay quiet and out of sight," she whispered, her ruby eyes scanning the forest around them. "I sense a presence nearby." Lira''s eyes flared with green energy, her gaze fixated on the trees ahead. "I sense it as well," she murmured, her voice tinged with unease. "It''s getting closer. Fortunately, I don''t sense the aura of a Kungwan." Bjorn peered into the forest, his eyes scanning the trees for any movement. After a moment, he caught sight of a strange creature lumbering through the brush. The creature was massive, easily twice the size of a grizzly bear, its fur mottled and dappled with patches of orange and brown. Its head was shaped like an owl''s, its beak sharp and hooked, its eyes glinting with an intelligence that belied its brutish appearance. Its claws, each the size of a dagger, dug into the ground as it moved with surprising grace and speed. "An owlbear," Lira whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "I''ve never seen one in the flesh. Only from what Hilda has told me in stories." Th''maine nodded, his eyes fixed on the beast. "Aye, I''ve heard stories about them as well," he said, his voice hushed. "Fierce creatures, they are. I''ve heard they can be quite hostile, especially if provoked." "Hush, both of you," Serrandyl hissed, her ears flattening against her skull. "It''s heading this way." Serrandyl gestured for the group to move backwards, and they quietly retreated, keeping their eyes on the creature. As they stepped back, a twig snapped under Bjorn''s boot, the sound echoing through the forest. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. The owlbear''s head swiveled in their direction, its gaze fixing on the group. It let out a low, guttural growl, its feathers puffing out in warning. Serrandyl crouched low, her posture tense and ready to spring into action. Lira gripped her staff, her expression stern, her gaze focused on the creature. Bjorn slowly reached for his sword, his knuckles white as he grasped the haft. Th''maine readied his spellbook, his fingers tracing the runes inscribed within. The owlbear let out a roar, the sound reverberating through the trees, before charging toward the group. Serrandyl sprang into action, her body coiling like a spring as she lunged forward, her Gauntlet of the Storm Giant crackling with lightning as she struck the creature in the chest. The force of the impact sent the owlbear reeling back, its feathers singed and smoking. Th''maine''s spellbook glowed with a faint azure light as he unleashed a blast of magical energy, the beam of light striking the owlbear in the flank. The beast stumbled to the side, its movements sluggish, a thin tendril of smoke rising from its fur. Lira raised her staff, the wood gleaming with an emerald glow, and conjured forth a thicket of brambles and thorns to entangle the beast. The owlbear snarled in rage, struggling against the vines and thorns. Bjorn rushed forward, his sword raised, and plunged the blade into the owlbear''s flank. The beast howled in pain, its feathers ruffling in fury. Serrandyl unleashed another lightning-charged blow, her gauntlet cracking with the force of the strike. The owlbear shuddered, its body twitching from the impact, before collapsing to the ground with a thud. The forest fell silent once more, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the wind. Bjorn slowly approached the fallen owlbear, his eyes fixed on its corpse. "Is it dead?" Lira asked, her voice tentative. "It''s dead." Bjorn sheathed his blade. "Well done, everyone." Serrandyl''s tail lashed in satisfaction as she nudged the corpse with her foot. "Come. We should go," she said, her tone brusque. "We don''t want to linger here any longer than we have to." "Indeed," Th''maine agreed, his gaze fixated on the twilight sky. "The sun is nearly set, and we have yet to make camp." As the group gathered themselves to resume their trek, Bjorn''s attention lingered on the fallen owlbear. Its fur was matted with blood and soot, the stench of death already beginning to permeate the air. His mind raced with the possibilities of what this creature could have been doing in this part of the valley. Was it alone? Or was there more of its kind lurking in the shadows? "Perhaps this beast was merely an unlucky wanderer, or a scout for a larger pack," Th''maine mused, as if reading Bjorn''s thoughts. "There are many possibilities." "Aye, perhaps you''re right," Bjorn said, tearing his gaze away from the corpse. "Either way, we''ve got a long night ahead of us." The group resumed their journey into the depths of the Kungwan-held land, their eyes and ears alert for any signs of danger. As the night settled over the forest, the darkness enveloped them, the trees looming like sentinels in the gloom. Bjorn could only hope that their journey would yield answers, and not more questions.
The next day, the group continued their trek, the forest becoming thicker and more overgrown as they pressed deeper into Kungwan territory. They were forced to use their blades to hack through the undergrowth, the air humid and heavy with the scent of decay. Th''maine''s robes became soaked with sweat, his forehead glistening with perspiration, his staff clattering against the ground as he walked. "This place is unbearable," Th''maine groaned, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his robe. "How long do we have to endure this?" Lira glanced at the mage, a sympathetic smile on her lips. "At least you have some protection from the elements. Imagine how we feel, walking around with nothing to shield us from the sun and rain." Th''maine offered a grumble in response, but otherwise said nothing. After hours of walking, Bjorn noticed a slight change in the atmosphere around them. The air was still and quiet, as if holding its breath. The scent of pine and moss was replaced by a heavy, cloying odor that lingered on the edge of his senses. Bjorn wrinkled his nose at the scent, a hint of bile rising in his throat. "What is that smell?" Serrandyl asked, her nostrils flaring in disgust. "It smells like something died," Lira answered, her expression grim. "Something did die," Bjorn said, gesturing to the corpse of a large boar, its body bloated and rotting in the heat. "Look." Serrandyl approached the carcass and crouched, her tail lashing the air. She prodded the boar''s body with her finger, her lip curling in disgust. "This boar has been dead for days," she said, her voice thick with disdain. "It''s not recent." "Perhaps a scavenger dropped the carcass here?" Th''maine suggested, his expression doubtful. "No," Lira said, shaking her head. "Scavengers don''t leave behind perfectly good meat. They''d have devoured the whole thing, bones and all." "Maybe the creature who killed this boar wasn''t a scavenger," Th''maine ventured, his voice tinged with unease. "Perhaps it was a predator." "Predators don''t typically leave behind perfectly good meals either," Serrandyl countered. "Whatever killed this boar wasn''t interested in the meat. It was after something else." "Serrandyl is correct," Lira interjected, her eyes narrowed as she surveyed the forest around them. "There''s no sign of claw marks or tooth indentations, and the bones show no signs of being gnawed on. Whatever did this wasn''t trying to feed. It was trying to kill." Serrandyl rose to her feet and stepped back from the carcass, her posture tense. "Be on your guard. There''s something out there." The group pressed on, their steps more cautious. The air grew more humid and stagnant as they walked, the forest around them becoming thicker and more tangled. They soon came upon another corpse¡ªthat of a stag, its body sprawled across the forest floor, its antlers broken and mangled. Once again, there were no signs of scavengers having eaten the meat, and the only wound visible was a single, deep puncture wound to the stag''s neck. As the band moved deeper into the forest, the bodies became more numerous. The corpses were scattered throughout the forest, many of them in various stages of decomposition. Some had been dead for days, while others were only hours old. There was no rhyme or reason to the killings, and the wounds varied from simple puncture wounds to more brutal injuries. Serrandyl paused, ears perking up as she raised her hand to signal a stop. "I hear something." Quick as wraiths, the quartet dispersed, melting into the foliage. Bjorn pressed his back against a gnarled tree, peering through the gaps in the leaves to ascertain the nature of the threat. What met his eyes was a sight he''d hoped not to witness so soon. A patrol of Kungwan was meandering their way, their slimy mottled skin glinting in the diffused sunlight that managed to pierce the canopy. The grotesque, frog-like creatures meandered in a formation that seemed almost disciplined. Their slimy mottled green and brown skins shimmered wetly in the dappled sunlight, their yellow eyes darting in various directions, always alert. However, amidst them were two creatures that stood out¡ªa Kungwan with a vivid, toxic green skin, its saliva dripping profusely from its wide mouth, and alongside it, another Kungwan flaunted its fiery red and orange skin tone, with embers seemingly alive beneath its flesh. Th''maine, recognizing the creatures, whispered urgently, "Blightfroths and Flamecallers." His voice, usually calm and collected, held a note of caution that caused even the stoic Bjorn to stiffen. "Mind explaining what those mean?" Serrandyl whispered from behind her cover. "If we''re going to fight, I''d rather know the enemy." Th''maine elaborated, "The Blightfroths possess a potent toxin in their saliva. They can spit globules of this venom, which will cause excruciating pain and paralysis. The Flamecallers, rare among the Kungwan, command the essence of fire. Their skin can erupt into flames, making melee combat a dangerous prospect. They can also breath blasts of fire and summon flaming barriers to protect themselves." "Damn...well, this will be a fun fight," Serrandyl muttered, her tone indicating anything but. "No," Bjorn grunted. "We''re not engaging them. We''re not ready to fight them, nor do we have the numbers to handle them. We must be quiet and slip away, unseen. The last thing we need is for them to alert their brethren." Serrandyl''s ruby-red eyes narrowed, but she acquiesced, "Understood." The group remained still, their breathing slow and measured as the patrol passed by. The Kungwan moved through the forest with a strange grace, their long, powerful limbs propelling them across the terrain with ease. Their large, yellow eyes darted from side to side, and their wide mouths opened and closed, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "Seven...eight...nine. There are nine of them," Th''maine whispered, counting the number of Kungwan. "The Blightfroth, the Flamecaller, and the other seven appear to be normal Kungwan..." His words trailed off when one of the Flamecallers suddenly halted, its head snapping in their direction. For a heart-stopping moment, its bright yellow eyes seemed to lock onto them, before looking away. The creature let out a soft croak, before continuing onward. The patrol disappeared into the forest, their grotesque forms vanishing into the gloom. Bjorn exhaled a breath he didn''t know he''d been holding. He signaled to the others to stay hidden while he stealthily moved to check if the Kungwan had indeed passed. When he was sure they had moved on, he beckoned his companions to join him. They emerged from their hiding places and gathered around him. "That was close," Th''maine remarked, his voice low. "Too close," Lira agreed. She brushed a strand of auburn hair from her face, her eyes lingering on the path the Kungwan had taken. "What now?" Serrandyl asked, her tail swishing in agitation. "We cannot afford to be spotted," Bjorn stated, his eyes fixed on the direction the Kungwan had headed. "We observe, gather intel, and only engage if there''s no other option." The party nodded in agreement and continued onward, their steps more cautious than before. They kept a close eye on their surroundings, wary of any signs of Kungwan presence. They encountered several more patrols, but managed to avoid detection, the Kungwan''s eyesight seeming to be somewhat lacking in the gloomy forest. As night began to fall, the party set up camp in the hollow of a large, gnarled oak. Lira had cast a veil spell to shroud the light of their camp. They huddled together, their bodies providing warmth against the chill of the night air. As they settled in, their thoughts turned to the events of the day. "Do you think we''ll find anything?" Serrandyl asked, her tail wrapping around her leg. Bjorn stared into the flickering flame of the campfire, his expression thoughtful. "I don''t know. I hope so. But if we''re lucky, we might at least find clues as to where they came from." Lira stoked the flames with a stick, her eyes distant. "If they did come from somewhere, I can only hope we''ll find the source of their presence and destroy it." "Aye. That would be preferable," Th''maine agreed. The group fell into a pensive silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As the moon rose in the sky, the forest around them grew quiet and still, the only sounds the whisper of the wind and the faint chirping of insects. Bjorn glanced around the campfire, his gaze meeting that of each of his companions. "We should get some rest," he said, his voice low. "We have a long day ahead of us, and we''ll need to be at our best if we''re going to continue searching for clues." Serrandyl was already curled up, her back against a tree. Lira settled beside her, her eyes still on the flames. Th''maine rose to his feet and stretched. "I''ll take the first watch. I''ve been feeling rather restless as of late." Bjorn nodded, his gaze turning to the dark forest around them. "Aye. Wake me in two hours." "I shall." Th''maine walked to the edge of the camp, his staff in hand, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger. Bjorn laid down, his head resting on a makeshift pillow made of leaves and moss. His eyes drifted shut, the warmth of the fire and the softness of his bedding lulling him to sleep. Before he drifted off, he wondered what tomorrow would bring, and how Ebonheim was faring¡­ Chapter 62: The Kungwan War, Into the Grotto of the Beast The next morning, the group resumed their journey, their pace cautious and quiet. They had not seen any more patrols, but the presence of the Kungwan weighed heavily on their minds. As they proceeded deeper into the forest, a subtle shift began to alter the landscape. The forest had changed. Where once there had been firm ground underfoot, now there was the unmistakable squelch of marshland. Tall ferns, moss-covered stones, and sprawling roots created an intricate, labyrinthine path. Pools of stagnant water, dark as midnight, lay scattered everywhere, their surfaces broken occasionally by bubbles or the leap of some unseen creature. Trees, while still towering and ancient, bore the signs of frequent water submersion. Their trunks were coated with moss and ferns, and their roots sprawled outwards like tentacles, groping for a firmer purchase in the waterlogged earth. "This place is awful," Th''maine remarked, his boots sinking into the marshy ground with a squelch. "I feel like my boots are going to rot off." "The air stinks too," Serrandyl agreed, her nose wrinkled in distaste. Lira surveyed their surroundings, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "The land has changed. It''s more swamp than forest," she observed, her gaze flitting to the moss-covered trees and the pools of stagnant water. "This is strange. I didn''t expect the Eldergrove to have such a marshy region. At least, not this deep into the forest." Bjorn paused, considering the druid''s words. "Perhaps this region used to be a lake, long ago," he speculated. "Or perhaps it was altered by the Kungwan as they moved in." "Either way, this is not a welcome change," Th''maine grumbled, his boots squelching with every step. As they trekked through the swamp, Serrandyl found herself sinking up to her knees in murky water with each step. Her toes wiggled in the muck, the sensation of cool mud oozing between them making her shudder with disgust. She couldn''t even begin to count the number of leeches that had attached themselves to her legs and tail. The foul odor of decay hung in the air, and she had to fight the urge to gag. She glanced at her companions, who all seemed to be coping with the situation with varying degrees of discomfort. Th''maine, for his part, had opted to use his magic to levitate above the ground, which made traversing the swamp significantly easier for him. However, he could not maintain the spell indefinitely, and would occasionally sink back into the muck with a curse. Lira, ever the pragmatist, had fashioned herself stilts from a pair of sturdy branches and was using them to wade through the marsh with relative ease. Bjorn, however, seemed to be the most uncomfortable of the group. The massive warrior waded through the swamp, his armor and clothing sodden with mud and algae. His face was set in a grimace, and his usually-keen eyes were dulled by exhaustion. Serrandyl let out a sigh, her eyes scanning the landscape for a drier path. "I miss the forest," she grumbled. "Everything here is wet and slimy and disgusting." "You''re not wrong," Th''maine agreed, his voice tinged with annoyance. "I''ll be glad to be free of this miserable swamp." "Me too," Bjorn grunted, his boots squelching in the muck with every step. "There has to be a dry spot somewhere..." "There is," Lira interjected, her eyes glowing with a faint green light. "I sense a dry patch not too far from here, but the Kungwan presence in the area is strong. We may encounter an ambush." "In this marshy terrain, the Kungwan will have the advantage," Th''maine mused, his brow furrowing. "We will have to proceed with caution." "Let''s not delay, then." Bjorn gestured for the group to move forward. "Lead the way, Lira." The druid nodded and waded through the swamp, the rest of the party following closely behind. They trudged on, the mud clinging to their boots and legs with every step. Birds that had once sung cheerily now croaked, and the familiar rustling of leaves was replaced by the distant croak of frogs and the incessant buzz of insects. After what felt like hours, the soggy forest floor eventually gave way to rocky outcrops as they began a steep ascent. Their climb was laborious, with the party occasionally having to use ropes and harnesses to scale difficult patches. Reaching the hill¡¯s crest, the group paused to take in the view. In the distance lay a great ravine, a deep scar in the earth that meandered and twisted its way through the swampy forest. The walls of the ravine were covered in a dense tangle of roots and vines, and the earthen floor was littered with moss-covered rocks and boulders. The roots of the trees overhead had twisted and tangled their way down into the ravine, creating a natural web of support for the denizens below. As they stared at the ravine, Bjorn noted that the trees overhead had also begun to change. While the trees in the rest of the forest had been tall and proud, these trees were twisted and gnarled, their bark cracked and peeling, their branches drooping with moss and lichen. The trunks were swollen with moisture, and the leaves had a sickly, yellowish hue to them. Th''maine rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I''ve never seen a ravine like this before. It''s almost as if the forest itself has been...tortured." "Aye, I''ve not seen such a sight either," Bjorn replied, his eyes fixated on the scene before them. "But whatever happened here, the Kungwan have obviously left their mark. Look." The group followed his gaze and saw clusters of Kungwan swarming about in organized chaos. They were clearing away the thick layer of moss and debris, exposing the earthen floor beneath. They dug pits and trenches, filling them with water from the swamp below. Their long, powerful limbs propelled them through the muck with ease, and their wide mouths opened and closed in rhythmic croaking as they worked. Serrandyl, eyes narrowing, leaned forward to get a closer look. "Is that their nesting ground? There are so many of them...probably at least a few hundred." Bjorn''s gaze sharpened, following her direction. It was unmistakable, the sight of hundreds of Kungwan, going about with a purpose that spoke of organized intent. The entire ravine seemed alive, teeming with activity. "Now I''m sure. We underestimated their numbers," Bjorn said grimly. "This isn''t just about territorial aggression between them and the Seraphidae anymore; this is about the safety of the entire valley." Th''maine, always pensive, added, "Numbers alone won''t win them the war. They''re reproducing at a rate that''s unnaturally swift. We need to find where they''re acquiring these host bodies." All eyes turned to him, the gravity of the situation not lost on anyone. Bjorn, voice steady, asked, "Th''maine, can you scry deeper into that nesting ground? We need information." Th''maine¡¯s lips quirked up in a small smile. "Indeed. Allow me a moment." Closing his eyes, the Arcanist began to chant in a low, rhythmic tone. The air around him seemed to thrum with energy, and as his cadence grew more intense, a series of translucent orbs materialized, floating above his outstretched palm like will-o''-the-wisps. "These orbs will venture where we cannot," Th''maine said, opening his eyes. "They will serve as my eyes and ears, and relay information back to us." With a final gesture, he sent the orbs spiraling down towards the ravine. Like ethereal dragonflies, the scrying orbs darted forward, disappearing from sight but their images feeding directly into Th''maine''s consciousness. Bjorn and the others watched in anxious anticipation as the mage''s eyes darted to and fro, absorbing the scenes being relayed to him. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Through the lens of the scrying orbs, the world took on a shimmering, ethereal hue. The landscape around them seemed to bend and twist, the colors blending into one another in a dizzying array. Th''maine''s consciousness flew through the air, guided by the orbs. The noise of the forest receded into the background as he focused on the images in his mind''s eye. As the orbs got closer, a grotesque panorama unfolded before their mystic gaze. The nest itself was an amalgamation of organic and muddied constructions. It was reminiscent of a hive, with chambers and paths converging and separating in a seemingly haphazard fashion. The walls of these structures were made of a substance that looked like a blend of mud and mucus, which glistened eerily in the dim light. The ground seemed to pulsate, as if alive, with several pools of stagnant, murky water dispersed throughout. Numerous cavernous openings led deeper into the nest, and from these emanated a low, haunting hum, likely the combined respiration of the Kungwan lurking within. Overarching trees, their bark sullied by the muck, seemed to have been manipulated to form a protective canopy, shielding much of the nest from direct sunlight. Bioluminescent fungi provided a ghostly light, their pale blue glow casting strange shadows that danced with every flicker. Overgrown ferns and twisted roots provided cover for burrows and mud-built structures, their openings like dark, silent mouths, waiting to consume. Their construction resembled a network of catacombs, with mucus-covered walls that emitted an unsettling, bioluminescent glow. At the center of the nest stood a gnarled and twisted tree, its roots extending outward in all directions, fusing with the ground and forming natural barriers. These roots acted as conduits, from which nourishing fluids seeped, feeding the brood. From the tree¡¯s base, an intricate network of channels, brimming with a viscous, luminescent fluid, fanned outwards. These channels led to grotesque pods, each housing a metamorphosing life form. The pods'' outer layer pulsed rhythmically, as if mimicking a heartbeat, providing sustenance and warmth to their occupants. Here and there, the orbs detected humanoid forms contorted in agony, their features distorting as the Kungwan larvae took hold. Some bore Kungwan larvae on their skin, wriggling and burrowing, while others were in the advanced stages of their horrifying metamorphosis, their features distorted as they began to resemble the creatures that had infected them. Moving deeper into the nest, the orbs observed a series of interconnected burrows and chambers, home to the various Kungwan sub-species. Flamecallers occupied a section where the ground was singed and charred, their fiery abilities evident by the surroundings. Nearby, a frozen glade hinted at the dwelling place of the Frostscales, icy tendrils snaking out from their chambers. Further into the nest, the orbs followed a worn trail, beaten into the ground by countless Kungwan feet. It led towards a looming mountain range, its peaks lost in the mists above. At the junction of the path and the nest, a Kungwan, noticeably larger than the rest, came into view. It lumbered forward, carrying an unconscious human, who bore the unmistakable signs of early infection¡ªa feverish pallor and wriggling larvae attached to the bite wound on his neck and shoulder. Just as the orbs were about to delve further, a surge of energy jolted them. The magical connection wavered, and the illuminating view of the nest began to blur. Within moments, the orbs'' light faded, and their scrying capabilities were extinguished.
Back at the hilltop, Th''maine, sweat beading on his forehead from the exertion of the magic, breathed deeply and slowly, trying to regain his composure. The others stood silently, waiting for him to speak. "I saw... it''s worse than we could have imagined. The nest is vast, with many levels and sections. It seems they have their own habitat for each sub-species, but all the different Kungwan congregate around a central hub. And those poor souls... being transformed, it''s inhumane." Th''maine turned his gaze to Bjorn. "The path leading out of the nest, to the mountains, I saw a Kungwan carrying an infected man. It is most likely that the host bodies they are using to grow their brood come from somewhere there." "This changes things," Bjorn stated, his gaze focused on the ravine. "This is an invasion, and we need to put an end to it before more lives are lost. If they keep growing at this rate, they''ll overwhelm the Seraphidae. The entire valley could fall." "You plan for us to investigate further?" Th''maine inquired, his expression thoughtful. Bjorn nodded, his expression grim. "Aye. We need to find the source of their host bodies, and the only way to do that is to follow the trail." "It will be dangerous," Lira warned. "The Kungwan will likely be alert to intruders in their territory." "Aye, but we may not have another chance to disrupt their supply chain," Bjorn replied. "If we can cripple their ability to grow their numbers, it may give us the edge we need to turn the tide of this war." Serrandyl''s tail swished in anticipation, her ruby eyes shining with excitement. "I''m game. A little danger sounds like fun." Lira, expression resolute, nodded. "I''m with you. We need to do this, for the sake of the valley." Th''maine sighed, his eyes turning back to the ravine. "I suppose I don''t have a choice." Bjorn clapped him on the shoulder, his gaze fierce. "You''re a good man, Th''maine. The people of Ebonheim are lucky to have you." "Hah. Lucky to have me stumbling around, in over my head, yes." Th''maine managed a smile. Bjorn grinned, before turning his attention back to the ravine. "Right then. Let''s move out. We''ve got a lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time to do it."
Instead of the trail itself, the party chose the more concealed path by its side, using the foliage and the rugged terrain as cover. The terrain began to shift from a sludgy, mucky morass to a more solid, rocky surface. The air grew colder, and the moss-covered trees and boulders began to give way to craggy cliffs and jagged outcroppings. As they drew closer to the mountains, the Kungwan presence became stronger. The party had to exercise extreme caution, constantly on the lookout for any signs of the creatures. The trail narrowed, winding its way through the treacherous terrain, with sheer drops to either side. The group followed the trail to a steep incline, the summit hidden by a veil of mist. Loose stones skittered down slopes with every misstep, and concealed pits threatened to ensnare the unwary. As the trail became more perilous, Bjorn''s body tensed, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he scanned the path ahead for any signs of danger. The terrain grew steeper, and the mist thickened, shrouding their surroundings in a cold, damp haze. The wind howled, tugging at their clothes and armor, while the rocks beneath their feet shifted and groaned, as if ready to collapse under their weight. Bjorn led the way, his large frame gracefully negotiating the challenging terrain. Lira''s affinity with the natural world allowed her to easily find secure footholds and guide the team past hazardous spots. Serrandyl''s nimble grace and dexterity served her well, allowing her to quickly and fluidly climb the rugged mountain. Th''maine frequently summoned small bursts of magic to aid his traversal, lighting up the ground with soft arcane glows, revealing safe passages. The climb was laborious, but the group made steady progress. As they neared the summit, the mist began to dissipate, revealing a vast expanse of mountains and valleys stretching out before them. The peaks rose high into the sky, their snow-capped summits lost in the clouds. Finally, after what felt like hours, they stumbled upon the entrance to a vast grotto. It looked ancient, the entranceway framed by grand stalactites and stalagmites, like the jaws of some great stone beast. Inside, the darkness seemed to stretch on endlessly. The party stopped to take a breather, and Th''maine cast a spell to light their path. The walls of the cave glowed with an ethereal, azure light, revealing a large, gaping maw, flanked by two towering stalagmites. As the light reached into the darkness, it illuminated the rest of the passageway, revealing a tunnel-like corridor carved from the stone itself. The path sloped downward, plunging into the unknown. Th''maine stepped forward, raising his staff. "We should be prepared before venturing further." With a series of incantations, he began weaving magic around each member of the group. Bjorn felt a warmth spreading through his body, a barrier against the chill of the mountain. "This will protect you from the harshest of elements," Th''maine explained, his voice echoing softly in the cavernous space. Lira began her own incantations. She stepped forward, her voice a melodic chant, calling forth the energies of the land. Twisting vines emerged from the rocky ground, coiling and shaping themselves into humanoid sentries. They took their positions at the entrance, standing guard over the passage. The very earth seemed to breathe life into them, their green forms almost glowing in the dusky light. "They will warn us of any approaching danger," she murmured, her eyes closed, her mind connected to the earthen guardians. Serrandyl raised her gauntlets, the metal glistening in the dim light. "I don''t want to be outdone." With a flick of her wrist, the gauntlets began to crackle with electricity, her body awash in a faint blue light. "Now, we''re as ready as we''ll ever be," Th''maine said, taking a deep breath. Bjorn nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We need to find out what''s in there. But remember, no unnecessary risks. Our priority is to find out how they are acquiring host bodies. Everything else comes second. Understood?" "Aye, we understand," Lira replied, her tone resolute. Serrandyl''s lips parted in a grin. "This will be fun. Let''s go." Th''maine, usually so focused on the arcane, looked around, murmuring, "The land speaks of ancient secrets. We tread on grounds that few have walked." Serrandyl chuckled. "And hopefully, we''ll live to tell the tale." With that, the group entered the cavern, the darkness enveloping them as the gaping maw swallowed them whole. Chapter 63: The Kungwan War, Calm Before the Battle A luminescent full moon hung low in the night sky, looming over the valley like a giant eye, casting its silvery glow speckled by thousands of shimmering pinpricks of light that dotted its surface. Ebonheim stood on the edge of a rocky outcropping, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and moss. She took in a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. The wind whipped through her hair, sending strands flying about her face, but she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were focused elsewhere, on the coming battle and what she would need to do. She had spent the last two days preparing herself mentally and physically for the task ahead, and now that the time had come, she felt strangely calm. This particular stretch of the valley she stood upon lay sandwiched between the territories of the Seraphidae and the Kungwan. At first glance, the terrain seemed nondescript, but Ebonheim knew better. An age-old dance of nature had sculpted the land where the battlefield they''d chosen lay. Here, a ridge of jagged and craggy rocks formed a crescent, their gray faces pitted and grooved by the hands of time. This natural barrier overlooked a vast, sweeping hollow, its grassy floor riddled with dark green ferns and pale wildflowers, all dancing under the soft, playful winds. To one side, there was a subtle rise, leading up to a gentle hillock crowned by a copse of ancient trees. To the other side, a steep slope led down to a shallow stream that cut through the valley like an emerald ribbon, its waters sparkling under the moonlight. Ebonheim scanned her surroundings carefully, noting the various landmarks that would aid her in navigating the battlefield. She spotted several clusters of large boulders, their surfaces pitted and scarred by the elements. They would provide excellent cover should she need to retreat. In strategic pockets, the terrain was interrupted by depressions or ditches, perfect natural trenches that would provide cover or serve as traps. The ground itself was uneven, with large patches of grass and ferns interspersed with areas of bare earth. Her eyes traced the contours of the land, her mind mapping out potential routes and paths she could take during the battle. She noted several areas where the terrain would favor a defender, and others where an attacker would have an advantage. She memorized each one, noting their position in relation to the others. A light rustling sound behind her drew Ebonheim''s attention. She turned to see Calyxia approaching, her serpentine body undulating over the ground. The moonlight glinted off her obsidian scales, giving them an iridescent sheen, and her emerald eyes shone with a fierce intensity. "You''re early," Calyxia observed as she came to a stop beside Ebonheim. She scanned the terrain below them, nodding in approval. "We''ve chosen well. This place is perfect. It will grant us plenty of room to maneuver, and the terrain will favor our tactics." "I wanted to familiarize myself with the area before the battle begins," Ebonheim replied, her gaze returning to the landscape below. "It''s important to know your surroundings when fighting in unfamiliar territory." Calyxia chuckled softly. "I never thought you to be this diligent and thorough." She turned to face Ebonheim, her eyes glinting with amusement. "One moment, you seem uncertain and passive¡ªcarried by the flow of events or the will of others¡ªand the next, you show a surprising amount of foresight and determination. I must admit, I am impressed." Ebonheim shrugged. "I''m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted," she joked. "But thank you. I appreciate the compliment." "You are welcome," Calyxia replied, her lips curling into a smile. She turned to face the hollow once more, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "The height of the ridge will allow us to anticipate and react to their incursion. The hillock to the side will serve as a perfect ambush point, and the hollow itself will act as a natural funnel, allowing us to control their movements." Ebonheim nodded in agreement. "Yes, I was thinking the same. The terrain will favor us greatly. It''s almost too perfect." "I am glad you share my confidence." Calyxia leaned forward, her body coiling beneath her as she peered over the edge of the outcropping. "Now, let us wait for our guests to arrive." "When do you think they''ll come?" Ebonheim asked, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Soon," Calyxia replied, her voice a soft hiss. "Our scouting parties are luring their sentries towards us as we speak. Once they have noticed us, we will give them a bit of...encouragement to come and attack." She glanced at Ebonheim and quirked a brow. "I trust that aura of yours is not just for show? I sense a bit of oppressive weight from you, but you''ll need more than that to intimidate them." "I''ve been practicing," Ebonheim said with a smile. "Don''t worry, I''ll do my part." Calyxia nodded. "Good. We will need your full strength in this battle. If we can defeat their strongest warriors, the rest of the Kungwan will be easier to defeat." "I''ll handle my share," Ebonheim said, her voice firm. "You think you''ll be able to keep up with me?" She put on a challenging grin. Calyxia laughed, her eyes glittering with amusement. "Oh, I will do more than keep up with you." As the two continued to discuss tactics and formations, Calyxia''s serpent-tresses began to sway in agitation. "You know, little deity," she began, mischief evident in her tone, "if we''re comparing powers¡ª" Ebonheim raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. "I don''t think now''s a good time for a friendly spar, Calyxia. But trust me, I''m curious to see just how powerful you truly are." Calyxia laughed softly. "Oh, I am sure you will be impressed. I have been honing my powers for centuries. You may find yourself...overwhelmed by my strength. Besides, curiosity killed the cat, they say," she teased, her voice playful. "But since you''re more divine than feline, let¡¯s play a little game." "A game?" Ebonheim asked, intrigued. "What kind of game?" "A simple wager," Calyxia proposed, drawing herself up to her full height, which seemed even more impressive against the backdrop of the night sky. "By battle''s end, we tally our Kungwan defeats. The one with the most triumphs wins bragging rights, at the very least." "And if I win?" Ebonheim inquired, a smile tugging at her lips. "You get to call me ''pet'' for a month," Calyxia responded, her smirk evident in her voice. "And if you win?" "You, dear Ebonheim, will have to call me ''lord'' for a month." A snort escaped Ebonheim''s lips, and she shook her head in amusement. "You''re on," she agreed, extending her hand towards Calyxia. "I''ll take your wager." Calyxia''s eyes glittered as she took Ebonheim''s proffered hand and gave it a firm shake. "Excellent. I look forward to hearing you call me ''lord'' in front of the Seraphidae and your people." Ebonheim rolled her eyes. "Your confidence is infectious, Calyxia." The two continued their discussion as they waited for the Kungwan to arrive, their banter punctuated by bouts of laughter. Ebonheim found herself enjoying Calyxia''s company more and more with each passing moment. She was intelligent, witty, and surprisingly charming¡ªthough her sharp tongue could be a bit biting at times. Maybe it was a bit foolish to take the wager. Ebonheim has yet to defeat any Kungwan herself and if memory served, she was pitiful against just two of them. Things were different now: She had more experience, more power, and a better understanding of her abilities. But the notification that the Akashic System provided her earlier did little to bolster her confidence: [Warning: You are outside the boundary of your domain. You will receive a -20% penalty on all Stats and Abilities. If your manifested form is destroyed, there is a 10% chance that your divine spark will also be destroyed] [Name] Ebonheim [Divine Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial) [Divine Rank] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Health] 522/522 [Essence] 590/590 [Passive Health Regen] 26 per hour [Passive Essence Regen] 29 per hour [Stats] INT 25, PER 24, RES 27, STR 12, AGI 25, END 16, CHA 25, MAN 8, WIT 12 [Combat Stats] Divine Attack: 26, Divine Defense: 21, Arcane Defense: 25, Physical Defense: 20, Melee Attack: 18, Ranged Attack: 24, Block: 24, Evasion: 24, Base Physical Crit Chance: 20%, Base Divine Crit Chance: 20% [Innate Abilities] Forest Stride; +50% Health; +50% Essence, +5% Crit Chance; Elemental Keystone absorbed; Manifestation (Rank II); Demanifestation (Rank II); Divine Sight (Rank III); Domain Knowledge (Rank II); Domain Administration (Rank II) [Divine Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank II), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank III), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura (Rank II), Fecundity of Creation (Rank II), Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank II), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank IV), Forest¡¯s Call (Rank III), Tempest of the Grove (Rank III), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank III), Arboreal Stride (Rank III), Path of the Earthen Passage, Charm Animals (Rank II), Self-Regeneration (Rank II), Divine Aura (Rank I), Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank III), Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank III), Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank III), Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank III), Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank III), Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank III), Aura Inversion The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. [Skills] Athletics (Intermediate) +8, Awareness (Intermediate) +8, Craft: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Lore (Apprentice) Rank +2, Melee Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate) +8, Melee Proficiency: Dagger (Intermediate) +8, Ranged Proficiency: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Apprentice) +2, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Intermediate) +8, Investigation (Intermediate) +8, Bureaucracy (Novice) +4 Not exactly at full strength. Maybe Calyxia didn''t know exactly how gods worked. Despite having ascended to a higher power and acquiring more abilities, she was weaker than usual, and if her physical form got destroyed, her divine spark could be snuffed out. This was not a good situation to be in. Fortunately, she had recently learned from Ariastra that she could just de-manifest before receiving any death blow, but she would be plunged back into the heart of her domain, and manifesting again would take time, leaving Calyxia to face the Kungwan alone. Ebonheim frowned. She didn''t like the idea of leaving Calyxia to fight by herself. The Kungwan were dangerous foes, and she didn''t want to risk anything happening to her friend. She would have to be careful and make sure she kept herself safe during the battle. Despite not being in prime condition, she couldn''t help but compare herself to Calyxia. The serpentine spirit was a force of nature, radiating power and strength. Her presence alone commanded respect and awe, her very essence exuding an aura of authority and dominance. Exactly how powerful was she? With a subtle shift of her focus, Ebonheim''s pupils expanded as she tapped into her Divine Sight. This ability allowed her to glimpse the inner workings of a being''s soul, granting her insight into their strengths and weaknesses. She turned her golden gaze towards Calyxia. What was once familiar now became a tapestry of intricate detail. Calyxia''s stats were laid before her: [Name] Calyxia [Spirit Type] Intermediate Spirit (Gorgon-Lamia Hybrid) [Health] 990/990 [Mana] 630/630 [Stats] INT 29, PER 30, RES 34, STR 34, AGI 29, END 32, CHA 25, MAN 35, WIT 30 [Combat Stats] Arcane Attack: 29, Arcane Defense: 32, Divine Defense: 33, Physical Defense: 30, Melee Attack: 31, Ranged Attack: 32, Block: 32, Evasion: 32, Base Physical Crit Chance: 28%, Base Arcane Crit Chance: 28% [Innate Abilities] +200% Health, +100% Mana, +5% Crit Chance (Arcane), +4 Block vs Melee, +6 Evasion vs Melee, Immune to Poison and Petrification, Damage Reduction 12 (Acid, Arcane, Fire, Kinetic, Necrotic), Regenerates 20 Health per minute; Ancient Blood; Eyes of Predation; Scaled Defense; Venomous Touch; Prehensile Tail; Toxic Resistance; Serpentine Grace [Active Abilities] Petrifying Gaze; Tail Crush; Bite of the Gorgon; Scalestorm; Constrictor¡¯s Knot; Venomous Veil; Terrifying Hiss; Tail Vortex; Recoil; Invoke Desolation; Scale Shift; Gorgon''s Whisper; Lamian Charm [Serpent Crown Abilities] Eyes of Forewarning; Memory Bind; Searing Venom; Charm Ray; Fear Ray; Telekinetic Ray; Slowing Ray; Disintegration Ray [Spells] ... [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Renowned) +18, Ranged Proficiency: Thrown Weapons (Renowned) +18, Athletics (Expert) +12, Awareness (Expert) +12, Integrity (Expert) +12, Investigation (Expert) +12, Lore (Expert) +12, Presence (Intermediate) +8, Resistance (Intermediate) +8, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Expert) +12, War (Intermediate) +8 Ebonheim''s jaw dropped. What was with those stats and abilities?! How was she able to rival a lesser god in terms of power? She had no idea spirits could be this strong. She thought her own stats were impressive compared to mortals, but Calyxia''s stats put her own to shame. No wonder she seemed so confident and sure of herself. "What''s the matter, Ebonheim?" Calyxia asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "You look like you''ve seen a ghost." Ebonheim blinked and shook her head. "I''m fine. I just...I didn''t realize you were so strong," she admitted, her voice filled with awe. Calyxia tilted her head and regarded Ebonheim with a curious expression. "And what exactly did you do to come to that conclusion? Did you peer into my aura?" Ebonheim nodded sheepishly. "I used my Divine Sight. I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to pry, but I was curious." Calyxia chuckled softly. "No need for apologies. I am flattered that you would find me so interesting." She paused and gave Ebonheim a sidelong glance. "I suppose you''re wondering how a spirit such as myself could rival a deity of your caliber?" "Well...yes, I am," Ebonheim admitted, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How did you get so strong?" Calyxia smiled and shook her head. "It''s not something I can explain to you in a short amount of time," she replied. "We have more in common than you realize, you and I. Gods and spirits are not so different, after all. We both possess the ability to grow and evolve through the accumulation of experience and power. It''s just that gods grow through the reverence of mortals, while spirits strengthen themselves through other means." "Other means?" Ebonheim asked, intrigued. "What other means?" Calyxia shrugged nonchalantly. "Many things," she replied, her tone vague. "But I will tell you this: I have been around for a very long time, and I have seen and experienced many things in my existence. You are not the first deity that I have encountered, but you are certainly the most cordial one thus far." "Oh? How so?" Ebonheim inquired, her curiosity growing by the minute. Calyxia smiled wryly. "Let us just say that not all gods are as...friendly and accommodating as you are. Some have tried to subjugate me, while others have tried to destroy me. Fortunately, all of them had been fledgling deities without a domain or followers, so...although still powerful in their own right, they lacked the means to truly threaten me." Ebonheim frowned, her expression darkening at Calyxia''s words. "I''m sorry to hear that," she said, her voice tinged with sympathy. "It must have been difficult for you." Calyxia shrugged again, her demeanor casual and unconcerned. "It is nothing I couldn''t handle. Besides, it taught me a valuable lesson: Gods are dangerous creatures, and one should never underestimate their power or ambition. You, on the other hand, are different. You are not like the others." Ebonheim smiled sheepishly once again, scratching the back of her head. "I''ve been told that a lot, even from other gods." Calyxia narrowed her eyes and studied Ebonheim for a moment. "Yes, you do seem...unique, in your own way. I can sense a certain...innocence and naivete about you. It''s almost endearing." Ebonheim laughed nervously, unsure how to respond to the compliment. She wasn''t used to being described in such a way. "I...thank you?" Calyxia smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You''re welcome," she replied, her tone playful. "In any case, I''ll be lounging nearby while you keep your eye out on the horizon." "Wait, what? You''re not going to stay here and keep watch with me?" Ebonheim asked, surprised. Calyxia shook her head. "No, I''m going to take a nap. Wake me when the Kungwan arrive," she replied, her tone nonchalant. With that, Calyxia slithered away, leaving Ebonheim alone with her thoughts. She couldn''t believe the serpentine spirit would be so casual about the upcoming battle. Then again, she supposed Calyxia was used to fighting and had probably seen many battles before. She probably wasn''t worried about their chances at all. Ebonheim sighed. She hoped Calyxia was right, and that the Kungwan would arrive soon. She wanted to get this battle over with as quickly as possible so she could go home and do more mundane things like managing her village and planning for the next festivities. She glanced at Calyxia again, who had curled herself around a boulder and appeared to be dozing off. She shook her head in disbelief and returned her gaze back towards the horizon, keeping a lookout for any signs of the Kungwan or the Seraphidae scouts.
The night wore on, and Ebonheim found herself growing restless. She paced back and forth along the edge of the outcropping, scanning her surroundings for any signs of movement or activity. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine. The moon continued its silent vigil overhead, casting its pale light over the landscape. By dawn''s first light, Ebonheim was still awake and alert, her eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of movement. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, its rays bathing the valley in a golden glow, she finally spotted something¡ªa flicker of movement in the distance. "Calyxia," Ebonheim called out, her voice loud and clear. "They''re coming." Calyxia stirred from her slumber and raised her head, peering in the direction that Ebonheim indicated. She squinted for a moment before letting out a low hiss of satisfaction. "Yes, I see them now," she replied, uncoiling herself from around the boulder and stretching languidly. "It seems our scouts were successful in their efforts." Ebonheim nodded, her gaze fixed on the approaching Kungwan. There were at least a dozen of them, their forms silhouetted against the rising sun. They moved with a fluid grace, their long limbs carrying them swiftly across the terrain. As they drew closer, Ebonheim could make out more details¡ªtheir sleek, muscular bodies; their powerful jaws; and their sharp claws. "Remember our plan," Calyxia said, her voice calm and collected. "We will let them get close enough to sense us, then we''ll unleash our auras on them. That should draw the rest of their forces towards us." Ebonheim drew in a deep breath and nodded. "I''m ready," she replied, her voice steady. The Kungwan barreled through the underbrush, their movements growing more frantic as they approached the outcropping where Ebonheim and Calyxia stood. Their jaws were open wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and their claws glinted in the sunlight. Ebonheim focused her mind and gritted her teeth¡ªher Divine Aura blazed forth like a beacon, radiating outwards in waves of brilliant energy that washed over the advancing Kungwan. They slowed their approach, their bodies tensing as they tried to resist the pressure emanating from her. It seemed to be working. A faint smile played across Ebonheim''s lips as she watched the Kungwan fixate upon her, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and anger as they retaliated with guttural snarls. "Was that good enough, Caly¡ª" She nearly choked on her words when an overpowering aura erupted from the serpentine spirit beside her. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she glanced beside her at Calyxia. Where Ebonheim''s aura was a display of golden splendor, Calyxia''s was muted, dark, and primal¡ªlike the depths of an ocean trench with unfathomable depth that threatened to crush the very air itself with its oppressive weight. Calyxia tensed her body and let out a low hiss, her emerald eyes flashing with a predatory gleam. As if preparing to spring into action, her serpentine half coiled beneath her, while her humanoid upper body remained upright and poised. Then, she uncoiled to full height, emitting an ear-splitting shriek that echoed throughout the valley. Ebonheim had to cover her ears as the sound pierced through her skull like a spear, nearly knocking her off her feet. Her own aura flickered and waned as the spiritual pressure from Calyxia threatened to overwhelm her. It was like being caught in a tidal wave of pure power and domination, crashing over her with such force that she could barely breathe. The effect was immediate¡ªthe Kungwan recoiled from the onslaught, their eyes wide with terror as they stumbled backwards. Several of them let out shrill cries of alarm, their bodies trembling as they struggled to maintain their resolve. "What...the...fu¡ª" Ebonheim gasped, her eyes wide with shock and awe as she stared at Calyxia in disbelief. Calyxia glanced at Ebonheim and flashed a toothy grin, her emerald eyes glittering with amusement. "Did I not tell you I would impress you?" she asked, her voice laced with smug satisfaction. Ebonheim could only nod dumbly in response. The Kungwan snarled and emitted high-pitched croaks as if signaling to each other. Then, from behind the group, more high-pitched croaks echoed through the air, cascading down the valley towards where their nesting ground lay. As if on cue Ebonheim heard the sounds of more approaching Kungwan¡ªa cacophony of snarls and growls that grew louder with each passing moment. A stampede of Kungwan erupted from the forest below, their bodies moving with incredible speed and agility as they clambered over rocks and boulders. She swallowed hard as she watched the new arrivals join the others, their numbers swelling to over a hundred strong. "It seems we have their full attention now," Calyxia mused, her gaze fixed on the approaching Kungwan. "Are you ready to begin the slaughter?" "I...uh...I guess so," Ebonheim stammered, still trying to recover from the shock of Calyxia''s display. "Let''s do this." Chapter 64: The Kungwan War, Divide and Conquer Ebonheim and Calyxia stood on the edge of the outcropping, their gazes fixed on the approaching Kungwan. The sun''s first light bathed the valley in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the terrain below. The forest echoed with a dissonant chorus of snarls, growls, and the rumbling chatter of the Kungwan gathering just beyond the treeline. She took a deep breath and focused her mind, reaching within herself to tap into her recently acquired powers through the Akashic System. She needed some way to compensate for her weakened state outside of her domain, and she had spent the days prior searching through the myriad of abilities the Akashic System had to offer. In the end, she had expended a considerable amount of Quintessence in order to purchase several and increase their respective ranks twice. Unfortunately, she could only increase a power''s rank once for every ascension she had undergone. [Divine Ability: Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Resilience [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 The air around her shimmered as she felt a deep-rooted energy surge into her, as if she was one with the very earth beneath her feet. A sense of fortitude settled over her, her body becoming a bastion against ailments, the toxins of venomous foes, and malicious enchantments. [Divine Ability: Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Intelligence [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 Threads of golden light danced around her, weaving themselves into intricate patterns and symbols that seemed to float in the air. She felt a surge of knowledge flood into her mind, her thoughts becoming sharper and clearer, honing her focus and allowing her to process information at a greater speed. [Divine Ability: Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Agility [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 Her body felt lighter than air, as if she was being buoyed by the wind itself. She could sense every muscle in her body tensing and relaxing with each movement, her reflexes becoming faster and more precise. The world around her seemed to slow down, her perception of time stretching out as she moved with an almost preternatural speed. [Divine Ability: Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Endurance [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 Ebonheim felt a surge of vitality rush through her veins, her stamina and endurance increasing dramatically. Her body seemed to hum with energy, every fiber of her being brimming with vigor. She felt like she could run for miles without tiring, or fight for days on end without breaking a sweat. [Divine Ability: Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Strength [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 The air around her seemed to vibrate with power, her muscles tensing as she felt a surge of strength flow through her. She clenched her fists, her knuckles cracking as she flexed her fingers, the tendons and ligaments straining under the pressure. Her body felt like it was made of steel, every movement carrying with it an immense weight and power. [Divine Ability: Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank III)] [Effect] +8 bonus to Perception [Duration] 8 hours [Essence Cost] 12 Everything around her seemed to come into sharper focus, her senses heightened to an almost painful degree. She could hear the faintest of sounds, see the smallest of details, and smell even the most subtle of scents. Her awareness expanded beyond herself, allowing her to perceive things from a greater distance than ever before. The world around her became a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations, her mind struggling to process the overwhelming amount of information flooding into it. [Divine Ability: Element-Resisting Aura (Rank II)] [Effect] Reduces all elemental damage by 20% [Duration] 4 hours [Essence Cost] 10 A shimmering field of energy surrounded her, its surface rippling like water. The colors shifted and changed, reflecting the various elements that it was meant to resist: fire, ice, lightning, and more. It seemed almost alive, its surface pulsing with a life of its own as it danced and flickered in the morning light. Ebonheim then clasped her hands together and her eyes shimmered as she focused her will onto the trees beside her. [Divine Ability: Forest''s Call (Rank III)] [Effect] Awakens four trees within range, imbuing them with divine power that animates and instills them with duty and purpose to aid and protect the caster. The caster can also imbue one Divine Ability that can be used by each tree sentinel once each. [Duration] 1 hour [Stats] Each tree sentinel has: 300 Health; Melee Attack 24; Arcane Defense 20; Physical Defense 25; Block 21; Evasion 14; Damage Reduction 10 (Kinetic); Damage 23-28 (Kinetic); Vulnerability 15 (Fire, Electricity) [Essence Cost] 25 Around her, four massive trees shook, shedding leaves and shuddering as life flowed through them. Their forms contorted and reshaped, taking on vaguely humanoid forms, bark-covered titans ready to defend their goddess. Their branches flexed like muscular arms, roots breaking free to resemble legs. With a flick of her wrist, she bestowed upon them the ability to use the Vines of the Bramble King at their own discretion. Hopefully, that should be enough to make up for her weakened state. The Akashic System displayed her augmented stats on her peripheral: [Your relevant stats are only increased by six points due to the 20% penalty] [Name] Ebonheim [Divine Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial) [Divine Rank] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Quintessence] 7472/16000 [Health] 612/612 [Essence] 538/680 [Passive Health Regen] 30 per hour [Passive Essence Regen] 34 per hour [Stats] INT 32, PER 31, RES 33, STR 19, AGI 32, END 23, CHA 25, MAN 8, WIT 13 [Combat Stats] Divine Attack: 31, Divine Defense: 27, Arcane Defense: 31, Physical Defense: 26, Melee Attack: 24, Ranged Attack: 30, Block: 30, Evasion: 30, Base Physical Crit Chance: 23%, Base Divine Crit Chance: 23% [Innate Abilities] Forest Stride; +50% Health; +50% Essence; Elemental Keystone (absorbed); Manifestation (Rank II); Demanifestation (Rank II); Divine Sight (Rank III); Domain Knowledge (Rank II); Domain Administration (Rank II) [Divine Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank II), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank III), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura (Rank II), Fecundity of Creation (Rank II), Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank II), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank IV), Forest¡¯s Call (Rank III), Tempest of the Grove (Rank III), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank III), Arboreal Stride (Rank III), Path of the Earthen Passage, Charm Animals (Rank II), Self-Regeneration (Rank II), Divine Aura (Rank I), Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank III), Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank III), Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank III), Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank III), Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank III), Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank III), Aura Inversion [Skills] Athletics (Intermediate) +8, Awareness (Intermediate) +8, Craft: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Lore (Apprentice) Rank +2, Melee Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate) +8, Melee Proficiency: Dagger (Intermediate) +8, Ranged Proficiency: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Apprentice) +2, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Intermediate) +8, Investigation (Intermediate) +8, Bureaucracy (Novice) Rank +4 "Impressive," Calyxia remarked, her gaze fixed on the newly awakened sentinels. "I didn''t expect you to bring your own reinforcements." Ebonheim flashed a wry smile. "I like to keep things interesting," she quipped. "Besides, I''m not exactly at my best right now, so I figured I could use all the help I can get." Then, with a flourish of her arms, she drew the Ebon Bow from her inventory. It materialized in her hands, its obsidian surface gleaming in the sunlight. The air around her seemed to crackle with energy as she nocked an arrow and drew back the string, taking aim at the approaching Kungwan. Calyxia chuckled softly and shook her head. "Well, let''s hope you''re as good a shot as you are a showman," she said, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the approaching horde. "I guess we''ll find out soon enough," Ebonheim replied, her tone grim as she watched the Kungwan draw closer and closer. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, steadying her aim. "Let''s get this over with." With a twang, she loosed the first arrow. It flew through the air in a blur of motion, striking one of the Kungwan in the chest. The creature let out a pained howl as it recoiled, clutching at the wound. Its companions snarled and hissed as they pressed onwards, undeterred by the loss of one of their own. Calyxia wasted no time, her serpentine half launching her into the air as she unleashed a volley of glowing projectiles from her fingertips. The missiles struck several Kungwan, causing them to shriek in agony as their flesh sizzled and burned. She landed gracefully on the ground, her body coiling beneath her as she prepared for another attack. "Best we split up so as to not get in each other''s way," Calyxia suggested. "I''ll take care of the left flank, and you take care of the right." Ebonheim nodded and nocked another arrow, taking aim at one of the Kungwan on her side. She loosed the projectile with a twang, striking the creature in the shoulder. It let out a pained howl as it reeled back, falling to the ground in a heap. Calyxia launched herself into the air once more, her serpentine form undulating as she soared towards the other side of the battlefield where a shallow stream marred by jagged rocks and boulders lay. She landed gracefully on a boulder, her gaze fixed on the approaching Kungwan as they scrambled over the rocky terrain, their claws scraping against the stone as they moved. Ebonheim gave one last look in Calyxia''s direction before she turned and sprinted towards the hillock that lay on her side of the battlefield, vaulting over rocks and boulders as she went while her tree sentinels lumbered behind her. She could hear the Kungwan closing in, their snarls and growls growing louder as they drew near. As she reached the hillock, she scrambled up its slope, her hands and feet finding purchase on the loose earth and rocks that littered its surface. She reached the top and turned to face the approaching horde, nocking another arrow as she did so. Her tree sentinels came to a halt beside her, their forms towering over her as they stood at the ready, their branches flexing like muscular arms as they prepared to attack. "Alright," Ebonheim said, her voice firm and commanding. "Let''s show these monsters what we''re made of."
Ebonheim¡¯s feet pressed against the soft grass of the hillock, her eyes fixed on the approaching horde of Kungwan as they clambered over the rocks and boulders below. The air around her was filled with a cacophony of snarls and growls as they drew nearer, their jaws open wide to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth. As the Kungwan approached, Ebonheim raised her free hand, her palm facing outward as she focused on drawing upon her divine power. Her eyes shimmered with an ethereal light as threads of golden energy danced around her, weaving themselves into intricate patterns and symbols. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. [Divine Ability: Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank IV)] [Effect] Shoots an arrow made of Essence that deals 48-60 Divine damage to the target. Bypasses 12 Damage Reduction. Deals double damage against dark and corrupted creatures. [Range] 100 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] Eight charges [Cost] 15 Essence [Requirement] Ebon Bow equipped [Essence] 523/680 With a flash, a glowing arrow materialized in her hands, its surface crackling with energy as she held it aloft. Eight ethereal petal-shaped leaflets floated above her shoulder, each representing one of the arrows she had left to fire. She nocked the Essence Bolt and drew back the string of her Ebon Bow, her muscles straining under the tension. Scanning the area of adversaries, her gaze settled on one Kungwan that stood out. It was slightly larger, its skin patterned in a unique tapestry of vibrant hues. With practiced ease, she released the bolt, watching as it seared through the air like a shooting star and struck the Kungwan square in the chest. The creature let out an agonized howl as the projectile exploded on impact, sending shards of burning energy coursing through its body. It stumbled backwards, its flesh scorched and smoking from the blast. But her triumphant smirk vanished as the creature''s wound closed at an alarming rate, mending flesh and bone as if she''d merely tickled it. "What?" Ebonheim exclaimed in disbelief, her eyes wide with shock and awe. She watched as the Kungwan regained its footing, its body seemingly healed from the grievous injury inflicted upon it. Her eyes shimmered as she activated her Divine Sight, peering into the creature''s aura for answers. An ethereal layer settled over her vision, revealing the Kungwan''s aura that pulsed with robust, relentless vitality. [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Regenerator [Health] 260/260 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 24; Arcane Defense 22; Physical Defense 25; Damage 19-23 Kinetic (Claw), 20 Kinetic (Bite); Block 22; Evasion 20 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Intermediate) +8 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 8 (Kinetic, Acid, Fire, Cold, Electric); Regenerate 30 Health every 10 seconds This was new. Its body had a more dense, viscous aura around it, almost like a thick gelatinous substance. This must be what allowed the creature to regenerate so quickly. She''d have to hit this thing hard and fast if she wanted to bring it down for good. "Well, this complicates things," Ebonheim muttered under her breath as she watched the Kungwan continue its advance. She did a quick count on the number of Kungwan that had arrived¡ªtwenty-four in all. Not an insurmountable number, but still a formidable force to contend with. Three of them were Regenerators, each one striding confidently ahead of their kin. Ebonheim''s surprise didn¡¯t go unnoticed. The Kungwan forces reacted like a swarm sensing a threat, spreading to flank her position while the Regenerators continued forward. Suddenly, from the base of the hillock, tendrils of green erupted, snaking and curling around the advancing Kungwans. Her tree sentinels invoked their borrowed power, Vines of the Bramble King. The thorn-covered vines coiled around the creatures like constricting serpents, piercing flesh and bone as they tightened their grip. Several of the Kungwan let out shrill howls as the vines dragged them towards the tree sentinels, who promptly began to pummel them with their massive fists. Like stalwart guardians, the tree sentinels stood firm as they battered their foes, their wooden bodies absorbing the blows dealt by the Kungwan. The Kungwan retaliated with tooth and claw, their razor-sharp teeth gnashing at the bark-covered titans while their claws raked against their trunks. Ebonheim watched in awe as the battle unfolded below her, the tree sentinels holding their ground as they fought against the Kungwan horde. She nocked another Essence Bolt and loosed it at one of the Regenerators that had managed to break free from the vines. The projectile struck the creature in the shoulder, causing it to recoil as its flesh sizzled and burned from the impact. "Let''s see how you like this," Ebonheim muttered under her breath as she fired more Essence Bolts in rapid succession, each one striking the Kungwan in different parts of its body. The creature shrieked in agony as the divine energies tore through its flesh, its skin scorched and smoking from the blasts. Despite its regenerative abilities, the damage inflicted by the bolts was too great, and soon, the Kungwan fell to the ground in a lifeless heap. Ebonheim let out a sigh of relief as she watched the creature''s aura fade from existence, its body disintegrating into ashes. One down, two more to go¡ªbut just taking one down took five of her eight remaining charges. She''d have to make these count. As if sensing their companion''s demise, the other two Regenerators snarled and howled as they redoubled their efforts to break free from the vines'' grasp. Several of the Kungwan managed to tear through the thorny tendrils, their claws slashing and ripping at the tree sentinels who retaliated with powerful blows of their own. The battle raged on as the Kungwan continued their assault, their numbers dwindling but still formidable in force. The tree sentinels held firm, their wooden bodies absorbing the blows dealt by the creatures while they pummeled them with powerful strikes of their own. Ebonheim sniped at one of the Regenerators that reeled from its bout with one of her tree sentinels, its battered body covered in deep gashes and lacerations that continually healed. The Essence Bolt struck the creature in the chest, causing it to jolt back as its flesh sizzled and burned from the impact. It let out an agonized howl as its skin began to melt away, revealing charred bone and muscle underneath. [Critical Hit] Ebonheim fired another Essence Bolt, striking the Kungwan in its exposed chest cavity. The projectile exploded on impact, sending shards of burning energy coursing through the creature''s body. It lurched back once more before crumpling to the ground, its aura dissipating into nothingness. "One more to go," Ebonheim muttered under her breath as she gazed towards the last remaining Regenerator. The creature let out a defiant howl as it continued its assault on a tree sentinel, its claws tearing deep gashes into its wooden body. A few of the normal Kungwan had managed to break free from the vines'' grasp and evade the sentinels'' attacks to sprawl over the hillock''s slope, scrambling to climb its gradient. Ebonheim spun around, her feet digging into the ground as she jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the Kungwan''s jaws snapping at her face. A second, injured Kungwan''s claws raked against her Divine Aura, causing it to ripple and distort from the impact. [Divine Aura] 295/300 She ducked and dodged, her movements fluid and graceful as she evaded the Kungwan''s attacks. Her body hummed with energy as she danced around them, her feet barely touching the ground as she leaped over their claws and fangs. She fired her last charge of Essence Bolt point-blank atop the creature''s head as she vaulted over its body, causing its skull to explode in a shower of gore and bone. Landing on her feet, Ebonheim spun around to face the other two Kungwan that had managed to climb up the hillock. As she put away her bow, she drew her dagger from its sheath at her belt and held it in front of her, its obsidian surface gleaming in the sunlight as she took a fighting stance. "Come on," Ebonheim taunted, motioning with her free hand for the creatures to attack. "I don''t have all day¡ªwell, maybe I do...depending on how many of you there are to slay." The Kungwan snarled and lunged at her, their claws extended as they leaped towards her. Ebonheim sidestepped the first creature''s attack, bringing up her dagger to deflect its claws as it sailed past her. She spun around and slashed at the second creature''s back, her blade biting deep into its flesh. It howled in pain as Ebonheim''s blade tore through its back, causing blood to spurt from the wound. She ducked under the first creature''s claws as they swiped at her face, bringing up her dagger to deflect them before countering with a swift strike to its abdomen. The Kungwan recoiled from the blow, stumbling backwards as blood seeped from the wound. Ebonheim pressed her advantage, her movements fluid and precise as she danced around her opponents, slashing and stabbing at them with her dagger. Ebonheim weaved and bobbed, evading their attacks as she continued to strike back with her own. The hillock''s slope grew slick with blood as the creatures'' wounds began to take their toll, their movements becoming sluggish and labored as they struggled to keep up with her relentless assault until with a thrust of her dagger, Ebonheim pierced the eye of one of the Kungwan before withdrawing her blade and spinning around to plunge it deep into the other''s throat. With a final gurgling gasp, both Kungwan fell to the ground, their bodies limp and lifeless as their blood pooled around them. Ebonheim stood over her fallen foes, her aura shimmering in the sunlight as she caught her breath. Her gaze turned to the base of the hillock where her tree sentinels continued to fight against the remaining Kungwan horde, their forms battered but still standing firm. Seven Kungwan corpses lay strewn about them, but one of her sentinels had fallen, its body broken and splintered from the battle''s fury. She drew her bow once more and nocked a normal arrow from her quiver, taking aim at one of the Kungwan below. Even though the Kungwan were resistant to normal weapons, the properties granted by her Ebon bow as well as the damage inflicted by her sentinels should be enough for her arrow to inflict a death blow. The arrow flew from her bowstring with a twang, striking one of the Kungwan through its maw and out the back of its skull. The creature collapsed to the ground as blood gushed from the wound, its body convulsing before going still. Her tree sentinels took this opening to knock another Kungwan prone before stomping it into mush while the vines ensnared a few others. Ebonheim fired more arrows, impaling another two of the creatures through their chests and heads. A sudden gust of wind, and Ebonheim''s eyes darted skywards. Kungwans, lean and agile, leaped from the treetops, their elongated bodies twisting mid-air and their trajectory set for her. Her Divine Sight trained on them as they descended upon her position. [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Skyclinger [Health] 210/210 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 25; Arcane Defense 21; Physical Defense 24; Damage 18-22 Kinetic (Claw), 18 Kinetic (Bite); Block 21; Evasion 25 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Intermediate) +8; Athletics (Expert) +12 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 6 (Kinetic); Leap 30 meters; Chameleon; Regenerates 20 Health every minute Without hesitation, she fired a volley of arrows into the air, but the creatures were agile, their bodies twisting and turning in the wind as they evaded her projectiles. The Kungwan Skyclingers dove down, extending their hook-like claws as they approached. Ebonheim rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding one of the creatures'' claws as it raked across the ground where she had been standing moments before but the other managed to strike her aura, causing it to ripple and distort from the impact. She backpedaled, her feet slipping on the blood-slicked grass. She caught herself, her free hand gripping the ground as she flipped onto her back and kicked upwards with both feet. The Skyclinger let out a shriek of pain as Ebonheim''s feet struck its vocal sac, sending it flying backwards and tumbling down the hillock''s slope. She rolled onto her feet and drew her dagger once more, ready to face the remaining Kungwan Skyclinger who had landed on the ground beside her. It paced around Ebonheim, its body blending seamlessly into its surroundings as it moved. Its form shifted and changed, its flesh morphing from a mottled green to a dull brown, to a deep gray like watching a chameleon change colors, except this creature''s transformation was far more fluid and seamless. Ebonheim watched in awe as the Skyclinger continued its dance around her, its body becoming nearly invisible as it moved. Even with her Divine Sight, its aura was difficult to discern from the surrounding environment, making it almost impossible to track. The other Skylinger she''d kicked off the hillock had regained its footing and joined the fray, its form shifting to blend in with the grass and rocks as it approached. Ebonheim gripped her dagger tightly as she focused on the two creatures'' auras, her eyes darting back and forth as she tried to keep track of their movements. To her surprise, both Skyclingers launched themselves away from her, their bodies twisting in the air before landing within the treeline nearby. "What the..." Ebonheim muttered under her breath as she watched them disappear into the forest, their auras fading from her sight. She shook her head and turned to survey the battlefield below where her tree sentinels continued their battle against the remaining Kungwan. Another one of her sentinels fell, but not before taking three more Kungwan with it. The only persistent threat was the lone Regenerator that was causing the most damage to her guardians. She focused her Essence, activating her Enchanted Essence Bolt. Eight petal-shaped leaflets appeared over her shoulder once more. [Essence] 508/680 She nocked the bolt and drew back the string of her Ebon Bow, taking aim at the Regenerator. The air around her crackled with energy as she focused on her target. Her eyes shimmered as she released the bolt, sending it flying through the air towards the creature''s head. The bolt struck true, exploding on impact and causing the Kungwan to stagger as its flesh began to melt away from the blast. The creature let out an agonized howl as its skin began to disintegrate from the damage inflicted by the bolt, revealing charred bone and muscle underneath. She fired another bolt in succession, striking the Regenerator in its exposed skull¡ªthe force of the impact caused its head to explode in a shower of gore and bone. The tree sentinel near it took this opening to finish it off with a powerful blow from its massive fist, causing the Regenerator''s headless body to crumple into a heap. The remaining Kungwan seemed unphased by their dwindling numbers, continuing their assault on the remaining two sentinels. Within the outskirts of the forest, Ebonheim spotted more and more Kungwan creeping out from the treeline, ready to join the fray. Something told her that this was only a small fraction of what the Kungwan horde had to offer. She needed to save her Essence Bolts for the Regenerators, and had to be wary of the Skyclingers lurking about. There were still those Flamecallers that have yet to show themselves. "This is going to be a long day," Ebonheim muttered under her breath as she prepared herself for another round of combat. But at least now, she was not one to cower helplessly against just two of them, as she had done two years ago. This time...she was the one bringing the fight to them. Chapter 65: The Kungwan War, Elemental Admixture Sweat ran in rivulets down Ebonheim''s brow, merging with the crimson splatters from the earlier skirmish atop the hillock. The corpses of vanquished Kungwan lay around her, reminders of the fury already spent, but the battle was far from over. Hard to imagine it had only been a couple of hours since the battle began. But just as she caught her breath, the air around her grew warmer. Shadows moved across the battlefield¡ªthese Kungwan bore slight differences from their brethren; their hues were not the mottled green and brown she''d come to recognize, but rather the searing red of burning embers and the frigid blue of a midwinter''s night. Her Divine Sight flared up and she scanned the auras surrounding their forms: [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Flamecaller [Health] 220/220 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 22; Ranged Attack 24; Arcane Defense 23; Physical Defense 22; Damage 13 Kinetic (Claw) + 5 (Fire), 19 Kinetic (Bite) +5 (Fire); Block 21; Evasion 21 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Intermediate) +8 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 7 (Kinetic), 30 (Fire); Regenerate 20 Health every minute; Fire Blast (35-45 Fire damage); Flame Barrier [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Frostscale [Health] 220/220 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 23; Ranged Attack 23; Arcane Defense 23; Physical Defense 22; Damage 14 Kinetic (Claw) + 5 (Cold), 20 Kinetic (Bite) +5 (Cold); Block 22; Evasion 20 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Intermediate) +8 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 7 (Kinetic), 30 (Cold); Regenerate 20 Health every minute; Ice Shards (30-45 Cold damage); Frost Armor The Flamecallers'' bodies were covered in fiery scales, giving them an appearance that resembled a living inferno. Their claws glowed red-hot, their flesh smoldering as if it was on the verge of combusting. The Frostscales were slightly larger than their counterparts, their bodies covered in icy blue scales that glistened in the sunlight like polished sapphires. Their claws were long and curved, resembling icicles more than anything else. A small cadre of lesser Kungwan flanked the Flamecallers and Frostscales from a distance, their bodies pressed against the treeline as they watched the scene unfold. Ebonheim could sense a subtle tension between the two groups, almost as if they were uneasy about each other''s presence. Before she could ready herself, the Flamecallers'' fiery onslaught began. Torrents of flame surged forward, searing through the air towards Ebonheim and her tree sentinels. The firestorm engulfed them, its heat intense enough to cause the air around them to shimmer and distort. One of her tree sentinels, a gargantuan oak animated by her Essence, let out a mournful howl as its bark began to blacken and crack from the heat, its branches withering and crumbling away like ash in the wind. Ebonheim¡¯s heart sank as her other sentinel, a grand willow, met a similar fate, being reduced to cinders, its mournful swaying stilled forever. [Essence] 551/680 Ebonheim gritted her teeth as she focused her will to cloak herself with her Element-Resisting Aura, augmenting her already resilient Divine Aura with the ability to reduce more elemental damage. Not a moment too soon, as a torrent of wild flames roared towards her, birthed from the malicious maw of a Flamecaller. Another burst of fire surged forward, its heat intense enough to cause the air around Ebonheim to shimmer and distort. She raised her hand, her palm facing outward as she focused on tapping into the Elemental Keystone merged inside her, conjuring the Frostwind Gust ability. [Essence] 541/680 A frigid gale erupted from her outstretched palm, its surface glistening with frost as it collided with the Flamecaller''s flames. The two forces met in an explosion of heat and ice, causing the air around them to crackle and hiss. Steam erupted around her, obscuring vision, but she could still sense their auras through her Divine Sight. Emerging from the mist, one of the Frostscales bounded towards her, its icy claws slashing at her Divine Aura. Ebonheim raised her Ebon Bow, catching the creature''s claws on the obsidian surface, the impact causing her arm to tremble from the force of the blow. Ebonheim twisted her body to the side, her feet digging into the ground as she pivoted around the creature''s flank. Her free hand grasped one of the Frostscale''s outstretched forearms, using its momentum to propel herself behind it. The creature''s eyes widened in surprise as Ebonheim thrust the Ebon Bow into its throat, causing its icy flesh to shatter from the impact. The Frostscale reeled back, its claws clasping at its throat as it choked and gurgled on its own blood. Another Frostscale surged from the mist, its jaws open wide as it lunged at Ebonheim. She dove to the side, rolling onto her feet as the creature''s claws raked against the ground where she had been standing moments before. Ebonheim spun around, her feet pressing against the ground as she launched herself towards the Frostscale, activating her Flamegale Slash admixture, which enveloped her fist in a swirling vortex of fire. [Essence] 531/680 She drove her fist into the creature''s snout, causing its flesh to sizzle and burn from the impact. The Frostscale let out a pained howl as its face contorted in agony, its nostrils emitting steam from the heat of the flames. Ebonheim''s body hummed with energy as she drove her other fist into the Frostscale''s snout once more, sending it stumbling backwards as blood streamed from its wounds. The Flamecaller shrouded itself in a cloak of fire, its body morphing into a living inferno. It lunged forward, its body leaving a trail of flames in its wake. The creature''s fiery form collided with Ebonheim, sending her tumbling backwards. Her Divine Aura rippled and distorted from the impact, its radiant surface dwindling further from the damage inflicted by the flames. [Divine Aura] 284/300 Ebonheim recovered and crouched low, her eyes fixed on the Flamecaller as its fiery form undulated before her. The Flamecaller pursued, its claws blazing with fire as it slashed at her Divine Aura. She raised her bow to deflect the blows, each impact causing the air around them to shimmer and distort from the heat. She ducked under the creature''s claws and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding being trampled by its fiery form as it surged past her. The first Frostscale joined the fray, while the second recovered from the injuries Ebonheim had inflicted upon it. She nocked an arrow and loosed it at the second Frostscale while it was still incapacitated. The projectile struck true, embedding itself deep into the creature''s shoulder. It let out a pained howl as blood spurted from the wound, its body convulsing as the blood rapidly cooled on its icy skin. With an echoing snarl, the first Frostscale hurled a barrage of ice shards at her. Ebonheim dove to the side, narrowly avoiding being impaled by the projectiles as they struck the tree behind her. The wood splintered and cracked from the impact, causing several branches to fall to the ground below with a crash. Ebonheim rolled onto her feet and charged towards the Flamecaller. Bringing her palms to the earth, she used the Stoneflood Wave. [Essence] 521/680 The ground shuddered, then broke, releasing a surge of earth and groundwater in a torrential wave that struck the Flamecaller head-on. The creature''s fiery form rippled and distorted from the impact, causing its flames to sputter and hiss as the water doused them while the stone shattered against its body like shrapnel. The Flamecaller teetered backwards, its body covered in sizzling embers as it struggled to maintain its fiery form. Ebonheim took advantage of the creature''s weakened state and launched herself towards it, striking with her Frostwind Gust admixture, covering her fist in freezing cold air that manifested as a swirling vortex of frost over her knuckles. With all her strength, she threw her punch, driving her fist into the Flamecaller''s head. The impact caused a resounding crack that echoed across the battlefield. [Essence] 511/680 She withdrew her fist, flakes of charred flesh clinging from her knuckles as she prepared to strike again but stopped short when the Flamecaller let out a high-pitched whine, its body contorting and writhing in agony before falling still. The creature''s fiery form faded away, leaving behind a charred and smoldering corpse. Stolen story; please report. But the Frostscales were far from passive observers. With precise coordination, they launched a barrage of ice at her, shards gleaming as they sliced through the air. The Element-Resisting Aura that Ebonheim had erected pulsed a brilliant hue, deflecting the worst of the icy projectiles. [Divine Aura] 275/300 The area around her erupted in an explosion of frost and ice as the barrage struck the ground, causing her footing to become unstable. Ebonheim skidded back, her feet sliding across the frozen ground while a cloud of frigid vapor obscured her vision. Through her Divine Sight, however, she was able to navigate. Shaking off the shockwave, Ebonheim peered through the mist in search of her adversaries. A shape moved within the clouds, its aura distinct from those around it. With urgency flooding her, she conjured the Tempest of the Grove at the area where her sight sensed the approaching figure. Spiraling winds picked up with supernatural speed, growing into a cyclonic maelstrom. [Essence] 486/680 Her Divine Sight tracked the Frostscale within the howling gale, along with a few normal Kungwan that had decided to join the fray. Her storm continued its localized rampage, tearing at the Frostscale within, the winds ripping at its flesh, tearing away chunks of its icy hide. The other Kungwan fared no better, their bodies being tossed about like leaves in a hurricane. [Essence] 476/680 Ebonheim snapped her fingers, and like a spark igniting a flame, she imbued elemental fire into the tempest. The cyclone erupted in an explosion of heat and light, sending the Kungwan flying through the air before landing in broken heaps on the ground below. The Frostscale''s aura flickered and faded from her Divine Sight, leaving behind a charred and smoldering corpse. She turned her attention to the other Frostscale, no longer concealed by the mist. It let out a defiant howl as its body shifted into a more compact form, its flesh morphing into a deep blue color. The creature''s eyes glowed with a brilliant light as it launched itself towards her, its claws blazing with frost. [Essence] 466/680 But she wasn''t done. The Elemental Admixture cycled again, calling forth the Flamegale Slash. It manifested as a burning blade, wreathed in wind. She parried its claws with her flaming blade, causing the Frostscale to recoil from the impact. Ebonheim spun around and slashed at the creature''s flank, her fiery blade slicing through its icy flesh like butter. The Frostscale let out an agonized howl as blood spurted from the wound, its body convulsing from the damage inflicted by Ebonheim''s attack. She pressed her advantage and struck again, this time striking the creature''s neck with a swift blow. The impact caused the Frostscale''s flesh to shatter like glass, sending shards of frozen blood raining to the ground below. Her flame blade dissipated, and she drew back her Ebon Bow once more, nocking another arrow. She loosed it at the creature''s head, the projectile striking true and embedding itself deep into the Frostscale''s skull. The creature let out a gurgling howl as blood streamed from the wound, its body convulsing before falling still. Ebonheim stood over her vanquished foes, her aura shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. She surveyed the battlefield around her, taking in the destruction wrought by the battle. Several of her tree sentinels lay broken and splintered, their bodies covered in scorch marks from the Flamecallers'' assault. The other Kungwan remained at a distance, seemingly hesitant to venture into the area after witnessing the carnage inflicted upon their kin. Ebonheim could only smirk at this observation¡ªthat''s right; they should fear her prowess. She drew her Ebon Bow and nocked an arrow, taking aim at the gathered Kungwan horde. "Now that I got your attention," she declared, her tone firm and unwavering. "Anyone else want to try me?" As she surveyed the battlefield, a sudden chill ran down her spine. Her Divine Sight picked up on two auras that dwarfed all others around them: [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Titan [Health] 360/360 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 28; Physical Defense 28; Damage 35-45 Kinetic (Claw), 50 Kinetic (Bite); Block 24; Evasion 17 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Expert) +12 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 18 (Kinetic), 10 (Fire, Cold, Acid, Electric); Regenerate 40 Health every minute The ground shuddered beneath her feet as the two enormous Kungwan emerged from the treeline. They stood taller¡ªat least twice in size¡ªthan their lesser counterparts, their bodies covered in thick, mucus-laden skin that glistened in the sunlight. Their claws were long and curved with serrated edges. She watched with awe as they approached, their movements slow and deliberate, almost as if they were savoring the moment before they unleashed their fury. The other Kungwan parted before them, making way for their hulking forms. As their shadows loomed over her, Ebonheim gulped. "Great...me and my big mouth."
Reacting swiftly, Ebonheim invoked the Forest''s Call. Four trees within range awakened with divine power, imbued with purpose¡ªto defend their goddess at all costs. Their trunks twisted and shaped into humanoid forms, bark-armored giants with long, gnarled limbs. She imbued them with the ability to use her Element-Resisting Aura for themselves¡ªshe didn''t want them falling easily against any more Flamecallers that might show up. [Essence] 441/680 The Kungwan Titans let out a deafening roar, causing the air around them to shudder and distort. Ebonheim''s tree sentinels stood firm before their adversaries, their bark-covered bodies bristling with energy as they prepared for combat. With claws extended, the Kungwan Titans charged forward, launching themselves towards the tree sentinels. The impact caused the ground beneath them to shudder, sending tremors through the earth. Two sentinels matched against each Titan, and Ebonheim watched with bated breath as her guardians clashed with the hulking creatures. The valley erupted into chaos. The ground shuddered with each blow, every impact sending shockwaves rippling through the terrain. Moss, dirt, and foliage sprayed into the air as fists met bark and wooden limbs slammed into muscled flesh. One of her tree sentinels managed to land a powerful strike on a Kungwan Titan''s head, causing its skull to crack from the impact. The creature flinched backwards, its body covered in bloodied gashes from the tree sentinel''s assault. It let out an angry howl as it lunged forward once more, its claws extended as it slashed at the sentinel''s oaken form. The other Kungwan Titan slammed its fist into one of her sentinels, causing the ground beneath them to shudder from the force of the blow. The impact caused the tree sentinel''s body to splinter and crack, its limbs flailing as it struggled to remain standing. The creature followed with another blow, this time striking the sentinel''s head and sending shards of bark scattering to the ground. In the midst of this primeval battle, Ebonheim summoned the power of the Elemental Admixture. Her hands danced, molding the raw elemental energies around her. With a fierce cry, she unleashed the Flamegale Slash, a blade of roaring fire ensnared in a whirlwind, and charged the nearest Kungwan Titan. [Essence] 431/680 She scrambled over a sentinel, launching herself off its broad shoulders as she leaped towards a Titan, her flaming blade in hand. She spun through the air, her body twisting like a dancer''s as she slashed at the creature''s head, following through with her momentum to continue her spin and strike it again at its abdomen, then finishing with a final blow at its leg before landing in a crouch on the ground. [Critical Hit] The Titan staggered backwards, its body smoldering from the burns inflicted by Ebonheim''s fiery blade. Blood seeped from the wounds, the raw elemental power causing its flesh to sizzle and bubble. As she was about to cycle her admixture again, the other Titan barreled forward and kicked her, its foot slamming into her side and sending her flying through the air. She crashed through several tree branches until her body finally collided with a boulder at the edge of the treeline, causing her to bounce off of it and roll to a stop on the ground. [You''ve sustained a critical hit] [Divine Aura] 231/300 Ebonheim gasped for breath as she struggled to stand, her body aching from the force of the blow. Although her Divine Aura had absorbed most of the damage, the sheer force behind the creature''s kick had still managed to cause some momentary impairment. Her vision blurred as she teetered forward, her hands pressed against her temple as she fought to regain her senses. She shook her head, blinking her eyes to clear them. Four Kungwans rushed at her, jaws open wide as they approached. She drew her dagger and slashed at the closest creature, causing it to recoil from the blow. She ducked under the other''s claws as they swiped at her head, bringing up her dagger to deflect them before countering with a swift strike to its abdomen. The fourth Kungwan jumped towards her, its maw opening wide as it prepared to clamp down on her shoulder. Ebonheim rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding being bitten. As she gained some distance from her assailants, she surveyed the battle raging further beyond her. One of her tree sentinels was nearing the end, its body battered and splintered from the Kungwan Titan''s furious attacks. Another one fell with an ear-splitting crash, its limbs flailing as it collapsed in a heap on the ground. "Damn!" she cursed aloud. The lesser Kungwans continued their pursuit, loping towards her with claws outstretched. Ebonheim stood firm, her dagger held in front of her as she faced them. They lunged forward, their jaws open wide as they leaped towards her. She ducked under their claws, bringing her dagger up to parry them as she countered with swift strikes to their stomachs. The creatures fell back, their bodies covered in gashes from her assault. Her remaining tree sentinels continued to battle the Kungwan Titans, but their attacks did little to slow the creatures down. At this rate, there would be nothing left of her defensive line. Ebonheim had no doubt that without them, she would quickly find herself overwhelmed in a melee against the remaining horde. And to top things off, more Skyclingers had begun to emerge from the treeline to join the fray, as if sensing the tide of the battle turning in their favor. "This isn''t good," Ebonheim said under her breath as she continued to engage the advancing Kungwan. "Hopefully Calyxia is faring better..." Chapter 66: The Kungwan War, Lord of the South Calyxia¡¯s sinuous form glided to the stream, its water murmuring softly. The rocky outcropping near the bank provided her a vantage point to observe the Kungwan horde on the other side of the waterway. Her serpentine lower body coiled around itself as she watched them, her eyes fixed on their movements. The age-old eyes of the forest, the ancient trees, whispered secrets of approaching enemies. In the treetops, a flurry of movement betrayed the Skyclingers. Hidden by foliage, these creatures believed themselves to be the unseen predators. Calyxia smirked, her Eyes of Predation piercing through the deception. The warm pulses of their heartbeats were like torches in the night. Before they could plunge from the canopy, Calyxia''s scales shimmered as she released a Venomous Veil. A ghostly green mist erupted, encompassing the area. The Skyclingers, caught in the heart of the toxin, convulsed in disorientation and tumbled out of the air like charred leaves before collapsing to the ground, their bodies paralyzed by her venom. The serpents atop her head hissed as they spat a barrage of acidic venom at the Kungwan Skyclinger''s bodies, while a few stretched out to snatch one and drag it back towards Calyxia. The creature''s body writhed in the serpents'' grasp, its limbs flailing as it struggled to break free¡ªbefore being bitten by one serpent, then another, and another. The Memory Bind took effect, and the Skyclinger''s memories flowed into Calyxia''s mind. The creature''s thoughts were simple; its only desire was to kill, feed, and replicate. She could see the horde''s numbers through its eyes, a sea of mottled green and brown scales slinking through the undergrowth. She also gleaned knowledge of the other Kungwan sub-species abilities¡ªthe Flamecallers, Frostscales, Regenerators, Blightfroth, and Titans. But there was no time to relish the newfound knowledge. The Skyclingers, though disoriented, were relentless, and the effects of her venomous cloud had begun to fade. The remainder leaped and vaulted around the trees, their bodies twisting and contorting through the air in an acrobatic display. Fools. Her vision was not limited to her eyes¡ªher serpent crown allowed her to see from their perspective as well, and her mind calculated each trajectory. She watched as they moved through the treetops, their forms blending into their surroundings. But Calyxia could still sense them¡ªthe heat from their bodies betrayed them. They dove towards her in a coordinated attack, their claws extended as they prepared to strike. Calyxia extended her tail, swatting away two of the creatures in midair while another struck her, its claws raking across her arm. She winced, blood trickling from the wound, but the pain was fleeting. Calyxia swiped and bit, her tail creating vortexes to push them back, but they were many and she one. She hissed in frustration, her fangs bared as she lashed out at them. To an ancient spirit like her, these creatures were no more than pesky gnats, yet their persistence grated on her nerves. Her serpent crown, like her mind, was not limited to a singular function. She could weave the serpent''s individual abilities into a tapestry of devastation and ruin. A barrage of teal-colored beams erupted from the serpents, hitting several Skyclingers and slowing their movements to a crawl. The creatures'' bodies became rigid, their muscles stiffening as the Slow Rays worked their magic. Her claws slashed and tore, her movements a blur as she dismembered the Skyclingers caught by her hindering beams. Their limbs flew through the air, blood spraying from the stumps like fountains. She hissed in fury, her body a whirlwind of destruction as she ripped apart their bodies. Their flesh tore like wet parchment, their bones shattering under the force of her blows. Her fangs punctured their throats, causing their bodies to convulse and bleed from the venom coursing through their veins. Her tail whipped around her, sending several creatures flying into the treetops with a sickening crunch. Other Kungwan, the normal ones, joined the fray, adding to the chaos. She continued her rampage, her claws ripping through flesh and bone as she tore apart the creatures around her while her serpent crown fired rays that either slowed, burned, charmed, stricken, or disintegrated their targets. The forest echoed with the sounds of battle¡ªsnarls, hisses, roars, screams, and shrieks. The air reeked of blood and death as bodies piled around her. Her serpent crown continued to fire its rays at the oncoming horde, while Calyxia herself continued her assault. The Kungwan Blightfroths arrived and added their own venomous attacks, but the effects were negligible against her scales. She was immune to most poisons and toxins, and the few that did affect her were easily countered by her regenerative abilities. Even their corrosive spittle had little effect on her, merely burning away a few scales before healing. At the end of her rampage, Calyxia''s scales glistened in the sunlight, blood dripping from her claws as she surveyed the carnage around her. The ground beneath her was littered with dismembered Kungwan bodies, their limbs and entrails scattered about like macabre decorations. She hissed in annoyance at the sight¡ªthis was but a mere fraction of the horde''s numbers, and there were still many more to go through before she could rest. Already, she could sense more Kungwan approaching from the forest, their heat signatures betraying their positions. Calyxia let out a frustrated sigh as her serpent crown hissed in anticipation of the coming battle. She glanced at the stream and spotted a Blightfroth within its waters, its body blending into the murky greenish-brown hues. She extended her tail towards the creature, wrapping it around its neck and lifting it out of the water with ease. It thrashed in her grasp, its claws raking across her scales as it struggled to break free. She tightened her grip, causing its eyes to bulge from the pressure. With a flick of her tail, she tossed the creature into the air before opening her maw and biting down on its head, crushing its skull between her powerful jaws. The creature went limp, blood oozing from the wound as she released its remains onto the ground. She wiped the blood from her mouth and spat out the gore. The taste was unpleasant, but the act served to release some of her pent-up frustrations. "I need a bath." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Calyxia slithered through the water, her scales glistening in the sunlight as she glided across its surface. The stream flowed around her, its waters murmuring softly as she swam. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh scent of the forest around her. She could sense Ebonheim''s presence on the other side of the hollow. Explosions and tremors echoed from there, sounds that probably did not bode well for her young friend. Her serpentine form slithered through the stream, her scales shimmering in the sunlight. The water around her rippled and danced as she moved, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. Her body was lean and muscular, her movements fluid and graceful as she swam. The serpents atop her head hissed as their eyes scanned the area for any threats. Their bodies swayed in time with Calyxia''s movements, adding to the hypnotic effect of the scene. Her claws dug into the muddy bottom of the stream, leaving behind deep furrows in the earth as she swam. She paused and dipped her head underwater, causing a small wave to wash over her face. Her serpent crown hissed as she submerged herself, their scales glistening in the water''s refracted light. She emerged moments later, her body glistening with water droplets as she inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air. Her tail swished back and forth in the water, causing ripples to spread across its surface. She dipped her hands into the stream and splashed water over herself, causing the droplets to cascade down her body like tiny rainbows. Calyxia continued her swim, her serpentine form moving with ease through the water as she glided across its surface. She then leaned back, her body drifting with the current. The sun''s rays warmed her scales as she relaxed, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the moment. Two Kungwans burst from the treeline, lunging at her in a coordinated attack. Her serpents fired beams of energy at them, one Kungwan disintegrated before it could reach the water while the other hung suspended in the air, a faint white aura surrounding its body as the Telekinesis Ray held it in place. In a languid motion, Calyxia waved her finger in the air like a Maestra conducting an orchestra, and the Kungwan, through her ray''s telekinetic push, slammed into one tree and then another until its body crumpled to the ground with a sickening crunch. The white aura surrounding its body faded away as the ray''s effects ended. Calyxia sighed and continued to float on the water, her eyes closed as she savored the moment. Her serpent crown hissed in contentment, their scales glistening in the sunlight as they swayed with the current. Eventually, she slithered out from the stream, her serpentine form dripping wet as she glided across the grassy bank. She shook off the excess moisture from her scales and slithered to the branches that held her regal attire. A cantrip to clean the garments, and another to dry herself later, Calyxia donned her attire. The finely-embroidered tunic fit snugly against her body, its royal purple color contrasting with her obsidian scales. Her belt of gold and precious stones gleamed in the sunlight, adding to her overall regal appearance. She extended her hand to one of her serpents, its forked tongue flicking out to caress her fingertip. "What do you think? Should we go and help her?" she asked, her tone playful. The serpent flicked its tongue at her, its eyes blinking slowly. She let out a laugh and nodded, her fingers scratching the serpent under its chin. "Alright, alright. We''ll go and help her." But before she could act, she sensed more Kungwan approaching. A group of normal ones, several Flamecallers, a few Regenerators...and a Titan. She scowled. "Seems like she''ll have to make do for the time being."
The air was thick with a pungent musk as the Kungwan horde descended upon her. Their bodies glistened with slime, their eyes gleaming with hunger as they slunk towards her. Calyxia hissed in annoyance, her claws flexing as she prepared for the onslaught. The first Kungwan lunged at her, its jaws open wide as it sought to clamp down on her throat. She ducked under its attack and slashed at its belly with her claws, causing blood to spurt from the wound. The others darted around her, their movements erratic as they sought to surround her. Calyxia remained calm, her eyes fixed on the creatures before her as she analyzed their movements. Three Flamecallers emerged from the treeline, shoving aside the lesser creatures as they bounded forward, maws open as flames spewed forth. Calyxia''s muscles contracted as she coiled her serpentine body beneath her. With a powerful thrust, she launched herself out of harm''s way as the flames surged towards her. The ground where she had been standing a second ago erupted in a pillar of flame, sending debris scattering in all directions. From her peripheral, two Skyclingers attempted a sneak attack from above. Her tail unfurled like a whip, slamming into the creatures and sending them hurtling into the trees. Rays shot from her serpent crown, striking the creatures as they crashed into the branches. She landed on the ground and crouched low, her body tensing as she prepared to strike. The Regenerators shuffled forward, their blubbery forms quaking with each step. A Blightfroth crept close behind them, its bulbous body quivering as it prepared to unleash its venomous spittle. "Nuisances." Calyxia''s eyes shimmered, her pupils dilating as she fixated on the two Regenerators. They froze, their bodies going rigid as the gaze took hold. Their flesh turned to solid stone, cracks forming along the skin as it shifted from living tissue to inert rock. The Blightfroth hissed in surprise and spat a volley of acidic venom at her. Calyxia''s serpentine body coiled around her, shielding her from the corrosive liquid. It sizzled against her scales, causing them to smoke and hiss. Her tail whipped out, striking the Blightfroth and sending it flying into the trees with a resounding crash. The creature''s body crumpled to the ground, its limbs splayed out as it lay still. The Flamecallers lunged at her, their bodies morphing into living flames as they surged forward. Calyxia hissed in anger as their fiery forms enveloped her, the heat scorching her scales as they attempted to burn her alive. She gritted her teeth, her claws raking through the flames as she struggled to free herself from their grasp. More of the lesser Kungwan joined the fray from both sides, seeking to swarm and overwhelm her. "I''ve had enough of you!" As if caught in a tempest, her scales took flight. The Scalestorm was a blinding whirlwind of gleaming black, each scale singing its sharp song as it sliced through the air. The very ground became a dance floor of swirling scales and hissing venom. Amidst the storm, she released the Venomous Veil, the toxic mist blurring vision and disrupting senses. Calyxia''s keen eyes pierced through the poison and the haze, giving her an advantage against her opponents. Her serpent crown continued firing their rays¡ªcharming some Kungwans into attacking their allies, freezing others in stasis, while disintegrating a handful more. The Flamecallers attempted to keep her grounded with their flames, but the storm raged on, pushing them back as the razor-sharp scales sliced through their fiery forms. She laughed maniacally, her voice echoing through the valley as she reveled in the destruction. As her rage subsided, the storm came to a halt, the remaining scales embedding themselves into the ground and the nearby trees. The clearing became silent save for the rustling leaves and creaking branches. Calyxia found herself surrounded by piles of corpses¡ªa morbid bouquet of blood, gore, and decay. She hissed in satisfaction as she surveyed the carnage before her. Her claws dripped with blood, her body covered in bits of flesh and viscera. The air reeked with the metallic tang of blood, its acrid stench causing her nose to wrinkle. She wiped her hands on her tunic, leaving behind smears of crimson as she straightened herself. "Now, where were we?" The earth trembled, the grassy hollow rippling with tremors. She felt them before she saw them. Kungwan Titans¡ªtwo of them loomed over her, their massive forms casting a shadow over the battlefield. Their mucus-laden skin glistened in the sunlight, causing an eerie sheen to cover their entire body. Muscles rippled underneath their blubbery hide, causing their slimy skin to undulate in unnatural waves. The lesser Kungwans parted before them, creating a path for the larger creatures as they approached her. Calyxia''s smirk widened into a feral grin as she gazed upon her new adversaries. "Well now, this will be fun!" Chapter 67: The Kungwan War, Secrets in the Depths As they journeyed further into the cave, the walls and floor began to morph around them. The rockface became more jagged and uneven, and the ceiling dipped and arched, forming ominous shapes and shadows in the dancing light of Th''maine''s magelights. The atmosphere within the cave had changed, too. A strange, oppressive pressure weighed down on the group, as if the very air was thickening with every step they took. The sound of their breathing echoed faintly off the walls, and they moved with a cautious, deliberate gait, wary of what might lurk in the darkness. "Out of all the things I''ve set out to do in my time, I can confidently say I never expected to be creeping through a cave with a group of unlikely companions, looking for clues about an invasive species bent on our destruction." Th''maine mused, his tone half-joking and half-serious. "At least we''re having fun, right?" Serrandyl replied, nudging the Arcanist in the ribs. "Come on, where''s your sense of adventure?" Th''maine scowled. "My sense of adventure left the moment we stepped foot into this infernal place. All this gloom and doom, it makes me feel like a mouse scurrying through a trap-laden maze." "It''s not all bad," Serrandyl countered. "There''s a thrill in the uncertainty, don''t you think?" "Hardly," the Arcanist grumbled, his grip tightening on his staff. "I''d rather be at home, surrounded by books and scrolls, researching spells and experimenting with new combinations." "Sounds boring to me," Serrandyl said, rolling her eyes. "How can you sit still for so long?" "It''s called discipline, my dear beastkin warrior," Th''maine replied, his tone smug. "You could benefit from it, you know." "Oh, don''t worry, I''ve got plenty of discipline," Serrandyl retorted, a smirk tugging at her lips. "It''s just that you probably wouldn''t appreciate how I show it." Lira couldn''t help but chuckle at the two bickering in the darkness. "I agree with Serrandyl," she said, her voice gentle. "The thrill of the unknown can be exhilarating." Th''maine paused, turning to glare at her. "Are you implying that I''m boring?" "Not at all," Lira replied, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I''m just saying there''s nothing wrong with a little risk and adventure once in a while. It keeps us on our toes." "Agreed," Serrandyl chimed in. "I mean, who wants to be stuck in the same old routine, day after day?" Th''maine let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, I do. I quite enjoy my predictable, comfortable existence. No surprises, no messes. Just order and peace." Lira and Serrandyl exchanged looks, both struggling to suppress a laugh. "That''s the spirit," Serrandyl said, patting the Arcanist on the back. "Keep those expectations high!" As the four trudged further into the cave, Th''maine glanced over at Lira, who was humming a soft tune under her breath. He cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "Your talent for druidry, it''s impressive for your age. Aside from Hilda and a few other druids in your tribe, I don''t recall meeting anyone with your skill level." Lira smiled, her eyes glittering in the light of the magelights. "Thank you, Th''maine. Hilda has been a wonderful mentor, and I am grateful for her guidance." She paused, her gaze becoming thoughtful. "However, I must admit, I do struggle with maintaining focus when there''s a lot of...distraction. My training has been difficult as a result." "I can relate," Th''maine murmured, his brow furrowing. "I often find myself getting distracted by the smallest things. Even simple tasks can be a challenge for me at times." "Yes, I know what you mean." Lira sighed, her eyes drifting back to the path ahead. "I guess we''re similar in that way." "I know that feeling too," Serrandyl joined in. "Sometimes I get so lost in thought that I forget what I was even doing." Th''maine scoffed, his eyes darting to Serrandyl. "Don''t compare your wandering mind to our struggles with focus. You''re simply daydreaming. We''re talking about real problems here." Serrandyl raised an eyebrow. "Says the man who spends more time reading books than doing anything useful." "Books are useful, you heathen." Th''maine sneered, his tone indignant. "They contain knowledge, information, and experience. More useful than anything else in this world, in my opinion." "Hmph." Serrandyl shook her head in mock disapproval. "Whatever you say, old man. You''ll never catch me hunched over a stack of dusty tomes, wasting away the daylight." "Ha! As if your way of doing things is better." Th''maine snorted derisively. "Always charging in headfirst, without a second thought. So reckless, so wild. It''s no wonder you can barely maintain a coherent train of thought." "Better than being a stuffy old codger with more words than action." Serrandyl winked, flashing him a toothy grin. Th''maine, not willing to accept defeat, shot back, "Please. Words are the foundation upon which knowledge rests. Without them, we would be lost, stumbling blindly in the dark. To deny their importance is to deny logic itself." "Blah, blah, blah," Serrandyl waved him off dismissively. Bjorn rolled his eyes and let out a low chuckle. "If you two could stop squabbling for a moment, perhaps we could focus on the task at hand." The bickering duo immediately fell silent, their attention diverted to the towering figure at the forefront of the group. "Sorry," Serrandyl murmured, her tone sheepish. "My apologies as well," Th''maine added, his ears tinged pink. "Apology accepted." Bjorn gave them a curt nod. "Now, let''s resume our journey...and hopefully we did not alert anyone to our presence here."
The group continued to trek through the winding tunnels, their footsteps echoing softly off the earthen walls. The air grew heavier with each step, and the ground began to slope downward, twisting and winding through the rock. As they moved forward, they began to hear strange noises emanating from the depths below. The sound was deep and rhythmic, almost like the beating of a massive heart, accompanied by a rumbling, scraping noise that seemed to shake the entire cavern. Suddenly, the pathway widened, and they found themselves in a vast underground chamber. The ceiling was arched and domed, the walls studded with gleaming crystals that cast a dim, red light across the room. At the center of the chamber, a yawning pit plunged down into the abyss, its depths cloaked in shadow. All around the perimeter, small openings led to tunnels and adjoining caves, winding away into the unknown. Bjorn''s grip tightened around the hilt of his blade. Something about this place stirred his primal instinct. His eyes narrowed, commanding in a low voice, "Careful." This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Lira nodded, her fingers moving towards the pouch tied to her waist. She began muttering an incantation, and the air around the group grew warm with her energy. A veil of shimmering gold enveloped them, like a cloak made of sunlit dust motes, concealing them from any prying eyes or ears. "We are safe. No creature will see or hear us," she said, her eyes glowing with a faint light. "But this will only last so long. We must find what we are looking for quickly." "There''s a lot of ground to cover." Bjorn glanced around the chamber, eyeing the myriad pathways leading in different directions. "Which way?" Th''maine, eyes closed, cocked his head slightly towards the right. "There is a disturbing amount of arcane energy coming from this direction. It could be nothing, or it could be exactly what we''re looking for." Without hesitation, Bjorn pressed onwards. "We''ll start there."
With their footsteps masked by Lira''s concealment magic, the group made their way stealthily through the cavern, keeping close to the walls to avoid being seen. Th''maine led the way, his senses sharpened by his spellcraft, picking up on the subtlest changes in the air around him. As they traveled through the tunnel, the strange noises continued to echo through the air, reverberating off the walls and making the hair on the back of Bjorn''s neck stand on end. They eventually reached a large archway, the passage beyond veiled by a heavy mist, clinging to the floor and swirling around their feet. Th''maine paused, studying the runes etched along the sides of the arch, humming a quiet incantation as he did so. After a brief pause, he turned to the others, his eyes sharp and intent. "Be ready," he whispered, "the energy I''m sensing is coming from beyond this archway. Whatever lies ahead may be beyond our understanding..." With that, Th''maine stepped through the archway, the mists engulfing him in an ethereal embrace. The rest of the party followed closely behind, their eyes darting about the strange surroundings. As the fog cleared, they found themselves in a domed chamber, much like the one they had just left. The walls and ceilings were coated in a strange, iridescent material, which pulsated and glowed with a faint, bluish light. At the center of the room, looming high above them, was a massive machine, its intricate clockwork gears and levers spinning and clicking in a chaotic rhythm. Bjorn and his companions stood motionless, staring up at the bizarre machinery before them. Never had they seen anything like it. A complex conglomeration of gears, wires, and crystals, pulsated with an unearthly glow, casting eerie shadows throughout the chamber. Suspended high in the ceiling, a series of concentric rings, set on an axis, spun and revolved, emitting sparks and arcs of energy. On the floor, a pattern of intricate runic symbols, etched into a metallic plate, formed a web-like matrix. The plate was connected to a network of pipes and conduits, which snaked across the ground and into the walls, disappearing from sight. Just below the rings was a portal, shimmering and rippling in midair. It resembled a pool of liquid, its edges undulating and shifting, like the surface of a pond. Strange lights danced and swirled within its depths, and as the group approached, they could make out images and shapes flickering and fading, like memories half-remembered. "What in Ebonheim''s name is this?" Bjorn whispered, his voice echoing in the chamber. Th''maine moved cautiously towards the apparatus, his eyes fixed on the portal. "This is definitely where the arcane energy is coming from. But I''ve never seen anything like this before." He leaned in to get a closer look, his eyes wide with both curiosity and unease. "Magitech... though its design is unlike anything I''ve ever seen. Its composition resembles something ancient." "What does it do?" Serrandyl asked, eyes fixated on the portal''s mesmerizing dance. "I cannot say for sure," Th''maine replied as he examined the eldritch runes inscribed on the device. "Only an Artificer could answer that. However, my intuition tells me that it''s most likely linked to how the Kungwans are acquiring the bodies they need for their brood." Lira''s gaze shifted to the surrounding mechanisms, taking in the strange array of interconnected components. "Could this be some sort of gateway?" she mused, her brow furrowing as her eyes roamed across the contours and angles of the structure. "Something that allows the Kungwan access to other areas and perhaps whisk their victims away here?" "That could be so, but the Kungwan did not build this... nor are they the ones operating it," Th''maine surmised. Serrandyl crouched next to him, running her fingers gently over the surface of the metallic floor, brushing against the intricate designs. "If they didn''t build it, who did?" Th''maine shook his head slowly, unable to answer the question. "I don''t know, but this has the touch of an ancient intelligence. An elder race, if I had to venture a guess." Bjorn stared at the portal, watching as the energy writhed and swirled. "Whatever the case, we need to put a stop to whatever it''s doing. Th''maine, is there any way you can use your magic to disable this... contraption?" Th''maine grimaced. "Normally I would say yes, but in this case, we''d best not disturb it, at least, until we have a better understanding of its function," the mage responded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "There could be dire consequences if we tamper with this without first fully grasping what we''re dealing with." Bjorn sighed, nodding slowly in agreement. "Then we leave it alone, for now." Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Bjorn motioned to the archway they came from. "Let''s explore further. There''s still more to discover." The group proceeded through the mist-filled archway. Once again, Lira''s incantations shrouded them from detection and they journeyed onward. They returned to the large chamber, with its yawning pit at its center, and explored the other available paths, encountering several empty chambers, each with a unique structure, but no indication as to what their purpose was. Aside from a few stray bones, scattered on the ground, none of the rooms were inhabited by any creatures. After returning to the main chamber, Bjorn looked down at the pit, noting that the strange noises still emanated from its depths. "There''s still more to investigate," Bjorn declared. "Down there." Lira peered into the darkness below. "The descent is steep, but we should be able to manage." Bjorn nodded. "Indeed. We need to be ready for anything." Slowly and carefully, the group descended the precipice, following the wall as it curved inward, forming a channel-like path. The air grew hot and humid as they progressed, and the sharp tang of a storm''s breath filled the air. The path continued to descend, curving inwards until they emerged into a massive cavern. The group froze in place, stunned by the scene before them. At the center of the cavern, surrounded by a ring of interlocking gears, lay a massive creature. What in Ebonheim''s name is that? Some sort of Drake? No. This one eclipsed all the Drakes that Bjorn had ever encountered before. It was colossal, almost as large as the surrounding chamber itself¡ªand its shape was not like anything he had seen before. It was vaguely reptilian in appearance, with a long, serpentine body, covered in a layer of shimmering scales. Powerful muscles rippled beneath its scaly hide, and its head was crowned with a pair of curling horns. However, the similarities ended there. Its scales were a deep shade of blue, like the ocean''s depths, and its body was muscular and sleek, with powerful hindquarters and a long, sinuous tail. Its forelimbs were immense, ending in claws as long and sharp as swords. The creature''s wings were spread outwards, pinned by a series of metallic bands, and its head and neck were restrained by a series of bolts and wires, connecting to the strange array of gears and levers. A series of metallic cables and chains held it in place. They dug into its flesh, pinning its limbs to the ground and constricting its movement. Thick cables and conduits snaked out from the gears, connecting to the creature''s chest, where an exposed cavity revealed a glowing orb of pulsating light. Bjorn could only stare, transfixed, as the creature''s body shuddered with the strain of its bonds. It let out a low, guttural groan, the sound reverberating through the air. It struggled weakly against its restraints, letting out a series of deep, rasping breaths. Its eyes rolled back in its head, revealing glowing yellow sclerae. The creature''s mouth opened, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its tongue lolled, spittle dripping onto the ground. A single, piercing yellow eye opened and looked directly at Bjorn, sending a shiver down his spine. Lira let out a gasp, stepping back in shock. "Ebonheim preserve us... This creature...what is it?" Bjorn took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. If this wasn''t a drake...then there was only one other possibility¡ªa dragon. Tales had been passed down about these mythical creatures, but Bjorn never imagined he would encounter one himself. His own clan had a folk tale, an old legend, about a silver dragon, but that was just that, a story. Th''maine leaned on his staff, his eyes wide with wonder. "Incredible...it''s just like the texts described. A dragon... the lore and myths I''ve read have always said they existed, but to witness one before my own eyes..." Serrandyl gulped. "You''re telling me this... this thing is a DRAGON?!" She ran a hand through her hair. "Wait¡ªwait! I''m starting to remember Ebonheim mentioning something about a dragon when I went with her to that gathering a while ago. Could this be the same one?" "Sounds like you have a lot to catch us up on," Bjorn commented, gazing intently at Serrandyl. "Best to explain, quickly." Chapter 68: The Kungwan War, Wake the Dragon Serrandyl sucked in a deep breath as she recollected her memory. "I overheard Ebonheim talk with the lords of the Eldergrove about a dragon called...Kelzryn? I think that''s the name. Anyways, they thought that the dragon went missing some years ago¡ªOh! The dragon was responsible for bringing the Kungwan to the valley. I don''t remember why though." Bjorn frowned, turning to Th''maine. "Do you recall anything about that name?" Th''maine stroked his beard, eyes narrowed as he considered the question. "Kelzryn...it does ring a bell. If my memory serves correctly, that name has cropped up in several accounts of history. It''s allegedly an ancient dragon, with the ability to harness lightning and summon storms. It also had a reputation for being reclusive and secluded, rarely venturing out from its lair. If it is indeed the same creature, then a few questions remain. Who or what bound the dragon? Why place it in such a state?..." "And how do the Kungwan fit into all of this?" Lira finished, glancing at the dragon. Bjorn shook his head. "Too many questions, but the only way we''ll get answers is by finding out the culprits or asking the dragon directly, neither of which seems likely given the current circumstances." "True. However, the situation has also presented us with a valuable opportunity." Th''maine began, gesturing to the dragon. "By destroying this mechanism, we may free the dragon, and potentially gain an ally in this conflict. Of course, we must take care, as the dragon may not take kindly to being freed by a bunch of strangers. Best to tread carefully." "Do you really think that freeing something that dangerous is a good idea?" Serrandyl questioned, her gaze switching between the others. "Wouldn''t it just try to eat us in a fit of rage? Look how big it is. Its mouth is big enough to eat all of us at once!" "That is a distinct possibility. But consider the alternative: If the Kungwan are being utilized by the masterminds behind the machinations, the odds are stacked against us. At best, we''ll be able to hold them off indefinitely, but unless we can cut the problem off at the source, they''ll continue to grow their forces." Th''maine argued. "In the interest of survival, we should take a risk." Bjorn rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "You do make a valid point, Th''maine, but I don''t want us to jump in with both feet. We should test the waters before we go diving into the lake." He glanced over at the mechanical constructs surrounding the dragon. "Destroying this contraption could cause more harm than good. For all we know, we could inadvertently kill the beast with the shock alone. We don''t have a lot of information to go on, so I think we should approach the situation with caution." "So, what''s the plan?" Serrandyl inquired. "We need to figure out a way to safely extricate the dragon from its prison without harming or agitating it," Bjorn stated. "Once we do that, we can work on deactivating this strange device and hopefully learn more about what''s going on here." Suddenly, a voice echoed through the air, reverberating through the group''s minds. It was a voice like thunder, rumbling and sonorous, with an ethereal quality that suggested it was more than merely sound. The words echoed in Bjorn''s mind, and he knew instinctively that it was the dragon speaking to them. The others reacted with surprise, their eyes darting around the chamber, searching for the source of the voice. "Who goes there?" Serrandyl called out, her gauntlets crackling with energy. "Show yourself!" Bjorn gestured for her to be silent, holding up a hand to quell her temper. "I believe the dragon is communicating with us through our minds, Serrandyl. Stand down." Serrandyl paused, blinking in disbelief. "Through our minds?" She looked at Lira and Th''maine, who nodded in confirmation. "Aye, it seems the dragon can communicate with us in such a manner," Th''maine said, shaking his head slowly. "Astounding." "There''s a lot to unpack here, but introductions are in order," Bjorn remarked, taking a deep breath before addressing the dragon. "I am Bjorn Hjelmstad. These are Lira and Th''maine. And this here is Serrandyl." He gestured to each individual member of his party in turn. The voice resounded in their minds again. "We mean no harm. We come seeking information," Bjorn asserted, trying his best to seem nonthreatening. "Tell us, who is responsible for imprisoning you?" The dragon let out a long, deep rumble, its eye fluttering open once more. The dragon let out a snarl as the energy in its chest pulsed, crackling with electricity. Bjorn shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat before continuing his inquiry. "Do you have any idea what their purpose is? Is the Kungwan brood part of their agenda?" The dragon narrowed its eye, its gaze locking with Bjorn''s. "Why did you bring the Kungwan into the valley?" Lira asked, her tone sharp. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. The dragon remained silent, as if contemplating its response. Finally, its voice rang in their heads. The four exchanged glances. Bjorn bit his lip, uncertain how to proceed. "Well, there are problems now," Bjorn answered hesitantly, not entirely sure if the dragon would understand the context. "They''ve multiplied, and the Seraphidae are suffering because of it." Th''maine took a step forward, raising his staff in the air. "We''ve found a Magitech apparatus in another part of your lair, and suspect that it''s related to the Kungwans'' growing numbers¡ªa portal of sorts." He paused, waiting for a response. The dragon remained silent. Th''maine gestured to the cords and cables binding the dragon, his eyes narrowing. "These cables, do they link you to that apparatus somehow?" Th''maine''s eyebrows shot up. "Really? Can you elaborate further?" Bjorn grimaced. Lira and Th''maine''s hunches earlier were right. The dragon''s confession confirmed their suspicions. Dozens...perhaps hundreds of people must have been transported here as vessels for the Kungwan''s grubs. How long had this been going on? Serrandyl mentioned the dragon''s disappearance some years ago, but how exactly how long ago was it? "Do you know how often that portal activates?" Bjorn queried, his jaw clenched. "How often are people being sent here?" The dragon took a long breath, exhaling softly. Bjorn ran his hands through his hair. His heart sank, imagining the scores of people who were transported to the area as hosts for the Kungwan¡ªPeople who could very well be his own clansmen from his homeland. Th''maine let out a weary sigh. "That explains how the Kungwan became so numerous." His gaze wandered to the conduits, tracing them to their origin. "There''s still so much we don''t know about this whole affair though. Why this region in particular? Where are these ancient Artificers now? What is their motivation for this madness? If they are capable of constructing something of this magnitude, there must be more of them lurking nearby." The dragon''s words trailed off, a low growl emanating from its throat. Bjorn swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Was there any reason to tell the dragon about the village? He turned to the others, gauging their expressions, but none seemed to offer a solution. After a brief moment of hesitation, he met the dragon''s gaze once more. "Yes, we have a small settlement within the valley. Far enough away from your territory to not pose any threat or inconvenience to you. We''re here in hopes of helping the Seraphidae, who are the ones under attack from the Kungwans. Nothing more, nothing less." Hopefully the dragon couldn''t read his mind¡ªthough none of what he said was a lie. The village wasn''t directly involved in all this. Perhaps the dragon wouldn''t view them as enemies or threats. The dragon let out a deep, rumbling snort. The energy within the dragon''s chest flickered, and its muscles flexed against the bonds restraining it. A low hiss escaped its lips as its gaze swept over the group once more. "Our sole desire is to ensure the safety of our people," Lira spoke out, stepping forward. "If there is a way to stop the Kungwans from terrorizing the denizens of the valley, please, help us find a solution. Help us help you. Then you won''t have to worry about us being near your territory, and we can go on living peacefully." "What she said!" Serrandyl exclaimed, joining Lira at her side. The dragon remained silent, the only sound the faint hissing of the energy flowing through the machine. Finally, its voice echoed in their heads. "We require your assurance, dragon. None of this ''may be inclined'' business," Th''maine stated bluntly. "Are you willing to agree to an alliance?" The dragon eyed them curiously, its pupil narrowing into a thin slit. "Will you allow our settlement to flourish peacefully in the valley if we release you?" Lira asked, her tone wary. The dragon sighed, the air around them growing heavy with the weight of its exasperation. Bjorn exhaled sharply. "Agreed. Now, how do we free you from this... contraption?" Kelzryn let out a low grumble. "Just bring the Southern lord here? Sound simple enough." Serrandyl crossed her arms. "Can you tell us where to find her?" Kelzryn''s eyes closed, and it resumed its previous state of sleep, its body going limp in its confinement. "Did we just form an alliance with a dragon?" Serrandyl blurted, bewildered. Bjorn shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "Afraid so. And now, we need to go find the Southern lord and hope she can help us. If she and her forces are already fighting the Kungwan, we shouldn''t have too much trouble finding her." "Assuming the Kungwan haven''t completely wiped them out," Th''maine commented grimly, stroking his beard. "But yes, our best course of action is to locate the Seraphidae and lend our support. Let''s make haste. We''ve tarried long enough." Chapter 69: The Kungwan War, Trouble with Titans Ebonheim continued to clash with the Kungwan Titan in front of her. The creature roared in frustration as its claws failed to penetrate her divine aura. It thrashed and snapped its jaws at her in a frenzy, its claws tearing through the air as it sought to maul and bite her. She spun away from its attacks, her body dancing around the lumbering behemoth as she dodged blow after blow. Sweat trickled down her brow, her muscles aching from the effort of evading such massive attacks. The Kungwan''s blows shook the very ground beneath her feet, causing debris and splinters to scatter from the trees around her. The forest echoed with the creature''s roar, reverberating through the valley and causing the birds to flee from their perches in the treetops. From the corner of her eye, she spotted more Kungwan incoming. But she had no time to focus on those; this Titan already posed a formidable foe, never mind two. Ebonheim drew from her dwindling Essence reserves and invoked the power of her Elemental Admixture¡ªFiery Lightning Quake. [Essence] 351/680 She stomped her foot on the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth below her. The ground ruptured and erupted in a cascade of dirt, rocks, and fire, launching towards the Kungwan Titan as lightning sparked through the air, arcing in jagged streaks. The Kungwan reeled from the blast, its arms raised to defend itself, but it was too late. The combined elemental force struck the creature, causing its flesh to ripple and contort under the sheer force of the impact. The ground exploded as the electrically charged inferno slammed into its form, sending embers and rubble flying in all directions. The impact created a concussive force, sending Ebonheim skidding back. The Kungwan stood in a smoking crater, its body charred and burned. Its skin bubbled and melted, dripping onto the ground in sizzling pools of flesh. Blood seeped from the wounds, mixing with the char and soot to create a nauseating mixture of ash and iron. [Essence] 336/680 Without waiting to assess the damage, Ebonheim activated her Enchanted Essence Bolt power, a radiant arrowhead made entirely out of raw Essence forming on top of her Ebon bow''s wooden frame. She nocked the arrow and drew back the bowstring, releasing the projectile towards the wounded creature. The Kungwan braced for impact as the blazing arrow sailed towards it, its flesh still oozing blood and pus from the previous attack. The arrow struck true, piercing its chest and embedding itself deep within its blubbery skin. The impact caused an explosion of light and fire, the force of the blast causing the air around them to ripple and distort. She didn''t wait for it to recover and unleashed another arrow, this time aiming for its head. The projectile flew through the air and buried itself in the creature''s right eye, causing its remaining orb to bulge outward and explode in a burst of green ichor. Bellowing in agony, it raked at its ruined eye socket. Blood and viscous fluid streamed down its face. A final Essence Bolt, aimed at its exposed maw, sent the Titan hurtling back. Its body crashed into the trees, snapping them with a deafening series of cracks, before sprawling at the center of a ring of fallen timber. Ebonheim watched the creature''s body twitch and convulse in the aftermath, steam rising from its charred, blistered flesh. But there was no time to relish this small victory¡ªmore Kungwan poured from the woods around her. She sensed that her remaining tree sentinels had managed to slay the other Titan in mutual self-sacrifice, the remnants of their bodies lying in broken heaps on the ground before its corpse. And like a bad omen, the rumble beneath her feet announced another Titan''s arrival not too far ahead. She grimaced, glancing over her shoulder at the incoming Kungwan wave. "Damn! Can''t catch a break here..." Time for a strategic retreat.
Calyxia dodged a swing from the first Titan''s claws, slipping past its grasp with a swift sidestep. Its attack left it open, and she wasted no time taking advantage¡ªshe leaped up, her tail coiling around its wrist and bringing it crashing to the ground. Her claws lashed out, sinking into the creature''s flesh as she tore large gashes along its arm. The Kungwan Titan howled in pain, thrashing against her hold, but she kept firm, drawing forth more strength from her tail. It slammed a fist into her torso, staggering her, but she quickly regained her balance. She dug her claws deeper into its limb, blood streaming from the wounds. Its free hand swiped at her, but she ducked beneath the attack, releasing her tail to roll away from the creature. She sprang forward, her claws lashing out to rend the flesh on its leg. Her attack drew deep furrows along the muscle, causing rivulets of crimson to flow from the open wounds. Calyxia grinned. The weaker spots, the joints and tendons, seemed to work as she''d predicted. Good¡ªthis would make things much easier. Another roar shook her as the Titan lunged, its massive bulk barrelling towards her. She reacted on instinct, darting away from its charge in a flash. The ground erupted from the force of its attack, showers of mud and stone spraying through the air. Calyxia slithered behind the creature''s legs, her claws raking across the backs of its ankles and sending streams of blood pouring forth from the deep slashes. The Kungwan fell, its heavy mass flattening trees and boulders as its massive body came crashing down. The creature thrashed about, its claws scrabbling against the dirt as it struggled to regain its footing. Calyxia seized her opportunity, springing forth as she coiled around its neck, her hands gripping the beast''s face in a vice-like grip. She forced its head upward, forcing it to look at her directly. Her gaze bore into its eyes, causing the creature''s body to stiffen as the petrification began. Its skin took on a rocky hue, its muscles tightening and locking into place as its body became a prison of living stone. Its eyeballs hardened into solid crystals, the faintest hint of emotion still visible in their depths. For several tense seconds, Calyxia held her position until the transformation was complete. She released her grip, leaping away from the creature''s body as it fell forward with a resounding crash, shattering into countless pieces of rubble upon impact. The resulting shockwave kicked up dust and debris into a massive cloud, engulfing the nearby trees in a dense fog of grey particles. "One down, one to go..." she muttered, wiping the sweat from her forehead. This fight was getting old, and fast. As she expected, the remaining Kungwan Titan burst through the billowing haze of dirt, its mucus-covered hide glistening in the light filtering through the trees overhead. Its claws flexed, its fangs bared, and its eyes fixated on her as it charged. "Come get me, you vile toad."
[Essence] 276/680 The air around Ebonheim crackled with energy as she drew upon her Essence reserves once more to entangle the Kungwan Titan in a binding of vines. They wrapped themselves around the lumbering monster''s legs, their thorny edges digging into the soft flesh as they restrained it. Several other plants sprang from the forest floor, their roots ensnaring the limbs of other Kungwans trying to advance. Most of the hours that followed had been spent evading and taking potshots at the other Kungwans chasing after her. Her enhanced speed and reflexes were enough to outpace the lesser Kungwan, but when the Skyclingers joined the fray, she had to make use of her Arboreal Stride to dart between trees. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. She didn''t have the time to be creative; nor did she want to waste Essence on fancy tricks. For her, this was a pure battle of endurance¡ªwith the goal being to chip away at the horde while keeping them distracted from Calyxia, who was fighting her own battles across the ridge. Using only the quivers of arrows the Seraphidae had provided her, spread around the battlefield, she focused on basic tactics and fundamentals, conserving her Essence to deal with the special breed that occasionally showed up. Arrow after arrow found their marks, skewering the Kungwans from afar. Meanwhile, her conjured plants bound the enemies or tripped them into pitfall traps. Sometimes, she would find an opportunity to unleash a few shots of her Enchanted Essence Bolt, her rapidly waning Essence managing to dispatch several Regenerators, Skyclingers, and Blightfroths in that fashion. [Essence] 256/680 "These things just keep coming," Ebonheim mumbled, using the Arboreal Stride to leap to another tree, the Verdant pathways between them guiding her. After emerging from a distant tree, she took a moment of respite, crouching down on one of its branches as she assessed the situation. Much of the forest in front of her was filled with chaos¡ªsmoke rose from areas where fires raged, while a cold mist hung low over others, where the Frostscales roamed. In the distance, rays of multi-colored light flashed, accompanied by loud thunderous booms. "Calyxia must be having fun out there," Ebonheim whispered to herself, catching her breath. "Or maybe not." She leaped across a gap to a different tree, hoping to find a better vantage point to survey the terrain. The branch she landed on broke with a snap, her momentum carrying her forward into empty space. Ebonheim cursed, her heart lurching into her throat as she reached for another tree, her fingers brushing against its bark as she fell. "Oh no!" Ebonheim crashed to the ground, landing on her hands and knees. She grunted, pushing herself upright and scanning the area for any threats. No Kungwans were in sight, the closest one currently running at a terrified gait towards her, perhaps attracted to the sound she made falling from a tree. Ebonheim released a long, exasperated sigh. She felt utterly tired and sore, and the Kungwan still advancing toward her looked like a nuisance at best. This was probably the umpteenth one she killed, but she''d lost count after thirty or forty. Most of the time, she ended the fights by using her Enchanted Essence Bolt; but for the smaller numbers, she made use of normal arrows. Her eyes scanned the forest floor for her bow, finding the weapon only a few meters away, and she crawled over to pick it up. The Kungwan finally closed the distance and swiped at her, but she dove under the attack and snatched the bow before rolling back to her feet. Ebonheim nocked an arrow, drew the string back, and released a single shot straight into the creature''s eye. It reeled, clutching at its face as the projectile bored deep into its skull. She fired another shot, hitting the Kungwan in the stomach and staggering it. She grasped for another arrow, but her fingers only grasped empty air. The Kungwan took advantage of her pause and lunged at her, its claws slashing through the air as it sought to rip out her throat. Ebonheim ducked and weaved, her feet moving gracefully as she avoided each attack. She slung the bow over her shoulder, unsheathed her dagger, and sprinted towards the Kungwan, blade in hand. As she drew closer, she feinted high before driving her dagger into the Kungwan''s abdomen, burying the blade to the hilt. The Kungwan howled, reeling from the wound as she twisted the weapon inside its guts. She ripped the dagger out and slashed at its bulbous neck, opening a wide gash along its throat. Blood poured from the open wound, staining the soil below as the creature thrashed about, its limbs flailing in a frenzy. She dodged a wild swing from the Kungwan''s claws, its movements slowed by blood loss. Another slash opened another deep cut into its abdomen, and this time, the creature fell to the ground. Ebonheim knelt beside the fallen creature and plunged her dagger into its chest, twisting the blade to ensure a fatal wound. She then pulled the dagger free, blood and viscera spraying from the wound as she extracted the weapon. She stood up, wiped the gore from her weapon, and sheathed the knife. A loud crash sounded behind her, causing Ebonheim to whirl around and face the new threat¡ªthe Kungwan Titan that had been chasing her for the past hour was finally here. She recognized the pattern on its hide. "Again?" Without waiting for the creature''s response, she dove into the tree behind her¡ªher Arboreal Stride immediately transplanting her to another tree a good distance away. She dropped to the forest floor and crouched low, peeking over a cluster of ferns to observe a different group of Kungwans led by a Regenerator. "How do they keep finding me so fast?" Ebonheim whined before letting out a sigh of frustration. "So. Much. Running." The Regenerator lumbered toward her hiding spot, its large form lumbering through the underbrush. "Seriously, how do they know where I am¡ª" [Divine Aura] 206/300 The ambient light shed by her divine aura bathed her surroundings in a soft glow. She mentally facepalmed.
Calyxia''s arms coiled around the Titan''s neck as her fangs sank deep into its shoulder, her venom pumping into its body. The creature lashed out at her, its claws scrabbling against her flesh as it tried to dislodge her. She held on, her body twisting and coiling around the Kungwan''s torso until she managed to constrict it. Blood ran from her wounds, mixing with the Titan''s slime and creating a thick, foul-smelling liquid that clung to her. She tightened her grip, her claws digging into its blubbery flesh as she squeezed the air out of its lungs. The creature howled in pain, thrashing wildly in an attempt to throw her off. With a twist of her tail, Calyxia drove her claws into its lower back, tearing through muscle and tendon as she searched for its spine. The creature''s thrashing grew more erratic, its movements becoming increasingly desperate as its breathing was cut off. Her fingers closed around something hard and slippery, and she gripped it tightly before ripping it from the creature''s body. She threw the vertebrae at a passing Blightfroth, its spittle deflecting off the bone as it hurtled through the air. The creature ducked out of the way, narrowly avoiding being hit. The Kungwan Titan roared in pain as the vertebrae embedded into the side of a tree, creating a deep gouge in the trunk. Blood flowed freely from the open wound, coating Calyxia''s arms and upper torso in its sickly crimson. She held onto the beast''s body, her grip growing looser as the life drained from its form. Her senses screamed in warning as she twisted her serpentine form to avoid a slashing claw¡ªanother damned Titan had joined the fray. With a snarl, Calyxia released her prey, sliding from its body as she fell to the ground. She rolled across the earth, her tail lashing out to trip the oncoming creature. The Titan fell to one knee, but managed to grab the end of her tail in its claws, squeezing the appendage tightly. She hissed as the pressure increased, feeling as though the bone were about to snap. The Titan''s grip on Calyxia''s tail tightened, lifting her into the air. She thrashed wildly, her claws scraping against the creature''s arm in an effort to release her. But the Titan merely swung her around in a wide arc, causing her head to spin with vertigo. The creature tossed her into the side of a tree, where she slammed into the rough bark with a sickening crunch. Pain lanced through her body as she tumbled to the ground, her scales flaking from the impact. She tasted blood in her mouth, her vision blurring as she struggled to regain her bearings. It continued slamming her into the ground and into nearby trees like a rag doll, her body flailing helplessly as she struggled to free herself from its grasp. Each collision jarred her bones, causing her vision to fuzz and her muscles to ache with fatigue. Her serpent crown attempted to shoot rays at the creature, but her body was in a state of disorientation. Instead, they lashed out randomly, causing beams of energy to strike the trees around her, or shoot out at the sky. Finally, the creature flung her into a boulder, causing her body to crack against the stone surface. She slid to the ground, her tail limply trailing behind her. Her body was a mass of bruises and welts, blood flowing from multiple cuts and abrasions. She spat a glob of blood onto the ground, her chest heaving with labored breaths. The Kungwan Titan approached, its claws flexing menacingly as it drew near. As it towered over her prone form and reached out to grab her head, her serpents unleashed a barrage of beams that struck the Titan point-blank. A series of rays¡ªslow, burning, disintegrating, paralyzing, and even stricken¡ªoverwhelmed the creature. It reeled, its body jerking violently as each beam washed over it. "DIE!" she screeched. Her vision went white as she channeled her fury, evoking her Petrifying Gaze. The Titan slowly began to transform. Its mucus-covered body crumbled like sand, each layer disintegrating into dust as its flesh calcified, solidified, and petrified before her eyes. A telekinetic ray pulled the Kungwan Titan closer so Calyxia could watch its demise. Soon, the process completed¡ªits flesh turned into stone, its features frozen in a mask of pain and rage. After her gaze dissipated, the statue toppled to the ground, shattering into countless fragments upon impact. Calyxia slumped forward, her head resting on the grass as her chest heaved with labored breaths. Blood trickled down her cheek, dripping from a wound near her eye. She reached up and touched her fingers to the cut, wincing slightly at the contact. "Well...that happened." She coughed, spitting another glob of blood onto the grass below her. Her limbs shook, her muscles protesting at every movement. "I''m definitely not doing that again anytime soon." Her natural regeneration would handle the rest, but she still felt like a cog missing a few teeth. Toying around with those Titans had taken a lot out of her, even if she managed to defeat them in the end. Next time, she would have to use more finesse¡ªand a little less showmanship. Calyxia glanced around at the devastation surrounding her. Trees lay scattered across the clearing, their trunks shattered and split asunder. Huge chunks of rock littered the ground, mixed with the mangled remains of dead Kungwan. The forest was silent save for the occasional groan or crack as a broken branch shifted in the wind. To her relief, no more heat signatures remained, only the cooling carcasses of the dead or dying Kungwans. "Hope Ebonheim is having more luck than me," she whispered before collapsing onto her back, her body aching and exhausted. "I need another bath..." Chapter 70: The Kungwan War, Grit and Grind Under the velvet shroud of night, Ebonheim''s eyes shone with a luminous golden light as she dashed through the forest. Her graceful steps carried her weightlessly, her divine aura emanating from her body in waves. As she raced, her eyes darted from side to side, her sharp senses tracking the movement of Kungwans in the darkness. In the blink of an eye, she shifted from a run to a full sprint, her dagger flashing in the moonlight as she attacked. Her target, a Kungwan Blightfroth, turned to face her, its maw open wide as it spat a stream of toxin at her. She rolled to the side, dodging the attack while simultaneously swinging her blade at its underbelly. The creature screeched, its toxic spittle sizzling in the damp foliage. Her dagger bit into its flesh, the ebon blade slicing through the layers of gristle and fat with ease. The Blightfroth lurched, its body pulsating with a sickly green light as it unleashed a torrent of noxious fumes. Ebonheim recoiled, jolting back as the toxic haze enveloped her, burning her nostrils with the acrid smell. Her eyes watered, tears streaming down her cheeks as the vapors stung her eyes and lungs. [Divine Aura] 192/300 Her divine aura managed to absorb the acidic nature of the miasma, but couldn''t counteract the toxin that permeated the air. The noxious fumes caused her to cough and choke, her body reeling from the effects. But she had to continue¡ªa Kungwan''s natural regeneration meant that leaving them wounded didn''t guarantee a kill. [Essence] 340/680 Steeling herself, she gritted her teeth and focused her Essence on Tempest of the Grove. A small cyclone enveloped the area around the Blightfroth, causing its toxic breath to be drawn inward as it was swept into the spinning vortex. The toxic cloud spiraled around the creature, trapped within the tempestuous winds. [Essence] 315/680 Eight petal-shaped leaves shimmered above her shoulder, their soft radiance illuminating the area around her. An arrow of incandescent light formed as the bowstring drew back, causing the air to ripple with energy. Her fingers trembled with the strain as she kept the bow at the ready. She fired the arrow, its brilliant light streaking through the air as it pierced the swirling column of mist. The vortex dispersed, the toxic haze fading away as the projectile exploded against the Kungwan, causing a tremendous boom to echo throughout the forest. Not a moment later, Ebonheim used her Arboreal Stride, teleporting through the verdant pathways of her inner world and emerging in another location¡ªseveral trees away from the ongoing skirmish. [Essence] 290/680 Ebonheim breathed heavily, her muscles burning with exertion as she took in her surroundings. Her body was covered in a layer of sweat, her clothing soaked through with perspiration. The lingering effects of the toxic fumes still stung her nose and throat, making her voice raspy and weak. Her hands shook as she struggled to keep herself upright, her legs threatening to buckle underneath her. Despite her efforts, the Kungwans'' numbers didn''t seem to thin out. How many of them were left? How were the Seraphidae faring on their battlefront? The latter question made her bite her lower lip¡ªtheir whole battle plan depended on her and Calyxia performing well. The Seraphidae only had one chance to deal a decisive blow to the Kungwan nest while she and Calyxia served as distractions. This far into the battle, the Seraphidae should''ve started their attack. Hopefully, they hadn''t failed. A deafening explosion shook the ground around her, causing her ears to ring. The concussive force threw her from her feet, sending her tumbling across the dirt. A Flamecaller rose, its fiery maw igniting the very air. It reared its head, exhaling a stream of flames and setting alight to the entire area. Branches, leaves, and even entire trees burst into flame, creating a conflagration that blazed all around her. Ebonheim''s Divine Aura protected her from the fire, but she could still feel its oppressive intensity. The forest floor crackled and popped with embers as the blaze spread. Ebonheim backed away, her feet skidding on the ground as she moved further away from the inferno. Smoke billowed into the sky, blotting out the stars with an ominous dark haze. The scent of scorched earth and smoldering wood filled her nostrils, causing her to cough and wheeze. Out of all the Kungwan types she had faced so far, the Flamecallers were the most troublesome to deal with¡ªeven more compared to the Titans. Not only did she have to kill them, but she also had to contend with the rampaging fire caused by their attacks. It was enough that she had resorted to asking the Akashic System to find her a power that would deal with the problem¡ªLifespring Wells. [Name] Lifespring Wells (Rank I) [Effect] Drawing from hidden reservoirs beneath the earth, you summon geysers of pristine water to spring forth. These geysers can douse flames directly or create temporary ponds that provide water to nourish and rejuvenate the land. [Range] 50 meters [Target] 40 meter area [Duration] 15 minutes or until canceled. The formed pools may linger for a few days or until all the water is depleted. [Cost] 40 Essence [Requirement] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Restriction] The intensity and lifespan of the geysers hinge on the land''s inherent moisture and its history of water blessings. In arid regions, or those cursed with drought, summoning these geysers may prove more challenging and may require additional Essence. A pulse of energy rippled outward from Ebonheim''s body, causing the ground to shimmer with a translucent green light. From within the earth, a network of tiny veins snaked out from the area around her, spreading across the forest floor as they converged in a web-like pattern. [Essence] 270/680 Then, with a resounding rumble, fresh, cold water began to burst forth from the earth. All around her, geysers erupted like blue-white pillars reaching skyward, their droplets glinting in the sunlight and casting fleeting rainbows amidst the ashen skies. The hiss of steam filled the air as the water collided with the smoldering flames, extinguishing them instantly. The Flamecaller charged through the falling waters, its flames blazing anew as it lunged at Ebonheim¡ªonly to be met by two Essence Bolts fired simultaneously, slamming into its face. It crashed to the ground, skidding to a halt at her feet. It lay unmoving, its lifeless form crumpled on the ground. In moments, the fires had been reduced to a sizzling mess of wet ashes, with only a few patches of burnt grass here and there remaining. The Lifespring Wells power had done its job well. Ebonheim surveyed the devastated landscape, taking note of the scorched trees and charred vegetation, and shook her head in dismay. This would take a long while to recover from without her direct intervention. But that''ll be for later. There were still Kungwans to fight.
Morning arrived. Ebonheim groaned, leaning against the trunk of a tree as she tried to catch her breath. The sun''s rays peeked through the branches above, casting shafts of golden light across the forest floor. The air smelled faintly of smoke and ash, and the wind blew through the trees with a mournful sigh. She rested on a small mound of earth, the ground beneath her feet worn from constant travel. Her limbs ached, and her joints were stiff and sore from prolonged combat. Even with her powers enhancing her endurance, there were limits to how long she could keep up her stamina¡ªnot to mention she was oh so hungry. As if summoned by the thought, her stomach grumbled in protest. Ebonheim winced, pressing her palm against her abdomen as she fought to control her hunger. "Sorry..." she muttered to her grumbling stomach, "just hold out a little longer." She glanced at her status window: [Divine Aura] 103/300 [Essence] 317/590 Thanks to her agility and focus on defensive maneuvers, her Divine Aura still held. If it was ever completely destroyed, she wouldn''t be able to manifest it again until a full day had passed. Her Essence reserve was slowly replenishing thanks to her passive regeneration, but she still needed to spend a great deal of time not using any of her powers and instead relied on her nimbleness and using the terrain to elude the Kungwans while sniping them with normal arrows. Still, the night had been arduous keeping the Kungwans'' attention while ensuring that she didn''t get overrun. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The last of the enchantments on herself had faded. Without those boosts to her attributes, she probably wouldn''t have fared as well against the Kungwan variants. So, the first order of business was to replenish their effects. [You have activated the following abilities: Mystic Roots of Foundation, Crystalline Veil of Knowledge, Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow, Immutable Pillar of Serenity, Rites of the Empyreal Confluence, Legacy of the Boundless Ether, Element-Resisting Aura] [Your relevant stats have increased by 6 points] [Essence] 325/680 "Alright, now that that''s out of the way, maybe I''ll have time to find some fruits to eat before¡ª" A rustling sound caused her to glance up sharply. Through the trees, Calyxia emerged, slithering towards her with an easy, fluid grace. The Lord of the South appeared somewhat haggard, with dirt and soot covering her clothes and scales. Bloodstains marred her once immaculate outfit, while mud smeared her skin. However, despite this, she maintained a regal air, as if the chaos that surrounded them mattered not. Her eyes glowed with a faint radiance, reflecting the sunlight shining through the canopy, and her scales shimmered in the morning light. "You look like a wreck," Calyxia pointed out. Ebonheim sighed in resignation, her shoulders slumping forward in exhaustion. "Yeah, you too." Calyxia tilted her head to the side, a smirk playing upon her lips. "How many of those vile toads did you take care of so far?" "Ugh...I stopped counting after fifty. I''d guess maybe almost a hundred or so¡ªthere seem to be a lot of them. And your count?" "More than you," the Lamia said with a haughty sniff, her smug expression unchanged. "Somehow, I doubt that." Ebonheim folded her arms across her chest. Calyxia chuckled. "We shall see. Speaking of which, you might want to turn around." Ebonheim didn''t question her friend''s words; instead, she whirled around, her hand instinctively nocking her Essence Bolt and firing in the same motion. An explosion sounded as a Skyclinger that had been descending upon her while camouflaged crashed into the ground, its body writhing as blood spewed forth from its wounds. An ember beam of light streaked passed her, hitting the Skyclinger in the face and turning its head into a fine, sizzling powder. "Now, what''s the verdict?" Calyxia asked, her lips curved upward in a slight smile. "That doesn''t count," Ebonheim said with a wave of her hand, brushing away Calyxia''s claim. She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "But whatever, the main issue is we haven''t heard any news about the Seraphidae and their campaign on the enemy nest." Calyxia shrugged. "There''s been no signal to retreat yet, so they''re either still fighting, or something unexpected happened." "What do you think happened?" Ebonheim inquired. "My guess? It depends on how many of the Kungwan Titans and Regenerators were lured into fighting us instead of defending their nest. If none remain, then the Seraphidae can probably wipe the remainder with relatively fewer casualties, especially with the element of surprise." Ebonheim frowned. The thought of losing more people to the Kungwan wasn''t something she liked thinking about¡ªeven if they weren''t part of her village. "Let''s hope the Seraphidae has it under control." Calyxia nodded. "Agreed." The serpentine woman leaned back against a tree and stretched, yawning loudly as she arched her back. Her body seemed to flow like liquid as she relaxed, her posture changing from stiff and alert to a loose, casual stance. She eyed the dead Kungwan''s corpse before turning to look at Ebonheim. "Since there''s nothing to do for now, why don''t you tell me a story?" "A story?" Ebonheim raised an eyebrow, regarding Calyxia quizzically. Calyxia gestured to the forest around them, specifically at the Kungwan corpses littering the area. "We have plenty of time and scenery." "...Alright, what story did you have in mind?" Calyxia grinned, revealing sharp fangs as she replied. "A story of how you came to the Eldergrove and managed to find that village that you''ve now claimed as your domain. I find it very peculiar how you''ve managed to convince them to take you as their goddess¡ªconsidering how your form doesn''t exactly exude power and authority, at least compared to mine." Ebonheim gave Calyxia a flat stare. The serpent-woman winked at her, then snickered. "Or is there more to the story than meets the eye?" Ebonheim sighed and pursed her lips as she considered Calyxia''s request. No way was she telling her anything about her origin. But as long as she didn''t flat-out lie, since Calyxia could have some sort of ability to detect deception, she should be able to give enough information without raising her suspicions. "I coincidentally stumbled upon the village, and I liked the people there after observing them for a bit of time. So, I decided to reveal myself and introduce myself to them." "And they believed you without any doubts or suspicion at all?" Ebonheim scratched her cheek and blushed, making an awkward expression. "Ah, well, there was a bit of a mishap where they actually assumed I caused one of the old folk to have an apoplectic fit¡ªwhich, maybe I did by accident but it wasn''t my intent and I fixed him up right away so I saved his life and..." Ebonheim paused when she noticed Calyxia''s brow raise, "I got captured and locked in a wooden cage and interrogated. Then I managed to escape, and later that day a couple of Kungwans spotted me and chased me back to the village." Calyxia blinked twice, staring blankly at her. Ebonheim nervously rubbed her arm. "Long story short, I helped as much as I could to fight the Kungwans but I''ve never been much for combat at that point. I''m generally a peaceful being, you know. But eventually, we defeated them, and uh...after some talking and convincing, they finally managed to come around and accept me as their patron deity." Calyxia burst out in a peal of laughter, her fangs flashing as her head tilted backward. Ebonheim stared at her incredulously. Her story was hardly funny! It was a trying time and the ordeals she had to go through deserved sympathy and headpats! When Calyxia calmed down, her gaze held amusement as she wiped the corner of her eye. "A simple, but amusing story. Though I must admit, I did not expect the part where the villagers put a goddess into a prison cell." "It was...a wooden cage that was meant to hold pigs or something, I think." Ebonheim crossed her arms across her chest, puffing her cheeks in a pout. "It wasn''t very pleasant or comfortable, but in hindsight, I can understand their paranoia and misplaced concern about a stranger suddenly claiming to be a deity appearing in their village when I look like this." Calyxia inclined her head. "Indeed. Some lesser mortals can be rather foolish in that regard. In my experience, the stronger the creature appears, the harder they will rebel against such claims or refuse to acknowledge such a fact. Sometimes, being gentle and benevolent may work in your favor as you gain their trust over time and prove yourself through actions, as opposed to demanding their submission." "Mhm." "Although, in certain circumstances, showing force and strength can be an effective tool to instill obedience and respect as well. It''s a matter of individual personalities and cultures, I suppose." Ebonheim grimaced. She didn''t like that implication one bit. "Force isn''t always necessary," she mumbled in a quiet voice, a hint of displeasure present in her tone. "True, but the fact remains that most mortals are unintelligent, superstitious beings who live in constant fear. They''ll worship whoever can provide protection or benefits first; however, if a tyrant shows up and declares themselves as a god, the majority will follow them blindly just because of their perceived superior strength, or sometimes, purely due to ignorance." "So, what''s your relationship with the Seraphidae then?" "Oh, them?" Calyxia scoffed, a flash of annoyance crossing her features for a brief moment. "They decided for themselves to revere me, even though I''m not a deity. I gain no direct benefit from their devotion, and at times it can be annoying. But...I''ve grown accustomed to their antics. Besides, the company is pleasant and it helps keep boredom at bay." Ebonheim felt a bit better after hearing Calyxia''s admission. "And do you wish for them to stop?" Calyxia tilted her head to the side, humming thoughtfully. "No, not yet. We have a mutualistic relationship. In time, they will realize this for themselves, and move on." There was a momentary lapse in conversation as the pair stared out into the distance, contemplating their current situation. Eventually, Ebonheim broke the silence. "Guess we keep fighting here, huh..." Ebonheim massaged her throbbing head, closing her eyes to block out the light. "This is going to be another long day." Calyxia gave an exaggerated yawn. "I''d say that we''re only halfway done with killing the ones around here. At least, by my rough count. There are only so many more of them to go." "Thanks for the reassurance, I needed that," Ebonheim said sarcastically. "Still, I wonder why they don''t all just attack at once, instead of constantly splitting apart their forces to send them in waves?" Ebonheim''s words hung in the air like an omen of a soothsayer, and as if to prove her right, the stillness of the air was disrupted by a quiver in the earth¡ªa low, rhythmic tremor that gradually escalated. Both turned their gaze towards a distant hillock, where from its crest, a horde of Kungwan shambled forth, their gait heavy and lumbering. Sunlight struck their slimy, glistening hides in streaks, giving the horde an almost spectral appearance as they advanced. Flamecallers trailed the fringes of their ranks, their skins aglow with fiery red and orange, leaving trails of smoldering underbrush in their wake. Their flames flared and danced, casting eerie, erratic shadows on the trees. Frostscales flanked the formation, the ground beneath them crystallizing with every step they took, a vivid contrast to the flame that scorched the center. The Kungwan Titans were at the center, their towering forms easily distinguishable amid the crowd of lesser Kungwans. They strode forward with heavy footsteps, pushing aside shrubbery and trees in their path, their jaws agape and tongues lolling. It was easy to count their numbers¡ªten in all. Regenerators, the vanguard of the horde, gathered at the forefront, forming an armored wall between them and the enemy. High above, Skyclingers glided effortlessly through the canopy, their adaptive skin camouflaging them among the dense foliage. Occasionally, they''d burst forth from their cover, their gusts of wind rustling the treetops and drawing attention to their deadly descent. Lastly, Blightfroths loomed at the rear, their gaping mouths drooling copious amounts of toxic mucus onto the soil. The trees around them wilted and withered from the poisonous liquid, the foliage blackened and shriveled. All in all, a veritable army, a formidable foe. "You just had to ask why they didn''t attack all at once." Calyxia gave Ebonheim a sideways glance, one brow raised inquisitively, the snakes atop her head all facing her. "Well, it seems you have a gift for prophecy. Couldn''t you have imagined us in a hot spring instead?" Ebonheim groaned. "Every single time I make an offhand comment, the realm finds some way to twist it into a cruel joke." Calyxia shrugged, her gaze turning back to the approaching horde. "Maybe you''ve just discovered a hidden talent. Prophesying through complaints." Despite the peril of the moment, a huff of laughter escaped Ebonheim. "Trust you to joke at a time like this. Didn''t think you had a sense of humor." "Having dealt with Elmsworth''s and Liselotte''s antics over our long history, one must develop a sense of humor to cope with such things." Calyxia smirked, her fangs gleaming. "I''ll make sure to let them know you said that," Ebonheim retorted. The Kungwans drew closer, their ranks undulating as they flowed through the underbrush, their pace increasing by the second. "Are you ready?" Calyxia asked. She took a deep breath and straightened. "Ready. At least this time, I''ll be fighting side by side with you." Calyxia chuckled. "Indeed. They might have numbers, but we have something they lack." "And what''s that?" Ebonheim quipped, preparing her Essence Bolt, the arrowhead gleaming in the morning sun. Calyxia grinned, extending her claws. "Style." Chapter 71: The Kungwan War, Across the Battlefront Bjorn''s hand froze midway to his blade as the tumultuous battlefield sprawled before him. A glade, once serene and teeming with the sounds of nature, now reverberated with the clash of steel, the hisses of the Seraphidae, and the guttural roars of the Kungwan. The marshy terrain had been churned to mud by the throng of combatants, and blood mixed with rainwater and fell to the earth, coloring the soil a rich crimson hue. Both sides were locked in a vicious melee, with no quarter given on either front. A phalanx of Seraphidae, clad in their distinctive armor and wielding spears and shields, formed a shield wall against a pack of Kungwan. Behind the lines of defense stood a number of archers, firing volleys into the air with remarkable accuracy. A cadre of warriors, brandishing their twin swords, rushed past the phalanx, slashing and cutting their way through the horde with surprising efficiency. Wisps of magical energy weaved through the air, accompanied by the cries of the wounded and dying. Spells flashed, leaving blinding trails in their wake, before impacting with devastating effect. Cracks of thunder and explosions sounded in quick succession, filling the sky with arcs of light. Farther behind, the injured and fallen lay, receiving the healers'' attentive care. Despite the chaos, they calmly tended to the injured, bandaging wounds, staunching bleeding, and applying balms and potions where needed. Those too far gone received the final mercy of the blade, ensuring they did not suffer any longer. The four approached the battlefront, keeping themselves concealed with Lira''s magic. They navigated the edge of the battlefield, weaving between pockets of conflict. The Seraphidae were slowly gaining the upper hand, pushing the Kungwan back. With their superior defensive tactics and their magic, they had managed to create a steady flow of casualties on the Kungwans'' side. Still, the Kungwan relentlessly swarmed them, undeterred by their losses. They leapt from the treetops, landing with sickening crunch and squelch. Others crept out of the swampy bog, shrugging off blows and ripping into flesh with their gnashing jaws. The Seraphidae fought valiantly, but their fatigue and injuries were taking their toll, slowing their responses. Bjorn felt Lira''s aura fluctuate for a brief moment, a result of her spell fading. Immediately, several nearby Kungwans turned their attention towards the group. They charged forward, screeching as they sprinted across the marshy ground. "No choice," Bjorn growled as he drew his blade. "We fight." The four sprang into action, each dashing towards a different enemy. Serrandyl rushed a charging Kungwan, meeting it head-on. She blocked its strikes with her gauntlets, causing the creature to stagger backwards. A well-placed kick to the gut sent the monster tumbling to the ground. With a cry, she leapt into the air and landed atop the Kungwan, driving her fist into its face. She punched its skull, over and over, until its head caved in. Meanwhile, Th''maine focused his attention on a group of two Kungwan approaching him. He thrust his staff outwards and released a bolt of energy, hitting one in the chest and blasting it off its feet. The remaining creature lunged, swiping its claws at his head, but Th''maine raised his staff to block the strike, the runes on its surface glowing bright blue. A blast of energy exploded from the contact, sending the Kungwan reeling away. Before it could recover, Th''maine channeled more arcane power through his staff and unleashed a torrent of lightning into its chest, vaporizing the creature. Bjorn intercepted two Kungwans, slicing through their hides with his rune-etched claymore. His movements were a flurry of steel, his muscles rippling as he parried, cut, and evaded the beasts'' attacks. In a single fluid motion, he spun and delivered a powerful strike against one creature''s shoulder, severing its arm clean off. The beast collapsed, writhing in agony as it bled profusely from the gaping wound. He sidestepped another Kungwan as it tried to tackle him. He retaliated with a horizontal slash, tearing a deep gash across its back. The creature fell to the ground with a pained cry. As he brought his blade down to deliver the finishing blow, the second Kungwan rammed him, knocking him off balance and preventing him from completing the execution. "Bloody vermin," Bjorn spat. He pivoted on his heel and swung his sword at the charging Kungwan, scoring a glancing blow across its flank. The creature howled, staggering backward. Bjorn did not relent, unleashing a series of rapid cuts and thrusts. His attacks landed with deadly precision, piercing through the creature''s defenses and opening several wounds on its body. With one final strike, he drove his blade through the creature''s neck, separating its head from the rest of its body. Lira quickly uttered an incantation, summoning a wisp of energy that coalesced into a sphere of frost in her hand. She launched the orb at a charging Kungwan, the projectile streaking through the air and detonating upon impact. A cloud of frigid mist erupted, engulfing the creature in a veil of ice. It shrieked, its body frozen solid, and tumbled to the ground, shattering into thousands of fragments that scattered across the field in a shower of icy shards. Bjorn surged through the group of Kungwans, felling each with a single mighty swing. His blade was a whirlwind of steel, cleaving through flesh and bone as he tore through the ranks. Arrows flew overhead, sinking into the Kungwan''s bodies. Bjorn''s skin prickled from the static energy emanating from nearby blasts of magic. All around him, the sounds of battle filled the air, echoing in his ears as he lost himself to the heat of combat. Time slowed, and every moment seemed like an eternity. His world had shrunk down to this singular, brutal task. The Kungwans'' regenerative capabilities and their hide which was resistant to mundane weapons proved an irritating obstacle to overcome, but his rune-etched weapon granted him an advantage. Their tough hide parted under his blade''s enchanted edge, allowing his strikes to land deep. One by one, the creatures reeled away, screaming as they clutched their gaping wounds. As he made his way through the throng, he noticed the Kungwans'' resistance had wavered. The creatures retreated, slowly backing away from the advancing Seraphidae, attempting to regroup. Several Kungwans lay dead, and the remainder of the creatures limped and hobbled back to the relative safety of their nesting ground. Taking a brief moment to catch their breath, the group surveyed the area. Many of the Seraphidae warriors were lying on the ground, either grievously wounded or fatally impaled with Kungwan talons, serrated teeth, or barbs. The archers, though weary, still kept their bows taut. They maintained vigilance, poised to launch their arrows into the air should the Kungwan decide to charge once more. Serrandyl whistled in awe, shaking her head. "That was intense! Nice work, guys!" Lira winced as she examined the corpses littering the ground, while Th''maine frowned, furrowing his brow. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Bjorn grunted, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. "Where''s the leader of this lot?" Lira gestured towards the rearguard, where a small contingent of Seraphidae appeared to be gathered around a larger, more ornately armored figure. "Over there, I assume." Th''maine sighed. "Let''s meet with them. Hopefully, they''re amicable to a chat." Bjorn led his party over to the group of Seraphidae, who bristled and prepared their weapons at the sight of the group. Several of the warriors turned toward them warily as they approached, their gazes lingering on his sword. One of the warriors, an imposing male Seraphid, stepped forward, putting himself between Bjorn and the others. His crest flared up, and he brandished his spear with a growl, the sharpened tip leveled at Bjorn''s chest. "Begone, human! We have no quarrel with you, but if you stand in our path, I will run you through," he snarled, baring his fangs. "Our fight is with the Kungwan alone. Leave now!" "Relax, friend!" Bjorn put his hands up defensively, giving the warrior a nod of reassurance. "I''m no foe of yours. I hail from Ebonheim, a small settlement north of here. The Kungwan are our shared adversaries. I only want to talk." The Seraphid warrior glared at the four skeptically, his expression hardening. "Stand down," said their leader, placing a hand on the Seraphid warrior''s shoulder. He wore armor similar to the other warriors, but his helm and cuirass were more elaborately decorated, with ornate engravings adorning its surfaces. "It is alright. They appear to be allies." He slithered toward them and removed his helm, revealing a stern, weathered face with sharp, angular features. "I thank you for your help." His voice was deep and authoritative, echoing with an eerie quality. He cocked his head slightly, studying the group with narrowed eyes. "I am Ophis, commander of this band. Who might you be, and what brings you here?" Bjorn cleared his throat, inclining his head to Ophis in acknowledgment. "My name is Bjorn, and this here is Th''maine, Serrandyl, and Lira. We came seeking audience with Calyxia, the Southern Lord. Is she here with you?" Ophis''s eyes widened. He stared at Bjorn for a long moment, then laughed and shook his head, his voice like gravel. "Ha! No, Lord Calyxia and your goddess are fighting the Kungwan on another battlefront. She cannot be reached at this time, but I can assist you with whatever matter you have come here to discuss. Speak, warriors of Ebonheim." Bjorn exchanged glances with the others before regarding Ophis once again. "We learned about a Magitech mechanism beneath the Dragon''s den in the mountains. We also discovered a portal in another cave connected to the mechanism, and found it transports people here for the Kungwans to use as hosts for their brood. The dragon, Kelzryn, informed us that only your lord, Calyxia, could shut it down and free the dragon. We figured we''d ask for her aid and bring her back with us, but it seems like she''s preoccupied at the moment..." Ophis let out a long, deep hum. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, nodding along as Bjorn''s explanation came to an end. "So, that is why the Kungwan''s numbers have grown so drastically over the years, and why they are expanding their reach farther afield..." The Seraphid commander mused aloud, his expression darkening. "We suspected there may be foul magic at work, but could never prove our suspicions until now." "The dragon has offered its aid in exchange for the southern lord''s assistance," Th''maine cut in, eyeing Bjorn. "Once it''s freed, Kelzryn will rein over the Kungwan brood and bring this whole affair to a close." Ophis hissed through clenched teeth. "The Kungwan must be dealt with first. They threaten the existence of all who inhabit the valley, not just us here. I''m afraid our forces are stretched thin as is. Releasing this...dragon, while ideal, will have to wait until we eradicate this infestation once and for all." "What would you suggest we do then?" Bjorn inquired, folding his arms across his broad chest. "The Kungwan have retreated to their nest, but do you have enough people to press on and finish the job?" Ophis paused for a moment, considering the question. Finally, he gave a curt nod, straightening up and tapping the butt of his spear on the ground. "Lord Calyxia and your goddess will join us on the final push once they''ve dealt with their respective Kungwan threat. I am confident in our ability to regroup and move out with them. As for you, Ebonheim warriors, I ask that you lend your strength to our cause as well." Bjorn and Th''maine glanced at each other. Both men shrugged, unable to give an answer immediately. Serrandyl spoke, breaking the silence. "If we manage to kill all the Kungwans, then why would we even bother freeing that dragon or messing with that weird portal and whatnot?" She furrowed her brow in confusion. She had a point. But this had become more than just dealing with the Kungwan problem. This had spiraled into something greater. There was another force at work orchestrating events unseen. Whatever plans these mysterious artificers had for this region, Bjorn would be damned if he let them proceed unchecked. "Because it doesn''t stop here," Bjorn began, addressing Serrandyl. "From what I understand, that contraption was designed to siphon the dragon''s power. If that''s the case, what else do they plan to do with it? The valley won''t rest easy unless we get rid of this problem at the source. Besides, Kelzryn offered us an alliance with the promise to keep the village safe, so we should probably honor that deal. Don''t you think?" "Good point." Serrandyl nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Alright, I''m in." "Well," Th''maine interjected, clearing his throat, "The dragon won''t take kindly to all of the Kungwans being dead, since it initially intended for them to serve as its guards and all, but I suppose that''s a bridge we can cross when we get there." Bjorn looked at Lira, waiting for her opinion. "Kelzryn never mentioned caring for the Kungwans. It only requested our aid in its liberation," Lira pointed out. "I don''t think we need to concern ourselves with Kelzryn''s feelings towards the Kungwans. But the dragon''s potential discontent with our actions afterward may lead to unforeseen complications if not handled properly." "We''ll sort all of that out after we destroy the Kungwans for good," Bjorn muttered, shaking his head. "Regardless, we''ll play our part and do what we can to help." "Then it is settled!" Ophis announced with a pleased hiss. "I am glad to count you among our ranks, warriors of Ebonheim." He inclined his head slightly before gesturing to his fellow Seraphidae. "We shall rally our forces and prepare to march out shortly. Be ready." Bjorn watched as Ophis slithered back to his soldiers, issuing orders and instructions. The group broke away, making preparations for the final push. "Well, this is turning out to be quite the adventure," Serrandyl remarked cheerfully, grinning at the other three. "And just when things were getting dull around Ebonheim as well! Thorsten would be fuming right about now if he knew what we''d gotten ourselves involved in." Th''maine groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Must you always be so cheerful? Sometimes, your relentless optimism is truly grating." "Oh, lighten up, you old grump," Serrandyl chided. She stuck out her tongue playfully at the mage and chuckled. "Look on the bright side. We''ll be done with the Kungwans soon, and we can go back home! We''ll be heroes!" Th''maine rolled his eyes, but made no further comment. He leaned against his staff and continued observing the Seraphidae preparing for battle. "Bjorn," Lira spoke up quietly, leaning closer to him. "I''m going to help tend to their wounded. I noticed that some of their healers are having trouble with those who had been infected by the Kungwan larvae. I''ll be able to cure them with my magic." Bjorn patted her shoulder gently. "Go ahead. Let me know if you need any help. I''ll stay here with the others until we''re ready to leave." She nodded, offering him a faint smile before slipping away. Bjorn turned to Serrandyl and Th''maine as Lira departed. "How are we holding up, everyone?" Bjorn asked. Serrandyl grinned. "Fit as a fiddle, boss!" Th''maine grunted with a noncommittal shrug. "Couldn''t be better. Though I must admit, this is shaping up to be a most taxing afternoon. I can scarcely remember the last time I had engaged in this much physical exertion. My knees aren''t going to appreciate tomorrow." Bjorn nodded in understanding. "Rest up while you can. We still have a long day ahead of us." Chapter 72: The Kungwan War, Battleworn With Calyxia around, Ebonheim had been more conservative with her use of powers, relying only on the occasional activation of her Enchanted Essence Bolts and repositioning with her Arboreal Stride. Her passive regeneration had managed to bring her Essence reserves back up to a more comfortable amount. The Kungwans'' assaults had also lessened in frequency, allowing the duo to recuperate in small amounts throughout the day. After getting some much-needed nutrients from an apple tree, another group of Kungwans launched their attack. Ebonheim dove from the tree, using her Arboreal Stride to change position, her momentum carrying her across the battlefield as she fired a volley of glowing arrows at the enemy. [Essence] 460/680 Calyxia meanwhile launched herself toward a clump of Kungwans with a powerful lunge, her powerful serpentine lower half coiling around a Frostscale before her claws tore through the creature''s flesh. The battle raged on. Ebonheim continued her assault, her aim precise as her Essence Bolts flew true, striking foes from afar. She ducked behind a tree when a Skyclinger dove towards her, its sharp talons gleaming in the morning light. Just as the creature was about to impact, Calyxia intercepted, grabbing onto its legs with a crushing grip. She swung her body with its momentum, twirling the creature through the air like a lasso before slamming the Skyclinger into the ground with a powerful throw. Ebonheim rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a slash from a nearby Kungwan as its claws sliced through the air where she had just been standing. The Kungwan slashed at her again, its claws seeking purchase, but Ebonheim danced around the strikes. She returned the attack by plunging her Ebonwood dagger into the Kungwan''s stomach before kicking the beast away from her. As the Kungwan fell back, she withdrew her blade and readied another Essence Bolt. But before she could fire, a gust of icy wind slammed onto her Divine Aura barrier, causing her to stumble back. A Frostscale loomed over her, its frigid maw opening to unleash another blast of freezing air. She raised her free arm to shield herself, but before the beast could release its icy breath, a blue beam struck its flank. The Frostscale roared in pain as the telekinetic ray sent the beast crashing into a tree, cracking the trunk. "Thanks for the help!" Ebonheim shouted over the din, aiming her bow toward a distant target and unleashing her Essence Bolt. Meanwhile, Calyxia engaged multiple enemies at once, lashing out with both hands and tail while launching beams from the crown of snakes atop her head. A Kungwan Titan grappled with her, its massive claws sinking deep into her flesh as she wrapped her tail around its legs. Several more Kungwans flanked her, trying to get at her back as she wrestled with the giant. Calyxia grimaced in pain but managed to fend off the additional attacks. Beams from her serpents smashed into the incoming enemies, forcing them to retreat. However, the Titan continued to grapple with her, refusing to relinquish its grip. Ebonheim''s eyes narrowed as she took careful aim, firing a powerful Essence Bolt, which hit the Titan in the face. The impact caused the creature''s head to snap back, releasing Calyxia and allowing her to wrap her tail around its body, constricting its movements. She squeezed hard, her claws tearing through its armor-like skin and digging into its flesh. Blood flowed freely from the wounds as she squeezed tighter, her fangs buried deep in its neck. With one final heave, she pulled her fangs from the Kungwan Titan, tearing out a chunk of flesh. She spat out the meat before constricting even harder, the Kungwan''s bones audibly snapping under the immense pressure. Suddenly, another Titan grabbed onto Calyxia, its clawed hands digging into her scales as it tried to pull her free from its comrade. Her grip faltered as she struggled against the larger creature. With a roar, the Titan hurled Calyxia several meters away, her body tumbling across the forest floor before coming to rest at the base of a tree. She recovered quickly and whipped around, her fangs bared. Then, she launched herself into the air, propelling herself forward using her tail, and collided with the offending Titan. Both fell to the ground in a heap. Eboinheim caught sight of this and prepared another Essence Bolt aimed at the injured Titan. [Critical Hit] This time, the golden projectile exploded upon impact, engulfing the creature in a brilliant flash of light and heat. When the flare dissipated, the creature lay in a smoking, charred husk, its flesh sizzling as it smoldered. A sharp cry caused Ebonheim to turn her head to see Calyxia pinned to the ground by the other Titan, her serpentine lower half curled into a loop as she struggled against its superior strength. The creature''s claws dug deep into her flesh, piercing her scales and drawing blood. She hissed and thrashed about, but to no avail. Ebonheim acted without hesitation¡ªusing Arboreal Stride once more, emerged from atop a tree behind the creature and fired her last two charges of Essence Bolts, the bolts exploding into bright flashes of light as they struck its head and shoulder. The Titan released its grip on Calyxia''s midsection and staggered backwards, roaring in pain. She seized the opportunity, her serpent crown unleashed disintegrating rays in a barrage against the stunned Kungwan, enveloping its body in a blanket of crackling energy. Its skin burned away, leaving a grotesque mass of smoldering tissue behind. It collapsed on the ground, writhing weakly as its life faded away. "Two titans down, eight more to go?" Ebonheim shouted out, dodging the blow of a Skyclinger before launching an arrow which it deflected with a burst of air. Calyxia wiped away the blood trickling from her nose, using her sleeve to staunch the flow. "Easy for you to say, you''ve yet to receive any injury. Must be nice to be protected by your aura. As for me, I''m not faring that well, but at least I can regenerate myself quicker than you can." Ebonheim merely shot back her own quick jibe. "If you''d stop getting yourself tossed around like a sack of potatoes, maybe you wouldn''t need to worry about the damage you sustain." "Fair enough," Calyxia acknowledged, using her tail to launch a large rock into an unsuspecting Flamecaller. The projectile hit the creature square in the chest, knocking the monster onto its back with a thud. "Can you handle things here a bit while I support from behind for now?" Ebonheim requested, turning back to the Kungwan who had blocked her escape earlier, nocking another arrow and firing it. "Go ahead, I can manage." Calyxia slithered forward, her tail slashing through the air in a whip-like strike that cut through the ground before embedding into a Regenerator''s hide. "Much obliged!" Ebonheim vaulted into the air, leaping to another branch as she unleashed more arrows at a target. Fighting alongside Calyxia certainly made things easier for her. She could focus on her ranged abilities without worrying as much about a Kungwan sneaking up from behind, given Calyxia''s superb instincts and perception. While Ebonheim provided cover fire, Calyxia continued to lash out against the horde of Kungwans, her claws tearing through their ranks while her serpents provided extra support. Their synergy was undeniable, and the duo soon fell into an easy rhythm. As Calyxia gazed upon an approaching horde of lesser Kungwans, her eyes shone with a menacing, unearthly glow. A dark energy radiated from her, causing the very air to crackle with a tangible power. Ghostly apparitions formed beside her, their translucent forms drifting along the forest floor with an otherworldly grace. The Kungwans, sensing the dark aura emanating from her, slowed their advance, their gazes wary and their posture defensive. A few Regenerators took the lead, moving in front of the others to shield them from danger. As Calyxia flexed her claws, the apparitions swirled around her, their forms shifting and warping until they resembled serpentine creatures, their bodies pulsating with a sickly green light. She opened her mouth, a guttural hiss emanating from her throat. The apparitions mimicked the sound, their own hisses echoing throughout the forest. The Kungwans recoiled, their movements frantic and disoriented. With a wave of her hand, the apparitions rushed forward, their ghostly bodies passing through the Kungwans as though they were nothing more than mist. As the dark magic seeped into their bodies, their eyes clouded over and their mouths went slack. Their limbs trembled and they began to stumble around, their motions jerky and uncoordinated. They ceased their advance and instead began attacking each other, their claws ripping into their own flesh as they fought in a mindless frenzy. Ebonheim watched in awe as the Kungwans descended into madness, tearing each other apart in their struggle. It seemed that Calyxia''s powers had rendered them insane, causing them to disregard their comrades in favor of attacking anything in their vicinity. At the same time, the serpents atop Calyxia''s head began picking apart the befuddled Kungwans with rapid-fire shots of their respective rays. Disintegration, slowing, burning, paralyzing, and telekinetic rays¡ªthe myriad projectiles ripped into the confused creatures with devastating effect, cutting them down one by one. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. After a short period of confusion, the Kungwans snapped back to reality, the dark magic that had enveloped them fading away. They shook their heads, clearing the lingering effects from their minds, and resumed their attack.
As the battle wore on, Ebonheim could tell that Calyxia was tiring from the constant fighting. Her movements became sluggish, and her attacks lacked the power and precision they had previously displayed. The Kungwans continued their assault, their numbers slowly dwindling, but their persistence was starting to take a toll on the pair. A Frostscale tackled Calyxia, pinning her to the ground as its breath froze her scales, covering her in a layer of ice. Calyxia lashed out with her claws, raking the creature''s hide with deep gashes, but it refused to let go. One of her serpents fired a Disintegration Ray, the beam drilling a hole clean through the creature''s skull, killing it instantly. Its body slumped to the ground, and Calyxia used the distraction to coil her tail around the dead corpse and hurl it at a nearby Titan, knocking the creature off balance and buying her precious time to regain her composure. The serpents atop her head struggled to rise, their eyes dimming and their movements growing sluggish and stiff. As she tried to channel her power through them, the rays flickered weakly before fizzling out altogether. Her fangs bared in frustration, and she charged at a nearby Kungwan, latching onto its leg and throwing it to the ground. She used her tail to repeatedly smash its head into the earth until the creature stopped moving, its brains splattered across the dirt. "Grah!... I''m almost spent, there are so many of them..." Calyxia cursed to herself, realizing how depleted she was from the constant fighting. Meanwhile, Ebonheim found herself surrounded by a group of Regenerators, each attempting to close the distance to attack her. She evaded their swipes, dodging and weaving between their attacks. Despite her skill and agility, one managed to score a glancing blow, its claws scraping across her barrier and causing her aura to flicker before stabilizing once again. [Divine Aura] 127/300 Despite her fatigue, she didn''t hesitate to retaliate¡ªunleashing her Tempest of the Grove directly in front of her. [Essence] 440/680 A swirling vortex of wind flooded the area, violently churning up everything around her. As the howling gale intensified, it began to draw the surrounding objects into the whirlwind, gathering them into a mini tornado. The Regenerators and other lesser Kungwans were pulled into the vortex, their bodies whipped around by the powerful currents before being flung away, careening into trees, rocks, and each other. She tapped into the Elemental Keystone inside her, combining the Elemental Admixture with her ability, fusing both of them together. Air, Ice, and Earth. The three elements swirled together, blending into a powerful mixture as the storm picked up speed. [Essence] 415/680 Rocks and debris hailed down upon the hapless Kungwans, smashing into them with bone-crushing force. The gale-force winds lacerated their hides and shredded their flesh. Frost-laden leaves and shards of ice whirled through the air, scouring the battlefield with a blistering barrage of frozen particles. Lightning arced through the air, striking the unlucky targets within the whirlwind. The combined might of the empowered Tempest of the Grove scattered the Kungwans, sending them flying in all directions, their bodies torn and broken. As the tempest subsided, the debris settled to the ground, leaving only a circle of destruction in its wake. Ebonheim heaved a heavy sigh as she surveyed the scene, taking stock of her surroundings. Calyxia remained locked in combat, her body covered in cuts and bruises from the ceaseless onslaught. The serpents atop her head barely moved, their scales dull and lifeless. Her once pristine outfit was shredded and stained with blood, dirt, and grime. "How many are left? I lost track of their numbers during that last exchange," Calyxia panted, struggling to remain upright. Ebonheim glanced around, mentally counting the Kungwans within her line of sight. "Five Titans, two Regenerators, four Flamecallers, three Frostscales, three Blightfroths, two Skyclingers, and...over forty lesser Kungwans. Unless more show up, I guess." Calyxia coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Let''s hope none more join the fight. We have enough to deal with as it is. Those Titans are going to be the most trouble¡ªI can barely handle one at my current state, let alone multiple." "Should we pull back for a break and rest a bit?" Ebonheim suggested. "You might be able to slink away with your power, but I''ll be overrun if I try to withdraw. Besides, we''ve got to hold the line here. It''s only a matter of time before the Seraphidae''s campaign ends." Calyxia''s tone was weary, but determined. "The longer we fight, the better chances the Seraphidae have." Ebonheim sighed. "Guess there''s no helping it." Calyxia shrugged, seemingly unperturbed. "It is what it is." Ebonheim turned her gaze skyward, letting out a frustrated huff of air. Dealing with them one by one or even in small groups at a time wasn''t that difficult, but it was getting harder to prevent them from flanking and surrounding her, especially with Calyxia exhausted and her abilities suffering from fatigue. Her only solace came from the fact that the Kungwan numbers weren''t increasing. Either there were only so many remaining in the nest, or there were no more at all, having been wiped out. Either way, the goal was to annihilate the remaining Kungwans, so it didn''t particularly matter. A flurry of movement from above caused her to reflexively duck, narrowly avoiding a diving Skyclinger''s grasp. The creature skimmed the top of her head as she rolled to the side, its hook-like claws scrabbling for purchase on her shoulders. She regained her footing, sidestepping and avoiding the monster''s follow-up strike. Calyxia leapt into action, latching onto the creature with her own claws and tearing it apart. She grabbed hold of its legs and swung the creature in a wide arc, smashing the writhing body into a nearby tree, breaking its bones with a resounding crack. She flung the carcass aside and turned to Ebonheim. "I hope that you were thinking of a plan just now instead of daydreaming in the middle of a battle. I don''t have the energy to watch your back anymore." Ebonheim gave her a wry grin, even though she was only partly listening to her. A good plan is what they could really use right about now. She had done very well so far against the Kungwans. Her bowmanship coupled with her divine powers was something she had lacked during her first encounter with them¡ªand was only against two. If it hadn''t been for Hilda''s timely intervention... Hmm... Speaking of Hilda, the way she had dispatched those two Kungwans was still etched into her memory. Vines sprouted from the ground and restrained them, and then spores took root inside them, destroying the Kungwans from within. If she had a power like hers... She closed her eyes and tapped into the Akashic System, querying a search for a suitable power. The System''s response came immediately. [Searching...] [Two results found.] [Result one... Binding of the Verdant Curse (Spell); 6th-circle Druid magic. Description: A spell that allows the caster to bind up to three targets within range of the user''s control. The bound creatures will be subjected to the effects of a curse, causing them to transform into a plant within one minute of casting the spell. This spell does not work on any non-organic constructs or any non-living entity.] That must be the one that Hilda used! It did match what she recalled, but it only worked on three targets at a time, and also had a limitation regarding what creatures could be affected. Still, it was probably more efficient than killing the Kungwans through injury alone. Especially when there were so many of them left. She focused on acquiring the power. [Error: You are unable to acquire the spell due to an incompatible power source. Druid spells require the expenditure of Mana, which you do not possess. Attempting to circumvent this error would result in damaging your Divine Spark.] A surge of disappointment welled up within her. She recalled Th''maine''s lecture about Mana¡ªher brief lesson on the subject was that it was the capacity of the mortal mind to interface with the Arcane. Unlike mortals, deities like her used Essence as their power source, instead. This meant she would not be able to copy Druidic magic, or even Arcane magic for that matter. What a shame. Nonetheless, the Akashic System hadn''t finished its report. [Result two... Blumenkranz: Fr?omvandling av Livsroten; Requires Divine Rank - Intermediate Deity (Dawn Stage). Description: This divine ability transforms all creatures within a two-hundred-meter radius that you designate as targets into trees and other flora native to the environment. This ability also rapidly revives and heals any dying or destroyed plant life within the ability''s range. Affected creatures must have a Divine Defense rating less than your Divine Attack rating to be affected. Only organic creatures can be transformed by this power.] Ebonheim blinked, digesting the description of the second result. It was extremely powerful, but its prerequisite Divine Rank...she might reach that sometime in the future, but she needed the power now. Was there another way to get around this? Maybe she could borrow its use just this once. The Akashic System responded once more. [Querying...] [...] [Possible solution found.] [You are able to acquire temporary access to ''Blumenkranz: Fr?omvandling av Livsroten'' by expending 1000 Quintessence as well as activating and combining the following abilities in sequence: Ailment-Cleansing Pulse, Pest-Repelling Prana, Lifespring Wells, Fecundity of Creation, and Vines of the Bramble King.] [Would you like to use this method to acquire ''Blumenkranz: Fr?omvandling av Livsroten'' temporarily?] Ebonheim stared at the list, her eyes widening in surprise. None of those powers, except for the Vines of the Bramble King, were offensive in nature. How could their combination allow her to use a power that seemed so devastating? She''d never tried anything similar to this before, so the results could be unpredictable. Well, there''s only one way to find out. Ebonheim tapped into her divine power, Forest''s Call, channeling energy into the nearest trees. They trembled in response, their bark rippling and pulsing with a life force that swelled and burst forth from within them. Roots emerged from the earth, curling and twisting into the shape of gnarled arms and hands. Trunks groaned and creaked, their middles bulging and stretching as they stood upright, their bark molding into the image of ancient faces. Leaves unfurled, fanning out in a shimmering wave as vines snaked forth from the trunks, wrapping around the trees and supporting their weight. "Calyxia, I need you to draw their attention for ten minutes. Can you do that?" Ebonheim said, opening her eyes and refocusing her gaze on the battlefield. "Didn''t I just say that I don''t have the energy to babysit you?" Calyxia quipped, wiping blood from her lips. "But I trust that you might have found the winning line to checkmate them. Very well. Even in my sorry state, I can manage a few more minutes if need be. No need to worry, I''ll draw them to me. You take care of the rest." Ebonheim nodded. "Got it. Thank you, Calyxia." Calyxia nodded in acknowledgment. "No thanks necessary. Now, do it quickly." She then slithered to the side, positioning herself between Ebonheim and the advancing Kungwans. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a brief moment, before opening them to reveal a predatory gleam. Her features sharpened, and she adopted a low stance, her muscles rippling under her scales. Then, she uncoiled her body and launched herself forward in a blur of motion, her powerful tail propelling her with such force that the ground cracked beneath her. Ebonheim watched as she collided with the foremost Kungwans, tearing at them in a flurry of claws and fangs. Shaking her head, she turned her focus inward, concentrating on the pool of Quintessence within her. [You have expended 1000 Quintessence to temporarily gain access to an Intermediate Deity rank power.] [Quintessence] 6472/16000 [You must cast the prerequisite abilities within ten minutes to complete the process. Otherwise, the System will reverse the process and refund the Quintessence to you. Also, failure to perform the sequence of abilities correctly will result in moderate damage to your Divine Spark.] The screen appeared briefly before fading from view. Alright... Between Calyxia and the four tree sentinels, she should be safe for at least ten minutes. Time to end this. Chapter 73: The Kungwan War, Blumenkranz "In wreaths of bloom, from seed''s embrace, life''s root transformed, reclaims this space."
Calyxia leapt high into the air, her coiled body unfurling to its full length as she extended her arms. Her fingers flexed, elongated talons springing from their tips with a soft click as they fully extended. Her lips drew back, exposing a row of razor-sharp teeth, which glinted in the sunlight as they parted. In the midst of her descent, she drew her arms back, curling her body into a tight ball. Then, at the apex of her fall, she opened her arms in a wide sweeping motion, her claws slicing through the air in a deadly arc to rake across a cluster of Kungwans. Blood spurted from their wounds as her claws tore into their flesh, carving deep furrows through their hides. As she landed, she spun around, her tail lashing out to smash into more Kungwans, her strength and momentum sending them hurtling through the air. In the wake of her attack, she stood poised and ready for the next wave of attackers, her tail lashing from side to side as she waited for them to regroup. The Kungwan horde shifted their attention to her, the initial confusion of their onslaught wearing off as they organized their attack. Several Regenerators moved to the front, their tough hides offering a measure of protection from her claws and tail, while a Frostscale and a Flamecaller circled around to her back. The lesser Kungwans followed suit, gathering on both sides in an attempt to surround her. Realizing their intent, Calyxia surged forward, charging directly at the largest concentration of enemies. As she drew closer, they rushed to meet her, their claws and jaws snapping at her flesh in a desperate bid to bring her down. She weaved between their clumsy attacks, her tail lashing out to knock them aside or send them tumbling into each other. Once she had passed through their ranks, she quickly reversed her momentum, spinning around to face them. Again, she lashed out with her claws and tail before retreating back out of their range. This time, she managed to avoid most of their strikes, only receiving a few scratches as she retreated. The Kungwans followed her, but she managed to keep her distance, baiting them into pursuing her while staying just out of reach. It was a dangerous game, but one she was familiar with. By controlling the pace and tempo of the battle, she could wear them down while keeping herself relatively unharmed. Her eyes darted from side to side, gauging the enemy''s movements while also watching out for potential traps. They weren''t the smartest or most cunning foes, but she knew that they would eventually catch onto her tactics and adapt their behavior. She took a glance over to Ebonheim, whose eyes were closed as she gathered her energy. That little goddess seemed to have something in store. Good. She had pulled her weight thus far, and it would be interesting to see how this played out. Throughout the battle, Calyxia had caught glimpses of Ebonheim''s powers and battle prowess. Her archery, while impressive, was not on par with the mastery of more experienced combatants. Instead, Ebonheim relied heavily on her powers to make up for her shortcomings. As far as her divine powers went, she seemed to have an affinity with druidic magics, but compared to what Calyxia had seen Elmsworth display over the years, the potency and effectiveness of her abilities were somewhat lacking. Still, her knowledge and utilization of the powers was commendable. But what surprised her the most was Ebonheim''s elemental manipulation. Mixing elemental magics together was something not even powerful Archanists or Archdruids could pull off consecutively, yet she had done so multiple times during this battle. Just what else was this little goddess capable of? She seemed confident in whatever she planned to execute, and Calyxia was eager to witness its fruit. If Ebonheim could deal with at least a third of the remaining Kungwans with this unveiled power of hers, then she would earn Calyxia''s respect as an equal. Dealing with the rest of the Kungwans afterward wouldn''t pose much difficulty, not with the two of them working together. Then it''d be her turn to reveal some of the powers she had kept hidden in reserve. Calyxia reeled her thoughts back, her gaze narrowing as she sensed the enemies encircling her once more. She lashed out with her tail, slapping aside a Regenerator''s claws and darting around its flank to pounce upon another enemy. As she bounded away, she felt an icy blast of wind rush past her face, forcing her to turn sharply in midair to evade the attack. Upon landing, she caught sight of the Frostscale that had ambushed her from behind. It lowered its head, its crystalline eyes glowing as it prepared to launch another freezing breath at her. She darted to the side, her tail whipping around to smack the creature''s head and disrupt its aim. The blast of frigid air shot past her, missing its target by mere centimeters. The Flamecaller that had circled around to her rear attacked, its fiery breath scorching the forest floor around her. She rolled to the side, the searing heat licking at her scales, but her thick skin and scales protected her from the worst of the damage. When the Flamecaller drew near, she struck out with her tail, catching it by surprise and sending it stumbling forward into her waiting claws. She grabbed the creature, lifting it high into the air and using it as a weapon against the rest of the Kungwans as she whirled the Flamecaller''s body around, smashing the helpless creature against the others. The Flamecaller screeched in pain, its body writhing as its flames died down. She cast the charred corpse aside, turning to face the remaining Kungwans as they charged towards her once more. She smirked, her lips parting to expose her fangs. "Who''s next?"
Ebonheim''s tree sentinels sprang into action, their branches creaking and groaning as they shuffled forward. Their wooden fists and limbs crashed down on the Kungwans, driving them back and preventing them from getting near her. Meanwhile, she stood at the back of the fray, her eyes closed as she concentrated on the power flowing within her. She accessed the Quintessence within, guiding the energy to flow through her body. Her skin glowed with a faint light as her veins lit up from within, tracing patterns underneath her flesh. The air around her began to stir, shifting subtly as the power coursed through her. The wind picked up, rising to a howling gale as it spiraled around her, causing her divine aura to shimmer in response. [Sequence 1: Ailment-Cleaning Pulse complete] [Essence] 390/680 Small motes of light danced on the currents, radiating waves of heat and light. The earth below her feet rumbled, as if responding to her call, small cracks forming on its surface as roots began to push through, stretching outward in all directions. She weaved her hands in the air, manipulating the flow of energy surrounding her. The motes of light increased spread around her, floating in the air as they twirled and swirled, expanding further and further outward. As they traveled, they began to pulse, releasing waves of energy that washed over the area. [Sequence 2: Pest-Repelling Prana complete] [Essence] 360/680 The motes of light drifted downward, coming to rest on the foliage beneath. Small plants and shrubs began to sprout and grow, pushing their way through the soil and reaching upward, towards the light. Shimmering water rose from the ground, forming a misty haze that blanketed the area. The vapor soaked into the plants, infusing them with life and vitality. As the energy flowed through the vegetation, it changed them, transforming them into a new type of flora¡ªa strange hybrid blend of local and exotic plant life. The woody, leafy shoots twisted and warped, their forms mutating as they grew, sprouting bright, multicolored flowers. Their petals pulsated with vibrant colors and patterns, emitting an ethereal glow in the misty haze. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. [Sequence 3: Lifespring Wells complete] [Essence] 320/680 Alarmed at the change occurring within the environment, several Kungwans shifted their focus toward Ebonheim and charged at her. But Calyxia and the tree sentinels intercepted them, the giant, animated trees unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks to keep the monsters back. Meanwhile, Calyxia whipped her tail and slashed with her claws, keeping them from breaking through their defensive line. She darted in and out of the horde, striking at random points and swiftly retreating, leading the Kungwans in circles and preventing them from coordinating their efforts. While the others fought, Ebonheim continued to channel the flow of Quintessence, directing it through the newly formed plants and trees. As she manipulated the energy within herself, she became aware of an odd sensation, almost like a gentle tugging at the edges of her mind. She probed the sensation, delving deeper and discovering a connection¡ªa link between herself and the plants that she had created. The energy within Ebonheim surged, and she began to gather more Quintessence to herself, molding and shaping it to her will. The plants around her swayed in rhythm to her heartbeat, their blossoms blooming with every pulse. She channeled the power into the earth, imbuing the ground with life-giving properties, infusing the soil with the essence of creation. The plants in the vicinity grew at a visible pace, their leaves and stems extending rapidly before bursting into bloom with vibrant colors. A sweet aroma filled the air, the scent of countless flowers and herbs mingling together in a heavenly fragrance. Ebonheim continued to build upon the power, her aura flaring as she poured more and more energy into the plants. They responded, their growth accelerating as they stretched outwards, their blossoms and foliage spreading throughout the area. [Sequence 4: Fecundity of Creation complete] [Essence] 280/680 More and more plant life erupted from the ground, covering the area in a lush carpet of greenery; roots burrowed into the soil, spreading throughout the battlefield, creating an intricate web of connections that stretched to the edge of her awareness. Her consciousness spread among the plants, the tendrils connecting to one another, creating a network that encompassed the entire battlefield. Information flowed into her mind, revealing the positions and movements of all living creatures within her influence. She saw the Kungwans as small pinpoints of light, their auras illuminating their presence and marking their location. She sensed the vibrations of their footsteps through the network of roots, and the rustle of leaves as they brushed past the trees and shrubs. With her senses thus enhanced, she was able to locate every one of the remaining Kungwans and lock onto them, even from afar. [Sequence 5: Vines of the Bramble King complete] [Essence] 265/680 With the final component in place, Ebonheim finally activated the power. Her eyes snapped open, glowing with a brilliant white light as the energy within her flared, and the air around her hummed with power. The ground trembled and cracked beneath her as a myriad of vines burst forth from the earth, snaking across the ground at astonishing speeds. They encircled the Kungwans, ensnaring the creatures and dragging them to the ground. The vines grew thicker and heavier, crushing their limbs and holding them in place, while the thorns protruding from them pierced their hides and flesh. Calyxia leapt out of the way of a vine that burst from the ground to entangle the Kungwan Titan she had been battling. She landed atop a nearby tree, using the trunk as a platform as she observed the vines crawling through the area with awe. Ebonheim was unaware of Calyxia''s gaze as she guided the vines to wrap themselves around each of the remaining Kungwans spread across the battlefield, holding them in place. "Blumenkranz..." Her voice, harmonizing with the forest¡¯s resonance, cast a momentary stillness, like the breathless hush before a storm. [Essence] 65/680 As her eyes glowed with divine light, a verdant halo of vines and flowers materialized above her head. The flowers bloomed in a cascade of color, their petals unfolding and dancing in the air. The vines wrapped around each other, braiding together to create a delicate frame, with smaller flowers decorating the interstices. She brought her hands together, palms flat against one another, and her eyes narrowed in concentration. The flower petals began to pulse with a soft light, each emitting a tiny spark. The sparks multiplied, arcing between the individual petals and forming a latticework of energy. Her aura pulsed, the vibrant light washing over the area and enveloping the plants under her control. They responded in turn, their leaves and petals rippling as they absorbed the power. At last, her voice echoed through the air. "Fr?omvandling av Livsroten." As the power of the Blumenkranz thrummed within her, she unleashed the full force of her divinity upon the Kungwans trapped within the vines. The plants curled and coiled around the struggling creatures, injecting them with the very essence of the grove. The Kungwans shrieked and roared as the energy rushed through them, their forms morphing and twisting as they were remade. Their twisted limbs transformed into elegant branches, their croaking mouths silenced, replaced with blooms and leaves. Their bodies warped, the coarse, chitinous hide becoming rough bark, and the jagged fangs softened into smooth, polished wood. Their claws and teeth withered away, the digits extending into roots and spreading into the ground. Their bodies sank into the earth, their skin fusing with the surrounding soil, merging them with the roots and plants around them. Veins turned to vines, flesh to foliage, and bones to ancient bark. Each transformation reflected the creature''s nature¡ªKungwans Blightfroths sprouting yellow-orange and red fungi, Flamecallers gaining flickering and burning leaves, Frostscales growing a coating of hoarfrost and icicles, and Skyclinger''s elongated limbs becoming long, flexible branches. Even the mighty Titans underwent a dramatic change, their massive frames reducing and becoming stunted. Their bladed forelimbs transformed into thick, heavy boughs, their mouths agape as they became rooted in place, their lower halves fused with the ground. Their heads and upper bodies retained their original shapes, but were now covered with leaves and flowers. Their eyes dimmed and dulled, fading to gray as the spark of life drained from them. And Ebonheim, standing at the epicenter of this transformation, watched in awe as the once fearsome creatures were reduced to nothing more than plants, as nature reclaimed its domain. The grove stood in silence once the last Kungwan''s screams had faded away, the air itself seeming to hold its breath as the remnants of the creatures'' demise hung in the air. After a moment, Ebonheim released her grip on the Blumenkranz, the verdant halo dissipating from her head. As she did so, the vines restraining the former Kungwans also withdrew, retreating back into the ground. She fell to her knees, panting heavily, her head swimming with exhaustion as her power left her. The divine glow faded from her eyes, leaving her sight blurred and fuzzy, as the energy that had flowed through her left her body. Her limbs felt like lead, her vision hazy, her ears ringing. Everything seemed distant and muffled, as if she were viewing the world through a veil. She struggled to remain conscious, but her eyelids were heavy, and darkness crept around the edges of her vision. The last thing she remembered was a pair of strong arms, and a serpentine tail, lifting her from the ground. She was in Calyxia''s embrace, she realized. Calyxia gently laid her down on a bed of moss and grass, cushioning her tired body as she struggled to remain awake. "I didn''t expect you to pull off something so extraordinary, Ebonheim. That was rather impressive." Ebonheim mumbled a halfhearted reply, her voice slurred and her words incoherent. "Though, my only critique would be that you should have done that at the start of the battle. Would have saved us a lot of time and effort." Calyxia chuckled, her tone light and teasing. Ebonheim tried to respond, to explain her reasoning, but her thoughts scattered as exhaustion took hold. She succumbed to her fatigue, her world fading into oblivion as she slipped into the land of dreams.
Calyxia couldn''t help but chuckle to herself, despite the fatigue from the fight weighing upon her own form. She gazed at the sleeping figure of the young goddess and shook her head in amusement. What an interesting being. So many secrets and surprises lurking in this one. She nudged her with her tail, rolling her into a more comfortable position, making sure her head rested on a pillow made of her coiled body. Well, she''d let Ebonheim rest for now. It wasn''t too often she got to witness a Lesser Goddess in action. She then surveyed the surroundings. The bodies of the fallen Kungwans now served as new flora¡ªflowers, trees, and shrubbery sprouted where the carcasses had fallen. The trees and bushes looked out of place, with alien-looking flowers and unfamiliar fruits dangling from their branches. A small bead of sweat rolled down her brow, the adrenaline from the battle slowly receding as the danger was over. Her muscles ached and burned, her mind weary from the mental toll of fighting non-stop for hours. But all that paled in comparison to the sheer awe of witnessing Ebonheim''s power. At that moment, if Ebonheim had viewed her as an enemy and that power had also been directed at her... Calyxia shook her head, dispelling the unpleasant thought. It was foolish to dwell on what-ifs and what could have been. Her eyes landed on the now-sleeping figure of Ebonheim, her form sprawled out on the grass and moss. Her hair was disheveled, her skin smudged with grime, and her clothes were stained with dirt, blood, and sweat. Calyxia knew better now not to underestimate Ebonheim''s abilities. She''d need to be cautious and observe her more closely from now on. The corner of Calyxia''s lips quirked up into a small smile, the fatigue she had been feeling now seemingly vanished. She had found a worthy ally. She glanced over at the horizon, towards where the Kungwan''s nest was located. The Seraphidae should be battling the remaining Kungwan forces right about now. After an hour, she''ll wake Ebonheim. And if she recovered enough, the two of them would go back and lend their aid to finish off the rest of the vermin. But for now, she would leave the goddess to her rest. She had certainly earned it. A small sense of contentment settled within her as she gazed at the peaceful scenery, the sun setting on the horizon. A soft breeze blew through the trees, stirring the leaves and bringing with it the scent of rain. Ah¡ªthough she hadn''t been keeping an accurate count, she was certain that with that spectacular attack, Ebonheim had exceeded her in the number of Kungwans slain by a fair amount. She tapped her chin, squinting her eyes at Ebonheim. Best hope she forgets about their wager... Chapter 74: The Kungwan War, A Troubling Titan It wasn''t long before the Seraphidae forces were ready to move out. Bjorn, Lira, Serrandyl, and Th''maine joined the band of soldiers, following in their footsteps. They walked in silence, each engrossed in their own thoughts. Serrandyl stayed quiet for the most part, preferring to remain alert as she scanned their surroundings, searching for any sign of danger. Lira maintained a close proximity to Bjorn, walking alongside him and casting curious glances at the Seraphidae every so often. Th''maine kept his gaze fixed upon the path ahead, occasionally glancing back to see if anyone was lagging behind. Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the swamp. As they left the dense foliage behind and entered a large clearing, Bjorn and his party found themselves face-to-face with the largest Kungwan they had encountered yet. Its carapace shone crimson red, contrasting against the black stripes running across its entire length. Three sets of twisted horns protruded from its bulbous head, curled upwards like a ram''s, while rows of razor-sharp spikes lined its spine. Its legs, thick and muscular, supported its massive frame as the creature loomed over them. Ophis called a halt. The Seraphidae held their formation, spears and shields at the ready. The beast bellowed, its roar reverberating throughout the marshland, sending tremors through the ground beneath their feet. Bjorn''s skin prickled at the sound, goosebumps forming across his flesh. Bjorn and Serrandyl took up positions at the frontline, with the rest of the group forming a line behind them. "Oh boy... that''s big," Serrandyl muttered under her breath, staring in disbelief. "You''ve got to be kidding me." Th''maine nervously adjusted his robe and gripped his staff tightly. "Indeed, I didn''t expect a Titan variant. Well, I suppose even if I did, this encounter is likely inevitable. Regardless, I hope we''re ready to face it. Because if we''re not, we''re doomed." Bjorn readied his rune-etched claymore as Lira conjured druidic magic around them, covering them in a protective barrier. The Kungwan Titan let out a low rumble and eyed the Seraphidae, before releasing a powerful roar in challenge. It stomped towards the group, each step causing tremors to reverberate beneath their feet. Bjorn let out a loud battlecry, raising his weapon high into the air and rushing forth to meet the Kungwan''s charge. The Seraphidae responded with a unified battlecry of their own, charging alongside him. They collided in a violent clash of metal and bone, the impact sending shockwaves throughout the area. The Kungwan was undeterred. It lunged forward, its claws and teeth ripping through their ranks. The Seraphidae fought valiantly, but despite their resilience, the creature''s sheer size and strength overwhelmed them. Several warriors were sent flying as the beast rammed them, leaving their broken bodies scattered across the ground. Others struggled to hold their ground as the monster battered against their shields with its massive limbs. Bjorn''s claymore crashed against the Kungwan''s body, the vibrations traveling through the blade and rattling his bones. The monster roared, striking out blindly. Bjorn narrowly evaded the beast''s razor-sharp teeth as they snapped shut inches from his face. A series of bright flashes caught his attention. Th''maine had begun pelting the Kungwan with energy bolts, which burst in loud explosions against its hide. Serrandyl also attacked, leaping at the creature from above and slamming both fists down on its head. The force of the blow sent cracks radiating outward from the point of impact, and a resounding boom rang out as the creature''s head impacted the earth, shaking the ground around them. The Titan recovered quickly. It twisted around, swinging one clawed hand at Serradyl. She ducked under the blow, narrowly avoiding being impaled by a single, large talon, but was hit square in the chest by its second claw as the Kungwan lashed out with its other hand. The impact sent her tumbling across the ground, sliding to a halt on her stomach several meters away. Several arrows landed on the beast''s hide, drawing its attention, and it turned to face them. Another volley flew towards it, this time peppering its left side with dozens of shafts. Several bounced harmlessly off its carapace, but a few penetrated, lodging themselves in its softer underbelly. It roared in anger, ignoring the small wounds. Instead, it lowered its head and charged towards the archers with great speed, trampling several Seraphidae who couldn''t move out of its path in time. Bjorn dashed in and intercepted the monster, clashing blades with its hardened claws. He deflected an incoming attack and struck again, his enchanted silver blade scoring a shallow cut across its leg. The Titan snarled, ignoring the wound and unleashing a vicious swipe. It struck Bjorn in the torso with such force that his feet lifted off the ground. The breath fled his lungs, and his vision went white as pain seared through every fiber of his being. He struck the dirt, skidding to a halt several meters away from where he had been standing. Groaning in agony, Bjorn sat up slowly, coughing up blood. His ribs burned from where the monster''s claws had slammed into him, and a quick glance downward revealed a gash across the Ebonwood breastplate. Fortunately, the enchanted armor had prevented any serious damage. Bjorn struggled to his feet, forcing himself to breathe through the pain. He spotted Serrandyl nearby, crawling to her feet and giving him a thumbs up. Lira rushed over to Bjorn, kneeling beside him. She placed a hand over his chest, chanting an incantation. A warm sensation flooded him, easing his wounds and filling him with renewed vigor. He stood taller, his injuries rapidly mending as she channeled her healing powers into his body. "Thanks," Bjorn rasped, exhaling sharply as his cracked ribcage finished mending. The dull ache vanished as well, leaving him feeling refreshed. He rose to his feet, hefting his sword, which he hadn''t let go of even when he had been knocked flat. Lira gave him a curt nod before rushing over to Serrandyl to offer her the same treatment. Another flash of magic illuminated the sky as Th''maine let loose another volley of spells, which impacted against the Titan''s shell. Despite his efforts, the creature seemed unfazed. Bjorn scanned the battlefield, spotting the Seraphidae commander, Ophis, barking commands to his subordinates. He gathered them into a tight formation, their shields raised and spears braced. Together, they rushed forth to face the lumbering monstrosity. The Titan charged the oncoming phalanx, lowering its head as it prepared to gore them with its massive horns. At the last moment, the phalanx parted, allowing the monster to pass through them unharmed. The maneuver caught the Kungwan by surprise, causing it to stumble to a halt as its momentum carried it beyond the defensive formation. The Seraphidae swarmed the Kungwan, jabbing with their spears and slashing at its flanks with their swords. Several warriors leapt onto its back, hacking wildly with their weapons. Bjorn watched the battle unfolding, impressed by the Seraphidae''s discipline and coordination. The group continued to press their assault, but their attacks only enraged the beast further. With a mighty swing of its claw, the Kungwan sent two Seraphidae careening into the air, where they landed with sickening thuds. The creature raised itself to full height, and with a thunderous bellow, released a wave of sonic energy. The concussive force blew away several of the Seraphidae, tossing them aside like ragdolls. Bjorn braced himself, using his blade as support to counter the blast, and dug his heels into the soft earth. Several Seraphidae around him flew backward, but most managed to withstand the blast. Serrandyl charged in, vaulting over a fallen Seraphid and landing in front of the creature. The Titan clenched its fist and brought its arm down, but Serrandyl intercepted with a punch of her own. The two fists connected, generating a shockwave that rippled outward. Both combatants were pushed back by the recoil. Serrandyl staggered backwards, her eyes wide. She flexed her fingers, which trembled with residual force, and shot the Titan an incredulous glare. "How''s that, ugly?!" Bjorn momentarily stood in awe of Serrandyl''s display of strength. Those gauntlets sure were something special, alright. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Before Bjorn could recover from his astonishment, the Kungwan snarled. It lumbered forward and swung its forelimbs in a wide arc, trying to sweep Serrandyl off her feet. But instead of dodging, Serrandyl deflected the attack, redirecting its force upwards and sending the Kungwan''s upper body bending back from the impact. She followed through with a swift uppercut to its jaw. Her gauntlets'' power reacted, discharging electricity that ran through its body, stunning and paralyzing it for a brief moment. With the opportunity opened, the Seraphidae rallied, surrounding the stunned Kungwan in an instant and raining blows upon its body with their spears. The Kungwan retaliated with a furious howl. It swatted Serrandyl away, sending her crashing into the mud. As she staggered unsteadily to her feet, the creature reared back and kicked her in the chest. Her body went flying again, this time rolling along the wet earth for several meters before coming to a stop. She coughed, spitting blood onto the ground, and clutched at her ribs, grimacing in pain. Lira summoned vines, wrapping them around the Kungwan''s legs, trying to hinder its movement. The creature thrashed against its bonds, snapping them apart with ease. As the last vine broke, the beast slammed a foot down on the nearest warrior, crushing the unfortunate soldier beneath its massive bulk. He died instantly, his body crumpling under the weight of the giant monstrosity. Opening its maw wide, the creature inhaled deeply and unleashed a jet stream of green gas at the attackers. The blast slammed into a cluster of Seraphidae warriors, enveloping them in noxious fumes. Their bodies withered rapidly, and the unfortunate few who managed to flee the blast died as they suffocated on the poison. "Back! Everyone back!" Ophis roared, trying to regain order in the chaos. The creature smashed a fist into the ground, knocking over a pair of unlucky Seraphidae who had been scrambling to retreat. It grabbed one of them in its jaws, lifted him off the ground, and hurled him into a tree with a sickening crunch. Bjorn growled in anger. His blade glowed with arcane energy as he rushed forward, thrusting it into the Kungwan''s flank with as much force as he could muster. The Kungwan howled in pain as the weapon pierced its hardened carapace and embedded itself deep in its flesh. It attempted to claw at Bjorn, but he swiftly pulled his weapon free, avoiding the attack. He stabbed again, plunging his blade into the monster''s thigh, this time aiming for a weak point between two plates of its carapace. The rune-etched blade sank in, and he twisted, tearing open the wound further. The Titan roared and stumbled back, its hind limb unable to bear its weight. A thin trickle of green ichor leaked from the injury as the monster attempted to regain its balance. Meanwhile, Serrandyl managed to rise to her feet and limped toward the monster. She spat out a mouthful of blood, wiping it off her lips with the back of her gauntlet. "Hey!" She hollered, attracting the Kungwan''s attention. "I got another trick for ya!" She held both hands out towards the Kungwan Titan and released a powerful blast of lightning that arced through the air, slamming into its body. The creature screamed, writhing in agony as the electricity coursed through its body. Its eyes flashed, and its movements became jerky and erratic. She repeated the process twice more, channeling the energy stored in her gauntlets into devastating blasts. The monster reeled back, stumbling as the power weakened its limbs. Seizing the opportunity, Bjorn charged forward, imbuing his sword with the power of frost. He aimed his blade at the Kungwan''s midsection and swung, slicing through its hide and creating a gaping wound in its abdomen. The monster wheezed, clutching its torso, as the wound oozed with a thick, green ichor. Ophis shouted to his warriors, calling for them to encircle the beast. The group complied, tightening their formation and pressing their attack. The Kungwan reared back, trying to strike at them, but its movements were slowed, hampered by the multitude of injuries they had inflicted. Bjorn and Serrandyl struck at the same time, delivering two powerful blows simultaneously to the Titan''s knees. The Kungwan shrieked as its legs buckled. It toppled over, collapsing to the ground in an immense heap. The Seraphidae warriors circled around the incapacitated behemoth, striking and stabbing at every exposed part of its body. With each passing moment, the beast grew weaker and more feeble. Finally, with one final screech, the creature breathed its last and went limp. Silence descended upon the clearing. Bjorn and the others stared at the corpse in awe. They''d slain the beast, though the price for victory had been steep. Dozens of dead and dying Seraphidae surrounded them, lying scattered across the field, their bodies broken and mutilated. Bjorn exhaled deeply, letting the tension flow out of his muscles as he lowered his guard. The rush of battle drained from his body, replaced by the aching exhaustion from the toll of the fight. "That...was something else," Th''maine remarked, breaking the silence as he stepped up to Bjorn. His brow dripped with sweat, and he wore an expression of exhaustion. "What a troublesome adversary." Serrandyl sauntered over, joining the two. "Well, we killed a big one. What now?" She gazed at Bjorn expectantly. "Should we keep pushing to finish the rest off? Or should we wait for Ebonheim and Calyxia to arrive?" Lira arrived, sporting a few bruises and scrapes from the encounter, and busied herself with tending to the wounded. Bjorn scratched at his beard, pondering his answer. "I don''t think we have time to wait," he finally responded. "Ophis said that there are three other groups of Seraphidae engaging with Kungwans at other points around their nesting ground. If we delay our advance, the others could fall before we get there." He gestured at the Seraphidae, who had started to collect their dead. "We should leave a small detachment here to care for our injured, while the rest of us push on ahead. That way, the others can catch up and rejoin us once they''ve tended to their wounded." Serrandyl frowned, rubbing at her ribs. "I dunno about that, chief. I''m not exactly in peak fighting shape at the moment, and Lira''s pretty much exhausted her magical reserves with all the healing. We wouldn''t be at our best for the next round." "She''s right," Lira added. "I would be little use in an extended battle as I am now, and Serrandyl isn''t in a condition to fight either. She needs time to recover. We should wait for reinforcements. Ebonheim and Calyxia can reinforce the Seraphidae." Bjorn contemplated their words and glanced over at Ophis, who conversed with his remaining Seraphidae, and then turned back to Lira and Serrandyl. "Alright, I''ll go ask Ophis for his opinion on this matter, but I have a feeling we might have to do some convincing to get him to agree to your proposal." "Do what you gotta do, boss," Serrandyl said, nodding. "I''ll start patching myself up." As Serrandyl began attending to her own minor injuries, Bjorn approached the Seraphid commander and cleared his throat. Ophis turned to Bjorn and gave him a curt nod. "Thank you, human. You have proven yourselves worthy allies today. Without your aid, we would surely have perished here." "No need to thank us," Bjorn replied, nodding in return. "Our fight is the same as yours. But we aren''t quite out of the woods yet. We still have one more battle ahead of us if we intend to eradicate the Kungwan threat, but Lira and Serrandyl are spent after the ordeal, so I wanted to check with you to see if we could afford to hold position here until Ebonheim and Calyxia arrive to reinforce us. That way, we all can be at full strength for the final battle." Ophis hissed, considering the option for a moment. He turned to regard his soldiers and then surveyed the carnage left in the wake of the battle. "Your proposal is indeed sensible, but I wish to press onwards. The other forces will require our aid and may face destruction without immediate reinforcement. I will send a group to escort the wounded back to safety, but the rest of us shall continue to the den." Bjorn arched an eyebrow, frowning. "You are certain? We''ll be heading into battle against an unknown number of Kungwans." Ophis scoffed. "My people are resilient and willing to lay their lives for our cause. Besides, your magic and skills will bolster our numbers greatly. If the need arises, we will make a stand until lord Calyxia and your goddess arrive." Bjorn exhaled through his nostrils, considering his options. Finally, he relented, albeit reluctantly. "Very well. We''ll follow your lead, commander. But do be mindful of the conditions I mentioned before, and don''t hesitate to fall back if things look dire." Ophis nodded in agreement and resumed directing the cleanup effort. Bjorn watched as the Seraphidae gathered the dead, taking them to the edge of the clearing. Some of them retrieved bows and spears, while others collected the wounded, helping them to the makeshift camp. As Bjorn made his way over to his party, the hair behind his neck bristled as he sensed a powerful force emanating from the Eastward. Serrandyl also shivered while Lira and Th''maine stared intently in the direction of the phenomenon, their faces a mixture of fear and awe. "W¡ªWhat''s that?" Serrandyl murmured. Th''maine gulped, his complexion paling. "Divine magic...and a powerful one at that." Ophis stiffened and scanned the horizon. The rest of the Seraphidae stopped what they were doing, gazing Eastward as well. A verdant glow flickered in the distance, pulsing in rhythmic waves. The wind picked up, stirring the trees and leaves, whistling through the branches. The flora around them swayed in unison, responding to the fluctuating energies in the air. Although he was no magic-user like Lira or Th''maine, Bjorn''s instincts told him something monumental was happening in the valley, and judging from the Seraphidae''s reaction, they seemed to concur. "Lira," Bjorn started, his voice faltering slightly as his throat tightened, "is that..." "Ebonheim," Lira confirmed, her voice trailing off. Her eyes widened in awe as the realization sunk in. "We are sensing the wake of her power..." Bjorn stared in the distance, unsure how to respond. Ebonheim had never displayed this level of power before, and to witness it now was...unnerving, to say the least. Ophis cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "Well...your goddess seems to have dealt with the Kungwan threat there." Serrandyl gave a nervous chuckle. "Heh...yeah, you could say that." Lira nodded. Th''maine let out a whistle and placed his hat over his chest. "That was no mere smiting. If we weren''t so pressed for time, I would have liked to head over there for a closer look. But alas..." "The end of this war nears," Ophis declared, his voice rising with renewed confidence. "Let us make haste, Ebonheim warriors. Our task is not yet complete. The nest awaits us." Bjorn agreed with a curt nod, and the group resumed marching forward. Chapter 75: The Kungwan War, Hostile Aggro! Bjorn in Danger?! As their party journeyed through the marshlands, the sounds of combat reached their ears. Shouts and roars reverberated through the swamp. "We''re close," Ophis remarked, hissing excitedly. "Prepare yourselves!" As they passed through a grove of tall cypress trees, the Seraphidae quickened their pace, moving through the vegetation and entering a clearing where a battle raged. Several groups of Kungwan and Seraphidae engaged one another, clashing in brutal combat. The Kungwan appeared to be outnumbered, but the battle had taken a heavy toll on the Seraphidae already. Corpses of fallen warriors littered the ground, along with numerous dead Kungwans. The Seraphidae led by Ophis joined the fray, rushing in to support their brethren. Their arrival bolstered the morale of their allies, who fought with renewed vigor. Bjorn drew his blade, readying for battle once again. Serrandyl followed suit, activating her gauntlets and pounding her fists together. Lira began casting, summoning an array of magical energy around herself, while Th''maine gripped his staff, chanting his spells under his breath. "Serrandyl and I will handle the Kungwans in the clearing. Lira, you focus on healing the Seraphidae and protecting them from harm. Th''maine, keep your eyes peeled for anything unusual, and assist us where you can." Everyone nodded in confirmation. Without another word, Bjorn charged forward, rushing towards the nearest cluster of Kungwans. Serrandyl joined him, following closely behind. As they neared their opponents, Bjorn swung his blade, cutting a horizontal line across a Kungwan''s body. It roared in pain as the silver weapon pierced its thick hide, slashing its torso open. The Kungwan swung back in retaliation, its razor-sharp claws glancing harmlessly off his Ebonwood armor, but the blow sent him staggering to one side. Serrandyl took advantage of the opening and lunged, slamming her fist into the side of its head, shattering the creature''s skull in a single punch. Another Kungwan turned toward her, snarling. The monster pounced, but Bjorn intercepted it. He parried its swipes with his sword and then countered with a vicious kick to the gut, sending the beast reeling back. He followed up with a swift strike to the monster''s leg, severing its limb. It fell with a pained cry, writhing in agony on the ground. Before Bjorn could deliver the finishing blow, a mottled-green Kungwan spewed a spray of caustic acid at him, drenching his left arm in the corrosive liquid. He grunted in pain as the liquid burned his flesh, causing him to drop his sword. He clenched his jaw and cursed under his breath, backing away to create space. The Kungwan, however, refused to let up, and lunged at Bjorn, attempting to tear him apart with its teeth. It swiped with its claws, narrowly missing his chest, but striking his side. The sharp edges of its talons scraped across the Ebonwood breastplate, but the hard material held firm, deflecting the strike. Serrandyl quickly interjected, striking at the monster with a flurry of rapid punches. Her fists lashed out in a blur, hitting the beast repeatedly as she landed blow after blow on its body, beating it down to the ground. The monster twitched, struggling feebly to rise, but Serrandyl hammered her fists down, crushing its ribcage in a single, decisive strike. It gave a final wheeze and fell silent. Bjorn panted, wincing in pain as the acid burned through his armor and ate away at his skin. He desperately reached for his pouch and withdrew a small, clear vial of potion. He hastily uncorked the vessel, brought the container to his lips, and drank the contents in a single gulp. The bitter liquid stung his tongue, but the potent elixir worked fast. Within moments, Bjorn felt his wounds begin to close, and the burning sensation subside. His skin tingled as the potion coursed through his veins. The effect wasn''t pleasant, but the alternative of having his arm eaten away to the bone was far worse. He flexed his hand experimentally and sighed in relief when he found his movements to be unimpeded. Serrandyl returned to his side, panting heavily, covered in soot, but otherwise unscathed. "You alright?" she inquired, cocking an eyebrow at his disheveled state. "I mean, after the whole getting melted thing. Hope you got more of those potions around." Bjorn chuckled dryly and patted her on the shoulder. "I''ll survive. But unfortunately, this is the only one I have left. Let''s try not to get in any more situations where I have to use it." Serrandyl nodded, and the pair set off to join the fray again, aiding the battle as best they could. Meanwhile, the Seraphidae pressed the offensive. Led by their commanders, the group advanced, overwhelming their enemies through sheer strength and coordination. They formed a wall, using their shields to block the Kungwan''s attacks, and their spears to counter, piercing the monsters'' carapaces with their pointed tips. They maintained this formation, slowly driving back the creatures and gaining the upper hand. The tide of the battle shifted, and the Kungwan''s aggression waned. The monsters gradually retreated, pulling back and circling around the Seraphidae warily. "Now''s our chance! Attack!" Ophis ordered, motioning for his troops to advance. The Seraphidae warriors let out a rallying cry, their voices echoing through the clearing. They surged forward, pursuing the fleeing monsters. Bjorn and Serrandyl sprinted after them. They crossed a ravine filled with murky water and entered a dense grove of willow trees. As they raced through the underbrush, several large Kungwan Blightfroths dropped down from above, landing in front of them and blocking their path. The beasts unleashed streams of corrosive bile at them, forcing the pair to duck behind cover. Bjorn barely managed to evade one shot, narrowly dodging the projectile as it splattered on a nearby tree trunk. He darted left, weaving through the thick undergrowth as more spurts of acidic spit came his way. Serrandyl did not fare as well. A glob of green fluid hit her directly in the chest, searing through her leather armor and melting through her clothing. She swore loudly as the acrid liquid seeped into her wounds. Bjorn dashed forward, hoping to distract the creatures and allow Serrandyl a moment to recover. He rolled out of the way of another spurt of liquid and slashed with his weapon, catching one of the Kungwans in the side with a glancing cut. The monster let out an angry roar, swiping at him with its clawed hand. He dodged to the left, but not fast enough. One of the monster''s claws sliced across his upper arm, leaving a shallow cut. Bjorn hissed through gritted teeth as the wound stung, but ignored the pain. He focused on staying mobile, circling around the creatures, and slashing at them from behind. The monsters responded by splitting into two groups. One group targeted Serrandyl, who had gotten to her feet and had begun to charge them, while the other group concentrated on Bjorn. The first group unleashed another torrent of caustic fluid, blasting Serrandyl, who narrowly managed to dodge by somersaulting forward. She regained her footing and rushed straight at the Kungwans, her gauntlets crackling with lightning. She threw a punch, her fist connecting with a creature''s face, sending the Blightfroth flying into a tree with a loud crack. The other Kungwan spat acidic bile at her, but she moved in a zigzag pattern, avoiding the liquid. She delivered a swift kick to the creature''s leg, knocking it off balance, and then punched the monster in the face. Her gauntlet''s power reacted, releasing a discharge of electricity through the creature''s body. The monster let out a strangled grunt and collapsed, convulsing. At the same time, Bjorn faced off against the other group of Kungwan Blightfroths. He tried his best to avoid the spittle as he engaged his adversaries. He dodged and ducked, using the nearby vegetation for cover. He avoided another burst of toxic bile, then closed in, slashing his silver sword at a Kungwan, inflicting a series of cuts across its hide. Bjorn snarled and thrust his blade deep into the monster''s stomach. He yanked the blade out, and then spun, severing its head with a powerful strike. The Kungwan slumped lifelessly to the ground, a pool of ichor forming underneath it. Bjorn dispatched the remaining monster in a similar fashion, and soon, they were victorious. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. The rest of the Kungwan''s fled as quickly as possible, and Bjorn and Serrandyl paused, trying to catch their breath. The marshland around them was eerily silent, save for the distant sounds of battle and the occasional screech of a Kungwan. Bjorn wiped his blade clean and sheathed his sword. He scanned the area, making sure the coast was clear. Then, he turned his attention to Serrandyl, who grimaced as she pulled off her ruined armor, and tossed the sizzling pieces into the marsh. "You good?" he asked, as he checked his own wounds, noting several burns, bruises, and scratches. She shrugged. "Eh, I''ll live. Still breathing, right? Haha. Not the worst beatdown I''ve been in. But yeah, I could use some healing right about now, too." Bjorn examined the marks on her skin, which had begun to turn an ugly shade of purple. The burns on her arms and chest looked painful, and her clothes were still smoldering in several spots. Lira caught up to the pair and hurried over, examining the damage. She raised her hands and concentrated. A soothing sensation spread across Serrandyl''s injuries, and the dark blotches vanished. Serrandyl let out a sigh of relief, cracking her knuckles and flexing her fingers experimentally. "Ahhh, much better. Thanks, Lir!" she grinned and slapped the druid on the back. Lira flinched, coughing and rubbing her shoulder. "Uhm, yes. Don''t mention it." The rest of the Seraphidae emerged from the undergrowth, having finished dispatching the Kungwan, and Ophis approached the group, eyeing the remains of the battle. "Excellent work," he remarked. "However, we cannot linger here. After we''ve joined with the other group, the last bastion of the Kungwans awaits. Be vigilant, everyone, the nest is near." "Let''s hurry, then. Lead the way," Bjorn said, gesturing towards the South.
Over the course of the afternoon, the skirmish shifted back and forth. Bjorn and the others played their parts, fighting alongside the Seraphidae, and with every fallen Kungwan, the Seraphidae pushed the monsters further back toward their lair. Bjorn spied the Kungwan alpha in the fray, fighting valiantly against the Seraphidae, and he set out to confront it. The enormous monster, comparable to a Titan yet also distinct in its own appearance, towered above its kin, swinging its massive arms in wide, sweeping arcs and driving back its smaller adversaries. It spewed fire from its maw, scorching the earth and turning the soil into a blazing inferno. A group of Seraphidae perished before Bjorn''s eyes, their flesh melting beneath the heat as they wailed in anguish. Bjorn scowled and charged forward, vaulting over a boulder to avoid the flames. He rolled as he hit the ground and stood, sprinting toward the enemy leader. The creature turned in his direction, fixing its yellow, beady eyes on him. Bjorn narrowed his eyes, drawing his sword. The metal blade glowed brightly, as the runes engraved on the surface activated, emitting a faint light. With a fierce growl, the monster lunged. Bjorn met its charge, readying a slash. As the distance closed, he ducked, slashing in a downward arc, cleaving the creature''s thigh. He followed through, pivoting around its side and bringing his weapon in a swift upward motion, carving through its hide and drawing blood. The Kungwan roared in anger, swinging its claws in a wild, vicious strike. Bjorn rolled under the attack, avoiding the deadly swipe. As he sprang to his feet, he leaped backwards, putting space between himself and his foe. To his surprise, the wounds he inflicted began to close, the monster''s severed flesh knitting itself back together at the same rate that a Regenerator''s would. "Damned beast," he muttered through clenched teeth. "So you have the abilities of all your ilk?" The monster bellowed and slammed its forelimbs onto the ground, sending tremors through the earth. Bjorn held his stance, awaiting the creature''s move. With a savage roar, the Kungwan alpha charged, running at full speed on its four limbs, leaping at him. Bjorn rolled under the assault, but the monster anticipated the dodge, twisting its body and swiping with its claw, catching Bjorn with the full force of the blow. The impact sent Bjorn flying several meters through the air, as he struck the ground with a grunt. The force knocked the breath from his lungs. He grimaced, gasping for air, his vision blurry as stars danced across his vision. The creature bounded towards him, but a bolt of lightning streaked from the sky, slamming into its side and sending it careening off course. Bjorn shook his head, forcing himself back to his feet as the creature struggled to stand. He cast a glance over his shoulder, spotting Th''maine in the distance. The old Archanist nodded before making a hasty retreat as a pair of lesser Kungwans gave chase. "Thanks," Bjorn yelled. He turned his attention back to the Kungwan alpha, which now rose, shaking its head and growling. The Kungwan charged again, but this time, Bjorn was prepared. He sidestepped the attack, ducking as the creature barreled past, narrowly missing him. The monster continued forward, crashing into a nearby boulder with a thunderous crash. The rock shattered into pieces as the creature smashed through, sending shrapnel flying. Bjorn winced, raising a hand to shield his face from the debris. His gaze flicked around, scanning his surroundings. The battle between the Seraphidae and the Kungwan had moved elsewhere, and they were now isolated within the rocky terrain. He glanced up to the sky, and a grimace of annoyance crept upon his features. He called out to Th''maine, but the Arcanist was preoccupied with a different group of Kungwan. Cursing inwardly, he returned his attention to the Kungwan alpha, which had recovered and now fixed its attention on him once more. The monster charged again. Bjorn braced himself, readying his blade. As the beast drew near, he leaped, letting loose a powerful swing at its throat. His attack struck true, slicing into its flesh, and the creature roared in agony as blood sprayed from its neck. But Bjorn''s strike did little damage, and the wound healed as quickly as it had opened. "Dammit!" he hissed in frustration. The Kungwan snarled, swiping at him. He dodged back, but the monster anticipated his movements and knocked him to the ground with a powerful kick. Bjorn rolled across the earth, coming to a stop on his back. His vision swam as he blinked the dirt from his eyes, trying to clear his sight. The world spun, and his thoughts grew clouded, but he forced himself back to his feet, steadying his body with his sword. The monster bore down on him, its maw gaping wide. Flames flared from within as it inhaled, preparing to incinerate him. In desperation, Bjorn used his Hersir ability, Shield of the North, summoning a spectral shield of ice and wind. The shield surrounded him in a swirling vortex of elemental energy, protecting him from the Kungwan''s flames. The beast''s breath enveloped him, but the barrier held strong, deflecting the searing heat. As the flames subsided, Bjorn used the opportunity to move closer to the beast, driving his sword into the monster''s midsection, stabbing at its gut. He twisted the blade as he ripped it out, tearing open the creature''s insides. Blood gushed from the wound, but the monster simply shrugged off the injury. The wound closed, and the creature turned to face him once more. Bjorn growled in frustration as the creature attacked. He managed to parry the blows, but the monster kept pressing the attack, forcing him on the defensive. He cursed as he barely evaded an oncoming strike, rolling aside to escape its clutches. Things were looking grim, and Bjorn considered retreat. The Seraphidae that he sought to assist had already perished, and he needed to focus on ensuring his own survival. However, he noted that the others were embroiled in their own fights, and if the Kungwan alpha was left unchecked, it might decimate them as they fared with their own foes. "Curse me and my noble heart," he grumbled, readying his blade once more. Defeating the Kungwan alpha by himself was an insurmountable task, even for one as skilled as him. All he could do was to keep its attention for as long as possible until backup arrived, and hopefully, a combined effort by everyone present would bring the monster down. He silently prayed to Ebonheim that she and Calyxia would arrive sooner rather than later. He eyed the monster''s injuries as he blocked another barrage of attacks. He focused on its weaknesses, searching for any avenue of victory, but nothing presented itself. His body ached from the exertion, and exhaustion threatened to overtake him. Desperation set in, but Bjorn did his best to push down the panic creeping within his mind. He channeled his experience as a veteran soldier and calmed himself. His muscles tensed as he readied for the next strike. As the beast launched another volley of claws, Bjorn held his ground, swatting aside one blow, and then another. Then, in an unexpected move, the Kungwan alpha spun around, smacking his armored body with a powerful backswing. The force of the strike hurled him through the air. He hit the ground and tumbled over, slamming into the base of a nearby cliffside. Dazed, his vision blurred and his ears rang. He groaned and lifted his head, squinting in the direction of the beast. Its shadow loomed over him as it approached. Time seemed to slow as the beast loomed overhead, preparing to deliver the killing blow. He willed his aching body to move, but all his strength had left him. This is how I die...he mused as a feeling of helplessness overtook him. How pitiful. Just as the Kungwan was about to land the final strike, a blinding flash of golden light washed passed his head, striking the Kungwan alpha in the face and causing it to stagger. The monster cried out in pain as the beam burned through its flesh, leaving a scorched, cauterized hole in its wake. The monster teetered on its feet, clutching at its face. It stumbled back, flailing wildly, striking the rocky terrain in a rage. Bjorn took advantage of the distraction to regain his composure. He slowly staggered upright, leaning on his sword as support. The world still spun, but his senses were returning. He turned to see a lithe figure in a white dress jumping over him, using his head as a springboard to vault over his form and land deftly on the other side. Bjorn blinked and rubbed his eyes, squinting to focus on the new arrival''s face. His eyes widened, and then he breathed a sigh of relief. There was no mistaking her iridescent silver hair and earthen-toned skin, nor the divine aura she exuded. "You''re late," he remarked, grinning wryly. "Fashionably late, you mean," Ebonheim replied without looking back. She placed one hand on her hip while the other formed a thumbs-up gesture. "Of course," he said, nodding. His lips curled up into a small, tired smile. "Glad you made it." "After all this, you and the others will get a well-deserved scolding from me. I was the only one supposed to get involved in this war, and yet I see you fools in the thick of it as well." She shook her head, finally looking back at him with a soft smile. "But...you''ve fought bravely. I''m here now, so leave the rest to me." Chapter 76: The Kungwan War, Blaze of Glory Ebonheim turned to the Kungwan alpha, her smile vanishing, replaced by a stern glare. The monster stopped flailing and shook itself, recovering from the Essence Bolt she shot in the face. Its damaged eye began to regrow, healing just like all its other wounds. It took a step toward her, and Ebonheim flicked her wrist, conjuring an Ebon bow in her right hand. Her Divine Sight kicked in, analyzing the creature in an instant. [Race] Kungwan [Sub-Type] Alpha [Health] 440/440 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 30; Ranged Attack 24; Physical Defense 30; Arcane Defense 27; Divine Defense 24; Damage 40-48 Kinetic (Claw), 52 Kinetic (Bite); Block 27; Evasion 19 [Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Expert) +12 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 20 (Kinetic), 12 (Fire, Cold, Acid, Electric); Regenerate 60 Health every 10 seconds; Fire Blast (40-50 Fire damage) Ebonheim stared at the notification and frowned. Great, so this monster had inherited the powers of a Regenerator and a Flamecaller inside the body of a Titan? This thing was essentially the strongest, toughest version of the entire race. She let out a short huff, taking aim with her bow. An arrow composed of divine energy manifested between her fingers, ready to be fired. [Health] 612/612 [Essence] 98/680 [Divine Aura] 127/300 Despite her attempt at bravado, she was still tired from the previous battle, and she was low of Essence again. The only way she would defeat this Kungwan alpha was if she threw caution to the wind and used every last ounce of power she had to annihilate the creature swiftly to overwhelm its regeneration. The question was, how? Her most efficient option was to barrage the monster with her Enchanted Essence Bolts and chip at the creature''s health bit by bit through its regeneration, but at the same time, wouldn''t be able to afford to waste time evading its attacks and repositioning to shoot another salvo. It would eventually become a game of attrition, and she wasn''t confident she could last that long. Seemingly sensing her weariness, the Kungwan alpha let loose a terrifying roar, and charged toward her, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris as it ran. Ebonheim released a breath as she relaxed her posture. "I could really use a vacation after this," she said, releasing her arrow. The projectile tore through the air, slamming into the creature''s chest. The monster responded by spitting a jet of flame at her. She ducked, dodging the incoming blast by mere centimeters. Her second shot missed, bouncing harmlessly off the ground near the monster''s foot. She cursed under her breath, taking aim again. The Kungwan alpha slammed into her with the force of a battering ram, knocking her backward. She flipped through the air before landing in a crouch, narrowly avoiding another stream of fire breath. She dashed to the side, rolling under a swiping claw, and jumped, using the creature''s leg to springboard into the air. Her third shot connected, scoring another hit, but again, the monster''s wounds began to heal rapidly. Ebonheim landed several meters away from her adversary and fired off another shot, scoring another hit. Her thoughts raced as she attempted to formulate a plan, but none came. How could she defeat it in her current condition? What method could she use to eliminate it in one fell swoop? Ebonheim continued firing her divine arrows, each shot landing true as she pelted the monster relentlessly. Her efforts succeeded in slowing the monster''s approach, but the creature stubbornly continued toward her, undeterred. The Kungwan alpha closed the gap between them, lashing out with its claws, attempting to tear into her. Ebonheim was slow to react, her fatigue sapping her speed and reaction time. Sparks flew as its claws connected with her aura. [Divine Aura] 101/300 The barrier deflected the blow, but the impact caused her to lose her balance. She tottered back, falling onto the ground, narrowly avoiding being trampled as the creature stampeded forward. The monster turned, stomping around and lashing out with its claws. Ebonheim scrambled backward on her hands and knees, narrowly avoiding each blow as she regained her footing. She leapt, jumping onto the monster''s back steadying herself between the bony spines that jutted from its shoulders, and shot her remaining two charges of Essence Bolts point-blank at the back of its head. The attacks detonated on impact, searing through its flesh and leaving twin charred craters in its skull. The Kungwan alpha shrieked and writhed, the pain of its wounds finally taking their toll. It flung itself violently, attempting to dislodge her from her perch. Ebonheim held on to its spines, doing her best to stay balanced on the thrashing beast. As she clung to the monster''s back, she funneled her Essence into the Elemental Keystone within her to activate her Flamegale Slash, fusing fire and air. [Essence] 88/680 A blade of roaring fire wrapped in a whirlwind extended from her free hand, and she stabbed the monster where her previous attack landed. She twisted the fiery blade inside the wound, and then ripped it out, leaving a burning, smoldering hole in its wake. The Kungwan alpha shrieked again, spinning around in a frenzy before launching itself towards a wall in an attempt to smash her, but she managed to jump off. As she did, she stretched her palm towards the monster, unleashing a Frostwind Gust attack at close range. The combination of frost and air magic erupted from her hand, smothering the creature in a sphere of icy winds and frozen crystals. [Essence] 78/680 It writhed and roared in agony as its body endured a series of sudden, drastic changes in temperature. From the burning heat of Ebonheim''s flame to the freezing cold of her frost, the creature''s skin split and peeled away, revealing raw, blistered flesh beneath. It slammed into the wall head-first, the impact stunning the beast momentarily. Ebonheim rolled across the ground as she landed, the momentum carrying her to a stop. She glanced up, watching as the Kungwan alpha pried itself from the wall, its body encased in a layer of hoarfrost. Her Divine Sight indicated that the beast''s health was just over half health, but its regeneration persisted. Not good. She was low on Essence, her Divine Aura was almost depleted, and her stamina was nearly drained. At least she was still uninjured, so she could convert her Health to keep her Essence flowing. It would be a risky tradeoff since her barrier was so close to fading, but she needed to stay on the offensive to keep the pressure on her opponent. If only there was a way to replenish her Divine Au¡ª Her eyes widened, and she cursed. That''s right, she had forgotten! The power she recently picked up for herself when she saw it listed during the Divine Auction¡ªAura Inversion! [Name] Aura Inversion [Effect] This ability swaps the percentile of your remaining health with your Divine Aura''s. [Target] Self [Duration] Instant [Cost] 40 Essence She was an idiot. Why didn''t she remember earlier? It wasn''t too late to rectify that mistake. It should still be enough for her to make this final push and deal with the Kungwan alpha. A flash of inspiration crossed her mind, and an idea formed. There was one other way to overwhelm the Kungwan''s alpha''s regeneration and durability without having to win a battle of attrition. Ebonheim concentrated and visualized the effects she desired: first, she needed to convert just enough of her Health to replenish a bit of Essence, then she''d use Aura Inversion to swap her remaining Health with her Aura''s to reinforce her defenses. If things went right, her barrier would be reinforced enough to resist the Kungwan''s attacks long enough for her to land a decisive, devastating strike. But first, her aura needed to get hit one more time. Its health needed to be a bit lower before her plan could work. She chortled internally at the thought of making herself deliberately vulnerable. It certainly wasn''t something she normally would do, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She waited for the right moment, and then taunted the monster. "Come on, is that all you got?! Hit me already!" Her provocation worked, and the Kungwan alpha charged once more, snarling in anger. Ebonheim smirked. As expected, the monster fell for the bait. She braced herself for the impact, holding out her arms to steady her posture. The monster reached her position and swung one of its forelimbs, striking her squarely in the chest. The force sent her flying through the air, but her barrier held firm. [Divine Aura] 74/300 Ebonheim crashed to the ground, sliding along the dirt and mud. She allowed the impact to carry her further until she collided with a large boulder, halting her flight. She took a moment to gather herself and checked her status to verify her progress. Perfect. Time to put her plan in motion. [You are allowed to convert Health into Essence at a ratio of 3:1] [Conversion initiated] [Health] 612/612 -> 312/612 [Essence] 78/680 -> 178/680 [Aura Inversion activated] [Essence] 138/680 [Health] 51% [Divine Aura] 25% [Swapping health percentile...] Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. [Health] 25% [Divine Aura] 51% [Health] 153/612 [Divine Aura] 153/300 She expended half her Health to replenish her Essence, and then switched out her Aura with the remainder, strengthening her barrier with her Health. An intense rush of pain surged through Ebonheim''s body as her Aura and Health swapped. Her muscles tightened, her joints throbbed, and her bones creaked. She gritted her teeth, enduring the agony as her body adjusted to the transformation. She stood, shaking off the discomfort. Her Divine Aura flashed brightly as the barrier''s health returned to half strength, covering her in a shroud of shimmering light. Ebonheim walked slowly back towards the Kungwan alpha, drawing Essence to use the power she had only used once before. [Essence] 88/680 [Activating Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank II)] [Name] Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank II) [Effect] Shoots an arrow of Essence that deals 150 divine and 150 fire damage to the target. Bypasses 25 Damage Reduction. Has a 20% chance of instantly destroying dark and corrupted creatures. [Range] 120 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] Instantaneous [Cost] 50 Essence [Requirement] Ebon Bow equipped. Can only be used when the caster''s health is below 30%. Her iridescent hair flowed wildly in the breeze, her skin glowing with a radiant light. The power within her surged, gathering around her hands and forming an arrow of pure, crackling energy. She drew back the bowstring, the arrow growing brighter and hotter, the heat emanating from her fingertips and singeing her sleeves. She aimed for the Kungwan''s chest, the creature''s heart, and let the arrow fly. The Blazing Essence Bolt soared through the air, streaking a path of fiery light in its wake. The air and ground around the trajectory ignited, scorching the earth in a blazing trail. The shot connected with the Kungwan''s torso, exploding in a brilliant conflagration. A deafening boom thundered across the marshlands, sending shockwaves rippling through the terrain. The explosion engulfed the Kungwan, immolating it in a swirling inferno. The creature howled in pain as the divine flames devoured its body. It struggled desperately to extinguish the mystical fire, flailing wildly in an attempt to stifle the blaze, but to no avail. One shot wasn''t enough. [Essence] 38/680 Ebonheim gathered more Essence for one last, massive attack. A torrent of energy swirled around her, enveloping her in a storm of multicolored light. She drew back the string, manifesting another Blazing Essence Bolt, larger and brighter than the previous one. The Kungwan alpha continued to struggle against the fires, but its struggles began to wane as the flames weakened the monster, its flesh burning away to expose the blackened, charred skeletal structure underneath. Ebonheim took aim and unleashed her final attack, the massive flaming arrow whizzing through the air toward her target. [Critical Hit] The arrow exploded upon impact, vaporizing the monster in a devastating, cataclysmic burst. The eruption consumed everything in its vicinity, engulfing the clearing and sending debris flying in every direction. The force of the blast tore through the surrounding landscape, leaving nothing in its wake but scorched earth and smoldering ash. Bjorn raised a hand to shield his eyes from the bright flare. He watched in awe as the fiery tempest raged, sweeping across the land and evaporating the nearby marsh waters in its wake. The heat and the blast wave buffeted his body, yet he felt oddly soothed, as though he stood amidst the warmth of a comforting summer night, not the blazing furnace of destruction that burned in front of him. And as suddenly as the phenomenon arrived, it subsided. The raging inferno disappeared, leaving only a barren patch of smoldering ground and a crater where the Kungwan Alpha once stood. Bjorn blinked, stunned speechless by the spectacle. He gazed at Ebonheim, who stood tall amongst the destruction. Her skin glowed with a pale, ethereal light, her hair fluttered gently in the warm, lingering air, and her eyes shone with a radiance as bright as the sun. "About time," she stated, wiping sweat from her brow. She gave a huff and marched back to where Bjorn rested. She smiled softly as she knelt down beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Can you stand?" Bjorn grunted, rising to his feet with her help. "Aye," he confirmed, "though a bit sore." He bowed his head and chuckled. "That was impressive. And inspiring, even." "Mm. Yes, well, you know how it is." Ebonheim dusted off Bjorn''s armor and inspected him. "You look terrible." "Haha, thanks." Bjorn replied drily. He leaned against his sword, his arms trembling as he tried to remain standing. "You''ve really come a long way, Ebonheim. To think just two years ago, you fled from a lesser Kungwan, but now...now you''re felling these monsters like wheat in a field during harvest." He offered her a smirk, though his voice still sounded hoarse. Ebonheim chuckled lightly and returned the smirk. "I''ve still a ways to go, but...yes, I''ve learned a few things since then. I suppose my training has paid off." Her smile fell slightly, her expression becoming more solemn. "Bjorn...what are you and the others doing here? You weren''t supposed to get involved in this conflict. I told you I''d handle it." Bjorn raised both palms placatingly and shook his head. "You left before I could tell you that the Kungwans may have some means of acquiring host bodies to infect for their brood. So, I decided to assemble a team to investigate the matter...and, well, we found a gateway that abducted people from across the realm and transported them within the abode of a dragon." Ebonheim''s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Gateway? Abduction? Dragon?! What¡ª?" She cut herself off as the sounds of battle continued to echo through the nesting ground. Bjorn furrowed his brow as he stared into the distance. "Let us go lend aid. I''ll explain everything later."
The last of the Kungwan forces fell quickly as the party fought side by side with the Seraphidae, and by the end, the Kungwan nest fell silent. The sun dipped below the horizon, its crimson rays painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. Serrandyl plopped on the ground and sprawled herself on a rock, reclining in an exaggerated manner. Lira sighed, her shoulders drooping as she trudged over to take a seat next to Serrandyl. Th''maine slumped against his staff, catching his breath, while Bjorn leaned against a boulder and crossed his arms, observing the aftermath. The Seraphidae milled about, tending to their injured. They helped one another carry their fallen comrades away from the battlefield and laid them down on a nearby hilltop to receive proper care. Others carried weapons and armor from the fallen Kungwans and proceeded to distribute them among themselves. Ebonheim surveyed the damage, sighing heavily. Her eyes scanned over each body that the Seraphidae tended to, but she averted her gaze, unable to look at their faces for long. It stung her to see so many casualties. If she had agreed to have her villagers fight alongside the Seraphidae, maybe there wouldn''t have been as many deaths. But then again, she also couldn''t bear the idea of losing anyone from her village in this war either. It was a conundrum, and she felt selfish for even thinking about the consequences of her choice. Still, she owed the Seraphidae a debt for taking on the task of purging the Kungwan threat. She spotted Calyxia speaking with the battle seer Ophis near the remains of the Kungwan alpha. Their eyes locked, and Calyxia motioned for Ebonheim to join them. Ebonheim nodded, glancing back at Bjorn and the others. "Wait here," she instructed. "I''m going to check on things with Calyxia." Bjorn merely raised a thumb and waved her off. Ebonheim approached Calyxia and Ophis, her gaze moving back and forth between the two. Calyxia gestured towards the Seraphidae battle seer, who inclined his head respectfully. "The Seraphidae owe you our gratitude, goddess Ebonheim. We are grateful for your aid. Without it, I fear this battle may not have ended as favorably for us as it did," he declared. Ebonheim shook her head, waving off his appreciation. "Please, there''s no need to thank me. My role in this was minor. All the credit goes to you and your kin...and Calyxia as well." Calyxia shrugged and chuckled. "I''ve eradicated the all pods that stored the bodies in metamorphose, so no more broodlings shall threaten the region. If there are still stragglers left along the outskirts, the Seraphidae scouts can deal with them. The important thing is that the Kungwan threat has been dealt with, once and for all." "Indeed," Ophis chimed in, nodding. "We will conduct a thorough sweep through the surrounding regions and ensure every last one of those foul beasts is disposed of." Ebonheim glanced over her shoulder to where Bjorn and the others waited patiently. She turned her attention back to Calyxia and Ophis, a question lingering at the tip of her tongue. "Do you two know anything about a gateway that could transport people into Kelzryn''s lair?" Ophis and Calyxia exchanged glances. The Seraphidae battle seer shook his head while Calyxia narrowed her eyes. "What exactly do you mean by that, Ebonheim?" Calyxia asked, slithering down to meet Ebonheim at eye-level. "Care to elaborate?" "I actually don''t have all the details. It''s best to ask Bjorn and the others about it, so follow me." Ebonheim replied, walking back to where she had left Bjorn. Ophis and Calyxia followed closely behind her. Bjorn, noticing the two approaching him, pushed himself away from the boulder and stepped forward, meeting Calyxia halfway. "A pleasure to finally meet you, lord Calyxia," he said, extending a hand in greeting. Calyxia narrowed her eyes, her tail swaying back and forth. She regarded Bjorn coolly. "Likewise. Ebonheim mentioned that you might have knowledge of a strange gateway of sorts." Bjorn nodded. "It''s rather complex to explain, so let me start from the beginning," he explained. "There''s a gateway of sorts within the dragon''s lair not far from here. I''m sure you know of whom I speak of...the dragon Kelzryn. Through this gateway, the Kungwans have been getting their victims. A magical artifact that powers the gateway links Kelzryn to it¡ª" "You''ve seen Kelzryn?!" Calyxia cut him off. Her eyes widened and she slithered closer to Bjorn, grabbing his arm. The snakes atop her head hissed and bared their fangs. Serrandyl and the rest of the party backed away, startled by her reaction. Bjorn nodded, unfazed by the snakes'' threatening behavior. "Yes, we''ve come across a device in his lair. The device itself isn''t anything to sneeze at¡ªa massive structure capable of trapping the dragon and sucking his life essence out of him to power itself. There''s a portal in another chamber that transports victims from across the realm to the lair where...I suspect a Kungwan awaits at certain intervals to implant their spawn." Calyxia released her grip on Bjorn''s arm, leaning back slightly. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes momentarily before opening them again. "You mean to tell me that a being as ancient as Kelzryn has been imprisoned within his own lair?" "Aye, so it would seem," Bjorn confirmed. "We believe he was captured by someone¡ªor something¡ªa long while ago. His presence is needed for the gateway to function, but we can''t for the life of us figure out how to free him without causing harm to ourselves or him. The contraption is unlike anything I''ve ever seen, even among the Magitech that Artificers of Dhunmirstadt use." Th''maine stepped forward, holding up his hand. "If I may speak, lord Calyxia, the dragon asked us to retrieve you. He claims that you, out of all the denizens of the Eldergrove Valley, are the only one who can assist him in his liberation." Calyxia narrowed her eyes, the corners of her lips curling downward into a frown. She stared intently at Th''maine for several moments, before shaking her head and sighing heavily. "Well, this is... quite a conundrum," she murmured. "I must admit, I didn''t expect such an outcome, but there''s no time to waste. If what you say is true, then it would explain why the Kungwan have been increasing their numbers at such an alarming rate." She glanced over to where the battle seer stood patiently. "Ophis, finish up the cleanup operations here." "It shall be done," Ophis declared, giving her a curt nod. "Good." Calyxia turned back to face Bjorn and the rest of his group. "Now then, lead the way. Ebonheim, you''re coming as well." Ebonheim blinked in surprise but complied without question. There was no way she was going to let Bjorn and the others go off into the dragon''s lair by themselves again now that she was aware of the situation¡ªespecially when Calyxia was present. Bjorn nodded. "Then we make for Kelzryn''s lair at once." He beckoned to Lira and Serrandyl. "Let''s move out, you two." "Coming," Serrandyl groaned, lazily getting off the rock she rested on. She stretched her arms overhead and cracked her neck loudly. Lira followed suit, springing to her feet and jogging after Bjorn, and Th''maine hobbled on after her. Ebonheim trailed behind. A mixture of anticipation and apprehension filled her mind. Bjorn and the others were still going to get an earful from her for directly taking part in the war in the first place. But now they were going to get even more of an earful for deciding to venture in a dragon''s lair as if it were a simple stroll through the woods! What were they thinking?! What group of fools goes into the lair of a legendary being like a dragon on a whim? Sure, they had a reason to go in, but things could have ended up going terribly wrong, and they could have been killed! Or worse yet...eaten. Ebonheim sighed heavily, shaking her head slowly. If it wasn''t for the Akashic System alarming her with a quest to save Bjorn''s life earlier, the Kungwan alpha would have slain him. A vein twitched in her temple as she watched Bjorn march into the forest ahead, and the others trailed behind him. When all this was over, she was going to give them a stern talking to! For now, she kept her complaints to herself. There was one more pressing matter to deal with first... They were off to save the dragon. Chapter 77: The Kungwan War, Saving the Dragon Part I The air turned colder, the sibilant echo of dripping water serenading their arrival into Kelzryn''s main chamber. The vast expanse of the cavern stretched out before them, its darkened recesses shadowing a heart of pure, radiant blue. Ebonheim''s breath caught, her eyes transfixed upon the bound colossal form of Kelzryn. His scales gleamed like polished sapphire, a stark contrast against the blackened iron and glowing Magitech that imprisoned him. The expanse of his cerulean wings extended across the length of the cavern walls, flanked by chains and metal braces. Each limb was shackled in place, the steel tendons strained taut against the weight of their burden. At the center of his chest lay a cavity, hollowed out and wired with an array of intricate conduits and devices. Beneath the latticework of cabling and conduits lay an orb of pulsating energy. It cast an azure light upon the cavern floor, the surface shimmering and swirling with a constant ebb and flow of energy. Metallic cables and wires snaked through the stonework, connecting the orb to the array of gears and mechanisms that lined the outer circumference. They turned and whirred, sending vibrations through the chamber floor, the cacophony echoing off the cavern walls. The tang of a storm''s breath permeated the air, along with the scent of damp rot and the mustiness of wet rock. A fine mist swirled through the chamber, collecting in small pools at the base of the rocky outcrops. The light from the orb danced and reflected across its surface, casting rippling shadows across the cavern walls. Even in such a subdued state, Kelzryn''s sheer size dwarfed the entire assembly, the fine details of his musculature and structure visible from where they stood. His neck extended gracefully upward, its curved lines accentuated by the flow of his scales. Calyxia grimaced, her eyes widening as she observed the dragon''s imprisonment. "So, this is what has become of Kelzryn?" she whispered, more to herself than to anyone in particular. "To think...he''s been bound and enslaved to his own lair..." Kelzryn stirred, his eyes fluttering open, revealing a single, stormy grey eye ringed in golden yellow. His pupil narrowed to a vertical slit as he gazed upon the newcomers. A deep, sonorous voice resounded in their heads. Calyxia flinched at the sound of his voice reverberating in her mind. She steeled her nerves and lifted her head high. "It has been quite some time, Kelzryn," she responded. "However, I can''t say the circumstances in which we''ve reunited are ideal." The dragon let out a soft rumble from his chest, shifting slightly in his bindings. He gave his wings a feeble flap, but the shackles held firm. Calyxia let out a weary sigh. "How long has it been since you were bound like this? What happened to you?" Kelzryn let out a ragged chuckle, his breath wheezing through his nostrils. Calyxia shook her head. "A foolhardy decision, to be sure. Even for you, Kelzryn. Did you not consider the risks?" Kelzryn shifted his gaze from Calyxia to Ebonheim, who stood quietly to one side, listening intently to their exchange. His eyes seemed to bore through her, and she shuddered involuntarily. Calyxia''s mouth curved into a crooked smile, and she glanced over at Ebonheim. "Allow me to introduce her: Ebonheim. She''s the patron deity of a tiny settlement of humans known as the village of Ebonheim. Her domain lies north of yours and borders Elmsworth''s territory." Kelzryn narrowed his eye, scrutinizing Ebonheim with renewed interest. "Wait, what?!" Ebonheim''s eyes widened. She wasn''t prepared to hear this. Wasn''t Calyxia supposed to be the only one who could help in this situation? She''d hoped to stay in the background and only serve as a spectator to this whole ordeal while keeping an eye out for her people. Why did they just assume that she was also an expert in Magitech? If anything, she was barely qualified to repair a door hinge. Out of all the ones present, she would have been the second to last option to turn to for help on this matter¡ªright before Serrandyl. She had to object to this! Ebonheim shuffled uncomfortably under the dragon''s gaze. "Um...how, exactly?" she squeaked. "I don''t even know the first thing about Magitech...or any Arcane, really. I''m not like a scholarly type. I just keep an eye on my villagers and occasionally give them advice¡ªsometimes bad¡ªon their endeavors. That''s about it. How about Th''maine here? He''s the wise, knowledgeable sage. Ask him, not me!" She gestured to Th''maine, who flinched and took a step back. "Now, wait just a moment," Th''maine protested, holding up his hands defensively. "I dabble in the arcane arts, but Magitech isn''t my area of expertise. I''m a scholar and researcher, not an Artificer. Asking me to fiddle with a contraption as complicated as this is akin to asking a sailor to perform surgery. Impossible, and likely to end in disaster." Serrandyl laughed in the background while hiding behind Lira''s back. Lira let out an audible sigh, rolling her eyes. "Not helpful!" she scolded. Kelzryn grunted in irritation, his gaze flickering back to Ebonheim. "He''s right, Ebonheim," Calyxia said, patting Ebonheim''s shoulder reassuringly. "I wouldn''t have recommended you to help with this if I didn''t think you could do it. Just try. Okay? It''s only a matter of time before one of us makes a misstep and sets off a trap. Or the contraption spontaneously combusts. I''m not particularly fond of the idea of having to conjure up a shield spell on the spot to protect the others. Do you understand?" "But¡ªbut¡ª!" Ebonheim sputtered, then gave Calyxia a dirty look. She hated to admit it, but Calyxia pulled a fast one on her. Was this the reason why Calyxia let Bjorn and the others lead her right to Kelzryn in the first place and also made her tag along? So that she would have an extra hand to rely on? Calyxia returned the dirty look with a cool stare. She smirked, tilting her head to the side innocently. "Aw, don''t be so stubborn, Ebonheim. Look, you may not be a Magitech specialist, but I''m sure you''ve got something unique about you, don''t you?" Ebonheim wanted to smack her silly, but she held her tongue, taking a deep breath before composing herself. "Okay, fine. I''ll try." Ebonheim grumbled reluctantly. "But you owe me big time for this, Calyxia. And I''ll only jump in if you all seem to be struggling and are out of ideas. Don''t blame me if this doesn''t work." Calyxia shrugged. "That''s fair. I can live with those terms." She slithered toward the Magitech apparatus, pausing to examine its inner workings. "Now then, let''s see what we''ve got here. Interesting. Very interesting."
As Calyxia sifted through the network of wires and cables, mumbling to herself as she examined them, Ebonheim walked over to where Bjorn, Th''maine, Serrandyl, and Lira were gathered. Bjorn and Th''maine remained quiet, observing the scene unfolding before them with a mix of interest and apprehension, while Serrandyl and Lira were discussing their current predicament. Serrandyl spoke up first, her gaze flickering over to Ebonheim. "Are you alright?" she asked. "You looked nervous back there." "No, I''m not. I''m completely out of my element here," Ebonheim admitted, groaning inwardly. Serrandyl let out a laugh. "Well, that makes two of us. I have no clue what''s going on either. This is so over my head, I swear." Bjorn snickered, rubbing the back of his head. "I can sympathize with the feeling. I''m a blacksmith by trade, not an Artificer or a scholar. The fact that I''m standing here surrounded by this much Magitech is already baffling, and I haven''t the faintest idea about how any of this works." Ebonheim nodded weakly. She glanced over to Th''maine, hoping he had any insight to offer, but he seemed more interested in observing Calyxia work. Th''maine leaned against his staff, stroking his beard contemplatively. "It''s a fascinating sight to behold," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Calyxia. "Her skill and deftness with these delicate mechanisms are astounding." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Ebonheim sighed. Great. They weren''t being very helpful either. She crossed her arms, looking back at Bjorn. Bjorn offered a sympathetic smile, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Listen, we''ll help you to the best of our abilities. If Calyxia is confident in your abilities, I''m sure we''ll manage. The four of us will do everything we can to support you. In the meantime, just try your best. Alright?" Ebonheim bit her lip, staring blankly at Bjorn. Try her best? Really? Bjorn, please! Et tu? He probably meant well, but she wished he phrased his words differently. She let out a defeated sigh. "Alright. I''ll...do my best. But I really hope that Calyxia can figure this all out on her own, or else we''re doomed. No pressure though, huh?" The words fell from her lips faster than she intended, and she regretted them instantly. She shouldn''t be burdening others with her concerns. She needed to put on a brave front and help them the best she could, no matter how out of her element she felt. She should be the one providing reassurance and encouragement, not the other way around! She straightened her back, offering Bjorn a sheepish smile. "Um, what I meant to say is...with Calyxia and I working together, it''ll only be a matter of time before we succeed." Bjorn opened his mouth as if he were going to object, but stopped. He nodded hesitantly. "Yes, I suppose so." Th''maine raised his eyebrows, peering over at Ebonheim. "Hmm, yes. Between Calyxia and yourself, I''m sure we''ll have nothing to worry about. If you require any assistance from me, I''ll do what I can, but I''m afraid I''m not well-versed in Magitech or its construction." "Yeah, we''re all useless here. But we''re here for you!" Serrandyl said enthusiastically. Lira merely shrugged, though she seemed to be in agreement as well. Ebonheim couldn''t help but chuckle at Serrandyl''s attempt to cheer her up. The mood seemed to lighten, and Ebonheim began to feel more optimistic. "Thank you all, I appreciate it." The five of them sat quietly for a short while, watching Calyxia study the Magitech apparatus with increasing concentration. She remained silent as she analyzed the different sections of the mechanism, trying to comprehend how each component functioned. Ebonheim noted how meticulous Calyxia''s inspection was as she made her way from section to section, scrutinizing the different conduits and cables. Her serpentine tail flicked in the air, and the serpents atop her head hissed in annoyance. She muttered to herself under her breath, the words muffled as she leaned in close to a particular node. Her eyes narrowed as she squinted, tracing a finger along a cluster of crystals. Lira, who had remained silent the whole time, spoke up, pointing out Calyxia''s growing frustration. "Seems like she''s getting nowhere, I''m guessing." Serrandyl groaned, slumping on the ground. "What''s taking her so long? I can''t believe we''re all sitting around watching her have a stare down with a hunk of Magitech." "Yes, it does appear like she''s at an impasse," Th''maine agreed, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Though I imagine deciphering such an ancient and advanced artifact is no easy feat." Kelzryn''s voice rang in their minds as he conversed with Calyxia. "A little bit." Calyxia traced a finger along a metallic coil. "The circuitry is extremely complex, even for someone of my caliber. I''m unable to ascertain its overall composition. Those beings that built this contraption were highly skilled in the art of Magitech. Unfortunately, I need more time to gather my thoughts. What do you make of this section here, Kelzryn?" Calyxia leaned closer, observing the section. "I see. Then there''s no way for us to separate you from this contraption without removing this node." Calyxia bit her lip. "Hmm..." After a while, Calyxia finally backed away from the Magitech apparatus and approached the group. She frowned, letting out an exasperated sigh. "It appears our attempts to free Kelzryn will be more challenging than we initially expected." "What seems to be the problem?" Ebonheim inquired, curious to hear the results of Calyxia''s observations. Calyxia folded her arms, frowning. "The good news is, there''s a way to free Kelzryn without risking his safety or killing him. The bad news is, that solution is complicated. I''m unable to identify the exact sequence of events required to successfully remove Kelzryn from his bindings. In essence, there are several possible outcomes if we tamper with this artifact carelessly. We might end up causing irreparable damage to both Kelzryn and the portal. In the worst-case scenario, the entire mountain may collapse." All five stared wide-eyed at her. The silence dragged on awkwardly while they processed her words. "Whoa. Well, that sounds ominous," Serrandyl uttered, her lips parting into a broad grin. "Does anyone else feel like we''re about to be buried alive?" Bjorn groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Don''t remind me," he muttered. "Right." Calyxia turned her attention to Ebonheim, who had been anxiously watching her from the side. "Kelzryn and I have hit a wall in our understanding of this contraption. Our combined knowledge will not be enough to solve this issue without spending years studying this device. But you possess the potential to provide the missing link to solving this conundrum. As humans are often fond of saying, a fresh perspective never hurts. Now, shall we get to work?" Ebonheim swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. She''d been dreading this moment. "Yes, let''s get started," she mumbled half-heartedly, following Calyxia towards the Magitech contraption. Bjorn, Th''maine, Serrandyl, and Lira all glanced at one another in confusion, unsure what to do next. They exchanged confused shrugs, silently waiting to see what would happen. Serrandyl shrugged and laid on the ground, propping her chin in her palms. "This should be good. I wonder how this will go." Lira plopped down beside Serrandyl. "Only one way to find out."
Calyxia directed Ebonheim to the outer perimeter of the Magitech apparatus. Ebonheim cautiously approached the machine, surveying its exterior. "Tell me what you notice about the overall design," Calyxia instructed, watching Ebonheim from the corner of her eye. "It''s...big," Ebonheim stated. She craned her neck as she gazed up at the towering metal frame. The gaping hole in the center seemed to swallow the light from the orb, shrouding it in darkness. Calyxia''s eye twitched. She resisted the urge to sigh loudly, instead clearing her throat and repeating herself. "What else?" Ebonheim gazed intently at the device, searching for something that stuck out to her. Everything seemed so foreign, however, and she was uncertain if there was anything of note to point out. She scanned the Magitech systematically, noticing small details about it as she did. The strange runes and glyphs etched along the side caught her attention. As she reached out to touch the intricate machinery, a feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu swept over her, and an inexplicable nostalgia tugged at the edge of her memories. Something familiar about these engravings. A memory long forgotten, a recollection she never had. It evoked a strong sense of recognition, yet she knew she had never seen them before. "These engravings. They seem...familiar, somehow." She stroked one of the glyphs lightly, her fingertips brushing across the cool metal. Her skin tingled where she touched the rune, a prickle of energy tickling her nerves. Ebonheim withdrew her hand quickly, startled by the sensation. Her eyes widened, her pupils dilating as she stared at the intricate designs. Calyxia narrowed her eyes, examining Ebonheim''s expression. "What is it? Have you noticed something?" "Yes. These runes. They look similar to something I''ve seen before. I don''t remember where or when, but..." Ebonheim paused, thinking hard. "And?" Calyxia coaxed. "I''ve seen this pattern somewhere," Ebonheim explained. Calyxia tilted her head to the side. "Is that so? You mean to tell me that you can read this ancient language, Ebonheim?" "I..." Ebonheim hesitated. The more she stared at the runic symbols, the more she became certain that she could comprehend them. Each time her eyes lingered on a rune that seemed so foreign to her, her gaze drifted to an adjacent rune that appeared to resonate within her. When she managed to decipher its meaning, the previous one she couldn''t comprehend now appeared to make sense to her. It''s as if a switch was flipped inside her head. Like an unseen veil that had been lifted, everything came into focus. It was as though a long-lost secret had slowly been revealed to her. She could see the logic behind the architecture of this complex machine¡ªHow the individual parts connected with one another, the pathways of energy flowing through them, and the means by which they interacted and complemented one another. Did the Akashic System grant her this knowledge? This epiphany? No. It couldn''t have. The familiar screens and messages she usually saw when she needed information never showed themselves to her. This was entirely her doing. Right? But how could that be? She focused on bringing forth her status screen with the intent to inspect herself. Maybe there was something about her that was different now. [Name] Ebonheim [Divine Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial) [Divine Rank] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage [Health] 363/612 [Essence] 276/680 [Passive Health Regen] 30 per hour [Passive Essence Regen] 34 per hour [Stats] INT 32, PER 31, RES 33, STR 19, AGI 32, END 23, CHA 25, MAN 8, WIT 13 [Combat Stats] Divine Attack: 31, Divine Defense: 27, Arcane Defense: 31, Physical Defense: 26, Melee Attack: 24, Ranged Attack: 30, Block: 30, Evasion: 30, Base Physical Crit Chance: 23%, Base Divine Crit Chance: 23% [Innate Abilities] Forest Stride; +50% Health; +50% Essence; Elemental Keystone (absorbed); Manifestation (Rank II); Demanifestation (Rank II); Divine Sight (Rank III); Domain Knowledge (Rank II); Domain Administration (Rank II) [Divine Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank II), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank III), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura (Rank II), Fecundity of Creation (Rank II), Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank II), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank IV), Forest¡¯s Call (Rank III), Tempest of the Grove (Rank III), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank III), Arboreal Stride (Rank III), Path of the Earthen Passage, Charm Animals (Rank II), Self-Regeneration (Rank II), Divine Aura (Rank I), Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank III), Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank III), Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank III), Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank III), Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank III), Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank III), Aura Inversion [Skills] A??????????k???????a??????????s??????????h?????i????????c??????????? ?????E?????????n?????g??????????i??????????n????e?????????e????r??????i??????n??????????g??????? (Master) +24, Athletics (Intermediate) +8, Awareness (Intermediate) +8, Craft: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Lore (Apprentice) Rank +2, Melee Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate) +8, Melee Proficiency: Dagger (Intermediate) +8, Ranged Proficiency: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Apprentice) +2, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Intermediate) +8, Investigation (Intermediate) +8, Bureaucracy (Novice) Rank +4 "Huh?..." She uttered to herself. A new skill appeared on her list of skills, but she never recalled learning it. Had she unlocked an innate skill this whole time? But it''s at a Master rank? Was that why everything seemed so familiar to her? And the name of the skill... Akashic...Engineering? Chapter 78: The Kungwan War, Saving the Dragon Part II Bjorn''s eyes moved from the shackled Kelzryn to Ebonheim, who was becoming increasingly engrossed in the Magitech device. From the stance she adopted, the furrow in her brows, and the concentration evident in her demeanor, Bjorn surmised that Ebonheim was venturing into territory both familiar and alien to her. Each component she touched seemed to draw her in further, like a moth to a flame. Something had changed in the way she behaved. Bjorn had never seen her so fixated on something before. The gears in her mind seemed to be turning, the wheels turning rapidly as she mulled over the puzzle before her. It reminded him of how he used to act whenever he attempted to unravel the secrets behind a particularly difficult problem he had come across during his early days as a blacksmith. Ebonheim''s eyes narrowed, and her lips began to move. At first, her words were but whispers, lost to the vastness of the chamber. But as Bjorn strained his ears, he caught fragments of what sounded like... jargon. Not the arcane terminology he heard Kelzryn and Calyxia exchange earlier, but something distinctly different. "Integrated circuit here...and this looks like a power relay. Hmm, there¡¯s too much resistance in this conduit. Maybe if I reroute the energy through these diodes, and then modulate the frequency... Ah! There¡¯s the primary circuit board, connecting the transistors and relays," Ebonheim muttered, touching the various components of the Magitech one after the other, reciting its function as she inspected them. "If I reroute the main signal through this secondary bus, it might decrease the load on the central core." Bjorn''s eyes widened as he listened to her speak. His gaze shot over to Th''maine and then to Serrandyl and Lira, who appeared equally dumbfounded by the change in Ebonheim''s behavior. Ebonheim continued her soliloquy, her hands now deep within the guts of the contraption, ¡°There¡¯s too much resistance in this conduit. Maybe if I reroute the energy through these diodes, and then modulate the frequency..." She suddenly paused, looking up with a flash of realization. "The binary system!" she exclaimed. "The energy flux can be modulated using binary computations. It¡¯s all zeroes and ones, off and on!" He turned to look over at Calyxia, who, from the bewildered look on her face, seemed to be equally surprised. She remained silent, leaning forward and intently listening to the Ebonheim as she prattled off nonsense to herself. Bjorn exchanged a puzzled look with Th''maine. "Is she speaking in some ancient tongue?" he whispered, scratching his beard. Th''maine, equally perplexed, responded, "No. It sounds technical, but not of any arcane sort I''ve heard. It''s as if... she''s channeling knowledge from another time or realm." Ebonheim continued her inspection, her voice gaining in confidence. "These look like cooling systems, probably for the quantum components. The photon emitters here must be what''s transferring Kelzryn¡¯s energy. If we isolate the diodes and desolder this junction..." Her hand moved across the surface of the Magitech and settled upon one of the metallic panels. Her fingers traced the lines, as though she were drawing the components with a pen and paper. A white light glowed from her fingertips, forming a ghostly outline of the panel, the diagrams appearing and disappearing with her every touch. ¡°The central processing unit... it seems to be interfacing with the core through a series of... bus bars? And there! The memory modules are over-clocked, feeding more data to the main matrix than it¡¯s designed for.¡± She paused, her expression contemplative. ¡°I need to decouple the power distribution system, isolate the primary circuits, and then reroute the energy flow through the secondary capacitors...¡± Calyxia watched her intently. She waited until Ebonheim''s mumbling subsided, the glow fading from her fingertips before she cleared her throat. "I''ve poured through hundreds of tomes written by the greatest scholars of the past three centuries. I''ve studied the most ancient and complex Magitech that mortals have ever created. Yet, the language you use to describe the functioning of this contraption is completely foreign to me. Is there a reason why you''re describing the Magitech like a star-gazing telescope?" Ebonheim blinked, breaking from her trance-like state. She gazed around, a flustered expression crossing her face as she realized where she was. "Huh? What was I..." Calyxia continued, her voice rising slightly. "Not only that, but the words you say are conveyed with the utmost confidence as though you have experienced using and working with these concepts before, which is impossible. I can recognize when a mage uses the art of illusion and I can discern when someone is using the language of enchantment, but what I witnessed here is neither. The words you use are not magical in nature. Yet, you seem to instinctively grasp the principles behind this ancient contraption and what makes it tick, even if you struggle to fully understand how. Care to explain, Ebonheim?" "Ah, um... It''s..." Ebonheim stammered, averting her gaze. Calyxia sighed. "Relax. I''m not angry. If anything, I''m impressed. I had a hunch that you may be of help, and I was right. But to this extent..." She looked over at Kelzryn. "What do you make of this?" Kelzryn let out a low rumble in response. His voice echoed in their heads. Kelzryn paused, his eyes glowing a darker shade of gold as he peered down at Ebonheim. Calyxia nodded in acknowledgment. "Don''t mind me," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Focus on figuring out what needs to be done. Take your time and do whatever you need to." "Uh... okay." Ebonheim turned back to the Magitech, biting her lower lip. She resumed her inspection, slowly pacing around the apparatus as her eyes traveled over each component. For the longest time, she scrutinized every detail, lingering on certain points longer than others. Her movements became more fluid, almost automatic, and the motions of her fingers traced the contours of the Magitech like those of a sculptor carving clay. Bjorn glanced at Th''maine, who now stared at Ebonheim with a deep frown. This was the first time he''d seen Th''maine this troubled. "Th''maine, is everything all right? What''s troubling you?" Bjorn asked. "Bjorn," Th''maine murmured. "What do you think of Ebonheim?" Bjorn was taken aback by the question. Why would he ask such an odd question now, of all times? He considered it for a moment. "Ebonheim? She''s doing well right now. Better than I expected, to be honest. She''s vanquished hordes of Kungwan by herself and I witnessed her slay the Kungwan alpha in single combat. She saved my life as well when the beast nearly devoured me. Her feats thus far should be sung and recorded in legends. What brings this up?" Th''maine shook his head. "That''s not what I''m referring to, Bjorn. What I meant is, what do you think of her origins?" Bjorn''s eyes widened and he shot a glance towards Calyxia and Kelzryn before glaring back at Th''maine. "This is not the place or time to discuss this, Th''maine," Bjorn warned, lowering his voice. "You should know better than to speak of her identity so casually in the presence of outsiders. Even Serrandyl and the Aslankoyash do not know how she came about. Do not forget, it is a closely guarded secret, and we are among strangers." Th''maine closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "I apologize, Bjorn. I misspoke. Forgive my foolish words and careless tongue. But I fear there may be more to this than meets the eye. There is something unusual about Ebonheim, and this incident has further reinforced my suspicions." Bjorn furrowed his brow, studying the old man''s countenance. Th''maine''s eyes held a shadow of deep concern and his posture was slumped as though he carried an invisible burden on his back. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "We''ll speak of this with the other elders some other time. For now, let''s watch over her," Bjorn assured him, patting him on the shoulder reassuringly. "Very well," Th''maine responded with a sigh, opening his eyes. The two of them shifted their focus back to Ebonheim as she worked.
The minutes turned to hours. Ebonheim¡¯s hands worked tirelessly, deftly handling components and manipulating the Magitech with a finesse that surprised even Bjorn. Occasionally, Ebonheim would step away to rest, confer with Calyxia and Kelzryn, and then resume her work. She seemed to be progressing with her efforts, despite the numerous setbacks and frustrations she encountered along the way. Calyxia assisted Ebonheim in the finer aspects of manipulating the Magitech. She would summon arcane tools to her and provide them to Ebonheim, which she''d use to dismantle the more complicated and dangerous sections of the apparatus. Ebonheim''s voice was steady as she spoke, "I can create a bypass channel for the energy flow, ensuring it doesn''t backfire on Kelzryn. But as I redirect it, you''ll need to dissolve each binding rune, one by one." Calyxia''s serpentine eyes gleamed, "A delicate task. We must be precise, synchronized. Let us begin." Serrandyl stretched her arms, letting out a yawn. She sauntered over to Bjorn, who glanced at her curiously. "I''m bored," she complained. "Where''s the action? I wish Ebonheim and Calyxia would hurry this up already." Bjorn shook his head. "Patience, young one. They have their work cut out for them, and it seems to be going well." "Hmph, if you say so." Serrandyl crossed her arms, pouting. They watched as Calyxia and Ebonheim labored to carefully extract a crystal from the Magitech apparatus. They maneuvered the shard through the maze of wires and conduits, their fingers glowing as they guided it through a series of filaments. When they finally managed to detach the gem from its socket, it floated in midair, suspended in place by the power emanating from Calyxia''s outstretched palm. She handed it to Ebonheim, who immediately went to work on the other crystals. From his restrained position, Kelzryn''s voice once again reverberated in their minds. Kelzryn¡¯s pulsating glow became steadier, the rhythm syncing with the reducing hum of the machine. Ebonheim''s brow furrowed in concentration, sweat forming on her temple. She carefully held the shards, murmuring something about "closed-loop systems" and "feedback mechanisms." Calyxia, her serpentine form shimmering with a green aura, chanted spells, countering the machine''s arcane defenses. Ebonheim spoke in a distracted tone. "I have to disconnect the energy couplings and remove the secondary nodes before we can continue. Calyxia, once those are severed, I need you to channel a steady stream of arcane energy here, into this junction. But it must be controlled, a modulation that resonates at this frequency." She showed Calyxia a series of symbols, runes that appeared to vibrate with power. Calyxia nodded, her face calm. "I understand as much as I need to perform the task, but don''t flood me with excessive details. I can adapt on the fly, but not if you deluge me with the specifics. I''d rather not implode the mountain, all right?" "Oh, right. Sorry," Ebonheim apologized, her cheeks flushing a rosy color. The duo continued with their task. Calyxia cast her spells while Ebonheim manipulated the Magitech to gradually sever the arcane bonds holding Kelzryn in place. Kelzryn''s breathing grew ragged, and the pulsating orb in his chest began to brighten. The machine responded to the combined efforts with an orchestra of hums, clicks, and whirs, as lights flashed in an unpredictable sequence. Kelzryn''s voice, strained and hopeful, echoed in their minds. "I''m trying! The framework of the containment field is too brittle and volatile," Ebonheim protested, her face dripping with perspiration. "Calyxia, how are you holding up? Can you handle the output?" "Don''t worry about me," Calyxia retorted, gritting her teeth. "Keep going." The atmosphere intensified, and the air thickened with the miasma of raw magic. Ebonheim''s hair billowed about in a windless space as the room lit up with brilliant flashes of light. The temperature rose, and the ground began to quake, dust falling from the ceiling. Bjorn''s eyes darted around the room, keeping a lookout for signs of imminent collapse. "Perhaps we should fall back?" Th''maine motioned for the others to gather around as he began uttering incantations for a spell. His voice barely audible over the commotion, he projected, "Be still, everyone! I''ll place a barrier spell over us." The group huddled together in a tight circle. Th''maine cast his shield around them, the barrier pulsing with a faint white light as his spell took effect. The sound and vibrations dampened, and they felt more secure in the center of the protective dome. Ebonheim''s voice resounded through the chaotic cacophony, "It''s working, I''m almost there!" "Quickly, do not falter!" Calyxia hissed through clenched fangs. Ebonheim''s hands glided gracefully over the Magitech apparatus. She concentrated on a large section near the center, a section housing a series of crystals interwoven with golden-plated conduits. She gingerly detached the cables from their sockets, connecting each with a tiny tube-shaped tool. Then, with a deep breath, she began twisting a knob protruding from the side, gradually rotating the tool in a circular motion. As she did, she repeated the process with each cable, continuing until all the connections had been made. With a final flick of her wrist, she removed the last cable. At first, nothing happened. But as she stepped away from the section, a current of arcane energy rushed through the wires, filling the tubes and causing them to glow. Bjorn saw the dragon strain against his constraints, and the machine''s mechanical whirring grew louder as a thunderous boom shook the cavern. The walls shuddered violently, causing the stalactites above to break free and crash downwards. Th''maine''s barrier flared brightly as a slab of rock plummeted down, slamming into its surface and bouncing harmlessly to the side. Another piece struck the barrier, and the barrier''s light dimmed. Ebonheim shouted, "Kelzryn, keep struggling! I''m almost there!" The Magitech apparatus let out a shrill whine as its energy flow fluctuated wildly. Her fingers flew over the controls. She flipped switches, tapped buttons, and adjusted levers, seemingly on instinct, adjusting the device with remarkable dexterity. The rumbling grew worse, and the ground cracked under their feet, spreading in spidery patterns across the floor. Ebonheim''s hair whipped about as she called out, "Calyxia, are you ready?" "As ready as I''ll ever be!" Calyxia replied. "Make the move!" Ebonheim''s hands danced across the control panel, inputting a complex string of commands. As she pressed a key, the lights on the console flared brightly, bathing her in a blinding glow. "NOW!" she shouted. Calyxia pressed her palms together, and her eyes shone with arcane power. Her serpents opened their jaws wide, and from their mouths issued beams of multicolored light that struck the binding runes and crystalline shards around the dragon''s form. All at once, the restraints shattered. The conduits lodged inside the cavity of the dragon''s chest broke free, releasing the amorphous ball of pure energy from within. It shot through the air, careening wildly towards Ebonheim. The blinding sphere collided with Ebonheim''s chest, absorbing itself into her body with a flash. The cave erupted in a maelstrom of violent light, and an intense wave of heat washed over the group. A powerful gust blasted outward from Ebonheim, throwing all within the cavern save for the dragon back with tremendous force. Ebonheim fell to her knees, and Kelzryn landed on his haunches, the clang of steel on stone ringing in the air. As the brightness subsided and the cavern stabilized, the group scrambled to their feet. Darkness settled in, only a few streaks of luminescent minerals scattered around providing any light. Bjorn rose unsteadily, shaking his head to clear his vision. "Is everyone all right?" Th''maine coughed and spat, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "I''m fine, just a little shaken. Are you hurt, Lira?" "Only a few bumps and bruises." She responded, brushing herself off. Serrandyl picked herself up, her hands over her feline ears. "Ow... my head...I''m seeing double." Calyxia lay nearby, unmoving. Lira rushed to her side, rolling her over gently. "She''s unconscious, but unharmed." "I''m all right," Calyxia croaked, blinking blearily as she sat up. "Just give me a moment to regain my senses..." "Ebonheim!" Bjorn yelled as he pushed himself off the ground. "Are you injured?!" There was no response. Th''maine conjured a ball of light, illuminating the surroundings. As the rest of them made their way toward Ebonheim''s prone figure, she stirred. The divine aura that always surrounded her faded, the light receding into her body. Her hair and clothes were tousled, and a trail of blood oozed from one nostril. Bjorn reached her side, crouching down and propping her body up with a hand. "Ebonheim, can you hear me? Wake up! Speak to us!" A web of azure veins formed around her skin, spreading from where the energy entered her body. They raced across her, an intricate latticework, coalescing around her chest. She gasped, her eyes snapping open, twin pools of unadulterated white. Her breaths came in short, shallow gasps. She coughed, splattering crimson onto his armor, and Bjorn winced. He grasped her hand, squeezing tightly. "Hold on, lass. Lira will tend to your wounds." Her head lolled limply to the side. Her eyelids drooped shut, and she collapsed into his arms, her body limp. Bjorn stared blankly at her still form. He shook her, calling her name repeatedly in a frantic tone. "Ebonheim? Ebonheim!" Her form shimmered before shattering into ephemeral motes of golden light that dispersed into the air. Bjorn gaped at the empty space where she''d been a moment before, his hands clutching at nothing. Chapter 78.5: What Lurks Beneath Three figures cloaked in billowing robes approached the gateway. The air around them crackled, sparks arcing between the three. A low hum emanated from the gateway as they approached, the runes etched into its surface glowing brighter as they drew near. The robed individuals paused before the portal, their hoods concealing their faces. One of the figures raised its arm, the sleeves of its robe falling back to reveal a metallic limb, segmented and jointed. An amalgamation of plates, rivets, and gears, the artificial arm gleamed in the ethereal glow of the chamber. The metal fingers twitched and flexed, as if testing their dexterity, before reaching out to the portal controls. The figure''s voice, deep yet devoid of inflection, echoed in the stillness. "The dragon has been freed from his confinement. The entirety of the Kungwan brood has been eliminated. Operations have halted at only thirty-five percent capacity due to interference from the natives. The prototype gateway must be secured before they arrive." The second figure spoke, its voice distorted and warped, "Ebonheim''s arrival has caused an anomaly within our calculations once more. She continues to exceed all projections. We will need to revise our models to account for this." "It matters not," the third figure answered in a sibilant hiss. "She is not yet at a stage where she would be capable of compromising our plans." "And if she becomes so?" the second figure inquired. "The necessary protocols have been put in place long before the Sidereals had expedited her awakening," the first figure replied. "Should the need arise, the fail-safe will be implemented." "Agreed," the third figure said, "the success of the security protocol during her intrusion within the facility provides further evidence of its viability. In the event we are unable to modify the parameters to compensate for her actions, we will have to invoke it." The third figure''s cloak rippled in agitation, "The Sidereals'' authority over the System exceeds ours. It will be...difficult...to alter her to our purposes. They have already integrated the Elemental Keystone into her being as a countermeasure. Its influence will hinder our ability to tamper with her directly." Stolen story; please report. "Necessity dictates compromise," the second figure countered, its voice wavering. "If the keystone''s interference hampers our operations, we must adjust accordingly." "Indeed. Her presence and abilities will prove useful to our objectives," the first figure stated. "She is not aware of the true nature of the System. We must ensure that this remains the case." The third figure tilted its head to the side, the movement unnatural and jerky. "To what extent will you allow her freedom? She remains an anomaly, a variable our calculations cannot predict. Eliminating her now would prevent future complications." The first figure remained silent, pondering the query. Finally, its shoulders moved in an imitation of a human shrug. "Your concerns are erroneous. Any misgivings you harbor must be dismissed. The System will ensure the course of events follow a predetermined path. There is nothing she can do to change this. The timeline has shifted forward from our predictions, but the end result shall remain the same." The second figure nodded in agreement, the folds of its cowl fluttering. "Her fate is sealed. It does not matter what actions she takes. She will fulfill her purpose regardless. To delay would be futile. All variables will be accounted for as long as we maintain control. However, our involvement should not be revealed until the critical juncture." "Then my concerns have been discarded. For now, let the puppet dance to her strings." The third figure let out a distorted laugh, its cackle echoing throughout the chamber. "Enough idle talk. Initializing emergency protocols. Prepare for extraction." The figure''s mechanical digits danced along the console. A series of lights blinked, and a soft chime sounded. The humming grew louder, and the portal''s runes glowed brightly. The three figures turned their backs to the gate, stepping away from the entrance. As the gateway''s resonance increased in frequency, the edges shimmered with a blue radiance. A thin line of energy traced its boundaries, widening as it spread from one side to the other. With a burst of energy, the portal expanded to encompass the entire chamber. The trio remained within the circle of energy, facing the portal as it grew larger and larger. In a flash, the gateway blinked out of existence, leaving only the echoes of the energy discharge hanging in the air. The portal''s absence left a dark stain where it had been, a reminder of its former presence. A breeze blew through the chamber, ruffling the robes of the three figures. The first figure lowered its head, its voice echoing in the emptiness. "The gateway''s location and coordinates have been updated. Its integrity and function have not been compromised. Let us go. Our presence here will be detected soon." The trio melted into the shadows, their forms swallowed by the darkness. Chapter 79: Story [You''ve acquired 10,000 Quintessence from absorbing draconic energy] [Your Health has been reduced to zero] [Your manifested form has been destroyed] [Your Divine Spark has resisted the effects of complete destruction] [You will revive at your point of origination in 30 days]
She gazed out over a sea of stars. Below her, the void stretched endlessly in all directions, the heavens wrapped in an endless darkness. Her form drifted aimlessly, floating on the currents of the ether. The vast expanse engulfed her, an ocean of glittering pinpricks against the pitch-black canvas. Where am I? There was no telling which direction she was headed, nor any way to distinguish the distance she moved. There were no points of reference in this boundless, unending space. Her mind struggled to comprehend her location, a foreign land devoid of sensation. No weight, no sound, no smells, no colors, no taste, no touch¡ªonly a serene silence. Ebonheim examined the substance beneath her feet. Or what she imagined her feet to be. What was this ground made of? It was neither soft nor hard, firm nor yielding. It seemed to be made of a multitude of particles, but they lacked mass and texture. They gave way beneath her like sand underfoot, yet when she tried to stand on them, she found her footing stable. She swiped at them with her hand, sending ripples through the particulates. She extended her arm and they flowed over her fingertips, clinging to her like sticky bits of ash. How did she get here? She didn''t remember entering the void, nor could she recall why she''d come here. Was she alone? Were there others with her? Her thoughts drifted back to her village, to her friends, to her people. Would she never return to them? Was she lost forever in this vast expanse? An icy chill swept over her. Fear crept into her mind. Alone. In the cold. In the dark. Lost. Abandoned. Forgotten. In the distance, a moon hung high overhead. Its silvery glow, dotted by pinpricks of shimmering lights, illuminated her surroundings. A small band of stars spiraled slowly around it, orbiting lazily as they revolved about its mass. It was beautiful. A lone sentinel watching over the boundless night. How long had the celestial body been here? How many eons had it been shining in this spot, gazing silently at the universe below? Had it been abandoned like she felt herself to be, left behind to drift through eternity? Ebonheim raised her hand to her face. What am I? She examined herself, turning her appendages over in front of her, inspecting them. A limb¡ªa hand, fingers¡ªconnected to an arm, a shoulder. She could see them, but she couldn''t feel them. Could she move them? Ebonheim willed her arm to stretch outward. It obeyed. She waved it, and the space around her distorted, distending like ripples on water. The movement of the liquid-like fabric seemed to bend towards her, as though drawn to her being. A flash of blue streaked through the sky. It passed by her, leaving a trail of shimmering dust in its wake. Then another, followed by a third, and a fourth. The streaks raced across the horizon, their numbers growing in intensity and frequency as more and more joined the spectacle. Soon, the entire expanse was filled with twinkling streaks of blue, the tails of thousands upon thousands of shooting stars. The waves of particles she stood upon spread out, parting like water around her. She stood on a floor of clear space, the starscape above her reflected underneath her in perfect symmetry. Why was she here? How did she arrive? Where should she go? These questions plagued her, yet she found herself unable to answer them. She tried to conjure images in her head, memories of her life, but all that surfaced were fragments¡ªimperfect, incomplete, indecipherable. A figure appeared beside her, shimmering into existence. It wore a cloak draped over its form, concealing its face. It stood motionless, staring out across the horizon. "Who are you?" she asked, unsure if the words even came from her. No answer came from the cloaked figure. It remained silent and motionless. "Can you show yourself to me?" Again, it refused to acknowledge her, standing impassively with its back turned to her. Its hood obscured any details of its features. She continued to observe the entity in silence. After a while, it began to shift its stance. The folds of the robe parted to reveal a mechanical hand. The metal digits flexed, the joints bending and straightening smoothly. The hand stretched out, pointing in a direction. It spoke, the words echoing loudly in her ears, "Look." The view changed. Stars streaked by her as if she were moving, flying past at a fantastic speed. They whirled around her, a kaleidoscope of light and color, spinning wildly as her surroundings blurred. Then, all at once, everything stopped. A vast world stretched before her, its surface blanketed in lush greenery. Vast oceans spanned the globe, dotted with islands and continents. Clouds covered the land masses, swirling in great bands across the surface. The vista before her transformed as the world raced past. The clouds parted, revealing a city of towering structures, its buildings gleaming in metallic brilliance. Masses of people thronged the streets, bustling between tall edifices. The scene shifted. She was now inside one of the structures, gazing through a large window at a massive courtyard below. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of beings gathered within the plaza. They wore elaborate robes and uniforms, each one decorated with unique insignias and symbols. They chanted in unison, their voices reverberating throughout the hall, "We hail the Architect! Praise the Architect! Glory to the Architect! All honor unto the Architect!" Tendrils of light and darkness snaked their way across her consciousness, branching out like rivers flowing across dry ground. A whirlwind of images, sensations, and sounds flooded her, bombarding her mind. A symphony of emotions hit her at once. Anger. Joy. Loneliness. Sadness. Hope. Despair. Hatred. Love. The raw, unfiltered feelings pierced her heart, sinking into the depths of her soul. These were not hers. They belonged to many others, a collective memory, a collection of thoughts, experiences, and dreams from countless individuals. Amidst the torrent of impressions, she experienced the passage of time as if she were the one living them. Visions of events long since forgotten. Lives lived and ended. Wars won and lost. Empires built and destroyed. Years, decades, centuries, millennia. A myriad of lifetimes flashing before her eyes, leaving echoes in her mind. She perceived the full course of a civilization''s development from inception to death. The birth of a people, their rise, their achievements, and ultimately, their demise. How long had this been happening? How long had this cycle been repeating? Images and sounds sped past her faster and faster. They blurred together, blending into a stream of unintelligible noise. "What am I witnessing?" she asked. "A memory." She searched for the source of the voice. It resonated within her. "Whose memory?" "Your memory." "My memories?" Ebonheim paused. "But these aren''t mine." The figure beside her remained silent, watching her intently. "Why are you showing me this?" Ebonheim inquired. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. "To remind you." "Remind me of what?" The figure gestured. "Of your purpose. Of your duty. Of who you are." The stream of events slowed and stabilized. The disorientation faded, and the image stabilized. The scene unfolded before her, the scenes becoming more recognizable. It was a village¡ªher village. She could recognize the villagers. Their faces, their expressions, their mannerisms. It was a memory. She had lived through this. This was her village, the place she called home. She saw herself standing in the middle of the village commons, appearing before Doyle for the very first time. The village elders chased after her, and then she was saved from the Kungwans by Hilda. She trained, learned, and grew stronger, and eventually ascended to a higher divine rank. And then came the first meeting with Serrandyl, followed by their arrival in the Aslankoyash camp, the elemental conflux, the battles with the Kungwan horde, and finally liberating the imprisoned dragon, Kelzryn. The journey replayed in her mind, each event unfolding as she experienced them for the first time. From beginning to end, every step of the way, the timeline traced her personal history. The visions finally stopped. The view lingered on her in the village, exhausted, but relieved. All she''d endured, everything she''d achieved, the bonds she formed¡ªit was all here. She exhaled. "Ah..." "You have experienced a great deal," the voice said. "Yet, this is but a glimpse of the journey that lies ahead." "The journey?" "Yes, you have only begun. Your story has only just started. But it will be a long one, and you must choose to forge onward. Only then will you achieve the destiny you seek." Destiny? The word echoed in her head. What destiny? She''d never had a choice about being created, about taking this form. What fate awaited her? What did she desire to accomplish? What was her goal? She didn''t know. "I don''t understand," Ebonheim protested. "What do you mean? What is my purpose? What must I do? Why did you bring me here? Who are you?" "These questions you ask, I cannot answer. These answers you seek, you must find. I can only guide you. You must discover for yourself the reasons behind your existence, the motives that drive you to take action, the values and ideals that dictate your actions. These are yours to uncover, for they define you. They are the reason you exist." Ebonheim''s face twisted in frustration. "But what if I fail to find the answers?" The figure moved closer to her, reaching out with its mechanical hand. "Fret not. You will not fail. For you...are Ebonheim, the goddess of our world. This time...and always." The voice trailed off as its fingers touched her forehead. The world around her dissolved into the ether, the memories fading back into the void. The figure vanished. Silence. Darkness.
[Quintessence] 16472/16000 [You have reached the required Quintessence to increase your Divine Rank to ''Lesser God - Zenith Stage''] [Would you like to ascend?] Yes... [Your Divine Rank has increased from ''Lesser God - Ascendant Stage'' to ''Lesser God - Zenith Stage''] [Your Quintessence has reset to 7. Your next ascension to ''Intermediate God - Dawn Stage'' will require you to accumulate 64,000 Quintessence.] [You have 32 Attribute Points to allocoate] [Your Health increases by an additional 25% of your base Health] [Your Essence increases by an additional 25% of your base Essence] [You are now able to purchase Divine Abilities with the requisite requirement of Lesser God - Zenith Stage] [All of your current Divine Abilities increase by one rank] [The Essence cost of Divine Abilities with the requisite requirement below Lesser God - Zenith Stage is reduced by 50%] [You may choose one Divine Ability to specialize in. This ability will not cost Essence to use.] [Automatically activating ''Manifestation'']
24th day of Dayhelm, 1368 [Quintessence] 7/64000 Ebonheim opened her eyes, looking up at the familiar canopy of trees lining the grove that greeted her after recovering from de-manifesting outside of her domain. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and sunlight filtered through the branches. She could smell the fresh scent of grass and flowers. Birds sang their morning songs as they flew between the branches, and squirrels scurried amongst the treetops. The soft grasses tickled her skin, the breeze rustling her hair and caressing her face. Her eyes blinked, clearing away the tears that welled within. She lay still for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds. The sun warmed her skin, and the sweet smell of nature filled her nostrils. I''m home. The feeling brought a smile to her lips, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She turned her head to the side, and a pair of blue eyes looked back at her. "So, you''ve finally woken up," Bjorn said with a gentle smile. "You had us worried sick, girl." "Sorry...I guess I overdid myself?" Ebonheim answered with an awkward giggle. "Indeed, you have," Hilda chimed in with a huff, stepping into view. "Not to mention, the old men were worried that the bond with the village has weakened because of your absence." The elderly woman looked over Ebonheim, examining her condition. She placed her palm against the young goddess'' forehead. "Hmm, you seem well enough. It seems you''re in good health. Nothing serious." Ebonheim groaned and forced herself up. "Urgh..." "Take it easy there," Bjorn urged, placing his hand on her shoulder to support her. "You should rest more. No need to rush." "Thanks, Bjorn," Ebonheim replied gratefully. "How long was I out for?" "One month," Hilda stated. "Your body materialized in the grove yesterday. I sensed your presence in the forest, and we''ve kept a constant watch on you since." "Huh, one month, huh? Where''s Kelzryn?" Ebonheim asked, rubbing the back of her neck. "The dragon? He''s fine. He didn''t make a fuss once he learned that we destroyed all of the Kungwans in the valley. I''m sure he''s still in his lair recovering." Bjorn told her, shrugging. "And the Magitech devices? The gateway?" Bjorn scratched his stubbly beard, giving her a sidelong glance. "The contraptions that bound the dragon lay in tatters after the whole ordeal. As for the gateway...it vanished before we even got a chance to examine it properly." "Oh...that''s a shame," Ebonheim mumbled. "What about Calyxia and the Seraphidae?" "They''re back in their domain. Calyxia told me to deliver her gratitude, and that she''ll pay you a visit sometime soon," Bjorn answered. "And before you ask, Th''maine, Lira, and Serrandyl are fine. They''re over yonder." Ebonheim spotted the three figures resting on a fallen log not too far away. Serrandyl''s head rested on Lira''s lap while Th''maine''s eyes fluttered as he dozed. Bjorn crossed his arms over his chest. "What exactly happened to you back there? I thought you had things under control." She rubbed the side of her head sheepishly. "I guess I may have underestimated the dragon''s power. That orb in his chest...its energy was so strong. I wasn''t sure if I could handle it. But I had to do something. So¡ª" "So what happened next, you absorbed the energy into your own body?" Bjorn finished her sentence. Ebonheim nodded. "I had to act quickly and absorb it or risk it destroying the mountain. I managed to contain most of the energy, but it overwhelmed my body, and then...well, you know the rest." The familiar feeling of a large hand clamping down on top of her head jolted her attention. She peered up to meet the stern gaze of none other than the only person in the whole village who regularly scolded her in this way. "You say you absorbed something dangerous into yourself?" Thorsten''s voice boomed from behind her. "That sounds awfully reckless, even for you, girl. You should have considered the consequences a bit more thoroughly before you acted." "Haha, I guess I didn''t, huh?" Ebonheim chuckled weakly as he ruffled her hair. "I''ll be more careful in the future, okay?" Thorsten sighed. "Well, I can''t fault you for being brave and thinking on your feet, but I also can''t praise you for being so rash. Just try not to do anything so foolish again. Consider this a warning." He released her head and straightened. "Did...did you actually die back there? I''ve seen gods fall in battle, only to resurrect within their domain after some time. When I heard the news, I wasn''t sure if you were able to as well." Ebonheim looked up at the sky, her expression solemn. "I''m not entirely sure either...but I''m pretty certain I did. I was on the verge of de-manifesting my form just as the energy was about to burst. But I hesitated because I didn''t know what would happen to the energy if I did. So, I tried to hold on until the very last moment...and then I woke up here." Thorsten let out a weary sigh. "At least you''ve revived yourself safely. Thank goodness for that." Hilda chuckled. "There you have it. It seems like this time, our troublesome goddess is back in good health. Now, I''d say we should let her get her proper rest and¡ª" A joyful squeal interrupted her, as Serrandyl''s figure leapt across the field, tackling Ebonheim, laughing and crying at the same time. "I''m so happy you''re alive!" Serrandyl exclaimed, hugging Ebonheim tightly. "Don''t you ever scare me like that again!" Ebonheim chuckled as she returned the hug, patting the Serrandyl on the back. "Okay, okay, I''m sorry." Lira stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Welcome back, goddess. We''ve all missed you terribly." Th''maine remained silent, standing in the shadows cast by the forest canopy. He puffed on his pipe, smoke billowing around him, as he leaned against a tree. He watched her with his piercing eyes, before offering a faint smile while tipping his hat to her. Bjorn sighed. "Hilda is right. You should take it easy today. Recover your strength. We can talk more later, once you''re feeling better. For now, relax. You deserve the break. Once you''ve fully recovered, let''s get back to our old routines, all right?" Ebonheim nodded and smiled, her eyes glowing faintly. "Yeah." Bjorn patted her head, then rolled his shoulders as he headed back to the village. "That''s enough adventuring for a while. The village needs tending." Serrandyl continued hugging Ebonheim, not letting go. The Aslankoyash warrior nuzzled her tear-streaked cheek against Ebonheim''s as she sniffled. "Why''d it take you a month to come back? You''re too slow. I missed you." Lira giggled at the display, reaching over to stroke the Beastkin girl''s hair. "You should have more faith in our goddess, Serrandyl. She will always return to us." Ebonheim gave Serrandyl an apologetic look. "Sorry, I wish I could''ve come back sooner, but that was the first time I''ve experienced um...the destruction of my form, and I think it took quite a while to put my pieces together. I did my best to hurry up, though." Thorsten harrumphed. "Sounds like you''ll need to spend more time training after you recover. Need to work on your endurance so that you won''t lose to some petty ball of energy. Come see me tomorrow. We''ll start with the basics: a nice run around the valley, then a swim upriver, and finish the day climbing the mountainside. Simple enough, yeah?" We''ll pick up from where you left off." Ebonheim gulped, pouting. "R-Right." Th''maine grunted, blowing a puff of smoke from his nose and pushing himself away from the tree he leaned on. "If you lot are done, I think we should get back to the village. I''m sure the rest of the folk will be pleased to see you''re all right." Hilda nodded, giving Ebonheim''s shoulder a light squeeze. "Come. The others will want to see you, and the elders must verify that you''re truly back." Ebonheim climbed to her feet, allowing herself to be led by Serrandyl who still clung to her. She laughed softly, looping her arm around Serrandyl''s waist as they walked together. She looked up at the clear blue sky and took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air. She took in the sights, sounds, and smells around her, letting her senses soak in the familiar atmosphere. "By the way," Thorsten muttered, raising his brow at her. "Did you grow a little taller?" Ebonheim glanced at him with a perplexed look on her face. She held her hand above her head, comparing it to Thorsten''s height. "Oh, uh...maybe a tiny bit?" She placed her hands on her hips and smiled proudly. "I did ascend again, so that must be it!" Hilda blinked in surprise. "I knew I sensed something different about you when you reappeared. And your garment changed a little as well." Ebonheim looked down at her form and observed the changes in her attire. The gown she wore had grown more ornate, with embroidered patterns along its hemline. The silk fabric glistened, a radiant shade of white, and the golden ornamental thread weaving through the cloth glowed brightly. Lira smiled. "We''ve already prepared a festival to celebrate your return, but now we have another reason to celebrate." Serrandyl gasped. "Oooh! OOOHH! Does that mean there''ll be more food? Let''s goooo!" The group broke into laughter, and Ebonheim grinned. "Let''s!" As they walked together toward the village, a peaceful smile spread across her face. She''d returned to the place she called home, the place she swore to protect and watch over. She vowed to do better, to be stronger. To live up to the role she''d been given. To fulfill her purpose. For now, she would enjoy the respite and rest. "It''s good to be back."
Season One Thoughts, Season Two Expectations Saga of Ebonheim''s first season is complete! With the limited amount of works I''ve read in the LitRPG genre, it''s been a learning process to incorporate RPG elements into the narrative in a way that fits the premise of the story. Deciding on what stats to show, how to present them, and how many numbers pop up during combat scenes has been an iterative process, much like editing for grammar and readability. I''m still not convinced that I made the right call in labeling and categorizing this story as a LitRPG, despite the stats, numbers, and character progression. I think it''s closer to Gamelit because Ebonheim has no context that all the information she perceives from the System is in the context of a game. The story is closer to the Forgotten Realms setting in Dungeons and Dragons (been a player and DM for years now). Imagine if any of the notable characters in that setting somehow managed to access their character sheets (as described in D&D terms) and see their stats. Beyond the LitRPG aspects, the outline below shows the goals I established for myself to try and complete for the first season of the story: 1. Main Character: Show Ebonheim''s (the Main Protagonist) naivete, courage, compassion, humor, struggles, thought process, and other aspects that give her depth. I generally tend not to present a lot of inner thoughts from the main POV character in the narration, but I try interlacing a few when I feel it''s warranted. 2. Progression: I planned to have her ascend twice during the span of Season One, but the scale of growth between each ascension is not linear as you''ll find out during Season Two, so I decided to briefly have her second ascension be in the last chapter. Some of you may have already realized, but the Quintessence she receives from her followers every month is essentially her passive EXP gain. Even though she gets Quintessence from ''quests'', and from certain beings, the majority of her progression will be time-gated. 3. Balance: One concern/observation I see is that because Ebonheim can just buy Divine Abilities at a vastly cheaper cost compared to her contemporaries, she would be a bit more OP. Theoretically, she can just ask the System for any ability that could solve any problem she comes across, but I have measures in place to address that, without (hopefully) making it seem like a cop-out. 4. Side Characters: Generally, I don''t like sticking to only one character''s perspective for the entire story. As a reader, I like it when I get to read from different characters'' perspectives as long as the perspective switch is presented properly. I realize this comes at the cost of the story''s pacing, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I think there''s been a decent amount of side characters introduced and hopefully, I''ve managed to make them interesting enough for readers to care about their perspective if/when I switch to them. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. 5. PLOT: What''s the main plot of the story?! The story doesn''t have the traditional story structure that one would expect out of a fantasy novel. I''ve set it up as a collection of small story arcs and I think it''s worked out decently well. 6. World-Building: I didn''t want to dump too much lore and world information at once. I''m sure readers have a lot of questions about the setting and I''ve presented and eluded to bits of lore throughout Season One. The world may seem like a typical medieval fantasy world, but hopefully I''ve managed to convey that there''s more to it than that. 7. Pacing: The thing about writing that I enjoy the most is trying to immerse the readers into the world. Usually, I go a bit too much on the sensory details and descriptions of what characters are doing, at the expense of slowing down the pacing. It''s probably influenced by being a DM for many years. I favor the details of moments over the summation of events. Some of the LitRPG stories I''ve read speed through the details of combat scenes in favor of just summarizing an attack as ''Your energy blast dealt 50 damage'', or ''You''ve killed the monster''. But that''s not a fun way for me to write. Unless I know for sure that I''m not adding anything to the lore, the character(s), or advancing the plot by letting a scene play out its course, I tend not to summarize scenes. 8. Time Skips: The timeline of Season One spans just two years or so, not counting the time skip that was in Chapter One. Time skips will be common, and as the story progresses, it''ll become even more prevalent and lengthy (think Frieren: Beyond Journey''s End). 9. Mysteries and Hidden Plots: I''ve planted most of the seeds of mystery regarding Ebonheim, the Akashic System, and the unknown forces lurking in the background. I wonder what interesting theories readers have on the matter... Season Two! What to expect: 1. Town-Building: I did say that the story will have Kingdom Building elements, and I''ve very briefly introduced the foundation for that early in the story but it never came up again. Well, for most of Season Two, that aspect of the story will be one of the main themes to explore. 2. More Side Characters: As if there are already enough characters to keep track of, there''ll be more characters joining the cast. Expect more groups, factions, and shenanigans. 3. Magitech: Hopefully this doesn''t scare readers who prefer to keep the story 100% classic fantasy, but I''ve already introduced some Magitech elements in Season One. Season Two will delve more into that side of the fantasy. I''ll give you some hints: think...Escaflowne, Knights & Magic, Final Fantasy VI, etc. 4. Longer Story Arcs: The Kungwan War has been the longest story arc so far, and although the ones for Season Two won''t be as long, they''ll be longer than the other story arcs. 5. Political/Economic conflicts: It won''t be heavy-handed, and it''s not on the level of something like ''Spice and Wolf'', but I plan on exploring more of this during the town-building parts of the story. With all that out of the way, I want to thank you all for continuing to read this story. There''s going to be a one-week break before Season Two starts with Chapter 80: A Lazy Afternoon with Friends; A Moment of Reprieve. It''ll be published on December 4 at the usual time. I want to keep emphasizing that any feedback is greatly appreciated. While you wait, feel free to check out my other story "Slumdog Hero". Zanafar P.S. If you like the story so far, I appreciate the follow, favorite, and/or rating and review! Thank you all! See you next season! Stats, Lore, and Recap! Glossary: Mana: Mana refers to the fundamental energy that flows through all living things in the world. It is the life force that powers magical and supernatural abilities, and it is also the basis of a character''s spiritual and mystical power. Characters can cultivate and manipulate their mana through various means, such as meditation, training, and magical rituals. Essence: Essence is the divine counterpart to Mana, a metaphysical resource that deities draw upon to exert their divine powers. It is the fuel for their abilities, the source of their miracles, and the medium through which they interact with the cosmos. While it allows deities to perform incredible feats, such as manipulating elements, healing the wounded, or even temporarily altering reality, it has its limitations. Permanent alterations to reality, such as creating new objects, beings, or lasting changes to worlds, are beyond the scope of Essence. For such monumental tasks, deities must expend Quintessence. Quintessence: Quintessence is a special type of Essence that is linked to destiny and the fabric of reality itself. Quintessence is considered to be the purest and most powerful form of Essence, and it is associated with the gods and other entities that are deeply connected to the universe. Beings who possess Quintessence are believed to have a special destiny or purpose, and their actions are often seen as part of a greater cosmic plan. The gods themselves are beings of pure Quintessence. They are the embodiment of the power of creation, and their very existence is linked to the flow of Quintessence through the cosmos. The more powerful a god is, the greater their reserve of Quintessence, but even the mightiest deities must rely on the prayers and devotion of their followers to maintain their power. Gods derive and replenish Quintessence from the belief and faith of sentient beings. When mortals pray to a god and offer up their devotion, they generate a flow of Quintessence that is directed towards the deity. This energy is then absorbed by the god, adding to their reserve of power. However, not all prayers and offerings are created equal. The strength of a mortal''s connection to the divine, the sincerity of their devotion, and the purity of their intentions can all affect the potency of the Quintessence generated by their prayers. A devout follower who spends their life in service to a god and offers up their prayers with pure intent will generate far more Quintessence than a casual worshipper who only prays when they need something. Powerful creatures such as dragons, elementals, and other supernatural beings have Quintessence. The energy generated by these entities can be harnessed by the gods, allowing them to tap into new reserves of power.
Character Stats at the start of Volume 2 Character Name: Ebonheim Divinity Type: Terrestrial God (Artificial) Divine Rank: Lesser God - Zenith Stage Health: 725/725 (Increased by 200 from Elemental Keystone) Essence: 795/795 (Increased by 200 from Elemental Keystone) Passive Health Regen: 36 per hour (5% of max Health) Passive Essence Regen: 40 per hour (5% of max Essence) Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 34 (Increased by 10 from Elemental Keystone)
  • Perception: 35 (Increased by 5 from Elemental Keystone)
  • Resilience: 34 (Increased by 10 from Elemental Keystone)
  • Strength: 23
  • Agility: 36
  • Endurance: 26
  • Charisma: 36
  • Manipulation: 10
  • Wits: 22
Base Combat Stats:
  • Divine Attack: 34 (Increased due to increased RES and PER from Elemental Keystone)
  • Divine Defense: 30 (Increased due to increased END and RES from Elemental Keystone, +32 vs Fire/Cold/Electric Damage from Elemental Keystone)
  • Melee Attack: 29
  • Ranged Attack: 35 (Increased due to increased AGI and PER from Elemental Keystone)
  • Physical Defense: 31
  • Block: 35 (Increased due to increased AGI and PER from Elemental Keystone)
  • Evasion: 35 (Increased due to increased AGI and PER from Elemental Keystone)
Innate Abilities:
  • Manifestation (Rank III)
  • Demanifestation (Rank III)
  • Divine Sight (Rank IV)
  • Domain Administration (Rank III)
  • Domain Knowledge (Rank III)
Active Abilities:
  • Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank III)
  • Vines of the Bramble King (Rank IV)
  • Divine Cantrip
  • Element-Resisting Aura (Rank III)
  • Fecundity of Creation (Rank III)
  • Pest-Repelling Prana
  • Verdant Craftmanship (Rank III)
  • (Specialty) Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank MAX)
  • Forest¡¯s Call (Rank IV)
  • Tempest of the Grove (Rank IV)
  • Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank IV)
  • Arboreal Stride (Rank IV)
  • Path of the Earthen Passage
  • Charm Animals (Rank III)
  • Divine Aura (Rank II)
  • Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank IV)
  • Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank IV)
  • Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank IV)
  • Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank IV)
  • Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank IV)
  • Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank IV)
  • Aura Inversion
Passive Bonuses:
  • Forest stride
  • +75% Health
  • +75% Essence
  • Elemental Keystone absorbed
  • +5% Critical Chance (from Elemental Keystone)
Skills:
  • Athletics: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Awareness: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Craft(Bow): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Lore: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier)
  • Melee Proficiency (Sword): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Ranged Proficiency (Bow): Expert Rank (+12 Modifier)
  • Stealth: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier)
  • Socialize: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Survival: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Investigation: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
  • Bureaucracy: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier)
  • Performance: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier)
  • Presence: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
Name: Thorsten Gustafsson Class: Ulfhendar Warrior Ancestry: Human Age: 39 Date of Birth: 5th Day of Raincrown, 1329 Health: 305/305 Mana: 210/210 Attributes: Intelligence: 18 Perception: 21 Resilience: 24 Strength: 27 Agility: 19 Endurance: 25 Charisma: 19 Manipulation: 11 Wits: 15 Base Combat Stats: Melee Attack: 23 Ranged Attack: 20 Physical Defense: 30 (22 Base, +8 from Passive) Block: 20 Evasion: 20 Active Abilities: Wildheart Defiance: +5 Arcane Defense, +5 Physical Defense, 5 Damage Reduction (Kinetic), +30 Health (temporary); Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 20 Mana Berserker''s Fury: +8 to Melee Attack, +6 to Strength, -5 to Arcane Defense, -5 Physical Defense, -8 to Evasion, -5 to Block; Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 15 Mana Wolf''s Instinct: +8 to Perception, +5 to Evasion, +5 to Block; Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 20 Mana Ulfhendar''s Roar: Inflicts Fear status on enemies within a 10-meter radius. -4 Melee Attack, -4 Ranged Attack, -5 Block, -5 Evasion, and reduces their Hit Chance by 12%; Duration: 1 Minute; Cost: 30 Mana Predator''s Vigor: Regenerate 20 Health per minute for the next 5 minutes. Cost: 25 Mana. Bloodlust: The next four attacks deal an additional +10 damage. Duration: Until expended or 2 minutes pass; Cost: 30 Mana. Berserker''s Fury: Attacks have a +10% chance to critically hit for the next minute. Cost: 25 Mana. Pack Leader''s Command: All allies within 10 meters receive +8 to their next Melee Damage. Cost: 20 Mana. Passive Bonuses: +60 Health from Class +8 to Physical Defense from Class 9 Damage Reduction (Cold) Weapon: Greataxe ''Galdraslag'' Base Damage: 15 (Kinetic), 4 (Arcane) Melee Attack: 40 (23 Base, +12 from Skill Rank, +5 bonus from Weapon Quality) Block: 32 (20 Base, +12 from Skill Rank) Special Abilities:
  • Blood Moon Fury: Twice per day, the wielder can throw the axe at an enemy to deal 60 Arcane Damage.
Skills: Athletics: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Awareness: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Bureaucracy: Novice Rank (+2 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Sword): Expert (+12 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Axe): Expert (+12 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Hammer): Expert (+12 Modifier) Profession (Weaponsmith): Expert (+12 Modifier) Ranged Proficiency (Bow): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Resistance: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Sailing: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Survival: Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Unarmed Proficiency: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) War: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
Name: Bjorn Hjelmstad Class: Hersir Ancestry: Human Age: 47 Date of Birth: 11th Day of Withergrasp, 1321 Health: 285/285 Mana: 230/230 Attributes: Intelligence: 21 Perception: 24 Resilience: 25 Strength: 24 Agility: 20 Endurance: 24 Charisma: 23 Manipulation: 17 Wits: 23 Base Combat Stats: Melee Attack: 22 Ranged Attack: 23 Physical Defense: 27 (22 Base, +5 from Class) Block: 22 Evasion: 22 Active Abilities: Rune of the Ancestors: +10 Physical Defense, +10 Arcane Defense; Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 20 Mana. The Hersir calls upon the power of ancient runes, invoking the protection of their ancestors to bolster their defenses against divine and arcane attacks. Warrior''s Challenge: Forces target to focus attacks on the Hersir; Duration: 1 Minute; Cost: 15 Mana. The Hersir issues a challenge that cannot be ignored, forcing an enemy to direct their attacks towards them and away from their allies. Shield of the North: +12 Arcane/Physical Defense, 10 Damage Reduction (All types); Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 30 Mana. The Hersir summons a spectral shield of ice and wind, increasing their physical defense and reducing all incoming damage. Warrior''s Resolve: +8 Strength, +8 Endurance, +30 Health (temporary); Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 30 Mana. The Hersir taps into their inner warrior, increasing their physical strength and endurance. Raven''s Sight: +10 Perception, reveals hidden enemies within a 20-foot radius; Duration: 5 Minutes; Cost: 20 Mana. The Hersir borrows the sight of the raven, enhancing their perception and revealing hidden enemies. Frostbite Blade: Adds 5-10 Cold Damage to Melee Attacks, slows enemy movement by 20%; Duration: 2 Minutes; Cost: 30 Mana. The Hersir imbues their weapon with the biting cold of the north, adding cold damage to their attacks and slowing their enemies. Passive Bonuses: +40 Health from Class +5 to Physical Defense from Class Weapon: Rune-etched Claymore: Base Damage: 17 (Kinetic), 4 (Arcane) Melee Attack: 44 (22 Base, +18 from Skill Rank, +4 bonus from Weapon Quality) Block: 42 (22 Base, +18 from Skill Rank, +2 bonus from Weapon Quality) Special Abilities:
  • Hersir''s Command: This ability grants +4 to the wielder''s Charisma and +4 to their Manipulation, enhancing their leadership abilities on the battlefield. This effect lasts for three hours and can be used once per day.
  • +4% Critical Chance
Skills: Athletics: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Awareness: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Bureaucracy: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Integrity: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Sword): Renowned (+18 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Axe): Expert (+12 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Hammer): Expert (+12 Modifier) Presence: Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Profession (Blacksmith): Expert (+12 Modifier) Ranged Proficiency (Bow): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Resistance: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Sailing: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Socialize: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Survival: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Unarmed Proficiency: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) War: Renowned Rank (+18 Modifier)
Name: Serrandyl Class: Pugilist Ancestry: Leonine Beastkin Age: 24 Date of Birth: 22nd Day of Highglow, 1344 Health: 265/265 Mana: 180/180 Attributes: Intelligence: 12 Perception: 20 Resilience: 24 Strength: 25 (47 with Gauntlets of the Storm Giant) Agility: 24 Endurance: 21 Charisma: 22 Manipulation: 10 Wits: 13 Base Combat Stats: Melee Attack: 24 Physical Defense: 22 Block: 22 Evasion: 24 (22 Base, 2 Modifier) Active Abilities: This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Spirit Claw: Her claws are imbued with Spirit energy, causing her next two attacks to bypass barriers and deal 15 additional Spirit damage. Cost: 20 Mana. Savage Maul: She delivers a flurry of attacks with her claws, dealing significant damage. This ability adds +10 to Melee Attack and deals an additional 20 Kinetic Damage. Cost: 12 Mana. Primal Instinct: Her senses sharpen, increasing her evasion and hit chance. This ability adds +10 to Evasion and +10 to Hit Chance for 1 minute. Cost: 14 Mana. Leonine Majesty: She exudes an aura of command and power, boosting the morale and effectiveness of her allies. This ability provides +5 to all Attacks for all allies within 20 meters for 2 minutes. Cost: 15 Mana. Passive Bonuses: +40 Health bonus from Ancestry +2 to Evasion from Ancestry +8% Hit Chance (from Gauntlets of the Storm Giant) +4% Critical Chance (from Gauntlets of the Storm Giant) +20 Arcane/Divine Defense vs Electrical Damage (from Gauntlets of the Storm Giant) Weapon: Claws: Weapon Damage: 5 (Kinetic) Melee Attack: 32 (24 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Block: 30 (22 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Gauntlets of the Storm Giant: Weapon Damage: 12 (Kinetic), 10 (Electrical) Melee Attack: 43 (35 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Block: 30 (22 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Skills: Athletics: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Awareness: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Natural Weapons): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Performance: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Presence: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Resistance: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Stealth: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Survival: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Unarmed Proficiency: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
Name: Lira Class: Druid Ancestry: Human Age: 29 Date of Birth: 1st Day of Rimewake, 1339 Health: 185/185 Mana: 250/250 Attributes: Intelligence: 21 Perception: 20 Resilience: 19 Strength: 16 Agility: 20 Endurance: 18 Charisma: 21 Manipulation: 18 Wits: 21 Base Combat Stats: Arcane Attack: 20 Arcane Defense: 20 Melee Attack: 18 Physical Defense: 19 Block: 20 Evasion: 20 Druid Abilities: Able to cast up to Fourth-Circle Druid spells. Passive Bonuses: +50 Mana from Class Weapon: Quarterstaff: Weapon Damage: 5 (Kinetic) Melee Attack: 24 (20 Base, +4 from Skill Rank) Block: 24 (20 Base, +4 from Skill Rank) Skills: Athletics: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Awareness: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Investigation: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Integrity: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Melee Proficiency (Staff): Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Performance: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Presence: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Profession (Herbalist): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Profession (Veterinarian): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Resistance: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Stealth: Novice Rank (+4 Modifier) Survival: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
Name: Th''maine Class: Arcanist Ancestry: Human Age: 62 Date of Birth: 23rd Day of Amberfall, 1307 Health: 185/185 Mana: 385/385 Attributes: Intelligence: 27 Perception: 24 Resilience: 20 Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Endurance: 17 Charisma: 16 Manipulation: 21 Wits: 24 Base Combat Stats: Arcane Attack: 27 Arcane Defense: 24 Melee Attack: 18 Physical Defense: 19 Block: 20 Evasion: 20 Arcanist Abilities: Able to cast up to Sixth-Circle Arcanist spells. Passive Bonuses: +150 Mana from Class +5 Arcane Defense +2 Arcane Attack +2 Arcane Defense Weapon: Quarterstaff: Weapon Damage: 5 (Kinetic) Melee Attack: 22 (20 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Block: 26 (18 Base, +8 from Skill Rank) Skills: Awareness: Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Bureaucracy: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Investigation: Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Integrity: Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Lore: Renowned (+18 Modifier) Melee Proficiency(Staff): Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Profession (Scribe): Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Profession (Alchemy): Expert Rank (+12 Modifier) Resistance: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier) Survival: Intermediate Rank (+8 Modifier)
Artifacts [Name] Elemental Keystone [Item Type] Legendary Artifact [Appearance] The Elemental Keystone is a large, multifaceted crystal of resplendent design, standing about two feet tall and one foot wide. The crystal boasts a myriad of colors, each facet flickering with hues that correspond to one of the elemental planes - azure for water, ember-red for fire, stone-grey for earth, and zephyr-white for air. [Effects] The Elemental Keystone has two primary effects: When absorbed into the user, it grants the following bonuses: +10 INT, +10 RES, +5 PER, +200 Health, +200 Essence, +32 Arcane/Divine Defense vs Fire/Cold/Electric Damage, +5% Crit Chance. When not absorbed, the Elemental Keystone can be activated to manipulate the alignment of the elemental planes and mend any tears in the fabric of their connection to the mortal world. It has the power to absorb and redirect elemental energies, effectively dispelling any elemental anomalies or infestations from the world. [Prerequisites] Activating the Keystone requires knowledge of an ancient arcane ritual, known only to a select few. If the ritual is conducted correctly, the Elemental Keystone pulses with energy and projects an ethereal light that is capable of drawing elementals towards it before sending them back to their respective planes. [Durability] The Elemental Keystone is indestructible under normal conditions. However, its power can be depleted if used excessively, requiring a period of recharge that varies depending on the severity of the elemental disruptions it has resolved.
[Name] Gauntlets of the Storm Giant [Item Type] Epic Artifact [Base Weapon Damage] 12 Kinetic, 10 Electrical [Effects] The wearer acquires: +22 Strength, +8% Hit Chance (Unarmed, Natural Weapons), +4% Critical Hit Chance, +20 Arcane/Divine Defense vs Electric Damage Storm Summoning: The wearer of the gauntlets can summon a fierce, raging storm in a five-kilometer radius, which lasts for three hours. After its activation, the power cannot be used again until a week has passed. Lightning Control: The gauntlets provide the wearer precise control over lightning, allowing them to direct lightning strikes against specific targets during a storm. Each lightning bolt has an Arcane Attack rating of 35 and deals 80 Electrical Damage. Only one lightning bolt can be conjured every five minutes. Lightning Blast: Outside a storm, the wearer can discharge a bolt of lightning from the gauntlet with an Arcane Attack rating of 30 and dealing 40 Electrical Damage. The gauntlets stores five charges before requiring a week to recharge. Wind Warden: Once per day, the wearer can evoke gale-forced winds, either as a concentrated blast or a wide-area effect. These winds can deflect projectiles, granting an 18 Damage Reduction against Ranged Kinetic Damage for ten minutes, push back enemies, or triple the wearer''s jump and leaping distance for one hour.
[Name] Chalice of the Eternal Nectar [Item Type] Legendary Artifact [Effect] Consuming the elixir provides the following effects: Restores all health lost to full, regenerates all bodily injuries, cures all non-magical ailments, increases Endurance by four, and increases lifespan by twenty years. [Limitation] The chalice can only be used up to twenty times per year. The recipient can only benefit from its effects once every twenty years. Each subsequent consumption after the first use will have a cumulative two-percent chance of acquiring an addiction to the elixir.
The Ebon Trees
Months of the World: January - Whitehelm February - Rimewake March - Frostflee April - Raincrown May - Sunswell June - Dayhelm July - Highglow August - Lustertide September - Amberfall October - Scarlettide November - Withergrasp December - Darkhelm
Story Timeline 25 Dayhelm, 1363
  • A group of settlers arrive at the Eldergrove Valley and start setting up to live there.
14 Wintergrasp, 1363
  • Elders of the village convene and decide to pay homage to their own deity.
  • They named the deity Ebonheim, and they also named the village Ebonheim.
8 Highglow, 1366
  • Ebonheim manifests and reveals herself to the villagers.
  • She gets captured by Thorsten and interrogated by Engin but manages to escape.
  • She encounters two Kungwans who chase after her into the village.
  • Bjorn, Ebonheim, and a few village guards fight the Kungwan but were on the verge of losing when Hilda arrives to save them.
  • Ebonheim tries to convince the elders that she is the one they had envisioned.
  • Eventually, she allows them to fell an Ebon tree to show proof of her divinity and manages to convince them.
8 Lustertide, 1366
  • Ebonheim sees the village''s stats screen
  • Ebonheim trains with Bjorn and Hilda to develop her skills
12 Scarlettide, 1366
  • Lira and the miners encounter a Qliphothic Remnant in the iron mines.
  • Ebonheim fights and manages to defeat the Qliphothic Remnant.
20 Wintergrasp, 1366
  • A merchant named Roderick and his bodyguard Simon arrive at the village.
  • Roderick learns of the Ebonwood. He then suggests that the village expand and take up more residents. He volunteers to find like-minded people to migrate to the village.
15 Whitehelm, 1367
  • Ebonheim creates a road that connects her village to the western entrance of the Eldergrove valley.
  • Ebonheim encounters Elmsworth, an ancient ent whose territory borders Ebonheim''s.
  • Elmsworth tasks her with cleansing a grove of corruption.
  • Ebonheim learns of Aelindra''s plight and manages to dispel the corruption and takes the magitech device that was embedded within the dryad.
14 Frostflee, 1367
  • Ebonheim ascends to the next divine rank: Lesser God - Ascendant Stage
8 Raincrown, 1367
  • Ebonheim enters the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala and participates in the Divine Auciton.
  • She meets and interacts with the gods Aetheron, Ariastra, and Nephri.
  • She learns that gods purchased their powers and items through the Divine Auction.
21 Raincrown, 1367
  • A group of beastkin led by Serrandyl raid the village for food and supplies.
  • The raid is thwarted by Ebonheim and the village guards and eventually Serrandyl and the beastkin were captured.
  • Ebonheim decides to meet with the leader of the Aslankoyash tribe, Argoran, and negotiate an alliance.
8 Highglow, 1367
  • An Elemental Conflux manifests within the Eldergrove valley.
  • Ebonheim seeks out Elmsworth for answers while others go out to investigate the cause.
  • Elmsworth tells her of a cave that houses an artifact that can be used to dispel the conflux.
  • Ebonheim meets with the ''Ancients'' that guard the Elemental Keystone. After they teach her how to use it, Ebonheim absorbs the keystone afterwards.
  • Later, Ebonheim uses the Elemental Keystone to dispel the conflux.
4 Scarlettide, 1367
  • Ebonheim meets with Th''maine and he asks her questions about her origin and the nature of the Akashic System.
13 Scarlettide, 1367
  • Ebonheim meets with the lords of the Eldrgrove: Elmsworth, Calyxia, Liselotte, and Nillen. They discuss the happenings of the grove within the past year.
  • Eventually they play a game of four-player chess, which Ebonheim wins in the end.
9 Withergrasp, 1367
  • Thorsten issues a survival challenge of willing participants. They must learn to set up camp, forage for food, and survive the cold winter in order.
  • A Winter Wolf attacks during the training. Thorsten vanquishes it in the end.
9 Frostflee, 1368
  • Engin, Bjorn, and Thorsten leave to sell the gold that was mined. Ebonheim is left in charge of managing the village.
  • Th''maine approaches her once again to discuss about the Akashic System. He presents his theories while Ebonheim reveals a little bit of how the System works.
8 Raincrown, 1368
  • Ebonheim returns to the Sanctum of the Divine Manadala and interacts with Syntris and Xellos.
  • She acquires the Gauntlets of the Storm Giant and the Chalice of Eternal Nectar.
  • Aftwards, she visits and tours Ariastra''s city ''Byllais''.
  • They talk about what it means to be a deity and their relationship with their worshippers.
10 Raincrown, 1368
  • Ebonheim and the villagers debate about the use of the Chalice of Eternal Nectar.
  • Afterwards, an arm wrestling tournament takes place. The winner receives the Gauntlets of the Storm Giant.
  • Serrandyl wins the tournament.
13 Sunwell, 1368
  • Calyxia and the Seraphidae plan for a war against the Kungwan.
16 Sunwell, 1368
  • Calyxia requests Ebonheim''s aid in the war.
  • Ebonheim seeks counsel with the elders of the village.
20 Sunwell, 1368
  • Ebonheim arrives at the Seraphidae settlement and joins their war against the Kungwan.
21 Sunwell, 1368
  • Bjorn, Th''maine, Lira, and Serrandyl journey to the Kungwan territory to find out how they are acquiring host bodies for their brood.
22 Sunwell, 1368
  • Ebonheim and Calyxia start their battle against the Kungwan forces.
  • Bjorn and his party enter Kelzryn''s lair and discover a magitech portal that abducts humans from different regions. They also discover the dragon imprisoned.
23 Sunwell, 1368
  • Ebonheim and Calyxia continue to do battle against the Kungwan.
  • Eventually, the Kungwans are defeated.
24 Sunwell, 1368
  • Ebonheim, with the help of Calyxia, manages to free Kelzryn from his imprisonment. However, Ebonheim''s form gets destroyed from the backlash of absorbing the draconic Quintessence.
24 Dayhelm, 1368
  • Ebonheim revives from the ordeal, her followers by her side.
Chapter 80: A Moment of Reprieve, An Unexpected News
29th day of Dayhelm, 1369 [Quintessence] 13524/64000 A year had passed since the war against the Kungwans and the liberation of Kelzryn. During that period, the village settled into a quiet and peaceful routine, enjoying the stability and safety provided by their patron deity. The farmers tended the fields, and the hunters ventured out into the woods, providing the community with plenty of food and supplies. Crafters labored in their workshops, creating tools, clothes, furniture, and other items to improve the daily lives of the people. Children ran and played, their laughter filling the streets. Elderly folk sat together, exchanging stories and reminiscing about the past. Life was simple and straightforward, but pleasant. At the center of the settlement, in the commons near the feast hall, Ebonheim sat cross-legged within her shrine, listening to the sounds of the villagers going about their business. Occasionally, they''d stop and pray to her, and she''d smile in response, nodding her head and offering a wave as she thanked them for their prayers. Ebonheim watched as the children darted around the plaza, playing games and chasing each other, while their mothers and grandmothers chatted amiably as they worked. A group of older boys sparred with wooden swords, practicing their swordsmanship skills under the tutelage of their father. The young women gossiped, sharing news and discussing rumors about who was courting whom. She overheard Lira''s name being mentioned but chose not to eavesdrop further. She was content with the tranquility. "Hey, Ebonheim! I have a confession!" Her trance was broken as she glanced up at Serrandyl, who trotted towards her, tail down between her legs. The Beastkin girl dropped onto her knees beside her, ears folded flat on her head, a guilty look on her face despite her attempt at an awkward smile. Ebonheim squinted and cocked her head. On the off-chance that this involved mischief, she wanted to prepare herself mentally beforehand. Her shrine duties for the day weren''t over yet, but Serrandyl''s guilty demeanor might suggest otherwise. "Um, what is it, Serrandyl?" Ebonheim asked hesitantly. Serrandyl leaned in, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. "I thought you were in your cabin this morning, so I knocked for a while but no one answered. So...I..." "No..." "...accidentally broke your door ag¡ª" Ebonheim wrapped her arms around Serrandyl''s neck and locked her in a guillotine choke, applying pressure on her windpipe with her forearm. Even though Serrandyl could easily break free, the Beastkin girl stayed still, obediently accepting the chokehold, her eyes rolling back as her face began turning a strange color. In a calm, relaxed voice, Ebonheim whispered to her friend. "Serrandyl, why would you do that to my front door? Again? You know how important the doors are. They keep bad things from getting into the house, and they keep the good things from getting out. Now my house is open, and the elements can come in and ruin all my stuff. You can''t just barge into a goddess'' house and expect everything to be all sunshine and roses. You have to knock, and when no one answers, you come by at a later time! Or else...otherwise...I might accidentally manifest and strangle you in real life. Like right now." "W-Wait! I''m sowwy, I swear I''ll fix it, I''ll fix iiiiit..." Serrandyl pleaded desperately. "I''m sho shwead." "You know," Ebonheim continued, still holding Serrandyl in the choke, "just like how people need doors, so do goddesses. In fact, I think it''s even more important for a goddess to have a door. Because without a door, she might end up having to make a new one, which would require finding the right wood, cutting the boards, measuring and cutting the boards, gluing the boards together, attaching the hinges, hammering the nails, and assembling the entire door. I don''t think you understand how stressful it is to have to build a new door." Serrandyl''s eyes widened and her ears perked up, as she quickly spoke up again in a rushed voice, "I-I know where we can get the materials to rebuild the dowwow! I''ll ask Thwomsten! I''m shorry, I''ll go right away to fiwd it!" "And speaking of important things," Ebonheim went on, tightening her grip around Serrandyl''s neck, "I bet that most towns and cities don''t worship deities that live in doorless houses. They probably secretly harbor a deep resentment for those poor deities out there without any doors to their name. Can''t imagine what life must be like for those poor deities, eh, Serrandyl? I bet they suffer from intense psychological trauma, struggling to cope with the constant social ostracization and abandonment due to their lack of doors. Think about it: the complete inability to maintain any sort of privacy; the crippling sense of insecurity and vulnerability caused by the absence of a sturdy, reliable barrier to keep unwanted visitors and intruders out of your personal space; the humiliation of living in an open, unprotected state, unable to prevent random passersby from peeking into your house and judging you based on the meager furnishings you have available. Oh, that''s right, Serrandyl. I can''t imagine what that must be like. To be me." "Mmghmrmhmrrngbwllrdfrffmmmffff!" Ebonheim had no intention of choking her dear friend to unconsciousness, even if she let her do so. After a few moments, she finally released her hold on the gasping and coughing girl, who flopped onto her back, heaving and wheezing as she tried to catch her breath. Serrandyl lay sprawled on the ground for a long moment, sucking in deep gulps of air before she finally sat up, wiping the drool from her mouth. Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment as she averted her gaze. "S-Sorry about your door, Ebonheim..." "It''s all right," Ebonheim responded with a gentle smile, placing her hand on Serrandyl''s head and gently stroking her crimson locks. Serrandyl''s ears and tails lowered, and her shoulders slumped as she pouted, cheeks still flushed pink. Ebonheim tried her best not to laugh at the sight. "Ah, you''re such a handful sometimes. So what was so important that you had to kick my door down to tell me anyway?" Serrandyl''s face immediately lit up and she bounced back to her feet, standing ramrod straight with her chest out. "Right! So, Lira and I were heading towards the river when I remembered that I didn''t invite you to join us!" "Invite me to the river? Really? After you destroyed my door? Not even a bath can salvage your sins now," Ebonheim replied with a roll of her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. "No, I mean, to a picnic! You didn''t eat any breakfast yet, did you?" "Uhhhh, no?" "Exactly! I didn''t either, and Lira said she''d whip up something special for us. So c''mon, let''s go!" Serrandyl grabbed Ebonheim by the wrist and tugged her out of her shrine. She stumbled slightly, nearly toppling over, but managed to regain her balance as she allowed herself to be dragged. The morning had been quiet, and her village needed nothing more from her right now. A quick trip to the river to cool off in the summer heat sounded like a refreshing idea. The villagers nearby stared curiously as the two girls hurried through the trails, their robes and clothing flapping in the breeze. Ebonheim offered a wave of her hand in a half-hearted attempt to reassure them, but they only shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders at the spectacle. Ebonheim had trouble keeping pace with Serrandyl''s stride, her shorter legs causing her to jog to match the Aslankoyash girl''s loping gait. Fortunately, Serrandyl eventually slowed and fell into step beside her, flashing a toothy grin as they approached the riverbank. The waters sparkled under the bright sun, and the smell of wildflowers filled the air. Large boulders jutted out from the earth, and clusters of shrubs and trees dotted the landscape. The lush greenery swayed gently under the warm rays, casting shifting shadows across the surface of the water. A few smaller streams flowed from the mountain ridge, their course snaking through the sloped terrain before converging into the main stream. Several villagers fished with their nets along the banks of the river, while others swam and played in the shallows. The sound of their laughter rang through the air, mingling with the chirping birdsong and rustling leaves. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Lira stood underneath an elm tree by the riverside, surrounded by baskets and sacks filled with assorted goods, laying out a blanket for the trio to sit on. She waved when she saw Ebonheim and smiled, beckoning them closer. "Ah, you made it. Come, sit." Ebonheim plopped herself onto the ground beside Lira, stretching her arms and legs before leaning back, basking in the sunlight. "So, what''s the occasion? You usually only do this when you''ve got news to share." "Not this time," Lira began, rummaging through her bags, "I''ve noticed how hard you''ve been working these days, and I thought you needed a break from your daily chores. So, here we are." Serrandyl giggled, sitting down cross-legged and resting her elbows on her knees. "She''s not wrong, you know. You''ve been really busy lately." Ebonheim closed her eyes. "Maybe, but I love what I do. Without this village, I wouldn''t be here. So, it''s only fair for me to give back as much as possible. Besides, it keeps me occupied, which helps take my mind off things." Serrandyl tilted her head to the side inquisitively. "What sorta things?" Ebonheim gazed skyward, observing the clouds drifting lazily across the vast expanse. Lira tapped Serrandyl on the shoulder and shook her head. "We shouldn''t pry, Serrandyl. If the goddess wishes to discuss her concerns, she will." The Aslankoyash girl frowned and averted her gaze, looking over the river. "Hmm. Yeah, I suppose." Ebonheim inhaled deeply and let out a sigh, glancing back at her friends. "You guys know I can hear you, right?" The two exchanged sheepish grins and began preparing their lunch. Ebonheim cracked a smile and turned her attention back to the sky. She enjoyed spending time alone in peace and solitude, but the company of companions eased her thoughts, allowing her to focus more on the present and less on the things that troubled her. She pondered the question. Often, she found herself deep in thought, especially recently, reflecting on the events that transpired over the previous year. Some mysterious group was lurking around the valley, and their presence unsettled her. Yet, she had no clues about who or what they were, making the situation all the more concerning. The likelihood that the ones who implanted the Magitech device within Aelindra, which corrupted her, and the ones who imprisoned Kelzryn and erected the portal to supply the Kungwans with bodies to infect for their brood, were the same group, was high. The mystery behind the device that was attached to Aelindra also continued to puzzle her. She had tried examining the device, given that she had managed to understand the workings of the contraption that bound Kelzryn, but the skill she had acquired during that instance of enlightenment vanished from her mind as if the Akashic System had deliberately removed the knowledge. All Ebonheim could remember were vague impressions, images of mechanical designs, and complex symbols. Even though the information had faded from her memory, the lingering fragments nagged at her. Why would the Akashic System suddenly erase this kind of knowledge? It almost felt like someone, or something, was watching her, monitoring her actions and limiting what she was able to learn. The realization both frustrated and frightened her. She had always assumed that the System was impartial and neutral. It granted power, rewarded accomplishment, and acted as an objective guide for the gods. Yet, if that were true, why would she experience this sudden loss of knowledge? What purpose did such restrictions serve? Was she doing something wrong? Th''maine''s wild theories about the Akashic System came to mind, about how the gods were agents of the System and the System itself was a means to prevent civilization from becoming too advanced. At the time, she didn''t give his conspiracies too much thought, but his words stirred unease in her heart. All of these mysteries gnawed at her mind. Focusing on her daily tasks helped her distract herself and ease her worries. The idyllic routine of the village, where everyone went about their business peacefully, undisturbed by conflict or chaos, brought her comfort. A piece of fruit bounced off her forehead, interrupting her thoughts. She blinked and sat up, catching the projectile as it fell into her lap. Serrandyl smirked mischievously at her. "Quit spacing out and help us with this lunch, will ya?" Ebonheim wrinkled her nose in feigned annoyance, tossing the fruit back at the beastkin, who caught it easily with one hand. She snickered, reaching for another and aiming to chuck it back. Lira cleared her throat and flashed a warning glare at both of them. "Girls, play nice or no food." Ebonheim quickly backed down and grabbed a chunk of bread instead, sinking her teeth into it. Serrandyl sulked and begrudgingly followed suit, reluctantly picking up a slice of meat and munching on it. The trio ate their meal quietly, occasionally sharing idle conversation, until the last morsels disappeared. Afterwards, they lounged around, chatting amiably, taking in the afternoon sun and warmth. Ebonheim stretched her arms above her head and yawned, patting her belly contently. "I think I''m gonna take a nap." Lira nodded, patting her back. "Rest well. We''ll clean up. Take all the time you need." "Mmkay, thanks." She closed her eyes and laid back down, listening to the soft voices of her two companions. After a while, her breathing slowed, and her consciousness drifted into the realm of dreams.
6th day of Highglow, 1369 The next week, the village bustled with activity, people carrying baskets filled with vegetables and fruits from the farm plots, chickens clucking as they scurried around the dirt roads. Children ran about, laughing and shouting in delight, as parents busied themselves with chores. Ebonheim strode through the main path leading through the village. She glanced around at the scenery, appreciating the sight of her village and its inhabitants. She walked along the trail, nodding her head at the children who passed by, waving and greeting the adults who worked in the fields. When she reached the square, she paused to watch the proceedings. Several villagers had gathered around a wooden table set up in the center of the area, engaged in a lively discussion. Some of the men laughed as they drank ale, while others listened attentively to their companions. The women exchanged recipes and gossip, sharing tips about the best methods to prepare certain dishes or which ingredients gave better results. They shared stories and advice, offering each other encouragement when necessary. After a short while, Ebonheim resumed walking through the village, heading to her cabin. She hummed a tune as she strolled along the dirt path, enjoying the autumn weather. The air smelled of freshly cut wood and newly tilled soil, and the sounds of people milling about and conversing filled the air. Ebonheim reached her dwelling, pausing at the front porch to admire its appearance. Her cabin was much bigger than the tiny hut the villagers had hastily erected for her over a year ago. After the hut had been blown away by the rampaging elemental storm, the villagers had all pitched in to rebuild a larger, sturdier domicile for her¡ªalthough it took a long while before the carpenters managed to agree on the design. She had slept in the feast hall during that time, but she was happy to have a proper abode of her own again. When she arrived at her door, freshly restored to its original condition after Serrandyl had ''accidentally'' kicked it down, she turned to admire the scenery one last time before stepping inside. Her cabin overlooked the entire village, granting her a panoramic view of the settlement. She loved the view, and she spent several minutes admiring the landscape before entering her home. Inside, the interior appeared spacious and comfortable, with furniture that matched the rustic aesthetic. A simple bed sat against one wall, covered in sheets and blankets, while a dresser stood at the opposite end. A round table occupied the center of the room, with two chairs positioned neatly around it. The fireplace crackled softly, casting warm light around the room. Ebonheim leaned back in her chair, letting out a long sigh as she closed her eyes. It had been a busy week for her. She''d spent most of her time helping out around the village, and she was exhausted. She hadn''t even had time to go on her usual patrols, as she usually did. But there was always something to do. The village was thriving. Everyone in Ebonheim helped one another. She liked how close everyone here felt, and how people cared for each other. But she also appreciated how independent and self-reliant the villagers were, despite the communal spirit. She opened her eyes and gazed out the window at the village beyond. A speck of green light zipped by in the distance and drew closer and closer, until a familiar face came into focus. "Ebonheim!" Ivera''s cheerful voice rang out, her tiny figure hovering by the window. "Ivera," Ebonheim greeted with a warm smile. "I haven''t seen you in a while." "Ebonheim! Big news, big news!" Ivera chirped, buzzing around excitedly. Her wings hummed rapidly, the leaves on them fluttering in the wind. Dejavu? Ivera''s unexpected appearance was oddly similar to Serrandyl''s visit from the week prior. Ebonheim arched a brow inquisitively, and her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What news?" "Big, big group of humans! On the road, they come this way. They''ll be here in a few days, I think!" Ivera answered, practically vibrating with her news. "You should check on them! Make sure they''re not bad people!" Ebonheim''s golden eyes widened. "Really?" Ivera bobbed her head excitedly. "Yes!" A big group of humans were heading here? No one in the village mentioned anything about a caravan passing by. She should have been notified about this sooner. Were they travelers, traders, mercenaries, or something else? "Do you remember exactly how many?" Ebonheim inquired, standing up from her seat. Ivera pursed her lips thoughtfully. Maybe it was a difficult question to ask of her. Ivera was unaccustomed to the concept of counting, as faeries didn''t typically have much use for such skills. She understood the difference between ''many'' and ''few,'' but beyond that, her comprehension eluded her. But she tried her best, nonetheless. "Hmm...Oh! I saw more of them than there are people in the village, Ebonheim! It''d be like having five villages all together!" Ebonheim''s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened. Did she mean that she saw five times as many people as the village population? So...almost five thousand?! "That many people...?" she muttered. What could be the purpose of such a large group coming here? If they were merchants or explorers, then perhaps the sheer numbers wouldn''t be so unusual. But there were no trading routes here, and the Eldergrove valley wasn''t a destination for any significant human expeditions unless... Roderick''s face came to mind, and Ebonheim recalled the merchant''s promise to send word to his contacts about her village''s existence. "Ivera...did you happen to see a large iron spider the size of a small house leading the caravan?" Ebonheim asked, already expecting the answer. Ivera nodded eagerly. "Yup, yup! And there''s a human riding on top of its head, right? I''ve seen him before. He usually passes through the valley alone. Well, with another human by his side anyway." Ebonheim facepalmed and let out a groan. "Oh, gods." Chapter 81: Advent of the New Settlers Ebonheim took a long look around the feast hall, her gaze roaming over the gathered elders. It seemed everyone had heeded her urgent call. Heavy wooden tables, usually laden with food and merriment, were pushed aside to make room for everyone to gather. The glow from the hanging lanterns danced off the worn wooden panels of the room, casting long shadows that lent a certain solemnity to the atmosphere. Engin, the self-proclaimed village head, was discussing logistics, his stern green eyes examining the parchment before him. His wrinkled face creased further in concentration, and he stroked his short, trimmed beard idly as he studied the sheet. "The first priority," Engin said as he gestured to the paper in front of him. "Is food and shelter. We must ensure that our stocks can feed the additional mouths. The harvest is sufficient for the villagers, and we''ve been blessed with abundance for the past few years, but to sustain nearly quadruple the usual amount of mouths is a challenge to plan for." "I can''t fathom spending a month or two traveling in such a massive caravan," Sven exclaimed with a heavy frown. "They must have had their own supplies, surely? I doubt they could rely on foraging in the wild as they traveled with that many people. No, they must have rations, yes?" "Aye," Bjorn interjected. "I highly doubt that Roderick would lead a caravan this huge without ample supplies. But we shouldn''t dismiss the possibility that his stocks may have dwindled significantly. It''d be a lot for us to accommodate on our own, regardless. We should plan accordingly, and assume that we must provide a substantial portion of their provisions ourselves." "Hmmm..." Th''maine stroked his long white beard, deep in thought. "We do have the excess reserves in the granary and storehouse, but even those aren''t limitless." "Don''t forget that we''ve brought our own livestock and equipment with us when we settled in this place," Gunnar pointed out with a hint of pride. "We can spare more to hunt the woods and raise them to supplement the food. We''ll need to invest in making sure they have plenty to eat in addition to the grain stores, of course." Engin nodded and made a mark on the paper. "All right, let''s consider the worst-case scenario where the caravan arrives with no supplies on hand. Can we feed the people for a month or two, assuming we allocate the surplus in the granary and storehouses, and expand farming efforts to grow crops and raise livestock?" "Five thousand additional mouths? With everyone pitching in, we''d be able to manage a month''s worth of rations. Two would be a stretch, but not impossible, especially if we lean heavily on foraging to help fill the gaps," Ionus confirmed, scratching the back of his head. "But we''d be living on a strict diet of breads, soups, stews, and thin gruel. People would get bored quickly with such a repetitive meal schedule." "We could encourage everyone to start fishing in the river," Lira suggested. "It''s plentiful, and we can afford to share, provided the lake''s wildlife can replenish itself." Thorsten slammed his flagon of mead on the table with a loud thud and huffed. "You''re focusing too much on the food situation. We must discuss security. No matter how much Roderick might vouch for his caravan, there''s a potential risk among them that we cannot ignore." "Naturally, but I think the matter of sustenance comes first and foremost," Engin countered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Any dangers presented by this group can be handled in due time. Besides, I''d prefer not to antagonize visitors by being inhospitable when we can offer them hospitality instead." Thorsten snorted and took another swig of his drink. "Hmph. Just because we have a friendly relationship with Roderick doesn''t mean we should let down our guard. We don''t even know these strangers. I''m not comfortable with their arrival, not to mention their size." "It''s true, we don''t know them," Hilda agreed, tapping her cane lightly against the floor. "But I do trust the man who leads the caravan. He has a good head on his shoulders, and he has proven himself to be trustworthy and honorable. If he vouches for their character, I believe he speaks truthfully." Thorsten let out a low growl but relented, folding his arms across his barrel chest. "Very well. But I will assign more guards to patrol the village. At the very least, let them be on alert as we establish relations. There''s safety in preparedness, and we need to make sure that everyone remains safe." "Agreed," Engin announced, lifting his chin and surveying the hall. "Now, on the subject of lodgings, where can we fit five thousand people in?" Bjorn rubbed his temples and let out a sigh. "When we settled here, we never had that many people to account for. It wasn''t too difficult to set up for everyone with the supplies we brought with us, and we''ve built a bit over the past several years. Roderick knows that, and I''m sure he''ll have a good solution when he gets here." "But where should they settle? Where do we fit them?" Ionus pressed as he paced across the floor. "We''ve not put much thought into the layout of the village so that we''d have the proper accommodations for a large influx of settlers. I suppose the flat lands by the riverside could suffice, and there are plenty of clearings dotting the forest. None of those areas are currently in use, but that would mean everyone would be even more spread out." Engin rapped his fingers against the table. "That''s not a bad thing, necessarily. The more distance there is between houses, the more room there is for growth in the future. We don''t need to follow the same rigid urban planning that the cities do, and it''s not like anyone will complain about a bit of extra space." Lira coughed politely before speaking. "Be that as it may, this will put a strain on the village infrastructure. There are not enough wells to supply drinking water for a sudden increase in the number of dwellings, for starters. The existing wells are scattered around the village at present, but with an increased demand, they will become overwhelmed." "Ah, aye," Thorsten added, stroking his beard as he weighed in. "And the latrines will become congested very quickly. We must build more if we are to keep everything running smoothly." "Ah...the latrines," Bogdan murmured, shaking his head. "Right, I can handle that. I''m somewhat familiar with the process, so I can supervise the construction, though I can''t say I''ll enjoy the smell." Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "Thank you, Bogdan," Engin remarked with a grateful smile. "Excellent. Now, what else is there to address? The food, the water, the waste, the housing. What else are we missing?" The rest of the elders all murmured and voiced their concerns about the issue, debating the merits and pitfalls of the suggested plans. The meeting went on, and the issues were discussed in exhaustive detail. Once the initial shock of the situation had passed, the village council fell into their rhythm and got to work. Ebonheim remained quiet the whole time. While she had been observing the discussions with interest, she stayed silent because she didn''t have any input to offer. Her expertise was limited, and she didn''t know what her role in all this would be. Eventually, the meeting wound down. Engin wrapped up the gathering by announcing the tentative measures that would be taken to prepare for the impending arrivals, and the rest of the attendees dispersed. Ebonheim lingered behind, watching as Engin and Th''maine conversed quietly by the corner of the hall. When they finished their talk, she walked towards Engin and waited patiently. After Th''maine exited, Engin caught her approach, and his tired expression lightened. "Ah, Ebonheim. Is there anything on your mind?" She cleared her throat and tilted her head. "Are there any preparations I can help with?" "Most certainly," Engin replied without hesitation. "Roderick had managed to gather that many people to uproot themselves from their homes, leaving behind everything they know, and embark on a dangerous journey to reach our village following the belief of a promising future for them." He continued while pacing to and fro. "Commonfolk would not take a leap of faith like this easily unless they were like us, who''d had enough of the intolerance and persecution we''ve received from the gods that claim to protect us. Roderick would have told them tales of your benevolence and our prosperity, no doubt, but this is the biggest risk many of these folks have ever taken. It would be an incredible show of trust for them to arrive here with nothing but the clothes on their back." Engin paused and fixed his gaze on her, his expression serious. "Your role is the most important one. As a symbol of the village, you represent what people believe we embody: A refuge for all. These travelers will need to meet you first, to confirm with their own eyes and heart that you, an actual god, walk among us, not as someone detached from the daily affairs of mortals, but as an equal. Then, they would feel confident enough to settle here and build their lives in this village. Only then, could they begin to prosper with the rest of us. You understand, do you not, Ebonheim?" She smiled at him. Engin''s conviction and vision for their community had never faltered. The fire in his eyes and the certainty of his tone conveyed the depth of his resolve to see his vision through, no matter how daunting the task. He was instrumental to her existence, the one who''d conceived the idea of her, which the villagers had collectively cultivated, allowing her to manifest. In that regard, he was a father to her. "I do, Engin. I''ll come up with a way to make a good first impression." "Yes, I hope you do. I don''t want a repeat of what you did to Doyle and your subsequent capture by Thorsten when you first showed yourself to us." He arched his brow in a lighthearted manner, teasing her about the embarrassing incident. Ebonheim blushed and sheepishly scratched her cheek. "I did what I did in the heat of the moment. I was nervous. But...I think I''ve grown a bit since then." "Yes, you have," he admitted. "And so has this village. Do what you will. We are all but servants to your will, and I am confident you will not lead us astray." She lowered her head, staring at her feet. "I know." "There''s no need to be humble about it, Ebonheim," Engin assured her. "It''s your choice what you want to do. Don''t let anything hold you back, and don''t hesitate to tell me if you need help with something. Alright?" She nodded. Engin smiled. "Good. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I must make my rounds. We have a busy time ahead of us, and there''s much to be done. Farewell." Engin strode towards the exit. Ebonheim watched his retreating figure, a slight smile on her face. When he was gone, she headed back to her cabin, deep in thought. She had to plan. She had to prepare. She had to impress five thousand people, after all. But what to do? How could she greet them? Should she be intimidating, commanding, regal, majestic? Or should she be gracious, benevolent, humble, and approachable? Her mind whirled with ideas. Perhaps she should go all out and create a grand spectacle, displaying her divine power and awe-inspiring might. That would leave a lasting impression. On the other hand, if she did that, she might scare off the more timid and cautious ones. They had their faith in Roderick, but they weren''t ready to commit to living here entirely until they had the chance to verify his claims, to test the veracity and legitimacy of her existence with their own eyes. Perhaps she should wear armor, to show her commitment to protecting them. Maybe she should hold a spear or a sword, to demonstrate her martial prowess and her dedication to keeping the peace. Or maybe, she could come across as more humble and down-to-earth. Wear simple, everyday clothing. Be friendly, approachable, welcoming. As she deliberated the best course of action, she arrived at her cabin and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She flopped onto the bed, sighing deeply as she stared at the ceiling. Her gaze landed on the beam of the roof, where a small crack in the wood had formed. She hadn''t noticed that before. She groaned and rolled onto her side. A new problem had presented itself. Was it worth spending her precious Quintessence to find and purchase a divine ability to repair the damage? Yes. It was. It wouldn''t be just her roof that she could fix, either. She could repair other things, too, if she wanted to. Other buildings. Other structures. Wasn''t that an excellent way to make a first impression? Showing her desire to help, to care for the welfare and safety of her new people? Of course, it was. A simple gesture, yet profound. Engin and the others were troubled by mundane problems, but they were problems she could solve with ease. She was a god, after all. They were so used to being independent, relying on their own hard work and effort, that they rarely asked her for divine intervention. They had little cause for her to expend her Quintessence¡ªthe last time was when she was tasked to build that road to the western entrance of the valley. Maybe they forgot how useful she was in this respect. Why couldn''t she, instead, spend her Quintessence on using her abilities for more practical things, to ease the burden on the village''s resources and bolster its productivity? Either way, she needed to come across as more active, more proactive, and more hands-on with her dealings. She was a god, for crying out loud. She represented the hopes and dreams of the villagers and their future generations. Her daily shrine duties, the small tasks, and errands she performed, while appreciated, couldn''t compare to the opportunities for grand gestures that awaited her. So, with that in mind, she had a new objective: Create a grand spectacle that would dazzle and amaze her soon-to-be-people, convince them to join her village, and to treat her as a patron deity, not as a distant figurehead or an absentee landlord. To do that, she needed a plan. Something flashy. Something dramatic. Something awe-inspiring. Something magnificent. Chapter 82: The Return of the Eccentric Merchant The primordial forest of the Eldergrove Valley, where ancient trees whispered tales of forgotten eras, loomed darkly overhead as the caravan made its way through the dense foliage. The towering trunks of the massive oaks, cedars, and maples obscured the sun, leaving the path dim and shadowed. In the gloom, the travelers caught glimpses of strange and fantastical creatures: glowing lights darting through the branches, shimmering wings fluttering through the air, and mysterious shapes lurking in the depths of the forest beyond. The caravan''s wagons rolled slowly, creaking and groaning beneath the weight of their cargo, while the horses and mules struggled to keep their footing on the path which was barely wide enough to accommodate their passage. The steady clip-clop of hooves and the occasional snort or neigh of the beasts broke the silence, echoing eerily through the trees. The procession stretched across the forest for kilometers. Five thousand souls, their entire worldly possessions piled high atop their backs, formed a veritable river of people, animals, and goods winding through the woods. Their faces were somber and weary, but their gazes held determination and resolve. At the head of the line, Roderick sat atop the Iron Spider, his hand on the control panel, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The automaton''s eight spindly legs carried him effortlessly over the obstacles on the road, its metal frame seemingly untouched by fatigue or weariness. He whistled a cheerful tune, seemingly oblivious to the tension and apprehension that permeated the air around him. The sight of the looming trees, the shrouded canopy, and the hidden wilderness beyond cast an ominous shadow upon the hearts and minds of the newcomers. Countless dangers were lurking within the confines of the Eldergrove, and they had all heard the stories. The Eldergrove Valley was one of the few uncharted territories on the continent. It bordered the great wall that separated the eastern kingdoms from the vast western lands. The land was steeped in mystery, and few dared to set up root within its depths. Whispers of lost travelers, tragic disappearances, and nightmarish creatures abound haunted the legends and folklore of the region. Many believed the valley itself was cursed, the dwelling ground of ancient spirits and monstrous beasts. The gods themselves had turned a blind eye to its existence, leaving the valley untouched by their power and influence. For Roderick, who had ventured through the valley numerous times over the years, the trip was anything but troubling. He knew the hazards and the pitfalls. He knew how to avoid the dangers and steer clear of the threats. He had bargained passage with ancient spirits that claimed territories within the woods, earning their cooperation and support. Yet, despite the numerous warnings, rumors, and superstitions surrounding the place, the caravan had followed him all the way to this point. He had convinced them that they could find sanctuary within these borders, a fresh start, and a chance for a better life. He promised them that Ebonheim, the goddess who dwelled within the valley, would welcome them with open arms and allow them to thrive alongside her followers. Roderick whistled a tune to himself as his gaze darted from the road to the trees. The sounds of the caravan filtered through the forest, creating a faint cacophony that echoed through the air. He had faith in his words, faith in his claims. He had been there and witnessed the generosity and magnanimity of the villagers and Ebonheim. He trusted his assessment of her. "I have to give her a big surprise," Roderick whispered under his breath. "Big is an understatement," Simon called out to him, standing on top of the automaton, holding on to the rails. He raised his gaze, squinting in the distance as if to survey the horizon. "You''ve managed to bring five thousand people here." Roderick chuckled. "Yeah, and it wasn''t easy, I assure you. Many of the families that joined the caravan were reluctant, despite me having spent years establishing a network of allies and patrons in the region. The prospect of relocating to a new and unknown territory was both frightening and enticing." Simon nodded. "Understandably so. One does not abandon their ancestral homelands lightly. Many of them would have to leave their kin behind, their birthplace, and their homes. Even the promise of a better life elsewhere isn''t enough to overcome such powerful connections." Roderick stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Yes, I am well aware of the difficulties of convincing the people to trust in my word and commit to such a venture. Fortunately, my reputation and the potential benefits far outweighed their doubts and hesitations, and we had a rather remarkable turnout." "I still find it hard to believe that the Ethervein Enclaves and Les Artisants d''¨¦clair chose to tag along, in full," Simon admitted, gesturing to a row of ornately decorated carriages, painted in vivid colors and adorned with golden filigree. "Both organizations are a far cry from the ragtag bands of commoners you have in tow." Roderick shrugged. "I had hoped that they would take the opportunity to escape the persecution they faced, but I hadn''t anticipated their full support. It appears they were also eager for a fresh start." Simon arched a brow. "You didn''t pressure them into joining, did you?" "I did no such thing," Roderick scoffed, feigning indignation. "I merely informed them of the situation and offered them a chance to be part of something bigger and greater. They made their own decisions to accompany us." "Really now?" Simon asked skeptically. "Did giving them a glimpse of the Ebonwood you acquired from the village count as part of that pitch?" Roderick grinned. "If I recall, it was an integral component of my persuasive argument. I did not lie, though. I demonstrated the value and efficacy of the Ebonwood by showing them components crafted from its material." "And the fact that the wood itself is a divine relic and the source of Ebonheim''s blessing is irrelevant?" Simon shook his head and sighed. "You are quite shameless, Roderick." "I swear to you, on my honor as a merchant, that I did not deceive the Enclaves or the Artisans, and that I had only the purest intentions in bringing them into our fold. The Ebonwood was the cherry on top of the pie, but both groups were already set to come along even before I showed them the goods. They wanted a new beginning, and I gave them that. Everyone wins." Simon arched a brow. "Then why is it that I can detect the slightest hint of a smile on your face when you said that?" "What, are you a Seer now?" Roderick teased, shooting him a smug glance. "You read into things too much, Simon. I assure you that I have the best interests of the village and this caravan in mind and I always act with the utmost integrity." Simon snorted derisively and folded his arms across his chest before sitting down on the deck of the Iron Spider. "I can''t fault you for being a good salesman, I suppose. And I must admit that you''re one of the few people I''d trust to lead an endeavor of this scale." Roderick laughed. "I''m flattered. Your confidence means the world to me, truly. I do aim to prove worthy of that faith. Rest assured, Simon, we are doing something special here. A grand undertaking indeed!" "How much farther do we have to travel?" Simon asked, looking around the area. Roderick checked his pocket watch. "Well, assuming the village hasn''t moved, we''ll be there tomorrow by the evening, provided we maintain this pace." Simon glanced back at the column of people trailing behind them. They had been traveling for a few weeks, and the journey had been an arduous one. The sheer size and scope of the caravan meant that they were easy targets for many of the predators that stalked the wilderness. Being this far out in the frontiers meant that there were no patrols from the kingdom''s military or the guilds, leaving them to fend for themselves against the wilds'' dangerous inhabitants. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Fortunately, the presence of the other two notable groups that joined the caravan helped to deter most of the opportunistic beasts and monsters from attacking. The Silverguard Company, a renowned mercenary outfit, served as the caravan''s vanguard and scouts. They protected the group from danger, ranging far ahead to find safe routes to travel and warn the rest about potential hazards. Their iron discipline and well-honed martial prowess ensured that the caravan suffered minimal casualties throughout the expedition. Serving as the rear guard were warriors from Hrafnsteinn. They were stalwart people, strong and fierce, with a love for battle and honor. They were seasoned fighters who were born for combat, and their courage and valor were legendary. The shieldmaiden that was currently leading the Hrafnsteinn retinue, Ingrid, was particularly fierce and aggressive, often engaging the most challenging of enemies by herself. Ingrid''s blue eyes, reminiscent of the deep fjords of her homeland, constantly darted about, absorbing every nuance of the mystical forest around them. Her long, golden hair, woven with intricate braids and beads, cascaded down her armored back, swaying in the breeze as she rode. Her shieldmaiden attire, adorned with runic patterns and symbols, reflected the proud traditions of her people. Among the Hrafnsteinn party, she stood out, both in appearance and demeanor. Simon couldn''t help but admire her grace and ferocity, and he found himself wishing he could strike up a conversation with her. However, he never had the opportunity to do so, as he was usually relegated to accompanying Roderick at the front. "Those two groups alone are enough to ensure the safety and security of the caravan," Roderick commented. "It''s a fortunate thing that they both agreed to join us on this trip." "You could say that," Simon agreed, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the group of Silverguards marching at the front and side of the procession. "Though I''ve never dealt with the Silverguard directly, I''ve heard they''ve never accepted such a contract in the past. For them to be hired as escorts for this journey is...odd. I don''t believe they''ve ever undertaken such a long-distance contract before." Roderick shrugged. "I''m not privy to their inner workings, but I was able to offer them something more valuable than gold." "And that is?" "A sense of redemption." Roderick gave him a mysterious smirk. "Let us just say that they''ve experienced a change in management, and the new leader desired a new direction for the company. A second chance to redeem their legacy." "Hmm." Simon furrowed his brows in contemplation, trying to parse Roderick''s cryptic reply. After a brief pause, he finally let out a resigned sigh. "I should stop prying into the matters you deem too sensitive for me to know about, I suppose." Roderick nodded, satisfied with his friend''s response. "It is for the best." A short silence fell between them as they continued down the trail. The sound of the caravan filled the void, providing a constant backdrop of noise. Eventually, Simon broke the silence once more. "There is one last group I''m curious about, though. The refugees from Gorgandale...what sort of circumstances drove them to seek refuge in Ebonheim?" Roderick''s expression darkened, his gaze hardening as he recalled their tale. "They fled the city after Obsidion, the god who ruled Gorgandale, demanded an exorbitant amount of ore and precious stone to fuel its own growth. Their relationship had always been contentious, with Obsidion constantly pressuring the citizens of Gorgandale to dig deeper and mine more from the surrounding mountains to further its own agenda. As the deity''s demands increased, the people grew poorer and weaker, suffering from poor health and poverty. Many fled the city to start anew somewhere else. The ones with us now are one such group." "Surely, they would be able to live a peaceful life elsewhere. Why flee to a remote village in the middle of nowhere?" Roderick scoffed. "Need I remind you that we are in a valley surrounded by mountains? Those same mountains provide a wealth of natural resources and a boon for mining and prospecting. Moreover, Ebonheim is not too far from the base of those mountains, and they''ve already found at least two spots to mine. One of them happened to also contain gold veins. Trust me, those miners are going to be busy for a very long time." Simon whistled appreciatively. "Ebonheim will become a wealthy town, then. No doubt about that." "Indeed." Roderick nodded. "And the villagers will reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication. We are bringing prosperity to them, in a manner of speaking, though I have to admit that it''s a two-way street. More people are moving into Ebonheim, and they will need new homes and living spaces to accommodate the growth." "Mm. You certainly have a gift for foresight, Roderick." Roderick chuckled, reaching into his pack and pulling out a glass bottle of wine. He uncorked the bottle and took a swig, savoring the taste on his tongue before swallowing. "I prefer to call it intuition. A healthy dose of self-interest motivates my actions, naturally. I wouldn''t lead these people into a desolate and hostile wilderness if I didn''t believe there was a real future for them here. It''s in my best interest to ensure Ebonheim and its people prosper, otherwise, where does that leave me?" Simon chuckled, shaking his head. "An unbridled shrewdness, that''s for sure. I can always depend on you to always put your own needs first." "Well, I like to think of it more as a mutually beneficial arrangement." Roderick flashed a smile. "Everyone in this caravan has gained something from this agreement, including myself. There''s a reason why I am able to get everyone to cooperate with one another. A harmonious relationship requires mutual gains, and I intend to make sure that everyone comes out of this a winner." "I''ll take your word for it. I have to admit, I''m a little skeptical about whether Ebonheim could handle the influx of people that this caravan brings, but you seem to have accounted for all the logistics." Roderick laughed, a hearty laugh from the bottom of his stomach. "My dear Simon, when have I ever failed to prepare for something? This is no different than any other business venture I''ve ever done. I know exactly what I''m getting myself into." "I''d hope so." Simon let out a sigh as he rested his head against the railing, his gaze turning towards the sky. "Still, despite all the thoroughness and planning, there are certain details that cannot be fully predicted. Every group has a few bad eggs, and I wouldn''t be surprised if some of them had less than altruistic motives for coming to Ebonheim. It''s always the same with the greedy, ambitious sorts. Will you be able to deal with those?" A dark frown settled over Roderick''s face. He took another swig of his wine, a long drawn-out sip, before letting out a sigh and shaking his head. "We won''t know until we get there. As I''ve always said, everything will fall into place. Don''t worry so much. It''s not becoming of a warrior of your caliber. Besides, I have faith in Ebonheim. It''s a haven for everyone who seeks a better life away from the oppression of the gods. Whatever problems may arise, I have every confidence that she will overcome them." "And your alternative solution?" "The Silverguard Company can handle any unsavory characters. Let''s pray that the need to use them doesn''t arise." "No doubt about that," Simon replied, gazing at the majestic landscape spread out before them. The sun was beginning to set, and its light danced across the clouds, illuminating them in brilliant hues of crimson and gold. The rolling hills and towering peaks of the valley''s perimeter framed the horizon, and the shadows cast by the fading light played across the endless sea of lush greens. Soon, the day ended and night arrived, blanketing the forest in darkness. The caravan stopped to camp for the night, and the leaders of the various groups gathered to discuss the next day''s journey. As the moon rose above the treetops, the campfires flickered and glowed, casting warm pools of light amidst the encroaching shadows. The members of the caravan huddled close to the fires, seeking warmth and comfort as they prepared to retire for the evening. As the sounds of people settling in for the night began to die down, Roderick found himself walking through the encampment, stopping occasionally to observe the interactions between the members of the various groups. He smiled to himself, pleased to see the camaraderie and goodwill on display among the people. "They are acclimatizing well to each other," he remarked to himself, watching as a group of soldiers from the Silverguard and the Hrafnsteinn jostled and laughed together as they shared a meal by the fire. "That''s good. I expected a bit more friction, given the disparate backgrounds of the people who have joined this caravan." Roderick paused as he spotted a young man and woman talking quietly by themselves at the edge of the camp. He watched for a moment, noting their hushed conversation and their shy glances at one another. "Young love," he murmured. "Ah, to be young again..." Simon snorted in amusement as he observed the same pair by the corner of his eye. "More like lust," he quipped. Roderick laughed at the comment before clapping him on the back. "Don''t be a sourpuss. I''ve seen how you look at that Shieldmaiden from the Hrafnsteinn. Do you really think you''re fooling anyone, Simon?" Simon stiffened slightly, but quickly composed himself and shrugged. "I''ve no idea what you''re talking about." Roderick laughed, patting him on the shoulder before sauntering off towards his tent. "Good night, my friend." As he left, he couldn''t help but chuckle to himself as he imagined the grumpy face Simon must be making right now. "I''ll let him stew in his own embarrassment for a bit," Roderick muttered to himself as he ducked inside his tent. Tomorrow, they would arrive at Ebonheim, and the true challenge of integrating the newcomers would begin. Chapter 83: Reasons to Start Anew Ingrid, astride a mighty destrier with a coat as white as the northern glaciers, followed along behind the rest of the Hrafnsteinn refugees. They marched proudly at the tail end of the procession, their armor gleaming in the afternoon sunlight and their shields strapped to their backs. She watched as the forest scenery passed by, taking in the beauty of the green and gold landscape around her. She had been on the move for weeks now, and she was starting to feel restless. The thrill of the journey had faded, and she was ready to settle down in her new home. Ebonheim. The place where Bjorn, Thorsten, and the others had made their homes, leaving behind their old lives to start a new one. The thought of reuniting with her old comrades filled her with a sense of excitement and anticipation. More than seven years now...she had missed them dearly, and she looked forward to the stories they had to tell and the adventures they would share. She urged her mount forward, riding side-by-side with the soldier at the end of the formation. He nodded to her in greeting as she pulled up beside him. "Tired of staring at the back of the caravan?" he asked with a friendly smile. "Aye," she replied, returning the smile with a wry one of her own. "The monotony of this march is wearing me thin." The soldier chuckled, shaking his head in commiseration. "I know the feeling. If I have to eat one more bowl of dried rations and stale bread, I''ll go insane. My wife cooks the most incredible dishes, you know? But she said ''No lavish dishes while traveling.'' So, the first thing I''m gonna do when I reach Ebonheim is to throw this armor off, get cleaned up, and then beg her to cook something for me." "She''s part of the caravan as well?" "Yes, ma''am. Along with our son, Ragnar. I promised her that we would settle down and start a proper family. It was part of the reason why I left Hrafnsteinn in the first place." "Is that so?" Ingrid quirked a brow in intrigue. "Your son is a brave little soul, following you on such an arduous journey. I wish I could meet him." "Well, he''s only four winters old," the soldier chuckled. "But he''s got a warrior''s spirit in him, for sure. Can''t wait to see what he''ll grow up to be. With any luck, he''ll be a great leader, just like you." Ingrid smirked, a hint of pride in her tone. "Flattery will get you far, soldier. Would you say that once more in the presence of Bjorn once we get to the village?" The soldier grinned sheepishly and scratched his nose. "Err, in front of an honored Hersir like him? I''ll pass. He''ll probably cuff me on the ear for being insolent, and rightly so!" Ingrid''s shoulders shook as she held back laughter. She reached over and patted the man on the shoulder. "I''d suggest you be a tad more prudent in the future. My accomplishments as a leader fail in comparison to Bjorn''s. He is an esteemed hero of Hrafnsteinn, and as a former Hersir, he is my superior and instructor in many ways. His approval is hard-earned, but once you have it, you will do well under his command." The soldier straightened up and nodded resolutely. "I understand, ma''am. I shall heed your advice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom." The man turned and snapped a brisk salute. Ingrid returned it in kind, before motioning for him to return to his post. As the soldier trotted ahead, Ingrid brought her horse to a halt and glanced back down the line of people stretching out behind her. The rest of her people kept pace with the caravan ahead. She could see the rows of wagons carrying food supplies, tools, and other materials. The men and women walked alongside the wagons, their weapons and packs slung over their shoulders. A few of the children rode on the backs of the horses, while others clung to their parents as they trudged on foot. The sight of her people, their faces hardened with determination and resolve, sent a swell of pride and satisfaction through her. She had led these people out of Hrafnsteinn, and now they had a new home waiting for them at the end of the road. The thought of rebuilding their lives, free from the tyranny of Nidur, was a welcome one. She resumed her ride, passing by the long train of travelers and cargo. The steady rhythm of footsteps, the creaking of wheels, and the snorting of horses echoed through the woods, drowning out the distant calls of birds and insects. Beside her, a fledgling warrior, probably not more than fifteen winters, trotted up beside her and looked around with wide-eyed wonder. "I still can''t believe how incredible this place is," he remarked, his eyes roaming over the massive trees that towered over them and the dense foliage that blanketed the ground. "It''s like we''ve ventured into an elder''s tale!" Ingrid smiled, amused by the boy''s enthusiasm. "Yes, it is quite something, isn''t it? Roderick said that this forest is known as the Eldergrove, and that its history is steeped in myth and legend. Spirits and creatures from ancient times supposedly still roam these lands, and one must be careful not to attract their ire." The boy shivered in awe. "Do you think we''ll see any of them? The spirits, I mean. Not the creatures." Ingrid chuckled. "I doubt it. Roderick said that as long as we follow the road and don''t stray from the path, we should be fine." She studied the lad''s face, noticing the gleam in his eyes and the nervous tension in his muscles. She couldn''t help but be reminded of her younger self, who had been similarly excited by the prospect of exploring a new and mysterious place. The boy noticed her scrutiny and shifted uncomfortably, averting his gaze. "I''m sorry, miss, I didn''t mean to disturb you. I just couldn''t help but be fascinated by this place, that''s all." She smiled gently at him. "It''s alright. I understand. When I was your age, I was the same. Always curious and always wanting to discover new things. I still am, but not as much as when I was younger. Experience has a way of tempering one''s appetite for adventure, I suppose." The boy nodded eagerly, his attention once again focused on the road ahead. Ingrid allowed herself to relax and enjoy the ride, listening to the steady rhythm of the horse''s hooves and the rustling of the leaves in the wind. She glanced back at her retinue and saw the warriors engaged in friendly banter, their voices rising in a cheerful chorus. The prospect of their long journey ending soon seemed to have lifted their spirits, and Ingrid found herself smiling as she imagined the celebrations that awaited them.
Commander Lorne Miradan, leader of the Silverguard Company, rode at the vanguard of the caravan. He had been on many excursions in his career, but none had been quite as peculiar as this one. He had been hesitant to accept this contract, as the Silverguard Company had never undertaken a job of this scale before. However, Roderick had made a convincing case for him to reconsider. The pay was generous, but more importantly, it represented a fresh start for the company, an opportunity to regain its former glory. He glanced back at his troops, his gaze lingering on the emblem of the silver shield emblazoned with a white star that adorned their armor. He had always taken pride in the company''s reputation as a band of honorable mercenaries, but recent events had tarnished its reputation. Yet, here they were, with a new contract in hand and a new mission to fulfill. Lorne leaned back in his saddle and inhaled deeply, allowing the scent of the forest air to fill his lungs. Despite his earlier reservations, he couldn''t deny the appeal of the serene environment they were traveling through. For all the tales and warnings he''d heard about the dangers of the Eldergrove, he hadn''t encountered anything remotely threatening yet. Still, he knew better than to let his guard down. He guided his horse to the side of the road, gesturing for the Silverguard Company to continue without him as he lingered on the edge, his eyes scanning the dense foliage for any signs of movement. "Commander, are you sensing anything odd in the woods?" Kaela, his second-in-command, sat atop her black mare and tilted her head, her hawk-like eyes scrutinizing him carefully. Her dark hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and her lips were pressed in a thin line. Lorne shook his head. "Nothing unusual." Urien, a burly man with a bushy beard, snorted and adjusted his position in his saddle. "Relax. It''s just as Roderick said. The road is clear, and the creatures of the forest are too scared to approach such a large group." Kaela narrowed her eyes, her gaze flickering to the surrounding trees. "I don''t know. There''s something about this place that makes me uneasy. I can''t quite put my finger on it, but it feels as if the very trees are watching us." Lorne nodded but maintained his vigilance, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. "One can never be too careful. These lands are unfamiliar to us. You can never be too sure." Deneve, the youngest of the group, giggled and nudged her mount closer to Kaela. "Are you telling us that you believe the trees can come alive and attack us, Kaela?" Kaela fixed her with a stern glare. "I''m not saying that, but we should be vigilant. The Silverguard has dealt with all kinds of bizarre creatures over the years. Who''s to say that this forest is not hiding something similar?" "Nerves," Urien explained, brushing her concern aside. "You''re just worried because you haven''t had a break in weeks." If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "You''ve done nothing but take breaks ever since we entered the vale, Urien," Deneve quipped, grinning at the older man. "All part of my strategy to stay relaxed and focused," Urien shot back with a wink. "If I can outlast the rest of you in terms of staying alert, then I can preserve my energy for the real battle." "Right, and all that ale you''ve been consuming has nothing to do with it, eh?" Lorne interjected with a chuckle. "Come to think of it, that ale you brought with us from the last city we passed through seems to have mysteriously disappeared in the past couple of days." "Vanished, I say! Poof, gone in a blink!" Urien exclaimed in mock outrage, raising his hands in the air. "A crime, I tell you, and it must be investigated!" Deneve and Kaela exchanged an exasperated glance, before they both burst out laughing. Urien''s antics never failed to amuse them, and his ability to defuse tense situations was often instrumental in keeping the company cohesive during prolonged periods of deployment. Lorne let out a deep, weary sigh. "We''ll find out where the ale went soon enough, Urien, have no doubt. And when that time comes, you''ll owe me a drink." A cheeky grin formed on the larger man''s face. "A round on me at our first tavern, sir? I wouldn''t have it any other way." Lorne gave Urien a disapproving stare before glancing back at the Silverguards marching behind them. "See to the rearguard, Urien. Ensure that they remain vigilant. Deneve, report to the scouts. I want a status update, and make sure that you inform me of any changes in the terrain." "Understood," the duo chorused. Deneve nodded before kicking her mount into a gallop, dashing back into the line of Silverguards and disappearing among them. Urien glanced at Kaela. "Take care of yourself, Kaela. Try not to let Lorne''s intensity rub off on you too much, alright?" Kaela rolled her eyes. "I''ll try. Now, off with you. Time to earn your keep, oaf." Urien gave a loud, theatrical sigh before wheeling his mount around and joining the Silverguards. Lorne''s features softened for a moment as he watched the exchange, a tiny smile appearing on his normally stoic visage. Kaela turned to him, a look of amusement dancing across her sharp features. "That man has an uncanny way of annoying people, but also getting them to relax. I have no idea how he does it." Lorne shrugged. "Just Urien being Urien, I suppose. He has a knack for drawing people''s attention when necessary. I can count on him to do his duty, and that''s good enough for me. Now, come, we shouldn''t fall too far behind." Kaela sighed but nodded in understanding. "Aye, commander. We shall lead the way." With a nudge of her heels, Kaela prodded her horse into motion, guiding the group forward once more. Lorne waited for a moment longer, glancing back at the treeline before he steered his horse to follow. He trusted the experience of his scouts to warn him of any dangers lurking in the shadows, and his own senses to sense anything out of the ordinary. For now, he would do his duty, as he had sworn to do, and protect the caravan with his life.
Evelyne glanced back at the caravan and squinted into the distance. She could just barely make out the figures of the Silverguard Company as they trotted along the edges of the forest. Their red cloaks and silver armor provided a stark contrast to the verdant landscape, and their presence reassured her. They had faced a few minor altercations with bandits and monsters along the way, and she shuddered to think of what might have happened if they had been on their own. She turned her attention back to her own group and sighed. The Artisans had been traveling for a few weeks now, and she could sense the weariness and fatigue creeping into their bones. The Eldergrove was beautiful, but its terrain was unforgiving, and they had to contend with rocky paths, steep inclines, and muddy trails. The weather wasn''t ideal either, with intermittent bouts of rain and thunderstorms that soaked their clothes and left them chilled to the bone. It was far from the life of luxury that they had grown accustomed to while working in the city of Val¨¦tour. However, Evelyne knew that they couldn''t complain. They had chosen to accompany Roderick on this journey, and they all understood the risks and challenges that they would face along the way. "Tired, ma ch¨¨re amie?" Dimitri inquired, his gentle voice carrying to her ears over the sound of their carriage rattling over the bumpy road. "Not at all. I''m invigorated, in fact," she lied. Dimitri cocked a brow, and he gave her a wry smile. "Is that so? Perhaps you can use your boundless energy to fuel the carriage for a little while, oui? I find myself in dire need of a rest." Evelyne chuckled and reached out to pat his shoulder. He had been pushing himself relentlessly in order to keep the magitech engine operating smoothly throughout the entire trip, and he deserved a break. "I''m glad to take the wheel," she replied, shifting her weight to the right to slide onto his seat. "Rest for a while, mon cher ami. I''ll wake you if anything happens." Dimitri smiled gratefully and leaned back, closing his eyes. Within moments, he had fallen asleep, snoring softly. Their augmented carriage hummed and rattled as intricate rune-engraved wheels carried the sizable wooden construct effortlessly across the uneven terrain. No mere beast of burden pulled this marvel, but rather, the vehicle was propelled by the harmonious melding of aether and artifice. A large, crystalline mana engine was affixed to the vehicle''s undercarriage. Wires and tubes connected the engine to a series of pneumatic pistons, hydraulic cylinders, and other complex components, which drove the wheels and facilitated the operation of a variety of other systems. Rhythmic clicks and whirr of gears echoed in the interior as the machine purred along. Steam wafted gently from ornate vents, and the soft glow of magi-crystals illuminated the cab, bathing the occupants in a warm, blue light. Evelyne''s deft hands guided the vehicle skillfully, maneuvering around the occasional tree or rock that lay across the road. The enchanted steering levers were designed with a magitech interface, allowing her to navigate with ease. She kept one eye on the view ahead, and the other on the gauges and readouts on the control console. In front of her, one of the few Aetherframes that they had managed to bring with them strode confidently ahead, its heavy steps thumping against the earth. Standing over three meters tall, it bore semblance to a knight, with its plated armor and a helm bearing a single glowing eye. Aether sparks danced along its body, indicating the mana flowing through the armor, powering its movements and various armaments. A testament to Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair craftmanship. "L¨¦andre," she''d named him, after an ancestor whose tales of valor inspired her as a child. "Ah, Mademoiselle Blaise," the current pilot of L¨¦andre, Viviane De Fleur, greeted her in a thick, playful tone chirped through the Aetherframe''s speaker. "What a pleasant surprise to see you driving. Is Dimitri finally taking a break?" "Indeed, I insisted," Evelyne replied. She briefly took her eyes off the road to flash the other Artificer a polite smile. "He''s been working hard, and I figured he deserves the respite." The Aetherframe nodded. "Oui, he certainly has been putting in more effort than the others. I honestly do not understand how he does it." Evelyne chuckled. "That is something you can ask him yourself. I''m sure he''d be happy to teach you his methods, especially if they can help you improve your efficiency as an Artificer." Viviane clicked her tongue. "Oh, non non, I''m perfectly satisfied with the results I''m already getting, thank you. Why waste my time learning a more efficient method when I can get by just fine the way I am?" Evelyne stifled a laugh. She expected nothing less from Viviane. The young Aetherframe engineer tended to prioritize personal interest over efficiency, and her laissez-faire attitude towards work was one of the reasons why she and Evelyne often clashed. Despite their differences, Evelyne couldn''t fault Viviane for her performance. She was one of the most skilled and hard-working Artificers in their group, and her designs often yielded excellent results. Still, the constant jabs and verbal sparring matches between the two women continued to spark a competitive spirit in both of them, pushing each other to new heights. As if sensing her thoughts, Viviane chuckled, the Aetherframe''s vocalization apparatus giving the sound an artificial ring. "Mademoiselle, you have nothing to fear. L¨¦andre is in the safest hands possible. You''ve no doubt heard about my exploits in the latest Aetherframe competition, oui?" "I have indeed," Evelyne replied. "Congratulations on being the runner-up in the agility course race. Your scores were truly impressive, even if I don''t quite understand the purpose of such races. I much prefer the practical tests that measure a construct''s performance in an actual combat or exploration scenario." "Well, that is to be expected from the renowned mademoiselle of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair." There was a hint of sarcasm in the Aetherframe''s tone as it mimicked an exaggerated bow. "You are the grand prix champion, after all." Evelyne found her fingers tightening around the steering levers as she fought to contain her irritation. She hated the superiority complex that many of the Artisans at ¨¦clair possessed, and she despised how this attitude was often attributed to her as well. "I''ve no desire to compare accomplishments and failures," she stated curtly. "I am not that sort of person, nor have I ever been. I can only be myself, and I expect the same from everyone around me." A sigh came from the Aetherframe''s speakers. "It was a joke, Evelyne. A joke. Honestly, you do take yourself too seriously. Loosen up a bit, as they say. I''m sure it would do wonders for your mood." Evelyne shook her head, sighing as she steered the vehicle around another bend in the road. "There''s nothing wrong with my mood," she countered. "I''m simply focused on ensuring the success of this expedition. Once we''ve settled in Ebonheim, then I can afford to ''loosen up'' and enjoy myself." "If you say so," the Aetherframe replied, sounding unconvinced. "I''m not sure how you can be so optimistic about Ebonheim, though. It''s just a tiny village, from what I''ve heard. How could such a backwater hamlet offer any real opportunities for us? I know you''re desperate, Evelyne, but surely there are better places to relocate than a literal backwoods." Evelyne resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She''d lost count of how many times she had to explain this to others. To the uninitiated, Ebonheim might seem like an obscure village of no consequence, but the truth was far more remarkable. Roderick is not one to exaggerate, and she was inclined to believe the reports he sent. The village showed promise, and it was only a matter of time before it became the center of a thriving region. "I''ve already discussed this with you, Vivi," she began, struggling to keep the annoyance from showing in her voice. "Ebonheim is far more than what it seems. Roderick has assured me that this is where the future of our group lies. He is a man of vision, and he has never led me astray before. If he says that Ebonheim is where we will find prosperity, then that is where we will go." The Aetherframe let out a mechanical huff, a puff of steam escaping from its vents. "Yes, yes, I know all about the illustrious Monsieur Roderick. He''s the whole reason we''re out here in the first place, traveling through the middle of nowhere like a bunch of nomads. I suppose I should be grateful that at least the Silverguard Company is accompanying us, or else we might have gotten eaten by some monster by now. We have three combat-ready Aetherframes, but we''re hardly equipped for defense." Evelyne ignored the jab at Roderick. She didn''t expect the other Artificers to trust in him as blindly as she did, but they had to at least respect her decision as the de facto leader of their group. "Have faith, Vivi. We may be heading towards an unfamiliar place, but there is great potential here. Trust in Roderick''s judgment, as I do. He believes that Ebonheim can be the salvation of our Artisan company, and I am willing to stake everything on that belief. Are you?" There was silence for a moment, and Evelyne wondered if her words had finally struck a chord with the haughty Aetherframe engineer. Then, she heard the mechanical whirring of gears as the construct''s head swiveled to regard her. "Alright," the Aetherframe conceded, "I''ll admit that I''m intrigued. We''ll see if Ebonheim lives up to your expectations, or whether we''ll be disappointed again. I just hope that your faith in this venture is well-founded, Evelyne." Evelyne released her grip on the steering levers and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "I am as confident as I can be, Vivi. In any case, your time for walking the Aetherframe is up. Go and return to its dock, and give L¨¦andre some rest too." "Fine, fine, I''m going," the Aetherframe replied, the mechanical whirring of its limbs echoing as it began to turn. "Don''t crash into a tree or anything while I''m gone, alright?" "Your concern is touching, but unnecessary." "Oh seigneur, that''s what they all say, right before the catastrophe strikes." Chapter 84: How to Make an Entrance 8th day of Highglow, 1369 As the last of the caravan emerged from the dense cover of the Eldergrove, an expanse opened up before them. Nestled below a backdrop of rolling hills, lush farmlands, and misty mountains, a quaint village stood, framed against the sunset sky. Ingrid squinted as she took in the scene. The buildings were built with sturdy stone and wood, and she could make out the bustle of people going about their business in the streets. A narrow river wound its way through the village, and she caught sight of a small millhouse perched on its banks. Her eyes were drawn to some of the houses that were distinctly Hrafnsteinnian in design, with their arched roofs and decorative carvings. She could almost imagine the warmth and comfort that awaited them within those walls, and she couldn''t help but feel a surge of longing for the familiarity of home. As she directed her horse toward the main road, she noticed a group of villagers gathered to greet the caravan. They looked like a welcoming bunch, with friendly smiles and outstretched arms. The soldiers at the head of the caravan shouted in greeting and raised their weapons in salute. Ingrid urged her mount forward, leading her people in an orderly procession as they descended the hill and approached the village. She spotted Roderick in the crowd, dressed in his signature mercantile garb, his arms spread wide in greeting. Another man, who she could have mistaken for his brother, save for his dark-brown hair and neatly trimmed beard, embraced the merchant heartily. "Roderick! What an unexpected surprise! Welcome back, my old friend." "Engin! It is good to see you. It''s been a long journey, and we are all tired, but eager to settle in and call Ebonheim our new home." The man named Engin clapped Roderick on the back. "So it would seem. I didn''t expect quite so many to join you." He strained his face to put on a forced smile. "I really wish you''d have warned me much, much sooner. I only heard of your coming from a reliable source just yesterday. You''ll have to forgive us for not having prepared proper accommodations. But who could blame us? Eh? You kept your plans in utmost secrecy." Roderick laughed awkwardly, running a hand through his beard. "Apologies, Engin. The timing of this move was a bit hasty, even for me. I missed the opportunity to leave a message for you when you went to visit Dulgaan last year. Please accept my deepest regrets." "It''s...fine. Well, I suppose I can''t expect you to always be as punctual as usual," Engin sighed heavily. "You do seem to be making a habit of these grand entrances, anyway." Roderick smiled, then motioned towards the caravan. "Allow me to introduce you to some esteemed individuals who''ve made the journey to Ebonheim. This...is Commander Lorne Miradan, the leader of the Silverguard Mercenary Company." Lorne approached Engin and bowed slightly, placing a fist to his chest. "Mister Meric, I presume? Pleased to meet you." Engin blinked, and nodded. "Ah, yes. Mister Meric, a pleasure, to be sure." "Those are my troop." Lorne motioned to the men and women lined at the edge of the clearing. They offered a crisp salute, then stood at ease, their posture firm and disciplined. "They are disciplined and ready to serve. Each one of them has been vetted and sworn to a contract of loyalty." "I...see." Engin cast a wary glance at the mercenaries, his eyes roving over their equipment. Roderick interjected with a laugh, attempting to lighten the mood. "No need to worry, my friend. Lorne and his people will be working for the village, not against it. They won''t be doing anything...untoward." "Of course, of course." Engin nodded. "And these lovely people are the craftsmen and -women from the famous Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair." Roderick motioned to a woman clad in elegant silks. "These brilliant, creative minds come to Ebonheim to establish the first artificery workshop in the valley. With them, they have brought the greatest artifices of today, as well as the future. Surely you''ve seen one of their Aetherframes in action. Incredible, isn''t it?" Evelyne stepped forward and executed a fluid curtsy. Her lavender eyes met Engin''s, and the corner of her lip curved upwards. "Bonsoir, Monsieur Meric. Je suis enchant¨¦e de faire votre connaissance." "Err...likewise, Miss..." Engin blinked, taken aback by the foreign language. "Blaise. Evelyne Blaise," Evelyne offered with a pleasant smile. "Director of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair." Engin gaped at her, unable to respond. Roderick nudged him discreetly, whispering, "Ahem. I think you''d be impressed to learn that our dear Evelyne speaks eight different languages, Engin." "Really?" Engin mumbled, still a little stunned. As Engin was about to offer a handshake, a young man garbed in a long coat, a loose shirt, and rugged trousers approached from behind those gathered and stepped in front of Evelyne to shake Engin''s hand with his mechanical arm. His azure hair hung loosely over his forehead, partially covering his striking hazel eyes, and a lopsided grin played across his face. "Well met, mister Engin," the young man said. "My name is Orin Webb, Chief Artificer of the Ethervein Enclave." Orin smiled before shooting Evelyne a wink, then returning his attention to Engin. "I must say, this is a lovely village you have here. It has a lot of potential to grow and develop with the right kind of support. The Ethervein Enclave is at your service." The corner of Engin''s mouth twitched, but he recovered quickly. "Th-Thank you, sir. I didn''t realize that there were two prestigious Artificer companies among the newcomers." Evelyne stepped forward and placed a hand on Engin''s shoulder, flashing a coy smile. "Non, Monsieur Meric. There is no rivalry or animosity between us. Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair is thrilled to collaborate and share resources with the Ethervein Enclave, given their expertise. Our two organizations are like two sides of a coin. Complementary. Perfectly aligned to help Ebonheim thrive. Together, we seek to create an ambitious project that will benefit the entire Eldergrove Valley." She shot Orin a pointed look, and the man gave her a noncommittal shrug. "Ambitious for one, perhaps. As for me, I''m content with just producing the finest artifice in the valley. And we''re quite capable of doing that alone. Our goals are not so lofty. Are they, Madame Director?" he added with a cheeky wink. Evelyne''s eyes twitched in annoyance, but her pleasant smile remained intact. She stepped forward until she was face-to-face with Orin. "Certainement. En effet." The two Artificers stared at each other with strained smiles. The tension was palpable, and the crowd watched in awkward silence as they waited to see who would make the first move. Ingrid couldn''t help but stifle a chuckle as she observed the exchange. The Artificers'' drama seemed to be a common occurrence, judging by the resigned expressions on the faces of the others present. Roderick cleared his throat loudly, gesturing to a few individuals who lingered further back in the crowd. "Right, well, if we may continue with introductions, Engin, let me present to you a few more people I want you to meet. The shieldmaiden standing patiently yonder is¡ª" A gravelly voice boomed from behind Engin. "Ingrid! By Ebonheim, is it really you?" Turning, Ingrid saw a familiar face, a beacon from her past. "Bjorn! Old bear!" Her heart leapt in her chest. Before she knew what was happening, she was swept off the ground by powerful arms. Ingrid let out a whoop of delight as she clung to the burly warrior, the world spinning as he spun her in a circle. "It''s been moons, Bjorn," Ingrid said as he set her down. "Too many moons," he rumbled, gripping her shoulders firmly. "I never thought you''d be one of the ones to arrive with the caravan. Who else did you bring with you?" Ingrid grinned, pointing at the group of Hrafnsteinn exiles at the far back. "They''re all here, Bjorn. The Sedlars, the Ulfarssons, the Steinnes, and many more. They all followed me." Bjorn''s gaze shifted, and a slow, crooked grin split his rugged face. "You sure brought quite a retinue with you, lass. I bet Nidur wasn''t pleased to find out more of us had slipped his grasp. I can just picture the indignation on his rigid face!" Ingrid''s face flushed with pride. "Indeed, but we will speak of this later. For now, it is nice to meet with you again, old bear. How is Thorsten?" "Alive and more rounded in the belly." Thorsten''s voice spoke from behind Engin. Thorsten sidled next to Bjorn. The man''s red hair was tied in a knot and his braided beard was longer than the last time they''d met, but he was the same Thorsten. Ingrid found herself grinning, and in spite of herself, she leaned in to hug him. "You''re one lucky bastard to be alive, you know that? When you were arrested for speaking out against Nidur, I was sure you''d be hung from the gallows, or worse, used for sport by the god''s dogs." "Bah, luck had nothing to do with it!" Thorsten declared. "You and Bjorn knew what you were getting into when you came to free me that night." "Indeed, but that doesn''t mean we weren''t scared shitless," Ingrid countered, arching an eyebrow. Thorsten gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Regardless, we succeeded and are all the better for it. But enough about me, lass. I see you''ve brought many of our old friends with you." "I have." Ingrid nodded. "Nidur was growing more mad by the season, and it was time to get away. Nearly a third of our people in Hrafnsteinn left during the past few years, and those who chose to stay..." she shook her head, her expression clouding. "Aye, but you should be glad that you had the courage to do what needed to be done, and to gather those who would listen. Many more would''ve eventually joined you in exile." Bjorn patted her shoulder sympathetically. "Take heart, lass. Ebonheim is a place where we can all start fresh and live in peace." "It''ll be a nice change of pace, for sure," Thorsten added, smiling broadly. "You''ll not believe how many Hrafnsteinn traditions Engin has revived in this quaint little village. It''s like stepping back in time and experiencing the days of the early settlers." Ingrid glanced over at Engin, who continued conversing with Roderick and the two Artificer guild representatives. It was difficult to gauge his reaction, but his expression was contemplative. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Will the rest of the villagers be accepting of us, Thorsten?" she asked, her tone laced with worry. "I can only imagine what they''re thinking of all this commotion." "Worry not, lass," Bjorn replied with a reassuring smile. "Ebonheim is full of wonderful, understanding people who''ll gladly welcome you with open arms." "That is, so long as you aren''t an arsehole," Thorsten amended with a mischievous smirk. "The reigning arsehole in the village is proudly smirking in front of you," Bjorn deadpanned. "As long as you don''t plan on usurping his position, you should be fine. The village hasn''t kicked him out yet, so you have that working for you." Ingrid burst into laughter. She clasped a hand over her mouth to stifle her mirth, not wanting to disrupt the discussion that was happening. "Thank you for the warning. I''ll keep it in mind." Thorsten coughed, pretending to be offended. "Now that''s not fair. I''ve grown somewhat respectable over the seasons. Have I not, Bjorn?" "Who told you that lie?" Ingrid raised her hand to draw their attention before their banter continued. "Speaking of the village, I would have thought that the goddess, Ebonheim, would be here to meet us. Has something happened?" The two men exchanged a glance, then smiled. "You''ll meet her later tonight. We''ve prepared an outdoor feast for your arrival," Bjorn informed. "There''s a large enough clearing not far from here that''ll provide sufficient space for everyone to gather and partake in the festivities." "That sounds wonderful," Ingrid replied, a hint of relief in her voice. "We''ll all need the rest. The trip from Hrafnsteinn has not been easy." "Aye, but the hardest part''s behind you all," Thorsten declared, thumping her shoulder. "Feast and rest tonight, and tomorrow, you can get yourselves settled."
Lorne sat cross-legged at a wooden table laden with roasted boar, fruits, and vegetables. The aromas were intoxicating, and his stomach rumbled in anticipation. Around him, the villagers and newcomers alike reveled in song, dance, and conversation. He was seated with his soldiers, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Their eyes darted back and forth, taking in the sights and sounds. The mercenaries had been surprised by the warm welcome they''d received from the villagers, and they''d readily accepted the invitation to join in the celebration. The food was delicious, and the ale flowed freely. Lorne had barely touched his mug, but he couldn''t fault his men for indulging. They deserved it after their long journey. Across from his group, he spotted Evelyne and a few members of the Artisans of the Spark. They''d changed out of their travel clothes and were dressed in fine silk tunics and pants. Evelyne''s hair was piled on top of her head, held in place with a delicate silver comb. She appeared to be deep in conversation with one of her fellow Artificers. He took another sip of ale, allowing himself to relax as he enjoyed the night''s atmosphere. The firelight danced across the faces of the villagers and newcomers, casting them in a soft orange glow. Voices echoed throughout the clearing, creating a low hum of background noise. "Commander," Kaela, who''d been drinking ale with the mercenaries, turned to face him. "Are you alright?" Lorne suppressed a yawn, waving a hand in dismissal. "Yes. Just a bit weary. The journey was tiring, and I''m still not used to being around this many people. It''s a bit...overwhelming. I''ll be fine after some rest." Kaela chuckled softly, glancing over at the group of mercenaries, who were engaged in a raucous game of dice. "The men seem to be enjoying themselves, Commander. Even Deneve." Lorne followed her gaze. Indeed, even his stoic lieutenant was participating in the game, albeit a bit reservedly. Urien stood off to the side, watching the others with amusement. He clapped his massive hands and bellowed a few words of encouragement. "It''s good to see them like this," Lorne mused, a rare smile playing on his lips. "We haven''t had a chance to unwind since leaving Dulgaan. They deserve the respite." "True." Kaela agreed, polishing off her ale. "Perhaps you should take your own advice and enjoy yourself, Commander." Lorne scowled at her. "I am. In moderation." She returned the glare and was about to comment before Deneve called out, "Come on, Commander! Join us!" Lorne rolled his eyes and rose to his feet. "Very well, if I must. Let''s see what I can do, shall we?" The rest of his men cheered, and he sat at the edge of the gathering. Laughter and the sound of clinking mugs filled the air as he joined in the festivities. A few drinks in, Lorne found himself relaxing into the moment. His shoulders loosened, and the tension in his spine melted away. He listened to the music, tapping his foot along to the beat. The mood was infectious, and he couldn''t help but join in the merriment. Some time later, a bell tolled from the center of the clearing where a large bonfire blazed. A hush fell over the crowd as Engin rose from his seat next to Roderick. He lifted a cup high in the air, signaling for everyone''s attention. "Welcome, all!" His voice echoed across the clearing. "We, the residents of Ebonheim, are proud to host such a distinguished gathering of friends, families, and newcomers. I am honored to stand amongst such esteemed company, and I cannot express how excited I am to welcome you to our humble village." A roar of approval went up from the crowd, and Engin paused a moment to allow them to applaud. Then, he continued, "This is a day of celebration. We come together in fellowship, celebrating the arrival of our new neighbors and the bond of kinship and friendship that unites us. Today marks a new beginning, and I hope you''ll take the time to mingle, and to get to know one another. But first, you must be wondering where our patron goddess is. Is she not gracing the occasion with her presence? I have an answer for that." There was a brief pause as the villagers and newcomers murmured amongst each other. Engin bowed and gestured towards the center of the clearing, where a platform had been prepared, ornate and bedecked with blossoms of every imaginable hue. "Here is our village''s patron deity, our beloved goddess, Ebonheim."
Amidst the vast expanse of the Eldergrove clearing, under a sky studded with countless stars, the crowd grew silent in awe. Colorful lanterns hung from the trees that lined the clearing, swaying gently with the night breeze and casting their mellow light onto the people below. The crackling of the campfire and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees were the only sounds to be heard as the people of Ebonheim and the newcomers alike looked upon the stage. As Lorne and the others gazed in rapt attention, chimes jingled in a rhythmic tune. From the heavens above, a golden luminescence began to manifest. It started as a mere pinprick, barely noticeable against the vast tapestry of the night. But with each passing moment, the light swelled, radiating a divine energy that bathed the clearing in its ethereal glow. The golden brilliance descended gracefully, its luminosity unfurling like the petals of a celestial flower. And from within this radiant cocoon emerged a figure of unparalleled majesty¡ªEbonheim. She stood suspended in mid-air, her form adorned in regal white, resplendent with intricate golden patterns that mirrored the constellations above. Her lustrous silver hair flowed like a river of moonlight, cascading over her shoulders and down her back, adorned with a halo that was both crown and sun. At that instant, Lorne felt the very breath being snatched from his lungs as he gazed upon the deity''s resplendent countenance. Never did he expect a deity to resemble a human so...perfectly. Her features were refined, bearing a divine beauty that seemed to transcend mere mortal standards of attractiveness. Her golden eyes, serene and piercing, sparkled like stars, their glimmer rivaling that of the moon itself. Her sun-kissed skin, smooth and unblemished, radiated a faint, unearthly glow. Her frame, slender and lithe, moved with a grace and fluidity that could only be described as otherworldly. She descended gently, her feet touching the platform beneath her in a graceful landing. Her hair billowed behind her, shimmering as it caught the light. Her divine aura washed over the audience, bathing them in its warm glow. Time seemed to halt. The entire assembly, including the rowdy mercenary group, stared in hushed awe. No one dared move. No one dared utter a single sound. They could only watch in reverent silence, as if spellbound. Ebonheim spread her arms, and the very atmosphere shimmered with magic. She then brought her palms together in a gentle clap, the forest around them seemingly responding to her command as the trees came alive. Their limbs stretched and twisted, their bark cracking and peeling as they slowly stood. The sound of snapping branches echoed through the clearing as they crept towards the goddess, their trunks rippling with the movement of hidden roots. Each tree, five in all, stood tall and proud, looming over the stage like mighty sentinels. Their leaves fluttered and their limbs creaked as they turned to face the crowd, their verdant eyes glowing with an emerald light. As they loomed over her, Ebonheim raised her hands in a flourish, her palms alight with a soft golden glow. She closed her eyes, and the light flickered, causing the trees to freeze in their places, their movements ceasing as if in a state of eternal sleep. She turned to face the audience, her gaze sweeping across the crowd. Her eyes, golden and all-seeing, locked with each person present, sending a shiver down their spines. She clasped her hands, and the forest fell silent once more, her aura fading as the trees returned to their former, static states. Lorne overheard Evelyne murmuring to her subordinate. "Oh mon Dieu, she is magnificent. J''ai l''impression que je n''ai pas vraiment ma place ici. Elle est si belle... Mon c?ur palpite." The other Artificer, who''d been introduced to Lorne as Dimitri, whispered back. "I have to agree with you on that one, mon amie. Roderick''s depiction of her does no justice to the actual sight, hein?" Lorne agreed. Roderick''s descriptions of the deity were poetic, but her appearance far surpassed any of his expectations. Ebonheim finally lowered her arms as the last rays of divine energy faded, the glow of her hair dissipating and leaving a soft radiance in its wake. Her smile was tender and sincere. "Good evening, all," she greeted, her melodious voice resonating through the clearing, silencing even the faintest of whispers. "And thank you for gathering here at such a late hour. I am Ebonheim. The patron deity of this village, and I wish to personally welcome all of you to my village." She paused as the crowd murmured in response, before continuing, "For those who have arrived today, your journey has surely been a long one. I ask that you rest well. Tomorrow, there will be a meeting to discuss what I hope to be a new era of growth for Ebonheim. To our new citizens, I sincerely hope you can find happiness in your new home, and I look forward to getting to know all of you as the seasons pass. Please, do not hesitate to approach me or anyone else with your questions or concerns. We are all equals here, and no request is too trivial. So long as the welfare of Ebonheim and all who inhabit it is taken to heart, we can ensure peace and prosperity for all. Now, enjoy the festivities, and may this night be one you never forget." The crowd responded with thunderous applause. Several of the villagers shouted their appreciation, while others whistled and cheered. A few of the newcomers even wept openly. Lorne couldn''t help but chuckle as he recalled how awestruck they''d been when Roderick first introduced them to the idea of a god willing to dwell among humans. The villagers were certainly fond of their goddess, and seeing how the newcomers reacted to her made Lorne think that Ebonheim might have won over their loyalty in one swoop. He looked over at his company and noted that they had an interesting range of reactions. Some were stone-faced, while others bore curious, if not intrigued expressions. He wondered if some of the newer recruits had seen a real, living god before, and if they''d encountered one during their service. He''d have to ask about it later, after the party had settled down a bit. Kaela, the most expressive of them, looked at him, raising an eyebrow and tilting her head in the direction of their tents, indicating for them to retire. He nodded and silently agreed to follow her lead. They quietly slipped away, and he let her guide him by the elbow through the crowd. As Lorne and Kaela took their leave, they passed by the Artificer contingent. Evelyne, who''d been conversing with a few of the Ebonheim villagers, turned her attention to the mercenary commander, making eye contact for a fleeting moment before he slipped out of her view. "Well, this was an unexpected turn of events." Dimitri remarked. "Is she a real god? No one has told me that even gods could look so...human. Shouldn''t a god''s physical form be, say, a pillar of pure flame or an avian beast of immense size, or anything less humanoid?" Evelyne was surprised to hear the skepticism in his voice, but his questions were valid. After all, the gods they were accustomed to usually had non-human appearances, or at least, humanoids that reflected their domains. Ebonheim was...different. "If you had the sense to peer into her aura with your Arcane Sight, you''d know she''s very much a genuine goddess," Evelyne countered. "No Arcane spell could fake that energy signature so she''s not some human masquerading as a goddess." Dimitri crossed his arms, shaking his head in disbelief. "How is this even possible? I''ve never read a single account of a god taking a human form, nor one who willingly lives among mortals." "Neither have I, to be honest. This is truly unprecedented," Evelyne replied, a hint of awe creeping into her voice. "But there''s always a first for everything. Perhaps Ebonheim is proof that our knowledge of the gods is not infallible. It is not the first time we''ve encountered an anomaly. The very existence of a Magitech in our era is an anomaly, oui? That means we cannot afford to be complacent. What Ebonheim represents is not simply an anomaly; it is a paradigm shift. A god, who looks like a mortal and dwells amongst them. It could be the start of something new." "Or the end of something old," Dimitri replied grimly. "Artifice will always evolve, but will the gods follow suit?" Evelyne curled her lips into a smile, her gaze returning to Ebonheim, who was mingling with the guests. "Only time will tell, mon cheri Dimitri. Only time will tell. If her actions match her words, then Ebonheim holds the promise of a better future for the village, and for us." Chapter 84.5: Conversation Between Old Friends Engin poured Roderick a glass of brandy from an ornate decanter, sliding the glass across the table. The two of them had retired to Engin''s study, away from the revelry outside. Roderick took a sip and sighed. "Ah, that''s good stuff. You always did have excellent taste in spirits, Engin." Engin laughed. "Compliments to the source, I suppose? It''s not the local fare, though. I purchased it when I set out to sell the gold ore in Dulgaan. This comes all the way from the southern realms, shipped by sea. But that''s neither here nor there. How have you been, old friend?" "Quite well, I''d say," Roderick replied. "It''s been a long, exhausting journey, but we made it safely. And with a sizable contingent at that. I can hardly believe we got so many people to come with me. It''s a miracle." Engin arched an eyebrow. "Indeed, it is. But I''m sure you''re dying to tell me the story. Spare no detail. I want to know how you managed to bring all these groups together. Did you have to bribe them with gold? Promise them riches beyond measure? You didn''t...tell anyone about the Ebonwood, aye?" Roderick gave his friend a mock wounded look. "Please, Engin. I''m not a fool. I''ve only told two people about it who I trusted wouldn''t spread the word. You can probably guess who they are. Otherwise, I merely talked with each group, convincing them that their prospects here are better than staying where they were or going elsewhere. Granted, it took a lot of sweet-talking, especially with the Hrafnsteinn folk." "Really now? Tell me more." Engin propped his elbows on the table, leaning forward with interest. "What exactly did you say to convince them all?" Roderick grinned, pulling out a worn journal from his vest pocket. "Well, let me show you the speech I made, word-for-word. I think you''ll appreciate my style of persuasion." He opened the journal and cleared his throat dramatically. "My friends, we come to you today with a proposition that may seem far-fetched at first. But I implore you to consider what I''m about to say carefully, for it may just change the course of your future forever." He paused, glancing up to see Engin''s reaction. Engin''s eyes widened, and he nodded for him to continue. Roderick motioned with his hand, as if showcasing his wares to a customer. "Let us imagine for a moment that you''re in a valley, surrounded by mountains. And let''s say that in this valley, there is a god. Not just any god, mind you. A god who loves you. A god who protects you. A god who understands you and your needs, and cares about your well-being. Imagine, if you will, a deity who gives without asking for anything in return, a deity who provides you with abundance and prosperity in exchange for your devotion." Roderick paused again, noting how Engin''s eyes narrowed slightly. He forged ahead, "Now, this is where things get interesting. For you see, this god exists! I can prove it to you beyond any shadow of doubt. I have met her. I have seen her. I have witnessed her love and compassion for all her creations. And she is unlike any god you have ever known." Roderick placed a hand on his chest, his voice growing intense, "I, who was once lost and without purpose, have found a new home¡ªa new life! This god has given me a new lease on my old bones. A god who will extend to you, my dear friends, a second chance at life! A fresh start. A place to call home." Engin blinked several times, rubbing his temples in frustration. "You really laid on the theatrics, didn''t you? Why did you have to paint Ebonheim to be so different from the rest of the gods in the world? They aren''t all bad." Roderick scoffed, placing the journal on the table. "The ones that aren''t all bad are still more trouble than they''re worth. Look, the point is, I sold them on the dream of a new life, away from the gods who oppress them and force them to bow to their whims and desires. It worked. I was able to convince nearly everyone I spoke to to come with me, so there''s that. Are you upset about the exaggeration or not?" Engin sighed, draining his glass and pouring another drink for the both of them. "No. Well, perhaps a little. However, I believe that the outcome of your efforts speaks for itself. You did a good job, Roderick, and I''m glad to have you here. We have a lot to do in the coming months to accommodate this many people." "True," Roderick agreed, sipping his brandy. "Evelyne and Orin are both capable leaders in their fields and can help us settle the newcomers. They''re the ones who handled most of the logistics of the journey and convinced their fellow Artificers to relocate to Ebonheim." "That''s right. I''ve already spoken to them at length. They''re more than willing to contribute to the village''s progress, which is a blessing, considering their expertise." Engin replied, pausing to sip his drink. "What about the mercenaries?" "Lorne, the leader of the mercenary group, has agreed to safeguard the village indefinitely, if need be. They''re also more than capable fighters, and they know how to keep a low profile, which should serve us well, considering the situation," Roderick explained. "Good, good. It''s reassuring to have them here. It wasn''t too long ago when the valley had a troubling situation with Kungwans," Engin said. Roderick raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Kungwans? Here in the Eldergrove? When did that come about?" "Long story, and it''s best you hear it directly from the ones that were involved. You can ask Bjorn later but the long story short is that there was a small war being fought south of here involving the Kungwans and a Beastkin tribe known as the Seraphidae. Ebonheim went to support the Seraphidae and in the end, the Kungwans were eradicated from the area. The troubling part was that there were hundreds of them. If Ebonheim hadn''t intervened..." If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Roderick stared at his old friend incredulously, finishing his drink. "Gods, I don''t believe what I''m hearing. That many Kungwans this deep within the frontiers? The neighboring kingdoms have banned their summons from the land centuries ago, why are they back, and in such numbers? This is...unbelievable." Engin shrugged. "Believe it. Ebonheim confirmed their presence, and so did Bjorn and others. Ask them yourself. I can''t give you any more details beyond that because, as I said, the story of what happened is theirs to tell." Roderick frowned. "I see. Very well. At least now, with the Silverguards, the defense of the village should be quite secure, so long as their services can be kept." Engin chuckled, looking at Roderick over the rim of his glass. "We keep speaking like we''re still in a village, but starting from this point, we''re practically a town. We''ll be expanding rapidly to accommodate the new arrivals. There will be a lot of work to do in the coming months. A lot. With winter on the way, we can''t afford to be lax about construction and fortifications." Roderick gave Engin a wry grin. "I have no plans of leaving, so count on me for whatever assistance you need." The two of them toasted to that and continued their conversation deep into the night. Engin glanced out the window at the still ongoing celebration outside. Roderick followed his gaze, smiling. "Isn''t she just breathtaking, Engin?" Engin groaned inwardly, rolling his eyes. He didn''t miss the soft tone of admiration in Roderick''s voice. "Which one?" "Why, Ebonheim, of course. Who else would I be talking about?" Engin leaned back in his chair and studied Roderick''s expression. The other man''s eyes were twinkling, his lips curved upwards in a smug smile. "She worked hard on the speech, you know," Engin commented. "She wanted to impress the newcomers and make them feel welcome. It was quite sweet, actually." "Hmmm. She put on a wonderful performance," Roderick acknowledged, swirling his brandy before finishing off his glass. "So, are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?" "And which elephant would that be?" "Ebonheim. You''re worried that she''ll become the victim of...ambitious folks who will try to use her for their own gain." Engin''s expression hardened. "Of course, I am. There''s no shortage of ambitious people in the world, and even fewer who aren''t interested in taking advantage of a goddess who seems so trusting and naive. We are a small village, far removed from the kingdoms that border this valley. Anyone looking to exploit her power will likely find us as an easy target." Roderick placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly, "Look, Engin, I''ve taken every precaution in selecting the refugees. Trust me, none of them will take advantage of our young goddess. They''re all good and trustworthy folks who just need a fresh start." "I hope you''re right," Engin replied, not entirely convinced. "I''m telling you, the worst they''ll do is gossip among themselves about how wonderful she is and compare her to their previous gods. And honestly, I don''t foresee them trying to scheme behind her back, either. And even if there were a few who had nefarious intentions, I''ve enlisted the Silverguards to cull out the rotten apples as they filter in. Don''t worry too much. Let Ebonheim do what she does best, and that''s to bring out the goodness in people''s hearts." "That''s not what I''m afraid of, Roderick." "Oh? Then what is it?" "It''s the gods in the wider world. You said it yourself, she''s unlike any god they''ve ever known. I''m more concerned about whether or not the gods who are familiar with her will decide that Ebonheim should die or disappear in order to maintain the balance in the mortal realms. Even gods aren''t immune to fear and jealousy. As for the others, they may not have any qualms killing a deity out of spite, and those gods with a thirst for power...well, I''m certain they wouldn''t want to let a being with Ebonheim''s potential run amok." Roderick waved his hand dismissively. "Bah, not to worry, Engin. I highly doubt they''d waste resources to hunt down a weak little goddess out in the middle of nowhere. She''s not worth their time." "I pray that you''re right," Engin retorted, unconvinced. He shook his head, rising from his chair. "I''m exhausted. We can talk more in the morning. I trust you can manage your caravan and get them set up accordingly?" "It''s what I do best, old friend," Roderick said, tipping his empty glass at Engin in a mock salute before winking. "Get some rest. I''ll keep an eye on things for you here." Engin thanked him and excused himself, making his way upstairs to his chambers. The night was wearing on him, and he needed some solitude.
Back downstairs, Roderick lingered by the fire, pondering what he''d said to his longtime friend. In truth, Roderick had spent many nights fretting over the same worries as Engin. The difference between them, however, was that Roderick believed in Ebonheim''s abilities, despite the very short time he had known her. It was true that she was naive and trusting, but that didn''t make her weak. Quite the opposite, actually. Her innate strength and compassion made her the ideal leader. She embodied what the gods should be¡ªloving and benevolent, with the interests of others at heart. She cared more about the well-being of her village than her own advancement. To be honest, he wished more deities in the world shared her selflessness. The world would be a better place if they did. He''d met enough gods to know how vain and narcissistic many of them could be, which was why he never settled in one place for too long. The constant bowing and scraping became tedious and tiresome after a while. He glanced out the window at the celebration, admiring the bonfire blazing at its center, the light dancing and flickering against the silhouettes of the milling figures. He could barely make out Ebonheim''s distinct profile as she socialized with the newcomers, her white robe practically glowing in the darkness. Her voice was faint, but he could still hear her melodic laughter echoing through the air. The villagers and newcomers alike flocked around her like moths to a flame, eager for her attention and praise. She greeted each one with a smile, her presence filling the clearing with warmth and joy. Even from this distance, the goddess''s aura exuded an undeniable power and influence. One could not help but be drawn to her. Roderick included. He watched as she wandered through the crowd, making sure to acknowledge each person before moving on to the next. Roderick knew, without a shred of doubt, that Ebonheim would succeed. Ebonheim was destined to become one of the greatest deities in history. The gods would shake with envy at her growing fame, and the mortal realms would sing her praises. And he would be at her side, ensuring that her name resounded throughout the world. Perhaps it was his instincts as a merchant that told him he''d discovered a rare treasure in Ebonheim. In that case, he would do all in his power to safeguard and nurture this discovery. But in his heart, he knew that the goddess was a rarity. An anomaly. A breath of fresh air in a stagnant, stifling world. In her eyes, Roderick found a place he could call home. Chapter 85: Intrusive Thoughts The next morning, Ingrid still found herself reeling from the excitement of the previous night. She had never seen a deity up close. Nidur, the only god she''d ever met, kept his distance from his mortal followers. His servants did his bidding, and rarely spoke directly to the commoners. Seeing Ebonheim''s natural beauty and warmth among the villagers the previous night was unlike anything she''d ever imagined. Ingrid ambled along the dirt path toward the feast hall. A pleasant breeze caressed her skin as the sunlight warmed her face. Birds chirped happily, welcoming the sunrise. There was a renewed spring in her step, and her spirits lifted as she neared the hall. The inside of the feast hall was dim, save for a few rays of sunlight peeking through the shuttered windows. The long, empty tables and benches gave the hall a cavernous feel, which was accentuated by the lingering aroma of smoke from the night before. Ingrid scanned the room for familiar faces and quickly spotted Olav and a few others sitting at the far end of one of the tables. She picked her way through the empty space, her footsteps echoing with every step. The other inhabitants of the hall paid no mind to her arrival. Upon reaching the table, she cleared her throat to make her presence known. The group immediately halted their conversation, turning to face her with eager smiles on their faces. "Ah, Ingrid! I trust you slept well, lass?" Bjorn boomed, his voice carrying easily across the room. "You must have been exhausted after last night''s festivities." Ingrid chuckled and pulled out a chair, seating herself. "I did, indeed. I don''t know how many cups I had, but my head hurt a little when I woke." The others laughed heartily. "We all suffered through that," Thorsten chimed in, offering her a sympathetic smile. "I tried to pace myself, but the mead flowed more freely than I expected." Olav sat hunched over a plate of roasted chicken. The old man nibbled at a small chunk of meat, his cheeks bulging slightly as he chewed. He swallowed his bite before speaking, "My old bones aren''t used to traveling anymore, and that long trek to Ebonheim wasn''t kind to me. I could use a day or two of rest, and I''m sure the others in the caravan do as well." Ingrid nodded, glancing around the table. A few others were missing. "Where are the others? Are they all sleeping in?" "A few are already hard at work helping to get the new settlement ready for us, and others are resting or checking the area for hunting." Olav answered, scooping a spoonful of beans into his mouth. "Did you eat yet, lass? Grab a plate, and fill a mug. You''ll need a proper meal." "Thank you. I''m starving, but I also want to discuss plans with the village elders, if I can. Where are they?" Ingrid grabbed a metal tray, followed by a wooden cup and a bowl. She walked to a counter where she placed a slice of bread and a handful of beans on the tray, pouring herself a glass of water from a pitcher. Bjorn nodded. "They''re probably at the village square. Roderick and the others have been hard at work organizing the new arrivals since before dawn, and Ebonheim is speaking to them. If you go there, I''m sure you can find one or two you can talk with." "Alright, then." Ingrid finished filling her mug, and returned to sit with the group. She ate her food eagerly, enjoying the companionship. After finishing her meal, she turned her attention back to Olav. The old shaman still sat hunched over his food. She studied him for a moment, noting that he''d been unusually quiet. "Olav, what did you think of last night? Did you get a chance to speak with Ebonheim?" "I did, lass," Olav replied between bites. "I spoke with her at length." "So...what did you sense in her?" Ingrid pressed, leaning in to stare intently at the shaman. "What''s your impression of her?" Olav''s white eyes focused on nothing in particular. He set his spoon down and sat back, placing his hands in his lap. His wrinkled, weathered face softened, and his gaze drifted upward in thought. "I sensed compassion and kindness in her spirit, along with strength and determination. However, I also sense deep-seated fears and insecurities. Yet, there''s something more...something I can''t quite put my finger on..." The old man trailed off, lost in contemplation. "Do you believe she can truly protect the village and its people, Olav?" Ingrid''s question came abruptly, catching everyone at the table off guard. Bjorn raised an eyebrow at the sudden turn of conversation. "Well, that''s a loaded question. What makes you think she can''t?" Ingrid fidgeted in her seat, unsure how to answer. She had found herself enamored by the goddess'' appearance. She was nothing like the gods of the West, who were fearsome and imposing beings, their visages more often than not terrifying to behold. Here was a deity who, for once, seemed to possess a modicum of understanding of what it meant to be human. But compared to Nidur, who exuded a palpable sense of power and authority, she couldn''t help but wonder if Ebonheim was strong enough to stand against Nidur''s divine will, should he choose to unleash it upon the village. "I''ve been pondering these thoughts for the last few days," Ingrid confessed. "What if Nidur comes seeking retribution for our exile? Our old god has never shown mercy to his enemies. He is prideful and arrogant, and he will not let such an insult pass without punishing us." The room fell silent. All eyes were on her. Olav turned to face her. Though blind, the old man seemed to lock his gaze onto hers. "Do not underestimate a god who walks alongside you as an equal, lass. Ebonheim''s resemblance to us does not only pertain to her outward appearance. What makes us human may also define her." "How do you mean, Olav?" Ingrid asked, puzzled. The old man sighed and scratched the top of his bald head. "In due time, you''ll realize the answer for yourself. It''s how it''s always been whenever you ask a question and wait long enough." Ingrid frowned, frustrated with his lack of specificity. But he was right. It has always been like this whenever she sought his wisdom. She couldn''t force a revelation to occur. It would happen when the time was right, and not a moment sooner. "I understand, Olav," Ingrid replied, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I shall not trouble you any further with this." "Thank you," Olav gave her a grateful nod, resuming his meal. "We should finish our food and join the others in the village," Bjorn interjected. "I''m certain you''re all eager to learn about this place, and to get started on settling in." Thorsten raised a hand to his stomach, his eyes narrowing as he released a loud belch. He smirked playfully, glancing at the others. "Aye, let''s finish our meals, then."
Near the outskirts of the village, Lorne led a squad of his mercenaries as they inspected the perimeter of the settlement. They''d made a cursory survey the night before, but they needed a more thorough investigation of the terrain. He also wanted to study the fortifications of the village. The place seemed poorly defended, and he was worried how defensible the village would be should a serious assault occur. The company made their way along the trail leading to the woods outside the village. The air was crisp, and the smell of pine mixed with the earthy scent of damp soil and moss. The sound of birds chirping and insects buzzing filled the air, and the occasional gust of wind rustled the treetops. "It''s peaceful, isn''t it?" Urien remarked, as they walked through a cluster of ferns. "To think we left behind city walls and crowds for this, eh, Commander?" "Peaceful, but a bit lonely, if you ask me." Deneve glanced around the forest, a hint of boredom in her tone. "Give me a city with its bustle and its crowds any day." Urien grunted in response. "If you miss city life so badly, how about you return to Dulgaan," Lorne suggested, flashing a playful grin. "I''m certain you''ll find a place for yourself there, given your charm and your impressive assets. Just don''t come running back to us once the novelty of it wears off, because you''ll be sorely disappointed to find the barracks here are far better." "Ooh, Commander, are you saying you fancy me?" Deneve teased, feigning an expression of shock. "Such words from you are a rarity. Perhaps you''ve finally grown tired of staring at Kaela''s ass? Do I need to fight her for your attention?" Kaela casually flicked a throwing knife at Deneve. The blade embedded itself into a tree trunk a few inches from her head. "Stuff it, Deneve. Keep talking, and the next blade won''t miss, and I''ll remove your tongue for good measure. That should solve the problem, wouldn''t you say, Commander?" Deneve yanked the dagger out and tossed the weapon back at Kaela''s feet. "If the Commander wants me, I''ll gladly let him have me anytime." Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Kaela glared at the woman. Lorne chose to ignore their banter, instead focusing on the task at hand. Though he was partly at fault for starting the teasing, he didn''t intend to escalate matters any further. He signaled for silence with a stern glare at the two women. "Focus, you lot. Stop fooling around and keep your eyes and ears open. If this place is going to become a permanent base, we need to familiarize ourselves with the terrain." Deneve gave a mock salute. "Yes, sir." Lorne rolled his eyes at her flippant attitude and motioned for them to continue their patrol. They fanned out in pairs, securing the immediate area around the perimeter. He watched as the others disappeared into the foliage, blending into their surroundings. Once satisfied, he resumed walking with Kaela by his side. The forest around them was calm, the silence broken only by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. The air was fresh and invigorating, a sharp contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the city. Lorne took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance of nature. This is nice. Being away from the stench of the streets and the noise of the people and carts, all the petty squabbling and violence, the politics, and the endless cycle of corruption. He relished this simple pleasure, the ability to breathe and be alone with his thoughts. "Enjoying the moment, Commander?" Kaela''s voice broke through his musings, bringing him back to the present. He glanced at her and nodded, allowing a slight smile to slip from his lips. "You could say that. I can''t deny that this place is appealing to me. It''s secluded, but it offers many possibilities, even if the terrain is somewhat restrictive. It could be a good place for us to lay roots and call home, for a while." "I agree with you," Kaela said. "But do you think the locals can hold their own if something happens? There didn''t seem to be that many guards stationed around the perimeter. It''s not very defensible if someone chooses to launch an attack, unless the goddess Ebonheim is much more powerful than she looks." "You weren''t impressed with her display of power?" Kaela shrugged. She traced her fingers across the bark of a nearby tree, examining a patch of fungi growing on its surface. "She''s beautiful, certainly, but I can''t gauge her strength. For all I know, her power could be an illusion, a trick to convince us she''s worthy of our loyalty." "Isn''t that true with all gods though? The gods aren''t like us. We don''t fully understand their capabilities or limitations. Their power is not bound by mortal rules." Lorne pointed out. "Fair point, Commander, but she''s the first I''ve seen that is so...so...mortal, to be frank. I can''t believe the gods could be like that, with that form, and that personality. It seems unreal, don''t you think?" Lorne remained silent as they continued walking through the undergrowth. Kaela had a point. Despite his initial reaction, Ebonheim did strike him as peculiar. He found himself torn between the awe he''d initially experienced the previous night, and the doubts that now gnawed at him. "I admit I''m having a similar crisis of faith," he conceded. "The locals seem to genuinely love her, and she appears to have the best of intentions. However, I''m not inclined to rush to judgment, and I won''t dismiss my wariness so easily. But for the moment, I''m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt until I see signs otherwise." Kaela shot him a sidelong glance. "Even so, we should be cautious. If she is genuine, we''re fortunate to have a god who treats her followers as equals. If she doesn''t, we''ll have a real mess on our hands. I just don''t want us to end up in the same situation as before." Lorne scowled, his mood darkening with her mention of their past betrayal. Syntris, the god of Nir''Vash, had employed the Silverguard for years. When their usefulness ran its course, he discarded them without a second thought, leaving them to die in the aftermath of a siege just because they weren''t his worshippers. He clenched his jaw, suppressing the wave of anger that washed over him. "Trust me. I haven''t forgotten, and I won''t. Nor will the rest of the men, for that matter. The scars still run deep. But Ebonheim is not Syntris. Not yet. We can''t assume anything about her character or motives." Kaela held up a hand in a placating gesture. "I understand, Commander. Let''s enjoy the peace and the beauty of this place while we can. We''ll worry about the rest later." They continued their patrol in silence, neither one wishing to pursue the topic any further. Their footfalls were quiet against the ground, the crunching of dried leaves and twigs accompanying each step. Eventually, they met back up with Deneve and Urien, who were waiting for them at the edge of a clearing. The ground was covered in lush grass, dotted with clusters of wildflowers of various colors. Sunlight filtered through the canopy of leaves overhead, casting a greenish-blue hue on the surroundings. A stream flowed lazily through the middle of the glade, its banks lined with stones and pebbles. The gurgling of the water combined with the gentle breeze created a soothing atmosphere. It reminded him of a place from his youth. His parents had brought him to a mountain glen in the wilderness. The memory was distant, but the image was still clear in his mind. Lorne stopped and crouched beside the bank of the stream. He cupped his hands in the water, lifting them to his lips and taking a sip. The cold liquid trickled down his throat, refreshing his parched mouth. He leaned down, dipping his entire face into the stream, reveling in the sensation. His soldiers took this opportunity to stop for a brief rest, sprawling across the grass and stretching their legs. They chatted idly among themselves, enjoying the tranquility. Lorne was tempted to lay on his back and look up at the sky, but he resisted the urge. They still had work to do. He heard a faint voice further down the stream where a slight bend concealed a continuation of the riverbank. It sounded feminine, and was punctuated by a splash of water. Lorne''s curiosity piqued. He gestured for the others to follow him and approached the source of the commotion. As they rounded the corner, Lorne''s eyes widened at the sight of a young woman in the water, her bare back turned to them. Her long, crimson hair was wet and clung to her skin, revealing the delicate curve of her shoulders. She stood knee-deep in the water, her hands moving in slow, hypnotic motions as she scrubbed at her arms. As Lorne''s gaze traveled lower, he caught a glimpse of her hips and the firm, round muscles of her thigh. A feline tail protruded above her rear, swaying lazily back and forth like a pendulum. The tip was covered in soft red fur, contrasting with her pale flesh. A Leonine Beastkin? The woman turned, and her ruby-colored eyes met his, wide and startled. She stepped back, a tinge of crimson flushing her cheeks, and lifted her arm to cover her chest. Lorne''s face plunged back into the water as Kaela and Deneve shoved his head below the surface. They pinned his arms, preventing him from doing anything more than wriggling uselessly in their grasp. "Commander, it''s not polite to ogle at a woman bathing," Kaela whispered into his ear. He felt her nails on the back of his head, gripping his hair firmly as she pushed harder, keeping his face submerged. "This is a public area, you know? And we have manners, right?" The water muffled Deneve''s voice as she spoke. "Look, the poor lass is terrified. The least we can do is act like gentlemen, and pretend we didn''t see her naked." "Let''s make a good impression on the locals, eh?" Urien added, smirking. "She''s a beauty, that one. I wouldn''t mind making her acquaintance, if you know what I mean." Lorne finally broke free, gasping as he emerged from the water, spluttering and coughing. Kaela and Deneve shot him indignant glares. He spat out the residual water from his mouth and wiped his face. "What in the Abyss did you do that for?!" "Apologize, you moron." Kaela snapped, her eyes narrowed and her brow furrowed. "Now, before she runs off, and we lose our chance to make amends." Lorne sighed, nodding. He rose to his feet, straightening his armor as he turned to face the Beastkin woman. "Miss, I''m terribly sorry for my behavior. We did not mean to intrude." The lioness opened her mouth to say something, but then sighed and shook her head. She seemed resigned to their intrusion, though she didn''t appear upset by the disruption. She finished rinsing the soap suds from her body and waded to shore, her tail swishing behind her, giving the mercenaries a clear view of her lithe, shapely figure. The sunlight reflected off the droplets of water clinging to her supple body, highlighting every muscle and curve. Deneve whistled. "Damn, those are some nice hips." Lorne facepalmed. The woman ignored them as she dried herself with a towel. She draped the cloth around her waist and gathered her belongings, pausing briefly to glance in Lorne''s direction. "You''re the ones that arrived yesterday?" she called out, her eyes darting between them, studying each member of the group. "Indeed, we are," Lorne answered, smiling politely. "We are the Silverguards. I am Commander Lorne Miradan. These are my subordinates: Kaela, Deneve, and Urien. Who might you be, my lady?" The woman arched an eyebrow at the title. "Tch, ''my lady''? My name is Serrandyl, daughter of the Pridelord and a warrior of the Aslankoyash tribe. And don''t call me ''my lady'', human. It''s Serrandyl. Got it?" Her assertive tone earned a few chuckles from the mercenaries. Lorne recognized a hint of a growl in her voice as she emphasized her words with a faint, yet unmistakable, threat. "Fair enough, Serrandyl. Again, my apologies for our intrusion. We were merely patrolling the grounds surrounding the village." Lorne said, trying to salvage the situation. Serrandyl shrugged. "Patrolling, huh? Fine, but the village is safe. Nothing gets past our defenses." She flashed a fang-toothed grin, her crimson eyes glowing with pride. "The Aslankoyash can handle any threats, but if you insist on proving yourselves useful, come to the training grounds on the east side of the village. You can train with our warriors." Lorne crossed his arms and pursed his lips as he considered the offer. "Training with a tribe of leonines? Hmm, interesting proposal, and a generous one, at that. The Silverguards are no strangers to a good sparring match." "If you dare, be there tomorrow afternoon," Serrandyl said, the corners of her lips curling upward as her cat-like pupils constricted. "Otherwise, I''ll assume you''re scared, and the Aslankoyash don''t suffer cowards." "Tomorrow afternoon it is," Lorne declared, undeterred by her provocation. "We''ll meet you at the training grounds and show you what the Silverguards are made of." Serrandyl nodded, seemingly satisfied by his response. "Good. We''ll see you then, humans." With that, she turned and sauntered off, her tail swaying hypnotically with every step. Lorne watched as she disappeared into the trees, his gaze lingering until he was sure she was gone. The entire encounter was bizarre, to say the least. Yet, despite the awkwardness of the encounter, he couldn''t deny that he was intrigued by the lioness'' boldness and confidence. A sharp prick on his chin snapped him back to reality. Lorne flinched and glanced down to discover Kaela''s blade hovering dangerously close to his neck. "Oy, keep your eyes above the shoulders, Commander. Your fixation on her backside could cost you your balls later on." "Yes, yes. Now, sheathe that damn thing, Shadowhawk," Lorne muttered, exasperated. He slapped her blade aside and stepped away, turning to leave. "Let''s be on our way. We have a schedule to keep." His subordinates nodded. The group turned to head back the way they came, but Lorne lingered a few moments longer. He stared at the spot where Serrandyl vanished, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. Leonine Beastkin weren''t native to this region, they were more commonly found south, in the wildlands beyond the frontier towns. Why was a tribe of them living here, in the Eldergrove of all places? He filed that information away as a question to ask the goddess herself and continued to follow the rest of the company. Chapter 86: First Impressions Evelyne headed to the village square to begin her tour. As she weaved her way through the crowds, she admired the stone and timber-framed houses built along the winding pathways. Each house had a different design, some with ornately carved doorframes and wooden railings, others with slate roofing and patterned shutters. The diversity in construction showcased a blend of regional styles, something rarely seen outside of metropolis cities. She slowed as she neared the forge, a large, brick building with a tall chimney stack and double doors wide enough to admit ox carts. Evelyne peered through a window, and saw various smiths pounding away at anvils with heavy hammers. Heat emanated from inside, and the rhythmic clanging of metal on metal reverberated in the air. Evelyne moved on to the mill, which consisted of a water wheel connected to an array of gears. The contraption churned a set of large stones, grinding grain into flour. A cloud of white dust billowed out of an opening in the back of the building. After touring the mill and the adjacent granary, she directed her steps toward the barns where livestock were kept. Pens of goats and sheep milled about, their bleating and bahing forming a pleasant chorus. A few cows grazed on hay strewn across the ground. Nearby, a dog herded a flock of chickens. As she turned to exit the barn, she nearly bumped into a stocky, dark-haired man with a bushy beard. "Pardon me, miss!" he exclaimed, stepping back. "I did not see you coming. How are you finding the village?" Evelyne smiled and brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen across her face. "It''s lovely, thank you. I''m Evelyne. And you are?" The man extended a hand to greet her. "Harold. Harold Svartheimsfjoll, or so it says on my family''s old ancestral chart, though I prefer to be called Harry." Evelyne cocked her head to the side as she clasped his proffered hand. "Harry. What a peculiar surname, Mr. Svartheim-whatever. Is there a story behind it?" The man laughed and rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly embarrassed. "That, there is. But it''s a tale for another time, perhaps over a bottle of ale and a warm meal, if you care to accompany me later?" Evelyne blinked in surprise at the invitation. "Well, that''s sudden. Let''s be real, sir. This is the first time I''ve met you. But more importantly, I''ve only just arrived here, and a lot of work awaits me. Surely you can understand my priorities." "Oh, of course! I didn''t mean to impose. I hope you didn''t take offense." Harry blushed, lowering his gaze. She grinned and shook her head. "Not at all. I find your candor refreshing." The tension in the man''s face eased. "I''m glad you''re not upset. Well, I''ve got to get back to work. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Evelyne. I hope we can talk again soon." "Likewise," Evelyne replied. She patted his shoulder in parting as she went her way, leaving the flustered man to stare after her. The sun was high in the sky when Evelyne reached the village square. Roderick and Engin conferred with a group of men by the well. She paused, watching the men conversing. An idea popped into her head, and she grinned, strolling casually up to them. But the boyish face of Orin, with his short, slightly messy brown hair, and the dirty overalls that hung from his thin frame, caused her to stop on her tracks and frown. Orin Webb. Prodigy of the Ethervein Enclave. One of the youngest Artificers of his generation, who made the news when he replaced most of his organic arm with an advanced magitech prototype, after being grievously injured during a terrible accident. His innovation and genius caught the attention of Evelyne, who offered the prodigious lad a high position in her own workshop which he rejected, stating that it was due to creative differences. In some way or another, he and the Ethervein Enclave had become her rivals in terms of magitech. Not because of any professional or personal conflict, but rather, it was inevitable due to the nature of competition between organizations. Despite this fact, Evelyne never harbored ill feelings toward the young man. Quite the opposite, in fact. She believed he held the potential to revolutionize the world. A young genius and a bright future. Young¡ª Somehow, she inadvertently ended up in a state of annoyance with herself for being taken aback by his youth. "You''re only seven years younger than me!" Evelyne blurted out, before covering her mouth. She hadn''t meant to say that out loud, and judging by Orin''s bewildered expression, neither did he. "Er... what?" The group stopped talking and stared at her. "Nothing." She shook her head, recovering her composure. "Nevermind." The exchange drew a few confused looks from the men, but no one spoke. "Please, continue," she urged. "I apologize for interrupting." Roderick nodded and resumed discussing the plan for the day, which involved sending crews to clear the land and log the forest in preparation for new buildings. As they talked, she found herself glancing at Orin. He kept his gaze lowered as he listened, a thoughtful expression on his face. Occasionally, he would ask a question or interject a comment, but otherwise remained silent. Evelyne raised her hand, cutting in mid-conversation. "Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair can help with the lumbering. We have Aetherframes that can be equipped with chained saws for woodcutting. I can lend a couple of them to you if you want. They can also transport the logs to the village faster than mere carts." "An Aetherframe, you say?" Engin inquired, stroking his beard. "I didn''t know you had access to those things, Miss Blaise. From what I understand, only the established guilds within the major kingdoms possess those constructs." "Of course, Monsieur Meric." Evelyne flashed a smile. "You''re correct. Only Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair, along with five other companies, have Aetherframes at their disposal. Though we have the fewest in numbers, our Artificers are more skilled than most, and as such, our Aetherframes are superior in quality." Evelyne expected the men to scoff at her, but they didn''t. Instead, they seemed genuinely impressed. Engin stroked his beard again, his brows furrowing as he pondered her words. "We''ll take you up on that offer, Miss Blaise. Thank you for your assistance." "My pleasure, Monsieur Meric," she replied, inclining her head graciously. Orin coughed lightly. "While the Ethervein Enclave can''t offer any Aetherframes, we have other helpful inventions that can improve the efficiency of labor and expedite development. If you don''t mind, I can write a list of the items I think are necessary and hand it over to you later, to see if they fit in with the village''s plans?" This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Evelyne fought to suppress a smirk at Orin''s remark, though she was relieved by his display of restraint. Despite his lack of seniority in the Enclave, the Artificer displayed a maturity and seriousness of purpose that belied his age¡ªthough their interaction yesterday revealed a cheeky and unrefined personality underneath. "Of course," Engin agreed, nodding. "Everyone is free to cooperate and contribute whatever ideas or resources they can. The more the merrier." "Excellent," Evelyne replied, smiling warmly. "Shall I deliver the Aetherframes to you before midday? My operators can work alongside your lumberjacks. However, I''m afraid that six hours is the limit for the energy crystals, and they''ll have to be returned to recharge after that." "That should be enough, and yes, if you could send them here by noon, that would be fantastic," Engin answered. "Consider it done, Monsieur Meric," Evelyne assured him. She gave the men a final bow before striding off, a spring in her step and an eagerness to get to work. When she arrived at the campsite, she discovered that her companions had already unpacked and began setting up the tents. The arcane-enhanced canvases were designed to expand and erect themselves. Each tent unfolded into a domelike structure with an enchanted shell that protected its occupants from the elements, while the inner compartment automatically adjusted to provide a comfortable environment. One by one, the domes expanded, becoming uniform in size and shape. Soon, the entire camp was enclosed within a ring of sturdy structures. Evelyne spotted Viviane standing beside the campfire. The Artificer wore a thick leather apron and a pair of goggles. The front of the apron was stained with soot and oil, and her blonde hair was pulled back in a disheveled bun. "Ah, Mademoiselle Blaise, have a break for a while," Viviane called out as she approached, beckoning for Evelyne to sit next to her. "How was the walkthrough? Did you enjoy the village?" Evelyne sat, easing herself onto a cushion, and exhaled softly. "Very much. It''s quaint, and the people are friendly." Viviane nodded as she sipped a mug of hot chocolate, its contents steaming as she drank. She licked her lips and set the cup down. "That''s good to hear. Though I can''t wait to work at our shop once it is built, and I can create to my heart''s content." Evelyne''s smile widened into a grin as slowly turned her face to look at the other Artificer. "Well, I''m glad that you''re so eager to start working right away. Coincidentally, I''ve offered to lend two of my experienced operators and their Aetherframes to aid in the woodcutting for the next six hours. So, you have some time to kill. Your shift starts right before noon. Better use that time wisely and prepare the tools, the enchantments, and the magitech cart." Viviane choked on her drink, almost spitting the scalding liquid onto Evelyne''s face. "P-Pardon?! Today?" "Is there a problem?" Evelyne asked, her tone innocent, as though she hadn''t planned this all along. The blonde Artificer groaned. "Ugh, no. It''s not that, Evelyne. I just need more time to prepare and inspect the suits, but if you insist..." "I do," Evelyne cut in. Viviane sighed and shrugged. "Fine, I''ll do my best." Evelyne tilted her head, smirking. "Don''t worry, ma ch¨¦rie, I know you will." As Viviane stood up to leave, Evelyne added, "Ah, and don''t use L¨¦andre. My ancestor would scold me if I let a prized construct that was named after him be put to manual labor."
Ebonheim stared in wonder as she watched the large suits of armor that the Artificers called Aetherframes work in the forest. The contraptions stood over ten feet tall and looked like massive knights made entirely of gleaming steel and iron. They chopped the trees with powerful sawblades attached to their arms that sliced through the trunks with ease and easily carried the felled trunks on their backs. Several magitech carts, vehicles powered by crystal-powered engines and enchanted wheels, hauled the logs back to the village. It only took two beasts of burden to pull the augmented cart, instead of the four to eight beasts normally needed to drag a similar load. She observed the work as she waited in the clearing. The sound of footfalls approaching roused her from her thoughts, and she turned to see Roderick and Thorsten heading in her direction. Roderick gave her a curt bow in greeting, while Thorsten grunted. "What do you think of them? Quite impressive, aren''t they? With their help, we''ll finish the work ahead of schedule. This is the power of magitech, a collaboration between artifice and arcane arts. Truly marvelous, I''d say," Roderick remarked, waving his arms excitedly. Ebonheim chuckled at the man''s exuberance. "They''re fascinating. I thought that your spider wagon was incredible, but these... Aetherframes are even more impressive." Roderick coughed and straightened his clothing. "Well, my vehicle is an early prototype, and a modified one at that, but I''m pleased that you enjoyed its performance. The true marvels, however, are these giant suits of armor. They''re the pinnacle of magitech, created by the combined efforts of countless master artificers and enchanters over decades of research." He gestured proudly toward the Aetherframe currently loading a log into a cart, as though he''d personally constructed the contraption. "Those are Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair''s products, developed by brilliant Artificers in their guild. But since Aetherframe crafting is highly complex, each suit is normally custom-made for its operator. Building a new Aetherframe requires half a year''s worth of labor and materials, not to mention the required fees for enchantment and augmentation. Even the parts for repairs and maintenance must be handmade by qualified Artificers. Hence, this is why they''re quite expensive. Only wealthy kingdoms can afford to purchase and maintain a contingent of them." "I see..." Ebonheim commented, her eyes fixed on the Aetherframe that was hauling a log from the forest. She traced the interlocking plates of metal with her gaze, noting the intricate lines of runes etched into the framework. "These Aetherframes seem like they could be dangerous weapons. Does that ever happen, like wars using Aetherframes?" Roderick sighed as he glanced at her. "Sadly, that''s how the world works. Aetherframes were created for war. They primarily serve as the elite troops for armies. When kingdoms go to war, their gods send Aetherframes to fight on their behalf to try and weaken the other before facing each other on the battlefield. Gods need to conserve their divine energy to not be drained during combat, while Aetherframes are expendable tools that can be used over and over again, so long as their cores aren''t destroyed. Although the odds always favor the god, they still send their Aetherframe minions to soften up the opposition." So these were just a means to chip away at a rival god''s Essence without depleting their own? It seemed so callous, and wasteful. Ebonheim furrowed her brow as Roderick continued. "It''s not uncommon for battles between kingdoms to escalate into full-scale conflicts, especially when two gods of equal power oppose each other. On the battlefield, Aetherframes are highly destructive, capable of decimating infantry, siege weapons, and fortifications alike. They''re even resilient to most low-tiered Arcane arts. Gods have no choice but to deal with them first. Otherwise, they risk losing too much of their power through attrition and casualties." Thorsten scowled as he gazed at the Aetherframes. "These overgrown suits of armor always irk me. How can the people inside them call themselves warriors when they need a fancy contraption to amplify their power? It''s an insult to anyone who trains hard to hone their skills through martial prowess." "Quite the contrary, my friend. Aetherframes aren''t only used by people who have weak foundations of martial strength, but also by seasoned veterans like yourself," Roderick argued, flashing the large warrior a reassuring smile. "Many Artificers and Enchanters who operate them are veteran warriors in their own right. They choose to augment their physical capabilities using advanced magitech so they can better serve their patron god. And in recent times, we''ve started to see more and more practitioners using Aetherframes, which has drastically increased the number of battlefield deployments." Thorsten clicked his tongue in irritation. "Hmph. Bah, if these armor suits make people lazy, I don''t like them. They''re nothing but a crutch!" "Come now, my friend. Do not be so quick to judge. Laziness has little to do with this," Roderick countered, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. Ebonheim tuned out their debate as she contemplated his explanation. Aetherframes, huh? The more she looked at them, the more curious she became about how they functioned. She had harbored a similar feeling when she inspected the magitech devices within Kelzryn''s lair a year ago, only this time the feeling was weaker and she had no sudden epiphanies. Perhaps she wasn''t ready for the knowledge, not yet. Eventually, she dismissed the distracting thoughts as she shifted her focus back to the workers as they labored. She made a mental note to ask about the Aetherframes later, once everyone was settled in. There was still plenty of time left to learn new things, but for now, she wanted to concentrate on the villagers'' needs.
Aetherframe Chapter 87: Helping the Hrafnsteinn Exiles 20th day of Highglow, 1369 [Quintessence] 14166/64000 While sitting cross-legged on her bed, Ebonheim stared at the village''s status screen that floated in the air before her. The Akashic System had been actively recording and updating the village''s growth, compared to what it had done in the years prior. Back then, the record was simple and mostly static, providing basic information regarding population, professions, devotion ranks, and building types. Now, there was so much more detail in the menu, as the system kept track of various improvements, such as population numbers, fields and forestry harvest rates, resource extraction quantities, production rates, and a myriad of other things. "Amazing." Ebonheim breathed. Aside from the village status, the System had also replaced her daily quests with an expansive overview of current tasks and future goals. The vast difference in what the Akashic System was showing her compared to previous years was staggering. [Quest] Foundation of Faith Objective: Appear before the new settlers and make a favorable impression. Details: A favorable first impression has a lasting impact on the faith of the new settlers. Your initial actions will establish their expectations and give rise to a paradigm. Make sure to create a good impression! Reward: +20 Quintessence Progress: Completed Ebonheim smiled proudly. She had already done that, and had performed it quite well if she could say so herself. It seemed like the newcomers genuinely liked her. At least, no one had yet to express any dissatisfaction, or had decided to leave the next day. That was certainly a positive sign. She selected the next quest, eagerly reading the details. [Quest] Laying Down Roots Objective: Clear designated areas for farming and housing. Ensure that the land is fertile and ready for cultivation. Details: With the influx of new settlers, it''s crucial to have adequate housing and food supplies. Clearing the land will involve removing any obstacles, tilling the soil, and marking boundaries. Rewards: +15 Quintessence, +5 Sustainability Achievements, +5 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points Progress: 70% Complete "Nearly finished. The others are really hard at work. I''m glad for the help." Ebonheim mused. The village expansion and improvement was progressing far more quickly than she''d anticipated, and at the moment, the new residents seemed content and productive. Engin and the other elders had been worried that the village would have had to take the burden of supporting the newcomers, and that their community might struggle under the extra strain. But luckily, that didn''t appear to be the case, as the people they welcomed into the valley appeared quite self-sufficient. Next, Ebonheim mentally selected the third task from the Quest List. [Quest] River''s Bounty Objective: Establish a fishing community along the riverbanks. Construct fishing houses, boats, and storage facilities. Details: The river is a rich source of sustenance. By harnessing its resources, Ebonheim can ensure a steady supply of food. This quest will involve collaboration with the Hrafnsteinn Exiles, given their expertise in shipbuilding and sailing. Rewards: +16 Quintessence, +10 Sustainability Achievements, +3 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points Progress: 7% Complete "Hmm. This will take some time, I expect." Ebonheim muttered as she scratched her chin. The river''s width was so narrow in certain locations that building a dock there wouldn''t be practical. Instead, small rowboats and canoes could be used to fish and hunt water fowl, as well as haul in the occasional catch. They would need to find a suitable location in which to construct the village''s docks, but it would have to be further south, along the larger river fork. She had learned a lot more about the Hrafnsteinn exiles from Bjorn and Thorsten. Hrafnsteinn was a city within the icy north, and it was ruled by a cruel and cold god: Nidur. They explained that they left their homeland due to their Nidur''s tyranny and neglect, and refused to be subjugated by him anymore. As a result, the refugees abandoned everything and escaped the Hrafnsteinn dominions. Ebonheim had interacted with the new arrivals a bit, and they were just like the other Hrafnsteinn inhabitants she knew; a proud people, dedicated to their crafts. They were straightforward and honest, which she appreciated. After a quick morning stretch, she got out of bed and ambled over to the window, gazing outside. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, painting the village with a warm glow. The rays shone on the bustling crowds of people as they went about their daily duties. Children played amongst the buildings, chasing one another with sticks, pretending they were swords or spears. As she watched the activity below, her heart filled with pride. Her domain. Her village. Her people. They''ve already started the day''s activities, and she needed to follow suit. With renewed vigor, Ebonheim exited her cabin and headed towards the river where the Hrafnsteinn exiles had decided to settle. She followed the dirt road, passing several houses and shops as she walked along. Several people greeted her in passing, and she smiled politely in reply. After a brief stroll, she found the area where the Hrafnsteinn exiles were camping. Their tents were pitched along the banks, their surfaces dotted with nets stretched out to dry, and drying racks laden with salted fish. Several children ran around, laughing and playing. Already, there were men chopping lumber, preparing to build the new settlement. A short, burly man approached, his gray-streaked beard hanging past his chest, and his eyes glinting with amusement. "Hello there, goddess! What brings you to our humble camp?" Ebonheim smiled brightly as she returned the greeting. "Good morning. I came to see how you are faring, and if you need me to assist in any way. As the village goddess, I am responsible for all of you." The man chuckled, patting her back with enough force to make her stagger forward. "We are doing well, Lady Ebonheim. Don''t worry about us. We''ve endured worse on our journey from Hrafnsteinn to here. The weather has been mild, and the village''s hospitality most accommodating. We can manage here by ourselves." Ebonheim nodded. "I''m glad to hear that. But, I really would like to help out. What can I do for you today?" "As I said, we are fine as we are," the man replied. "But, if you insist on lending a hand, we could always use more help with building our huts. Eventually, we plan on erecting longhouses, but for the meantime, we''re sticking to smaller shelters." "I can do that. Point me in the right direction, and I''ll lend my assistance," Ebonheim replied, grinning from ear to ear. The man chuckled and motioned for her to follow. "Right this way, then." Together, they weaved through the tents and makeshift lean-tos, before arriving at the edge of the camp, where a large pile of timber lay nearby. The stacks of lumber were arranged according to length and size. The man pointed at the largest bundle. "Grab the smaller pieces over there, and carry them to the marked site, yonder." Ebonheim nodded and did as she was told. Thanks to her Divine Ability: Rites of the Empyreal Confluence, which bolstered her strength considerably, she could lift and move the timber logs with relative ease. As she worked, she noticed that several Hrafnsteinns kept glancing her way, and she could tell by their expressions that they were impressed by her strength, despite her delicate appearance. A short while later, Ebonheim finished arranging the last log, and turned to face the man, who was busy checking his handiwork. "Finished." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Great." He clapped his hands together, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his coat. "You''ve been a great help, Goddess Ebonheim. I didn''t expect someone of your stature to be this strong." Ebonheim placed her hands on her hips and smiled. "Well, I''m not exactly a normal human being. I''m a goddess, after all." The man chuckled and shook his head. "Ha! Fair point. I keep forgetting that fact." As he continued to inspect her handiwork, he waved absently to shoo away a fly buzzing near his ear. "Right then. Next, can you help our carpenters plan the frames for the houses? We need to gather the proper materials." Ebonheim nodded and hurried off, eager to lend a hand. She spent the rest of the morning assisting the Hrafnsteinns in laying the foundations for their new homes. Using the power she had recently acquired, the Divine Ability: Warp Wood, she transformed the wooden pillars into various shapes and sizes. Using this ability, she reshaped the large logs into rectangular beams, and bent the thinner slats into rafters and roofing. By late afternoon, most of the structural work was done for a few houses. The rest would have to be completed over the coming days, but the Hrafnsteinns were grateful for her efforts. "This is better than I imagined. If you help us with that power every day, we''ll be done in no time at all." Ebonheim smiled shyly and bowed. "It''s my pleasure. I''m happy to help." Just as she was about to turn away, she spotted a group of youngsters eyeing her with curiosity. The children looked tired from working all day, and she couldn''t help but approach them. "Hello, little ones. Have you eaten yet?" The smallest, who wore a dirt-stained dress, nodded. Her blonde locks hung loose from a poorly-combed ponytail, and her face was smudged with grime. "Yea. We had grilled fish and bread. The adults gave us lots," the child said in a high-pitched voice. Another girl tugged on the hem of Ebonheim''s dress. "Mummy says we shouldn''t bother you. But I have a question!" "Yes? What is it?" The children exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. After a few moments, the bravest, a freckle-faced, red-headed boy, spoke up. "Um... can you show us your power? You''re a goddess, aren''t you?" "I most certainly can!" Ebonheim was practically melting from cuteness overload. "Let me show you what I can do." The kids clustered around her, staring intently, waiting for her demonstration. A little bit of Divine Cantrip should start things off nicely. "First, watch this..." She conjured a ball of light, holding it in the palm of her hand. Then, she changed its color from blue to yellow, and then to red. "It''s a small light, but if I focus, I can make it brighter." The orb began to grow, swelling until it was nearly three feet across, bathing the area with a bright radiance. The children gasped and covered their eyes. "Oh, and I can also do this!" She concentrated, and the sphere exploded, transforming into tiny motes of light that scattered into the air, showering the stunned spectators. The girls laughed and jumped up to grab the floating particles. The boys pretended to dodge and block the incoming barrage. Ebonheim grinned as she watched their antics. Seeing their carefree attitudes, she couldn''t help but join in. She lifted her hand, and a tendril of sparkling lights snaked outward, wrapping around the youngest child and lifting her off the ground, making her squeal. "More, more!" the other children called out, their faces flushed with excitement. Ebonheim obliged, summoning more strands of magical energy. They swirled and twined through the air, looping and twisting into complex patterns, dancing around the delighted audience. Finally, when the display ended, Ebonheim let the light fade, and the children gathered around. "That was fun!" the red-haired boy exclaimed, bouncing from foot to foot. "You''re amazing!" Ebonheim patted his head and smiled. "Thank you. You''re so sweet¡ª" "Can you make that mountain disappear?" a brunette asked, pointing to the distant peak that towered over the valley. "E-Eh?..." Ebonheim''s smile faded as she stared at the snow-capped summit in the distance. "Disappear...? Like, poof?" "Poof!" The children shouted in unison. P-Probably not. She didn''t even need to consult the Akashic System for the answer. It was far beyond her abilities, and it probably never will be within her reach. "I-I don''t think that''s possible. I''m sorry, dear." "Aww...!" The children whined in disappointment. Ebonheim had an idea. "But... how about I make flowers bloom?" "Flowers?" The kids perked up immediately, their eyes lighting up in excitement. Ebonheim snapped her fingers, and dozens of blue, purple, and red blossoms erupted from the ground, sending bursts of colorful petals into the air. The children burst into laughter, throwing their arms wide, spinning and cavorting through the colorful display. When the show ended, the children rushed up to Ebonheim, embracing her in a group hug, squeezing tightly. She giggled and returned their embrace, giving them all a tight squeeze before releasing them. Eventually, their mothers called out to the children, beckoning them to return to their camps. The girls reluctantly separated, and the boys, though more reluctant to comply, finally dragged themselves away. "Bye-bye!" Ebonheim waved farewell, smiling brightly. She watched as the children vanished into the trees, following their parents'' calls. She remained seated, basking in the pleasant memories, a broad grin on her face. As she was about to leave, Bjorn approached her, accompanied by Ingrid. "I see the little ones bothered you for a while. My apologies, goddess," Bjorn said. She grinned inwardly at Bjorn''s change in demeanor towards her. Ever since the arrival of the new settlers and her resplendent showing to them, Bjorn, as well as the rest of the villagers, had begun addressing her with respect and deference, rather than the casual familiarity of before¡ªexcept for Thorsten and Serrandyl, both of whom continued to refer to her in a somewhat informal manner, but only when there were no others around to overhear. Although she much preferred the informality, she had to admit that being referred to formally by the people she considered close friends brought forth a strange sense of pride, and...dare she say it, elation. Ebonheim waved dismissively, brushing off the apology. "No, no, they didn''t bother me. I enjoyed entertaining them. They''re such charming little ones." She met Ingrid''s gaze, who also gave a slight bow. "Goddess Ebonheim. Thank you for personally helping us with the construction efforts. I truly appreciate your dedication, especially for such a humble undertaking. You didn''t have to do this." Ebonheim scratched her cheek and smiled wryly. Ingrid''s demeanor was completely not what she had expected from a Hrafnsteinn warrior like Bjorn and Thorsten. The shieldmaiden was courteous, respectful, and demure. To be fair, Bjorn, and to a lesser extent, Thorsten, had shown an element of humility, but they had also displayed a bravado and confidence in their actions and words, projecting a fierce, warrior persona. Ingrid, on the other hand, possessed a quiet dignity, and was reserved in her bearing, albeit with a hint of steel. She was also quite beautiful, possessing high cheekbones, smooth alabaster skin, and piercing blue eyes. Her blonde hair, braided into a long, elegant plait, fell down to her waist, swaying gently in the breeze. "No, I insisted. I wanted to help out in whatever way I could. These are your new homes, after all." Ebonheim paused as a thought occurred to her. "Actually, I have a question for you, Ingrid. How do you and Bjorn know each other?" Ingrid glanced up at Bjorn, who merely nodded, as though urging her to speak. "I used to be under his command," Ingrid answered, returning her attention to Ebonheim. "He was the Hersir of my unit, and my direct superior. I served under him for three years, fighting alongside him in battle." Ebonheim noted the pride in Ingrid''s tone as she mentioned her former leader. "I see. It''s good that you''re reunited once again. I''m happy for the two of you." Bjorn cleared his throat, rubbing his chin as he spoke. "Ahem. Well, I''ve retired from that role. For now, at least. But with these many new recruits, perhaps I''ll reconsider re-establishing my militia." "It''s not a bad idea." Ingrid agreed. "Many who followed me here were formerly from your unit, and would gladly follow you as their commander again, sir." Bjorn flashed the shieldmaiden a wry smirk. "Sir? Heh. You''re too formal, Ingrid. But I can tell you''ve matured from the reckless youngster who used to rush into battle heedless of the danger." Ingrid blushed and averted her gaze. "W-Well, I may have changed a little..." Ebonheim laughed, her mood brightening further at the sight of the pair''s interaction. The trio chatted for a while, discussing the village and the events of the day. Eventually, they parted ways as dusk fell, and Ebonheim made her way back to her cabin. As she walked along the darkened path, her thoughts wandered to the village and its people. The interactions with the newcomers, especially Ingrid, helped ease the worry she had felt before their arrival. Now that they were here, and their presence was not adversely affecting the people, her confidence grew. Her steps slowed, and she halted, staring into the starry night sky. The Akashic System flickered into view, the radiant text hovering above the darkness. [Quest] Mountain''s Embrace Objective: Send an exploration party to the mountain range to identify potential mining spots and a place to erect a mountain village. Details: The mountains hold more untapped resources. By identifying potential mining sites, Ebonheim can lay the foundation for future economic growth. The Deep Miners of Gorgandale will play a pivotal role in this quest. Rewards: +20 Quintessence, +10 Sustainability Achievements, +6 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points. Progress: 0% There was one group she hadn''t had much interaction with. Roderick had told her they were called Deep Miners, hailing from the western mountains, and had arrived with the caravan. The system showed the location of their temporary camp on the outskirts north of the village. Maybe I should go meet them soon. She would love to learn more about their culture and customs. Judging from the way they had set up their encampment, they seemed to be more interested in underground mining and excavations than conventional building structures. Perhaps they also preferred living in caves? Chapter 88: Deep Miners of Golgandale 20th day of Highglow, 1369 [Quintessence] 14166/64000 The sun had barely begun its ascent when Brevin found himself standing in the village square of Ebonheim, his boots sinking slightly into the dew-kissed earth. Birds sang their morning songs, perched upon the branches of nearby trees. The weight of the day''s expedition pressed on his broad shoulders, causing Brevin to yawn, a lingering sleepiness tugging at his eyelids. He rubbed at them with one meaty palm, trying his best to dispel his grogginess. All around him, the members of the Deep Miners'' Guild bustled about, tending to the preparations for the journey, loading the necessary equipment onto wagons. Some sharpened pickaxes or checked their supplies, ensuring that all the tools and provisions were properly prepared. Others inspected the team''s horses, checking to ensure that their shoes and reins were in order. He spotted Roderick speaking with Engin Meric, the leader of the village, going over final details. Brevin sighed and glanced toward the northern horizon, where the peaks of the Eldergrove loomed in the distance. Those mountain slopes were littered with countless pockets of mineral deposits, both known and unknown. Even the verdant valley itself was rich with resources. But the local villagers only mined the surface veins, focusing their efforts on the most obvious, easily accessible deposits, leaving the richer, deeper ore to languish inside the earth, undisturbed and forgotten. That is where the Deep Miners'' Guild came in, their mission to unearth those hidden treasures, those vast untapped sources of wealth, buried deep beneath the mountains and valleys. It was a monumental task, but Brevin and his people relished the challenge. Lilin, his assistant, emerged from the crowd and stood beside him, her pale skin almost aglow in the early morning light. She smiled faintly as she regarded him. "Morning, Chief. Are you excited for today''s trip? Or, perhaps a little nervous?" Brevin arched a brow as he peered at her, tilting his head to one side. "Why do you say that?" Lilin shrugged, tucking a stray lock of silver hair behind an ear. "We''ve never been this far east before, and the terrain is very different from back home. I suspect we might encounter a variety of challenges and dangers, some of which we are unfamiliar with." Brevin chuckled softly and shook his head. She was always perceptive and empathetic, and a quick thinker, but her assumption was wrong. "We''ve come across worse, believe me. This mountain range isn''t as harsh or as treacherous as the peaks of Gorgandale in the west. We''ll be fine. It''s just a routine expedition." "If you say so, chief." Lilin''s expression seemed unconvinced, but she didn''t press the issue further. A short time later, the caravan departed, the hooves of the horses striking the packed earth of the road as they trotted through the forest. The lumbering vehicles, loaded with all sorts of tools and equipment, rolled along in their wake. Brevin and his companions rode in the lead wagon, the vehicle carrying their essential tools and supplies. Roderick, who accompanied them on the journey, sat opposite them, humming a merry tune to himself, his hands clasped behind his head. His bodyguard, Simon, sat silently next to him, his dark mask hiding his features. The merchant''s company was a surprise, but what surprised Brevin the most, was the goddess of the village herself sitting next to him. He had never seen her this close, and the first thing he had noticed about her was how adorable and slender she appeared to be, almost as if she were a young girl pretending to be a goddess. She had approached them before the departure, and expressed her desire to join the expedition. Brevin had been initially reluctant, but given her status, he could hardly refuse. Lilin sat quietly to his left, gazing at the surrounding foliage as the wagon trundled along. The journey continued, the morning air growing warmer as the sun rose higher into the cloudless skies above. A gentle breeze blew through the trees, rustling their leaves, carrying the scent of damp soil and pine. The forest''s embrace gradually gave way to the rugged terrain of the mountains, and soon they found themselves traveling along a narrow mountain trail, the rocky slope to their left falling away into a sheer precipice. They eventually arrived at one of the camps where the village''s miners had stayed while searching for rich pockets of ore. The small clearing had a flat, rocky plateau overlooking the valley, perfect for setting up an outpost. The large, log cabin had a chimney, stout stone walls, and a thatched roof. Beyond the camp, a narrow gorge gaped open between the two towering spurs of rock that flanked the entrance to the tunnel network, the black hole of its mouth seeming to stare out with an eerie, lifeless gaze. As soon as the convoy pulled to a halt, the miners busied themselves, unhitching the horses and unloading the wagons, their voices echoing loudly within the canyon''s confines. After setting up the tents, Brevin, along with Roderick and a handful of miners, walked toward the mountain opening to take a closer look. The group entered the cave, their footsteps echoing against the hard, rocky floor. Faint sunlight streamed through the entrance, illuminating a portion of the interior, revealing a wall of rough-hewn rocks. Brevin inspected the formation carefully, running his fingers along the jagged edges of the boulders, feeling the cool, moist surface of the stones. "The tunnels seem stable. I think we can safely expand the tunnel network further into the mountains. What do you think, Lilin?" The pale woman, her long white hair tied into a braid, gazed at the passageway, her lips pursed in contemplation. She held a small lantern, the golden light casting faint shadows upon her fair features. She reached out a delicate hand and touched the nearest wall, tracing her fingers along its length, her eyes closed. "It seems safe, chief. This tunnel should be sturdy enough to withstand any tremors or earthquakes. Though, we shouldn''t rush the excavation process. Let''s take things slow and steady." "Hmm." Brevin nodded in agreement, placing his hands on his hips as he surveyed the surroundings. "Very well. We''ll begin the exploratory survey of the tunnels tomorrow." Lilin was one of their guild''s skilled Geomancers, a practitioner of the art of earth magic, but specialized in using those magics for tunneling and cave inspections. He trusted her judgement implicitly. The rest of the day passed peacefully, with the miners settling into their temporary accommodations. The camp bustled with activity as the miners prepared supper and went about their tasks. Brevin took this time to converse with the village''s goddess, learning about the valley''s history and geography. She was a curious one, having a friendly and talkative personality. "We''ve only managed to find three places to mine since settling here," Ebonheim explained, gesturing towards the mountain adjacent to the one they currently occupied. "The first one is over there, which is a seam of iron. We had to abandon it because the miners encountered dark creatures inside. I had to seal the entrance and forbade any from entering." Brevin tilted his head, arching a brow. "Dark creatures?" The goddess nodded, her face solemn. "Yes. They were shadowy, amorphous entities that attacked the miners. Fortunately, they managed to escape. I slew the one that pursued them." "I see." Brevin stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to the distant mountain. "Is it still sealed?" "Yes. No one has entered since that incident." Brevin nodded. "That''s a shame. It must contain valuable resources if you encountered monsters there. Still, I understand your decision to seal the cave. Safety is paramount. What about the other two?" "The second one is further down this mountain. We''ve set up a quarry there. There''s plenty of limestone, marble, and granite there to build the houses and buildings. We''ve also found copper in that area. The last spot is the one right we''re at now. We''ve found a nice vein of gold and silver here. The rest of the mines are still unexplored. There''s bound to be more in the depths, and I''m certain that there are rich lodes to be uncovered." Brevin nodded thoughtfully as he listened. The more she spoke, the more he appreciated the depth of the goddess'' knowledge and experience. The evening meal was simple, consisting mostly of salted fish, bread, and a thin broth flavored with wild herbs and mushrooms. After dinner, the miners gathered around the campfire, trading stories and jokes as they ate their fill. Lilin sat next to Brevin, nibbling at the chunk of bread in her hands. He noticed her frown and arched a brow. "Something wrong with your food?" "Hm? Oh, no, the food is fine. I was just thinking about something else." She set the bread down and dusted the crumbs from her lap. "Chief, it''s going to take us a long while to map and explore these caverns. Then it''s going to take longer to build our settlement here. Is Ebonheim fine with us not being able to contribute back to the village in the meantime?" Brevin''s eyes widened at the unexpected question. It wasn''t the first time Lilin voiced her concern, especially since their arrival at Ebonheim, but hearing her bring it up again caught him by surprise. The question, however, was legitimate. As deep miners, the majority of their skill sets centered on delving, excavations, mining, and masonry. That, and not much else. They lived a life focused on discovery and creation, and so far, the goddess hadn''t assigned any kind of production tasks to their people. He supposed Ebonheim''s way of life didn''t require much labor in that regard. The residents seemed content with their daily farming, crafting, and hunting, with a few dedicated craftspeople handling any additional needs. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "It''s a valid question, and you have a point. The village has been more than hospitable to us. We''re going to have to find a way to repay their generosity," Brevin stated as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. Roderick''s voice sounded from across the fire. "You need not concern yourselves with the village''s affairs, Brevin. Consider their generosity an investment, one that''s for everyone''s benefit." Brevin blinked, turning his attention to the merchant. "An investment?" Roderick''s lips curled into a broad, confident grin. "Indeed. You and your people are exactly the kind of workforce that Ebonheim needs right now. The village''s growth is stagnated due to limited manpower. Your people are miners. They possess the expertise to create a city for Ebonheim to grow in size, strength, and influence. Not only are you able to acquire the most valuable metals, precious stones, and jewels, but you also have the skills to transform raw material into buildings, roads, and structures. This is an opportunity for both Ebonheim and your guild." The merchant''s eyes twinkled as he spoke, his words imbued with the charisma that Brevin had grown accustomed to. "What greater gift can one give to their friends, than to enable them to achieve their goals? With our help, Ebonheim shall become a prosperous and powerful city, a true bastion of civilization amidst the wilderness, and you, our valued partners, shall share in its success." Brevin couldn''t help but admire the merchant''s passion and persuasiveness, while his words resonated with him. He recalled the conversation he had with him before he agreed to join the trek to the Eldergorve Valley, the offer that the merchant presented to him. Roderick had assured Brevin that he and his people were more than welcome to live in Ebonheim, to integrate with the local people, and build their own community. In return, the Deep Miners would share in the bounty of the land, and assist in establishing the city as a major trading hub. With their expertise and skill set, Ebonheim would flourish. Brevin had taken the offer with mixed emotions. The Deep Miners, and Brevin in particular, had faced a great deal of difficulty in recent years due to Obsidion''s greed. The god''s excessive demand for metals and minerals had strained his people''s resources. Most had been content with the extravagant payments and the honor of serving their patron, but for Brevin and several others, they began to resent the god''s disregard for their safety and well-being. Then, the day came when their luck ran out. A company of miners failed to meet Obsidion''s latest quota, and as punishment, the god flooded a tunnel with lava, burying the miners alive. Brevin had just learned that one of the men who had died that day, had been his younger brother. Ever since then, Brevin and his fellow guild members, abandoned their mountain home, fleeing to the countryside to start over. He met Roderick along the way, and here they were. Roderick''s voice pierced through Brevin''s inner thoughts. "My dear friend, do you doubt my intentions? I assure you, everything I have said, and promised, is in the best interest of both the village and your people. I have every intention of keeping my word." Brevin grunted. "You haven''t disappointed us yet. I trust you." He stared at the flickering flames of the campfire, watching as the fiery tongues danced and writhed. Would history repeat itself with Ebonheim? Brevin hoped that the goddess of the village was different. He didn''t want the same tragedy to befall his people as that of the ones still within Gorgandale, cursed to forever struggle to fulfill the demands of a selfish god. However, the goddess did not bear the same ruthless and greedy countenance as Obsidion. She had a warmth and kindness in her demeanor, and it seemed like she genuinely cared for her people. Still, he could not ignore the possibility of betrayal. All gods demanded devotion and service in exchange for protection and blessings. Only time would tell if the goddess was sincere in her desires, and in their relationship. Perhaps he was being too cautious and skeptical. Regardless, he''d just have to wait and see. The days progressed as planned, with the miners continuing their survey and mapping of the network of caves and tunnels. They encountered little trouble, save for the occasional animal encounters. Brevin watched as Ebonheim donned the garb of a Deep Dweller, and set out alongside the other miners, chipping away at the walls, exploring the winding labyrinth of passages, and carting away the ores and gems to the surface. Every so often, the goddess would visit, either to provide assistance or to engage in casual conversations. Her cheerful disposition never ceased to amaze him, and he had grown accustomed to her visits. One night, after the dinner had been finished and the dishes cleaned, he approached her while she was conversing with Lilin, a curious question gnawing at him. "Tell me, goddess, why did you decide to come with us on this trip? Do you not have more pressing matters to attend to back in the village?" Ebonheim offered him a warm smile. "First off, call me Ebonheim, not ''goddess'', please. It''s less formal and stiff. Anyway, to answer your question, I came with you because I wanted to spend more time with you and your people. You guys seem fun, and I love exploring new places and discovering new things! Besides, I know that you''ll be apart from the others for quite some time, so I figured it wouldn''t hurt for a goddess to tag along for a while." She spoke with a cheerful and bubbly demeanor, as if it were the simplest and most natural thing to do. The simplicity of the answer threw him off. She was so...forward, so candid and honest. So unlike Obsidion. Brevin studied her for a moment, then chuckled. "You are a strange deity indeed, Ebonheim. You certainly aren''t like any god I''ve ever known before." "Huh? Really?" She blinked. "I think I''m just an average village deity." "Perhaps. Or maybe you''re the standard by which other gods are judged," he replied. "O-oh." Ebonheim lowered her gaze, a hint of pink tinging her cheeks. She looked quite adorable when she''s blushing. "I''m not sure what to say to that. Thanks for the compliment, I guess?" "It wasn''t a compliment," he remarked. "I''m simply stating a fact." Her blush deepened. "Oh, um. Okay. Um...thanks? Again?" "You''re welcome." Brevin smirked, and turned to walk away, leaving the goddess of the village in her flustered state. The days flew by without event, and before long, they had completed their task of surveying and mapping the entire tunnel network. "According to our calculations, we''ve found thirteen veins of precious metals and gemstones. Ten of these are deep within the mountains, while the rest are nearer to the surface, but are of lower quality." Lilin reported as she examined a roll of parchment. She traced a finger along a line of neatly drawn symbols and diagrams. Lilin continued, "The region''s seismic activity is moderate, which means these caverns are more stable. However, there are areas where the potential for tremors and cave-ins exists, but are relatively low." The information was invaluable. They knew from personal experience that Obsidion''s mountain range, despite being highly lucrative, had constant, and dangerous cave-ins and collapses, hindering mining and excavation operations. Only his powers had allowed the Deep Miners to proceed safely, and even that carried its own risks. Here in Ebonheim, the tunnels were stable and secure, making mining a far easier, and safer affair. "That''s excellent news," Roderick said, folding his arms. "I trust you''ve already found a suitable location for your new settlement?" "We have." Brevin nodded, pointing toward a portion of the cavern on Lilin''s map. "Here. The area is large and spacious enough for us to work in, and there''s a spring nearby to serve as a fresh water source. It''s also in close proximity to a rich seam of gold, and there''s a large deposit of opal nearby, which can fetch a hefty price." "Opals, eh? That''s not bad." Roderick rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A good choice for a location, I say." "Indeed." Brevin grinned. "All that''s left is for us to discuss the construction plans with Ebonheim''s council, and to seek their approval." "You don''t need to seek approval," Ebonheim''s voice interrupted from behind. They all turned to face her, and she gestured toward the cavern with a smile. "This place, all of it, belongs to you now. If you wish to build here, do so. It is yours. I can make sure to give you the required space and resources, if needed." Brevin stared at the goddess, unsure if she was being serious. She met his gaze and grinned. "I''m not kidding. You may use the cavern as a base for your new home. I have divine magic that can help you build. Think of it as a house-warming gift from Ebonheim!" "Are you certain? Wouldn''t it be inconvenient for you, not to mention draining, to use your divine power on a regular basis, especially to support the development of our settlement?" Brevin asked. "No, it''s no problem at all. It''s my responsibility to watch over the village and its people, and that includes you and your people now." Ebonheim''s words were confident and reassuring, and she gave him a playful wink. "I will gladly share my divine power to aid the Deep Miners in their efforts, and the creation of their new home. Just tell me what you need, and I''ll do what I can to help." "That''s...incredibly generous of you." Brevin bowed deeply. "I accept your gracious offer, Ebonheim. I won''t forget this." Ebonheim nodded happily, pleased with his response. "I suppose it''s time to head back, yes?" Roderick interjected with a chuckle. "I think you folks have a lot of work to do." They soon returned to the village, where Brevin, accompanied by a few miners, held a meeting with the council. He proposed his plan to them, presenting his sketches and drawings of the various excavation and mining projects, along with the benefits and prospects associated with each of them. To his relief, the council readily approved, and soon, they were ready to embark upon their new endeavors. That evening, Brevin found himself relaxing in his tent, seated upon a small bench with his head resting against a thick pillow. The exhaustion of the day''s activities weighed heavily upon his shoulders, and his body ached from the fatigue. He exhaled slowly, letting the tension in his muscles dissipate. Lilin entered the tent, bringing him a mug of steaming hot tea. "Here you go, Chief. You''ve earned this." "Thanks." He accepted the cup and sipped the fragrant brew, the warmth and aroma soothing his tired body and mind. "This is just what I needed." "Glad to be of service." Lilin flashed him a bright smile. "It''s amazing how fast things have developed since we got here." "Indeed." He gazed at her thoughtfully. "Did you have a chance to speak with Ebonheim? She''s rather cute, and pleasant to be around, for a divine being. She seems more like a human than a god, if I''m honest." "Aww, are you smitten?" Lilin teased. "You seemed to enjoy her company quite a bit. Well, so do I, in case you''re wondering. She''s the nicest god I''ve ever encountered, even though I''ve only met one other one. The other was rude and greedy. She''s also very easy to work with, and seems to care a great deal about her people." Lilin took a seat beside him, tucking her legs underneath herself as she settled upon the cushion. She clasped her hands together and rested them in her lap. "As for you, I hope you won''t miss Gorgandale too much." "There are things from Gorgandale I would not wish to miss," he replied, staring down at his hands. "But in terms of the people and the place, I believe we can create a better life for ourselves and our future generations." "Well, I agree with you on that," she conceded. "Though, I do admit, I''m going to miss our old home, and all of my friends that stayed behind." Brevin snorted. "Do you believe they were foolish for staying?" "No, not at all," Lilin said with a shake of her head. "It''s their choice. I respect their decision. And, I understand their reasoning. They''re satisfied with what they have, and Obsidion has provided them with many gifts over the years. But, I prefer to move on and build a new future with the rest of you. It''s the best path for me, for us." Lilin patted his knee reassuringly. "Besides, I have a good feeling about this, Brevin. I can sense a good flow of energy in this land, especially in the mountains. This place has so much potential, and I feel like we''ll accomplish great things here, not only for ourselves, but for all the people of Ebonheim." "Your optimism is refreshing," Brevin commented. He cocked his head and eyed her curiously. "Is this one of your abilities as a Gem Mage, or are you just naturally this optimistic?" "Haha! Nope. Just a natural trait. One of many, in fact." "Of course, how could I forget," he smirked. They both laughed heartily. When their mirth subsided, he stood up and stretched. "Come, let''s get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us." "Aye, that we do. Goodnight, Chief."
[Quest] Mountain''s Embrace (Complete) Objective: Send an exploration party to the mountain range to identify potential mining spots and a place to erect a mountain village. Details: The mountains hold more untapped resources. By identifying potential mining sites, Ebonheim can lay the foundation for future economic growth. The Deep Miners of Gorgandale will play a pivotal role in this quest. Rewards: +20 Quintessence, +10 Sustainability Achievements, +6 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points. Progress: 100% Chapter 89: Crafting Cornerstones Orin Webb reclined upon a divan, the luxurious cushions providing a soft and comfortable backrest. He adjusted his position slightly, and sighed, his thoughts drifting as he stared idly at a book that lay open across his chest. He turned the page, the rustle of paper echoing softly within the quiet confines of his tent. The weather was favorable today. The morning sky was clear and free of clouds, and the air was cool and crisp. The wind rustled the branches of the surrounding trees, creating a melodic whispering sound, the scent of pine and wood wafting through the air. A couple of weeks had passed since their arrival, and the construction of the Conduit Chamber had begun in earnest. Ebonheim, true to her promise, had provided a steady supply of stones and timber, and Orin and his companions spent their days organizing the transport and assembly of the necessary materials, as well as supervising the overall construction process. They had begun constructing the outer walls, and the framework for the internal structure and ceiling had been set in place. It was a monumental undertaking, but progress was swift due to the goddess'' frequent assistance. Every day, Ebonheim would come to the construction site and spend a few hours aiding them with the various tasks. She''d use her divine powers to shape and reshape the rocks and other natural materials, turning them into solid shapes and objects, adding them to the existing structures and foundations, or using them to create new ones. The result was a dramatic increase in the amount of work done each day, and the speed at which they could complete their projects. The goddess would often stay and chat with them afterward, talking about a wide range of topics, including their lives before arriving at the village. Orin was a little amused at her efforts to befriend him, as if she felt obligated to be sociable with all the newcomers. Not that he minded. Her company was tolerable. More than that, perhaps. He found her presence to be intriguing. She possessed a charm that he found appealing, an odd mix of childish naivet¨¦ and sophisticated elegance, paired with a sense of empathy and understanding that he hadn''t expected. A gust of wind blew through the camp, sending ripples across the fabric of his tent. The flap opened, revealing Serelle, who stepped inside, holding a plate of food in her hands. "Good morning, Orin. I brought breakfast for us," she announced with a cheerful smile. "Figured you''d be hungry." "Much appreciated, thank you." Orin returned her greeting, giving her a lopsided smirk. He placed his book aside and sat up, stretching his arms above his head. He took the plate, upon which were two large biscuits, topped with eggs and cheese. Serelle took a seat on the blanket across from him, settling herself before the brazier in the center of the tent. "How are you feeling this morning? Sleep well?" "Quite. The air here is rather fresh. Better than back in the city." She giggled. "The air, or the company?" "Both." He shrugged nonchalantly. They enjoyed their meal, chatting as they ate. Their conversation flowed freely, covering a multitude of topics, from the events of the past day to the happenings in Ebonheim and beyond. The two were childhood friends, having known each other for most of their lives. While he had been busy honing his craft as an Artificer, she pursued the more traditional Arcane Arts, and the two often discussed various concepts and theories of magic. "You know, Orin," Serelle mused between bites, "even with the goddess'' assistance, the Conduit Chamber would still take a few months to construct." "Hmm. Indeed," Orin responded, eyeing her warily. He already sensed a trap in her words, and wondered where she was going with this. "Wouldn''t it be better if we built homes for our people first? You know, so they can have a place to stay in the meantime? Somewhere other than their tents?" Orin sighed, his suspicions confirmed. He took a sip from his tankard, swallowing a mouthful of ale. "Yes, I concur, but our priority must remain on the completion of the Chamber, not the housing situation." "But that''s silly. People need to have a proper shelter!" Serelle objected. "And they will. Once the Chamber is completed, we''ll begin work on the permanent facilities, and the houses." Orin glanced at her and arched a brow. "Didn''t we already have this discussion prior to leaving Ebonheim?" "We did. But," she paused, fixing her eyes on him. "We also agreed to reconsider things if the conditions changed, remember?" "Ah, I do recall that, yes," Orin nodded thoughtfully, tapping his chin with a finger. "Unfortunately, the Chamber must remain the priority. It''s imperative that we finish building it as quickly as possible." Serelle rolled her eyes. "I''ll bet it''s because you don''t want the Artisants of Spark to finish their Sanctum first, isn''t it? You just can''t stand the thought of your rival getting ahead of you." "Pfft. Hardly," Orin scoffed. "It has nothing to do with that. My goal remains the same as before. We need the Chamber to be functional and fully operational as soon as possible. Then everything we do after that point will be exponentially easier. It''s the only way we can maximize our efficiency. Priorities, Serelle." "Fine, fine. I''m just teasing you, Orin," Serelle confessed, feigning exasperation. "I know how important the Chamber is to you, and I understand the reason why. However, I also believe that our people should have a more comfortable living environment." Orin couldn''t help but laugh at the pleading expression on her face. "All right, I''ll consider it. If there''s spare time, we can build a few houses. However, they should be temporary ones, just a small, basic structure. We shouldn''t waste time on anything fancy. Agreed?" "Deal." She beamed happily. "Thanks, Orin. I appreciate your willingness to compromise." "I know, I know," he shook his head and chuckled. "You always had a way of wearing me down, didn''t you?" "You make that sound like a bad thing, and I''m going to pretend I didn''t hear that." After they finished their meal, Serelle rose to her feet, gathering the plates and utensils. "I''m going to head back to the village, then. See if there''s anything I can do to help there." "Very well. Stay safe." "I will. Don''t stay cooped up here reading that whole day, Orin," she cautioned him, shaking a finger. "I make no promises." He grinned. "Besides, there are more interesting books than your boring magical tomes to read." "Whatever you say. See you later." With that, Serelle exited his tent, disappearing through the flap. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He pondered her suggestion. It made sense for them to have a better, more permanent accommodation than the tents. But he wasn''t going to prioritize that. He needed the Chamber. That was the key. Without a viable Conduit, there could be no meaningful, practical applications for many of his inventions, and he intended to prove that he was more than capable of surpassing the legendary Artisans of Spark and their Aetherframes. Besides, they still had plenty of time to build homes for everyone. At the rate things were progressing, he was certain the Chamber would be finished before the fall season. They were still in the middle of summer, and the weather was mild and fair. He planned to capitalize on the favorable climate, maximizing their productivity so that the construction could proceed smoothly. He reclined against his pillows, returning to his book, determined to distract himself from any lingering doubts.
14th day of Lustertide, 1369 [Quintessence] 15182/64000 [Quest] Crafting Cornerstones Objective: Establish workshops for craftsmen, enabling them to produce essential goods and tools for the village. Details: Workshops should cater to blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, and other artisans. Ensure they have access to necessary raw materials. Rewards: +11 Prosperity Points, Unlock new trade goods Progress: 38% Complete For the past month, Ebonheim had been running around helping wherever she could. Today was no exception, as she had spent the better part of the day rushing from site to site to help out with various tasks. The Akashic System kept track of the various quests and their progress, and she couldn''t help but check in every once in a while to make sure things were still proceeding smoothly. The quest to establish new workshops was currently sitting at 38%, which wasn''t bad, given the number of projects underway. Most of the resources required for the constructions had already been acquired from the quarry and surrounding forest, and the carpentry tools were being supplied by the Artisants of Spark and the Ethervein Enclave. The only bottleneck in the process appeared to be the lack of iron nails and rivets to keep up with the demand, which meant that the carpenters were forced to wait for the metal workers to supply the materials. In the meantime, the carpenters used wooden pegs and dowels to fasten the frames of the buildings together, hoping that they would last until the metalworkers could deliver the needed materials. As Ebonheim approached the construction site, with Thorsten following behind her, her mind wandered back to the conversation she had with him a few days ago. Thorsten had commented that the newly arrived Hrafnsteinn warriors were starting to become restless and bored. He urged her to let them help with the construction effort, saying that idle hands make mischief. Of course, Ebonheim agreed immediately. The more workers they had, the faster the job would get done. The fact that the Hrafnsteinn warriors were seeking something to do made her happy. "Looks like the weather''s cooperating today. Good, good," Thorsten mused aloud as they marched past rows of houses. "Those clouds over the mountains aren''t gonna last, but for now, that''s fine by me. Wouldn''t want them to have to work in the rain." Ebonheim glanced at the sky; it was bright blue, and the air was crisp and clean. It was perfect weather for outdoor work, and she hoped the conditions would continue. The two eventually reached the construction site and made their way through the busy area, passing groups of workers and builders bustling about as they went. The air rang with the sounds of hammering and sawing, along with the occasional shout and curse as someone hit their fingers. Ebonheim stepped into a blacksmith''s shop, a small stone house with a forge attached to its rear, where four burly Hrafnsteinn smiths toiled tirelessly in front of blazing furnaces. A wall of smoke and steam enveloped the room, emanating from the cauldrons and kilns. The crackle and hiss of molten metal resounded, and the air smelled acrid and burnt. The roar of the bellows drowned out the din of the forges, while sparks and embers danced through the chamber. The four men labored in the haze, their faces slick with sweat and soot, as they stoked the flames and poured molten steel into casts. The nearest one, a stout, bearded fellow wearing a leather apron, greeted Ebonheim and Thorsten as they entered. "Morning to ye. I''ve set the iron ingots out back. They''re ready for your divine magic, goddess," he declared, gesturing to a pile of metallic bars stacked neatly near the side entrance. "Ah, wonderful! Thank you for your diligence. I''ll do my best," she replied. Ebonheim exited the building and approached the stack of iron. She had asked the smiths to smelt the ore for her so that she could turn them into nails and rivets using the other Divine Ability she acquired along with ''Warp Wood''. The Divine Ability, called ''Smelter''s Touch'', was similar to Warp Wood in that she could use her Essence to manipulate metals, shaping and reforming them. She couldn''t craft complex objects, but she could easily mold the ingots and transform them into basic items. Ebonheim channeled her energy into the piles of ingots, enveloping them with a silvery glow. She focused on the image of a nail in her mind, visualizing its shape, size, and texture, until she could almost feel the sharp tip pressing against the tips of her fingers. After a few minutes, she completed her work, transforming the mass of iron into a mound of thousands of perfect iron nails and rivets. They weren''t fancy, but they should be more than enough to tide the carpenters over until the next batch of ores could be processed. With the help of Thorsten, Ebonheim began gathering the creations, transporting them into a nearby wheelbarrow before bringing them to the carpenter''s workshop. One task was done, but she had so much left to do.
"Time for a break, then." Thorsten yawned widely, stretching his arms above his head and arching his back. They had completed their deliveries to the carpenters and returned to the blacksmiths. It was nearing midday, and the heat and humidity had become oppressive, making it difficult to concentrate on work. The workers in the workshop had all stripped down to their waists, and even that did little to alleviate the discomfort. The four men in the back, however, still persisted with their efforts, seemingly unaffected by the temperature. "Let''s go grab us something to eat. I could eat a horse right now. Probably even the saddle and all." Without waiting for an answer, Thorsten started walking, heading away from the construction zone and deeper into the village. Ebonheim followed behind him, keeping pace with the large man as they strolled casually down the street. Ebonheim didn''t want to interrupt the other workers, since she figured they might appreciate a few moments to cool down and relax. Plus, her stomach growled incessantly, and she hadn''t eaten anything since early morning. So, she followed him to the feast hall where food and refreshment awaited. "Mm, roast rabbit again? This tastes so delicious!" Thorsten remarked between mouthfuls of food. He devoured the meal with gusto, shoveling one spoonful after another into his mouth, barely pausing to chew before swallowing. It amazed Ebonheim how Thorsten managed to stay so well-fed despite spending most of the day working under the summer sun. His appetite never seemed to flag, and he always ate at least twice as much as anyone else during mealtimes. She took a small bite of the roasted haunch and chewed thoughtfully, savoring the flavor and aroma of the meat. While eating, she glanced at the Akashic screen floating before her eyes, checking to make sure that she wasn''t missing any messages, or updates, regarding her quests. So far, there wasn''t anything new, save for the update about the progress of the Crafting Cornerstones quest. [Quest] Crafting Cornerstones Progress: 41% Complete At least she alleviated the bottleneck with the lack of nails. That allowed the carpenters to resume their work without delay. After lunch, she would have to return to the construction sites and use her power to shape the lumber into planks, beams, and boards. The task was simple enough, but time consuming, especially since she had already failed to shape the wood into its proper form on numerous occasions, and ended up with unusable timber. The carpenters had given her an earful, despite her status as their goddess¡ªmuch to the surprise of the newcomers who had yet to experience her klutziness. But that was fine. She appreciated their candor, as well as their patience with her imperfections. It was better for them to be honest with her than to hide their dissatisfaction. "Alright, I''m finished," Thorsten announced abruptly. He stood from the bench and wiped his mouth with a rag. "Best get back to work, before the sun sets, eh?" "Yes. Let''s." Ebonheim nodded, rising to her feet as well. Together, they returned to the construction site and resumed their respective duties. By the time the evening rolled in, Ebonheim finished processing the lumber needed by the carpenters, and they had started framing the houses with the wood she shaped until work stopped for the day. She returned to her cabin and crashed on her bed, exhausted after a long, strenuous day of labor. But even so, she still felt fulfilled. She checked on the progress of her quest: [Quest] Crafting Cornerstones Progress: 44% Complete Ah, progress. Chapter 90: Viviane De Fleur 19th day of Lustertide, 1369 Viviane replaced the rivet on the Aetherframe''s arm, compressing it until the metal plating was firmly secured and the bit popped satisfyingly. She wiped her brow, sighing as she leaned back and admired her handiwork. The Aetherframe stood at a towering three meters tall, its hulking form dominating the space inside the workshop. The crystal core emanated a warm glow, and the whirring of the mechanisms within added a pleasant background noise to the scene. It was mid-afternoon, and a cool breeze drifted in through the open window, bringing with it the scents of pine and freshly cut lumber. Outside, Viviane could see a group of miners unloading the latest batch of raw materials from their carts, while others carted the ores and stones away to be processed. The workshop itself was a mess of parts, tools, and machinery, all scattered about in a seemingly chaotic manner, but Viviane knew that there was a method to the madness. She had arranged the Aetherframe near the table where the majority of her tools and equipment were, and she found that having everything in close proximity made her work considerably easier. Another Artificer entered the workshop, carrying a crate full of small gears and components. They set the box down on the workbench and began unpacking the contents, arranging the pieces on the tabletop in an organized fashion. "Bonjour, Emile," Viviane greeted cheerfully. Emile acknowledged her with a nod, her gaze focused on the task at hand. Viviane returned to her work, applying the finishing touches to the Aetherframe. Once she was satisfied with the repairs, she grabbed a rag and started wiping the exterior. "This should do it," she said, stepping back to admire the Aetherframe. A few minutes passed in silence, before Emile''s voice broke the tranquility. "Viviane, can you come over here for a sec?" "Bien s?r, just one second." She went to the other side of the workshop and helped Emile organize the contents of the box. While Viviane was busy tidying the tools and gadgets, Emile spoke to her in a low voice. "So, Viviane, have you seen the soldiers from the Silverguards practicing in the training grounds lately? They look mighty impressive, n''est-ce pas?" "Hm? Why do you ask?" "Oh, no reason. Just curious. They''re quite skilled with their weapons, no? And handsome, too! Some of them, anyway..." "Ah, well, they do seem like nice people," she answered, shrugging. "Nice? Pfft, I suppose, but that''s not the point," Emile shook her head. "Viviane, don''t you think they''re quite attractive?" "Mmm. I suppose so. Why?" Emile''s eyes widened. "Seriously? What are you, blind? You have to admit, those tall, muscular men wielding swords and shields, fighting and sweating together...they''re pretty hot." "Uh...I guess?" "Oh, come on! You don''t have to play coy with me. I know you''ve noticed the way some of the male soldiers have been looking at you. They''re practically drooling over you. Especially that one, the guy with the dark hair and the green eyes. You know, the one who''s usually with that blond-haired archer. I swear, the way he looks at you, it''s like he''s undressing you with his eyes, or something." "Huh." She blinked, her face blank. "Seriously, Viviane. Have you never had a man, or woman, catch your attention before? You have a beautiful face and figure, and that wild blonde hair. You''re a gorgeous girl, and if you just put in a little effort, I''m sure you could catch the attention of a certain someone." "Huh. I didn''t realize," she muttered. "You think they''re interested in me? They barely talk to me." "What? Seriously, Viviane? You really have no idea? You haven''t noticed them ogling at you whenever you climb in and out of an Aetherframe, or bend over to grab a tool, or, oh, I don''t know, whenever you''re basically doing anything at all?" "Uh. No?" Emile rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Look, all I''m saying is that you should go out there, meet people, try to find that special someone, you know? Maybe you''ll meet that one person you can connect with, that you can share your passion for Magitech with. Life is short, Viviane. You should enjoy yourself a little while you can. Trust me, you don''t want to spend the rest of your life alone, working in a dusty old workshop all by yourself." "Hey, I''m perfectly fine being alone!" She protested. "I like my workshop and my Aetherframes. They''re like family to me." "Aha, okay, now you''re starting to sound crazy," Emile shot her an incredulous look. "You can''t seriously be telling me you''re happy with the life of a single, lonely Artificer whose only friends are constructs?" "I have plenty of friends, d''accord? I have...you, um, Mademoiselle Blaise, Monsieur Montiel, and, uh..." Emile raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms and staring at her pointedly. "...Okay, fine, I get it. Maybe I''m a bit lonely. Sometimes. It''s just that, well, I''m too busy working and researching to even think about romance. Ogling at sweaty men while they practice with their swords is, um, not really my thing, tu sais?" "Eh. Suit yourself." Emile shrugged, then their expression turned mischievous. "For what it''s worth, though, if you''ve ever seen the ones from Hrafnsteinn, those tall, broad-shouldered men, with the intense gazes, those toned abs...the bulging¡ª" "Non, non, stop right there!" Viviane raised her hands, palms facing outward. "I don''t want to imagine any of that. I am perfectly content being alone and focusing on my work, merci beaucoup. You''re such a pervert." "Hahaha! Oh, come on. Live a little, Viviane. Don''t forget, we''re only young once. Enjoy your youth while you still have it. There''s nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty and sensuality of the human body, or lusting after a good-looking c¨¦libataire." "Oui, oui, whatever you say," Viviane snorted. "Anyway, I''m trying to help you set up your inventory here. Stop distracting me with these foolish fantasies. Otherwise, I''m leaving." "I''m done, I''m done. Sorry, I''ll be quiet," Emile conceded with a laugh. The pair returned to organizing the items. After they finished, Viviane headed outside. The sun''s rays shone brightly, casting a warm light upon the forested hills. A fresh, pleasant breeze caressed her face. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the sweet and earthy smells of the wilderness. The sounds of hammers and chisels echoed throughout the village center, and the gentle murmur of conversations reached her ears. Suddenly, a deep, rumbling voice spoke directly behind her, and a massive shadow fell over her own. "Oi, you one of the people that use those big, ol'' Magitech armor?" Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Viviane yelped in surprise, nearly dropping the box of rivets and bolts she was holding. She whirled around, craning her neck up to meet the giant man''s gaze. He towered over her, his massive bulk filling the space between them. "Oh, um, hello," she stammered, her face growing flushed. "Er, yes, I am. How may I help you, sir?" The man flashed her a crooked grin, his teeth flashing white beneath his beard. "Heh. That''s a good one. The name''s Thorsten Gustafsson, and I ain''t no sir. Just call me Thorsten. Those suits, they''re kinda like armor, eh?" "Er, yes, they are, in a way. Do you, er, need assistance with anything?" She asked, regaining her composure. "Hrmm. Been meaning to ask about those things for a while, but kept forgetting to bring it up. Seems ya lot are friendly, though. Maybe ya can answer my questions. Go on, I''ll listen." "Sure." Viviane nodded. "Um, what did you want to know?" "All sorts of things. Like, are those suits magic?" Thorsten scratched his chin. "How do they work? Does the magic make ''em move? Or does the person inside ''em make ''em move? And if it''s the person, how do they control the suit? Is there some kinda invisible magic strings connected to the limbs or somethin''? Or are they all controlled by their mind?" The questions came out in a rush, and the giant Hrafnsteinn warrior stood there, staring at her expectantly. "I...uh, that''s quite the barrage of questions you''ve got there." She laughed nervously, averting her eyes. "Where do I even begin...?" Explaining the intricacies of Aetherframes, let alone Magitech engineering, to a man who obviously knew nothing about the subject seemed pointless. But he looked so genuinely intrigued, and the curiosity in his eyes seemed so sincere, she couldn''t bring herself to deny his request. She inhaled slowly, mustering the courage to explain the basics to him. "Okay, so...there''s a lot to cover here. I''m afraid we''ll need more time to discuss the more technical aspects of the technology involved, but I''ll give you a brief overview." "Right. Let''s start with the simplest question. Aetherframes are magical suits of armor powered by an energy source called Aetherium Epoch. These crystalline cores are housed in the chest region of the Aetherframe, and they allow the suits to move and function as the wearer''s external body. So, you can think of the Aetherframe as a sort of exoskeleton, or even a second skin for the operator." "The operator, you say? That''s the person inside, yeah? So, the magic makes them move?" Thorsten interjected. "No, the person inside actually controls the movements," she replied. "The Aetherium Epoch provides the power to the armor, but the user is the one who guides the armor''s actions after they''ve linked themselves to it. There is no invisible string or magic controlling the Aetherframe. The individual is completely in control of the armor at all times." "What do you mean ''link yourselves to it''?" "The Aetherium Epoch establishes a connection between the core and the operator''s mana. The energy from the crystalline core flows through the suit''s mechanisms and connects them to the operator''s will. Think of it as a shared consciousness, of sorts." Thorsten raised an eyebrow. "Wait. You''re telling me these suits of armor got a mind of its own?" "I wouldn''t say the Aetherframes are sentient entities," Viviane clarified. "The crystalline cores retain a fraction of the Aetherium Epoch''s original consciousness, and they respond to the wearer''s mental commands. But they''re not truly alive in the sense that they possess independent thought or free will." "Huh. Interesting. Go on." Thorsten leaned in, his eyes fixated upon her. His imposing frame and intense gaze made her incredibly self-conscious, and she had to force herself to focus on the conversation. "Ah, um, so, er, there''s also an array of enchantments and runes on each Aetherframe that helps regulate the suit''s performance." "Yeah, like what?" "Well, for instance, the runic enchantments on the surface of the armor can strengthen and reinforce the metal plating, enhancing its resistance against physical impacts. Similarly, the enchantments on the inner lining of the suit can create a thermal barrier that protects the wearer from extreme heat and cold. Of course, these enchantments rely on the suit''s energy source to activate. So, without a proper Aetherium core, the Aetherframe is nothing more than an empty shell." "Hrmm. So, what about the armor itself? How hardy are those things? Is the material more durable than Runite?" "It is. Though not every Aetherframe boasts the same level of quality as others, the ones we produce use Aurichalcum alloy, which is a stronger, lighter, more resilient version of Runite. Aetherframes are built with specific combat styles in mind, so depending on the intended purpose of the suit, different designs may be adopted for certain features. For example, Artisant frames tend to be more lightweight and agile, while battle-oriented ones are designed to be more robust and heavily armored." Thorsten stroked his beard contemplatively, nodding slowly as he absorbed her words. "Hrm. Right. All this Magitech stuff is beyond my simple mind, I''m afraid. Still, interesting. Real interesting." Viviane smiled, sensing that the conversation had reached its end. "I''m glad you found the explanation useful." Explaining the concept to such a large, intimidating man seemed unusual, but she enjoyed having a chance to show off her knowledge and expertise to someone who appreciated her input. She had grown accustomed to the teasing and dismissive remarks that she sometimes received from people, mostly those who regarded Aetherium Enginners as unnecessary specialists. So, having someone actually take interest in her work, and ask her questions sincerely, gave her a new sense of pride and confidence in what she did. Maybe it''d be more helpful to demonstrate how Aetherframes worked in action, instead of just speaking of them abstractly. Thorsten might not understand the more intricate details, but a hands-on approach would help illustrate the importance of Aetherframes, as well as the skills needed to operate them effectively. Besides, it was almost time for her shift at the construction site. She might as well kill two birds with one stone: give this Hrafnsteinn warrior a closer look at her beloved Aetherframes and assist in the construction simultaneously. There were no important trade secrets kept in the workshop at the moment, so bringing him in wouldn''t be a problem. "Actually, I''m supposed to be assisting in the construction of the Conduit Chamber for the Ethervein Enclave, which is located just over there. Would you like to join me? You could witness the Aetherframes in action first-hand." "Aye. Sounds good to me. Lead the way." Viviane guided him inside the workshop where Emile and another assistant were already present. The two Artificers were huddled in a corner, fiddling with some minor adjustments on one of the other Aetherframes stored here. "Hey, I''m going to head out for a bit. Please watch over the workshop in my absence, d''accord?" She told them. "Absolutely, mon amie," Emile answered, waving her hand absentmindedly. "Have fun at the Chamber. Hopefully you won''t be stuck there for the rest of the afternoon aga¡ª" Emile finally turned her head to look up at Thorsten, and when her eyes met the large Hrafnsteinn''s, her entire demeanor shifted. Her smile froze, and her lips parted slightly in shock. "Holy. Wow. Hello," she stammered, glancing back and forth at Viviane and the behemoth of a warrior. Viviane chuckled in amusement. "Emile, meet Thorsten Gustafsson. Thorsten, this is my friend, Emile Lecl¨¨re." "Ooooh," Emile cooed, batting her eyelashes and flashing a flirtatious grin. "Hello there, monsieur. My, aren''t you a tall drink of water? If you wanted a demonstration of our Aetherframes, you need only ask. I''d be happy to oblige, of course, if you want a private tutorial. One on one." The implication in her tone was not lost on Viviane, who suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. She was used to Emile''s overtly flirtatious nature, but this was the first time she had witnessed the other woman behave this way with a man. Thorsten seemed oblivious to Emile''s blatant advances, and merely nodded in greeting. "Hullo there. Nice ta meet ya. Anyhow, lass, we have important business to attend to, so we best be goin'', right?" "Oui. Yes, that''s correct." Viviane nodded in agreement, glancing back at Emile, who still stared at Thorsten in a dreamy trance. She approached the Aetherframe she had just repaired and started climbing inside its access hatch. Emile''s earlier comment about people ogling her when she wore an Aetherframe suddenly ran through her head, and she blushed fiercely at the mere thought of Thorsten''s piercing eyes watching her from an awkward angle. She couldn''t imagine him or anyone else finding her attractive in such a state. She was a slim, petite girl, not a voluptuous, curvy woman, so what would be the point? Calm down, Vivi. Get a hold of yourself! She admonished her intrusive thoughts and pushed aside the embarrassing images conjured in her mind. Viviane slid into the suit with ease, moving her arms and legs as naturally as possible as she adjusted her posture. Once she was fully positioned and comfortable, she reached down and pulled the harness over her shoulders, snapping it securely around her torso. Emile walked behind the Aetherframe and began attaching the wires and cables to the suit''s mechanisms while the other Artificer handed her various tools and supplies. Meanwhile, Viviane checked the Aetherium core''s power levels and made sure the suit was functioning properly. She tested the suit''s mobility by lifting her arms, swinging them forward and back, and bending her knees to crouch low to the ground. Everything moved smoothly without any stiffness or delays. Satisfied with the results, Viviane turned back to Emile and thanked her for the assistance. Then, she proceeded to walk toward the exit, pausing only briefly to glance back at Thorsten, who still waited patiently beside the door. She now towered over him, standing a full meter taller than he, and when he gazed up at her, she found that she rather enjoyed having the advantage of height for once. "Are you ready?" She asked over the Aetherframe''s comm. "Let''s go," he responded gruffly. With that, she led the way out of the workshop, and they made their way toward the construction site. Chapter 91: Crumbling a Stubborn Wall 11th day of Amberfall, 1369 [Quest] Crafting Cornerstones Objective: Establish workshops for craftsmen, enabling them to produce essential goods and tools for the village. Details: Workshops should cater to blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, and other artisans. Ensure they have access to necessary raw materials. Rewards: +11 Prosperity Points, Unlock new trade goods Progress: 100% Complete Ebonheim grinned. It took some time, but she managed to finish another of the town-building quests assigned by the Akashic System. There was a sense of accomplishment in knowing that she was contributing to the growth of the village, even if it was just by helping the craftsmen build their workshops. She felt proud to be able to contribute to the community''s prosperity, in whatever small way. According to the information displayed by the Akashic System, she received eleven Prosperity Points for completing the quest. She didn''t question it at first, but these ''points'' never came up when she viewed the status of her village before the arrival of new settlers, so she assumed they were simply decorative currency. Something purely ornamental to give her a sense of progress. Oh well. They seem important, at any rate. Now that she knew the system tracked her village''s growth and progress, she resolved to keep an eye on these ''prosperity points'' and other metrics in the future. As the day continued, she made sure to check in on the other quests periodically. It wasn''t strictly necessary, but she liked to do so nonetheless, to ensure everything remained on schedule and as planned. Ebonheim surveyed the landscape. The view from atop the hill where the shrine was located never ceased to impress her. The scenery extended far beyond the borders of the village, encompassing the fertile fields and forests surrounding the settlement, as well as the distant mountains towering over the horizon. From here, she could see the farmers toiling away in the fields, tending to their crops. In the distance, she spotted several hunters returning from a successful expedition, carrying the bodies of deer, rabbits, and wild boar on their backs. It made her feel happy to know that her people were safe and prospering. It had been over two months since the first group of settlers arrived in the valley, and in that short span of time, they had accomplished a great deal of work. The houses and structures around the central area were mostly completed, and construction on the new ones was well underway. Several buildings were also constructed outside the village perimeter, including a new grain mill and an orchard. A couple of quest windows popped up in front of her: [Quest] Waters of Life Objective: Construct a series of aqueducts and canals, ensuring a steady supply of water to every part of the village. Details: Source the water from the nearby river, ensuring its purity. Collaborate with the Ethervein Enclave to infuse the aqueducts with Magitech, allowing for efficient water flow and purification. Ensure the system reaches farms, ensuring irrigation, and households, providing potable water. Rewards: +9 Prosperity Points, +18 Sustainability Achievements, Unlock the "Water Conservation" Achievement. Progress: 0% Complete [Quest] The Conduit''s Rise Objective: Collaborate with the Ethervein Enclaves to construct the Conduit Chamber, a marvel of Magitech architecture. Description: The Ethervein Enclaves bring with them advanced Magitech knowledge. Constructing the Conduit Chamber will not only be a testament to Ebonheim''s progress but also a hub for magical and technological innovation. Rewards: +15 Prosperity Points, +3 Sustainability Achievement, Unlock the "Magitech Pioneer" title for Ebonheim. Progress: 37% Complete Hmm...Another pair of quests concerning the improvement of the infrastructure. The ''Conduit''s Rise'' was expected. Orin was the first one to ask for her permission to construct the building, which she wholeheartedly obliged. After all, the chamber they proposed was going to be the focal point of magical innovation and advancement in her village, and she very much welcomed their contribution. The other quest, ''Waters of Life'', on the other hand, was a surprise. The village already had a couple of small canals flowing through the area, which was sufficient for its current needs. But perhaps the System detected her intention to expand the existing infrastructure and was accordingly updating the quests. The quest mentioned a collaboration with the Ethervein Enclave. Did that mean that she needed to complete the construction of the chamber first before she could even begin the other quest? Well, it wouldn''t hurt to consult Orin. They had been speaking often lately, mostly about her ideas and suggestions for improving the village. Orin brought with him a wealth of knowledge, and he was always happy to discuss ways to apply the Magitech techniques his people invented. A few days ago, he suggested installing Magitech lamps throughout the entire settlement, instead of relying solely on torches and braziers. Although the idea intrigued her, she decided to wait on it until everyone had fully settled in. Once the houses and buildings were all finished, then they could talk about putting Magitech lamps everywhere. A pleasant breeze swept across the hilltop, ruffling her hair and dress. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of the grass and wildflowers. The sun shone warmly overhead, bathing her in its comforting light. She only had an hour a day, during the early mornings, devoted to sitting at her shrine to commune with the villagers and listen to their prayers and wishes. Then, she could go on about her day. The other half of the day was dedicated to work, whether it was assisting with construction, lending a hand with farming, or performing any other random chores around the village that needed doing. Even though she understood the importance of the ritual, Ebonheim often felt guilty for not being able to devote more time to listening to her worshipers. It didn''t feel right to ignore her people''s prayers simply because she was busy working elsewhere. Then again, perhaps the villagers appreciated being able to speak to her more casually during the day. It may not have been a formal conversation, but they did still get the opportunity to have some one-on-one time with her, and that probably made them happy. A soft rustling sound caught her attention, drawing her out of her reverie. She opened her eyes and turned towards its source, spotting a lone figure approaching her shrine. "Good morning, goddess Ebonheim," Orin said brightly as he approached the shrine. "Oh, good morning, Orin," Ebonheim answered, smiling in welcome. "What brings you here at this early hour?" The young Artificer flashed a wide smile. "I wanted to discuss some details pertaining to the construction of the Conduit Chamber. Is this a good time?" "Absolutely. Come, let us converse." Orin bowed deeply, and then moved to stand next to her, joining her in gazing over the sprawling valley below. "You have a truly splendid view from your shrine," he commented, taking in the sight of the rolling hills and forests stretching out in front of them. "I find it quite breathtaking." "I''m glad you like it," Ebonheim replied, a hint of pride entering her voice. "This view never fails to inspire me." "Indeed, I can see why." "So, what did you wish to discuss with me?" "Well, I was hoping you might permit me to allocate more work to the quarry. I would like to gather more limestone and granite for use in the construction," Orin explained. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "How much more do you require?" "I estimate roughly three times as much as what we''re currently producing. I''m afraid the Chamber won''t be completed before winter arrives without an increased supply." Ebonheim nodded slowly as she considered his request. The quarry had been operating at capacity for the past few weeks. There was plenty of stone in the area, but even with the addition of new Arcanists and miners from the recent influx of settlers, they were already struggling to gather enough raw materials for the many projects underway. Suddenly asking for triple the amount of quarrying wouldn''t do anyone good if they didn''t have the manpower to actually handle such a large increase in output. "I don''t suppose there''s anything we could do to speed up the extraction process? Maybe using a more efficient mining technique?" Orin frowned, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, our current methods are the most efficient. There is little room for improvement, at least when it comes to gathering the raw materials themselves. The only thing we could change is increasing the number of people involved in the operation." Ebonheim sighed. The logistics of the situation vexed her, but she wasn''t exactly surprised. She understood the basic principles behind mining, having observed the Deep Miners at work. But she had no practical knowledge in the field, so the challenges facing their operations eluded her. Maybe she could just ask the Akashic System if there was a divine ability that would help speed things up. Warp Wood and Smelter''s Touch turned out to be useful, so there may be others that would be suitable. But...then her attention would be further divided, and her energy would be spread thinner. The result of which was usually the same: her blunders. And with the rate at which her people needed the materials, it would be impractical to keep summoning her to the quarry for every new load of stone. Perhaps the only real solution to the problem would be to increase the number of workers in the mine, regardless of her own personal involvement. "Well, I certainly understand the need for additional manpower," Ebonheim finally responded. "And I have no issue with hiring more miners to increase productivity. However, I have a shortage of people to actually put on the job. Have you any candidates in mind?" Orin stroked his chin, pondering the matter carefully. Then his lips parted into a grin. "As a matter of fact, I do. How would you like to take a walk with me to the Artisants of Spark''s encampment? I''ll need your help in convincing their director to loan us some of their Aetherframes." Uh oh. She could already tell where this was going to end up.
Evelyne''s eyes twitched as she stared across her desk at the pair of familiar faces standing in front of her. After listening to Orin''s request, she suppressed a sigh. "Tell me again what you''re intending to use our Aetherframes for." "Mining," Orin stated, unfazed. "We need to improve our output, and having an Aetherframe or two would greatly assist with this endeavor. You already lent one of them to help with lumber, and I''m thankful that you sent one to help with my Conduit Chamber''s construction, but there are still two in your inventory that remain unassigned. Might we borrow them for a time?" She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze into a cold glare. "No." Her blunt rejection hung heavy in the air like a thick blanket of fog. She watched as both Ebonheim and Orin gawked at her. Orin''s expression, she couldn''t care less about, but seeing the goddess'' crestfallen face stirred a slight twinge of guilt within her. Ebonheim''s brows furrowed, her lower lip jutted out slightly as she stared at Evelyne with those big, golden eyes of hers, shining like liquid sunlight. Her cheeks flushed with color, giving Evelyne the urge to reach out and stroke them gently, perhaps even leaning forward to press their lips together in a soft kiss¡ª Evelyne shook herself free from her brief daze. Ayez piti¨¦ de moi... She couldn''t resist that pout. She had to focus. This was about the Aetherframes, not the goddess'' cute puppy-dog face. "Why not?" Ebonheim tilted her head to one side and blinked, confused by Evelyne''s curt response. Her hair fell over her shoulders, draping over her delicate frame, accentuating the graceful lines of her neck. Evelyne swallowed hard and cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly in her chair. She forced her eyes to fixate on Orin instead. "My remaining Aetherframes are specifically constructed for combat purposes, so they aren''t designed to perform strenuous manual labor like mining. We made the modifications necessary for the others to function as lumberjacks, but that was an isolated task. Modifying the rest for a different purpose would require extensive rework on our part, and that isn''t a wise investment with how many other projects we''re already pursuing here. This is a non-starter. End of discussion." "If I may interject¡ª" "I said no," Evelyne shot back flatly. "Just hear me out," Orin pressed on. "Since Aetherframes are meant to be modular and customizable, we can adjust the specs of the frames you have available for the requisite task, which will not compromise their combat utility in the slightest." "We can do that?" Ebonheim perked up, clearly fascinated by the notion. "Of course," Orin nodded, his confidence growing with each word. "I may not be a specialist in Aetherframes, but I did learn the basics from our masters back home." Evelyne pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I already said that modifying them would require significant resources on our part. To retool them in this way would significantly increase the amount of time and effort required, which will ultimately lead to delays in completing our other goals. It''s not feasible. My decision stands." "Can''t we just use them to help carry the loads from the mines back to the village?" Ebonheim asked hopefully. Oui, ma d¨¦esse. Technically, it wouldn''t burden the frames too badly if they were just acting as beasts of burden, which is why she allowed one of them to help with the Chamber''s construction in the first place. But the concept of Aetherframes being used for manual labor¡ªespecially by their intended purpose¡ªstruck Evelyne as improper and inappropriate. "We don''t have enough spare parts on hand to replace worn components," Evelyne explained. "Aetherframe maintenance is a lengthy, cumbersome, and costly affair. There aren''t enough hours in a day to repair one if it sustains too many wear and tear while hauling stone and dirt around. You need to understand that if one breaks, I lose several specialists for the duration of its repairs. One damaged Aetherframe is one less team available to do anything else, leaving all those idle hands and minds sitting uselessly in camp." "Hmm," Orin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I never realized that the Aetherframes produced by the famed Les Artisants d''¨¦clair would be so fragile." "Excusez-moi?!" Evelyne retorted, the vein on her forehead threatening to pop out as she glared daggers at Orin. "Do not dare make such insulting allegations! Les Artisants d''¨¦clair construct the finest Magitech known to exist! Our Aetherframes can endure immense punishment, and still, retain functionality!" "Then surely you have nothing to worry about, madam," Orin countered smoothly, flashing a smug smirk. "After all, your Aetherframe is supposedly capable of enduring the rigors of combat while functioning effectively, and I don''t recall them being exempt from the dangers of carrying rocks. Isn''t that right?" Evelyne clenched her jaw as she fought to maintain her composure. She had no retort to that argument. Ebonheim walked closer, closing the distance between her and Evelyne, her face centimeters away from Evelyne''s own as she leaned in to grasp her hand with both of hers. "Please, lady Evelyne. I implore you to reconsider. I promise that your Aetherframes will receive all the best care and attention. If they ever sustain damage, we shall provide whatever compensation or aid is needed to restore them to working order." Evelyne''s breath caught in her throat as she peered into the goddess'' brilliant gold-colored irises. The goddess'' hands were soft and smooth, their warmth radiating through Evelyne''s skin as their fingers intertwined. She bit her lip to stifle a gasp. What the hell is wrong with me? She shouldn''t be reacting like this, yet she couldn''t help it. Just seeing Ebonheim''s radiant face made her heart flutter and her cheeks flush. Her resolve crumbled under that hopeful, imploring gaze. "V-very well," Evelyne conceded, unable to bear staring into Ebonheim''s eyes a second longer without succumbing to temptation. "But we''ll only give you one! And t-the other one that was helping with construction will be repurposed for mining. That''s all I will allow! Agreed?" Ebonheim''s entire demeanor immediately changed from pleading to excited and cheerful. "Yes! Thank you so much, Lady Evelyne!" Before Evelyne could utter a single syllable, the goddess embraced her in a tight hug, lifting her from her chair with ease. She froze stiff as she found herself wrapped in the divine being''s arms. Warmth blossomed inside her chest as Ebonheim''s lithe body pressed against her own, soft curves fitting perfectly into the contours of her figure. The sensation of the goddess'' breath tickled her ears as Ebonheim giggled happily, causing a shiver to run down Evelyne''s spine. Blood rushed to Evelyne''s face. She wanted to push Ebonheim away, but her traitorous limbs refused to cooperate. Instead, she remained completely still, unsure of what else to do, her arms hanging limply by her sides. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the embrace ended, and Ebonheim released her grip, setting Evelyne back on her feet. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Evelyne coughed awkwardly and brushed a few errant strands of hair out of her face while adjusting her glasses, trying her hardest not to appear rattled. She avoided making eye contact with the beaming goddess in front of her, choosing to glare at Orin instead. His amused expression, however, made her want to slap him. Hard. "Now, now. All is well in the end, yes?" Orin smiled. "Don''t test your luck," Evelyne scowled.
[Quest] Quarry Conundrum Objective: Secure a steady supply of stone from the nearby quarry. Description: With the influx of new settlers and the need for more infrastructure, the demand for stone and minerals has skyrocketed. The mountains hold a bounty of stone, essential for many of Ebonheim''s construction projects. Collaborate with the Deep Miners of Gorgandale to set up efficient mining operations. Ensure the safety of the miners and establish a routine supply chain. Rewards: +12 Sustainability Achievements. Unlock the "Stone Mason''s Guild" Achievement, allowing for advanced stone constructions. Progress: 5% Complete Chapter 92: Rock and Stone! Part I 16th day of Amberfall, 1369 Sunlight glinted off the edges of pickaxes, their rhythm making a song of labor as they struck earth and stone. The vast quarry of Ebonheim bustled with activity, as usual. Dozens of workers were hard at work, chipping away at the rock walls and clearing out the rubble, all while the sun beat down on them from above. It was hot and dusty, with the air thick with the smell of sweat and dust, but they didn''t complain. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it, and they were happy to do their part in the progress of Ebonheim. The villagers who worked the quarry came from all walks of life, with a mix of both men and women of various ages and skillsets. Some were miners with years of experience, while others were young and fresh-faced, eager to prove themselves in the toughest job in the village. Regardless of their backgrounds, they all shared a love for their work and a fierce commitment to their village. The work itself was physically demanding, with the miners needing to haul large chunks of stone from the quarry to the carts and wagons that would transport them to the village. This process often involved the use of ropes, pulleys, and winches, all of which needed to be maintained regularly to ensure safety and efficiency. At the edge of the quarry sat a large shack where the miners kept their equipment and tools. It was an essential part of the mining process, and without it, the work would grind to a halt. Here, they kept everything they needed to get the job done, from shovels and picks to sledgehammers and mattocks. The inclusion of Artificers, with their Magitech tools and inventions, proved invaluable in the quarry, especially when it came to excavating the deepest and densest sections of the rock. The introduction of drills, powered by mana and guided by arcane enchantments, reduced the amount of labor and time needed to cut through the layers of stone. Despite the improvements brought by the presence of the Artificers, the old method of chiseling away at the rock by hand remained popular, especially with the seasoned miners. It was slow and tedious work, but there was a certain satisfaction that came from taking a hammer to stone and shaping it with your own hands. A group of miners gathered around a large chunk of granite, striking at it with various tools, while others hauled away the pieces that had been broken off. They worked in silence, their faces covered in dirt and grime, their muscles straining with each blow. The heat from the midday sun made the work even more challenging, and the workers were constantly wiping the sweat from their brows and gulping down water from their flasks. Still, they continued their labors, driven by the knowledge that their efforts would help to build a better village for their families and friends. In another corner of the quarry, a pair of workers argued over the distribution of the workload. "That''s not fair," Gorm grumbled, gesturing to the cart stacked high with rocks and dirt. "I''ve been out here since the crack o'' dawn, and you just got here. The least you could do is pull yer own weight. ''Specially with these fancy tools of yours." "There''s no need ta get upset," the newcomer, named Sigurd, replied calmly. "I''m willing ta pitch in, but I''m no miner. I ain''t gonna cut through as much rock as ya, but I can help with the lighter stuff." Gorm huffed. "Fine. Let''s get ta work. Grab a pickaxe and follow me." The pair spent the next few hours swinging their picks and shovels, loading up carts with stones and soil. As the day went on, they fell into a steady rhythm, working together in relative harmony. But then, Sigurd paused in his efforts and held up a hand. "Hold on. Didja hear that?" "Hear what?" Gorm stopped as well, cocking his head to the side. A faint tremor ran through the ground, accompanied by a low rumbling noise. But just as quickly as it came, the odd sound disappeared, leaving only silence behind. "Was that a cave-in?" Sigurd asked. Gorm shrugged. "Nah. No one''s sounded the alarm, and no one''s yellin''. Probably a loose rock, or maybe an animal." "Mm. You''re prob''ly right." "Right. Now, let''s get back to work."
Amidst the symphony of clinks and clatters, a resonant hum interwove itself. Viviane, encased within her Aetherframe, guided the towering machine with a fluidity that made the construct seem like an extension of herself. The large mechanical fingers of her Aetherframe wrapped around a massive boulder. But despite its size and strength, the frame struggled to haul the hunk of granite from its resting place in the earth. Beads of sweat dotted Viviane''s brow as she wrestled with the boulder, her mental connection to the Aetherframe strained. She poured her energy into the arcane matrix, coaxing the gears and pistons within to shift and turn. The frame buckled slightly, the joints creaking with exertion. But with a grunt and a heave, she finally lifted the boulder, sending a wave of relief rushing through her. The strain on the Aetherframe eased, and the matrix returned to a normal state. She carried the boulder over to a nearby metal cart, dropping it into the bed with a loud thud. Another job well done. She took a moment to catch her breath, enjoying the cool air within the Aetherframe. Then she straightened the frame, her vision returning to the bustling scene of the quarry. The workers in the area paid her no mind, used to the presence of the giant machines among them. They continued their work, chiseling away at the stone while guiding the horses pulling their carts along. She strode back to the wall, positioning herself to take another swing at the rocky surface before her. But as she did so, the ground beneath her vibrated, a deep rumble echoing from below. Viviane halted, turning to survey the area. The other workers had also stopped, exchanging worried glances. Then, as quickly as the rumbling started, it ceased. Everyone relaxed, chalking up the strange event as a natural phenomenon. Shrugging, Viviane returned her attention to the task at hand, raising her pickaxe to strike at the wall before her. The tool cleaved through the rock easily, its sharp point splitting the stone in two with one blow. "Ch¨¨re amie, Evelyne... What did I do to deserve this fate?" The words spilled from her mouth as she swung the axe again and again, the motion almost meditative as she lost herself in the simple pleasure of breaking rocks. The Aetherframe''s speaker emitted the audio of Viviane''s complaint. "Deserve what?" Dimitri''s voice responded. He must have been nearby, considering how clear his voice sounded through the mana communication relay. "This," Viviane repeated. "This labor. This sweat and effort. This... This torment of mon pauvre bras!" The last few words were spoken with such emphasis that the Aetherframe''s articulated arm gave an involuntary jerk, nearly causing Viviane to drop her pickaxe. Luckily, the mechanical arm managed to hold onto its tool, but only just. Dimitri chuckled softly, amusement evident in his tone. "It is not that bad, ma ch¨¨re amie. Consider yourself fortunate that you get to stay inside a frame where the temperature is regulated, rather than be stuck out here like me in the direct sunlight, where we mere mortals melt away like wax under a candle flame." Viviane could imagine the dramatic hand gestures that the senior Artificer must be making to accompany his speech. In truth, he did have a point, which only served to intensify the guilt she felt about complaining. Inside the Aetherframe, she was blissfully insulated from the harsh elements. Unlike the other laborers, her body remained safe and dry within the padded interior of the metal exoskeleton, her arms and legs moving with minimal strain as she maneuvered the mechanical appendages. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Still, that didn''t mean that she was immune to fatigue, and she could already feel the signs of exhaustion creeping upon her. The muscles in her back ached as she continued to heft her pickaxe, which was scaled to the Aetherframe''s size, the strain of the repeated motions causing her shoulders to ache and her knees to tremble. She wasn''t cut out for this kind of hard labor. "I am a scholar, an Artificer, and most importantly...a jeune femme," she complained, pausing for effect. "I am not designed to do such intense physical activities like this. I should be inside a workshop, where it''s safe and clean, surrounded by tools and machinery." "If it makes you feel any better, the work that you and I are doing here contributes to building said workshops. It might not be the most glamorous work, but it is vital to the progress of the town nonetheless." "I suppose that is true..." She trailed off, sighing with resignation as she resumed her work. "Even so, this is not exactly something I''d consider a priority, considering all the other tasks on our list. Mademoiselle Evelyne should have known all this, yet here we are, performing these backbreaking endeavors instead." "True. I am equally surprised at the importance that Lady Evelyne puts on this. I wonder what changed her mind?" The memory of Viviane''s brief conversation with Evelyne, shortly before being assigned to the quarry, floated back to the forefront of her thoughts. Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair''s Director had mentioned how the sudden surge in demand for raw materials from the quarry prompted the village''s goddess, Ebonheim, to assign higher priority to the operation. "Non, cher ami... That is not correct. Ebonheim has been the one pushing for this. Not Evelyne," Viviane corrected him. Dimitri paused, his curiosity piqued. "Did she say why?" "As far as I can tell, she said the village needs the materials from the quarry more urgently than previously thought." "And somehow, the goddess managed to convince Evelyne to lend two Aetherframes to this cause? That''s a feat worthy of a miracle. I wonder if Orin''s behind this somehow." "Well, this is mostly so that his Conduit Chamber can be completed. Or at least, that''s what he told me," she offered, hoping that such knowledge would satisfy Dimitri''s curiosity. However, Dimitri only snorted dismissively. "Typical Orin. Always putting his own needs ahead of everyone else''s. How typical of him. He always manages to land on his feet, regardless of how many times he falls on his arse." Viviane considered Dimitri''s words. The older Artificer didn''t mince his opinion, and his views mirrored her own. However, she couldn''t bring herself to judge the man too harshly, given his history. "You know he is not a bad person, though," she pointed out. "Oh, I agree. But that doesn''t change the fact that he''s an annoying bastard," Dimitri quipped with a laugh. "Ah, I jest. The lad means well. It''s just that he''s quite... Impetuous, to put it lightly." "He is enthusiastic, that much is certain," Viviane agreed. "I admire his drive. But unlike him, I find myself getting exhausted faster than he does. At this rate, I won''t make it to the end of the day without collapsing into a heap. I already have a sore back and a cramp in my arm from picking up these huge, heavy rocks, and I still have the entire afternoon left to go." "Careful, Viviane," Dimitri chided gently. "You''ll break the Aetherframe if you keep working with that attitude. I''m sure that wouldn''t be good for your health either." "Touch¨¦. You have a point." She sighed and shook her head, the frame mimicking her movements. "On the bright side, the work is simple enough. Once you find a good rhythm, it becomes rather easy to fall into a sort of trance as you continue the repetitive motions. Like a dance, if you will," Dimitri offered. "I don''t think I can even begin to appreciate such poetic descriptions when I''m feeling this terrible," Viviane retorted. She moved into a wide stance, using her Aetherframe to drag the pickaxe through the air, letting gravity do most of the work for her as the pick sank into the stone, separating a large chunk of granite from the rest of the wall. She added the large slab of rock to the nearby cart, a loud crash resounding through the air as the heavy piece of stone landed on top of the other similarly shaped rocks. She grimaced inwardly at the sound, remembering to be gentler with the load. "At least let us take turns so that the strain can be divided," she suggested. "It''ll be a lot less taxing if we share the load." Dimitri shook his head, laughing wryly. "No can do, ma ch¨¨re. You''re the operator, so you''re the one who gets to use the pickaxe. My task here is to maintain the other equipment and drive our carts, remember? I''m merely a support, not a primary contributor to the work." "Fine," she muttered. "I shall play the role of the beast of burden." "That''s the spirit!"
Gorm and Sigurd worked alongside each other in companionable silence, neither one really having much to say to the other. The two men focused on their tasks, keeping their heads down and their hands busy. Occasionally, one or the other would break the silence by offering a word or two about their work, but other than that, they rarely spoke. This suited Gorm just fine; he liked a little peace and quiet while he worked, and he found that the presence of another person helped soothe his nerves. After all, there was something comforting about being able to rely on someone else in case anything went wrong. As he dug his shovel into the pile of earth and stone, he noticed an odd-colored stone buried within the layers of rock. Intrigued, he pushed aside some of the dirt to reveal more of the strange stone. It appeared to be made of dark cobalt, with veins of glowing blue running throughout its surface. The peculiarities didn''t stop there, however. Gorm swore he saw the object pulse, as if it were alive, an unsettling sight to witness from what should otherwise resemble any other ordinary chunk of ore. "Hey Sigurd. Can ya come over here fer a sec?" Gorm called out, gesturing to the mysterious find. "Huh? Oh, sure." Sigurd approached, abandoning his task to join Gorm in examining the mysterious stone. "What is it, friend? Spotted a shiny new gemstone ya wanna keep fer yerself?" Sigurd chuckled, giving Gorm a playful nudge with his elbow. "Very funny," Gorm grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Look at this. Have ya ever seen anythin'' like it before?" The two men gazed at the pulsing stone in bewilderment, neither one having a clue as to what they were looking at. Suddenly, Sigurd tapped it with his pickaxe, and the moment it made contact with the stone, the ground murmured its dissent. It began as a soft vibration, almost indistinguishable from the general movements of the quarry. But it grew, amplifying, until it became an undeniable tremor that reverberated through the air, shaking the ground and rattling their teeth. "Wha¡ª" The shockwave rippled outward, knocking both men to their knees. The sound of splitting rock echoed throughout the quarry, accompanied by an unnatural groan, as if the earth itself was protesting against their intrusion. From the cracks in the ground emerged a massive hand, made of hardened clay and stone, its knuckles protruding like spikes as it slammed into the earth. The ground trembled, buckling under the pressure, as the hand dragged itself forward, revealing the rest of the creature''s body. It was a towering entity, standing at least four meters tall, with a hunched back and long, spindly limbs. The cobalt stone was embedded in its forehead, pulsing wildly as if fueling the creature''s movements. Its eyes, formed from glistening crystals, flickered with light, a thousand tiny flashes of blue and green illuminating the air around it. Gorm and Sigurd backed away, their blood running cold as they realized the danger they were in. "Run!" Gorm shouted, grabbing Sigurd by the sleeve and dragging him away from the scene. The two men fled as fast as their legs could carry them, leaving behind the bizarre, terrifying monster in their wake.
Viviane stared at the earth elemental that suddenly sprang from the depths of the quarry, the Aetherframe''s optical receptors conveying an enhanced view of the creature''s appearance. It looked like a misshapen golem, built from dirt and stone, with rough, irregular edges and bulging eyes made of shining crystals. Each movement from the elemental caused the earth beneath her to tremble, making her glad that she was inside the protective armor of her Aetherframe. Her attention shifted to the crystal embedded on the elemental''s forehead, its dull blue glow reminiscent of the core that powered the Aetherframe''s magitech systems. This particular crystal, however, lacked the uniform lines and patterns that distinguished most Magitech crystals. An earth elemental... She didn''t expect to see one outside of conflux regions, but then again, she had heard that the Eldergove Valley had a history of elemental confluxes throughout history. A tremor from the ground shook her from her musings, bringing her attention back to the current situation. Her gaze shifted to the elemental as it stomped closer towards her and the nearby workers, the ground quaking with each heavy footfall. Calm down, Vivi. One elemental isn''t going to overwhelm you. Between her, Dimitri, and the other Artificers spread across the quarry, she estimated that they defeat the elemental relatively easily. Another tremor jolted through the ground, throwing off her balance for a split second, eliciting a curse from her lips. She regained her footing, shifting the Aetherframe''s weight to better distribute the impact, allowing her to stabilize herself. She turned to see another earth elemental rising from the ground, the dirt and stone cascading off its shoulders in rivulets as it stretched to its full height. Two elementals...still manageable, but two at the same time is still concerning. A third tremor rattled the air as a cliff face ruptured, crumbling as a third, much larger earth elemental clawed its way free. Its colossal frame dwarfed the other two, looming over the others as it rose to its feet. Its maw opened, revealing a furnace-like chamber, the orange flames flickering within its throat. She inhaled sharply. "Sacr¨¦ bleu." Chapter 93: Rock and Stone! Part II The sun blazed overhead, casting long shadows as Lorne and Kaela patrolled the perimeter of the quarry. They rode on horseback, the animals trotting briskly along the dirt trail that wound around the rugged terrain. The air was warm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees. Lorne leaned back in his saddle, his fingers loosely gripping the reins as he surveyed his surroundings. The Silverguard Company had been tasked with overseeing the security of the quarry, ensuring that there were no intrusions or disruptions to the mining operations. It wasn''t the most exciting job, but he preferred to keep things simple rather than go charging after bandits or raiding parties. The crunch of hooves on gravel brought his attention to the two riders approaching from the opposite direction. Urien and Deneve rode alongside each other, chatting quietly as they stopped beside Lorne. "Nothing to report, sir," Urien said, saluting respectfully. "All''s quiet on our end." Lorne nodded, returning the gesture. "Good work. Continue your rounds and keep me apprised of any changes." "Yes, sir!" Urien spurred his mount, turning away to continue his patrol, with Deneve following closely behind. "Enjoy your date, you two!" Deneve teased as they rode past, flashing the two a playful wink. Kaela shot her a dirty look. "Mind your own business, Deneve." Lorne rolled his eyes. The pair never seemed to miss a chance to get under each other''s skin, which he found mildly amusing. If anyone else dared to speak in such a manner to his vice-captain, Kaela would''ve taken their head off, literally or figuratively, depending on her mood. With Deneve, however, Kaela let such antics slide, even tolerating Deneve''s occasional flirtations. Once the other riders had vanished from sight, he urged his mount onward, continuing the circuitous path. The quiet, tranquil atmosphere allowed his mind to wander, drifting toward his comrades, both old and new. Kaela rode beside him, her posture rigid and alert, always ready for a fight. Despite her cool, aloof demeanor, he knew that she cared deeply for those in the company, especially for Lorne himself. Ever since joining the Silverguard Company, she had been at his side, guarding his back, and covering for him in combat. Over time, their bond had grown from friendship to something deeper, a mutual affection that they both acknowledged but kept unspoken. He glanced in her direction, admiring the profile of her face, highlighted by the soft light filtering through the canopy of trees. She met his gaze briefly, offering him a smile before turning her attention back to the trail. "What?" Kaela asked, raising a questioning eyebrow. "Is there something on my face?" "Nope," he replied. "Just checking to make sure you''re not daydreaming. I don''t want to have to carry you back to camp because you fell off your horse." "Not likely, but I appreciate your concern, Commander," Kaela shot back, her tone dry, but her expression playful. She nudged her horse to the side, closing the gap between them to bump Lorne''s shoulder with her own. "Although, I would accept a piggy-back ride if I did happen to take a tumble." "I''d rather carry you bridal style, if we''re being honest," Lorne quipped. "Or throw you over my shoulder." "Tempting," Kaela said, leaning in closer. "But I prefer the former." Their horses slowed, their hooves churning the soil as they came to a stop. For a few moments, they stood there, basking in each other''s presence, relishing in the comfort that they found in one another''s company. Suddenly, the earth beneath them heaved and groaned, causing both of them to stiffen in surprise, drawing their weapons instinctively as they searched for the source of the disturbance. Down at the quarry, the ground exploded violently, releasing a shower of debris into the air, as a massive stone monster emerged from the rubble. The creature bellowed, unleashing a roar that shook the air. Another explosion followed, this time coming from another location, as a second earthen creature burst forth, roaring in response to its sibling. The horses whinnied loudly, their bodies tensing in panic. At the other side of the quarry, yet another one erupted from the cliff face, its lumbering form dwarfing the others. Lorne and Kaela exchanged shocked glances, realizing that their peaceful afternoon was coming to an abrupt end. "We need to evacuate the workers!" Kaela yelled, snapping into action. "Go!" Lorne barked, turning his mount towards the chaos, his blade drawn and his senses primed for battle.
The three giant rock creatures clambered out of the quarry, their rocky, crystalline eyes roaming for prey. "Are you seeing what I''m seeing?" Deneve blurted, her voice laced with incredulity. "Yep," Urien drawled. "Three living rocks just popped outta nowhere. Think one of the Artificers down there did something?" "Can''t say for sure, but I doubt they would do something so reckless and stupid, especially without permission¡ªAh, looks like the commander is charging in alone." "Damn it! That means we gotta go too!" Urien cursed, kicking his horse into motion. "Let''s move!" Urien and Deneve hurried back to the quarry to aid Lorne and Kaela. "What''s the plan?" Deneve called out. "You realize we usually only fight things that are flesh and blood. I don''t think our equipment would do much against chunks of rock. Well...maybe your hammer, but not so much my crossbow or scimitars." "I ain''t too sure myself!" Urien yelled back. "That''s something for the commander to decide. Right now, let''s focus on getting everyone outta harm''s way first!" The thundering footsteps of the giant rock monsters drew their attention back to the present. The two companions rushed forward, their mounts galloping at full speed as they closed in on the quarry entrance. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Viviane''s heart raced, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she watched the earth elementals march forward, their stony limbs grinding against one another as they moved. They growled with unintelligible voices, their primitive minds focused solely on destruction. The earth beneath their feet cracked and shattered with every step they took, creating fissures that stretched outwards like spider webs. With the Aetherframe''s enhanced hearing, Viviane could make out the frantic cries and shouts of the laborers scattered across the quarry. Some tried to escape, scrambling up the steep walls of the pit or using ropes and harnesses to ascend the sheer cliff face. Others attempted to flee to the mine tunnels, seeking refuge underground. But many remained paralyzed in fear, watching helplessly as the monstrous elementals drew near. Viviane steadied herself, feeling the Aetherframe responding to her very thoughts, mirroring her stance. The crystalline core thrummed louder, sensing the danger. The semi-aware consciousness of the Aetherframe seemed to whisper a silent warning, ancient memories merging with the present. She only had her pickaxe and a couple of other tools attached to the Aetherframe''s body, none of which she assumed would prove particularly useful in a fight against a trio of elementals. Forcing her doubts aside, she turned towards Dimitri, who loaded a heavy crossbow with a mana-charged bolt. The metallic tip was etched with runes, crackling with energy as it connected with the shaft. He aimed the weapon and fired, sending the projectile hurtling towards one of the smaller elementals. The bolt struck the creature in the shoulder, splintering upon impact. The elemental stumbled but quickly recovered, seemingly unfazed by the attack. Dimitri cursed, loading another bolt into the crossbow as he prepared to fire once more. "They''re resistant to physical attacks, and these bolts aren''t powerful enough to cause significant damage. But we have no choice but to try anyway!" Dimitri yelled to Viviane as he released the second shot, this time aiming for one of the elemental''s legs. Viviane raised her pickaxe high above her head, pointing the sharpened tip downward, and leapt forward, using the Aetherframe''s enhancements to propel herself into the air. The tool slammed into the nearest elemental''s chest, sinking deep into the rocky surface before wedging firmly within its body. The elemental let out a garbled growl, clawing at the tool as it struggled to dislodge it. The sudden attack momentarily distracted the elemental, buying the miners and Artificers precious seconds to regain their composure. Dimitri shouted a command to the remaining workers, urging them to seek shelter. Many followed suit, rushing for safety as fast as their feet could carry them. She pulled out her pickaxe from the elemental''s chest with a grunt, pivoting in place to deliver a roundhouse kick to its midsection, using the Aetherframe''s increased strength to send the creature sprawling. The elemental flew several meters, crashing into the wall of the quarry. Viviane continued her assault, swinging the pickaxe repeatedly at the elemental. The tool bounced off its hard exterior with each strike, leaving behind only slight scratches and nicks on the rocky surface. However, the barrage seemed to be doing more than enough to distract the creature. Meanwhile, Dimitri continued to launch bolt after bolt at the other smaller elemental, though the effort did little beyond slowing its approach. In the distance, the larger elemental''s fist pummeled the ground, sending a wave of dirt and stone flying. Boulders and pieces of granite filled the air, raining down upon the fleeing miners below. Some managed to evade the debris, while others were not so fortunate. Their screams rang out as they fell, crushed beneath the weight of the rubble. Viviane''s stomach twisted, a knot forming in the pit of her gut. They needed to distract the larger elemental and give the miners a chance to escape. "Dimitri! I''m going to distract that big one, and you need to go help the workers get to safety!" Viviane ordered. She threw her pickaxe directly at the closest small elemental''s head before charging toward the large elemental. Her Aetherframe-powered fist slammed into its leg, fracturing the stone-hard surface. But the elemental barely reacted, merely turning to stare down at her before swinging its massive arm at her. Viviane ducked low, narrowly avoiding the blow, which grazed her right shoulder. Her armor took most of the impact, but the force still sent her reeling, knocking her to the ground. Before she could recover, a second strike smashed into her side, crushing the side panel of the Aetherframe. Metal groaned and snapped, punctuated by the muffled gasp of pain that escaped Viviane''s lips. The impact threw Viviane into the air, but her armored hand managed to grab a hold of the elemental''s arm, keeping her tethered to its bulk. Using her grip as leverage, Viviane swung herself around, delivering a vicious kick to the creature''s midsection. It reeled back, releasing a deafening roar, as she landed on her feet. Undeterred, she charged again, driving her fist into the elemental''s torso. Each blow broke off more fragments of its rocky exterior, sending shards of granite and crystal scattering across the ground. But still, the elemental persisted, unfazed by the barrage. "This isn''t working," Viviane muttered, stepping back to catch her breath. The elemental advanced, its footfalls causing the earth beneath her to shake. No point in trying to punch a boulder with your fists... The only way to win was to destroy the elemental''s crystalline core, but she didn''t have the armaments necessary to get the job done. For now, she just had to keep drawing its attention and stay on the defensive. As she dodged another wild swing from the elemental''s massive fist, she noticed the four riders from the Silverguard Company enter the quarry, charging straight for them. Viviane felt a mixture of relief and apprehension at the sight of Lorne and his soldiers. While their assistance would certainly be helpful, they also didn''t have the appropriate gear to deal with these types of foes. "The Silverguards are here," Dimitri confirmed, speaking through the mana communication relay in the Aetherframe''s helm. He sounded just as worried as she was. "We can use all the help we can get. Even if they don''t have the right gear, at least they can buy us some time to regroup," she replied, parrying another blow with her Aetherframe''s forearm. As the riders neared the center of the quarry, they leaped off their mounts, landing deftly on their feet. They wasted no time, immediately rushing to engage the nearest elemental. Lorne led the charge, brandishing his blade as he clashed with the smaller elemental, cleaving a shallow gash in its rocky hide. Meanwhile, Deneve and Urien coordinated their efforts, focusing on distracting the larger elemental long enough for Vivian to disengage. Finally, Kaela weaved among the various combatants, using her agility to harry the smaller elemental. She slashed at the creature, nimbly evading its clumsy swings before darting out of reach. Viviane stepped back, letting the Silverguards take over the assault as she took the opportunity to survey the battlefield. The majority of the workers had been able to escape thanks to her and Dimitri''s diversions. But despite the Silverguards'' bravery, she doubted their odds at felling the hulking brutes, and they clearly weren''t making much progress either. Even with the enhanced strength and speed afforded to her by the Aetherframe, she hadn''t been able to land any meaningful blows against the elementals, nor could Dimitri''s crossbow bolts cause significant damage. She sensed that only a few of the Silverguards'' weapons were properly enchanted to inflict lasting harm to the elementals, but even those weren''t capable of destroying the core. Dimitri arrived at her side, his crossbow clutched tightly in his grasp. "Ideas?" "I''m thinking," Viviane responded, taking a deep breath as she studied the battle raging before them. Kaela gracefully danced between the flailing arms of the largest elemental, using the momentum of her strikes to build up speed before striking at the creature''s joints. With each glancing blow, sparks flew, the sound echoing across the quarry. At the same time, Urien and Deneve worked together, attacking the other elemental in tandem. With well-coordinated movements, they switched between supporting each other and distracting their opponent, ensuring that it had a difficult time predicting their next course of action. Lorne fought the other elemental single-handedly, engaging the beast in a deadly dance. His sword flashed, deflecting an incoming blow before carving a line across its torso. He weaved between the creature''s outstretched hands, moving with fluid grace as he delivered hit after hit. Despite their obvious skill and experience, Viviane couldn''t help but feel that they were fighting a losing battle. Even if they continued to wear the elementals down, they wouldn''t last long in the open. There must be another way... There has to be... Chapter 94: Rock and Stone! Part III Lorne swung his blade with all his strength, deflecting another swipe from the massive rock elemental''s arm. The impact rattled his bones, sending jarring vibrations through his limbs. Still, he pressed forward, aiming a series of strikes at the elemental''s joints. His steel bit into the hard stone, but failed to cut deep enough to do serious damage. Fighting a living mound of solid rock was quite different than battling mindless beasts, or even trained opponents. Every slash and thrust simply glanced off its rocky surface, no matter how skillfully executed. Even with his blade enchanted to increase its edge, he could not find a way past the creature''s natural defenses. Behind him, he could hear the sounds of Deneve and Urien exchanging blows with the second smaller elemental, their weapons clanging uselessly against its rocky armor. Even Urien''s massive warhammer did little more than chip away at its hard exterior, dealing superficial damage. "This isn''t working, Commander!" Deneve shouted as she hopped out of the way of an incoming swipe. "Just keep wearing them down and buy time for the rest of the miners to escape," Lorne ordered, ducking under a massive fist and countering with a quick jab at the elemental''s chest. His blade glanced off the creature''s rocky surface, but the force of the strike sent the elemental stumbling back, giving him a few precious moments to breathe. "Hey, Artificer girl! Got any ideas?" Deneve called out. Lorne spared a glance over his shoulder to find Viviane standing a few meters away, the Aetherframe armor providing an imposing figure in contrast to Dimitri, who crouched beside her, reloading his crossbow. "Working on it, ma''am!" Viviane replied, her voice strained. "Just keep them busy for a moment longer. Once we come up with something, I''ll signal you." Deneve rolled her eyes, muttering a few curses under her breath. She glanced at Lorne, meeting his gaze, and smirked. "Looks like we''ll have to keep playing keep-away then." Lorne turned his attention back to his own adversary, just in time to duck under another lumbering attack. He grimaced, steeling himself for another exchange. From the corner of his eye, Kaela darted around the fray, weaving in and out of the large earthen monster''s range with ease, occasionally jabbing her daggers at weak points in an attempt to find any sort of opening. She was tiring, he realized, noticing how her movements were growing slower with each passing second. Eventually, exhaustion would set in, and fatigue would dull her reactions. And she wouldn''t be the only one. They were all tiring, their stamina sapped as they traded blows with the stubborn elementals. "Come on, you giant pile of pebbles! You gonna fight or what?" Urien taunted, slamming his hammer into the smaller elemental with a mighty swing. It responded by taking a step backward and letting loose a deafening roar, the force of which sent tremors through the earth. Then, it unleashed a furious barrage of flailing punches and wild kicks, forcing Urien on the defensive. Deneve swore loudly, calling Urien''s name, as she leaped forward to intercept an incoming attack. The two tumbled to the ground, narrowly avoiding getting stomped by the elemental. "Hey, hey, hey! Watch where you''re swinging, ya oaf!" Urien yelled, rolling onto his side and pushing himself upright. "Then start paying attention, dumbass!" Deneve snapped, jumping to her feet. "We''re all risking our hides out here. Don''t go dying on us." Urien laughed. "Yeah, yeah. Wouldn''t dream of it. This is far too fun to miss." Deneve shook her head and refocused on the task at hand, resuming her offensive tactics. "Anything yet?" Lorne called out to Viviane and Dimitri as he dodged a sweeping kick from his elemental. "Patience, Commander," Viviane answered tersely, her focus elsewhere. "Well, I''m afraid patience won''t do us any good in the next few minutes," Lorne retorted, his blade slicing thin gashes in the elemental''s thigh. The elemental roared in fury, launching another wide haymaker. Lorne ducked under the blow, attempting to counter with an upward cut to its abdomen, but the elemental caught his wrist in an iron-like grip. "Dammit," Lorne swore, struggling to pull free as the creature lifted him off the ground. He dangled precariously in mid-air, kicking his legs futilely as he tried to break the creature''s hold. "Commander!" Kaela shouted, rushing to his aid, her daggers at the ready. "Don''t! Stay back!" Lorne commanded. She ignored the order, vaulting into the air and driving her daggers into the elemental''s wrist, scoring shallow wounds with her weapons. It snarled and released Lorne, flinging him across the clearing. Lorne gritted his teeth and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding being flattened by the elemental''s stamping feet as it sought to crush him. He regained his footing, sword held at the ready, and took a few moments to compose himself. Kaela glanced at him, her expression shifting from anger to concern. "You alright, Commander? Should I call for a medic?" He shook his head. "No need. I''ll manage." A loud crash drew his attention. The second elemental had just punted Urien into a nearby cliffside, smashing the warrior into the rock wall with a sickening crunch. Urien slid to the ground, his body limp, as his hammer skittered across the dirt. "Shit," Kaela hissed, sprinting over to assist. Lorne glanced at the two Artificers. Dimitri was wrapping some cartridges around the Aetherframe''s pickaxe. But why? With Kaela now preoccupied with the elemental Lorne had been fighting, the third and largest elemental had resumed its slow but unstoppable advance. It thundered towards Viviane and Dimitri as they made their preparations. "Hurry up!" Lorne urged. "You two have about ten seconds to try something! I''m not sure how much longer we can hold them back!" "Almost finished," Dimitri replied, tightening the final bolt in place. "Done! Viviane...Allez-y!"
Viviane pivoted, the Aetherframe''s enhanced servos propelling her forward with great speed. In her hand, she held the modified pickaxe, the broad flat ''axe'' blade now fitted with cartridges from the explosive runic charges Dimitri had hastily cobbled together. It wasn''t an elegant solution, but in her opinion, simplicity was often the best. The largest elemental loomed overhead, its shadow casting a dark pall over Viviane as she sprinted. As its foot rose, she poured more mana into the Aetherframe''s power core, adding another burst of speed to her step. The Aetherframe accelerated with incredible force as she changed her trajectory, veering sharply to the right before leaping up from the ground, carried aloft by an almost magical rush of wind. She raised the pickaxe high, gathering all her strength to deliver a powerful overhand strike to the elemental''s crystal core, the flat-bladed part of the weapon serving as a battering ram, rather than a cutting edge. The Aetherframe''s servos whined as she drove the improvised bludgeon forward with all the power the Aetherframe could muster. The runic cores detonated with a tremendous force, rocking the Aetherframe violently and sending Viviane careening past the elemental''s shoulders, tumbling wildly through the air. The shockwave rippled outward, sending chunks of debris and grit spraying in every direction. Viviane sailed through the air, arcing through the sky with her arms and legs flailing, the Aetherframe''s gears and springs whirring as it tried to stabilize itself. The world spun wildly before her, and for a moment, she thought she might pass out from vertigo. But she managed to hold on, staying conscious, and bracing herself as the ground rushed up to meet her. A jarring impact rattled through her entire body, accompanied by the deafening groan of metal and stone. Pain flared from her lower back as the Aetherframe absorbed most of the fall but still left her injured. She blinked the haze from her eyes and shook off the stars obscuring her vision, forcing herself to remain alert. Rolling onto her side, Viviane looked up to find the large elemental''s body crumbling into rubble, collapsing into a heap of broken bits of earth and crystal. Its crystalline core fractured into a dozen pieces, scattered among the dust and debris. The air shook, trembling, as the energy dissipated from the fragments, leaving nothing but a lifeless, inert pile of stones. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. "It...worked..." Viviane gasped, pushing herself upright and ignoring the painful protests of her body. "Dimitri, you beautiful mad genius, you did it!" "Nice work!" Dimitri cheered through the communicator. "Now, go get the other ones." With the largest threat neutralized, she turned her attention back to the smaller elemental. The Aetherframe whirred and groaned in protest, its damaged frame emitting a series of unpleasant popping and grinding noises as she forced it back on its feet. To her dismay, she saw that Lorne, Deneve, and Kaela were having a much tougher time against the other elementals, their combined attacks failing to stall them. With no time to lose, she launched herself towards the first elemental, sprinting to close the distance as swiftly as possible. The Aetherframe''s frame protested with every step, but Viviane pushed all complaints to the back of her mind and focused on her target. The elemental swiveled to face her, raising both of its massive, rocky forearms to block her path as if it were trying to form a shield of sorts. Viviane weaved left, and then right, darting from side to side as the creature struggled to keep track of her movements. After several more twists and turns, she reached the elemental''s flank and punched upwards, slamming the Aetherframe''s fist into the crystal core on its head. The strike landed true, cracking the crystal. The Aetherframe shuddered, the strain of the collision ripping several plates on its arm apart. But before Viviane could deliver a follow-up attack, a large stone hand swung at her from the side. She raised her guard in time to block the blow, but the force of the impact still sent her tumbling several meters. The Aetherframe groaned, its left arm falling limp and refusing to respond to her commands. The other elemental had joined the fray. It was now two-on-one. Viviane staggered to her feet, trying to clear her head. The Aetherframe''s damage readouts appeared, projected onto the visor, but she quickly dismissed them, focusing her attention back to the immediate fight. Both elementals were now advancing towards her, their rocky bodies undulating with each step. I can''t deal with two of them at once. Not while I''m in this state...
Lorne winced as he rolled onto his back, biting back a string of expletives that threatened to spill from his lips. A throbbing ache emanated from his chest where he''d been hurled by the rock elemental, and he knew that he likely suffered a few cracked ribs, if not worse. But he couldn''t focus on that now. Kaela came running over, her face stained with dirt and blood. "Are you okay, Commander?" He nodded weakly and stood back up, picking up his sword from where he dropped it earlier. "How are things?" he asked. "Urien''s out cold," Kaela reported, gesturing towards where the mercenary lay unmoving atop the pile of rubble from when the large elemental collapsed. "And Deneve''s still holding her own against the other one, but she''s about at her limit." An explosion echoed across the quarry, followed by a booming rumbling that reverberated through the air. Turning to see the source of the explosion, Lorne spotted the towering form of the Aetherframe standing amidst the cloud of dust. The large earth elemental had been dealt with. Now they only had to handle the two smaller ones, and this last fight should finally be over. They were smaller, but each was still larger than the Aetherframe. Viviane charged at one of the remaining elementals, engaging it in melee with its fists. Though it seemed like she had the upper hand, her Aetherframe''s chassis was visibly damaged from the previous clash, and Lorne doubted she''d be able to pull off another victory with it. That became even more apparent as the other elemental joined the fight, catching her unaware and nearly flooring her with a well-aimed swing. Lorne wanted to join the fray. If he and Kaela joined the fight now, perhaps they could help tip the scales in Viviane''s favor and finish the remaining two elementals off for good. But as soon as Lorne took a step forward, pain shot through his ribcage, and he staggered. Kaela caught him by the shoulder. "Commander, you''re in no shape to fight. Let me¡ª" The elementals lurched towards Viviane, their hands outstretched, but before they could reach her, a blinding flash of lightning struck the earth, knocking both elementals back. From the crater where the lightning had struck, a figure emerged. Her crimson hair billowed behind her like a wild mane, and her ruby-colored eyes shone with an electric energy. Lorne recognized her face immediately. Serrandyl. The Leonine Beastkin strode forward. A swirling vortex of lightning crackled around her gauntleted fists as she flexed her claws. Over the skies, thick black clouds gathered, churning ominously in the sky. Suddenly, Serrandyl darted forward, her movements a blur. She struck the nearest elemental, unleashing a flurry of crackling punches that sent shocks of lightning coursing through its rocky frame. The creature reeled back, staggering from the brutal assault. Another bolt of lightning split the sky, striking the second elemental. The force of the blast knocked it off balance, and Serrandyl wasted no time in pressing the advantage. She pummeled the elemental with a barrage of strikes, sending sparks and arcs of energy cascading off its rocky exterior. Pieces of granite and crystal chipped away from the elemental''s body with each blow, leaving behind gaping holes and cracks in its stony shell. Serrandyl was relentless, unloading a never-ending barrage of lightning-quick strikes with all the ferocity of a thunderstorm, the storm above mirroring her rage. The elementals tried to mount a counterattack, but Serrandyl easily evaded their clumsy swings. Blasts of lightning shot out from her hands, piercing the elementals with each bolt and further hampering the creatures'' attempts to defend themselves. With each strike, Serrandyl grew more frenzied, her punches coming faster and harder as the elementals fell more and more to pieces. The elementals began to wilt under the constant assault, their rocky frames pockmarked with scorch marks and fissures. Lorne stared in awe at the Beastkin''s sheer brutality, her feral grin gleaming with pure elation at the violence. After a particularly nasty punch to the elemental''s gut, Serrandyl ripped out the creature''s core, crushing the mineral in her gauntleted fist and pulverizing it to dust. One elemental remained, its form already on the verge of collapse. The beast''s arm was gone, its core half-cracked, and its body full of deep fissures and scorch marks. Serrandyl approached the elemental with confident strides, a crackle of electricity dancing across her form. The air trembled as she moved, and a flash of lightning streaked through the air. The stormy skies above matched her aura, and she bared her fangs in a predatory smile as she stalked the battered elemental. The air tingled with static, the hairs on Lorne''s neck prickling from the pressure of her presence. Serrandyl circled the elemental, her tail lashing side to side in anticipation. Without warning, she pounced, a blur of red and white. Her claws tore into the elemental''s face, the force of her charge leaving a deep imprint of its rocky head in the soil. As the elemental thrashed in a futile struggle, Serrandyl tore into its remains. Pieces of granite and crystal flew into the air, shattered by the Beastkin''s frenzied blows. Within moments, the elemental ceased its struggles, its form reduced to a lifeless pile of rubble. Serrandyl stood among the remains of her foe, breathing heavily, her form wreathed in crackling energy. Thunder boomed, heralding the dissipating of the unnatural storm above, as if the sky was satisfied with the carnage that had transpired below. "Commander," Deneve whispered. "What in the abyss was that?" "I...don''t know," Lorne replied. He truly didn''t. It was as if Serrandyl was a primordial force of nature, embodied by the tempest that had manifested within the quarry. Her power seemed to rival a god''s apostle or even a powerful spirit. After a few moments, Serrandyl composed herself, brushing stray hair from her face. "Oh, please don''t stare. You''re embarrassing me," she said with a playful wink, before walking over to join them. "We appreciate the help," Lorne greeted her. "No worries. Ebonheim sent me. She sensed that something was going on here." Serrandyl surveyed the area. "Seems I got here just in time." "Seems like it. I doubt we''d still be alive without you. So again, we owe you one," Lorne said, giving a slight bow. "We should check on Urien," Kaela spoke up, interrupting their conversation. She darted over to Urien, who was still lying on the ground, unconscious. Deneve joined them, leaning against the wreckage of the now-useless mining equipment, nursing her wounds and looking thoroughly exhausted. She frowned, staring at the Beastkin intently. "Hey," Deneve said after a long pause, giving Serrandyl an awkward nod. "You were holding back a lot when we sparred that one time, weren''t ya?" Serrandyl smiled sheepishly, scratching her cheek. "Ah, sorry about that. I figured the matches would end pretty quick otherwise." Deneve grunted. "Of course." "What matters is we''re safe for now. Let''s regroup, lick our wounds, and see if there are any casualties," Lorne sighed. The Aetherframe limped its way over, and its chassis opened with a hiss as Viviane clambered out, stumbling a bit and groaning with a noticeable grimace on her face. She waved in acknowledgment, flashing a pained smile. "Good to see we''re all still kicking." Lorne gave a faint nod in return, turning his gaze towards the destroyed remains of the elementals, still scattered around the quarry. "Hopefully we don''t stumble upon anymore of those things, at least not anytime soon." Kaela agreed. "That would be nice." Dimitri ambled over, joining the group. "We''ll need to enlist the help of druids or Arcanists to detect them before we do anything else, lest we run into them again." "We can just ask Ebonheim to check," Serrandyl offered. "She can probably sense them, anyway." Lorne pondered for a moment before replying, "No need. The goddess already has enough to worry about without us constantly bothering her for favors. We shouldn''t rely on her too much." Serrandyl shrugged, seemingly indifferent. "Alright, then." As they spoke, a quiet moan interrupted their discussion. Urien coughed, stirring awake and slowly rising from the rubble. He blinked his eyes dazedly, rubbing his forehead, and glanced around in confusion. "Did we win?"
Ebonheim watched silently from the edge of the quarry as Serrandyl approached, the Beastkin''s tail swaying gently from side to side with each step. "See? Told you I''d take care of it," Serrandyl said, grinning. She brushed a strand of hair from her face, clearly pleased with herself. "I''m glad everything turned out alright." Ebonheim sighed with relief, turning back to the remnants of the destroyed elementals. "I''ll have to check the area for any other dangers or issues before I can send the miners back." "Probably a good idea, especially if these things keep showing up in unexpected places," Serrandyl noted. "Want me to stick around until the coast is clear?" "No, I can handle the rest from here." Serrandyl shrugged. "Okay, but they mentioned that they didn''t want to worry you or rely on you too much. You might have to convince them otherwise." Ebonheim sighed. "They value their independence, and I respect that. But they are my people, so I can''t help but worry. Still, I understand that they need their space, so I won''t impose too much." Serrandyl regarded her carefully for a moment before speaking. "If you say so. Anyways, if we''re done here, can you drop me back at the village?" Her tail swished eagerly, clearly excited by the prospect of going through the Arboreal Stride again. Ebonheim chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Fine. Get on my back." When the Akashic System had alerted her of a disturbance at the quarry, Ebonheim intended to check on her people herself, but Serrandyl had been close by and asked to tag along, claiming that she had nothing better to do. In the end, Serrandyl ended up handling everything. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Serrandyl scrambled onto Ebonheim''s back, wrapping her legs and arms around her like a backpack. "Ready~!" Serrandyl declared in a sing-song tone. "Ugh...you''re heavy," Ebonheim complained. Serrandyl stuck her tongue out playfully. "Rude!" Chapter 95: Growing Pains of Coexistence Evelyne''s eyes twitched as she stared at the battered Aetherframe resting before her, a scowl etched on her lips. The frame''s surface was scarred and pocked from the abuse it had endured, and the left arm hung limply from its socket, as if it had been torn off and hastily reattached. The armor plating had buckled and twisted in several places, and the crystal power core, normally a brilliant blue, was dull and hazy. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she ran her hands along the frame''s torso. The damage was extensive, but thankfully, not irreparable. They would need to strip the frame down, replace the armor plating, and adjust the mechanisms to ensure that they weren''t permanently damaged. The crystalline core would need to be removed, inspected for cracks or imperfections, and recharged. Her gaze flicked to Viviane, who was leaning against a nearby workbench, a bashful smile on her face. "Explain," Evelyne hissed, crossing her arms over her chest. Viviane twiddled her thumbs, refusing to make eye contact. "Well, you see, there was a bit of a scuffle, and things got a bit out of hand, but we managed to defeat the elementals, so overall, a win, non?" "Un, deux, trois..." Evelyne counted off on her fingers, her voice rising with each number. "Sept, huit, neuf, dix. I''m seeing at least ten distinct areas of damage alone. Plus, I suspect we''re overlooking the hidden issues. Do you have any idea how much time and materials it''s going to take to fix, Vivi? Je suis en col¨¨re." "Oui, yes, I can tell," Viviane replied, backing away slightly. "However, it wasn''t entirely my fault. The elementals put up quite a fight. Plus, we had its armaments removed and its specs adjusted to help with the mining, so you can''t blame me entirely, non? I was fighting at a disadvantage." "Au contraire, I can and will," Evelyne retorted. "You''ve prided yourself as the runner-up in our annual guild competition, yet you''ve allowed the Aetherframe to come to such disrepair. Are you trying to make a mockery of our honor?" "Of course not!" Viviane exclaimed, waving her hands defensively. "I did the best I could with what I had, but fighting against three earth elementals without proper armaments is no easy feat!" "Ah, but you did not fight them alone, did you?" Evelyne asked with a quirked brow. "Those Silverguards, and Dimitri, they were there as well. Did you not have them to rely upon?" "Yes, but they weren''t exactly useful," Viviane pointed out. "Well, Dimitri''s clever plan did help me destroy the largest elemental, but most of their weapons couldn''t even scratch the smaller ones. We''re lucky Serrandyl arrived to save the day. If not for her intervention, things may have gone sour." Evelyne sighed, shaking her head. "Fine, fine. I will concede that you performed admirably in such a difficult situation. But this does not mean I approve of you allowing our precious Aetherframe to be damaged like this. Your carelessness is appalling. We will have a discussion later." Viviane flinched, shrinking under Evelyne''s stern gaze. "Oui, I understand. I apologize." The workshop''s door opened with a creak, and Dimitri stepped inside, carrying a bag filled with various supplies. He gave a brief wave before approaching the duo. "Is this a bad time?" Dimitri asked, glancing between Evelyne and Viviane. "Not at all," Evelyne replied, flashing a placid smile. "Please, come in. I would appreciate your assistance with these repairs." Dimitri chuckled as he set the bag down on a nearby workbench, pulling out various tools and materials. "So, the lecture is over, I presume?" "For now, yes," Evelyne answered. "However, this does not mean that we are finished discussing this matter, Vivi. There are still many points to cover. But you are going to help us with the repairs to this Aetherframe first, understood?" Viviane nodded sheepishly, picking up a welding torch and putting on her goggles. "Understood."
19th day of Amberfall, 1369 Ebonheim''s tranquil morning while sitting within her shrine had been shattered by a cacophony of voices, all clamoring for her attention. She blinked, unsure of what to say or do as she listened to their grievances. It wasn''t the first time such a thing had happened, and she knew it wouldn''t be the last, but still, the sight of so many people gathered at the foot of her shrine was surprising. "They wake us up at dawn with their racket," one villager complained. "Can''t a person get their rest anymore?" "Not to mention, their livestock keep wandering into people''s gardens," another added. "They need to keep a better watch on their animals." "Plus, they''re always drinking and making a ruckus after dark," a third chimed in. "It''s distracting for the children and makes it hard to sleep." "Do they ever clean up after themselves? No! Those mercenaries leave a mess everywhere they go!" Ebonheim could feel her temples throb with the beginnings of a headache. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to think of a way to calm the crowd, but all she could do was sit and listen. The villagers continued their ranting for several minutes, before Ebonheim finally managed to raise her voice. "Everyone, please. I''m listening, but you''re talking over each other. One at a time. I''ll hear each of you in turn, but calmly, alright?" There was a short pause before the villagers started to speak again, albeit this time more slowly and with less fervor. Ebonheim sighed with relief as the chaos settled down a bit. "Thank you. Now, let''s start with...you, Mister Eadfrid. What''s bothering you?" Eadfrid cleared his throat nervously, clasping his hands together. "Well, I was hoping to get some help with repairing my fence, since those Silverguards'' horses trampled through the wood a few days ago." "Of course, I''ll send someone over to assist you," Ebonheim replied, nodding in understanding. "Moving on, who''s next?" Over the next hour, the villagers expressed their concerns one by one. Some were minor, while others were more substantial. Each one Ebonheim noted mentally, committing to memory. The complaints were fairly mundane, though she couldn''t deny that they were valid. The Silverguards hadn''t been entirely considerate of the village''s residents. They often caused a commotion during the late hours, which led to Ebonheim being awoken to deal with disputes. Some complaints were thrown at the new Hrafnsteinn members who primarily settled by the riverside. The fishermen often got into arguments over who fished on which spot, how many fish could be taken per day, if fishing during certain periods was acceptable, and where to dock their boats. More noise complaints were issued against the Artificers of the Ethervein Enclave and the Artisants of Spark, whose workshops tended to run very late into the night. Not to mention the frequent explosions and fire hazards. In the end, Ebonheim promised to address them one by one, until they were all satisfied. "Alright, I believe I''ve gotten everything," she announced after the last resident made their case. "Now, if that''s all, I do ask for patience and tolerance. Adjustments aren''t made overnight and will take time for everyone to acclimate to." The crowd dispersed, still grumbling discontentedly as they shuffled back to their homes. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. She watched them leave, waiting until they were gone before releasing a long sigh of relief. How did Engin keep up with all the issues here? It was more exhausting than using her powers all day. She felt tired already and it was still midmorning, but she couldn''t afford to nap since she had other things to do. Standing up, she stretched her limbs, her joints aching from staying in the same position for so long. Maybe she needed to figure out a way to hold more regular meetings. That way, the people could voice their opinions in an open space, instead of complaining privately. There would be less need for them to gather at the foot of the shrine all at once like today. Time to pay Engin a visit.
Engin Meric sat behind his desk, his quill scribbling furiously on the parchment as Ebonheim listed out the villagers'' grievances. With each new complaint, he meticulously recorded them in his ledger, carefully detailing each issue. "I think that''s enough for now," Ebonheim said, sinking into the chair opposite Engin''s desk. "Once the Silverguards return from their expedition, I''ll talk to them about controlling their beasts and keeping a better eye on their horses." Engin finished his latest entry with a flourish, placing the quill aside and dusting the ink dry. "That should do for now. It''s a good start, and hopefully, we can resolve a few of these issues before the winter arrives. However, the real challenge will be getting the groups to agree to compromise. As we know, each faction is stubborn and tends to stick to their own ways." "True," Ebonheim replied, cradling her chin in her palm. "It''s a work in progress, but we''ll get there eventually. At the very least, we can create a code of conduct for each group to abide by, ensuring that their actions do not infringe on the comfort and privacy of others." "A sensible idea," Engin remarked, setting his ledger to the side. "Have you decided on how we''ll enforce that code, however?" Ebonheim''s face scrunched up in concentration, her mind racing through a myriad of possibilities. "Hmm...maybe we can enlist the help of the Silverguard Commander...uh...what was his name again?" "Lorne Miradan, I believe," Engin provided. "Yes, him," Ebonheim nodded, her expression brightening. "We can request for him to assist in ensuring that his people adhere to the code and act as mediators when needed." "You propose we make the mercenaries a peacekeeping force?" Engin inquired, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "The folks who complained about them aren''t going to be pleased about that, I assure you." Ebonheim smiled mischievously. "Trust me, we''ll make sure they''ll have their hands full enough with other tasks so that they''ll be too busy to cause trouble. Also, we''ll ask for volunteers elsewhere to assist the Silverguards as needed. I know Serrandyl and her friends already act as informal peacekeepers from time to time, so why not formalize the arrangement and include them as well?" "Alright, sounds like a decent enough plan," Engin mused thoughtfully, drumming his fingers on the table. "But, that still doesn''t solve the problem of the Artificers." "Hmm," Ebonheim hummed, staring up at the ceiling. "The simplest solution would be to have a curfew for the workshops and assign designated times for production. I''ll bring it up with Evelyne and Orin, but we can''t expect them to completely cease their activities for the sake of other''s sleep." Engin shrugged, reaching for his quill. "Sometimes, a simple solution is best. Back where I used to live, the workshops that resided within the city limits were required by law to keep the noise levels within reason and not operate past sunset." Ebonheim raised her brows. "Oh? And the Artisans obeyed?" "To the letter, actually," Engin confirmed with a chuckle. "Apparently, they didn''t want to lose the privileges granted to them, nor did they want to risk fines. It also helped that the local guard enforced those laws, though they were rather lenient with the occasional midnight project that involved a test run. As long as no one complained, then all was well." Ebonheim laughed, imagining a scene where Evelyne and Orin worked furiously in a dimly-lit workshop, frantically conducting experiments with a thundering crash every few seconds. "Sounds reasonable. Well, hopefully, we can convince Evelyne and Orin to do something similar. I''m sure they won''t be too unreasonable." "If anyone can, it will be you," Engin agreed, jotting down a few notes on a piece of paper. "But for now, let''s focus on what we can accomplish immediately." The two of them spent the remainder of the afternoon formulating a series of basic agreements and guidelines, and by the evening, they had a comprehensive list of the new rules and regulations to present to the representatives of each faction. Engin let out a low whistle as he surveyed their handiwork, letting the fatigue sink into his bones. "We did a lot for one day, considering all the disruptions and interruptions we had to deal with." "Mmm," Ebonheim sighed, stifling a yawn. "But I think we did a pretty decent job." The door to Engin''s office creaked open, revealing Hilda standing in the doorway. She wore a warm smile, despite the exhaustion that lined her face. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the mess of papers and documents that covered every available surface. "Sorry for intruding," she apologized, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. "I hope you don''t mind the interruption. I''ve been looking for you two, and it seems like you''ve both been very busy." Ebonheim glanced at Engin, who merely nodded in agreement. "Ah, yes. We''re just finishing up here. Something you need?" Hilda hesitated, clasping her hands together. "Actually, yes. I''m here on behalf of the Jixishan tribe. It has to do with the current lodgings for the refugees and...my people. Is now an appropriate time?" Engin placed his quill back in its holder, sitting upright. "Absolutely. Please, come, sit. Tell us what''s been bothering you." Hilda relaxed, taking a seat opposite the two. She took a moment to compose her thoughts, gathering her words before speaking. "As you know, the area where we''ve been residing is the outskirts of the village, away from most of the cluster of houses," Hilda began. "We prefer to stay away from the main thoroughfare, and it also provides some privacy for our rituals and customs." Engin nodded, folding his hands together. "Correct. Most of the other buildings are within the central area of the village, around the feast hall, while you and your tribe are within the groves to the east." "Yes," Hilda continued. "I''ve come to talk about relocating¡ª" "You''re leaving?!" Ebonheim blurted, standing up abruptly. "¡ªno, not at all. We wish to relocate to a different area." Hilda paused, observing Ebonheim curiously. Ebonheim let out a sigh of relief and sunk back into the chair, her face flushed. "You scared me for a breath." Hilda chuckled softly, before returning her attention back to Engin. "With the number of new refugees joining us, it was inevitable that the village had to expand to the south and east. However, due to this, our living area will eventually be encroached upon, and we fear that it might cause more friction. Instead, we''d like to propose moving further west, across the river and deeper into the forest." "But isn''t that farther away from the village?" Ebonheim asked, puzzled. "It is," Hilda confirmed, nodding. "But, given the current circumstances, I think it will be better for us and the community overall. As the population grows, we can maintain some separation as we had hoped for." Engin stroked his beard as he contemplated her suggestion. "West, huh? You''ll have to cross the river each time you wish to enter the village. We haven''t built a bridge yet, but if you require one, I can arrange for an artisan to craft one." Hilda shook her head. "No, no need. Ferrying across the river won''t be a problem. You do realize that the only druids in the village are amongst my people, right? What''s a little water?" Engin smiled sheepishly, his cheeks reddening. "Er, it certainly slipped my mind. Thank you for the reminder. Hmm, Ebonheim, what are your thoughts?" Ebonheim stood up and walked over to Hilda, giving her a light hug. "Hildaaaaaa. I''m sorry that you have to move because of this." Hilda patted Ebonheim''s shoulder, a look of amusement on her face. "Now, now. This is nothing to cry about. This was a long time coming, and we prefer the deeper forests anyway." "Are you sure?" Ebonheim asked, a pout on her lips. "It''s not fair that you''re pushed out." Hilda chuckled softly again. "Don''t worry about it. My people have been through far worse and are used to making do. It''s nothing more than breaking down some huts and setting them up elsewhere, honestly. There are plenty of groves to choose from in the area we''re heading to. We just wanted to let you know, and get approval from the head, in order to avoid any confusion." "It''s all a formality, of course," Engin spoke reassuringly. "You don''t need my permission to move within the valley." Hilda smiled and inclined her head respectfully. "Formality or not, it''s important to us to inform you and gain approval from the village. Especially since the changes would be so near." "If you''re happy with it, then we are too," Ebonheim replied with a smile. Hilda turned to exit but stopped briefly before she reached the door, turning back to give a parting farewell. "The Harvest Festival is approaching soon. Make sure you both don''t forget to enjoy yourselves once in a while. A healthy body and mind will make this place thrive." The first Harvest Festival with all the new arrivals. Ebonheim hadn''t even considered it. But now that she thought about it, there''d be much more people. That meant more food. More ale. More noise...and more work to prepare for it. "The festival...oh goddess, that''s in a couple of weeks'' time." Engin slapped his forehead and sighed. Ebonheim giggled, her mood lightened by the unexpected excitement. "Then we''d better start planning soon, or else this whole town will be in an uproar!" Chapter 96: Resolution and Planning In the slanting light of dawn, Ebonheim approached the feast hall, her feet crunching over the dirt road that wound its way through the center of the village. She passed by a small group of early risers, offering a polite greeting as she hurried towards the meeting. Inside, she found the others already seated, with Engin Meric at the head of the table. He welcomed her warmly, gesturing towards an empty chair. "Good morning, Ebonheim. Glad you could join us. Now we can begin." Ebonheim took her seat, noting the others at the table. Evelyne Blaise from Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair, Orin Webb from the Ethervein Enclave, Lorne from the Silverguards, Ingrid Lysgaard from Hrafnsteinn, Argoran from the Aslankoyash tribe, Hilda from the Jixishan, and Brevin Stoneshield from the Gorgandale Deep Miners. Roderick Sedley represented the remaining new settlers unaffiliated with any particular faction. The rest of the village elders were seated around other tables in the room, with Bjorn and Thorsten standing at the edges, keeping watch over the proceedings. "We''ve gathered here today to discuss the upcoming festival," Engin explained, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. "But before we begin, I want to take some time to address a few issues that have arisen during the last couple of weeks." There were murmurs around the room, but most listened intently, waiting to hear what he had to say. "First off, I''d like to thank everyone for coming," he started with a smile. "We are a chorus of varied voices, seeking harmony in a melody yet to be formed." There were a few nods among the audience, and he continued. "Over the past few weeks, I''ve received a number of reports about a lack of coordination between different factions. Some groups appear to believe that their needs should supersede those of others. Let me be clear ¡ª this cannot continue." Ebonheim glanced around the table, noting the expressions on the faces of the representatives. A few looked away sheepishly, while others seemed to be listening with interest. "Our goal," he continued, "is to work together as a community. As such, we must learn to compromise when necessary." Engin looked over at Ebonheim. That was her cue. She had spent a good part of the night preparing for this discussion and knew exactly what to say. She straightened herself, cleared her throat, and addressed the group. "Just as we all rely on one another to survive in this harsh land, we must be willing to accept each other''s differences. The path to progress lies in accepting change as an ally, not an enemy. Achieving harmony between our differing ideologies requires mutual trust and respect for each other. It means listening to each other and being willing to compromise when necessary." Engin smiled, giving Ebonheim an encouraging nod. Ebonheim continued, "Which brings us to the issue of noise pollution. On the northside of the village, a growing number of workshops have been established near residences, disturbing the peace. I''d like to work with those individuals to find a way to mitigate the problem, whether that involves moving facilities or adopting certain operational procedures, we''ll find a way to make both parties content." Evelyne glanced over at Ebonheim. Her green eyes studied her closely, before blushing and giving a faint nod. Orin seemed to notice, chuckling. "Doing something like putting in a soundproof barrier between the workshop and nearby houses might be helpful, especially for the families that reside there. The Ethervein Enclave can have it built and installed by the end of the week." "Within a day," Evelyne interjected, confidently. "Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair has plans ready for implementation, and we also have the materials stocked and on standby." "Wonderful, that''s a great idea!" Ebonheim exclaimed, smiling widely. Next, she shifted her gaze toward the representative from Hrafnsteinn. "Ingrid, you and your people have settled by the riverside, and there are tensions over the use of the waterway. Any solutions or suggestions you may have can greatly help the situation." Ingrid nodded, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "It''s a bit shameful to admit, but I''ve never really been fond of fishing myself. I can talk to the fishermen and maybe suggest a rotating schedule for fishing spots. We can also work on building new docks once enough longhouses are built. Anything we can do to maintain peace, we will gladly try." The others around the table murmured their assent, with many sharing their own ideas. Ebonheim noted that the discussion had progressed far more smoothly than she''d expected, and she couldn''t help but smile with satisfaction. "Finally, sir Lorne, Commander of the Silverguard Company," Ebonheim addressed him, "your soldiers have been accused of causing various disruptions around the village, including property damage, animal trespassing, and noise complaints. Is this true?" Lorne appeared mildly embarrassed by the question, clearing his throat awkwardly. "I''d like to formally apologize for the inconveniences my men have caused, and I have ensured they have been properly disciplined for their transgressions. Furthermore, I would be willing to offer aid in fixing these matters, if permitted to do so." There were several nods of approval from around the table, with several of the elders offering thanks and gratitude to the commander for his willingness to cooperate. Ebonheim glanced over at Engin, who gave her a thumbs up. She smiled. "Well then, let''s talk about the actual festival preparations now, shall we?" A wave of excited chatter swept over the room as the meeting shifted to discussions about food, entertainment, decorations, and a myriad of other topics related to the impending holiday. Engin rose, his voice the anchor that steadied the room''s attention. "We stand on the precipice of a new tradition, one forged from the old yet gilded with the new. The Harvest Festival approaches, and with it, a chance to sow unity within our bountiful diversity." His tone remained neutral as he continued, "To this end, we have organized a committee composed of representatives from each of our communities, tasked with the responsibility of organizing the event. Each member of the committee will be responsible for coordinating efforts within their respective field of expertise. The first topic for discussion: the selection of a festival director. Do any of you wish to volunteer for this role?" A loud cough broke the silence, startling Ebonheim. All heads turned towards the source, which belonged to none other than Evelyne. Engin tilted his head curiously. "Yes, Miss Blaise. I assume you are volunteering?" "I am, in fact." "Very well," he replied. "Your acceptance is accepted. You''ll be the temporary Director of the First Annual Harvest Festival. Congratulations, Evelyne." Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "And you can count on the support of the Enclave," Orin added with a wink. Roderick was about to respond, but he closed his mouth with an audible click when he caught Engin''s gaze. Ebonheim suppressed a giggle, finding the merchant''s behavior amusing. Engin smirked. "Let us proceed. The second topic: food preparation and distribution. Any volunteers for this position?" Hilda and Ingrid both raised their hands in unison, with the latter having a bemused expression on her face. "I''ve overseen festivals in Hrafnsteinn before, so I''d be happy to lend a hand." "Aye," Hilda concurred. "I could use some more help this year, as the number of mouths to feed has grown." "Very well, we shall work out the details later." Lorne raised his hand. "What about security?" Engin nodded approvingly. "Of course. You and your men can work alongside our guards." Argoran raised his hand. "The Aslankoyash will also offer some of our warriors to guard the festivities." Engin nodded and pointed at the list. "Alright, the third point: decor. This is quite simple. Who wishes to coordinate this task?" Ebonheim raised her hand and a few others followed. "Good. So, we can probably leave the decorating to you all." Brevin coughed. "About the matter of ale and spirits for the festivities..." "Ah yes, of course, how could I forget? That would be the fourth topic: alcohol. And I''m guessing the Deep Miners of Gorgandale wish to volunteer for this, am I correct?" Brevin chuckled. "If there isn''t any opposition, we can brew enough to drown a god or two." "Very good, the festival shall indeed be filled with enough drinks to quench the thirst of the entire valley," Engin remarked dryly. "Now, the fifth and final topic: music and entertainment. Of course, everyone is encouraged to participate as they see fit, but who specifically wants to organize the performances and activities for the event?¡ª" Evelyne shot up from her seat abruptly, raising her hand enthusiastically. "I can handle that. Leave it to me. Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair have plenty of ways to put on a show!" "...are you sure you''re not going to be busy managing the logistics of everything?" Ingrid interjected. The corner of Evelyne''s lip curled upwards. "I assure you, Mademoiselle Ingrid, I can easily do both. If anything, I''d be honored to demonstrate my talents in the arts to such esteemed guests!" Ingrid stared back blankly. "Uh, okay then, I suppose...?" Engin sighed. "Excellent. The positions are assigned. With that said, there shall be no further need for council. All who desire to contribute are welcome to assist in whatever capacity they wish. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to either myself or Ebonheim, and we''ll do our best to accommodate you." He stepped aside, motioning for the attendees to depart. The various factions filtered out of the hall, until only Ebonheim, Engin, Bjorn, and Roderick remained. Engin took a deep breath, sinking into a chair. He looked exhausted. Ebonheim walked over behind him and started massaging his shoulders. "Well, I think we managed to get through that fairly well. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in helping out too." Roderick nodded vigorously, patting Engin on the back. "I don''t think anyone here expects to be doing this alone. No offense to Evelyne, but that woman seems like the type to try and hoard all the fun to herself, but I don''t think we''ll have to worry about her monopolizing everything." Engin smiled wearily, rolling his neck. "We''re blessed with good folk who care. For that, we shouldn''t be afraid to trust them, should we?" Bjorn crossed his arms and nodded. "That we are. Though, I do admit, I can''t wait to see what kind of merriment they''ll cook up!" "Same here," Roderick agreed. "So long as no one starts throwing their clothes off during the dancing, I''d call it a success." "Well, perhaps you can teach them how to do a proper jig, Roderick, haha," Engin joked. "Oh, that reminds me! Speaking of dancing, what do you intend to wear?" Roderick inquired, leaning in close to Ebonheim. "I have a gorgeous red silk scarf that would pair well with that dress of yours. I''d be happy to gift it to you if you promise to wear it on the night of the festival." Ebonheim blinked slowly, confused by his request. "Uhm...why?" Roderick grinned broadly, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Why else? Because I want to see you dressed to impress, of course! You''ve already made quite the first impression on the newcomers, and I''m sure they''d appreciate seeing you wearing something stylish." Stylish, huh? She had never really considered it before. The only times her divine garment had changed was after her two ascensions. Everyone had praised how radiant and regal she had become each time, so she figured there was no need to alter her wardrobe. Sometimes, she wore a wool or fur coat and boots during the cold months, but she didn''t really need to wear them since shrouding herself in her divine aura or using her Element-Resisting Aura ability kept her warm enough. Plus, it allowed her to dress lightly when the weather was nice. "Ebonheim, are you listening?" Roderick called out, waving his hand in front of her face. "Hm, pardon?" she replied, startled. "Ah, I was thinking." "Clearly. Thinking about how you''re going to dress for the festival, I presume? Your divine garment is beautiful, but for special events like this, a woman''s fashion sense is of utmost importance," Roderick declared, clasping his hands together dramatically. "It is?" "Of course! I may not know much about such matters myself, but I''m aware of what people like to see. Why, just imagine everyone gathered around you as you parade around garbed in dazzling finery and wearing my silk scarf. Then, when they ask, you can tell them it was a gift from the fabulous merchant Roderick Sedley! Ha ha ha!" "Ah, I see..." Ebonheim mumbled, unsure of how to respond. "Think about it, you''ll be a symbol of the festival, an icon of celebration," Roderick enticed. "I can practically picture the scene now. Your appearance alone will draw cheers and applause from all who witness your magnificence." There''s no saying no to this guy. Ebonheim laughed nervously. No wonder he managed to convince five thousand people to migrate to Ebonheim. He has a way with words. "I suppose," she answered, feeling a little self-conscious. "But if I am to do this, then you''ll need to do me a favor." "And that would be?" Roderick probed, crossing his arms. "Help me figure out what to wear." "Hmm, now that''s a tall order. I''m confident that the scarf will highlight your natural beauty perfectly, but as for the rest...well, I''m no expert in women''s fashion. You might have to ask someone like Evelyne for help." "But she''s already going to be busy handling most of the details for the festival, and I don''t want to trouble her," Ebonheim complained, biting her lower lip. "You could always ask anyways," Engin chimed in as he got up from his chair. "As far as I''m concerned, Evelyne''s the most fashionable person in town, and if you explain your situation, I doubt she''d refuse your request." "Really?" Ebonheim inquired, hopeful. Engin chuckled. "Ask away, and find out for yourself."
The night deepened, the stars wheeling in their silent arcs above. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scents of pine and loam. The moon shone brightly overhead, bathing the land below in its soft glow. Ebonheim walked among the thatched houses and cabins, her presence unnoticed, save for a few sleeping animals and birds who chirped gently in her wake. The sounds of laughter and chatter drifted on the wind, punctuated by the occasional burst of song or shout. She continued, wandering through the winding dirt trails, past homes and workshops, gardens and orchards, barns and stables, until she reached the riverside south of where the Hrafnsteinn community resided. She knelt, her fingers trailing through the cool water, the liquid ribbons twining around her hand as they flowed downstream. She watched the moonlight play across their shimmering surfaces, her reflection rippling in their wake. Ebonheim lingered there, lost in the stillness, before finally rising and continuing along her path. The upcoming festival. The addition of the Silverguards. The Artisans of Evelyne. The Enclave of Orin. The Hrafnsteinns. The Deep Miners. And all the others. It''ll be the first time since they''ve all arrived, and Ebonheim wanted to savor every moment. It had been a busy couple of months for not just her, but everyone. People working together. Helping each other. Finding common ground. Building friendships. This was their future. This was her dream. Ebonheim grinned as she made her way through the quiet village, imagining the sights, sounds, and smells that would soon fill the air. She let out a satisfied sigh, the worries fading away. After all, she''d done all she could for now; now was the time to relax and enjoy herself. Soon, the day of the festival would arrive. Chapter 97: Evelynes Craft Evelyne¡¯s fingers danced along the intricate carvings of her worktable, tracing the etched runes that hummed softly under her touch. The workshop was a symphony of mechanical whirs and buzzes, accompanied by the steady thuds of hammers and the grinding of metal upon stone. Screens of thin gauzy cloth hung from the rafters, billowing with each passing breeze and dampening the noise beyond. The soft glow of magi-crystals cast shadows upon the walls and illuminated the many tools and components scattered about the tables. The air was redolent with the scent of burning coal and hot iron, a fragrance as familiar to Evelyne as the smell of the morning dew on the forest leaves. This was home. "Pas possible," Evelyne muttered, the words slipping into her native tongue. "The energy flow here is all wrong." She brushed a stray lock of raven hair from her forehead, leaving a smudge of grease as a temporary mark of her dedication. Her emerald eyes flashed as she concentrated on her current project¡ªa clockwork automaton intended for the Harvest Festival. It consisted of dozens of separate mechanisms, all carefully interconnected and synchronized to move in perfect harmony. Evelyne fumbled with a gear, slipping her fingers beneath a narrow cog, twisting and maneuvering the pieces together as she focused on their arrangement. Something poked her side, making her yelp and drop the piece. She spun around, only to find Viviane grinning at her, holding up the misplaced component in her hands. "My, what an excellent craftsman you are, Mademoiselle Blaise," the young woman teased, offering the cog back to Evelyne with a playful grin. "Viviane!" Evelyne protested, snatching the gear away and placing it safely aside. "What have I told you about sneaking up on me while I''m working?" The blonde girl shrugged, taking a sip of coffee from her mug. "To not to, but you''ve been working on that thing all day, and I needed to make sure you haven''t forgotten to eat. Again." Evelyne huffed indignantly as she grabbed a rag to wipe her hands with. "Merci, ma ch¨¨re amie, but I have no time to dilly-dally, I must finish this automaton for the festival. There''s so much to do, and¡ª" "Evelyne," Viviane interrupted, resting a gentle hand on her friend''s shoulder. "Take a break. Please. You''ve been cooped up here since sunrise, and the sun is nearly setting." "I''m fine, just a few more adjustments¡ª" "S''il vous pla?t? Just have a quick meal, and you''ll be energized to return to work refreshed." Evelyne pouted, her stomach rumbling at the mention of food. She eyed the automaton sitting on the workbench, sighing with resignation as she conceded to her hunger. "Fine. But after we eat, I need to return to my work." Viviane grinned, tugging her by the arm out of the workshop and into the street. "Absolument! A well-fed worker is a productive one, as my father used to say. And if we hurry, we can make it to the feast hall before the main courses are gone." "Oui, oui," Evelyne muttered, allowing herself to be led along. She hadn''t realized how late in the day it was, and her mind raced with thoughts of the tasks left incomplete. How many more gears did she need to affix to the inner workings? Were the servos properly aligned? Are the magi-crystals balanced and attuned to their respective functions? Her mind whirred like the mechanics of her designs, an endless torrent of calculations, formulas, and equations constantly churning as she planned out her next steps. Before she knew it, the two of them had entered the bustling feast hall, and the noise brought her back to reality. She inhaled deeply, breathing in the aromas of roasted meats and baked bread, steamed vegetables, and savory soups. All around her, people sat at tables eating their meals, chatting amicably among themselves, their laughter and conversation filling the air with warmth and cheer. In the middle of the room stood the banquet table, piled high with food, its surface laden with plates full of freshly cooked meats, vegetables, and fruit. The aroma wafted towards her, causing her stomach to growl ferociously. Viviane tugged her toward the banquet table, and they filled their plates to the brim, joining the lively crowd for a delicious and hearty meal. Once finished, they returned to the workshop and continued their work, but even Evelyne had to admit, the break was a pleasant distraction, one that reinvigorated her to tackle the remaining tasks with renewed vigor. Dimitri was already hard at work, using his arcane energy to fuse various parts together, creating a complex series of interlocking mechanisms within the mechanical torso of the automaton. "It''s coming along nicely," he remarked, adjusting a small magi-crystal mounted on the inner paneling of the clockwork creation. "Perhaps you might need to add a little more detail to the design, however, but overall, I believe the results will be quite pleasing." "Merci, Dimitri. Your insight is invaluable." "Please, there''s no need to flatter me, Evelyne." He waved her off, grinning. "This is what friends do." Viviane sat beside them, listening quietly as she tinkered with a few smaller components. After several hours of continuous work, they had assembled the majority of the body, with only minor modifications remaining. The exterior had been polished to a gleam, and the internal mechanisms functioned smoothly, providing a satisfying sense of completeness as they fitted the last piece into place. "That should be sufficient," Evelyne declared, standing back to admire their handiwork. "With any luck, the revelers will be delighted with the display. Now, for the finishing touches." Dimitri conjured an arcane flame, infusing it with his own mana before directing it to the magi-crystals installed inside the clockwork creation''s chest. The crystals glowed, activating the magical circuits connected to the mechanism, powering it to life. The gears whirred, the springs unwinding, the pistons pumping rhythmically as the limbs moved, flexing and bending with a graceful fluidity. The mechanical figure swiveled its head, its faceted ruby eyes glimmering as they caught the light. It rose to its feet, the magi-crystals flickering briefly as they adjusted to the increased strain of supporting the newfound weight. The joints creaked, the movement stiff, but as the arcane flames burned brighter, the clockwork creature grew more nimble. "Succ¨¨s!" Evelyne cheered. "I daresay we''ve outdone ourselves this time, mes amis." Viviane approached the humanoid automaton, tapping on the bronze casings of the elbow joints, nodding appreciatively. "Not bad, Evelyne, not bad at all." Dimitri wiped a smudge of soot from the cheek of the automaton. "A splendid achievement indeed," he concurred, casting a glance at the workbench. "What else remains to be completed?" Evelyne turned her attention to the cluttered table, her eyes sweeping over the numerous tools and components strewn about. "Just the aesthetic finishing touches. I''ll have the others decorate the automaton just before we set out. Until then, it can stay powered down and ready to go." "Excellent. I hope that''s all the work to do for tonight." "For now, yes." The older artificer chuckled, shaking his head with amusement. "Very well, then. If there''s nothing further requiring my assistance, I''ll retire to my quarters. Good night, Evelyne. Good night, Viviane." "Bonne nuit, Dimitri." The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. They waved goodbye, watching as he ambled out the door, before returning to clean up the workbench. "It''s a pity he has to leave early," Viviane mused. "It''s the curse of growing old," Evelyne lamented, gathering the remaining tools and placing them neatly into the appropriate cases. "Even so, I''m grateful to have his wisdom to rely on." Viviane nodded, picking up the empty crates and stacking them beside the exit. "I suppose we should retire too," she suggested, stifling a yawn. "It''s getting quite late." Evelyne looked at the rows of hanging screens, the workbench, the scattered components, and the powered-down automaton looming in the corner. A hint of reluctance sparked inside her. It was difficult to admit, but her mind craved for the stimulation of another project. She sighed, squashing the urge down, turning back to her friend with a faint smile. "Oui. Let''s go, Vivi." Together, they departed, closing the door to the workshop behind them, leaving only the dim glow of the magi-crystals to illuminate the dark interior. "Tomorrow, we shall continue."
In the week that unfurled towards the Harvest Festival, the town of Ebonheim transformed beneath an industrious spell. Viviane and Dimitri, at Evelyne''s subtle urging, oversaw the various teams in charge of constructing the stage for the performers, building the barricades and walkways, and erecting the booths for the festival''s various games. Meanwhile, Evelyne handled the decorations, delegating the crafting and assembling of ornaments and trimmings to a group of volunteers. Each day, Evelyne strode through the town, her presence a silent sonnet amidst the clamor of preparations. Her every step exuded grace and elegance, and even the slightest movement of her fingertips held the slightest amount of poise. As she inspected the various works, her pace never slowed, and her voice was clear and commanding, offering encouragement and praise where due. The Harvest Festival fast approached, and as the days drew closer, the bustling frenzy around the village reached a fevered pitch, fueled by a fervent passion to present a grand spectacle to their delectable goddess. Evelyne stood in front of the members of her guild who volunteered to be involved in the performance, addressing the crew gathered by the village square. "We need something that captures the essence of Val¨¦tour," she said, her tone solemn as she swept her gaze over the faces of her colleagues. "Une ¨¦clat, a burst of life and color, that speaks of our homeland." Viviane nodded, her silver eyes brightening with shared fervor. "And music," she added, her hands gesturing as if she could pluck the notes from the air itself. "Our dance needs a melody, a tune that matches the tempo of the beat. Something inspiring and stirring, yet lighthearted and joyful at the same time." "La musique de chez nous," Dimitri agreed, smiling softly. "Music that expresses our very essence. But it must be more than just a performance. It must be an experience. Do we have such a melody?" The people glanced at each other, murmuring uncertainly, until one of the musicians raised her hand timidly¡ªEmile Lecl¨¨re, Viviane''s best friend and fellow Artificer. "There is a song..." she ventured hesitantly, glancing at the others. "It''s quite old, but I believe the tune would fit the description. I''ll bring it over this evening for you to hear." "Fantastique!" Evelyne exclaimed, clapping her hands together with delight. "Bring forth your greatest effort, Emile, and the rest shall follow. I expect nothing less than perfection for our debut." Another member raised his hand tentatively. "What if we use the Magilumina Spheres? They could hover above the crowd, each one a lantern, casting hues of light as we perform. The illumination would add atmosphere, and it''s more visual and impactful compared to other options." Viviane raised a finger thoughtfully. "Oui, and with each note of music, the spheres change color, a visual symphony to accompany the auditory." Dimitri¡¯s chuckle resonated from the back as he rested a hand on the shoulders of the young man. "An enchanting idea. But we must ensure safety. We cannot have a repeat of the Solstice Fair." Evelyne coughed as the recollection of that particular mishap sprang to her mind. The memory of the minor explosion that had singed more than a few eyebrows remained fresh. A mistake they could ill afford to replicate, especially not in front of Ebonheim. "C''est vrai," she conceded. "We shall refrain from using anything flammable or combustible, to be safe. Now, I understand we have selected a variety of materials for costume design and decoration?" A chorus of affirmation rang from the crowd, and Evelyne smiled, pleased to hear their enthusiasm. "Bon, let us begin!" Their conversations wove through the day, as they toiled over their respective assignments. The hours slipped by, measured only by the progress of their labor and the occasional shared laughter that made the work light. By sunset, they had erected a temporary stage in the center of the square, furnished with wooden planks, ropes, and curtains. Rows of chairs surrounded the platform, facing the empty space reserved for the performances. Half of the spheres had been retrieved, lined up neatly in rows and arranged to await activation. The musicians took turns tuning their instruments, plucking and strumming while conversing softly. Viviane stretched her arms above her head, her gaze lingering on the spheres. "Ebonheim will be enchanted," she said, her voice carrying a hint of sly teasing. "As will be certain... observers." She gave Evelyne a sideways look. Evelyne¡¯s cheeks warmed at the implication, and she shook her head vehemently. "Tais-toi," she scolded, jabbing an elbow at her friend. "You''ve been hanging around Emile too much. Her imagination and romantic delusions are rubbing off on you." Viviane gasped with mock shock. "Oh dear, you''re right. If you''ll excuse me, I shall run to the other side of town so she can''t infect me further." Emile, who had been practicing a series of flourishes and gestures in a corner, paused to glare at Viviane. "Excusez-moi?! I beg your pardon, I don''t appreciate being called an infection. You''d be lucky to get infected with the good looks and charisma that comes naturally to me." She struck a dramatic pose, one foot perched on a nearby crate. The blond grinned, rolling her eyes. "You wish." Emile shrugged and returned to her practice, and Viviane shifted her gaze back to Evelyne, who tried and failed to suppress a snicker. "She has an unhealthy obsession with romance, and now you''re falling into her trap as well," Evelyne observed, smoothing down the hem of her blouse. "Whatever happened to the Vivi I know who doesn''t waste her time on trivialities?" "I believe she was replaced by a Vivi who sees a good opportunity when it presents itself," the blond replied innocently, the corners of her lips curled upward in a mischievous smirk as she leaned in. "You''re not fooling me, Evelyne. The only reason you decided to tackle the task of being the director of festivities¡ªand¡ªthe organizer of the performances, is because you secretly want to show off your skills to our new patron, n''est-ce pas?" This comment earned an outburst of snickers from Emile, who stopped to listen in. "Pas du tout!" Evelyne hissed, her cheeks reddening. "The only thing I seek to showcase is my expertise as Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair''s master artificer." This was turning into a losing battle, so Evelyne crossed her arms with a defiant pout. She needed to regain control of the conversation. Fast. "Enough, let us focus on the task at hand. Viviane, go prepare the costumes with the others. Dimitri, you handle the spheres, and the rest of you, please fetch the materials and bring them to the makeshift dressing area in the hall. We''ve wasted enough time chatting." A chorus of affirmatives followed, and with some effort, the troupe dispersed, busying themselves with their respective duties. Only once she had regained her composure did Evelyne allow herself a tiny sigh of relief. She surveyed the half-constructed stage and the scattered work-in-progress props, frowning slightly. It''s far from ideal, but it''ll have to do. Evelyne closed her eyes, tilting her head upward as she whispered a silent prayer to Ebonheim, asking for forgiveness and understanding. "You called?" Ebonheim''s voice came from behind. Evelyne yelped, jumping in surprise, nearly knocking over the props she''d been working on. Her heart raced, and she pressed a hand to her chest as she whipped around to face the goddess. "I apologize for startling you," Ebonheim began, sounding genuinely regretful. "But I came here to ask for a favor." Evelyne''s heart raced as she gazed at Ebonheim, who seemed even more dazzling than usual. But more importantly...How long has she been there? Did she hear what Viviane said? A trickle of sweat rolled down her back. This could be potentially embarrassing, but Evelyne pushed those thoughts away and forced herself to calm down. "Of course, ma d¨¦esse Ebonheim. I''m always happy to help. What do you need?" Ebonheim averted her eyes, fiddling with her fingers, almost seeming a bit shy. "Well...I was hoping you had some free time during the week to help me pick out an outfit for the festival," she blurted out, her voice unusually soft. "I...don''t really have any, and I don''t know what would suit me the best, or what''s currently in fashion." Evelyne pinched her arm discreetly, as she stared at Ebonheim with wide eyes. She couldn''t be serious, could she? "Q-quoi?" she stammered, struggling to compose herself. "Are you...asking me for advice?" "If you wouldn''t mind." Ebonheim rubbed her arm nervously. "I''d be eternally grateful for your input. Your fashion sense seems impeccable, and I''m sure you''d find something suitable for me." "I...er, uh. Well, of course, I''d be happy to help you. After all, I am Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair''s premier designer and stylist." She let out a breath, straightening her posture and flashing a winning smile. "Give me a few minutes to gather my supplies and materials, and we''ll be off!" Ebonheim''s expression brightened, and she clasped hands with her, squeezing affectionately. "Thank you, Evelyne. I promise not to keep you for too long¡ª" Oh d¨¦esse. The sudden stimuli of Ebonheim''s touch and the unexpected proximity of their faces left Evelyne in a state of sensory overload¡ªand she fainted. Chapter 98: Measurements and Delicacies It had been a while since Ebonheim had felt self-conscious about her appearance, but as she stood in the dressing room, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment at having asked Evelyne for help. Evelyne, however, seemed unfazed, her expression a mask of concentration as she circled Ebonheim, poking and prodding her as if she were a mannequin. "Now, stand still, I need to take your measurements. Arms out, please." Ebonheim obliged, stretching her arms to either side, feeling mildly foolish and more than a little ridiculous. "And how long will this take, exactly?" she inquired, her tone tinged with a hint of impatience. "As long as it takes for me to ensure you look your absolute best, ma d¨¦esse Ebonheim." Evelyne spoke matter-of-factly, reaching around Ebonheim''s waist to measure the circumference of her hips. "Trust me, I can assure you that the fruits of my labor will be well worth the wait." Ebonheim wrinkled her nose. She didn''t particularly care about fashion, or trends, or looking good, but the excitement in Evelyne''s voice was palpable. Still, she couldn''t deny that part of her was curious about what kind of outfit Evelyne would design for her. Evelyne removed a measuring tape from her tool belt, circling around Ebonheim to wrap it around her chest, pausing as her fingers brushed against Ebonheim''s bosom. She quickly retracted her hand, mumbling an apology as she jotted down the measurements, avoiding eye contact. Ebonheim tilted her head as she stared at her curiously. Though they hadn''t had many opportunities to talk, she struck her as someone who was dignified and carried a strong sense of purpose, a sharp sense of intuition, and an unparalleled resolve to achieve her goals. Roderick had told her that Evelyne had single-handedly revitalized Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair during its troubled period of stagnancy, leading the guild to reclaim its former glory until their relocation to Ebonheim. A person like her was now...flustered? Why? Ebonheim was the one who was self-conscious, not the other way around. Was Evelyne shy around her? It couldn''t be. She didn''t seem like the type to be nervous about anything. Still, the entire situation amused her. Ebonheim cleared her throat. "Is something wrong?" "N-non, I-I mean, no," Evelyne stammered, clearing her throat. "My apologies, I was merely distracted by my task. I am trying to be as accurate as possible. It''s imperative that every measurement is precise, otherwise, the ensemble won''t be able to accommodate your divine physique." Evelyne brushed a stray lock of raven hair out of her face, her expression focused as she moved on to measuring Ebonheim''s legs. Her hands traced over the curves of Ebonheim''s calves, stopping just below her thighs, and again, she withdrew her hand hastily. This was starting to become entertaining. Ebonheim fought back a smile as she watched Evelyne''s reaction, enjoying the way she fussed and fretted over every detail. Perhaps a bit too much. "Are you sure there isn''t anything bothering you, Evelyne?" she asked, feigning concern. "Your face seems awfully red." "Yes, I''m fine, I am perfectly fine." Evelyne fanned herself with one hand, offering a smile that seemed rather strained. "Please, ma d¨¦esse Ebonheim. You may keep inquiring, but the answer will always be the same." Ebonheim chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, if you say so." She peered into Evelyne''s emerald eyes, admiring the way the irises glinted like gemstones, flecks of gold and green dancing around the pupils. "Your eyes are very pretty." Evelyne nearly dropped her note and pen, stumbling to catch them. "M-merci," she managed, her face turning scarlet as she bent forward to retrieve the fallen items. It was official; Evelyne was adorable. She hid her mouth behind her palm, suppressing a giggle as Evelyne returned to her task. Maybe this was going to be a fun experience after all. The minutes passed as Evelyne continued to measure every inch of Ebonheim''s body, her touch gentle and feather-light, but firm. Every so often, she''d stop to record her findings, muttering under her breath as she made meticulous annotations in her notebook. Evelyne''s hands slid over the curves of Ebonheim''s stomach, resting momentarily on her hips before moving to her back, pressing the fabric of the dress flat against her skin. She scribbled a few notes into the journal before finally putting it away with a satisfied sigh. "I think we''re done here," she announced, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her arm. "I''ll have your garments ready for you by the festival. Merci for allowing me to assist you, Ebonheim." "No, thank you, Evelyne," Ebonheim responded earnestly, inclining her head to Evelyne in respect. "I appreciate your efforts." Evelyne beamed, her eyes sparkling. "De rien. And now, I shall return to preparing the performance with the others. Bonne soir¨¦e!" With that, Evelyne departed, leaving Ebonheim alone with her thoughts. Ebonheim remained silent, absorbing everything she had learned about Evelyne during their encounter. It was enlightening to discover this new side of her. Hmm. Speaking of discovering a new side... She hadn''t really used her Domain Knowledge ability on any of the new settlers, and the temptation to do so now rose in her. It had already been a couple of months, and the curiosity had been gnawing at her the entire time. There were no reasons not to. So, why not try to see a little deeper than the surface? Concentrating her power, Ebonheim activated her Domain Knowledge. An array of numbers appeared before her, detailing Evelyne''s Attributes, Faith Rank, Skills, and Traits. The first thing Ebonheim noticed was Evelyne''s Faith Rank: Faithful. She blinked. Faithful? That wasn''t quite what she had expected. Evelyne had only arrived recently, and her attitude toward Ebonheim thus far had seemed a little reserved. She checked the overall Faith ranks within her domain. Name: Ebonheim Size: Town Total Population: 6032 Human: 5804 Beastkin: 228 Professions: Farmers: 296 (+241 from newcomers) Hunters and Gatherers: 134 (+237 from newcomers) Miners: 41 (+682 from newcomers) Craftsmen: 174 (+1109 from newcomers) Warriors: 93 (+1165 from newcomers) Druids: 20 Healers/Herbalists: 58 (+68 from newcomers) Arcanist: 1 (+220 from newcomers) Artificer: 0 (+383 from newcomers) Village Elders: 19 Unskilled: 102 (+989 from newcomers) Age Distribution: Children (ages 0-14): 144 (+935 from newcomers) Adults (ages 15-64): 696 (+4105 from newcomers) Seniors (ages 65+): 98 (+54 from newcomers) Devotion Rank Distribution: Unbeliever: 0 Follower: 5147 Believer: 175 Worshipper: 255 Devotee: 453 Faithful: 2 Building Types: Huts/Tents: 55 (+78 temporary shelters for the newcomers) Houses: 162 (+411 constructed for the newcomers) Yrsta Klettur ''Longhouses'' (Hrafnsteinn Exiles): 18 Farms: 44 (+40 new farms to accommodate the increased population) Workshops: 34 (+30 new workshops under construction) Guard Towers: 4 (+2 additional tower for increased security) Market Square: 1 Logging Camps: 5 Mining Camps: 3 Magitech Workshops (Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair and Ethervein Enclaves): 4 ¡îConduit Chamber (Ethervein Enclaves): 85% ¡îThe Stoneheart Chamber: 47% ¡îLa Salle de M¨¦canique (Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair): 9% Resources: Forest: Hardwood, Softwood, ¡îEbon Trees Rivers: Fish, Clay deposits Mines: Iron, Copper, Tin, Gold, Coal, Granite, Slate, Quartz, Opal, Peridot, Amethyst, Turquoise, Citrine Prosperity Points: 67 Harmony Points: 42 Sustainability Achievement: 55 All the original villagers were either Worshippers or Devotees, and the Aslankoyash were Believers, with the exception of Serrandyl and Argoran, who were both Worshippers. Why was Evelyne already Faithful? What had changed between the time of their arrival and today? Ebonheim stared at the Faith Rank, contemplating the possibility that perhaps Evelyne''s rank reflected her current mindset, rather than the sum total of her faith. She dismissed the idea; she would have noticed fluctuations in others over the years if that were the case. So, why?¡ªWait....there was another person who was at the Faithful rank. Who else could it be? She flicked through the information until she found the other name, and her eyes widened in surprise¡ªRoderick. How? Why? Aside from the past few months, she had only met with him for a week at most, just before he had set off to enact his plan to bring more people to the village. There certainly hadn''t been enough time or reason for his faith to grow so quickly. Why did these two merit such high marks? They barely knew her! Shaking her head, Ebonheim dismissed the screen and headed to the Hrafnsteinn neighborhood to check on Ingrid''s progress with her preparations. At least that mystery would be easy to solve.
In the hushed, serene hours of dawn, when the first rays of sunlight began to pierce the veil of night, Ingrid Lysgaard, the Shieldmaiden from Hrafnsteinn, stood alone by the river¡¯s edge, the gentle murmur of the flowing water her only companion. She inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling her lungs, carrying the earthy scent of the river and the fresh aroma of the surrounding forest. Clad in a simple tunic and trousers that did not hinder her movements, Ingrid unsheathed her sword, the steel glinting faintly in the pale light. Her morning ritual began with a series of fluid, deliberate stretches, warming her muscles against the morning chill. She extended her arms, feeling the pull in her shoulders, and then bent at the waist, her fingertips brushing the dew-laden grass. The cool moisture soaked into her skin, grounding her to the earth. Ingrid¡¯s movements transitioned seamlessly into sword practice, each motion a dance between blade and bearer. The sword felt like an extension of her own arm, balanced and sure. She executed a series of thrusts and parries, her muscles responding with practiced ease. The rhythmic swing of the blade cutting through the air was a familiar melody, one that spoke of discipline and strength. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. As she moved, her mind wandered back to the snow-capped mountains of Hrafnsteinn, the land of her birth. Memories of her early training under the stern eye of her mentor, Jarl Erikson, flashed through her mind. She remembered the weight of her first sword, heavier than the one she wielded now, and the determination that had filled her young heart. Those were days of simple truths and clear purposes, contrasting sharply with the complexities she faced in Ebonheim. Ingrid paused, lowering her sword as she gazed at the river. Its currents were like the ever-changing tides of her life, flowing ceaselessly, sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent. She reflected on the journey that had brought her here, to a land so different from her own. Ebonheim was a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, a place where people from all walks of life gathered to carve out a new life for themselves. It was both exhilarating and daunting, and at times, Ingrid felt the weight of her responsibility as one of its protectors. Returning to her practice, Ingrid focused on a sequence of high-speed drills, her blade arcing and slicing through the air. She imagined facing an opponent, visualizing their moves, and countering them with her own. Her feet shuffled and pivoted on the soft riverbank, leaving intricate patterns in the soil. The physical exertion warmed her body, driving away the lingering chill of dawn. With each strike and block, Ingrid felt a connection to her heritage, to the legacy of the shieldmaidens of Hrafnsteinn. They were women of valor and honor, defenders of their people. She carried that legacy within her, as she embodied the same tenacity and courage. But here, in Ebonheim, she was more than a warrior; she was a mediator, a bridge between the old ways of her people and the new life they were building. As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the land, Ingrid sheathed her sword and sat by the riverbank. She closed her eyes, listening to the symphony of nature around her¡ªthe chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of the river. These sounds, so different from the harsh winds and echoing battle cries of Hrafnsteinn, were now part of her world. She thought of the day ahead, of the preparations for the Harvest Festival. It was an event that meant so much to the people of here, a celebration of unity and survival. She and Hilda, the wise elder from the Jixishan tribe, were in charge of the food preparations, a task that required not just culinary skills but also a deep understanding of the various cultures and traditions. It was a challenge she welcomed, as she strove to balance her own values with those of her new community. She stood up, her gaze lingering on the horizon where the sky met the land. Today, she would meet with Hilda to discuss their plans for the festival. There would be discussions about recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods, each a reflection of the various cultures that made up Ebonheim. But beyond that, she also wanted to learn more about the Jixishan tribe and their unique history and traditions. With a final glance at the river, Ingrid turned and made her way back to the town. The river continued its journey behind her, a steady reminder that the ebb and flow of life would go on.
As Ingrid strode through the streets of Ebonheim, the town was stirring to life. Thatched roofs glistened with morning dew, and smoke lazily curled from chimneys into the crisp air. The murmur of voices floated through open windows and doors, punctuated by the occasional call of a bird or bleat of a goat. She made her way towards the Jixishan settlement, nestled within the forest outside of town. A scattering of simple yet cozy huts and tents greeted her, each decorated with colorful embroideries and trinkets. A handful of children dashed about, laughing and chasing each other in some sort of game of tag. Several elders tended to the goats and chickens, conversing among themselves in their native tongue. Hilda''s abode was located in the center of the settlement. The elderly woman emerged as Ingrid approached, her long white hair tied into a neat bun atop her head. She smiled warmly, her wrinkled face crinkling further with the gesture. "Good morning, Ingrid." Hilda''s voice was rich and melodious, despite her advanced age. "It''s nice to see you here bright and early. Are you ready to start our preparations?" Ingrid nodded, returning the greeting with equal warmth. "Good morning, Hilda. Yes, I''m eager to begin." They made their way back towards the feast hall in the center of town, chatting along the way. "I had noticed that even Bjorn and Thorsten tended to wake before dawn for their respective tasks. Do all residents of Hrafnsteinn rise with the sun?" Hilda inquired as they walked, her tone polite and curious. "In our culture, the sunrise is considered a sacred time, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. It''s become a habit for me as well. I find the dawn brings clarity to my thoughts." Hilda nodded thoughtfully. "I see. There is wisdom in that belief. Our people have a similar custom, though we view the sunset with greater reverence." The pair entered the feast hall, the air heavy with the aromas of spices and herbs. Elements of various cultures could be seen in the decorations¡ªjars of dried herbs and flowers lined the shelves, alongside clay pots of traditional Hrafnsteinn stew. The central area, where a long table ran across the length, was laden with plates of steaming loaves of bread and freshly-caught fish. Ingrid''s stomach grumbled in response, and she placed a hand over it in an attempt to quell the sensation. The task at hand should be the priority. "So," she said, turning her attention back to the elderly woman. "What kind of foods did you have in mind for the festival?" The two women discussed their ideas over breakfast, eventually settling on a selection of dishes from each region. They divided up the tasks, with Ingrid taking on the duty touring each establishment and talking with the local cooks about their respective dishes. Her first stop was at the Silverguard encampment, where the mercenaries had made camp on the outskirts of town. As she approached, the men and women of the company called out greetings and waved in recognition. She nodded, offering a small wave in return, before approaching the largest tent in the center. Their commander, Lorne, clad in his usual armor, greeted her from inside the tent. "Ingrid, come to check on our culinary skills?" he joked, a hint of humor coloring his voice. "I have to warn you, we''re a group of rough-and-tumble fighters, not chefs." Ingrid raised a hand in greeting. "I''m aware of that, Lorne. But I trust that you''ll put your best effort into whatever dish you choose." She glanced around the tent, observing the various tools and implements that adorned its interior. "And what have you decided to contribute?" she asked. "Well," Lorne began, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Since we can''t exactly offer anything that would fit the bill of being sophisticated or refined, I thought it best to provide something that''s hearty and familiar. We''re planning to make some spiced lamb kofta meatballs. They''re popular in our homeland, and we''re confident that they''ll be a crowd favorite. Of course, our resident chef, Kaela, will be handling the majority of the preparation, but I can assure you we''ve all pitched in with our own contributions." A faint blush appeared on his cheeks at the last sentence, and Ingrid struggled to hide a smile at the sight. "I''m glad to hear that you''re all involved, Lorne," she said encouragingly. "Let me know if there''s anything I can do to help. I''ll be making my rounds to the other settlements later today to gauge their progress. Is there anything you''d like me to pass on?" Lorne shook his head, waving her off with a chuckle. "Thanks for the offer, but I think we''ve got things handled on our end. I''ll let the others know that you stopped by." Ingrid turned to leave, offering a quick farewell before heading back to the center of town. Next, she visited the Ethervein Enclave''s nearly constructed headquarters¡ªthe Conduit Chamber. It was an impressive structure, comprised of towering pillars and platforms that floated in midair, supported by arcane energy. The enclave''s master artificer, Orin, was in the process of adjusting the platform heights and energy flows when Ingrid arrived. He turned to her as she approached, his mechanical arm whirring with the movement. "Lady Ingrid, what a pleasant surprise." His voice carried an oddly cheerful timbre, given the situation. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" Ingrid suppressed the urge to correct him about the use of ''lady.'' "I came to inquire about the enclave''s contribution to the festival," she stated, shifting her focus back to the topic at hand. "Have you come to a decision?" "I''m afraid I''ve not put much thought on the matter," Orin admitted, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "But you can consult with Serelle. She''s inside the chamber." He gestured to a side door with his normal, unmechanized arm. "I''d be happy to," Ingrid said politely, giving the artificer a slight bow before walking away. As she entered the room, her eyes widened in amazement. The space was filled with devices and contraptions she''d never seen before¡ªsome resembling oversized orbs, others like boxes with flashing lights and dials. The air hummed with energy, causing her hair to stand on end. In the center of the room stood a figure dressed in a flowing robe, her hand outstretched, manipulating a glowing blue orb hovering above her palm. Upon closer inspection, Ingrid could make out various runes inscribed on the sphere''s surface, emitting a faint glow. The figure, apparently Serelle, looked up as Ingrid approached. "I presume you must be here to ask about the enclave''s preferences for the festival," she guessed, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Y-yes, that''s right," Ingrid stuttered, slightly unnerved by the scene. "Well, if you''re wondering if there''s a particular dish or style of food the enclave prefers, there isn''t," Serelle answered candidly. "We''re quite an eclectic group, with people from various regions and backgrounds. It''s difficult to say whether the members have a common cuisine preference. We generally enjoy experimenting with new tastes, so long as they''re healthy and nourishing." She tapped her chin in contemplation. "Although...if I had to choose one food, it would be something hearty and filling¡ªperhaps some sort of meat and potato stew. I suppose the winter climate affects my tastes." Ingrid nodded, considering the option. "That sounds reasonable. I''ll let Hilda know. Thank you for your time, Serelle." With that, she bid her farewell and left, closing the door behind her. The humming of arcane energy ceased abruptly, and Ingrid let out a sigh of relief, running a hand through her hair. Magitech. It still unsettled her, but she couldn''t deny its usefulness. She took a moment to gather herself before continuing with her errands. Moving on, Ingrid found herself in the Aslankoyash section, where the scent of exotic spices filled the air. The leonine Beastkin, clad in simple tunics and trousers, worked on their respective chores without pause. Ingrid scanned the area, searching for Serrandyl. It didn''t take long to spot her; the woman stood out from the rest, with her lithe frame and flaming crimson hair. She was in the process of feeding the goats, tossing the pellets into the wooden troughs with practiced efficiency. "Serrandyl, can we speak for a moment?" Ingrid called out. The Beastkin turned her head towards Ingrid, her ears pricking up in recognition. She brushed the remaining feed into the trough before walking over, her tail swishing behind her. Serrandyl flashed a toothy grin. "Heya! Sure, I can spare a minute. Do you wanna spar or something? We can trade techniques!" She flexed one arm, the muscles bulging beneath her sleeve. Ingrid laughed at the suggestion, shaking her head. "Actually, I''m here to ask about your tribe''s food choice for the upcoming Harvest Festival." "Oh, that stuff? Yeah, sure, we can do that too." Serrandyl shrugged. "Seriously though, how about a quick one-on-one? I could use the exercise, and I bet you''ve got some great techniques. I mean, you''re from the same place as Bjorn and Thorsten, aren''t you?" Normally, Ingrid would have agreed without hesitation, but Serrandyl''s reputation preceded her. Lorne himself told her that Serrandyl singlehandedly destroyed two earth elementals with nothing but her fists, and he had witnessed this with his own eyes. Ingrid, too, had observed Serrandyl sparring with the Silverguards shortly after their arrival at the village, and the woman had clearly demonstrated exceptional combat prowess. It wouldn''t be prudent to decline without good reason. "Er, how about after the festival?" Ingrid suggested, hoping to buy time. Serrandyl gave a disappointed sigh. "All right, but you better keep your promise!" She pointed at Ingrid accusingly. "Remember, I can sense your reluctance, lady!" Ingrid shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet her eyes. "Um, Serrandyl, the food choice?" Serrandyl''s expression returned to a casual one. "Right, food. Um, we''ll be preparing our traditional sun-stew, which is a vegetable-based stew that has been simmered overnight in a sealed oven, producing a distinct flavor unique to the Aslankoyash." She grinned proudly, as if reciting a well-practiced speech. "I don''t want to spoil the surprise, but trust me, it''s delicious! You won''t regret having a taste." "Sounds promising. I look forward to tasting it," Ingrid replied with a smile. "Thank you, Serrandyl." The Beastkin gave a sharp-toothed, feline grin. "You''re welcome. Now, let''s get this show on the road. The sooner we finish, the faster you and I can have a round together!" She clapped her hands in excitement, a gleam in her eyes. Ingrid chuckled, shaking her head. "All right, all right. I''ll see you soon, then." With a wave of her hand, Ingrid departed, leaving a visibly pleased Serrandyl in her wake. For the rest of the morning, she toured the town and various settlements, taking careful note of everyone''s progress if they contributed, or preferences if they did not. By noon, her stomach protested once again, reminding her of its emptiness. She returned to the feast hall to meet with Hilda and discuss her findings with the other volunteer cooks. After lunch, they reconvened to decide which meals would be best suited for the main banquet and which ones could be served as side dishes or snacks. They settled on several options: a hearty meat and potato stew from the Ebonheim locals, a variation of spiced lamb kofta from the Silverguard, a traditional sun-stew from the Aslankoyash, and a refreshing salad composed of seasonal vegetables and herbs from the Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair, and a wide selection of smaller delicacies from the other groups. "Well, this is excellent progress," Hilda declared, her weathered face alight with satisfaction. "We''ll be able to complete the necessary preparations in time for the festival. What say you, Ingrid?" Ingrid nodded in agreement, impressed by how smoothly everything had gone. "It''s been a productive day," she commented, glancing at the setting sun. "However, I think we''ve done enough for today. Shall we break for dinner?" The group concurred and broke off, eagerly anticipating the evening meal. As Ingrid headed toward the exit, she caught sight of Ebonheim entering the feast hall and waved to her. Ebonheim waved back with a smile. "Ingrid, I hope you didn''t overwork yourself!" Ebonheim greeted cheerfully, placing her hand on her shoulder. "Not at all. The day went by in a flash. Did you need something from me?" Ingrid inquired, tilting her head in puzzlement. "No, nothing like that. I just wanted to invite you to join me for dinner in my cabin, as a small reward for working hard." Ebonheim patted her on the back. "Oh." Ingrid was surprised by the unexpected invitation, but she couldn''t turn it down. "I''d be honored to join you." "Perfect! Then let''s head over. I''m famished." Ebonheim grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Hilda''s joining us, as well." Hilda, who was waiting nearby, nodded her head. As they headed to Ebonheim''s cabin, Ingrid watched the goddess and the elder walk side-by-side, chatting casually about the various topics surrounding the festival. Their interactions were strikingly friendly; while Ingrid herself wasn''t shy about being direct, her relationship with Ebonheim hadn''t progressed to the point of exchanging light-hearted banter. It was a little enviable. Hopefully, she''d have an opportunity to experience a similar friendship in the future. For now, she''d enjoy this unexpected moment of camaraderie, and savor every bit of it. Chapter 99: Harvest Festival The Harvest Festival. A time for celebrating the end of the harvest season, and the arrival of winter. A time for feasting and revelry, for honoring the goddess, and forging bonds between families and communities. This year would be extra special for Ebonheim¡ªthe first celebration since the arrival of the new settlers. As the morning dawned bright and clear, Ebonheim emerged from her cabin and stretched, inhaling the crisp autumn air. The trees were a riot of color, their leaves dancing in the breeze. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with puffy white clouds. A perfect day for the festival. Already, the town bustled with activity, as people prepared for the festivities. People hurried to and fro, carrying chairs and tables, and hauling large cauldrons of stew and platters of food. The aroma of roasting meats and baking bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and excited chatter. Ebonheim walked among the preparations, lending a helping hand wherever she could. The morning passed swiftly, and before long, the townsfolk gathered at the central square. A large wooden platform had been erected in the middle, draped with brightly colored fabrics and adorned with garlands of flowers. Tables and benches lined the perimeter of the area, laden with an array of delicious-looking food. Vibrant banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, and the sounds of music and merrymaking echoed through the streets. Children chased each other around, weaving through the crowd, and the adults laughed and joked, enjoying the occasion. Ebonheim watched the proceedings with a smile, basking in the atmosphere of joy and goodwill. Her people had come such a long way, from a tiny settlement to a flourishing town. And now, with the arrival of the new settlers, their community had grown even stronger. She wove through the throngs of people, smiling and greeting each person she encountered. Her people responded in kind, welcoming her warmly, and wishing her a good time. In a clearing, Evelyne was busy directing a group of performers, rehearsing their routine for the night''s performance. She waved at Ebonheim as she passed, and Ebonheim returned the gesture, shooting a quick smile at Evelyne before moving on. In another corner, Ingrid and Hilda oversaw the feast, ensuring that the food was being prepared and plated properly. The pair made an odd combination, given their obvious cultural differences, but they worked surprisingly well together, with Ingrid providing the stoic discipline and Hilda offering the insight and creative vision. Nearby, the Silverguards were engaged in an intense round of arm wrestling, their muscles straining against each other as they tried to pin their opponent''s arm to the table. The betting pool grew increasingly larger, with the onlookers shouting encouragement or groans of defeat as the match progressed. The Aslankoyash, meanwhile, were organizing a series of games and activities for the children. Serrandyl stood on a crate, demonstrating her trademark combat techniques to an enthusiastic audience of youngsters. They mimicked her movements with varying levels of success, earning laughter and praise from the onlookers. At the edge of the square, Orin and the Ethervein Enclave members were setting up their magitech display, a spectacle of shimmering lights and swirling illusions. Children pressed close, staring wide-eyed at the dazzling display, while the adults leaned against the walls, sipping on cups of ale and admiring the spectacle. The Deep Miners of Gorgandale joined in the festivities, sharing stories of their underground adventures with the rapt listeners. They regaled the crowds with tales of exotic minerals and luminous cave systems, their animated gestures punctuating the drama of their stories. In the distance, Ebonheim could just barely make out the silhouette of the Jixisha tribe, performing a traditional dance in the forest clearing. The graceful movements of their bodies flowed seamlessly to the beat of the drums, creating a mesmerizing sight. Lira guided the steps of the dancers, her voice ringing clear and strong over the drumbeats. As the sun reached its peak, the people paused to listen to Ebonheim''s opening remarks. Ebonheim took the stage and cleared her throat. "It''s been quite an eventful few months since the arrival of our new friends and neighbors, and we are grateful to have you all here to celebrate with us. It warms my heart to see how our community has grown, and to share in the traditions and customs of each of your peoples. Let''s toast to new friendships, and to the beginning of many more years of fellowship and prosperity. To the Harvest Festival!" The people cheered as Ebonheim lifted her glass, and the party began in earnest. "I, for one, am very much looking forward to trying the variety of dishes that are being cooked up. Please, dig in, and enjoy yourselves to the fullest! But, be careful not to eat too much; you wouldn''t want to miss out on the night''s entertainment." She finished with a wink, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter. Ebonheim stepped off the stage and made her way around the square, stopping to chat with each person she met. She sampled a little bit of everything as she went, relishing the various flavors and textures. Meanwhile, the various acts and performances continued throughout the afternoon, as the townsfolk enjoyed the fruits of their labors¡ªEvelyne''s troupe performed their dance numbers to thunderous applause, the Aslankoyash competed in a friendly game of capture-the-flag, and the Hrafnsteinn warriors competed in a drinking competition against the Deep Miners. Viviane and a few artificers of the Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair unveiled the automaton they had designed and constructed for the festivities. As the clockwork mechanisms within whirred and clicked to life, the automaton began to move, its limbs jerky and uncoordinated. However, as the energy flowed more smoothly, the automaton became more agile, gracefully twirling and pirouetting to the sound of music. The crowd cheered and clapped enthusiastically, captivated by the mechanical marvel before them. The automaton continued to dance, its movements perfectly synchronized to the rhythm of the music. It spun and leaped, its limbs a whirl of motion, and its faceted ruby eyes glittering as they reflected the colors of the festival. Ebonheim watched with delight, applauding alongside everyone else. Children crowded around the automaton, poking and prodding curiously, while their parents cautioned them to keep their hands to themselves. The artificers stood proudly by, basking in the praise of the crowd, exchanging smiles and congratulatory slaps on the backs. Even Evelyne allowed herself a smug sense of pride as she surveyed the awed faces of the townsfolk. The evening wore on, and as the sun began to set, the energy of the event shifted from lively and celebratory to more relaxed and intimate. Lanterns and torches were lit, bathing the area in a warm, golden glow. Couples paired off to dance, swaying gently to the soft strains of the music. At some point, the tailors who worked with Evelyne escorted Ebonheim back to the changing quarters where they dressed her in an elaborate gown, made of shimmering satin and accented with delicate embroidery. The gown fell to the floor in a waterfall of liquid silver, complementing the deep hue of her olive skin. It fit her perfectly, accentuating her features while still maintaining a certain degree of modesty. Once she was satisfied with the outcome, the tailors helped her put on the finishing touches. Her hair was styled in intricate braids, adorned with small white flowers. She wore a circlet made of twisted vines and adorned with tiny crystals. Her makeup was subtle but expertly applied, bringing out her natural beauty. As she made her way back to the square, she could hear the collective gasps and murmurs of the crowd as they took in her appearance. She blushed slightly, but held her head high, enjoying the attention.
Lorne sat back and sipped his ale, his eyes taking in the festive scene. Around him, the familiar faces of the Silverguard drifted in and out of view, each caught up in their own conversations and amusements. To his left, Deneve and Urien were engaged in a heated debate about the merits of heavy armor versus lighter gear, their voices rising as their frustration grew. Lorne tuned out their arguments, his attention instead drawn to Kaela, who had taken to the stage and was entertaining the crowd with a series of acrobatic feats. Her lithe body arched and curved gracefully through the air, her feet landing with barely a sound on the wooden planks. Lorne watched with admiration, his gaze lingering on the smooth curve of her calves and the lean lines of her arms. He had known her for as long as he could remember, and he had never seen her this carefree and playful. She seemed like a different person, her demeanor light and relaxed in a way he had never experienced. He sighed inwardly, his thoughts drifting to the unspoken words that hung between them. Kaela had always been the closest to him, both in age and in temperament. They had spent countless hours training together, pushing each other to the limits of their endurance, developing a bond of trust and camaraderie that blossomed into something deeper as the years went by. Yet, despite their closeness, he had rarely seen this side of her, the light-hearted and mischievous aspect that surfaced as she whirled and tumbled across the stage. Kaela caught his eye, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips as she winked and blew a kiss in his direction. He responded with a roll of his eyes, but his lips betrayed him with the hint of a smile. Kaela''s antics drew a laugh from the crowd, and she bowed with a flourish, receiving a shower of applause and cheers. She stepped off the stage and rejoined Lorne, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Enjoying the show, commander?" she teased, leaning in to whisper into his ear. "Or perhaps, you''re enjoying something else entirely..." He suppressed a shiver at the warmth of her breath against his skin and fixed her with a stern stare. "You''re incorrigible, you know that?" She chuckled, giving him an unabashed smile. "Always, when it comes to you." Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and tugged him away from his seat. "Come on, it''s time to dance. You can''t sit here drinking all night, you know." Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be pulled towards the makeshift dance floor, where couples were already beginning to spin and twirl to the lilting melody of the music. He settled a hand on her hip, feeling the warmth of her skin through the fabric of her dress. She rested her hand on his shoulder, their other hands entwined together as they began to sway to the rhythm of the song. Her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, he could see beyond the usual mischievousness to the warmth and affection that lay beneath. A blush crept into his cheeks, and he dipped his head, breaking their gaze. "Look at me," she murmured, her voice low and seductive. "Don''t look away." Lorne''s eyes flickered back to hers, and he swallowed hard as he drank in the intensity of her stare. There was no doubt in his mind that she was deliberately trying to undo him, to get under his skin and leave him flustered and wanting. And damned if it wasn''t working. "I don''t know what you''re doing, but¡ª" His words were cut off by the press of her lips against his, stealing the breath from his lungs. The kiss was soft and sweet, and Lorne felt his body responding to the contact before his mind fully registered what was happening. She pulled back, a satisfied smirk playing at her lips as she traced a finger along his jaw. "That''s more like it," she purred. "Now, dance with me." The music swelled, and they began to move in time with the melody, their bodies pressed close together as they swayed and spun. Despite his earlier reluctance, Lorne found himself reveling in the moment, the feeling of Kaela''s body against his, the smell of her perfume, the taste of her lips. It was intoxicating, and he didn''t want it to end. In that brief moment, he understood what she had meant, the importance of letting loose and allowing himself to enjoy the pleasures of life. Perhaps she had a point, after all. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "What am I going to do with you?" he mumbled, his voice barely audible over the music. She simply smiled and leaned in for another kiss, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. "Whatever you want."
Bjorn nibbled on a roasted chicken leg, his eyes darting around the square as his companions conversed. He hadn''t expected the Harvest Festival to be quite so loud and vibrant. The colorful decorations, the cheerful music, the aroma of spices and foods from various cultures¡ªit reminded him of the festivals back in Hrafnsteinn. Compared to the early days of Ebonheim''s founding and the subsequent years that followed, this year''s festival was markedly different. The addition of the new settlers had brought with it a freshness and energy that had been sorely lacking in the past. "So, how are you enjoying the festival so far?" Olav inquired, his gaze fixed on Bjorn, his milky-white eyes seeming to look through rather than at his surroundings. "It''s certainly an improvement," Bjorn admitted, his thoughts straying to the years past when the festival had consisted of little more than a communal meal and a few songs. "Though I must admit, I''m a bit overwhelmed by the noise." "Aye," Thorsten chimed in, his eyes roving over the crowd. "I reckon this lot would be right at home back in our old stomping grounds." The trio exchanged a wistful glance, memories of festivals past playing through their minds. Ingrid approached their table, her presence cutting through the melancholy like a ray of sunshine through a storm cloud. "The festivities are finally underway. How are the three of you enjoying the food?" Ingrid asked cheerfully, placing a plate of lamb kofta kebabs before them. The dish was seasoned with fragrant spices, complemented by a cooling yogurt dip. "It''s quite delicious," Olav remarked, taking a bite. "I''ve not tasted such exotic flavors in a long time. Hrafnsteinn never had access to such delicacies." Thorsten nodded his agreement, chewing heartily. "Aye, I''ve already gotten used to the simpler fare we have in Ebonheim, but I daresay these new dishes are worth the trouble." Ingrid nodded, her face alight with pride. "Yes, I had a feeling you might appreciate it. I''ll pass on your compliments to Hilda; she was quite pleased with the results." "It''s quite lovely, isn''t it?" Ingrid added, her tone growing softer as she gazed into the distance. "All these people, coming together in celebration, from various walks of life, sharing their customs and traditions. I suppose Ebonheim is one of the few places in the world where that''s possible." "Indeed," Olav agreed. "Such unity is rare, especially given the tensions and conflicts between the gods of various domains." There was a thoughtful silence as the four of them contemplated the rarity of such a harmonious gathering. "Still, I''m glad to be able to share this with you all," Ingrid said at last, her smile returning as she patted Bjorn''s shoulder. "It''s good to be surrounded by friends in moments like these." With those parting words, she turned to go, leaving the men to their meals and musings. Olav reached for another kebab, his gnarled fingers grasping the stick with surprising dexterity. Thorsten let out a belch, followed by a guffaw as he raised a tankard in appreciation for the evening. Bjorn closed his eyes, savoring the flavor of the meat and the spicy heat of the sauce. Together, they watched the people flow in and out of the square, caught up in the joyous spirit of the festival.
Orin and Serelle lingered at the outskirts of the crowd, their gazes following the various performers and exhibits scattered across the village center. Orin sipped his drink as he absorbed the sights, the scent of smoke and honey tickling his senses. Serelle nudged Orin, pointing at the mechanical marvel that spun in a graceful circle at the center of the square. "Hey, look at that. Isn''t that the automaton that Evelyne had been working on?" Orin squinted his eyes at the moving figure, taking in the fluid movement and intricate details of the creation. "Yeah, that''s definitely her handiwork. I can tell by the craftsmanship." He tossed back the rest of his drink, before sauntering over to take a closer look at the automaton. Serelle trailed behind, curious to see how the device functioned. They arrived at the automaton just as the performance was ending. The contraption gave a final twirl, before coming to a halt, its arms slowly lowering to its sides. It stood motionless, its lifeless eyes staring blankly at the audience. The crowd broke into enthusiastic applause, and several children ran to examine the contraption more closely. They poked and prodded at the gears and joints, marveling at the metal construction. Orin stepped forward, reaching out to inspect the inner workings of the automaton. He ran a gloved hand across the cool, metal surface, taking note of the various parts and mechanisms that made up the machine. Serelle observed intently from a safe distance. Although he would never admit it out loud, Orin was slightly envious of the intricate workmanship and complex design of the automaton. It was clear that Evelyne had put a significant amount of time and effort into the construction, and the results showed. His own creations, though impressive in their own way, lacked the level of precision and intricacy that Evelyne and the upper echelon of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair brought to their creations. The magitech he showcased was more about flash and spectacle¡ªa means to dazzle and amaze by augmenting arcana with mechanics¡ªrather than achieving a specific purpose, like the automaton before him. It was a sobering realization. As if reading his mind, Serelle came up to him, grinning. "Feeling inadequate?" "Hardly," Orin scoffed, attempting to brush off her remark. "I merely appreciate the fine craftsmanship involved. It''s quite a feat, you have to admit." Serelle arched an eyebrow at him, her lips pursing skeptically. "Uh-huh, sure. That''s not what that grimace says, though. You know, for someone so proud of being an ''expert inventor,'' you seem pretty put off by Evelyne''s work. Care to share?" "Nothing," Orin muttered, shaking his head as he began to turn away. "Just thinking out loud." Serelle blocked his path, her expression softening as she placed a hand on his arm. "Hey, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to tease." "No, I know. It''s fine." An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the faint sounds of laughter and music. Serelle shuffled her feet, her eyes fixed on the ground as she gathered her thoughts. "I didn''t want to say anything, but I...I always thought you were incredible. Your designs, your ideas. Everything you''ve done has always left me amazed at how your mind works, you know?" Serelle began, her voice soft. "And yeah, maybe Evelyne''s stuff is a bit fancier, but at the end of the day, I think your work is amazing. It''s unique, it''s inventive, it makes people smile. That''s what''s most important, isn''t it?" Orin met Serelle''s gaze, surprised by the sincerity of her words. The warmth in her eyes made his cheeks flush, and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, not quite sure how to respond. "Thank you, Serelle," he managed, clearing his throat and squaring his shoulders as he recovered. "I appreciate that." Serelle smiled, squeezing his arm lightly. "Of course. I''ll always have your back, you know that. Just because you''re an artificer doesn''t mean you have to compete with Evelyne. She''s got her own niche, and you''ve got yours. So, don''t sell yourself short, alright?" Orin nodded, his spirits lifting a little. "You''re right, I shouldn''t compare myself. It''s a nice gesture, that''s all. Nothing more." "Exactly," Serelle affirmed, smiling at him. She linked her arm with his, leading him away from the automaton. "Now come on, there''s plenty more to see and do. We can''t just stand here talking about the same old thing all night." As they headed back into the throngs of people, Orin glanced over his shoulder, sparing one last look at the elegant machine. Despite himself, a sense of satisfaction washed over him as he realized that, perhaps, his own contributions mattered as much as those of anyone else. After all, innovation often came in many forms, and even Evelyne herself could benefit from a dash of imagination now and again.
When the moon rose in the sky and the stars peeked out from the clouds, the bonfires were lit, illuminating the air in an ethereal glow. The festival reached its climax with the unveiling of the decorative Magilumina spheres that Evelyne and the others had prepared. Each one floated through the air, shining with an inner radiance. The orbs changed color and shape as the music swelled, creating a symphony of light and sound that entranced the crowd. Finally, the moment they had all been waiting for arrived. Evelyne returned to the stage, accompanied by a group of performers, including Viviane, Emile, and a handful of artificers. They announced the next performance, a personal presentation of their own design, meant to symbolize their gratitude and devotion to their delectable patron, Ebonheim. Evelyne was clad in an elegant gown of midnight blue fabric, the edges embroidered with silver thread in patterns resembling delicate snowflakes. The shoulders and sleeves were accented with silver lace trim, while the bodice and skirt were adorned with swirls of crystalline beads forming stylized frost motifs. Silver and blue silken ribbons flowed from the waist, and tiny gemstones sparkled around her neck and wrists, catching the light with each sway of her arms. She held a small, silver-hued basket filled with flower petals in her hand. Her hair was woven with tiny blue flowers and ribbons, braided loosely and falling to her shoulders. Her skin gleamed in the glow of magi-crystals strung in strands amid the branches, emphasizing the contours of her face and highlighting the glistening of her green eyes. Viviane appeared beside Evelyne, wearing an exquisite gown of crimson and gold, with accents of silver. Her blond locks were swept up in an elegant twist, and her fair skin glowed in the firelight. Emile entered the stage, resplendent in a gown of emerald green and silver, her chestnut hair flowing freely over her shoulders, framing her youthful face. The three women lead the rest of the ensemble, making their way to the center of the stage. Music filled the air as they began their performance, a melange of soft stringed instruments, pulsating percussion, and soaring vocals. Their bodies moved with fluid grace, the lights of the Magilumina spheres shifting hue as the melody crested and fell, reflecting the emotional nuances of the piece. Evelyne led the troupe, her voice clear and melodious, while Viviane and Emile supported her with their own distinctive tones. The words spoke of a tale of longing and loneliness, of isolation and separation. However, they also told a story of hope, of finding solace and companionship in the most unlikely of places. Ebonheim stood in the front row, watching the performance with rapt attention. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she listened to the lyrics, feeling a stirring in her heart. The music rose to a crescendo, the colors of the Magilumina spheres swirling and flickering as the performers danced. The performance reached its conclusion as Evelyne sprinkled the petals from her basket, sending the cascading blossoms swirling through the air in a shimmering cloud. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheering and whistling in appreciation of the remarkable show. Evelyne and the other performers bowed, accepting the well-deserved praise. Ebonheim stood at the front, applauding along with the rest of the audience. Her cheeks were wet with tears, but her lips curved in a contented smile. Memories of her visit to the city of Byllais flashed through her mind. While the concert that Ariastra had taken her to was grand and spectacular, the performance Evelyne and the others had just put on rivaled¡ªno, surpassed¡ªit. Maybe it was because of how deeply personal their song was. The lyrics touched upon feelings that Ebonheim herself could relate to. She sniffled softly, dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. The trio of performers descended from the stage, and the music was replaced with something more festive and lighthearted. People broke off into pairs, dancing to the spirited tune. Others milled about, chatting and laughing, enjoying the ambiance of the evening. Viviane drifted to one side, joining the artificers, while Emile headed to where the musicians sat, no doubt ready to flirt with anyone who would pay her heed. Ebonheim noticed Evelyne approaching, her emerald gaze gleaming in the light. She stopped in front of the goddess, her lips curved in a charming smile. "Ma d¨¦esse, you''re absolutely radiant tonight," Evelyne murmured, her voice soft and husky. "Did you like our performance?" Ebonheim nodded, returning the smile. "It was truly magnificent, Evelyne," she replied sincerely. "The lyrics and the choreography...everything about it was just breathtaking." "We''re honored by your praise," Evelyne replied, taking Ebonheim by the hand. "May I have this dance?" Before she could reply, Evelyne whisked her away, twirling and dipping her with practiced ease. Ebonheim stumbled slightly, not used to being the one who was caught off guard, but she soon found her footing, her body instinctively moving in sync with the rhythm. Evelyne kept one hand firmly clasped with hers, while the other rested gently on her waist, guiding her through the steps. She led her through a series of turns and spins, the silk of their dresses flowing around them in a shimmering trail. The lights of the Magilumina spheres cast a kaleidoscope of colors over the two, illuminating their forms as they moved, their eyes locked on each other. Ebonheim felt herself becoming lost in Evelyne''s gaze, the world around her fading to a dull buzzing noise. The crowd parted, giving the pair space as they danced. Cheers and applause echoed around them, but Ebonheim hardly registered the commotion. All she could focus on was the sensation of Evelyne''s hand on her waist, the warmth of her breath on her cheek, and the intoxicating scent of her perfume. As the last notes of the song faded away, Evelyne brought the dance to a stop, pulling Ebonheim flush against her. They remained in place, gazing at each other. Evelyne''s cheeks were flushed, and she seemed slightly breathless, though not from the exertion of the dance. Unceremoniously, Evelyne fainted in Ebonheim''s embrace, nearly toppling to the ground, but Ebonheim quickly caught her, holding her close. Eh?! Wait...deja vu? This was the second time Evelyne fainted in front of her. Ebonheim cradled Evelyne''s head in her arms, concerned. Viviane and Emile rushed over, helping Ebonheim lift the unconscious artificer. They carried her to an empty bench, resting her against the backrest. "Is she alright?" Ebonheim asked worriedly. Viviane stifled a snicker, while Emile attempted to cover her mouth, failing to contain her amusement. "Yes, she''ll be fine, I imagine," Viviane managed to respond through her laughter. "I think it''s safe to say she''s had a bit too much excitement for the evening." Emile chuckled. "Yeah, don''t worry, goddess. Our lovely Evelyne simply needs to rest. I''m sure she''ll be back to her usual self tomorrow morning." Ebonheim heaved a sigh of relief, glad to know that Evelyne would be okay. Maybe Evelyne had a condition where her emotions affected her health? It wasn''t common, but Ebonheim had seen a few people experience similar symptoms. She''ll have to try and find an ability or skill to help with that if possible. She carefully ran a hand over Evelyne''s forehead, brushing stray strands of hair away from her face. "We can take it from here, goddess. Go enjoy the rest of the celebration. We''ll make sure Evelyne gets home safely." Emile reassured her. "Thank you, Emile, Viviane," Ebonheim said with a smile. With a final glance at the sleeping artificer, Ebonheim turned and made her way back into the throng of people. Deep into the night, the festival eventually winded down, and the people retired to their homes. The fires died down to smoldering embers, the Magilumina spheres'' light dimmed, and the sounds of merrymaking faded away. Ebonheim watched the goings-on from a distance, leaning against the trunk of a tree, the faintest of smiles on her lips. It was a special night, and she wanted to savor every moment. The quiet peace settled over the village, and Ebonheim let out a contented sigh. She hoped this would mark a new chapter of prosperity and growth for her people, and she resolved to do all she could to make it so. Season 2 Characters, Lore, Sneak Peak! Sneak Peak Next Story Arc... Time for Adventure!
LORE Arcanist Overview: Arcanists are the esteemed scholars and practitioners of arcane magic in the world, dedicating their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magic. They are the pioneers at the frontier of magical theory, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is known and what can be achieved through the manipulation of magical forces. Training and Lifestyle: Becoming an Arcanist requires years of study, often under the tutelage of a master. Many Arcanists are affiliated with academies or guilds where knowledge is shared and magical experiments are conducted. These institutions serve as both schools and research facilities, pushing the envelope of arcane knowledge. Arcanists are typically solitary, given to long hours of study and experimentation. Their quest for knowledge can take them to the far corners of the world, seeking ancient texts, lost artifacts, and places of power. This profession attracts those with a keen intellect, an insatiable curiosity, and a relentless drive to uncover the world''s secrets. Equipment and Attire: Arcanists are often seen with tomes, scrolls, and various arcane implements that assist in their spellcasting. They may wear robes inscribed with magical runes or carry staves that serve as focal points for their power. Their attire and gear are not just for show; each piece is meticulously chosen for its magical properties and the benefits it provides to their arcane endeavors. In Society: In society, Arcanists are respected for their knowledge and feared for their power. They often serve as advisors to rulers, offering insights gleaned from their studies. Some may choose to isolate themselves in pursuit of their research, while others take a more active role in the world, applying their knowledge for the betterment or defense of their communities.
Artificer Overview: Artificers are the ingenious inventors and creators of the world, blending magic and technology to forge wonders of Magitech. They see no division between the arcane and the mechanical, instead merging these disciplines to produce devices that are both functional and fantastical. Artificers are responsible for many of the magical conveniences and powerful weapons that exist in the world, from enchanted armor to airships powered by arcane energy. Training and Lifestyle: Training as an Artificer involves both academic study and hands-on experimentation. Many learn their trade through apprenticeships, working under the guidance of experienced Artificers. Others might attend specialized institutions that offer courses in both magical and technical subjects. Artificers are often found in workshops or laboratories, surrounded by their latest projects. Their work requires a blend of creativity, precision, and an understanding of both arcane theory and practical mechanics. They are inventors and tinkerers at heart, always dreaming up new ideas and striving to make them a reality. Equipment and Attire: Artificers are usually equipped with tools of their trade, including hammers, wrenches, and arcane instruments, all designed to work on their Magitech creations. Their attire is practical, often with plenty of pockets for tools and materials, though they may also wear protective gear to safeguard against the hazards of their work. In Society: In society, Artificers are celebrated for their contributions to technological advancement and the quality of life. They are often employed by governments, militaries, or wealthy patrons who seek to harness their unique skills. Some Artificers choose to operate independently, selling their inventions or offering their services to the highest bidder.
Martial Rites Overview: Martial Rites are a prestigious and potent form of combat practiced by elite warriors across the world. Unlike the arcane spells of Arcanists or the Magitech enchantments of Artificers, Martial Rites harness the wielder''s mana to execute attacks that blur the line between martial prowess and magic. These techniques are not merely displays of skillful swordsmanship but are imbued with supernatural effects, enabling feats beyond the scope of ordinary physical combat. Learning and Mastery: Learning Martial Rites is a lifelong journey, often beginning under the tutelage of a seasoned master. Many schools and dojos across the world specialize in teaching these techniques, each with its own philosophy and methods. Mastery requires not only physical strength and agility but also mental discipline and a deep connection to one¡¯s mana. Progression through the ranks of various Martial Rites is marked by an increase in the complexity and potency of the techniques a practitioner can execute. Advanced practitioners can combine multiple Rites in quick succession or adapt their techniques to the flow of battle, making them unpredictable and formidable opponents. In Society: Martial Rites are not merely techniques of war; they are a symbol of honor, discipline, and power. Practitioners are often held in high regard, serving as elite guards, revered instructors, or esteemed adventurers. The mastery of Martial Rites can elevate a warrior''s status, granting them fame, fortune, and in some cases, a place in legend.
Aetherframe Overview: The Aetherframes represent a bygone era, an echelon of Magitech power from an ancient civilization that current Artificers can only dream of reaching. These Magitech battlesuits stand at a looming three meters tall, transforming their wearers into veritable juggernauts on the battlefield. Derived from scattered blueprints, preserved artifacts, and half-remembered legends, the Aetherframes is the modern Artificer''s attempt to recreate the marvels of the past. Though their designs are considered crude imitations, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Appearance and Build: Aetherframes resemble humanoid suits of armor but stand an imposing three meters. They are powered by crystalline cores, remnants of the Aetherium Epoch, which imbue the suits with both energy and a semblance of consciousness. To operate an Aetherframe, the wearer must attune their mana with the core, establishing a mental link. Operators describe the experience as "dancing with a partner from the past," as they need to harmonize their intentions with the semi-aware suit. Capabilities: An Aetherframe grants its wearers enhanced strength, speed, and resilience. Some armaments come equipped with retractable blades, integrated crossbows, or even mechanisms that allow for short bursts of flight or underwater movement. Due to the crystalline cores'' magical nature, Aetherframes can have various enchantments based on the skill of the Artificer and the availability of ancient blueprints. Common enchantments include rune warding, levity plating, elemental infusions, and sensory enhancements. The operator can imbue their mana into the frame to temporarily enhance their control, strength, speed, or to fuel any enchantments installed into the frame. Limitations: Since the modern understanding of the ancient tech-magic fusion is incomplete, Aetherframes are often plagued with inconsistencies. Some might overheat after prolonged use, while others might drain the Aetherium Epoch quicker than anticipated. Over-relying on their powers or pushing them too hard can cause the crystalline cores to fracture or the suit to malfunction. The semi-conscious nature of the armaments means they sometimes resist the operator''s commands or exhibit behaviors from past battles, often leaving operators to wonder if the spirits of ancient warriors still reside within.
Characters A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Name: Viviane de Fleur Occupation: Aetherframe Engineer and Operator for Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair Class: Artificer Skills: Magitech crafting, arcane diagnostics, alchemical brewing. Age: 23 Height: 163 cm Diet: Loves experimenting with flavors; enjoys spicy food. Likes: Tinkering, new discoveries, sunrises. Dislikes: Stagnation, being underestimated. Motives: Push the boundaries of what Magitech can achieve. Goals: Set up a state-of-the-art Magitech lab in Ebonheim.
Name: Ingrid Lysgaard Occupation: Warrior Class: Shieldmaiden Skills: Weaponmaster, Martial Rites: Shield Arts, leadership Weapon: Skjaldm?reier - Charge Blade (Sword and Shield/Great Axe) Age: 26 Height: 178 cm Likes: Mead, Hrafnsteinn sagas, stargazing. Dislikes: Dishonor, betrayal. Motives: Uphold the honor and traditions of her people. Goals: Ensure the exiles of Hrafnsteinn find their place in Ebonheim.
Name: Lorne Miradan Occupation: Leader of the Silverguard Company Class: Mercenary Commander Skills: Master tactician, Martial Rites: Swort Arts, leadership Age: 30 Height: 188 cm Diet: Meat-heavy dishes, ale Likes: Training sessions, strategy games, tales of valor Dislikes: Cowardice, betrayal, bureaucracy Motives: Redeem the Silverguard''s tarnished honor Goals: Secure a lasting contract for his men, ensuring their prosperity
Name: Kaela AKA: "Shadowhawk" Occupation: Stealth and Reconnaissance Expert of Silverguard Class: Shadow Assassin Skills: Infiltration, silent takedowns, intelligence gathering, Martial Rites: Shadowdancer Age: 26 Height: 174 cm Diet: Light and easily digestible meals, clear water Likes: Nighttime, Lorne Dislikes: Tomfoolery Motives: Follow Lorne and extend the influence of the Silverguards Goals: To marry Lorne and have a peaceful life.
Name: Urien Heywood Occupation: Silverguard Enforcer Class: Warhammer Warrior Skills: Crushing blows, battlefield awareness, fortifications. Age: 36 Height: 194 cm Diet: Meat-heavy meals, loves hearty stews. Likes: Crafting, ale, fornicating, moments of solitude. Dislikes: Loud noises, unnecessary cruelty. Motives: Protect his comrades and live an extravagant life. Goals: Train the next generation of Silverguard warriors. To have a family with lots of children.
Name: Deneve Redwind Occupation: Mercenary Vice Captain Class: Duelist Skills: Dual-wielding, tactics, Martial Rites: Blood Arts Age: 25 Height: 172 cm Diet: Balanced meals; has a particular liking for spiced wine. Likes: Bantering, fornicating, chess, clear strategies, evenings by the campfire. Dislikes: Dishonor, backstabbing. Motives: Ensure her company''s legacy and well-being. Goals: Establish a permanent base for the Silverguard Company in Ebonheim.
Name: Orin Webb Occupation: Leader of the Ethervein Enclave Class: Artificer Skills: Device crafting, elemental binding, Magitech diagnostics Age: 22 Height: 170 cm Diet: Energy-infused potions and standard meals Likes: Inventions, breakthroughs, Magitech Dislikes: Rowdy people, vulgar topics, careless actions Motives: Revolutionize Magitech applications and make them accessible to more people. Goals: To merge Magitech with the natural wonders of the world
Name: Serelle Clement Occupation: Magitech Historian, Arcane Scholar Class: Arcanist Skills: Ancient language decryption, arcane lore, spellweaving Age: 27 Height: 168 cm Likes: Books, quiet contemplation, tutoring eager minds Dislikes: Ignorance, hasty decisions, indecisiveness Motives: Preserve and pass down the knowledge of Arcana and lost Epochs. Goals: Establish a renowned library in Ebonheim
Name: Evelyne Blaise Occupation: Lead Artificer & Arcanist of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair Class: Artificer and Arcanist Skills: Advanced rune crafting, Magitech integration, Arcane synthesis Age: 28 Height: 172 cm Diet: Primarily vegetarian with a penchant for exotic fruits. Likes: Discovering new arcane theories, and the soft glow of magi-crystals. Dislikes: Narrow-mindedness, disruptions during her work. Motives: Pushing the boundaries of what Magitech can achieve. Goals: Establish a grand Magitech academy within Ebonheim.
Important Announcement! March 25th marks the first anniversary since releasing Saga of Ebonheim here on Royal Road. I''m planning on publishing the first book of this story on Kindle Unlimited by the end of that month. The book will cover chapters 1 through 79, so those chapters will be stubbed afterward. I''ll be doing some editing passes on the first several chapters during the coming weeks but it shouldn''t impact the weekly release schedule (backlog is currently up to chapter 120 over at my Patreon for those who want to read ahead). I don''t think it''ll need heavy revisions so nothing major will change between both versions. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Let me know in the comments below what you think I should fix, need improvements on, or keep doing more of. I mentioned earlier that the story is more GameLit/LitRPG-lite, especially in the later chapters when I minimized the number of combat notifications. I''m wondering if that''ll put off potential readers of the genre... Anyway, that''s all the announcement I have. Look forward to the next story arc! Zanafar Chapter 100: Verdant Pathway, A Pleasant Trip? 16th of Frostflee, 1370 Winter had come to an end, and the first buds of spring were beginning to blossom on the trees and shrubs. The chill of winter still lingered in the air, but the gentle warmth of the sun was steadily rising, melting the snow and ice that had blanketed the land. Ebonheim took a deep breath, savoring the crispness of the breeze, as she watched the townsfolk go about their daily tasks. Children chased each other, shrieking with laughter, while adults went about their business, their spirits lifted by the promise of new growth. It had already been eight months since the new settlers arrived, and the town had continued to grow, both in size and prosperity. Relationships among the different groups had strengthened, and everyone had begun to blend their various cultures, creating a unique, cohesive whole. The Akashic System displayed the current status of the major construction projects for each faction: [Construction Quests Status] Deep Miners of Gorgandale: The Stoneheart Chamber - 100% Complete Ethervein Enclave: The Conduit Chamber - 100% Complete Hrafnsteinn Exiles: Yrsta Klettur - 63% Complete Silverguard Company: Farrador Keep - 11% Complete Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair: La Salle de M¨¦canique - 37% Complete She noted the progress being made on the various facilities, each of which were designed to support the growth and development of the respective factions. The Stoneheart Chamber and The Conduit Chamber were already fully operational, having been completed thanks to the dedicated efforts of their builders. Yrsta Klettur was currently being constructed, overseen by Bjorn and his fellow Hrafnsteinn. She couldn''t wait to see its completion. The Silverguard Company''s fortification, on the other hand, was progressing at a slower pace, due to the amount of materials and labor needed. Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair also suffered delays. From what Ebonheim heard, the construction of the machinery required for their specialized forging processes had hit a few bumps in the road. She could only offer her condolences and encourage them to keep up the good work.. A fresh gust of wind whipped across the field, stirring her thoughts. She stepped towards the edge of the town, near the perimeter of the forest. One quest appeared recently, after the elders of the town gathered for their weekly council meeting, discussing various matters before the assembled crowd: [Quest] The Verdant Pathway [Objective] Establish a road that leads to the eastern entrance of the Eldergrove Valley [Details] Using the ''Path of the Earthen Passage'' ability, create a road that links your settlement to the eastern entrance of the valley. [Rewards] +15 Prosperity Points, +10 Sustainability Achievements [Progress] 0% Complete Ebonheim sighed, remembering the time she was tasked with creating the road that led to the western entrance of the valley using her powers. The journey had been quite eventful¡ªshe''d encountered Elmsworth, freed Aelindra from the corruption of a strange magitech device, and got to befriend Ivera who accompanied her afterward. While the task had been tedious, Ebonheim was thankful for the opportunity to connect the village to the outside world, which led to the influx of new settlers that now called Ebonheim home. This new quest, however, seemed like it would take longer, according to what Roderick had told her. The journey through the eastern region of the valley was more treacherous than the western part. From what Th''maine had told her, ancient beasts, hostile spirits, and anomalies wrought from an Elemental Conflux that happened long ago existed throughout the vast area. As such, establishing a path eastward required extensive exploration and preparation... Which led Ebonheim to her current situation. "Almost ready, lass!" Thorsten''s booming voice cut through the din of the preparations, snapping Ebonheim''s attention back to the present. The Ulfhendar stood by the mules, securing the saddlebags and readying the supplies for the expedition. Ingrid approached, her long, braided blonde hair bouncing slightly with each step. "Aye, we''ve loaded everything we need," the shieldmaiden said, flashing a crooked grin. "Ready to set out when you are." Meanwhile, Lorne leaned against the side of the wagon, absently rubbing the hilt of his sword. The mercenary leader''s dark, stormy eyes were focused on the road ahead, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Urien sat on the wagon''s bench, idly whittling a piece of wood with his knife, his massive frame draped in furs and chainmail. Nearby, Serelle adjusted her goggles, testing the arcane circuitry that powered the intricate lenses. The arcanist fiddled with the straps and buckles on her gear, muttering to herself as she triple-checked the enchantments on her tools. Lastly, Viviane inspected her mechanized crossbow, making sure the contraption was functional. The artificer''s slender fingers traced over the arcane runes engraved on the steel, checking for any imperfections or defects. The group of adventurers had assembled, ready for the expedition. Ebonheim gazed at the gathering, a mixture of emotions swelling in her heart. On one hand, she appreciated the enthusiasm and dedication of the expedition party. But on the other hand, it would have been much more efficient if she made the journey by herself. All that the journey really entailed was her repeatedly casting her ability to create and extend a continuous dirt road, after all. As far as any dangers that would be present...she was a goddess! A lesser goddess, yes, but at the zenith stage of her progression, nonetheless. What kind of monster would be strong enough to stand against her power? She had already made the journey to the grove where the yearly gathering of the Lords of the Eldergrove took place, so she had a rough idea of which paths would be easiest to traverse and what kinds of areas to avoid. Having to account for people that she might need to protect would certainly slow the pace of the progress considerably... Ebonheim did her best to squash the negative thoughts as she pushed her apprehensiveness aside. It had been a long while since she''d left the village, and it would be good to have the company. "Ah, there you are, ma d¨¦esse." Evelyne''s soft, melodious voice pulled Ebonheim from her thoughts, and she turned to meet the green eyes of the artificer. She held a basket out for her. "For you," the artificer said. "Some pastries and snacks for the journey. A little something to tide you over during your journey." "Thank you, Evelyne," Ebonheim accepted the gift, taking a whiff of the aroma wafting from the assortment of treats within. "I''ll be sure to enjoy them." "Safe travels, Goddess," Evelyne said with a warm smile. "We''ll be here waiting for your return." Evelyne approached Viviane and placed a hand on the blonde girl''s shoulder. "Serve her well, hmm? You represent the prestige of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair while you''re on this journey." "Yes, Evelyne," Viviane gave the woman a salute and a grin. Evelyne leaned close, and Ebonheim could barely make out what she whispered to Viviane. "If I find out that you''ve caused our goddess any trouble, you will be cleaning our workshops from top to bottom for a month. Vous comprenez?" "Oui, Madame!" Viviane gave the older woman a cheeky two-fingered salute before running to join the group of adventurers. Ebonheim shook her head, her lips curving into an amused smile at the exchange. Ingrid raised an arm, signaling for the group to begin the march. The mules began to pull the wagon, and they set out on the dirt road leading away from the village, the early morning sun shining brightly overhead.
The weather was perfect for travel. The air was crisp and cool, while the sunlight provided enough warmth without being uncomfortable. Ebonheim enjoyed the gentle breeze as it played with her hair, occasionally tickling her skin. Urien drove the mule-drawn wagon, managing the reins expertly as he steered the vehicle along the dirt path. The big man hummed an ancient saga as he traveled, his deep bassy voice rumbling along with the creaking wheels. Thorsten joined in the humming, his baritone harmonizing with Urien''s deep tenor. The forest scenery passed by slowly, and Lorne scouted the surrounding areas, keeping watch for any threats. Serelle spent much of her time examining the various plants and fungi along the side of the road, noting the specimens she deemed useful or rare. Viviane kept close to Ebonheim, chatting with her about various topics. The artificer explained how the Aetherframes operated and the unique magitech circuitry used in their creation. Her technical descriptions went right over Ebonheim''s head, and she found herself nodding along politely. As they reached the edge of the road that headed west, the wagon stopped, and Ebonheim strode to the front, looking eastward. She placed one palm flat on the dirt and channeled her power. A moment later, a soft amber glow emanated from the point where her palm met the soil. The earth before them responded as if alive, the ground reshaping itself to her will. A road unfurled through the trees, a ribbon of smooth, compacted dirt that weaved between the ancient trunks. Roots and rocks melded into the path, creating a route that respected the natural order, yet promised safe passage. The group watched in awe, marveling at the display. As the new pathway continued to expand, reaching further and further into the forest, Ebonheim closed her eyes and focused on maintaining the spell until it reached the limit of her control. Thorsten let out a low whistle. "There''s an art to doing things by hand," he mused. "But there''s something to be said about what can be accomplished by a deity''s powers." Serelle nodded in agreement, tapping the end of her quill to her lips. "I''ve only witnessed the grand magics cast by an Archdruid achieve a similar feat. And even then, it required a ritual involving half a dozen druids." Thorsten stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on the newly-formed path. "Still, no one can deny the practicality of a path being created without having to go through the toils of cutting down trees and leveling the ground." Ebonheim inclined her head, acknowledging the compliments. "I appreciate the sentiments," she replied, allowing a sliver of a smile. "However, this was merely the first step in what will be a lengthy journey." Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Urien snapped the reins, urging the mules onward as the wagon lurched forward. Lorne rejoined the group, riding on his horse beside the wagon, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as he remained vigilant. "You know," Viviane spoke up as she entered the wagon. "Even if you''re stuck making the entire path by yourself, I''m happy we get to spend some time together. You''re so busy managing things in town most of the time, ma d¨¦esse. This gives us the chance to travel with you!" Ebonheim offered a wry smile in response to the remark, recognizing that Viviane likely intended it to be comforting, despite the less-than-encouraging phrasing. "I''ll have you know," she countered with mock sternness. "I have the utmost confidence that my companions will keep me safe as we travel the expanse of the Eastern territory." The young artificer gave her a lopsided smile and a thumbs-up, evidently oblivious to the lackluster impression Ebonheim''s comment had left. "That''s the spirit, ma d¨¦esse! I''m sure you have nothing to worry about." Ebonheim didn''t bother hiding the chuckle that escaped her lips, causing Viviane to tilt her head, puzzled. "What''s so funny?" "Never mind that," Ebonheim deflected with a shake of her head. "Let''s continue onwards. We have quite the way to go."
The group lapsed into silence as they followed the earthen path through the trees. Birds sang in the canopy above, and small creatures scurried among the roots and undergrowth. Occasionally, a distant howl or screech sounded, though none were too close to cause any alarm. The late morning sun shone high in the sky as they continued their trek, the forest providing shelter from its glare. However, the pleasant coolness of the day began to shift into a tepid warmth that made traveling feel almost muggy. Ebonheim walked behind the wagon, taking a brief respite from crafting the road ahead. Ingrid walked beside her, matching her pace. The shieldmaiden''s features were thoughtful, her eyes alert and cautious as she scanned the surroundings. Occasionally, Ebonheim caught her staring, but Ingrid quickly averted her gaze whenever their eyes met. It was odd behavior, but Ebonheim didn''t give it too much thought. She assumed that the warrior had something weighing on her mind but was hesitant to bring it up. After a few more minutes of silent walking, Ebonheim decided to ask, "Is there something bothering you, Ingrid?" Ingrid jumped at the question, blinking as if she hadn''t expected Ebonheim to address her directly. "Oh, no. Not at all, Goddess," she responded, offering a strained smile. "You seem tense. Is everything alright?" Ebonheim prodded gently. "I''ve noticed how you''ve been more withdrawn since our departure from town." Ingrid shuffled her feet, her fingers absentmindedly tugging at the frayed edges of her cloak. "It''s nothing, really..." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow. Ah...so that''s what it is. She had seen this kind of behavior often enough, mostly from people who struggled to express themselves. They would either remain silent or mumble incoherently, as if the words refused to take form in their mouths. Now that she thought about it, Ingrid often talked the least during her conversations with the rest of the group, unless prompted by questions. Even when she had invited Ingrid for dinner with Hilda, the shieldmaiden had remained largely silent, preferring to listen to Hilda and Ebonheim converse over sharing stories of her own. The only times that Ingrid had shown a more animated side of herself had been when speaking with the older Hrafnsteinn warriors like Thorsten and Bjorn, or when she needed to impart instructions in her role as the leader of her people. The shieldmaiden fidgeted in place, her brow furrowed and a scowl on her lips. She looked as if she were trying to solve a difficult puzzle. It would seem that being a stoic warrior had done a number on Ingrid. She must not be used to someone actually asking how she felt. Ebonheim had learned from Hilda how to coax the reluctant ones to speak their minds, so she continued probing. "So, Ingrid," Ebonheim inquired. "How does it feel being out on this trip, leaving behind all your usual duties in town?" The words seemed to fall out of Ingrid''s mouth like water from a broken dam, tumbling out in a rush. "To be honest, Goddess, I''m a bit overwhelmed," she admitted. "All the comforts and conveniences we have in Ebonheim¡ªthey''re all thanks to you, and they make life so much easier. We''re used to hardship and a tougher life in Hrafnsteinn, so stepping into such an established community has taken me and the rest of us by surprise." "I see," Ebonheim acknowledged. "It sounds like there''s more to your story than just that." "Well," Ingrid continued with a sigh. "We''ve always been taught to show strength and bravery, not weakness nor frailty. Talking about one''s troubles and feelings is considered shameful and unbecoming of a warrior. Weakness is a burden on others, and failure is unforgivable. Those who fail to live up to expectations are exiled from our community." She paused, seeming to contemplate her next words. "And since we''ve joined Ebonheim, I can''t help but be reminded of the people we left behind. People who I failed to protect." Ebonheim frowned. She could sense that there were layers upon layers to unpack here. She had long suspected as much from the few discussions she had had with Hilda, but hearing it from Ingrid solidified her hunch. "I''ve always had to lead," the warrior murmured, her gaze distant, lost in memories of the past. "Be strong, always be the brave shield protecting the weak. I can''t afford to falter, not even for a second." Ebonheim wanted to interject, but she also didn''t want to interrupt Ingrid. So, she kept quiet, listening intently to her words. Ingrid kicked at a pebble on the road, sending it skittering into the forest. "But sometimes I find myself feeling unworthy," she confessed. "I look at all you''ve done for us, all you''ve given us, and I can''t help but think that I haven''t contributed enough." Ebonheim paused mid-stride, turning to face the troubled shieldmaiden. "Is that why you decided to come along with the group on this expedition?" "I can''t bear to stay idle when I can provide assistance." Ingrid straightened her posture, meeting Ebonheim''s gaze. "Goddess, please forgive me for not being forthright with my worries," she pleaded. "I should be grateful for all that you''ve done for our people, instead of focusing on my shortcomings. It is unbecoming of me to impose my burdens on you." Ebonheim patted Ingrid reassuringly on the shoulder. "We''re all part of this community, Ingrid," she began. "No one expects you to carry the weight of the world alone. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses; everyone can contribute something unique. All I ask is for you to focus on your gifts and talents, and find ways to use them to the benefit of all." The words seemed to hit Ingrid hard, and Ebonheim saw the resolve in the shieldmaiden''s eyes. "I will," Ingrid answered. "Thank you, Goddess." "No need to thank me," Ebonheim waved the gesture off. "Just consider yourself to be one of the many people I want to guide to success, okay? You''ve got nothing to prove. Just do whatever you can, and I''m sure everyone will be happy." The shieldmaiden''s lips curved in a lopsided smile. "Understood," she nodded. "I''ll try." The pair fell into a comfortable silence as they walked. They eventually caught up to the rest of the group, and the air filled with lively banter. Serelle had regaled Viviane with stories of her studies and experiments, and Thorsten entertained Urien and Lorne with tales of his exploits in battle. Ebonheim smiled. It was good to see the group getting along. Hours passed as they traveled, stopping occasionally to allow Ebonheim to forge more of the road, and to take short breaks for lunch. Serelle took on the role of the cartographer, advising Ebonheim on the direction and placement of the path and also sketching maps of the landscape as they explored. Despite Serelle''s efforts, Ebonheim had already committed the general lay of the land to memory. With every additional stretch of path, the information became clearer, etching itself onto her divine awareness. Meanwhile, Lorne ensured that the perimeter was clear, and the occasional forays into the forest yielded herbs and wild mushrooms that Serelle deemed valuable. Thorsten and Urien took turns driving the wagon, their constant banter lightening the mood on the road. Viviane pestered Thorsten with endless questions, wanting to know more about life in Hrafnsteinn, what hunting the giant monsters was like, and the epic battle tales that were always part of an Ulfhendar''s repertoire. At long last, the group settled by the shores of a vast lake, marking the end of the first day''s travel. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the trees and foliage, they busied themselves with pitching tents and preparing food. Later, once the campfire crackled cheerfully and a pot of stew bubbled over the flames, the group sat around the fire, enjoying their meal. "These herbs are excellent!" Serelle complimented as she popped another spoonful of broth and meat into her mouth. Viviane nodded enthusiastically, slurping down her portion of stew. "Mmmm, it''s delicious!" Thorsten chuckled, his booming laugh echoing through the clearing. "You can thank Lorne for those," he grinned. The Silverguard captain wore a slight smirk as he scooped up a spoonful of soup. "It''s nothing special, just common herbs found within the valley''s forest." "I don''t know about that, Commander," Urien added. "To me, this is a welcome change from the dried rations I''m used to eating on the battlefield." Lorne shrugged. "I just pay attention to things around me," he insisted. "Which is exactly why you make a good addition to the team," Ebonheim noted, taking a sip of stew. She was sitting cross-legged near the campfire, and the dancing flames cast a warm orange hue over her face. The taste of the simple yet flavorful meal brought a smile to her lips.
As twilight deepened, the night insects began their chorus, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of damp soil and leaves. Ebonheim, sitting on a fallen log, watched as stars glimmered in the sky, reflected in the lake''s rippling surface. They were already beyond the border of her divine domain, and she had already felt her powers weaken. Still, she was certain that she was powerful enough to ensure their safety from anything they''d encounter along the way. Even though she had every bit of confidence in their ability to fight as a capable group, Ebonheim still couldn''t help but be wary. The Eldergrove was home to many powerful magical beasts, and the few that she had encountered in the past were strong enough to easily match¡ªno, they were stronger¡ªthan Thorsten. The winter wolf that he had fought two years ago was average by Eldergrove standards. Hopefully her presence would be enough to ward away most predators. The other members of the party lounged nearby, relaxing after the long day of travel. Serelle had fallen asleep in her bedroll, her spectacles askew and her journal of sketches open beside her. Urien and Thorsten played a game of cards, betting over the contents of their backpacks as the two men joked and laughed. Lorne tended to the horses and mules, feeding and brushing them, murmuring quietly to the beasts as he checked their hooves and tack. Viviane sprawled out on a large boulder, humming a tune as she toyed with a handful of gears and cogs. Ingrid sat against a tree, quietly sharpening her blade, her eyes flitting toward the edge of the forest every now and then. Ebonheim stood, stretching her limbs as she inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet freshness of the air. She gazed wistfully at the calm waters of the lake, tempted by the notion of swimming in its cool depths. The lake by her town was nice and clear, but this one was different. The water was a rich, deep blue, so dark that it almost appeared black in the starlight. And while she knew there might be strange creatures lurking within its murky depths, the lake was vast enough that the possibility of encountering any of them was slim. Besides, she was a goddess. She could handle a little danger. She glanced at the group, pondering whether she should leave them for a short while to go for a quick dip. "You go for a swim, lass," Thorsten said, giving her a knowing grin. "We''ll keep watch here." Ebonheim gave him a grateful nod before heading towards the lake. After finding a secluded spot, she slipped out of her dress and let the fabric pool at her feet, revealing her slender, olive-skinned body. The cool night air caressed her bare skin, and she relished the sensation. She stretched languidly, closing her eyes and savoring the moment. Then, she walked into the lake, goosebumps breaking out across her skin as the cool water lapped at her ankles. The deeper she went, the cooler the water became, but the chill invigorated her. The night was silent save for the occasional splash of water as she moved through the lake. When she was in waist-deep water, Ebonheim took a moment to dunk herself fully underwater, immersing her face in the cool depths. Her iridescent silver hair billowed around her like a halo, glowing faintly in the darkness, and her skin tingled in the frigid depths. She came up for air, taking a deep breath. Then, she began to swim, her movements smooth and graceful. The act of moving through the water was refreshing, and the repetitive motions allowed her mind to wander freely. The journey thus far had been an enjoyable experience. The company of her friends was a pleasant distraction from what would have been a quiet and lonely journey otherwise. She probably would have asked Ivera to tag along if no one else had volunteered to go. Ebonheim let herself sink, her hair floating around her like a cloud of liquid mercury as she descended into the inky depths. She swam downward, reveling in the sensation of weightlessness. Her eyes glowed as her Divine Sight pierced through the darkness, and she gazed at the fish and other aquatic creatures that darted through the shadows. She observed them idly, noticing the details of their sleek, scaled forms as they flashed past her vision. When she grew bored of watching the fauna, she kicked herself back up to the surface, emerging with a gasp. She wiped her eyes, sweeping her hair back with a flick of her hand, and glanced at the shoreline, where the flickering lights of the campfire flickered through the trees. She had swam quite far out into the lake, and the shore seemed rather far away now. The moonlight reflected off the dark waters, making them shimmer like liquid silver, and the night air was chilly on her wet skin. As she treaded the waters, she saw the light from the campfire flicker erratically, as if a breeze had disturbed the flames. An instant later, a darkness deeper than the night enveloped the campsite, snuffing out the light and plunging the area into inky blackness. Ebonheim''s breath caught in her throat. What in the world is that?! Alarm flashed through her mind as her Divine Sight penetrated the unnatural gloom. The outlines of several shadowy shapes materialized in her field of view and approached the camp, stalking forward on soundless paws. They were larger and darker than ordinary wolves, and their forms wavered and shifted in the darkness like smoke. Her eyes widened as she realized what was happening. Instinctively, Ebonheim dove towards the shore, swimming faster than she had ever swum before. The cold water streamed past her body, numbing her limbs, but she pushed on, her mind focused on only one thing¡ªreaching the camp and helping her friends. But as she swam, she felt something coil around her ankle, constricting tightly. She jerked to a stop, and her head plunged underwater as her leg was yanked down by the force of whatever had caught her. Chapter 101: Verdant Pathway, Shadows Over and Under Thorsten''s calloused hands tensed around the haft of his axe as he watched the flickering campfire. The flames danced erratically, as if swaying in the wind. But the night was still and the air was calm. He glanced at the darkening forest, a knot of unease forming in his gut. Something wasn''t right. "Lorne, Urien, Ingrid, with me," he growled, gripping his weapon as he strode towards the edge of the clearing. "Something''s out there." Ingrid, sitting across from him, sharpening her sword with a whetstone, paused and looked up. Her icy blue eyes narrowed, scanning the encroaching darkness. "Aye, something''s out there alright." Urien grunted as he picked himself off the ground, cracking his neck with a roll of his shoulders. "Why can''t monsters ever wait ''til the morning, eh?" Lorne wordlessly unsheathed his twin blades, his expression grim as he followed Thorsten. The four of them approached the edge of the camp, weapons drawn and ready, as the shadows deepened. Viviane peeked from inside her tent, wide-eyed, and Serelle woke with a start, blearily blinking in the dim light. "What''s going on?" Viviane asked, scrambling from her bedroll, pulling on her boots. Thorsten opened his mouth to answer, but the words died on his tongue as he stared into the darkened forest. Suddenly, the fire sputtered, as if a cold breath had snuffed at its heart. The shadows deepened, swallowing the light, and plunging the campsite into total darkness. Urien swore as his eyes strained to adjust. "Remain where you are," Lorne commanded. "Find a weapon." He heard the rustle of sheets and bedrolls, the scrape of metal against scabbards, and the click of gears as the two women armed themselves. Viviane threw four small round objects into the air, landing in each of the cardinal directions. The devices ignited, bathing the campsite in a wash of white-blue light that dispelled the surrounding gloom. Everyone flinched at the sudden brightness, their eyes adjusting to the glare. Thorsten squinted, searching for any signs of movement, but the camp was as silent as death. Then, a low growl rumbled from somewhere deep in the forest, a guttural, primal sound that set his nerves on edge. The horses and mules brayed in alarm, tossing their heads and stamping their hooves. Their eyes rolled wildly, and the beasts tugged frantically at their tethers as they attempted to break free. Lorne tried to soothe the animals, whispering in their ears as he held their reins. As the horses calmed slightly, a chorus of eerie howls erupted from the forest, reverberating through the clearing. Thorsten''s grip on his axe tightened, and he held it before him in a defensive stance, muscles coiled and ready to strike. Ingrid slid into a fighting stance, mirroring his posture, and Urien readied his hammer, his eyes fixed on the forest. Lorne moved away from the agitated steeds, his swords glinting in the blue glow as he brandished them. The hair on the nape of Thorsten''s neck stood on end, his battle instincts tingling. Ordinary wolves would not create such unnatural darkness. No, these beasts had to be far more dangerous. The group waited in silence, anticipating the first attack. Seconds ticked by. From the depths of unnatural darkness beyond the rings of light, a pair of luminous eyes appeared in the gloom, followed by another, and another. Large, wolf-like creatures, their bodies made of swirling shadows, materialized around the camp. Their thin legs carried them soundlessly over the ground, and a pair of tentacles sprouted from their shoulders. The tendrils flicked and coiled like snakes, with barbed hooks growing from the tips. They moved with a grace that belied their size, their forms shifting and wavering in the darkness like smoke. Urien gasped. "Are those...?" "Morkhai!" Serelle shouted, raising her staff. "Well, damn." Urien scowled. Ingrid lunged forward, her shield raised, her sword a streak of silver in the darkness. But the Morkhai before her vanished, reappearing a moment later behind her, striking at her exposed flank with a tentacle. Ingrid spun, deflecting the blow with her shield. A second beast leapt from the shadows, pouncing at Thorsten. He sidestepped, avoiding the creature''s snapping jaws, and swung his axe in a wide arc, only for the weapon to pass through empty air. Its form wavered and shifted, reforming a few steps to the right. Thorsten stumbled, surprised by his missed swing, and the Morkhai sprang at him again, its claws raking his armor. He staggered, grunting in pain as the creature knocked him to the ground. Lorne dashed to his side, only to be intercepted by a third Morkhai. He blocked a swipe of its claws with one of his swords, parrying the blow and following through with a stab. His blade passed harmlessly through its shadowy flesh, and the beast whirled, smacking him away with a tentacle. Thorsten slammed the haft of his weapon into the jaw of the Morkhai on top of him. The creature snarled and reared back, and he rolled aside, narrowly avoiding its thrashing claws. He rose to his feet, only for another Morkhai to grab his arm with its tentacles. Its needle-sharp hooks bit deep into his skin, and a paralyzing numbness spread through his limb. "Form a circle!" Lorne commanded as he rushed to grab Thorsten, dragging him back. Ingrid, Urien, Viviane, and Serelle scrambled to obey, taking up positions in the middle of the camp, their backs facing one another. "Serelle! Cast a protective barrier!" Lorne ordered. The arcanist nodded, holding her staff aloft. A swirl of runes surrounded the group, encasing them within a shimmering dome of energy. The Morkhais snapped and clawed at the magical barrier, their fangs and claws sparking as they collided with the magical wall. They circled the group, prowling outside the perimeter, their glowing eyes gleaming hungrily as they sought an opening. Thorsten braced himself, trying to ignore the burning in his wounded arm. A foul, acrid smell filled his nostrils, and he recoiled as he noticed that the place where the Morkhai had latched onto him had turned black, the flesh necrotizing. "Their touch can rot, it seems," Thorsten muttered through gritted teeth. Lorne eyed the sizzling wounds on Thorsten''s arm, frowning. "Can you still fight?" "I''ve had worse," Thorsten replied, flexing his fingers. "Don''t worry ''bout me." Beside them, Viviane crouched, fiddling with the various arcane devices she had attached to her belt. She selected one, a small rod with a metallic cylinder at its tip, and pointed the device at the closest Morkhai. The object flashed, emitting a blast of energy that struck the creature on its side. The monster yelped, staggering from the impact, its form rippling and distorting as its shadowy flesh singed. It shook itself, recovering quickly, and charged at them, only to slam against the magical barrier and rebound. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Viviane swore, rummaging through her pouch for a different tool. "Not very effective..." "Where is Ebonheim?" Serelle asked, glancing around. "She''s not with us." "She went out for a swim earlier," Thorsten grunted as he tested the range of motion in his injured arm. "She should be back soon." "Do you think these beasts waited until she left before attacking us?" Urien asked, glaring at the circling creatures. "What a cowardly lot." "Most likely," Lorne agreed, keeping his gaze locked on the beasts. "Even so, we''ll deal with this situation ourselves. Form pairs. Thorsten, you and Viviane will take the left; Urien and Ingrid, the right; Serelle and I will hold the center. Watch one another''s back; protect one another from attacks. If one of you falls, the other will cover." Everyone nodded, spreading out to their respective posts. Thorsten''s axe hummed with energy as he activated its enchantment, and the blade flared to life, causing it to glow with a shimmering aura. Beside him, Viviane''s crossbow clicked as she armed it. As the beasts continued to prowl and probe the magical barrier, Serelle lowered her staff, releasing the energy that fueled the protective shell. The barrier collapsed, dissipating into sparks, and the Morkhais turned, their gaze fixing on the group. "Now!" Lorne roared as the creatures converged on them.
Ebonheim gasped, her lungs straining as she struggled to reach the surface. The lake water churned around her, as the long serpentine shape wrapped around her body, drawing her down. Bubbles frothed and boiled in the turbulence, as her hair whipped about her face. She saw the creature that held her: a massive eel-like abomination with tentacles for a tail, an armored carapace, and rows of serrated fins lining across its undulating length. It stared back at her with luminous eyes, as if appraising her. She strained against its grip, her muscles flexing, but to no avail. The creature''s coils tightened further, restricting her movement as she dangled within its grasp. Through her Divine Sight, the Akashic System revealed information about her captor. [Name] Abyssal Dweller [Type] Spirit Beast [Elemental affinity] Water [Description] A serpentine creature that lives at the bottom of lakes and seas, hunting prey with its tentacles. Its hide is resistant to magic and its bite is poisonous, paralyzing its victims. It preys upon unwary travelers who venture too close to the shore. It is able to camouflage itself within the water by shifting the color of its carapace. [Health] 525/525 [Mana] 160/160 Ebonheim frowned, irritated by the predicament. Her divine powers were still weakened due to the distance she had traveled from her divine domain. Now, she found herself trapped in the water, unable to breathe, struggling within the coils of an oversized sea serpent. This was not how she imagined her evening bath would end. The Abyssal Dweller writhed in the water, its body twisting and coiling as its tentacles flailed about. Ebonheim''s head broke the surface momentarily, allowing her to take a few desperate gulps of air, before she was submerged once more. It surged through the depths, dragging her along as it slithered through the dark waters. She grabbed its slippery scales, digging her nails into its tough hide. As it raced along the lake bottom, its tentacles pulled her down further, tightening their grip as she scratched and tore at its flesh. With a swift turn, the Dweller headed straight for a large outcropping of boulders, ramming her into the rocks with enough force to send a shockwave through the water. Pain exploded across Ebonheim''s back as she struck the stones. She let out an involuntary gasp as a torrent of bubbles escaped from her mouth, causing her to take in a lungful of water. As she struggled to regain her bearings, the Dweller''s tentacles wrapped around her limbs, pinning her to the rocky outcrop. One of its tendrils curled around her neck, squeezing tight. Ebonheim clenched her fists and her eyes burned with divine light as a glowing halo formed around her head. The water around her began to bubble and boil as waves of energy radiated from her body, causing the Dweller''s coils to loosen. Her Divine Aura flared to life in a burst of incandescent light, illuminating the depths of the lake. The Dweller recoiled, its coils slipping from her arms as she pushed herself off the rocks and swam upward. She breached the surface, gasping for air as she floated, bobbing in the water. Alright, if you wanted to pick a fight with me, so be it. I''ve no qualms about taking care of you. She glared down at the lake''s surface, seeking out her adversary, but the Dweller had sunk back beneath the waves, hiding itself among the rocks. Ebonheim closed her eyes and sifted through the myriad abilities the Akashic System offered. A simple water-breathing ability was all she was looking for. She found the spell easily. [Aquatic Respiration (Rank I)] [Effect] Grants the ability to breathe underwater. [Range] Self [Duration] 10 minutes [Cost] 6 Essence [Would you like to purchase this Divine Ability for 50 Quintessence?] Perfect. Just what I need. Ebonheim focused on the acquisition, investing her quintessence into the ability. The world slowed to a crawl as the Akashic System responded, processing her request. Information flooded her mind, and the details of the divine ability were imprinted into her consciousness. A sense of calm washed over her, and time resumed its normal flow. Taking in one last breath of air, Ebonheim sank below the waves and activated the ability. Immediately, she could breathe normally, as if she were above the lake and not beneath it. She sensed the presence of the Abyssal Dweller as it slipped through the water, moving sinuously beneath her. Ebonheim grinned as she extended her senses, her Divine Sight piercing through the murky depths. The Dweller''s aura burned with the dull green-gold sheen of a powerful spirit beast. Ah, there you are. Ebonheim gathered her thoughts and summoned her Ebon Bow. It shimmered into existence in a flash of silver-white light, responding to her command. She gripped its familiar, well-worn shaft, relishing the sensation of its smooth wood against her palms. Now then, let''s put you in your proper place, shall we?
Lorne sidestepped to the left, dodging the sweeping strike of a Morkhai''s barbed tendril. He parried the second lashing whip with his second blade, countering with a deft slice of his own that caused the creature to leap back. As the beast retreated, Serelle shot a volley of violet energy bolts in a wide arc, forcing it back farther. Lorne used the brief respite to survey the ongoing battle. Ingrid and Urien fought back-to-back, fending off a pair of the beasts with a coordinated combination of shield and hammer blows. The Morkhai were relentless, leaping and swiping with their deadly claws and tentacles, but Ingrid''s shield proved an effective defense, deflecting their attacks. Meanwhile, Urien''s crushing strikes kept the monsters at bay, driving them back when they drew too near. To the right, Viviane and Thorsten fought side-by-side, taking advantage of Thorsten''s towering stature to shield her while she fired bolts from her crossbow. Despite their teamwork, the Morkhai matched them blow-for-blow, even with Viviane''s array of arcane gadgets and tools. No matter what they tried, they couldn''t land a killing blow. The beasts'' forms flickered like wisps of shadow, seeming to slip from existence when hit, only to reform elsewhere. They ducked under Urien''s swings and darted around Ingrid''s thrusts. Whenever Thorsten landed a direct hit, they simply disappeared for a moment before returning and attempting to flank their opponents. Even Serelle''s spells were having a hard time getting a bead on them. Every time she tried to trap one of the beasts in an entanglement spell, they simply melted into the shadows cast by the bright globes of magelight that surrounded them. The Morkhai prowled and harried them, striking from the shadows, launching short, savage attacks, before darting out of range. There didn''t seem to be any pattern to their movements, nor any obvious weak spots. "They''re too fast. We need to slow them down." Lorne glanced at Serelle, who nodded in response, already casting another spell. A glowing sphere of magic appeared over the battle, hovering above the campground. As she flung her hands apart, the ball of energy split into a dozen smaller projectiles, which fell from the sky like miniature meteorites, landing on the ground at the feet of the Morkhai. Each missile exploded in a shower of sparks, forming a ring of magical runes. A moment later, a dome of translucent, shimmering purple energy formed over the campsite, trapping the Morkhai inside along with the adventurers. "Is that supposed to help us?" Thorsten yelled as he blocked a slash from a Morkhai''s claws. "Now we can''t run!" "It''ll stop them from disappearing, at least!" Serelle replied, weaving her hands in arcane gestures as she prepared her next spell. Sure enough, the Morkhai became solid, losing their ephemeral appearance, though they remained just as difficult to hit. Lorne''s swords cut through the air with a blur, weaving patterns of razor-sharp steel as he deflected a barrage of claws and tentacles. His blades hummed with power, their enchanted edges trailing bluish-silver trails in their wake. He slashed once, twice, three times, in quick succession, scoring a clean hit on a Morkhai. It hissed as a deep gash opened across its shadowy body, black ichor oozing from the wound. Lorne pressed forward, capitalizing on the opportunity, stabbing through the beast''s ribcage with a double thrust of his weapons. It howled and snapped its jaws, biting at his neck, but he ducked under its fangs, spinning away from the follow-up blow of its tentacles. Serelle''s hand blazed with magical fire as she finished casting her spell. A swirling column of flames erupted from the palm of her hand, engulfing the injured Morkhai in a roaring inferno. The creature screeched in agony as the flames devoured its flesh, consuming its essence. Its form grew dimmer and less distinct as the fire raged, its shadowy form withering away in the blazing inferno. A heartbeat later, it vanished in a cloud of ash and smoke. "That''s one," Lorne grunted, bringing his blades up to guard position. Only seven more to go. Chapter 102: Verdant Pathway, Dispelling the Darkness Ebonheim maneuvered through the water, propelled by powerful strokes of her legs. Her Divine Aura glowed like a star in the darkness, illuminating her path as she swam deeper into the depths of the lake. The Dweller swept through the water before her, its long serpentine body writhing and undulating as it twisted and dove. It moved with a fluid grace, its limbs rippling through the water as its tentacles trailed behind. As Ebonheim held her bow, a stream of delicate golden light poured from her hand, filling the space between her fingers and the weapon with an iridescent glow. She positioned her fingers over the bowstring and, with a practiced motion, plucked a sparkling arrow of pure light. [Enchanted Essence Bolt (Ascended, Rank MAX)] [Effect] Shoots an arrow made of Essence that deals 64 divine damage to the target. Bypasses 12 Damage Reduction. Deals double damage against dark and corrupted creatures. [Specialization Bonus] You can augment an arrow with another Divine Ability, combining both effects if applicable. You can also change the damage type using Elemental Admixture. [Range] 150 meters [Target] Single target [Duration] - [Cost] - [Requirement] Ebon Bow equipped She notched the divine arrow, took aim, and let fly. The bolt soared through the water, leaving a trail of shimmering motes in its wake, and struck the Dweller''s thick hide, burrowing into its flesh. It keened, letting out a high-pitched cry that echoed through the murky depths. Its form warped and contorted, growing larger and bulkier, as spikes emerged from its armored plates, jutting outward. The creature''s speed increased as it launched itself toward her, its mouth open wide. Ebonheim avoided its snapping jaws and ducked under the swinging swipes of its tentacles, sending another glowing arrow into its armored chest. The shot ricocheted off its heavy shell, leaving a shallow divot in the creature''s carapace. The Abyssal Dweller whirled about, lashing at her with its barbed appendages. Its tentacles struck with blinding speed, crashing into the water around Ebonheim and creating a froth of bubbles as they grazed her Divine Aura. Sparks of energy crackled through the water as the impacts sent ripples through her protective barrier. Still, Ebonheim grimaced as she felt the force of the impact reverberate through her body. She evaded the worst of the blows, but one tentacle caught her ankle, wrapping around her foot and holding her in place. With a tug, the Dweller dragged her through the water, pulling her within range of its claws and fangs. As the Dweller reeled her in, Ebonheim focused on her Elemental Admixture, cycling through her options. With her free hand, she held out her palm, summoning a swirling blade of fire wrapped in a whirlwind. The flames cast a warm orange hue over the murky water, causing the shadows to dance and flicker. She sliced through the tentacle holding her captive, severing the appendage in a single stroke. The flames from her blade cauterized the wound, sealing it, as the severed limb drifted away, vanishing into the gloom. Ebonheim twirled the flaming blade, gathering momentum, and spun, unleashing a wave of fire and wind at the advancing Dweller. The roiling flames blasted against the creature''s thick armored plate, charring and cracking the armor, before bursting into a cloud of steam. The Dweller''s jaws yawned wider, and its roar rumbled through the water as Ebonheim dove away, evading the spray of poisonous spines that erupted from the creature''s mouth. The water seethed as the toxins mingled with the surrounding lake, polluting the pristine waters. As the battle raged, the waters around the combatants swirled with energy, creating a maelstrom that threw up clouds of debris and sand. Ebonheim''s Divine Aura burned like a sun, casting a golden glow over the murky depths. Her hair billowed around her face, whipped by the swirling eddies, as her eyes flashed with power. Her fiery blade carved arcs of fire through the water as she slashed at the Dweller, her movements fluid and graceful. She twisted and flipped, evading the beast''s savage swipes and lashes, her feet barely skimming the lake bottom as she danced around its flailing tentacles. Meanwhile, the Dweller lurched and thrashed, its armored hide cracked and splintered, as Ebonheim''s arrows lodged into its body. The beast''s blood, tainted with black ichor, streamed from its wounds, staining the waters black as it poured out of the gaping holes in its flesh. The lake floor rose and fell, torn up by the churning currents created by their clashing energies. Chunks of earth and rock ripped loose from the lakebed, disrupting the placid calm of the depths as the Abyssal Dweller''s large form crashed into the muddy ground. Its remaining tentacles lashed out wildly as the beast sought to right itself, but Ebonheim pressed her assault, raining down a volley of divine arrows upon the beleaguered creature. Each arrow pierced into the Dweller''s battered armor, tearing new holes in its shell. The lakebed shook as the enraged beast reared back and smashed its carapace-clad head into Ebonheim, catching her by surprise and sending her crashing into the lake floor, hurling a torrent of sediment into the air. The dirt and dust obscured the view, enveloping Ebonheim in a veil of brown fog. Blinking rapidly, she spat out a mouthful of foul-tasting mud, clearing her vision enough to see the massive shape of the Abyssal Dweller looming over her, its shadowy coils stretching out towards her. Ebonheim lashed out, slicing through the coils with her fiery blade before they could ensnare her. She kicked herself away, pushing off from the lakebed, and propelled herself out of range of the Dweller''s snapping jaws. She kicked her legs, pushing herself higher, and fired another gleaming arrow at the beast. This one punched through the creature''s shell, embedding deep in the vulnerable flesh beneath. The Dweller spasmed as golden light flared within, lighting it from the inside, and the fissure carved by the divine arrow widened, causing the armored plates to shear and crack. Ebonheim nocked another arrow, firing a series of shots at the crack in the creature''s armor. The shafts pierced through the weakened seam, boring deeper into the soft tissue within. The Abyssal Dweller shuddered and stilled, convulsing as the arrows exploded within its body, disintegrating the monster into a cloud of iridescent mist. Ebonheim paused, waiting to make sure that the creature was truly dead. When the smoke cleared, nothing remained of the Dweller save a handful of black, tarry clumps sinking through the water. A handful of faint motes of light drifted toward Ebonheim, dissipating as they came in contact with her Divine Aura. [You have acquired 175 Quintessence from the Abyssal Dweller] Ebonheim nodded in satisfaction. The tainted water around her began to purify, the sickly pallor retreating in a wave of clear, transparent blue. With the threat eliminated, she turned back towards the surface, swimming upward at full speed. A sense of urgency consumed her as she pictured her friends fighting for their lives at the shoreline. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. She had to return to them. Quickly.
Ingrid leapt forward, her shield raised and sword poised, as the Morkhai lunged at her. She sidestepped its attack and countered with a sweeping strike of her blade, the runes etched on its edge glowing faintly in the darkness. Her sword bit into the creature''s shoulder, slicing through its shadowy flesh as the runes flared to life. She wrenched the weapon free and pivoted, turning her back to the beast and slamming her shield into its muzzle. The Morkhai snapped and snarled at her, its sharp teeth scraping against her shield as she knocked it back. As the creature''s attacks struck against her shield, the runes along its surface flashed in sequence. When all ten runes shimmered in a rainbow of colors, she felt the charges in her shield reaching its zenith¡ªthe stored energy from the Morkhai''s blows pulsing like a heartbeat against her arm. It was time. With the Morkhai momentarily recoiling, she seized the moment. With a swift, practiced motion, Ingrid activated the transformation of her weapon. She thrust her sword into the waiting sheath through the top of the shield, the metal sliding in with a satisfying hiss. Her fingers found the hidden trigger near the shield''s handle, and with a click, the shield reacted. The shield''s embossed raven motif slid apart, each half spiraling outward with a series of clicks and whirs. The two halves unfurled like the wings of a predatory bird, revealing their true nature as the broad, curved blades of a formidable greataxe. Simultaneously, the sword extended, its blade elongating and locking into place to form the central spine of the axe. The runes on the sword now aligned with those on the shield-blades, creating a dazzling array of light that danced along the weapon''s length. The fully transformed Skjaldm?reier hummed with energy as Ingrid swung the mighty axe in a wide arc. The Morkhai, which had been charging her, froze in mid-stride. Its body warped and contorted, folding inward on itself as the force of the axe slammed into it. Ripples of energy cascaded outward from the impact point, like the surface of a lake disturbed by a dropped stone. Ingrid planted her feet and leaned into the swing, the force of the blow channeling through her shield and into her body. The runes on the axe blades flared brightly, pulsing with power as the Morkhai''s form shattered into pieces, scattering around the campsite in a flurry of broken shadows. Three of the runes on Ingrid''s axe head faded, the energy stored within dissipating. But the stored charge on the rest of the runes still pulsed, waiting to be unleashed. Urien stared wide-eyed at her new weapon. "How did you do that?" he asked. "Your weapon can change its form?" Ingrid smiled as she tightened her grip on the greataxe, enjoying the weapon''s new configuration. "Yes, Skjaldm?reier is both axe and sword," Ingrid explained. "A weapon forged for both offense and defense." Urien nodded approvingly, hefting his own warhammer. "A good design. I prefer a hammer, myself." Ingrid adjusted her grip on the axe''s haft and shifted into a defensive stance, scanning for more attackers. "And you wield yours well. Our enemies aren''t done with us yet. Ready yourself." Urien hefted his weapon, shifting his weight. "If I don''t manage to kill one after all this, I''m going to feel awful useless."
"Show-off!" Thorsten yelled across the battlefield as he plunged his axe into the shadowy flesh of a Morkhai. The sheer spectacle of Ingrid''s prized weapon was always a sight to behold. Compared to his greataxe Galdraslag, her Skjaldm?reier was the pinnacle of Hrafnsteinnian craftsmanship, and he begrudgingly admitted to himself that he envied such a beautiful weapon. But his envy would have to wait for a later date. He focused his attention back on his own opponent. The Morkhai stood before him, its umbral body warping and twisting with each movement, a grotesque amalgamation of darkness given physical form. Thanks to Serelle''s magic, these bastards weren''t able to vanish into the shadows anymore, but that didn''t make them any less difficult to hit. Viviane, meanwhile, fired off shot after shot from her crossbow, the bolts punching deep into the flesh of one of the Morkhai nearby. The monster staggered under the barrage of explosive projectiles, until finally falling to the ground with a resounding crash. "One more!" Viviane cried out excitedly. "I got another one!" A bolt of lightning suddenly arced across the battlefield, striking two of the monsters simultaneously, their forms flickering with white light as the blast tore through them. Serelle lowered her hand, her fingertips still crackling with energy as the spell''s effect ended. The two Morkhai fell to the ground, their bodies dissolving into wisps of shadow that quickly faded away. That left them with two monsters remaining. Thorsten growled, swinging his axe with renewed vigor, his muscles rippling as he cleaved into one of the last Morkhai. The beast lashed at him with its barbed tentacles, but his blows connected first, cutting through the creature''s shadowy hide. The runes etched along his axe blade flared as they dug into the monster''s flesh, sending pulses of energy into its body. Finally, the Morkhai fell to the ground, its form dispersing into a pool of darkness. "One more!" Thorsten roared triumphantly as he turned to face the final enemy. An explosion rocked the campsite as Ingrid''s greataxe discharged its remaining power in a shockwave of energy, blowing apart the last monster. The concussive blast wave flattened the nearby grass and blew past the others, whipping their clothes and hair in its wake. A stunned silence descended upon the group as the dust settled. The unnatural darkness beyond the camp dissipated. "Well...," Urien said, breaking the silence. "That works, too." They all looked at each other, smiles slowly forming on their faces. "Did we get them all?" Serelle asked cautiously. Thorsten surveyed the destroyed campsite. "Looks like." "About damn time!" Viviane shouted, pumping a fist in the air. "The night is still young," Ingrid replied, resetting the transformation of her axe into its dual sword and shield configuration. She grasped the axe''s handle with both hands, feeling the familiar contours and etchings beneath her fingers. The two curved blades that formed the axe''s head started retracting back into the shield''s raven design, clicking into place. Simultaneously, the extended sword blade began to retract, sliding back with a smooth, whispering sound. It shortened until it was once again the length of a normal sword. When all the mechanisms clicked back into place, Ingrid reached for the handle sticking out from the top of her shield and withdrew her sword from its sheath. She inspected the blade, ensuring there were no signs of damage, and returned it to its scabbard, satisfied. Urien stared at his warhammer and sighed. "Ah, bullocks. Didn''t get to kill a single one!" Lorne shrugged, sheathing his twin swords. "Next time, big man." Serelle looked over the destruction of the campsite. "At least we have some spare materials for repairs. And perhaps a story to tell the folks back home." A noise from the direction of the lake caught their attention. They turned towards the source, expecting to see another batch of Morkhai emerging from the shadows. Instead, they saw a very naked Ebonheim rushing towards them, dripping wet and looking slightly bewildered. She stumbled, tripping over a root and nearly falling. She caught herself just in time, grasping at a nearby tree trunk and using it to steady herself. The divine aura that emanated from her radiated a faint, warm light that illuminated the immediate area, casting the campsite in a surreal, ethereal hue. Her glistening olive skin sparkled in the moonlight, the beads of water clinging to her curves and flowing down her legs in rivulets. Her iridescent silver hair clung to her shoulders and breasts in strands. The rest of her modesty was...somehow concealed by wisps of light that barely obstructed their view. "Is everyone alright?! I sensed something was wrong and hurried back as soon as I could, but I had to deal with an Abyssal Dweller..." Ebonheim spoke quickly, her voice laced with worry. But the words seemed to die on her tongue as she realized she was being watched intently by a group of wide-eyed men and women. "...What? What is it?" There was a moment of awkward silence as they all took in the scene. Ingrid coughed uncomfortably, breaking the tension. "Um, Goddess, you seem to be missing, er, certain items of clothing." "Eh?" Ebonheim glanced down at her naked form and quickly covered herself with her arms. "A¡ªAAaaaaAAAaahhh!" She let out an embarrassed shriek as she dove back into the shrubbery. The group watched as her silhouette disappeared into the thickets, perhaps heading towards where she had discarded her dress. A short while later, an Ebonheim whose face was redder than Thorsten''s hair reappeared, wearing a very damp, grass-stained gown. She refused to meet anyone''s eye as she joined the group, pretending to look interested in an unimportant patch of grass on the ground. "I¡ªit appears everything is fine now," she stammered quietly before conjuring her Divine Cantrip to clean and dry her body and clothes.¡±I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re all safe.¡± Nobody dared comment, and nobody had any idea what to say. Some moments were meant to be forgotten and never discussed again. Chapter 103: Verdant Pathway, Into the Mists The next day dawned bright and sunny, the previous night''s unpleasantness put behind them as the group set out early. Ebonheim led the way as they trudged through the forest, her cheeks still a little pink. Despite her embarrassment, her steps were buoyant and energetic. Ingrid and Serelle chatted amicably, exchanging stories as they walked, while Thorsten and Viviane joked and laughed with Lorne and Urien. The mood of the group was lighter than ever, and it felt as if they were all old friends reuniting on an adventure instead of newly-acquainted travelers. Ebonheim continued using her ''Path of the Earthen Passage'' to forge their trail, leading them further through the forest. Their journey brought them to a vast, sweeping meadow blanketed with wildflowers, its colorful blossoms swaying in the breeze. Vivid orange foxgloves waved gently in the wind, their tall stalks standing proudly among the shorter, more delicate blooms. Bluebells carpeted the ground, their azure petals lending a cool contrast to the warm hues of the surrounding plants. On the outskirts of the field lay a group of white-trunked birch trees, their leaves rustling in the breeze, casting dancing shadows on the flowers below. A faint, sweet scent lingered in the air, emanating from the nearby patch of heathers that stretched up to the group''s ankles. In the distance, the horizon was a jagged line of mountains, their peaks capped with snow that reflected the sunlight, making them shimmer like pearls. On the other side of the meadow, a waterfall thundered down the rocky cliffs, sending a fine mist spraying into the air, glittering in the sunlight. Its cascade crashed into the stream below, churning the water into a frothy, silvery foam. A series of small rapids carried the stream through the meadow, creating a babbling brook that meandered through the verdant valley. "It''s so beautiful here," Viviane breathed, taking in the idyllic scene. "Almost doesn''t seem real." "Aye, it''s bonny, I''ll grant you that," Thorsten agreed, his eyes roaming the vista before them. Even Urien, who would normally be complaining about the rough terrain, stopped and took a moment to marvel at the view. "Not bad." As they traveled onward, the landscape changed drastically. Where once had been a vibrant meadow, now they found themselves at the threshold of an ethereal realm, where tendrils of mist curled around the feet of ancient trees, as if they were attempting to pull the very earth into the sky. The ancient titans of wood and leaf stretched upwards, their trunks shrouded in a clinging vapor that moved with sentient grace. The afternoon light, filtered through the mist, cast the world in a spectral glow, as if the very air they breathed was woven from dreams and half-remembered tales. There were no birdsong or animal calls to be heard, just a deafening silence that wrapped itself around them. Ebonheim paused at the threshold of this otherworldly expanse, glancing back at her followers who regarded her expectantly. "I''ve...never gone this way before," she confessed. "So, I have no idea what''s ahead of us." "It looks like we''re going to have to stick closer together than ever," Thorsten commented. "Are you sure it''s a good idea to build the road through here?" Serelle pulled her robe tighter, as if to protect herself from the chill in the air. "It''s the best route," she asserted, nodding. "There are too many impassable areas and obstacles to the south, so through here is the only viable option." Thorsten rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, how far do you think this goes?" "A day and a half''s travel at most, with luck," Serelle replied. "It''s hard to tell with the fog, but from what I can make out, the terrain ahead appears to be relatively flat and easy to traverse. At least for now." Thorsten frowned and shrugged. "Alright then." The party began walking single-file, the narrow pathway forcing them to stay close together. As they pushed on, the mist grew denser, enveloping them in a pale fog. Ebonheim took the lead, her divine aura flaring to illuminate the area. Ingrid stayed close behind, her sword and shield drawn. Her footsteps, normally silent, sounded loud to her ears, echoing through the air as though the fog absorbed all other noises. The others followed in a loose group, their weapons also at the ready, and their nerves on edge. The mist rose from the ground like wraiths, twirling in an intricate dance with the gentle breeze, swirling the fine white vapors in lazy eddies. She extended her hand towards the vaporous veil, her fingers tingling as if they brushed the hem of a specter¡¯s garment. It was an impulse, a vain attempt to command the mist to part before her divine will. The tendrils of vapor recoiled slightly at her touch, only to embrace her hand once more, indifferent to her power. A murmur of awe rippled through the group, for the mist shimmered with a luminescence that seemed to be born from within rather than cast by the nascent light. As they delved deeper, the mist grew thicker and colder, pressing in around them with an oppressive weight. The dank air smelled of moss and decay, and the faint, muffled sounds of their footfalls and the rolling wagon wheels reverberated through the stillness. She continued using the ''Path of the Earthen Passage'' to carve a trail through the fog, creating an opening in front of them large enough for a carriage to travel through without losing the way. But unlike before, she couldn''t get a lay of the land. No matter how her path cut through the landscape, the mist dulled her senses, even obscuring the distant horizon. She had to rely on Serelle and Lorne to guide her on how the trail should continue. Both would move ahead of the group to scout the way while Ebonheim and the rest of the party tracked them by the light of Serelle''s staff. Serelle would then light a signal for Ebonheim to cast her path, following the direction where the light was shining. With each step, Ebonheim''s power expanded, covering more and more ground. The combination proved to be slow, but effective, and gradually they made progress through the strange realm. They continued traveling through the eerie vapors, keeping a wary eye out for anything lurking in the surrounding mists. Ebonheim began to detect subtle changes in the texture of the fog surrounding them. She paused, trying to discern its source. It was faint, but unmistakable; a subtle, rhythmic cadence that pulsed and swirled through the milky whiteness of the haze. It almost reminded her of an incantation, but there were no voices to be heard, just a quiet, disembodied muttering that drifted in the stillness. She felt a strange sense of detachment, as if she were both a part of the world and apart from it. Like a dreamer trapped between sleep and wakefulness, not fully aware of either state. Thorsten¡¯s hand drifted to his axe again, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I don¡¯t like this," he muttered, his warrior instincts on high alert. "It feels like we''re being watched. Keep your eyes peeled." The others murmured in agreement. As Ebonheim continued carving her path through the fog, a creeping sense of unease began to build in the pit of her stomach. The mist had become thick enough to obscure even her own hand from her face, and she knew that the others must be similarly blinded by its opaque cloak. She reached out her hand, searching for the comforting warmth of Ingrid''s presence, but found nothing but the cold, dank air. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. "Ingrid? Thorsten? Can anyone hear me?!" She called out, hoping that her voice would carry through the fog. No reply came, save for the eerie echo of her own words reverberating back at her. She searched frantically for a sign, any sign, of her companions. She squinted into the dense wall of swirling white, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of Serelle''s robes, Lorne''s armor, or Urien''s towering figure. Nothing. She was alone. "Everyone, can you hear me?! Where are you?!" She tried again, but the answer was the same. Silence.
The dense mist enshrouded Thorsten, its tendrils curling around him like ghostly fingers. He could barely see his own hands before him, let alone his companions who had been by his side moments ago. "Ebonheim! Anyone!" He bellowed, his voice swallowed by the endless fog. "Don''t worry, I''m coming to find you!" His eyes darted about wildly as he strained to search the empty white void for any sign of his friends. He strained his ears for the sound of a footstep or the snap of a twig. But no sound came. Just the monotonous drone of his own breathing. He marched forward through the mist, his boots sinking into the spongy loam beneath him. The ground was uneven, and he found himself stumbling as he struggled to keep his balance on the shifting surface. Time seemed to stand still as he plodded onwards, and his frustration grew as he was forced to a halt yet again by the treacherous terrain. "Damned fog." The mist pressed in on him, smothering him with its clammy embrace. It was like being surrounded by an ocean of cotton wool, drowning in its suffocating thickness. Suddenly, the mist around Thorsten began to shimmer, its ghostly tendrils transforming into something else entirely. The air rang with the clamor of swords clashing, the dull thud of shields colliding, and the desperate cries of men in battle. Thorsten''s heart leaped into his throat, his warrior instincts kicking in as he spun around, hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his axe. But his fingers closed around empty air. His trusty weapon was not at his side. Confusion furrowed his brow, his gaze darting about in search of the familiar haft of his weapon. The din of battle grew louder, almost deafening, as if he were standing in the midst of a skirmish. The mist swirled and coalesced into spectral images of warriors locked in combat. The apparitions were blurred and indistinct, like the flickering silhouettes cast by a roaring fire, but the outlines of weapons and armor were unmistakable. Specters clashed, their shadowy figures intertwining as they traded blows. They danced through the mists, their phantom forms flitting to and fro like ghosts, their movements driven by the momentum of the melee. Thorsten ducked instinctively as a ghostly sword swung at his head, the blade passing through him without harm. "Thorsten, to arms!" A voice pierced through the chaos, sounding eerily like his old mentor, a man long since fallen in battle. "Hurry, there''s a great battle ahead! We need you!" The figure of a warrior broke free from the fray, his outline wavering as he brandished a sword at Thorsten. "Come, lad! Your father awaits!" A second, deeper voice joined the first. "We are all lost without you, son!" The ghostly warriors parted, allowing Thorsten a clear view of two armored men, their features indistinct but instantly recognizable. The hair on his arms bristled, a chill running through him. "Father!" The word slipped from his lips, but his mind struggled to comprehend the impossible scene before him. "Quickly, follow us!" The warriors beckoned, their ghostly forms dissolving back into the fog. Thorsten hesitated, his body rooted to the spot, unable to react. "Don''t delay, boy!" The two specters urged as they vanished into the swirling mist. "You must hurry! This way!" A multitude of ghostly voices called out to Thorsten, imploring him to follow them. The din of the battle grew ever more fierce as he stared blankly into the miasma. The clang of swords clashing, the beat of war drums, the screams of dying men. He was no longer in Eldergrove, but back on a battlefield from his past, a place of blood and steel where he had once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his brethren. He shook his head, dispelling the illusions that gripped his mind. "This isn''t real," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists. "It''s the mist... playing tricks." But the knowledge did little to still the pounding of his heart or the cold sweat beading on his brow. He turned in circles, searching for a way out, but the battle followed him, the cries of the dying echoing in his ears. Each shout, each clash of metal, dragged up another memory, another face of a friend lost to war''s unforgiving maw. "Where are you, Ebonheim?!" he called out again, but no reply came. Had she too fallen victim to the mist''s illusions? Thorsten stumbled over a root, catching himself against a tree that materialized out of the fog. He leaned against it, closing his eyes, trying to shut out the chaos around him. His breath came in short, ragged gasps¡ªa stark contrast to the rhythmic breathing he''d maintained as a warrior. He fought to regain control of himself, willing his racing heart to slow, focusing on the steady thudding of its beating. In the darkness behind his eyelids, the battle raged on. He saw himself, younger, more reckless, charging into the fray with a battle cry on his lips. He saw the flash of steel, the spray of blood, the fall of his friends. These weren''t mere memories¡ªthey were fragments of nightmares. Nightmares he thought he''d buried long ago. The din of battle ebbed and flowed like the tide, rising to a crescendo and fading to a whisper before growing louder once more. His mind drifted, searching for Ebonheim''s aura, seeking the light of her divinity. But the mists clung to him, obscuring his senses. Thorsten cursed under his breath and opened his eyes. He needed to escape, to get away from this madness. But which way? Which way was safe? Every direction was the same as the one before¡ªA uniform wall of white surrounding him on all sides, leaving him hopelessly lost. He pushed off from the tree, stumbling forward into the unknown. Step after step, the misty walls gave way, but the spectral battle continued unabated. As Thorsten marched onward, his doubts crept into the forefront of his mind. Could the others have abandoned him? Were they even still alive? Had Ebonheim abandoned him as well? Was he doomed to wander these haunted mists until he succumbed to the madness? Or worse, join the ranks of the ghosts that tormented him? Dark thoughts plagued his mind, and Thorsten pressed a hand to his forehead, the feverish heat radiating from his skin alarming. Something wasn''t right. He knew he had to fight this unnatural sickness afflicting his body and mind. Ebonheim and the others needed his help. If he could push through the fog, surely he''d find them eventually. But the mists pressed in on all sides, confounding his senses, overwhelming his ability to think clearly. He stumbled again, nearly falling, catching himself on a nearby trunk. "Keep moving," he rasped, coughing into the back of his hand. A dark stain coated his palm, a crimson smear amidst the grey. He spat onto the ground, a bloody glob staining the loam. Thorsten took a few more unsteady steps before his knees buckled under his weight, sending him crashing to the soft forest floor. His vision swam and his head throbbed, but he fought against the darkness threatening to overcome him. "Damn it all!" He swore as he clawed at the soil, struggling to rise. Eventually, he managed to push himself into a kneeling position, panting heavily from the effort. "It''s all lies," he growled, his anger driving him onward. "All lies! You cannot fool me with such feeble tricks!" Thorsten stood and reached for his axe once more. This time, the weapon''s familiar weight rested reassuringly in his hands. The spectral battle still raged on around him, but he paid it no heed. Instead, he strode purposefully forward, eyes narrowed. Then...another face appeared before him. Lowering his axe, Thorsten froze. Standing before him, seemingly unaffected by the supernatural miasma, was the god Nidur, his armored body shimmering in the gloom. Thorsten could not tear his eyes away from the god''s imposing figure. His massive bulk, his metallic beard stained crimson with the blood of his foes, his armor adorned with the spoils of countless victories¡ªthe sight of his former patron was enough to steal the breath from his lungs. "Thorsten Gustafsson. Son of Horst Gustafsson. Once my sworn champion." The god''s deep, booming voice echoed through the mist, cutting through the battle''s cacophony with ease. His four arms that ended in wicked blades and axe heads spread wide, gesturing at the foggy battlefield. "Why do you hesitate? Look around you! Your people fight and die, and yet you stand idle in the forest! How can you call yourself a warrior? Come, join the fray, prove your worth!" Thorsten didn''t answer, his mouth too dry to speak, his knees trembling. The god''s words seared into his soul, igniting a spark of anger within him. "Speak, mortal! Your comrades beg for your aid! Show them what it means to be an Ulfhendar of Hrafnsteinn!" The god''s taunts drew more angry shouts from the ghostly figures of Thorsten''s people. "Why does he falter in our time of need?" "Ulfhendar? Hmph. Coward. Not fit to bear the title." "Hrafnsteinn rejects the weak and craven!" "Shut your damn mouths!" Thorsten snapped, raising his fist at the ghostly figures, their voices silencing instantly. He turned back to the god, his expression hardening. "Your words mean nothing to me, Nidur. My allegiance is no longer with you." Nidur chuckled, his laughter booming like thunder. "Very well. You''ve made your choice, warrior. Now live with it, for all eternity!" The god raised an arm, and a wave of black energy swirled around his blade, enveloping it in shadow. With a roar, the deity rushed forth, bringing it down in a brutal arc aimed right at Thorsten''s skull. Chapter 104: Verdant Pathway, Miasma of Dejection Lorne trudged through the dense mist that swaddled him, a white shroud that muffled the world into a silent, ethereal realm. His breaths came out in ragged puffs, visible in the chill air that clung to his skin like dew on morning grass. Every step felt heavier, laden with a dread that seemed to seep from the very ground beneath him. "Urien? Thorsten? Goddess?" he called out, the mist swallowing his voice as soon as the words left his mouth. "Anyone?!" He had no way of knowing which direction he was headed, whether he was making progress through the mists or simply walking in circles. His arms reached out in front of him, searching for anything solid, his hands brushing past the misty trunks of trees. The thick canopy of leaves overhead blotted out the sunlight, leaving only a diffuse glow that painted the air in a faint, luminous haze. Then...the whispers came. They started as a breeze, a subtle rustle that could have been dismissed as the wind''s murmur through the leaves. But Lorne knew the difference. He had heard these whispers before, a chorus of voices that rose and fell like the tide against a shore of memories. They spoke in the language of steel clashing against steel, the desperate cries of men and women in battle¡ªa language he understood all too well. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, the familiar leather grip grounding him against the onslaught of recollections. The mist thickened, and shadows began to dance at the edge of his vision, elusive figures that flickered in and out of existence. The din of swords clashing and shields slamming morphed into voices he recognized, voices from a past he had tried to bury deep within the recesses of his mind. The voices of his comrades, the Silverguard Company, echoed around him, calling to him from the fog. "Form up! Brace yourselves!" Kaela''s voice rang clear, sharp as a sword''s edge. Her image flickered in the mist, a shadowy figure clad in leather armor wielding her daggers in a fighting stance. "Incoming!" The mists swirled, parting for a moment, revealing the lumbering form of a massive troll charging directly at Lorne. The creature roared as its massive club whistled through the air in an overhead swing, descending towards Lorne''s head with bone-crushing force. "Shields up!" He shouted, instinct guiding him into motion. His shield slammed into the ground in front of him as he dropped to a knee, bracing for impact. Pain flared in his mind and a gasp escaped his lips, but the blow passed through him like a wave of water, rolling over him with a shiver. The image of the troll and its club faded as quickly as it had manifested, melting back into the mists. Lorne''s grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as he struggled to master the visions assaulting him. The mist enveloped him once more, and the whispering voices returned. "Fucking hold the line! We can do this!" Deneve''s voice snarled nearby, the sheer vitriol in her tone conveying her desperation. Her image wavered into view, the fiery locks of her hair flowing as if caught in a gale, her twin sabers gleaming. The roars of an ogre sounded somewhere in the distance as Deneve''s specter pivoted to face the unseen foe. "What''re you doing?! Protect Kaela''s flank, she''s exposed!" Urien appeared next, a hulking figure materializing from the mist, his warhammer raised in a defensive stance. His deep-set brown eyes, usually a bastion of steadfast resolve, now reflected a haunting mix of confusion and fear. "They''re everywhere, Lorne!" he bellowed, swinging his hammer wildly. "How much longer can we keep this up?!" Lorne watched the events unfold as if he were witnessing them from the outside, an observer of a memory that had already passed. The battle of Neithorst Keep had been one of the worst the Silverguard Company had endured¡ªand it was his first time leading them as their commander. The fortress'' defenders had been overrun by a horde of trolls and ogres that had ravaged the countryside. As they prepared to retreat, they encountered the enemy''s main force and engaged them in a pitched battle in the shadow of the keep''s outer wall. The Silverguards were no stranger to facing insurmountable odds, but that day was different. That day, they had stood alone against a storm that threatened to overwhelm them. "We''re surrounded, Lorne! What are your orders?" the spectre of Kaela shouted at him, her face streaked with mud and blood. Her question echoed around him, lingering in the misty air, drawing forth the others. "The cavalry is routed, they won''t be able to assist us. Orders, Commander?" "We''re getting slaughtered out here! Do something!" "How the hell did we end up in this mess?!" "Godsdamnit Lorne, talk to us!" Lorne''s hand trembled on his sword hilt, his chest tightening. It wasn''t supposed to happen this way. The plan had been to draw the enemy forces to a chokepoint where they would be vulnerable to a concentrated barrage from their artillery. But the Silverguard Company had underestimated the sheer numbers of the attackers, and the plan had failed. They had found themselves on the verge of annihilation, and Lorne had been forced to improvise. The words came unbidden to his lips, the answer to a question he wished he could take back. "We''ll split into three groups: one to engage the enemy''s vanguard, and two to circle around the flank and provide support. Focus on thinning their ranks, and watch each other''s backs! When you make contact, make sure to secure an exit route to the east. Don''t wait for me." The scene dissolved back into the mist as if swept away by the wind, and Lorne sank to his knees, the weight of the decision he''d made bearing down upon him. A third of his company had perished in that ill-fated attack. It had taken their combined might to finally break the enemy lines and retreat to the relative safety of the keep''s walls. But the price they''d paid had been a steep one. A full retreat early on would have been the best option. In the end, they''d had no choice but to abandon the fortifications and flee the area. It had been a bitter defeat, one that had cost them dearly in terms of morale and resources. The voices of the specters still whispered to him, but their words were no longer intelligible, like the distant, mournful cries of the dead. Lorne squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block them out. He gritted his teeth, his knuckles white around the grip of his sword, the steel blade heavy as the stone it was forged from. "We trusted you... and you led us to ruin." "Leave me alone!" he yelled, trying to drown out the noise. But it was futile. The mist pressed in closer, engulfing him. "Perhaps if you were a better commander, more would have survived." A new voice pierced through the veil of whispers, cold and clinical. "That''s not true," Lorne answered, though he wasn''t certain of his own response. "I did what I had to, and the company made it through." "By sheer luck," the voice responded, mocking. "The lives of your fellow mercenaries were in your hands, and you let them slip through your fingers. And for what? To survive by the skin of your teeth? Did you really think you were cut out for leadership? That you were worthy to command the Silverguard Company?" "No, that''s not..." Lorne trailed off, his voice trailing into silence. The doubts he had carried in the aftermath of that battle had resurfaced, reopening old wounds he had tried to forget. The mist shifted, the wispy tendrils twirling about him in an icy caress. They wrapped themselves around his limbs, holding him in place, pinning his arms to his side and restricting his movement. Another sharp pain stabbed into his skull, and Lorne grunted. The world tilted and spun before him as he slumped to the ground, landing painfully on his back. The mist around him turned crimson, the color of blood spilled under a setting sun. It crept into the corners of his vision, seeping through the cracks in his resolve until everything was tinged with a faint reddish hue. Lorne stared at the sky, unable to move, helpless as the specter of his own failure loomed over him.
Viviane looked around at the sea of mists swirling around her. Her hand reached out, fingers brushing against the damp air, and she shuddered. Each droplet of moisture was like a tiny lens, refracting and scattering the light. Something was unsettling about the way the mist moved. Almost as if it were alive. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. In the shifting light that shimmered off the ethereal clouds, she could have sworn she glimpsed the faces of people she''d known once upon a time¡ªlong-dead family and friends, calling to her from the depths of oblivion, only to vanish when she tried to focus on them. It was as if the mist sought to pry into her mind, to unravel her thoughts and memories. She shook her head, a futile attempt to dispel the creeping unease. As an artificer, Viviane was no stranger to illusions, but this was something else¡ªsomething primal. Perhaps these were manifestations of some primordial magic, ancient and mysterious, existing beyond her understanding. She felt like a child peering into the darkness of her bedroom, wondering if something might be hiding in the shadows, waiting for her to drop her guard. And there was no shortage of things to fear in these woods. The last Morkhai''s attack was still fresh in her memory, and she kept a watchful eye, expecting another ambush to happen at any moment. She could hear the faint calls of her companions, their voices distorted, as if coming from a great distance. The fog dampened the sounds, muffling them, making it impossible to tell where they were coming from. Could their voices be an illusion too? Another trick to draw her in? As much as she wanted to believe that the others were nearby, she couldn''t be certain. "Serelle?" she called out, her own voice swallowed by the mists. "Thorsten? Ingrid? Goddess Ebonheim? Are you there?" The only response was a faint echo that faded as quickly as it came. How long had they been separated? She hadn''t a clue. There was no sun or moon visible through the murky shroud, nor did the shadows change in length. She glanced at her compass. It was spinning erratically, the needle twitching and trembling, as if it were in the grip of some powerful force. Frustrated, she placed it back into her pocket. It was useless in these conditions, and she''d have to rely on her wits to find her way out of the fog. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Viviane scanned the surrounding area for a sign, a landmark, anything at all, but there was nothing. "Reste calme," she advised herself, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Just keep going. Everything''s going to be fine." She repeated the phrase like a mantra as she picked a random direction and set off. Panic was the enemy of situations like this. Rationality her ally. Although she''d never admit it aloud, the idea of being lost in this unfamiliar place terrified her. Her specialty was building objects and inventions. This sort of wilderness survival wasn''t her strong suit, and she knew it. So, Viviane relied on the one thing she trusted: her intellect. She chose her footfalls carefully, deliberately planting her foot firmly on the ground, not letting her boot sink into the loamy forest floor. This helped her avoid slipping or falling into some unseen crevice or hole in the mist-covered ground. "Oh, merde, why did I agree to go on this trip?" Viviane trudged forward, one cautious step at a time. Her progress was slow, but she was making headway, and that gave her a small measure of comfort. The spectrometer latched to her toolbelt continued to thrum and click, occasionally emitting a slight squeal. The magitech device was a constant companion to Viviane, and she found its quirks strangely soothing. It beeped again, with a different pitch than before. Curious, she unclipped the small instrument and examined its crystal display, squinting through the fog to decipher its readings. The screen revealed that the mist had an unusually high concentration of mana, and that the energy patterns shifted in a way that suggested movement. Intrigued, she adjusted the dials and tapped a few buttons to get a clearer analysis. A soft hum emanated from the machine as aether particles gathered within its chambers, giving off a pale green glow. After a moment, the light stabilized, and the screen displayed a more detailed reading. Viviane''s eyebrows furrowed as she studied the display. The spectrometer indicated that the mist was not just rich in mana, but it was also saturated with psychotropic elements¡ªcompounds that directly affected the mind and perception. That explained why the mist made her hallucinate. But this also meant that the mist was not just a simple phenomenon of nature. The energy patterns within the ethereal clouds were too complex, too ordered, almost like the mist was imbued with sentient magic. "It''s as if the mist is... alive," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the soft whirring of the spectrometer. The notion was absurd, yet the evidence before her eyes was hard to dismiss. The mist''s mana signature pulsed rhythmically, akin to a heartbeat. The device beeped again, the sound sharper this time, snapping her back to the present. She glanced around, half-expecting to see something emerge from the fog, but there was nothing¡ªonly the endless, oppressive mist. A sigh escaped her lips as she returned the spectrometer to her belt. If the mist was indeed sentient, or at least influenced by some sentient force, what did it want? Was it merely curious? Did it intend them harm? Perhaps the mist was just protecting its home, like an animal defending itself from intruders. Whatever the case may be, the mist had succeeded in isolating her from the rest of the group, and she had no idea how to get out. The urge to scream in frustration bubbled up, but Viviane bit the inside of her cheek, pushing down her irritation. Screaming wouldn''t solve anything. She had to focus. There was also the possibility that the mist was malicious. A creature that preyed on people''s minds, trapping them in illusory hallucinations. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, sharp pain in her temple. She winced, bringing a hand to her head. The pain ebbed away as quickly as it had come, but it left her feeling disoriented. The mist seemed to thicken in response to her discomfort, swirling faster, drawing closer. She found herself teetering, her equilibrium thrown off, as if she had just stepped off a ship into solid ground. Viviane felt this kind of symptom before, and the realization sent a jolt of alarm through her¡ªMana drain. The mist was feeding on her mana, leeching the energy from her body. No doubt, the others were suffering the same effects. "I''ve got to get out of here," she said through gritted teeth, picking up the pace. Her steps became more determined, carrying her deeper into the mist. The mist seemed to respond to her increased urgency, thickening, blocking her path, as if trying to keep her where it wanted her. She stumbled, her foot catching on an exposed root. She cursed, nearly falling as she caught herself. The mist receded momentarily, granting her a glimpse of a distant clearing. She blinked in disbelief, thinking it was another figment of her imagination. But then the mist pulled back further, revealing more of the open area. Encouraged, she quickened her steps, hastening towards the inviting sight. The mist responded, withdrawing more, its tendrils parting before her as if opening the way for her. With the fog pulling back, the path ahead was easier to navigate, and she soon found herself approaching the edge of the clearing. "Hey! Everyone! I''m here!" She shouted, waving her arms. There was no response. She stepped into the center of the clearing, but found no signs of the others. It was just a normal grassy area. She called out again, but the only answer that came back was the silence. An eerie sensation washed over her, like a chill that seeped through her skin. The mist began to swirl once more, slowly encroaching upon the clearing. As Viviane stumbled through the mist, ghastly apparations emerged from the fog. The ghostly silhouettes flickered and shimmered as they materialized, their forms indistinct yet vaguely familiar. The first figure she spotted was her brother, Dominic. He was always the one to take her by the hand and lead her through the back alleys of their city, showing her the hidden secrets that lurked in the shadows. She could still remember the sound of his laugh, so full of joy and mischief. But as she approached, she could see that his eyes were empty and hollow, like two voids set in his skull. A sickening chill ran through her, and she recoiled as he reached a hand out to her. "Vivi...help me..." His voice was a broken whisper, and his body began to fade as the mist enveloped him again. She blinked, tears stinging her eyes as she realized what she had seen. A lie. A cruel illusion. "It''s not real. None of this is real," she mumbled to herself, as she trudged on, ignoring the other figures that appeared before her. Another piercing headache hit her, more intense than the last, causing her to stagger. The fog tightened its grip on her mind, her vision blurring as she fought to maintain consciousness. She fell to her knees, gasping for air. "They''re gone..." came the familiar voice of her mother, a sweet, melodic tone filled with worry and concern. The tall, regal figure of her mother emerged, clad in her courtly attire. Despite having passed on, Viviane could still remember how she used to carry herself with such poise and grace. A pillar of strength in her life. "You''ll never see them again," her mother said, her expression contorted with grief and pain. "Not in this world, not in the next." Viviane couldn''t move, let alone form a coherent sentence, her senses reeling from the loss of mana. "Maman, je suis d¨¦sol¨¦. Je n''¨¦tais pas... je ne voulais pas dire..." She spoke in her native tongue, her words jumbled and slurred. She knew this was all an illusion. She knew...but this particular vision hurt so much more. "It''s too late now," her mother continued, shaking her head. "There''s no hope for you. Accept your fate, daughter. Embrace the dark. There is no light left for you." The pain intensified, and Viviane curled in on herself, clutching her head. The ghostly apparitions floated closer, their bodies bleeding away into the mist. She clenched her jaw, trying to block out their words. But despite her efforts, the voices continued to echo in her head, repeating the same phrases over and over again, until they blended into a wordless chorus. "It''s not...real," Viviane murmured weakly, grasping for the tattered remains of her lucidity. "It''s not real. You''re not real. Get out of my head." As her mother dissipated back into the mist, she staggered to her feet, swaying precariously, her balance off-kilter. The fog closed in around her, its tendrils caressing her skin, whispering sibilant promises into her ears. In desperation, she fumbled for a device on her toolbelt, a small sphere with runic symbols etched onto its surface. She activated the mechanism, and the sphere began to pulse with a faint, orange glow. With a final surge of strength, she lobbed the device away from herself, and the bomb sailed through the air, tumbling end over end, landing with a dull thud in the dirt. Viviane dove for cover, her face buried in the loam, shielding her eyes and ears. The mana bomb erupted in a brilliant burst, sending arcs of bright orange light coursing through the air, disrupting the surrounding energies and scattering the mist in a radial blast wave. The fog retreated, dissolving into the air as if chased by the lingering light of the explosion. The pressure lifted, and Viviane took a deep, shuddering breath. She pushed herself to her feet, brushing the dirt and leaves from her clothing, and grabbed a vial from her belt, popping the cork and gulping down its contents, restoring some of her depleted mana. The mist coiled around the edges of the clearing, probing the boundaries of the damage caused by her device, seeking a way in. Viviane checked her toolbelt, counting the remaining mana bombs. Two left. With how large of an area the mist covered, the mana bombs wouldn''t last long, but they were better than nothing. She just had to stave off the hallucinations until she found the others. Hopefully Ebonheim would know what to do. Chapter 105: Verdant Pathway, Dispersing the Mist Serelle moved with a quiet grace through the fog, her robes swishing gently against the foliage around her. The dampness of the air curled around her like an embracing lover, leaving a fine layer of moisture on her garments. She tightened the cloak around her shoulders, a futile shield against the encroaching haze. The whispers drifted to her ears, faint at first, barely perceptible above the ambient sounds of the forest. They grew louder as she went, becoming more distinct, as if the fog itself spoke to her. At first, the words were foreign, but Serelle quickly discerned that the language was the common tongue. "Such a lovely woman, so fair. Too bad your parents are dead." "What a shame. Poor, orphaned child, all alone in the world." "Can you even defend yourself, young lady?" Serelle''s gaze lingered on the shifting fog, her mind analytically dissecting the phenomenon even as the words clawed at her psyche, searching for cracks to seep in. "Remarkable," she muttered, a small smile touching her lips. "An illusionary mist, sentient, perhaps? Attempting to sow seeds of doubt and fear in my mind." She adjusted the leather strap of her satchel, ensuring the items inside were secured. Among the various potions and scrolls, there was a special item: a pair of spectacles. These spectacles allowed her to see through illusions and distinguish reality from deception. Holding the enchanted glasses in her hand, Serelle scrutinized the mist in front of her. Its pattern and frequency of movement appeared to be random, like static. But she had no way of verifying with her naked eyes. If the mist was sentient, she would have to engage with it to test the extent of its intelligence. Her fingers danced over the surface of a small, glowing crystal attached to a chain around her neck. The crystal pulsed softly, its light a stark contrast to the monochrome world around her. It contained a spell that granted clarity of mind and resistance to magic¡ªa potent magical item for countering mental manipulation. The mist had yet to influence her physically, so she suspected the effect was limited to visual and auditory stimuli. The whispers had also been indirect, as if the mist sought to manipulate her by provoking thoughts and emotions instead of outright changing her beliefs. This confirmed her theory¡ªthe fog wasn''t mindlessly lashing out, it was reacting to her presence, attempting to subdue her mind. An interesting development, and an opportunity for research, but one that would have to wait for a less hazardous situation. A flash of white appeared in her peripheral vision, and Serelle turned to face it. The mist parted for the figure of a young girl in a pure white dress. The image of a beloved childhood friend. Serelle sighed, recognizing the tactic immediately. "Trite. Resorting to personal phantoms, I see." She crossed her arms, studying the figure. It resembled her old friend, but with minor differences, such as larger, expressive eyes, and shorter proportions. The details weren''t exact, which led her to the conclusion that the image was conjured by her own mind, rather than replicated from an existing memory. Despite the obvious illusion, the figure still tugged at her heartstrings, invoking painful memories she''d buried. The figure spoke in the voice of her dead friend, beseeching Serelle to protect her from an imaginary danger. She gazed at the girl for a moment, hesitating. Then, a small, sad smile formed on her lips. "An astute psychological ploy, but I know better," she declared. "Even if it''s an illusion, there''s no sense in being rude." She turned away from the specter and continued on her path, her staff tapping a steady beat against the earth. She didn''t dare give it more of her attention than necessary. A prickling sensation crawled over her scalp and down her spine. Her necklace''s runes glowed brightly for a few moments, before returning to a faint flicker. "Mana drain?" She noted with interest, adjusting her spectacles. The mist rippled and changed around her, its energy signature fluctuating with her movements, as if measuring her. "Well, well, aren''t you a curious entity. A sentient fog of doubt and despair that drains mana to sustain itself. I''m assuming you''re doing the same to the rest of my party." Fortunately, her necklace was helping to fend off the mana drain, though the protection would be temporary. The magic embedded in the stone wouldn''t last forever. She would have to find a way out before she lost all of her mana reserves. The mist''s murmurs returned, more insistent now, offering a warning of terrible doom, but the words held little power over her. She brushed them aside easily, her mind focused on her mission: to reunite with her companions. She continued walking, the mist shifting and dancing around her, growing thicker, congealing into shapes and figures that would have otherwise been terrifying. But Serelle paid no heed. The whispers and hallucinations faded into a vague buzzing in the back of her mind as she contemplated her surroundings, analyzing the mist''s movements. After a while, the whispers died out, replaced by a pregnant silence. Even the whispers had abandoned her. "Interesting," she mused aloud, a contemplative look crossing her features. "Are you getting desperate, or is this another act?" The silence stretched on, unbroken except by her footsteps and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. "Hmm. I suppose I could use this to my advantage," she mused, retrieving a scroll from her bag. The parchment crackled as she unrolled it, revealing a complicated pattern of runes. She held the scroll before her and read the incantation written there, channeling her mana into the arcane matrix. The script flared with blue light, and a burst of energy exploded outward, a wave of translucent light passing through the mist. The mist shifted and shuddered, forming a ripple that spread out through the ether, rippling with waves of color in all directions. As the wave passed through, the mist gradually cleared, the fog growing lighter and less opaque. In the distance, Lorne''s prone figure emerged from the mist, lying in the grass of a small clearing. He was not moving, his brow knitted, and his eyes squeezed shut, as if he was in the midst of a nightmare. "Ah, there you are!" she called, rushing to his side. She knelt by his form and gripped his shoulder, shaking him. "Lorne, wake up!" Lorne stirred, blinking open his eyes. His gaze settled on her, his expression a mixture of confusion and relief. "Serelle?" he said hoarsely. "Where...?" "We''re still within the mist," she told him. "I can clear a section with my scrolls, but the effects won''t last. We have to stick close to each other for the time being and find the others. Can you walk?" Lorne nodded, struggling to rise to his feet. "Yes. I can manage. Thank you." He steadied himself, holding his sword tightly in one hand. "Of course," Serelle replied, smiling at him. She watched him as he gained his footing, noting the lines of fatigue on his face, the subtle slump to his posture. "Are you sure you''re okay?" she asked. Lorne nodded, though the haunted expression in his eyes remained. "I am. Just a bit shaken from whatever this...fog tried to do to me. But I''ll recover. Let''s move on." Serelle inclined her head, respecting his need for privacy. The two set off, side by side, as they traversed through the mists, each absorbed in their own thoughts and concerns.
Viviane continued to trek through the forest, pausing occasionally to catch her breath. Her boots were beginning to chafe her toes, and her clothes were soaked through. It would be so nice to remove them and wash the grime and sweat off, but she was still lost in this wretched fog. The mana drain was still affecting her, but her mana replenishment potion helped ease the strain. It wouldn''t last long, however, so she had to hurry. The spectrometer alerted her to a shift in the surrounding energies, and she looked up to find the mist thinning before her. Viviane took a tentative step forward, peering through the vapor. The landscape beyond was sparse and barren, devoid of vegetation, as if all life had been sucked out of the soil. In the middle of this desolate patch of land, on his knees, sat Thorsten, his massive frame hunched over, his eyes distant. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Relief surged through Viviane''s chest. She sprinted forward, closing the distance between them. "Thorsten!" she called, grabbing his shoulder. The man didn''t stir, his gaze unfocused and cloudy. Viviane frowned, shaking his arm. "Thorsten, snap out of it," she urged, raising her voice. "Don''t touch me," he snarled, his hand reaching up to grasp her throat. Viviane choked as his grip tightened. He rose to his full height, lifting her off the ground. Tendrils of vapor shrouded his eyes, giving them an unnatural hue. Blood dripped from his nose and mouth, staining his teeth crimson. Oh, no. The effect of the mana drain on him was now eroding his health. The symptoms of mana exhaustion, combined with the psychosis brought on by the mist, were now manifesting in physical injuries. Viviane gasped, kicking her legs, clawing at his arm, frantically trying to free herself from his grasp. "Thorsten!" she cried, her voice strangled by his vice-like grip. "It''s me. Viviane! What are you¡ª" Thorsten growled, baring his teeth as he squeezed harder. "You brought your servant to torment me further, Nidur?! Your twisted games have gone far enough! Leave me in peace!" His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her neck. Viviane wheezed, her eyes watering. Stars flashed across her vision. Panicking, she rammed her knee into his stomach. Thorsten grunted, and his grip loosened ever so slightly, allowing her to gulp in precious air. She kicked him again, this time aiming for his groin, hoping to land a critical blow. Thorsten released her, his face twisting with pain as he crumpled to his knees. He coughed, blood spattering his beard. Viviane dropped to the ground, rubbing her bruised neck as she gasped for air. She reached for her last remaining mana potion, uncorking the vial and approaching Thorsten with caution. He groaned, clutching his head as he rocked back and forth. Kneeling beside him, Viviane pressed the vial to his lips and forced him to drink the contents. Thorsten spluttered, choking on the liquid, but Viviane kept a firm hold on his jaw, pouring the potion down his throat. Within a few moments, the color began to return to Thorsten''s face, and his breathing eased. The mist receded from his eyes, and his face slackened with recognition. "Viviane? What are you...?" he trailed off, his gaze taking in her disheveled appearance. "Did I...?" "I''m fine," Viviane croaked, her voice raspy from her swollen throat. "You weren''t yourself, Thorsten. That mist affected your mind." Thorsten winced, shame flickering across his face. "Forgive me. It''s...my nightmares. I thought you were someone else." Viviane nodded, knowing not to push the topic. "At least the mana potion is working. Listen. We''ve been caught in a sentient fog that feeds on our mana." "How?" Thorsten asked, staring at his hands in disbelief. "I don''t know, but we must find the others quickly," Viviane responded. "My supplies won''t last much longer. Hopefully, Serelle will have some ideas, but if we don''t find the rest of the group soon, we might all die here." She handed Thorsten her last mana potion. "Here, keep this with you. Just in case. And stay close." Thorsten accepted the vial, giving Viviane a solemn nod of understanding. "Aye. I owe you my life." "We''re not out of this yet, big guy," Viviane smiled wryly as they set off through the mist once more. "The fog might stretch for kilometers, for all we know." "Ebonheim will save us," Thorsten declared, a steely resolve creeping into his voice. "She will protect us from whatever evil is afoot here." Viviane only wished she shared his confidence. But right now, they had to focus on finding the others and making it out of this infernal fog. The rest could wait.
Ebonheim''s feet whispered across the verdant underbrush, the mist swirling around her as she searched for any signs of her followers. She could hear their voices faintly in the distance, but the dense fog prevented her from pinpointing their location. She paced through the trees, her robe flowing behind her as she cast her gaze in every direction, scanning for any signs of movement or disturbance. She paused, straining to listen, but the sounds remained indistinct and muffled. "Can anyone hear me?" Ebonheim called out, her voice echoing through the ethereal silence. Only the howl of the wind answered. The mist curled and twisted around her divine aura, as if seeking to sap her energy. Annoyed, Ebonheim swatted at the mist, sending it billowing away in an agitated frenzy. She could feel the whispers of the fog pressing at the edge of her mind, trying to worm their way in. [Divine Sight activated] Ebonheim''s gaze pierced through the veil of mist, revealing the faint outlines of the forest around her. The auras of her followers appeared as dim embers in the fog, scattered across the woodland. Some were still in motion, while others were stationary. She headed for the closest presence, moving swiftly and silently through the haze. As she drew near, she saw their wagon, its wheels stuck in the mud, surrounded by a halo of fog. The mules stood nearby, grazing peacefully on the grass, oblivious to their predicament. Ebonheim approached the carriage and found Urien unconscious on the ground, his face pale, his breathing shallow. Ingrid lay nearby, similarly afflicted. Their auras flickered weakly in the divine sight. [Name] Urien [Health] 235/310 [Mana] 0/160 [Name] Ingrid [Health] 316/385 [Mana] 0/185 [Conditions] Suffering from Mana Exhaustion. Suffering from Debilitating Fatigue. They''re drained of mana. The fog is siphoning their energy! Ebonheim laid her hand on Urien''s forehead, channeling her Ailment-Cleansing Pulse power into him. The healing energy flowed through her palm, bathing Urien in a soft glow. His complexion improved, and his breathing became stronger. He stirred, but did not awaken. Ingrid, too, was healed. She also remained unconscious, but her breathing was deeper, and her color had returned. Ebonheim gathered both of them into the back of the wagon, tucking blankets around them to keep them warm. The horses snorted uneasily, pawing at the ground with their hooves. She turned her attention to the fog itself, her eyes shimmering with divine power as she scanned the mist. [Name] Wyldorix, Miasma of Dejection [Source] Miasmic Entity; Age: Ancient; Potency: Average. [Effects] Affects the mental state of mortals, and amplifies negative thoughts and feelings. Causes progressive debilitation in those lacking sufficient willpower and magical protection. Conjures illusions to manipulate prey. Continuously leeches mana from mortal victims, leaving them in a weakened state. [Qualities] Immune to physical damage. High resistance to elemental damage. Vulnerable to divine and light magic. Ebonheim stared into the mist, a deep frown creasing her brow. The mist seemed to sense her scrutiny, and began swirling and eddying around her. The whispers increased in intensity, ringing in her ears like a discordant song. Ebonheim held out her hand and concentrated, summoning her Ebon bow. The weapon appeared in a flash of stardust, the ebonwood frame sturdy and polished to a glossy sheen. It gleamed with inner light, illuminating the mist in a halo of luminescence. The mist recoiled, pulling back from her in an agitated mass, and the whispers faded to a faint buzz, a droning sound on the edge of Ebonheim''s perception. Her Enchanted Essence Bolts could damage the miasma directly, but would only drive it away temporarily. She needed a more permanent solution. An idea formed in her mind, and she set to work, weaving strands of divine power into the bowstring. One of the boons of choosing Enchanted Essence Bolt as her specialized power was to be able to link one other divine ability with it, enhancing the second power. So, she chose Tempest of the Grove as her secondary power. She drew back the string of her bow, and an arrow of radiant energy materialized, gleaming in the mist. The air whipped around her, lifting her hair and dress as a whirlwind formed around the divine arrow. Ebonheim fired the Essence Bolt, and the arrow soared into the mist in a trail of light wrapped in a vortex. It tore through the fog, dissipating the miasma in large swathes, leaving a clear path in its wake. The miasma shuddered and shrank back, recoiling from the divine energy. Ebonheim wasted no time, loading another arrow and firing it into the mist, clearing another section of the fog. She repeated this process several times, until most of the mist had retreated to the edges of the forest. Satisfied, Ebonheim dismissed her Ebon bow and turned to check on her followers. The others'' auras were faint, but visible, and they were beginning to make their way to her. She waited patiently for them to arrive, scanning the surrounding area for any signs of the miasma regrouping. Serelle and Lorne were the first to emerge, followed shortly by Viviane and Thorsten. Ebonheim breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of them safe and sound. "I knew you''d come through. This damned fog''s no match for your might, eh?" Thorsten proclaimed with a laugh, his gaze scanning the area. "We couldn''t find you. That damned fog tried to make me think you abandoned me to rot. I have to admit, I should have known better..." "No, it''s my fault. I should have been more vigilant," Ebonheim responded, frowning. "If I was more attentive, we wouldn''t have been separated in the first place." Serelle shook her head, adjusting the pendant around her neck. "Don''t blame yourself, goddess. None of us sensed anything amiss when we entered the fog. We were all equally unprepared." Lorne nodded in agreement. "That''s true. There''s no point dwelling on what could have been. Let''s focus on making our way out of here." He walked over to Urien and Ingrid, who were beginning to stir. Urien mumbled something incomprehensible, rubbing his head. He blinked at the others blearily. "Huh? Wha¡ªwhat happened?" "We encountered a sentient, mana-siphoning mist," Serelle explained, smirking at the others. "Fortunately, the goddess came to the rescue, and cleared the fog." "Mana-siphoning mist...?" Urien muttered, clearly confused. He squinted at the others, his expression dazed. Ingrid sat up, a grimace on her face. Her hand flew to her forehead. "Ugh... It feels like I went on an all-day drinking binge...The fog, did you say?" Viviane hopped into the wagon, opening one of her boxes to rummage through its contents. "Looks like the fog left you with some lingering effects, but don''t worry, I have just the thing!" She pulled out a pair of flasks filled with a blue liquid and tossed one to Urien and one to Ingrid. "Mana potions. Drink up, and let''s get out of here while the going is good." Ebonheim nodded, glancing up at the sky. The sun''s rays shone down on them from high above, marking noon. "Right, everyone," she announced, leading the way forward. "Let''s continue onward to the east." Chapter 106: Verdant Pathway, Lost Epoch Two days passed since they left the cursed woods of the Wyldorix miasma. The party continued their trek through the valley, keeping a wary eye out for more dangerous entities. The forest had long given way to wide, sweeping grasslands dotted with small patches of trees and shrubs. The skies were clear and blue, with only a few wisps of clouds drifting lazily overhead. Ebonheim, as always, walked at the head of the group, manifesting the road before her with her divine power. Her followers trudged along behind her, following the newly created path. Urien handled the reins of the wagon, while the others either walked or rode alongside them. There were no signs of the hostile wildlife they''d encountered previously, and the air was cool and crisp with the promise of a fresh, new day. The plains gave way to rolling hills, covered in lush, verdant grasses. Small copses of trees clustered together, providing occasional patches of shade. "It''s hard to believe there''s such a dangerous region right next to this peaceful idyll," Lorne remarked, as the group made its way through the countryside. "It is a quirk of geography, perhaps," Serelle said, shrugging. "It is rare to encounter an entity powerful enough to actively attempt to influence your mind. I''m sure the valley has many hidden dangers." "I haven''t seen a single living creature in the past few hours," Ingrid commented, casting her gaze on the horizon. "Do you think they''ve all fled the area?" "They''re probably hiding," Urien suggested. "Just because we can''t see them doesn''t mean they''re not there." Ebonheim couldn''t help but agree. The lack of animal activity was unsettling, and the fields and meadows around them were eerily silent, save for the gentle rustling of the wind. The only other sound was the low creak of the wagon wheels and the steady thudding of their footsteps. The midday sun blazed down, casting long shadows across the land. Ebonheim raised a hand to shield her eyes, gazing out at the landscape stretching before her. In the distance, a series of towering edifices rose above the hills, their tops lost to the embrace of the heavens. "What is that?" Urien asked, leaning forward in his seat, his brows furrowed with interest. "Ancient ruins, perhaps?" Serelle suggested, adjusting her glasses. "I can''t make out the details from this distance, but the architecture seems distinct from other structures I''ve seen." "Let''s go check it out!" Viviane exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "It could be a valuable archaeological site!" Ingrid glanced at Ebonheim, arching an eyebrow. "What do you think, goddess? Shall we explore the ruins?" Ebonheim hesitated, considering the potential dangers. They were still a few days from the eastern entrance to the valley, and the terrain ahead was unknown. It would be risky to divert their course, but at the same time, she didn''t want to miss out on an opportunity to learn more about the area''s history. "I suppose a quick peek wouldn''t hurt," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Just to sate our curiosity." Viviane let out a whoop of delight, jumping up and down in the wagon. "Super! I can''t wait to start digging." Serelle was already rummaging through her satchel, pulling out her field notebook and quill pen. "I''d love to document and compare these ruins with other ancient sites, if possible," she murmured, half to herself. "We may find relics or artifacts that provide clues about the old era." "I can help with that," Viviane volunteered, scooting closer to Serelle. "I''m used to cataloging and identifying artifacts. Let me see that notebook of yours." With that, the two began chatting animatedly, comparing notes and theories about the upcoming expedition. Lorne and Thorsten exchanged glances, smirking at each other. "Nothing like a bit of exploration to break up the monotony," Lorne said, shaking his head in amusement. Thorsten merely grunted, narrowing his eyes at the ruins in the distance. "Aye, ''tis always a welcome diversion. Though something about them gives me the creeps." The party continued on, and as they drew nearer, the ruins'' crumbling spires loomed like silent sentinels of a forgotten epoch, casting long shadows across the grassy fields. The structures stood stark and solitary against the backdrop of the open sky, their walls cracked and weather-worn, yet still retaining traces of their former glory. Massive, broken pillars of blackened stone, cracked and weathered with age, haphazardly rose from the earth. Moss and vines clung to the rocks, their creeping tendrils like the fingers of nature reclaiming what had once been hers. The remnants of glassless windows gaped open, like unseeing eyes, staring back at them with a solemnity that spoke of past grandeur fallen to ruin. The winds blew through the gaps and holes, whistling a mournful tune through the lonely corridors and chambers within. Despite the awe-inspiring scale and intricacy of the ruins, there were no signs of any creatures or entities inhabiting them. No birds roosted on the broken rooftops or flitted between the jagged spires, and no wild animals wandered through the dilapidated hallways and courtyards. The wagon rolled to a halt as the group gathered at the outskirts of the ruins. Viviane hopped out of the cart and immediately began inspecting the nearest wall, running her hands over the rough surface and examining the mortar between the stones. "Amazing...these walls are probably over a thousand years old, but they''re still standing! The craftsmanship is incredible." "The stonework is certainly impressive," Serelle agreed, scrutinizing the details with her sharp eyes. "These buildings could teach us a lot about the construction techniques and materials used by our ancestors." Urien eyed the looming towers warily, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "So, what exactly are these ruins? A city? It seems a strange location for one." "Who knows?" Lorne shrugged, stepping over a toppled pillar. "The valley seems like a remote place to build anything, but there might be reasons for it that we don''t understand." Ingrid squinted up at the sky, holding a hand over her eyes to shield them from the glare. "Either way, I''m more concerned about what kind of creatures might call this place home now. It''s too quiet. Something''s not right here." Ebonheim surveyed the area, taking in the vast expanse of ruins stretching out before them, fading into the distant haze. There was an eerie stillness in the air, as if the buildings themselves were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. The sheer scale and majesty of these ancient edifices took her breath away¡ªeven in their ruined state, they still commanded a sense of awe and reverence. She could only imagine how magnificent they must have once been, before the ravages of time and neglect had worn them away. She peered into the dark, empty windows and doorways of the nearest building, but detected no movement or signs of life. Still, she couldn''t shake the feeling that they were being watched from somewhere in the shadows. "Well, shall we start exploring?" she asked, turning to the others. "We can take a look around for a while and see what we can find." Viviane''s eyes lit up, and she rubbed her hands together eagerly. "Oh, yes, let''s!" She turned to Serelle. "Are you ready for some treasure hunting, partner?" "I''m sure Orin wouldn''t mind me working with you," Serelle said with a smirk, and the two grinned at each other, then set off toward one of the buildings. "I''ll go with them," Lorne said, falling in step behind the women. Thorsten nudged Ingrid, a mischievous grin on his face. "Eh, shieldmaiden? Want to explore with me?" he teased, nudging her again. "Just like old times, eh?" Ingrid rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully. "You''re the old one here, oaf," she retorted, but she was smiling as she pushed past him and strode towards one of the buildings. Thorsten laughed and followed after her, leaving Ebonheim and Urien alone with the wagon. "Guess I''m on wagon duty," Urien muttered, heaving a heavy sigh. "As usual. Oh, you don''t have to keep me company, goddess. Go ahead and explore. I''ll be fine here." Ebonheim smiled apologetically. "I''ll return soon, Urien," she promised, patting his shoulder gently. "Stay alert." "Sure, sure," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I always am." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Ebonheim left Urien and ventured into one of the ruins, ducking through an open doorway. It was a massive, domed structure with a gaping hole in the ceiling where the roof used to be. The interior of the building was dim and dusty, illuminated only by the sunlight filtering through the gap overhead. Motes of dust danced in the air, catching in the beams of light and shining like tiny stars. Large chunks of debris were strewn across the floor, and the smell of mold and mildew hung in the air. There were no discernible features or markings on the walls or columns, giving the whole space an austere, cold atmosphere. The echoes of her footsteps seemed to linger in the stale, lifeless air, and she couldn''t help but shiver a little. She gazed around at the empty space, her eyes landing on a set of stone stairs in one corner that led upward. It seemed as good a place to start as any, so she began to climb. The steps were uneven and slippery, covered in moss and lichen, so she had to tread carefully to avoid slipping. Reaching the top of the stairs, Ebonheim found herself on a flat platform overlooking the chamber below. From this vantage point, she could see more clearly the scope of the ruins. Massive columns lined the perimeter of the chamber, and deep cracks ran along the floor and walls. She moved cautiously, her senses attuned to the slightest sound, the subtle shifts in the air that spoke of the building''s frailty. Her footsteps were as silent as a feather, barely making a sound as she moved among the decaying rubble. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a faint glimmer on the ground in front of her. Kneeling down, she brushed away the dirt and detritus, revealing a small metal object nestled in the grime. Ebonheim picked it up and examined it closely. It was a coin¡ªa crude, oval piece of silver with an image stamped on one side. The symbol was unfamiliar to her¡ªa crude depiction of a hooded figure with a staff. Intrigued, she pocketed the coin and rose to her feet, continuing her explorations. As she explored the rest of the structure, she came across a number of similar coins, all bearing the same symbol. The discovery puzzled her, but she kept the coins anyway, stowing them away in the satchel she borrowed from Serelle. She navigated the maze of the complex, entering and exiting different chambers. All of them were in various states of disrepair, with broken columns and cracked floors littered with debris. Some rooms had caved-in ceilings, exposing the rusted framework of support beams. Others had collapsed walls, revealing sections of exterior stonework that had been overgrown by thick tangles of weeds and vines. Ebonheim''s path led her to what seemed to be the center of the structure. Here, the sunlight poured in more generously, illuminating a circular pattern on the floor. She stepped closer, her eyes discerning the faint outlines of what must have been a magnificent mosaic, now faded and broken. Tiny pieces of colored stone still clung to their ancient adhesive, clinging stubbornly to the marble tiles beneath. In the midst of this decay, Ebonheim felt a strange kinship with the ruins¡ªthough she didn''t fully understand why. Perhaps it was their enduring resilience, despite the passage of time and the ravages of nature, that resonated with her. Whatever the reason, she found herself pausing to examine the patterns of the mosaic more closely, tracing her fingers over their worn surfaces. In the center of the pattern, a larger section of the design remained intact¡ªa ring of sixteen symbols arranged around a central sigil. As she leaned in for a closer inspection, she noticed that the larger symbol in the center of the circle resembled the same figure she had seen on the coins earlier¡ªa cloaked and hooded figure with a staff. This symbol, however, was more elaborate, depicting a pair of outstretched wings unfurling from the figure''s back. She committed the symbol to memory, curious as to its meaning. Was this an emblem of some sort, or perhaps a representation of a deity? If so, who could have erected such a structure, and why? How long ago had the city been built? What tragedies had befallen it, and the people who dwelled here? The answers remained elusive, and she reluctantly tore her gaze away from the mosaic, moving on to the rest of the complex. Moving on, she discovered a narrow passage leading off from the main chamber. The passage was choked with debris, but curiosity drove her forward. She began clearing the obstructions, tossing the smaller fragments of stone aside, and digging her way through the larger boulders. Her efforts revealed an opening that led to a smaller room beyond, its walls adorned with faded frescoes. She touched the paint with her fingers, and the pigment flaked off onto the floor. Stepping back, she pondered the significance of these figures and their role in the history of the valley Despite the damage wrought by time, the images were discernible¡ªdepictions of strange, grotesque figures with tentacles and claws, rising from the depths of a turbulent sea, reaching towards the viewer. The colors, though dull and faded, were still vibrant enough to give the figures a sense of menace and power. It was as if the artists intended to emphasize the monsters'' unnatural qualities, while at the same time capturing the fear and terror they invoked in their victims. Ebonheim''s skin crawled as she studied the paintings. They seemed to shift and move as she gazed upon them, as if coming to life. The creatures'' expressions were blank and featureless, but their bodies were twisted and deformed, hinting at a primal horror lurking beneath the surface. The entire scene evoked a sense of unease, as if the nightmare world depicted in the painting was not entirely imaginary, but a glimpse into a terrible reality. Whether these beings were meant to represent actual entities or were merely symbolic, she couldn''t tell. She tore her eyes away, blinking rapidly, and staggered back. She gulped air into her lungs, trying to calm her nerves. That''s enough exploring for now, I think... She slipped out of the chamber and headed back to the entrance of the complex, eager to rejoin her companions. The sight of the cheerful blue sky above dispelled the last vestiges of uneasiness she''d felt, and she quickened her pace, eager to share her findings with the others.
Serelle peered through the magnifying glass she had brought with her. She knelt on the ground, carefully brushing away layers of dirt and debris from the base of a towering column. The delicate engravings carved into the stonework were starting to emerge, revealing intricate designs that snaked their way up the pillar''s surface. She marveled at the craftsmanship, running her fingers over the ridges and grooves. The workmanship was exquisite, with minute details that she would have missed with the naked eye. The carvings reminded her of the ancient writings on the tablets and scrolls she had uncovered in previous expeditions. They told a story, hinting at events and people long gone, their existence reduced to mere echoes in the ages. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and adjusted the strap of her satchel. It was heavy with the tools of her trade: notebooks, pens, brushes, and ink. She always carried enough supplies to document and analyze every inch of the ruins she explored. Viviane was a few meters away, meticulously examining a fragment of pottery she had excavated from the rubble. The other woman''s brow was furrowed in concentration, and she hardly seemed to notice Serelle''s presence. "Found anything interesting yet?" Serelle asked, peering over Viviane''s shoulder. Startled, Viviane glanced up at her, blinking owlishly. "Hm? Oh, er, well, this piece seems to be part of a larger vessel." She gestured to the other shards scattered on the ground near her feet. "Maybe a bowl, or a vase? It''s hard to say at this point. I''ll need to study it more closely once we get it back to my workshop." She gently placed the piece of pottery into a canvas bag and rose to her feet, slinging the bag over her shoulder. "This is just the first layer of sifting so far. There''s a lot more to uncover. This place is a goldmine of artifacts. Whoever lived here must have been quite sophisticated and advanced." She wiped the dust from her hands, scanning the surroundings with keen eyes. "I hope Ebonheim lets us stay here for a few days." Serelle nodded in agreement, returning her attention to the inscriptions on the column. "I''m hoping so too. I want to document as much of these ruins as possible while we have the chance. There''s so much to learn, and I can''t bear the thought of leaving without uncovering all of its mysteries." Lorne approached them, his sword hanging loosely at his hip. He had been keeping watch on their surroundings while they worked. "There''ll be other opportunities to explore," he said with a shrug. "It''s not like we can''t come back, right? Once the road is fully built, I doubt Ebonheim will have any qualms about letting us visit the ruins as often as we''d like." "You''re right," Serelle admitted with a sigh. "But I can''t help feeling impatient. The history of this region is so shrouded in mystery. We don''t even know who built these structures, or how long ago they did so. Every new clue leads to more questions." Lorne chuckled. "Patience is a virtue, they say." He winked at her. "You''ll figure everything out eventually. Until then, enjoy the adventure and the discoveries along the way." He patted her shoulder reassuringly before moving on. Serelle smiled and resumed her task, carefully recording the details of the column''s etchings with her quill pen. Each line and curve was noted, along with its approximate height, width, and angle. She sketched a rough diagram on her notebook, filling in the details as she went. Meanwhile, Viviane busied herself with sifting through the rubble, picking through the rubble for more artifacts. She inspected each item she recovered, discarding those that were too damaged or corroded to be of use, and setting aside the more intact ones for further analysis. She hummed softly as she worked, occasionally glancing over at Serelle, clearly enjoying the task. "It''d be nice if we uncovered some ancient magitech devices," Viviane mused aloud, straightening up to stretch her back. "Imagine discovering something comparable to the relics that pioneered the invention of Aetherframes. We''d be the most famous explorers of our age!" Serelle shook her head in amusement. "I''d rather hope we don''t. Our respective guild leaders might kill each other for ownership rights, and then where would we be?" Viviane blinked, then sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, you''re probably right. Too bad. I can just imagine the power output of an ancient Magitech core...all that pure, untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. It''d be glorious." "Focus on the present, Viviane," Serelle chided gently, a teasing note in her voice. "You can fantasize later, when we''re safely back at camp." She returned to her work, noting down another row of markings on the column. The two fell into an easy rhythm, and the sun arced across the sky as the day wore on. Hours passed by in a blur of activity, and they made steady progress in their respective tasks, until a shout from Lorne interrupted them. "I found something! Come and take a look at this." Serelle and Viviane exchanged glances, then hurried over to where Lorne was standing, by the entrance of one of the nearby buildings. He motioned for them to follow as he entered the darkened chamber, and they did so, apprehensively. The interior of the building was largely empty, with only a few piles of debris scattered haphazardly around the edges of the room. At the far end, against the opposite wall, sat a large pedestal of dark iron. Upon the pedestal rested a small cube, no larger than the palm of one''s hand. It was covered in strange markings and emitting a faint glow. "What do you think it is?" Lorne asked, regarding the cube warily. "An artifact, of course," Viviane replied, practically bouncing with excitement. "Do you think it has any power left? Can I touch it? What if¡ª" "Hold on a minute," Serelle interjected, placing a hand on Viviane''s shoulder. "We shouldn''t rush into this. It could be dangerous." She retrieved her magnifying glass and examined the cube closely, noting the unusual patterns and symbols etched onto its surface. "I''ve never seen anything like it before. There''s definitely some form of arcane energy emanating from it, but I can''t make out its purpose." She shook her head, frowning. "I recommend we leave it be for now and continue our investigations elsewhere." "I agree," Lorne said, nodding. "We should report this to Ebonheim and ask for her advice." Viviane grumbled, disappointed. "Fine, you two spoilsports. But I''m coming back to collect that thing later!" Chapter 107: Verdant Pathway, Discoveries Serelle, Ebonheim, and Viviane huddled closely around the cube, their heads touching as they peered at the mysterious artifact. The dim light of Viviane''s etheric lamp cast a pale yellow glow over the three, illuminating the cube and its arcane markings. "Looks like an oversized dice, doesn''t it?" Viviane quipped, tilting her head to the side causing the others'' heads to tilt in tandem. Serelle adjusted her glasses and brushed a lock of hair from her face before also tilting her head in the other direction, making the others'' heads tilt back the opposite way. "Hardly a game, Viviane. This could be a very important find, assuming we can determine what it does." "Still, this cube is unlike anything I''ve ever seen," Serelle continued. "It''s not made of any material I recognize, and the engravings on its surface are indecipherable." Viviane nodded in agreement. "It''s been giving off a faint aura ever since we found it, but I haven''t been able to identify its source. I''d love to study it in my workshop, but Serelle''s insisting we leave it where it is for now." Ebonheim, stuck in the middle of the head pile, stared intently at the cube. "Do you think it''s some sort of ancient magitech?" "Definitely!" Viviane enthused. "There are runes inscribed on its surface that have to be the precursors of modern arcane script. This thing is thousands of years old, at least! And who knows what secrets it holds." Serelle nodded again, her ponytail bobbing from side to side. "I can vouch for its authenticity. The script on this cube bears striking similarities to the ancient runes uncovered by scholars of old. If we can translate those writings, we may discover previously unknown truths about the people who lived in the valley." Hmm. Ebonheim reached out with her finger to poke the cube, but both Viviane and Serelle slapped her hand away before she could make contact. "Goddess, no," Serelle warned. "We don''t know what would happen if anyone touches it." Viviane nodded in agreement. "Could cause all kinds of things. Maybe explode, maybe teleport us somewhere weird. Maybe both!" Ebonheim withdrew her finger sheepishly. "Sorry. Just curious, is all. It looks harmless enough, though." "Let''s save the poking and prodding for a later time, with safety measures in place," Serelle suggested. "Ideally, when we know a bit more about what this object is, and how to handle it safely." "Okay," Ebonheim replied, nodding in agreement. "How should we proceed, then?" "Well, we were hoping you might have some divine insight about what it could be," Viviane said with a hopeful tone. Ebonheim squinted her eyes at the cube. Nothing. Not a single glimmer of recognition or understanding. That flash of insight she experienced during Kelzryn''s release never returned. Was it because this device wasn''t as significant? Or maybe because the two weren''t related to each other? The cuboid seemed to pulse with energy, though no sound accompanied the glow. Its polished surface reflected the light of the lamp, creating shifting patterns of illumination on the walls around them. "Sorry, no. I have no idea what this thing is or how it works," she said with a frown, shaking her head. "I can try something though..." Her eyes shimmered as she used her Divine Sight. The Akashic System didn''t display the usual status screen when examining an object, but instead, a network of glowing threads appeared before her, spreading out like the roots of a tree, fanning out from the cube. The threads crisscrossed the air, weaving in and out of each other, forming five distinct lines that branched off in different directions; Each thread shimmered with a distinct color. Ebonheim followed one of the lines with her gaze, watching as it snaked through the air and curved around the walls of the chamber, passing through several structures before disappearing out of sight. "Woah..." Viviane and Serelle pressed their faces against hers, trying to make out what she was looking at, causing Ebonheim''s cheeks to squish between theirs. "What do you see?" Serelle asked, her voice low and quiet. "Not sure," Ebonheim replied, struggling to free herself from the head pile. "A network of glowing threads. Five of them, actually." "Glowing threads?" Viviane reached into her toolbelt and retrieved a pair of spectacles with green lenses, using them to peer at the cube. "I''m not seeing anything." "I''ll try using Arcane Sight," Serelle murmured, closing her eyes as she uttered the incantations for the spell. Her eyes opened again, shining with a soft azure radiance as she peered through the lenses of her glasses. "Hmm...interesting. I can see them now. Barely. The arcane energy is weak, but it''s there." "Ugh, let me calibrate." Viviane turned a dial on the side of her spectacles, shifting the lens from green to violet. "Ah! Now we''re talking." Ebonheim nodded, following the lines with her eyes again. "Do they lead anywhere?" "Probably to other parts of the ruins," Serelle observed, straining her eyes to make out the details of the spectral webbing. "Or perhaps even beyond. It''s difficult to say with certainty. We''d have to track each individual strand to know for sure." Viviane''s eyes lit up with a sudden realization. "Do you think this cube is a power source for an old Magitech device, or something like that? If so, the threads could be connections between the device and the surrounding systems." "Possible," Serelle concurred, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Though it doesn''t explain why there are five separate threads when most Magitech devices require only one connection. Unless this is some kind of auxiliary power source." "So, what now?" Ebonheim asked, unable to hide the eagerness in her voice. Even though her mind drew blanks regarding the origins or function of this cube, she couldn''t help but feel drawn to it, as if there was something about it that called to her, urging her forward. There was a familiarity about it¡ªsomething intangible yet powerful, like a memory just beyond her grasp. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Viviane grinned. "Well, if we want to understand how this cube works, we''re going to have to follow the breadcrumbs."
Ebonheim''s gaze followed the ethereal trail, its luminescent tendrils snaking through the air, teasing the edges of her perception. The path led them deeper into the ruins, winding through abandoned streets and twisting alleyways, until they emerged into a vast, open plaza, surrounded by ruined buildings on all sides. Vines clung to crumbled archways and weeds grew through cracks in the paving stones. At its heart stood the remnants of a large, metallic construct, partially buried in the earth. It was humanoid in shape, with a broad chest and shoulders, and spindly limbs, each ending in a series of pronged fingers. Its surface was rusted and dented, and patches of moss clung to the seams of its joints and crevices. Is that¡ª "Putain! C''est un Aetherframe!" Viviane squealed as she dashed toward the metal giant, her boots crunching on the gravel underfoot. She skidded to a halt just before the ancient Aetherframe, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she circled the wreckage, inspecting every detail. "Ooh, look at these markings...this configuration of power conduits...and the structure of the servos, oi! It''s positively archaic." Serelle sighed and shook her head. "Of course she''d be drawn to this," she muttered to herself as she joined Ebonheim in approaching the machine. "Don''t mind me. I''ll just tag along to keep her in check." Ebonheim gazed at the construct in awe, running her hands along its massive frame. Even in its decayed state, it retained an imposing presence, looming over them like a statue of a forgotten god. The faintest traces of mystical energy lingered in the air around them, tingling against her skin. "So this is one of the things the cube is connected to?" she wondered aloud. "Oui," Viviane replied, clambering over the Aetherframe''s back to get a better look inside its control alcove. "If this Aetherframe is still functional, it could be drawing power from it. Or maybe, it''s the other way around?" Serelle crouched down to examine a section of torn metal plating, exposing the inner workings of the mechanism. "Whatever the case, I''m inclined to believe the cube is the more powerful component." She gingerly probed the exposed wiring with her fingers, careful not to damage any of the delicate components. "The chassis seems to be in relatively good condition, but its components have decayed to the point of uselessness. Aetherframe or no, there''s nothing left of its original function." She stood up and wiped her hands on her pants, frowning. "If the cube is its power source, this machine hasn''t moved in a very long time." Viviane clambered down from the Aetherframe''s back, landing with a thud on the ground below. She straightened up and brushed the dust and grime from her clothes, flashing a lopsided grin at her companions. "I vote we spend the next month exploring these ruins. Ebonheim approves, right?" Ebonheim pinched Viviane''s cheek, causing the artificer to pout. "We''re here for a reason, Viviane. Getting sidetracked isn''t exactly part of the plan." "Pfft, plans can change." Viviane waved Ebonheim''s hand away from her face, rubbing her sore cheek. "Besides, who knows what else we''ll find here? Imagine how much knowledge we can gather!" "I can''t argue against learning more about this place, but I''m still responsible for building the roadway through the valley," Ebonheim stated. "It would be irresponsible of me to delay that." "Please? Just for a little while?" Viviane pleaded, giving her a pleading look. "C''est pas comme si ta route avance de cette fa?on." (It''s not like your road will advance like that.) Ebonheim considered Viviane''s request. On one hand, she was obligated to complete her assigned task. On the other, the temptation to delve deeper into the ruins and unravel the secrets they held was almost too great to resist. If they stayed longer, who knew what discoveries they could make? Perhaps they''d even find answers to the mysteries surrounding this place. In the end, curiosity won out over duty. "Okay, fine," she conceded, earning a triumphant cheer from Viviane. "But only for a week! Then we go back to finishing the road." "You got it! I promise we''ll be productive!" The artificer flashed her a thumbs-up, grinning broadly. "And hey, who knows? Maybe we''ll uncover some valuable artifacts in the process." Serelle gave an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. "I have a sinking feeling I''ll be dragging you out of here when the time comes." "You won''t have to," Ebonheim assured her with a smile. "One week, and no more. After that, we return to the road." She shot a stern glance at Viviane, who quickly averted her gaze. "Uh huh. Sure. Right." "That''s not exactly an assuring reply..." Serelle muttered, clearly unconvinced. "Aw, c''mon. It''ll be fine!" Viviane reassured, giving the other woman a reassuring pat on the back. "Oh, and I''ll go notify Lorne and Urien, too. You go let Thorsten and Ingrid know." She spun on her heels and trotted away, humming cheerfully to herself. Serelle cleared her throat, gathering Ebonheim''s attention. "If we''re going to be staying for a while, we need to be cautious. These ruins could hold dangers we aren''t prepared for." Ebonheim tilted her head and eyed Serelle inquisitively. "I''m surprised you''re not as excited as Viviane to stay longer, given her enthusiasm over Aetherframe relics." The corners of Serelle''s lips curled into a smile as she pushed up her glasses, the lenses shimmering in the fading daylight. "I am interested in the history of these ruins, make no mistake. But unlike Viviane, I prefer to remain level-headed in such situations. I wouldn''t call myself ''excited.'' Let''s call it a scholarly curiosity, if anything." "Fair enough," Ebonheim responded, chuckling. "Anyway, if we''re going to be staying a while, we should set up camp near the ruins. Better to be close by in case anything happens. Right?" "Yes, agreed," Serelle answered, adjusting the straps of her satchel. "Although I''d suggest a slightly more defensible location. This clearing is rather open and exposed. While I doubt any foes would find us this far into the valley, it never hurts to take precautions." "Wherever we decide to make camp, we''ll need to discuss preparations for the night with Urien and Lorne," Ebonheim declared. "They''ll know how to secure the perimeter and what defenses we''ll need in place. Wouldn''t want to let anyone or anything sneak up on us during the evening hours."
"Really? We''re staying for a week?" Lorne raised an eyebrow as he sat back, crossing his arms. He listened to Viviane''s explanation and saw Ebonheim nod in confirmation. While he was a little skeptical about the extended stay, he understood their reasoning. Still, the prospect of lingering in this place for an entire week, with the danger of the unknown lurking in the shadows, wasn''t something he relished. "If that''s what Ebonheim says, then that''s what we''ll do," he said, resigned to the idea. "But we''ll need to make some adjustments to our campsite. Can''t exactly fight off intruders if we''re sleeping in the open." His gaze flicked to Urien, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. The paladin stared into the distance, lost in thought. "Urien, you have anything to add?" Lorne asked. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I guess," Urien replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "I mean, I''m fine with staying here for a few days if everyone else is, but I gotta say, this place gives me the creeps. I don''t think I''ll sleep a wink tonight." Lorne gave him a sideways glance. "Any specific reason for your unease, or is that just a gut feeling?" "Call it a hunch, I suppose," Urien replied, his expression turning somber. "Maybe I''m still reeling from the encounter with that mist, I dunno." He rubbed his forehead absently as if trying to brush away the memory of the haunting encounter. "There''s something strange about these ruins. It''s like...they''re not entirely empty." Ebonheim patted Urien''s shaved head and smiled reassuringly. "Shall I sing you a lullaby to help you sleep tonight? Might ease your worries a bit." "As much as I''d enjoy the serenade, goddess, I''d feel too embarrassed to rest well with your sweet, angelic voice echoing in my ears all night." Urien winked. "No offense, of course. I''m sure you have a lovely singing voice." Ebonheim chuckled. "None taken. We''ll focus on keeping the camp secure, and hopefully, that''ll help put your mind at ease." She glanced over at Lorne, who nodded in agreement. "Alright, so we''re settled on extending our stay." Lorne exhaled slowly as he gathered his thoughts. He disliked the uncertainty of being in an unfamiliar environment with just a small group of people, especially after the incident with the mist. Fortunately, Ebonheim''s presence served as a ward, but that didn''t eliminate all risks. He had to assume there would be unexpected problems, and be ready for them. Chapter 108: Verdant Pathway, Fight or Flight Ingrid pushed her way through the tall grass, ducking under low-hanging branches as she walked. Thorsten''s booted feet thumped heavily behind her, almost drowning out the gentle rustling of the leaves overhead. The midday sun beat down on her neck, causing sweat to trickle uncomfortably between her shoulders. She reached up to adjust her the straps on her breastplate, hoping to ease some of the pressure on her chest. It wasn''t the most comfortable armor, but it had served her well over the years. She knew better than to complain. Glancing over her shoulder, Ingrid saw Thorsten lumbering behind her, his axe slung over his shoulder. His burly frame contrasted with her lithe form, and his dark beard gave him a fierce appearance that had frightened off many a foe in battle. But she knew there was a soft heart underneath his gruff exterior. "Let''s take a break," she suggested, gesturing to a fallen log nearby. Thorsten plopped himself down gratefully, unscrewing a waterskin and taking a long sip. Ingrid perched beside him, chewing on a strip of dried meat from her pack. She stared out into the distance, where the tall grass gave way to the ancient city ruins. The crumbling stonework of the buildings stood out in stark relief against the clear blue sky, their dark shadows casting long lines across the ground. "So, what do you think of those ruins?" Ingrid asked, breaking the silence. Thorsten grunted, swallowing a mouthful of water. "Hmph. Big. Old. Not much else to say about them." He replaced the cap on the waterskin and stowed it away. "Seems like a waste of time, wandering around in the dust and cobwebs when we could be making progress on the road." "The goddess wants to know more about this valley and its history," Ingrid reminded him. "Besides, don''t you find it fascinating to imagine who could have built such a place, and why? It could be a source of valuable knowledge for us." "Nah, it''s all a bunch of rocks and stone walls. Nothing useful there," Thorsten countered. "Might as well try to learn about the local flowers and bugs, if we''re going to go poking around for nonsense like that." Ingrid laughed, shaking her head. "Ever the pragmatist, eh, Thorsten?" "Someone has to be," he grumbled, shifting his weight to lean back against the log. "Those arcanists and artificers always looking for some new shiny thing to chase, never seeing the practicality behind it. Pfah. I prefer the simple life, with clear goals and clear rewards. Now, a good axe in hand and a monster to cleave... That''s something I understand." He lifted his axe from his belt and brandished it, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Ingrid rolled her eyes, but couldn''t help chuckling. Thorsten always enjoyed a good joke. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, watching the swaying grass and listening to the quiet breeze rustling the leaves above them. The afternoon sun warmed their faces as they basked in the peaceful atmosphere. After a few moments, Thorsten stirred, clapping his hands together and rising to his feet. "Right, let''s get back to this. If we''ll be spending time digging through rocks and dirt, I''d rather make sure we''ve scouted out the area thoroughly first. Better safe than sorry, as they say." Ingrid nodded, also standing. "Very well. I''ll follow your lead." Together, they set off through the grasslands once more, their path leading them further away from the ruins. The forest grew denser as they moved deeper into the wilderness, the canopy blocking out more and more of the sun''s rays. The air became cooler and more damp, the soil beneath their feet softer and less dry. It was a welcome change from the heat and brightness of the fields outside the ruins, and Ingrid breathed deeply, enjoying the fresh, clean scent. Her companion, however, was not quite as relaxed as she was. Thorsten scanned their surroundings constantly, his head swiveling from side to side as he walked, his grip tightening on the handle of his axe. Ingrid understood his concern, but she doubted anything particularly dangerous was lurking in the forest. Still, she stayed vigilant, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword. After all, one could never be too careful in the wilderness. Their route took them along a narrow stream that flowed gently from the hills surrounding the ruins, winding its way through the trees and bushes. Ingrid stopped to refill her waterskin, and the cold water soothed her parched throat. She splashed her face, washing away the dirt and sweat from the day''s journey, before resuming her trek through the forest. As they hiked, Ingrid began to notice the tracks left by other animals and creatures. Hoofprints of deer dotted the muddy banks of the stream, while claw marks scored the tree trunks nearby. She paused, examining one set of prints more closely. "What do you make of these, Thorsten?" she asked, pointing to the indentations. Thorsten frowned, studying the tracks for a moment before replying. "Looks like some kind of bird, maybe?" His frown deepened as he traced his fingers along the grooves. "Pretty big one, too. Talons are almost as long as my hand." Ingrid''s gaze trailed the length of the track, noting the depth of the imprint and the size of the toes. "We might be dealing with some kind of predatory avian," she surmised, following the trail for a few meters. "The track seems fresh, and it headed that way. We should be wary." Thorsten chuckled. "Bah. It''s probably long gone by now. Still, I wouldn''t mind bringing down a fat duck or two for supper tonight. Wouldn''t that be a fine meal, eh?" "Ducks have webbed feet," Ingrid pointed out, rolling her eyes. "These are talons. They belong to a different class of animal altogether." "A fat owl, then," Thorsten retorted with a smirk. "They can fly, but I bet I could catch one with my bare hands. Imagine the look on Urien''s face if I showed up with a giant bird to roast for dinner!" Ingrid bit back a laugh, shaking her head. "Whatever you say, Thorsten. Just don''t come crying to me when you get pecked to death." With that, she continued on her way, following the stream''s meandering path through the forest. The terrain gradually began to slope upwards, and she soon found herself climbing over fallen logs and scrambling across steep embankments. Thorsten followed close behind, his large frame making the trek more difficult, but he kept pace with her easily enough. Eventually, the two emerged from the trees, finding themselves at the top of a ridge overlooking the ruins. From here, they could see the vast expanse of the city spread out below them, its ruined buildings and structures rising like jagged teeth from the earth. It was a striking sight, and Ingrid paused for a moment to take it in. "Not bad, eh?" Thorsten remarked, shielding his eyes from the sun''s glare as he surveyed the landscape. "Could''ve used a little more alehouses though." Ingrid chuckled. "Weren''t you the one complaining about wasting our time earlier?" she teased. "Now you seem to be enjoying yourself." "A man can change his mind," Thorsten retorted with a playful grin. "Maybe it''ll be fun to see what old bits of junk those eggheads dig up from down there. Might be something useful in those dusty halls for once." "Well, let''s hope so," Ingrid said, patting his arm. "Come on, the day is wearing on. Best we return to camp before dark."
As they made their way back to camp through the dense foliage, Ingrid spotted something moving ahead. She held up a hand to signal to Thorsten, and they both froze in their tracks. Crouching low, she peered through the thicket, trying to make out what was happening. The sound of crunching bones and tearing flesh echoed through the air, and Ingrid shuddered, gripping her sword more tightly. She motioned for Thorsten to follow her, and they crept forward, careful not to make any noise. As they drew closer, she could see the outline of a human girl hunched over the carcass of a deer. But something wasn''t right. The girl had wings for arms, and bird-like legs that ended in talons that dug deep into the flesh of the deer she was eating. Ingrid gasped in surprise, and the girl''s head whipped up, her teal-green eyes locking onto hers. In a flash, the girl was on her feet, feathers ruffling, her wings outstretched. Her lips curled back, revealing rows of sharp fangs that glistened with blood. She let out a screech that split the air, and then she lunged, barreling towards them with alarming speed. Ingrid barely had time to draw her sword before the girl collided with her, knocking her to the ground. The two wrestled briefly, the girl''s sharp talons raking across her armor and scratching her cheeks. But Ingrid managed to regain her footing and push the girl away, gaining a bit of distance. The girl hissed, crouching low, preparing for another attack. Her eyes darted from Ingrid to Thorsten, her expression feral and wild. "Is she some sort of beastkin?" Thorsten murmured, holding his axe in front of him defensively. "I don''t know," Ingrid replied, circling the girl warily. "But she''s clearly dangerous. We need to subdue her somehow." "Aye, but how? I don''t think she speaks our tongue." Thorsten grunted as the girl lunged at him, her claws narrowly missing his face as he dodged to the side. "Fast little devil, too!" Ingrid tried to distract the girl with feints and lunges of her own, but the winged girl was too quick and agile. She evaded all of Ingrid''s attempts to draw her in, dancing out of reach with surprising grace. "I don''t suppose we could scare her away?" Thorsten suggested, ducking another swipe from the girl''s talons. "Make enough noise to scare her off, like we would a wild animal." Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "She doesn''t seem intimidated by us," Ingrid replied, sidestepping an attempt by the girl to slash at her legs. "I''m not sure that''s an option here." Thorsten grunted in acknowledgment, swinging his axe in an arc to try and keep the girl at bay but she dodged the blow easily, launching herself into the air on powerful wingbeats, before diving at Ingrid, talons outstretched. Ingrid swung her sword to intercept the attack, but the girl twisted midair, avoiding the strike. She landed nimbly on her feet and lashed out again, her talons catching Ingrid on the arm this time. Blood welled up, and Ingrid grimaced in pain. "That''s it!" Thorsten bellowed, tossing his axe to the ground. "I''ve had enough of this!" He crouched, his muscles tensing, and let out a deafening roar that seemed to echo through the forest, startling birds into flight and causing the air to tremble. The girl squeaked in surprise and stumbled, her eyes widening in fear. She cowered, flapping her wings frantically, as if trying to escape. Thorsten seized the opportunity and dove at her, pinning her to the ground. "Gotcha!" he cried triumphantly, restraining her flailing limbs. Ingrid rushed forward to assist, securing the girl''s taloned feet and wings as best she could. The girl struggled weakly, her eyes darting back and forth between the two warriors. She seemed to realize her situation and slumped in defeat, a low hiss escaping her lips. "That''s better," Thorsten panted, his grip loosening slightly. "Now, are you going to behave yourself, or do we have to tie you up?" The girl didn''t reply, but her gaze lingered on the gash on Ingrid''s arm. Thorsten shrugged and pulled a length of rope from his pack, tying her wings and legs securely. He stood back, inspecting his handiwork. "There, that should hold her. For now, at least." Ingrid rose to her feet, clutching the wound on her arm. "What do you think we should do with her? There are probably others of her kind in this area somewhere, and I doubt they''re going to appreciate our capture of this one." Thorsten scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Best to bring her back to camp, I think. Ebonheim can decide what to do with her. Maybe she''ll be able to communicate with her, since Ebonheim seems to be good at speaking with animals and whatnot." He scooped the girl up, ignoring her protests. "Let''s get moving. I''m hungry and tired, and this bird-girl smells like raw meat."
Ebonheim rose from the log she''d been sitting on, dusting off her dress. She turned toward the cooking pot, where Urien and Lorne were busy stirring the contents and adding more ingredients. The aroma wafting from the pot was delicious and appetizing, and Ebonheim''s stomach growled. It had been a long day of exploring and she was looking forward to a hot meal. "Are Thorsten and Ingrid back yet?" She looked around for them, wondering where they''d gotten to. Last she checked, they headed out to explore the area beyond the ruins. "Has anyone seen them?" Urien wiped the sweat from his brow, setting the ladle aside. "No, not since they left earlier this afternoon. But I''m sure they''ll turn up." Lorne added another log to the fire, stirring the flames into a blaze. He settled down beside Urien, resting his back against a nearby rock. "I''m sure they''ll be back soon. They probably just lost track of time while out there." Ebonheim nodded. "I hope so. I worry that they might''ve gotten hurt or encountered trouble while searching the area." She stretched her arms above her head, sighing deeply. "If they don''t return within an hour, I''m heading out to find them." Just then, Thorsten''s voice rang out across the clearing. "Oi, ye lot! Look who we found!" He lumbered into view, carrying a squirming girl wrapped up in ropes. "She''s a right nuisance, but we got her captured and subdued." Ebonheim stepped forward, and then her eyes widened. The girl looked human, albeit with wings instead of arms and talons instead of feet. Her eyes were wild and panicked, and her feathers were ruffled and disheveled. She screeched and thrashed against the ropes, struggling to free herself. She''s...a harpy. What was a harpy doing around here? And why had Thorsten captured her? As Thorsten approached, Ingrid came into view from behind, a large gash on her arm. "We ran into her while we were out scouting. She was feeding on a deer, and she attacked us when she realized we were there. We managed to subdue her and tie her up, but I think we might need your help, goddess." "Let me take care of your wound first," Ebonheim said, waving Ingrid over. "Then we can deal with the harpy." She examined Ingrid''s injury and used her ''Ailment-Cleansing Pulse'' ability to heal the wound. The flesh knit itself back together, leaving only a faint scar. Ebonheim gently traced her fingers over the scar, the pink skin fading back to the usual pale tone. "There, all done." Ingrid flexed her arm, testing it. "Thank you, goddess." With that taken care of, Ebonheim turned her attention to the young harpy. She knelt in front of the girl, who stared back at her with wide, frightened eyes. "I won''t hurt you," Ebonheim assured her, reaching out to stroke her hair soothingly. The girl flinched away from her touch, but Ebonheim persisted, smoothing her tangled locks. "What''s your name?" The girl didn''t answer. She simply watched Ebonheim warily, her wings trembling. "How did you get here? Are you alone?" Ebonheim questioned. When no reply came, she sighed softly. "Can you understand me?" The harpy hesitated, then nodded slowly, her eyes locked with Ebonheim''s. "Good, I''m glad," Ebonheim said. "Listen, we don''t mean any harm. You''re safe here, and I promise to protect you." She stroked the girl''s hair again, hoping to reassure her. "What''s your name?" The harpy stilled, seeming to relax slightly. She blinked at Ebonheim, then slowly parted her lips to speak. "G-Gwynelle. N-name is Gwynelle." The others gathered around, watching the exchange with interest. Ebonheim continued stroking the girl''s hair gently. "Nice to meet you, Gwynelle. I''m Ebonheim, and these are my companions." She gestured to the others in the group. "W-why?" Gwynelle asked, her voice quivering. "Why are you helping? Why am I not..." She trailed off, glancing at the others apprehensively. "You''re not what?" Ebonheim asked, tilting her head curiously. "Not...k-killing me," Gwynelle mumbled, her gaze dropping to the ground. "The w-weak is prey. S-strong is hunter." Thorsten mumbled something to Ingrid, who punched him in the arm. Ebonheim made out the words, "Fat owl...roasted duck," and sighed. She shook her head. "We aren''t hunting you, Gwynelle. There''s been a misunderstanding." Gwynelle looked confused. "M-misunderstanding?" She shifted her weight, her talons sinking into the earth. "N-no killing? Not prey?" "No killing. Not prey," Ebonheim repeated, smiling reassuringly. "We''re the ones intruding. Is this your territory? Are there other harpies living nearby?" Gwynelle nodded shyly. "Y-yes. Our valley." Serelle cleared her throat. "The girl is a harpy. They''re a race of beings that combine the traits of humans and birds. They can be quite territorial and aggressive, so it''s likely that she mistook you for invaders and acted in self-defense." "Harpy, eh?" Urien mused, folding his arms across his chest. "First time I''ve seen one. I figured she was another kind of beastkin." Lorne eyed Gwynelle appraisingly, a thoughtful frown on his face. "Beastkin are descendants of human transmutation experiments by arcanists of old. This creature is something else entirely." He reached out to touch her wings, but Gwynelle hissed at him, scooting backwards. "Intriguing." Ebonheim shooed him away. "Easy there. She''s scared and confused." She turned back to Gwynelle, who was huddling close to her. Hmm. If they were in harpies'' territory, they might be perceived as hostile invaders. She needed to approach this situation carefully. "May we stay here for a time?" she asked gently. "We mean no harm, and will respect the boundaries of your territory." Gwynelle blinked. "S-stay?" She glanced at the others in the group. "All of you?" "Yes," Ebonheim said, nodding. "We''re building a road through this area, but we''ll try not to disturb you too much. Would that be alright with you?" Gwynelle didn''t respond at first, chewing on her lower lip thoughtfully. Eventually, she met Ebonheim''s gaze and spoke in a quiet voice. "O-only the queen may s-say yes or no. I am n-not leader. Not strong." "Oh, I see," Ebonheim said, considering. "Would you be willing to take us to your queen? If she allows us to stay, we''ll help you with anything you need. Anything within reason, of course." Gwynelle nodded. "T-take you to queen." She lifted one bound foot, raising her eyebrows. "F-free? Please." Thorsten made a noise in protest, but Ebonheim silenced him with a glance. "Of course. I trust you won''t try to harm us or flee if I untie you?" Gwynelle shook her head vigorously. "N-never hurt nice one!" She cocked her head to the side. "Free. Yes." "Alright." Ebonheim gestured at Thorsten to loosen the ropes binding the harpy. As soon as her bonds were cut, she leapt to her feet, flapping her wings excitedly. Her feathers rustled as she fluttered around Ebonheim, as if nuzzling her. She made a series of cooing and chirping sounds, and Ebonheim chuckled, reaching out to stroke her hair. "So, where do we find your queen?" Ebonheim asked when she eventually calmed down. Gwynelle blinked. "Tree nests. Where all live. Up high." She pointed over the horizon where the silhouettes of floating islands drifted over the forest canopy, the orange glow of the setting sun glinting off their edges. "Many nests." The others'' eyes widened as they followed the direction she''d pointed. "Those floating islands? They''re inhabited?" Viviane asked, her voice filled with awe. "Incredible..." Thorsten scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Wonder how are they held aloft like that? Do they move on their own, or are they tethered to the ground somehow?" "Some of them appear to be stationary, while others drift through the sky," Serelle noted, peering through the spyglass she always carried. "I''ve read that the Eldergrove was at the center of an intense Elemental Conflux centuries ago. Those floating islands must have formed from the conflicting elemental forces released during the cataclysmic event." Urien gave a low whistle. "Interesting. Never knew this valley was at the center of such a magical upheaval. That explains a lot, though." Ebonheim looked back at Gwynelle who''d perched herself on top of a rock, preening her feathers by rubbing them on the stone. She wore a tattered tunic, woven from what appeared to be plant fibers and strips of leather. It hung loosely around her figure, with small pieces of bone and twine stitched onto the fabric. Her legs were bare, and her talons were painted with patterns of red and black. Her dark brown hair was a mess of matted and tangled locks, and her skin was covered in dirt and scratches. But despite her disheveled appearance, something was endearing and curious about her. Gwynelle''s teal-green eyes gazed expectantly back at Ebonheim, and she bobbed her head eagerly as if waiting for further instructions. Ebonheim smiled. "It looks like we have our destination. Tomorrow morning, we''ll venture forth and meet with your queen." "An audience, eh?" Thorsten rumbled, eyeing Gwynelle uncertainly. "Just how friendly are these harpies, anyway? Will they welcome us warmly, or tear us to shreds at first sight?" Gwynelle made a noise somewhere between a chirp and a squawk, her feathers puffing out. "Tear to shreds? Nae, nae, never! Queen likes strong. No weak. Not kill unless prey." Ebonheim chuckled. "Well, we won''t be provoking anyone. We''ll extend a hand in friendship, and hopefully be granted permission to establish the road. That''s all we ask for." "Well said," Ingrid agreed with a nod. "What''s your queen''s name, by the way?" Ebonheim asked. "What should we call her?" Gwynelle puffed her chest out proudly and grinned from ear to ear, showing off her sharp teeth. "Liselotte! Skytalon! Lord of the North!" she proclaimed in a surprisingly loud voice. "Strongest in the world!" Ebonheim''s eyes slowly widened as the realization dawned on her. They were already within Liselotte''s domain. Her territory. Liselotte¡ªthe queen of these harpies¡ªand from Ebonheim''s interaction with her during their yearly gathering with the other lords of the Eldergrove, she had come to know that Liselotte could be unpredictable, aggressive, and often mercurial in her temperament. "Oh..." Chapter 109: Verdant Pathway, Birds of Paradise Dawn broke over the campsite with a soft, golden glow, painting the sky with streaks of amber and pink. The air was crisp and cool, with only a hint of a breeze. Ebonheim rose early, as she always did, and went to check on the others. Viviane and Serelle were up already, huddled over a campfire and sipping on bowls of steaming soup. Ingrid and Thorsten sat nearby, sharpening their weapons and preparing for the journey ahead. Urien lay sprawled under a pile of furs, snoring loudly, his boots poking out from beneath the heap. Lorne stirred quietly in his tent, emerging a few moments later with a yawn. They had decided to move their camp to the forest''s edge, just in case other harpies stumbled across them unexpectedly; The open fields would have left them too exposed, whereas the trees offered some camouflage. As they finished breakfast, Ebonheim made her way to the outskirts of the camp where Gwynelle awaited, nibbling on a strip of jerky. Gwynelle perked up immediately, fluffing her feathers and stretching her wings. "Ready?" she chirped, bouncing in place. "Go to queen, meet with queen!" Ebonheim gave her a thumbs-up. "Soon, Gwynelle. Just let us finish packing up and we''ll be off." The young harpy nodded, flitting about impatiently, her feathers fluttering in the light wind. Once everything was loaded into packs and bags, and everyone''s armor and weapons were equipped, they set off for the floating islands. Gwynelle led the way, flitting through the air with ease. Her wings carried her high above the treetops, and she occasionally flew in spirals, chirping cheerfully. Ebonheim and the others followed along below, weaving their way through the forest. As they traveled, Gwynelle would periodically swoop down and land on a branch, waiting for them to catch up before taking off again. Her antics provided a welcome distraction from the monotony of the hike, and the others gradually grew more animated as the day wore on. They joked and laughed, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Eventually, they reached the edge of the forest, stepping out onto a vast plain dotted with boulders and patches of wild grass. The floating islands hovered in the sky like suspended clouds, drifting lazily above the forest canopy. Their undersides were cloaked in verdant moss and dangling vines, while the tops were scattered with rocks, bushes, and trees. Some of the islands were massive, taking up the space of several hills, while others were tiny, barely large enough to stand on. The smaller ones moved about, bumping into each other and creating small explosions of dust and debris. Others drifted slowly through the sky, undisturbed by the chaos around them. "Wow," Serelle breathed, gazing upward in awe. "To see this kind of phenomenon up close...it''s incredible." "Aye," Thorsten grunted, shielding his eyes from the sun''s glare as he scanned the skies. "Which one''s the nesting site, little bird-girl?" Gwynelle landed on a boulder near the forest''s edge, bobbing her head excitedly. "Home!" She flapped her wings and took to the air once more, flying straight towards the largest island. It hung in the sky, like a giant, leafy cloud, its green foliage swaying gently in the breeze. As Ebonheim and the others approached, a flock of harpies swooped overhead, chattering noisily. They circled the group, flapping their wings and shrieking before settling onto nearby branches or the ground. Ebonheim raised her hands placatingly, trying to convey a sense of calmness and peace. The other members of the group followed suit, mirroring her gestures and expressions. The harpies watched them cautiously, cocking their heads to one side as if unsure what to make of them. Some leaned forward, sniffing the air, while others leaned back, as if retreating in fear. Ebonheim looked around for Liselotte, but saw no sign of the regal harpy who ruled the territory. Urien leaned close to Lorne and whispered, "Are these all female? I don''t see a single male among ''em, which makes me wonder..." His voice trailed off suggestively, and Lorne shot him a disapproving look. "Harpies are all females, actually. They mate with human males to produce offspring, and sometimes even keep them as mates, but usually cast them out when they grow bored of them," Serelle murmured in a matter-of-fact tone. "Oh-ho, is that so?" Urien stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes roving across the surrounding flock. "I suppose that means they''re open-minded when it comes to matters of the heart." He winked at Lorne, who rolled his eyes. "Heh, you know, I always wanted to¡ª" A loud squawk interrupted him, and everyone turned their attention back to the flock. Gwynelle had landed in the center of the flock and was speaking in a low, urgent tone to the harpies. Her eyes darted nervously to the group, and she kept gesturing at them emphatically. The harpies listened attentively, occasionally making chirping noises or fluttering their wings in response. After a while, the flock seemed to reach a consensus. Several of the harpies hopped down from their perches, approaching Ebonheim and her group. They stopped in front of them, cocking their heads curiously from side to side, examining them intently. The group remained still, allowing the harpies to scrutinize them, hoping to convince them that they meant no harm. A tall, muscular harpy with bright yellow plumage and blue eyes stepped forward, staring directly at Ebonheim. She extended one wing towards her, holding it rigidly in the air. The others in the flock seemed to watch her closely, waiting for some sort of reaction. Was there some sort of etiquette for meeting with harpies that they were supposed to follow? She tried recalling her interactions with Liselotte last year at the gathering, and couldn''t think of anything specific. Oh dear. Hopefully this isn''t some sort of test. Maybe I should offer her food? No, no, that''s stupid. Wait, maybe I should shake her wing? Or...? The tall, yellow-feathered harpy waited patiently, her wing still outstretched, unmoving. Hmm. Maybe she should take a gamble and embrace her instincts. She gently placed her hand on the harpy''s wing, patting it softly. The harpy''s feathers rustled at the touch, and she chirped in surprise. The others in the flock fluttered their wings and made clacking sounds in what seemed like approval. The yellow-plumed harpy chirped back at them, turning to face Gwynelle, who squeaked in reply. The rest of the flock followed suit, hopping up and down in unison. They chattered excitedly, chirping and whistling at one another, seemingly pleased by this development. Ebonheim exhaled, relieved, and relaxed her posture. She sensed that some sort of ritual had just occurred, and the others seemed to pick up on this as well, as they lowered their hands and ceased their nervous fidgeting. After a moment, the yellow-plumed harpy approached Ebonheim once again. "Name?" she asked, pointing to herself. "Name?" Ebonheim pointed to herself, repeating the same gesture. "Ebonheim. I am Ebonheim." She gestured to the others one by one, introducing them. "Ingrid. Thorsten. Viviane. Serelle. Urien. Lorne." The yellow-plumed harpy observed Ebonheim''s gestures silently, and then she motioned towards herself again. "Mesyori," she said, tapping her own chest with one wing. "Mesyori," she repeated, pointing at the others in turn. "Ingrid. Thorsten. Viviane. Serelle. Urien. Lorne." The flock tittered in approval. Gwynelle cheered, flapping her wings and spinning around joyfully. Mesyori bowed deeply, spreading her wings wide, her feathers shimmering in the sunlight. The other harpies in the flock bowed as well, imitating the movement. Ebonheim and the others inclined their heads, following suit. Viviane nudged Serelle with her elbow. "This is good, right? It seems like a positive outcome so far." Serelle nodded. "Indeed. I believe they just accepted us as guests. Which is fortunate, as we have come to make a request of their ruler." She glanced over at Ebonheim meaningfully. "Time to formally introduce ourselves to their queen, I suspect." Ebonheim nodded, turning back towards Mesyori. "Mesyori, can you take us to your queen?" The yellow-plumed harpy''s brow furrowed, her feathers ruffling, and she turned towards the others. They spoke to one another rapidly, before facing Ebonheim. Mesyori waved her wings toward the forest. "Skytalon. Out. Hunting. Long wait." Ingrid frowned, crossing her arms. "And how long is long, exactly?" "Wait," Mesyori repeated, shrugging her wings. Lorne rubbed his forehead, exhaling deeply. "We''d best settle in for the time being, then. Perhaps they''ll be more forthcoming once their queen returns."
As they settled in to wait, Ebonheim and the others got a chance to observe the harpies up close. They watched as a group of young harpies chased each other through the sky, dipping and swerving to avoid obstacles. Their feathers flashed iridescent colors, reflecting the light in different hues. Some dove into the lake below with a splash, while others swam through the water, their wings tucked tightly against their sides. They surfaced with fish in their mouths, and gathered on the shore to feast. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. One group huddled together on a nearby hill, grooming and decorating themselves using colorful paints and beads to adorn their feathers. They sang to each other in melodious tones, their voices rising and falling in harmony. Even the children were engaged in a game of tag, flitting through the air and tackling each other playfully. They tumbled to the ground, squawking and screeching, their wings flaring to cushion their fall. Another group gathered around a large rock, playing a game involving small sticks and stones. They tossed the sticks into the air, each trying to hit them with their talons as they fell. Occasionally, a stick would land on a stone, and the players would shout in excitement, leaping into the air and flapping their wings in triumph. The tall, yellow-feathered Mesyori stood off to the side, watching over them with a protective gaze. She occasionally joined in their games, flapping her wings and swooping through the air, but never strayed far from the flock. At one point, a group of younger harpies approached Ebonheim and the others, peering at them curiously. They sniffed the air, making chirping sounds, and tentatively extended their wings, brushing them against Ebonheim''s hand. The others followed suit, rubbing their feathers against her, clearly eager for contact. "I feel like a piece of meat hanging on a hook," Thorsten muttered, enduring the attention reluctantly. One of the smaller harpies grabbed onto his beard with her talon, tugging on it and warbling loudly. Thorsten grimaced, and the others chuckled as he struggled to disentangle himself. "Oi, oi, not the beard!" Ingrid sat nearby, having gathered a small crowd of her own, who stroked her blonde hair and braided her plaits with strands of animal fur and tiny flowers. She bore the attention with patience, letting them weave daisy chains into her hair and adorn her armor with colorful feathers. A short, brown-plumed harpy with hazel eyes circled around her, inspecting her armor and shield. She ran one talon across the engravings on the steel surface, tracing the lines and runes. Ingrid held still, watching her quietly. The harpy gazed back, cocking her head to one side, as if trying to comprehend what she was seeing. After a moment, the harpy plopped down beside Ingrid, leaning against her heavily, her head resting against Ingrid''s shoulder. Ingrid slowly brought up a hand, hesitating briefly, before placing it on the harpy''s head and patting her gently. "I, uh, appreciate the show of affection, but perhaps a bit more personal space?" She tried to nudge the harpy away gently, but the creature clung to her stubbornly, cooing sweetly. "Agh, well, at least she''s cute." Meanwhile, Urien found himself surrounded by a horde of harpies, all clamoring for his attention. He smirked smugly, patting their heads and stroking their feathers. "My, what a lively bunch of girls you are," he declared, flashing his teeth in a wolfish grin. "If only all the ladies were this lovely, eh?" A petite, white-feathered harpy with silver eyes and blue ribbons adorning her wings peered at him, head tilted. She sidled closer, reaching out to tug on his cloak. Urien laughed, allowing her to pull him down to eye level, where she proceeded to inspect him closely. Urien responded by blowing a puff of air at her, making her blink in surprise. She pouted, scrunching her face up in an adorable expression, before jumping up and catching the end of his beard in her teeth, giving it a firm yank. "Woah, not the beard!" Urien protested, but was drowned out by the others'' laughter. The harpy pulled again, drawing him in, and he stumbled forward, landing on his knees. The other harpies giggled as he attempted to break free, but the white-feathered harpy''s grip was ironclad. Eventually, he relented and allowed her to continue tugging at his beard, grinning sheepishly. "Alright, alright. You win." The harpies around him cheered, hopping up and down with wings flapping. The white-feathered harpy chirped happily, rubbing her head against his cheek before releasing him. As the harpies dispersed, Urien caught sight of Lorne standing nearby, back against a tree, observing the proceedings. "Oh? What''s this? Lorne? All alone? Not interested in making new friends, eh?" Urien quipped, dusting himself off. "Think Kaela might get jealous if she finds out you''re surrounded by scantly-clad beauties." "Hardly," Lorne retorted dryly. "I''m simply observing. Their behavior and social structure could provide valuable insights into our negotiations with Liselotte. I intend to learn all that I can and incorporate those observations into our discussions." Urien chuckled. "That''s you. Always thinking ahead. Well, I guess you can''t go wrong with a solid plan." He folded his arms behind his head, leaning back against a nearby boulder. "Still, wouldn''t hurt to relax a little, you know? You''re always so uptight. Maybe you oughta unwind a bit. Loosen up, take in the sights, smell the roses and all that." All good advice¡ªand under normal circumstances, one Lorne would consider heeding. But the wide-eyed gazes belonging to a quartet of harpies, perched on nearby rocks, made relaxing rather difficult. Their eyes bore into him, unblinking, studying him with a strange intensity. It wasn''t a look of curiosity or even desire; something more akin to the intense focus of a predator, sizing up its prey. Their posture was taut, as if poised to pounce at any moment, and their taloned feet grasped at the rocks, claws scraping across the rough surfaces. Unlike the playful harpies that surrounded Urien and the others, these four resembled Mesyori and the other adult harpies, with powerful, sleek physiques, rippling muscles, and piercing gazes. Yet they lacked the matronly air, instead exhibiting a cold, detached demeanor. These particular harpies were dangerous¡ªthat much was clear. Dangerous, and deadly. And judging by their posture, they had set their sights on Lorne. But why just him? The others seemed to draw the harpies'' interest, too, especially Ebonheim, yet these harpies paid them no heed. Only him. "I think I''m not the only one who should loosen up," Lorne murmured, indicating the harpies with his chin. "Just my luck." Urien followed the gesture, raising his eyebrows. "Ah, so it seems. Hmm..." He straightened, his expression sobering. "Noticed something off about those ones, then? Seems like they''ve taken an interest in you, and not the fun kind, either." He scratched his head, glancing between the harpies and Ebonheim. "Any idea why?" Lorne shrugged. "Who knows? But we''d better inform Ebonheim. Something tells me things might get...complicated." "Agreed." With a sigh, Lorne pushed himself upright, brushing the dirt off his trousers, and strode towards Ebonheim. The harpies'' eyes followed him, tracking him like predators stalking their quarry. As he approached, Ebonheim greeted him with a smile. "Looks like you''re making some friends!" she teased. "They seem to be quite fond of you." "Fondness" was not a term Lorne would use to describe these harpies'' feelings towards him, but he merely smiled politely. "Indeed," he replied. "Although, if I may speak frankly...I suspect they harbor more than just a passing interest." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "What do you mean?" Lorne gestured to the harpies, who continued to observe him intently, their eyes narrowing. "Just a hunch," he answered, keeping his voice low. "But we should remain cautious. Something tells me they won''t hesitate to act if they perceive us as a threat." A flicker of concern crossed Ebonheim''s face, but she quickly smoothed her expression, nodding solemnly. "Understood. Keep an eye out, then. Once their queen arrives, I''ll do what I can to resolve this peacefully." She paused, glancing at the harpies again. "But if worse comes to worst..." Her voice trailed off, but her meaning was clear. "Understood," Lorne repeated. "I''ll plan our escape route, just in case." With that, he turned and walked off, leaving Ebonheim to her thoughts.
As the sun crept across the sky, the harpies grew restless, circling overhead in wide, lazy arcs. Gwynelle landed near Ebonheim, bouncing and fluffing her feathers. "Queen. Here soon." "Finally!" Thorsten grumbled, folding his arms across his chest. "Bout damn time!" The other harpies, who had been frolicking about, suddenly snapped to attention, their gaze shifting skyward. The wind began to blow, stirring Ebonheim''s hair as a powerful gust swept past, rustling the trees and sending leaves flying. The forest seemed to shiver, the trees creaking and groaning in the rising gale, as a shadow appeared in the distance. Ebonheim squinted, her eyes tracing the soaring silhouette breaking through the clouds. Liselotte, Queen of the Harpies, had arrived. She circled above them, her powerful wings beating steadily as she surveyed her domain. The sunlight shimmered off her azure and white feathers, while her long hair trailed behind her like a flowing river. Her crimson eyes flashed, and a faint smirk tugged at her lips, revealing a row of sharp teeth. Her legs, covered in soft, tawny feathers, ended in sharp, black talons that firmly grasped the body of a slain chimera-like beast. The creature, easily thrice her size, bore the marks of a fierce struggle: its lion¡¯s mane was matted with blood, one of its goat heads hung limp, and the serpentine tail had been torn off. The wind seemed to gather in her wake, swirling around her in a tempestuous dance. Ebonheim and the others craned their necks, shielding their faces from the raging gales. Even the surrounding harpies struggled to maintain their altitude, flapping their wings with all their strength. "Wind magic," Serelle noted, her voice raised above the howling winds. "Amazing." Thorsten raised a hand to shield his face as the gusts intensified, billowing his cloak around his shoulders. "Aye, a mighty display of power. She''s showing off her dominance, eh?" "Queen! Skytalon!" Gwynelle exclaimed, waving her wings frantically, her eyes brimming with adoration. "Greatest in whole world! Strong, brave, smart! Queen is strongest of all!" With a mighty flap, Liselotte descended, dropping the beast''s corpse onto the ground with a resounding thud. The other harpies crowed, flocking to the carcass and tearing into its flesh. Blood spattered the earth, and chunks of meat flew through the air. The humans flinched, instinctively backing away from the carnage. Even Urien blanched, a rare expression of discomfort crossing his face. Only Lorne remained unaffected, his face remaining calm and impassive. As the harpies feasted, Liselotte glided to a boulder, her talons digging into the rock as she landed. She stretched her wings, fluttering them as if shaking off the fatigue of her flight. Her eyes scanned the assembled group, finally settling on Ebonheim. The howling winds died down, leaving the forest still once more. A heavy silence hung in the air as the two parties regarded one another. The harpies feasting on the chimera''s corpse slowed their frenzied devouring, their eyes flitting between Ebonheim and their queen. Gwynelle shifted anxiously from foot to foot, her eyes darting back and forth. Mesyori and the other harpies flanking her tensed, their wings flexing and feathers bristling. Even Urien and Lorne exchanged wary glances, both seeming ready to draw their weapons at a moment''s notice. Ebonheim cleared her throat, smiling nervously, and approached Liselotte. It had been several months since she last saw her at their yearly gathering. The game they played last year was quite fun. It was called Mystic Runes¡ªa word-building game using runes that represent ancient magical languages. Players drew rune tiles and formed words or magical incantations on a board that granted different bonus points based on the complexity and length of the words. Needless to say, Liselotte did not fare well in the game. Elmsworth ended up winning, with Calyxia finishing a close second. "Lotte! Hello! Good to see you! It''s been a few months," Ebonheim called out, keeping her tone casual. "Lovely day, isn''t it? Hope you don''t mind us dropping by. We, ah, had an inquiry regarding your domain. I''d like to talk to you about it, if you have the time." Liselotte fixed her crimson eyes on Ebonheim, her gaze cold and unreadable. The silence stretched on, with Ebonheim swallowing and tensing in anticipation. Then, without warning, Liselotte opened her mouth, unleashing an ear-splitting shriek that echoed throughout the forest. Ebonheim winced, covering her ears, and the others flinched, gritting their teeth. Gwynelle and the other harpies dropped whatever bits of the chimera they were munching on and prostrated themselves on the ground. The forest seemed to shudder under the force of Liselotte''s cry, as if recoiling in fear. Trees swayed and branches rustled, while birds took flight and beasts scampered deeper into the shadows. Liselotte let her voice fade away. She bent down from her perch as she inspected Ebonheim''s face, and leaned in closer, until her nose nearly touched Ebonheim''s. Her pupils narrowed into thin slits. "I didn''t invite you here." The words left Liselotte''s lips as a guttural growl, threatening to turn the air around Ebonheim to ice. Her expression darkened, and her feathers bristled, standing on end. "Trespassers."
Chapter 110: Verdant Pathway, Birds of Prey "So, what happens now? Does she throw us out of her domain?" Viviane wondered, chewing on her bottom lip. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve as she watched Ebonheim converse with the imposing harpy queen. "If she doesn''t want us intruding, then that would be ideal," Lorne responded calmly, though his hands lingered near the hilt of his weapon. "Though I suspect things will be far more complicated." He glanced towards a group of harpies, who sat nearby, mutilating the remains of the monster that Liselotte had hunted. "She does seem a tad upset," Urien agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let''s hope Ebonheim can smooth things over." He flashed a wry grin, attempting to lighten the mood. "I doubt anyone can resist her charms for long, eh?" Thorsten grunted noncommittally, his eyes never leaving Ebonheim. His hand gripped his axe, which rested on the ground before him. "Whatever happens, stay on your guard. There''s no telling how they''ll react." Lorne nodded in agreement. "My thoughts exactly. I trust Ebonheim, but her presence may not be enough to placate them. Be prepared for anything." Ingrid and Serelle glanced at each other, before turning back to observe Ebonheim and Liselotte.
Ebonheim stared at Liselotte, searching for the right words to soothe the tense situation. "Uh, yes. About that, um...I apologize for trespassing. But hear me out. I''m building a road leading from my domain to the eastern entrance of the valley. I didn''t realize that I was already in your territory until my party encountered one of your harpies yesterday. She brought us here, and we''re hoping to gain your permission to build that road." She clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture and continued, "Lotte, please understand. I have no intention of encroaching upon your domain. I just want to build a safe path so travelers can move more freely across the vale." Liselotte narrowed her eyes. "This is my territory. The land and the skies are the privilege of the strong. The weak have no claim here." Her lips curled into a feral grin, baring rows of sharp teeth. "The weak are our prey." Damn it. I don''t like where this is headed. Ebonheim fell silent, racking her brain for a way to salvage the situation. Suddenly, she remembered the wager they had a few years back at the first gathering of the Lords of the Eldergrove. Ebonheim won the chess game in the end, and her prize was a tour of their respective territories. "Hey. Remember when I beat you at chess a few years ago? Don''t you remember our bet? You promised to give me a tour of your territory. I lost track of time, but you owe me that tour. Now''s as good a time as any to collect." She waved at her companions. "Those people over there? They''re my retinue. I brought them along on my tour of your territory." Liselotte regarded her coolly, arching one eyebrow. "Bet? Mmmn, yes... I vaguely recall. But you broke into my territory, unannounced. Therefore, you forfeit your claim. I don''t owe you anything." "Wait, what?" Ebonheim blinked, dumbfounded. "Lotte, that''s not f¡ª" Liselotte lifted her chin, fixing her with a haughty stare. "The strong dictate the terms. Those are the rules. You were not invited. Your mere presence here proves you broke your end of the wager." She fluffed her wings, stretching her arms languidly. "You expect me to acknowledge a broken contract?" "Your petition for access to my land won''t be granted." Liselotte''s eyes flicked to Ebonheim''s companions, lingering on their weapons. "Nor will you leave my domain alive." "Lotte! We''re friends! Look, it''s my fault for not asking permission first. So, can we make a deal? I can compensate you for your hospitality, I promise. If there''s anything I can do to make amends, just name it. Anything!¡ªOh, I know! We can team up in the next gathering. What do you say?" Ebonheim offered, trying to appeal to Liselotte''s competitive spirit. Liselotte''s expression never wavered, but she cocked her head to the side, considering. "Friendship is irrelevant. Our territories are separate, and this valley is mine. The only thing I acknowledge is strength." She unfurled her wings, stretching them to their full width. The afternoon sunlight reflected off their azure-white plumage, casting a sharp, jagged shadow over Ebonheim. "And you...are weaker than me." Ebonheim frowned, clenching her fists. "Is that a challenge? Listen, I''m not trying to fight you. I only came to ask for permission to build a road. If your answer is no then we''ll leave immediately." Liselotte leaned closer, looming over Ebonheim like a dark specter. "We never let our prey escape." Upon hearing those words, the other harpies stopped their gorging and turned in unison to stare at Ebonheim''s party with a predatory gleam in their eyes. Even Gwynelle, who had knelt and prostrated herself on the ground, lifted her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. "Hey, hey, Goddess. I don''t like this. I really don''t like this." Urien whispered in a low tone, his grip tightening around the handle of his hammer as the party slowly started backing away towards the forest. "The bird-girls are definitely starting to give me the creeps." "Um, Lotte? Can we at least discuss this over tea or something? Come on, Lotte. This isn''t funny. Don''t scare me like this," Ebonheim insisted, but Liselotte remained unmoved. Liselotte stepped forward, her taloned feet scratching against the rocky ground. As she approached, the rest of the harpies rose, spreading their wings, and followed in her wake. "The weak are food." Ebonheim gulped, backing away. "Well...they don''t appear to be open to negotiation now. Get ready." She turned to face the others, her gaze catching Lorne''s who nodded imperceptibly in return. It looked like they were going to have to fight their way out of this, but there were too many harpies for her companions to fight. The only way to save them was to subdue Liselotte herself, and fast. She couldn''t afford to hold back¡ªor let Liselotte have the first strike. As the party backed away from the advancing harpies, Ebonheim clasped her hands together, focusing her will towards the surrounding trees along the forest''s edge. Five trees roared to life; their roots wriggled beneath the soil, bursting forth in a shower of dirt and mulch. Their trunks creaked and groaned, their limbs twisting and bending into humanoid shapes. Ebonheim imbued them with the ability to cast her Vines of the Bramble King, and she wasted no time in directing her sentinels to use it. Her tree sentinels marched forward, their emerald eyes glowing with an eerie light. Vines and roots erupted beneath the harpies, coiling around their legs and bodies. The harpies screeched, flapping their wings wildly, but the vines held firm. Several managed to flee, escaping into the sky, while the rest struggled and writhed in their bonds. "Go! Go, go, go!" Ebonheim cried, and the party rushed towards the forest, disappearing into the thick foliage. Her divine aura flared to life, enveloping her in a halo of golden light. She summoned her Ebon bow and stared Liselotte straight in the eye, trying to gauge her reaction. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The harpy queen didn''t look angry, only mildly annoyed. She swatted away the vines holding her with her wing, as if they were mere strands of spider-web. The roots holding her legs cracked and splintered, and she took to the sky, hovering above Ebonheim. As the group fled, a small group of harpies gave chase, screeching and swooping through the forest. They should be fine. As long as most of the harpies were ensnared, and she dealt with Liselotte, her companions should be able to handle the pursuers. "Don''t worry about us! Just do what you need to do!" Thorsten yelled as he led the others further into the forest. Ebonheim nodded, before turning to Liselotte. "It seems we''ll have to fight. I hope you understand that I''m not doing this out of malice." Liselotte hissed, a teal mist beginning to emanate from her body. "Mmn. It is what it is." She grinned fiercely, spreading her wings wide. "You''ll be the third godling I''ve slain who trespassed into my territory." Without a moment''s hesitation, Liselotte launched herself towards Ebonheim in a blur of azure-white, her talons lashing out like spears.
Gwynelle fluttered above the forest, her keen eyes scanning the dense foliage for any sign of movement. The dozen harpies that escaped the clutches of the vines, had divided themselves into three groups, each one tasked with tracking down the intruders. As the eldest of the four in her group, she had been assigned as the leader, much to her chagrin. Mesyori led another group, while the four who eyed the human called Lorne banded together to form the last group. Her eyes flickered towards the white-haired harpy of her group, a petite figure with silver eyes and wings adorned with blue ribbons. Unlike her kin, she displayed little interest in pursuing the intruders. Instead, she spent her time poking at the bark of nearby trees. Gwynelle flew down, landing on the branch beside the other harpy, and called out her name. "Merethyl!" Merethyl jerked her head up, blinking owlishly. "Mm?" "Stop fooling around," Gwynelle scoffed. "We hunt prey, not play." She extended her talons in a demonstration of what they needed to do to catch their prey. "Claw. Stab. Kill." Merethyl tilted her head. "Why?" "Because it fun! Wait¡ªnae, nae! Skytalon said. ''They''re weak. They''re prey.''" Gwynelle waved her wing towards the others, who were huddled together on the forest floor. "Hide. Trap. Catch prey." She pointed a talon at Merethyl. "You help." The other harpies gazed at Gwynelle, nodding encouragingly, but Merethyl frowned and shook her head. "Nae." "W-what? Why nae?" "Nae hungry," she answered flatly. "Dinnae wanna eat." "Oi, oi! Skytalon said kill prey!" Gwynelle squawked. "Listen to Skytalon!" Merethyl shrugged. "Don''t care." She turned back to examine the tree trunk. "Nae hungry." Gwynelle stomped her feet against the bark of the tree branch, furious at the disobedience. The other two harpies in the group tittered, but remained silent, cowed by her glare. She sighed, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She tried again. "Come. Help." She waved her wing at the other harpies. "Help. Hunt prey." Merethyl tilted her head, gazing at them blankly. "Nae." "Skytalon sad if nae find. You nae want make Skytalon sad?" A frown tugged at Merethyl''s lips, but she shook her head again. "Nae." Gwynelle faltered, unsure of what else to say. Her eyes flicked back to the two other harpies, who simply stared at her expectantly. No help there. She paced back and forth on the branch, racking her brain for another argument. How could she convince this stubborn harpy to cooperate? Think, think. What would Skytalon say? Ah, Skytalon...Skytalon... Something occurred to her. "Praise." The other harpies perked up, their eyes bright with curiosity. Even Merethyl peered at her curiously, head tilting to one side. "Mmm?" "If catch prey, Skytalon happy. You get praise. Much praise. Very nice. Happy." Gwynelle extended her wing, pointing to her chest. "Gwynelle got praise when catch deer." She patted her stomach, and her mouth watered as she recalled the sumptuous feast. "Very happy." Merethyl hesitated, her head swiveling between the group and the tree. "Skytalon..." she murmured, as if considering. "Praise." She turned to Gwynelle, her eyes wide. "I nae ever got praise." Gwynelle gasped, horrified. "What? No praise?" "Never got," she repeated. She fidgeted, shifting uneasily. Her wings drooped, and her expression clouded. "Nae praise for Merethyl." "Nae fair. Must change. Must try." Gwynelle reached forward and placed a wing on her shoulder, giving it a comforting pat. "Try to catch prey. Try to get praise. Come!" She beckoned. "We help. We help you." Merethyl straightened, her feathers fluffing out, and she nodded slowly. "I try. I try to catch prey. Want to try." Gwynelle fluttered her wings excitedly. "Good! Now come!" She gestured at the other harpies and they hopped to their feet. "We work together! We hunt prey!" The harpies raised their wings and cheered in unison. "Yay!"
From the shelter of a dense copse of trees, the party watched as the harpies attempted to negotiate with the white-feathered one. She seemed hesitant at first, but after some cajoling and encouragement, she agreed to join them in the hunt. They watched as the four harpies took flight, scouring the forest for their quarry. Urien blew out a sigh, his shoulders sagging with relief. "That''s a load off my mind. Let''s pray they don''t come across our trail. I''ve killed all manners of man and beast, but I ain''t too keen on killing those harpies." He grimaced. "Would feel like slaughtering children." Serelle continued weaving her cloaking spell to shroud them in a veil of invisibility. She had a similar misgiving as Urien. "I agree. Though they are ultimately a monstrous race, they appear to possess a sense of innocence and na?vet¨¦." She shook her head. "It would not sit well with me to harm them unnecessarily." Thorsten snorted, his expression hardening. "Spare me the bleeding hearts. If they attack us, we''ve no choice but to defend ourselves." He adjusted his grip on his axe. "Don''t expect me to hold back." Lorne stood nearby, his brow furrowed in concentration as he kept a wary eye on the forest. "Your point is valid, but let''s hope it doesn''t come to that. I''m more concerned with the other groups hunting for us." He scanned the forest, peering into the dark underbrush. "We should keep moving." "We can only move at a slow walk without breaking the spell," Serelle warned. "It doesn''t conceal our presence entirely, so we have to move as quietly as possible." Ingrid crouched nearby, inspecting her rune-encrusted shield, checking the enchantments etched into the steel surface. "I''ll take rear guard and watch our backs." Viviane rolled two pellets in her palm, feeling the alchemical components inside through her gloves. "I''ve got a few trinkets that might incapacitate them, if necessary," she added, gesturing toward a pouch at her hip. "Though I can''t guarantee how effective they''ll be against harpies." "Much appreciated, Viviane," Lorne replied. "All right. Everyone, stay alert. Keep your eyes and ears open. I''ll lead the way." He adjusted his grip on his sword hilt and stepped through the bushes, the others following closely behind. They walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the leaf-covered ground. The occasional rustle in the brush or snap of twigs caused them to freeze in place, weapons at the ready, but no harpies appeared. Serelle''s magic veiled them well, it seemed. When the shadows of the harpies in flight passed overhead, they remained hidden, hardly daring to breathe. Lorne traced a path away from clearings and open spaces, steering them toward the denser parts of the forest, where the canopy blocked out most of the daylight and provided them better cover. He pushed his way through the undergrowth, careful not to disturb any branches or leaves as he did so. He paused often, listening for signs of pursuit. The forest had grown eerily quiet, and the hairs on his arms began to prickle. As they rounded a bend, Lorne froze, raising a hand in warning. Thorsten stepped up to his side, squinting in the dim light. Ahead lay a steep ravine, its craggy walls sheer and treacherous. The river below had carved its way through the rock, forming a deep gorge. Water rushed along its course, hissing and splashing among the jagged stones. It wound its way through the forest, eventually joining with a larger river far to the west. The only way forward was a narrow strip of land, barely wide enough for one person. One wrong step would send them plummeting to a watery grave. "Should we see if we can find another way around?" Viviane asked. "Or perhaps we can backtrack, try another route?" "No time. The harpies may be on our trail already." Lorne examined the gorge. "There may be no choice but to cross here." Thorsten frowned, eyeing the river''s violent current. "Not sure we should risk it. It''s a long drop to the bottom. One slip and you''re done for." "Aye, I''m aware, but if we remain, we''ll be harpies'' meat for sure," Lorne muttered. "We''ll have to chance it." Serelle lowered her staff, letting the cloak of invisibility fade away. "The effort expended to maintain the spell will quickly tire me if I strain myself. We cannot avoid a confrontation forever." "All the more reason to put as much distance between us and the harpies as quickly as we can," Ingrid remarked, gripping her shield tighter. "Lead on, Lorne." Lorne nodded, drawing in a steadying breath. "Everyone, tread carefully. One at a time. Hope no one has a fear of heights." Chapter 111: Verdant Pathway, Skytalon With a mighty flap, Liselotte launched herself forward, her talons lashing out with blinding speed. She tore through the air, leaving a trail of teal mist in her wake. Ebonheim braced herself, throwing up a shield of vines and roots, but Liselotte easily shredded through them. Ebonheim ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the attack, and Liselotte swept past. The impact of her talons against the ground created furrows in the earth, sending debris flying in all directions. She quickly regained her footing, jumping back and launching a barrage of Enchanted Essence Bolts towards the harpy queen. Liselotte dodged and weaved, flying in a zigzag pattern around the arrows of light, which exploded in showers of golden sparks, carving divots in the ground. Liselotte dove, sweeping down in a blazing streak of white and azure. Ebonheim jumped to the side, but Liselotte''s talons still caught her, scraping across her divine aura. Liselotte passed overhead, then banked sharply, changing direction and coming around for another pass. [Divine Aura] 345/400 She fired more Essence Bolts, but Liselotte darted between them, dancing in and out of range. Each time she came close, Ebonheim had to duck and weave, narrowly avoiding her slashing talons. She conjured another wall of thorny vines and roots, but Liselotte shredded through them, unleashing a flurry of attacks that Ebonheim parried with her bow. Sparks of gold and teal flared in the air, illuminating the area in an eerie glow. Ebonheim was forced back, blocking and parrying with all her strength. Her divine aura flickered, absorbing the blows, and with every strike, the aura weakened. [Divine Aura] 313/400 With a burst of speed, Ebonheim leaped back, putting distance between them, and loosed another volley, but Liselotte used her wing as a shield, deflecting the attacks. The divine arrows struck the nearby trees, sending wood chips and splinters flying. The smell of burnt sap permeated the air, and several trees toppled with a resounding crash. Liselotte charged again, her talons outstretched, and Ebonheim hastily threw up another shield of vines and roots. The impact shattered the barrier, and Liselotte plowed through, slamming into Ebonheim. [Divine Aura] 258/400 The blow sent her sprawling, her back scraping against the trunk of a fallen tree. She slid to a halt, groaning as she pushed herself upright. Liselotte landed on a nearby branch, balancing effortlessly despite its narrow width. "Mmn. It''s futile." She yawned, covering her mouth daintily with her wing. "How boring." "I''m just getting warmed up," Ebonheim shot back, rising to her feet. "That so? You can try whatever you''d like. It won''t matter," Liselotte crooned, raising her chin to expose her neck. "I''m stronger, faster, more skilled. I''m a predator. And you...you''re prey." She paused, her eyes gleaming. "I''m the strongest in this valley." "Stronger than Calyxia, Nillen, or Elmsworth? I bet not." Liselotte sniffed disdainfully. "Elmsworth is a big, lazy tree. Nillen is a stodgy stag. And Calyxia...well, she''s always hiding in her hole. They''re nothing compared to me." She glanced back over her shoulder, as if checking to see if anyone might overhear her. "Our little secret, okay? I don''t want them to think I''m bragging." "Right. Then what about Kelzryn? You think you could take him on?" A shiver ran through Liselotte''s body, her wings rustling nervously. "Him? Mmmn, nope." She shook her head. "Not him. Never him. He doesn''t count! He''s...he''s different." Her gaze grew distant for a moment, before snapping back to reality. "Ah! You''re distracting me. We were fighting. Stop that!" She waggled a talon in Ebonheim''s direction. "Oh, sorry. Got carried away there, didn''t I?" Ebonheim quipped. "My mistake." "Yes, exactly. So, stop stalling. No more talking." Liselotte launched herself forward once more, hurtling through the air in a blur of azure and white. Ebonheim dashed to the side, firing more Essence bolts. They whizzed through the air, exploding against Liselotte''s body, but she paid them no heed, rushing headlong into the onslaught. Her talons slammed into Ebonheim again, tossing her into the air. She crashed to the ground, skidding along the dirt and leaves, before tumbling into a shallow ravine. [Divine Aura] 221/400 Liselotte glided over the lip of the gorge, drifting lazily above the stunned goddess. "Mmn. See? I told you. Predators and prey." Her eyes narrowed, and she licked her lips. "And now I''ll tear you limb from limb¡ª" Ebonheim didn''t pause. She fired again and again, shooting a continuous barrage of Essence bolts at the surprised harpy queen. A torrent of golden energy blasted the air around her, exploding and shattering branches, cracking rocks, and scorching the earth. Liselotte twisted and spun, flapping her wings frantically as she dodged the onslaught. She dipped and swerved, weaving between the flurry of projectiles, but Ebonheim continued the assault, refusing to give her any respite. Finally, Liselotte screeched in pain as the last bolt grazed her side. She dropped lower, alighting on a gnarled oak tree to catch her breath. Her feathers fluffed out, and she glared balefully at Ebonheim as she nursed her wound. Blood trickled from her flank, dripping onto the leaves and moss below. "Argh! That hurt," she complained, wincing as rubbed her flank gingerly with her wing. Ebonheim rose unsteadily to her feet, taking a moment to steady herself before responding. "Told you I was just warming up." Liselotte let out a scoffing laugh, but a trace of annoyance marred her expression. "Nice try. But you''re still just prey. Prey can never win." She lifted herself from the branch and beat her wings, preparing to launch herself into the air once more. "Predators always win." She streaked across the clearing, diving towards Ebonheim with all the fury of an enraged eagle. Ebonheim activated her Arboreal Stride, vanishing in a blur of green light and reappearing atop a nearby tree. She nocked another divine arrow, aiming carefully as Liselotte adjusted her trajectory, turning on a dime in the air. The arrow flew, trailing a streak of light, but Liselotte evaded again, her movements a blur. She swooped around, positioning herself for another dive. Ebonheim materialized on another tree, already readying another shot. She unleashed another barrage, but Liselotte batted them away with her wing, shattering the glowing arrows into glittering particles. Ebonheim leapt from the tree, using her Elemental Admixture to summon a Frostwind Gust. The chilling wind enveloped Liselotte, slowing her movements, ice crystals forming on her feathers. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Taking advantage of the harpy''s slowed pace, Ebonheim used Arboreal Stride again, flickering from tree to tree, raining down a hail of Enchanted Essence bolts on the frost-encrusted harpy queen. Liselotte tucked her wings close to her body, dropping towards the ground. She slammed into the dirt, rolling to a halt, and shaking the remaining frost from her wings. She winced and clutched her wounds, hissing in pain as she straightened her legs. Her talons dug into the soft soil as she stretched her wings, flexing her muscles. Her eyes glowed with a faint crimson hue, and her feathers began to steam, the ice crystals evaporating into vapor. "Mnnnnn. Is that all you''ve got?" Liselotte launched into the air, flying straight for Ebonheim. "Boring." Her feathers bristled, and with a wave of her wings, blades of air whipped through the forest, shredding through the foliage. Leaves and branches fell in cascades, as the sharp eddies cut through the thick foliage. Her wings flared outward, unleashing a massive gust that sent Ebonheim tumbling head over heels into the nearby creek. She disappeared in a splash of water and froth. [Divine Aura] 196/400 Liselotte descended gracefully towards the stream, watching intently as Ebonheim burst from the water. She coughed and sputtered, pulling herself out of the cold water and back onto dry land. Her hair stuck to her face in wet strands, and her dress clung to her skin. Ebonheim glanced up, a spark of irritation in her gaze. "Okay, I''m getting annoyed now." Switching to her Stoneflood Wave, Ebonheim slammed her palm against the ground. A wave of rock-hard water erupted, surging towards Liselotte. The harpy queen took to the sky, narrowly avoiding the attack, but Ebonheim was already moving. She sprinted through the forest, her feet barely touching the ground. Liselotte pursued, weaving through the trees with unnatural grace. Ebonheim could hear the beat of her powerful wings, the rustle of leaves in her wake. As they neared a clearing, Ebonheim summoned her Tempest of the Grove. A massive cyclone roared to life, its winds howling with ferocity. Trees bent and debris flew as the cyclone engulfed Liselotte, dragging her down. "Rraaaagh!" Liselotte growled in frustration as the vortex sucked her in, buffeting her with fierce gusts. Her wings strained against the powerful winds, and her feathers rippled and twitched as she struggled to stay aloft. "You think your wind can cage me?!" With a surge of effort, Liselotte released a blast of wind, blowing away the cyclone and dispersing its lingering remnants. Ebonheim tumbled to the ground, rolling to a stop. Liselotte was upon her in an instant, slamming her talons into Ebonheim''s side, piercing her divine aura. [Divine Aura] 152/400 She kicked Ebonheim away, knocking her against a tree. Ebonheim grunted in pain, scrambling to regain her balance. She hurled another volley of glowing arrows, but Liselotte deftly evaded them and countered by unleashing a torrent of razor-sharp feathers, tearing into Ebonheim''s aura. Liselotte relentlessly pressed her attack, unleashing a barrage of feathers, her wings a blur of motion as she drove Ebonheim back. Ebonheim weaved and ducked, blocking what she could, but each feather found its mark, burning and ripping at her aura. With a grunt, Ebonheim used Arboreal Stride, vanishing in a flash of emerald light. She flickered from tree to tree, using them to hide herself. Liselotte circled above, searching for any sign of her. She stopped, hovering midair for a moment, before wheeling around and darting through the trees. Ebonheim darted deeper into the forest, hoping to buy enough time to recuperate. As she moved, she used Aura Inversion, switching her remaining divine aura to her Health. Her aura fluctuated, fading and reappearing as it alternated between the two states. [Health] 751/751 [Divine Aura] 152/400 [Aura Inversion activated] [Health] 100% [Divine Aura] 38% [Swapping health percentile...] [Health] 38% [Divine Aura] 100% [Health] 285/751 [Divine Aura] 400/400 She then used Self-Regeneration to slowly restore her lost Health. In the meantime, she observed Liselotte as she moved through the forest, hunting for her. This whole situation was ridiculous. To think that she had to resort to these methods...she had only been trying to build a road! How had things escalated to this point? Well, no one said building a road would be easy. If only the harpies had agreed to a non-violent solution. Now, they were stuck in an endless loop of violence. Perhaps there was really no other choice but for her to deal with Liselotte...for real. Maybe it was time for her to go all-out. A blur of azure and white appeared next to her as Ebonheim leapt from a tree branch. Liselotte''s wicked smile flashed before her, sharp fangs glistening with saliva. "Found you." Ebonheim barely had time to react as Liselotte''s wing swatted her aside, sending her crashing through the forest underbrush. "Ow. Okay, fine." Ebonheim clambered to her feet, wincing as she brushed away the leaves and sticks from her dress. "I guess I''m doing this." Drawing upon her Elemental Admixture, Ebonheim summoned a Flamegale Slash, conjuring a blade of fire wrapped in a whirlwind and launching it at Liselotte. The swirling inferno roared through the air, enveloping the harpy queen as she burst from the thicket. "Grah!" Liselotte yelped as the heat scorched her feathers and singed her flesh. She flew higher, spiraling as she fought to extinguish the flames. "Hot! Hot!" As the fire died away, Liselotte flew high in the sky, circling overhead. Ebonheim saw Liselotte''s feathers slowly regrowing, fresh and soft. Her burns faded, leaving only smooth, flawless skin. Her wounds closed, leaving no trace of injury. What the...she can regenerate her wounds just by flying around?! Come on! There''s going to be no end to this! Liselotte laughed, seemingly pleased by Ebonheim''s bewildered expression. "Heh, heh, heh. Surprised? You shouldn''t be. My wings can even regrow. As long as I can fly, I''ll never run out of power. The air itself is my food." She flapped her wings, causing the wind to stir and rush all around her. The energy emanating from her wings intensified, creating visible currents of air. "I told you. I''m the strongest. You can''t defeat me." Ebonheim let out an exasperated sigh. "Ughhh!" She stamped her foot, glaring upwards. "I swear! This is so frustrating!" She clenched her fists. "Fine! You want to play hardball? I can do that too!" "Too bad," Liselotte scoffed. "No road." "Stop being so childish!" Ebonheim shouted, pointing accusingly at the harpy queen. "If you would just listen to me for a second, we could have discussed this civilly! This is your fault for attacking me!" Liselotte folded her wings indignantly. "Nope! Still your fault for trespassing in my territory. No road. No discussion. Attack!" She dove towards Ebonheim, wings flared. As she descended, Ebonheim fired more Enchanted Essence bolts. They flew, tracking Liselotte''s movements, but she avoided them with ease, snorting as she weaved through the barrage. With an effortless barrel roll, Liselotte dodged, the last bolt searing past her and exploding against a distant tree in a shower of sparks. Ebonheim instinctively rolled to the side, feeling the rush of wind as talons sliced through the air where she had been mere moments before. She pushed herself off the ground, trying to jump back to her feet, but Liselotte''s powerful wing slammed her back against the trunk of a tree. [Divine Aura] 381/400 Her Divine Aura flickered, absorbing the brunt of the damage, but the impact rattled her teeth and set her nerves on edge. Liselotte launched a barrage of feathers at Ebonheim as she banked for another pass. Ebonheim dove behind a large oak, feeling the thud of feathers embedding into the wood. She peeked around the trunk, firing another Enchanted Essence Bolt, but again Liselotte evaded, this time with a graceful spin. With a flick of her wing, a massive gale battered against the oak, upending the entire tree. It fell, crashing into the foliage beside Ebonheim, splinters and wood chips flying everywhere. [Divine Aura] 355/400 Another lance of feathers ripped through her aura, and Ebonheim ducked behind another tree, seeking temporary shelter. Damn! This is too much. What else can I use? What other powers does she have? She must have some kind of weakness. There has to be something that can disable her, at least temporarily! Think, think! Ebonheim wracked her brain, searching for some sort of inspiration. She might have been able to entangle her if she had the help of her Tree Sentinels. Each of them could have combined their use of Vines of the Bramble King to bind her. Unfortunately, they were far away and busy binding the other harpies. Maybe she could¡ªno. Perhaps, if she could create a distraction, she could... no, that wouldn''t work either. Her mind raced, considering and discarding potential strategies. All the while, Liselotte danced through the skies, taunting her from above. "Why don''t you play with me! I''m getting bored. Stop hiding!" Ebonheim ignored the taunts and focused on her thoughts. She had to find a solution. She needed to find a way to catch the damn harpy. Chapter 112: Verdant Pathway, Harpies Hunting Ground Lorne''s blade sang through the air, a silver streak against the forest backdrop as a harpy descended upon him with talons bared. "Behind you!" he roared, parrying a swipe from the lead harpy, her feathers a mottled grey, eyes like chips of ice. Serelle, her staff aglow with arcane energy, danced between the trees, chanting an incantation. With a deft flick of her wrist, a surge of magic arced towards a duo of harpies, encasing them in a shimmering web. The pair thrashed and snarled, straining against their magical bonds. "Let''s move!" Ingrid called, running for the far side of the gorge, her boots pounding the earth. Viviane followed, skipping nimbly over the uneven terrain, her satchels bouncing with every stride. Urien and Thorsten brought up the rear, their heavy armor clanking as they lumbered across the rocks. The group bounded across the stones and logs, ducking and weaving between the harpies, who darted and swooped after them. Ahead, Lorne spotted a narrow path winding through the thick brush, and he gestured for his companions to follow. "This way!" He veered to the right, hoping to gain a bit of distance. The others hurried after him, scrambling over the rugged terrain. The path was bumpy, covered in roots and small rocks, making it difficult to keep their footing. Urien stumbled, nearly falling, but Ingrid grabbed his arm, helping him regain his balance. As they reached a bend in the trail, Lorne cast his eyes upward, watching the harpies circling high above. He gritted his teeth, his hand tightening around his blade''s hilt. "They''re following us," he muttered. "We need to find a way to lose them." "Can''t you do that invisibility spell again?" Viviane asked, panting as they ran. Serelle shook her head. "It takes a lot of mana to maintain, and the effort expended is greater when there''s multiple people to conceal. Besides, the harpies have keen senses. I doubt it''d fool them again." "Any other ideas?" Urien asked. "We can''t run forever." "Aye," Thorsten chimed in. "We hold our ground and kill our pursuers. No sense running ourselves ragged. Might as well turn and fight." He slapped his gauntlet against his breastplate, the metal ringing loudly. "Fighting would draw a lot of attention to us, though," Ingrid pointed out. "We don''t want the rest of the harpies to come charging down on top of us." "Then we run until we find a defensible position," Lorne ordered. "Keep moving!" He picked up his pace, leading them further down the path. As they rounded the bend, the forest opened into a clearing, rimmed by towering oaks and thickets of brambles. A bubbling stream cut across the middle, flowing down a steep hillside. Ingrid frowned, scanning the area. "Is this really the best spot?" "It will have to do," Lorne replied. He pointed to a cluster of jagged stones near the base of the hill, where the stream curved and widened. "Get to those rocks." They ran, the harpies pursuing close behind. Serelle reached the boulders first, placing her back against the stone as she caught her breath. The others soon joined her, their weapons at the ready. A flock of harpies landed on the surrounding trees, their talons digging into the bark as they watched the group. Their wings flapped lazily, stirring the air with their motions. Mesyori, their yellow-plumed leader, sneered at them, her feathers ruffling as she spoke. "Skytalon said. You are prey. Not welcome." She cocked her head to the side, regarding them with cold, amber eyes. "We hunt. We feed now." Lorne stepped forward, his blade held firm. "We don''t want trouble. We just came here to build a road through your lands. We didn''t come to cause a fight." He lowered his weapon, extending his free hand in a gesture of peace. "So, why don''t we talk about this instead? Maybe we can come to an agreement. Something that will benefit both of us." Mesyori hissed, her voice shrill. "We no speak with prey! Prey dies. Skytalon rules. Hunt!" Before the group could respond, the harpies launched themselves into the air, swooping towards the party with talons outstretched. "Brace yourselves!" Lorne shouted, raising his sword. "Here they come!" The first wave of harpies bore down on them, their talons raking at the air as they attacked. Thorsten charged forward, swinging his greataxe in a wide arc. He cleaved through one harpy''s talon, severing it in a single blow. The wounded harpy shrieked in pain and fell, crashing to the ground. Ingrid raised her shield, catching a harpy''s strike with a loud clang. She pivoted, bringing her blade around in a quick slash, cutting deeply into the harpy''s abdomen. The harpy screeched, retreating into the sky with a flap of her wings. "Keep your guard up!" Lorne yelled, deflecting another attack as he tried to rally his comrades. "Watch each other''s backs!" Urien bellowed in pain as a harpy''s talons tore at his shoulder, tearing through his armor and into the flesh beneath. He staggered back, blood streaming from the wound. Thorsten turned, lunging at the harpy, who quickly withdrew into the sky with a mocking cackle. A trio of harpies swooped at Lorne, forcing him back on the defensive. He parried their blows, dancing among their slashing talons, trying to create an opening. Serelle backed away, holding her staff aloft as she channeled her magic. Viviane, her fingers deftly sorting through the contents of her satchel, found what she was looking for¡ªa pair of trapezoidal, metallic objects. "Cover your ears!" she warned, lobbing the devices through the air. A thunderous crack split the air, blasting the area with blinding light and deafening sound. The harpies shrieked, disoriented and reeling from the effects. Some collapsed to the ground, struggling to recover their senses. Others fled, flying erratically in panic. A few of the harpies circling above them began to hum softly, their voices blending and weaving in hypnotic harmony. The notes danced through the air, flowing and ebbing like a gentle tide. As the harpies'' song grew louder, Lorne felt his grip on his blade falter, his mind clouding with a warm haze. His arms and legs grew heavy, and his vision blurred, as if he were underwater. Serelle groaned, clutching her head as she slumped to the ground. Her eyes rolled back, and her limbs went slack. "Resist it!" Ingrid commanded, shaking Viviane''s shoulders. "Don''t let them get to you!" The harpies'' song grew louder still, a symphony of notes and tones that echoed through the forest. Lorne could feel himself slipping away, his body swaying as he fought to stay upright. His eyelids fluttered, and his knees buckled, sending him crashing to the ground. But as the harpies'' song rose to its climax, a roar shattered the air, drowning out the melody. Thorsten''s eyes blazed with a fiery red light, and he let loose another ear-splitting cry, his voice rising above the harpies'' singing. The harpies'' eyes widened in surprise, their song faltering. They exchanged panicked glances, their wings twitching nervously as they hovered in the air. Ingrid and Viviane quickly recovered their wits, standing back-to-back as they surveyed the scene. Urien remained on his knees, one hand gripping his injured shoulder, while Serelle lay unmoving on the ground, her eyes glazed and unfocused. Lorne blinked, shaking his head as he fought to clear his mind. The harpies'' song echoed faintly in his ears, its hypnotic effect weakened but not broken. "Stay alert!" Thorsten bellowed, his eyes blazing with crimson energy. "They''ll be back." Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Sure enough, the harpies soon returned, gathering in the sky above the battle. They darted and swirled through the air, circling and swooping as they prepared to dive. "Ready yourselves!" Thorsten roared, his voice booming across the battlefield. "Don''t give in to their tricks!" The harpies attacked again, diving towards the party with talons bared. Ingrid and Thorsten stepped forward to meet their charge, their weapons flashing as they blocked and countered. Urien rose to his feet, staggering towards the battle with unsteady steps. Serelle remained prone on the ground, unresponsive to the chaos around her. Viviane aimed her magitech crossbow, firing a trio of projectiles that exploded against a harpy''s torso. The bird woman squawked in alarm, careening towards the forest floor before managing to catch herself. "No one gets past me!" Thorsten hollered, bringing his greataxe down on the nearest harpy, splitting her in two. Blood spattered across his armor, but he seemed unfazed. He swung his weapon again, felling another harpy as she attempted to flee. Lorne parried another harpy''s strike, then buried his blade in her chest, finishing her. He yanked his weapon free and scanned the battlefield, searching for another target. A stray harpie''s talons grazed his cheek, drawing a line of blood. He grimaced and flicked the blade, spraying droplets of crimson across the grass. Another harpy lunged, but Lorne was ready, sweeping his blade low, taking her legs out from under her. She crashed to the ground with a pained gasp before he plunged his blade into her heart. Ingrid deflected a series of attacks from two harpies, their talons glancing off her shield. She answered with a sweep of her blade, cleaving clean through one''s wing. The birdwoman toppled to the ground in a heap, whimpering in pain. A final thrust finished her. "Keep at it!" Thorsten bellowed, slamming the butt of his axe into a harpy''s skull. "We''re winning this!" Despite his words, Lorne knew the battle wasn''t won yet. Even as they cut down one harpy after another, more swooped down to take their place, throwing themselves at the group with reckless abandon. They had the numbers, and they weren''t afraid to throw them against the group.
Lorne ducked another attack, rolling to the side and kicking out with a boot, striking the harpy in the gut. She staggered, giving him a chance to strike. He lunged, plunging his blade through her chest and into the dirt below. She let out a weak gurgle, convulsing once before collapsing. He twisted the blade, ripping it free. A screech from above drew his attention, and he glanced up to see a trio of harpies descending from the sky. He remembered their appearance¡ªthe ones that stared daggers at him during the initial meeting. Each wore a band of leather adorned with colorful feathers, probably signifying their rank. These harpies would not be like the others, he could tell. One of the harpies extended her wings, stopping mid-flight, before unleashing a barrage of razor-sharp feathers towards Lorne. He hastily flung himself aside, narrowly avoiding the projectiles, which embedded themselves into the ground. The three harpies continued to dive, raining down feathers upon the group. Thorsten and Urien cried out in pain as they were struck, their injuries leaving trails of blood in their wake. Viviane and Ingrid took cover behind a nearby boulder, using it as a shield. Serelle remained prone on the ground, having yet to awaken from her stupor. Lorne ducked another hail of feathers, dashing for a nearby fallen tree. He dove behind the decaying trunk, using the rotting wood to shield himself from the deadly rain. He peered over the log, watching the harpies as they circled above. Their strategy was obvious; they would wear them down with ranged attacks, before finishing them off in close quarters. Lorne gripped his blade tightly, bracing himself as the harpies began to descend again. One of them summoned a gust of wind with a powerful flap of her wings, sending debris and detritus whirling around the group. Another unleashed a torrent of icicles, which showered down upon them, shattering against the ground in a flurry of frigid shards. The third harpy produced a sphere of lightning in her talons, which she hurled towards the group with a shrill scream. Thorsten and Urien dashed for cover, while Ingrid planted herself in front of Serelle, using her shield to deflect the incoming attacks. Viviane frantically tossed more devices from her satchel, deploying a series of shimmering shields that absorbed the impacts. The volley of magic continued, hammering the group from all sides. The air crackled and sizzled, the stench of burnt soil and scorched leaves permeating the clearing. Fragments of ice scattered across the ground, melting away almost as quickly as they had formed. Bits of stone and earth broke off from the impacts, peppering the surrounding area. Lorne cursed, ducking as a chunk of rock bounced past his head. His companions fared no better; Urien''s armor had taken several hits, and Thorsten''s greataxe was sparking from the numerous magic strikes. Even Ingrid''s shield was beginning to buckle under the assault. With a deep breath, he centered himself, focusing his mind and sharpening his senses. He had one chance to turn the tide, and it hinged on an ability he had mastered through arduous discipline and relentless practice. As he readied himself to emerge from cover, a flurry of magic and feathers rained down upon the group. Viviane''s shimmering shields flickered under the onslaught, and Ingrid''s shield bore the brunt of the icicles and lightning. Lorne leapt from behind the log, his blade a blur of steel. The trio of harpies pivoted in the air, turning to face him. One conjured a spear of wind, launching it towards Lorne with a flap of her wings. Lorne''s eyes flared with indigo light. As the spear neared, he swung his sword in a wide, sweeping motion. The air rippled as his blade met the wind spear. The force of the attack reversed, hurtling back towards its caster. The harpy''s eyes widened in shock as the wind spear impaled her, skewering her torso in a spray of blood. She plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground with a dull thud. The two remaining harpies scattered, flying in opposite directions. They circled above him, harrying him with a barrage of razor-sharp feathers as they kept their distance. Lorne weaved and ducked, narrowly avoiding the swarm of feathers. He spun his sword, deflecting a few of the projectiles, but most found their mark, slicing through his armor and piercing his skin. Damn it. His Counter ability only worked against magical attacks, but these feathers were natural weapons. From the corner of his eye, Lorne spotted Thorsten and Ingrid battling Mesyori, who was weaving in and out of range, nimbly evading their attacks while slashing at them with her talons. Urien, meanwhile, was in the midst of combat with two other harpies. The giant of a man struggled to swing his oversized warhammer against the agile creatures, who fluttered and swiped, keeping him constantly on the defensive. Viviane knelt at Serelle''s side, attempting to revive the unconscious Arcanist while wielding a magitech rod, sending blasts of magefire at any harpy who ventured too close. There''s only so long they can hold out. I need to end this quickly. The two harpies continued to harass him, launching feathers from a distance. He bobbed and weaved, trying to avoid the barrage, but they continued to score their marks. Wounds upon his arms and legs trickled with blood, but he pressed on, ignoring the pain. "Viviane! Shoot me with a blast!" he called, holding his blade at the ready. "Direct your magic at me, and I''ll redirect it!" Without hesitation, Viviane aimed her rod and unleashed a bolt of energy towards Lorne. The magefire flew true, arcing through the air and trailing a stream of sparks. Lorne tensed and adjusted his stance, angling his blade to meet the spell. The bolt slammed into his blade, the energy coursing through the steel. With a twist of his wrist, he redirected the magic, hurling the arcane projectile¡ªwhich doubled in speed and size¡ªtowards the closest harpy. The birdwoman barely had time to react, letting out a startled shriek as the spell collided with her body. Her feathers ignited, erupting in a blaze of flames. She dropped from the sky, landing with a sickening crunch. The remaining harpy let out a screeching growl, fury evident in her expression. Her feathers bristled, glowing with an ominous light as she summoned her energy for another attack. Lorne readied his stance, preparing to deflect whatever she threw at him. Instead, a fiery energy wrapped around the harpy, enveloping her in a cocoon of flame. With blazing eyes, she shot upwards, ascended into the heavens, then rocketed back down toward him in a streak of orange and yellow. Lorne threw his entire body behind his counterstrike, summoning every ounce of strength and agility he could muster. As the harpie smashed into him, his sword slammed into her body, sending ripples of energy cascading along his blade. An explosion rang out, shattering the air with an ear-splitting boom. A wave of heat washed over Lorne as the flames engulfed him. The shockwave rippled outward, shaking the ground and knocking his allies off their feet. Trees shook and branches snapped, toppling under the force of the concussive blast. The resulting force sent the harpy spiraling away, tumbling through the air and smashing into the ground with a violent crash. She lay limp, her wings bent and twisted. Lorne stood, his arms and legs shaking. His armor was blackened, and the hilt of his sword glowed faintly from the intense heat. A thin layer of soot covered his skin. His muscles ached and his wounds burned, but he pushed the pain aside, forcing himself to focus. As the dust settled, the group slowly rose to their feet. Urien approached Lorne, the huge warrior wincing as he walked. "Commander! You all right?" Lorne nodded, wincing as he sheathed his blade. "I''ll survive. How are you?" "Alive. Hurts like hell, though." Urien glanced over at Serelle, who Viviane was propping against a tree. "How''s Serelle?" "Still knocked out cold, but breathing," Viviane replied, wiping sweat from her brow. "She should come to shortly, but I''m not sure if she''ll be combat-effective." She examined a spot on the Arcanist''s forehead, brushing aside a tuft of green hair to reveal a sizable bruise. "Looks like she got a nasty bump on her noggin." "Doesn''t seem like we have time for her to rest, though." Ingrid gestured to the rest of the battlefield. "The other harpies will regroup for another pass." Lorne followed Ingrid''s gaze, assessing the situation. Mesyori and a few more harpies still circled overhead, though they seemed to be retreating. Other harpies lay strewn across the clearing, their bodies marred with gashes and burns. Only a handful remained airborne. "We''ve done a number on them," Thorsten rumbled. "They''re wary, now. The sight of their own dead will deter them." "I''d rather not linger here to test that theory," Lorne pointed out, watching the harpies carefully. "If we''re going to make a move, it has to be now." Chapter 113: Verdant Pathway, Without Solid Ground Liselotte unfurled her wings, summoning a tempest of wind that set the forest ablaze with motion. Mighty cyclones spiraled from her outstretched feathers, their roaring vortexes tearing through the canopy, uprooting trees and sending debris hurtling through the air. Ebonheim clung desperately to a sturdy branch, clinging to its rough bark with all her might. Her divine aura flickered like a candle in a storm, struggling against the hurricane-force winds. Her knuckles ached as her fingers scrabbled for purchase. [Divine Aura] 311/400 Suddenly, a powerful gust seized her, lifting her off the ground. She spiraled upwards, flung high into the air, her dress billowing around her like a sail in a storm. Her feet flailed wildly as she tried to find solid ground, but only the empty air greeted her efforts. The forest canopy swayed in the distance, tantalizingly close, but far beyond her grasp. Her body spun helplessly, turning round and round as the maelstrom tossed her about like a ragdoll. Above her, the floating islands loomed, their undersides blanketed in verdant greenery. Smaller ones floated among them, drifting lazily through the air. Ebonheim cursed her luck for not having a flight or levitation power. She had planned on investing in one, but had held off until later due to other priorities. She regretted her decision now! Liselotte led the dance, her wings manipulating the currents to guide their ascent toward one of the larger islands. Once they were near enough, Ebonheim latched onto a nearby vine and pulled herself onto its surface, gratefully savoring the sensation of solid ground beneath her feet. "Much better, isn''t it?" Liselotte trilled. "I hope you''re not afraid of heights. Well, too late if you are." She flicked her wing, propelling herself higher in the air. "Look down! You''re so high up! Isn''t it scary?" Ebonheim ignored her mocking tone and surveyed their surroundings. The island was mostly flat, with a few small hills and craters dotting its surface. Trees and bushes covered most of its area, with a few open clearings here and there. At the far end of the island, the foliage gave way to a sheer cliff face that overlooked the valley below. She spotted a group of harpies sunning themselves on the rocks near the cliffs, basking in the warm afternoon rays. Their colorful wings sprawled out languidly, their faces upturned to the sun. A few others rested in the shade of a large tree. Most of the harpies were young or juvenile, their bodies smaller and less developed than the others. They groomed themselves, preening their feathers, picking at stray bits of grass or twigs that had lodged themselves among the softer fluff. They seemed peaceful, almost innocent. Hard to imagine they could become ferocious predators in the blink of an eye. Ebonheim blinked. It seemed like they hardly acknowledged her presence. They didn''t seem to care about the fight happening below them at all. [Divine Aura] 288/400 Suddenly, a blast of wind struck her from the side, hurling her into the undergrowth. The leaves cushioned her landing, and she scrambled back to her feet, running as fast as she could. Liselotte cackled with laughter behind her. Another gust of wind blew, and Ebonheim braced herself against a nearby tree. Its thick trunk absorbed most of the force, and she managed to stay upright. The leaves and branches above her rustled and trembled as the air rushed overhead. Liselotte darted past, her feathers nearly brushing the tops of the trees as she turned back around, banking sharply in the air and coming back for another attack. Ebonheim dodged, slipping behind another tree for cover. A storm of feathers shredded the foliage where she had stood mere moments before. The ruined branches and leaves rained down in a hailstorm of debris, pelting her with sharp slivers of bark and torn leaves. As Liselotte made another pass, Ebonheim summoned her Vines of the Bramble King, lashing out at the harpy queen with whips of twisting vines and thorns. Liselotte effortlessly evaded them, twirling and spinning through the air with fluid grace. The vines trailed after her, but their length quickly ran out and they withered away, unable to keep up with her movements. Ebonheim retracted them, bringing them back to her and using them to launch herself further along the floating island. [Divine Aura] 254/400 A powerful gust of wind knocked her sideways, and she stumbled into a copse of trees. She lurched forward, catching her footing, but a wall of hardened air smashed into her back, slamming her against a tree trunk. [Divine Aura] 235/400 Her aura crackled with golden light, absorbing the impact, but the sheer force of the blow staggered her. She collapsed to the ground, groaning. Liselotte cackled with delight, flying in slow circles around Ebonheim. "Fun! Fun!" she chirped gleefully. "More, more!" She came in for another attack, but Ebonheim met her with a Tempest of the Grove, conjuring a swirl of cyclonic winds around her. Liselotte''s wings thrashed as the air currents battered against her, but she persevered, pushing through and forcing herself closer and closer to Ebonheim. [Divine Aura] 208/400 Her talons slashed viciously, raking against her aura with lightning quickness. Ebonheim fended her off with her bow, parrying each strike, but with every hit, her divine aura weakened. [Divine Aura] 163/400 She called upon her Aura Inversion and Self-Regeneration to swap her Health with her Divine Aura, restoring the latter while regenerating her dwindled Health. Liselotte kept pressing her attack, driving Ebonheim back. Ebonheim retaliated with a barrage of Essence Bolts. A few connected, but most missed their target as Liselotte wove and darted between them. Another blast of wind sent Ebonheim sprawling across the ground, and she skidded to a halt at the base of a rocky outcropping. Liselotte dove down, slamming her talons into the ground where Ebonheim had lain, carving deep furrows into the earth. She flapped her wings, releasing a shockwave of compressed air that blew Ebonheim back onto the ground. Ebonheim rolled with the momentum and flipped back to her feet, dashing across the island and weaving around the scattered trees and bushes. Liselotte chased after her, the beat of her wings sending gusts of wind that rustled the treetops. In the distance, other floating islands drifted lazily in the air, surrounded by wisps of fog. Ebonheim zigzagged around the foliage, using the natural obstacles to give herself a bit of breathing room. The exertion took a toll on her, her muscles aching and her lungs burning as she forced herself to run faster. Behind her, Liselotte laughed with wild abandon. "Slow! Slow! This is boring!" Her voice echoed throughout the forest. "Run! Run!" A series of thunderclaps exploded behind Ebonheim, the impact knocking her off her feet. She rolled, tumbling along the ground, and eventually ended up on her stomach, gasping for air. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. A shadow passed over her. She looked back in time to see Liselotte''s talons gripping her shoulder, digging into her aura. She yanked Ebonheim upward, flinging her through the air. Her arms flailed, her legs kicking uselessly as she sailed across the sky until she crashed into one of the floating rocks that dotted the surrounding airspace. The collision jarred her senses, disorienting her momentarily. Ebonheim lay prone, her limbs splayed against the cold, hard stone. She wheezed, coughing as she drew ragged breaths into her lungs. She wasn''t sure how much longer she could keep this up. Liselotte''s attacks were relentless. If she didn''t figure out a way to turn the tide soon, she might well lose this battle. Liselotte dove again, a streak of color against the backdrop of the floating islands and the cloudless sky. Ebonheim rolled to the side, barely avoiding the swipe of sharp talons that left deep gouges in the earth where she had been lying. She jumped to her feet, and took stock of her situation. She was now on another of the floating islands, which formed a loose network of aerial paths that crisscrossed the valley. It wasn''t large, barely a dozen meters across, and it lacked any major features save for a single tree and a jumble of large boulders near its center. Nowhere to hide, and the bare stone offered little comfort. She ran, dashing to the edge of the island. She glanced over the side, calculating the distance to the nearest island. It wasn''t a short drop, and there wasn''t enough space to maneuver in midair, but the gap wasn''t insurmountable. It was better than nothing. She crouched, ready to leap across. Liselotte rushed her, barreling down from above. With a desperate lunge, Ebonheim hurled herself off the edge, catching hold of the stone precipice with one hand. The jolt nearly dislodged her grip, and she slid a little ways, her fingertips scraping against the rock face. Hanging by her fingertips, Ebonheim braced her feet against the sheer cliff, and pushed off, launching herself over to the neighboring island. She landed awkwardly, stumbling and tumbling, but somehow managing to avoid falling to her doom. "Oho! Clever." Liselotte circled over the island, drifting in lazy spirals. "Very clever. You''re resourceful. I like that." Her eyes gleamed, taking on a predatory hunger. "But you can''t escape me. Not here. I know these skies. You don''t." She flapped her wings, sending a torrent of air downwards, blowing Ebonheim over the edge of the island. Ebonheim screamed as she plummeted, the wind whistling past her ears. She fell, tumbling through the air, her dress flapping wildly in the breeze. Her descent abruptly slowed as the air currents caught her, sending her sailing gently across the sky. Liselotte hovered nearby, laughing as she watched Ebonheim drift toward another island. It was almost comical, the way Ebonheim was casually tossed from one place to another. Almost. Ebonheim gritted her teeth, fighting against the current, but she couldn''t overcome Liselotte''s control over the wind. The current carried her over the edge of the island, depositing her on its rocky surface. She rolled to a stop, gasping as she pushed herself into a sitting position. She felt the heat of Liselotte''s glare from above. "Can you fly, little bird?" Liselotte taunted, her voice echoing through the air. "You''re trapped, little bird. No escape. No sanctuary. Only me. Only me." Ebonheim hissed, clambering unsteadily to her feet. "Dammit...so annoying..." she muttered. She eyed the various islands around her. Several of them were within jumping distance. The gaps weren''t very large, but without a way to generate lift or propulsion, her jumps were limited to a certain amount of range. She leapt from one floating rock to another¡ªthese smaller islands providing a chain of stepping stones through the sky. Each leap was a gamble, with nothing but the empty air awaiting her if she failed to make the jump. Liselotte continued to tail her, stalking her from above. Her laugh echoed through the air, taunting and teasing. Ebonheim ignored her and focused on her next jump. With another leap, Ebonheim moved to a smaller island, one that spun slowly on its axis. She waited, timing her next jump for when the island was facing the correct direction. Just a little closer...come on! Almost there... As Liselotte closed in, Ebonheim leapt, the island''s rotation adding momentum to her jump. Liselotte, caught off guard, missed her strike, her talons scraping empty air. Ebonheim landed on another rotating island, using its motion to catapult herself further. From island to island she moved, bounding across the sky. Liselotte pursued, matching her pace and trajectory, weaving through the floating islands in her pursuit. With a deep breath, Ebonheim cast her Elemental Admixture, combining the elements of air and fire to create a swirling vortex of flame and wind. She unleashed the Flamegale Slash towards Liselotte, conjuring a spiraling inferno that roared across the gap between them. Liselotte''s eyes widened, and she banked hard to avoid the attack. The flame vortex grazed her, singeing feathers and leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. Ebonheim didn''t pause. She followed up with a Frostwind Gust, hurling a frigid cyclone in Liselotte''s direction. The icy blast struck her head-on, buffeting her wings and sending her reeling. She careened uncontrollably across the air, spiraling downward until she crashed into an island. The rock shook from the impact, its edges fracturing and crumbling, causing pieces to fall away and disappear into the misty depths below. Liselotte let out a low groan as she clawed at the ground, struggling to right herself. Ebonheim took a moment to catch her breath. "Whew...that''s more like it." Liselotte coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood and dirt. Her wings twitched as she lifted herself from the ground. "Rrraaaaarrrgh...damn...you," she growled. She flapped her wings, shattering the rock beneath her, and launched herself into the air, taking flight once more. Ebonheim readied herself for the incoming assault. "Come on, then." Liselotte''s wings flapped rapidly, creating a swirling vortex of air that sucked Ebonheim toward her. The cyclone dragged her from her island and carried her into the air. As Ebonheim hurtled toward her, Liselotte let out a sonic scream, blasting her with a deafening wave of sound. The energy tore at Ebonheim''s aura, sending her spinning through the air, buffeted by the rushing wind. She tumbled, her body thrown end over end as she hurtled through the sky. She caught flashes of rock and sky through the chaos, but she was unable to orient herself. The next thing she knew, she was plummeting towards the ancient city ruins¡ªits broken spires and shattered towers rushing to meet her. She slammed into the ground, bouncing and tumbling, the impact shattering her weakened divine aura. The rough cobblestones broke and cracked, tearing at her dress and skin, leaving trails of blood and dirt in their wake. Ebonheim bounced along the ground, rolling and tumbling until she finally crashed into the base of what was once the city fountain. Her head throbbed. Her body ached. The world spun around her. She struggled to sit up, but collapsed back onto the ground as pain flared through her body. The taste of copper filled her mouth, and she spat out a mixture of saliva and blood. Not good. Not good at all.
Ebonheim lay sprawled against the cracked foundation of the ancient fountain, her body bruised and battered from the fall. Her aura waned, flickering weakly before disappearing entirely. The taste of blood and dust mingled in her mouth, a bitter reminder of her fall from the sky. Through blurred vision, she scanned her surroundings, noting the broken and crumbling buildings and the tangled vegetation that crawled over the ruinous structures. Well, that sure was a long drop... She tried to rise, but agony lanced through her, forcing her back down with a grimace. After activating her Self-Regeneration power, her body began to mend itself, but the healing process was slow. Pain lingered in her limbs, a dull ache that refused to fade. Her health hadn''t fully recovered, but she figured she''d try to move anyway. It would only get worse if she didn''t. Besides, she couldn''t afford to lie here any longer. Who knows how soon Liselotte would arrive? She pulled herself upright, hissing as her muscles protested the movement. Slowly, she got to her feet, swaying unsteadily. Every step brought fresh pain, but she forced herself to continue onward. With each passing moment, her vision cleared, and her mind grew sharper. So...now what? I can''t just stand here waiting for her...what can I do? She can fly...and I can''t...She has more powers that I can''t even guess at...And I''m...well...me...I need something to put the odds in my favor...but what? Is there anything I can use? Her gaze flitted upon the relic they had discovered the other day¡ªthe ancient Aetherframe. Its imposing silhouette was half-buried in the earth, overgrown with moss and vines. A faint, barely discernible outline of light flickered over its surface. The runes that adorned its frame pulsated slowly, like a heartbeat. As she staggered toward the metallic giant, something inside her resonated with the relic. She sensed its power, felt its desire to be utilized. Yet, there was also a sense of emptiness within it, a void that yearned to be filled. The Akashic System, silent until now, suddenly flickered to life. A prompt appeared before her, shimmering in the air: [Emergency Quest] "Awakening the Lost Epoch" [Description] Activate the Aetherframe Ebonheim blinked in surprise. "What the...?" Chapter 114: Verdant Pathway, Take Flight and Pierce the Heavens Activate the Aetherframe? How? As Ebonheim pondered, the Akashic System prompted her once again. [The Aetherframe requires the Control Matrix and Quintessence to be activated. The Control Matrix is present at the coordinate: (789.32, -312.45, 19.17)] [Collect the required materials: Control Matrix: 0/1] [Expend the required Quintessence: 0/512] Ebonheim stared at the screen for a long moment, her eyes flickering between the Akashic System''s message and the Aetherframe itself. The Control Matrix? Was it talking about the cubic object they found earlier? It had to be! She activated her Divine Sight. The familiar shimmering threads of arcane energy suffused her vision, coiling and whirling through the air. The ethereal trail led from the Aetherframe and out of the ruined plaza, winding and twisting through the nearby alleys and streets. "Okay, that makes this a bit easier." Ebonheim staggered through the streets of the crumbled landscape, following the spectral ribbon of energy to its source. The path led her back to the building they had explored the other day¡ªthe one with the small chamber where they had discovered the cube. She paused as she reached the door. It hung ajar, its rusted hinges creaking slightly as it swayed in the breeze. A faint azure glow emanated from within. The Akashic System flickered in her vision, confirming her location: [Control Matrix detected. Retrieval is recommended.] "Yeah, yeah. I''m getting to that." She waved away the System''s notification. Drawing a steadying breath, Ebonheim gripped the edge of the door and slowly pushed it open. Inside, the strange artifact remained exactly as they had left it¡ªsuspended within the metal framework. Its glowing cube pulsed softly, the azure light shining through the metal bars. Ebonheim stepped closer and reached for the cube. The moment she touched the object, a flood of information flowed through her mind. She knew what it was, what it could do, how it functioned. The Akashic System displayed the new information for her: [Name] Control Matrix [Item Description] An ancient relic from the forgotten civilization of yore. It is a complex device that contains an intricate system of interconnected components. When used correctly, the Control Matrix can be used to control the functions of a number of related devices, including Aetherframes. [Status] Inactive. Power source required for activation. [Additional Notes] The Control Matrix will respond to the wielder''s touch and imprint, allowing the user to utilize the device''s functions. The device can also be modified using the appropriate materials and tools. The Akashic System finished its explanation. The Control Matrix floated on her palm, hovering in place with a gentle hum. With a flick of her wrist, the cube disappeared, dissolving into a flash of light before sinking into her body. "Whoa..." D¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over her. Something like this happened with the Elemental Keystone. She hadn''t given it much thought until now, but it appeared to be a common occurrence with these artifacts. She made a mental note to explore that discovery in greater depth later. Ebonheim headed back to the Aetherframe, her pace quickening with renewed urgency. Every second counted, and Liselotte would not be far behind. As she approached the ancient construct, the Akashic System issued another prompt: [Control Matrix retrieved: 1/1] [Quintessence expended: 0/512] She hesitated. Was this really a good idea? Even if she somehow managed to activate the Aetherframe, could it defeat Liselotte? It already didn''t look in good shape, and it might not even work properly. It certainly didn''t have any apparent means of flight. That much was obvious. And its armor looked brittle and cracked. So, what good would this contraption even be? But then again, the alternative wasn''t looking so great either. The way things were going, she might not even last much longer. Liselotte was simply too powerful and fast. The Aetherframe might be her only chance. There was no time for doubt. Climbing into the control alcove, Ebonheim squirmed through the tight, uncomfortable space within. "Urgh...so cramped..." The cold metal surface chilled her skin as she squeezed her way between the inner walls and machinery. She wriggled around, trying to get into a comfortable position. Finally, after much struggling, she managed to settle into the operator''s seat, which fit snugly against her back. The seat''s soft padding wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. She could feel its subtle warmth and the gentle caress of its touch. The sensation reminded her of being cradled in someone''s arms. It was a comforting thought, but also a little unsettling. Stale and dusty, the interior smelled of mildew and mold, but she ignored the unpleasant odor. There were more important matters at hand. As Ebonheim settled into her new position, the Akashic System sent her another prompt: [Place the Control Matrix into the central receptacle to initiate Aetherframe initialization sequence. Warning: The Control Matrix will imprint, bonding permanently to the Aetherframe''s systems. The Control Matrix will be lost upon removal or destruction.] An uneasy chill ran along her spine. This was it. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "Okay. Let''s do this." A square compartment opened on the console, revealing an empty slot. She reached out with her free hand, the cube materializing in her grip. She carefully placed the artifact into the opening. The receptacle closed, sealing with a mechanical click. [Prepare to spend Quintessence: 0/512] She closed her eyes. A pulse of energy rippled through her, emanating from her heart. Her fingers traced along the Aetherframe''s control panel. Lines of bright light burst forth, etching themselves onto the crystalline surface of the console. As she ran her hands across the interface, the symbols responded, shifting and changing. A series of holographic screens flickered to life, displaying a variety of different diagrams, charts, and schematics. [Aetherframe Activation Sequence Initialized. Beginning Runtime¡­] The entire Aetherframe shuddered, its metallic joints and mechanisms groaning and creaking. Steam vented from various points, and a series of gears and pistons shifted and realigned. Pieces of shattered armor reconfigured, moving and locking back into their original positions. The cracks and holes sealed themselves with a series of sharp pops and snaps. Rust flaked away, revealing smooth, unblemished silver plates underneath. The Aetherframe shook violently, as if awakening from a deep slumber. Its eyes flared with a bright white light, casting beams of luminance across the surrounding area. A grinding noise emanated from somewhere beneath Ebonheim, and the entire cockpit shook with a sudden jolt. The Aetherframe slowly rose, its movements jerky and stilted at first, but gradually becoming more fluid as the repairs continued. Ebonheim winced as her skin prickled with stinging sparks, a few motes of energy trickling from her body into the machine. The sensation intensified as more of her quintessence was drawn away, the divine essence flowing steadily into the Aetherframe''s circuits. The Akashic System''s guidance popped into view: [512 Quintessence expended. Aetherframe Power Core: 236/720 (Power Reserve: 28% available). Runtime: 01:38:21] A countdown timer appeared, ticking away the seconds. That should be enough time for now. But what else can this thing do? Memories, not her own, flooded her mind¡ªscattered glimpses of an unfamiliar life. Her eyes shimmered, and her hands moved of their own accord, fingers dancing over the controls and moving the correct switches and levers as if guided by an unseen maestro. The knowledge and skill seemed to pour directly into her, like water into a glass. She recognized the Aetherframe''s functions and capabilities as if they were extensions of her own. The Aetherframe''s chassis continued to shift and reconfigure, pieces sliding away and reshaping themselves. Armor panels rotated and aligned themselves into a new configuration, forming a new set of arms and legs. It stood tall on its new limbs, rising higher than before. Woah. This thing was easily twice the size of the ones from Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair! As the final component locked into place, the Aetherframe extended a pair of massive wings, spanning several meters on either side of its body. Each wing comprised numerous thin, crystalline rods, resembling the feathers of a bird. The air crackled with energy, and the wings glowed with a radiant light. A new icon blinked in her peripheral vision, and Ebonheim mentally willed it into the forefront. Another prompt from the Akashic System popped into view: [Flight Mode Engaged. Aetherframe is currently capable of limited aerial mobility. Recommended altitude ceiling is one thousand meters. Under ideal conditions, aetherwing flight speed can reach approximately four hundred kilometers per hour. Do you wish to proceed? Yes/No] Aetherwing?! This thing can fly?! That would have come in handy earlier! Ebonheim focused on the Yes option and confirmed her choice. A tremor ran through the Aetherframe as its engines roared to life. A torrent of heat and power surged through the wings, lifting the construct into the air. The ground fell away below as Ebonheim ascended, the ruined city shrinking beneath them. Inside the control alcove, she felt the vibrations and movements through the Aetherframe''s surface. The rumble of the engines reverberated through the frame, the steady hum a comforting and reassuring presence. Her senses expanded, her awareness shifting into a dizzying array of new perspectives. She saw through the Aetherframe''s sensors, observing the surrounding area through a myriad of lenses and filters. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The vast panorama of the valley stretched out before her, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. At the far edge of her sight, the floating islands loomed large in her vision, their details stark and clear. She tested the Aetherframe''s capabilities, flexing its arms and wings, stretching its legs and limbs, and maneuvering its neck. Hmm, seems to work. Pretty responsive. Let''s give this a whirl. Ebonheim guided the construct, performing a few experimental maneuvers. The Aetherframe obeyed her commands readily, responding to her slightest movements. She rolled, banking and diving through the air. She flapped the wings, flying loops and spirals, climbing to new heights and dropping back down with exhilarating speed. Despite its immense size, the Aetherframe was surprisingly agile and responsive. It maneuvered with ease, executing tight turns and rolls, and accelerating with surprising quickness. It felt like an extension of herself. She didn''t even need to think about each individual command; the Aetherframe seemed to anticipate her desires. Ebonheim grinned broadly. This was going to be fun. A loud screech snapped her attention back to the here and now. Liselotte dove toward the Aetherframe, a storm of wind and energy trailing in her wake. She stopped abruptly, hovering some distance away from the Aetherframe. She cocked her head quizzically. "What in the Abyss is this?! Hey! Where did you come from? Where is Ebonheim?!" She advanced warily, circling the Aetherframe in a wide arc. Her expression turned sour as she circled, her eyes narrowed and her lips curled in a disdainful sneer. She then looked down at the ruined city below. "Mmn, I''m sure she''s somewhere down there..." Before Ebonheim could reply, Liselotte flew down to the ruins, darting back and forth amidst the dilapidated structures. Is...is she looking for me? She watched as the harpy queen flitted about, peering into various windows and doorways, occasionally diving into alleyways and side streets. She seemed determined to search every nook and cranny. Eventually, Liselotte returned to the Aetherframe, flapping her wings and hovering nearby. Her expression was one of bewilderment. "What''d you do to Ebonheim?! Where''d she go?" she demanded, jabbing a talon in Ebonheim''s direction. "If you''ve done something to her, I''ll tear you apart myself!" Ebonheim stared back, unsure how to respond. "Err, well, I don''t know how to say this..." She scratched her chin, searching for the right words. "Um, I am Ebonheim." Liselotte tilted her head, blinking in confusion. "HUUUHH?!" Her voice carried the weight of utter disbelief. "What? What nonsense is this?" She scowled, glaring at the Aetherframe. "Don''t screw around with me you oversized golem! Ebonheim is a cute, scrumptious godling, not a hunk of shiny scrap¡ªwait...you sound like her.." Her eyes widened, her pupils contracting into narrow, pinprick slits as a realization dawned on her. "Ebonheim! The golem ate you, is that it?! Don''t worry, I''ll rescue you from its belly! And then I''ll eat you myself!" Ebonheim sighed inwardly. Of course, she''d take this the wrong way. Why wouldn''t she? This sort of thing had probably never happened before. She probably hadn''t even seen Aetherframes. Just her luck. "No, no, nothing like that." Ebonheim made calming motions with her hands. "Look, calm down. Let me explain. The Aetherframe...it, um, think of it as an oversized suit of armor. I''m just wearing it." Liselotte gave her an incredulous stare, her mouth agape. "Eh...? Eeeh...?!" She blinked repeatedly, her face contorting in a series of odd expressions. "EH-HEH-HEH-EEEEEHHH?! WHAT?! Are you serious?! You''re telling the truth?" She examined the Aetherframe with renewed interest, circling around and scrutinizing its exterior. Ebonheim nodded. "Yup. It''s the truth." Liselotte''s expression changed to one of childlike excitement, her eyes sparkling and a toothy grin splitting her face. "Wow! Wow! That means I''ll have to pry you out of that shell before I could eat you, huh? This is gonna be fun! So exciting!" Ebonheim groaned. "Ugh, why is she so...why..."
Ebonheim''s fingers tensed around the controls, gripping them tightly. The control alcove rumbled with the vibration of the Aetherframe''s engine and its gears and servos straining as the mechanism adjusted to her actions. The limbs moved as she directed, mirroring her motions. She could feel the feedback through the tactile link, sensing the resistance and pressure of each gesture. A few test swings of the arms and legs confirmed the responses, and she found the whole experience quite natural. There was almost no noticeable delay between her intentions and the action. Yet, despite its responsiveness and the sudden knowledge and skill poured into her, she felt the weight of her inexperience, like a novice dancer partnered with a seasoned performer. Her every move lacked confidence. Despite her newfound understanding of the machine''s capabilities, the reality of using them in combat still lay ahead. Liselotte kept staring, watching the Aetherframe intently as if waiting for Ebonheim to make her first move. She rocked back and forth in midair, her wings beating slowly to keep her afloat. Ebonheim didn''t want to wait. She had the initiative and the momentum. No sense in letting Liselotte regain her composure and find another advantage. A new icon flashed¡ªa crosshair¡ªand she understood. Weapon systems online. She didn''t hesitate. Guiding the Aetherframe, she aligned the crosshair with Liselotte''s swiftly moving form. Her finger flicked over the firing button, and a barrage of energy beams shot forth from lenses that emerged from the Aetherframe''s shoulders. The beams streaked through the air with a brilliant flare. Liselotte flinched, dodging and weaving to avoid the incoming shots. She spun and twisted, ducking under the bursts of energy, but a few beams grazed her, leaving scorch marks and wounds along her wings and back. She hissed, a low growl rumbling from her throat. "Grahh! Bitch!" Her wings unfurled fully, and she launched herself forward, a bolt of azure and white streaking across the sky, her talons outstretched. Ebonheim''s hands danced across the controls, instinct guiding her more than knowledge. Her eyes tracked Liselotte''s blurring form, anticipating and predicting her trajectory. Her fingers depressed buttons and toggled switches. A shimmering barrier of energy formed in front of the Aetherframe, and Liselotte slammed into it, the force field rippling and distorting from the impact. "Grahh! Fuck!" Liselotte bounced off the barrier, flipping end over end, but quickly righted herself, leveling out and pulling up to hover a short distance away. "Grrrh! Ooh, I''ll enjoy breaking you!" The harpy queen dove, a streak of color against the cerulean sky, her wind magic swirling around her body and wings. Ebonheim banked hard, turning to match Liselotte''s trajectory. The control alcove rattled and shook, but held together as she pulled the Aetherframe into a dive. Her hands flew over the controls, activating the weapon systems once more. Energy beams lanced out, piercing through the air, but Liselotte''s evasive maneuvers made it difficult to track her. "Damn it, hold still," she muttered through gritted teeth. She pressed the weapons fire button, unleashing another volley of beams, but Liselotte weaved through the blasts, avoiding most of them. One beam hit its mark, slicing into the harpy''s side and causing her to veer off course. Liselotte grunted. Blood dripped from the wound, leaving crimson trails in her wake. But as she banked upward, the gash began to close, the torn flesh mending and healing rapidly. In retaliation, Liselotte unleashed a barrage of wind blades. Sharp gusts of air cut through the sky, whirling and spinning, seeking to slice into the Aetherframe. Ebonheim pulled up, banking hard. The roar of the thrusters on the wings shook the control alcove as the Aetherframe climbed, but several wind blades grazed the Aetherframe, leaving shallow gashes on the armor. Liselotte chased after her, launching another volley of wind blades. Ebonheim wrenched the controls, steering the Aetherframe into a looping corkscrew spiral. The maneuver carried her out of the path of the incoming wind blades, and they sailed harmlessly by. Her stomach lurched from the dizzying acrobatics, but she maintained her focus, keeping the crosshairs locked onto Liselotte.
The dance of combat unfolded in the skies above the ancient city. Metal clashed with talon as they traded blows back and forth. The battle raged on, neither gaining an upper hand for long. Liselotte darted around the Aetherframe, seeking any openings and vulnerabilities. Ebonheim evaded as best she could, but Liselotte''s agility and speed proved difficult to match. Still, she kept Liselotte on the defensive, pressing her with a relentless barrage of energy beams, forcing the harpy to duck and weave. Liselotte''s wounds healed rapidly, while the Aetherframe''s durability remained untested. Its armor absorbed most of the damage from the talons and wind magic, but a few lucky strikes pierced through, leaving shallow gashes and rents in the metal. The pain of each impact rippled through the control alcove, the feedback from the Aetherframe translating directly to her body. The two combatants circled, swirled, and darted across the sky, exchanging attacks and counterattacks. They rose and plummeted, their shadows crossing paths as they moved across the land below. Their wings blazed trails of light, tracing out their movements in the air. Finally, after a particularly intense clash, Liselotte retreated, putting some distance between herself and the Aetherframe. Ebonheim smirked. Take that. Now, to capitalize. She explored the control panel, her fingers brushing over runes and tactile interfaces that shimmered with arcane light. New options flickered into existence, and she focused her attention on one that seemed appropriate. A pair of sleek, crystalline blades extended from the Aetherframe''s arms, catching the light and casting prismatic shadows. The edges gleamed with a virescent radiance. Ebonheim hefted the sword-arms, testing the weapons with a few experimental swings. They looked sharp. Very sharp. Her smile widened. Perfect. Liselotte shrieked, rushing forward once again. A tempest of wind swirled around her, whipping through the air and lashing at the surrounding space. Her talons shone with a white light, leaving a trail of ghostly flames in their wake. Ebonheim tightened her grip on the controls, raising her arms defensively. Her crystalline blades met Liselotte''s talons in a shower of sparks. The impact jolted through her, and she gritted her teeth as the shockwave rippled through the control alcove. Strong! Even though she was in an Aetherframe that was nearly five times Liselotte''s size, she felt like she was being pushed back. As the blades pressed against Liselotte''s talons, the harpy queen lunged forward, pushing harder. Ebonheim leaned into her attack, the thrum of the engines vibrating through the frame as the power output increased. Then, as Liselotte pressed in closer, Ebonheim pivoted, allowing the momentum to carry her. The change of direction caught Liselotte off-guard, and the crystalline blades slashed through her legs, severing her talons cleanly. Blood spurted from the stumps as Liselotte retreated, careening through the air as she screamed in agony. "GAAAAAAAH! GRAAGHH!" Liselotte''s talons dropped from the sky, falling in a rain of blood. Ebonheim winced, a surge of guilt rising within her. She never wanted all this to happen. She hadn''t wanted to fight but circumstances forced her hand. "Liselotte, listen to me, please. This is all a misunderstanding. We can talk this out. I don''t want to¡ª" "SHUT UP!" Liselotte roared, her eyes flashing crimson. She ascended high above, flying in an intricate pattern through the sky. Her blurred form glowed with a fiery light as the air around her distorted and rippled. Suddenly, the severed stumps began to regrow, sprouting feathers and flesh as new talons formed from nothing. Watching the regeneration process unfold, Ebonheim couldn''t help but shudder. It seemed like so long as Liselotte stayed in the air, she would constantly recover. There would be no end to this fight. Liselotte slowed to a halt once more, hovering above her. She let out a cackling laugh as her feathers bristled, sending sparks dancing across her wings. The once azure and white plumage took on a dark crimson hue, and the air around her distorted in waves. With an ear-splitting screech, Liselotte released a conflagration of energy in all directions, bathing the sky in a blinding light. The concussive blast slammed into the Aetherframe, knocking Ebonheim off-balance, causing her to tumble end over end in the air. She struggled to right herself, wrestling with the controls as she stabilized the machine. The engines on her wings whined as the turbines strained, their thrusters glowing brightly with intense heat. Her head reeled, and her ears rang as she fought to regain her bearings. She squinted, attempting to focus her vision, but the afterimages of the explosion clouded her sight. The Aetherframe''s visual filters kicked in automatically, dimming the harsh glare. Once her eyes readjusted, she spotted Liselotte once more, hovering high above her. Her appearance had changed. Her wings, once a dazzling white and blue, had transformed into dark, scarlet plumes edged with gold. Her body burned with an inner light, illuminating the sky around her. Her hair billowed behind her, a cascade of crimson locks that matched the color of her wings. Her talons, formerly ivory, were now black as pitch and shone with an arcane glow. The vermillion color of her eyes had turned amber, blazing like miniature suns. A sinister air exuded from her as she gazed down at Ebonheim. No longer was there a feral grin or playful arrogance. Only cold, calculated rage remained. Ebonheim''s instincts warned her to brace herself for something terrible. In a flash, Liselotte''s form vanished. An afterimage of her figure trailed in her wake as she rocketed downward, appearing directly in front of the Aetherframe within a split second. Ebonheim barely had time to react as Liselotte struck. Her black talons raked the armor, carving deep gashes in the metal. Fiery explosions erupted with each contact, searing the air and sending ripples of heat through the frame. The control alcove rattled with violent tremors, and warning indicators flared red in Ebonheim''s vision. Damage reports and alert notifications clamored for her attention, but she ignored them, focusing on maintaining control of the Aetherframe. "Great, she got serious." Ebonheim gritted her teeth. "Can''t lose my nerve now." Chapter 115: Verdant Pathway, Divine Arsenal: Cepheid Under the relentless assault of Liselotte''s empowered form, the Aetherframe''s armor buckled and cracked, taking blow after blow from her furious attacks. Scorch marks and gashes marred its silver-gold surface, and even its powerful shielding struggled to resist the sustained damage. The wings, once gleaming with an ethereal light, grew dull and tarnished. Smoke drifted from damaged components, and a faint hiss could be heard as they leaked. Ebonheim winced with each resonating clang, the feedback from the Aetherframe transmitting itself through her control alcove. Her fingers trembled with exertion as they gripped the control sticks, fighting to keep the machine in the air. Where once she had felt invincible within her mechanical giant, now she felt as if she were clinging to a mountain in the midst of an avalanche. Liselotte showed no hint of satisfaction or pleasure; There was no trace of her former playfulness or eagerness to brawl¡ªonly a cold, methodical ferocity. "Your contraption is faltering, little godling," Liselotte spoke in a cutting tone as she dove to intercept the Aetherframe once again. "What will you do when it breaks apart?" Another flurry of strikes impacted the Aetherframe, more explosions bursting across its surface as it shuddered under the impact. Liselotte''s talons sliced through the crystalline blades of the Aetherframe, the glowing weapons shattering and exploding in a shower of shrapnel. Sparks flew as the control alcove took a direct hit, and warning signals blared. Ebonheim grunted as the feedback jolted through her, momentarily numbing her senses. [Alert: Integrity compromised. 37% functionality remaining. Hull integrity at critical levels. Systems at 23% efficiency. Aetherwing flight mode compromised. Limited mobility. Warning: Power Core depleting at an accelerated rate.] Liselotte''s figure blurred into a cascade of slashes, reappearing in multiple locations at once, assaulting the Aetherframe from every angle. Each strike carved deeper into the Aetherframe''s armor, widening existing fractures and creating new ones. Heat radiated from the damaged machinery, and the interior of the control alcove grew swelteringly hot. Ebonheim clenched her jaw, grunting with each painful impact. Her vision blurred and doubled, the hazy outlines of the console flickering in and out of view. She could feel the sweat dripping down her brow, trickling from her temples to her cheek. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth as she bit her tongue. She scanned the console, desperately seeking any solution. Damn it! I''m not giving up yet! Not like this! As if hearing her silent plea, the Akashic System flared to life, its familiar prompt shining brightly through the haze, lighting up her vision. [Adaptation required for continued engagement.] [?????? ????????¡Á??????? (G?fugr Vopnab¨²r:Cepheid) Unlocked] [New Directive] Activate ¡®Divine Arsenal: Cepheid¡¯. Transition Aetherframe to personal armament mode. [Would you like to activate?] Y/N Ebonheim blinked, disbelief momentarily seizing her. Could this ancient relic adapt in such a way? Was there more to the Aetherframe than she expected? The term ''Cepheid'' was foreign to her, yet it resonated in her mind, stirring something primordial. There wasn''t enough time to dwell on it. She would have to trust her instincts. She raised her hand toward the glowing prompt and tapped ''Yes.'' [Initiating Divine Arsenal: Cepheid. Prepare for mode transition.] A symphony of mechanical whirs and churning gears sounded throughout the interior of the Aetherframe, and in the next moment, she was jettisoned from the control alcove, sailing into open air. "What the f¡ª" The force of the ejection sent her tumbling through the sky in a cartwheeling, uncontrolled freefall. Her breath rushed from her lungs as the wind roared past her, buffeting her body. Liselotte halted her assault, a flicker of confusion crossing her cold visage as she watched the titan she''d been battling against begin to morph before her eyes. The Aetherframe''s form shifted and reshaped, its bulk folding away and unfurling like the petals of a metallic flower greeting the dawn. Its frame and armor shrank and broke apart into component pieces, the individual fragments rearranging themselves into new shapes. The pieces swarmed Ebonheim like luminescent insects, encasing her body in a cocoon of light. As the components snapped and clicked into place, the segments of armor covered her limbs and torso, forming an exoskeleton over her clothes. The Aetherframe''s arms had retracted into gauntlets that wrapped around her own, the joints clicking into place with a satisfying snap. The legs, once pillars of strength, now formed sleek, fitting boots that molded to her form. Four wings hovered behind her, each one housing a propeller within a reinforced casing. The propellers emitted a low hum as they whirled, generating an updraft that kept her airborne. She felt their thrum¡ªthe rhythmic cadence reverberating through her body. The armor plating that had once shielded the Aetherframe now adhered to Ebonheim''s form like a second skin, outlining her figure and accentuating her curves. She felt the suit tightening around her, the sensation alien yet not entirely unpleasant. Six armor plates floated around her hips like segments of a skirt, orbiting her like satellites. Circular discs floated over her head, acting as headpieces. As they rotated, they emitted an audible hum, their energy fields emanating outward, enveloping her in a hexagonal-segmented barrier. Ebonheim''s hair, once constrained by the confines of the cockpit, now flowed freely, an iridescent cascade that danced in the breeze. As the transformation neared completion, she reached her hands out before her, her fingers splayed wide. Her Ebon bow materialized, manifesting in her palms with a brief burst of light. The remaining fragments of the Aetherframe danced around the bow, embedding themselves into the weapon. As they locked into place, the bow reconfigured, transforming into a hybrid bow-blade, its shape a blend of both elements. The bowstring now appeared to be a crystalline thread, suspended between two metallic grips. Ebonheim grasped the newly formed weapon and held it aloft. Its weight felt comfortable and natural in her hands. [Calibrations complete. Mode transition successful.] [Name] ?????? ????????¡Á??????? (G?fugr Vopnab¨²r:Cepheid) [Type] Legendary Artifact (¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï) [You have gained the ability ¡®Wings of Aether¡¯: You have access to four aetherwings, granting you a maximum flight speed of 2500 km/h. Maximum Altitude: 25,000 meters.] [Skills and Abilities] Sonic Flight, Blink Step 4/4, Airburst 2/2, Aetherclad 1/1, Force Barrier (300 Health; 20 Damage Reduction) 2/2, Aether Strike 3/3, Aspect of the Metallum 1/1 (Defensive Stance: +20% Physical & Arcane Resistance), Aspect of the Fulminator 1/1 (Offensive Stance: +10% Hit Chance & Critical Chance). Additional abilities may become available based on environment and combat conditions. [Passive Bonuses] +200 Health; +20 Strength; +45 Agility; +13 Perception [Active Weapon] Ebon Bow-Blade: +20% Base Damage, +200% Range [Weapon Abilities] Multi-Shot: shoots six arrows per draw; Piercing Shot: fires a single arrow that deals double base damage and ignores 50% of target''s Damage Resistance/Reduction; Snipe Shot: after aiming for at least six seconds, fires an arrow with triple the base damage, +400% Range, and +150% Accuracy, ignoring 75% of target''s Damage Resistance/Reduction; Homing Shot: augments existing shots with tracking capability (effect lasts 20 seconds). [Cost] Maintaining this mode costs 200 Quintessence per hour. The maximum duration is three hours. [Note] Additional modifications can be performed to expand upon current capabilities. Functionality subject to change. A wave of newfound vigor washed over Ebonheim, invigorating her limbs and energizing her senses. She could feel the suit enhancing her physical prowess, her reflexes and reaction times sharpened to a razor''s edge. Her wounds from the earlier battle faded, the bruises and cuts vanishing without a trace. It was like she had shed a heavy burden. She felt light and nimble, able to move and respond with greater ease. Ebonheim looked back at Liselotte, meeting her gaze. From high above, Liselotte circled warily. The cold intensity had not diminished, but there was also an edge of uncertainty in her posture and demeanor. "Hmph, you''ve become something else," Liselotte noted. "But I''m the queen of the skies, little godling. Do you expect a new toy to make a difference?" "Who knows?" Ebonheim shrugged, tightening her grip on the Ebon Bow-Blade. "Still wanna find out? Or do you want to settle this peacefully?" The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. She hoped Liselotte would take the hint and simply leave her alone. The two of them had gotten off on the wrong foot. And she still didn''t understand why Liselotte insisted on treating her like a rival, enemy, or prey. This overreaction to their trespass seemed unnecessary. She wanted to get to the bottom of the situation and hopefully resolve whatever differences existed between them. Liselotte''s eyes narrowed. "Only the strong dictate terms," she declared flatly. "That''s the supreme law of my territory." She dived toward Ebonheim, her wings a blur of crimson and gold. An aura of wind swirled around her as she closed the distance between them. Something was different this time. Did Liselotte seem...slower? Ebonheim''s wings revved up, their propellers kicking into gear. A slight pivot was all she needed to dodge the charge. She willed her wings to move, and her body obeyed with nary a thought. A rapid ascent carried her upwards, away from Liselotte''s trajectory. "How...?" Liselotte faltered in mid-air, her momentum lost as Ebonheim moved out of the way. She turned back to face Ebonheim, her expression confused, frustrated, and irritated. "Why does your speed...match mine?" Ebonheim smiled. "Sorry, your majesty. Guess I got some upgrades." She motioned with a hand, beckoning. "Care to take a breather?" Subtly, the familiar fury started returning to Liselotte''s cold features. Her lips curled into a snarl, fangs bared. Maybe she should push her buttons a little more. It might actually convince Liselotte to reconsider. She had to at least try, even if she suspected she''d already blown her chances. Ebonheim angled her body toward Liselotte, and with a beat of her wings, surged forward. [Blink Step Activated: 3/4 Charges Remaining] Faster than when Liselotte had initially charged. Faster than Liselotte''s own lightning-fast reflexes. Ebonheim closed the gap between them in an instant and punched the harpy in the face. Hard. Liselotte went rocketing back in a flailing spin, careening through the air and slamming into the side of a ruined tower. Dust and rubble exploded outwards in a shower of debris. A few moments later, Liselotte emerged from the cloud of dust, the remnants of the stonework tumbling off her back. A stream of blood gushed from her nose and mouth, and a nasty purple bruise bloomed on her cheek. She clutched her face, her expression twisted in pain. The shock on her face was obvious. The sheer speed at which Ebonheim moved now must''ve come as a surprise. "Guess I''m faster than you now, too." Ebonheim aimed at Liselotte with the Ebon Bow-Blade, her fingers poised to draw the bowstring. "I''m serious, Lotte. Let''s call this a draw and go our separate ways." A silence settled over the city, disturbed only by the faint, far-off sounds of the forest. Even the wind seemed to quiet down. Liselotte stared at her, the shock fading as her composure returned. She wiped away the blood from her mouth and straightened. Her wings unfurled once more, spreading out to their full length. She said nothing. Just as Ebonheim thought the harpy queen might concede, Liselotte suddenly lurched forward, a streak of crimson that screamed through the air. The Ebon Bow-Blade met her talon''s slash, the force of the impact shivering down Ebonheim''s arms and through her entire body. She pushed back, bracing her stance. "Damn it, why are you making me do this?!" She fired off a point-blank volley with the Ebon Bow-Blade. A half-dozen Enchanted Essence Bolts shot out, their trajectory guided by the weapon''s built-in guidance system. They spiraled and swerved in the air as they pursued Liselotte, trailing sparks of divine energy in their wake. Liselotte deftly weaved through the barrage, but one by one they found their mark, slamming into her sides and back. Explosions burst across her body, their energies searing and burning through her feathers and flesh. Liselotte screeched in agony, her cries ringing in Ebonheim''s ears. Eboheim fired another multi-shot of Essence Bolts augmented by her bow''s Homing Shot feature. The projectiles tracked Liselotte, pursuing her every movement. They homed in from all angles, weaving and dodging through the air, crashing into her and detonating with bright bursts of Essence. Her third volley came at Liselotte''s retreating back, peppering her with a cluster of bolts, but Liselotte managed to erect a barrier of feathers around her body, deflecting a majority of the shots. The few that made it through tore through her wings, slicing through the delicate membranes and shredding her feathers. Liselotte wheeled and banked, darting through the air, her flight path erratic. Ebonheim saw the harpy queen''s wounds already regenerating as she streaked across the sky. Another powerful gust of wind gathered around her, swirling around her form and condensing into a vortex of spinning blades. She swooped and weaved, firing off sharpened cyclones with each pass, each blade-wind singing as it slashed through the air. Ebonheim slalomed through the cyclone''s blasts, her wings maneuvering with preternatural grace and speed like a hummingbird. The propellers within her wings'' casings glowed brightly with energy as they spun, maintaining their acceleration. The feeling of freedom and exhilaration from her new form swept through her mind, and for the first time, she truly understood what it meant to fly. Liselotte unleashed a barrage of wind blasts, firing them rapidly in quick succession. Each blast screamed towards Ebonheim, impacting all around her in powerful shockwaves. Ebonheim darted between the blasts, but one grazed her barrier, causing the hexagons to crackle and flicker as they absorbed the impact. The barrier repaired itself within moments, but she could feel the strain of its energy diminish. Liselotte circled higher, her wings beating the air furiously as she ascended into the sky. As she reached the peak of her climb, she hovered for a moment before plummeting downward, picking up tremendous speed as she did so. She began spinning, the whirlwind of feathers and flame gathering around her once more, forming a vortex of fire. With a scream, she descended, shooting like a comet of wind and fire, straight toward Ebonheim. Time to see what some of these abilities can do. Ebonheim activated her suit''s Airburst ability, unleashing a shockwave that rippled outward in a concentric ring. The air shimmered and distorted as the blast of energy expanded, rushing toward Liselotte. As the shockwave hit, Liselotte''s momentum ceased as if she had run into a wall. She rebounded, her wings splaying out. Her flaming aura shattered, dissipating into a shower of sparks and embers. [Critical Hit] "Gyaaahhhh!" Liselotte shrieked as she tumbled through the air. "Grrrrrahh!" She snarled, righting herself and launching into another aerial dash. Her body blazed with an aura of flames, her feathers shimmering like embers in the wind. She sped through the sky like a shooting star, leaving trails of fire in her wake. Ebonheim responded in kind, activating her suit''s Blink Step ability. Space folded and warped around her as she teleported behind Liselotte, shooting a point-blank Snipe Shot through her right wing. The augmented Essence Bolt slammed through the wing-arm, severing the limb. [Critical Hit] Liselotte screamed as she fell. She tumbled through the air, her other wing and legs flailing wildly. Her severed appendages began to dissolve into wisps of smoke and ash, disintegrating into the wind. As Liselotte plummeted, Ebonheim fired another barrage of homing Essence Bolts. They streaked through the air, curving and weaving through the clouds, tracing after Liselotte''s descent. [Critical Hit] [Critical Hit] One after another, the bolts slammed into her, erupting into bursts of energy. Her screams echoed as she crashed through the roof of a ruin, disappearing inside. A cloud of dust rose as debris flew outwards, raining onto the nearby roofs and streets. Ebonheim Blink Stepped into the crash site, landing atop the wreckage. As soon as she saw Liselotte''s silhouette amidst the rubble, she planted her boot on the harpy queen''s chest, pinning her down. She drew back her bowstring and prepared an arrow. Five other phantom Essence Bolts formed and hovered over her bow, following her aim. She placed her sights on the middle of Liselotte''s forehead. Her fingers twitched, ready to release. "Lotte. What''s your answer?" Liselotte coughed weakly, a trickle of blood running down the corner of her mouth. Her form had returned to its usual azure and white coloring, but was now covered in dust and blood. She quivered as she raised her remaining wing to cover her face, trembling. "S-spare me..." Her voice quavered. The request was faint, barely audible. "What?" Ebonheim leaned in, lowering her bow to get a closer look. She pried Liselotte''s wing away to reveal her face, streaked with blood, tears, and snot. Her eyes were rimmed with red, and she seemed unable to focus on anything. Was this a trick? No, she could hear the fear and desperation in Liselotte''s tone. This wasn''t a ploy, she could tell. Besides, she had never been good at using subterfuge. It was evident in the games they had played during their yearly gatherings. "Pl-please," Liselotte whispered, her voice breaking. "Y-you win...You''re the s-s-strongest." Ebonheim sighed, her grip on her bow loosening. The five phantom bolts over her shoulder faded away. She was on the verge of crying, herself. It didn''t sit well with her that she had to injure Liselotte to this extent. If there had been any alternative, she would''ve chosen it. But damn it, this battle-crazed harpy hadn''t left her much choice! All she wanted to do was help build a road to facilitate trade. Was that such an unreasonable thing to ask? Ebonheim heaved Liselotte upright and rested the harpy''s battered form against a pile of rubble. Liselotte flinched at the contact, a small whimper escaping her lips, but otherwise did nothing to resist. Ebonheim reached out and cupped Liselotte''s chin in her hand, tilting her face upward to meet her gaze. Her amber eyes were wet with tears, brimming with pain and shame. The sight made her heart ache. "Lotte, please listen to me." Ebonheim kept her voice gentle, but firm. "I don''t want to hurt you anymore. I never did. But you forced me to fight. Why is that?" Liselotte sniffled, her lower lip trembling. "Y-y-you challenged my authority by t-trespassing..." she stammered, her words punctuated with hiccups and sobs. "A-and y-your challenge for territory...It would mean I had to k-kill you. O-only the strong rule in my t-territory." She cried openly now, tears streaming down her cheeks. "A-and I w-was the s-s-strongest. Aaaaaaah!" So that was the issue, huh? Ebonheim shook her head. She had suspected that might''ve been the reason, but she needed confirmation. She stroked the side of Liselotte''s head, gently stroking her hair. The harpy queen shivered, her eyes widening, but she did not pull away. "Listen, Lotte. I don''t want to take your territory or anything like that. I just want to build a road so that my village can have access to more goods and people. I was going to offer gifts and tribute as an incentive." She sighed. "But you never gave me a chance. We could''ve avoided this whole mess if you''d talked to me instead of attacking on sight." Liselotte hung her head. "M-my pride..." She mumbled something about having to maintain a tough appearance in front of her subjects and the importance of demonstrating strength through actions. Ebonheim rubbed her forehead, exasperated. "Honestly, Lotte. That''s all well and good, but this was overkill! Next time, you should start with diplomacy, alright? Leave the fighting for when we have no other option." Liselotte nodded meekly. "A-alright," she managed between sobs. Ebonheim stood up, holding her hand out to Liselotte. "Let''s seal this as a truce, okay?" Liselotte looked at Ebonheim''s hand, hesitant. Then, she slowly raised her remaining wing-arm. "T-truce." Ebonheim clasped the wing in her hand and shook. The cool, smooth texture of Liselotte''s feathers surprised her, the softness pleasant to the touch. They lingered for a moment, before letting go. Ebonheim crouched, holding out her arms to help Liselotte to her feet. She gingerly helped the harpy queen up. Liselotte''s balance faltered and Ebonheim supported her by the waist. Liselotte leaned against her as she led her out of the ruins. Once outside, Ebonheim gazed skyward. She still sensed the life forces of Thorsten and the others. Good, at least they''re still alive and hopefully well. "Anyways, we''d better head back. Your harpies are still fighting my friends. Come on." Chapter 116: Verdant Pathway, We’re Sorry, Neighbor… The crumpled form of Mesyori lay against a tree, her breathing labored and her wings stained with blood. The harpy''s normally pristine feathers were now matted and torn, her talons coated in crimson. A dark pool formed beneath her, spreading slowly with each shuddering breath. She glared at the group with half-lidded eyes, her teeth bared in a defiant snarl. Ingrid approached cautiously, her shield at the ready. She spared a glance at her companions, who kept their weapons drawn and their guard up. Thorsten flanked her, while Viviane lingered in the background, tending to the wounded. Suddenly, Gwynelle and the four younger harpies that formed her group swooped down, forming a defensive line in front of the wounded Mesyori. Gwynelle stood in front, her wings spread protectively, while the others huddled close, their faces pale and their feathers quivering. Ingrid halted in her tracks, lowering her sword slightly. Despite their brave stance, Ingrid sensed their fear. Their eyes darted back and forth, and they clutched at each other, as if seeking comfort in the face of overwhelming odds. Even Gwynelle, whom Edith had fought before and had gained her respect, trembled as she tried to stare down the group. "Dinnae! Nae closer!" Gwynelle''s voice quavered, her words more of a plea than a threat. "Nae closer! Go way!" "Stand down, girl," Thorsten said, leveling his axe at her. Gwynelle hesitated, but she held her ground, her wings trembling as she spread them protectively. The other harpies tried putting up a brave front, growling and fluttering their wings, but Ingrid noticed they flinched at Thorsten''s advance. "Leave!" Gwynelle squawked. "Leave now!" Thorsten let out a low growl, stepping forward with his axe raised. But before he could pass her, Ingrid extended her arm, blocking his path. "Enough." Thorsten stopped, shooting her a bewildered glance. "What are you doing, woman? We still have a fight on our hands." "Enough!" Ingrid repeated as she glared at him. She had always respected Thorsten''s conviction and tenacity, and his bravery in the face of danger was nothing short of legendary. But the damn man could also be bullheaded, stubborn to a fault, and downright foolish, especially when his temper flared. Right now, he was poised to slaughter the young harpies, despite them making no hostile moves. And Ingrid would not abide by that. "The battle is over, Ulfhendar," Ingrid said firmly. "Look around. We''ve routed them." She gestured to the harpies huddled around the injured Mesyori. "This is a group of fledglings. They''re scared and confused, not soldiers. There''s no honor in killing children. Would you have us be monsters ourselves?" "We can''t show them mercy," Thorsten argued, narrowing his eyes. "More harpies will come looking for us, and they''ll bring their full force next time. If we do not finish off those who live, they will be the death of us." "You think they will stop hunting us because we kill a few more?" Ingrid spat, brandishing her sword at the warrior. "You''re deluded. Our battle isn''t here, nor is it with them. Would you slay these young ones who only seek to protect their wounded kin? Would you slay them in the name of Ebonheim?!" The last question brought Thorsten pause, his eyes widening as if her words had stabbed him. His gaze softened, and the tension in his body relaxed. He sighed, hanging his head in shame. "No...I would not. That would only make her sad." "Then stand down. All of you. Watch the skies but leave them be." Sheathing her blade, she turned her attention back to Gwynelle, who eyed her warily. "We will not harm you. The battle is over." Gwynelle blinked in confusion, tilting her head. "Nae fight? You nae want kill?" Ingrid shook her head. "If you don''t attack us, we won''t fight you." She swept her arm around the clearing, gesturing to the fallen harpies. "This slaughter brings us no joy. This is not what we came for. We have no quarrel with you." She extended her empty hands, showing her palms as a gesture of goodwill. Gwynelle gave her a cautious look, but did not lash out, her stance relaxing slightly. The other harpies did the same, but their eyes darted between her and the humans, as if expecting another attack. Viviane approached, laying a hand on Ingrid''s shoulder. "I''ve managed to patch up the worst of the others'' injuries. I can spare a healing potion and some salves to treat Mesyori''s wounds. I don''t think she''ll make it unless they have some way to heal themselves." Ingrid nodded. "I''ll try to convince Gwynelle. Wait here." She turned back to the group of harpies, taking a careful step towards them. "Please, listen. My friend wants to help. She has medicine for your wounded." Gwynelle fixed her with a fierce glare, her expression guarded. "Why? Why help?" "We want to help, that''s all," Ingrid explained. "We didn''t want this fight. You attacked us, and we defended ourselves. Now, we want to make peace with you. We can help your wounded if you let us. Will you accept our help?" For a long moment, there was silence. Gwynelle stared at her, not answering. The other harpies shuffled about nervously, murmuring amongst themselves, clearly uncertain how to react. Finally, Gwynelle spoke. "Friend help." She extended her wing, beckoning to Viviane. "Come. Friend help. Help Mesyori. I thank." "Thank you," Ingrid said. She turned to Viviane, nodding for her to approach. "Go ahead. You heard her." Viviane nodded, approaching carefully with a satchel in hand. The other harpies fluttered and jostled, but made no move to stop her. She knelt at Mesyori''s side, digging into her satchel. Moments later, she pulled out a glass vial containing a viscous, teal liquid. Uncorking the bottle, she coaxed the injured harpy to drink, gently tilting her head so she could swallow the mixture. Mesyori shuddered and wheezed, but swallowed the liquid. After a few moments, she exhaled deeply, her breathing easing. Color began to return to her features, and her eyes fluttered open, gazing blearily at her surroundings. "Good! Good!" Gwynelle exclaimed, hopping excitedly as she observed. "It work!" "That''s just a healing potion. It can only do so much. I still need to apply some salve for the wounds and set the broken wing." Viviane withdrew more supplies from her satchel, setting to work on her patient. "If I can find some material, I can splint the wing properly, though she still won''t be able to fly anytime soon unless harpies have a way to heal themselves quickly. Does she?" Gwynelle shook her head. "Only Skytalon." "Je le pensais. Alright, well, I''ll do my best. This will sting a bit, so brace yourself." Viviane opened a jar of thick, green paste, scooping a generous dollop onto her fingertips. She gently applied the gooey substance to the harpy''s open wounds, eliciting a pained grunt from the harpy. "Sorry, sorry. Just a little more, and then I''ll wrap the wounds. You''re doing well. You''re tough." Ingrid watched as Viviane expertly tended to the harpy''s injuries, marveling at the woman''s skill. She had always been impressed by the Artificer''s talent, and seeing her in action firsthand made her appreciate the woman''s abilities even more. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Viviane''s hands moved swiftly and efficiently, applying the salve and bandages with practiced ease. She did not falter, even in the face of a being that could easily tear her to shreds. After several minutes, the harpy''s wounds were neatly dressed and tended to, and Viviane stepped back, satisfied with her work. "There. That should hold for now. You''ll still need to rest, but at least you won''t bleed out." Mesyori blinked and nodded slowly, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. Gwynelle and the other harpies murmured their approval, huddling close to their leader. "Well done," Ingrid said, smiling at the Artificer. "I think they appreciate your help." "Anytime." Viviane wiped the sweat from her brow, returning her supplies to her satchel. "I''d appreciate it if they didn''t attack us again, though. Let''s hope this means peace, instead of another battle." "We''ll find out shortly," Lorne chimed in, his gaze trained on the sky. "We have more company." Ingrid turned her attention upward, spotting dozens...no, hundreds of harpies streaming in from the clouds, filling the sky with a mosaic of colors. They flew in organized formations, circling above the trees before descending towards the clearing. She reflexively gripped her sword, but she held herself back, remembering the conversation with the harpies. She glanced at Thorsten and Lorne, who both nodded solemnly, wordlessly understanding her intention. Serelle and Urien joined them, the Arcanist leaning against Urien for support, her staff in one hand and a small glowing ball floating over the other. Viviane returned to Ingrid''s side, the Artificer clutching a device in one hand and gripping one of her rods in the other. The harpies landed around the clearing, filling every space. They lined the ground and perched on the boulders and treetops, their feathers rustling in the wind. A few of them growled and hissed, but most remained silent, staring intently at the group. Ingrid recognized some of the harpies as ones who had been caught in Ebonheim''s entangling magic at the start of the hostilities. Many bore abrasions, likely from their escape. "Steady," Lorne warned, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Keep your wits about you. If this turns south, we fall back to the forest and pray that Ebonheim pacifies the harpy queen''s wrath in time." Thorsten grunted in agreement, adjusting his grip on his weapon. "I hope the earlier display made enough of an impression, Ingrid. Elsewise, we may be joining the ranks of the deceased on this day." As the harpies crowded around them, Ingrid steeled herself, her gaze sweeping back and forth across the throng. She felt a bead of sweat trickle down the back of her neck, but she maintained her composure, her grip on her sword firm. Then, out of the corner of her eye, a streak of gold and silver cut through the sky. Ebonheim hovered over the crowd, her armored form gleaming in the setting sun. Ingrid''s jaw dropped as she took in the goddess''s changed appearance. Gone was her flowing white dress, replaced by a sleek, form-fitting armor that accentuated her figure. Her hair flowed freely across her shoulders, a waterfall of iridescent silver that glinted like polished metal. Four mechanical wings floated behind her, each one emitting a low hum as they propelled her through the air. Cradled in her arms was Liselotte, the harpy queen''s feathers ruffled and her face smeared with blood. She did not struggle, but hung limply in the goddess''s grasp, her expression subdued and weary. Ebonheim descended slowly, her wings carrying her gracefully as she alighted on the ground before the group. With a gentle motion, she deposited Liselotte beside her, allowing the harpy to lean against her as she struggled to maintain her footing. The assembled harpies shifted uneasily, murmuring amongst themselves. They craned their necks to get a better view of their queen, concern evident on their faces. Ebonheim met Ingrid''s gaze, giving her a slight nod. She swept her eyes across the assembly, surveying the scene. Her eyes fell on the bodies of the fallen harpies scattered across the clearing, and her expression grew somber. Liselotte finally spoke, her voice unsteady and raspy. "No more hunting. They''re not prey. Not enemies. T-they...are guests. Guests." She stumbled forward a few steps, spreading her single wing in a limp imitation of her usual grandeur. She wobbled a little, but managed to remain upright. "Guests of Skytalon!" Her words carried across the clearing, echoing through the trees. The harpies released a collective sigh of relief, their wings fluttering as they exchanged glances and nods. A few chuckled softly, while others clapped their wings together in celebration. A handful even jumped for joy, leaping into the air and twirling with glee. The change in attitude was so abrupt and unexpected that Ingrid couldn''t help but laugh, the tension and fear lifting from her chest. She leaned on her shield, exhaling as she composed herself. She glanced over at Thorsten, whose wide-eyed expression mirrored her own. Lorne, too, seemed flummoxed, his mouth agape as he stared at the spectacle before them. Only Viviane seemed unfazed, wearing a nonchalant smirk as she shrugged. Among the flock, Mesyori smiled, her eyes welling with tears. She sank to her knees and sobbed quietly, her wings wrapping around her like a blanket. Gwynelle hopped over to her leader and patted her on the shoulder, whispering reassuringly as she attempted to console her. The other harpies followed, huddling around the two as they hugged and nuzzled, their cries of anguish turning into ones of joy. "Well, that''s settled," Lorne remarked, chuckling as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I had almost lost hope that things could turn out this way." "Aye, they got the message loud and clear. And they certainly seem grateful for it," Urien added, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "It''s like they never wanted to fight in the first place. Yet, they fought valiantly anyways. Strange folk, these harpies." Serelle nodded, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. "Let''s just be glad it ended this way, and not with us as bloodstains on the grass." "No complaints about the timing here," Lorne said wryly, shrugging as he glanced at the goddess. "You certainly arrived just in time to save us all from a rather gruesome end." Ingrid followed Lorne''s gaze, her eyes falling on the pair. Liselotte slumped against Ebonheim''s side, the harpy''s remaining wing draping over the goddess''s shoulders. Her hair was disheveled and her feathers covered in dirt and blood, but she appeared to have recovered from the worst of her injuries. At the same time, Ebonheim radiated calm reassurance, her mechanical wings folded neatly behind her. Despite the recent conflict, she held no visible signs of injury, her armor unblemished and her hair untouched. Only a tinge of weariness showed in her eyes, but even that faded as she smiled at the group. "Sorry for taking so long. I had to convince Lotte to come to her senses." Ebonheim gave a helpless shrug. "It wasn''t easy." Liselotte bristled, flapping her wing indignantly. "Y-you caught me off guard, and I-I lost my poise for a moment. It won''t happen again." Ebonheim shot the harpy a stern glance, placing a finger in front of her lips. "Shhh, no need to cause trouble where there isn''t any. Remember our talk?" Liselotte shrank back, averting her eyes. "S-sorry..." Her voice trailed off into a barely audible mutter. Ingrid approached them, inclining her head respectfully. "Goddess, I''m glad you''re safe. You as well, Skytalon Liselotte. Things almost took a turn for the worse. I''m glad you both arrived in time to prevent more deaths." Liselotte eyed her, remaining silent as she pressed closer to Ebonheim. Ebonheim rubbed the harpy queen''s head affectionately, but her gaze never left Ingrid. "I''m glad you''re all okay, and that Liselotte has seen reason. Thank you for holding out for so long. I''m truly proud of all of you." Her expression grew somber as she surveyed the scene, her eyes lingering on the bodies of the fallen harpies strewn across the clearing. She sighed heavily, shaking her head. "Still, we couldn''t avoid casualties. Lotte, do you wish to collect your dead?" Liselotte merely shrugged, a distant look in her eyes. "They died in battle. Leave them. The strong live, the weak perish. It is our way." Her words came out hollow and monotonous, as if reciting a phrase by rote. Ingrid winced at the words, finding the sentiment cold and callous. As a warrior herself, she understood the harsh realities of battle and the sacrifices required to prevail. Yet, the lack of mourning and compassion in Liselotte''s tone unsettled her, the emotionless acceptance chilling to hear. "Yet even the young harpies over there stood valiantly to protect her." Ingrid pointed to the huddle of harpies around Mesyori, who gazed at Liselotte expectantly. "If not for them, she wouldn''t have survived. If it''s truly your way, then why do these young ones care?" Liselotte narrowed her eyes, yet there was no malice in her gaze. "The strong can do whatever they want. Hunt. Kill. Protect. Grow. When they die, that''s because they are weak. But as long as they are alive, they are strong. The dead will be food for the land, and the land will provide for the strong. That is our way." The finality in the harpy queen''s words shocked Ingrid, and she found herself at a loss for words. She had expected Liselotte to display remorse or regret, to grieve for the lives lost. But to hear such an unfeeling and unwavering stance on the matter stunned her. What''s more, the expressions of the assembled harpies around the clearing reflected their agreement with their leader, their faces showing no hint of doubt or disagreement. Ebonheim heaved an exasperated sigh. "If that''s your way, then so be it. That also means we can bury your dead without incident, right?" Liselotte simply nodded. "I''ll take that as a yes." Ebonheim gave a resigned shrug as she turned to address the group. "Alright, we''ll give a proper burial to the dead tomorrow. For now, let''s return to camp and rest. It''s been a long day." Chapter 117: Verdant Pathway, Tribute! Death By S… The next day, the group gathered in the clearing. Ebonheim had already conjured a dozen large holes, each one deep and wide enough for a body. The fallen harpies had been gathered and laid out in a neat row, their limbs arranged respectfully with their wings folded across their chests. Their burial was a solemn affair, each hole filled with reverence and care, the soil packed and smoothed, and small stones placed as markers. Throughout, the surviving harpies remained silent, watching from a distance. No words were spoken, none were needed. As the last grave marker was placed, Ebonheim bowed her head. "Rest in peace." She whispered the words softly, as if afraid to break the silence. "May the afterlife welcome you, and the world bless you with rebirth." After a moment of reflection, Ebonheim led the group back to camp. As they walked, the harpies rose into the air and circle overhead. Liselotte and Mesyori swooped down from the skies, landing in front of Ebonheim. Liselotte''s wounds had already healed overnight, with her wing regrown and her feathers restored to their former lustrous glory. Her demeanor had returned to her usual regal and fierce countenance. She stood tall and proud, her wings spread wide, while Mesyori lingered a step behind, her head bowed in deference. "Only the strong are welcome in my territory. The weak become prey. That is our way." Liselotte proclaimed, her voice carrying across the forest. "You are strong. We won''t forget. Strong can stay. Be guest. Guest of Skytalon." She reached out, extending a wing-arm. "Let''s be friends." Ebonheim received the greeting, clasping Liselotte''s wing in her hand. "We''d love to. Friends of Ebonheim." Liselotte grinned, the sharp tips of her teeth showing. "Friends!" The assembled harpies cheered, their wings fluttering as they chirped and squawked. A few even performed celebratory acrobatic flights, spiraling into the sky. Thorsten leaned toward Ingrid, cocking an eyebrow. "Let''s hope no other unexpected surprises come our way, lest our poor Ebonheim has to fight another epic battle before midday." He crossed his arms and sighed, "Besides, I''ve had enough excitement for one trip." Ingrid chuckled softly, patting him on the back. "I think we can all agree to that." She stole a glance at Liselotte, who now conversed with Ebonheim. "I just hope nothing else goes awry during this excursion. This trip has been nothing short of eventful." "I''d say. This valley has been anything but quiet," Urien said, the corner of his mouth curling into a half-smirk. "I don''t think I''ve had this many near-death experiences since joining the Silverguards." "Now that''s a lie," Lorne interjected, elbowing Urien in the ribs. "You''ve had at least one near-death experience every week, Urien. I should know¡ªI''ve had to keep your reckless arse alive for the past couple of years. It''s a full-time job in itself. Sometimes I wonder why I bother." Urien shrugged, raising his palms in mock surrender. "Hey, it''s not like I asked to get into that mess. Trouble seems to follow me wherever I go." He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Although, I can''t deny I seem to attract some pretty exciting opportunities when I do manage to get into a pinch. Maybe I should purposely seek out danger to improve my luck?" Lorne snorted, rolling his eyes. "No, thank you. I''ll pass on that opportunity. Besides, we''re in the middle of nowhere, with no access to our regular amenities, and the locals are a bit feral. I''m quite happy staying in my tent and practicing my crafting. No offense, harpies." Liselotte looked at him blankly. She cocked her head, her expression betraying no comprehension. "Eh?" Viviane giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "He said he doesn''t mind sticking around here as long as there aren''t any more problems. Hopefully we can have a peaceful trip from here on out. Agreed?" "Agreed," Ebonheim said, walking up to the group. "I think things will run much more smoothly from here on out. Lotte and I have an understanding, so we can continue building the road through her territory." "Did she demand anything in return?" Serelle asked. "A favor? A payment? A tribute?" "She didn''t mention it. So far, no demands. No requests, either." Ebonheim looked back at Liselotte, who seemed distracted by her own minions'' antics. "Lotte, did you want something in return for letting us build a road through your territory?" Mesyori raised her wing to cover their faces as she whispered in Liselotte''s ear. "Hmmm...hmmmmm..." Liselotte nodded and whispered back, their exchange growing increasingly animated. Finally, Liselotte turned to Ebonheim, sporting a toothy grin. "Yes. Compensation." "What kind of compensation?" Ebonheim asked, raising an eyebrow. Liselotte''s grin widened, her eyes narrowing as she shifted her gaze towards Lorne, Thorsten, and Urien. "Males." The assembled harpies also focused their attention on the men, their unblinking stares unnerving to behold. Some licked their lips, while others leaned forward hungrily, their talons scraping against the ground. "Huh?" Ebonheim blinked. "Males?" She looked at the trio, and then back to Liselotte. "Do you want them to build you something?" "Not for that," Liselotte snapped. "Males to breed." She pointed to the three men. "You''ve slain ten of mine. Repay. Lend the males to us. To replenish the flock." "Wait, what?" Lorne choked, his cheeks reddening. "Hold on, just wait a minute! We can''t agree to this!" Thorsten pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Serelle and Viviane snickered, the two women clearly enjoying the situation. Serelle even went so far as to nudge Ingrid in the side with her elbow, who in turn rolled her eyes. "Is... is she suggesting what I think she''s suggesting?" Ebonheim asked, her face flushing. Her eyes darted between Lorne, Thorsten, and Urien. Viviane doubled over in laughter. "Oh, goddess. I can''t breathe..." She gasped for air in between fits of giggles. Serelle leaned over to whisper in Ebonheim''s ear. "Sounds like a good deal. It''s only fair, given the circumstances." Ebonheim frowned, her ears turning a vibrant shade of crimson. "Um... but I¡ª" "Are you rejecting my terms?" Liselotte interjected, a faint growl escaping her throat. "Harpy blood spilled. This is compensation. Our law." "G-guys...?" Ebonheim stammered, looking to the men for help. "Look, as flattered as I am, I have to decline," Lorne stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "I''m taken, and if she finds out that I''ve engaged in... relations... with anyone other than her, I''ll have my hide tanned and my entrails fed to the pigs." Thorsten grunted in agreement, crossing his arms. "I for one, am in no mood to sire children anytime soon, regardless of who might ask. If that changes, I have my own preference in women. Harpies are not among them." Just when Ebonheim thought things couldn''t get any more awkward, Urien stepped forward and dropped his warhammer on the ground. As he approached the harpy queen, he unclasped his armor, stripping down to his undershirt, his burly physique on full display. He stretched his arms out wide and struck a pose. "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" He proclaimed, puffing out his chest. The silence that followed lasted for only a few moments before Serelle and Viviane burst out laughing, barely able to contain themselves. Ingrid and Lorne shook their heads and sighed, and Ebonheim covered her face with her hands. Even Thorsten smirked and gave a snort. Stolen novel; please report. "Urien..." Lorne began, only to be interrupted by the latter. "Don''t worry, I''ve got this covered, Commander." Urien cracked his knuckles and gave Liselotte a broad grin. "Milady. Spare the others. Take only me instead. You can keep me prisoner, if you must. Let them go free." He flexed his biceps, striking a heroic pose. "You know you want this. It might surprise you, but I''m a real beast in bed. I''ll show you how true warriors rut. Your flock will flourish under my glorious virility." Lorne slapped his palm to his forehead and groaned, "Please stop talking, Urien..." Liselotte stared at Urien, tilting her head to the side. "You offer yourself? Take you instead?" "Yes!" Urien replied enthusiastically. "I accept your bargain, on behalf of the others. Spare them, and you can use me for your pleasure. My body and spirit, for theirs." He lifted his chin in defiance. "Be warned, however. I may fall, but my seed shall endure." Serelle wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Oh, goddess. This is hilarious." "Is he serious?" Viviane asked, tilting her head. "He''s always been a bit of a fool," Lorne replied, his gaze fixed on Urien. "But he''s loyal and trustworthy. He''ll see this through to the end, or die trying. Pray, just pray, that he lives." Liselotte flapped her wings, hopping to the ground in front of Urien. She circled him, examining him from every angle. After several laps, she stopped directly in front of him. "Accept." She flicked a talon at his chest, cutting open his shirt. "Big. Strong. Male." "See, she likes me," Urien boasted, striking another pose. "So, what will it be, my winged temptress? Are you going to take me captive and ravish me, or not?" "Yes." Liselotte wrapped a wing-arm around Urien''s shoulder, pulling him close. "You will breed with all of us." "Oh..." Urien''s bravado wavered momentarily, his smile faltering. "A-all of you?" "Yes." Liselotte responded, her eyes boring into his. "All who wish. Harpies choose. Any who wants, breeds. We will use you until you have nothing left. Are you still willing?" Urien cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "Just...just give me one moment, milady." He turned and walked back towards Lorne and the others, the flustered man wringing his hands. "Commander, I... Well, I''ll need to use the remaining health and vigor potions we have stocked, if you catch my drift. Could I please requisition them from the supplies? Otherwise, I might not make it through this ordeal alive, if you catch my meaning." Lorne, along with everyone else, stared at Urien with varying degrees of amusement and shock. Finally, Lorne sighed and shook his head. "Fine. Use what you need. I''ll deduct the expenses from your pay. Consider it your penance for volunteering yourself without permission." "You''re the best, Commander," Urien said, saluting Lorne. "Thanks. I owe you one." "You owe me at least five." Lorne replied, rolling his eyes. "Now go. Make sure you come back in one piece." Urien nodded, grabbing the satchel of supplies from Lorne, and returned to Liselotte''s side, his usual swagger and confidence now absent. "Very well. My Queen, I''ll submit to your will." Liselotte''s face lit up, her sharp-toothed smile widening. "Good. Follow." As Liselotte turned to lead him away, Urien turned his gaze back to Lorne and the others. "If I don''t make it back, tell them...tell them I died a hero." With that, he allowed himself to be led away by the eager flock of harpies. "Lotte! Bring him back to my village alive and well, okay?!" Ebonheim watched them depart, her brow furrowed in concern. "I hope he''ll be alright." She turned to Lorne, tapping her fingers together nervously. "W-will he be alright?" Lorne gave a helpless shrug, "Probably. He''s a resilient man. Plus, if there''s one thing Urien enjoys besides combat, it''s the company of beautiful women. Though I dare say, I pity his future self for the undertaking that awaits him." "I hope he survives the encounter, though he seems confident enough in his skills to win through," Thorsten added dryly. "And he''ll probably enjoy the fruits of his labor. The silver lining to all this." Viviane and Serelle broke into laughter once again, the two women unable to contain themselves. They clung to one another as they tried to regain their composure, gasping for air in between fits. Ingrid smirked, "If he does, then we should send him a basket of fruit to congratulate him." "Ingrid!" Ebonheim exclaimed, her ears bright red. "That''s... that''s... really inappropriate. And not what I meant." "Pfft. He''ll survive." Viviane managed to compose herself, wiping a tear from her eye. "Hopefully he won''t mind getting scratched up a little by those talons." "There will be more than scratching, I suspect. Those harpies are certainly enthusiastic and full of energy. He might not sit comfortably for a while." Serelle replied, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. Viviane laughed again, her voice ringing out clear and sweet. Ebonheim buried her face in her hands. "Please don''t put images in my head. I''m begging you." "I mean, if it comes with such benefits, who wouldn''t volunteer?" Serelle observed. "To lay with the exotic beauty of a harpy... There are certain privileges that come with the tradeoff, would you not say?" Viviane nodded, giggling. "True, but there''s always the risk of death by exhaustion, or a slow demise due to loss of bodily fluids." Ebonheim flushed a deep red, unable to hide the mortified expression on her face. "Stop! Please... Just stop... I can¡¯t listen to it anymore..." Lorne coughed, clearing his throat. "I believe Ebonheim has made it abundantly clear she wishes for this topic to end. I, for one, concur. That is an image that I care not to ponder on." "As do I," Thorsten chimed in. "It would seem that Urien has his work cut out for him. Either way, he''s earned an ale or two after this escapade." "Or five," Lorne muttered, eliciting a chuckle from Thorsten. Ebonheim''s embarrassment gradually faded, her cheeks returning to normal as she regained her composure. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, centering herself. "W-well. At least the matter''s resolved. Now, let''s talk about something less embarrassing..." Ingrid cleared her throat, trying her hardest to stifle a chuckle. "Goddess. Your, ah, new look suits you." She gestured at Ebonheim''s new outfit and wings. "When did that happen?" Viviane had already run forward and circled Ebonheim, ogling the new additions. The Artificer peered closely at the metal wings, tracing the seams and contours with her eyes. She even produced a measuring tape from her belt and started measuring various aspects of the wings. Ebonheim allowed herself to be inspected, her expression amused. "During the fight with Liselotte," Ebonheim replied. "I got flung back to the ruins. Remember that ancient Aetherframe we saw? Well, I managed to activate it and fought Liselotte in it. But it still wasn''t enough to beat her, so um...I stumbled upon a way to change the Aetherframe into this new form." She flapped her wings, the propellers inside humming as they rotated. "Pretty neat, huh?" Viviane practically drooled as she traced the lines of Ebonheim''s suit with her finger. "Oh my, you can''t imagine how hard I''m salivating right now. If I could only study the schematics of this, oh, I''d never sleep again!" Serelle walked over to Ebonheim''s side and pinched the edge of one of the wings. "Interesting. How exactly did you manage to convert the frame into this form?" "Um...it''s a goddess privilege thing?" Ebonheim answered hesitantly, scratching her cheek. "Oh, but I think I can change it back to its original form." Ebonheim closed her eyes and concentrated. As Ebonheim focused, her armor began to glow with an inner light. The individual pieces separated and floated off her body, drifting out and arranging themselves in mid-air. Each piece spun and twisted, expanding and elongating. The sound of grinding metal echoed through the clearing as the Aetherframe reassembled itself. Viviane and Serelle backed away, awestruck as they watched the process. As the Aetherframe reformed, its components glowed with a warm amber light. Its joints hissed with steam as it lowered to the ground, its legs folding out neatly beneath its frame. Its exterior plates melded seamlessly with its joints and its limbs articulated fluidly, as if they had always been part of a single whole. A humming vibration filled the air as the Aetherframe finished its transformation, standing upright once again. Ebonheim exhaled, her eyes still shut. She swayed slightly, her posture unsteady. Ingrid rushed forward to steady her, wrapping an arm around her waist to support her. Viviane fainted after letting out a squeal of delight, falling to the ground. Serelle caught her before she hit the grass, the Arcanist chuckling as she supported the other woman''s weight. "Oh dear. It seems our resident Artificer is rather...enthusiastic about the latest development. Perhaps a bit too much so." "Are people from Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair prone to fainting spells like this," Ebonheim asked worriedly. "I''ve already seen Evelyne faint twice from shock. Now Viviane. Is there something wrong with them?" "Only when they find something that fascinates them to the point of distraction or obsession," Serelle replied, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Like this Aetherframe, for example." She nudged Viviane gently. "Wake up, Viviane. Look. It''s still here. Do try to control yourself. There will be time later to gawk, poke, and prod to your heart''s content." "Hmmm...?" Viviane slowly came to her senses, rubbing her eyes and blinking. She immediately stiffened in realization, bolting upright in Serelle''s arms. "It''s still here!" She scrambled to her feet, darting over to rub her face against the Aetherframe''s leg. "It''s still here... Oh, ma d¨¦esse, you have to let me examine it, please, please, please!" Ebonheim smiled sheepishly. "Uh, sure. Later, okay?" "Goddess," Ingrid whispered, clearing her throat. "Huh?" Ebonheim glanced at the blonde-haired shieldmaiden. "Is something the matter, Ingrid?" "You''re...n-naked again." Ingrid stammered, her eyes wandering downwards before she could stop herself. Ebonheim slowly turned her head downward, her eyes widening as she realized the state of her current attire¡ªor lack thereof. "A¡ªAAaaaaAAAaahhh!" Chapter 118: Arcane Confessions Evelyne Blaise pushed open the weathered oak door, its hinges protesting with a groan that spoke of age and disuse. The dim interior of Th''maine''s cottage greeted her, a sanctuary cluttered with the detritus of arcane obsession. Shelves buckled under the weight of tomes bound in leather, parchment, and cloths of enigmatic origin, while curious devices of brass and glimmering crystal sprawled across every available surface. The air hummed with latent magic, heavy with the scent of ink, parchment, and arcane dust. Motes of multicolored light drifted lazily through the air, casting strange shadows against the walls. Evelyne let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head as she stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dusky light filtered through windows begrimed with the residue of countless experiments. She picked her way through the clutter, carefully sidestepping piles of books and scattered parchments. A stack of tomes, meticulously piled, tottered as she brushed past, sending them tumbling to the floor. Evelyne paused for a moment to glance at the chaos she''d inadvertently caused, but quickly shrugged and continued on her way. She had neither the inclination nor the energy to clean up after Th''maine today; the old man could do it himself whenever he decided to emerge from the depths of his workroom. At the rear of the room, a walled-off space of stone and wood housed Th''maine who sat hunched over a broad desk, his form shrouded in a voluminous, frayed robe that might once have been brown but now bore the patina of his craft¡ªink stains, singe marks, and the dust of crushed gemstones. His hair, a shock of grey untamed by comb or shears, cascaded around a face etched with the fine lines of concentration as he bent over a large tome, inscribing arcane runes in painstaking detail. His scraggy beard brushed the pages as he scribbled, leaving smears of ink behind. "Ma?tre Th''maine," Evelyne greeted, her voice a melodic echo in the crowded room. She waited for a response, and when none came, she let out another sigh. "Ma?tre Th''maine." She repeated, a note of impatience creeping into her tone. "Ma?tre Th''maine, you''re ignoring me on purpose, aren''t you? You know I don''t enjoy being ignored, especially by an old curmudgeon such as yourself." The old Arcanist froze mid-stroke, his quill hovering above the page. A muffled grunt came from him before he lifted his gaze, pale blue eyes peering from behind strands of grey hair. The man''s face betrayed no hint of surprise at her unannounced arrival. A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, creasing the wrinkled skin around his eyes. "Ah, Evelyne." He returned the quill to its inkwell, closing the book before him with deliberate care. He laced his fingers, cracking his knuckles before leaning back in his chair, an audible pop echoing in the quiet. "Hrumph. The prodigal former apprentice returns to grace me with her presence. Did you grow bored of life in Val¨¦tour? When did you arrive?" Sacr¨¦ bleu. This damned old hermit has no concept of time. Evelyne bit her lip, forcing back an annoyed retort. Instead, she affected a polite tone. "We settled into town eight months ago. Since you had never made the effort to greet us, all this time I never knew that you lived here until Engin happened to mention you at supper one night. He even showed me this place." She approached the desk, picking her way through the clutter before resting her hip on the corner. She crossed her arms, regarding the old Arcanist with a level gaze. "So, imagine my surprise at learning that the mentor whom I haven''t seen in years resides in Ebonheim and has, in fact, established residence on its outskirts. You, who disappear from the Council of Grand Arcanists without a trace¡ªwithout so much as a letter or missive¡ªonly to show up in a remote village at the depths of a vale where civilization has yet to truly take root." "Hmm..." Th''maine stroked his beard thoughtfully. "An unfortunate situation, indeed. It appears I''ve missed much during my research¡ªwait, you said ''we''? Who else has traveled with you?" "Those from Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair who had decided to follow me after the guild''s exile at the behest of Divire." Evelyne''s tone held a touch of bitterness as she spat the name. "Somehow, I thought you would have known. Yet, apparently, your research has kept you so engrossed that you''ve failed to notice anything outside your obsession." "Indeed," Th''maine nodded absently, his gaze distant. "My research has kept me busy these days. Erm...I apologize for the oversight. So, how fare those who have joined you, young Blaise?" Evelyne sighed again, shaking her head. "We''re faring well. Though, you will have to inquire further if you want specifics. The decision to follow Roderick''s advice and relocate to Ebonheim was the correct choice, despite our circumstances. It''s isolated, yes, but our guildhall is thriving. In a way, the location has brought an interesting set of challenges to our doorstep." "Good, good." Th''maine nodded, seeming pleased. "Perhaps I should visit sometime soon. It''s been a long while since I''ve done research with other Artificers. While I have no complaints about the resources, inspiration from other perspectives always helps. And I trust you implicitly, Evelyne. If you''ve made Ebonheim your home, then the rest must be trustworthy individuals." The praise elicited a genuine smile from Evelyne, and she uncrossed her arms. Despite the old hermit''s eccentricities, he had always treated her fairly and with respect, even when she had faltered or struggled during their apprenticeship together. "Merci, Ma?tre. I appreciate the vote of confidence. And to answer your previous question, the others are well." Her gaze wandered the cottage''s interior, taking in the disarray of scattered papers, books, and tools. Memories from her earliest days of apprenticeship floated to the forefront of her mind. Back then, Th''maine had tutored her and her fellow classmates in the arcane arts. As an apprentice, she''d eagerly learned everything she could, devouring knowledge of spellcraft and Magitech. The more complex, the better. The thrill of discovery and invention consumed her waking hours, and she worked tirelessly to hone her craft, eager to prove herself worthy. While Th''maine had little to no patience for teaching the basics, he encouraged experimentation and exploration of the unknown. He''d shown no qualms in allowing Evelyne and her fellow classmates to work on projects that might not produce tangible results, provided that they understood the dangers involved and the safety procedures that must be followed. She recalled, with a tinge of wistful humor, her first clumsy enchantment under Th''maine''s watchful eye. The spell had been intended to animate a simple copper gear, but instead, it had sparked a pyrotechnic display that singed both eyebrows and dignity. Th''maine had merely laughed, his chuckle a gravelly sound that turned embarrassment into a shared joke. "The brightest flames emerge from the wildest fires," she muttered aloud as her gaze continued roaming the cluttered workshop. "You always had a way of turning disasters into lessons, Ma?tre. For that, I am grateful." "Hmm?" Th''maine asked, cocking an eyebrow. "What are you muttering about?" Evelyne''s eyes met Th''maine''s gaze as she shook her head. "Nothing worth mentioning, Ma?tre. The past reminds me of what I''ve learned and the mistakes I''ve made." Th''maine snorted, standing up from his chair and walking over to a shelf on the far wall. "Mistakes? Ah, yes. You''ve made plenty of them, girl. I believe I still have a record somewhere..." He trailed off, running his finger along the spines of numerous books, scrolls, and dusty journals. "Ah, here it is!" "Y-you''ve kept a record?!" Evelyne sputtered, her eyes widening in disbelief. "For what purpose, Ma?tre?! To embarrass me in front of others?" She leaped from the desk and sprinted to his side. Her hands darted for the offending book, reaching out with slender fingers to grasp it, but Th''maine moved quicker than she expected. He grasped the tome and held it aloft, his taller stature keeping it just beyond her reach. "Calm yourself, Evelyne," Th''maine chided, smiling down at her with a mischievous grin. "This record is purely academic in nature and serves as a reference for future apprentices. Nothing more. You are not the first, and certainly not the last, to stumble during their education in the arcane arts. So, allow your legacy to inspire others who will inevitably follow." Evelyne flushed, her cheeks burning hot. "Mais non! They will think me incompetent! I can''t¡ª" "Tut, tut," Th''maine interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "It takes strength to admit one''s own imperfections. Now, where was I?" He flipped through the pages, stopping at one entry near the back. "Ah, yes. Here''s an amusing one¡ªthe time when you accidentally transmuted a chunk of metal into a gelatinous blob and proceeded to feed it to your cat." He chuckled at the memory as he read from the page while Evelyne desperately attempted to retrieve the tome from his grip. Her fingertips barely grazed the edges when he stiff-armed her back, maintaining his height advantage as he continued reading in a loud voice. "Unfortunately for the poor animal, the blob refused to be ingested, causing it to expel the indigestible lump moments later, depositing an unholy mass of metal-infused excrement in front of its shocked master. The stench lasted for weeks afterward, permeating the entire laboratory, and left Master Th''maine with the difficult task of convincing the council members that an entire batch of refined arcane dust hadn''t been ruined by a spoiled alchemical solution." Th''maine''s eyes twinkled with amusement as he closed the tome. "A messy, disgusting, yet educational episode for all involved, wouldn''t you agree?" Evelyne, face still crimson with shame, narrowed her eyes and scowled. "That''s not how I remember that incident." "Oh, do elaborate," Th''maine encouraged. Evelyne exhaled loudly. "My recollection involves a pile of solidified refuse and an unrepentant cat covered in filth, followed by the necessary steps to clean up both. But yes, the lesson about proper use of arcane materials in conjunction with alchemy was also interesting, despite the accompanying smell." "Indeed, but then, you''ve always been a fast learner. In any event, the world''s full of risks, Evelyne. It''s always wise to document failures as well as successes." He tucked the book under his arm, retrieving a smaller journal from a pocket within his robes. It was worn from use, the binding cracked and discolored by oils and liquids spilled in its use. "Speaking of which, my current research on the Akashic System is at a critical juncture, one in which I have a unique opportunity to either succeed or fail spectacularly." If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Evelyne blinked, taken aback by Th''maine''s casual mention of one of the greatest mysteries of arcane research. "Truly? You''ve made progress on the Akashic System?" "Aye, that I have. Thanks to Ebonheim''s invaluable assistance." He opened the small journal and thumbed through its pages. "Through her, I''ve gained more insight into aspects of this governing force that were previously unimagined." His brow furrowed as he frowned at a passage. "Alas, I''ve reached a bottleneck. One in which I lack sufficient knowledge or skill to proceed." He handed the journal to Evelyne, who accepted it and scanned its contents. The notebook contained notes, sketches, and diagrams of magical circles and esoteric symbols. Some, she recognized, but many more eluded her. It seemed like gibberish to her untrained eye, a mishmash of concepts and theories beyond her understanding. Evelyne shook her head, handing the journal back to Th''maine. "I''m afraid I can''t decipher your findings, Ma?tre." "As expected." Th''maine tucked the journal away within his robes once more. "It would take a significant amount of time to comprehend the extent of this research, assuming one possessed the ability to grasp the fundamentals in the first place." He let out a deep, weary sigh, his expression tired. "Alas, I fear I might not live long enough to see this project through to completion. Age catches up to us all, Evelyne. Despite what rumors you''ve heard or insinuations that may have arisen, I''m no immortal spirit like Ebonheim. Mortality still weighs heavy on my soul." "And yet, you push yourself beyond what''s considered sane by any standards of the Arcane Council." She shot him a sharp look. "The hours you spend researching and experimenting are not healthy, Ma?tre. Your labors have always been your lifeblood, but lately, you''ve been sequestering yourself in your cottage. If it weren''t for Engin, who visits you on occasion and brings fresh food and supplies, you''d likely have died from neglect by now." Th''maine laughed, a short, dry bark of amusement. "That is why you will always remain one of my favorite apprentices, Evelyne. Your blunt, direct approach has always made my ears ring with honesty. My point, however, remains unchanged. My body continues to decay and I have neither the energy nor the desire to find ways to counteract my impending demise." The Arcanist gestured around him at the cluttered workshop. "But I will finish my research. I cannot bear to leave my work unfinished. Too much effort has gone into this, and I will not see it go to waste." "Oui, oui. Je comprends." Evelyne nodded in acknowledgment. "If there''s one thing I remember, it''s that you don''t like leaving your projects incomplete, whether it''s a minor assignment for a class or a major undertaking. You always made sure that you accomplished everything before moving on to the next objective." Th''maine grunted, stroking his beard. "Then, you understand my current dilemma. The only remaining variable is finding someone who can carry on my work when I have departed. Someone capable of deciphering my research and completing the project." Evelyne hesitated as his words sank in. "Me?" Th''maine gave her an appraising look while waving the book that he''d placed under his arm earlier. "You have always demonstrated a keen intellect. Few could compare to your aptitude for absorbing knowledge and applying it to practical application. Even less possess an intuitive understanding of how various forms of magic interact." "I¡ª" Evelyne started to say before Th''maine held up a hand to cut her off. "Additionally," Th''maine added, "you are currently head of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair, meaning that your skill exceeds most in Ebonheim, barring myself of course." Evelyne frowned, unsure of whether or not the statement was a jest. "As a bonus, you possess the determination to succeed and do not shirk in the face of adversity. You will need both qualities if you choose to accept this task." "You speak as if you''ve already decided," Evelyne observed, raising an eyebrow. "I''m already quite busy with managing the guild and handling new requests." "There''s nothing that says you can''t delegate duties to the other Artificers in Ebonheim." Th''maine countered. "And if you choose to decline my proposal, you could always pass the torch along to your offsprings if you ever marry and bear children." Evelyne''s eyes widened in indignation, and she inhaled sharply. "Excusez-moi?!" "Do you intend to remain a spinster forever, girl?" Th''maine scoffed, waving away her outrage. "I assure you, you are quite a catch. It wouldn''t do for an attractive Artificer of your caliber to die alone and forgotten. Although if that is what you wish, I suppose I can''t prevent you from becoming a shriveled, old crone¡ª" Evelyne interrupted. "Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. This conversation has suddenly derailed! Besides, if anyone here resembles an aged crone, it''s you. You''ve become positively cantankerous in your dotage, Ma?tre." "What choice do I have? My youthful vigor has faded. Where I once ran swiftly, now I hobble with great effort. Alas, that is the curse of humanity. Our lives are fleeting. Those who learn to cherish their existence experience greater fulfillment than those who do not." Th''maine smirked at her. "You are the exception, of course, Evelyne." Evelyne groaned. "Ma?tre, if you''re attempting to convince me to assist you with your research, I would highly suggest choosing a different tactic. At this rate, I''d prefer you drop dead right now rather than continue listening to your rambling. Besides, why didn''t you have any children? That way, one of your offspring could inherit your work instead." "I do have children, Evelyne. Five of them. And eight grandchildren." Th''maine waggled his eyebrows, enjoying her discomfort. "You thought I was some kind of crazy recluse? A perverse old codger who forgoes love for science? Perish the thought, child." "Oh, I hate you," Evelyne growled. "Please, just drop this matter, Ma?tre. If you persist in continuing this farce, I''m liable to explode, and you''ll be stuck cleaning up my remains!" Th''maine''s lips curved in an impish grin. "You used to be a lot more fun than this, Evelyne. Have you not tasted the delights of passion recently? Why, I''ll bet several folks from Ebonheim would jump at the chance to court you if given a chance. Do you really desire to spend the remainder of your life alone, without someone to share your warmth with on a cold winter''s night? How lonely..." He tapped a finger to his chin, pretending to ponder. "Ah, perhaps you favor women? Or both? The world does tend to balance itself out that way. No matter the race or gender, a soulmate exists for everyone. So, who''s caught your fancy, hmm? Care to enlighten me?" Evelyne planted both hands on her hips. "Sacr¨¦ bleu, I''m not discussing romance with you, Ma?tre!" "Are they a man?" Th''maine pressed. "No!" "A woman then?" "N¡ªnon..." Ebonheim''s image flashed briefly in her mind before she could suppress the memory. Her cheeks flushed crimson again at the recollection of her attraction. Th''maine smirked as if he''d deduced the truth from her reaction. "Hmmm, interesting...is she intelligent? Attractive?" "What?" Evelyne spluttered. "Non, non, non! Stop asking such ridiculous questions! That''s irrelevant!" The old Arcanist let out a raucous guffaw, slapping his thigh in merriment. "Your stubbornness knows no bounds, girl. But you''ve always been a terrible liar when it came to matters of the heart. Remember that boy you were fond of in your early days of training?" "Don''t bring that up! I regret ever telling you!" Evelyne covered her face with her palms, fighting back the urge to scream. "Argh! Why am I even listening to this?" "Why, indeed," Th''maine mused. "So, who is the lucky girl who has caught your eye, Evelyne? Surely, you must tell me." "I won''t. Non. Not gonna happen," she replied curtly. "I suppose I can start listing off all the women that I''ve come to know during my time in Ebonheim," Th''maine stated, appearing thoughtful. "It wouldn''t take much to find out who your heart yearns for if I so desired." Evelyne bristled. "You wouldn''t dare!" She needed to leave, now! Before¡ª "Wouldn''t I?" Th''maine grinned, amused by her reaction. "For this experiment, I''ll start with a control. Let''s see...Ah! How about Ebonheim? Does that strike a nerve?" Evelyne froze, her mouth hanging open. Her blush deepened, spreading to the tips of her ears¡ªthe heat rising from her skin grew tenfold. "N¡ªnon..." Evelyne stammered, red-faced as her thoughts went wild with vivid imagery. Th''maine''s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets as he took in her mortification. The book tumbled from his grip, landing with a dull thud on the floorboards. "I, um, hit the mark already? Didn''t expect that." Evelyne''s composure evaporated in a heartbeat. She sank down upon her heels and buried her face in her hands, emitting a low moan of embarrassment. She wanted to crawl under a rock and disappear. Th''maine coughed nervously. "She...she caught your interest, eh? Hrm...Yes. Um. Well, there''s nothing wrong with that. I''m sure everyone in Ebonheim has...erm...a certain fascination with her, ah, personage. Why, I''ve even overheard many of the guards fantasizing about her during their daily rounds. So, it is a common interest, after all." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not that I join their ranks, of course." "Nnnghhhhh!" Evelyne moaned into her hands. "Anyhow," Th''maine continued, clearing his throat again, "all kidding aside, Evelyne. Yes, you can count on me for discretion in this matter. I do understand the complications involved between a mortal and a god. Speaking of which, does Ebonheim know of your affections for her?" Evelyne slowly lifted her head, her face pale with embarrassment. "A-are you insane?!" "Hrm? I suppose that would complicate matters if she doesn''t return your feelings," Th''maine remarked thoughtfully. "But, I highly doubt that''s the case, seeing how friendly and generous she is to everyone. You''re a beautiful young lady, Evelyne. Many men would line up and beg for your hand in marriage. However, it seems that your tastes lay elsewhere. What exactly attracted you to her, if you don''t mind sharing?" Evelyne drew in a shaky breath. "Je ne sais pas. It''s not a specific trait that I can pinpoint, Ma?tre. It''s everything about her." "Her beauty, her kindness, her gentle touch? Her carefree mannerisms and bubbly personality? Her curiosity toward the world, and the sense of wonder and adventure she embodies?" Th''maine raised his eyebrows inquiringly. "Oui." "Quite an admirable answer." Th''maine nodded approvingly. "One could almost fall in love with her just hearing such words, though I''m certain her charms run far deeper than that. In any case, back to the business at hand. What will you do about my research, Evelyne?" "What, so suddenly?" Evelyne looked startled. "I thought we were discussing romance, Ma?tre!" "There''s still a matter at stake here," Th''maine reminded her. "I did ask a serious question before getting sidetracked. Answer me, and I promise not to tease you further." "I don''t...really...have an opinion yet." Evelyne sighed. "I have too many other pressing concerns." It was Th''maine''s turn to let out an exasperated sigh. He bent over to pick up his book from the floor, tucking it under his arm. "Fine, fine. I still have a couple more decades to live, as far as I can guess. Take your time and think on it. I''ll ask again once you''ve had some space to breathe and think clearly. Hopefully, by then, you''ll have arrived at a reasonable conclusion. In the meantime, try not to let your heart run wild with fantasies. Best to keep such things strictly platonic and professional in public. She''s a goddess, after all, and you''re only human." "Merde," Evelyne muttered, closing her eyes as she massaged her temples. "I feel exhausted from just talking to you, Ma?tre. I swear, it''s worse than arguing with a wall of stone." "Guilty as charged." Th''maine smiled wryly, scratching at his beard. "Now, unless you plan on helping me tidy up this mess, I''d appreciate it if you left. My research waits, and I have little time to spare. Besides, your presence disrupts my focus." Evelyne let out a loud, frustrated growl, glaring daggers at the old Arcanist. "Ughhhhh! Fine! Au revoir, Ma?tre, but don''t say a word to anyone about my personal feelings for her." "I''ve already promised to maintain confidentiality in regards to our discussion regarding your love life," Th''maine confirmed. "Although I think you underestimate my resolve. Rest assured, your secret is safe with me." "Bien," Evelyne grumbled as she stomped out of the cottage. She slammed the door shut behind her, and the hinges rattled in protest. Her footsteps echoed loudly against the flagstone path as she stomped toward the forest. Outside, birds sang their songs high in the branches overhead while sunlight streamed through gaps between tree leaves, casting dappled patches of light upon the ground below. The sweet scent of wildflowers permeated the air, carried on a gentle breeze. Yet, none of these natural splendors soothed Evelyne''s mounting ire. She swore under her breath as she hurried through the woods. "J''en ai assez de ces vieilles conneries!" Chapter 119: The Dragon Among Us, Arrival The midday sun of Frostflee loomed above the town of Ebonheim, its light diffused by a veil of gauzy clouds, lending the air an ethereal chill. It was a day like any other, with the townsfolk bustling in the throes of their daily errands, the clangor of metal, and the hum of magitech in the air. The occasional whinny of horses and clop of hooves punctuated the general hubbub. Kaela''s boots crunched over the frosted grass, her brown eyes ever-watchful under the brim of her hood. A group of Silverguard soldiers flanked her, their armor clinking as they walked with a purposeful stride, following Kaela''s lead. They''d traveled to the southern edge of Ebonheim''s farmland, where snow-capped firs marked the start of Eldergrove''s forest. She paused for a moment, tilting her head as she strained her ears, listening for the telltale crackle and creak of breaking wood. A faint snap answered her attention. A nearby tree crashed to the ground, its crown spraying a shower of pine needles and ice fragments onto the soil. She watched the loggers swarm over the fallen tree, swinging their axes as they set to work trimming its limbs and splitting the trunk into manageable sections. A Magitech cart pulled by a pair of sturdy draft horses stood waiting to haul the finished timber back to the mill for processing. A stack of logs already filled the flatbed of the wagon. "Uuugh, being on patrol duty sucks," Deneve complained, adjusting her sword belt as she squinted in the sun. The cool glow of polished steel peeked from under her crimson cloak as she shifted her weight, arms crossed impatiently. "Just walking around doing nothing while the others have fun." "Look on the bright side," Kaela offered, suppressing a yawn with one gloved hand. "At least the weather''s pleasant. A little chilly, but the skies are clear, and the wind''s calm. Nothing to complain about." Deneve grunted. "Speak for yourself, Shadowhawk. You have no idea how boring patrols can get. Once the novelty wears off, that''s when it gets tedious." She leaned in, lowering her voice. "And, I mean, who''s going to attack us anyway? It''s not like a bunch of brigands are gonna ride in on horseback and try to raid the farms. Even if they did, our response time is pretty quick." Kaela nodded absently, having already tuned out Deneve''s grumbling. The seasoned veteran always had something to complain about, from the food at the barracks to the weather to even the most mundane tasks, such as sweeping floors or making beds. The fact that Deneve never got tired of complaining about her circumstances spoke volumes about her personality. The woman would probably complain about not having anything to complain about, should her circumstances change. Still, Kaela couldn''t help but agree with the latter sentiment; patrolling the town''s perimeter often grew monotonous and redundant. Another log slammed to the earth nearby, bringing Kaela''s awareness to the present. The loggers hooted with approval, and one of the foremen signaled the driver of the wagon, who whistled at the horses and flicked their reins. The cart rolled forward, wheels clattering over frozen dirt as it passed by. It stopped beside Deneve, who glanced at it briefly, and waved her hand dismissively at the driver. "Yeah, yeah, move along. Keep going." The driver nodded and snapped the reins again. The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight of its load, pulling slowly onward. It vanished from sight when it crested the slope leading back to town. Kaela turned her attention back toward the logging site. She pushed back her hood to better view her surroundings. Her hawk-like gaze darted from one detail to the next, studying every leaf and branch of the nearest fir tree. An unfamiliar noise sounded from deep within the trees, causing her ears to perk up. It didn''t come from the logging site, and it definitely wasn''t made by any animal or bird she''d encountered before. She signaled Deneve and the other Silverguards, whose expressions immediately switched from boredom to alertness. The five drew their swords, their blades singing as they came free from scabbards. Deneve motioned for two of the guards to cover the left flank. The two disappeared into the brush with barely a rustle, blending into the shadows beneath the canopy. Deneve beckoned the remaining two to follow her, taking position on the right. Kaela drew her twin daggers from their sheaths and blended into the foliage. Her cloaking spell rippled outward, shrouding her form in a nimbus of shadow. She prowled through the undergrowth, using the vegetation for cover while keeping pace with her squadmates. As she stalked past a thick cluster of bushes, she noticed movement from her peripheral vision. A figure emerged whose very presence seemed to draw the light and distort the air, as though the space around him begrudged his existence within its fold. He moved with an eerie grace, his steps leaving no print upon the freshly fallen snow. His skin, as if sculpted from moonstone, was etched with luminescent cracks and shimmering fractures. These jagged rifts in his flesh pulsed with a cobalt luminescence, highlighting the contours of his face with a strange radiance that left ghostly afterimages in her vision whenever she blinked. The stranger''s attire mirrored the tumult of his form. As he moved, the fabric¡ªno, not fabric but a simulacrum of shadow and starlight¡ªrippled with the motion, seams fraying into the ether and reforming with each step. She recognized the style as a cheongsam, a form-fitting garment with flowing sleeves and a high collar. But this variant resembled the tattered remains of a mourning shroud rather than the refined elegance of royalty. The robe flowed smoothly around him, clinging tightly to his lean frame. Its high collar and tight sleeves contrasted beautifully against his stark white skin, while his waist-length hair spilled over his shoulders like a midnight river. Upon his brow sat two horns, arching back like the tines of a celestial crown, their gleam like the polished cobalt of a starlit sky. Kaela felt the weight of his gaze before it settled upon her. His eyes¡ªthey burned like smoldering azure coals, piercing straight into her core. For a brief, terrifying instant, she felt as if she stood before an entity that regarded her as less than a speck of dust. A slight frown creased the man''s face. "Is this what passes for human stealth nowadays?" He sniffed disdainfully, shaking his head. His voice, while cultured and resonant, held an alien inflection that accentuated his disdain. "Paltry, to say the least." Kaela froze, holding her breath, muscles taut. She fought the urge to swallow as she clung to her position. A subtle shift in the underbrush nearby told her that the other Silverguard had also spotted the stranger, and hid themselves as well. He stared directly at her hiding spot, as if he could sense her despite her camouflage. "I know you''re there, girl. Come forth and reveal yourself. I will not harm you. I simply wish to parley." The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and a prickle of fear spread along her spine. Whoever or whatever this man was, he''d seen through her invisibility cloak. His gaze swept across the area, passing over her, and then back to her again, seemingly seeking further targets. Slowly, carefully, Kaela stepped out from her hiding place, making no sound as her feet touched the ground. She released the magic weave surrounding her body and allowed the shadows to dissipate around her form, revealing herself to the man. With a final glance at the others'' positions, she made a decision and strode boldly forth, daggers still in her hands. Her gaze locked onto the figure in front of her. "Who are you?" The man dipped his head in acknowledgment, regarding her with a placid expression. "My apologies. I forget that you humans have a tendency to assume the worst in strangers. I am Kelzryn, an acquaintance of Ebonheim''s. May I inquire as to the whereabouts of our mutual friend?" Kaela lowered her daggers slightly as her alarm waned. He was one of Ebonheim''s acquaintances? She had never heard of the goddess mentioning someone who looked like...this. And his name didn''t ring a bell. "You''ll have to forgive us if we remain wary. We haven''t seen you around before." Kaela kept her tone polite and neutral, but the edge of caution remained. The man acknowledged her words with a brief tilt of his head. "Understandable. I am new here, and have yet to be introduced to the local populace. All I want is to speak with Ebonheim. Take me to her...please." The last word came out sounding awkward, as if unused to addressing others in such a fashion. The corner of Kelzryn''s mouth twitched, as if a smile threatened to break loose. But his composure soon returned. Deneve and the others emerged from concealment, surrounding Kelzryn but maintaining their distance. Their blades remained unsheathed, ready for action at the first sign of trouble. They cast cautious glances at the newcomer but otherwise appeared content to defer judgment for now. Kelzryn surveyed the gathering of armed guards, raising one eyebrow in a slightly sardonic gesture before focusing back upon Kaela. "I have no quarrel with you or your comrades. There is no need for hostility between us." He waved a hand in dismissal. "Besides, if I wished you harm, I''d have done so already." He moved as if to take a step toward Kaela, causing her and the other guards to tense, raising their weapons instinctively. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. He halted, glancing down at their drawn swords pointedly. "As you can see, I bear no weapon. I pose no threat to you or yours." "Your very appearance puts us on edge," Deneve said with narrowed eyes. "I don''t think you''re a beastkin, and you''re definitely not a human unless you''re using some illusion magic to make yourself look intimidating. So, what exactly are you?" Kaela took the opportunity to study the strange being before her, noting his movements, mannerisms, and clothing. The odd cracks and fractures that marred his flesh and garments didn''t appear to cause him discomfort or pain. If anything, he seemed indifferent to their presence. His bearing reminded her of the noble dignitaries from the empire of Huijin, whom she''d encountered while working as an assassin during her mercenary days. However, his manners lacked the overt haughtiness that she''d grown accustomed to. His expression remained tranquil throughout Deneve''s questioning, as though he''d experienced similar encounters before. He gazed steadily back at them, seeming unperturbed by their scrutiny. His luminous gaze lingered briefly upon Deneve''s face before he answered, "I am Kelzryn. Do you require more than that?" "That tells us nothing except your name. Are you human or beastkin? A spirit?" Deneve demanded, undeterred by his attitude. She edged closer, her sword point moving with her, hovering in the vicinity of his chest. "Your eyes glow blue and your skin appears to be cracked. If you''re using illusion magic, drop it right now. Otherwise, I''ll force you to reveal your true form." Kaela noted that his demeanor changed subtly in the face of the aggressive challenge, becoming slightly more guarded. While he maintained his stance with poise, the sharpening of his gaze hinted at displeasure. Something tells her not to let this escalate any further. "Deneve, lower your sword." Kaela sheathed her daggers and placed her palm lightly against Deneve''s blade, pushing it downward gently. "This isn''t helping." Deneve gave her a startled look, but obeyed, though her posture remained ready for battle. Kaela directed her attention back toward Kelzryn, fixing him with an unflinching stare. "I apologize for Deneve''s rude behavior. She tends to act without thinking sometimes, but she means no offense by her words. She merely wants to understand your intentions." Kelzryn nodded slowly, accepting the apology. "Very well. I have no desire for conflict either." His tone softened, becoming more conciliatory. "All I seek is to speak with Ebonheim." "And what business do you have with the goddess?" Kaela asked. "That is between Ebonheim and myself alone," Kelzryn replied curtly. "And none of your concern." He paused, tilting his head ever so slightly. "Though, since you asked so nicely, I suppose I can oblige." Kaela waited patiently for him to continue. After a lengthy pause, the stranger continued, "I wish to show my gratitude to her. She had freed me from a dark prison and helped restore my health. I owe her my life. Now, I would repay this debt in kind." "She''s not one to demand repayment," Kaela informed him. "I understand your desire to express your thanks. But..." She pondered whether to tell him the truth or not, but figured he would realize sooner or later. "Ebonheim is currently away." "Away?" Kelzryn frowned, and the ethereal cracks in his skin glowed brighter for a moment. "Where has she gone? When will she return?" "She left a few days ago, heading to the eastern entrance of the valley." Kaela gestured eastward, indicating the direction Ebonheim had departed in. "She''s accompanied by a few of us. It shouldn''t take too long, though." A small muscle in Kelzryn''s jawline tightened for an instant. Then, it relaxed as he let out a sigh, releasing a visible plume of mist in the frigid air. The glow within his cracks faded somewhat, though they continued to shift and pulse with a muted energy. "How inconvenient..." The soft crunch of footsteps preceded the arrival of Bjorn Hjelmstad a few moments later. He glanced at the assembled guards and the unknown individual before turning toward Kaela. "What''s all the commotion here? Some sort of disturbance?" "Sort of. This gentleman claims to be an acquaintance of Ebonheim''s. We weren''t sure if that''s the truth or not," Kaela explained, nodding toward Kelzryn. "It seems that he owes Ebonheim his life, and wishes to repay his debt." Bjorn stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm, I''m not familiar with any acquaintances who bear your appearance. What''s your name, stranger?" "He said his name was Kelzryn," Deneve chimed in, glancing sideways at Bjorn. "Does that sound familiar to you?" Bjorn''s eyes widened as recognition dawned on him. "K-Kelzryn?! But you''re..." He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, a confused expression clouding his features. "Right, your appearance has changed quite a bit from the last time we met." Kaela couldn''t help but notice how the blood drained from Bjorn''s face at the revelation. "Sir Bjorn, what''s wrong? Do you know him?" "Wait, you know this guy?" Deneve asked. "Then, he''s telling the truth?" Bjorn coughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Um, yes. Sorry, I hadn''t recognized his appearance at first, since it looks different from before. Let''s just say that Ebonheim''s helped him through a rough patch recently." Kelzryn offered Bjorn a thin smile. "I remember you. One of the four who ventured into my lair and accompanied Ebonheim. Thank you for your aid. I never had the chance to thank you properly until now." He bowed his head slightly, a formal gesture, then straightened again. "Lair?" Kaela and Deneve exchanged bewildered glances. They both shrugged. "Uhh...okay? Well, if Sir Bjorn confirms that you know Ebonheim, then I suppose there''s nothing further to discuss. Should we escort him back to town?" "Er, sure..." Bjorn replied, giving Kelzryn another nervous glance. "Ebonheim is away currently, so..." "Then I shall wait for her return," Kelzryn interrupted smoothly. "Until then, I''ll spend my time learning more about the settlement that she holds so dear." Bjorn sighed. "I guess I can''t stop you, can I?" Kaela, still watching the conversation with growing interest, cleared her throat delicately. "If you wish to stay awhile in town, I recommend you take care to blend in. Humans tend to have a negative reaction when faced with someone who is...different." Deneve snorted, earning a reproachful glare from Kaela. "Well, he kinda sticks out in a crowd. The whole glowing cracks on his face, skin color, and weird clothing are...kinda hard to miss." She shrugged, unfazed by Kaela''s disapproval. "Not to mention those horns." Kelzryn gave a light shrug, not appearing particularly perturbed. "This is the best I can manage, in my weakened state. My natural form is not appropriate for interacting with mortals such as yourselves." Deneve turned to Bjorn, who appeared rather uncomfortable, for reasons she couldn''t comprehend. "Can you just tell us what exactly is he?" "Um...well...he''s..." Bjorn fidgeted, seeming quite reluctant to offer any explanation. "To put it simply, a dragon." "Excuse me?" Deneve sputtered incredulously. "Dragon?!" The other Silverguards also exclaimed in surprise and disbelief, exchanging startled glances amongst each other. Kelzryn merely eyed them all calmly, as though unconcerned about the general reaction to the revelation. Kaela found herself at a loss for words. Weren''t dragons just mythical beings, spoken of in stories? Drakes were a rare sight, but they weren''t actually "dragons" described in legends. Dragons commanded the elements and could level cities with their breath, flew through the heavens, and possessed power rivaling gods. At least, that''s how tales often depicted them. And this person before her, with his sleek and alabaster form, certainly looked more humanoid than a giant scaled lizard with wings. He carried himself like nobility, and his cultured speech reminded her of aristocrats. But then again, the presence that he exuded carried an unmistakable aura of power and authority. Even her instincts screamed that he posed a great danger, a potential threat if provoked. "Ahahahaha!" Deneve let out a barking laugh, clutching at her sides as she doubled over. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to regain control over her breathing. "Nice one, Sir Bjorn. Tell us another tall tale." She wiped tears of mirth from her face, struggling to maintain a straight face as she stifled a giggle. "Okay, okay, seriously now. What''s this fella really about? C''mon, fess up." "I''m not joking." Bjorn looked uneasy. "He''s a dragon...in human form." "Yup, you''ve been pulling our legs long enough." Deneve nudged the Hjelmstad warrior playfully. "Honestly, that''s a good one. You should go become a bard! Imagine, a real-life dragon. Pfffttt! Ha-ha!" The other Silverguards nodded their heads in agreement with her words. Only Kaela and Bjorn maintained pensive silence, both of their faces reflecting apprehension. Kelzryn seemed disinterested in their debate, studying his fingernails instead, picking out stray specks of dirt as though it was the most fascinating activity in the world. "Tsk," Deneve tutted in irritation at the lack of support from the rest of the team. "Oh come on, don''t tell me you guys are buying this crap as well. What, a dragon in human form? It''s too stupid to be believed. Don''t tell me you''re falling for these lies as well?" She glared at the others in challenge, her arms crossed. "Am I the only sane one here?" "Perhaps your perception needs adjusting," Kelzryn spoke quietly, not bothering to look up from his current task. "Or perhaps, I need to demonstrate for you. Not all of my abilities are crippled after my ordeal, even if I have yet to fully recover." Bjorn immediately began to retreat, backing away cautiously while raising both hands in a placating gesture. "H-hold on, we can talk this through!" The other Silverguards quickly followed suit, also stepping back warily, while Kaela tensed. She kept her eyes fixed upon Kelzryn''s form, waiting for the slightest indication of hostile intent. Kelzryn observed their reactions with a cool detachment. He glanced in Deneve''s direction for a moment before walking over to the base of a massive fir tree. With an elegant gesture, he reached out and plunged his hand into its trunk, his arm sinking wrist deep within the thick bark as though it were merely a half-submerged rock within a shallow lake. The Silverguards watched in awe as he gripped the base of the tree firmly, his muscles rippling beneath his pale skin. With a mighty heave, he tore the massive fir from the earth, roots and all, lifting it into the air with ease. A shower of soil and dislodged stones pelted the ground, peppering the nearby trees and brush with debris. Its crown swayed violently above him, scattering leaves and pinecones. Before anyone could react, he tossed the entire tree high into the air, sending it sailing over their heads and crashing down behind them. The ground shook from the impact, knocking several Silverguards off their feet. Deneve stumbled, catching herself on her knees while her eyes bulged in shock. Kaela remained standing, but only just, her eyes widening with shock and disbelief. Kelzryn dusted off his palms nonchalantly, as if nothing unusual had occurred. He smoothed out the wrinkles in his cheongsam, ignoring the scattered dirt and grass stains upon its surface. He walked back toward the dumbfounded group with measured steps, hands clasped behind his back. "Shall I continue demonstrating my abilities for you, or would you prefer to cease wasting my time?" Deneve swallowed hard. She straightened herself as she tried to regain her composure, staring at Kelzryn with fresh appreciation. "I...uh, um..." "I...think...we''ve established that...he is...a dragon," Kaela managed to say, still stunned. "Or at least, has the strength of a dragon. If you told me that you were a god, I wouldn''t blink twice." Kelzryn tilted his head, regarding her intently. "I''m flattered, but no, I''m not a god." A rush of cold sweat trickled down the back of her neck, and her stomach tightened anxiously. Under his intense scrutiny, she became acutely aware of the way he loomed over her, and the raw power contained within his slender form. "Well, if you''re satisfied, may we proceed?" He inquired politely, arching a brow. His azure eyes flickered expectantly. Deneve, still shaken from the demonstration, cleared her throat awkwardly as she stammered, "W-we should probably escort you back to town, considering...erm...I mean...um..." She trailed off, apparently uncertain how to phrase her thoughts tactfully. "Agreed," Kaela said quickly. "Come along, everyone. I have a feeling this won''t be our last interaction with this, uh...gentleman." She emphasized the last word carefully. Chapter 120: The Dragon Among Us, A Stroll Around Town The early afternoon sun filtered through gaps in the clouds overhead, illuminating the streets with hazy rays and casting a pale luster on Kelzryn¡¯s alabaster skin, highlighting the web of arcane fissures that marred his flesh. Bjorn walked beside him as they made their way through town, keeping a cautious eye on the dragon-in-human-form. Despite the number of eyes on them, nobody dared to approach the pair. The locals skirted wide around them, casting worried glances in their direction as they whispered among themselves. Children scampered to hide behind their parents, peeking around their legs at the mysterious newcomer, while mothers pulled their curious offspring out of view, chastising them sternly for staring. The occasional murmur and snatches of hushed conversations reached Bjorn''s ears as he passed by, but he paid little attention to what was being said. He already knew the topic of the townspeople''s discussion: A tall, horned, white-skinned foreigner who appeared to glow with his own internal light, wearing exotic, shifting clothes, and accompanied by a group of heavily armed Silverguard soldiers...well, who wouldn''t take interest in such a conspicuous guest? Kelzryn, on the other hand, remained stoically indifferent to the attention, striding confidently alongside the guards without flinching or showing any sign of unease. His posture remained upright, his bearing regal, with arms clasped behind his back and his gaze set straight ahead. At his side, Bjorn struggled to maintain a neutral expression. He kept a respectful distance between himself and the dragon, well aware that Kelzryn''s display of power at the forest edge earlier had only scratched the surface of the dragon''s might. Just imagining the devastating consequences that could result from a fight between this ancient being and the town caused a knot to form in Bjorn''s stomach¡ªespecially with Ebonheim away. Kelzryn paused beside a blacksmith''s stall, his azure eyes lingering over the display of freshly forged blades. With a whispered word that danced on the edge of hearing, he ran a finger along a broadsword''s edge, and where his touch graced the metal, a faint blue glow suffused the steel. "Eh?" The blacksmith, a burly man with a thick handlebar mustache, jerked backward, startled by the unexpected change in his goods. "What the...?" He stared at the blade in astonishment, holding it aloft and twisting it this way and that as he examined its new luminescent sheen. "Did...did you enchant this sword by any chance?" The dragon ignored him, having already lost interest in the item as he moved on. His attention shifted toward a row of armor on display nearby, admiring the craftsmanship with an expert''s eye. "Hey, mister, did you put magic runes on this sword?" The smith called out again. "Is that why it''s glowing?" Kelzryn glanced back briefly, studying the smith with a gaze that seemed to weigh the man''s worth. For a long moment, he stood motionless, regarding the human with a contemplative air. His gaze moved upward, focusing on the man''s bushy, black hair¡ªthe only part of the smith that wasn''t covered in soot¡ªbefore returning back to meet the man''s eyes. "Yes." The smith''s brows shot upwards, and his jaw dropped open as his eyes grew wide. "Th-thank you so much!" He fumbled with the hilt, nearly dropping the sword as he rushed to sheath the enchanted blade. "H-how much will that be, sir?" "There''s no charge. I do not require compensation." With that, Kelzryn resumed walking, leaving the gawking smith to marvel over the new enchantment. Bjorn hastened to catch up, taking up position on the opposite side from where the smith stood. "That was awfully generous of you. Why not ask for payment in exchange for your services?" "That was but a minor feat, hardly worthy of trade. A trifling gesture of goodwill, as I intend to establish friendly relations with your town and its inhabitants," Kelzryn replied without turning to face him. His stride remained steady and unhurried, despite the increasing whispers and stares as he walked deeper into the heart of town. "In any case, I have no need for mortal coin." "Fair enough," Bjorn conceded with a nod, pausing to wave hello to a few residents who greeted them as they passed by. "So, what are your plans once Ebonheim returns from her excursion?" The dragon remained silent for a few seconds before responding, "To speak with her, naturally." "May I ask what you intend to discuss with her?" The question left his mouth before he could stop himself. Curiosity burned within his chest, and he found himself eager to learn the purpose of Kelzryn''s visit. Kelzryn inclined his head in acknowledgment, although he did not answer immediately. After a few moments, he spoke slowly and deliberately, choosing his words with care. "You may. However, it is a matter that concerns only Ebonheim and myself. Whether I disclose the details of our discussion will depend on the results of our parley." "I see. Of course, I respect your privacy." Bjorn tried to ignore the small twinge of disappointment that gnawed at the back of his mind. Perhaps Ebonheim''s friendship with the dragon would prove beneficial for the town, after all. Kelzryn drifted next towards the communal well where women filled their buckets, his curious gaze following the arc of water as it was drawn forth. "Why do you labor so for what falls freely from the sky?" he inquired, peering curiously into the well''s depths. "Are there not streams and rivers in abundance throughout this valley?" The women stared blankly at him, blinking in confusion. Finally, one of them nervously spoke up, "Y-yes, but this is closer." Her words tumbled out in a jumbled rush, as though afraid he might strike her at any moment. "They''re easier to draw from, and don''t run dry in the summer or freeze solid during the winter, unlike rivers." "Indeed?" The dragon seemed mildly surprised by this information. "How very peculiar. Such a simple, logical solution escaped me entirely. How intriguing. This world keeps revealing new secrets every day." Several of the townsfolk gasped at his strange turn of phrase, exchanging baffled glances. The young woman blushed furiously, unable to meet the dragon''s gaze. She busied herself with the chore of filling her bucket, careful not to spill any precious drops as she hefted the heavy load, balancing it against her hip as she hurried to get back home. Her companions soon followed, each carrying a full container or two. They scurried away as swiftly as possible without breaking into an undignified sprint. "Are you saying you''ve never seen a water well before?" Bjorn asked, mystified by the dragon''s remark. "I figured an ancient being like yourself would be familiar with basic human inventions. Wait, have you not visited civilization before?" This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Kelzryn shrugged absently, eyes focused elsewhere as he continued to watch the retreating figures of the villagers. "I rarely leave my lair, unless it is for personal amusement, and seldom involve myself with mortal matters." He lifted his hand and rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he pondered aloud, "Perhaps I should rectify that oversight. Hmm." As Kelzryn moved on, his presence sowed a wake of whispering leaves in his path. The butcher''s cleaver paused mid-chop, the tailor''s needle halted in mid-stitch, and even the town''s stray cats ceased their prowling to watch him with slit-eyed intensity. He paused by a stall where a young lad struggled with a knotted rope that secured a bundle of firewood. With a glance that seemed to pierce the fabric of the material, Kelzryn reached out, his fingers brushing the knot. The ropes unraveled as if of their own accord, the wood clattering to the ground. The boy''s eyes widened, and he stuttered a thanks, but Kelzryn was already turning away, his interest lost. Further along, a woman wrestled with a canvas that snapped and fought like a living thing in the frost-kissed breeze. Kelzryn approached, his eyes alight with a flicker of amusement. "Your battle is ill-chosen," he intoned, before tapping a finger on the cloth. Immediately, the fabric stilled, folding obediently into place. The woman blinked in bewilderment, but hastily nodded her gratitude and slipped away. Without breaking his pace, the dragon raised an eyebrow at a wooden cart, whose front left wheel refused to budge even as the horse strained against the yoke. With barely a gesture, the stubborn contraption creaked into motion, its axle turning smoothly. The owner stared at the wagon, mouth agape, then hurried after his vehicle, shaking his head in disbelief. Bjorn trailed silently beside him, doing his best to keep his facial expressions neutral as the dragon continued his tour around the town square. But inwardly, he wondered whether there was any mundane task or situation Kelzryn could not make easier or more efficient. If so, the list was surely a short one. "I must admit," Bjorn uttered after witnessing Kelzryn''s feats, "even the seasoned Arcanists that reside here don''t have nearly as many spells that allow them to do what you do so casually¡ªnor do they seem to have the mana to spare for such mundane tasks." Kelzryn offered no response, other than the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The day wore on, and Kelzryn''s presence became a catalyst for both comedy and concern. Bjorn watched as the dragon attempted to engage in the tasks of the village, and many of those they encountered had mixed reactions to the dragon''s attempt to lend a helping hand. From aiding a farmer in tilling a field by coaxing the crops to grow more vigorously, to assisting in repairs to the roof of the stable by levitating and moving supplies. At one point, a blacksmith had asked him for help in getting his forge hot enough to work metal, which Kelzryn obliged by tossing a ball of flame into the furnace. However, his actions had sent the blaze roaring wildly out of control. Luckily, an Arcanist was nearby and easily reined in the rampant flames, containing them with his magic so that the surrounding structures could be saved from going up in smoke. Others weren''t so lucky. Bjorn winced internally, witnessing one young lady covered in flour and another splattered in the remains of an egg that had burst on her. Kelzryn had somehow gotten into a confrontation with a chicken when trying to aid a third village girl with fetching eggs from a squawking, thrashing hen, causing the bird to explode all over the poor, drenched soul. As for how, Bjorn would likely never find out. Kelzryn seemed oblivious to the commotion, acting as though everything he did was perfectly normal. Several times, Bjorn tried to warn him to exercise caution and discretion, but it was a futile effort. From the corner of his vision, Kaela shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath, while Deneve covered her mouth and stifled laughter, pointing at the destruction in the rearview. Bjorn wished Ebonheim would arrive as soon as possible so the dragon would finally be someone else''s responsibility. Hopefully, her presence would keep the dragon''s full attention. Until then, he would have to deal with the unintended chaos Kelzryn had wrought, which was inevitable due to his unfamiliarity with the mundane everyday life of humans. As he watched Kelzryn sit down to play a game of chess with an Arcanist from the Ethervein Enclave, who had wandered over to introduce himself, Kaela approached and leaned in to whisper into Bjorn''s ear. "We''ll help clean up any mess, so you don''t have to worry about that. But the town is a bit unsettled and anxious, and rightfully so, due to his presence. The Silverguard will try to provide a reassuring presence as much as we can. We also want to stay close to monitor the situation, since we never know when his patience may run out, or his mood shift." "Understood." Bjorn nodded his head and offered her a grateful smile. "I appreciate the assistance, even though the effort shouldn''t fall on your shoulders. After all, I invited him here. Also, if any of you can help spread the word discreetly, and subtly inform the citizens to treat him with respect and caution, I''d greatly appreciate that as well." "We''ll do our best." Kaela offered a crisp salute with a wry grin, before striding away to discuss the situation with Deneve. After a few games of chess, the Arcanist waved farewell to Kelzryn and headed home. The dragon remained seated, gazing across the town square and the people within. Then he rose gracefully from the table, dusting off his lap with a few swipes of his hands. "Well, let us continue, shall we?" The dragon then resumed his walk, strolling at a leisurely pace through the town square where children played games while parents traded gossip outside their homes. A ball, stitched from colorful rags, rolled to a stop at Kelzryn''s feet. A boy, no older than ten, approached with trepidation, his eyes wide upon the towering figure before him. Without a word, Kelzryn bent and returned the ball with a flick of his wrist, sending it spinning into the air in a trail of sparkling motes. The children gasped, their apprehension giving way to delight as they clamored around him, their former fear forgotten in the face of newfound fascination. One child darted forward and grabbed hold of his robe, tugging insistently. Kelzryn paused, glancing down at the tiny girl, who stared at him with big brown eyes. "Please do it again!" she begged, pointing eagerly at the sparkling trail of magic in the air. Nearby, the parents gathered around, watching the spectacle with wary expressions, while some drew their children protectively close, ready to flee if necessary. Kelzryn didn''t respond immediately; instead, he knelt so as to make himself less imposing and motioned for the girl to come nearer. He held out a hand toward the girl and said gently, "Place your hand upon mine." The girl hesitated briefly, looking toward her parents for permission. At their nods, she stepped closer and placed her smaller palm against his, resting against his glowing cracks. After a moment, she gasped, withdrawing her hand in surprise as her mouth opened into a large O-shape. Kelzryn stood, inclining his head politely toward the girl and her family. "Your daughter possesses a strong affinity toward the etheric currents," he explained in a calm, soothing tone. "Perhaps she will one day become a talented Arcanist in her own right." With a final bow, Kelzryn strode past the family and continued along the path leading toward the Magitech workshops. The other children quickly returned to their game, but not without occasionally glancing in his direction in obvious interest. "An Arcanist?" Bjorn asked, arching his eyebrows as he studied the girl. "Do you think that''s true?" "Well, she has some innate magical talent, that much is clear." Kelzryn waved dismissively. "Whether or not she chooses to develop those abilities remains to be seen. I''m merely sharing my observation. The potential exists in many mortals, but most never discover it, nor utilize it properly." Kelzryn gestured toward a Magitech workshop, its glass windows glowing brightly as the whirr and hum of machinery echoed from within. "Speaking of which, this is where your Artificers reside, yes? I wish to speak with them about the nature of their work. Will you accompany me, or remain outside?" "I''ll come with you, of course," Bjorn answered, unable to resist the temptation to watch Kelzryn interact with the town''s foremost experts on magical devices. "I admit, I''m interested to learn more about your views on Magitech myself." Chapter 121: The Dragon Among Us, Think Tank The workshop of Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair hummed with the cadence of industry, as its crew of artificers worked diligently at their crafts. Several metal cylinders lay spread across several worktables, their mechanical guts exposed as gears, wires, crystals, and magical runes gleamed in the bright light cast by hanging Magelight orbs. The artificers huddled over them, tweaking components with small tools or drawing precise arcane lines with an artist''s skill. Sunlight filtered through clerestory windows, casting a mosaic of light upon the floor, while a cool breeze drifted through the open shutters. A myriad of metallic devices, ranging from clockwork mechanisms to elaborate crystal arrays, cluttered shelves, desks, and tables, while scrolls and diagrams hung upon wooden boards adorning the walls. A few cast glances at the newcomer from time to time, but continued with their tasks uninterrupted, seemingly unfazed by Kelzryn''s intimidating appearance and eerie glow. They remained engrossed in their projects, oblivious to his presence. "How may we help you, good sirs?" Pierre asked, smiling brightly at the two men standing before him. He wore a crisp green coat with golden embroidery adorning its front, complimenting his trim blue doublet underneath. His matching hat sat cocked at an angle atop his head, tilted jauntily to one side. Bjorn nodded in greeting. "Pierre, I''d like to introduce Kelzryn. He expressed interest in discussing your Magitech knowledge." "Ah, an esteemed visitor? My apologies. I am Pierre Vallois. I serve as a diplomat for Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair," Pierre introduced himself in a pleasant tone. He removed his cap, making a slight bow before replacing it. "Delighted to make your acquaintance." Kelzryn turned from observing a device embedded within a wall, its various component parts spinning rapidly and emitting a series of electrical pulses. The metal shafts inside the contraption glowed faintly as they spun in a blur. He gave a short dip of his head in acknowledgment of the introduction. "Likewise. Please, carry on. I will observe for now, until I know more about what you craft." "Feel free to look around," Pierre invited cordially, waving a hand invitingly. "Let me know if you have any questions. I''d be happy to explain anything you''d like to learn more about." He picked up a Magelight orb, his nimble fingers twisting the ring dial on its outer shell as he adjusted the intensity. Satisfied with his adjustment, he placed it into the device built into the wall and carried on with his other duties. Kelzryn scrutinized each individual piece of Magitech, from the smallest mechanical gear to the largest arcane crystal array. He paced through the room, stopping from time to time to examine certain items in greater detail, though he never touched any of the objects, nor attempted to prod or poke at them. Instead, he regarded each object with keen interest, studying them with a critical eye. The Artisanats d''¨¦clair, perceiving no hostility or subterfuge from the newcomer, largely ignored him, save for polite greetings and cursory glances as he passed by.
Evelyne Blaise stood at her worktable, her mind a maelstrom of arcane equations and Magitech schematics. Her hands moved with practiced grace, manipulating the delicate gears of a device that was both a puzzle and a promise. Careful concentration marked her face as she fitted two pieces of metalwork together. Sweat beaded her forehead and dampened the roots of her hairline, the heat of the forging furnace contributing to her discomfort. She wiped her face with a cloth from her belt, smudging charcoal and dust across her cheekbones. Her latest project lay scattered before her, dozens of gears, screws, springs, and other bits strewn haphazardly upon the surface. Her attention focused on one particular section: A spherical mechanism composed of a dozen interlocking rings, each overlapping and interconnected with the others through a series of mechanical joints. A single jewel, shaped like an egg, hovered within the center of the sphere, connected to the rings by a slender rod. She fiddled with the alignment of one of the rings, tapping lightly with a wrench to ensure a perfect fit. Once satisfied, she twisted another knob, activating a hidden runic trigger that sent the whole mechanism spinning smoothly into place. It rotated seamlessly within its socket, forming a continuous ring around the central gemstone. As she reached for an adjacent gear, Evelyne glanced over her shoulder and spotted a curious figure lurking among the workspaces of her colleagues. A tall man with glowing cracks under his skin, dressed in shifting and moving robes of shadows and starlight. She squinted for a better look, her hand frozen halfway toward her work as she pondered who, or what, exactly this person could be. Evelyne didn''t need to use her Arcane Sight to know that the man wasn''t human. She could tell at a glance that the polymorphic glamour that clad his form was straining to maintain its stability. The intricate weave of transmutative threads frayed in places, causing minor glitches in his physical manifestation¡ªthe jagged rifts along his flesh revealed an unstable underlying latticework of raw, arcane power that emanated a soft violet luminescence. An untrained mage would have mistaken these flaws for a mere illusion spell, but Evelyne recognized them as the symptoms of a complex shapeshifting magic. One that required immense concentration to maintain. Even now, that magic constantly toiled to mend the crevices that marred the man''s skin. His garment bore the same irregularities, struggling to retain a cohesive shape, reknitting itself whenever cracks appeared within its fabric. Despite all the instability, his disguise remained stable enough to pass for a human if not for that¡ªand his pointed ears, and horns, and glowing eyes, and... Never mind. He barely passed for a human at all. Bjorn was with him, so he couldn''t be a threat, right? Bjorn would never allow any harm to come to Ebonheim and its people. That, she trusted. But who in the Abyss was this other man? Intrigued, Evelyne placed her tool aside and slowly approached, carefully choosing her steps to avoid disturbing her fellow artisans as they worked. She caught sight of her reflection in the window, and cringed inwardly at the disheveled state of her hair, hastily arranging loose strands into a semblance of order. No sooner had she made herself presentable that she realized that the newcomer had already noticed her arrival, his azure eyes locking onto her the moment she entered his periphery. Swallowing a lump in her throat, Evelyne straightened herself and maintained a professional, formal tone. "Good day, messieurs. May I inquire the reason for your visit to our humble workshop?" Bjorn offered her a casual nod. "Miss Evelyne, this is Kelzryn. He''s...an acquaintance of Ebonheim," he stated with a note of hesitation. Stolen story; please report. Evelyne nodded, doing her best to keep a straight face as she stared at Kelzryn, who watched her impassively, his head slightly tilted to one side. Long, unbound hair cascaded over his shoulders like a veil, framing his angular face perfectly. His elegant, long-fingered hands rested crossed in front of him, clasping his elbows loosely. An air of aloofness surrounded him, accentuated by his casual poise. His posture exuded confidence, yet his countenance conveyed neither hostility nor arrogance. He spoke at last, breaking the silence, his voice smooth and resonant, "Do you lead this workshop?" "Yes," Evelyne admitted reluctantly. She struggled to keep her voice steady as she addressed him. "My name is Evelyne Blaise. And you, Monsieur Kelzryn? What brings you here? Are you seeking a commission from our workshop? If so, then I apologize, but I''m afraid we''re rather busy at the moment." She forced herself to smile politely, gesturing toward the crowded benches. "No, not at all. I''m simply curious." He raised his chin, studying her intently, his piercing gaze boring into hers. "I''m curious about the nature of your work, and the workings of your minds. Mortals such as yourself have demonstrated ingenuity unmatched by any of the lesser races. It''s remarkable, really, how far you''ve progressed compared to centuries ago." He leaned toward her, closing the distance between them without warning. Evelyne shrank back involuntarily, her back colliding against a shelf filled with various odds and ends. She tensed as her nose registered the sharp tang of a storm''s breath, mixed with something else...something earthier and more primal...but not unpleasant, by any means. "Would you mind explaining the principles behind these devices?" he requested in a soft voice, his breath washing over her, carrying a slight scent of mint with just the faintest hint of frost. For a moment, she froze, transfixed by his proximity, unable to look away or break her gaze from the searing intensity of his stare. It took all her mental fortitude to snap herself out of the reverie and find the ability to speak once again. "...certainly...uh...it''s not complicated. Um..." She gestured vaguely around the workshop, grasping for a proper explanation. "I''m sure you''re aware of how Magitech operates. Most of us here use Arcane Synthesis, fusing arcane energy with physical matter to create new magical materials or constructs. Then, using runecraft, we imbue these new materials with specific properties. It''s just a matter of knowing which combinations work together properly, and getting them to function as intended, but sometimes you have to be creative. It takes experimentation, lots and lots of trial and error, to produce practical results..." Her voice trailed off uncertainly, unsure whether she had adequately conveyed her ideas. "...and that''s really all there is to it, I suppose." "I am well aware of the basic principles," Kelzryn assured her, straightening again as he took a step back from her, granting her breathing space. "But thank you for elaborating nonetheless. You have provided a good overview of the process. However, I''m referring to the inspiration behind those inventions." "Huh?" Evelyne blinked owlishly, feeling like a student being questioned by an inquisitive professor. "What led you to create this, for instance?" Kelzryn tapped on a Magelight lamp that hung suspended from the ceiling above, illuminating the workshop. "Is it purely a utilitarian convenience, or something else?" "Oh, the Magelights." She stared at the lantern for a moment, contemplating her answer before replying. "Um...I guess, for the most part, we wanted a more reliable source of lighting since candles and oil lamps burn too fast and aren''t cost-effective enough. Magic-imbued torches only lasted for so long too. And so, we needed something that would last longer without burning out overnight. Plus, you can adjust the intensity and color based on need and preference. That''s all the Magelights do." "Indeed?" Kelzryn peered at the Magelight with interest, examining its construction. "So, this lamp is mainly intended for illumination? Nothing else?" "It can do other things, depending on the specific enchantment you imbue it with," Evelyne explained. "Some of the later designs incorporate heating elements to warm a room or ward off the chill, but that requires a higher level of precision during synthesis to avoid overheating or scorching the casing. They''re also a bit costly, as far as mana reserves go." "Fascinating. Such versatility..." Kelzryn murmured, his tone carrying a note of approval. Evelyne warmed up to the topic, growing bolder in her explanations. She started to relax, talking animatedly while gesturing around the workshop. As their discussion veered into the more esoteric aspects of Magitech, the surrounding workers gradually abandoned their efforts, drifting over to listen in with rapt attention. Soon enough, the entire group huddled around Evelyne and Kelzryn, their eyes locked intently on the latter. Their eagerness grew visibly apparent with each new revelation shared. Kelzryn patiently continued to ask probing questions regarding many facets of the craft, encouraging further inquiries, and stimulating deeper discussion between the assembled artificers. His measured enthusiasm sparked a chain reaction among the rest of the Magitech researchers, who quickly chimed in with additional comments or theories. As they delved further into the subject, the initial awkwardness between them dissipated entirely, replaced by mutual interest. Eventually, the conversation came to a lull as Evelyne ordered her crew to resume their work. They filed back to their stations, albeit with less enthusiasm, grumbling among themselves about the abrupt ending. Bjorn stayed by her side, watching them return to their labors, while Kelzryn lingered by a table, staring out the window pensively. The afternoon sunlight illuminated his profile, casting a soft glow upon his skin and clothing, rendering him almost ethereal in appearance. He stood motionless as though lost in thought, his expression distant and far away. Evelyne found herself admiring the elegant lines of his face, the noble sweep of his brow and the defined planes of his cheeks, the graceful curve of his jaw, the chiseled hollows beneath his cheekbones, and the exquisite symmetry of his features, all framed by long hair that fell past his waist, shimmering like liquid night. The cracks in his flesh formed a stark contrast against his pale skin, catching the light in such a way as to emphasize their presence. A peculiar aura exuded from him, drawing attention without effort. It radiated a palpable sense of power. A presence both captivating and unsettling at once, as though something deeply dangerous slept within. Maybe if she used Arcane Sight to peer into¡ª "I would not advise peering beyond the surface," Kelzryn''s quiet voice broke the stillness. His face remained forward, his gaze fixed outside. "It might...unsettle you, to behold the truth within. And, it may prove hazardous to your health." Evelyne flinched, snapping her mouth shut in embarrassment at being caught staring. She looked away quickly, hoping she hadn''t offended him. "Er, sorry about that, I got lost in thought. Don''t mind me." She busied herself tidying up a pile of spare gears on her workbench. "So, um, you''re an acquaintance of our goddess?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Is that why you''re visiting the town today?" "Hmm, Ebonheim and I share a certain...bond, you could say," Kelzryn remarked cryptically. "Although I can''t claim to have known her for long." A bond? Evelyne considered his words, but failed to divine their meaning. She had spoken with Ebonheim many times already, and not once did she mention having a bond with this "Kelzryn" character. Just what kind of relationship did they share? Were they close? Or perhaps they met briefly sometime in the past, and merely struck up a fleeting friendship? Her mind buzzed with speculation, eager for answers. "I see. I''m not quite certain I follow what you mean," Evelyne said carefully, trying to choose her words with caution. "Did you meet recently, or...I don''t really know what sort of relationship you two have. Can you describe it?" Kelzryn faced her again, a strange glow flickering across his features¡ªor maybe she imagined it¡ªbefore fading away just as quickly. "Perhaps in time, you might learn more. For now, please accept that Ebonheim and I have forged a connection. Let us leave it at that." Chapter 122: The Dragon Among Us, Glowing Adoration The hum of the workshop melded into the background, lulling Bjorn''s senses into complacency while he listened to Kelzryn converse with Evelyne. Somehow, their conversation had drifted from Magitech devices to...Ebonheim. Who even brought the topic up? Not wanting to interrupt, Bjorn stayed silent and observed, his stance casual as he leaned against a table. "I don''t think ''connection'' encompasses everything," Evelyne countered, folding her arms stubbornly. "You seem...close. How long have you known her exactly?" "Less time than you would expect," Kelzryn replied cryptically, his cryptic mannerisms beginning to annoy Evelyne. "However, I assure you, we have a connection." "Connection or not, you clearly hold some affection for her. Else, why bother visiting our town? Just what exactly are your intentions?" Evelyne demanded, placing a hand on her hip as she studied him accusingly. "Are you here to court her or something?" Bjorn raised an eyebrow at Evelyne''s inquisition. The Magitech inventor''s boldness surprised him. Perhaps she''d forgotten the nature of Kelzryn''s presence, or she''d become immune to its intimidation. Regardless, Bjorn deemed it wise to intervene before this conversation went any further. "Now, let''s not jump to conclusions here," he interjected gently but firmly, directing a mild frown toward Evelyne. "Remember what we talked about earlier; I told you he''s a guest in Ebonheim. An important one, at that. So please, don''t badger him with too many questions, lest you anger him." He hoped he''d diffused the situation amicably enough. He didn''t want to test his luck and risk invoking Kelzryn''s ire. Evelyne made a face as if she tasted something sour, but remained silent, allowing Bjorn to breathe a sigh of relief. He didn''t enjoy being stern with her, but she left him little choice in the matter. Kelzryn didn''t comment, though Bjorn noted a faint trace of amusement in the dragon''s otherwise stoic expression. Was that a smirk playing upon his lips? Bjorn couldn''t tell. "If you must know, Ebonheim had saved my life some time ago. Thus, I consider her a friend, and a precious ally," Kelzryn divulged, his tone neutral. "My purpose in visiting is merely to repay her kindness and offer my support." "Wait, what? Ebonheim saved your life?" Evelyne asked incredulously. "When? How? What happened?" Bjorn winced internally, wishing Evelyne possessed more restraint and decorum. He''d had enough experience conversing with Kelzryn to recognize when the dragon''s patience had reached its limit. Thankfully, his guest didn''t seem offended. Yet. "Bjorn would be better suited to recount that tale," Kelzryn deflected Evelyne''s inquiry, nodding toward Bjorn. "He was there during the incident, after all." "Right." Bjorn coughed awkwardly, clearing his throat, reluctant to revisit the memory. But Evelyne''s inquisitive gaze demanded a response, so he obliged. "To summarize the events: about a year ago, we took part in a war between Kungwans and the Seraphidae. "The Kungwans had served as Kelzryn''s...guard dogs in his territory, but a group of artificers had imprisoned him and siphoned his power to fuel a strange contraption. Ebonheim managed to free him by disabling the device...but it also nearly killed her. Well, it did, but she revived herself afterward." The look on Evelyne''s face suggested disbelief. Bjorn sympathized with her; it sounded far-fetched, even to him, and he''d witnessed everything firsthand. "Yes, that''s essentially the gist of it. Trust me, the details are much harder to believe." It was also better not to keep her in the dark about what Kelzryn was, lest she find out some other way. "And just so we''re all on the same page...Kelzryn is a dragon." Better safe than sorry. Evelyne''s skepticism had prompted the admission, but Bjorn hoped he hadn''t just doomed the town by announcing that fact. Evelyne''s eyes widened almost comically, and Bjorn could practically hear the gears turning in her head as realization dawned upon her. He doubted that she¡¯d dismiss the claim as readily as Deneve and a few others did¡ªgiven her background in the arcane. "A dragon?!" Evelyne exclaimed, her voice rising sharply. All the other artificers paused in their work, their heads swiveling simultaneously in the direction of her shout. Bjorn shot her a warning glare, silently urging her to moderate her tone. Fortunately, Evelyne caught his displeased expression, and her volume lowered instantly. "...are you serious? Why didn''t you tell me that beforehand?!" "I didn''t deem that information relevant for you to know," Kelzryn answered plainly, raising a slender eyebrow. Evelyne whirled toward Bjorn accusingly. "And why didn''t you clarify anything either?" "That''s because¡ª" Bjorn tried to excuse himself, but Kelzryn cut him short. "Enough," Kelzryn uttered the command imperiously, his tone brooking no argument. "There is no point dwelling further on trivialities." He surveyed the workshop, and the artificers froze as his piercing gaze swept over them. Then he directed his focus upon Evelyne once more. "Tell me, Evelyne Blaise, what is Ebonheim to you?" Evelyne blinked, caught momentarily off-guard by the sudden question, before recovering her composure. "Eh, what''s Ebonheim to me...? Well...she is the pulse of this place, a beacon that guides us all. Her laughter is the melody of dawn, her counsel the comfort of dusk. She is...everything." Bjorn smiled proudly, pleased at Evelyne''s heartfelt answer. Less than a year had passed since their arrival, yet her devotion toward Ebonheim ran deep. Evelyne embodied Ebonheim''s spirit as fully as any native did. "Well said." Kelzryn didn''t immediately respond, appearing thoughtful as he digested her reply. "And what of her character," he probed further, his tone remaining impartial. "Has she ever acted unjustly? Conducted acts of cruelty, or exhibited malicious behavior?" "Wha¡ªwhat kind of absurd question is that?!" Evelyne protested indignantly, taken aback by Kelzryn''s query. "Of course not! Our goddess is benevolent and fair! There is no flaw in her conduct or judgment!" "Hmm..." As if challenged by the dragon''s dubious scrutiny, Evelyne¡¯s eyes sparkled and she approached, planting herself directly before Kelzryn, meeting his towering gaze undeterred. Bjorn could sense a fountain of admiration from her, ready to burst forth. "She is the very breath of spring after a harsh winter," she gushed. ¡°Generous and warm, she tends to the needs of the people as a gardener to her flowers. No evil exists within her heart. Every deed she performs stems from an abundance of love and compassion. She is the embodiment of virtue, the epitome of grace! Ebonheim is perfection, and no evil can be attributed to her name, I guarantee it!" Evelyne finished her tirade breathlessly, gazing up earnestly at him with a determined gleam in her eyes, fists clenched and her shoulders set, daring him to refute her. Bjorn cleared his throat, attempting unsuccessfully to mask his amusement. "Do not forget her penchant for festivals," he interjected with a smirk. ¡°Her merriment could rouse even the most sullen drunkard to dance." Evelyne blushed hotly and threw an exasperated glare at him, likely regretting her poetic praises. Bjorn couldn''t suppress a chuckle at the mortified expression on her face, earning an icy scowl from her in return. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Kelzryn remained unfazed throughout Evelyne''s effusive praise. "Her joy is infectious, then," he mused aloud, seemingly unaffected by Evelyne''s fervor. "Absolument!" Evelyne exclaimed, her hands animated as if weaving the air itself into a tapestry of Ebonheim''s virtues. "Her smile melts the coldest heart, and her embrace dispels the deepest despair! Her touch alone brings warmth, comfort, and healing!" "Does she indeed..." Kelzryn''s murmur, barely audible, held a subtle inflection. Something akin to longing, or wistfulness, perhaps? Bjorn didn''t quite catch Kelzryn''s intent, nor could he interpret the shadow of emotion fleeting across the dragon''s features. Before he could dwell further, Evelyne''s excited declaration drew his attention. "And her archery...Ma d¨¦esse, to watch her with a bow is to witness artistry. Her movements are poetry, a symphony of fluid grace. Every draw and release, a precise stroke upon a painter''s canvas. When she releases an arrow, it is a sonnet sung to the wind, an ode to the stars themselves, etched in a chorus of flight and a song of victory." "Err...Evelyne, I think he gets the picture," Bjorn interrupted awkwardly, disturbed by the ardent fanaticism in her rhapsody. However, to his surprise, Kelzryn appeared intrigued rather than put off. He walked over to a table and sat on the chair casually, his demeanor relaxed. "Continue, please." Evelyne happily accepted his permission, and launched into a lengthy, melodramatic prose glorifying Ebonheim''s many "attributes and virtues". Bjorn could only listen in bewilderment at the increasingly fantastical depictions Evelyne''s praise presented while Kelzryn listened with the patience of a sage. Evelyne waxed poetics, and Kelzryn soaked in the flattery avidly, absorbing her eloquence with a gratified half-smile. It was like witnessing two artists critique a masterpiece, marveling at its splendor and lauding its artistic merits. Except, in this case, Evelyne extolled Ebonheim''s charms, and Kelzryn reveled in her adoration, adding occasional commentary or prompts for further exposition. Bjorn sighed in defeat, resigning himself to the tedium. It looked like he wouldn''t be escorting Kelzryn out anytime soon.
Serrandyl peeked at Kelzryn and Evelyne''s animated exchange through a nearby window, her twitching idly, ears perked. She didn''t believe it at first, but that dragon really did show up in town. Even though he looked like that, she could smell his draconic aroma underneath that glamour¡ªa rich, crisp scent reminiscent of cool mountain nights and fresh rainfall, overlaid by something foreign and intangible she couldn''t quite comprehend. Oddly refreshing, but alien. Still, the aura of his presence alone exuded power and dominance. Impossible to miss. Serrandyl had expected him to intimidate everyone, maybe cause a commotion. Instead, he behaved...respectfully, surprisingly. Didn''t terrorize anyone or raze the town. Not that Serrandyl believed he would. They saved his life, after all. Well...Ebonheim did, but she and the others helped...as moral support. But with Ebonheim away on a trip, it was up to her and Bjorn to take charge and maintain order. Since Bjorn was occupied, she supposed the duty fell squarely upon her shoulders. Even if her task consisted solely of observing the dragon. And observe him, she did. He looked a lot different from his true form, and the glamor seemed...strange. Like something was missing. She couldn''t put her claw on what exactly felt lacking, but it wasn''t quite the same. Maybe he cast the spell improperly? She couldn''t blame him. Spells aren''t easy. He didn''t look completely human and there were cracks on his skin and clothes. Also, his horns were sticking out, and he had pointy ears, and his eyes looked scary. And his fangs. And his nails were claw-shaped. But otherwise, not a bad look. Overall, Serrandyl would give him a solid seven out ten. Good looking, but definitely not normal. Nobody freaked out and panicked, yet. Humans could get skittish over the weirdest things sometimes. Crouched between Serrandyl and the wall, Deneve slowly rose to join her at the window, inadvertently pressing her head against Serrandyl''s chin as she too peeked inside. "Whatcha looking at, Serra?" "Nyo, nothing," Serrandyl mumbled, nudging Deneve''s head away discreetly. "Just the dragon. He''s visiting the workshop." "The dragon?" Deneve craned her neck to view the window. "Ohh, right. Him. Is he causing trouble?" "No, I think he''s making small talk with Evelyne." Serrandyl flicked her tail idly, mildly amused at their lively chat. "Bjorn''s hanging nearby." "Huh, sounds cozy. Want a snack?" Deneve extended a piece of jerky, waving the treat temptingly under her nose. "Freshly salted and marinated. Spicy." "Hmm..." Serrandyl inhaled the fragrant meat, tempted. Deneve could season the heck out of a slab of meat. She caved and snapped the treat out of Deneve''s hand, chewing the spicy, juicy morsel. Delicious. "Thanks." "Welcome," Deneve grinned, popping another strip into her mouth. "So...how''s the dragon-watching going?" "Okay, I guess." Serrandyl shifted to a more comfortable position, curling tighter around Deneve. "Nothing exciting happening." "Hmm...boring." Deneve rested her back against her, leaning comfortably. "What else should we do?" "Wait, I guess?" Serrandyl shrugged, swallowing a mouthful. "Ebonheim''s away, and Bjorn''s watching him. Nothing we can do except wait. Plus, Evelyne''s there, and she''s smart. She''ll keep him calm. I think." "Gotcha." Deneve nodded, chewing her jerky thoughtfully. "Want another one? I have extra." Serrandyl glanced at the bag dangling enticingly under her nose, wafting tantalizing scents. Jerky. Salty, spicy, savory. Another wouldn''t hurt. "Sure." She nipped another piece gingerly and tossed the tasty morsel into her mouth. Munch. So good. "Anyway, so you and Bjorn met that dragon-guy before, huh?" Deneve questioned. "How was he like back then?" Serrandyl scratched her ear, considering. "Scary," she muttered between munches. "Gigantic lizard. Lots of sharp teeth. Big wings. Smells nice, though." "Exactly how big?" Deneve stretched her arms apart exaggeratedly, squinting her eyes. "Like, this big?" Serrandyl chortled, and bumped Deneve playfully, nearly knocking her over. "Much bigger. About thirty times bigger than an Aetherframe." "Thirty?!" Deneve turned to stare at her incredulously. Serrandyl returned her skeptical stare evenly. "Yup," she affirmed, finishing the last of her jerky and licking her lips appreciatively. "Massive, scaled body. Sharp claws. Lots of fangs. Horns, scales. Very big." "Whoa, huge!" Deneve whistled, impressed. "And Ebonheim freed him? How? From what?" Serrandyl frowned, recalling the grueling details. "I heard it was some mysterious Artificers. Chained him up in his own lair. Used his power somehow. Lots of tubes. Ebonheim disabled a contraption. Then an explosion happened. Don''t remember the rest." She shook her head, her ears drooping slightly. Recalling that awful place and the foul contraptions reminded Serrandyl that Ebonheim had risked her life rescuing Kelzryn. Good thing she revived afterward, but the month that followed had Serrandyl fretting endlessly until Ebonheim recovered and everything returned to normal. Whew. "Sounds rough. Glad everything worked out," Deneve voiced her agreement, patting her soothingly. "Yeah," Serrandyl acknowledged, relaxing against her and resting her chin atop Deneve''s head. "Me too." They lapsed into companionable silence, sharing another stick of jerky together contentedly. Serrandyl continued watching Kelzryn and Evelyne conversing through the window, while Deneve busied herself scribbling random sketches onto the dirt ground. Serrandyl didn''t pry. Deneve often doodled, a habit she developed during idle moments. At least she wasn''t complaining about something boring again. Serrandyl''s ears would have started bleeding if Deneve went on another tangent about the lack of hunting opportunities or the shortage of spicy jerky. Again. "Hey, wanna spar later?" Deneve proposed, breaking the tranquility. "Got a new sword technique I''d like to try." "Sure, why not." Serrandyl nodded agreeably. She could always use a good workout, plus sparring would break the monotony. "Same rules?" "Yeah. First one pinned loses. Weapons, armor, claws, and fangs allowed. Cheating and dirty tricks encouraged. Magic discouraged. Nothing lethal or damaging. No killing, no maiming. Everything fair game otherwise." Rules were the same as usual: sparring match between her and Deneve. The loser has to submit to the victor''s demand, no questions asked. Serrandyl wasn''t sure why they established the rules in the first place. Maybe because Deneve wanted bragging rights. Dumb reason, but oh well. Whatever. Dumb reasons were fine. "Okay," Serrandyl confirmed, happy with their standard rules. "Works." "Great. Looking forward to kicking your butt," Deneve smirked, wriggling contentedly. "After the dragon-watching is over, obviously." Serrandyl resisted the urge to swat her, settling for a lazy flick on the forehead instead. She returned her gaze toward the workshop window, lazily nibbling on her jerky. Bjorn appeared bored, standing idle nearby, and Kelzryn still engaged Evelyne in that...whatever it was. Conversation, probably. Hard to tell, since Evelyne babbled nonstop, and Kelzryn nodded occasionally, speaking only intermittently. Serrandyl sighed, her interest rapidly dwindling. This was taking forever, and waiting proved excruciatingly tedious. Sparring sounded really, really tempting right now. Suddenly, Kelzryn and Evelyne stood, the former bidding a curt farewell and the latter reciprocating enthusiastically. Bjorn, relieved at the abrupt turn of events, hastily escorted their guest out of the workshop. "Oh! They''re done. Finally." Serrandyl perked her ears, thankful for the approaching promise of entertainment. "Looks like Kelzryn''s leaving." "Nice." Deneve stretched, unwinding her limbs. "Ready for a workout?" "Definitely," Serrandyl rose, yawning lazily. Time to beat Deneve senseless, and savor her subsequent loss. Win-win. "Let''s go." Chapter 123: The Dragon Among Us, Down by the River ''Life teems wherever water flows. Wherever you wander, find a river or stream and follow its course, and you will surely discover habitation. Oftentimes, civilizations were founded along rivers or coastlines, as the waterways provided a source of food, irrigation, and transportation. Many cultures revered their rivers, erecting temples, statues, and shrines near their banks.'' ¡ªFrom Travelogues by Explorer Tedric Silverbirch
After departing from the workshop, Kelzryn followed Bjorn aimlessly as the man guided him along a cobblestone path. Neither spoke, both lost in their thoughts, though Kelzryn sensed a hint of concern emanating from the man. Bjorn likely fretted over his...uncouth introduction regarding his true nature. Kelzryn would have preferred discretion, yet no lasting harm resulted, so he absolved the lapse in judgment. "About earlier...I''m sorry Evelyne blurted those things without warning." Bjorn broke the silence, his apology genuine and sincere. "I''d intended to ease her into the idea. You have my assurances I''ll discuss the matter with her later." Kelzryn inclined his head, accepting his contrition. "Your intent is admirable," he acknowledged. He didn''t particularly care about his secrecy, though prudence dictated he exercised caution. Too many mortals were driven by greed. Given the right motivation, some would resort to drastic measures, foolish as they may seem. "However, her reaction did not vex me." Bjorn visibly relaxed at his remark, his relief palpable. "Thank you, and pardon Evelyne''s...exuberance. I''ve not seen her act so zealous before. Though, Ebonheim can bring out the passion in even the most stalwart hearts." "Indeed..." Kelzryn concurred. Evelyne''s impassioned testimony impressed him. Devotion, pure and strong, resided at the core of her adoration. A worthy, priceless quality in a devotee. "Such loyalty is rare. Cherish her. Such dedication seldom exists nowadays. Gods rarely inspire such veneration and respect¡ªas I''m sure you''re aware." Bjorn chuckled wryly, his agreement immediate. "I cannot deny your claim. Few gods, if any, inspire such ardor these days." Kelzryn detected the bitter edge underlying his words, mirroring a sentiment universal in his experience. Mortals and their errant, misguided worship. Gods, greedy and covetous, squandered their gifts, and repaid their benefactors'' devotion with exploitation, corruption, and negligence. Nidur represented an apt example. From his time observing the northern region of the Hrafnsteinn territories, Kelzryn discerned Nidur''s reputation as a capricious, merciless god, whose rule amounted to despotic tyranny. Worse, his treatment toward his followers had bordered upon disdain and apathy. Kelzryn respected neither his methods nor his principles, though his opinion mattered little, and the mortals endured his cruel reign regardless. The bonds forged by faith were difficult to break. Yet, exiles existed even amongst such chains. Bjorn and his band were living proof. "Still, there''s an exception to every rule," Kelzryn voiced his observation, studying the passing buildings and structures idly, curious to view Ebonheim''s mortal constructions. Much improved, compared to Nidur''s crude architectural designs, which Kelzryn suspected was erected haphazardly via divine will. "Despite her inexperience, your goddess''s character exhibits exemplary traits and qualities. Such admirable virtues warrant devotion. Be proud, Bjorn, for Ebonheim will lead your town to prosperity and greatness." "Our goddess. Remember, we''re her people too," Bjorn reminded him with a wry grin, correcting him gently. "And yes, pride isn''t a strong enough word to describe how we feel. Ebonheim''s boundless compassion and generosity blesses us every day. She embodies the very heart and soul of our town, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us together. We owe her everything, Kelzryn." "So I''ve observed." Kelzryn appreciated Bjorn''s earnest candor. From the little time he had spent interacting with the man, his impressions painted a favorable portrait¡ªa respectable, dependable, and dutiful individual. He valued forthright honesty, loathing hidden agendas and duplicity. Such convictions aligned favorably with Kelzryn''s preferences and expectations. They wandered the town aimlessly, eventually reaching a cluster of longhouses by a riverbank. Hfransteinnian design, Kelzryn noted, recognizing the layout and structure, shaped similarly to the residences he''d observed during his travels. Wooden walls, steep-pitched roofs, and narrow windows comprised the majority. Simple and austere, yet serviceable. A few differed architecturally, exhibiting distinctly unfamiliar aesthetics, likely influenced by the town''s other residents. Near the shoreline, a handful of buildings stood apart¡ªa shipyard, judging by the dock and the vessels moored nearby, along with numerous stacks of barrels and crates, likely supplies and provisions for voyages along the river. Workers milled about, attending to their tasks. Several paused to scrutinize him, their gazes harboring an understandable mix of curiosity and wariness. Kelzryn''s attention gravitated toward a vessel currently under construction. Its hull, a sturdy, reinforced frame consisting of overlapping layers of planks and beams, had completed its initial stages and received minimal exterior embellishment, except a row of eye-catching carvings adorned its prow and stern, and a magnificent depiction of Ebonheim inscribed onto the hull. Curiosity compelled him closer, and Kelzryn headed toward the boat, prompting Bjorn to scramble after him. "Hey, wait. Where are you going?" Bjorn called out, hurrying alongside him. "Careful. The boat''s not finished. Please don''t damage the hull. S?unn will murder me. Oh, and don''t frighten the workers." Ignoring Bjorn''s alarmed warnings, Kelzryn slowed his pace, maintaining a leisurely stroll. Upon his approach, a woman supervising the workers regarded him, her eyes narrowed, the grip on her tool tightening as she sized him up. A hammer, by the looks of its design, and its sharpened, heavy-headed stone head. Her defensive posture indicated potential aggression, though Kelzryn dismissed her as a threat. Still, prudence urged him cautious, and Kelzryn halted several paces before her, adopting an amiable posture. "Can I help you?" She spoke, her terse, direct query betraying her apprehension. Her accent, marked by a distinct, guttural flavor, and her complexion, fair skin and blonde hair¡ªHfransteinnian. "Sir...?" Kelzryn''s estimation judged her no older than forty years, though her hardened expression, weathered and lined with premature wrinkles, bore evidence of the difficulties her journey entailed. Scars dotted her hands and forearms, and her exposed arms revealed well-defined muscles, earned through hard labor. Evidence of a hardy, resilient, and tough-natured person. "Good noon," Kelzryn greeted her affably, inclining his head respectfully. "Apologies for disturbing you. My curiosity compelled me closer, and I wished to inspect the vessel''s construction. May I?" His polite address and his courteous manners tempered her tension, and her wary expression softened, if marginally. "Ah. Feel free to look, then," she permitted, relaxing her stance. "It''s not done yet, so tread carefully. Workers are still working on the hull." "Certainly." Kelzryn circled the vessel, scrutinizing its framework. Solid construction, reinforced and strengthened. Functionality over ornamentation. Utilitarian, yet durable. Overall, acceptable work, though Kelzryn found the hull''s proportions insufficient. "A sturdy frame," he complimented her efforts, concealing his doubts. "May I inquire the ship''s intended purpose? Trade? Exploration? Combat?" "Exploration and trade." The woman crossed her arms, surveying the hull keenly. "There are many rivers wide and deep enough for riverboats in this valley. We intend to traverse and chart their courses. I''ve been told that there''s a great lake somewhere farther inland, and I suspect tributaries feed the water. Who knows what we might find along the rivers, or the lake itself?" "A reasonable goal," Kelzryn approved, privately lamenting the lack of combat considerations, though exploration did necessitate expediency and maneuverability. "I wish you success." "Thank you," the woman acknowledged his well-wishes with a faint smile, the gesture transforming her worn features and lending her a more youthful, attractive appearance. Kelzryn perceived a glimmer of optimism and ambition buried underneath her somber, reserved temperament. Bjorn, lingering nearby, joined him as Kelzryn completed his inspection. "This is S?unn," Bjorn introduced, gesturing toward the woman. "Shipbuilder and a resident of Hfransteinn originally. She''s my wife. S?unn, meet Kelzryn." "Pleased to make your acquaintance." S?unn sketched a perfunctory bow, and Kelzryn returned the greeting in kind. "Bjorn, I assume you''re accompanying him?" "Yep. I''m his escort." Bjorn confirmed, chuckling. "Don''t worry, I''m not neglecting my duties." The two began conversing, and Kelzryn tuned them out, disinterested. Marriage¡ªa custom he did not comprehend, though his observations implied a special significance among mortals. Their unions, a permanent and binding commitment, akin to a pact. Kelzryn understood the practicality and utility, for mortals propagated their species by reproducing and multiplying. However, emotional sentiments also apparently played a critical part, though the rationale baffled him. Passion and romance were transient, ephemeral. Fleeting delusions, subject to change or dissolution, easily replaced and discarded. Why pledge oneself irrevocably, committing oneself and forsaking other prospects? His eye twitched slightly at a sharp, stabbing ache. Strange. A phantom sensation, a brief flare radiating from his chest, akin to the throes of a wound reopening, dissipating almost instantly. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. He placed his palm across the afflicted area, massaging the aching spot gingerly. The only grievous wound that had affected him was the injury inflicted upon him by those ancient artificers. It had healed, though the lingering echoes persisted. But it wasn''t the phantom pain that troubled him. His critique of the mortal practice of marriage rang hypocritical, given his regard toward Ebonheim, and their shared connection¡ªan association his mind shied away instinctively, unwilling to pursue. Kelzryn could scarcely call his sentiment an illusion, an ephemeral delusion, or a temporary fancy. Ebonheim had burrowed herself deeply within his soul, carving an enduring mark impossible to erase. Had she experienced similar sentiments? Or did their bond remain one-sided? Whatever the case, he doubted she''d welcome the notion¡ªshould she possess cognizant knowledge of the connection. A disconcerting consideration Kelzryn refused to confront, preferring ignorance over acknowledgment. "...boat will require several more months of work," S?unn concluded her discussion with Bjorn. "We''re considering traveling downstream, exploring the river first. There''s a lake located eastward, and we could sail across, and chart the rivers beyond. Once the boat''s done, we''ll set sail by summer. Are you coming along, Bjorn?" "Of course. Wouldn''t want you wandering into danger, and I could use a sail and adventure. Plus, you could use the muscle," Bjorn ribbed playfully. "And fishing. Lots of fish." S?unn laughed. "I''ll leave the fishing to you." "Excellent." Bjorn glanced Kelzryn''s way. "Anything else you''d like to see, Kelzryn? Or shall we continue wandering?" "By all means, lead the way," Kelzryn acquiesced. He had no destination in mind and didn''t mind Bjorn''s company. Having someone familiar with the town accompany him simplified the process considerably. "All right." Bjorn directed a wave of farewell toward his wife. "See you later. Stay safe. Love you." "I know," S?unn acknowledged with an indulgent smile. "You too."
Engin and Roderick paused their chess match to observe Kelzryn and Bjorn as they meandered past. Engin leaned against the wall, peering through a small, glass window. The chessboard and pieces lay abandoned between them, left untouched and forgotten during their informal observational activity. Roderick, having snuck to the other side of the house, peeked through a larger window. "Interesting, isn''t he," Roderick commented, keeping his voice low. "Quite the unusual fellow, especially when he''s dressed like...that. Gets the imagination churning. What say you?" "Mm-hmm." Engin responded, noncommittal, busy keeping an eye on their visitor. Bjorn had informed him of Kelzryn''s nature and intentions beforehand, and Engin agreed with his decision to keep the information to a select group of people. The idea of a dragon walking among them in disguise brought mixed feelings. On the one hand, dragons were terrifying beings capable of leveling cities and razing armies single-handedly. There had only been one instance in recorded history where a city god repelled a dragon from their domain, and the outcome remained unclear. A troubling thought for Engin to consider. On the other hand, the dragon had only expressed benevolent sentiments. His presence, so far, had been benign. True, his arrival caused a bit of a stir, but he had comported himself courteously, even politely, and displayed no signs of belligerence or hostility. "I hope you don''t intend to bother the dragon with your antics," Engin warned, turning away from the window. "Leave him be. He''s already visited the workshop and met Evelyne." Roderick feigned outrage at the accusation. "Bother him? Why would I ever? As a trader, I merely wish to establish positive relationships with clients of influence. Who better to befriend than one with an eternity to spare? My personal gain lies not in profit, but in partnership." "Wealth is your only form of partnership," Engin remarked drily. "Tsk tsk. Do not belittle money''s importance. Wealth may not sustain friendships or cultivate affection, but at least the sting of betrayal leaves a memorable impression." Roderick wagged his finger disapprovingly. "No. Money guarantees convenience and certainty." A knock on his door interrupted their conversation. "Looks like they''re at your door," Roderick reported as he returned to his seat by the chessboard. He lifted a chess piece¡ªa bishop¡ªand held it poised above its proper square. "Shall I return to winning this game? Unless you''d rather answer the door?" Engin scoffed and strode across the room. "You''ve never won a game against me. Now''s not the time to start. I''ll get the door." He opened the door with a flourish and bowed politely. "Welcome to my humble abode. How may I be of service?" He gestured inside. "Please enter, if you wish." Bjorn stepped inside, accompanied by the disguised dragon. "Hope you don''t mind the intrusion, Engin. Just giving Kelzryn here a tour around Ebonheim," Bjorn explained. "Kelzryn, meet Engin Meric. He''s the town''s leader, essentially, although we convene as a council of elders for community matters. I suggest you talk with him, at least once, if you haven''t already." Engin inclined his head. "Greetings. As Bjorn mentioned, I am Engin Meric, Ebonheim''s patron. A pleasure to meet you." He studied Kelzryn discretely as he extended his hand, his demeanor polite. Despite knowing the truth behind his guest''s appearance, the sheer contrast between his expected visage and Kelzryn''s current state lent a surreal aspect to their interaction. Still, he maintained a congenial fa?ade, endeavoring to match Kelzryn''s civility. Kelzryn clasped his hand, his firm grip cordial. "I am Kelzryn. No need for formalities. Your hospitality honors me." His demeanor, refined and elegant, betrayed no hint of malice. The fact he even bothered with politeness further convinced Engin of his amicable intents, though he noticed a flicker of hesitation flash briefly through his eyes¡ªquick as lightning¡ªat the mention of Ebonheim. Interesting. Did something related to Ebonheim trouble him? "The honor is mine," Engin replied courteously. "And none whatsoever. Come in, come in." He moved aside, beckoning his guests forward. "Please sit. Can I offer you refreshments? Water? Tea?" "I do not require sustenance," Kelzryn demurred. "Though your offer is gracious and appreciated." "Noted. Bjorn? Refreshments for you?" "Nah. Not today," Bjorn declined, waving off his offer. "Suit yourself." Engin took a seat, and his guests followed suit. He gestured towards Roderick, who watched their interactions closely. "And this is Roderick Sedley. He''s a merchant with questionable morals who fancies himself an entrepreneur of sorts. A bit of an odd bird, but I suppose we all are, in our own unique ways." Roderick winced and pretended to clutch a knife to his chest. "You wound me, dear sir," he stated dramatically. "How could you? Betrayal hurts, friend. Deeply. Trust and honor must be maintained for healthy relations, else there would exist nothing but suspicion and intrigue. The world would be an empty, barren place." He splayed his palm over his face and sobbed loudly. Engin chuckled. "Well said, Roderick." Kelzryn raised his eyebrow and studied him, seemingly puzzled. "Do you always indulge in theatrical antics?" "Yes. Roderick loves making a scene," Engin answered for him. "Roderick. Chess." He pointed to the chessboard between them. "I was about to win. Again. And teach you an important lesson." "Really. Then, by all means. Let''s settle this...conversation." Roderick dropped the theatrics and focused on the game before them. Engin cleared his throat and refocused on their other guest. "So, how has the tour been? What do you think of Ebonheim so far? Hope the folks didn''t give you too much grief." "Everything''s fine," Bjorn replied for him. "Some stares and muttering, but that''s about it. Nothing worth getting worried about." Kelzryn nodded slowly, agreeing. "I find Ebonheim...intriguing." His choice of words carried a sense of reserve, yet Engin sensed an undercurrent of genuine fascination lurking beneath his guarded response. "So many differences exist in comparison with what I''m accustomed to. The culture, the people, and even the architecture. Diverse, fascinating..." "That''s Ebonheim," Engin admitted modestly. "A place where refugees of many walks of life congregate. The town is the result of countless struggles, persecution, and discrimination. When everyone faces hardships and difficulty, solidarity results, uniting us against common opposition. We may not be wealthy or prosperous, but we have each other." "What made you choose the valley and Ebonheim?" Kelzryn questioned, his query carrying genuine interest. "The town is remote and isolated from external influences. It is also vulnerable to predation and attack." Engin scratched his head, pondering his reply. His explanation would prove...difficult. Kelzryn seemed sensible and receptive to reason, but revealing their circumstances without preparing would inevitably raise questions requiring uncomfortable answers. Questions he didn''t care to discuss. "I''d like to explain, but a long story comes with my answer." Engin shrugged apologetically. "If you''re interested, I could share the details. The short version is, that we abandoned our gods and the cities of our birth. Isolation serves our needs, and Ebonheim provided sanctuary from old prejudices and misguided beliefs. That''s the short of it. The longer story...not for today." Kelzryn appeared neither offended nor impatient at his explanation. If anything, he seemed pensive. "Your reasons are yours to disclose. Should you prefer privacy, I will not pry." "I appreciate your courtesy," Engin accepted his understanding. "However," Kelzryn continued, "may I ask a question?" "Sure." Engin nodded agreeably. "What is it?" "Why did you accept Ebonheim as your patron when your grievances lay with deities previously?" The dragon inquired, his tone mild and detached. "I understand Ebonheim is new to the pantheon, yet why seek another god? Forsaking old beliefs seems...unreasonable." An understandable inquiry, albeit an awkward one. Engin couldn''t fault Kelzryn for asking. But the answer was not something he could afford to divulge, and one glance at Bjorn''s equally tense expression affirmed his agreement. Lying outright would probably insult Kelzryn, who would undoubtedly discern the falsehood immediately. "Many reasons." Engin opted to avoid the matter. "Personal ones. Suffice to say, the short version is simple. We needed a god to protect us and guide our lives. Our previous experiences proved...unfortunate. I can''t say why Ebonheim. Only that she arrived and offered herself as our patron, and we accepted. That''s...all there is to it. Nothing mysterious to decipher." He ended his explanation with a forced laugh. Silence permeated the air as Kelzryn considered his answer. "Forgive me. I do not mean to offend. I understand your reasons are personal," Kelzryn spoke softly, breaking the uneasy quietude. "I sought only to confirm whether your motivations mirror Evelyne''s." Relief flooded him at his polite withdrawal. "Thank you, Kelzryn. I appreciate your tolerance." Engin exhaled slowly, hiding his discomfort with an ingratiating smile. "And while you''re here, feel free to wander or stay. Explore the town to your heart''s content. I have no objections, as long as you refrain from any undesirable behavior. So, is there anything else you''re curious about?" Before Kelzryn could answer, a Silverguard soldier barged in through the door. "Bjorn! Trouble! We''ve spotted a naga, southeast side of the river," the soldier relayed his tidings. "Kaela and Deneve went after it." "A naga?" Bjorn asked, rising swiftly to his feet. "We''ve never encountered one in this region. Are you sure it''s a naga?" The soldier nodded emphatically. "Certain. It looked like a woman with snakes for hair and a snake tail below the waist. Has scales and all." Engin and Bjorn looked at each other. There was only one being in the valley that matched that description. "Calyxia." Both spoke the name in unison. "A reasonable assumption," Kelzryn assessed as he rose from his seat, seemingly unsurprised. "Nagas do not inhabit this valley, and the Seraphidae would not venture this far unless the matter warranted urgency. Most likely Calyxia came to check on my whereabouts. She had offered to escort me here, but I left ahead of her. Apologies. It appears the fault lies with me, Bjorn." Bjorn facepalmed, sighing. "Wonderful. Only a few people here have met her before, and none of the newcomers. At least Serrandyl is there but I don''t think she''ll help much. I better get over there and prevent things from escalating." "I shall accompany you," Kelzryn said, hurrying after Bjorn as he took off. Bjorn took off, and Kelzryn hurried after him. Engin stared at their backs as they left and rubbed his temple with a tired sigh. "Never a dull moment..." Chapter 124: The Dragon Among Us, Two’s A Company "Hold!" Deneve shouted at the approaching figure, her twin blades at the ready. She stood before the river, close enough to dash forward at a moment''s notice. She caught sight of Kaela creeping sideways nearby, concealing herself behind the trees. The individual closed the distance rapidly, navigating across the water with a speed that defied the laws of nature. An inhuman creature¡ªhalf woman from the torso upwards with beautiful features and scaly skin¡ªflitted from the river and onto the bank with ease. Below the waist, her body resembled a snake, serpentine and lithe. Her scales glistened wetly under the afternoon sun, glinting with a subtle sheen. Deneve charged the instant the figure emerged from the water, her movement swift and graceful. Her two curved swords gleamed coldly in the light, aimed towards the unknown assailant''s throat. Her opponent, however, proved both slippery and swift. Her lithe frame twisted as she dodged the initial thrust. Unfazed, Deneve executed a series of rapid cuts and slashes with practiced fluidity, using the momentum of her first attack to fuel successive strikes. Each strike missed their mark as the mysterious woman flowed around them effortlessly. Deneve felt the briefest trace of annoyance and increased her intensity, launching her assault at a higher tempo. She utilized every advantage in her repertoire to exploit blind spots and to probe for weaknesses, transitioning from traditional sword techniques to more inventive maneuvers. The effort yielded no reward. Her attacks, vicious as they were, never managed to land a blow. Deneve ducked suddenly as Kaela leaped from her concealment to join the fray, unleashing her signature horizontal double-sweep. Kaela''s twin daggers scythed through the air and swept across their opponent''s torso. Yet, the snake-woman proved agile enough to evade both their assaults. Kaela wasted no time in adjusting her approach. Still in midair, she altered her trajectory. Twisting her body nimbly, her heels landed squarely upon Deneve''s shoulder and used her as a springboard. Kaela rebounded, diving straight down upon her target. Daggers drawn back and aligned directly in front of her, she prepared a vicious plunging strike. Her prey vanished the instant Kaela descended, slipping right out of her reach. Kaela flipped gracefully and rolled into a crouch as she landed. Spinning around, she scanned her surroundings warily, her daggers brandished in a defensive position. A sudden force knocked her to the ground before Kaela could react. Her daggers slipped from her grasp and sailed away from her, landing harmlessly several paces away. In a flash, her limbs and neck found themselves constricted by a powerful grip, unable to move. With her attacker holding her captive, Deneve could not execute a follow-up without the risk of injuring Kaela. "Yield," Calyxia ordered, her tone icy and calm. Her serpentine eyes regarded Kaela and Deneve impassively. "Lower your weapons. I have no desire to hurt either of you. Resist, and I cannot guarantee your safety." Deneve complied reluctantly, though she kept her blade held point downward at an angle, waiting for her chance to strike. "Hey! Sorry I''m late! I had to finish eating my¡ªOh, ffuuu¡ª" Serrandyl''s widened at the sight of Calyxia, causing her to skid to a halt and trip over her own feet as she stumbled over a protruding rock. Her balance thrown off, she fell flat on her face and cursed loudly. She pushed herself up, spitting out bits of dirt. "C-Calyxia?!" She scrambled hastily to her feet, her eyes darting in a panic as she struggled to wipe the remaining crumbs off her clothes. "Uh, haha. Uh...this is...hahaha, uh...wow, what a surprise... wait, Deneve, Kaela. Stop. Don''t attack her. She''s a...um, a friendly neighbor." Calyxia loosened her hold on Kaela and coiled around herself while regarding Serrandyl with an arched brow. Her eyes flashed with amusement as they zeroed in on her face. "Ah. You''re the Beastkin girl who is usually with Ebonheim. I remember you now." Deneve stared suspiciously at Calyxia while maintaining a loose battle stance. Her blades remained held at the ready. "We''re allies," Serrandyl asserted to Deneve and Kaela, gesturing to Calyxia. "She''s one of the lords of the Eldergrove valley. They''re friendly...ish...with Ebonheim." She gave an encouraging thumbs up. Calyxia pursed her lips in displeasure at Serrandyl''s summation. "Friendly does not describe the extent of our relationship." She unwound herself and slithered languidly towards her. She stopped before Serrandyl, her face hovering uncomfortably close. "But she''s correct in her assessment of the situation. We are allied...of sorts." Her forked tongue flicked out from her lips. Kaela and Deneve eyed the exchange with varying degrees of caution and curiosity. Neither dared to make any hasty moves. Even they could discern the immense pressure radiating from the individual before them. Serrandyl wiped the sweat from her forehead. She averted her eyes as her cheeks flushed, trying to maintain her composure. "Of sorts, huh. Haha. So, um, what brings you here? E-Ebonheim''s away right now. She''s off running errands, but should be back soon." She blurted out her explanation in a jumble of words. "I know. Her absence does not concern me." Calyxia lifted a delicate finger and tapped her nose, caressing the underside gently. "I came looking for Kelzryn." Her lips parted into a disarming smile. "Is he here?" She tilted her head inquisitively. "Or did I miss him?" The frantic footfalls of Bjorn and several Silverguard soldiers approaching interrupted them. Their ragged breaths and red faces spoke volumes of their hurry. Bjorn stopped abruptly upon seeing the group, appearing somewhat relieved yet still wary. "We heard some commotion, and...oh...Calyxia. Welcome. Your...unexpected visit honors us." The other soldiers, notably less informed of the situation, balked at the sight of the naga. They drew their weapons, yet stayed their hands. Confusion overrode their reflexive response as they noted Kaela''s and Deneve''s lack of concern. They sheathed their weapons and assumed a more neutral stance. "Bjorn. As you can see, my visit is most pleasant thus far. Such warm welcome. How delightful." Calyxia smiled thinly as her gaze narrowed, conveying the opposite of her words. Bjorn coughed awkwardly. "The town is still a bit on edge, given Kelzryn''s presence. We''ve recently had a surge of new settlers joining us. We haven''t properly introduced them to...everything yet." "Hmm. New settlers?" Calyxia echoed, intrigued. She folded her arms. "I see. There are more buildings and structures than when I last visited. So, Ebonheim has expanded her territory." Bjorn nodded and shrugged. "It happens. Slowly, but surely." "Where''s Kelzryn? Since this town hasn''t been scorched bare, I figured you didn''t manage to incur his wrath due to your human habits," Calyxia deduced. Her tail waved idly back and forth. "Your concern was unnecessary," Kelzryn''s voice intervened, attracting the group''s attention. He walked steadily from behind the trees, his gait relaxed and unhurried. "As you can observe, Ebonheim''s residents have treated me hospitably thus far. Bjorn''s diligence has ensured my visit progressed smoothly. Rest assured. All''s well." "Kelzryn." Calyxia glided elegantly towards him, the scales on her lower half glittering and rippling as they scraped against the rocky earth. "Things still could have gone poorly. I know your temperament. Humans tend to ruffle your scales. Quite literally." Her tone became stern. "If you weren''t in such a hurry to visit Ebonheim, I would''ve escorted you here myself. Instead, you insisted on leaving first and disregarded my advice." Calyxia halted in front Kelzryn. Leaning forward, she prodded him lightly on the nose. "Humans cause misunderstandings. You''ve spent little time interacting with them." "Misunderstandings resolved, Calyxia. Everything''s fine," Kelzryn emphasized calmly. "I appreciate your concern, yet the blame lies not with Ebonheim''s people, but with my haste. Accept my sincerest apology." He lowered his head, the gesture expressing both respect and remorse. It was Calyxia''s turn to look shocked. Her mouth hung agape briefly before closing abruptly, her brows knitting together. "Kelzryn...what...happened to you? I had an inkling that you seemed different when you approached me a couple of days ago, but now..." She peered intently at him, a perplexed frown creasing her exquisite visage. "You''ve never been this...respectful. Polite. Considerate." Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "I''ve spent the past year in introspection while I recovered from my ordeal. Recuperating allowed ample opportunity for reflection and contemplation." Kelzryn met her gaze evenly. "My experiences taught me the virtues of patience and tolerance." Calyxia searched his face carefully. Seemingly satisfied with whatever she observed, she sighed and shook her head resignedly. "This is no act? Hmm. Very well. Although, I''m loath to admit Ebonheim has exerted a beneficial effect on you." She circled him slowly, her gaze thoughtful. "Consider me...pleasantly surprised." Kelzryn''s lips quirked upwards subtly. "Indeed." Serrandyl sidled up to Bjorn, whispering discreetly. "It was stressful enough looking after a dragon, now we gotta babysit Calyxia too? Think Ebonheim will be okay with this?" "You know, they can probably hear you whispering," Bjorn whispered back wryly. Serrandyl smacked her forehead and forced a laugh. "Ah! Well, would you look at the time. We were supposed to go spar at the training grounds when the sun was about...there. Ahahaha! Right, Deneve? Let''s go train and sharpen our skills." Deneve smiled awkwardly and replied in a deadpan voice. "Ahahaha! Oh, yeah! I almost forgot. Yeah, we should. Training and...sharpening and stuff. Good talk. Great weather. Haha!" She and Serrandyl departed hastily, abandoning the others to their fate. Kaela shot Bjorn a helpless glance, wordlessly questioning her departure options. When he shrugged and motioned for her to leave, Kaela took off, melting into the foliage without a backward glance. Bjorn sighed and addressed the remaining Silverguard soldiers. "You lot can take a break. Go rest or have fun. Whatever. Just give Kelzryn and Calyxia space." His announcement yielded the expected results. The Silverguards scattered promptly and returned to their posts. Left alone with their guests, Bjorn cleared his throat. "Well, um. So, Calyxia. Were you intending to stay or...?" "Since Kelzryn refuses to return with me, I suppose I have no choice." Calyxia surveyed the town''s surroundings with interest. "Besides, Ebonheim had invited me to visit sometime. What better time than now?" "That''s...great." Bjorn rubbed his temples wearily. "Ebonheim isn''t present to greet you. She''s away right now and won''t return for another few days. But I could arrange a place for you to stay temporarily, if you''re willing." "No need." Calyxia waved dismissively. "I have no qualms residing within the Eldergrove. Its accommodations suit my tastes. I''ll settle myself within its vicinity. Kelzryn can stay with me." She paused, her expression changing to one of consideration. "Unless, he intends to reside here instead?" She glanced questioningly at him. "I wish to reside within Ebonheim''s abode," Kelzryn declined politely, unfazed by her insistence. Calyxia''s eye twitched imperceptibly, yet she refrained from objecting. "Erm, you want to sleep in her cabin?" Bjorn asked, bewildered. "Yes. Is that a problem?" Kelzryn asked. "Uh...no...not at all." Bjorn massaged the bridge of his nose and turned to Calyxia. "Well, I''m not sure when you''d wish to take your rest, but if you''re feeling up for it, you can join us for the rest of today''s tour. We could introduce you around and show you the sights. Since Ebonheim won''t return for a few days, maybe you''d like to familiarize yourself with her subjects a bit before meeting her directly." "Hmm. Tempting. Very well," Calyxia agreed. "Show me. I''d like a closer inspection." She slithered after him, and Kelzryn followed along beside her. Bjorn led them leisurely throughout the town''s streets, introducing areas and locations as they passed. He highlighted the various establishments, detailing their functions and the craftsmen managing them. Occasionally, they attracted stares and hushed murmurs from the townsfolk. Calyxia responded to the attention stoically, unconcerned with the humans'' reaction. Kelzryn ignored them likewise, preferring to focus on his surroundings. Throughout their walk, Bjorn maintained his affable demeanor and served as an engaging host. While conversational, his explanations remained informative and concise. Likewise, he exhibited appropriate discretion while disclosing facts and private matters. Their casual tour lasted until dusk, eventually arriving at the feast hall.
Engin reclined comfortably upon his chair. Candlelight illuminated his immediate vicinity while casting shadows in the periphery. Several patrons occupied the tables closest to his seat, enjoying the evening''s atmosphere. Idle chatter and the sounds of cutlery dominated the hall. Occasionally, a cheer or shout punctuated the relative tranquility. His guests sat opposite him, having joined him a short while ago. Kelzryn and Calyxia were engrossed in a discussion¡ªone filled with terms Engin couldn''t comprehend and had no particular desire to learn. Though the conversation''s subject eluded him, their animated expressions indicated its importance. Kelzryn''s contributions consisted mostly of nods and thoughtful hums while Calyxia did the majority of the talking. Engin assumed the topic centered on magic, a subject he avoided. He had neither the proficiency nor the inclination to pursue. The young guild master of the Ethervein Enclave, Orin Webb, occupied his other guest spot. Unlike Engin, Orin participated energetically, actively engaging both Kelzryn and Calyxia in their esoteric debate. He interjected with his opinions and views, earning him a modicum of acknowledgment and approval from both parties. Orin didn''t seem phased by their abnormal appearances, treating Kelzryn and Calyxia akin to colleagues engaged in an intellectual exercise. He conversed comfortably and confidently. Engin envied him a little. He possessed the charm, charisma, and intelligence necessary to maneuver effectively through the various spheres and facets of social discourse. Although not as refined and cultivated as Evelyne''s mannerisms, Orin carried an affable openness Engin appreciated. Coupled with a youthful vigor and an easygoing disposition, his company proved refreshing and engaging. "Sorry to interrupt." Bjorn''s interjection interrupted their discussion. His arrival garnered the quartet''s attention. "Food''s ready." He slid a large platter onto the table''s surface, its contents releasing a savory aroma. A juicy roast rested within the center of the platter, surrounded by a variety of side dishes. Accompanying vegetables, sliced breads, stews, and a basket of fruits completed the lavish arrangement. Steam rose lazily, indicating their freshly cooked state. Engin inhaled deeply, relishing the culinary bounty. "Bjorn. I had intended to treat our esteemed guests to a meal tonight. You needn''t trouble yourself so." "It''s not a hassle at all. I didn''t do this alone. Plenty of help from the kitchen staff." Bjorn gestured nonchalantly. "Enjoy." "You spoil us. Thank you." Engin''s appreciation earned him a shrug and a chuckle. "I''ll leave you folks to your discussions, then." Bjorn excused himself. "Just get someone''s attention if you want more drinks." Engin served a slice of meat to Orin and each of their guests before proceeding to carve his share. Orin graciously reciprocated the gesture. Calyxia tasted her meal delicately, her forked tongue flicking and sampling a piece of roast. Once ingested, her pupils dilated briefly and a pleased smile graced her lips. She sampled the accompanying sides and nodded approvingly. "Acceptable fare. More flavorful and diverse than I had anticipated." "Glad to hear." Engin turned to Kelzryn, who was staring at his serving thoughtfully. "I recall you mentioned that you didn''t need sustenance, but would you like to try anyway? No pressure. If not, it won''t go to waste." Kelzryn hesitated. After a moment''s contemplation, he inclined his head agreeably. "I''ll sample." "Please help yourself. Enjoy." Engin watched as he picked a vegetable from his plate and popped it into his mouth. "Edible," Kelzryn determined succinctly. He proceeded to consume the remainder of the dish at a slow pace. Engin hid a smile and exchanged a knowing glance with Orin. He resumed dining as their previous discussion resumed. At times, Calyxia translated certain concepts and theories to the latter half of Engin''s table, seeking his opinion and confirmation. Orin obliged readily and supplemented the clarification appropriately. Their dialogue resumed, evolving and encompassing topics Engin could scarcely follow. Time passed, and the platters grew emptier. Various liquids filled their glasses. Conversations ebbed and flowed, accompanied by the clinking of utensils. Engin enjoyed the ambiance, occasionally contributing minor insights and observations. His participation remained voluntary, and the others accommodated him accordingly. Eventually, the dishes had reduced to scraps, and the platters returned empty. Engin leaned back contentedly and nursed the wine within his glass. Its warmth radiated pleasantly within his belly, aiding the relaxing sensation spreading throughout his body. "Excuse the intrusion." A Silverguard soldier interrupted them. "Sir Engin, Bjorn. I''ve something to report, urgently." The look on the soldier''s face conveyed his seriousness, and Engin straightened immediately. "Speak." "We''ve received a report from our scouts. There''s a group advancing towards Ebonheim from the western border. Judging from their equipment and numbers, they''re brigands from the region around Dulgaan." The soldier paused, his grim tone emphasizing his report. "They''re encamped roughly a day¡¯s journey on foot from Ebonheim''s boundary." "Brigands? How many?" Engin''s countenance turned grave. His prior tranquility had vanished. "Four hundred, give or take. The scouts also saw two Aetherframes with them," the soldier revealed somberly. "Aetherframes? You''re certain?" Engin''s alarm escalated. The Silverguard soldier nodded affirmatively. "Aye. That''s why the scouts alerted us immediately. We''re uncertain of the frames'' capabilities, though. But they''ll most likely have a few Arcanists and Artificers in their ranks." "Prepare a meeting in the town hall. Notify the heads of each faction." Engin stood, the urgency in his voice clear. "We need to discuss a plan and countermeasures." Chapter 125: The Dragon Among Us, United Front Engin gathered the important individuals within the town hall shortly thereafter. Standing at the head of the main table, he regarded the assembled attendees: Kaela and Deneve represented the Silverguard, Bjorn for the militia and Hrafnsteinns, Serrandyl and Argoran for the Aslankoyash, Hilda and Lira for the Jixisha, Evelyne for Les Artisanats, and Orin representing the Ethervein Enclaves. Engin wasted no time delving into their predicament. "Our scouts have reported a brigand group camped roughly a day''s journey west. We estimate four hundred. Of note, they''ve two Aetherframes supporting them." Murmurs broke out as soon as the Aetherframe mention was divulged. Engin let his announcement sink in for a moment before continuing. "Their exact goals are unknown, but I assume they have hostile intent." Engin surveyed the reactions of the room. "Options? Suggestions?" "How do we know that they''ll attack us?" Serrandyl was the first to query. Her skepticism didn''t escape the rest. Engin answered plainly. "There''s only one road leading from the western passage, and it leads directly here. Dulgaan lies west. If such a large band of brigands is nearby, logic dictates they''ll raid us¡ªunless there''s a reason they''re traversing through the Eldergrove. But I doubt we''re spared their scrutiny and interest. Their proximity alone poses a threat." "So our options are to prepare for an attack or fight them off once they strike. Right?" Deneve confirmed. "Essentially. If the Silverguards are amenable, patrols and security will need to increase. At the same time, we should maintain the guise of normalcy and unpreparedness," Engin responded. He glanced toward Kaela. "Agreeable," Kaela replied promptly. "Double patrols along the perimeter and entry routes. Scouts remain at their posts. Standard protocol. Increase surveillance." She exchanged a nod with Deneve, cementing the decision. "Appreciate the Silverguard''s cooperation," Engin continued, addressing the rest. "Everyone else, please notify your subordinates and prepare contingencies." "The Aetherframes will pose a considerable problem," Orin pointed out, raising his hand. "Not only that but depending on the number of Arcanists in their ranks, if they decide to initiate their assault by bombarding the town from the outskirts, we''ll have a tough defense. My guild can supply additional defensive wards and barriers, at least. We''ll join the Silverguard patrols and reinforce key areas. Anything beyond that depends on their artillery." Engin inclined his head gratefully. "Thank you, Orin." He surveyed the hall. "Does anyone have alternative methods of defense?" Hilda''s gnarled fingers drummed idly across the table. She exchanged a glance with Lira, and her granddaughter nodded resolutely. Raising her palm, Hilda spoke. "I don''t want to spread our defenses thin since the Jixisha encampment lies across the river and away from the town''s center. We will return to town temporarily, and contribute what aid we can." "And I''ll assist," Lira volunteered. "Our druidic magic can serve well as defensive measures. Spirits will also alert us beforehand. Don''t worry." Engin acknowledged them. "Much appreciated." "The Aslankoyash will contribute as much as we can." Argoran stepped forward. Serrandyl mirrored his motion. "Strength lies in our numbers and claws. Send a messenger to the encampment. I''ll lead the reinforcements." Engin thanked them. "Excellent. Bjorn, I''ll entrust the militia''s coordination. Prepare what''s needed. Weapons and supplies. See if the smiths can manufacture additional arrows." Bjorn''s response was curt. "Aye. Understood." Evelyne, who had been silent, raised a finger demurely. "Les Artisanats will collaborate closely with Orin. As for the two Aetherframes that concern everyone, leave them to me." She flashed a coy smile, earning her curious stares. "I''ll personally deal with them." Orin eyed her dubiously but nodded regardless. "This will be the first time I get to see a champion-level operator. Hopefully, the reports match reality." He met her competitive smirk with a challenging grin. "Rest assured. I''ll exceed your expectations," Evelyne promised. Turning to Engin, she continued. "If there''s nothing else, may I excuse myself? Les Artisanats needs preparation." Engin inclined his head. "By all means. All of you, coordinate amongst yourselves. Any questions or updates, submit them to me. We''ll reconvene if warranted." He adjourned the gathering and dismissed the attendees. Within minutes, the hall vacated swiftly, leaving him alone. Engin released a sigh and rubbed his temple tiredly. Brigands. Troublesome. I hope Ebonheim returns soon.
Kelzryn and Calyxia idled outside the town hall, observing the bustle ensuing after the meeting. Discussion flowed freely amidst the town''s inhabitants, and the urgency reflected their shared concerns and trepidation. Preparations had already commenced, and their efficacy impressed Kelzryn. "What are you thinking about?" Calyxia inquired as she slithered alongside him. The snakes crowning her head bobbed rhythmically, their tongues flitting in and out. Her tail trailed behind her, occasionally brushing against his legs. "You''ve that thoughtful expression again." "Human ingenuity," Kelzryn revealed. "Despite their mortality and limitations, their adaptability is impressive." He scanned the ongoing activities, noting the coordinated and purposeful movements. "Hm. Yes, they''re rather astute. Quick-witted and capable." Calyxia examined a passing pair carrying a bundle of crates. "Given the current circumstances, their reaction''s appropriate. Surprising even. But...my Seraphidae are more capable. If required, I can dispatch a portion to defend this town." "Unnecessary. They''ve their own resolve and pride. To rely on the Seraphidae would diminish theirs. Allow them to handle their problems." Kelzryn''s countenance shifted, and his tone became solemn. "However, should their efforts prove inadequate...I''ll intervene." Calyxia scrutinized his change in mood. "Kelzryn. You seem invested." She glided before him, her luminous eyes meeting his. "Ever since you''ve arrived, I''ve sensed an unusual drive within you. Different from your former self. Almost protective, even. Pray tell." "You''ve keen insight, as always." Kelzryn''s response contained a hint of admiration. "Ebonheim. I owe her a debt. Gratitude for saving my life, and...I acknowledge her potential." An uncharacteristic pout marred Calyxia''s face. She coiled around him and cupped her hands on his cheeks. Drawing closer, her forked tongue brushed teasingly against his chin. "Why does Ebonheim get all the credit for saving you, hmm? I did my part as well, don''t you remember? I nearly perished from the resulting explosion. Was my contribution insignificant?" Kelzryn placed his hands over hers and peeled them gently from his face. He guided her digits towards his lips and pressed tenderly upon her knuckles. "Your role contributed. Credit isn''t solely hers. I include your efforts and express my heartfelt gratitude." Calyxia extracted her palms brusquely, yet her annoyed facade faltered, betraying a growing blush. Retracting her coils from his person, she withdrew and reoriented her posture. Composing herself, she remarked. "Don''t distract me. You''ve changed. Considerably. The Kelzryn I''m familiar with would have scoffed at humanity''s inadequacy and scoffed openly." "Change occurs. Time alters many. Including myself," Kelzryn affirmed. "Adapt or perish, Calyxia. I chose the former." Calyxia studied him for a prolonged period before nodding. "Very well. Adapt or perish indeed." Satisfied, she slithered beside him and resumed their idle observation. "So, what now? Shall we lend our assistance?" She indicated a nearby scene, watching as a group hauled barrels onto a cart. "I imagine they could utilize our strength. Especially yours." The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Leave them. Observation is sufficient. Humanity has a tendency to rise and meet its challenges. Allow them autonomy. Interference would impede their resolve. Should necessity arise...then I''ll participate," Kelzryn reiterated his stance. "Fine," Calyxia acquiesced. She flicked his cheek. "I''ll reserve intervention as a final resort." Kelzryn accepted her concession silently and redirected his attention to the town''s preparations. Within the span of a few hours, the hustle and bustle had transformed into an organized activity. Teams and groups moved with purpose, distributing tasks and assignments. Materials and goods flowed fluidly within the town''s veins. Despite its temporary crisis, efficiency and productivity had not dissipated. Engin''s leadership played a significant factor in his assessment. Kelzryn watched as he coordinated and directed the town''s populace methodically. His decisive commands provided clarity and purpose to the uncertainty permeating their collective mindset. Engin''s decisiveness and forethought shaped the town''s actions, a fact the inhabitants recognized and appreciated. Similarly, the various factions and representatives displayed effective communication and cooperation. Debates and conflicts emerged, yet their resolution and acceptance occurred quickly, and the issues were subsequently resolved. Calyxia slithered leisurely before him, her supple physique exuding a distinct allure. Glancing at his expression, she smirked. "Kelzryn. Change has its merits. For example, witness the beauty and potential before you." She draped her upper torso over his shoulders and leaned heavily against his chest. Flexing her tail, she wound her body tightly around him. "For example: me. Appreciate and bask. Indulge." Kelzryn freed an arm from her snaking limbs and patted her head lightly. He stroked her crown of snakes idly. Their tongues flicked and tickled his wrist as his caress stirred them awake. Kelzryn endured their playful bites and nips wordlessly, exhibiting an amused countenance. "You''ve never been this starved for affection," Kelzryn noted, diverting his gaze from the town. Examining Calyxia''s besotted appearance, he asked, "Am I responsible? Or, have your preferences evolved?" "Both," Calyxia confessed readily. "Before, I tolerated you. But now...things have altered." She tightened her coils and buried her face against his neck. Kissing his jaw, her forked tongue traced his ear. "This is the first time I''ve seen you in a form more similar to my own, compared to your usual draconic self. Also...you''re considerably calmer and tamer." Kelzryn indulged her overt advances, allowing her liberties he had not previously granted. His relationship with her had always remained cordial but impersonal. Their interactions were predominantly businesslike and professional¡ªoften involving matters of the Eldergrove''s affairs and governance. He respected her power and position, and similarly, Calyxia held him in a mixture of wariness, curiosity, and reluctant acceptance. Prior to his ordeal, a semblance of thawing had occurred between them. Calyxia had gradually acclimatized to his presence within the Eldergrove, and their relations had improved accordingly. But this. Kelzryn''s perspective had undergone a paradigm shift. Calyxia''s attraction had emerged abruptly, yet his altered mindset embraced the novel shift. I hadn''t considered her a prospect prior, yet... "Kelzryn." Calyxia''s persistent gestures extracted him from his considerations. Her voice had an unusual husky timbre. Pressing her chest against him, her forked tongue darted playfully and licked his face. "Stop thinking and respond to my affections. Properly." "Indulging requires an adequate amount." Extricating himself skillfully, Kelzryn untangled her coils. Calyxia''s disappointed whimper went unacknowledged. "Let us continue observing." He redirected his focus towards the town. "Tease," Calyxia accused, sighing. Nevertheless, she positioned herself beside him obediently and mirrored his observance. "Very well. We''ll postpone. But if you continue teasing and denying...I''ll have to indulge in Ebonheim instead." Her taunt earned a subtle twitch from Kelzryn. Ignoring her jest, he refocused. Calyxia chuckled smugly.
A shiver ran down Evelyne''s spine. Distracted momentarily, she adjusted her collar. Unusual. A breeze, perhaps? Resuming her duties, she deligated responsibilities and coordinated the Les Artisanats'' responses. Members bustled hurriedly around her. Preparations and inventory had commenced, and she ensured their efficiency. The workshop''s doors remained propped wide open to expedite the influx and outflow of activities. Despite their rush, Evelyne detected an underlying trace of excitement permeating her subordinates. Even Dimitri and Pierre, who were normally the picture of composure and decorum, exhibited a restless thrill. Maybe it was because of the impending threat. The days had been so peaceful since their settlement, and the notion of defending the town provided an adrenaline-filled thrill and anticipation. Evelyne empathized. Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair rarely had opportunities to demonstrate their utility and contributions compared to the Ethervein Enclave. Such events were rare and fleeting. Evelyne intended to maximize the benefits of the brigand encounter and showcase her faction''s value. "Mademoiselle Blaise," Emile Lecl¨¨re interrupted her thoughts. The girl approached timidly, a clipboard clutched firmly against her bosom. Evelyne recognized the apprehensiveness on her face. Plastering a welcoming smile, she beckoned Emile forth. "Yes? What is it?" Evelyne inquired. "Um..." Emile presented the clipboard hesitantly. "What sort of armaments and functionalities do you want to be installed into L¨¦andre? Right now, the Aetherframe''s loadout is configured purely for transportation. You will be operating L¨¦andre personally, non?" "Oui, I''ll operate L¨¦andre." Evelyne reviewed the document swiftly. Crossing her arms, her index tapped contemplatively against her lips. "Configure the Aetherframe to the most versatile loadout in our arsenal." She handed the clipboard back. "Give priority to offensive capabilities." "Oui! Mademoiselle." Emile received the clipboard promptly. With a crisp bow, she scurried off. Evelyne resumed coordinating. Within moments, an unexpected individual arrived at her workshop. "Orin, what brings you here?" Evelyne strode briskly over to greet him. "Need something?" "Are you going to deploy all four of your Aetherframes? How are your resources and preparations coming along?" Orin cast his glance across the workshop. Les Artisanats laborers hustled busily without sparing him a second glance. "No, not all four frames. I''ll deploy L¨¦andre since I''m the only champion-grade operator," Evelyne clarified. Motioning him indoors, she guided Orin toward her office. "Since Viviane''s out, there are only a few operators that I trust who are experienced enough for a combat operation against the brigands. I''ll deploy the others if required." Entering her office, she continued. "As for preparations? Les Artisanats are ahead of schedule. Everyone''s excited, even the older veterans." Evelyne seated herself comfortably behind her desk. She gestured invitingly at an available seat. "What about your side?" "Same as yours." Orin declined the offer and paced casually. "Almost everyone''s champing at the bit. It''s like another festival around here. Makes me worried, really. I''m not sure if this will amount to more than a drill, considering we''re dealing with mere brigands. Then again...depending on how experienced they are and how well they''re equipped...who knows." Evelyne hummed contemplatively. Orin was right. There was a big difference between handling brigands and seasoned raiders. Brigands were opportunistic pillagers and scavengers, whereas raiders were well-equipped, well-coordinated, and well-organized groups. Raiders traveled the frontiers and attacked vulnerable settlements or merchant convoys. Their numbers varied greatly, and their operations typically included specialized Arcanists or Artificers. The scouts may have labeled them as brigands, but the actual threat posed remained unpredictable. Regardless, Evelyne didn''t intend to underestimate them. Better safe than sorry. "You''re not the optimistic kind, are you?" Evelyne remarked. She reclined and scrutinized the Artificer. Orin rummaged idly through a collection of trinkets decorating her shelves. Selecting a miniature figurine of a winged horse, he inspected the ornament before returning it carefully. "Optimism isn''t a component of planning. Optimism and pessimism are extraneous factors. Planning and preparation trump the former and nullify the latter." Evelyne conceded the point. Orin possessed the characteristics fitting of a guild master. Decisive, competent, pragmatic, and analytical. Qualities Evelyne admired. Qualities fitting of Les Artisanats'' interests. Perhaps...she''ll consider broaching the issue soon. "Well said," she praised. Straightening her posture, she focused her attention. "Back to the matter. What did you require from us?" "Cooperation, primarily. Collaboration. In case of arcane bombardment, we have to make sure that every direction is covered. Our town can''t afford gaps in its defense. Hence collaboration and coordination. Your guild is more specialized in automaton engineering, and mine excels more at wardcraft." "True," Evelyne agreed. She understood his rationale. Wards and barriers created a comprehensive net, whereas devices fulfilled specific areas and zones. Together, they would complement and reinforce the town''s fortifications. "Collaborate, coordinate...yes, I concur. Les Artisanats and Ethervein Enclave should collaborate," Evelyne proposed. Casting her persuasive gaze upon her counterpart, she smiled. "Additionally, I welcome your candid counsel. Your expertise will benefit Les Artisanats immensely. Will you humor me?" Orin pondered her invitation silently, his countenance a stoic mask. Evelyne could discern his internal conflict. His hesitance was evident. After deliberating for an extended period, Orin eventually assented. "Sure." Orin shrugged. Extending his mechanized right hand, he offered his agreement. "I''ll cooperate with Les Artisanats and share pointers." "Marvelous." Evelyne seized his limb eagerly and shook his palm. Suppressing a triumphant smile, she sealed the agreement. "Marvelous. Very generous and enlightening. I anticipate our future collaborations and exchanges, monsieur Webb." "Likewise," Orin concurred. Pulling his arm free, he dusted his palm and cleared his throat. "Well then. If there''s nothing else...I''ll resume the preparations." "Of course. I''ll accompany you out." Evelyne stood and exited the office. "I need to check my Aetherframe''s modification, anyway." Chapter 126: Raid of the Brigands, Encroaching Danger Vasco "the Cleaver" stood atop a craggy outcrop, his silhouette etched against the dusky sky, the fading light painting him as part of the twilight. The vast expanse of the Eldergrove unfurled below him¡ªa verdant chasm separating realms of man, a place where myths tread heavily upon the earth. Here, in this untouched sanctuary, he sensed a new chapter of legend waiting to be written by his hand. His band of brigands, numbering almost two hundred, sprawled loosely behind him. Their murmurs and idle conversations drifted aimlessly amidst the evening breeze. Tents and campfires dotted the area like flickering stars amid the grass. Their journey had been arduous, a path fraught with the promise of peril and the lure of unfathomable rewards. They had entered the valley not in search of settlements or spoils but to carve a stronghold, a dominion from which Vasco could forge a legacy to outlast the scorn he had suffered in his past life. The brigands wanted more than loot; they sought a land to claim, a realm to shape in their image. And Vasco intended to provide. "Boss," Jarek''s voice cut through the evening din. "The boys are sayin'' these woods feel... old. Like the sort of old that makes you think twice about what''s watchin'' ya." The Aetherframe operator''s words carried an unfamiliar weight. Rare was Jarek Voltstorm ever unsettled. Vasco ignored his associate''s unease. Instead, he relished the atmosphere. "Old?" Vasco tasted the word and savored its meaning. He inhaled a lungful of the valley''s primal air. "These woods are old, Jarek. Older than any god''s temple or king''s throne. But it''s just land, and land can be claimed, can be owned." Jarek''s Aetherframe loomed behind him. Tempest¡ªnamed for its thundering stomps and crackling arcana¡ªwas the largest frame Vasco''s ragtag group had ever confiscated. Built for battle and constructed from reinforced Gwyndyrall plates, Tempest boasted a lumbering and brutish appearance, armored with thick plates and armed with a plethora of magitech weaponry. "Easy fer ye to say," Jarek spat. The Aetherframe operator rested his arms on Tempest''s knee joint, and his gaze lingered warily into the surrounding foliage. "Ye don''t feel the prickles running down yer skin." "Prickles?" Vasco echoed mockingly. He turned and shot his companion a condescending scowl. "Jarek, ye spineless cur, I expected better. Ye''d think the fearsome ''Voltstorm'' wouldn''t piss his pants at the sight of trees." "It''s not the bleedin'' trees," Jarek protested defensively. Pointing toward the forest depths, he hissed, "It''s whatever lurks inside." "Inside, ye say?" Vasco followed the line drawn by his colleague. Scanning the dense foliage shrouding the valley''s innermost regions, his lips curved upward into a cruel sneer. "Ah, and ye say lurks, eh? Whatever could ye mean? Hmm?" Vasco feigned a contemplative expression. "Lurks implies somethin'' is there. Somethin'' hidden. Ye fear the unseen, Jarek?" "Boss, I''m tellin'' ye," Jarek urged. "Y''hear the whispers and rustlings in the bushes. Somethin'' ain''t right here." Vasco disregarded the operator''s concerns. Chuckling derisively, he jabbed a thumb against his own chest. "Whatever lurks here will not stop Vasco the Cleaver. Gods nor beast shall deny me what is due. Ye can bet yer last copper that." He brandished his signature blade¡ªhis namesake¡ªwith a flourish. Spinning the cleaver expertly around his grip, he carved an imaginary foe. "Aye. The Eldergrove has plenty to offer. Mark my words. Land. Spoils. Glory." Vasco envisioned a stronghold crafted from the Eldergrove''s bounty. A fortress forged from timber and stone, standing imperiously against the ravages of time, a bastion worthy of his reign. Such a kingdom required citizens, vassals to swear fealty and heed his word. He could cultivate a following from the valley''s wilderness¡ªbrigands, vagabonds, and mercenaries alike. Jarek muttered discontentedly beneath his breath, but Vasco ignored his subordinate. Trudging down the rocky outcrop, Vasco surveyed his minions. Their numbers had swelled recently, and his recruitment had attracted the bold and the brazen. Among the newcomers included a handful of Arcanists and Artificers¡ªprizes worth their salt. Maintaining his authoritative swagger, Vasco made his way toward his tent. Passing a pair of brigands, he barked an order. "Boy, fetch me ale." Addressing the other, he demanded, "Y''other lad, bring me food." "Right away, boss," came the prompt replies. Upon entering his lodgings, Vasco flopped unceremoniously upon his bedroll. Resting his cleaver against a wooden table, he exhaled a weary sigh. Idly, his fingers roamed instinctively toward the scars adorning the left half of his face. He massaged the rugged disfigurement, his touch gentle yet full of contempt. Memories surfaced from the recesses of his mind. Memories Vasco had sought tirelessly to bury. The echoes of his failures and humiliations¡ªa time of misery and despair¡ªhad become shackles and chains. The past dragged him relentlessly along the abyss. Yet Vasco refused defeat. He clawed, kicked, and fought¡ªdetermined to escape the abyss and rise again. Clenching his fist, he cursed softly. "Ye gods and yer games. Ye toy and tease. Curse ye all. Curse ye to the Void and beyond!" The pair of lackeys returned with a tray of meat and drink. Entering his tent wordlessly, they positioned the refreshments upon the table and excused themselves. Vasco paid them no heed. Rising from his bedroll, he seated himself at the table. Pouring his mug full, Vasco tossed a roasted haunch into his mouth and washed his food with a mouthful of ale. The meat''s juices coated his tongue, its savory taste and fragrance a pleasant reprieve. He hadn''t consumed properly for several days¡ªnot since embarking upon their expedition. Their rations had depleted rapidly due to their burgeoning ranks, and their supply reserves had run dangerously low. Vasco had sent a portion of his brigands into the Eldergrove to replenish their stocks. Unfortunately, no game dwelled within the forest depths, and their attempts had yielded nothing. Consequently, the men returned hungry and empty-handed. Frowning, Vasco devoured his meal. Hunger gnawed at his stomach, and his displeasure amplified his irritation. Finishing his ale, he slammed the cup petulantly. Reaching for the pitcher, his palm encountered the vessel''s barren interior. "Empty? Boy!" Vasco hollered indignantly. Stomping from the confines of his tent, he located a nearby minion. Grabbing the startled lad, Vasco shook him vehemently. "Where''s me drink? Where''s more haunch? Why''m I eatin'' bones? Do ye not respect the Cleaver? Is that yer intention?!" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "S-sorry, boss. S''empty. Cook ran out," the terrified young man stammered. Vasco released his captive, and the lackey crumpled helplessly against the ground. Crawling backward hastily, he pleaded, "Cook''s huntin'' fer more." Vasco''s fury cooled. Controlling his temper, his scowl morphed into a stern glower. Fixing the trembling lackey with an intimidating glare, he growled. "See ta'' it. Be quick. Else, Vasco will feed ye to the wolves. Go!" Watching the lackey flee pitifully, Vasco regained his bearings. Composing his demeanor, he retraced his steps. "Boss," Silas'' voice emanated sharply from behind. "Eh? Shadowweave?" Vasco spun around irritably, his glare sharp. "Better be important." "Reports. Scout''s arrived," Silas disclosed. The Arcanist''s hood obscured his features, casting a hazy outline around the edges. Shadows swirled conspicuously around his robes. "They found a town. Settlement. About a day''s march northeast." "A town, ye say?" Vasco repeated curiously. Odd. Had there been any news of a settlement established within the Eldergrove? Vasco didn''t recall receiving any intel. The valley was vast; rumors and hearsays were easy to miss. Still... "Details?" Vasco demanded. Crossing his arms, he waited impatiently. Silas didn''t disappoint. "Population is uncertain. Estimated around a few thousand. Buildings are sturdy, wall fortified. Armed personnel patrol the perimeter. Standard procedures. Defenses are sound. Vigilant." Silas reported efficiently, his description curt and concise. "A few thousand? Armed personnel?" Vasco digested the information. Rubbing his beard contemplatively, he frowned. Something''s not addin''. His instincts pricked him. Maybe that was why there was a road leading through the Eldergrove. Vasco hadn''t considered its origins earlier. The valley was rarely explored or traversed. Too treacherous. Too unpredictable. Travelers and merchants preferred safer routes. Why establish a road, then? Unless...that route led to the settlement. "Any idea who established the settlement? Why would there be a bloody town inside the Eldergrove?!" Vasco barked, his irritation rising. Silas'' response did not appease him. "Unknown. Town lacks an emblem," Silas stated. The Arcanist''s hood titled inquiringly. "Boss, should we scout deeper? Dig deeper for details?" "Aye. Do that." Vasco waved a dismissive hand. Turning away dismissively, he resumed his vigil. The shadows cast by the descending dusk seemed to stir, and Vasco swore he heard whispers and murmurs drifting from their depths. Shaking his head, he dispelled his paranoia. Probably the wind. "Scout the surroundings. Dig deeper. Find out everything. Get me details." "Understood." Silas retreated and departed. Left alone with his musings, Vasco''s attention was divided. His ambition and intuitions warred, prompting a dilemma. Establishing a settlement implied an abundance. Resources. Riches. Prospects. Vasco couldn''t ignore the opportunity. Yet caution was essential. Risk required a reward. Uncertainties were costly. Vasco couldn''t gamble on assumptions and hopes. Should he strike the settlement? Raid the town and plunder its spoils? But...what if the settlement had an ally or patron? Vasco couldn''t risk antagonizing a faction. Territorial skirmishes could result in a bloodbath. Vasco''s forces weren''t numerous, and his brigands lacked the logistics and provisions required for a prolonged campaign. "Is something bothering you?" a voice inquired smoothly from behind him. "Xellos. Ye damnable sneak," Vasco cursed. Releasing his weapon, he scowled. "Where did ye slink off to this time?" It was annoying enough that Silas had a penchant for appearing and disappearing, but now there was this newcomer. Vasco had recruited him several weeks ago¡ªanother Arcanist, he presumed¡ªbut the man''s mysterious and elusive behavior unnerved him. "Just exploring the vicinity. Observing," Xellos responded. Stepping closer, he maintained a respectable distance. His mannerisms and demeanor exuded politeness and aplomb. "Is something troubling you? You seem distracted." "Aye. Troublesome," Vasco muttered. Hesitating, he debated his options. Xellos possessed an air of competency and reliability. Might as well. Vasco gestured him nearer. "Come. Join me." Xellos obeyed. Approaching the craggy outcrop, he mimicked Vasco''s posture, leaning his weight against the precipice. "New information. Scout''s brought back news," Vasco disclosed. Keeping his vision trained ahead, he recounted Silas'' findings. Xellos listened silently. "Town lies north. Northeast. Population''s unknown. Armed. Protected. Ye have any thoughts? Opinions?" Xellos remained quiet, and Vasco observed his contemplative demeanor. Several minutes passed. Vasco waited. "The town sounds interesting. Attacking could net lucrative gains. Why the hesitation?" Xellos finally asked. Vasco grunted. He expected the question. "Plunderin'' settlements is tricky. Risky. Opportunities can become liabilities. Ye raid a town expecting spoils, and ye find an allied force protecting it. No. I won''t risk pissin'' on a fire while ignorantly hoping for rain." "Fair assessments. Agreed," Xellos concurred. His hood swayed minutely, indicating a subtle nod. "However...attacking a settlement is the opportunity you''ve been searching for. The Eldergrove has limited prospects. Resources and treasures are finite." Vasco didn''t respond. His suspicions heightened. Something was off. Xellos'' words had a strange...weight...to them. Coaxing and persuasive, as if his speech contained an intangible pressure. Vasco didn''t dwell on the odd sensation. He pushed aside his concerns. "True," Vasco admitted. Casting a sideways glance, he examined Xellos'' cloaked profile. "Ye''ve a point. Raidin'' the settlement will provide a solid foothold. But what if¡ª" "Consider the town''s riches. Its resources," Xellos interjected. Stepping closer, he edged Vasco''s doubts and qualms. His tone took on a seductive note, enticing and inviting. "Think about the spoils. What are you afraid of? Your men are skilled. Veterans. Capable. One settlement shouldn''t prove insurmountable." "Aye...perhaps," Vasco agreed halfheartedly. Doubts persisted. "One settlement''s not the issue. The town could have an ally." Vasco recalled the road leading through the Eldergrove. Someone established that road. Someone facilitated the settlement''s construction. "Raidin'' a defended location might ignite unnecessary fires." Xellos''s hood tilted. Vasco imagined him raising an eyebrow inquisitively. "Unnecessary fires? Fire''s an inevitability. Eventually, conflict will occur. Whether or not you attack the settlement, someone will." Xellos paused, his statement taking on an ominous edge. "Fire exists. Better you fan its flames than allow someone else to stoke the blaze." Vasco pondered his argument. Xellos was correct. Conflict could not be avoided. Territory and resources were finite. Eventually, the brigands would require a permanent foothold. "Ye propose I seize the initiative, then," Vasco surmised. His confidence resurfaced. Xellos'' counsel strengthened his conviction. "Take control. Strike when the iron''s hot. Claim the settlement as our own." "Precisely. Attack. Seize. Control. Establish your rule. Your authority," Xellos persuaded. Raising an arm, he splayed his palm invitingly. Vasco glimpsed the symbols adorning his digits. Strange marks. Intricately arranged runes. "Lead. Command. Become the victor." Vasco didn''t resist the enticement. Xellos'' conviction washed over him, bolstering his doubts and alleviating his anxieties. Vasco grasped the offered limb resolutely. "Aye. Lead. Command. Victor. Ye''re right. I''ll seize the settlement. Make its lands ours. Carve a home fit fer my reign." Vasco''s grip tightened. Snorting, he grinned. "Follow my lead. Ye''re right. Enough delay." Turning abruptly, Vasco stormed towards his followers. Xellos trailed behind him languidly, and Vasco bellowed a command, his decree ringing loudly across the brigade. "Get yer lazy asses ready, curs! Up! Gear and armor! Grab yer weapons! We march!" Vasco brandished his cleaver. Spinning the blade threateningly, he roared, "We move tonight! March north! We''ll raid the settlement! Seize their riches! Carve a stronghold fer our dominion!" Cheers and cries erupted simultaneously. He basked in the enthusiasm. Motivating his men and restoring their fervor was crucial. Vasco desired unified support. Stir their aspirations. Fuel their lust. The Eldergrove provided an opportunity. Vasco would ensure they reaped its bounties. Chapter 127: Raid of the Brigands, Ambush and Counterattack In the twilight gloom before the dawn, the shadow-play of leaves and branches cast a mottled cloak over the militia, their presence as indistinct as the half-heard rumors of brigands prowling the Eldergrove. The early mist hung like a haze over the still-shadowed landscape. The silence was as palpable as the morning''s chill, broken only by the steady march of their footfalls. Bjorn crouched low behind the rampart of gnarled roots. His deep-set eyes, accustomed to the dim undergrowth, remained vigilant for any signs of movement. The air was cool and carried the earthy scent of dew-laden grass, mingling with the faint, underlying tang of oiled leather and metal from his hidden compatriots. The silence was as palpable as the morning''s chill, broken only by the steady march of his heartbeat. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his rune-etched claymore, and he breathed deeply. The familiar scent and texture of leather, the smoothness of the metal¡ªthey served to center his focus. Time crept slowly. Silently, he appraised his militia. Fifty individuals concealed themselves within the Eldergrove''s murk¡ªtheir movements synchronized and disciplined. Every member represented a valued asset. Farmers, huntsmen, and crafters. All possessed a sense of duty and responsibility, motivated by their willingness to defend their home. Bjorn would not risk their lives recklessly. Minutes passed. A birdcall, out of place in the rhythm of the forest''s symphony, signaled the approach of the brigands. It was a feint, Bjorn knew, an attempt to draw them out. He had heard tales of the marauding force led by a man as ruthless as the winter gales of the northern fjords, though Bjorn knew neither the name nor the face of this leader. His orders to the militia were clear: stay hidden, stay silent, wait for his signal. Until then, stealth and surprise would determine the militia''s advantage. A clatter of armor broke the stillness, and figures emerged from the murk. Bjorn''s gaze narrowed as he counted. Forty... no, sixty men, armored and bearing the crest of no known lord or lady¡ªa band of wolves come to prey on his home. They moved with a brash confidence, as if certain their quarry would cower before them. Bjorn did not doubt such arrogance was justified¡ªthe brigands had no reason to suspect a resistance. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. Patience. The brigands were still too far from the trap. His eyes flicked to the treeline where his warriors lay in wait, their presence known only to him. Bjorn resisted the urge to signal. Not yet. Soon. The brigands halted, their formation loose, the front lines bearing shields¡ªlikely anticipating a volley of arrows that would not come. Bjorn''s lip curled in a faint, unseen smile. They expected a town of artisans and farmers to fight like soldiers from their barracks. They were mistaken. An imposing, brutish figure stood tall and broad at the forefront of the brigands. Though Bjorn did not know him by name, the massive cleaver in his hands marked him as the leader. The man shouted orders, his voice carrying across the clearing, authoritative and gruff, the tone of a man used to being heeded without question. "Form ranks! We''ll take the town, loot its riches, and establish ourselves! Earn yer keep, curs, or Vasco will feed ye to the wolves!" the large man commanded, and the brigands moved into position¡ªspreading out, forming a shieldwall before advancing. A hand signal from Bjorn, subtle as the flutter of a leaf falling to the forest floor, set his own plan in motion. From the woods to his left, a raven took flight, a second unnatural call cutting through the air. It was time. Bjorn stepped from the cover of the trees, alone. His emergence was the spark upon the tinder. As he strode into the clearing, he saw the brigands tense, their formation tightening. "Come for glory, have you?" Bjorn called out, his voice booming, grating, filled with a challenge. "You''ll find naught but steel and resolve here!" Vasco, surprised by Bjorn''s lone advance, hesitated, and in that moment, Bjorn gave the brigand leader a nod, almost respectful. It was the signal the militia had been waiting for. The earth itself seemed to erupt as Bjorn''s warriors sprang from their hidden burrows. Arrows whispered death from the treeline, and blades flashed from the foliage. Those brigands fortunate enough to raise their shields in time found their defenses useless against the barrage¡ªmany fell instantly. Bjorn met Vasco''s furious roar with his own.
Vasco snarled in rage as arrows rained from the treeline, his shield barely raised in time. Fury clouded his mind, his cleaver biting the air as he charged, roaring. Beside him, his men answered his cry, charging alongside him. Yet Vasco''s advance was slow and unsteady, his anger tempered by disbelief. He had seen the trap unfold, the woodland disgorging its hidden warriors like a beast spewing forth its young. His men, caught off balance by the ambush, now fought to reclaim their footing. How could he have missed this trap? How could his scouts have failed him so thoroughly? These artisans and farmers, how had they caught them off-guard? Regardless, Vasco was not prepared to surrender. The town would be his, and the Eldergrove would provide him a new beginning. The man who had challenged them strode forward confidently, his claymore flashing in the morning light, and Vasco locked eyes with the warrior. He did not falter, did not shy away¡ªno. If anything, the man met Vasco''s advance with a savage grin. Vasco hated him immediately. With a wordless roar, Vasco swung his cleaver, the blade whistling through the air. Their blades clashed¡ªmetal against metal¡ªand the shock reverberated through Vasco''s body. The warrior matched him blow for blow, the strength behind his swings and cuts equal to his own. Vasco gritted his teeth and pressed onward, hacking and slicing, and the warrior held his ground against him. Around them, their followers clashed and fought, cries and shouts filling the clearing. "Who are ye?! Who leads this town?" Vasco spat. Even as he dueled the claymore-bearing warrior, he surveyed the battle¡ªcounting heads, noting losses. Vasco would have answers, regardless of whether or not he won the confrontation. "My name is Bjorn!" the warrior shouted, his blade singing against Vasco''s cleaver, sparks flying. "Hersir of Ebonheim!" Bjorn''s strikes flowed, his footwork sure and swift¡ªhis technique refined. Vasco''s frustration grew. Against a lesser opponent, a single swing would have ended the fight. Against this Bjorn, Vasco had to struggle. Again and again, Vasco hacked and sliced, his cleaver biting the air¡ªhis swings a whirlwind¡ªyet Bjorn matched Vasco blow for blow. No matter how hard he fought, his cleaver could not pierce his opponent''s guard. His broad chest heaved, a bull ready to charge, but this was no time for blind aggression. He backed away and raised his massive cleaver, signaling his men to form up, to turn this ambush back on their attackers. The disciplined part of his mind, the remnant of his days as an officer, sought to impose order on the chaos. "Shields!" he bellowed, voice cutting through the clamor of battle. His men rallied to his call, forming a protective ring around their leader. He was their anchor, their bastion, and they would not falter while he stood. "Drive ''em back!" A warrior at his side faltered, an arrow finding the gap at his neck. The man crumpled with a dying gasp. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Vasco kicked the body away and scanned his surroundings. His men fought admirably, yet his opponents harried them. From the treeline and foliage, his adversaries ambushed his forces¡ªshooting arrows and striking quickly. Vasco did not fear their strikes, but the lack of battlefield control irritated him. He couldn''t help but turn his snarl into a grin. This was the challenge he lived for, the moment when everything else fell away until there was nothing but the next swing, the next block, the next heartbeat. These defenders were no rabble¡ªbut neither were they veterans. His initial plan to serve as a decoy had worked, albeit differently from his expectations. Now he had to rely on Silas and Jarek''s forces to secure a decisive victory.
The forest was a living cloak for Silas "Shadowweave" Morr, its shadows wrapping around him and his band of brigands like a protective mantle. As the feint unfolded in the clearing, he led the true strike force through the thickets, their footfalls silent as ghosts. Silas moved with a purpose that belied his withdrawn nature. His eyes, dark orbs beneath a furrowed brow, scanned the dense foliage, searching for the telltale signs of an ambush. Around him, his fighters crept forward cautiously¡ªArcanists, rogues, and a handful of mercenaries. Silas had carefully selected his team for the task ahead. The plan was simple in its brutality: circle around, strike where they least expect it, and watch as the town''s hastily assembled defense crumbled. Simple, elegant, effective. The air around him grew colder as he drew on the shadowy tendrils of the forest, weaving a veil of obscurity over his companions. He reveled in the power at his fingertips, a power shunned by his former peers at the conclave. Here, in the wilds, he was free to use his gifts as he saw fit, unbound by the chains of academia and ethics. As the outskirts of the settlement came into view, Silas'' suspicions were confirmed. The bulk of the defenders had marched forward to face Vasco''s distraction. This presented the perfect opportunity for his team to slip through the gaps and strike at the town''s heart. "Onwards. Quietly," Silas ordered, his voice a whisper. Drawing the shadows tighter around him, he continued leading his team. They were nearing the town''s perimeter when Silas felt a disturbance, a ripple in the fabric of his illusions. Someone, or something, was out there, countering his magic with a silent force of their own. He halted the brigade with a raised hand, his senses extending into the forest, probing for the source of the interference. "We''re not alone," Silas warned. Signaling his associates to fan out and remain alert, he peered deeper into the thickets. To his surprise and confusion, Silas detected no hostile presences. The ripples continued interfering with his illusionary veil. Who¡ªor what¡ªcould generate such magical disruptions? "Fan out," he whispered, his voice a soft command that spread like a chill wind among his followers. "Our approach has been sensed." His forces obeyed, spreading into the forest with the silent assent of seasoned hunters. Silas remained still, his hands raised, the shadowy mantle around them fluctuating with his concentration. He sensed the forest''s breath, the subtle shift of energy that spoke of a pending encounter. There was no sound, no warning. The clash came like a winter squall, sudden and fierce. Figures emerged from the treelines¡ªdefenders, cloaked not in shadow but in woven fibers, their features obscured. Silas didn''t have the chance to count his ambushers¡ªthey struck swiftly and dispassionately. Blades flashed, and the shadows protected him. A young brigand at Silas''s side fell¡ªa throwing knife lodged in his throat. Blood spurted violently, and the man crumpled, gargling and grasping futilely at his wound. Silas reacted, not with spells of destruction, but with more layers of illusion, a kaleidoscope of false images to bewilder and deceive. His magic painted phantoms among the trees, warriors where there were none, numbers where there was scarcity. It was a crude tactic¡ªone meant to buy time rather than cause direct harm. Silas needed to gather his bearings and ascertain the circumstances. Yet for each illusion felled, a real brigand stumbled, pierced by an unseen throw or cut by an invisible blade. The illusionary duplicates did little to protect Silas'' forces. They were surrounded, encircled. Silas could sense it. Who were their ambushers? How could they see through his magic so easily? Silas struggled to weave another illusion, attempting to locate his adversaries amidst the confusion. Nothing. The interference had grown stronger¡ªdisrupting his spells. Cursing beneath his breath, he summoned his conjurations¡ªshadowy wraiths and phantoms¡ªinstructing his creations to harass the unseen aggressors. Silas didn''t wait for his efforts to take effect. Instead, he fled deeper into the forest. Disengagement was his priority. Withdrawing would preserve his strength and aid his surviving brigands. As he ran, Silas managed to catch a glimpse of a blurred figure. A woman, her silhouette stark against the forest backdrop¡ªher stance firm, her cloak billowing. Twin daggers flashed in her hands¡ªeach stroke swift and lethal. A glint of silver dangled from her belt¡ªan emblem, a sigil, a mark of affiliation. Realization dawned upon Silas as he fled, his conjurations disintegrating into ephemeral mist. These were not ordinary fighters¡ªthey were no mere artisans or farmers. Silverguard Company. Silas blinked and she was gone. Another brigand fell, his belly opened like a gaping mouth. Silas did not stop. His flight intensified. This was no ordinary town.
Kaela moved through the forest with the silence of a shadow, her senses attuned to the faintest rustle of leaves or the softest snap of a twig. The moon above was a sliver, casting the woods in a tapestry of silver and black, a hunter''s light. Her team flanked her, equally silent, equally deadly. Their mission was clear: engage the enemy flank. Intercept and eliminate. The chill air was a balm on her skin, the earthy scent of the forest filling her lungs with each breath. She had always felt more alive in the throes of danger, where every moment held the weight of a thousand choices. That thrill, the exhilaration¡ªit fueled her¡ªmade her sharper, faster, deadlier. The brigands'' feint at Bjorn''s position had not fooled her. Such crude tactics were expected, and she had prepared her mobile units accordingly. But as they patrolled the flanks, a chilling sense seeped into her bones¡ªa magic, dark and oppressive, that sought to cloud her mind and lead her astray. A signal from one of her scouts¡ªthe faint whistle of an owl¡ªhalted their advance. Enemy mages moved through the forest, their presence a blight upon the natural balance. Kaela''s lips thinned. Magic was a tool better wielded by scholars and craftsmen¡ªthose capable of refining its nuance and application. For those incapable, magic became a destructive force¡ªa wildfire whose unpredictability threatened everything and everyone. She watched as phantoms born of shadow and fear prowled the edges of her vision, illusions meant to terrify and confuse. A lesser warrior might have faltered, but Kaela and her team were made of sterner stuff. They had faced the darkness before, both within and without, and had emerged stronger each time. With a swift gesture, she signaled the Arcanists lent by the Artisants of Spark and Ethervein Enclave to start their countermagic. Arcane incantations rippled through the night air as the Arcanists unleashed their arts. The phantoms dissolved into wisps of shadow, and the illusionist controlling the spells flinched visibly. Taking advantage of the mage''s momentary distraction, Kaela sprung. Her daggers sang, cutting through the darkness. Her stride was akin to a dancer''s, lithe and graceful. As her victims collapsed, lifeless, she did not celebrate¡ªsuch distractions would get her killed. The other Silverguards engaged, their motions a mirror of her own¡ªfluid and fluidic. One by one, their opponents fell. Despite their superior numbers, the brigands had no answer for their precision. From the corner of her eye, Kaela spotted a familiar rogue¡ªan Arcanist shrouded in shadow. It was the mage responsible for the phantom illusions. The rogue''s identity did not faze her. There would be time later to question his affiliations. For now, the brigands'' defeat and elimination was her foremost concern. She would not allow the threat to her comrades and her new home to grow. Steeling herself, Kaela gave chase. As the rogue fled deeper into the Eldergrove, she pursued relentlessly. He was not the first Arcanist she had hunted¡ªnor the fastest. His path deviated from the main engagement. Perhaps the brigand mage hoped to lose her¡ªto escape her hunt. Kaela''s tenacity would not allow her target to flee. Darting between the trees, her cloak billowed in her wake. Up ahead, the forest shifted¡ªthe shadows warped¡ªforming a protective barrier. The brigand mage was trying to summon a means of egress¡ªan arcane gate or portal. Such feats were impossible without anchors. Even the Arcanists of the enclaves would have difficulty executing such a complex spell. Reaching toward the aether, Kaela drew upon her innate skills, her body infused with a rush of energy. Time seemed to slow as her perception expanded, allowing her to pinpoint her foe. Instinct guided her throw. One dagger flew¡ªsilver and shimmering¡ªthrough the forest gloom. The blade bit deep, lodging itself in her target''s shoulder. Kaela''s other blade followed suit¡ªslicing through the aetheric portal¡ªinterrupting the rogue''s casting. Without missing a beat, Kaela darted forward. But just as she was about to close the distance, the brigand mage turned. Tendrils of shadow sprung from beneath her boots¡ªsnaring her limbs. She fell¡ªhard¡ªstriking the dirt. Kaela''s chin hit the forest floor, her teeth grinding painfully. Ignoring the flash of agony, she wriggled frantically, struggling to break free. Yet the bonds restraining her were strong. Too strong. Kaela cursed beneath her breath and focused her efforts, seeking the flaw¡ªthe weakness¡ªwithin her binds. Nothing. Damn it. She cursed her haste. The brigand mage had not fled as a means to escape. His detour had served a dual purpose¡ªhe had set a trap, and Kaela had walked right into his web. Now she was a fly, ensnared. If only she hadn''t acted impulsively... The brigand mage approached her, a dagger clenched in his fist. His hood obscured his features. Kaela glimpsed the glimmer of an amulet strung from his collar¡ªan emblem engraved upon the medallion. "Tell me," the brigand mage rasped. There was a coldness in his voice¡ªa detached professionalism¡ªbehind which lurked the hint of a smirk. "Do I know you from somewhere?" Chapter 128: Raid of the Brigands, Clash of the Titans Evelyne slipped on her bodysuit, its fabric supple and flexible, molding itself to her curves and contours. She flexed her fingers¡ªher palms brushing the suit''s enchanted lining¡ªa blend of silk and arcanite weave. The material was breathable, durable, and imbued with protective properties. Her hands reached for the buckles and straps¡ªadjusting the fit. Evelyne preferred a snug hold¡ªcomfortable, secure. She fastened the final buckle with a satisfying click. The suit''s arcane circuits¡ªthreaded seamlessly throughout the fabric¡ªhummed with an inner energy, an arcana signature unique to the Les Artisant d'' ¨¦clair. Fastening the suit''s closure, Evelyne secured the zipper along her spine and checked the suit''s fit once more. As the locking mechanism sealed, the suit''s internal regulators activated¡ªencasing her body in a cocoon of warmth. There were no mirrors¡ªshe did not need one. Evelyne had measured the seams and tailored the suit''s design countless times. Satisfied with the results, she strode out from behind the dressing screen and headed out to the Aetherframe staging hangar. L¨¦andre¡¯s towering form gleamed in the workshop''s magi-lights, its chassis radiating a soft azure glow. Around the Aetherframe, her fellow Artificers and engineers bustled¡ªadjusting bolts, calibrating components, and tweaking the intricate weave of runes and sigils. Evelyne approached her Aetherframe, her fingertips tracing the chassis'' curved panels and armored plates. Amidst the storm of activity and controlled chaos, Evelyne closed her eyes¡ªclearing her thoughts. She concentrated on her bond¡ªthat subtle tingle of awareness¡ªher mind tuning into L¨¦andre''s semi-sentient consciousness. The resonance was warm¡ªfamiliar¡ªa reassurance. Evelyne responded, a slight upturn playing upon her lips. L¨¦andre hummed, its sensors activating¡ªthe Aetherframe responding to her mental presence. Evelyne felt a reciprocate¡ªa pulse of affection, excitement. She cracked her eyes open, now alight with a fire that matched the arcane glow of the runes lining the Aetherframe''s chassis. "Evelyne," Dimitri''s smooth tenor greeted, his refined tone cutting through the workshop''s hubbub. "The synchronization module has been calibrated to your signatures. Are you ready?" "Oui," Evelyne affirmed, her gaze meeting Dimitri''s. "How goes the skirmishes out there?" "Everything is underway. Bjorn holds the field, while Kaela''s forces engage the enemy''s flanks." "Excellent. Shall we, then?" Dimitri nodded. "Proceed, mon amie." Evelyne stepped closer. Her Aetherframe responded, the hatch on its back opening with a soft hiss. Without hesitation, she clambered onto the chassis and slid into the custom-molded control alcove. Slipping inside the Aetherframe was like entering the embrace of a giant. The cushioned paddings embraced her body¡ªits fit snug¡ªand Evelyne relished the familiar comfort. Straps and buckles conformed to her form, holding her secure, while the interior gleamed with the subdued glow of enchantments. Evelyne''s vision adjusted¡ªmultiple readouts popping up upon her field of view. L¨¦andre''s semi-intelligence welcomed her¡ªa surge of affirmation echoing in her mind. Evelyne sent a pulse of reciprocation. With practiced ease, Evelyne fastened the controls'' attachments and connections, the feedback registering with her suit. The interface synced¡ªintegrating her thoughts and intentions¡ªa symphony of cogs and runes whirring to life. The Aetherframe stirred¡ªcoming alive. A wave of confidence washed over Evelyne¡ªL¨¦andre sharing its certainty, its eagerness. Evelyne grinned. "Alignment readings are stable, Evelyne," Dimitri observed from the diagnostics panel. "Preparing activation sequence. On your mark." "Beginning the mana infusion sequence," Evelyne instructed. L¨¦andre resonated¡ªits core pulsed, a steady rhythm that began to sync with the beat of Evelyne''s heart. The chamber pulsed with an ethereal radiance¡ªenergy flowing through its conduits. "Systems at maximum alignment," Dimitri commented, his experienced eyes scanning the indicators. Evelyne''s senses expanded as the Aetherframe''s systems came online. She could feel the ground beneath Leandre''s feet, the thrumming energy coursing through its conduits. Everything appeared sharper. L¨¦andre''s vision filters¡ªdesigned for optimum clarity and detection¡ªenhanced her sight. She flexed her fingers, and the Aetherframe mirrored her movements, metal limbs moving with a grace that belied their strength. Outside, her Artificers stepped back, watching as Leandre took its first step. Evelyne performed the basic tests¡ªwrist and forearm rotations, ankle articulation, and upper-body tilts. Each movement flowed smoothly¡ªL¨¦andre''s responses impeccable. Satisfied with her assessment, Evelyne advanced the diagnostics further. L¨¦andre mimicked her footwork¡ªforward steps, backwards paces, sideways sidesteps. Within the Aetherframe''s control alcove, Evelyne grinned¡ªher motions perfectly mirrored. Leandre was truly her. The minute lag between their responses had vanished. "Diagnostic sequences completed. All alignments are green," Dimitri noted. "Test maneuvers successful. Evelyne¡ªshall we commence the field deployment?" "Yes. Dimitri... merci." "Think nothing of it, ma cherie." Evelyne stepped Leandre toward the entrance archway¡ªthe Aetherframe''s footsteps heavy, assured. Beyond the workshop''s threshold, the sun''s rays greeted her. Evelyne glanced skyward, taking a moment to admire the Eldergrove''s expanse. The forests were a wondrous canvas¡ªawash in a myriad of hues¡ªunmarred by the machinations of urban sprawl. L¨¦andre hummed, sensing her appreciation, and Evelyne sent a surge of acknowledgment in response. Together, they strode outside¡ªtowards the fields, and towards the battle.
Strapped in the belly of the cobalt Aetherframe "Tempest", Jarek surveyed the town from the other side of the river¡ªthe distant sounds of battle carried by the wind. His forces were primed and ready, awaiting his signal. Vasco''s feint had not worked out the way they planned. Instead of a distraction, the attack had resulted in a full-scale engagement, leaving Jarek''s second flank undeployed and untested. This was not ideal¡ªbut Jarek could adapt. He had not survived this long by sticking rigidly to a plan. A voice crackled in his ear, Vasco¡¯s gruff tones, issuing commands. "Jarek, eyes sharp. They¡¯re not falling for the bait as expected. They¡¯ve got their own tricks." Through his Aetherframe''s visual enhancements, Jarek zoomed in on Vasco''s embattled position. His ally was putting up a valiant effort, but his forces were dwindling. Vasco would require assistance. Jarek keyed his transmission relay. "Silas, hurry it up and flank ''em already. Buy Vasco enough breathing room to retreat." No response. Jarek tapped the relay again. Still nothing. His Aetherframe''s readings indicated a magical disruption in the area. A frown creased his lips. Something was wrong. No matter. Silas would get the job done¡ªhe always did. Instead, Jarek gestured to his own troops¡ªsignaling for his Arcanists to begin bombarding the town. If Silas failed, he would not let the opportunity pass. The town had no Aetherframes. This would not drag on¡ªthis would not last. Jarek keyed Tempest''s engines¡ªactivating his thrust modules. The Aetherframe surged¡ªaccelerating across the river''s surface. Water churned as Tempest gained momentum. Above the thundering engines, Jarek released a triumphant howl. Showtime. The other Aetherframe, Blazeclaw, roared alongside Tempest. Its pilot, Roland, was a veteran and a skilled Arcanist. He would make quick work of the defenders. Behind him, the brigands'' Arcanists unleashed their magic. A barrage of lightning, fire, and ice rained from the treeline. Where the elements impacted, shimmering barriers of tessellating hexagonal wards patterned like honeycombs flickered to life, blocking the attacks and dissipating the arcane energies harmlessly. The town had Arcanists too?! Jarek swore. Tempest''s dash brought him within striking range. Screaming, Jarek channeled his mana into Tempest''s weaponry. Runic circuits glowed as the Aetherframe''s integrated cannons swiveled¡ªtaking aim. Bolts of lightning discharged, slamming into the town''s barrier, sending a spiderweb of cracks blooming across the translucent barrier. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Behind the shattered wards, Jarek glimpsed panicked Artisan-garbed defenders. "Roland! Support my shots!" Jarek barked. Tempest''s cannons whirred and recharged. The Aetherframe''s targeting scanners zeroed in on a section weakened from his earlier assault. Roland''s Blazeclaw fired¡ªits barrage adding to the pressure. Jarek''s cannons finished recharging¡ªready for his command. But before he squeezed Tempest''s trigger, a bolt of azure flame scorched the skies, interrupting his shot. Jarek''s eyes widened as the firebolt careened towards him¡ªits heat scorching the Aetherframe''s exterior. Tempest''s wards flared¡ªshielding Jarek from the worst of the flames. What the hell?! His sensors picked up another Aetherframe emerging from the town¡ªits chassis gleaming platinum and gold¡ªbearing the crest of Les Artisanats d'' ¨¦clair. Jarek''s scans registered an overwhelming arcana signature. His jaw dropped. Impossible. Why is an Artisan of Spark''s Aetherframe defending a backwater town?! Before Jarek could react, Tempest''s wards shuddered as another blast slammed into him. Tempest''s reinforced plating resisted the attack, its sigils glowing. Yet the Aetherframe veered slightly, the blast''s impact jolting its equilibrium. "Damn!" Jarek cursed. With a deft maneuver, he engaged the thrusters, launching Tempest into the air. They soared, a metal comet under the twilight sky, before descending towards the enemy frame like a bolt of lightning seeking earth. The enemy pilot reacted, the frame moving with an unexpected alacrity, side-stepping the assault. Tempest''s claws raked empty space¡ªskidding upon the town''s soil. Jarek winced as the Aetherframe skidded to a halt¡ªits legs carving a furrow into the earth. Dust and dirt exploded¡ªclouding his line of sight. Damn this bastard! Jarek retaliated, Tempest''s cannons humming to life. But his foe blocked his shots¡ªarcane energies coalescing into a multi-layered shield. Jarek cursed as his bolts disintegrated harmlessly. His attention snapped towards Roland. "Hold the siege! Pick them apart!" Roland''s Blazeclaw roared, accelerating towards the breached town. Flames erupted from the Aetherframe''s chassis. Behind him, a swarm of brigands dashed forward, following their Atherframe pilot''s charge. Roland would draw the defenders'' attention. Now, Jarek would deal with the Aetherframe facing him. His smirk widened. "Let''s dance."
Within L¨¦andre''s comforting confines, Evelyne witnessed the chaos unfolding beyond the town''s borders. Across the river, the brigands'' Arcanists launched a salvo¡ªbolts of fire, lightning, and frost raining down upon her allies. Yet the town''s defenses held. Protective wards flared, deflecting the attackers'' arcane barrage. Evelyne''s sensors swept the battlefield, detecting the two Aetherframes approaching. Powerful signatures. One was charging her position. The other loomed in the distance¡ªits cannons unleashing a volley upon the damaged wards. "Dimitri, status update," Evelyne hailed through her Aetherframe''s communication relay. "Engaging the enemy Aetherframes." "Understood, Evelyne. Hold off the Aetherframe charges," Dimitri acknowledged. "Serrandyl and her troops are en route, arriving momentarily. Orin is supporting the wards. "Understood." Evelyne''s mana flooded L¨¦andre''s channels. Sigils burned bright as the Aetherframe''s arcane cannons whirred and heated. Targeting vectors locked onto the enemy frame advancing upon her town. Evelyne smiled. The Aetherframe charged. "Bon voyage," Evelyne whispered. Her cannons thundered. Arcane bolts streaked forth, roaring towards their target. The enemy frame reacted¡ªcountering her salvo¡ªweaponry firing simultaneously. Lightning and fire collided. Explosive energies detonated in midair¡ªshimmering shields flickering into existence. Evelyne''s eyes narrowed as the enemy''s defense held, neutralizing the incoming blasts. The cobalt Aetherframe leapt high into the air and then descended at her position. Evelyne sidestepped its descent. The enemy frame dug its claws into the earth, skidding upon the town''s soil. Earth and dust erupted, clouding her sensors. Through the swirling haze, Evelyne saw the brigands'' Arcanists adjusting their barrage. Fire bolts honed in on the wards. Lightning raked the exposed breach. Her sensors shrieked a warning. Evelyne turned. L¨¦andre braced. Another enemy Aetherframe burst through the settling dust, its fiery chassis burning bright. Its cannons aligned, tracking her. Flames surged. L¨¦andre''s wards glowed¡ªchanneling Evelyne''s mana. Magical projectiles slammed into her Aetherframe, sending tremors shuddering through the control alcove. Warning runes flashed a dazzling scarlet, illuminating her vision. Evelyne fought to maintain L¨¦andre''s balance. Outside, the fires dispersed. Through her Aetherframe''s soot-stained filters, the enemy frame emerged. Its pilot''s mocking howls filled her ears. "That''s all ya got?! Hah!" the brigand pilot taunted. "Dimitri," Evelyne hailed through her communications relay. L¨¦andre stabilized. "Two enemy Aetherframes engaged. I''ll leave the rest of the brigand here to Serrandyl. Keep them occupied. I''ll focus my efforts on these Aetherframes." "Confirmed. Do your best, mon amie." "Don''t worry." Evelyne smirked. Her mana flowed once more. "I will." Turning her attention back to her foes, Evelyne centered herself. L¨¦andre resonated¡ªtheir thoughts and wills syncing. With a roar, her cannons whirled¡ªaligning her sights. Evelyne squeezed her triggers. L¨¦andre''s arcane cannons hummed, a low growl that resonated through the control alcove. Twin salvoes surged, hurtling toward their targets. Her opponents responded in turn¡ªengaging their wards. Explosive energies detonated¡ªarcane smoke drifting skyward. The enemy frames exchanged a series of rapid-fire salvoes¡ªprojectiles exploding as opposing magical energies neutralized one another. Evelyne maneuvered L¨¦andre constantly¡ªside-stepping and dodging incoming ordnance. Her Aetherframe''s wards were powerful, but she was no fool. Conservation of mana was a priority. Channeling her mana, Evelyne shaped her arcana¡ªweaving her will into L¨¦andre''s circuitries. Her sigils flared¡ªlighting the Aetherframe''s inscriptions. Evelyne envisioned her intent, forming an image¡ªa copy¡ªof herself. L¨¦andre responded, her Aetherframe''s arcane circuits buzzing with an inner energy. Evelyne cast Mirror Image. Three L¨¦andres¡ªeach a perfect replica¡ªflashed into existence. They circled the enemy Aetherframes¡ªmimicking her movements¡ªcreating a phantom confusion. Evelyne utilized the diversion, darting from her Aetherframe''s blind spot. Her cannons lined up once more. Arcane bolts streaked forth¡ªimpacting the cobalt Aetherframe''s wards. The impacts reverberated¡ªeach strike a glancing blow. Evelyne did not relent. Meanwhile, her illusory duplicates drew fire from the other brigand Aetherframe. Multiple barrages peppered her phantoms¡ªscattering them into glittering motes. Evelyne pressed her attack, unholstering the massive halberd strapped upon L¨¦andre''s back. With a single flourish, she swung. Mana channeled¡ªinfusing the melee weapon. Sigils ignited, trailing the polearm''s path. The cobalt Aetherframe pilot attempted to intercept¡ªits claws flashing. Evelyne parried¡ªmetal grating against metal. Sparks flared and sizzled. L¨¦andre''s arcane halberd cleaved true. Its arcane edge slammed into her opponent''s wards¡ªshattering their integrity. The impact shuddered¡ªviolently. Evelyne braced herself¡ªsteadying her Aetherframe''s footing. L¨¦andre''s reinforced legs dug furrows into the soil¡ªsolidifying their stance. The cobalt Aetherframe staggered¡ªdragging a trail into the dirt. Evelyne grinned. "Tempest ain''t going down so easily!" her foe yelled, the brigand''s voice bellowing through his Aetherframe''s external speakers. "Too bad. I prefer an easier fight," Evelyne taunted. She unleashed a follow-up strike. Tempest''s pilot cursed¡ªreplying in kind. The brigand Aetherframe pivoted¡ªretaliating with a flurry of claw strikes. L¨¦andre danced aside¡ªavoiding the blows. The other brigand Aetherframe pilot summoned a fiery maelstrom¡ªtendrils of flame licking the skies. Evelyne channeled her arcane defenses¡ªsummoning hexagonal wards. L¨¦andre''s protections flared, absorbing the heat and flames. Beyond the raging tempest, Evelyne glimpsed the other brigand Aetherframe advancing. Its cannons aligned¡ªits runes glowing. She ducked. Explosive energies surged, hurtling above her. Heat prickled her skin, the Aetherframe''s wards protecting her within. Evelyne spun L¨¦andre, channeling her mana. Twin bolts of lightning arced¡ªtrailing her Aetherframe''s halberd. They slammed into the other brigand Aetherframe¡ªits wards flaring. She did not delay. Using the brief respite, L¨¦andre surged forward. Evelyne aimed her halberd''s tip. With a savage cry, she struck. L¨¦andre''s halberd speared through the fiery Aetherframe''s wards¡ªcracking its defensive matrix. Evelyne pivoted. Twisting her polearm, she followed through. Sigils ignited¡ªslamming into the blazing Aetherframe''s chassis. Its wards shattered. Armor plates crunched and crumpled. The resulting force knocked the fiery Aetherframe onto the dirt¡ªsending a spray of earth and mud flying. Evelyne exhaled. That was a close one. But her victory was short-lived. The other Aetherframe tackled L¨¦andre, catching her unaware. Evelyne cried out¡ªthe force jerking her entire alcove. Warning runes flickered a dazzling scarlet. Pain registered, stabbing into her temples. Tempest''s claws tore¡ªtearing through L¨¦andre''s outer plating. Metal screeched. Evelyne gasped¡ªfighting through the Aetherframe''s feedback. L¨¦andre''s alcove thrummed¡ªalarm runes blinking. The feedback worsened. Evelyne''s mana spiked. L¨¦andre responded. The Aetherframe twisted¡ªdisengaging from Tempest''s grip. L¨¦andre''s arcane halberd slashed¡ªa glittering arc that severed Tempest''s arm through the elbow joint. Sparks flew as its limb clattered to the ground. "Argh, damnit!" Tempest''s pilot swore. "You''ll pay for that!" L¨¦andre darted aside, narrowly avoiding another sweep of Tempest''s remaining arm. The brigand''s claws raked empty air¡ªgouging the earth instead. Suddenly, the ground beneath her erupted as the other brigand pilot unleashed his spell. A geyser of fire and molten rock blasted upwards. Evelyne grunted¡ªL¨¦andre''s wards taking the brunt. Despite their protective properties, the recoil still flung her Aetherframe through the air. L¨¦andre tumbled and skidded, the landing throwing Evelyne against the interior control alcove''s padded cushions. Her arcane harness rattled against her torso¡ªbuckles and belts locking into place. Evelyne regained her bearings as her Aetherframe settled upon its knees¡ªdigging deep grooves into the dirt. She recovered quickly. Reaching out, Evelyne willed her Aetherframe upright. L¨¦andre obeyed¡ªspringing to its feet. The Aetherframe''s wards faded¡ªrepurposing their energies. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Serrandyl and her entourage of Aslankoyash warriors making their way from the eastern end of the town. Their war cries pierced the air¡ªspurring the defenders onward. Brigands screamed as the Aslankoyash cut a bloody swathe into their ranks¡ªa red blur amidst the chaotic fray. Evelyne allowed herself a small smile. Serrandyl has arrived. Good timing. She would help clean up what remained. Meanwhile, she had her own adversaries to handle. Tempest and his partner. Chapter 129: Raid of the Brigands, Turning Tides Bjorn parried the vicious swing of Vasco''s cleaver and countered with a horizontal slice across the larger man''s chest. His opponent staggered back, his armor absorbing the worst of the damage, and Bjorn pressed his advantage. With a flourish of his sword, Bjorn redirected Vasco''s off-balance swing and swept his long legs out from under him. The brigand leader tumbled to the ground with a grunt, his eyes widening in surprise. Bjorn seized the opening, bringing his claymore down with all his strength. Suddenly, Vasco twisted, rolling away from the lethal stroke and springing back to his feet with a quickness that belied his bulk. His cleaver flashed again¡ªthis time grazing Bjorn''s exposed side. Pain bloomed like a starburst¡ªhot and sticky¡ªas blood streamed from the cut. Bjorn clenched his jaw, forcing the pain to the back of his mind. His blade found its mark, slashing across Vasco''s armor with a shriek of steel. The brigand leader dodged, avoiding the full force of the cut. On and on they fought, each strike blocked or parried, their feet moving in a deadly dance. Around them, their followers battled¡ªswords clashed, shields clattered, and cries rang out. In the heat of the fray, it was difficult to determine who was winning. Bjorn focused solely on his opponent, matching him swing for swing. After an extended exchange of blows, Bjorn found an opening and slashed at the larger man''s abdomen. His strike connected, the blade biting through Vasco''s armor and drawing a spurt of blood. Vasco grimaced and retreated, clutching his injury. Bjorn didn''t pursue. Instead, he scanned the battlefield¡ªassessing the status of his fighters¡ªand his gaze rested on Ebonheim''s wooden palisade. A large section of the stockade had collapsed¡ªits remains scattered in pieces on the ground. It was there that the largest number of combatants congealed. Flashes of arcane energies split the air and lit the battle as Arcanists fired spell after spell at each other. One of the enemy Arcanists turned to face him and cast a spell that tore a small crater in the earth at his feet. Bjorn cursed and threw himself sideways, rolling away from the explosion. Before Bjorn could recover his stance, the Arcanist launched a second spell at him, his palms erupting with a tangle of incandescent filaments. The magic writhed and flexed, spreading out like a web from his fingertips. Bjorn could do nothing to dodge or block the attack¡ªthe spell caught him, tangling around his limbs and holding him immobile. Despite his efforts to tear the spell apart or wriggle free, the arcane webs clung to him like the tendrils of some infernal vine. He gritted his teeth, straining with all his might. Nothing. The harder he struggled, the tighter the tendrils gripped his body. Out of the corner of his eye, Bjorn saw Vasco advance upon him¡ªcleaver at the ready. As Bjorn lay tangled in the magical web, he heard the roar of an armored horse pounding through the battlefield. A figure vaulted from the saddle and sprinted toward him. It was Deneve. She clutched her blood-drenched blade and raised it overhead as she leapt¡ªaiming to intercept Vasco''s fatal stroke. Just as Vasco''s cleaver descended towards Bjorn, Deneve intercepted with her blade, their weapons ringing against each other in a shower of sparks. Her blade shuddered under the impact of the strike. The sheer force of Vasco''s swing knocked her back¡ªbut not before she planted a vicious kick to the brigand leader''s stomach. Vasco gasped and doubled over in pain. Deneve quickly disengaged, flinging a small pouch filled with bright, crackling dust towards Vasco as she threw herself to the side. A series of alchemical explosions detonated in the air around Vasco¡ªflashing in brilliant arrays of red, blue, and gold¡ªenveloping the brigand leader in a chaotic burst of heat and energy. Vasco''s screams filled the air, mingling with the crackling boom of the detonations. Deneve darted toward Bjorn. Her sword blurred¡ªdancing in her grasp¡ªthe steel edges flickering as she attacked the magical spell encasing him. Tendril after tendril frayed and snapped as her blade hacked through the arcane strands. "You okay?" Deneve asked tersely. Her strikes didn''t cease¡ªprecise and efficient¡ªfreeing him in a manner reminiscent of a seamstress cutting thread. "Much obliged," Bjorn replied. The threads around him had snapped, dissipating in flares of argent light. He regained his freedom and rolled to his feet¡ªsword at the ready¡ªjust in time to deflect Vasco''s cleaver aimed squarely at Deneve''s back. The force of the larger man''s swing nearly jarred the claymore from his grasp. Damn the man''s resilience. Bjorn pushed back and held his ground firmly, locking blades with his opponent. Vasco''s injuries were no minor scrapes¡ªyet the brigand leader displayed no indication of slowing. Behind him, Deneve circled cautiously, her posture poised for a counterattack. The surrounding clash of battle swirled and churned, fighters from both sides locked in combat. A peal of thunder tore the sky¡ªarcane in origin. As Deneve raised her sword and sprinted toward Vasco, she cried, "I''ll finish him, Bjorn! Keep the mage at bay!" Deneve charged in a whirlwind of steel. Her sword flashed against Vasco''s cleaver. They exchanged blows, blades ringing as they struck¡ªDeneve''s speed outstripping her opponent''s. Bjorn diverted his attention toward the brigand Arcanist and located him amongst the melee. The spellcaster was grim-faced and bloodied, but he kept the maddened pace of spellcasting¡ªthe blue magic sparking at his fingertips. To his dismay, the enemy spellcaster managed to cast a hasty spell. The Arcane energy unfurled from his palms and flew unerringly toward Bjorn. He ducked out of the way as the spell splashed in a pool of eldritch fire against the ground. A wave of searing heat washed over Bjorn. Yet he didn''t let up. Bjorn harnessed the mana within him to call forth his Hersir ability, summoning a spectral shield of ice and wind that encased him. The icy ward absorbed the spellfire sent his way¡ªthe impact shuddering against him as he plowed onward. He envisioned his aura of frost encasing his rune-etched claymore¡ªits runes flashing blue-white¡ªand the weapon thrummed with the icy might of the ether. As a group of three brigand swordsmen raced toward him, Bjorn dropped the first with a well-placed cut, striking beneath the man''s ribcage. The claymore cleaved through leather and mail alike¡ªemitting an explosion of frigid, gleaming shards in its wake. Bjorn moved his attention toward the remaining two fighters as the first assailant crumpled to the ground in a spray of scarlet. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Bjorn swept his blade low¡ªslicing through leather bootstraps¡ªdropping the second opponent to his knees. He dispatched the man with a clean thrust to the heart. Before his third attacker could launch his own assault, Bjorn hastened forward, skewering him through the torso. He yanked his sword free as the body dropped. As Bjorn looked up, a magic missile slammed into his chest. His frost aura negated most of the damage. His armor absorbed the rest. With a roar, Bjorn charged forward, his icy aura summoning the howling winds around him. He closed the distance¡ªswiftly and brutally¡ªducking under a volley of sorcerous missiles to lop his opponent''s arm clean off at the shoulder. His runic blade sent arcs of frost into the surrounding melee as the wounded man fell¡ªarmless and screaming. Bjorn dispatched him with a quick cut across the throat. After dispatching the enemy spellcaster, Bjorn assessed the battle situation. As far as he could tell, the majority of the brigands had fallen¡ªthose not dead had either retreated or surrendered. Deneve still faced Vasco. He judged her to have the upper hand¡ªbut barely. The pair fought near the large gap in Ebonheim''s fortifications. Both were heavily bloodied, but Deneve seemed to have the edge on stamina¡ªshe didn''t hesitate. As soon as Vasco launched a heavy strike, she''d dodge and counter, using the brigand''s massive frame against him. Deneve feinted and followed through with a slash across Vasco''s temple. He recoiled¡ªhis left eye sliced clean off¡ªthe other side of his face a scarred, bleeding mess. With a furious snarl, he brought his cleaver up¡ªtoo slowly. Deneve slashed again¡ªharder. Bjorn glimpsed the metal kissing bone. A hollow crack, then blood splashed across the battlefield. The giant crumpled and fell to his knees, his neck angled awkwardly as if his vertebra had been cut¡ªlikely shattered. Deneve completed the feat¡ªcutting Vasco''s head off his shoulders. The brigand leader''s body keeled over sideways and slammed to the earth. His head landed with a dull thud, rolling away to stare back at them sightlessly. Silence swept through the battlefield as the remaining brigands watched in stunned silence. Realizing their leader was dead, most threw their weapons on the ground. Bjorn noted those who fled into the forest and marked their faces in his mind. He''d hunt them later, when the town was safe and secure. "Have your Silverguard restrain the surviving enemy soldiers," Bjorn told Deneve as she rejoined his side. His gaze still trailed the few remaining brigands escaping into the treeline. "Those who resist¡ªkill them." Deneve gave a curt nod, then shouted for her men and women to attend to the matter.
Lira glided through the forest, her robes brushing against the ferns, the soft glow of her staff casting a circle of illumination about her. As she swept the area for her targets, the foliage parted for her. There¡ªin the clearing¡ªshe detected the traces of the illusionist''s aether trails. She lifted her staff and adjusted her course. She spotted Kaela kneeling in the grass, bound by tendrils of shadow. A man dressed in dark garb loomed over her¡ªhis cowl concealing his face. He bore no visible weapon on his person. Perhaps his spellcasting abilities were more than sufficient... Lira raised her staff, the living vines that composed it writhing eagerly in anticipation of her command. The forest responded to her silent call. Roots beneath the earth stirred, ancient and powerful. Branches swayed, though no wind blew. Lira whispered an incantation, her voice barely louder than a leaf''s rustle, and with a gesture, she invoked the spell entwined in her blood¡ªThorn Whip. Vines laced with thorns burst from the ground, surging towards their target. Lira willed them to coil and strike. The thorny tendrils enveloped the mage¡ªhaphazardly thrashing¡ªsome encircling him, while others flailed wildly. The dark mage groaned as the tendrils slashed his clothing and raked across his flesh, leaving bloody gouges where the thorns pierced skin. His concentration broke, the shadows dissipated, and Kaela sprang free. Kaela rolled to her feet, a nod to Lira her only thanks. "Silas Morr," Kaela growled, leveling her weapons at him. "The one they call ''Shadowweave''. I know your kind." Silas narrowed his eyes. "You speak as if you know me... I''ve no recollection of you." His brow furrowed, perhaps trying to discern her identity beneath her cowl. His expression of concentration soon twisted to disbelief as comprehension dawned. "No. That can''t be... how?" Lira remained silent as Kaela chuckled bitterly. "Surprised to see me?" Kaela raised her weapons as Silas clenched his fists. "Yes," he replied with a slow, wary nod. "Quite." "I don''t mean to interrupt," Lira cut in as the pair squared off against each other. "But what shall we do with him? Death¡ªor captivity?" "Death." Kaela spat out the word like a curse. Lira nodded, having anticipated the response. She gestured, commanding the thorn tendrils to strike the mage again. Silas twisted out of the way, ducking beneath the vines'' writhing reach. He called upon his dark magic, conjuring a dome of black and grey to shield him. The thorns that struck the magical barrier disintegrated into ash and mist. Kaela dashed toward him, her daggers flashing. Suddenly, shadow apparitions exploded from Silas'' position¡ªduplicates of himself¡ªeach flickering and mirroring his movements. They sprung forward in unison, bearing down on Kaela in a swarm of illusory blades. Kaela ducked and weaved¡ªher body a blur¡ªbut the illusions cut and slashed regardless. She gritted her teeth as a barrage of strikes sliced across her flesh. Bleeding, she darted back¡ªout of range¡ªand launched a dagger at one of the duplicates. It flickered and disappeared. With a chant, Lira summoned a gust of wind. It rushed through the clearing, tearing the air where the duplicates once stood¡ªscattering the phantasms like dust. Silas stood amidst the torrent. A dark orb manifested at his fingertips and hurtled toward Lira. She flung herself to the side¡ªthe orb grazed her arm and slammed into the ground. Earth and grass exploded in a shower of debris. Lira tumbled and rolled to a crouch. She spun to face the enemy mage again, vines re-snaking toward him. The mage retorted with a barrage of arcane projectiles. As the bolts streaked toward her, she hurriedly constructed a shield of earth and vine to block them. The impact buffeted her barrier and she shook¡ªher nerves protesting from the effort of sustaining it. Kaela charged once more, feinting left before driving her dagger into Silas¡¯ side. The mage cried out, his dark aura flickering like a candle in a storm. He whirled his fingers in an arcane pattern and summoned a retaliatory blast of shadow, exploding the surrounding ground in a deafening boom. Lira watched Kaela hurtle through the air as Silas retreated deeper into the forest. Kaela picked herself up with a groan. "After him!" With a few whispered words, Lira sent a pulse of healing magic through the Silverguard¡ªknitting flesh and mending bones. When her magic had taken hold, Kaela sprinted forward in hot pursuit. Lira followed. They both tracked him as he wove in and out of the forest, making his way to the southern boundary of the town''s lands. There, they could hear the distant clash of battle in the valley¡ªthe staccato of swords ringing upon armor, the patter of bowstrings singing death, and the boom of fireballs as the town''s militia¡ªbacked by the Silverguards¡ªand the last remnants of the brigand army clashed. Lira saw him muttering a spell beneath his breath, weaving tendrils of shadow as he prepared to launch a sorcerous barrage upon the town. Kaela struck first. Her blades plunged through the air¡ªspearing for his heart and shoulder¡ªslicing through his arcane mantle and into his flesh. Kaela pushed the daggers in until their hilts kissed skin. Silas exhaled slowly, as though a burden had been lifted. His shadowy aura dissipated¡ªcrumbling into ash and dissolving like embers. His body shuddered¡ªswayed¡ªand sank to his knees. "Perish like the rest of your filthy clan, Morrian scum," Kaela hissed into his ear as she held her blades embedded in his body. Silas coughed¡ªa wet, rattling sound¡ªas a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Kaela twisted the daggers once more as the mage choked on his own blood. Soon enough, Silas slumped face down into the grass¡ªdead. Lira turned to face Kaela as the Silverguard withdrew her blades. Her features had relaxed¡ªsheathing their edges¡ªeven as the air remained heavy with lingering violence. "There are still a few stragglers loose in the forest," Kaela stated matter-of-factly. "I''ll handle them. I think we could all do with the space right now. Go back to the town¡ªreport to Bjorn." She flicked her blade clean. "I''ll go secure the perimeter." Lira watched Kaela as the other woman shifted her grip on her daggers before vanishing into the shadows. "Thanks again." The soft words carried through the air after Kaela had already disappeared. "You did good." Chapter 130: Raid of the Brigands, Explosive End Within the town of Ebonheim''s northernmost sector, Orin listened as the sounds of battle thundered throughout the forest. Above the noise of the conflict, he could detect Evelyne''s Aetherframe engaged in battle with the brigand raiders. His scanning sigils tracked both combatants. One frame¡ªan unregistered variant¡ªhad significant structural damage. The other held its integrity¡ªthough Orin noted some mana fatigue. Orin turned to regard the town''s wards. A bloom of sorcerous energies raged beyond its hexagonal boundary. Spell after spell bombarded the protective magical wards¡ªchipping away at the mystical construct. Cracks formed and spread, though the wards continued their shielding. Yet, time was of the essence. The shields would not last indefinitely. Orin adjusted the runic arrays imbued within his gauntlet, reinforcing the cracked and fractured runes. He nodded in satisfaction¡ªconfirming the strength of the town''s barrier. This should give us adequate time. Orin headed to the command post where Engin and the other leaders reviewed the plans and battle preparations. Above him, the night sky streaked a stunning dark blue, the light of day breaking through the veil of the morning''s dim stars. Dawn. This battle had drawn out longer than anticipated. No matter. Once Evelyne dealt with the enemy Aetherframes, the raid should end swiftly. Until then, he would fortify the town''s wards and aid the Artificers defending the barrier. "Ah. Orin, good timing!" Engin called from the map table. "Any updates on the enemy?" "I do. Evelyne is holding them off, as expected," Orin explained. "Currently, the two Aetherframes she''s confronting have suffered moderate structural damage, although they aren''t incapacitated. Soon after they''re dealt with, the rest of the brigands should break and retreat." "Excellent," Engin approved. "In which case, we must make the most of our time." He gestured at the table, and the arrayed tokens representing their allies'' locations and their enemies'' positions. "They''ve attempted three separate penetration points." He indicated each area on the map¡ªmoving the wooden markers. "And they''ve set up a spot for their Arcanists to bombard from over there," he continued¡ªpointing at an elevated location marked upon the map. Orin nodded, absorbing the information. Engin continued, "Once our Aslankoyash warriors push the enemy off, the brigands should begin their retreat. There''s an artery running through the forest. The northern bank is closest to here. We must pursue and rout them as they pull back." Engin jabbed the map with a finger. "You''ve devised the most sensible course of action," Orin commented. "Which sections should I reinforce?" "Good question," Engin replied. "Ideally, as long as they only attempt breaching the wards by that location or these other two points here, we should be fine. Should any sections deteriorate faster, please lend aid immediately." Engin indicated the areas for emphasis. "Although given Evelyne''s skills and the strength of our barriers, we shouldn''t be too concerned." "Understood. I shall maintain the integrity of the town''s wards." "We appreciate it," Engin thanked. Orin moved to his position by the northern end of the wards. Around him, his fellow Artificers summoned and fortified the protective barriers¡ªthe hexagonal shields pulsing and shimmering with every rebuke and discharge. As they did, Orin funneled his mana into the constructs, powering the shields further. Despite the disparate spells barraging their wards¡ªfire, lightning, ice¡ªOrin was relieved that the brigands had not brought with them enchanted weapons capable of dispelling their protection. Their strategy so far seemed to be to bring their barriers down through attrition. That would not happen anytime soon.
Evelyne paced L¨¦andre alongside Tempest. Blazing tracks flared beneath the Aetherframes¡ªgouges left in the mud. She remained cautious. Although Tempest''s previous barrage had landed true¡ªpiercing her wards and armor, Evelyne still maintained her mana reserves. She would not gamble and risk the cost. Beside her, Tempest''s remaining cannon arm spun to life, firing another salvo of electrical bolts. L¨¦andre pivoted aside¡ªweaving through the barrage. Arcane missiles pummeled the earth behind her¡ªblasting chunks of turf and mud. Tempest charged after her¡ªeager for the kill. The other enemy Aetherframe joined in its pursuit¡ªreducing the distance between them. Evelyne smiled. Blazeclaw''s pilot thought he would be sneaky, launching a surprise assault while she was engaged with Tempest. Oh well. His mistake. Evelyne began shaping her magic. It was her turn to deal a counterstroke. Arcane energies ignited¡ªkindling her will. With a deft twist, L¨¦andre leapt over an incoming salvo¡ªits speed surpassing Tempest. She had allowed Tempest''s pilot the idea she would engage in a long-distance duel. That would not occur. Evelyne preferred close combat. L¨¦andre preferred hand-to-hand engagements. At Evelyne''s mental urging, L¨¦andre spun and descended. Its arcane halberd positioned to strike. Evelyne leaned into the control alcove, waiting until the last moment. Blazeclaw''s pilot roared and accelerated towards her. Too late. Her sigils flared. A strike fell true, impaling the fire-type Aetherframe. Sparks flew from the damaged joint, arcane energies dancing amidst the broken runic circuits. Metal squealed and shrieked as the arcane halberd sundered its enemy¡ªraking along the armored chassis¡ªsmashing its reinforced frame. Blazeclaw reeled, stumbling to the ground¡ªher strikes rippling through its internal workings. The pilot grunted¡ªhis muffled gasps emanating through the external speakers. "How dare... how dare you?!" the brigand spat¡ªfueled by a desperate fury. Fire exploded forth, and a storm of flames roared, surrounding the stricken Aetherframe. "Abyss take you!" Blazeclaw''s pilot swore¡ªchanneling more energy. Evelyne darted her Aetherframe back. Behind her, Tempest charged. Her sensors detected his movement and his weaponry charging. Evelyne threw up L¨¦andre''s ward defenses. Fire and lightning greeted her barrier, yet her wards absorbed the impact. Tempest''s blast scattered like raindrops. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. At her direction, Evelyne swapped places with her illusory mirage¡ªavoiding a lunge from the pursuing Tempest. The Aetherframe''s momentum carried him a short distance before skidding to a halt. It twisted back and lunged¡ªrealizing his blunder. Evelyne seized the opportunity. L¨¦andre charged in turn. With a furious shout, Evelyne plunged her halberd in a single decisive movement. Sparks and shattered metal erupted upon the enemy Aetherframe''s contact. The force of the collision shook her harness within the control alcove. Despite the recoil, Evelyne kept her vision sharp. Meanwhile, Blazeclaw unleashed its stored energies. An expanding vortex of swirling inferno gushed forth in an encompassing funnel. Heat seared through her wards, shattering the translucent barrier''s integrity. Searing temperatures pricked her skin¡ªtempered by the enchantments woven into her protective suit and the wards embedded within the alcove. Yet Evelyne steeled her will. Gritting her teeth, she weathered through the assault. Fire washed over the surface of L¨¦andre, her Aetherframe''s runes wreathed in glowing azure flames. Ignore it. Push past the heat. Don''t stop. Evelyne compelled herself. The arcane halberd''s tip hit home¡ªslamming into the joint she had initially punctured. Using L¨¦andre''s considerable strength, she shoved¡ªpinning the Aetherframe into place. Her Aetherframe''s free hand clenched¡ªtearing loose metal plating. Wires sparked and tore. Her halberd followed¡ªwedging the cavity wider¡ªripping out Blazeclaw''s interiors. Eventually, Blazeclaw''s control alcove was exposed. Inside, Evelyne spied the brigand Aetherframe''s pilot¡ªstrapped and struggling. Upon seeing her, his eyes widened¡ªa horrified look that instantly shifted to grim resolve. With a grunt, he removed a strange apparatus¡ªshaped like a tube¡ªfrom his Aetherframe''s interiors. With a victorious laugh, the brigand unleashed the object''s arcane payload. The crystal bomb detonated. White-hot explosions surged forth¡ªa terrifying sphere that swelled within a breath¡ªbefore enveloping its surroundings. Evelyne swore and instinctively shielded. Mana blazed through her¡ªflowing to L¨¦andre''s sigils¡ªstrengthening the Aetherframe''s arcane barrier. Yet her Aetherframe could only absorb so much. Her shields disintegrated as the bomb''s destructive energies battered their defenses. Evelyne shut her eyes¡ªpreparing herself. BOOM! The impact thundered. Shockwaves reverberated and stunned her. Her protective harness strained against the ensuing recoil. Metal shrieked¡ªor was it her bones? Her hearing dampened¡ªthe clamor muting and subsiding¡ªa droning buzz accompanying the background ringing. Disorienting sparks shot across her vision¡ªeven while her eyes remained closed. Evelyne choked for breath and hacked. A smoldering haze coated her throat. Instinctively she inhaled and immediately regretted her mistake. Spasms convulsed her chest, forcing her to gag and retch. Smoke, the taste of burned flesh and ashes. She spat¡ªexpelling the smoke and phlegm¡ªher forehead trickling with beads of sweat. Even her eyes hurt. Yet her lids felt heavy, weary. Sticky. She had trouble opening them. But through her slit-eyed vision, she took stock of her situation. Damage reports filtered into her dazed senses. Warning runes and blinking lights illuminated L¨¦andre''s control alcove¡ªalmost blinding in intensity. A mild vertigo hit¡ªas if her equilibrium had been disrupted¡ªshaking her grip within the Aetherframe''s harness. Her ribs throbbed. Perhaps some might be fractured¡ªmaybe a minor rib puncturing her lungs. It hurt to breathe. Or move. No matter. She was alive. Better than being dead. And that explosion wasn''t enough to down L¨¦andre. Despite the internal injuries. Evelyne drew her arcana, directing her will and mana. L¨¦andre obeyed. Through her half-lidded gaze, she assessed her situation. The detonation''s radius had obliterated the area¡ªthe debris of Blazeclaw lay strewn all over. Where¡¯s the other one? Suddenly, a blaring roar pierced the air. A volley of lightning arcs careened through the dust¡ªsizzling as the deadly energy smashed upon Evelyne''s Aetherframe. L¨¦andre shuddered and veered aside¡ªdrifting past Blazeclaw''s smoking remains. Warning runes flashed. A shower of sparks hissed and flared. Evelyne choked out a curse. Another blast hit L¨¦andre¡ªsevering a flimsy shard of metal upon her Aetherframe''s arm. She could not suffer another¡ªnot like this. L¨¦andre would break and Evelyne would die. As Tempest advanced¡ªits cannon arm humming¡ªEvelyne clenched her fists and moved to draw her mana. But¡ªno response. Nothing. Not even a single ember flickered¡ªnothing. Her reserves... had hit zero. She was out. Crap! Damn, crap... Shit! She was defenseless. Even if she wasn''t... what could she do?! What could she... Tempest configured its cannon arm back into its combat claws. Metal ground against metal and with a mechanical snap, the weapon folded¡ªresetting its position. Tempest stalked forward. Its pilot''s mad laughter¡ªvia external speakers¡ªrushed forth in a ferocious tide. "Your fight''s over," the brigand roared. "All out o'' juice, eh?! Haha! Can''t channel anymore?! Then let me end your misery." Tempest''s remaining claw was poised to strike. Evelyne''s blood went cold. Something moved between her and the enemy Aetherframe¡ªa blur that materialized before her hazy eyes. Kelzryn. In a casual yet practiced gesture, Kelzryn flicked his hand outward. The simple movement swept Tempest''s incoming claw aside with a burst of strength and force. "What the fuck?!" The brigand pilot''s Aetherframe reacted with a quick backward hop¡ªcovering its distance¡ªreturning to the safety of its former position. Evelyne could almost sense its hesitation¡ªmomentarily daunted. Tempest paused and lowered its offensive pose¡ªreverting its claw back into a cannon. "Who the abyss''re ya?! I''ll turn you all to ash!" the brigand shrieked¡ªhis voice shrill and hysterical. Evelyne did not doubt her savior. If anything, the dragon''s power, presence, and poise were clear to her. Tempest charged its cannon¡ªa steady thrum reverberating as the charged crystals within heated¡ªforming a palpable magical aura. Lightning surged across its framework. With a deafening boom and the rumbling crack of thunder¡ªlightning flared from Tempest''s cannon. Blue-white light blinded her, accompanied by an accompanying deafening boom¡ªblast waves and gusts lashing across the air. Kelzryn''s silhouette remained unfazed. With a casual swat of his hand, he cast aside Tempest''s gathered attack like an inconsequential breeze. The lightning blast arced through the air, piercing through the town''s wards. A brief blinding flare manifested near the center of the town, towards the spot Evelyne knew all too well¡ªEbonheim''s quaint little cottage. Oh no... Through her momentary dismay, Evelyne squinted¡ªsharpening her focus on the point of impact. As the dazzling radiance dimmed, she glimpsed the smoke and ruin. Her heart sank. The cottage was obliterated. In its place, only charred wood and blasted earth remained. Even the little garden Evelyne had helped maintain with her beloved goddess had been upended into an ugly mess. She was thankful for having been saved by the dragon. She truly was. But...but... A vein on her forehead started throbbing. "K-Kelzryn! Damnit! Watch what you''re doing!" Evelyne sputtered, indignant. "You just deflected his attack onto a very...precious target!" Evelyne flailed L¨¦andre''s arms, emphasizing the now-gone structure in the distance. "See?! It blew up Ebonheim''s home! Now you''ll never get the chance to sleep there¡ªI''ll never get the chance to sleep there! Look what you''ve done!" Evelyne finished her rant, breathing hard. "Just...look." The dragon spared a brief glance, a gesture that caused Tempest to retreat back to a safe distance. Kelzryn blinked his brilliant azure eyes, tilting his head. His usual serene countenance darkened, his lips twisting in a grim frown. Kelzryn slowly turned towards the Tempest, fixing a molten-yellow stare at the enemy Aetherframe. In a rare expression¡ªan expression Evelyne had never seen upon his face¡ªshe did not miss the coiling rage in the dragon''s eyes. Chapter 131: Raid of the Brigands, Aftermath Kelzryn took one step forward¡ªthe force of his movement enough to rattle the trees around him. He leaned back, eyes fixed upon his foe, arms spread wide as if embracing an invisible mountain. His clawed fingers flexed¡ªsending sparks and motes of drifting fire. Within the depthless wells of his gaze¡ªa swirl of radiant crimson formed. They coalesced and grew¡ªcoating his sclera¡ªstaining them a bright, smoldering hue. The cracks and fissures across his form glowed¡ªmolten rivulets trickling along his skin¡ªweaving their way through his figure. Heat and heat-light pulsed and burst outward with each steady heartbeat. The air surrounding the dragon wavered and shimmered with each radiant pulse. Fear gripped Evelyne''s chest, sending chills down her spine. Even from within L¨¦andre''s control alcove, the growing pressure of magic overwhelmed her senses. She squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself¡ªreeling from the magical turbulence. Even Tempest''s pilot must have sensed something was wrong. "W-What''re you?" the brigand whispered in the distance. The external speakers caught every note of his mounting panic. "Wh-what''re you doing?! Shit! You''re some kind of monster! Fuck! Retreat!" Tempest pivoted in a quick about-face. With its remaining arm, Tempest loped away in an uneven gait¡ªlimping as it went. Kelzryn leapt into the air. Two strokes later, he covered the distance between himself and the escaping brigand Aetherframe. In a flash, he swiped his claws across the Aetherframe''s flank. Metal screeched and shrieked¡ªexploding in a shower of sparks¡ªscraps and pieces flying in every direction. The impact hurled Tempest aside¡ªcrashing into a tree. Smoke trailed Tempest as it toppled to the ground¡ªbattered and broken. Tempest''s pilot screamed. Kelzryn bounded upon his wounded prey. Claws speared true¡ªimpaling Tempest''s chassis and punching through the metal. After yanking his hand loose, the dragon began to methodically rend and tear into his target. He then wrenched out the squirming, flailing occupant¡ªpinning him against the adjacent trunk. The brigand continued to scream. He kicked and thrashed in Kelzryn''s grip. His pleas fell on deaf ears as the dragon ignored him. The captive''s howls petered out with each sickening crunch of bone as the dragon squeezed and crushed his body¡ªreducing him to pulp and viscera. Kelzryn tossed the mutilated corpse to the ground without even a second glance. He turned towards the smoking ruin of Ebonheim''s cottage¡ªhis piercing glare returning to its usual azure hue. He gave Evelyne a look as if to say ''It was self-defense'' before stalking off. Evelyne released the breath she''d not realized she had been holding. She watched him depart as her heart slowed and the terror receded¡ªfading like morning mist upon a riverbank. As her adrenaline subsided, her aches and injuries flared anew. With her mana depleted and L¨¦andre incapacitated, all that remained was to wait for rescue. The battle was over. They''d won. And all she wanted now was sleep.
Orin was there to meet Evelyne when they finally extracted her from L¨¦andre''s control alcove. There was a collective gasp from the rescue team at her appearance¡ªher suit singed and torn and her body littered with burns. Hilda and a few druids tended to Evelyne as best they could. Their magic soothed and alleviated her injuries. Evelyne sat propped against L¨¦andre¡ªa cushion beneath her back¡ªwhile the druids worked. Her face twisted as Hilda channeled healing energy. A prickling sensation¡ªlike that of a limb being stabbed by pins and needles¡ªspread through her abdomen. A low groan escaped her lips as her cracked ribs realigned and knitted back together. Although Hilda''s magic could heal such injuries, Evelyne would still feel the soreness for weeks, no doubt. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth against the discomfort¡ªclenching her hands into fists to distract herself from the pain. "The remaining brigands have been dealt with," Orin informed as he approached. "Serrandyl led a successful charge through their lines¡ªrouting them as they pulled back." "Thanks for the update," Evelyne replied. "Have we any losses?" "Thirteen dead, sixteen wounded," Orin relayed, his voice lowering. "For a raid this size? I''d say it was a decent result. Still..." He shook his head and sighed. "Thirteen too many. I''m sure you''ll want to help once your injuries are healed. For now... rest and recover." Evelyne nodded in reply. As if on cue, fatigue overwhelmed her¡ªsinking her into the black void of slumber.
Bjorn returned shortly after the last of the brigand corpses were dumped into a pit far outside the town''s borders. His group had scoured the surrounding region for the remaining raiders but found none. Upon their return, Bjorn wasted no time in assisting the cleanup efforts and repairs. Engin tasked him to help coordinate the efforts, managing the workload to get things back to normal. There was much to do. Alas, nothing could be done for Ebonheim''s destroyed cottage. Its charred ruins remained in place¡ªa stark reminder of the enemy''s invasion and of what could''ve happened. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The rest of the town had escaped relatively unscathed. The wards and enchantments Evelyne and Orin''s mages had installed proved their worth¡ªthey had done their job. They''d saved lives. But even with that small consolation, no one celebrated their victory¡ªonly a sobering silence occupied their thoughts. Engin let out a drawn-out sigh and looked heavenward towards the dreary grey clouds. "This... isn''t easy at all." His voice carried to where Bjorn stood beside him. "I hope we won''t have to go through something like this again." Engin rubbed the stubble along his chin¡ªhis brows creasing with worry. "Aye," Bjorn agreed. "Once should be enough." He pursed his lips into a grim line. "We managed well enough this time around. But this attack makes me think of what''s to come." He patted Engin upon the shoulder. "But don''t dwell too deeply upon it, my friend. Let''s focus on what needs doing. We can mull over this after everything''s squared away." "You''re right," Engin acquiesced. He flashed Bjorn a lopsided smile. "Back to it, then?" "Back to it," Bjorn echoed. They spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon directing and overseeing the repairs. After all was said and done¡ªdusk approaching¡ªBjorn reported back to Engin to give his final tally. "All told, the damage ain''t as bad as I initially expected," Bjorn summed up his assessment. "Thanks to our preparations and everyone pulling together... we made it through." "A welcome relief," Engin remarked. "Though it pains me to know that Ebonheim would be returning home to a somber scene..." Kelzryn approached from behind them. "I will apologize to her for my mistake," he declared¡ªhis words taking Bjorn by surprise. "My error led to her home''s destruction. I will not rest until I make amends." Engin shook his head. "That won''t be necessary. She''ll be surprised and annoyed, but she won''t hold a grudge. I meant that Ebonheim would be saddened by the deaths we couldn''t prevent." "It is regrettable," Kelzryn stated. "But you did well considering the circumstances. To only lose so few speaks to the bravery and skill your people possess. It should have a negligible impact on her...divine essence...and development." Bjorn and Engin exchanged a glance. Despite Kelzryn''s attempts to comfort them, neither found his words to be very convincing. "Kelzryn," Bjorn started. "It''s not about whether we lose one or five...or thirty. No matter the number, there''s always someone left behind to grieve and mourn." He folded his arms and regarded the dragon with a measured gaze. "Ebonheim will be upset because those who fell were cherished by her. Your attempt at comforting us aside, Ebonheim would still mourn." Kelzryn''s mouth pressed into a thin line. "I... see." His expression turned thoughtful¡ªas if mulling over the words. "Your meaning is clear. I will reflect on this." Engin nodded. "In which case, allow me to say this... thank you. Evelyne also thanks you. And I''m sure the others would as well." Kelzryn accepted the praise with an acknowledging nod. He departed shortly thereafter, heading for Ebonheim''s shrine. Bjorn watched him go before turning to Engin. "She''ll be mourning for a while," he said with a sigh. "And probably will blame herself for not being here when the attack happened. But that''s how she is. We can only show her we''re here for her. That''s all we can do." "Agreed," Engin replied. "Gods aren''t omniscient¡ªor at least I don''t believe they are. She didn''t have forewarning of this attack. Though she would likely try to make sense of why this happened, I''d venture to guess even she may not know." "No point in guessing what she''d be thinking," Bjorn surmised. "Let''s just focus on taking care of what needs doing. There''s not much else we can do at the moment." Engin clapped Bjorn upon the back. "Right you are. Right you are..." He strode off, calling out orders as he went. Bjorn chuckled at Engin''s departure. Even after the elder man had vanished from sight, Bjorn remained where he was¡ªreflecting on all that had transpired. As he ruminated on Engin''s words and their previous conversation with Kelzryn¡ªBjorn gazed heavenward once more. He wondered how long it would take until Ebonheim could overcome such sadness? Days? Weeks? Months? With the way things were, Bjorn wagered it might take a little longer than usual. Not to mention Ebonheim''s innate nature and personality as well... All they could do for now... was wait and see.
Xellos gazed over the horizon at the town¡ªa sliver of gold on the fringes of dusk''s final light. From his perch atop the distant hill, he witnessed the residents working to restore order. His lip curled in disdain. To think that his plan had failed... he mulled over the results¡ªhis mind drifting back to the battle''s outcome. He severely underestimated the town''s defenses and combat prowess. They weren''t supposed to withstand the brigands'' assault. The town should have crumbled¡ªand he, having conveniently stepped in to defeat the raiders¡ªshould have been welcomed with open arms by its grateful denizens. From there... he would have earned their trust and lulled them into complacency. It should have been an easy transition to power and worship. He would have finally had his own divine domain. But in the end¡ªthe result was an utter rout. Every single one of the brigands he manipulated had been killed. Worse still...a damned ancient dragon had made an appearance. An abysmal development. Xellos was not yet prepared to confront an elder being of that magnitude. Why was a dragon present in this out-of-the-way town? Xellos mulled over the possibilities but couldn''t find an answer. The closest guess he came to was that perhaps the dragon had a lair near this settlement and merely arrived out of curiosity or coincidence. Either way... He clicked his tongue in annoyance. Such an upsetting outcome. What was I to do now? If he wished to establish a foothold in this realm¡ªhe needed believers to pool quintessence and fuel his rise through the divine hierarchy. Slaying other entities and absorbing their quintessence had carried him to the Zenith stage of being a Lesser God. But without believers to bolster his growth, he would stagnate¡ªeventually devolving after an unspecified amount of time. All gods faced such a conundrum¡ªeven more so now that no one had been able to ascend since a decade ago. Something was blocking the flow of Quintessence. Many gods had tried to unravel the mystery...and failed. No god knew the reason why. And most of all, no god knew how to solve such an issue. For a vagrant god like him, that was problematic. Without worshipers and belief to sustain him¡ªXellos would eventually fall into oblivion. There was nothing more terrifying for a god than ceasing to exist. What could he do...? His eyes shimmered as he stared at the town, and what he saw prompted him to stand upright. A divine aura blanketed the town and surrounding region¡ªthis settlement had already been claimed! Someone¡ªone of those accursed city gods¡ªhad managed to take root here first! He''d been too late! All the work he had put into this location had been for naught! Who was their patron deity?! Chapter 132: Home and Hearth Three days later... In the waning light of the afternoon, as the last of the funeral rites ebbed away like the tide retreating from the shore, Ebonheim found herself drawn to the newly turned earth of the graves. With a heavy heart, she gazed at each name engraved upon the markers and tablets placed by the graveside. She recognized them¡ªtheir faces and their voices clear to her recollection. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes, yet she withheld her sorrow. Although she wished to mourn¡ªshe couldn''t help but feel she had failed them. Their lives cut short, and all because she hadn''t been present to protect them. Their blood stained her hands as much as those who had carried out the deed. Ebonheim and the others'' return home should have been a joyous occasion. The expedition to create the road connecting to the eastern entrance to the Eldergrove forest had succeeded¡ªthey had even established friendly relations with harpies along the way. It should have been a perfect reason to celebrate. Instead¡ªEbonheim returned to a somber scene. Her domain¡ªher people¡ªhad been attacked while she''d been absent. Although they had managed to defeat the brigands, she grieved the loss of thirteen precious lives. They were people who had lived and laughed with her since they came to this town. Yet now...they were gone forever. She could not revive them. She could not turn back time. Hrafnsteinn warriors...Silverguard Company soldiers... Although it had only been a short while since their arrival, these brave people had taken up arms¡ªrisking themselves¡ªto defend their new home. A home that was not theirs by birth...but still one they fought to protect. That gesture touched her heart. If only she had foreseen this coming... Why didn''t she sense the danger? The Akashic System should have given her some idea that something was coming¡ªa message or warning of some kind. It had done so in the past. Whenever an incident occurred within her domain or one of its inhabitants faced imminent danger¡ªshe would receive some forewarning and a quest that allowed her to intervene and mitigate the threat. That had always been the case... so why not this time? Why wasn''t there anything for this? The Akashic System did nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why?! All she wanted now...was to understand what happened and why. But no amount of reflection brought answers. Her thoughts spiraled, repeating themselves¡ªlike the droning buzzing of insects in the summer heat. Ebonheim squeezed her eyes shut against the rising tide of emotion threatening to burst forth. No tears would fall, but her chest heaved with suppressed sadness. Even her shoulders trembled from the effort. She hunched over herself¡ªgrasping at her head as if to stem the torrent of sorrow building inside. But before Ebonheim could crumble upon herself, she felt a presence draw near. Serrandyl stood beside her and placed a gentle hand on Ebonheim''s shoulder. Her touch helped quell the sorrow¡ªthe familiarity of Serrandyl''s presence providing a small measure of comfort. The Aslankoyash woman said nothing but maintained a reassuring grip as they shared the silence. Eventually, Serrandyl broke the hush that fell between them. "I know what you''re thinking. There''s no use beating yourself up over this. Grieve and move on," she stated. "That''s the only thing you can do. No one expects you to always come to our rescue and save the day. We''re also responsible for protecting ourselves." Serrandyl withdrew her hand and leaned forward¡ªfixing Ebonheim with a level gaze. "It was bad luck and bad timing. It couldn''t be helped. But you should be proud of us more than anything else. We won against two hundred brigands¡ªand they weren''t pushovers. Everyone worked together to repel them. If that''s not reason to be happy for us¡ªthen I don''t know what is." "But..." Ebonheim protested. "If only I''d known what was going to happen...then perhaps I could have..." "If only doesn''t cut it," Serrandyl interjected. "I said we''re responsible for protecting ourselves. Besides..." She slapped Ebonheim in the back hard enough to elicit a startled yelp. "...you should give yourself more credit. It''s not like you to act so pathetic." Serrandyl grinned, her pearly fangs glinting in the evening light. "Well..." Ebonheim started. "If you put it that way, then..." "Exactly," Serrandyl agreed. She made a beckoning gesture. "I remember you spent days standing over the gravestones of those who died in that elemental conflux. So... Come. Don''t dwell here any longer. There are others who need to see their goddess''s smiling face right now." She offered her hand to Ebonheim. "Because your smile cheers us." Ebonheim hesitated but reached for her offered hand. In a strong and quick gesture, Serrandyl pulled Ebonheim to her feet¡ªbringing her close in a one-armed embrace. Serrandyl smiled. "There, better?" she asked. "That''s what I like to see." "Heh... Well... maybe just a little bit," Ebonheim replied¡ªallowing the corners of her lips to twitch in the faintest semblance of a smile. "Though I''ll probably cry a little later, so... I might end up ruining everyone''s mood again." She let out a meek sigh. "But...thank you. Your words helped." "I''m glad to have helped. Now...we''ve got people waiting for us." Serrandyl retracted her arm and began to walk¡ªgesturing for Ebonheim to follow. Along the way, Bjorn and Hilda approached to walk beside them. The old druid wrapped an arm around Ebonheim''s shoulders and brought her in a light embrace. Her gesture conveyed no words¡ªyet a soft hum emanated from her as she sang a low dirge¡ªmuttering in the tongues of nature and the fey. It was a melody without lyrics or defined rhythm¡ªyet there was comfort and solace. Ebonheim soon found her mind calmed by the slow, repetitive sounds. After a short time had passed, Bjorn spoke. "Ebonheim," he started. "Our warriors fought well. Though some fell in battle...we protected the people and town we call home. Don''t carry their burden. We, their brothers and sisters, carry their legacy forward." He locked his gaze with hers. "With honor and pride. All of us. We will hold our heads high with this accomplishment. It was through all our efforts that we prevailed. A settlement bears the marks of its battles and wounds, but each scar becomes a testament to their struggles and achievements. Let the events of today strengthen our resolve...for those who still draw breath." He went to pat Ebonheim''s head, his hand making a playful smack upon her forehead. "Raise your head. Lift your chin. There''s no reason to fret anymore." His bright eyes gazed skyward. "Let the sun warm our faces, the earth bear our roots, and the wind carry our songs." The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Ebonheim could not hold her sorrow any longer. A single teardrop slid from the corner of her eye¡ªbarely noticeable under the gathering dusk. She allowed a weak smile. "I''m supposed to be your goddess, you know? I''m the one who''s supposed to console and inspire you...but here you all are. Talking and consoling me." She allowed a faint laugh¡ªthe mirth leaving as soon as she exhaled. "Why...?" She brushed the offending tear away. "Why...?" She muttered once more. "Because we''re your people," Hilda answered. "We share joys and sorrows as one." The druid embraced her in a full hug. "Come now... you''re going to cry no matter what we say or do...so go ahead and get it over with." And Ebonheim did. Her emotions spilled over¡ªtheir flow unabated¡ªtumbling in an uncontrollable torrent. She sobbed onto Hilda''s shoulder¡ªunleashing the tide of pent-up anguish and regret. She cried.
As the sun descended beyond the distant horizon and the evening sky faded from fiery oranges into its dark purple-indigo hue, Ebonheim made her way towards the town square. The meeting with the elders and the leaders of the major groups had concluded not too long ago. They spoke at length about what transpired and what measures they would put in place for future attacks. Overall, they had achieved a consensus and began preparing plans and directing resources toward addressing the remaining issues. Throughout their entire discussion, Ebonheim remained silent and attentive to every word, shifting her gaze between each speaker, listening to all points of view before addressing the room. No one berated her or sought to chastise her. No one even hinted at her being to blame. A single incident in which thirteen people had perished during the raid and the town remained relatively unscathed was considered a success¡ªalbeit not the most preferred outcome. Following the meeting, Ebonheim meandered around the town to assess the remaining issues and lend assistance where she could. Everyone received her warmly. Whether by a small touch upon the arm or a casual pat on the shoulder. Almost every conversation ended with her parting with an encouraging word or phrase. They cared more about her feelings than anything else¡ªor at least that''s how Ebonheim perceived their demeanor. She knew everyone was trying their best to make her feel better, but at the same time, she sensed they weren''t just acting for her sake¡ªbut for their own. By spending time with her, the townsfolk were able to continue with their tasks and work with relative peace of mind. She didn''t mind it; on the contrary, Ebonheim found the effort endearing. It was these interactions and this sense of belonging¡ªthe willingness of everyone to pitch in and lend a hand¡ªthat invigorated and lifted her spirits. All of which brought Ebonheim to the central square of town. Lamps and lights illuminated the surroundings, making it bright enough to seem as if the night had not yet fallen. People had gathered for the public banquet arranged for their returning expeditioners. As was customary during their past successes¡ªan important event was typically held following their safe return. Tables had been set up at various points to make room for people to move and mingle¡ªtheir laughter and lighthearted atmosphere reflecting the joy at having achieved this milestone. And while their fun had been dampened by the funerals they''d recently conducted, their optimism and hardiness were evident. Among the crowd, Ebonheim''s eyes fell upon a familiar face. Calyxia stood a short distance away, near the periphery of the gathering. The Lord of the South kept an observant gaze across the throng as if she guarded Ebonheim''s subjects against a non-existent enemy. Calyxia noticed Ebonheim staring and dipped her head in greeting. Ebonheim waved. Next to Calyxia was a figure she had never seen before. Long raven hair spilled over his broad shoulders, contrasting his pale, almost alabaster-like skin. He wore a long, flowing tunic embroidered with runic symbols and lined with intricate gold patterns. His features were sharp and refined¡ªa strange and otherworldly beauty to him. The gaze he leveled towards the crowd was serene yet cold. She had the distinct feeling that he wasn''t quite comfortable in this place or among her people. However, when he shifted his eyes towards her...his expression softened. His piercing azure eyes sparkled with interest, and his mouth pulled into a half-smile. Something about him seemed familiar¡ªa kindred spirit perhaps. She couldn''t quite put a finger on it. As she made her way towards him and Calyxia, Ebonheim noted his physique¡ªmuscular and trim¡ªhis stance, regal and commanding. Thin fissures and cracks along his skin glowed faintly in the evening light. A strange phenomenon. "Ebonheim," Calyxia called out as she drew close. "We''ve waited until you''ve concluded your business. We came to visit, though...I never thought the occasion would take this form." "Hey," Ebonheim greeted in return. "Yeah...about that..." She shifted her attention to the unknown figure. "Who''s your friend?" The strange figure responded to Ebonheim''s inquiry¡ªhis voice measured and smooth. "It''s been a while since we first met, Ebonheim. I am Kelzryn, the one you saved in the aftermath of the Kungwan conflict." He offered a small bow. "Thank you again." The gears in her memory ground to life. Kelzryn...the Kungwan war...over a year ago...she helped free a dragon from an ancient magitech contraption that siphoned his power. The act nearly killed her¡ªwell, it actually did, but she revived. Wait...Kelzryn was supposed to be a colossal dragon. So how could this regal yet normal-sized humanoid be him? Ebonheim tilted her head in puzzlement. "What? Really? Wow..." Her eyebrows creased into a frown. "You don''t...look anything like what I last remembered you as. Can you change forms?" "Ah...yes..." Kelzryn answered¡ªhis countenance almost sheepish. "I can change between my human form and my dragon form as I desire." "Neat," Ebonheim said. Wait...neat? Right now, there was a dragon who could annihilate her and everything around her in the blink of an eye¡ªand all she could say was ''neat''? She made a clumsy attempt at a friendly smile while bowing in curtsy. "I-I mean... Welcome, Lord Kelzryn! We thank you for coming!" Her words came out awkward and unnatural¡ªa faint stammer accompanied each sentence. "Might I inquire as to w-why you''re here?" She steadied her voice. Ebonheim caught Calyxia trying to muffle a chuckle and sent her a sideways glare. "There''s no need to be so formal," Kelzryn remarked, shaking his head. He folded his arms¡ªthe fabric of his clothes shifting to accommodate the gesture. "I can only express my sincerest regrets for failing to prevent your home''s destruction. Although I''d come to your town on a whim, my inaction in this incident leads me to conclude I''d done nothing worthy of recognition." Huh? Failing to prevent my home''s destruction? What did he mean by that? The town didn''t get destroyed. Everyone''s safe...aren''t they? Calyxia piped up before Ebonheim could even speak. "We decided not to intervene in this skirmish. Humans warring against each other should remain their affair. However," Calyxia shot Kelzryn a pointed look. "Kelzryn intervened at the last moment to save one of your subjects." "He did?" Ebonheim blurted, her eyes widening. Kelzryn averted his gaze. "Although...I took unnecessary measures...it should have been...wrong to remain indifferent and ignore such blatant hostilities. Thus...I thought I must take action and attempted to lend my assistance," he explained¡ªhis voice carrying hints of discomfort. "In my fervor, however...I ended up doing too much and resulted in further chaos." Ebonheim directed her questioning stare to Calyxia, seeking further clarity. The lamia-gorgon spirit merely offered an approving nod. Ebonheim shifted her gaze back to the dragon and repeated her query with a tilt of her head. "Uh...can you clarify, please? What did you do that''s too much? How did you get involved?" "It''d be best to show you," Calyxia explained, chuckling softly. Kelzryn led the way, with Ebonheim following and Calyxia bringing up the rear. They trekked along the familiar path towards¡ªoh no, something happened to her cottage... The burnt and scorched ruins of Ebonheim''s once beloved dwelling greeted her as they turned a corner. All that remained were piles of smoldering ash, wood planks, and unrecognizable debris. The once vibrant garden nearby now lay blackened and shriveled. Ebonheim''s heart dropped¡ªher jaw slackened and eyes bulging. "Uhhhhhhhhhh?" She made a gurgling sound¡ªhalf a shriek, half a wheeze¡ªas she fell to her knees. This was the second time now. Well...at least it was only her cottage that got destroyed and no one else''s. ...right? Kelzryn provided a quick explanation. "In my attempt to save the one named Evelyne, I deflected an attack that struck and obliterated your abode." "Ohhhhhh no..." Ebonheim droned. Her voice rose to an indignant squawk. "Are you...kidding me?!" Chapter 133: Exarch of Ebonheim While seated at the head of the table, Ebonheim couldn''t be any more uncomfortable at the looming figures on either side of her¡ªKelzryn occupied one end, Calyxia took the other. Across the table sat the leaders of all major groups from Ebonheim. Each regarded her with various expressions ranging from expectant to puzzled. Ebonheim fidgeted in her seat¡ªbiting the inside of her lip¡ªpondering how to begin their impromptu meeting. Everyone had gathered after she called for them, but nothing could have prepared Ebonheim for having two powerful entities flanking her in an impromptu council session. Kelzryn had insisted he be present to apologize while Calyxia declared her desire to attend due to her connection to Ebonheim. As she faced the assembly and readied herself to speak¡ªshe stole a sideways glance at both of her imposing guests. Calyxia lounged against her chair with a regal posture¡ªone arm draped upon the armrest with her serpentine tail curling beneath her¡ªa smirk spread across her face as she observed the gathering with languid interest. Meanwhile, Kelzryn remained stoic and still¡ªhis arms folded in front of him as his piercing azure eyes studied the room¡ªmeeting every gaze leveled his way. His sharp features, icy countenance, and daunting presence left an air of solemnity about him. A nervous smile tugged at Ebonheim''s lips. She shifted her attention back to the gathered leaders. Clearing her throat, Ebonheim began. "I know that most of you already have a rough idea why I called for this impromptu gathering," she started, clasping her hands and leaning forward upon the table. "The figures beside me are Calyxia and Kelzryn, lords of their respective areas of influence. Calyxia is heading back to her territory tomorrow but Kelzryn said he planned on staying a while." She took a breath. "As for why he''s here..." Kelzryn elaborated as Ebonheim trailed off. "Although I originally wanted to keep my intentions private, circumstances and actions compelled me to come forward." The dragon inclined his head toward Ebonheim. "During the time that you and Calyxia assisted in my rescue, a portion of my essence had infused itself into you. It became a bond of sorts...a tether between my spirit and yours." It became what? Ebonheim thought back on the ordeal. After activating that Magitech contraption and somewhat reversing its effects, she had to divert the excess energy into a suitable recipient to keep anyone else from getting harmed. She used herself as a conduit and ended up being destroyed because of it. Coincidentally, that draconic energy also counted as Quintessence which allowed her to ascend to her current divine stage. But she hadn''t experienced any symptoms of its effects since...had she? She certainly didn''t have horns or scales protruding from anywhere¡ªnor did her teeth feel any sharper or more prominent. And her personality remained the same. There hadn''t been anything different¡ª Or had there? "Huh...weird..." Ebonheim muttered. Her eyebrows pinched into a frown. "How come I don''t sense or see any bond or whatever between us?" She shook her head in dismay. "I''ve no recollection or impression that there''s anything linking us. Sorry to say." "The bond is...mostly internal and one-sided," Kelzryn admitted. He folded his hands together upon the table and fixed a searching gaze at her. "I suppose it''s more like a remnant impression on my essence¡ªan imprint of our shared experience¡ªin that particular instance when we were bound together." "Err... okay." Ebonheim blinked. "Not sure what I''m supposed to do with that... I still don''t quite get this bond or imprint thing." Kelzryn rubbed a finger against his chin in thought. "From my perspective," he began. "My sense of you has been ever-present since the bonding. My spirit subconsciously wishes to keep an eye on you as though you are kin." His shoulders raised in a faint shrug. "That''s my observation of the situation thus far." Ebonheim fiddled with her thumbs in embarrassment. She would have liked a warning prior to hearing the reason he''d visited. Then again...perhaps having their talk in private would have led to other issues. Hence this unorthodox method of handling the whole ordeal. Kelzryn turned his attention to the rest of the gathering. "After having meditated upon my desires for some time," he stated¡ªhis tone cool and commanding¡ªall eyes fixed upon him. "I have decided to become her Exarch." Ebonheim nearly fell out of her chair at that revelation. An exarch?! Her''s?! And not only that...but she received a quest alert as well. [Radiant Quest] Kelzryn''s Wish [Description] Kelzryn, the ancient dragon¡ªthe Thunderfury¡ªwishes to become your exarch and serve as your subordinate. To accomplish this goal, Kelzryn seeks your acknowledgment and must prove himself worthy by participating in various deeds. [Accept Kelzryn into your pantheon?] Yes or No? [Time limit] 48 hours. [Current status] In progress. Ebonheim barely managed to recover before any embarrassing slipups occurred. A cacophony of questions blared in her mind. At the last Divine Auction she attended, she overheard some deities mention Exarchs during passing conversations¡ªdescribing them as powerful and devoted servants who supported them¡ªsomething akin to knights serving kings and queens. From what she understood of their role, they served as their god''s closest confidantes and protectors. And now a mighty and ancient dragon wanted to become one? And right here and now? Wow...! She didn''t expect anything like this. Even the rest of the room seemed to be in stunned silence as they all sat there¡ªshocked at this turn of events. Engin''s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Kelzryn with rapt attention. He wore a mixture of awe and disbelief on his face¡ªas if unsure whether the dragon''s claim was true or merely a trick. Bjorn had a similar reaction. However, he appeared more contemplative than astonished¡ªhis head tilted to the side in thoughtful consideration while his arms folded in front of him. Thorsten maintained a neutral expression throughout the announcement¡ªhis arms folded in front of him similarly to Bjorn''s posture. He didn''t appear to react with much emotion beyond a faint twitch at the corner of his lips. Serrandyl, on the other hand, made no effort to hide her elation¡ªher face beaming with a wide smile. She rubbed her hands together and stood up straight¡ªeagerly nodding at every word uttered by Kelzryn. Lorne nodded at the announcement as he observed the gathering with a steady gaze¡ªa slight squint in his eyes indicating that he didn''t fully trust the dragon''s claims. Or perhaps it was mere curiosity. Ebonheim couldn''t quite tell. Evelyne looked...dazed. Her eyes kept darting between Ebonheim and Kelzryn with growing incredulity. Her mouth opened as though wanting to speak but remained silent as her eyebrows rose into her forehead. It wasn''t until Lorne leaned over and nudged her elbow did Evelyne finally snap out of her bewilderment. She uttered an apology and sank into her chair with cheeks reddening. Orin, meanwhile, focused solely on Calyxia. He directed a quizzical stare toward her as she continued lounging in her seat¡ªan enigmatic smile playing on her lips¡ªher eyes fixed upon Ebonheim with obvious delight. She inclined her head forward ever so slightly¡ªher lips moving without sound. After a moment, Orin''s eyes lit up as he mouthed a silent "oh." Ebonheim let out a tiny sigh¡ªexhaling through her nose¡ªand glanced down at herself. "This...couldn''t have gotten any weirder," she muttered under her breath. Kelzryn blinked and tilted his head at Ebonheim''s reaction. "Weird?" he asked. "Is something wrong? Did I say something incorrectly?" He frowned in confusion. "My declaration is an earnest one if you must know." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "It''s not that," Ebonheim explained. She gestured weakly towards him with a limp wave of her hand. "I mean...we''ve barely interacted much at all...and here you are now. Asking to be my...exarch? Really?" She made a confused hum. "Why do you want this bond so badly?" He appeared perplexed at the question¡ªhis head tilted as he regarded her with an intrigued stare. After a moment, he spoke. "Your actions during our ordeal showed great bravery and resourcefulness. Your behavior towards me reflected your good intentions¡ªa clear desire to help despite the odds." He paused for a short while before continuing. "Furthermore, as far as your divinity goes...you seem to possess both power and compassion¡ªtwo things I find commendable in a leader." "O-oh..." Ebonheim stuttered, blinking rapidly. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. Was she blushing right now? No way...that shouldn''t be the case...right? She cleared her throat¡ªattempting to compose herself. "Uhm...well...thank you?" She sent him a bashful smile. His response drew murmurs from the others present. She overheard faint words of approval among them¡ªher name and their responses reaching her ears. Even some light clapping could be heard amidst the noise. Kelzryn nodded to the approval. "As my perception of you remains as such¡ªit has led me to conclude that I want to protect you as your vassal...and by extension, the people who revere and serve you." He unfolded his arms and placed his hands on his knees as he leaned forward. "This...is my conviction. I want to safeguard you and your domain. My motives may appear self-serving, but I assure you...they are sincere." His expression remained serene throughout his entire declaration. "All that remains now...is your acceptance." "I..." Ebonheim started. Her voice cracked before she swallowed. "I''ll have to think about it first," she mumbled, lowering her head in embarrassment. "I need time to consider this properly." She paused before adding further explanation. "Not that I''m rejecting you outright! It''s just...you know...kinda sudden." She glanced at everyone else. "For all of us..." She could feel every eye on her, waiting for her response. A sliver of sweat formed along her hairline. She brushed away the beads of moisture with the back of her hand. In two days'' time¡ªshe''d have to choose whether to accept him as her subordinate or leave him with a refusal. Either way¡ªthis would alter her relationship with Kelzryn¡ªperhaps even beyond what she anticipated. All these thoughts ran through her head as she fidgeted with nervous energy. Finally¡ªafter what seemed like an eternity¡ªKelzryn conceded with a dip of his head. "I understand," he acknowledged. His gaze met hers in acknowledgment. "You may take all the time you need." He broke contact and turned towards the others once more. "If there are any of you who wish to inquire further or test my resolve...I shall abide." A brief silence ensued after the dragon''s statement. It lasted for only a few moments until Evelyne piped up with a raised hand¡ªher eyes flicking between Ebonheim and Kelzryn¡ªher jaw set tight and cheeks slightly flushed. "Well then...if you''re truly sincere about being our...err...Ebonheim''s exarch..." Evelyne began¡ªher voice wavering slightly in nervousness. "What sort of benefit or boon will we receive from having you around?" She cleared her throat as though trying to regain composure. "Not that we expect anything materialistic from you...but...well..." Her voice trailed off into uncertainty. Kelzryn responded immediately without missing a beat. "The benefit is simple," he explained¡ªhis tone neutral and confident¡ªleaving no doubt as to his intent. "My protection and patronage." He inclined his head forward in emphasis. "Having my patronage means more than simply providing protection alone." He extended his hands outward to encompass the entire gathering¡ªpalms facing upward in invitation. "Think of it as a partnership¡ªwhere I lend my abilities to aid you in your endeavors." He paused briefly as if considering how best to convey his desires before continuing. "In exchange¡ªmy requests are few¡ªmostly self-serving ones that shouldn''t affect your daily activities. But they won''t be overly burdensome either." Another short pause followed his speech before he continued once more. "In addition, should the occasion call for it..." Kelzryn made a gesture of waving a hand aside in dismissal. "If you require me to venture forth on a task of your choosing, I will fulfill whatever role you ask of me. From acting as a defender of your territory¡ªto serving as an envoy among your people." He folded his hands upon the table again with finality. "This is my proposal." Murmurs and whispers spread throughout the group¡ªeach member exchanging glances with one another¡ªsome appearing surprised while others intrigued by the implications of such an offer. Engin spoke up. "Do you have any intention to rule over us? Or force your beliefs upon us?" He furrowed his brow at the dragon. "Will you require tithes of any sort?" Kelzryn shook his head. "Not unless Ebonheim permits me to do so." He shifted his attention to Ebonheim. "Unless, of course...you desire for me to rule or exert my will over your subjects?" His eyebrow lifted in query. "No!" Ebonheim blurted out before she could stop herself. "Err...I mean...no," she repeated in a calmer manner. "I want none of those things from you. Ever." She straightened herself and placed her hands on top of the table with a slight clap. "If I agree to become your...liege...or whatever...I''d rather keep everything the way it is." A hint of amusement flickered across Kelzryn''s features but quickly vanished as he dipped his head in acquiescence. "I understand. Then I shall only act within the limits that Ebonheim places upon me," he promised. "Besides...it''s not like I''m interested in ruling humans." His gaze flicked back toward Engin. "As for tithes...the only tithe I would claim would be Ebonheim''s attention and time." His eyes found her face again. "Not unreasonable requests by any means." He reached towards her and grasped a lock of her hair between two fingers¡ªcaressing the strands with deliberate slowness before tucking the strand behind her ear¡ªhis azure gaze locking with hers. The casualness of his actions caught Ebonheim by surprise. She stared back at him in shock but couldn''t find words to respond. Meanwhile, from across the table, Evelyne''s eyes widened as she gaped at the exchange between them¡ªher expression shifting between a mix of disbelief and incredulity. A strange sound rose from her throat¡ªhalf a growl, half a squawk¡ªas she ground her teeth in barely contained annoyance. Ebonheim felt a rush of embarrassment rise in her cheeks¡ªher mouth opening and closing uselessly as she tried to formulate a coherent reply. She resisted the urge to duck her head under the table and remain hidden until the moment passed. "Uhm...uhh..." was all she could muster. Her gaze darted everywhere else but Kelzryn¡ªfrom her companions seated around her¡ªto Calyxia smirking in amusement¡ªand then back to Evelyne whose face had reddened to match the color of a tomato. "W-well!" Evelyne blurted out. "If that''s what you plan on doing, we''ll have to take drastic measures!" She crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat. Her expression became resolute¡ªa stubborn frown pulling at her lips¡ªher voice firm despite her flushed cheeks. "No offense! But you''re new here!" Kelzryn made no motion of acknowledging her outburst save for a raised eyebrow. "I apologize if I caused any offense," he stated matter-of-factly. He released Ebonheim''s hair and withdrew his hand. "My behavior toward you reflects my genuine affections...though I can understand how my actions seem inappropriate." He bowed his head slightly. "I apologize for causing discomfort." "Oh... uh...it''s okay," Ebonheim sputtered. She touched a finger against her ear where Kelzryn''s hand brushed against. A faint blush warmed her cheeks again. "I just wasn''t expecting that, that''s all." Evelyne grunted¡ªher eyebrows furrowed into a scowl while she tapped an impatient foot under the table. "Is this part of your ''protective'' nature?" she demanded with narrowed eyes. She jabbed a finger at him accusingly. "Because if so¡ªyou better keep those hands to yourself! And any other body parts as well!" she warned¡ªher cheeks puffed out in indignation. "Especially from our goddess! No touching allowed!" Kelzryn tilted his head to the side at Evelyne''s protest before replying. "As long as Ebonheim does not reject or rebuke me, I intend to maintain my current level of contact." His eyes flicked over to Ebonheim for a moment. "But I suppose I will refrain from such displays while we remain in public." His expression softened. "Does that satisfy your concerns?" Evelyne didn''t reply immediately¡ªher arms remaining folded across her chest¡ªher expression defiant. "I..." she started but cut off¡ªher mouth snapping shut in hesitation. She closed her eyes and exhaled sharply through her nose. "Fine!" she relented¡ªher shoulders sagging slightly in defeat. "As long as you respect Ebonheim''s boundaries¡ª" She leveled a piercing glare at him. "I''ll allow it." Engin rubbed his temples with an exasperated sigh. He cast a tired glance at Evelyne''s direction before addressing everyone. "Aside from Evelyne''s...concerns," he began. His voice carried hints of disapproval towards her behavior but he continued nevertheless. "It sounds like we have quite a generous offer on our hands." He paused and shifted his attention toward Kelzryn. "But..." he added. "We will have to convene with one another before making our decisions. Ebonheim is part of us, and we are part of Ebonheim. It only makes sense that we should agree unanimously to accept your proposal." He met Ebonheim''s gaze and smiled kindly at her. "I think that''s fair to say?" Ebonheim nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah! That''s...fair." Her face relaxed into a smile¡ªher previous embarrassment fading away. "I''ll let everyone know about what''s going on and everything else I''ve discussed here," she promised. "I''ll...uhm...also take some time to think about it myself too. How about we meet back in two days'' time?" Everyone agreed with the decision except for Calyxia who merely watched them with an amused smirk. Kelzryn lowered his head toward the table once more. "Very well. I shall await your answer then." He glanced around at the room for a moment¡ªhis expression contemplative¡ªbefore rising from his chair and straightening himself. "For now, I''ll continue exploring the town," he stated with finality. "Calyxia? Are you returning to your territory this evening?" "Yes, yes. I''ll accompany your little stroll," Calyxia said with a wave of her hand. She lifted herself from the seat¡ªthe smooth scales of her lower half gliding across the floor as she approached Kelzryn''s side¡ªan arm casually looping through his. "I''m sure we''ll all get to speak again soon," she said with a knowing glance directed towards Ebonheim. She turned back toward Kelzryn. "Lead the way, my friend." And with that¡ªthey left the hall¡ªleaving everyone to discuss amongst themselves regarding their upcoming meeting. Ebonheim sank further into her chair in relief while letting out a heavy sigh. She felt like she needed a nap after all these events transpired. Chapter 134: How to Train Your Dragon, Part I As night fell upon the town, Ebonheim sat alone near her cottage ruins. She leaned against one of its charred beams while resting her chin against her knees drawn up to her chest. Her fingers fidgeted idly in front of her, tracing patterns through the dirt. She found herself reflecting on everything that happened since her return from building the road. So much had transpired so quickly¡ªthe reports, the funerals, Kelzryn''s declaration of vassalage...everything seemed overwhelming in hindsight. She let out another sigh as her thoughts wandered further. A rustling noise drew her attention from her musings. She glanced toward its source and spotted Serrandyl emerging from the nearby brush. The Beastkin strode over towards her and offered a cheerful smile. "What brings you out here?" Ebonheim asked. "It''s quite late..." "Thought I might find you here," Serrandyl greeted in a casual tone¡ªa hint of teasing in her voice. "Figured you could use some company." Serrandyl crouched next to Ebonheim and folded her arms across her legs. Her tail swished lazily behind her while her ears perked forward inquisitively. "I still can''t believe that the dragon wants to become your subordinate," she remarked. Her voice carried hints of awe and amusement. "But if it means you''ll have more power...I guess that''s good, right?" Ebonheim hummed in agreement. "Yeah...I suppose so," she muttered. She didn''t know what else to say beyond that. Sure, it''d be beneficial for the town to have a powerful ally. But she didn''t expect this sort of outcome from a random act of kindness. Not when there were so many unknowns surrounding him and his motives. "Are you worried about something?" Serrandyl prompted. She nudged Ebonheim gently with her elbow. "Come on, talk to me." Ebonheim chuckled softly before responding. "Just trying to make sense of everything," she replied. She ran a hand through her hair absentmindedly. "I''ve been going around talking to everyone to understand how they feel about having a dragon living among us." She shrugged helplessly. "Even if he''s on our side now...and even if he becomes my exarch...there''s no guarantee he won''t turn against us later down the line. Especially if he gets bored or something." She exhaled deeply through her nose. "Or worse¡ªwhat if I end up doing something to anger him? And then he goes berserk?" She slumped back against the beam once more¡ªher gaze drifting toward the heavens. "Maybe I''m just overthinking things, but...you never know, right?" Serrandyl reached over and ruffled Ebonheim''s hair affectionately. "That''s true. You never know," she agreed¡ªan edge of sympathy tinging her words. "But from what I can tell...he seems honest enough. I doubt he''d try anything underhanded at least." "Mm..." Ebonheim grumbled noncommittally¡ªher expression dour¡ªa slight pout tugging at her lips. "Guess we''ll see..." Serrandyl let out a soft laugh¡ªa short huff that carried more amusement than condescension. "I think it''s hilarious that someone more powerful than you, wants to serve under you." Ebonheim''s pout deepened further. "Well, sorry that your goddess is weaker than a mythical being!" she retorted half-jokingly. "You must be so embarrassed right now..." Serrandyl snorted as she elbowed Ebonheim''s side again. "No! That''s not what I meant!" She chuckled briefly before continuing. "I mean...it''s kinda funny. All those tales about dragons being aloof and powerful...and here we have one asking you to take care of him." Her face became more serious as she spoke. "It''s almost like watching a lion submitting to a mouse." "Hey!" Ebonheim protested. "I''m not a mouse!" Her expression softened into a wistful smile after a moment passed. "Though I do admit...the irony isn''t lost on me either. It''s like having an emperor bow before a commoner." Serrandyl settled into a more relaxed posture¡ªcrossing her legs together and resting her hands behind her body for support¡ªa contented sigh escaping her lips. Her tail swished behind her and wrapped around Ebonheim''s ankle briefly. "In all seriousness...I don''t mind having Kelzryn around," she remarked. "He seems decent enough from what little I''ve seen of him." She flicked her ears forward in amusement. "Plus...I wouldn''t mind getting a chance to spar with him." A chuckle bubbled forth from Ebonheim''s chest. She glanced toward Serrandyl and met her gaze¡ªsharing a smile between them. "So long as he doesn''t eat anyone..." Ebonheim joked. "And as long as he''s respectful to everyone here." Her expression became thoughtful as her thoughts shifted toward the topic of dragon biology. "Hmm...I wonder what kind of diet he''d need to follow?" she mused aloud. "Hopefully nothing too difficult." She considered her next question for a moment. "Do you suppose he''d like fruit or vegetables?" Serrandyl shrugged vaguely. "Beats me," she said with a wave of her hand. "I''ve only seen him drink tea so far." Ebonheim laughed once more at the nonchalant reply. "Guess we''ll find out sooner or later. I''m sure there''ll be plenty of time to learn his preferences." She lifted herself off the ground and stretched her limbs above her head with a groan. "Alright, well...guess we should turn in for tonight," she stated as she dusted herself off. "Thanks for keeping me company, Serrandyl." Serrandyl got to her feet as well. "No problem!" she responded cheerfully. She looped her arm around Ebonheim''s and pulled her close against her side¡ªtucking her firmly into a half-hug. "My goddess can be so cute when she''s insecure. You know that?" Ebonheim snorted at the teasing remark but didn''t try pulling away from the embrace. "Oh shut up," she countered playfully. "I''m allowed to have my doubts sometimes! Especially if there''s an ancient being coming in and asking for something like this." Serrandyl laughed heartily while ruffling Ebonheim''s hair again. "I know, I know," she replied between bouts of laughter. "Anyways, are you sure you still want to sleep in your burnt-down cottage? I''ve got room in my tent." "Hmph! There are still a few walls standing and they''ll do just fine!" Ebonheim objected¡ªpuffing out her cheeks indignantly. She pushed Serrandyl''s arm away and marched ahead¡ªpretending to be upset¡ªa hint of pink coloring her cheeks as she hurried away. "Goodnight!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing into her ruined shelter.
As the sun began to rise over the horizon, its rays piercing through the broken rafters of the charred ruins, Ebonheim stirred from her slumber. She rolled over onto her back with a yawn and rubbed her eyes blearily. Her aching muscles protested against every movement, stiff and sore from spending the night on the hard floor. As she awoke fully, she found herself face-to-face with Kelzryn¡ªlying beside her. His azure gaze peered intently into hers. "A¡ªAAaaaaAAAaahhh!" she shrieked in surprise, scrambling away from him as fast as possible. She tripped over a fallen beam and fell onto her butt with a grunt. Kelzryn propped himself onto his elbow and tilted his head curiously at her reaction. "Are you always this way upon awakening?" He lifted himself up and stepped toward her¡ªoffering his hand in assistance. His expression remained calm and neutral as he waited for her response. Ebonheim coughed awkwardly as she reluctantly took his hand and pulled herself to her feet. "Well...not usually..." She averted her gaze in embarrassment. "You startled me, that''s all." She dusted off her dress and fixed him with a questioning stare. "How long have you been watching me?" "Long enough to discern your sleeping patterns," he answered matter-of-factly. He clasped his hands behind him and inclined his head forward in acknowledgement. "I must say...you do tend to talk in your sleep. Perhaps too much." He lifted an eyebrow at her. Wait...what?! Did she talk in her sleep? How come nobody had ever mentioned it to her before? And more importantly¡ªwhat exactly did she say while sleeping?! A furious blush spread across her cheeks at the implications. She buried her face into her hands and let out a muffled groan. "Uuugh..." A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. "I am curious why you choose to partake in the act of sleeping despite not needing to," he remarked casually. "Is there any particular reason you indulge in such activities?" His tone held genuine curiosity as he tilted his head to the side in question. Ebonheim lifted her face from her hands and met Kelzryn''s gaze with a sheepish smile. She shrugged vaguely before replying. "I don''t know about other gods, but my form requires food and sleep just like anyone else''s. I know I can just demanifest and remanifest a new body whenever I want...but still. It helps me feel...more connected to my people." Kelzryn made a thoughtful hum in response. "Interesting. I suppose the process of maintaining an organic form requires significant maintenance even for deities. Your efforts appear commendable." Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably at the praise¡ªa light blush returning to her cheeks once more. She turned away and pretended to examine the burned remains of her cottage. "Yeah, well...it''s not like I''m doing anything special. Besides...I think everyone would prefer me like this anyways." She ran a hand along one of the charred walls and frowned, the texture rough against her fingertips. The scorched wood crumbled beneath her touch as she pulled away. "In any case..." she started¡ªturning back toward Kelzryn with an expectant look¡ªarms folded across her chest. "Why did you sneak inside here while I slept? Seems kinda rude...don''t you think?" She tapped her foot impatiently on the ground, waiting for his response. Kelzryn pursed his lips thoughtfully before responding. "My apologies. I did not mean to intrude upon your privacy. However...I felt compelled to remain close by after seeing you return to these ruins last night. As your protector¡ªI wanted to ensure nothing disturbed you while you slumbered." He gave a slight bow at the waist in contrition. "As I said before...I have vowed to protect you and your domain¡ªto whatever extent you allow me to do so." He lifted his head enough to meet her gaze again¡ªhis expression earnest and sincere. "This includes protecting you from threats both seen and unseen. Forgive me if I have overstepped my bounds." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow skeptically as she processed his explanation. She remained quiet for several moments before letting out a sigh¡ªrelaxing her posture and letting her arms drop limply to her sides. "You realize that your status as my exarch is still being decided...right?" she reminded him gently. She rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "Although I appreciate you wanting to guard me...there''s really no need at the moment. I can take care of myself just fine." "Your current state does not detract from the fact that I am bound to you," Kelzryn countered bluntly¡ªhis gaze unwavering. "Even if you choose not to accept my service, I will still endeavor to serve you regardless. That''s all there is to it." He shifted closer¡ªhis eyes flashing brightly in challenge as he peered directly into her face¡ªthe air around him crackling with energy. "Until then...allow me to fulfill my obligations to you." A shiver ran through Ebonheim''s spine¡ªthe hairs along her arms standing on end¡ªas she felt an invisible pressure descend upon her shoulders. A subtle aura emanated from Kelzryn''s body, surrounding her with an intense sensation akin to standing too close to a bonfire. She didn''t dare use her Divine Sight to peer deeper at what she sensed. No doubt, the results would probably leave her reeling. "Fine...fine!" Ebonheim relented, waving her hands in front of herself in surrender. She stepped backwards¡ªtrying to put distance between them. "If you insist on playing guard dog, then so be it." Her back collided with the broken remains of a wall behind her and she pressed herself against its charred surface. "Just stop being so scary!" Kelzryn pulled back and cocked his head curiously at her request. His eyes continued glowing dimly while he observed her. "Scary?" he echoed quizzically. "How so?" Ebonheim brushed off a bit of debris from her dress¡ªstalling for time as she formulated an appropriate reply. Finally, she gestured toward his entire person. "That! What you''re doing right now!" she exclaimed. "I mean...sure...you look intimidating enough...but..." She trailed off uncertainly¡ªher words failing her as she struggled to find a suitable description. "Err..." She gestured vaguely with her hands again while frowning at him. "Look, if you could please tone down the presence, that''d be great." Kelzryn blinked rapidly several times, a confused frown tugging at his lips. "Ah. I see," he acknowledged as he straightened himself. He averted his gaze¡ªshifting uncomfortably on his feet. "My apologies." His expression softened as he exhaled heavily through his nose. A moment later, the pressure around him vanished entirely. The air no longer felt oppressive nor heavy. He stood before her now like any other human male¡ªonly taller and more striking than most...and with horns. "Will this suffice?" Ebonheim rubbed her arms vigorously to relieve the goosebumps¡ªgiving him a small nod in response. "Yes...that''s better. Thank you." She pushed herself away from the wall and walked past him towards the exit¡ªducking underneath a fallen beam blocking her way. "Anyways...now that we''ve gotten that settled..." She turned to face him again. "Care to join me for breakfast? We can discuss what to do after." "Gladly." Kelzryn strode forward and followed suit without further comment.
After obtaining their meal, Kelzryn and Ebonheim settled in a secluded spot along the outskirts of town. They sat beside each other on a fallen log, eating their food quietly while enjoying the tranquility around them. Ebonheim snuck glances at him every now and then, watching how he ate his share of bread and fruit. Every movement appeared deliberate¡ªmeticulous even¡ªas if each bite was savored before being swallowed. Even when speaking, he sounded eloquent and composed despite the casual nature of their conversation topics. In fact...he seemed perfectly at ease in the moment¡ªunperturbed by their proximity or surroundings. "Is something amiss?" he asked suddenly, interrupting Ebonheim''s musings. His eyes flicked toward her briefly as he took another bite of an apple. "You seem distracted." "No! Nothing!" Ebonheim blurted out defensively. She glanced away hurriedly while stuffing another mouthful of food into her cheeks¡ªswallowing it hastily. "I''m fine...just peachy..." she mumbled between chewing. "You?" He raised an eyebrow at her behavior but did not pursue further inquiries. "I have no complaints," he answered simply before returning to his own meal. They continued eating together in silence until only crumbs remained on their plates. Ebonheim let out a sigh as she set aside her empty dish and rested her elbows on top of her knees. "So," she began slowly, glancing at him sidelong. "What''s it like being a dragon?" Kelzryn paused, an apple poised halfway to his mouth, as he considered Ebonheim''s question. He lowered the fruit and stared intently at her. "Do you wish for a general summary or specific details?" She shrugged indifferently and waved her hand in a noncommittal manner. "Eh...either one works." His brow furrowed in response to her answer but otherwise didn''t object to her request. After a few moments of deliberation, he finally replied. "Being a dragon...is to exist as a custodian of an older world. A caretaker, if you will. We exist as living ties to ancient secrets¡ªan embodiment of knowledge¡ªand a witness to history itself. It is both a burden and privilege¡ªone that requires constant vigilance. Especially with regards to what transpires beyond our sight." Ebonheim nodded along absently at his words¡ªtrying hard to digest his meaning behind them. Bjorn and Th''maine had mentioned that dragons were ancient beings from a distant time...but...they failed to mention just how old exactly they were. Perhaps no one really knew. She regarded Kelzryn more closely as he spoke, noticing how his expression changed subtly whenever he explained something. His eyes glowed faintly as he continued describing what life entailed for a dragon¡ªhow they viewed themselves within the larger scheme¡ªand their place among all else. The tone in which he spoke carried a reverence for tradition¡ªan awe for the majesty and power associated with their existence¡ªyet also an understanding of duty towards maintaining order. In short...it sounded exhausting to keep track of everything. A thought suddenly occurred to her¡ªa question rising to mind regarding his comment about ''secrets''. "Those ancient artificers that trapped you, and the contraption that kept you captive," she started cautiously, "how come you didn''t recognize any of them?" Her brow furrowed slightly in puzzlement as she studied his reaction. "Seems odd for someone who claims to have witnessed history firsthand..." Kelzryn gazed pensively off into the distance as he responded to her question. "Indeed. I''ve no recollection of ever encountering such beings during my lifetime. That goes doubly so for their machinations. Those mechanisms you speak of are entirely foreign to me¡ªno matter how well preserved their designs may appear. For all intents and purposes...I believe they should have perished long before I myself came to be." His eyes flicked back to her¡ªa flicker of intrigue showing in their depths. "Your discovery of their use must represent an aspect of history lost to time¡ªan event erased from records or otherwise forgotten. Either way...it''s quite curious." His brow creased as his face scrunched up in contemplation. "Regardless...thank you once again for freeing me from imprisonment." Ebonheim shook her head dismissively as she brushed aside his gratitude. "It''s nothing," she replied dismissively. "As long as we got you out safely, then that''s all there is to it." Kelzryn let out a hum and tilted his head slightly toward her. "Be that as it may...know that I am grateful regardless." He fell silent briefly as he pondered his next words. "In truth...I''d thought my end had finally come...trapped by that contraption¡ªpowerless to stop its workings." His voice took on an almost wistful note¡ªhis gaze distant¡ªas he spoke. "Despite the circumstances...your timely arrival proved fortuitous for us both. A lucky break, one might say." "Calyxia helped too. Don''t forget about her." "Of course. It would not have been possible without her aid as well," he conceded. "But I digress." His expression shifted back to a more neutral state. "Given my current status and disposition...I figure it would behoove me to seek your guidance moving forward." Ebonheim quirked a questioning eyebrow at him. "Guidance? In what regard?" Kelzryn inclined his head forward. "With regards to how to appeal to your people so that they would be favorable towards allowing me to become your exarch." Chapter 135: How to Train Your Dragon, Part II Ebonheim crossed her arms over her chest and closed her eyes in thought. She recalled her various discussions with everyone so far and their varying reactions toward Kelzryn. Most seemed open to accepting him¡ªalbeit wary at first. While others...like Evelyne...were less receptive towards the idea. However...overall...their opinions were mixed thus far. "I guess..." she began slowly, "you''ll have to show them why they should want you around. Build trust. Earn respect. Treat everyone kindly. That sort of thing." She opened her eyes again and met his gaze. "We''re simple folk here...we appreciate hard workers. So if you can contribute positively in some way¡ªespecially towards Ebonheim''s future¡ªthat''d be ideal." He listened attentively while she spoke, his face remaining impassive throughout her explanation. Once she finished speaking, he dipped his chin in acknowledgement. "That sounds reasonable enough." He regarded her silently for another moment¡ªhis gaze unblinking¡ªbefore continuing. "Would you demonstrate how I should conduct myself?" he requested. "Perhaps by accompanying you on an activity?" "Umm..." Ebonheim mumbled in surprise by the request. She scratched her head awkwardly before responding. "I don''t think there''s anything for me to do right now other than patrol the area or talk with the townsfolk. Honestly...they probably have things covered on their own for the most part." She scratched her cheek sheepishly. "But...uhh...I suppose if you want to tag along then...sure...that''d work. Just follow my lead. Okay?" "Very well." He rose gracefully from his seat on the log and followed her as she led the way, her steps light and familiar against the well-trodden paths. As they walked side-by-side through town, she glanced up at him surreptitiously¡ªstill not quite used to his presence beside her. His imposing figure caused a few heads to turn their way, but otherwise everyone seemed to go about their business without incident. Ebonheim, for her part, wore her role lightly, as a crown of daisies rather than a diadem of weighty gold. She greeted people cheerfully as she passed¡ªanswering any questions or concerns they had with ease and efficiency¡ªwhile Kelzryn kept a respectable distance behind her at all times. He seemed content to listen and learn from the interactions without inserting himself into the discussions, which suited her just fine. She led him towards a section of the town where a group of children sat playing. Upon seeing her approach, they jumped to their feet and surrounded her excitedly. "Ebonheim! Look at my flowers! Do you like them?" one child cried out, thrusting a bouquet of wildflowers into her face. Another child piped up. "Look what I found in the creek!" He proudly displayed a mud-caked frog sitting on his palm. Other children added their own offerings, presenting them with proud smiles on their faces. Ebonheim laughed warmly and bent down to speak with the children eye-to-eye. "Those look beautiful." She motioned towards the first girl who handed her the flowers. "Thank you." She brushed her fingers gingerly across the petals and took in their fragrance before passing them back to their owner. Turning to the second boy holding the frog, she patted his head affectionately. "Ah! Good job. Have you thought about a name yet?" The boy shook his head, causing the frog to bob precariously in his hands. He caught it before the creature could leap away and held onto the animal carefully. "Not yet. Maybe I''ll ask my mama first." "Okay. Make sure she doesn''t mind having a pet." She grinned as the rest of the kids clambered closer and pleaded for attention. A young girl, no older than seven, sprinted up to Ebonheim, a woven doll clutched in her tiny hands. "Goddess," she cried, the title a remnant of a time before the goddess''s ascent. "My doll''s arm, it''s torn!" She presented the toy with mournful eyes. Ebonheim placed a hand atop the child''s head and ran her fingers through the brown curls. "Let''s see what we can do for her, shall we?" Her fingers, aglow with a soft light, brushed over the tear. Threads of magic wove the fabric back together, mending the doll as if it had never been damaged. The girl''s eyes widened in wonder, her joy unrestrained. "Thank you!" She hugged the doll tight, then turned to Kelzryn, staring up at him with unabashed curiosity. "Who''re you?" His mouth parted to respond, but Ebonheim answered quickly. "This is Kelzryn. He''s my guest. Please make him welcome." A chorus of polite ''hello''s reached her ears, and Kelzryn bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Good day." "Come play with us!" The kids ran circles around them. One girl pulled on Kelzryn''s sleeve. "What''s your favorite game? Do you wanna make mud pies? We can go collect stones and leaves!" Ebonheim gave him a lopsided grin and a shrug. "Careful now," she teased, "once they rope you into their games, they''ll never let you go." Kelzryn hummed thoughtfully and dropped to one knee so he could properly face the youngsters. "Unfortunately, I must decline today," he explained. "Perhaps another time." His tone lacked any annoyance or anger; if anything, it was almost gentle. The children stopped their running and accepted his words without complaint. He placed his hand upon one girl''s head and ruffled her hair. "Continue enjoying yourselves. Don''t let me distract you from your play." Ebonheim''s grin softened. "Alright," she agreed. "Go on." As they watched the children return to their games, she couldn''t help but ask, "Aren''t they cute?" "I have little experience with children," he admitted, rising back to his full height. "I cannot say whether they are as you say. But I can tell that you enjoy interacting with them." "I do," she acknowledged, grinning happily. "They make my heart happy." He gazed down at her with a look she couldn''t place. "Then they must truly be exceptional." Their walk continued in peaceful quietness. Ebonheim''s mood continued to brighten with each step she took. Everything around her seemed brighter, somehow¡ªbrighter and more vivid¡ªthan what she normally perceived. She wasn''t sure what caused the change in perception. Maybe it was the company she kept? Perhaps the sunlight shimmered a bit differently today? She stopped before a house where an elder woman struggled with a barrel that had tipped and rolled, spilling its contents across her garden path. "Allow me," Kelzryn offered before Ebonheim could step forward, placing a hand upon the woman''s shoulder. The woman looked up, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the tall, horned stranger who lifted the barrel as if it were no more than a hollow reed. Kelzryn righted it, his movements measured and precise, and began gathering the scattered vegetables with an elegance that seemed almost ceremonial. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Ebonheim watched, a small smile playing on her lips. "You handle the turnips with an unexpected grace," she teased lightly, stepping beside him to help. He cast a sideways glance in her direction before replying. "These are not turnips, these are radishes." Huh?! Wait¡ªhe''s right! Ebonheim''s cheeks burned hotter than the midday sun at being caught off guard. Her confidence faltered in an instant. She gawked at the red globe held firmly within his hand¡ªits roundness defined by lines of dirt and veins of leaves. "Ah...oh...umm...so...radishes. That''s what I meant." She corrected herself lamely¡ªrubbing the back of her neck to try and relieve the building embarrassment. "Looks like someone''s a farmer at heart!" She joked¡ªdesperate to move past her faux pas¡ªbut she wasn''t sure if he understood. To her relief, a tiny smile appeared on his lips. He didn''t press the issue further, choosing to focus his attention instead on completing his task. Together, they made quick work of the vegetables scattered throughout the yard. Once done, Ebonheim straightened and waved goodbye to the elderly woman who had observed their assistance without saying a word. They walked away from the house, their steps falling in tandem once again. Ebonheim''s mind returned to the present¡ªto the cool breeze playing with her hair and the smell of the wildflowers blossoming alongside their route. "Hey...I meant to ask earlier..." She hesitated for a second before voicing her question. "Did you¡ªdid you ever have offspring? You mentioned that you thought of me as ''kin'' earlier, so I was wondering if dragons bore any young." Kelzryn cast a thoughtful look in her direction and answered calmly, "We have no need to produce progeny, nor do we harbor any compulsion towards such action. Unlike mortals, we live lives indefinite and constant. Our numbers grow only by circumstance, not natural occurrence." Ebonheim took the information in stride and asked another question. "Doesn''t that get boring though? I mean...who''d want to live forever when everything remains static?" He regarded her question for a moment¡ªhis face thoughtful. "No, not particularly. By existing, one develops an appreciation for change. This may seem counterintuitive; however, it is not so strange when understood correctly." His eyes locked with hers as he explained his thoughts. "A creature that knows nothing but stability¡ªwhether in its environment or itself¡ªbecomes complacent. And thus susceptible to decay. From rot stems stagnation and sickness. "However...change provides opportunity. A catalyst to transform and alter. All things change. The wind shifts, the grass withers, the mountains fall, the stars die. New growth sprouts amidst the dying leaves; fresh shoots rise where once laid bare soil. All things change. But we endure." He paused for breath and swept his arm towards the sky. "Immortality brings freedom. Freedom from limitations imposed by limited lifetimes. Freedom from limitations imposed by self-imposed beliefs." He lowered his gaze from the heavens and directed a pointed stare her way. "And most importantly, freedom to explore possibilities." His words struck a chord deep within her; Ebonheim stared up into the open expanse of blue and pondered what his statement implied. She would outlive everyone she cared about¡ªwould likely survive them all¡ªbut could she continue to evolve while watching friends and family wither with the seasons? Or would she stay unchanged in both form and spirit? Would the inevitable loss prevent her from advancing forward¡ªtrapping her forever in this single moment¡ªleaving her only the memories of her cherished denizens? Would their stories become only a faint echo in time¡ªlost amongst countless others¡ªnever to be recovered or rediscovered again? No. At the very least, their spirits would stay within her¡ªlending their strength as she ventured onward. They wouldn''t leave her truly alone. Ebonheim wrapped her arms tightly around her midsection¡ªshuddering from the cold breeze that swept across the open meadow¡ªwishing to hold onto this instant as long as she could. A warm hand descended upon her shoulder and she flinched instinctively before calming under its comforting weight. She tilted her face and found herself meeting Kelzryn''s gentle gaze. "If you grow lonely," he said quietly, his thumb brushing her shoulder blade, "then consider me a kindred soul. And a ready companion." Ebonheim regarded him pensively as he held her gaze steady. The words he uttered held a deeper meaning beneath them, and for a heartbeat, she nearly embraced him in a fierce hug¡ªbut the moment passed quickly, leaving her frozen and uncertain. Instead, she stepped away from his touch¡ªinstead gesturing towards a cluster of trees nearby¡ªher voice a fraction weaker than usual. "Uhh...I was thinking we''d sit over there." Without waiting for a reply, she quickened her pace, trying not to show how the conversation left her flustered and confused. She hid behind a large oak, leaning back against its bark, taking long measured breaths to calm her racing heart. What am I getting so worked up about? Kelzryn followed soon after¡ªappearing around the side of the tree¡ªhis presence looming silently before her. He studied her expression carefully with sharp azure eyes. After a pause, he inquired carefully, "Is all well? If I said something that displeased you¡ªrest assured that I intended no offense." Ebonheim shook her head resolutely. "It''s not your fault! Not at all...you''re not...that''s not the reason. Trust me," she stated resolutely. She chewed her lower lip as she considered her words before continuing, "I just...need a break, I guess. Some fresh air and sunlight." Kelzryn blinked several times, seemingly puzzled by her answer, but remained quiet. The breeze stirred his hair¡ªcaressing his face with silken strands¡ªdancing freely about him¡ªshimmering in the afternoon rays. "Agreed. Let us remain here awhile and enjoy the afternoon." He sat cross-legged upon the grass and reclined against the tree trunk. "The weather seems amenable." Ebonheim darted quick glances to her left and right while occupying the spot opposite him. Great...now what do we do?
As the day progressed, Ebonheim felt a little self-conscious about her own actions and mannerisms. She couldn''t help feeling like she was putting on a show for him. After all...this wasn''t usually how she acted while out and about among her people. She found herself second-guessing her every word and movement, hoping she didn''t make a fool of herself in front of him¡ªespecially since she was supposed to be giving an example of how to behave normally. Despite her misgivings, she tried hard not to dwell too much on it¡ªchoosing instead to focus on helping those who came forward requesting assistance. She managed fairly well most times, easily falling into old routines without paying attention to whether her company made her nervous or not. Other times...things went less smoothly. She did her best not to let any mistakes bother her but found herself overly critical about every minor thing she did. Luckily, he didn''t seem to notice her increased apprehensiveness and carried on acting as casually as he had during their walk together. When evening came, and her duties called her back towards the center of town, the tension within her began easing slowly. She didn''t want to admit it out loud...but it was nice spending the whole day with him. Although their conversations could be a bit awkward and stilted, their silences still provided comfort¡ªtheir presence and companionship sufficing without needing to say a single word. Along the way, they stopped at the ruins of her cottage. Neither spoke for a long moment. Eventually, Ebonheim cleared her throat and spoke. "Well...did you learn a lot today?" "Quite a bit," Kelzryn admitted candidly. "Compared to other deities I''ve encountered, your way of life differs greatly from theirs. Everything I have experienced here today has taught me something valuable. And I intend to learn more." The words made Ebonheim smile widely, pleased at the compliment. "Glad to hear," she chirped brightly. She spread her arms out and turned in a small circle. "I don''t have any fancy halls or palaces, and our festivals aren''t the fanciest. But I''m happy here." She gestured toward the rest of the settlement. "And so are the others." She slanted a side-long look at him. "And if you''re serious about wanting to be my exarch¡ªand give your vow to watch over and protect the town and its people¡ªthen you should properly convey that to them. And also...please try to refrain from using such big and formal words. Most folks here are a simple bunch, and we prefer straightforward and plain speaking. Got it?" "Understood. I shall endeavor to adapt accordingly," he answered readily. Ebonheim couldn''t help laughing at his serious expression. "Good luck. Anyways..." She peeked back toward the remains of her cottage and sighed. "Well...here''s my stop. Guess this is goodnight." She stepped past the threshold and gave him a little wave. "See you tomorrow. Oh, and..." She glanced away shyly. "I...um...I enjoyed spending the day with you. So thank you." With that, she ducked inside and left him standing on her doorstep. After a couple heartbeats, his footsteps grew distant¡ªfading into the background noise. Ebonheim settled into a sitting position near the middle of the floor¡ªresting her elbows atop her knees¡ªand rubbed her face tiredly. The entire day had passed in the blink of an eye, yet somehow...it had gone on forever. The back-and-forth interactions and conversations with Kelzryn played in a continuous loop in her mind. His inquisitive nature and warm demeanor took on an entirely different aspect from a perspective colored by an awareness of their growing camaraderie. Every slight move¡ªevery glance¡ªevery gesture¡ªtook on a significance Ebonheim had ignored and overlooked prior. In many ways, his attitude and behavior reminded her of a fond memory. A fleeting remembrance she couldn''t quite recall, like the hazy images conjured from dreams upon waking. An almost-memory. Almost. But not quite. "Okay." Ebonheim sat straighter and stretched her arms above her head¡ªloosening her aching muscles. "That''s enough rumination for the day. Time to get some proper sleep." She patted the floor¡ªunperturbed by her lack of a mattress¡ªand lay on her back. Closing her eyes, she let out a long breath and sank deeper into the earth¡ªand soon the dreams returned...of the altar and the arboretum...the doorway and the vault. And a glimmer of azure. Chapter 136: Read the Room While Ebonheim hadn''t witnessed it firsthand, Kelzryn had somehow managed to garner the support of her people¡ªsecuring their acceptance of him as her exarch. He had gone from an unknown outsider to a welcomed and respected member of the community. Even Evelyne had ceased her objections to the arrangement¡ªmuttering only a brief and resigned acceptance of his presence. So...either Kelzryn had done something extraordinary or else had won over her through mutual respect and understanding. Regardless of the reason, Ebonheim couldn''t help admiring his accomplishment. Over the following weeks, a comfortable routine fell between Ebonheim and Kelzryn. Their mornings were spent in pleasant conversations where they shared anecdotes and stories over breakfast. Then, their days would alternate between mundane activities and attending to the needs of Ebonheim''s residents. After sunset, they would typically share a dinner and retreat to the privacy of their respective quarters¡ªuntil the next day arrived. A new cabin had been built for her atop the ashes of her previous dwelling. It resembled a replica of her old house, possessing similar layouts and architectural designs¡ªeven sporting identical decor and furniture¡ªwhich suited her fine. A cabin was a cabin after all. She didn''t need to be picky about things. Kelzryn took it upon himself to enchant the walls and roof of Ebonheim''s house, preventing any possible damages from future accidents or intruders. He also cast a variety of protective spells to prevent outside noises and prying eyes from interfering with her rest. When she had asked why he bothered to take such measures, he responded simply, "To keep you safe and at ease. As your exarch, it is my responsibility to ensure your comfort and security. Nothing less." The additional precautions felt excessive for her tastes, but he had gone out of his way to protect her home. Even if she didn''t always appreciate the attention, his actions didn''t warrant rebuke. And so, she allowed him to proceed without questioning his intentions further. Besides, his wards certainly did help reduce disruptions when sleeping, so the benefits outweighed any drawbacks. Serrandyl would no longer be able to kick her front door open unannounced anymore. Victory!
Today, Ebonheim paid Evelyne a visit at the La Salle de M¨¦canique¡ªLes Artisanats d''¨¦clair''s guild hall and main workshop. There had been a whirlwind of activity since Ebonheim manifested the ancient Aetherframe they found in that bygone city during the expedition. Every member of Evelyne''s guild had worked overtime examining its parts, assembling and dismantling its pieces¡ªexploring each minute detail¡ªjotting their notes and findings in endless documents. Evelyne and Viviane were at the forefront of this research effort¡ªdedicating most hours in a day to studying and discovering the secrets of this lost technology¡ªdiscounting the requirement of necessities for daily existence. Any person unfamiliar with the pair might assume the duo possessed manic fervor towards their objective¡ªas the extent of their devotion often resulted in prolonged sleepless nights and unrelenting labors. Often, the pair would delegate tasks and experiments amongst their peers and colleagues. Frequently, the others would comment and mutter aloud theories, concepts, and speculations to spur the joint development. A great amount of ingenuity flowed free without restraint. Even Orin, who usually confined his workspaces and facilities, joined the festivities¡ªteaming up with his rival in craft¡ªeager to test various combinations and theories to better understand the constructs inner-workings and components. Walls were filled with sketch diagrams and notes scribbled in messy cursive or printed clearly. Tools and parts laid scattered amongst various workstations. The white noise of whirling machinery blended with the discordant clatter of metal tapping upon metal or ceramic breaking upon tile. The whole enclosure hummed with an ambient melody of artisanry¡ªreverberating off the stones and bouncing between the walls and floor and ceiling. Ebonheim had arrived with Kelzryn, each holding baskets of food and drink in hand¡ªplanning to convince the pair to break from their intense investigations. "Take a break, everyone!" Ebonheim announced as she entered the chamber. Her voice sounded meek against the raucous din permeating throughout the room. No one glanced up¡ªunhearing to her words. Ebonheim exhaled sharply. "EVERYONE! TAKE A BREAK AND EAT SOMETHING ALREADY!" Her shout finally penetrated through the racket. An ear-piercing shrieking grated across the crowd as mechanisms and equipment ground to a halt. Shafts stopped rotating¡ªcranks halted their turning¡ªgears and flywheels sputtered to silence. Every set of eyes fell upon her form, blinking owlishly and dripping sweat. She smiled sheepishly in return. "Food?" she offered timidly, thrusting a basket forward. The group wordlessly accepted the rations¡ªeach taking turns munching a variety of snacks and drinking cold beverages. A temporary reprieve descended upon the chamber as people scattered to partake their meals in whatever style and pace suited them. A few preferred to mingle and converse freely during their break. Others chose solitude, retiring to quiet corners and desks to partake privately. Viviane practically inhaled the entirety of her meal within seconds, wasting little time in polishing her plate clean before throwing herself back to the fray. The only one remaining from the original group was Evelyne¡ªwho stood amidst an open tabletop with scraps of papers strewn everywhere. She continued jotting a few notations upon a specific page and added them to a haphazard stack upon her left. Ebonheim wandered closer, skirting the piles of disassembled mechanisms and unfurled schematics. Upon reaching her friend''s side, she set her basket down and studied the display before her. Several loose sheets contained detailed drawings¡ªdemonstrating multiple diagrams and sections of a cross-sectioned model¡ªwhile others detailed complicated mathematical equations or magical formulas. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Evelyne''s fingers absentmindedly combed her unruly locks behind her ear as she shuffled another assortment together and bound them tightly with string. Ebonheim stood behind her and placed her hands upon her shoulders. "Why not take a breather and relax a bit?" She massaged gently, soothing the tense muscles beneath. A faint squeal¡ªfollowed by a soft moan¡ªescaped Evelyne''s lips as she arched into Ebonheim''s ministrations. The unexpected noise surprised her for a second¡ªalmost making her jerk away¡ªbefore she regained her composure and continued unperturbed. "Ma d¨¦esse," Evelyne breathed, the last traces of tension draining away from her body. She melted underneath Ebonheim''s hands. "Oh¡ªforgive me. Where are my manners?" A quick chuckle escaped Ebonheim. "Didn''t you hear me earlier? I said you need to take breaks." Her fingers pressed deeply into the stiff knots buried beneath her fingers. Evelyne stifled a groan¡ªher body stiffened under the pressure. "And as I recall, I think I have mentioned several times...this is too important." Evelyne''s breath came in short bursts, her eyelids drooped low. "S-something big is at stake here. Something monumental..." Ebonheim frowned. "Can''t be worth risking your health over. Please don''t overwork yourself too hard." She gently spun Evelyne about¡ªexposing the tell-tale signs of fatigue marring Evelyne''s beautiful features¡ªa defeated expression briefly passing over her expression before transforming into a weak smile. "Yes...yes...you''re right." Her posture slumped forward slightly¡ªone arm wrapping loosely around her waist and the opposite elbow supporting her weight upon a nearby table top. "My apologies. I did not realize how drained I have become." Evelyne drew in a deep breath, bracing herself, and raised her chin proudly¡ªputting on an air of dignity despite her obvious exhaustion. "Merci, ma d¨¦esse. Your concern warms my heart." Kelzryn approached the pair shortly after they started conversing, carrying a plate containing a variety of foodstuffs¡ªa pair of forks balanced along its edges. "One''s mind requires adequate fuel to function optimally," he commented casually. "Sustenance is paramount." Upon seeing Kelzryn, Evelyne wrapped her arms around Ebonheim, holding her in a tight embrace while giving him a sour glare. She muttered loudly, "Oh yes, how thoughtful you are, Monsieur Dragon." Ebonheim''s eyes darted between the two, her brows knitted together as she studied their expressions and tones closely. Kelzryn tilted his head to the side inquisitively while placing the dish next to the already occupied desk. "It is my duty." She seemed unconvinced. "Hmph." The obvious irritation emanating from Evelyne perplexed Ebonheim¡ªand also slightly amused her. From what she had been told by others, Evelyne and Kelzryn had gotten along quite well in the beginning. But after Kelzryn had declared himself as Ebonheim''s exarch, Evelyne''s disposition toward him had become decidedly less cordial and civil. Although their relationship lacked hostility, the two acted like rivals constantly competing for Ebonheim''s attention. There had been a steady amount of skinship between her and Evelyne prior, but after Kelzryn''s declaration, such occurrences increased substantially. It seemed like every time they crossed paths, Evelyne would do something affectionate towards Ebonheim. Usually, the actions started innocently enough, but then escalated to unexpected levels. Such as grabbing her by the arm or linking elbows and holding hands. Occasionally, Evelyne would even press close against her or kiss her cheeks or forehead. The attention was certainly nice and made her blush...but...she couldn''t help feeling a bit overwhelmed at times. Kelzryn''s presence exacerbated the problem¡ªseemingly driving the interactions. Even now, wrapped in the circle of Evelyne''s arms and held tight against her chest, she could sense an almost possessive edge behind the embrace. Kelzryn didn''t seem phased or perturbed in the slightest. He simply gazed at Ebonheim with his typical unruffled appearance. But then she began to know his pattern as well. Later on, she would find him huddled beside her¡ªsitting extra close so that their thighs touched. Sometimes she caught him staring intently into her eyes during moments where his focus wandered beyond their conversation topic¡ªas if trying to communicate something hidden. Why must this keep happening? Can''t either of them be more civil? Ebonheim reluctantly extracted herself from Evelyne''s arms and straightened her dress. "Okay, okay...let''s slow things down here." She combed her hair behind her ears and pointedly directed a meaningful stare at each individual. "This has gotta stop. You''re making me uncomfortable." She stepped away from both¡ªraising a hand in warning¡ªand pointed sternly. "Don''t either of you dare answer." At the same time, the pair glanced towards one another and locked stares. Their expressions immediately clouded over. A vein bulged noticeably from Evelyne''s forehead and a vein popped prominently from Kelzryn''s. "Enough with the glaring! Geez. Evelyne, eat and take a nap. Kelzryn, check on the others and see if they need anything." The duo seemed about ready to protest. "Right now!" She ordered firmly, stomping her foot. "I mean it. Behave or else I''ll send you both away." Grumbling and muttering, the pair complied sullenly and shuffled away. Evelyne¡ªhalfheartedly¡ªchomped away at the food before resting her head against the surface and napping. Meanwhile, Kelzryn set off on his task of ensuring the others weren''t overdoing themselves. Ebonheim glanced between her friend and exarch while letting out a deep sigh. Great. This might turn out more troublesome than I thought. Later on, the arrival of two unexpected visitors caused Ebonheim to do a double-take. Bjorn and Thorsten walked through the entryway, looking around the guildhall in a mixture of confusion and awe. They were the last two people she thought would appear here. Thorsten''s disdain for Magitech was well-known, while Bjorn tended to dislike being around noisy and cramped places. This workshop probably crossed both lines for both men. Yet, they continued inside¡ªapproaching her at the foot of the gargantuan Aetherframe. Thorsten acknowledged her presence first, though his expression remained unchanged. He spared a brief glance toward the half-dissected Aetherframe and grunted in greeting. Bjorn waved and flashed a lopsided grin¡ªbut stayed silent as the pair drew to a halt. "So, uh...what brings you two here?" Ebonheim inquired cautiously. "Came to see what all the recent fuss was about," Bjorn supplied with a shrug. "Thorsten told me about your discovery. Apparently, you can turn that big thing into your personal armor¡ªand you can fly using it?" Somehow, despite the din, the voices nearby stopped simultaneously and all heads turned in their direction. Viviane snickered from her corner while Evelyne awoke with bleary-eyed confusion¡ªhead tilting and swiveling toward the trio. She mumbled drowsily. "Huhwhaat?" Chapter 137: Bound to Fate Viviane straightened from her slouched position and flung a thumb towards the ancient Aetherframe. "C''est vrai. She can do those things." Evelyne''s half-asleep expression vanished in an instant¡ªand the chair nearly toppled backwards¡ªas she leaped to her feet and crossed the floor. "Quoi! Wait-wait-wait...de quoi vous parlez?" She approached Ebonheim''s side and took her hands, eyes practically sparkling as she stared with naked wonder. "Ma d¨¦esse, is this true?" Ebonheim managed an awkward smile and pulled back gently. "Well..." The recent information spread through the members like wildfire. A stream of Artificers¡ªfrom apprentices to master smiths¡ªjoined the group surrounding them, peppering her with a barrage of questions. Everyone spoke rapidly. Their overlapping voices blurring into incomprehensible nonsense. "All right!" Ebonheim clapped loudly twice. The racket ceased immediately. "Calm yourselves, everyone. One at a time. Go slow and repeat your questions." Over the course of the following hour, Ebonheim answered most questions with vague explanations regarding the ancient Aetherframe and her usage of its functions. "So this Aetherframe is called Cepheid?" Evelyne inquired, hands clasped tightly before her chest. "You can turn it into your personal armor? How? Does it shrink and reassemble itself onto your body? Is the process painful or uncomfortable? What about its weight? And the wings¡ª" "Umm..." Ebonheim twiddled her thumbs as she searched for a suitable response. "I haven''t gotten a chance to fully explore all the functions yet. Nor have I gotten around to figuring out its exact mechanics...but...well..." She tried explaining what occurred when she used the Aetherframe for the first time¡ªminus the Akashic System''s involvement. As expected, her answer stirred the collective interest anew. Many tried insisting she demonstrate the Aetherframe''s abilities again to confirm the details. Ebonheim climbed into Cepheid''s control alcove and tried powering up its systems¡ªto no avail. Its Aetherium Epoch core was still active, but despite repeated efforts at syncing with the frame and taking control, nothing happened. Her efforts simply elicited confused static buzzing noises in response. After several attempts¡ªeach followed by complete failure¡ªshe crawled out from the opening and shrugged helplessly. "I''ve no clue what the issue is," she stated bluntly. The look of utter disappointment on Evelyne''s face felt almost physically painful. Everyone stared despondently. Even the noise level in the workshop dropped off considerably. Ebonheim gave them all apologetic looks and grimaced. "Sorry." Several collective sighs swept the crowd and people began slinking away¡ªeither returning to their own workspaces or retreating elsewhere¡ªtheir excitement crushed under the weight of their collective gloom. Ebonheim looked back up at the half-deconstructed Aetherframe looming high over their heads. Despite the numerous complex components and mechanisms currently removed and hanging by various hooks or wires, the colossal contraption seemed in good shape¡ªaside from the minor scratches and gouges from battle damage sustained during her fight with Liselotte atop the ancient city ruins. The issue clearly laid somewhere else. She focused her will, inquiring the Akashic System for an answer to this conundrum. [Cepheid is currently in maintenance mode.] [You are unable to activate the Divine Arsenal mode of Cepheid due to the current state of the Aetherframe. Multiple components have been either damaged or disconnected. The Aetherframe requires maintenance or repair in order to resume normal functionality.] Ooohh...right. That made a lot of sense. She should have guessed something like that could happen. Obviously, no device was going to work flawlessly if half of its components had been stripped apart and taken out of place. How silly of her. "After you''re all done tinkering with Cepheid and repairing the various bits and bobs, I think I''ll be able to show you how the whole process works," Ebonheim noted sheepishly. "Pretty sure at least." Evelyne tapped a finger upon her chin thoughtfully and peered upwards. "So, you''re saying the reason for your failure stems from us?" She didn''t sound too pleased at the prospect. Ebonheim held up both hands reassuringly. "No. Not at all. The Aetherframe was a mess, right? It couldn''t be helped. Please continue on, and when it''s ready I''ll be able to demonstrate." "Very well, ma d¨¦esse," Evelyne declared¡ªthen brightened considerably. "And...when that time arrives...it would be magnificent!" "Of course," Ebonheim agreed quickly. "Sure, no problem." Evelyne and the Artificers gradually returned to their stations to finish the rest of the ongoing experiments, leaving Bjorn and Thorsten to mingle with Ebonheim. "It''s a shame I missed seeing your fight with that harpy queen," Bjorn remarked idly, glancing around the workshop and watching the activities within. "Seems like an impressive spectacle." "I didn''t get to witness it myself," Thorsten admitted, folding his arms over his broad chest and grunting. "But when I saw you swooping down from the sky, cradling her wounded body, I could imagine the full scope of what happened. Nothing less could rattle our goddess. Hah!" Ebonheim averted her gaze in embarrassment. "Aww geez...could you stop making me sound like an invincible being? It was a hard-won battle." Thorsten grinned widely. "But you won. With your weapon, that Aetherframe...what did you call it?" Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "Cepheid." "Cepheid!" he thundered, sweeping his fist upwards emphatically. "Your victory proves my belief right! You need not hold back your divine wrath when confronting her ilk. Your power should never be contained!" Ebonheim closed her eyes and massaged her temples with both hands. "Right," she muttered under her breath. "Absolutely. Mhmm." She caught Bjorn trying to muffle his laughter unsuccessfully and threw him a mock-glare. He smirked in response, running a hand over his beard. "Nevermind that for now," Thorsten boomed jovially. "What say we let these fine people go back to their duties and head to the feast hall and crack open a cask of ale together? There''s also roast awaiting us." Ebonheim''s stomach growled audibly in agreement. The snack from earlier hadn''t satiated her hunger and she craved a proper meal. The proposal sounded delicious and inviting. "Works for me," she said cheerily. Bjorn chuckled loudly. "And for me." Ebonheim turned towards Kelzryn, who had stayed quietly nearby observing the recent developments. "Are you coming?" His azure eyes blinked languidly¡ªa gesture which struck her as oddly mesmerizing and attractive. She resisted the urge to lean closer to study the intriguing gleam hidden within their depths. Instead, she tore her attention away and cleared her throat softly. Kelzryn cocked his head and seemed to ponder something. He parted his lips, then closed them wordlessly. Instead, he inclined his head subtly and stepped closer. "Certainly." "All right!" Ebonheim clasped her hands together before her, grinning excitedly. "Let''s go feast. Edith, Viviane! Don''t forget to eat as well and rest. Okay?" Evelyne waved absently without turning about. Viviane paused midway from tossing another large plateful of scrap metal pieces onto a pile nearby¡ªbrushing a stray lock out her face as she stared blankly in their general direction¡ªa fat smudge of soot painted her cheek and forehead. "Uh..oui oui...soon." She nodded vigorously¡ªthen winked and returned to her project.
Ebonheim left the workshop, followed closely by Kelzryn, Thorsten, and Bjorn. As the group headed toward the main square, Kelzryn approached her¡ªsidling up until his shoulder brushed against hers¡ªand lowered his head to speak in her ear. "You mentioned that you used that Aetherframe during your battle with Liselotte," he stated, keeping his voice low. "But what would have happened if you hadn''t been flung into the ruins by her attack and somehow stumbled upon the Aetherframe in time?" She blinked. The question struck a chord. What would have happened if she had fallen somewhere else? The battle hadn''t gone in her favor since the start, and Liselotte could have easily dealt a deathblow if the fight had continued. Ebonheim was out of her element and completely outmatched in the fight. Maybe if she had been able to stall for more time for the Akashic System to somehow find an out or something...that may have saved the day...but the possibility seemed minuscule at best. Perhaps sheer dumb luck had intervened that day. It wouldn''t have been the first time her existence relied upon pure chance and circumstance. Ebonheim paused midstep, considering his words. "Hmm...I''d probably have died," she concluded flatly. "Nothing else came to mind at the time¡ªnothing feasible, anyway." Bjorn and Thorsten halted. Both men looked shocked at the admission. They exchanged a quick glance¡ªexchanging an unspoken question¡ªthen fixed their gaze upon her. "That''s how dire the situation became, eh?" Bjorn whispered, his voice somber. Thorsten coughed awkwardly into a fist. His face contorted slightly, lips pulling into a slight frown and eyebrows drawn tight. "I was prepared for a glorious death when more of those harpies descended upon us¡ªyet I am thankful our deaths have been delayed." Ebonheim grasped her arm and dropped her head to stare at her feet. The thought did cause some worry to creep its way into her mind¡ªnot at the prospect of dying, since the chance of her divine spark expiring was low, but rather at how the others who were with her could have perished. If the circumstances had unfolded differently, everyone could have died...and the guilt she would have carried from such a misstep weighed heavily. She should have refused their offer to join her. She should have realized that they had ventured into Liselotte''s territory and should have discouraged them. She should have met with the harpy queen prior and maybe negotiated an arrangement before trying to build a road through her home. She should have foreseen the fallout. She should have predicted the inevitable and avoided such a grim fate. But the thought never occurred to her. It slipped right past her mind''s periphery. She had been too caught up in the wanderlust of exploring, too immersed in the novelty and thrill of traveling with her companions, to realize the risks they would take. All because of her selfishness. All because she enjoyed the adventure. All because she had managed to overcome all the dangers that had befallen them prior. Who had she fooled? Her? Thinking that she was wise? Powerful? Unbeatable? All evidence pointed to the contrary. She couldn''t have been less impressive. Nothing more than a juvenile entity struggling to keep her head afloat. Everything about her was far less than ideal. "Do not trouble yourself over these things," Kelzryn suggested mildly, placing a hand gently atop Ebonheim''s head and patting once. His voice conveyed confidence and comfort. "What you are doing right now is perfectly acceptable. And the mistakes you have made¡ªif such trivial blunders can even be considered mistakes¡ªare forgivable." Thorsten and Bjorn stood alongside Kelzryn¡ªeach taking up positions on either side of Ebonheim. "Aye, lass," Thorsten rumbled. "T''was not yer fault. These things happen. Everyone there could have made a different choice to change how things happened. We can all reflect upon those things later. Don''t trouble yerself over them." Bjorn nodded solemnly. "I''m sure we''ve had this conversation before. We''ve never expected you to be omniscient¡ªno god is. Not even the eldest among them." Kelzryn folded his arms across his chest. His gaze roved the empty road leading away from the main plaza¡ªits cobbles dull and weathered¡ªthen shifted towards Ebonheim''s bowed figure. "Gods are bound to fate more than any other being," he declared calmly. "But for them, this fact serves as an eternal reminder. Whether you realize or not...your life is written upon the fabric of this realm. How and why are inconsequential. Whether you see these threads or not. They exist and surround you always. Even if you have the will to stray from the course, destiny will see you fulfill it one way or the other." Bjorn''s eyes widened a fraction before narrowing pensively. "I''ll have to disagree on that. Fate is just another obstacle one should overcome. Fight it if need be." "That is a luxury bestowed upon mortals¡ªwhose lives are fleeting compared to those who watch from above." Kelzryn''s voice retained its stoic edge, although a hint of curiosity lurked behind the words. "The gods'' role is to observe and guide their mortal charges." "If only. Ha!" Thorsten spat contemptuously. "Tell that to those who conquered and wrought chaos upon others for their own sakes. Don''t count on them standing idle or benevolent. Some do meddle where they shouldn''t, and that leads to damnable consequences." Ebonheim straightened and squared her shoulders. Her posture assumed a steely rigidity as she marched ahead. "Alright, alright. I''m done sulking. You made your points. Enough about this." She exhaled sharply before glancing at the trio behind her. "Thanks guys. Now come along. I''m sick of this moping and pondering. Ale and roast awaits!" She stomped onwards¡ªeyes trained straight ahead¡ªhead held high. No matter what, she would proceed forward¡ªfeeling and ignoring the persistent specter haunting her thoughts and stirring doubts. Maybe it was fate that pushed her in these directions or not, but it was pointless worrying about something so ephemeral and abstract. In the end, she could only try and persevere as best as possible, and learn from her experiences and mistakes. Chapter 138: Noble Quest 4th of Raincrown, 1370 Ebonheim strolled leisurely about the cobbled road, enjoying the faint chill brushing against her skin and the warmth of the sunlight peeking through the clouds. She sighed softly to herself, allowing the gentle breeze to brush away any lingering trace of drowsiness. Today promised to be a slow and quiet one, with clear skies and cool air. People milled about, busying themselves with the usual business and livelihood. A few threw casual greetings and waves in her direction, which she returned without a second thought. Other townsfolk flashed bright smiles as they went on their way. The scene felt mundane yet satisfyingly normal. Peaceful. The atmosphere hummed with subdued energy¡ªthe natural thrum of a community engaged in productive labor. No arguments, fights, or any commotions occurring at this time of day. Perfect. Exactly what she needed right now. No worries weighing on her mind, no disasters plaguing her thoughts. Kelzryn had returned to his lair to attend matters unknown, but promised to return in a few days with gifts¡ªfor Ebonheim, no less. He insisted. Though she did not ask for anything, he still pressed his case regardless. Roderick had taken an entourage of Silverguards with him to travel to the eastern lands beyond the Eldergrove Valley¡ªvia the newly created road¡ªto visit nearby city-states and beyond. Their destination included Daurwyr, Telavene, Glenfarn, and Kerkenberge. They departed yesterday. So for the foreseeable future, things seemed serene. For now, nothing pressed for immediate attention or concern. No conflicting elements needing to be mediated. All in all, a glorious opportunity for her to spend a calm and pleasant morning alone with her thoughts. Ebonheim would have continued wandering the streets aimlessly for another hour or so before making her rounds and visiting every nook and cranny of her domain¡ªas she always did daily¡ªexcept something peculiar caught her attention. A small procession of children strode into sight¡ªthe oldest being thirteen and the youngest about seven. Ebonheim couldn''t quite identify their leader until a few more children joined in. Oliver, the middle son of the Weldt family, waved a wooden stick emphatically as he led his ragtag crew towards their destination. Their target soon became apparent¡ªher own house. Ebonheim raised an eyebrow inquisitively, pausing mid-stride. What might these rascals want with her at this time? She trailed them at a safe distance as they walked single-file¡ªnavigating deftly around clusters of residents or animals crossing their way. Soon they''d arrive directly in front of her door. As expected, Oliver halted in place, circled about, and faced the rag-tag crew¡ªswinging the wooden sword at the waist¡ªand gave a jaunty bow. Everyone imitated the action¡ªeach moving according to their age or capability. A giggle escaped her lips. The gesture was rather endearing and cute. Oliver squatted and began explaining something, but the words didn''t reach her. Next to him, little Jamila nodded vigorously¡ªbouncing energetically upon her toes and pumping tiny fists enthusiastically¡ªthe toothy grin widening with every moment. She apparently got the gist of their plans. Ebonheim smothered her smile with both hands. This should prove amusing. She slunk sideways, slaloming through her garden until she reached the side of the back of her house¡ªwithout passing by the kids still huddled about the front door. So far so good. Crouching low and peering through the shrubs and flowerbeds, Ebonheim jumped and caught hold of the windowsill with both hands, hauling herself upwards and slithering through the gap. Her feet landed firmly on the wooden floor. Success! She ran her hands through her hair and fluffed the locks loose, doing her best to appear inconspicuous and disheveled. Oh boy. Here goes... Taking a deep breath¡ªstruggling to subdue her own amused mirth¡ªshe opened the front door wide. Immediately, Oliver spun on his heels and darted forward, wooden blade pointing dramatically to the ground, and shouted with surprising gusto. "Wahhh! Greetings, Goddess Ebonheim! I am Oliver of the Weldts! And I present to you my band of fellow knights for a mission of grave importance and dire consequences." He performed a half-bow as he spoke, straightening after finishing the statement. Jamila skirted forward and took a shaky stance before kneeling. The girl''s high-pitched squeak almost dissolved into giggles. "Hi, Lady! We''re knights on a mission!" One by one, the other children¡ªthirteen in total¡ªwaddled, strutted, or staggered before the entrance and made awkward bows. Many smiled with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some wiggled their hands and grinned brightly while others kept straight faces and rigid stances. A chorus of loud salutations echoed along with various exclamations and acknowledgments. "Knight Ghislaine Dujardin at your service!" "Greetings, Your Eternity." "May the sun shine ever on thee, my goddess!" "Ma''am Ebonheim. Please accept our humble petition." "Knight Swanhild presenting. I wish you a good day." The entire scenario generated enough adorability to send her mind spiraling. Ebonheim fought a losing battle to contain her chuckles. Thankfully, she managed to reply without cracking too many smiles. "To what do I owe this surprise visit from such fine knights-errant?" she asked kindly, her tone saccharine sweet and overly pleasant. "Please do come in." The children poured into her abode like an invading horde. The younger ones dispersed to check and investigate different parts of the house, poking and prodding various furnishings or utensils with delighted expressions¡ªalways making sure to handle everything gently and treat with respect. Others stood fidgeting, unsure if they were allowed to venture deeper. Oliver and Jamila stayed within the doorway. Oliver saluted solemnly while Jamila gave a bouncy curtsy. "Great goddess, thank you for giving us your time today," Oliver began politely. "My brother Rhyion asked me to rally my friends and brave their fears. He spotted a roast-eating beast that needs defeating! He gave me a quest to entreat you to bless our group with your favor so we can vanquish the threat once and for all." He snapped a fist across his chest and made a reverent bow. Jamila mirrored the salute¡ªif not the precision or execution¡ªand bowed again. Wha-huh? A roast-eating beast? What kind of beast ate cooked meat? More importantly, she hadn''t detected any dangerous creatures entering her domain and the town guards had also reported no troubles. Was this the kid version of playing monsters and adventurers? Sounded harmless. If a little strange. Either way, she wasn''t going to decline this innocent request. Ebonheim covered her mouth, feigning serious contemplation and concentration. After a short while, she spoke again. "Okay, little knights. Let me listen to the whole story. Come inside." She gestured theatrically to the interior. "My home is yours to explore and have fun with. And yes. I will do as you request. Just give me a moment. Stay safe and play nice." Jamila ran gleefully around the perimeter of the room¡ªpeering at every knick-knack, tool, or item on the wall and shelves¡ªdodging or weaving around the other children playing pretend tag. Meanwhile, Oliver waved and darted deeper inside, catching up with some of his younger pals. After Ebonheim wrangled a few of the younger ones in check, settling a minor squabble over a toy and ensuring they didn''t accidentally break anything, she perched on one end of her bed and rested her chin upon an open palm. "Rhyion saw the beast with his own eyes and talked about the size of its teeth!" one kid exclaimed to his friend¡ªmaking exaggerated hand gestures to illustrate his point. "It eats whole pigs at once! And big ones!" "Wow...so huge," his buddy whispered breathlessly. "Yeah!" Another kid agreed vehemently. "It chewed a goat once! Can''t imagine the pain poor Fluffins would have felt..." The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ebonheim paused her absent-minded monitoring and slowly swiveled her head towards the nearby pair. Whaaa? Where did that tale come from? The details escalated shockingly fast. "Uh...what? Who''s Fluffins?" She cleared her throat and blinked slowly. "Fluffins is our family''s goat," a freckled redhead clarified quickly. "She''s the gentlest animal we have! My little sister loves her loads!" "It ate your goat?" Ebonheim wasn''t certain what part she had imagined incorrectly. Either she misheard, or the boy misspoke. Did a beast gnaw a pet goat or cook one in a hearth? Both? "Relax...uh, she''s okay. I checked her right before I joined the others," the freckled kid stated cheerfully. "She''s grazing at the side of my home. Nary a scratch on her. Only scared silly. Or maybe missing her food." Ebonheim grinned weakly. Of course, silly her. What else would she have thought? "So...you all decided to make this a knightly crusade, huh? Gather an entourage of bold adventurers to lead the charge against this monstrous fiend?" Ebonheim inquired mildly. "Yeah. My brother Rhyion asked me for help¡ªspecifically¡ªbut he''s not here yet. Maybe he''s stuck finishing the day''s chores. Too bad," Oliver answered off-handedly. "We need your blessings to win. Sorry. Did I explain everything?" "Quite alright." Ebonheim tapped a finger against her chin thoughtfully. "And...where''s the beast you want slain?" The question was answered immediately¡ªwith wild gesticulations and expansive gestures. The destination in question¡ªlocated southeast of town beyond the training grounds¡ªwas not all that far away. Maybe they found a shrub, tree, or boulder that looked like a monster and decided to use that as their adversary. Like most children''s games. Harmless and simple. Nothing too concerning. Hopefully, whatever they intended didn''t involve lighting things on fire or attacking the wildlife. "Alright! Here''s what''s gonna happen. I will accompany you on your quest." Everyone burst out clamoring excitedly and a flurry of hushed conversations began. Ebonheim gave them time to settle themselves before continuing. "Yes! I''m coming," she added and flicked a wrist. "My power shall aid your efforts to slay the monster. And afterward...a celebratory feast in honor of your victory is warranted, wouldn''t you agree?" Cheers rang out louder and everyone flashed big smiles. Even Oliver couldn''t stop bouncing energetically from toe to toe. "Then...please line up," she declared in her most solemn and authoritative voice. "Let me cast a protective blessing upon you all." As they gathered obediently in a messy row¡ªmilling and jostling a little¡ªEbonheim took hold of each child and patted their heads lovingly. She placed a thumb on their foreheads, casting her Divine Cantrip: Light Ward. With each touch, a spark of silver energy glimmered on their foreheads for several heartbeats before dissipating. "Your wards have been placed. May the radiant light grant you divine protection," Ebonheim said kindly. "Okay. Once everyone''s ready, we''ll head out." This announcement stirred yet another bout of frenzied murmuring, followed by the excited kids returning to the remaining unsearched spots inside her house. Ebonheim allowed them ten minutes more before gathering everyone again and hustling the group outdoors. "Everybody here?" Ebonheim questioned patiently. "You''re all accounted for and present?" She received several enthusiastic nods in response. "Lead on and take me to the location of this great enemy."
Ebonheim could only stare dumbfounded at the scene playing out before her. "Grrr! Rawr!" Serrandyl¡ªclad in her own makeshift armor crafted from twigs, scraps of metal and leather, and adorned with several vines and flowers¡ªbarreled across the grassy meadow. She swiped and growled dramatically¡ªgrabbing attention with every exaggerated movement and stomping about without a care. The kids shrieked and squealed, running away and scrambling in all directions. Ebonheim had to stifle a laugh. Never had she imagined witnessing such a bizarre sight. Serrandyl acted with utmost enthusiasm. Clearly, this wasn''t her first time. She appeared genuinely having fun¡ªgetting into the role and evoking the behavior and appearance of a wild creature. She pretended to sneak behind a few smaller bushes and re-emerged a minute later in a different spot, again crying out loudly and running full-tilt towards a terrified Oliver. The young lad dodged quickly, avoiding her clutches by a hair''s breadth. Jamila took the opportunity to clamber atop Serrandyl''s back and hang onto her shoulders¡ªrefusing to let go no matter how many times Serrandyl staggered and spun about¡ªchuckling wildly in the process. "Get her, Oliver!" a boy hollered loudly from afar. "Get her good!" Ebonheim chose a safe distance from the battle and observed. Eventually, Oliver leapt in¡ªsword swung high¡ªand swiped Serrandyl across her toned stomach. Serrandyl faltered backward a step, stumbled, and collapsed into a heap, throwing a handful of dirt and grass high into the air. Jamila tumbled unceremoniously aside and lay still, laughing quietly. Serrandyl curled in a mock fetal position and ceased her thrashing. She promptly surrendered and called a time-out. "It''s defeated," Ebonheim yelled in her deepest, most somber voice. "Slain by the combined valiant efforts and teamwork. Victory is ours!" Everyone cheered. Children crowded around Oliver¡ªslapping high-fives or jumping around in excitement. Serrandyl waved weakly as she rose to a seated position¡ªalready using a few fingers to gently remove the various flora woven into her long, wild hair. Jamila, meanwhile, danced a triumphant jig. Ebonheim motioned a thumbs-up towards Serrandyl as a subtle encouragement for her role and participation. The Beastkin girl answered with an impish smile and a friendly wink. "Wait, whose idea was it to describe you as a ''roast-eating beast''?" Ebonheim asked her quietly. "Hmm. Might you have...inspired that description? Perhaps with anecdotal evidence?" Serrandyl raised a hand shyly and nodded. "Err...possibly. Yes. That. Mhmm. Probably me." Her voice came out almost apologetic. Almost. "Not surprising." Ebonheim shrugged and laughed. "Maybe you should cut back a bit. On the roast, I mean." She nudged Serrandyl lightly¡ªwho shot back a cheerful grin and hugged her tightly, then proceeded to poke and tickle her until the two fell into a tussling heap, rolling over each other while their raucous laughter drew everyone''s attention. Once she freed herself from the playful harassment, Ebonheim leaned back¡ªelbows digging into the soil for support¡ªand exhaled slowly. "You had fun." Serrandyl stretched catlike, arching her back and extending her limbs luxuriously. Her tail flitted playfully in the air as she straightened to a seated position and folded her legs neatly in a semi-lotus stance. "Mhmm," she hummed softly, sounding more like a purring feline. "Playing pretend with kids is always entertaining. Keeps their imaginations flourishing, and ours refreshed as well." She chuckled and tossed a lock of red hair back from her face. "Sooo...you know anything about this ''Fluffins'' story?" Ebonheim gestured vaguely with an upturned palm. Serrandyl blushed and grimaced slightly. "Um. Well...I bit but didn''t draw blood. But in my defense, it pooped near me while I was taking a nap out on the fields. You don''t exactly appreciate it when you get woken by such a nasty surprise. Anybody would get mad!" She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. Ebonheim gave a wry laugh. "Well, there''s truth to that." As she was about to stand up and announce their imminent departure¡ªgesturing to the impatiently shifting children¡ªan odd silhouette entered her peripheral vision. Ebonheim squinted and adjusted her gaze skyward. To her astonishment, Gwynelle was hovering overhead with an exhausted-looking Urien¡ªnow clothed only in a scrap of cloth for modesty''s sake¡ªhanging limply off her taloned feet. "Ebonheeeeeim!" Gwynelle trilled sweetly as she swooped down to ''gently'' drop the warrior on the ground with a loud thump. She landed gracefully whereas Urien rolled limply until he came to a halt a short distance away¡ªhis face in the dirt and his arse sticking up into the air. "Delivered your friend back to you. Alive. As promised. Unbroken...more or less." She turned her head towards Urien, who groaned weakly and heaved himself onto his knees, then looked away and sniffed once. Ebonheim pinched the bridge of her nose. She couldn''t begin to imagine the events leading up to this. "Um...kids! Go ahead and head back first. Your parents will worry. Good work today. Off with you." Oliver waved a wooden sword towards Serrandyl. "Next time. It''ll be a rematch!" he hollered and broke into a brisk trot, beckoning his comrades to follow. "Here, I''ll see you home safely," Serrandyl offered smoothly and climbed to her feet. The children acknowledged her offer with grateful grins. With a soft command to follow, they marched obediently in a line. Ebonheim turned back to Gwynelle and Urien, who''d risen to his feet and brushed himself clean. A thin crust of mud stained his torso and legs, along with an assortment of twigs and leaves, but he seemed none the worse for wear otherwise. Although...he looked a few kilos lighter. "So...um, Urien...you survived...it seems." Ebonheim gave a tentative chuckle. Urien stroked his scruffy beard and shifted his weight onto one leg. His head swayed from side to side as if dazed or disoriented. Ebonheim began to wonder if his brain had somehow scrambled from the ordeal. "Hahahaha...no, no, I didn''t die," Urien managed to croak between labored gasps of air. "I almost did though. Those harpies really are...wild." He coughed and held a hand over his heart, nodding slowly. "Day in, day out...as my endurance potions dwindled like dewdrops in the desert. I''ve never witnessed such unbridled...fierce...insatiable...well. They weren''t content with only a taste." He inhaled deeply and exhaled. "I''ve done more than my duty. I''ve shown these harpies what a warrior is capable of. How long they can endure. What I''m saying is...that...that we have a mutually beneficial understanding with them now." A solemn silence lingered in the air for a heartbeat. Ebonheim forced a neutral expression and resisted the urge to cringe. Instead, she changed the subject with a diplomatic cough. "So...are we gonna head back, orrr...would you rather continue with this ''remembering'' part for a while?" She shouldn''t have offered the choice, because Urien grabbed her suggestion like a lifeline. "My body is a temple¡ªor so I''ve been told¡ªyet they''ve ravished it thoroughly. Cast the sacred fires out and put me through the gamut," Urien countered emphatically, gesturing to the marks on his neck, wrists, and legs. "They used me for their desires and made no qualms about taking what they pleased. Not. One. Bit." Urien shook his head slowly and heaved a dramatic sigh. "A fine lot the harpies are. Treating a man like a breeding bull and expecting a foal each season. It''s not like they wanted me for my conversation skills. Hard to blame them. With the birdbrain mindset..." Ebonheim punched him lightly on the arm. "Oi, enough with the jokes! Are you really alright?" "Alright? Not so much." Urien grimaced and flexed a wrist. "My back hurts, my pelvis isn''t all there anymore. It''s like a jigsaw puzzle left unfinished. And they flew me here¡ªhalf-naked with my bits swaying in the breeze. So much for hospitality!" He winced again and scratched his chin thoughtfully. "A pint of ale would help. Many, actually." He paused, looking towards the town. "What''d I miss?" Ebonheim chuckled and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "A lot, but I''m glad you''re back." Chapter 139: Gacha?! 8th of Raincrown, 1370 The council sat in the town hall, a drafty building with arched windows and a domed ceiling. Ebonheim sat on a cushioned chair at the head of the table with her legs crossed and hands folded. Kelzryn stood to her right, arms clasped behind his back and looking vigilant. Across the table sat Evelyne, Orin, Ingrid, Th''maine, and the elders. "I''ll be gone for five days," Ebonheim began, glancing at each person seated in a semi-circle facing her. "Five. Just like the year before. I''ll be back before you all have time to miss me. I''ll even bring souvenirs!" "More divine artifacts?" Engin inquired politely. He leaned forward with a hint of anticipation. "You''ve always managed to pick up a few during your trips to the celestial plane." "Sure, but no guarantees," she admitted. "I''ve been focusing more on quintessence collection this year, but I''ve also expended quite a bit to build the road and helping with constructions. I don''t think I''ll have a lot to spare this time." She shrugged and offered a reassuring smile. "But I''ll keep an eye out." Bjorn placed an elbow on the table and scratched his bearded jawline. "Have you considered taking someone with you? As a guard, perhaps?" She hadn''t even considered that option until recently when she asked if Kelzryn wanted to accompany her the day before. He''d declined her request, stating that he was barred from leaving this material realm. When she queried the Akashic System about this, it informed her that only beings with a divine spark could travel through the celestial portal to the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala. Guess it was exclusively for deities. Ebonheim answered with a slight shake of her head. "No. No extra bodies allowed. It''s a strictly invitation-only affair." Evelyne lowered her pen and leaned back in her chair. She wore a thoughtful expression on her face. "Five days..." she murmured, idly tapping her lower lip with the feathered end of the quill pen. "It''s only been a short while since you left town for a nine-day expedition, now you''re heading out for another. A consecutive stretch without you around. Ma d¨¦esse, it''s gonna get lonely again." A strained chuckle escaped Ebonheim''s throat. Evelyne reminded her of Serrandyl during the first few months when the Aslankoyash formally integrated with the town. Serrandyl had stuck to her like a shadow. Admittedly, those moments helped foster a bond of genuine friendship. Somewhere along the way, the proximity had caused a shift in Serrandyl''s perception of Ebonheim. Serrandyl''s casual, affectionate hugs evolved into full-on smothering embraces and the occasional passionate cuddles. Not unpleasant per se, just surprising and rather unorthodox. Nowadays, she is a bit less touchy, though only marginally¡ªmostly because Serrandyl had more duties keeping her busy. Evelyne wasn''t as bold or insistent with her actions as Serrandyl¡ªwho had no sense of personal space most days¡ªbut she had an unwavering interest in being physically close to her whenever the two interacted. Like...very close. More often than not, however, Evelyne would experience bouts of faintness and unresponsiveness whenever their faces drew too close or she encountered Ebonheim''s embrace. Or inhaled a whiff of Ebonheim''s scent. A curious condition for certain. Whatever the reason may be, Ebonheim didn''t mind too much and tolerated the behavior with a smile. "I''m sure you''ll continue to be kept busy with researching that Aetherframe. Five days should pass in no time. Just remember to not overwork yourself and to get some sleep now and then." Ebonheim sent her a concerned look and raised an eyebrow. "Promise?" "Oui," Evelyne affirmed, lowering her head slightly and playing along. Ebonheim resisted a smirk, knowing very well that Evelyne had a penchant for working on projects or pursuits non-stop, pausing only to take a bite to eat or a sip to drink. She hadn''t known anyone more single-mindedly focused than the raven-haired arcanist, except for maybe Viviane. She shifted her attention to Kelzryn. "Watch over the town while I''m away, please. Do what''s right and defend the people from any dangers." Kelzryn gave a polite bow. "Of course. Have no fear."
As the rune-scripted portal before Ebonheim shimmered into existence, an iridescence enveloped the air around her, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the grass and her skin. This would mark the third time she''d stepped through the celestial aperture to venture into the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, yet each entrance felt as if stepping into a dream half-remembered. The portal''s embrace was a whisper of otherworldly static that tickled her skin, the sensation fleeting as she passed through the threshold into the Sanctum¡¯s resplendent dominion. Below her, the celestial floor manifested as a tapestry of stars and nebulae, a galaxy beneath her feet that spun slowly in a silent, majestic dance. Above, the infinite expanse stretched past the distant horizon, mirroring the night sky, but not the one she knew from her physical realm. The swirling fractal pattern was mesmerizing in its beauty as ever, dancing and glittering across the entire sky. The air hummed with the power of the divine, a melody felt rather than heard, resonating with the core of her being. Each step Ebonheim took upon the glowing quartz path echoed softly, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of rippling lights. The path wound ahead, branching into myriad trails that led to floating islands of serene gardens and quiet sanctuaries, each a realm unto itself. Waterfalls cascaded down from these floating gardens, disappearing into the clouds beneath with a soft, continuous murmur. As she ventured deeper into the Sanctum, the celestial architecture unfolded around her¡ªcolumns and sweeping archways punctuated by tiered minarets and basalt facades. Along the promenades, tiny motes of light drifted and floated upon the cool, scented air, ever-shifting and swirling with soft ethereal lights. Ebonheim paused beneath the majesty of a columned alcove to absorb the intoxicating sights and sounds. Everything was vibrant, lush, and ever-changing. With a satisfied sigh, she continued onwards¡ªher footfalls echoing upon the gemstone mosaics beneath. Ahead, the familiar forms of Aetheron and Ariastra emerged from the luminescence, both exuding their usual pleasant aura and warmth. Aetheron¡¯s translucent form was aglow with a calm, azure light, his crystalline crown catching the ambient luminescence of the Sanctum and refracting it into a myriad of soft blues and indigos. Beside him, Ariastra¡¯s silhouette was an ode to harmony, her body a flowing amalgam of strings and wood, notes trembling delicately in the air with her every movement. "Ebonheim," Aetheron¡¯s voice greeted, a sound as soothing as the wind through silver leaves. "I hope you find yourself in good health." Ariastra nodded in greetings. Her clef-shaped eyes glowed a welcoming amber, complementing the tinkle of crystal and string accompanying her words. "It has been a while since our last encounter. What changes have taken place in the mortal realm since we last spoke? Please, regale us with the tidings." The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The pleasantries went on for what seemed like hours as Ebonheim walked with them through the pristine walkways. Occasionally they paused to admire the scenery, their conversation a blend of celestial observations and shared reflections on the events that had shaped their domains since last they met. "Last year''s divine auction brought in an unprecedented level of competition," Ariastra stated after a moment''s silence. "It''s a shame you missed it, Ebonheim." "Really?" Ebonheim responded, glancing at Ariastra. The Akashic System hadn''t given Ebonheim an invitation last year, but that hadn''t been a huge surprise. She''d been told that only a third of the sixty-four deities were allowed into the yearly event, with those being ranked as lesser gods having a higher priority than intermediate or greater gods. Guess I didn''t get to qualify last year... how unlucky. "Indeed." Ariastra tilted her head, gazing wistfully at the stars above. "There have been several new acquisitions since then, some quite striking. Such is the nature of the game. Who can fault such desire and ambition?" Aetheron chuckled in agreement, his robed form shifting to a deeper shade of cerulean as he spoke. "This year''s competition will surely bring its own unique challenges. Who knows what will be for sale, or the price tag attached. Perhaps fortune will shine upon us once more. Perhaps not." Nephri soon joined them, her serpentine form glowing with an ethereal, aqua-hued light. The air around her rippled as if she swam through the deep oceans of the world, each scale on her shimmering body dancing with aquatic colors. Ebonheim enjoyed watching Nephri slither through the air beside them. Her body curved and undulated in fluid motions, gliding effortlessly without a hint of drag. As the quartet walked together along the gilded paths, other divine figures started to appear along the route, greeting each other in various manners and engaging in quiet conversations. Soon the groups split and coalesced anew with other entities. Before long, they all filtered through the vaulted arches into the grand amphitheater where the auction would be held.
As per usual, Ebonheim merely observed the bids during the auction for divine abilities. Since she could purchase any that she had met the prerequisite for¡ªand at a substantially reduced price¡ªshe didn''t actively participate in the proceedings. Her meager pool of collected Quintessence remained untouched. She took note of abilities that caught her fancy¡ªespecially ones related to blessing skills and boons¡ªfor future purchases. When the time came for the divine artifacts, however, she leaned forward and watched keenly, doing her best to curtail the bubbling excitement within. Ebonheim didn''t wish to appear overeager. Nor did she desire to advertise her preferences. Aetheron cast an inquiring glance in her direction, perhaps noting her slight shift in demeanor. "Since you are still young in this sphere, you shouldn''t place an unwise bet. Given your limited quintessence reserve. Make sure to spend wisely." "Ebonheim managed to purchase two artifacts the last time she attended," Ariastra remarked, glancing in her direction. "I believe they were the Gauntlets of the Storm Giant and the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar." "Hmm. Peculiar choices." Aetheron regarded Ebonheim with curiosity. "Those Gauntlets would only benefit you if you prefer to engage through melee combat. However, picking the chalice is...a waste of resources. Mortals should not have such a blessing." Ebonheim had heard this argument already from Ariastra. Nonetheless, she preferred to stand her ground. "It wasn''t a waste," Ebonheim replied calmly. "I haven''t used it yet, but I do intend to at some point. My people have already come up with an ethical way to administer its gift. Besides, its influence isn''t for perpetuity. That''s not a concern." Aetheron scrutinized Ebonheim for a long moment, as if deliberating if her justification had any merit. Then he relented. "Fair enough," he murmured. "Only time will tell. I will ask the state of your affairs regarding that chalice in the next century. Perhaps your decisions will bear fruit and vindicate your judgment. Only then can you prove yourself right. May the fates lend you a favorable hand." Soon, the Akashic System''s projected announcements took center stage as a radiant diagram formed within the vast hall. [There will be no bidding for divine artifacts in this round. Instead, a lottery system will be used where deities can randomly obtain the following: * Uncommon-Quality Artifacts (high chance) * Rare-Quality Artifact (moderate chance) * Epic-Quality Artifact (rare chance) * Legendary-Quality Artifact (considerably low chance) [Deities wishing to expend two hundred fifty Quintessence will acquire a selection of ten random artifacts ranging from the mentioned qualities. Additionally, if one is unable to acquire a Legendary-Quality artifact after ten purchases, the System will randomly award a Legendary-Quality Artifact as compensation.] [The maximum amount of Quintessence a single deity can expend on the lottery will be limited to ten thousand. This limitation will apply to everyone present.] The announcement riled everyone to a buzz of anticipation and whispers. Ebonheim turned to Aetheron whose hue changed to a sour mixture of orange and green. A groan escaped him as he lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes. Beside him, Ariastra''s demeanor suggested mild annoyance. "What''s going on?" Ebonheim asked quietly, not wanting to disrupt the still-developing mood. Aetheron let out an exasperated sigh. "Gambling. Plain and simple. There''s a chance of this event happening once in a while, and each time we''re reminded why we don''t enjoy betting our precious resources...though a few have grown addicted to it." He gazed across the assemblage to Syntris, whose armored form rose to its full height with an eager hum. Syntris'' rich voice reverberated throughout the room as he raised his hands dramatically. "IIIIIIIIIT''S TIIIIIIIIMMEE!" Not wasting any time, Syntris immediately began his purchase spree. Glimmering numbers floated out from his fingertips¡ªbright numerals radiating in a colorful iridescent energy, leaving a vivid trail wherever they drifted. An assortment of artifacts flashed into existence in his waiting palms¡ªgreen auras signifying uncommon quality, blue for rare, and occasionally purple for epic¡ªspilling out into the empty space to his sides. The deities nearby began to gather and circle him in rapt anticipation. In between each set of acquired artifacts, a brief scan through his findings was done. What he judged acceptable was kept, whilst the rest vanished in a burst of stardust, leaving no traces of the materials behind. Aetheron cast Ebonheim a pained expression and tilted his head meaningfully. "You see. Every single time. The madness continues." He shook his head and sighed once again. "Make no mistake; this isn''t the typical roll of the dice. With such low odds, you''re practically spending ten thousand Quintessence for two random items." Ebonheim stared dumbfounded at the spectacle across from her. This was unlike the previous two times she''d attended. Unbelievable. Ariastra hummed gently to herself, eyes half-closed. She turned her attention to Ebonheim after a brief pause and commented quietly. "Half of those gathered here will most likely take part in this gambling extravaganza. Few will obtain anything truly valuable from this...fleeting show of poor judgment. But it is just Quintessence spent for the thrill of gambling, the elation and hope of perhaps a higher reward, no matter how unlikely or insignificant." As Ariastra finished her explanation, she gestured vaguely. A screen displaying a shimmering grid of letters and numbers appeared and hovered in the space beside her. "Lesser gods never truly have enough to spare in the first place, so they don''t partake," she mused, swiping to and fro with an elegant gesture. "As for intermediate and greater gods...some are indifferent, while others join in and do not mind squandering away what they deem as a minuscule amount. Is the rush worth the effort? Not for me." Ebonheim peeked at the screen''s contents with morbid curiosity. "What''s that?" "A list of all who I''ve seen partake in this feverish addiction, along with a corresponding graph ranking the values lost and spent," she remarked dryly. "While I don''t seek to rebuke others, I do find some joy in tracking who falls victim. Sometimes the calculations get rather lengthy as a result. Oh, well. If only more would see reason, or display some modicum of restraint. Or perhaps some sensible priorities." Ebonheim managed a pained smile, trying not to imagine the final accounting of such a grisly list. "Uh, wow. Uhmmm...right. Sure. Count me out from ever doing something like that. Seriously. Too risky." But...is it? What if¡ªwhat if I got really lucky? I could get a legendary artifact with one expenditure! I mean...there''s a chance! An extremely slight possibility... The System prompt to purchase a selection of ten artifacts hovered in front of her, a silvery haze wafting off its borders. [Acquire an assortment of ten random artifacts? Yes/No ¨C 250 Quintessence per purchase.] [Once more, the limit on purchases will not exceed forty.] [Current Quintessence Balance: 39,705.] Ebonheim gulped audibly. Chapter 140: Gacha!!! Ebonheim stared at the glowing prompt before her, her fingers hovering in the air, undecided. The din of excited chatter around her faded into a blurry background murmur. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of her neck. The weight of the decision pressed down on her more than the sum of its Quintessence cost. It wasn''t just a resource; it was a gift from her people, a token of their belief and love. Spending it frivolously felt like betraying that trust. On the other hand...what if she got lucky? One successful bet might net her a legendary artifact, or even multiple items of Epic quality. How much could she and her people gain from such a fortunate windfall? She glanced over at Syntris again. Despite having purchased ten sets, he showed no sign of stopping. His luck hadn''t yielded him anything better than a few epic-quality relics yet. The System''s prompt shimmered in the space before him: [No legendary-quality artifacts have been obtained. You will now receive a random bonus artifact of legendary quality as compensation.] A flash of sparkling gold appeared in Syntris'' hands and illuminated the entire platform with its brilliance. Syntris let out an undignified whoop as the blinding light faded. An artifact took its place, gleaming as if newly forged. It looked like a bracelet. Golden filigree and decorative embellishments adorned the burnished metal surface. Upon its top were two rearing griffins. "Ahhhhaha!! This one! This one shall remain in my collection!" Syntris boasted loudly, clutching the relic to his chest as if afraid to let go. Several deities leaned closer, studying the glittering treasure. Judging from the subtle groans and sighs, it must have been impressive. Nephri coiled herself contentedly. "For some, a legendary item means less to them than others." She twined herself lazily in midair, scales shimmering in the multihued luminescence. Aetheron''s sidelong gaze slid across Ebonheim and landed pointedly on Ariastra''s data-gathering screen. The intricate pattern on his robes undulated in the smooth motions of his breath. His tone carried a hint of disapproval. "Although Syntris wastes his reserves on mere gambling fancies, the resulting gain has yet to sour his judgement." He placed a palm atop the scroll hovering beside her. It promptly dissolved in a cloud of scintillating fractals. Ariastra offered an indignant sniff in response. Her musical tone shifted a shade toward chilly. "His choice. While I disagree, I will not denounce his pursuit. We may hold varying opinions but allowances can always be made for his unabashed enthusiasm." "Is he going for a record now or something?" Ebonheim joked feebly, trying to defuse the building tension. The aura from Aetheron''s presence prickled uncomfortably against her skin. Ariastra''s reply came at a barely audible volume, the stringed segments of her limbs trembling lightly. "With Syntris, one can never know for certain." Syntris continued his fervent accumulation of artifacts¡ªbuffeted on all sides by eager gazes, requests to view his winnings, and pontifications on his chances for future victories. All the while, the artifacts he''d discarded dissolved into flecks of starlight. "What''s he doing with the discarded relics? Is there a hidden use to them?" "Syntris recycles his losses by turning them into shards of raw Plairium. These shards can then be exchanged for enchantments and boons," Ariastra explained. "Although they are considered inferior to genuine artifacts, many would utilize such an asset all the same." "Many? So can anyone do this?" Ebonheim asked. Aetheron''s aura shifted in pitch, signaling an amused tone. "Of course. It is one of our innate abilities¡ªthe conversion of artifacts to Plairium shards. Ah...I forget that you are still a fledgling deity. When you possess greater knowledge, you''ll appreciate the benefits." Ebonheim felt a spike of embarrassment at the gentle reminder. As Syntris continued his gambling with singular-minded focus, Ebonheim noticed Nephri had disappeared at some point during the hubbub. Most likely tired from the endless circus around her. It made sense; they were not obliged to stand there and wait. Hmm...should I really partake? And if I do, how many attempts should I go for? Five? Ten? What would a lucky break mean for me? But also¡ªwhat''s the worst-case scenario? Spending her people''s faith-born Quintessence on this seemed a little distasteful. Still...it wasn''t a large chunk of Quintessence. Maybe just one expenditure would prove a lucky one and fill the gaps in her divine armory. Wouldn''t they reap a big advantage from whatever legendary or epic-quality relic she''d earn from this? A wave of unease rolled through her, accompanied by the sour taste of uncertainty. Was this the right decision to make? Would her people disapprove? More importantly...was she not content with what she already had? "Go ahead and try your luck with one set," Aetheron''s calm, encouraging words startled Ebonheim out of her inner turmoil. "Hmm?" Ebonheim turned towards him questioningly. "If this will be your first time engaging in this year''s gambling spectacle," Aetheron pointed his chin in the direction of Syntris, "then the Akashic System will grant you one set free of charge. Who knows, you might just hit the jackpot." Ebonheim scanned the options shown: [First-Time Participant Free Offer: Ten Assorted Artifacts. One-time only.] [Quantity remaining] One. [Acquire?] Yes/No F-Free? Ebonheim''s fingers trembled slightly as she hovered them above the glowing ''Yes'' option on the Akashic System''s prompt. The whispering murmurs and excited exchanges from the other deities around her faded into a background drone, her focus narrowing down to the tiny, luminescent square and the decision. Roderick always said, ''Grab a risk by the balls, and give them a twist! Because anything could happen, you see! No risk, no reward!'' Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. She always thought he was a bit unhinged when it came to taking chances...but the philosophy had proven beneficial for him thus far. With an involuntary gulp, her fingertip stabbed the ''Yes'' option with finality. A vibrant shimmer coursed through the air around her, and an arc of radiant light swept down from the celestial canopy above, encircling her as the artifacts materialized. [Artifact Acquisition Initiated.] The first seven artifacts emerged in rapid succession, their essence coalescing into tangible forms before her. Each one, bathed in a green aura, spun slowly as if suspended in the fabric of the Sanctum''s mystical atmosphere. Artifact Draw #1: Item: Cloak of Whispering Winds (Uncommon) Description: A delicate, gossamer cloak that grants the wearer enhanced speed and agility, accompanied by a faint, whispering breeze that obscures sound. Artifact Draw #2: Item: Boots of the Boundless Step (Uncommon) Description: Each step taken in these boots feels lighter, increasing the wearer''s movement speed, jump height, and distance. Artifact Draw #3: Item: Ring of Minor Healing (Uncommon) Description: This simple silver band heals minor wounds over time when worn. Artifact Draw #4: Item: Orb of Minor Clarity (Uncommon) Description: A simple silver band adorned with a single aquamarine. This simple orb clears minor mental fatigue and enhances concentration for short periods. Artifact Draw #5: Item: Bandana of the Albatross (Uncommon) Description: A frilly seafarer''s bandana, fashioned in the image of the mighty albatross. Provides sonic resistance, sight in fog or smoke, and resistance to water-related ailments. Artifact Draw #6: Item: Almiraj Belt (Uncommon) Description: Crafted from the soft, fine fur of the elusive almiraj, this belt provides warmth in winter and comfort during any cold season. Increased vitality while in areas of cold or extreme temperatures. Artifact Draw #7: Item: Featherfall Scarf (Uncommon) Description: A soft, sky-blue scarf that slows the wearer''s descent from high places. Ebonheim perused the litany of relics with delight, a wide grin spreading across her face. Each item sparked a flutter of excitement in Ebonheim, the colors and lights reflecting in her wide, golden eyes. Despite the free lottery ticket, she''d still drawn the expected outcome¡ªa stack of unremarkable yet useful artifacts. Each one seemed as useful as the ones equipped by the more prominent figures in her town. Not too shabby, if she were to judge. The atmosphere around her seemed to thicken with anticipation as the next artifact appeared, its blue aura crackling slightly more intensely than the others. A rare-quality item, and it floated before her, slowly turning, for her scrutiny. Artifact Draw #8: Item: Tea Weird (Rare) Description: A tiny, sentient fragment of a water elemental who will accompany the user and serve them tea at any time. Tea Weird''s natural disposition towards harmony allows it to create a calming ambiance anywhere. She couldn''t help but giggle as she read the description. Did the item itself have an attitude or a sense of humor? It must have if it was capable of quirky antics. A rogue bubble popped out from the saucer''s contents, zipped into the air, and fizzed in front of her eyes. Ebonheim let out a hearty laugh. Her attention soon switched back to the ninth artifact forming as another radiant luminescence manifested and diffused around her. Unlike the others, its aura bloomed with a purple hue. An Epic-quality artifact! Ebonheim''s mouth fell open a touch at the realization. Oh. Oh my. Y-Yeah. We got something! An epic-quality artifact! And lucky number nine too! Hah! Sweet! Oh boy! Here we go. Excited voices broke out among the onlookers gathered around her. As if in sympathy for her drawing, a cacophony of jeers and raucous moans echoed from Syntris'' location. Apparently, his luck had taken a downturn. Artifact Draw #9: Item: Hour and Minute (Epic) Description: A short sword and dagger set crafted in the likeness of the hands of a clock, fashioned with pristine blue steel and mounted upon ornate pommels. These blades produce a miniature temporal zone, distorting the perception of time and lending grace and fortitude to the wielder''s movements. An eager crowd pressed in around her, curious eyes drinking in the display as the Epic-quality blades glowed and pulsated. Appreciative comments and approving nods passed among the throng of onlookers. Some jeered the blades'' design, calling it fussy or ungainly, while a few argued in their defense, remarking upon their detailed workmanship and sleek artistry. One more artifact remained to emerge from the celestial conjuration. Everyone hushed in expectation as the space between them began to shimmer and glow. It was probably going to be an uncommon or rare artifact, but that was alright. Ebonheim could never complain. She already had a wonderful collection, and she wasn''t one to lust after more¡ª With a crescendo of orchestral music that seemed to emanate from the very essence of the Sanctum itself, a beam of radiant golden light pierced the dimness, striking down like a sunbeam through storm clouds. It touched the floor before her feet and spread outward in a rush, creating a wind that tugged at her clothes and whipped her hair. Above her, the floating, tumbling motes of light turned golden in the ensuing illumination, creating a field of shifting, glimmering hues that filled the cavernous hall with a dazzling glow. Slowly, the light gathered and congealed, solidifying into the distinct silhouette of an object. Artifact Draw #10: Item: Occasus (Legendary) Description: The Floating Book. A massive grimoire crafted of crimson vellum. It opens its pages to whomever asks with secrets that only the knowledgeable can understand. Within the depths of the grimoire lay ancient wisdom and eldritch secrets, and hides a wish granter, one that can fulfill a wish¡ªonce and once alone¡ªdepending on the specifications. The nature of this artifact is still largely unknown. OohhohhhoHHOooohoh!! A legendary artifact!! Stay calm. Stay calm. Don''t scream out loud and disturb everyone. Ebonheim clenched her jaw so hard that she couldn''t suppress the loud snort as the massive tome floated before her. She leaned forward on tiptoes to peruse the extraordinary find. Its soft red leather cover showed no binding or obvious clasps¡ªas if held together by invisible stitches¡ªand upon the surface lay intricate mandala patterns embroidered in black ink. Aetheron and Ariastra glanced at each other in silence and then back at her. Syntris dropped whatever he''d been holding and shouted over in her direction. "WHAT? HOW? SUCH LUCK!?" Ebonheim didn''t fully absorb what she''d just gotten, so stunned by the pandemonium her epic win had caused. Cheers and hisses exploded throughout the chamber in a cavalcade of commotion. Aetheron leaned forward to peer at the item. "Though I said it in jest, you indeed have a fantastic fortune about you. Remarkable...an artifact of this caliber rarely manifests from the void. Either a true rarity...or the luckiest of luck." Aetheron''s aura had turned a soft purple hue. Pride or something? Ebonheim couldn''t tell. Ariastra peered over from his other side, eyes narrowed to gleaming slits. "For Ebonheim''s first endeavor and fortune...that will surely benefit the development of your domain. How remarkable," she cooed. "Hmm, a part of me yearns for what you''ve just obtained." Nephri unfurled herself into the space behind Aetheron, the aqua hues around her rippling as her elongated body brushed past Ebonheim. "Verily, a bountiful harvest for someone so young," she whispered into her ear, the silky sibilance sending a ticklish shiver through Ebonheim. "Perhaps this wouldst entice thee into partaking in more of these endeavors and chances. Quaint." At Nephri''s remark, Ebonheim cleared her throat. She certainly wouldn''t throw away any other chance to participate. Nor could she bring herself to leave any resources unused. Yet...was that the best course to take? Would her people approve of how she spent their faith-derived Quintessence? Thinking back, she did spend three thousand Quintessence on the Gauntlets of the Storm Giant during the last auction¡ªand she also spent fifteen hundred to acquire the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar. If she used up all her luck with the free set, the worst outcome would be acquiring the guaranteed random legendary at the end of purchasing the tenth set. So what should she do? Take the gamble or¡ª Chapter 141: Stunted Progression Ebonheim fell to her hands and knees as she let out a long sigh of defeat. She''d just finished her ninth attempt at the gambling spectacle, and her luck had continued to plummet since the legendary item had manifested from the void. Not one rare-quality artifact or higher had emerged from the last five sets she''d purchased. Only unremarkable items had been added to her growing pile. [You can purchase one additional set of artifacts for 250 Quintessence. If you do not acquire a legendary-quality artifact from this set, the System will award you a random legendary-quality artifact as compensation. If you do not wish to continue, you may stop the acquisition process at any time. Would you like to purchase another set? Yes/No.] Why stop now? Why not go for broke? But even the words sounded hollow and bitter. She eyed the heap of uncommon artifacts¡ªhaphazardly scattered around her like so much litter. At least she could recycle them into shards. She managed to get five rare artifacts, and another epic-quality one too. Oh...but why did everything feel so disappointing? Why had she let herself believe that luck would continue to smile on her? Syntris cackled like a madman in the distance¡ªcackled at her misfortune! It takes one to know one! His luck was just as bad as hers so he had no room to laugh. Ebonheim clenched her teeth, feeling more than a bit disgruntled at this development. This sucks. Seriously sucks. Come on...just let me get the last legendary item. Even if it was some sort of pity prize, she''d take whatever she could get. She pressed the ''Yes'' option again and another set of ten artifacts manifested around her. Ebonheim regarded the pile with growing disinterest. Here she was spending five thousand Quintessence from her town''s residents on an absurd¡ª With a melodic flourish of brightening radiance and a sonorous fanfare that rattled through the celestial abode like a mighty thunderclap, the tenth artifact came into view. A beam of golden light shot down from the canopy above, haloing the object in a radiant corona of swirling colors. Despite the extravagant manifestation, the joy of acquiring the legendary artifact didn''t feel as euphoric as she''d imagined. It was a guaranteed result, so maybe that explained her lukewarm reaction. No, she needed to pull herself together. She did this for her people! What more could she ask for? As the item floated before her, a display screen popped up, summarizing its effect. Artifact Draw #10: Item: Between de Reu (Legendary) - Part of a pair Description: A Twin Mask formed from the splintered remains of a Divine Judge''s fractured personality. One half, the mask known as ''de Reu,'' lies dormant, waiting for its mate. Its spirit rests within the mask and is neither aware nor capable of influence. Bound to the wielder''s face. May be summoned or dismissed at will. Whilst worn, grants resistance to corruption, illusions, fear effects, and deters emotional influence. Any attempt to remove the mask without the wearer''s consent results in harm. When the Twin Mask is awakened, it will transform into its active form, and the wearer''s divine abilities will be enhanced. The mask can only awaken when combined with its other half. The list of powers surprised her. She turned the mask over in her hands. A frightening face stared back at her¡ªnot menacing or sinister, but blank and neutral. Yet something in the mask''s frozen stare seemed so profoundly sad...or perhaps even heartbreakingly lonely. Or perhaps it was the baleful emptiness lurking behind the stony gaze. What a disquieting item. It had been carved from pale ivory and depicted a sharply angled male visage with sunken cheeks and sharp features. Despite its gaunt and ill-proportioned appearance, its construction appeared solid and sturdy. Strange script and designs had been carved into the backside, intricate symbols etched deep into the polished surface. Ebonheim wrinkled her nose in distaste as she stared at the mask for a few moments longer before finally casting a glance around. Ariastra busied herself jotting down the statistics of Ebonheim''s tenth acquisition. Beside her, Aetheron observed silently, his eyes half-closed and serene. Nephri appeared to have lost interest in Ebonheim''s current predicament and instead wove between the nearby onlookers, eyeing them intently. Syntris had stopped his gambling spree and was now greedily ogling her newly acquired artifact. [You can purchase up to forty more sets of artifacts before reaching the limit of ten thousand Quintessence spent. Do you wish to continue? Yes/No.] No. No! NO! No more. Seriously. No more. Her pile of uncommon items stood as a testament to how things went downhill. She''d experienced a streak of good fortune¡ªno¡ªan epic rush of luck at the beginning, but now her luck seemed to have run out. There were better things to spend Quintessence on, like more powers and abilities. Ebonheim mentally declined the next offer and turned to check the final tally: One hundred uncommon-quality, six rare-quality, two epic-quality, and two legendary-quality artifacts. A modest stack. Yet the pile mocked her greed and indulgence with its mountainous bulk. It felt more like a jumbled mess than an organized collection. The disparity between the impressive light show and her lackluster haul...how disheartening. She let out a loud sigh before moving the items into her divine armory. "Well...that''s enough gambling for today. Let''s call it quits," she said to no one in particular. Her ponderous gait carried her to a spot beneath one of the overhanging platforms, away from everyone else. The earlier fanfare had died down¡ªsome deities had left the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala to take care of their own affairs while others milled around in small clusters, sharing stories and gossip. Now alone with her thoughts, Ebonheim stared glumly at the empty space before her. The immense glamor and spectacle of the event now felt hollow, more than ever. Was she not satisfied with what she had? Why did she covet more? Greed and vanity could corrupt so easily. She shook her head in dismay. "Hey, fledgling." Syntris'' booming voice and thundering footsteps interrupted her maudlin reverie. He appeared behind her with a stomping salute, which he ended by crossing his arms over his broad armored chest. "So, how''d you enjoy the gambling?" His deep voice held a hint of mockery and something else she couldn''t quite identify. She turned to face him as he continued. "After your little haul...how''re you feeling? Upset that you weren''t lucky enough to get anything good?" He didn''t bother hiding the snide tone in his question. Ebonheim glared at him. "Shut up." She really didn''t need this right now. It took everything in her not to say something truly unkind. He hadn''t done anything wrong...not exactly. Syntris placed a massive gauntleted hand on her shoulder. "Ahh...the disillusionment of fantasy meeting reality." He leaned down slightly to peer at her with eyes that flashed red from within his helmet. "Everyone who gambles eventually gets burned. Welcome to the club." She swatted his hand away. "Your luck was just as bad as mine¡ªno, even more so since you spent twice as much Quintessence and still came away with only a few more rares and epics. Maybe next time you''ll learn how to curb your impulses." A wheezing laugh escaped Syntris as he threw back his head in amusement. His armored form clanked loudly with each movement. "Hahahaha! It''s fun to have dreams...to yearn for things you don''t have. To dream that your next draw might bring something spectacular¡ªeven if it seems unlikely. I mean, I could''ve stopped after I got an epic or two but where''s the fun in that? Hm? Where''s the thrill?" Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "That''s your business, not mine," Ebonheim snapped irritably. "I''m done with gambling for a while." "Ha! That''s what they all say!" Syntris countered. He crossed his arms over his massive chest again and leaned back slightly. "Someday you''ll understand how addictive it is. To risk everything for something big. To strive for the next big hit." He made a sweeping gesture with his hands before him, emphasizing his point. "The buzz of success¡ªthat intoxicating high after winning¡ªit never gets old." Ebonheim pursed her lips but said nothing. Her eyes remained fixed on the giant armored deity. She didn''t want to argue with him right now. Didn''t he have anything better to do than taunt her? Perhaps the realization that his own addiction was what had caused his loss¡ªa reminder of his lack of control over his craving¡ªsoured his mood. His reason for seeking out others was probably to mock them in order to compensate for his own shortcomings. "What''re you two talking about?" Aetheron''s inquisitive voice broke through Ebonheim''s contemplation as he strode towards them. The sea of colors swirling around his form glowed softly. "Do I need to intervene? You seem agitated, Syntris." The armored deity laughed and held up both hands in a placating gesture. "Nahhhh, just teasing this little fledgling." He gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. "Just curious if she''ll ever partake again. She seems upset over her haul¡ªwell¡ªmore specifically about what she didn''t get." "Hmm..." Aetheron peered at her. "One''s mood can affect how one perceives one''s successes or failures. Do not let such emotions fester or taint your judgments. Reflect upon what you''ve gained. Better days await, so don''t let any disappointment take hold." Ebonheim smiled faintly. His words lifted her spirits a bit. "Thanks for the advice. I''ll try to remember that." The trio stood together in silence for several minutes before Ariastra and Nephri joined them. Ariastra approached with a graceful glide, the musical tones emanating from her form subtly harmonizing with the ambient hum of the Sanctum. Nephri slithered alongside her, the bioluminescent patterns on her serpentine form casting a soft glow. "Ebonheim," Ariastra''s melodic voice sang as her eyes, two brilliant musical clefs, fixed on the goddess. "I see the auction has left you with mixed feelings." Ebonheim nodded, her earlier frustration melting somewhat in the soothing presence of Ariastra. The patron goddess of Byllais always had a way of making one''s troubles seem smaller, more manageable. "I did gain a lot of nice things...I''m thankful for that. I guess I just wanted to get more, even though my initial win already filled my needs." Nephri slithered into the circle, her four eyes gleaming in the ambient light. "Verily, the shadows of discontent do oft lurk amidst such festivities. Yet, it behooveth us to gaze beyond the mere trappings of fortune, for deeper currents do swirl beneath our divine congregations." Ebonheim gazed at Nephri thoughtfully. What did she mean? Was there something more going on here? Something she hadn''t realized? Or perhaps missed entirely? Before she could ask, Aetheron interjected. "Did Ariastra inform you of what has recently transpired? Or did you come to realize it yourself?" Nephri gazed back impassively. "Both. The conundrum of ascension¡ªor rather, the lack thereof¡ªdidst present itself to me soon after our last discussion." She flicked her tongue twice and then turned her attention towards Ebonheim. "''Tis best if we enlighten the fledgling about her own quandary." Ebonheim regarded them with confusion. What did Nephri mean by this? "What quandary? Did something happen? Please tell me! I''m really curious!" Aetheron''s form shimmered with a deeper hue, his voice assuming a somber tone. "It seems, despite the abundance of quintessence we''ve gathered over the cycles, many among us find the doors to higher divine ranks firmly closed. Of those who have sought ascension to the next stage, most fail time and again, no matter how many resources they invest. No matter how much faith-derived Quintessence pours into their divinity cores." Wait...what? Ebonheim blinked rapidly at this revelation. That couldn''t be right. She had already ascended twice over the past few years. "When did this start happening?" Ebonheim''s mind reeled from the implications. She hadn''t encountered any issues when she''d made her first two ascensions. Both times, she''d simply gathered enough Quintessence and applied for the next Divine Rank, and the Akashic System accepted it. Had something changed since then? Aetheron shook his head. "I''m not entirely certain, but I suspect that something in the celestial realm has shifted just seven years ago¡ªperhaps a new rule or regulation governing our divine progression." Ebonheim looked around nervously. Seven years ago? Wasn''t that time when they... "Indeed," Ariastra chimed in, "The celestial mechanics that once assured our ascent now falter under unknown weights. We suspect not all is as transparent in the Akashic System as it should be." Her gaze bore into Ebonheim. "There must be an element of obfuscation within the system''s workings. One that has managed to escape our scrutiny so far." "Prithee, consider the possibility of foul play, or mayhap, a deeper malaise within our divine hierarchy. There are murmurs of corruption, and dissent percolates in some circles," Nephri added cryptically. Her tail undulated back and forth across the floor, sending ripples through her aquamarine body. "And therein lies the rub. For what profit a god to gain the Quintessence yet forfeit the rise? Something foul weaves its way through the tapestry of our fates." Syntris broke his silence with a harsh laugh. "Hah! I thought it was just me! I''ve already spent over a hundred thousand Quintessence into my ascension, and I''m still stuck in the Ascendant stage of Intermediate Rank!" He clenched his gauntleted hands together so hard they clanked audibly. "Just so you know...for me, that''s ten whole years'' worth of faith-derived Quintessence gone." "Yikes..." Ebonheim gasped at this revelation. "Has anyone sought to understand why? Or get answers from the Akashic System itself?" "I have attempted to question the system about the situation," Aetheron explained. "However, thus far, I''ve received no satisfactory responses. Whatever is transpiring, it seems hidden from us. Only a handful of us have begun to suspect such irregularities within the Divine Realm." Ariastra hummed softly in agreement. "I''m afraid you''ll have to make do with your current Divine Rank until further notice, Ebonheim. It may take many years¡ªor perhaps decades¡ªfor this anomaly to pass. That said, if there''s anything we can help you with as your fellow deities, don''t hesitate to let us know." Ebonheim smiled awkwardly at the others. Guess they haven''t realized that she had already ascended beyond the Dawn and Ascendant stages of the Lesser God Rank. Fortunately, it seemed like the Divine Sight ability was blocked while inside the Sanctum. Otherwise, they would''ve probably picked up on her Rank status right away. Hopefully, they''d think she hadn''t even begun her first ascension yet... "Thanks for letting me know," she offered after a brief pause. "I''ll try not to stress too much about it. I''m just a goddess of a small, remote town so there shouldn''t be any trouble heading my way. But it would be great if we could find out what''s going on." Syntris laughed loudly and slapped his massive gauntlet against his breastplate. "HAHA! Of course, the little fledgling won''t worry about such things!" He crossed his arms over his armored chest again. "Well, now that you know the news, I suggest you focus more on building your city¡ªerr...town, heh¡ªinstead of gambling your time away. And with that...farewell for now!" With a thunderous salute, he stomped off into the distance. "What he said." Aetheron chuckled lightly. "Take care on your journey home." He inclined his head slightly before vanishing in a flash of golden light. "May fortune follow thee until we meet again," Nephri gave Ebonheim a small nod before departing in a puff of inky smoke. Ebonheim nodded towards Ariastra as she watched her depart. The last remnants of the glittering particles dissipated into nothingness. Her eyes lingered on the empty space where the other deities had once stood before turning to the side, finding herself alone once more. Seven years ago...that was close to when Engin and the other elders enacted their idea to come up with a deity of their own¡ªher¡ªafter moving into the valley and settling there. Perhaps this irregularity could be related to them somehow? Did their faith play a role in the problem? But how could such a small group of people affect something on this scale? Ebonheim wasn''t entirely sure about this line of reasoning, but she''d keep it in mind. Maybe ask Th''maine about it later on. After spending the next few days meandering around the Sanctum, socializing with other deities, and familiarizing herself with the place, Ebonheim approached the portal that would take her back to her town. She''d enjoyed her time here, but she''d missed her followers too. As she was about to enter the portal, an unfamiliar voice called out from behind. "Ebonheim..." She turned around to see a hooded figure approaching her. His robes billowed out behind him like a cloud of smoke. He stopped several meters away from her and slowly reached up to lower his hood. Beneath the cloak, a leathery face with iridescent patterns on its skin and large, pitch-black eyes stared back at her. Ebonheim saw this deity a couple of times before? Who was it? Syntris had mentioned him once, and she briefly spoke with him at the last auction. His name was...Xellos? A vagrant god. "I would like to speak with you before you leave," he said, his voice a harsh whisper. "Come with me. Please." He gestured towards a nearby hallway leading to a separate chamber. Chapter 142: Windfall Ebonheim followed Xellos to an alcove near the portal room. The interior was dark and dingy compared to the opulence found throughout the rest of the Sanctum. A few dim lamps hung overhead, casting a pale glow upon the space. This seemed to be some sort of secluded lounge area for the celestials to relax and unwind. An assortment of tables and chairs dotted the area, along with several cushioned benches lining the walls. There were no other occupants present. Xellos stepped over to one of the benches and sat down heavily. He gestured for her to sit next to him. Ebonheim obliged. They sat in silence for a moment before Xellos turned towards her. His expression remained impassive. "What would you like to talk about?" Ebonheim asked cautiously. She didn''t know anything about this deity except what little she''d gathered from their previous encounter and Syntris'' brief conversation about him. The same went for most of the other gods. So why did he seek her out? Perhaps he just wanted someone to chat with? Xellos studied her closely, his dark eyes glittering faintly in the dim light. "You may have realized this already...but there are strange things happening in the celestial realm. Not only regarding the ascension issue, but also the disappearance of deities. Have you heard about any of them?" "Disappearance?" Ebonheim tilted her head curiously. "No, I haven''t." Neither Aetheron nor Ariastra mentioned anything about disappearances during their conversation earlier. Did they know about this? If so, why hadn''t they told her? They''d been fairly forthcoming about everything else related to the Akashic System thus far. Xellos leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to a whisper. "At least five lesser deities have gone missing over the last three decades, including gods from a few smaller cities in the western region of the continent." He paused briefly before continuing. "Those who went missing didn''t leave any clues behind...their domain remained bound to them so no one could claim it." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow at this revelation. Five deities missing? What could have happened to them? "How did you find out about these disappearances?" Ebonheim asked, keeping her tone casual. If there was more to this story than met the eye, she needed to tread carefully. Xellos'' motivations were still unclear. Xellos stared into space for several seconds before responding. "You''ve probably heard that I''m a vagrant god without a domain of my own. A lot of other gods avoid me because of this." His gaze shifted back towards Ebonheim. "I frequent many of the smaller settlements within the western region, interacting with the people there¡ªtrying to establish relationships and establish a domain if possible. Unfortunately, none of them have accepted me. "However, during my travels, I''ve noticed some settlements tied to a divine domain without any deity residing in them. When I approached the one...a small village called Camjurion¡ªabout eight hundred people live there¡ªthey told me that their patron deity went missing around ten years ago. Yet the protection afforded by their Divine Domain still remained." That certainly was strange. A Divine Domain granted a variety of boons to the settlement¡ªthe main one was warding off monsters and other dangerous entities. But if the god who created it died...it shouldn''t exist anymore¡ªunless something else was at play here. Xellos continued, "I''ve interacted with a few other vagrant gods like myself, but none have visited the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala for many years." "Maybe they just don''t care about such gatherings," Ebonheim suggested. Or perhaps they were too busy or preoccupied with other matters? "A god without a domain wouldn''t miss the opportunity to make connections among fellow celestials," Xellos countered. "Nor would they not use the meager Quintessence they could scrounge up to purchase abilities from the Divine Auction. Perhaps a greater deity with a large domain would consider it inconsequential to participate in these activities...but for us? There''s no reason to pass up such opportunities." His reasoning made sense. Most deities took advantage of the Akashic System as much as possible. They sought out ways to expand their power and influence by acquiring new abilities and artifacts. If someone refused to participate in the Divine Auction, it meant either they had other priorities¡ªsuch as tending to their domains¡ªor that they didn''t have enough Quintessence to spend. "Do you suspect that they died?" Ebonheim ventured. "No." Xellos shook his head. "If they had been destroyed, then their fable should have appeared within the Divine Mandala." He paused briefly before continuing. "Every year, I check to see if their names appear there. They don''t." Fables...That''s right. Aetheron and Ariastra mentioned the Divine Mandala when she first visited the Sanctum. If a deity died, their name and history would be recorded there¡ªmuch like how people would record their history in books. That was why it served as a guide for the younger gods to learn from the older ones. It was a sort of divine database with information on every god''s history. That meant those missing deities hadn''t died yet. Then what happened to them? And where did they go? "Did you tell any other gods about this?" Ebonheim asked. She didn''t know if she could trust Xellos'' information. Maybe he just made up the whole story to gain her favor? But why? What reason did he have for deceiving her? Perhaps he had ulterior motives. Either way, she wanted to be careful. "A few," Xellos answered. "Unfortunately, no one believes me." His expression darkened slightly. "Some even accused me of being behind their disappearance¡ªas if I could harm a god stronger than myself! Others believe that the missing deities simply gave up and abandoned their domains. But why would they do that?" He shook his head in disbelief. "All I know is...something strange is happening. No one seems to care or want to acknowledge this problem. Instead, those perceptive enough to notice only investigate the ascension issue. However, I suspect these two might be related." He paused for a moment before adding, "It''s best to remain vigilant. That''s all I wanted to say." "Thank you for telling me this." Ebonheim offered him a grateful smile. She still didn''t fully trust him, but she appreciated his warning. Hopefully, this wasn''t just some trick he was playing on her. Either way, she''d have to corroborate his claims with Aetheron and Ariastra later on. For now...it seemed prudent to return home. "I should go." Xellos nodded. "Of course." He rose from the bench and stepped aside to allow her passage. "Be careful." He bowed slightly before walking away. Ebonheim watched him leave before heading towards the portal leading back to her domain. She still had a lot of questions about this whole situation. But for now, she''d focus on the town''s growth and expansion. She could worry about other things later. Hopefully, Aetheron and Ariastra would be willing to provide more answers.
In the week following her return from the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, Ebonheim had busied herself with organizing and managing the influx of divine artifacts she''d purchased from the Divine Auction. After a thorough inventory and examination, she arranged for their display and distribution among her worshippers. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. To no one''s surprise, the Artificers and Arcanists within her town clamored to examine each artifact in detail, salivating over the potential discoveries they could make from studying the strange objects. They scoured the collection, chattering excitedly amongst themselves as they laid out the artifacts in neat rows. The impromptu display quickly became a popular attraction within the town square. "Look at this one, Vivi!" Emile Lecl¨¨re gushed. She held up a finely crafted bracelet made from intricately woven strands of glowing crystal. "It seems to imbue its wearer with the power to enhance their physical strength and endurance by a small amount." Viviane De Fleur, her blonde hair pinned up beneath protective goggles, leaned over a glowing orb that pulsed with a soft, rhythmic light. "This one¡¯s emitting a steady flux of ethereal energy," Viviane murmured, her fingers hovering over the surface. "I can''t tell what kind yet. The patterns keep changing." "Well, let''s see..." Emile took the orb from her friend and held it close to her face. She squinted as she stared intently at the artifact. "Hmm...it''s definitely something unusual. Do you want to bet on what type of magic is stored inside?" She flashed Viviane a mischievous grin. "First person to guess correctly gets to pick where we go for dinner tonight!" Viviane rolled her eyes but didn''t protest. "Fine. But only if you promise not to cheat this time," she warned sternly. "We''re not using any enchantments or scrying spells on these things." "Deal!" Emile stuck out her hand. They shook on it before turning back towards the display. Across from them, Evelyne locked hands with Th''maine, their foreheads butted against each other as they slowly turned in a circle around a contraption that looked like a cross between a telescope and an astrolabe. "Ma?tre, I touched it first!" Evelyne protested with gritted teeth. "Be a gentleman for once and let me take a closer look at this artifact!" Th''maine harumphed. "Mademoiselle," he responded tersely. "I think you''ll find that gentlemen should be allowed to explore first, especially when the opportunity comes along." His grip tightened around her''s as they continued circling the artifact. "Besides...you have yet to fully appreciate the beauty of this creation! Such marvels deserve more than mere casual glances. One must truly experience them before passing judgment." Evelyne scowled. "Whatever. You''re just trying to prevent me from discovering its secrets! You know I''ll beat you to the solution!" She broke free of his grasp and moved to examine the device closer. Th''maine uttered an incantation under his breath, causing his eyes to glow brightly. Before Evelyne could reach the object, the straps on her blouse began to unravel themselves. She yelped in surprise as her top fell open. Th''maine guffawed loudly as he pointed at her exposed bosom. She quickly covered herself with her hands. "You fiend!" she hissed at Th''maine. "Not again! I told you never to use that spell on me!" Th''maine knelt and picked up the artifact. He turned towards her, smirking smugly. "My dear," he replied smoothly. "I am merely a humble servant of the arcane arts. If my magic provides a practical solution to a problem...then who am I to deny its usage?" He flashed her a cheeky grin. "Besides, I''m sure there are plenty of people in town who''d appreciate seeing such a view." He glanced around pointedly. Several passersby stopped to stare at the scene unfolding before them. Evelyne flushed bright red as she hurriedly retied her top. Once she finished securing her blouse, she glared daggers at Th''maine. "You dirty old man! Pervert!" Th''maine waved dismissively. "Oh please. Don''t act like you''re so innocent." He turned his attention towards the device in his hands. "Now...let''s see what secrets this artifact holds." He squinted at the object as he rotated it slowly. The dials on its side clicked softly with each movement. After a moment of intense scrutiny, he nodded approvingly. "Hmm...very interesting indeed. It appears to function as a sort of compass. But instead of pointing north, it seems to lead towards the closest source of magic. But what is the telescope for?" In another corner of the gathering, Orin and Serelle hunched over an amulet studded with multiple colored gems. They debated heatedly over which gem contained the most potent enchantment. "Come on! You know that ruby''s just there for decoration!" Orin protested loudly. "Look at the way the others shimmer¡ªespecially this one here! Can''t you see how much brighter it is compared to all the rest?" Serelle shook her head vehemently. "That''s only because the sapphire next to it reflects more light than the other stones." She pointed towards the amulet. "But look closely...you''ll notice that the topaz actually emits its own glow. If you pay attention to the pattern, you''ll see that it pulses at regular intervals." She placed a hand on her hip. "I''d bet you ten silvers that one contains a powerful enchantment." Orin huffed irritably. "Fine. I''ll take that bet!" He held out his hand. Serelle shook it firmly. They both grinned broadly as they returned their attention to the amulet. Ebonheim sat cross-legged near the center of the gathering, observing her people''s interactions with the divine artifacts. She felt like a merchant hawking her wares to eager customers. But unlike normal business transactions, these were free for the taking¡ªas long as those who desired them presented their qualifications and intentions to her directly. She vetted each person before allowing them to take possession of an artifact. Most came in search of knowledge or inspiration rather than power. The artifacts that were weapons were distributed among those skilled in combat. Just like last time, Bjorn and Thorsten offered to host a tournament to decide who would receive the special gear. A unanimous vote ruled that Serrandyl would be ineligible to participate¡ªsince she won the Gauntlets of the Storm Giants last time. Serrandyl wrapped her arms around Ebonheim and pressed her face to hers. "Waaah! No fair! I wanted another set!" Ebonheim stiff-armed her back as she wiped the spit from her cheeks. "Let others have a chance at winning too." She gently patted the disappointed Beastkin''s arm. "There''ll be plenty more chances for you to win something later on." Engin strolled over to them with his hands clasped behind his back. He watched the people excitedly clamoring over the artifacts with an amused smile. "Well...this certainly has livened up the town," he mused. "I figured with the amount of Arcanists and Artificers living here, there''d be less excitement over these items." "These aren''t your run-of-the-mill magic trinkets," Evelyne pointed out as she inspected the array of artifacts laid out before her. "Although their potency is similar to what we can craft ourselves, they''re quite different in nature. The materials used to create them have a unique composition¡ªfar more durable and stable than anything we''ve created thus far." She reached towards one and traced its contours with her finger. "Plus...each one contains multiple layers of enchantments." She held up the object¡ªa gleaming silver ring set with an emerald¡ªand peered at it closely. "This ring, for example...has two distinct sets of runes etched onto its surface. The first seems to enhance the wearer''s senses, while the second appears to provide resistance against elemental damage. Both work simultaneously." Engin sat next to Ebonheim on the grass. He took a deep breath as he gazed around at the surrounding crowd. "I see. No wonder everyone''s so interested in them." He glanced at Ebonheim. "How''d you manage to acquire so many this time?" Ebonheim managed a sheepish grin. "Um...I partook in a little...gambling event," she confessed hesitantly. She expected Engin to chastise her for gambling again, but he only laughed. "So long as you don''t gamble away the town''s funds, I suppose there''s no harm in doing so every once in a while." He clapped her on the back and chuckled. "Just make sure you don''t make a habit out of it. It can get addicting easily enough." He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to know how I made my fortune?" "You...made your fortune gambling?" Ebonheim tilted her head quizzically. She thought he earned his wealth by starting a trading business and exploiting opportunities wherever he found them. Why hadn''t he mentioned this before? Engin chuckled softly. "Oh yes. That''s how I got my start. Then I invested my winnings into trade. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all that." He grinned broadly. "Let me tell you...those early years were rough, but they taught me many valuable lessons." He patted Ebonheim''s hand reassuringly. "Anyway...as long as you''re careful about what you bet on and who you gamble with...you should be fine." He smiled warmly. "Although...if you do run into trouble, you can always ask me or Roderick for advice. We''ve both seen our fair share of situations like this." "Thanks." Ebonheim blushed slightly. She didn''t expect Engin to offer such candid advice about gambling. But she appreciated his willingness to share his experiences. Perhaps he sensed her unease about the whole affair? Whatever the case...she was grateful for his support. "By the way, speaking of Roderick...when do you think they''ll return from their trip?" she asked. Engin shrugged. "Hard to say. Knowing him, he''s probably dragged them along to every shop and trading post he could find." He shook his head with a chuckle. "But I imagine they''ll arrive back within a couple of weeks." Chapter 143: Kerkenberge Roderick stood at the rim of a cobblestone terrace, gazing over the city of Kerkenberge as it tumbled like a cascading waterfall down the steep mountain slopes. Each layer of the city, a tiered marvel of stone and endeavor, cut a striking figure against the rugged backdrop of the mountains that cradled it. Above, the citadel rose, pale and proud, against the backdrop of the dawn. Its twin towers gleamed like sentinels guarding over the city. Atop the citadel''s parapets, the heraldry of Kerkenberge billowed in the breeze. In the courtyard below, guards in resplendent plate armor patrolled the walls. Gilded gates and turrets shimmered like jewels against the rustic hues of the surrounding peaks. Beneath its majestic spires lay the bustling market plazas, where merchants and traders from afar exchanged goods and stories of far-off lands. The city''s denizens wove through the narrow streets and bustling thoroughfares with a casual grace, their demeanor and attire as varied and eclectic as the goods they peddled. The air was sharp here, thinned by altitude and scented with mountain pine and the smoky tang of hearth fires burning in open markets below. Roderick¡¯s eyes traced the zigzagging paths that connected the city''s tiers, noting each intricate detail he''d missed on prior visits. "This view never ceases to impress me..." he muttered softly. He raised a hand to shade his eyes against the morning sun, which burned a brilliant orange in the cloudless sky. He turned, leaning his back against the cool stone balustrade, his eyes sweeping over his companions who were scattered about the terrace. Simon stood silent as ever, his gaze lost to the horizon, his cloak swirling in the mountain breeze. Lorne and Kaela were huddled a short distance away, poring over a map, their heads close together. Each murmured low, occasionally pausing to confer in whispers before returning to their huddled conference. Roderick watched them silently for a time before moving toward them. "I suppose you three have come up with a plan for our visit?" He smiled as the duo looked up from their deliberations. "Any recommendations? I''m always happy to accommodate requests. My goal is to bring as much business to Ebonheim as I can. We can discuss new trade deals, build more connections..." He glanced around the terrace, searching for other members of his company. "Where is Deneve?" "Sleeping off her hangover." Kaela sighed as she stretched languidly. "As you can imagine...she didn''t handle her first time in the city too well. If you catch her before she passes out again...try not to make her do anything too strenuous. She was quite a menace last night..." Roderick chuckled as he recalled how Deneve had pestered the city guardsmen at the gates with inane questions, only relenting once Simon threatened to force her back onto the road if she continued with her antics. Thankfully, the guardsmen had laughed it off good-naturedly and allowed them into the city without further incident. Still, it hadn''t made for a very graceful entry. "That sounds like Deneve alright," he agreed. "How''d she manage to get so intoxicated? Didn''t the rest of you stop her before she drank herself stupid?" Lorne scowled. "Unfortunately not," he answered sharply. "When she sees a challenge in front of her, she never gives up...especially if it involves alcohol." "Challenge?" Roderick raised an eyebrow. "What challenge?" "A drinking contest," Kaela spoke up with a wry smile. "One that she didn''t seem keen to lose. A handful of soldiers offered to bet a few gold pieces on her, so she accepted. Unfortunately, her opponents proved...significantly better at drinking than she. After the fourth round, she barely managed to remain conscious...let alone keep herself from toppling off her seat." Roderick winced as he imagined Deneve staggering between bar tables with a tankard in each hand. "That sounds like an unfortunate ordeal. Poor lass. Hopefully she hasn''t suffered too much." He shifted his attention back to the matter at hand. "So...have we come to any conclusions regarding how to spend our time here? I already have meetings arranged with several interested parties, but I''m sure we''ll have ample free time to explore the city in between engagements." Lorne leaned over the map spread out before them. His finger traced several lines drawn upon the parchment before halting near one corner. "From what we''ve gathered, this district has a variety of shops specializing in rare goods and arcane trinkets. I recommend visiting one here." He tapped his finger on one edge. "I''m not familiar with the owners, but they seem well-regarded among locals." Roderick smiled as he recognized the store Lorne indicated¡ªa place he''d patronized in the past. "Ah yes...Korgin''s Emporium. I''ve been meaning to introduce you three to him. He''s a bit...odd...but I''m sure you''ll like him. I''ve conducted business with him several times before. His wares tend to sell out quickly. Plus, his prices aren''t unreasonable." Kaela gave a curt nod as she folded the map and tucked it away inside her cloak. "That sounds ideal. If it works out well for us both, we can discuss setting up regular orders and arrangements. Perhaps we could also provide them with more information on Ebonheim...its location, its products and services...its value." "An excellent idea," Roderick agreed. "The more places we can introduce our wares, the better." He rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Well...that settles the itinerary for the morning. Let''s not waste any time!" He strode out of the terrace, humming merrily to himself. He had to admit¡ªit felt good to be back in the thick of things once more. Nothing quite like negotiating deals in foreign lands to invigorate a man! The thrill of haggling with competitors...the rush of discovering new opportunities...the exhilaration of securing favorable contracts...all these things stoked the fire inside him. Every interaction had its own unique challenge¡ªwhether dealing with an opponent or a new ally¡ªand each held its own potential. If there was one thing he''d learned from his years of travel, it was to seize any chance at success with both hands. Engin should have accompanied him. He was sure the man would have found the atmosphere invigorating too. Alas...Engin preferred to delegate tasks such as this to others. Perhaps he didn''t care to venture too far from the valley? Or perhaps he was afraid of falling off a cliff or slipping in an alley? Either way...Roderick felt fortunate to have found such loyal business partners in the other Silverguards. Their work ethic and dedication proved invaluable to him. Not to mention the skills they offered¡ªLorne and Kaela served as expert guards for Roderick''s caravan during their trip into the valley, while Simon''s quiet calm helped to temper Roderick''s tendency towards overconfidence. Deneve...well...she fulfilled the role of comic relief in their group¡ªalong with Urien. But he''d been told that the man had volunteered to help replenish a dwindling harpy population during their expedition to build the road. His loss...Roderick liked having him around for his sarcastic wit and penchant for pranks. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Their motley group ambled along the cobblestone streets, ignoring the curious stares from passers-by as they went. Simon stayed in the middle of the pack, flanked by Lorne and Kaela, while Roderick took point. It''d been some time since he''d wandered through these winding boulevards and broad avenues, but he''d not forgotten how to find his way around. "The air''s different here, high above the plains," Lorne mused aloud. He tilted his head skyward, eyes closed as he drank in the breeze. "Brisk and fresh...with hints of mountain herbs and pine..." "Quite right." Roderick paused to peer around a corner. He spied the distinctive spire of the market square, jutting upwards amidst the crowded skyline. "In fact...if we keep going down this street, we''ll arrive at the city''s central plaza. A popular meeting spot for merchants and traders." He gestured down a side alley. "Over there lies the local adventurers'' guild, and near that is the artisans'' guild hall. We may have occasion to visit both while we''re in town." He spotted a group of armored figures moving amongst the crowd. "Those three over there¡ªKaela¡ªare you familiar with them?" The woman''s gaze shifted to where Roderick indicated. She furrowed her brows as she inspected them. "Hmm...one of them seems familiar to me, but I don''t quite remember their name...something like...Ardeu..." She shook her head in frustration. "Sorry. That''s all I''ve got." "Ardeu? You mean Ardeunius?" Lorne squinted as he too inspected the group. "He''s a famed battlemage from the Order of the Burning Shield. Haven''t seen him in years. Thought he retired..." "Ardeunius..." Roderick stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, they''ve managed to lure him away from his peaceful abode...interesting..." They watched as the trio passed by without noticing their observers. Soon enough, they faded from sight amid the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. "Anyway...let''s head for Korgin''s place!" Roderick exclaimed. He adjusted his cap and cloak before marching onward. "Shouldn''t be long now." As they navigated the city, they passed by innumerable establishments catering to every taste and whim¡ªfrom cheap taverns to fine eateries; from quaint inns to rowdy brothels. Soldiers patrolled the streets alongside law enforcers clad in shimmering platemail. Groups of laborers trudged along beside merchant carts drawn by oxen and donkeys. Traveling caravans rolled in and out of the city, leaving dust clouds in their wake as they headed south into the valley or north along the mountain ridge. "Do you think Ebonheim will be as large as this someday?" Kaela asked Roderick as they waded through a mass of pedestrians crossing a broad avenue. "Hm...well, if I had to wager a guess..." Roderick hesitated. "Perhaps in a few decades. Ebonheim''s a beautiful town...but it lacks the commercial opportunities offered by larger cities such as Kerkenberge. Its strength lies more in its unique setting. But that''ll only carry us so far." Roderick gave her a crooked smile. "Having more trading partners helps...though you may need to find one willing to brave the treacherous path leading through the Eldergrove to reach the town. Fortunately, with the newly built road that Ebonheim created...I imagine trade with other parts of the kingdom will increase exponentially. Along with that will come a surge in travelers passing through. People have to hear the news first..." He winked mischievously at his companions. "I''ll be sure to spread the word as quickly as possible. Our goal is to have the world come to us!" He laughed loudly. "Isn''t that right?" "Aye..." Lorne chuckled as he adjusted his scabbard. "On that note, do you think Kerkenberge will oppose the establishment of another trading city if Ebonheim becomes one? It isn''t that far away¡ªthey might resent a competitor." "Not necessarily. Kerkenberge primarily serves as a waypoint for traders coming in from the north and east. There are smaller cities scattered throughout the region¡ªFichteram, Bernehm, Grazenrath. So far, Kerkenberge has kept these regional markets well-supplied and vibrant. However, with a second trading hub set up further westward¡ªEbonheim in this case¡ªperhaps some of their market share will shift over time." Roderick grinned impishly as he tapped the side of his head with his finger. "In the short term, they might complain...but over the long run? I think Kerkenberge would gladly accept the influx of new visitors and business from the other side of the Eldergrove. Even if they lose out to us on some smaller deals, we''ll be opening a whole new area of the world for them. Who wouldn''t want that?" He gave another shrug. "Besides...Kerkenberge doesn''t possess the luxury of monopolizing their routes. I''ve often found that most customers prefer variety rather than restricting themselves to only one option." "Fair point," Lorne replied. "There''s bound to be a larger demand for certain items coming from our direction. If Kerkenberge wants access to the trade from those regions, they''ll need to be flexible." He scratched his chin as he mulled over Roderick''s words. "Still...if they''re ever worried about our existence harming their own business, they may try to eliminate us at some point. That''d be something worth watching for..." "We''ll worry about that when we cross that bridge." Roderick patted Lorne''s shoulder reassuringly. "For now, we should focus on building up Ebonheim''s reputation as a safe place for visitors." He waggled his eyebrows mischievously. "And after that...we''ll tackle the big-wigs with charm and wit!"
They soon arrived at the Emporium of Korgin & Sons. The building appeared to consist primarily of stacked stone bricks with a low arched door cut into the base. Above the entrance, an ornate sign bearing the business''s name swung lazily on heavy iron chains. A set of crude steps led to a modest porch set before a pair of wood-and-glass double doors. Several round windows flanked these entrances. "Well...here we are!" Roderick proclaimed as he pushed open the doors and led the group inside. A bell chimed overhead as they stepped into the Emporium''s main hall. "Welcome to Korgin''s Emporium...I hope you''re ready to bargain!" A vast assortment of curiosities lay arranged within. Shelves upon shelves lined every inch of the room. Racks stood crammed with trinkets of every description. Open boxes displayed odd-shaped bottles and containers filled with odd liquids of various colors and viscosities. On every wall hung exotic weapons and armor. A myriad of artifacts stood stacked haphazardly among the jumbled piles. Some items could barely fit inside the tiny space allotted for them; others had to be propped up against each other for support. It appeared more like a mishmash of loot taken from every corner of the world and piled together without any organization than a place where business took place. "Oy! Welcome to the store!" a hoarse voice shouted from behind the counter. It belonged to an older man wearing a long green robe trimmed with golden embroidery. He smiled broadly at the foursome. "Korgin!" Roderick strode forward with arms open wide. "Long time no see! How have you fared?" He stepped behind the counter and wrapped the robed man in a tight hug. "Roderick! I was wondering when you''d show up again." Korgin pulled back and squinted at the other three people who accompanied him. "Oho...new partners, eh?" He inspected Lorne and Kaela especially closely. "Haven''t seen you two around before...I think." "These two are Lorne Miradan and Kaela. They''re from the Silverguard Company, which Lorne''s the commander of," Roderick introduced them. "Ah right, right..." Korgin nodded. "In any case...good to see you again, my friend. Still looking like a fancy ponce as usual. Your sense of style remains unchanged." He pointed towards a wooden sign hanging behind the counter. "Don''t mind the warning¡ªthat''s more for my clients'' sakes than anything." He guffawed loudly at his own joke. "Anyway...enough small talk...what''re ya in the market for? Anything specific? Something to impress the ladies maybe?" Roderick gave him a look. "I''ll have you know I''m quite good with the ladies." "So I''ve heard...and seen..." Korgin flashed him a knowing smile. "Anyway, make yourself comfortable¡ªwe have much to discuss!" He beckoned Roderick towards a doorway hidden behind the counter. "Come...come...follow me to the back office. I''ve got plenty more questions for you. Your companions can join, of course. I can''t spare one of my boys to escort them." "Lead the way." Roderick smiled as he followed after the robed man. Korgin led the group into a spacious room dominated by a large wooden table surrounded by chairs. He quickly pulled one out from the table and motioned for them to take a seat. Once everyone settled down, he grinned as he set a small notebook on top of the table. "Alright...let''s get started, shall we?" Roderick laughed quietly at his business associate''s antics. The man had never lost his zest for conversation. "Certainly," he agreed, leaning forward. "First off...I bring news that no one else in the city would have yet." His smile grew wider as he spoke. "A road has been erected that stretches from the east and west ends of the Eldergrove, providing a safer means of passage for those willing to brave its dangers. If this piques your interest..." he gave a wry smirk as he waved a hand at Korgin "...I can tell you more about this quaint little town called Ebonheim..." Chapter 144: Troublemaker Deneve emerged from a tavern known as the Rusty Ram, clutching her aching head and moaning softly. A dozen or so silver pieces clinked loudly inside the purse strapped around her waist as she stumbled along the dusty street. It took all her concentration not to trip over her own feet. She couldn''t recall where the rest of her group went¡ªnor did she particularly care. All she wanted right now was to find her bed and sleep off whatever evil spirit currently inhabited her skull. How did she end up here again? Everything remained somewhat...fuzzy...after her bout against those three guards from earlier. She barely even remembered losing the competition...only vaguely recalling some taunts from onlookers...and someone...championing her against...what was it? Hopefully she hadn''t pissed off anybody important during her drunken binge. The details of that conversation still evaded her, despite the incessant prodding she attempted to provoke from the memory. Her mouth tasted disgusting, too¡ªas if someone had fed her something revolting¡ªthough what, she couldn''t recall either. Well, whatever. As Deneve wobbled her way down a quiet roadway towards the inn where they''d arranged lodgings, she bumped into something large and bulky¡ªsomeone else traveling through this stretch of cobblestones. A powerful hand grasped her by the shoulder, arresting her momentum. "Oof!" she muttered. Dazed, she blinked several times before looking up at the person who''d halted her progress. An unfamiliar face peered back at her; an imposing figure whose mouth twitched into an amused smirk as they noticed her confused state. "You seem...out of sorts. Careful now," the man admonished, his voice soft and kind. His grip on her arm lessened as he stepped back, allowing Deneve to steady herself. He was tall and broad-shouldered¡ªthough his armor hid much of his build from view. "Didn''t you Silverguards learn to watch where you''re going? Especially here in a bustling city like this one." He tilted his head and laughed softly. "I wouldn''t want to see you injuring yourself...or anyone else...by colliding with them like a rolling stone." Deneve gaped at him for a moment before clearing her throat. Her eyes squinted as she struggled to focus. She managed to discern he was dressed in an ornate red and gold armored robe...a battlemage from the Order of the Burning Shield? He wasn''t anyone she''d fought against in the past. But his armor gave her a good guess at his power. She steadied herself and folded her arms defensively. "I''m...fine. Just...a bit...hungover..." she murmured, waving him off. "Anyway...who the hell are you?" she asked bluntly. "Are you some sort of bodyguard?" "Bodyguard? No." The man chuckled good-naturedly as he pointed to a figure clad in heavy plate armor and wielding a halberd who stood a short distance behind him. "He''s my bodyguard." The figure inclined his helmeted head at the two before resuming his watchful stance. The mage grinned as he patted Deneve''s shoulder. "I''m more interested in talking with you and your friends..." His smile faded. "Perhaps a bit too much, but nonetheless...if you find the time..." He paused before adding, "My name is Ardeunius. Perhaps you''ve heard of me?" Deneve stiffened involuntarily as she processed Ardeunius''s name. Yes, she knew his reputation. His past deeds proved legendary: winning battles without drawing his blade, taking down enemies three times his size using nothing but magic and his wits. Some even called him a master tactician and a prodigy amongst the Order''s ranks. His name itself invoked awe among those who''d heard of his deeds. Even in her dazed state, Deneve wasn''t going to test the mettle of such a famed hero. Not that she was particularly confident in her own fighting prowess at the moment. She could barely stay on her feet! "Nah..." Deneve feigned indifference as she continued her path toward the inn. She avoided his gaze as she stumbled past. "I ain''t interested in talkin''. Got stuff to do." As she continued onward, she could still feel Ardeunius watching her leave. She did her best to ignore him as she walked. There was no way in hell she wanted to suffer through whatever questions he''d throw at her. For one¡ªshe had no idea how to answer them. For two¡ªshe wanted nothing to do with such a renowned hero. At least nothing concerning her personal affairs. Better to play dumb than risk his scorn. "Another time then," he called after her, his tone amused and laced with mirth. "We''ll find you later¡ªyou''re quite noticeable, after all." Deneve simply grunted as she entered the inn''s front door. She trudged upstairs towards her room and threw open the door, locking it behind her. Then she collapsed face-down on the bed and closed her eyes. Within moments, she''d passed out from exhaustion.
Deneve''s eyes snapped open as she sensed a killing intent directed at her. Before she could react, a firm grip snared her by the ankle and pulled her violently from her bed. A tremendous amount of force sent her sailing through the air, tumbling head over heels before slamming into the wall with a deafening thud. "Urgh¡ªwho the¡ª!?" Deneve rolled to her feet and shook off the dizziness as her vision blurred and spun. A shadowy figure appeared before her; a dagger flashed, whistling toward her face. Instinctively, she raised her hand to deflect the attack¡ªjust barely managing to grab hold of her assailant''s wrist and prevent him from stabbing her with his blade. A short struggle ensued. The intruder twisted violently, trying to pry free of her grasp. He managed to wrest one hand free and grabbed her neck. She couldn''t see his face as he forced her back against the wall with inhuman strength. With her other hand, she punched the intruder''s side several times¡ªthough he showed no reaction to her blows. Deneve channelled her inner power to focus her mind and energy. She clenched her fist, activating her Mystic Rite, causing a red aura to shimmer across her skin. She bashed the intruder with her glowing hand, smashing him hard in the face. The impact knocked him back, releasing her neck from his iron grip. She glared at him as her vision adjusted. He appeared to be wearing a mask¡ªa plain featureless one with no visible eye slits. She lunged at him, driving him back towards the window. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. He slashed at her with his dagger, but she ducked under the blow and landed a powerful kick to his chest, sending him flying backwards and smashing through the window in an explosion of glass and wood. She heard him tumbling across the rooftop below with a thud before crashing onto the street. Deneve reached under her bed, grabbing her twin scimitars. Then she rushed over to the shattered window and jumped through the gaping hole after her assailant. Whoever this asshole was...they weren''t getting away without a fight. She landed smoothly and rolled onto her feet, her eyes scanning for her opponent. She spotted him picking himself up and turning to face her. Deneve wasted no time closing the distance between them. He quickly threw something in the air that exploded into smoke and obscured their vision. In the haze, he rushed towards her, aiming another swing with his blade. She parried the attack easily. He made no attempt to follow up; instead opting to retreat further into the smoke. "That all ya got?" Deneve growled, sneering. "Come on, you sonuvabitch." She attempted to pinpoint where he''d disappeared into the murk by listening to his footsteps. She circled cautiously, waiting for any movement. Suddenly she felt something wrapped around her legs¡ªlike vines encircling her limbs. The sensation traveled up her body, squeezing tighter as they went. Before she knew what happened, the binds immobilized her. She looked down, spotting a dark shape clinging to her legs. An enemy spell? Her Mystic Rites activated instinctively, filling her with energy and strength. She pried the vines off her legs and managed to sever them with her scimitars. Before she could move, several more emerged from the thick mist surrounding them. They crawled upward towards her head and wrapped around her wrists, forcing her hands apart and forcing her to drop her scimitars. More appeared from the floor below and entangled her feet together. As soon as they restrained her body completely, a figure stepped from the smog. Deneve stared at the person before her. A figure wearing black robes and a plain mask. Nothing distinguished their appearance whatsoever¡ªnot their gender or even their species. The figure remained motionless for several long seconds, their body relaxed and ready. As the seconds dragged on, Deneve began to grow anxious. "What''s the matter...cat got your tongue?" she growled sarcastically, hoping to goad him into revealing something useful. The figure''s response was to lift their right hand, revealing a thin metal rod held loosely between its fingers. The tip glowed brightly as arcane runes flared to life along its length. Deneve eyed the object warily. The figure lowered their hand slightly, pointing the wand towards Deneve. With the crackle of a thunderbolt and a rush of displaced air, Lorne materialized beside the masked assassin. In a smooth motion, he pulled his sword from its sheath and struck the figure with a swift blow to the side. The masked person stumbled back in pain and shock as their spell connecting to Deneve fizzled out. The two faced each other; Lorne held his sword at the ready, while the figure stood a short distance away clutching their ribs. A brief moment passed as each sized the other up. Lorne''s gaze flicked towards Deneve. "Who''d you piss off this time?" he asked, grinning. "Someone out for revenge?" Deneve shook her head. "I didn''t do anything this time, I swear! Well¡ªat least I don''t think I did. This guy just came out of nowhere and started trying to murder me!" Lorne returned his focus to the masked figure. "Alright then..." He raised his blade to shoulder level, aiming the tip towards him. "This is your warning. Get lost before things get worse." The masked figure clutched their wand tightly in one hand. They hesitated briefly before turning and fleeing towards an alleyway, their cloak flapping behind them. Lorne made no effort to pursue, his stance unchanging. He waited until he couldn''t hear the figure''s footsteps anymore before he turned towards Deneve. "That could''ve ended differently..." Deneve breathed a sigh of relief as Lorne released the mystical restraints. He stepped back as she gingerly rose to her feet. "Yeah..." Lorne nodded. He frowned as he took in her disheveled appearance. "You alright? What happened?" "I don''t know! That asshole jumped me while I was sleeping." She frowned, rubbing her bruised neck. From across the street, Roderick, Kaela, and Simon also approached the pair. Kaela tsked as she spotted the broken window. "You''re paying for that," she chastised. "If not with gold then with favors." "Hey..." Deneve shot her an irritated glare. "I wasn''t expecting to be attacked!" Roderick rubbed his temples. "Now, now, girls...there''s no need to argue. We can work out the details later. We should focus on figuring out what happened." He turned to Lorne. "Could you perhaps recognize who they might be? Someone you know or someone we''ve had contact with?" Lorne shook his head. "They were masked and hooded...and beneath their robes, they wore enchanted armor. Otherwise, my blade would''ve cleaved them in half." "So...it seems you pissed off someone rich...powerful...and vengeful..." Roderick gave a slight shake of his head. Deneve balked. "I told you! I didn''t piss anyone off!" "Maybe...just a case of mistaken identity? Perhaps an enemy who looks like you?" Kaela suggested. "Damnit! I don''t have any enemies!" Deneve snarled. "If I did, I''d beat their asses till they couldn''t sit for a month." Kaela chuckled dryly. "I''ve no doubt." Her eyes glinted mischievously. "Or maybe you stole something valuable without realizing..." Deneve frowned deeply and scratched the back of her head. "Not to my knowledge..." She stopped short as the image of her tussling with a trio of guards from the previous night surfaced from her memory. She muttered to herself quietly as she ran a hand through her disheveled hair. "Hmm...something you want to share with the class?" Kaela arched a brow. "I won''t judge...much." Deneve glanced nervously between Kaela and the others. "Uhh...maybe..."
Roderick slumped into the cushioned chair at his desk and ran his fingers through his graying hair. He had managed to appease the inn owner into letting them stay one more night (mostly through gold¡ªcoincidentally the currency Deneve had obtained from her previous bout). With the assurance that repairs would be paid for promptly¡ªalong with the guarantee of a hefty tip on top¡ªthe owner agreed to turn a blind eye to their temporary renovations. The encounter had cost him precious time¡ªhe had hoped to set off to visit several potential trading partners today. Yet in the current situation, the threat against Deneve''s life and the party''s current anonymity prevented such action. Not until they figured out the situation at hand¡ªand properly prepared against any follow-ups¡ªwould he be willing to step out again. From the other room, the sounds of Lorne, Kaela, and Deneve arguing filtered through. Roderick sighed tiredly. It seemed that they still couldn''t find any evidence that could hint to Deneve''s attackers or their possible motives. Thus far, the best theorized option stemmed from Lorne''s suggestion¡ªan enemy mistaking her for a target. Or perhaps she''d stolen something without knowing or enraged a criminal gang while inebriated. The Silverguards didn''t usually go out of their way to make enemies. Usually. Deneve wasn''t one for making a lasting impression...except for her penchant for finding trouble and creating scenes. But she never sought to be malicious. She stuck with her family¡ªthe Silverguards. Sometimes a little too closely, considering her troublemaking ways. She rarely conned anyone. Never mugged others. Acted more like a mischievous younger sister than an actual threat. Generally harmless. When someone struck the first blow, she didn''t hesitate to retaliate. Still...to send an assassin after her like this? Highly unusual. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Simon appeared shortly afterwards. "Roderick," he began, "Ardeunius wants to speak with you. He''s waiting downstairs." Chapter 145: Enemies at the Castle Lorne examined the man in front of him closely. Ardeunius seemed older than he''d expected¡ªperhaps in his mid-forties or early fifties. His head was shaved smooth, and he sported a trimmed goatee. A thin scar ran across his right cheek and over his nose. His face had the stern appearance of someone accustomed to command, yet at the same time held an air of friendly warmth. The man wore heavy crimson robes with golden trim along the sleeves and collar. Over this outfit, he wore a polished steel breastplate etched with intricate runes and sigils. On his back hung a large two-handed sword sheathed in an elaborate scabbard covered in more enchantments. The blade itself glowed faintly with arcane energy. His entire outfit exuded wealth and power¡ªnot surprising for a high-ranking member of the Order of the Burning Shield. The Order''s soldiers were some of the best equipped and trained warriors in all the realm. It cost a small fortune to become one of their elite members. Roderick arrived soon after Simon fetched him. He greeted Ardeunius with a firm handshake. "Sir Ardeunius! What a pleasant surprise," Roderick said, flashing his characteristic smile. "I''d no idea you''d come by. Was there something I could help you with?" Ardeunius smiled warmly in return. "Greetings Roderick. I''m sorry for my sudden visit. I apologize if I''ve inconvenienced you." He gestured towards Lorne and Kaela. "I also wanted to meet your associates here. My apologies if I intruded at an inconvenient time." He turned towards the Silverguards and nodded respectfully. "Greetings...I''m Ardeunius¡ªa battlemage and explorer for the Order of the Burning Shield." "Lorne Miradan," Lorne replied with a nod of his own. "This is Kaela." "Good to meet you," Kaela said coolly. "Pleased to make your acquaintance," Ardeunius replied courteously. He motioned toward the chairs situated around the table in the center of the room. "Now...if you''re all settled...there''s something important I''d like to discuss with you..." He waited until everyone took a seat before continuing. "As you may or may not know, the Order has recently received information that indicates a demonic presence within the Eldergrove valley¡ªspecifically inside the ruins of Old Drakon Castle. Our scouts spotted several lesser demons prowling through the woods nearby. There''s also evidence of larger demons roaming deeper into the forest. It seems they''re trying to build a foothold in this area." Lorne and Roderick glanced at each other in surprise. Old Drakon Castle? Demons? That wasn''t something anyone would expect to hear about here. The castle had been abandoned for decades; its ruins lost to time and disrepair. "That''s quite worrisome," Roderick remarked gravely, his eyes widening. "But the castle lies close to the western entrance of the vale, far from your current base of operations¡ªif memory serves me correctly. Why concern yourself with this matter?" "Yes...it is rather far away..." Ardeunius admitted, crossing his arms. "The Order only has a small garrison stationed near Dulgaan, which is where I heard about this incident. It''s unlikely we could muster enough forces there to destroy this new demonic threat without reinforcements." He gave a slight shake of his head. "We''re already spread thin dealing with several problems elsewhere. Providing reinforcements would require we mobilize and travel by sea along the coastline and across the strait...which would take weeks. By then, who knows what they''d accomplish." "I can imagine..." Roderick nodded understandingly. "So...what do you plan to do? And why are you telling us this?" Ardeunius leaned forward and tapped the table with his finger. "Ideally, I''d want to assemble a regiment here in Kerkenberge and march west to exterminate them immediately. But as I said¡ªwe''re lacking in men and a viable route. However...I believe we may be able to resolve both problems at once..." He glanced at Lorne. "There''s a reason I sought you out¡ªand no, not to recruit you for the Order." Lorne raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I''m listening..." "I''ve heard word that somehow a road had been created leading from the east and west entrance of the Eldergrove. According to my sources...that''s your doing?" Roderick and Lorne exchanged glances. "Word travels fast," Roderick remarked with amusement. "I''ve only met with a few of my contacts so far. Your information network is impressive." Ardeunius chuckled lightly. "Yes...well...I do my best to keep tabs on the activities in this region. It wouldn''t be prudent to remain ignorant of the goings-on around me." "That is true..." Roderick smiled wryly. "To answer your question¡ªyes, we recently completed paving a safe route between the two sides..." Ardeunius sat forward and clasped his hands together. "Excellent! Then I have a proposition for you." He steepled his fingers and met their gazes intently. "If you''d be willing to allow us to use your road to move our forces from here to Dulgaan¡ªand assist us in destroying the demon threat in Old Drakon Castle¡ªwe''d be happy to compensate you for your efforts." "Assist?" Lorne asked. "You want to hire the Silverguard company for this job?" "Correct. The Order will handle the bulk of the fighting...all you''d need to do is escort us through the valley and help us clear out any obstacles along the way. We''ll handle the rest once we arrive at the castle itself. And of course...we''d provide compensation for your troubles." Ardeunius tapped his fingers against the tabletop as he spoke. "What say you?" Lorne remained silent as he pondered the situation. It sounded straightforward enough. The payoff would also be considerable¡ªboth in terms of gold and experience. They could use this opportunity to expand their reputation as a mercenary company and build stronger ties with the Order. All good things. On the other hand, a possible demonic presence in the Eldergrove could spell trouble for Ebonheim. Old Drakon Castle was only four days'' ride away from town¡ªif that. If demons managed to establish a foothold here, they might move eastward towards the settlement...or worse yet¡ªattempt to build a portal between this realm and the Demon Plane. The idea of such horrors setting foot in Ebonheim chilled Lorne to the core. "How many demons are we talking about?" Lorne asked, turning to face Ardeunius. "Will there be enough forces to destroy them all?" "It''s hard to say at this point..." Ardeunius answered with a shrug. "But based on what our scouts have reported...the numbers seem manageable. Enough for my regiment to handle¡ªalong with your company''s help." The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "I see..." Lorne folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I''ll speak with my team first. Then we can discuss the details further." He glanced at Roderick. "For now...do you mind if we take a few minutes to discuss this amongst ourselves?" "Not at all." Ardeunius stood up and bowed politely. "I''ll return in an hour or so." As soon as he left the room, Lorne turned towards Roderick. "Well? What do you think?" "Hmmm..." Roderick stroked his beard in thought. "This certainly puts a wrench into our plans for the day..." He sighed heavily. "But I suppose there''s no helping it." Kaela spoke up. "If this news of demons encroaching upon the vale is enough to stir Ardeunius into action, we''d best respond in kind. Otherwise, we risk giving the demons time to establish themselves and cause trouble for the town." "Causing trouble is an understatement," Roderick remarked grimly. "But I agree¡ªwe can''t ignore this issue either." He turned toward Lorne. "You''re going to accept his offer...aren''t you?" Lorne gave him a nod. "It seems like the prudent course of action. There''s also the added benefit of strengthening our ties with the Order¡ªwhich could lead to more work down the road." "That''s true..." Roderick agreed. He stood up and paced around the table. "I think I''ll try to make use of this opportunity to strengthen our commercial relationships with the Order as well...if they''re open to discussing trade agreements. In any case, let''s not waste any more time." "I agree." Lorne rose from his seat and headed for the door. "I''ll inform Ardeunius we''re willing to assist him."
In a hidden room beneath an abandoned building on the outskirts of Kerkenberge, three cloaked figures emerged from the shadows and approached the assassin who had failed to kill Deneve. One of the newcomers¡ªa female¡ªapproached him first. She removed her hood and revealed a stern face framed by dark hair. "You failed..." she said accusingly. "Why?" The assassin bowed his head in shame. "It''s as I explained earlier. There were...complications." He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "She was far stronger than expected. The others arrived before I could finish the job." The woman shook her head in disappointment. "I see...well, we can discuss this later." She motioned towards the third figure who stood a short distance away. "For now...we have more important matters to attend to." The assassin stepped back as the figure stepped forward. The figure wore a mask similar to his own, but the features beneath appeared more distinct. The mask was crafted from smooth black stone and etched with a dozen intricate runes. The eyes were glowing pools of molten lava. A demon! The assassin trembled involuntarily as the creature strode toward him. "You failed..." the demon spoke in a sibilant voice. "Such a pity." The assassin swallowed hard. "Please...I''ll try again...let me redeem myself!" he pleaded desperately. "Just give me another chance!" The demon ignored him. It raised its hand and pointed at the assassin. A small portal opened directly above his head. From within came a torrent of flame that engulfed him. He screamed as he burned alive; his agonized cries echoing throughout the chamber. The flames continued to consume him until nothing remained but a pile of blackened dust. Then the portal closed and vanished. "Hmph...how wasteful," the woman muttered in annoyance. She glanced at the demon beside her. "Now what?" "We proceed as planned," the demon replied. "This little setback changes nothing." "It''s a bit too late for that..." the woman countered, crossing her arms. "Ardeunius has already made contact with them. Our plan to obstruct them from assisting him has failed." A rumbling growl emanated from the demon. "How inconvenient..." It paused briefly before turning its attention back to her. "Then we will need to change tactics." "What do you propose?" she asked warily. "We wait...and watch..." the demon hissed. "It will take time for Ardeunius to march towards Dulgaan...even with the new road to aid him. That gives us time to prepare." It flexed its clawed hands. "You will continue gathering information about this ''Ebonheim'' until we know enough to move forward with our next step. Do not fail me again..." The demon paused as if listening to something unheard by mortal ears. "Ah...it seems our master requires my presence elsewhere. We shall speak again later." Without waiting for a response, the demon vanished into another portal. "Damn..." The woman cursed under her breath as she gazed at the charred remains of the assassin. "Such a waste..." The third figure who had been silent so far removed his hood and turned towards the woman. "Well...that went about as well as expected." He wore a mask similar to the assassin''s¡ªexcept the lower half resembled a mouth full of sharp teeth. "Now what?" "That''s obvious," the woman snapped back. "We follow orders. Our plans may have changed, but the goal remains the same. We''ll get this situation under control." "If you say so..." the man replied skeptically. "I''d hate to lose our lives over this mess." "Shut up and help me clean up this mess," the woman ordered. "I''ll deal with everything else." She narrowed her eyes as she swept the ashes aside with her foot. "Things are going to get more complicated before they get better..." "Oh, how the once mighty and feared Morr clan has fallen..." the man lamented. "To think we''d stoop to conspiring with demons...it makes my heart weep." He glanced at the woman. "What would your father say if he could see you now?" "He''d probably try to kill me himself..." the woman answered bitterly. "He''d rather die than ally with a demon...even if it meant saving our clan from ruin." "Yet here we stand...and he''s rotting away in a shallow grave..." The man chuckled dryly. "Not the most pleasant way to go, but at least he died on his own terms." The woman shot him a glare. "Enough! I don''t need to hear your blabbering while I''m working!" She picked up a bucket filled with water and poured its contents over the ashes, washing them into a drain nearby. "Let''s just finish this up so we can move on." "As you wish..." The man shrugged as he picked up another bucket and followed suit. "As always...I live to serve."
The demon exited the portal, arriving at the courtyard of the ancient castle. He strode purposefully towards the entrance, his clawed feet leaving deep grooves in the dirt. The lesser demons that lurked around the castle stepped out of his path as he passed. Once inside, he proceeded through a series of twisting corridors until he arrived at the throne room. As he approached the massive stone doors, they swung open of their own accord. The demon stepped through and bowed respectfully before the throne. "Master...I have returned." Xellos sat on the throne, his gaunt form draped in shadow. He rose slowly and stepped down from his perch. His long cloak swirled around him as he walked, concealing his withered body beneath. His eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "How did it go?" Xellos asked, his voice rasping like dry leaves blown by a harsh wind. "Did you succeed?" "I''m afraid not..." the demon admitted with a sigh. "There were...complications." Xellos grunted in irritation. "Why is everyone failing me lately? First Vasco...and now you. Can''t anyone do anything right?" The demon winced at the accusation. "Our Morrian allies are the ones at fault here¡ªthey underestimated their target and failed to disrupt Ebonheim''s association with Ardeunius." "Well then...fix this mess." Xellos''s tone became threatening. "And I want results this time...not excuses." The demon bowed again. "As you wish." He turned and began walking towards the exit. "Wait," Xellos called out. The demon stopped in mid-stride. "There''s something else I want you to do." The demon turned around slowly. "What is it?" "I want you to tell the Morrians to spread a rumor about a god being captured by demons and held prisoner inside Old Drakon Castle." Xellos sat back down on his throne. "Tell them to tell others...make sure the Order of the Burning Shield gets wind of this." "But Master..." the demon protested, "wouldn''t it be better to keep your presence here a secret? There''s no point in drawing more attention to ourselves than necessary." "That would''ve worked before...but now I need Ebonheim to come to me." Xellos leaned forward and rested his chin on his hands. "And this seems like a good way to lure her out." Chapter 146: Grim News Ebonheim''s high council convened in the Great Hall, with Roderick presiding over the meeting. He stood before the rest of the council, recounting the details of their encounter with Ardeunius and the Order''s request for assistance. "I''ve spoken with Lorne and the rest of the Silverguard company," Roderick began. "They''ve agreed to help escort the Order to Old Drakon Castle. Their compensation will more than cover the cost of our services." He paused briefly. "However, there is the matter of this demonic threat..." The other members of the council exchanged glances. Bjorn and Thorsten looked especially grim. "Demons..." Bjorn muttered, clenching his fists. "That''s a problem." "It is..." Roderick agreed. "But we can''t ignore it either. If demons establish a foothold here or anywhere else nearby...it could spell disaster for our town." Thorsten stood up and slammed his fist against the table. "Then we must act quickly and decisively! We must march upon these fiends and exterminate them before they become a bigger problem!" "Hold on..." Bjorn interjected, raising his hand. "You''re getting ahead of yourself here." He turned towards Roderick. "We still don''t know enough about this situation yet. For starters...why haven''t the demons attacked anyone yet? Why haven''t they left Old Drakon Castle? They must have a reason for staying there..." "I''m afraid I can''t answer that," Roderick replied. "However...it does seem strange. Perhaps something is preventing them from leaving? Or maybe they''re waiting for reinforcements?" He shook his head. "Either way...it seems clear that something odd is going on here." "I doubt the Order knows how those demons came to be there either," Orin commented, speaking up for the first time since the meeting started. The Ethervein Enclave guild master looked thoughtful, tapping his fingers against the table. "Which means they could be heading into a trap. To march out without sufficient information is reckless and foolish." "That''s true..." Evelyne agreed with a slight nod. "Or maybe this whole thing is just a coincidence. Perhaps the demons found a way to enter this realm and chose that location as their hiding place?" She glanced at Roderick. "Has Ardeunius discussed any other concerns he may have?" "Not really," Roderick answered, frowning slightly. "Although I suppose he wouldn''t reveal everything about his plans...especially if he wants to keep the Order''s advantage. But he did mention he expects the numbers to be manageable." He paused for a moment before adding: "Whatever the case may be...it doesn''t change the fact that we need to deal with these demons sooner rather than later. If they become too strong or numerous...we won''t stand a chance against them." Engin frowned deeply. "So we''re back where we started¡ªwithout any solid answers." He looked around the table at the others. "When will we expect Ardeunius and his men to arrive?" "They should have departed from Kernenberge by now, so I''d expect them in about five days'' time," Roderick replied. "If everything goes smoothly along the way, that is." "Then we still have time to prepare ourselves," Engin remarked with a sigh. "There''s little point in debating any further right now...until we know more about this situation." He stood up and pushed his chair aside. "I propose we adjourn for now and reconvene once they''ve arrived¡ª" "No one shall give direct aid or assistance to the Order of the Burning Shield regarding the eradication of the demons," Ebonheim declared, her voice echoing through the Great Hall. She had been silent since hearing the news from Roderick, listening intently to the discussion and deliberations among the council. But now she spoke out, cutting through the chatter and silence. The tone in her voice sounded uncharacteristically firm. Her decree caught everyone by surprise¡ªeven Engin looked stunned. Everyone turned towards her in surprise¡ªeven Engin looked stunned. "You''re denying them help?" Engin asked incredulously. "Why?" Ebonheim rested her chin upon her hand as she gazed thoughtfully at the ceiling above. There were a plethora of reasons that weighed heavily upon her mind¡ªboth logical and emotional¡ªfor why she didn''t want her people to be directly involved in this matter. Most prominent among them being her need to protect her people. This was a problem outside of their domain¡ªit had nothing to do with them or the town itself. And even though the demons were nearby...there didn''t seem to be any immediate threat to the town. Let this Order of the Burning Shield deal with it themselves. There was no point in involving themselves unnecessarily. She refused to risk the lives of her people for a battle that wasn''t theirs to begin with. "This is not our fight," she replied. "I do not want us to get involved." "I agree with you," Bjorn said slowly, frowning. "However...we cannot ignore this problem either. The demons will pose a threat to us later on if left unchecked. And I don''t want to risk letting them spread to other places in the vale." "Neither do I..." Ebonheim admitted reluctantly. "But I don''t want anyone volunteering to join the Order''s crusade either. This isn''t something we need to get involved in. The Silverguards can escort them to the location, since they''ve agreed to help, but our involvement should end there." Bjorn opened his mouth as if to argue but then closed it without saying anything further. He glanced at Thorsten who shook his head. Engin approached her and knelt down beside her chair. "Ebonheim...what''s the matter? This isn''t like you. Not too long ago, you were the one asking us for permission to help Calyxia in her war against the Kungwans. What''s so different now?" Ebonheim flinched slightly at his words. The memories of how Calyxia had asked for her aid against the Kungwans had never left her. But the situation had been different back then. Calyxia had asked only Ebonheim herself to lend her support¡ªnot the entire town. It was her own initiative. She had chosen to fight alongside the Calyxia. That wasn''t the case this time. This time, it was her people that wanted to get involved. The Silverguard company had already volunteered to help. They were simply fulfilling their contractual obligations as mercenaries. It couldn''t be helped, but at least they wouldn''t take part directly in any battle. She''d have to instruct Lorne to ensure his soldiers remained out of harm''s way until the Order finished their extermination. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. But she didn''t want any more people to get involved than necessary. If these demons were anything like the Kungwans who threatened Calyxia''s home before...then this battle would be a difficult one. And she didn''t want her people risking their lives over something that wasn''t theirs to deal with. Besides, it wasn''t that long ago when the town had been raided. She still had many other matters to attend to. The last thing she needed was another potential disaster looming over her head. "The difference is that I was the one who chose to go to Calyxia''s aid¡ªnot anyone else," Ebonheim answered firmly. "I''m not refuting the fact that this issue will eventually affect us as well¡ªbut we don''t have enough information right now to formulate an appropriate response. For now, let''s observe and wait. And let''s keep our distance from this matter. It''s better if we stay out of the way until we know more." Bjorn''s eyes narrowed slightly at her answer. He didn''t seem convinced. "Are you certain this is the best course of action?" Bjorn pressed. "We don''t know what could happen next...or when. The Order may fail in their efforts. And if that happens...we''ll have to deal with the aftermath ourselves. Are you prepared to face that risk?" Ebonheim met his gaze evenly. "Yes. If it comes down to it, I''ll deal with the demons myself. There''s no need for anyone else to put themselves in danger. I don''t want another occurance of what happened last time." Bjorn held her gaze for a long moment before finally sighing heavily. He turned towards Engin and shrugged. "It seems there''s nothing more we can do. Ebonheim has spoken. She''s decided." "Even so..." Engin began, "it''d be better if we all stood together in this matter. It''s not like us to stand aside and do nothing." Ebonheim glanced at Engin. "I''m not saying we should sit idly by. I still intend to help the Order by providing supplies and information. I want to support them indirectly. However...I do not wish for anyone else to take direct action on their behalf. That''s all I ask." Engin stared back at her wordlessly. After a moment he nodded. "Very well..." He stood up slowly and took his seat again. "If that''s how you feel...then we''ll respect your decision." He looked around the table at the others. "Everyone got that? Don''t volunteer yourselves to go along with the Order on this quest¡ªno matter how tempting it may sound. We''re staying out of this one." Orin glanced at Evelyne, who shook her head slightly. They both remained silent. Bjorn, Thorsten, and Engin each nodded in agreement. No one else spoke up to object either. The room fell quiet once more. Roderick sighed and rubbed his forehead tiredly. "So we''ve settled that...then there''s nothing more to discuss here. I propose we adjourn this meeting until the Order arrives." He looked over at Ebonheim. "I assume that''s alright with you?" "Yes," Ebonheim answered. "We''ll reconvene once they arrive." "Alright...we''ll reconvene when the Order arrives," Roderick declared. "Does anyone have anything else they wish to discuss?" When no one answered, he clapped his hands together loudly. "Then we''re done for today! Meeting adjourned!" With that, the council began filing out of the room. After a while, only Ebonheim and Kelzryn remained behind. The dragon had been standing beside her all along, watching everything unfold. He waited patiently until everyone else had left before approaching her. He stopped beside her chair and knelt down. "Are you sure about this? Going against your own nature is unwise." "I''m certain," Ebonheim replied without hesitation. "The safety of my people comes first¡ªbefore anything else." Kelzryn tilted his head slightly, gazing at her with piercing eyes. "You''re willing to risk offending your own followers? That''s not like you..." "No...but sometimes we have to do things we don''t like." She sighed deeply and leaned back in her chair. "I have a really bad feeling about this whole thing. Something tells me that we shouldn''t get involved directly. Not this time. It just doesn''t feel right." "Are you worried about what happened before?" Kelzryn asked gently. "With the Kungwans?" Ebonheim stiffened. "I saw how many Seraphidae died fighting against them." She stared at her hands in her lap, clenching them into fists. "And even though we won in the end...I don''t want to experience something like that ever again. If it means keeping my people safe...then I''ll do whatever it takes." Kelzryn stood up and placed his hand on her shoulder. "If that''s what you believe is best...then so be it." He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "But remember this¡ªyou''re not alone anymore. If things get too difficult for you to handle by yourself...then let me know. I''ll do whatever I can to help." Ebonheim looked up at him and smiled weakly. "If I told you to deal with those demons for me...would you do it?" "Of course," Kelzryn answered without hesitation. "All you need to do is ask." He held out his hand toward her. "So what do you say? Should I take care of this problem for you?" Ebonheim shook her head. "No...it''s alright. This isn''t something you should handle either. I''ll handle this myself if necessary." She placed her hand in his and squeezed it gently. "Thank you though...for offering to help." Kelzryn nodded solemnly. "I understand." He withdrew his hand and turned away from her. "I''m going to leave for a bit...I want to investigate the situation myself. I''ll return shortly." "Alright," Ebonheim replied softly. "Be careful..." "Always," Kelzryn answered, flashing her a quick smile before disappearing into the shadows. Ebonheim sat alone in the room, lost in thought. Demons... Her knowledge about them was limited at best. She didn''t know what to expect from them¡ªor how dangerous they''d be. During Roderick''s report, she had tried asking the Akashic System for information regarding them...but there wasn''t much to go on. [Demons - A fiendish race of otherworldly beings. Their motives are generally malicious and cruel. Most have dark and eldritch origins. They possess vast supernatural powers and abilities. The stronger ones can influence the world around them with their presence alone.] That was all the System provided. But there wasn''t enough detail or explanation to go on either. She had no idea what these beings were capable of. Nor did she know how dangerous they''d prove to be. All she could do was wait until Ardeunius arrived...and hope that the Order would be enough to deal with them.
Kelzryn floated high above the ruins of Old Drakon Castle which stood atop a cliff overlooking the vale. He had visited this place once before¡ªwhen the humans first tried to establish a settlement here centuries ago. It had been abandoned ever since, becoming nothing more than a collection of crumbling buildings, high walls, and cracked stones. The land surrounding the castle was barren and lifeless. Nothing grew anywhere near it. Not even weeds dared approach the place. A heavy pall hung over the area, stifling the air itself. The sun shone weakly through the thick layer of clouds covering the sky. Everything appeared bleak and desolate. "Hmmm..." Kelzryn frowned deeply as he gazed upon the ruins below. There was an unnatural aura emanating from the castle¡ªa miasma that seeped into everything around it. He''d sensed their presence instantly when he arrived here earlier¡ªAsuras. Over a hundred of them occupied the castle grounds¡ªmostly lower-ranked ones¡ªbut there were several stronger ones mixed in as well. Others roamed the surrounding lands aimlessly, prowling through the shadows cast by the setting sun. A few even flew overhead on leathery wings. None seemed to take notice of him as he watched from above. Their attention seemed focused solely on their own activities. However, their mere presence alone was enough to poison the very ground they walked upon. Kelzryn couldn''t deny the fact that Ebonheim had been right in her decision to stay out of this situation. If her followers participated directly in this battle, they would suffer horribly for it. Even if the Order succeeded in defeating the demons, there would still be severe casualties among the human soldiers. That was inevitable given the strength of the demons below. But at the same time...it bothered him immensely to leave such foul creatures nearby. He had no intention of going against her wishes, however. Not when she''d already made up her mind. "How troubling..." Chapter 147: Call to Arms Sitting within her shrine, Ebonheim gazed down at Ardeunius kneeling before her. His head was bowed respectfully, his face hidden beneath the hood of his cloak. Behind him stood a group of similarly dressed soldiers. They carried heavy packs and weapons. "I greet the goddess of this domain, Ebonheim," Ardeunius said formally, his voice low and measured. "We have arrived as agreed." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Thank you for allowing us passage through your territory. We will be sure to compensate you for your kindness." Ebonheim didn''t respond immediately. She took a moment to examine the men standing behind him. There were a lot more than she had expected. At least a hundred or so...and each of them looked well-armed and ready for battle. They didn''t appear to be the least bit intimidated by her presence either. "It is not necessary to repay me," Ebonheim replied eventually. "You may rest here before you depart for Old Drakon Castle. My followers will provide you with whatever supplies you need for your journey." Ardeunius glanced over his shoulder at his men before turning back towards her. "Thank you. We appreciate your generosity. However...we cannot afford to stay long. We must leave as soon as possible." He hesitated briefly before continuing. "Will you join us? Your presence would help greatly in defeating those demons." Ebonheim suppressed a sigh. She''d known they would ask her that. It was inevitable given the situation. But...she still couldn''t bring herself to decline their request. Better she than anyone else in her town. "I''ll accompany you," Ebonheim answered slowly. "However...there are conditions. You must agree to them first." Ardeunius straightened slightly. "What are your terms?" "I''ll be at the vanguard," Ebonheim began. "You will follow behind me, staying within a certain distance at all times. I won''t be responsible for your safety once we engage in battle with the demons. And I''ll leave the second I see fit to do so." Ardeunius bowed deeply. "That is more than acceptable. We accept." He rose to his feet and bowed once more. "We shall leave as soon as possible." With that, he turned around and exited the shrine. The others followed after him. Once they were gone, Lorne stepped forward and knelt before her. "Ebonheim..." he greeted with a respectful nod. "Thank you for allowing us to assist the Order of the Burning Shield. I''m sure they will appreciate our help." He hesitated briefly before continuing. "I must apologize on behalf of my company. Had we known about this beforehand...we would''ve declined the Order''s request to accompany them. But...are you sure you won''t change your mind about participating directly in this conflict? It seems like the perfect opportunity to gain more believers and expand your influence." Ebonheim kept her eyes focused on the ground in front of her. She didn''t want him to see how conflicted she felt about everything right now. Even though she understood why Lorne had volunteered his company to help the Order...she still couldn''t shake off the unease she felt about allowing them to proceed. "I know that part of being a mercenary group is to take on risky jobs..." Ebonheim said quietly. "...and I shouldn''t be asking you not to follow your code. However, please...consider this as an exception. You can act as their escort and support¡ªbut please don''t get directly involved in any fighting unless absolutely necessary." Lorne raised an eyebrow at her request. "That goes against our agreement with the Order...we promised them protection during their crusade. And yet you ask us to stay out of battle entirely?" Ebonheim nodded without meeting his gaze. "Wasn''t your mission to escort them to the castle ruins and nothing more? You were never tasked to participate in their crusade, were you?" "I suppose that''s true..." Lorne admitted reluctantly. "But¡ª" "If you must get involved," Ebonheim cut him off. "Please do so as a last resort only. Otherwise, keep your distance." She glanced up at him. "I''ll do the fighting. Are we clear?" Lorne stared back at her silently for several moments before finally nodding. "Understood...as you wish. Please forgive me for overstepping my bounds." "There''s nothing to forgive. You didn''t overstep anything," Ebonheim assured him with a soft smile. "This is just my selfishness speaking...please don''t take it personally." She walked over to him and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. "I''m counting on you, Lorne." Lorne nodded. "I won''t let you down." He rose from his bow and as he was about to turn around and leave, he suddenly paused mid-step, turning back towards her. "Goddess. There''s something else you should know..." "What is it?" she asked curiously. "Right before departing from Kerkenberge to return here...we heard rumors of a deity being captured by demons and imprisoned at Old Drakon Castle. That said...the rumors didn''t mention anything specific about this god''s identity, but the ones who shared this with us believed this information to be true." Ebonheim blinked in surprise. "A captured deity? Are you certain?" "Yes," Lorne answered. "Ardeunius seemed more skeptical than concerned, but...this news worries me." "Ardeunius didn''t bring that up earlier..." Ebonheim murmured, furrowing her brows. "It''s possible he didn''t consider it important enough to report¡ªor considers the rumors false. It''s not like anyone ever went to confirm if there was a deity imprisoned in Old Drakon Castle. "That said, if this rumor is true...then we might face a worse situation than previously anticipated. And even if it''s false...it still sounds like something you should know about." Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Ebonheim nodded. "Thank you for telling me. I''ll keep this in mind." Lorne bowed once more before leaving. Once he was gone, Ebonheim returned to her seat and resumed her vigil. "A captured god..." Could this be related to the missing deities that Xellos mentioned to her before? Could they have been captured by demons? How? Why? And if so...who was the captive deity? What god would ever fall victim to demons? Or did they get captured because they got careless or lured into a trap? Couldn''t it be someone who deliberately surrendered themselves for a reason? How long ago was this? These demons must have been strong or numerous enough to capture a god. Thinking back to her weaker self¡ªwhen she first came into being as a Dawn Stage lesser goddess¡ªit only took a few Kungwans to almost kill her. A lesser god captured by demons...a handful of demons could overwhelm a god easily enough. She could easily imagine a small band of demons ambushing a lower-ranked deity and incapacitating them. Was there a group of higher-ranked demons among the ones residing at Old Drakon Castle who then carried the weakened god away? And if so...what had they done with them since? Did they intend to keep this god imprisoned forever? Or perhaps use them as leverage against other gods? These questions kept buzzing around in her mind. She had no answers for any of them. But one thing was clear¡ªif these rumors were true...then it meant that the situation at Old Drakon Castle could potentially grow more dire than she had originally anticipated. It might even turn out to be beyond the Order''s capabilities to handle. For now, she needed to focus on dealing with these demons first. And then after that...she''d try to investigate this matter further. As she ruminated over these thoughts, she caught sight of Kelzryn approaching her shrine, taking his usual place beside her. "How did your investigation go?" she asked him. "Did you discover anything useful?" Kelzryn folded his arms across his chest and nodded. "Yes. Many Asuras are residing at Old Drakon Castle," he confirmed. "Several of them appear to be higher-ranked ones." "What''s an Asura? Is that the name of a specific kind of demon?" Ebonheim inquired. "Or do you mean demons in general?" Kelzryn briefly shot her a curious glance. "Asuras...are demonic beings native to the realm of Sutrath. They''re considered among the most powerful races of demons. There are many types of Asuras¡ªthough not all of them can enter this realm on their own. Most require summoning rituals or gateways created by other beings to cross over from Sutrath to here." He paused for a moment before adding: "I do not know how these particular ones ended up gathered together at those ruins¡ªbut I can assure you they pose a significant threat." "I see..." Ebonheim said slowly. "Do you think the Order will be able to handle them?" "If they approach the battle carefully and prepare thoroughly beforehand...perhaps they can manage a pyrrhic victory against them. But in my estimation...their chances of winning against such foes are slim¡ªnot with the numbers they currently possess." Ebonheim''s lips pressed together into a thin line. Was this why she had felt so uneasy about this whole situation? Had she subconsciously sensed something off about those demons even before Kelzryn told her about them? Could there really be a captured deity inside Old Drakon Castle too? And if so...could this be connected to the missing gods Xellos told her about? "Lorne told me about rumors regarding a captured deity in Old Drakon Castle..." Ebonheim murmured. "What do you think? Did you sense anything unusual?" Kelzryn closed his eyes for several seconds before shaking his head. "I didn''t sense any deities nearby¡ªbut that doesn''t necessarily mean one isn''t imprisoned somewhere inside those ruins." He opened his eyes and gazed directly at her. "This could explain why these Asuras haven''t left the area yet...if they''re guarding a prisoner." "So those Asuras are strong enough to capture a deity? And keep them captive for this long?" Kelzryn shrugged. "Fledgling deities aren''t very powerful if they haven''t ascended beyond their first stage yet. Most would probably struggle to defend themselves against even a single Asura. So I imagine capturing one wouldn''t be too difficult under the right circumstances." "Do you think I''m strong enough to defeat these demons if I go all out?" Ebonheim asked him. Kelzryn seemed taken aback by her question. "You plan on engaging in direct combat with these Asuras?" She nodded. "Yes. I''ll lead the charge against them myself. And if need be...I''ll fight alongside the Order of the Burning Shield. So, what do you think? Can I defeat them?" Kelzryn hesitated briefly before answering. "Against the lesser Asuras...you should have no problem overpowering them. But the higher-ranked ones...that might prove more difficult. Especially if they''re actively working together as a group." "So they''ll work together to overwhelm me if I don''t strike fast enough?" Ebonheim guessed. Kelzryn nodded. "Asuras generally prefer attacking their enemies individually rather than collectively¡ªbut in certain situations where they face stronger opponents...they may team up temporarily against a common foe. If those higher-ranked Asuras have formed a cohesive unit...then it would indeed be wiser for you to retreat rather than fight." "I see..." Ebonheim murmured. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright. I understand. Thank you for your advice." She lowered her gaze to the floor in front of her and remained silent. This information didn''t make her feel any better about allowing the Order to proceed. In fact...it only served to strengthen her growing unease. Perhaps she should reconsider allowing the Silverguards to help them. Maybe there was still time for her to change her mind. But before she could say anything, Kelzryn spoke up again. "My offer still stands¡ªI can deal with these demons for you," he said firmly. "If this concerns you so much...then let me handle this. It won''t take long at all." Ebonheim lifted her head to look at him. His expression remained neutral but his eyes burned intensely as he met her gaze. She knew he wasn''t joking around. He''d do whatever she asked of him. But even so...she couldn''t bring herself to ask for his help. Not this time. "Thank you...but no," she replied quietly. "I appreciate the offer, but I need to deal with this myself." She sighed softly. "I have to learn how to deal with problems like this eventually. Otherwise...what kind of god would I be?" Kelzryn watched her closely for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Very well...if that''s what you wish." He unfolded his arms and placed them behind his back instead. "But know this¡ªif things take a turn for the worse...call for me. I will come immediately." Ebonheim smiled faintly. "I will...thank you." She turned her attention back towards the outside world beyond her shrine. She could see Ardeunius and the other members of the Order camping along the outskirts of town. They''d make preparations overnight and head out first thing tomorrow morning. The whole time she gazed upon them, her mind remained troubled by the events to come. But she had no intention of changing her mind now. If there really was a captured deity imprisoned at Old Drakon Castle...she would have to find a way to rescue them herself. "Kelzryn, I''m going to join the Order''s expedition. Please keep watch over the town while I''m gone." "Of course," Kelzryn assented readily. "Be careful." Ebonheim rose from her seat and nodded. "I will. Thank you." With that said, she left the shrine and headed towards the campsite. Chapter 148: Stubbornness Abound A meeting at the Yrsta Klettur without their goddess'' presence? This was unprecedented. Nevertheless, Engin called for one in the absence of Ebonheim, requesting everyone to gather at the Hrafnsteinnian longhouse. He reasoned that it was necessary to discuss her behavior in the recent council meetings. He invited only the members of the council to avoid any uninvited guests or rumors from spreading. Bjorn frowned as he stared at the table in front of him. "I can''t believe she would deny us the chance to help those in need." He sighed deeply and shook his head. "It''s not like her to be so stubborn..." "Yes...but she''s doing what she believes is best," Roderick countered. "And we have to respect that." "Bah! She''s just overreacting," Thorsten grunted. "The recent brigand raid has made her skittish. She''s being irrational and unreasonable." Evelyne shot him a dark look. "You''re not helping by speaking ill of her. She has her reasons for wanting to keep us away from this problem." She glanced at Roderick with a raised eyebrow. "Right?" Roderick nodded. "Indeed. She has her reasons for wanting to protect the town and her people above all else¡ªeven if some may not seem logical at first glance." He leaned forward, resting both hands flat upon the surface. He met their gaze unblinkingly and explained: "We must understand that she feels personally responsible for everyone under her charge. Her duty towards us is her primary motivator; anything else comes secondary." "But that doesn''t mean she''s right," Bjorn objected. "This isn''t how she usually behaves." Hilda, who sat beside Engin, spoke up softly, "Perhaps you shouldn''t question her motives too strongly. Sometimes we do things without realizing why. Maybe deep down inside...we know something terrible might happen, and that we''ll regret getting involved later. And sometimes...we just don''t want to get hurt again." She looked away wistfully before continuing, "I think...that maybe she simply doesn''t want any of us risking our lives. It would devastate her if someone lost theirs while trying to help the Order." Bjorn stared at her thoughtfully. After a moment he nodded slowly in agreement. "I suppose...you could be right." They sat together in silence for a while until finally Engin broke the quiet. "I know you may disagree with what I''m about to say here...but regardless of what she said earlier, there''s no way in the abyss that I''m going to let her handle this matter alone." "Let''s just get Kelzryn to deal with the damn issue already and let''s be done with it," Thorsten said gruffly. "This should be child''s play for him. He''s her exarch for a reason, aye? Let him go all out, and then we won''t have to worry any further about demons in the vale." Engin sighed and shook his head. "She would have ordered him during the council meeting if she wanted his help. Do you think her pride would allow such a blatant show of weakness and reliance?" Thorsten shrugged. "Beats me. I''m still confused as to why we can''t help. The Silverguard will probably get paid for this job regardless so there''s no way around it. Besides, if these Order people die to those demons, then what?" "That''s true," Roderick admitted. "The Order may suffer losses if things go south. We might find ourselves facing this threat again sooner than expected. And if they fail here...the situation won''t improve. In fact, the problem could very well worsen." A loud yawn echoed through the longhouse. Everyone turned towards the source of the noise. Serrandyl was leaning against the frame of an open window with her chin propped up by one hand. She looked bored as she stared at the floor with half-lidded eyes, her other arm hanging lazily at her side. Her tail flicked slowly back and forth. "Everyone really wants to help the Order deal with those demons, don''t they? So why don''t we just go and do that instead of complaining?" "It''s not that simple," Bjorn protested. He spread his hands helplessly. "She has forbidden us to get involved directly with the Order''s crusade. What else can we do but respect her wishes?" Serrandyl arched her back and stretched like a cat. "Hmm? So what about the time when we decided to rebuild her cabin the first time despite her telling us not to?" She glanced around the room with a wry smile. "Or when we helped with the Kungwans without her knowledge? Or when we insisted on making that statue in her honor? Oh, and how about¡ª" "Alright, alright! I get it!" Engin interrupted with a groan. "I think we all get your point." He turned towards the others with a frown. "We may have overstepped our bounds in the past...but this time, we can''t ignore what she said." Serrandyl folded her arms across her chest. "Are you saying that her wishes outweigh everything else? Including those of her people?" She tilted her head slightly and raised an eyebrow at him. "Sounds like something a tyrant would say." Engin winced visibly at her words. "That''s not what I meant...it''s just..." He sighed heavily. "Look, she wants to protect us. And while I appreciate that...it doesn''t sit right with me to abandon those in need. Even if they''re strangers." "So then let''s help them," Serrandyl replied matter-of-factly. "We can just send the best of us along to provide support. The Silverguards are already involved anyway." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Simple." Hilda chuckled lightly at her straightforwardness. "She''s right...we can do more than just sit around and worry. It''s better to act now while we still have time." "How will we stop get Ebonheim to agree with this plan though?" Bjorn asked dubiously. "If she finds out that we''re actively helping the Order against her wishes...well..." He trailed off uncertainly. "I don''t think she''d appreciate that very much." Serrandyl grinned from ear to ear. "Leave that to me!"
"I want to come with you!" Serrandyl declared adamantly between mouthfuls of roasted meat as she sat across from Ebonheim in the latter''s cabin. "You left me out on coming along when you went out to build the road, so let me go with you this time! I won''t be a burden! You''ll see!" She held out her plate. "Now hand over another piece!" Ebonheim had brought Hilda, Serrandyl, Evelyne, and Ingrid into her home for a private meal before departing. Her earlier meeting with Ardeunius had concluded peacefully¡ªthe Order members agreed to move forward with their plan¡ªand she spent the remaining time preparing herself. "I want you all to stay here," Ebonheim replied gently as she pushed the plate back towards Serrandyl. "I''ll be fine." Serrandyl glared at her defiantly. "No way! If you''re going out there to fight, then so am I!" She grabbed another chunk of meat from the pile and stuffed it into her mouth. "I''m strong enough to help! You know that! So let me come with you!" "Have you ever fought a demon before?" Ebonheim asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or even encountered one?" Serrandyl shook her head. "No...but have you?" "Err...no," Ebonheim admitted sheepishly. "But I can handle this. It''ll be alright." "I''m coming along! And nothing you say will change my mind!" Serrandyl stood up abruptly and slammed her hands down on the table. "You''re going to need my help out there! I know it!" "No means no!" Ebonheim snapped back, growing irritated. "I''ve already made up my mind! Now sit down and eat your food!" Serrandyl narrowed her eyes at her. "If you won''t let me join you...then I''ll follow behind you anyway." This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Ebonheim''s expression softened. "Please don''t do that...I''d rather not have to worry about you while I''m fighting. Just stay here where it''s safe." "I''m coming along!" Serrandyl repeated, stomping her foot on the floor for emphasis. "There''s no point in arguing anymore! If you don''t take me with you...I''ll follow after you!" Ebonheim sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why are you so stubborn?" Serrandyl flashed her a toothy grin. "Because I learned from the best! Besides, what''ll you do if I disobey your order anyways? Punish me? Heh." She crossed her arms over her chest and stuck out her tongue playfully. "You won''t do anything to me!" Ugh! I hate it when she''s right. Truthfully, Ebonheim had never once had to punish anyone under her care. Any problems between individuals were quickly resolved through arbitration. This was also thanks to the amiable and cooperative nature of her followers. They always respected her authority. There wasn''t a single instance when she''d ever had to exert any forceful measures upon them. The thought of punishing her followers...made her uneasy. She didn''t want to think about what would happen if she did try to discipline her. Not that she even knew how to begin doing such a thing. The prospect made her feel nauseous. Ebonheim rubbed her temples tiredly. "Fine...I give up. You can come along. Just make sure you keep up with me and don''t get in my way." Evelyne watched the exchange quietly from her seat beside Serrandyl. She had barely touched her food. She kept glancing at Ebonheim anxiously. "I also wish to join you..." she finally said quietly. "Vivi and I will be operating our Aetherframes. You could use our assistance in dealing with the demons. We''d like to do our part as well." Evelyne too? Why was everyone trying to change her mind now? "No...I want you two to stay here," Ebonheim said calmly, opening her eyes to meet Evelyne''s pleading gaze. "It''s too dangerous for you to come along." "But we''ll be in our Aetherframes," Evelyne argued. "They can take a lot of punishment. We''ll be safe inside them." She clasped Ebonheim''s hand. "Please let us come with you. I''ll let you punish me afterwards," she added in a soft whisper, batting her eyes at her. "However you see fit." A shiver and a cold sweat ran down Ebonheim''s back. The way Evelyne said that last part sounded almost suggestive...like she was implying something naughty. But surely she meant nothing like that? Perhaps Ebonheim had misheard her? Surely not...surely? No, she had to have misunderstood...right? She brushed the thought away. Evelyne squeezed her hand tighter. "I promise I''ll behave and do whatever you tell me to. Please...let me come with you." Ebonheim didn''t want to admit it...but having the Aetherframes would help. She knew that. But...she didn''t want anyone else risking their lives against these beings. Especially when they didn''t even fully understand what they were up against yet. She had thought about using the Cepheid, but the ancient Aetherframe was still in pieces. Its assembly would take time¡ªtime she didn''t have. She had queried the Akashic System for a way to use Cepheid''s Divine Arsenal form, but the ability required the Aetherframe to be in an operational state. So in the end...she decided to proceed without using it. "You two are more valuable here than out there," Ebonheim said firmly. "What if some of those demons decided to attack the town?" "We have a dragon guarding the town," Evelyne pointed out. "He''s more than capable of dealing with any threats." "Yes...but..." Ebonheim faltered slightly. She couldn''t deny that. Kelzryn could easily handle any demons that came his way. "Ma d¨¦esse, I don''t understand why you don''t just let him deal with these demons instead," Evelyne remarked. "He''s your exarch. Let him do his job and take care of the problem for you. There''s no reason to put yourself in danger." Ebonheim winced. She did tell her people she planned to deal with this problem herself. And now they were confused by her actions. It would''ve been easier to ask for Kelzryn''s help from the beginning. But...it felt wrong somehow. Why? She couldn''t quite explain it, but something deep within her rebelled against the idea of allowing Kelzryn to fight on her behalf. It didn''t feel right. It felt like...cheating. "I know that...but I need to handle this myself," Ebonheim insisted stubbornly. "Besides, no one outside of our town knows about Kelzryn and his affiliation with us. I don''t want Ardeunius finding out either. What do you think will happen if other places find out we have a dragon living among us? It''ll cause all sorts of problems." "I think they''ll just be jealous," Serrandyl commented wryly. "Kelzryn''s cool!" "That may be true...but the Order probably wouldn''t react well to finding out a dragon is watching over my town," Ebonheim replied. "I already told people not to mention Kelzryn to the Order. But if Ardeunius found out..." Evelyne frowned. "He''d probably accuse you of harboring a threat in your domain. Right?" Ebonheim nodded. "Exactly." "Then the only choice left is for you to have us come along," Evelyne declared. "It will give us the highest chance of succeeding. The Order needs all the help they can get against such formidable foes. Don''t deny it. It''s true. You need us there too. We''ll be useful to you. I promise." She flashed her an impish smile. She turned towards Hilda who''d remained silent throughout the entire discussion. "Hildaaaaa!" She walked over to the old woman and knelt before her, resting her head on the druid''s lap. "Please tell Serrandyl she should stay here! Please!" She lifted her gaze pleadingly towards Hilda. "She listens to you!" Hilda patted Ebonheim''s head gently. "There there...calm yourself. We''re all worried about you going alone." She glanced at Serrandyl. "What Serrandyl says is true though. You should take her along with you." Ebonheim blinked in surprise. Of all the responses she''d expected from Hilda...that hadn''t been one of them. "Really?" Hilda nodded. "Yes. Remember what happened with the Kungwans. Serrandyl and the others helped you out then. Let them help you again now." Ebonheim slowly rose back to her feet and returned to her seat. She stared blankly at the half-eaten plate of food in front of her. A silence settled over the room as everyone waited patiently for her reply. After several long moments, she finally spoke up again. "Fine...I give up. You can come along," Ebonheim relented. "But please...don''t do anything reckless. Stick with the Silverguards and follow Lorne''s instructions." Serrandyl pumped her fist in triumph. "YES! Thank you!" She grabbed another chunk of meat off her plate and shoveled it into her mouth. "You won''t regret this!" she mumbled between chews. "I promise!" Ebonheim groaned inwardly. She already did. But what else could she do? If Serrandyl wanted to come along...then so be it. Maybe having someone watching her back wouldn''t be so bad after all. "It''s settled then. Vivi and I will also be joining you," Evelyne declared, giving Ebonheim a bright smile. "We''ll keep each other safe out there." "Yeah! We''ve got this!" Serrandyl exclaimed happily. "We''re gonna beat those demons so hard they won''t even know what hit ''em!" Ingrid watched the scene unfold before her quietly, smiling faintly to herself. She didn''t say anything at all throughout the entire meal. But...it seemed like she approved of everyone else''s decisions. At least that''s how Ebonheim interpreted her body language. "Ingrid..." Ebonheim called out to her gently. "Did you want to come along too?" Ingrid placed her fork down on her plate and steepled her fingers together under her chin. Her gaze hardened as she stared directly into Ebonheim''s eyes. "I''ve personally slain several Asura. Bjorn and Thorsten may not have mentioned it to you, but Hrafnsteinn has a long history of clashes with those fiends. We''re used to dealing with their kind." Ebonheim''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait...seriously?" Ingrid nodded. "Yes. I''m familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. If these demons really are Asuras...then I''d like to join you." "Wow...I didn''t know that..." Ebonheim admitted sheepishly. How useful... I wonder why Bjorn and Thorsten never mentioned it. Oh, I haven''t told them that the demons were Asuras yet. I guess they didn''t realize that we might encounter such foes out here. Having Ingrid around would be invaluable. She could give the Order members insight on how to defeat their enemies. Her expertise would surely prove useful. And perhaps she could also help keep everyone else safe as well. Ebonheim smiled faintly at Ingrid. "Alright then...I''d appreciate your help." She paused for a moment before adding: "However, my condition remains the same. Assist Lorne and his men as much as possible. Do not take any unnecessary risks. Understood?" Ingrid placed a hand over her heart in a salute. "As you command, goddess." Ebonheim exhaled slowly and slumped back into her chair. So...everyone else planned to accompany her. Great...this was turning out exactly how she didn''t want things to go. Why did everything always end up so complicated? And why did everyone else always have to be so stubborn? Across the table, Ebonheim spotted Serrandyl and Evelyne high-five each other. They looked so pleased with themselves. Strange...something felt off. They weren''t normally this cheery with each other. Did they do something behind her back? "Hey...are you two hiding anything from me?" Ebonheim asked, narrowing her eyes at them. "Like...a secret plan?" Serrandyl froze mid-chew. "What? No! Of course not!" She shook her head vigorously. "Why would we ever do something like that? Never!" She glanced over at Evelyne for support. "Right?" Evelyne nodded in agreement. "Oui. We would never dream of such a thing. Never." She flashed her a sweet smile. "Trust us." Hilda chuckled lightly to herself. "Now now...let''s finish our meal. It''ll get cold soon." She reached across the table and placed a hand atop Ebonheim''s own. "Don''t worry about them. They''re just happy you finally agreed to let them come along with you. That''s all." Ebonheim sighed heavily and rubbed her forehead. "Fine...if you say so..." Chapter 149: Siege of Drakon Castle, Part I Two days into their march through the vale''s westward pass, the Order of the Burning Shield had set up camp in a small clearing within a dense thicket of trees. Lorne and his Silverguard mercenaries set up alongside them. The group sat around several large campfires eating their meals as they discussed their plans for tomorrow. Ebonheim sequestered herself away from everyone else and used her Arboreal Stride to travel to one of the groves frequented by Elmsworth. It had been a while since she last saw him, so she figured this would be a good opportunity to visit him. And hopefully get a bit of advice from the elder Ent. As she emerged from the shadows cast by the towering trees, she saw him standing before her. His mighty trunk towered above her, reaching high into the sky. His gnarled roots spread out around him like a protective barrier. The leaves rustled in the breeze. He seemed larger than usual today. "Elmsworth," Ebonheim greeted warmly as she approached him. "It''s been a while." She glanced up at his face, which seemed to be staring straight ahead. "How have you been?" The ancient Ent slowly turned his head towards her and blinked his large eyes slowly. He didn''t speak right away. After a moment, he finally replied: "Ebonheim...it''s good to see you again." He paused for a moment before adding: "I sense that you have brought many outsiders into my forest. Remember our pact¡ªyou will be held responsible for any who cause harm to the land outside of the path you''ve built through it." "I remember," Ebonheim replied quickly. "I instructed them not to cut any trees down or disturb anything outside the path. They''re camping at a clearing now. They won''t harm the forest." Elmsworth continued staring at her intently. "I trust you...but what do you plan to do with these visitors? Why have you brought them here?" Ebonheim sat cross-legged on the ground and leaned back against Elmsworth''s trunk. "Have you heard about what''s going on? We''re preparing to confront a group of demons residing at Old Drakon Castle. I haven''t been there myself, but doesn''t it border your territory somewhere? "Do you know anything about the demons?" Elmsworth rumbled deep within his chest. "I know...the place you speak of." He remained silent for a long moment before continuing, "There has been much activity in that area lately. A foul miasma has been permeating throughout the land near those ruins. It has infected many animals and plants nearby." "How long ago did this start happening?" "Three seasons ago," Elmsworth answered. "Ever since then...I''ve felt something...unpleasant emanating from those ruins." He shook his head slowly. "I''ve avoided approaching the area too closely because of this." "I see..." Ebonheim closed her eyes and pressed her back against his trunk. "Kelzryn told me he sensed Asuras there...but I don''t know much about them. Do you?" Elmsworth turned away from her and looked towards the horizon. "Nay. I know that demons are creatures that do not belong in this realm. But little else. Their kind has never ventured into this valley before." He rumbled softly as he continued gazing off into the distance. "I do not understand why they are here or what they intend to accomplish by staying here. Perhaps they have found something within those ruins that interests them...or perhaps they''re waiting for something. Either way...they pose a threat to my forest." "I plan to confront them tomorrow," Ebonheim said, opening her eyes and glancing up at Elmsworth. "The battle will most likely spill into your forest since the castle sits near the vale''s edge. I hope you don''t mind." Elmsworth lowered his gaze towards her. "So long as none of the destruction reaches the deeper parts of my forest...I shall tolerate your actions. But if things take a turn for the worse...then I will intervene." Ebonheim nodded. "Do you think it''ll be possible for us to drive them out? There''s only about two hundred Order members participating in this expedition¡ªalong with fifty Silverguards¡ªagainst a few hundred demons. I''m not sure how this will turn out..." Elmsworth blinked slowly before replying, "You''ve grown strong since we first met. Your presence alone should give you an advantage against such beings. Your followers are formidable as well. They may prove to be capable enough to achieve victory." He paused briefly. "But you shouldn''t underestimate these demons either. I suspect they''ve come here seeking conflict." "I also heard that those demons might be holding a god captive at the ruins...what do you think? Did you happen to encounter any god besides me in this forest?" Ebonheim asked tentatively. "Hrmm..." Elmsworth grumbled lowly. "If there truly is a deity imprisoned within those ruins...then I''m afraid I have not sensed their presence." "Oh..." Ebonheim sighed softly and closed her eyes once more. She had hoped that Elmsworth could verify the rumors for her¡ªor even tell her who the missing god might be¡ªbut he didn''t seem to know anything about that. Still...if the rumors were true...then that meant she had a duty to rescue this deity from their captors. That was what she told herself anyway. She still wasn''t entirely sure why she felt so compelled to help someone she''d never met before. Was it because they were a fellow god? Or maybe because they were a prisoner? Whatever the reason...she wanted to help them. She rose to her feet and brushed herself off. "I should head back to camp now. Everyone''s probably wondering where I am." She glanced at Elmsworth one last time. "Thank you for the conversation. It was nice seeing you again." Elmsworth inclined his head slightly towards her. "Take care on your journey, Ebonheim. May fortune favor you in the battles to come."
When she returned to camp, she found Serrandyl, Evelyne, Viviane, Ingrid, Lorne, and Ardeunius sitting together around a large bonfire. They all seemed deep in conversation. As she approached them, they stopped talking and looked towards her. "There you are!" Serrandyl exclaimed cheerfully. "Where''d you run off to?" "I visited Elmsworth," Ebonheim responded as she sat down next to Serrandyl. "Just checking in with him. He''s doing well." She glanced at the group. "What''re you guys discussing?" "We''re discussing tomorrow''s plan," Ardeunius replied, folding his hands together in front of him. "At our current marching speed, we''ll reach the ruins before sundown. We can either camp a safe distance away from the castle grounds or attempt to take the castle while there''s still daylight left." "I say we attack them immediately!" Serrandyl suggested enthusiastically. "No point waiting around! Let''s strike fast and hard!" "We aren''t familiar with the lay of the land, nor the numbers and types of demons we''ll face," Lorne pointed out. "It would be wise to spend a day or two scouting the area before committing to any course of action." Ardeunius nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It wouldn''t do well to rush into battle unprepared. We need to ascertain what sort of opposition we''ll face first. Besides, the garrison stationed at Dulgaan will be joining us the day after tomorrow anyway. We''ll wait for them to arrive before moving in." "I agree with Ardeunius and Lorne," Evelyne added. "Rushing in without scouting ahead first would be foolish." She glanced towards Ebonheim. "What do you think?" If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Ebonheim blinked in surprise¡ªshe hadn''t expected to be consulted regarding this issue. Warfare wasn''t exactly her area of expertise...but she appreciated the gesture. She cleared her throat and spoke: "I think spending time gathering information is important. We need to find out exactly what we''re dealing with before committing ourselves to a plan." Serrandyl pouted at her words but didn''t argue further. Ardeunius nodded again. "Excellent. Then that settles things. We''ll resume our march before dawn." He rose from his seat and stretched his arms above his head. "Everyone get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day." He headed towards his tent, leaving the others behind. The others soon followed suit, heading towards their own tents.
Ebonheim perched atop a tall fir tree, surveying the area around her. The walls of Old Drakon Castle loomed in the distance. A faint mist hung over the landscape, obscuring her vision somewhat. But she could still see clearly enough to make out the details of the structure before her. The ruins stood atop a cliff overlooking the vale below. The outer walls were covered in thick vines and moss, giving the impression of a forgotten fortress. The crumbling remains of towers and battlements jutted out from the ancient stonework. The only entrance into the castle grounds was through a massive portcullis located on the southern side. The gatehouse stood atop a massive stone platform that jutted out over the cliff edge. A path cut through the forest below, leading directly to the gatehouse. The surrounding area was blanketed with dense foliage, with only a few scattered patches of bare earth visible. She could hear the rustling of leaves and branches as creatures scurried through the undergrowth. Her eyes glimmered as she used her Divine Sight to scan the area. One by one, auras began appearing within her vision¡ªeach representing a demon hiding amongst the trees. They appeared as dark silhouettes against a dimly lit background. Most of them moved about aimlessly, but a few stayed stationary. As she focused on each individual aura, she received more information about the beings present within the forest. [Race] Asura (Lesser) [Sub-Type] Bhutava [Health] 300/300 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 28; Arcane Defense 23; Physical Defense 26; Damage 20-23 Kinetic (Claw), 28 Kinetic (Weapon); Block 25; Evasion 21 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 12 (Kinetic, Fire, Electric); Regenerate 50 Health every hour; Basic Earth Manipulation; Can burrow underground and create subterranean dens. Stout, muscular beings with dull, rocky skin and glowing red eyes roamed the forest floor. They carried crude swords and axes in their clawed hands. Small, curved horns protruded from their heads. Their legs bent backwards at the knee joint. Some had tails while others did not. Most wore little clothing¡ªonly a loincloth around their waists. Others wore chainmail armor and helmets. They seemed to have no organization whatsoever, simply wandering around aimlessly or sitting idle. Another type of Asura possessed long, slender limbs and bony wings protruding from their backs. Six eyes glowed within their narrow skulls. Sharp fangs jutted out from beneath their thin lips. They glided through the air silently, keeping close to the treetops. [Race] Asura (Lesser) [Sub-Type] Shadaksha [Health] 270/270 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 25, Ranged Attack 27, Arcane Defense 24, Physical Defense 24; Damage 20-24 Kinetic (Wings, Claws), 25 (Eldritch Blast); Block 21; Evasion 27 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 12 (Kinetic, Fire, Electric), Regenerate 40 Health every hour; Nightvision; Paralyzing Screech; Flight; Eldritch Blast - Shoots an energy bolt from their hands. Ebonheim noted down the information carefully. She counted at least a hundred Bhutava Asuras and about forty Shadaksha Asuras scattered throughout the area. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for where they chose to roam. Some wandered near the treeline while others stayed deep within the thicket. A few even appeared to be resting on branches high above the ground. The gatehouse itself was guarded by several large demons standing watch. They had long, serpentine bodies with four arms. Their heads resembled those of bulls with thick horns protruding from either side. Spikes lined their spines. They were too far away to determine their stats. She would need to get closer before she could assess them accurately. But judging by their size...they had to be stronger than the other Asuras lurking about. "Maybe I should have let Kelzryn handle this after all..." Ebonheim whispered to herself. She shook her head slowly. No...she needed to do this herself. She needed to learn how to deal with problems like this on her own terms. Otherwise...what kind of god would she be? Besides, it would have complicated matters with Ardeunius¡ªraising questions about her relationship with a fabled being. Better to avoid that and focus on the present. She leapt off the branch and used her divine magic to slow her descent until she landed softly on the forest floor. Once she landed, she began moving silently through the underbrush, making her way back to the main campsite where everyone else waited. Serrandyl perked up as she approached, jumping to her feet and running over to her excitedly. "Ebonheim! What did you see?" she asked eagerly. "Are they strong?" "They are..." Ebonheim replied. "Stronger than Kungwans?" Serrandyl asked, her tail wagging behind her. "Hard to say," Ebonheim said with a shrug. "Maybe a little bit stronger. I''m sure there are stronger ones inside the castle itself." Lorne stood up and walked over to them. "How many were there?" he inquired. "Outside the ruins, I sensed around a hundred and forty," Ebonheim replied. "A small group patrols the gatehouse leading into the castle grounds. They''re bigger than the other demons I saw lurking around." Ardeunius scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I expected as much. How many types of demons did you see?" "At least three," Ebonheim answered. "But there could be more. If you''re familiar with Asuras, you''ll recognize the different kinds." "Indeed," Ardeunius said. "I''ve studied their kind extensively. Bhutava Asuras are considered lesser demons. They''re often used as cannon fodder during large battles. Shadaksha Asuras generally oversee the smaller ones¡ªthey''re more intelligent and cunning than their brethren. Though they typically don''t possess any strong powers, they''re quite adept at utilizing magic to their advantage. The Bhutavas do not." He glanced at Ingrid. "Hrafnsteinnians are familiar with dealing with such demons. Isn''t that right?" Ingrid nodded stiffly. "Yes...we''ve dealt with them in the past." "Very good," Ardeunius commented. "I''ll ask that you join our council when we plan our attack. Your insight would be greatly appreciated." "I''d be honored," Ingrid responded. She gave him a quick salute before returning to her seat. Ardeunius turned back to Ebonheim. "You mentioned the guards at the gatehouse seemed larger than the others?" Ebonheim nodded. "They looked like humanoid bulls with four arms. Their backs had spines and horns along their heads. I didn''t get close enough to inspect them properly." "I see..." Ardeunius drummed his fingers against his thigh, thinking for a moment. "I don''t recall such demons from my studies...perhaps they''re some new breed of Asura?" He shook his head slowly. "We''ll have to wait and see what we''re up against when we reach the castle tomorrow." "Do you think there''s a way to get inside without alerting them to our presence?" Lorne asked. "There might be," Ardeunius replied. "There are many secret passages within those ruins¡ªmost likely forgotten by the current occupants. But even if we find one...we''ll still have to deal with whatever demons are stationed inside." "Let''s worry about getting past the gatehouse first," Ebonheim suggested. "I don''t know how strong those four-armed demons will prove to be, but I''m sure they''ll be more difficult to handle than the other Asuras roaming about." "Agreed," Ardeunius said. "It wouldn''t do us much good to find a way into the castle only to find ourselves surrounded by enemies on all sides. We need to take things one step at a time." He glanced at Ebonheim once more. "Speaking of which...how would you like to proceed from here? We can spend a few days gathering intelligence if you''d like." Ebonheim shook her head. "No...we should attack tomorrow. If we wait any longer, we risk losing our element of surprise. I''ll be the vanguard for this assault. The rest of you stay back and support me from afar. If anything goes wrong, retreat immediately." She looked around at everyone present. "Any objections?" There were none. She sighed heavily and ran a hand through her hair. "Good. Let''s get some rest. Tomorrow will no doubt be a long day. I''ll go and help Evelyne and the other Arcanists finish concealing our camp." Chapter 150: Siege of Drakon Castle, Part II "Are you sure you wish to engage them first?" Ardeunius asked, leaning against a tree trunk, arms crossed over his chest. "They can''t detect us at this distance. We could continue observing them for a while longer." The reinforcements from Dulgaan had arrived yesterday and joined them. Ardeunius ordered his troops to remain hidden for now. "Yes," Ebonheim replied. "If I need assistance, I''ll give you the signal." She activated her Arboreal Stride, leaping into an oak tree, and vanished, reappearing out of another one further away before jumping again. Within moments she had crossed half a dozen trees and finally came to a stop at a particularly large fir. Perching herself atop a sturdy bough overlooking the ancient ruins, she took a moment to survey the surrounding area. Bhutava on the ground, Shadaksha in the air. They were all clustered into small groups and scattered all across the vicinity. There wasn''t any order to how they mingled with one another¡ªas if each group functioned independently. Perhaps they did. She began observing their movements and behaviors. She noticed that the demons would generally move in groups of three to five. When they moved between different areas, they kept close to each other. However, when fighting amongst themselves...they separated into smaller groups and fought independently from one another. This meant they couldn''t support each other if needed. They didn''t even appear to understand basic tactics. It seemed more like a contest between individuals than an actual battle. She raised her bow and drew back, manifesting an Enchanted Essence Bolt between her fingertips before letting loose. The arrow sailed through the air towards its target¡ªa particularly large Bhutava Asura standing near a copse of pine trees. It struck true, slamming directly into the demon''s head and erupting into a flash of divine light. [Critical Hit!] The demon collapsed to its knees, stunned momentarily from the sudden burst. It shook itself off quickly enough and began frantically looking around in all directions, searching for the source of the attack. The other demons nearby also reacted similarly. Some dropped to their hands and knees and sniffed the ground like wild beasts while others flapped their wings furiously as they searched the skies above. Ebonheim kept firing divine arrows at the Asuras below. Within seconds, dozens of Asuras had gathered around the area where Ebonheim hid, finally spotting her silhouette amongst the branches. They charged towards her position. At that same moment, she jumped down from her perch and used her Arboreal Stride to transport herself back into the forest behind the mob. A handful of them spun around and chased after her, but most kept running towards the tree where she''d originally fired her arrows from. She fired a few more shots from her position before once again using her Stride to leap across several trees further away. The Bhutavas followed suit¡ªhowling and roaring in fury as they attempted to chase her down. While it would have been easier to just fly and rain barrage after barrage of Enchanted Essence Bolts down upon them, she had no means of flight available to her. Divine Arsenal mode was unavailable due to Cephied''s dismantled state, and divine magic that allowed her flight was only available for Intermediate-Rank deities and above. Instead, she made do with what she had¡ªusing the terrain to her advantage. She stuck to the forest, weaving in and out between the trees, remaining hidden within the shadows while using her Divine Sight to gauge her enemies'' combat abilities. Their stats appeared similar to those of the Kungwans¡ªall within a range she could deal with. Her experience fighting the Kungwans allowed her to refine her tactics. She didn''t go for flashy moves like before¡ªinstead relying on swift attacks to whittle them down. Ebonheim closed her eyes and concentrated. She raised her hands and clasped them together in front of her face. A soft light glowed between her fingers, illuminating her features. The forest began to stir as if coming alive. Branches creaked and swayed. Leaves rustled. Roots squirmed beneath the soil. Four tree sentinels morphed from the surrounding trees and rose up around her. Their gnarled limbs twisted into shape, forming humanoid torsos, arms, and legs. Their wooden trunks solidified into rigid bodies. Eyes and mouths opened upon their bark-like faces. They stared at her expectantly. She imbued them with the ability to use Tempest of the Grove and bestowed elemental resistance before giving them their orders. "I need you four to create a distraction. Gather as many demons as you can into the clearing over there," she pointed towards an area in front of her. "Once they''re all gathered there...let loose." The sentinels bowed their heads obediently before moving away from her. They began marching through the forest towards the clearing. As soon as they reached the edge of the trees, they split up and headed in different directions. The demons were alerted to their presence immediately. The creatures turned towards the source of the noise and charged towards them. The sentinels stood still while the demons surrounded them. Once they were surrounded...the sentinels unleashed their power. A violent gale swept through the area, knocking over several demons and sweeping others into the air. Meanwhile, the Shadaksha flying above swooped down upon the tree guardians, raining energy blasts upon them. Several bolts struck their targets but did little damage. Multiple cyclones whirled across the field, buffeting the enemy ranks. The Shadakshas scattered, evading the swirling winds. Time to strike. Ebonheim conjured her bow and let loose a volley of Enchanted Essence Bolts imbued with Tempest of the Grove. The combined might of both abilities tore through the flying demons, sending them crashing into the ground. While the tree sentinels kept the other Asuras busy, Ebonheim phased from one tree to another using Aboreal Stride, circling around to flank the demons while firing Essence Bolts at the closest targets. Every so often, she stopped to unleash a volley upon those standing near the center of the clearing before resuming her skirmish tactics. But soon enough...the Shadaksha saw through her strategy and called for reinforcements. A large group of Bhutava emerged from the forest and charged towards her position. Ebonheim backpedaled, firing arrows at the approaching group. She conjured a swath of constricting vines, entangling several of them and slowing their approach. Then she darted into the woods once more, slipping between the trees while remaining within view of her enemies. This forced the Bhutavas to follow after her. She continued using her mobility skills to keep her distance as she led them on a chase through the forest¡ªtowards the spot where she could give the signal for the Order and the Silverguards to join in the fight.
"There''s the goddess'' signal," Ardeunius muttered to himself. He turned towards his men. "Alright! You know your orders! Charge!" He raised his banner and pointed towards the direction Ebonheim disappeared into. "Forward! Now!" The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The Order of the Burning Shield roared and rushed towards the clearing. Behind them, the Silverguard Company readied their weapons and charged after them. The combined force emerged from the trees, joining the tree sentinels and attacking the demons from both sides. Evelyne and Viviane, piloting their respective Aetherframes, brought up the rearguard. They moved behind the battle lines and began firing upon the Shadaksha with their energy cannons. Ingrid led a squad of her fellow warriors to join Ebonheim as she harried the Bhutavas. Once they caught up to her, they split into two groups¡ªone group staying close to Ebonheim while the other group moved ahead of her to act as a vanguard. Ingrid stood at the head of the vanguard group and charged into battle. Her charge blade glimmered with fiery runes as she cleaved through the Bhutava ranks. Ardeunius swung his blazing greatsword in wide arcs, carving swathes of burning demon flesh wherever he struck. He whirled and spun around his enemies, keeping them constantly off balance as he hacked at their bodies. Lorne fought beside him, wielding two swords with deadly efficiency. He cut down any demons foolish enough to get too close. His twin blades flashed through the air, leaving trails of sparks and flames behind them. Together, the two commanders led their forces into battle. The remaining tree sentinels formed a wall behind them, blocking off the demons'' escape route. "This is the first time I''m fighting side by side with a god," Ardeunius said through gritted teeth as he hacked through the demon''s chest. "I must admit, this feels rather invigorating." Lorne parried a claw swipe and slashed his blade across the demon''s neck. "Aye, it is. There''s nothing quite like it." He thrust his sword forward and skewered another demon. "Save some for me!" Serrandyl called out from behind them. She dashed past them and launched herself at the closest demon. Her gauntleted fists blurred as she unleashed a barrage of blows upon the unfortunate creature. She kicked off its body and launched herself into the air. Lightning crackled around her body as she rocketed towards another group of demons. The sky began to darken as clouds gathered overhead. Dark thunderheads formed above the battlefield. Bolts of lightning streaked across the sky, striking the demons in flight. One after another, Shadaksha plummeted to the ground, convulsing wildly. As the enemy forces started to dwindle, the demons from the gatehouse joined the fray. The four-armed serpentine demons swept into the battle. Ebonheim rushed forward to intercept them. "I''ll handle this!" she yelled over her shoulder. "Keep the other demons occupied!" Ebonheim darted between the trees and charged straight towards the new arrivals. Ardeunius watched the goddess engage with the larger demons. He could see their long bodies coil and slither about as they moved towards her. They used their four arms to block her arrows. Their muscular frames tensed and flexed as they swung their heavy weapons. "Let''s hope she doesn''t overexert herself," he muttered under his breath. He turned his attention back to the fight in front of him and resumed fighting.
Ebonheim blocked a claw swipe with her bow. She kicked the demon in the stomach, knocking it back a few steps. Then she jumped into the air and launched herself towards another demon. She fired an Essence Bolt admixed with Frostwind Gust at its face while mid-flight. The bolt hit the mark perfectly, striking the demon squarely between its six eyes. The blast caused the creature to flinch and stumble backward. It dropped its sword and shield. Ebonheim used the opening to land behind the demon and attack its exposed back. She unleashed several more shots into its torso before leaping away. Her Divine Sight showed the demon''s stats as a bright orange aura. [Race] Asura (Elite) [Subtype] Bovikara [Health] 296/350 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 32, Ranged Attack 27, Arcane Defense 25, Physical Defense 25; Damage 28-32 Kinetic (Claw), 35 Kinetic (Sword); Block 29; Evasion 28 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 20 (Kinetic, Fire, Electric); Regenerate 60 Health every hour; Constriction; Acid Spit; Strength & Agility boost for three minutes; Basic Fire Manipulation. As she suspected, they possessed higher combat stats than the other Asuras. The Bovikara demon spun around and hissed at her angrily. Its eyes glowed bright red as its muscles bulged underneath its thick hide. A massive sword was gripped in each hand as it swung them wildly. The air whistled with every swipe. Ebonheim parried one of its swings with her bow and landed a kick into its midsection. She followed through with another shot to its face. Two more Bovikras joined the fight, only to be intercepted by Ebonheim''s tree sentinels, crashing into them and swinging their limbs wildly. She took advantage of the distraction to fire several more shots at the first demon. It staggered backwards under the assault, but managed to stay upright. Its orange aura dimmed slightly as it suffered more damage. But Ebonheim didn''t let up. She continued firing bolts after bolts at the demon. Meanwhile, the other two Bovikra engaged with the tree sentinels. One of them used its claws to tear chunks out of the wooden bodies. Another swung its swords with such force that they sliced clean through the tree sentinels'' trunks. The tops of their bodies crashed to the ground, leaving only stumps behind. Occasionally, Ebonheim glanced across the clearing to check on the battle there. While she fought with the gatehouse guards, the Order and the Silverguards were engaged in a fierce skirmish with the remaining Asuras. Dozens of demons had already fallen under their blades. She hoped the group could hold out until she finished dealing with these demons. As long as she kept them busy and prevented them from helping the other demons, her plan would succeed. All she needed to do was stay focused and keep firing. She checked her Essence reserves¡ªshe hadn''t expended too much so far. Still plenty left to deal with the rest of the demons after these ones. And if she needed to...she could always convert her health into Essence, and heal herself back up. The Shadaksha flying above let out an angry screech as they continued bombarding her tree sentinels with their Eldritch Blasts. The trees erupted into flames whenever a bolt struck them. As the last of her sentinels fell, she used Forest''s Call to awaken several more nearby Elms and oaks. She gave them a single command: defend me. After sending out more cyclones towards the flying demons from their use of Tempest of the Grove, they dashed through the battlefield with reckless abandon, striking out at any Asuras that dared come near her. She continued firing bolts at the Bovikras until she managed to slay the first one. Its body crumpled to the ground, its orange aura flickering and fading away. But she couldn''t celebrate her victory¡ªshe still had two more opponents left to deal with.
Evelyne focused her Aetherframe''s energy cannon on the Shadakshas swirling above and began blasting them out of the sky. Though the Aetherframe she was piloting wasn''t L¨¦andre, it was still well-made. And its arcane rune infusion granted it a formidable arsenal of magitech weaponry. "Vivi, I need you to give me some cover fire!" Evelyne shouted through her communicator. "Keep those demons away from my flank!" Viviane''s Aetherframe gave her a thumbs up. "On it!" She rushed towards the edge of the treeline and began firing energy blasts at the Shadakshas approaching Evelyne. Her attacks struck several demons, knocking them out of the sky. The rest scattered in response. Evelyne swiveled the turret around and fired at the Bhutava Asuras advancing on the Order. But before she could get off another shot, a group of Shadakshas dived at her position. She activated her Aetherframe''s barrier and braced herself as they slammed into her shield. "Vivi! Some help here!" Evelyne called out over the communicator. "Coming!" Viviane answered. She dashed towards Evelyne''s side and began firing blasts at the attacking demons. Her shots managed to knock several of them back. But a few still managed to get past her defenses and crash into Evelyne''s Aetherframe. Her control alcove shook violently as the Shadakshas grappled with her machine. She held onto the controls tightly, trying to keep her balance. "Damn it! Get off me!" she growled angrily. She grabbed hold of her controls and pressed a button. A powerful shockwave rippled outwards from her Aetherframe, knocking the demons back. "Hah! That should do it!" Unfortunately for her, the shockwave also disrupted her Aetherframe''s barrier¡ªallowing a few Shadakshas to land their eldritch blasts. Her control alcove shook again as she struggled to keep her balance. "Evelyne! You okay?" Viviane shouted over the communicator. "I''m fine! Just focus on shooting those damn things!" Evelyne answered. She activated her barrier again and resumed firing at the Bhutava Asuras surrounding them. Viviane nodded and continued shooting at the Shadakshas hovering above them. "If we keep this up, we''ll win this battle," she said optimistically. Evelyne smirked. "Don''t get cocky yet," she warned. "We''ve still got a long way to go." Chapter 151: Siege of Drakon Castle, Part III The air stank of sweat, blood, and demon ichor. Ardeunius drove his greatsword through another demon''s chest and kicked it away from him. He glanced around the battlefield. The number of demons dwindled but they still had many left. It would take a while longer before they could defeat them all. His greatsword, Judicator, gleamed with a light that was far from natural. The runes etched into its blade pulsed with a deep, angry crimson, like the heart of a forge. Every swing sent arcs of fire slicing through the air, leaving blazing trails in their wake. Wherever the blade struck, demonic flesh melted beneath its touch. The smell¡ªoh, the smell¡ªwas like a butcher''s shop set ablaze. "Shields up!" Ardeunius barked, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle. His knights snapped into formation with the practiced ease of men who¡¯d long since abandoned hope of dying in their beds. Crimson and gold, they moved as one, forming a solid wall between the demons and the Arcanists in their midst. The crackle of lightning and fire heralded the arcane shields being conjured into existence. They flashed brightly as bolts struck against them, but held firm. "Hold steady, lads!" Ardeunius roared, swinging Judicator in a wide arc that cleaved through the nearest demon. The beast¡¯s head toppled from its shoulders, and the body crumpled, leaking dark ichor onto the ground. Another Asura lunged forward, claws extended, but it met a wall of shields and sharp steel. The knight to Ardeunius¡¯ right thrust his spear deep into the demon¡¯s gut, twisting with a grunt as he wrenched the weapon free. The beast fell, twitching, its blood hissing as it hit the superheated earth. "Form up!" Ardeunius called, pulling his men closer together as the next wave approached. The demons snarled and spat, their eyes wild with hate. But Ardeunius knew hate. He had lived it, breathed it, wielded it like a weapon in battle after battle. These creatures didn¡¯t frighten him. No, what frightened him was losing control¡ªlosing his men to the madness that clawed at the edge of every battlefield. And so, he did what he always did. He channeled that fear, that rage, into power. ¡°Burning Vow!¡± he bellowed, raising Judicator high. The runes on the blade flared bright, and a ripple of fire spread from the sword¡¯s edge, cascading outwards in a wave that washed over his knights. The flames licked at their weapons, and the steel of their blades took on a fiery glow. It wasn¡¯t just light and heat¡ªit was purpose, pure and burning, searing into their souls. They were the Order of the Burning Shield, and this was their sacred duty. To protect, to cleanse, to burn away all darkness, and bring forth a new dawn. "For the Order!" Ardeunius roared, charging forward with Judicator ablaze. His knights followed, their weapons igniting upon impact, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. He ducked under a wild swipe from a Bhutava¡¯s crude axe, slashing at its knees as he passed. The beast fell to the ground with a shriek, but Ardeunius paid it no mind. There were more demons to kill. The shield wall parted to let him through, and he plunged into the fray with a yell. He caught sight of one of his knights, Ser Andor, struggling with a particularly large Bhutava. The demon had disarmed him and was about to bring a heavy axe down on the knight¡¯s exposed head. Ardeunius didn¡¯t think¡ªhe just moved. With a burst of speed, he crossed the distance and interposed himself between the knight and the demon. He caught the axe blade with Judicator, grunting as the force nearly tore the weapon from his hands. But he held firm, channeling the strength granted to him by the flame. With a roar, he shoved the demon back, sending it stumbling away. A squad of his knights swarmed over it, hacking and stabbing until it fell. Ardeunius let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, my lord," Ser Andor panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "I thought that was the end for me." Ardeunius clapped him on the shoulder. "Think nothing of it, lad. Now get back into formation¡ªwe''ve still got work to do." Ser Andor nodded and scrambled to join the rest of the knights. Ardeunius turned to face the enemy once more. The Shadaksha above had grown fewer in number, as Evelyne and Viviane had managed to blast them out of the sky. Their barrage slowed down. The remaining Asuras on the ground surrounded the Order and the Silverguards in a large circle. The shield wall formed a bulwark between them. Ardeunius stood at the center with his knights, prepared to deal with any who would breach their defenses. "Hold the line!" he bellowed, brandishing Judicator before him. "Hold fast, lads! We will prevail!"
The battlefield sprawled before Ingrid like a scene from one of the old Hrafnsteinn sagas¡ªonly with more demons. It had been years since she''d seen combat on such a scale, but the thrill of battle never failed to ignite her blood. A kaleidoscope of colors flashed and sparkled around her as swords clashed and magic flared. She weaved between the battle lines, deflecting blows and striking out at vulnerable targets. A Bhutava lunged at her, its jagged sword swinging down with a force that could have cleaved a man in two. Ingrid sidestepped smoothly, letting the blade glance off her shield. She didn¡¯t retaliate, not yet. The charge-blade needed more time, more energy. Instead, she danced around the demon, keeping it at bay with quick jabs and parries. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Another demon joined the first, then another, until Ingrid was surrounded by three of the hulking brutes. She held her ground, letting them come. Blow after blow, her shield absorbed the force of their blows without giving way. Each impact sent a ripple through her arm. The strain made her muscles burn, but still she held. And then, she felt it¡ªthe weapon was ready. With a flash, the shift triggered a chain of reactions within the weapon''s arcane mechanisms. She plunged her blade into the sheath within the shield, twisting a series of runic dials at its base. With a hiss, a series of latches snapped shut, locking the blade in place. Her shield split and extended, forming a double-bladed axe head in its stead. The weapon roared to life, the runes blazing with icy light. Ingrid raised it above her head and charged into the nearest demon with a bellow. She brought her weapon down in a vicious arc, cleaving through the demon''s armor and cutting through its midsection. Blood sprayed over her face and armor. But she didn''t stop. She spun around, slashing at the second demon. It ducked under the blow and countered with a swipe of its claws. Ingrid dodged, then lunged forward again, driving her axe blade into the beast''s shoulder. The third demon attacked from behind¡ªor tried to. From the treetops, Serrandyl dropped with a ferocious scream. Her gauntlets crackled with lightning as they raked across the Bhutava''s hide. A brief explosion ensued from her attack. Ingrid took advantage of the distraction to finish the job with an icy charge attack. "Nice teamwork there!" Serrandyl grinned, showing off her canines. "Thanks!" Ingrid gave the Beastkin a brief nod before spinning around and bringing her axe down upon another Bhutava. Serrandyl moved among the combatants like a living thunderstorm. Bolts of lightning erupted from her gauntlets with every hit. Her punches left scorched craters in their wake. Ingrid had to admit¡ªthe Beastkin could fight. She made good use of her natural agility and strength, tearing through the demons with glee. And she wasn''t afraid to get dirty. Her fists were coated with ichor and gore, but she seemed unfazed by the carnage. Meanwhile, Ingrid moved from squad to squad, offering support wherever she could. She shifted between defensive and offensive tactics as needed, switching between her charge-blade''s sword and axe modes. The tree sentinels from Ebonheim provided much-needed help in defending the Order''s frontlines. They remained ever vigilant for any Bhutavas or Shadakshas who attempted to flank their lines. Their whirling limbs and cyclones knocked down any who attempted to cross over to the rearguard. As for Evelyne and Viviane¡ªLorne watched over them as they wreaked havoc upon the airborne demons. Lorne dashed about, swinging his blade and dashing away, striking where needed and coordinating with the tree sentinels. Soon, Ingrid found herself fighting back-to-back with Serrandyl as they fended off a trio of Shadakshas. The demons spat at them with Eldritch blasts and physical shards. "Do you have a plan?" Serrandyl asked, dodging another volley. "These things are starting to get on my nerves." "Aren''t you able to summon lightning from the sky?" Ingrid asked in turn. Serrandyl blinked. "Oh yeah..." With a fierce growl, Serrandyl extended her clawed gauntlets high above her head. Storm clouds darkened the sky above the battlefield. Lightning flashed as bolts rained down from above. One bolt struck a Shadaksha head-on, sending its body flying into the woods. The others scattered, only to be struck down by more bolts. Ingrid felt her hair stand on end as the static electricity washed over her. But she ignored the sensation and kept fighting. Another Bhutava approached them with heavy steps. Serrandyl leapt at the creature with a roar, slamming her fists into its chest. An explosion of thunder erupted upon impact, sending the demon flying backwards. Ingrid charged in to finish it off with a quick strike. The ichor splattered across the ground as the beast crumpled. "I think we''ve got them on the run," Serrandyl said, breathing heavily. "There aren''t many left." "Good," Ingrid replied. "Let''s end this."
The last Bovikara fell after Ebonheim repeatedly fired barrages of Enchanted Essence Bolts augmented with Frostwind Gust at it. She waited for the demon''s orange aura to fade before letting out a sigh of relief. She took a moment to regain her bearings and catch her breath. Hopefully the fighting had gone well on the other side. She used Aboreal Stride to go over the battlefield and check on the situation. From what she could tell, the battle was almost won¡ªthey''d managed to defeat most of the Asuras on the ground. Those that remained were the ones in the sky, and they too dwindled under the volley of blasts from Evelyne and Viviane. Their Aetherframes stood at the edge of the treeline, blasting away. Lorne dashed between them, guarding their flanks. Ingrid and Serrandyl worked together to fend off the Shadakshas circling overhead. They seemed to be holding their own, so Ebonheim left them to it. Ardeunius and his men fought in a ring of fire, keeping the remaining Bhutavas at bay. The knights advanced in formation, cutting down any who dared approach. Ebonheim wasn''t sure how long the battle had lasted, but she was glad to see her allies prevail. She continued firing off her divine arrows at the remaining demons until they fell to the ground. Once they were all defeated, she allowed herself to relax. Her Essence reserves had dipped to a low ebb, but still not dangerously so. For now, she checked her combat log to assess the results. A quick calculation told her the Asuras'' total casualties amounted to two-hundred-and-eighty-six. Of those, around a hundred were Shadakshas, six Bovikara from the gatehouse guards, and the rest were Bhutavas. The Order of the Burning Shield suffered thirty-four casualties. Half of them were from the first charge. Fortunately, The Silverguards suffered zero losses, though many had wounds from the fight. Ebonheim felt guilty for letting the Order bear the brunt of the casualties. Perhaps if she''d focused more on providing support rather than fighting directly...she shook her head. No. She''d made the right call. If she hadn''t stepped in when she did, there would''ve been far more casualties among the Order. Now, though...there was one last matter to deal with. The remaining demons within the castle itself. She wasn''t sure how many there were, but they weren''t as numerous as those outside the walls. She could handle them alone. She still had a bit of Essence left over, and between her Conversion and Self-Regeneration, she should be fine. Having the others accompany her into the ruins would be foolish. There was no point risking their lives unnecessarily. "I''ll be heading inside the ruins to clean out any remaining demons," she announced, causing the others to glance at her. "You all stay here and rest up. I''ll handle this." Before anyone could argue, Ebonheim used Arboreal Stride again to ascend above the treeline and head towards the ruins. She wasn''t going to give anyone a chance to follow her. They had already done enough today. And besides...this was something she wanted to do alone¡ªfinding out if the rumors about a captured deity were true. Chapter 152: Siege of Drakon Castle, Part IV The interior of the castle consisted of a large open courtyard surrounded by a series of high walls and towers. The ruins were overgrown with moss and vines, with most of the original stonework covered in a thick layer of dirt. A few fallen statues lay scattered around the grounds¡ªremnants of past glories now lost forever. Several dark passages led deeper inside the ruins. At the far end of the courtyard stood an imposing stone archway flanked by two stone pillars. Inside the archway lay a flight of stairs leading underground. A few demons wandered around the courtyard, patrolling the area. They seemed oblivious to Ebonheim''s presence, which suited her just fine. She scanned the area for more foes using her Divine Sight, but all seemed quiet. Strange... Ebonheim expected more demons to be present here. Especially given how many she fought outside the castle walls. Where had they all gone? And why didn''t they come out when she started attacking the others? Could they all have retreated into the castle, or perhaps deeper underground? The answer seemed plausible. It made sense for the strongest demons to protect the core area of the demonic invasion. But this...seemed odd. She crept towards one of the passages and peeked inside. Nothing moved in the shadows. She crept further into the darkness. A faint noise reached her ears¡ªa dull roar echoing throughout the stonework. She followed the noise, letting her feet guide her through the winding passageways. Eventually, she reached the stairwell leading into the dungeon. She crept down slowly until she reached the bottom. A low rumble came from beyond the open iron bars ahead of her¡ªthe sound of distant growls and grunting. The language sounded like gibberish to her ears¡ªprobably a demonic tongue. She couldn''t understand what they were saying. But judging from their tone...they seemed agitated. Maybe they sensed her presence nearby? Or perhaps she''d triggered something when she entered the dungeon? No way to tell without investigating further. With cautious steps, she approached the entrance. A foul stench filled the air¡ªmold, decay, and worse. She covered her mouth with her arm as she peered inside. Her gaze fell upon an enormous room, stretching out before her. The chamber''s floor and walls were made of black stone bricks. Along its edges stood several pillars supporting an arched roof above. The room was illuminated with dozens of green-flamed braziers mounted upon the pillars¡ªeach one producing a continuous stream of acrid smoke. The flames cast an eerie green light across the stonework. She couldn''t identify the scent coming from the smoke. But it smelled vile. In the center of the chamber stood several pillars arranged in a loose circle surrounding an altar carved out of obsidian. Several demons dressed in dark robes stood guard over the altar. The symbols etched onto their chests glowed dimly in the darkness. The demonic writings seemed to form arcane symbols that Ebonheim didn''t comprehend. What''s more, on the altar itself lay a body covered in a thick, black cloak. The garment''s hood concealed the wearer''s features from view. Heavy chains etched with runes bound the captive to the table. Their aura shone a muted gold against Ebonheim''s Divine Sight¡ªa god. A weakened one, at that. The demons appeared to be trying to rouse the god from their stupor using some sort of ritual. Dark energies seeped through the air around them. Without thinking twice, Ebonheim dashed into the chamber and aimed her bow at the chanting demons. A volley of Enchanted Essence Bolts flew from her fingertips and struck them squarely in their backs. Two of them collapsed to their knees while another five turned to face her. They began firing eldritch blasts and dark magic missiles at her in response. Ebonheim ducked behind a pillar. A couple of blasts hit the other side and blew out chunks of stone. Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling as Ebonheim peeked back out to fire a quick series of bolts from her bow. The bolts hit their marks, injuring four more demons. The final two demons began hurling eldritch blasts her way and she was forced to scurry from hiding place to hiding place, avoiding their attacks while firing her own shots. Another barrage struck home, felling two more foes. Only two remained standing now. One stood by the altar itself while another had managed to weave its way towards her. It reached for her with long-taloned fingers while opening its tooth-filled maw in a snarl. She dodged to the side and brought her bow around in a wide arc, slamming the wood into the creature''s head and sending it reeling. Then she fired a bolt directly into its throat and watched as the demon''s orange aura flickered and disappeared. It fell dead at her feet. The last remaining demon stood over the captured deity on the altar. It opened its mouth to deliver another spell. Ebonheim let loose another volley of Essence Bolts that sent it stumbling back into the nearest wall. Her attack caused several cracks to form within the stonework behind the demon. It slid down to the ground, stunned, its head lolling forward limply. Seeing her chance, she leapt over the altar and fired one last Essence Bolt at the demon. Its head snapped back into the stonework with a wet smack. Then she returned her gaze to the bound deity on the altar. "Don''t worry," Ebonheim said reassuringly as she knelt beside the prone figure. "Everything''s going to be all right now..." She placed her hands on the chains and tried to break them. But nothing happened. She gritted her teeth and yanked on the links again, hoping they might shatter under the strain. Still no luck. She tried several more times, but the metal remained stubbornly intact. The runes carved upon its surface glowed faintly in response to her efforts. Crystal fragments jutted out between the lines etched into its surface. The crystals pulsed rhythmically. Whatever enchantment was used on these chains...they held fast against her attempts. She ran her fingertips over the runes trying to discern their nature, but they eluded her comprehension. She had little knowledge when it came to arcane sigils and magical runes. Unless the Akashic System translated it for her through her Divine Sight, she could tell little about what their purpose is. And it seemed this was no exception. Hold on... Faint strands of energy extended from the chains, passing through the altar and floor beneath. Following the strands'' path with her gaze, she found them converging at a point further underground. This had to be what was preventing her from breaking them off. If she could disrupt the source of power...that might weaken the magic keeping the deity bound. Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed outside the chamber. More demons approached the entrance¡ªa lot more. Ebonheim swore inwardly as she readied herself for another battle. A large armored demon led a squad of its brethren into the room. Its four arms held two swords in each hand. A massive horn protruded from its head, adding further height to its already hulking frame. Red eyes glared balefully at her from beneath its steel helm. [Race] Asura (Elite) [Sub-Type] Tahariusaka [Health] 380/380 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 33; Arcane Defense 27; Physical Defense 30; Divine Defense 25; Damage 30-33 Kinetic (Claw), 38 Kinetic (Two-Handed), Block 30; Evasion 25 [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 25 (Kinetic, Fire, Electric), Divya Magi; Blink; Flame Step; Fireball; Regenerate 60 Health every hour. It was larger than the Bovikara demons she had fought earlier¡ªand stronger too. But not by much. Not that that made any difference at the moment¡ªshe wasn''t keen on facing off with such a foe with an injured god in tow. She fired several shots at the demon, but they bounced harmlessly off its armor. It swung its twin blades at her head with surprising swiftness and accuracy considering its bulk. She ducked under one swing but the other connected with her divine aura, knocking her back against the altar. She grunted in pain before scrambling aside as more slashes came her way. The altar cracked and shattered behind her. Luckily the captured deity was unharmed. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Ebonheim rolled across the floor, narrowly avoiding more attacks from the demon''s dual weapons. She scrambled back to her feet just as a group of Bhutavas arrived and swarmed around her. She lashed out with kicks and punches trying to keep them all away while firing off blasts at those who got too close. But despite her best efforts she couldn''t hold back the horde for long. It was only a matter of time before she ended up surrounded once again. She fired a few more shots before retreating further back into the room. She kept moving around trying to get away from the demons chasing her. But there were too many now. She retreated further into a corridor with several demons hot on her heels. Several more were coming from the side passages, trying to flank her. With little options left, she turned and fled as fast as she could down the passageway. She zigzagged past pillars and walls until finally emerging into another massive chamber. This one appeared to have once held a pool of water or perhaps a cistern at one point as an opening along one wall had been filled by debris and stones. The smell of stagnant water hung thickly in the air here. Scattered around the walls and ceiling were clusters of glowing crystals, illuminating the whole place with an eerie light. A few piles of rubble dotted the room''s floor as well. The floor itself looked cracked and pitted with age. There was no sign of a way out except for the doorway leading back the way she came from. Great. Dead end. She was trapped in this underground area. Her gaze drifted back to the crystals embedded into the stonework around her. Wait...something about them seemed familiar. It reminded her of the same crystals on the god''s chains¡ªonly smaller. She focused her Divine Sight on the crystalline deposits lining the walls around her. At first, they seemed inert. But upon closer inspection, she found they pulsated with faint arcane energy. Thin strands of energy stretched between each of the crystals¡ªthe threads forming a network between all of them. Several of these threads flowed and extended to the ceiling above her and then farther beyond her vision. But the direction in which these threads led...was towards that ritual chamber where the other god laid bound. Ebonheim narrowed her eyes. This must be it¡ªthe power source for the magic keeping the god imprisoned. All she had to do now was destroy these crystals and break the link between them and the ones binding the god. Worth a shot. She aimed her bow at one of the crystals and fired an Essence Bolt into it. The crystal shattered, releasing a stream of energy into the air. It exploded against the nearby wall in a burst of sparks. The remaining crystal clusters reacted as well. Showers of sparks rained down from them before dying away. The Tahariusaka demon let out a fearsome roar of rage. It charged down the passage after Ebonheim. Several Bhutavas followed close behind. Ebonheim dodged and parried what she could while firing shots at whatever demons closed in. Despite the danger, Ebonheim grinned to herself as she noticed their orange auras grow dimmer after each attack. A volley of eldritch bolts hit her divine aura. She winced under the strain as their dark magics ate away at her defenses. The demon raised its arm as more dark energy formed into spheres. Another barrage blasted her back. She gritted her teeth as pain seared across her chest and back. Her divine aura flickered. Its golden light flickered and began to wane. Only a few more hits like that...she might not get out unscathed. This wasn''t going well... She needed to focus on destroying the crystals instead of wasting time fighting off the demons. Once more, Ebonheim fired off several shots at the crystal clusters overhead, destroying them one after another as the enraged Tahariusaka demon chased close behind. The crystals shattered in sequence sending cascades of energy into the air before bursting apart in shrapnels of light. As one cluster fell, so did others¡ªeach explosion triggering further destruction among the crystals embedded in the surrounding walls. A rain of rubble fell from above as rocks came crashing down onto the ground. Cracks spread across the ceiling, spreading outward from the impact sites. "Time to go!" she declared as the ground began to tremble beneath them. After firing a few more shots at the Tahariusaka demon, Ebonheim turned around and ran towards the exit. She ducked under falling pieces of rubble, weaving her way between the falling rocks until finally escaping the cave-in. The earth groaned loudly as the cavern collapsed in on itself. That had been close. Much closer than she would''ve liked. With no further pursuit coming from the Tahariusaka or any other Asuras, she allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. The demon''s orange auras went dim and lifeless in her Divine Sight. Ebonheim rushed back to the ritual chamber and found the chained god still lying motionless atop the altar. She approached the altar and tried breaking the chains again. This time, the links snapped open under her imbued strength. With effort, Ebonheim picked the unconscious deity up in a princess carry. Their hood shifted in response, revealing a tangled mop of indigo hair and weathered grey skin marked by countless faded scars. She gasped in shock as she recognized the god''s face¡ªXellos?! He was the captured god?! He looked different from when she last saw him. He was far gaunter. His eyes sunken and rimmed with black circles. The mark across his nose and cheek had deepened and extended farther along his face. But...it could still only be him. His pitch-black eyes fluttered open, staring blankly ahead before focusing on Ebonheim. She saw faint recognition flash across them before turning dull once more. He let out a weak cough as she carried him out of the room. "Xellos! What happened?" Ebonheim asked. "Why are you here? I thought..." her voice faltered. The last time they spoke, she had doubts about his claims and suspicions. Now he had ended up imprisoned by demons. He coughed and winced before answering with a weak voice. "I don''t know...The last thing I remember was being attacked by demons while wandering the plains shortly after the Divine Auction. Then everything went black. The next thing I know...I woke up chained onto this altar." Another round of coughs racked his body. Ebonheim held him steady as his body twitched under the spasms. "It appears you have freed me from my captors," he continued. "I offer my gratitude...friend." He closed his eyes as his body finally relaxed. She examined his body for injuries. Aside from his malnourished frame and the dark circle around his eyes, she found no other obvious wounds or scars on him. The only thing she saw apart from that was the arcane runework marking his body like tattoos. It reminded Ebonheim of the ones found on the Asuras. But his aura was faint¡ªhe must''ve used up all his energy to survive this long. Still...she couldn''t be too sure. What exactly were these demons doing to him during his imprisonment? "Can you regenerate?" she asked. Xellos shook his head. "I haven''t been able to acquire the Self-Regeneration ability yet. Whatever those demons did to me, my natural ability to heal has been dampened." Right. She almost forgot that she was the only one capable of purchasing whatever divine ability she wanted from the Akashic System. All the other gods were forced to wait for the Divine Auction to acquire new powers. She scrutinized his aura once again with her Divine Sight¡ªjust to double-check. Several wisps of dark crimson energy flickered within his core, barely noticeable amidst the golden glow coming off him. Wait...red? [Asura''s Mark] A malediction upon the host''s essence, slowing recovery from damage and draining quintessence whenever divine powers are invoked. Additionally lowers overall attributes by 20%. Ebonheim narrowed her eyes at the revelation. No wonder his aura was faint. He was inflicted with the demonic version of a curse. One that could be debilitating for deities. Was there a way to cure him? No response from the Akashic System. Damn. Hopefully this affliction could be removed with time. For now, though, they needed to leave. "Let''s get out of here first," Ebonheim said gently. "You can rest somewhere safe once we''ve escaped." She headed for the exit, carrying the weakened god in her arms as fast as she could. "Thank you," he murmured, closing his eyes again. "No problem," Ebonheim replied softly. She blinked in surprise at how gentle her voice sounded¡ªwhen did she get so caring towards this wandering deity? But she quickly dismissed the thought from her mind. No matter...she had more important things to focus on right now than unanswered questions. "I''m just glad I found you in time. Guess we found out how those other gods went missing. Come on, let''s get you somewhere safe."
Ebonheim and Xellos exited the ruins and headed towards the gatehouse where the Order and the Silverguards waited. As they approached, Evelyne spotted them first. "Look! Over there!" she shouted. "It''s Ebonheim! And...someone else?" The rest of the group turned towards them. Ardeunius strode forward to meet them halfway. "What happened? Who is this?" Ebonheim stopped in front of him. "This is Xellos," she answered. "I found him trapped inside the ruins." She briefly explained how she discovered him bound by magic chains to an altar within the dungeon. Ardeunius frowned deeply as he listened to her explanation. "That''s troubling indeed," he finally commented once she finished speaking. "So these demons captured newborn gods and brought them here to sacrifice them? For what? What purpose did they serve?" Ebonheim shook her head. "I don''t know. Maybe they were using their divine essence for some sort of ritual. Or maybe they were trying to gain more power. Either way...I stopped them before they could succeed." Ardeunius scratched his chin thoughtfully before nodding. "This is terrible news. If there are demons who''ve figured out how to capture and harness the power of gods...then we''re in for a lot more trouble than I thought. I need to report this immediately." "What about us?" Ebonheim asked. "Can we go home now?" She glanced down at Xellos. His head drooped against her shoulder as if unconscious, though his eyes were still half-open. "Yes, you''ve helped enough already. We are in your debt. And I thank you on behalf of the Order." Ardeunius gave her a small bow before turning away. "We''ll take care of things from here on out." Ebonheim watched him walk away for a moment before looking back at Xellos. "Come on. I''ll take you to my domain. You can rest there until you recover." Through the shroud of his tattered hood, Xellos''s lips curled into a faint smile. Chapter 153: Reluctant Caretaker A few days later, Ebonheim and the others returned home from their expedition. She took Xellos to her cabin and let him rest. While gods regenerated slowly¡ªcompared to other beings she encountered so far¡ªthe wounds on Xellos'' body seemed to take a particularly long time to heal. His aura remained faint, though not as weak as before. He could move around on his own without too much difficulty, but most of the time, he remained lying in bed. His strength didn''t seem quite up to par compared to hers. Then again, he was an unbound god while she possessed her own domain. "Couldn''t you just demanifest and materialize in a new body?" Ebonheim asked while watching over him. Xellos shook his head. "A god without a domain does not have such luxury. If my current body is destroyed...I''d cease to exist." He gave her a rueful smile. "At least I survived this long. That''s why I''ve been searching for a place where I''m accepted. The settlements I passed by have either turned me away...or were outright hostile." Ebonheim patted his hand. "Well...you might find what you''re looking for in the next settlement along your journey," she said reassuringly. "So cheer up! I''m sure there must be a place out there willing to give you a chance." Xellos gave her a brief smile before nodding once. "I hope so. Otherwise...I might end up like the other gods the demons captured. And that would be bad for everyone involved." He leaned back against his pillow and stared blankly at the ceiling. "Thanks again for letting me stay here. I appreciate everything you''ve done for me." "Not a problem. You don''t have to keep thanking me." Ebonheim grinned, but he didn''t reply. Maybe he wasn''t listening. "Oh. While you''re here, I can help you out with appealing to people and whatnot. How to negotiate with them and stuff." Xellos turned to glance at her. "Really? You''d do that for me?" "Sure. Why not? Besides...I know what it''s like to get rejected by the people you want to protect." She gave him a small smile. "I got captured and put in a cage when I first appeared here. They mistook me for some feral child or woodland spirit." Xellos stared at her incredulously. "You''re kidding, right?" "Nope. And now I''m the goddess of a tiny town in the middle of nowhere," Ebonheim said wryly. "But I''m still trying my best to help them out and make their lives better." She patted him on the shoulder. "So chin up! You never know when things might turn around for you." This did nothing to alleviate the worry etched across his features. But he nodded nevertheless. Ebonheim patted his hand. "You''ll be fine," she said reassuringly. "And I''ll do everything I can to help you get back on your feet." She stood up and walked over to the door. "Anyways, I need to check on the others and let them know what''s happened. I''ll come back later to check on you."
Kelzryn¡¯s approach was heralded by a subtle shift in the air, a ripple of energy that Ebonheim had come to recognize. The dragon, in his human form, cut an imposing figure with his alabaster skin marred by glowing fissures, his long black hair flowing like liquid night. His two cobalt horns protruded from his head, glistening faintly with runic light. "Ebonheim, may I have a word?" Kelzryn asked as he stopped in front of her cabin. She''d expected him to pay her a visit sooner or later¡ªthough not this soon. He must''ve received word about her success at rescuing Xellos. No doubt he wished to discuss the matter further. She couldn''t blame him for being concerned about another deity residing within her domain. Especially one whose trustworthiness had yet to be proven. "Sure," Ebonheim said brightly. "We can talk on the way to the town hall. The elders are expecting me to report to them about what happened." She started walking away from her cabin. Kelzryn followed closely behind her. "By the way," she continued casually. "I told you I didn''t need your help dealing with those demons. It went surprisingly better than my battles with the Kungwans. They were tough, but nothing I couldn''t handle. Maybe everyone just overreacted to the threat." Kelzryn glanced sideways at her. "Don''t underestimate demons, Ebonheim. They''re a formidable foe and shouldn''t be taken lightly." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I''m curious, though...what types of Asura did you face?" "Bhutava and Shadaksha mostly," Ebonheim answered. "There were several Bovikara too, and a Tahariusaka demon from the dungeon." Kelzryn tapped his chin in thought, his eyes narrowed. "Odd. What about the Vajrakha? Amritaki? The Mayakara? Did you encounter them?" She blinked in response. Were there supposed to be other types there? Thinking back on her battle...she didn''t encounter any Asura types beyond what she just mentioned to him. "No, none of those," she said slowly. "Why do you ask?" "That''s strange," Kelzryn muttered. "I sensed their presence when I scouted the area prior. But perhaps they retreated elsewhere." "Are those demons more powerful than the Tahariusaka?" "Considerably so. Though individually, they''re not enough to overpower you. Not without banding together. Still...it''s concerning enough that you didn''t encounter them there. You might''ve gotten lucky..." Kelzryn trailed off. Ebonheim remained silent as she listened to his musings. It seemed there was more going on than she first assumed. Kelzryn shook his head. "Regardless...you did well. You managed to defeat those demons without suffering any casualties. But that''s not what I wanted to talk about." "It''s about Xellos, isn''t it?" "You¡¯ve brought a vagrant god into your domain. I''m inclined to believe he means no harm¡ªso far at least. But...I must express my concern. It''s far too dangerous for you to allow an unknown entity into your home." Those bright scarlet orbs scrutinized her with undisguised worry. "Look, I get where you''re coming from," Ebonheim said gently. "But Xellos needs help right now. He''s weak and vulnerable¡ªhe can barely move his body without assistance. Besides...he didn''t ask for this. He was captured and tortured by the demons. So if anything, we should try to make sure he recovers from his ordeal before deciding whether or not he can be trusted." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it She placed her hands on her hips. "So until then, I''ll keep an eye on him. And if he does anything suspicious...I''ll kick him out. Is that good enough for you?" Her tone was light, but the resolve in her words was clear. She had no intention of abandoning him in his current situation. That wouldn''t have sat right with her conscience. Kelzryn frowned slightly as he met her gaze. He sighed heavily after a few moments. "Very well," he said grudgingly. "I will defer to your judgment in this matter. But just so that you are aware, history has shown that gods are not invited into other domains lightly. Should you choose to offer sanctuary to another god, you must always exercise caution. Even if they seem harmless." Ebonheim nodded once. "Noted." She started walking again. "I''m just trying to pay it forward. A couple of years ago, a goddess called Ariastra invited me to her city, Byllais. She gave me a tour around the city and offered advice on how to manage my domain. So now...it''s my turn to do the same for Xellos. Well, not exactly the same, but close enough." Kelzryn held his tongue and didn''t reply. His expression remained neutral as he continued following her. They soon arrived at the town hall where the elders and guildmasters had convened. They''d gathered there to discuss what happened during the expedition and rescuing Xellos. She stood before them and gave a brief report of the battle. Everyone listened attentively as she spoke. When she finished speaking, Engin stood up from his seat and cleared his throat. "I''m glad you''ve all returned safely, especially after facing such a daunting task," he said. "However, we must discuss what happens next. This...vagrant god, Xellos. If he remains within our town...it will cause unrest among the populace." He glanced around the room, letting his eyes linger on those sitting before him. "As you all know, the people here have fled their homelands because they could not trust their gods anymore. To invite another deity into our midst...will only serve to remind them of their past misfortunes." He paused before continuing. "Or worse, this newcomer might decide to usurp our goddess'' position." Did Engin think Xellos could take over her domain or something? No way. He wasn''t even strong enough to move his own body right now. How could he possibly steal her followers? She didn''t voice her thoughts. Instead, she remained silent and waited for Engin to continue. "Therefore, I suggest we keep this...Xellos confined within your cabin until he recovers," Engin suggested. "Once he regains his strength, he can depart from our town and continue on his journey elsewhere." He glanced at the others gathered around the table. "Is this agreeable to everyone?" There were murmurs of assent throughout the room. Everyone seemed to support Engin''s proposal. Ebonheim noticed some looked rather relieved. Others looked apprehensive. But none raised any objections. She guessed most probably hoped Xellos left sooner than later. "I''m fine with that," Ebonheim answered. "I''ll keep an eye on him in the meantime. He''ll be my responsibility, so be at ease." Her gaze trailed across the room to Kelzryn''s impassive face. "Do you have any thoughts about this?" She already knew his answer, but it was better for the others to hear it as well. "As long as this vagrant god does not cause trouble within your domain, I have no qualms about his presence here. However...if he does attempt to interfere with your authority, or your relationship with your people...then I will do what must be done," Kelzryn answered without batting an eyelid. Ebonheim sighed inwardly at his response. As expected, the others seemed somewhat mollified. It''s not like Xellos was in a state where he could do anything anyways...but still. He needed to recover soon or else things would get awkward. "Alright then," she said finally. "Looks like my hands are tied here. I''ll talk to him about the matter. In the meantime...if you''ll excuse me...I have things to do."
Her Arboreal Stride took her back near Elmsworth''s grove. The ancient Ent stood tall amid the trees, his gnarly roots sinking deep within the soil. Elmsworth inclined his massive head to acknowledge her presence before returning his gaze to the forest around them. "To have come back here shortly after bringing me news of the demons'' demise...you must wish to speak of a serious matter, Ebonheim," Elmsworth said, his rough voice rumbling through the air between them. Ebonheim nodded. "Kelzryn told me that there might be other demons hiding out here¡ªbeyond what I fought in the ruins. Thought I''d let you know since...well, this is your forest and all. I''ll be heading out to the others'' territories to give them the news too." "Noted," Elmsworth replied. "I shall remain alert for any signs of demonic activity. You have my thanks." Ebonheim left him to his vigil as she stepped into her Arboreal Stride again; headed north-east to Liselotte''s territory. It took some time for her to reach her destination. After yelling out her name, Liselotte swooped down from one of the floating islands above, landing neatly before the Ebonheim with her wings spread out. The light caught her feathers, sending ripples of iridescent color cascading across its white expanse. "Eh? What? What do you want?" Liselotte inquired while folding back her wings. Ebonheim explained the situation to Liselotte, which only caused the Harpy Queen to cackle. "I''m not scared of demons. Let them try and mess with us here! I''ll teach them a lesson!" She puffed out her chest proudly before launching back into the sky, screeching and diving around in an excited fashion. Right...she had best leave her be then. Ebonheim traversed the vale to meet with Calixia and Nillen, informing them of her news too. Much like with Liselotte, the other two remained unconcerned about any lingering threats. When Ebonheim returned home later in the day, she found Xellos still resting inside her cabin. His pitch-black eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light. "Are you hungry?" Ebonheim asked gently. "I can make something for you." "Hungry?...No. Gods don''t require physical sustenance. You should know that," Xellos answered, his voice low and hollow. Oh¡ªright. She forgot about that. But even though gods didn''t need to eat...that didn''t mean they couldn''t enjoy a good meal. Wait, hold on...then what about her? She had always felt hunger pangs since manifesting into this world. But she thought it was normal. Why did she feel such cravings when she shouldn''t have any need for food? What about thirst? Sleep? She never saw Xellos sleep during their travel back. Maybe she was different from other gods in that regard? No point dwelling on that now. In all honesty, she wasn''t entirely sure how to take care of a weakened god. She supposed he just needed time to recover. And perhaps a bit of company. She could do that much at least. She sat down on the chair next to his bedside and watched him carefully. He didn''t move or speak. He merely stared straight ahead with an empty gaze. She couldn''t tell if he was deep in thought or not. Maybe he wasn''t even paying attention to her presence. He seemed lost in his own world. "How long do you think it will take for you to heal?" she asked after a few moments of silence. "A week? A month? Or more?" Xellos shook his head. "I don''t know what kind of magic they used on me," he said quietly. "And I can''t regenerate either...at least not yet." He paused before continuing. "I sought the Akashic System for insight, but its knowledge and wisdom have been of no help. I''m afraid I don''t have an answer to your question." Ebonheim leaned forward in her chair and placed a hand on his arm. "Well...don''t worry about it too much. You''re safe here. Just rest for now. I''ll take care of everything." She gave him a small smile before standing up and heading towards the door. Before she could leave, Xellos called out to her. "Thank you," he said softly. "I appreciate your kindness. It means a lot to me." It seemed like thanking her had become some sort of a reflex for him now¡ªas if he expected everyone to treat him coldly. She wasn''t quite sure what to say in response. Instead, she nodded once and left his room. She hoped he''d recover soon enough. This was the first time she''d seen her people being so apprehensive towards a visitor. Even though he didn''t mean them any harm, she understood their feelings. They were just trying to protect themselves. And they had every right to do so. But Xellos deserved better than this. Perhaps she might have another chat with Engin. Maybe she could convince him to give Xellos a chance...and possibly let him stay for a while longer. She needed time to ponder upon this dilemma. A solution would come to her eventually...or so she hoped. Chapter 154: Light and Dark A few days passed and Ebonheim found herself spending more time with Xellos. Since he had little else to do during his convalescence besides recovering, he took to chatting with Ebonheim. He told her about his early travels after manifesting in the world and asking settlements along the way if he could become their deity. But without success¡ªmost settlements turned him away outright. Some treated him with hostility. She couldn''t understand why¡ªespecially with his friendly manner and charming personality. Maybe it was the way he looked? No¡ªthat couldn''t be it. There were other gods whose appearances were far more alien and intimidating than his. He wore a tattered robe over his slender frame, its color a shade of midnight blue with swirling patterns sewn into the fabric. His emaciated form gave the illusion he suffered from an illness, but he assured her that this was how he naturally appeared. Intricate etchings ran all over his deep gray skin. The patterns seemed to shift and move constantly, as though they were alive. Aside from those features, he looked almost as human as Ebonheim¡ªcompared to other gods who appeared more otherworldly and strange. So perhaps...it could be his mannerisms? Maybe he was too casual and flippant when approaching mortals with the request to become their deity. That might''ve offended them or put them off somehow. "I don''t get it," she muttered out loud after he recounted a recent incident to her. "You seem like such a nice person. Aside from looking, um, don''t take this the wrong way, but rather frail...maybe they worried you wouldn''t be able to provide protection. It doesn''t make any other sense why you''d get rejected by all the settlements you approach." Xellos shrugged, his eyes downcast. "Honestly? I''m not sure myself. I don''t recall doing anything wrong. Maybe I failed to understand the customs in each place. Then again...perhaps my attitude offended even though I didn''t mean to. I''ve never been particularly good at socializing with mortals¡ªat least not from what I''ve gathered during my travels." Ebonheim furrowed her brows. Was she the only person he got on so well with? She supposed she could chalk it up to her being a friendly type and welcoming towards people, regardless of their pasts or history. Besides...a similar thing happened to her back during her first interactions with the village. They all treated her like a feral creature until proven otherwise. In a way, Xellos'' experiences struck a cord within her. Maybe that''s why she found herself empathizing with him. As they continued talking, Ebonheim couldn''t help noticing Xellos'' quirky habits. He always seemed distracted. He kept fidgeting restlessly whenever he sat still for too long. He had a tendency to stare at her in silence before suddenly blurting out random thoughts. At times, he would trail off mid-sentence or babble about something unrelated altogether. When he did talk, he kept shifting between talking animatedly¡ªalmost manic¡ªand adopting a morose tone which made him appear dejected. But those moments would pass as swiftly as they appeared. All rather strange habits¡ªthough she wasn''t one to talk. She also found his voice oddly soothing at times¡ªespecially during those moments when he spoke softly and slowly. It was hard not to lose herself in the mellifluous sound, as though lulled by a river flowing gently through her mind. Perhaps this was due to his divine nature and how her senses seemed sharper than normal. Whatever the reason, keeping him cooped up in her cabin all day wasn''t doing him any favors. If he had any chance of learning how to interact with mortals better¡ªin a way that would encourage him to be accepted by others¡ªthen she needed to find him an opportunity where he could practice his social skills more. She had to try and convince Engin and the others to let her accompany him on an occasional stroll around the town while he recovered. At least let him have a change in view for once. She made a mental note to talk to Engin about that later. But for now... "Hey, want to play a game of chess?" Ebonheim offered. Xellos raised an eyebrow curiously. "Chess? I''m familiar with that game, but haven''t actually played it myself. How does it work?" "Well...let me explain the rules to you."
Xellos followed Ebonheim through the town, staying close behind her. His gaze swept over their surroundings warily as he observed everything around them with a practiced eye. The town was alive, a bustling hub of activity where the villagers went about their daily tasks with an air of contented routine. It was all very quaint, very pastoral, and entirely ripe for his purposes. Ebonheim walked with the confidence of one who knew every stone and tree, greeting her people with a warm, inclusive smile that Xellos found almost nauseating in its sincerity. Her people loved and adored her, and he sensed their devotion to her in the back of his mind like a constant hum, a buzzing in his ears. It set his teeth on edge, his instincts bristling at such unbridled adoration. He found the whole scene rather idyllic¡ªalmost cloyingly so¡ªand he couldn''t help a small grin from creeping onto his face as he imagined what he could do with this community in his grasp. He had no doubts in his mind now that he had made the right choice by coming here. This goddess embodied everything he was not¡ªkind, compassionate, trusting. But more importantly...she was naive and gullible. And he intended to take full advantage of those qualities. But not now. He still lacked sufficient power to capitalize upon this discovery, and the affliction he had the Asura placed on him had sapped his strength and stamina considerably. All to fool her and let her guard down enough to allow the Irresistible Influence Mantra to take hold within her mind¡ªwhich had thankfully succeeded without much issue. The bigger problem was the dragon he had to contend against¡ªKelzryn, that ancient wyrm. So long as he resided within Ebonheim''s domain, Xellos was wary to even take the risk of making any moves yet. He dared not underestimate him. His presence alone made him cautious about executing his scheme prematurely. He felt the dragon''s intense gaze upon him as they made their way through the town square, but Kelzryn did nothing but follow from a distance and observe, not interfering or approaching them. Perhaps his presence had alerted him to his true nature. Maybe he suspected something. Xellos had always maintained the appearance of being a rather frail and meek entity, despite his powers and capabilities. But he had an inkling Kelzryn wasn''t quite fooled by his demeanor. The dragon might''ve sensed a threat from his aura...which was a dangerous sign. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It''s fine, Xellos reassured himself silently. As long as I behave and show no hostility or aggressive intentions...he won''t interfere. For now, befriending Ebonheim would be good enough¡ªand he''d bide his time and gain as much of her trust as possible before he could begin his grand plan. As they moved deeper into the town, Xellos caught whispers and glances being thrown his way, words and thoughts spoken too quietly or casually for any normal mortal to hear but perfectly audible to him. "...Who''s he?..." "Think we can trust him?..." "Why''d Ebonheim bring him here?..." "...Weird-looking guy...." Xellos smirked under his hood, relishing the suspicion and uncertainty directed at him. He enjoyed knowing he made people uneasy in his presence. It pleased him immensely. But more importantly...this proved their devotion and respect towards the goddess. If they held even the slightest shred of doubt about her choices or actions, there would''ve been a bit more hostility towards her from the start. They considered the deity walking alongside him as their protector, and she was the only reason they put up with him for now. He''d have to keep that fact in mind going forward. "This is the main market," Ebonheim said, gesturing to a row of stalls laden with produce and handcrafted goods. "We grow our own fruits and vegetables here in our gardens and orchards." She pointed towards a section of neatly cultivated rows bordered by tall trees. "That area there grows all kinds of berries and fruits. And over there," she said, indicating another field filled with large leafy plants, "We grow our cabbages, carrots, potatoes, and other tubers." "Charming," Xellos murmured, his voice low and smooth, the words slipping from his lips like silk. He watched a young boy dart between the stalls, his laughter pealing through the air. "Your people seem very happy," he continued, his tone carefully neutral. "I envy you." "They are," Ebonheim replied, pride evident in her voice. "We work hard to ensure that everyone has what they need. Community is our strength." Xellos smiled, but it was a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. "Indeed." His dark gaze swept over the people bustling through their daily chores, their lives seemingly untroubled by any problems whatsoever. Children played games while mothers chatted amongst themselves. Men worked diligently in the fields, tilling the soil with their plows. Old folks sat together under a large tree and conversed quietly. All around him, mortals went about their business¡ªblissfully ignorant fools who had no idea they were dancing on a blade''s edge. "Life here must be peaceful," he noted. Ebonheim turned to face him. "We get our share of troubles from time to time. But overall...yes." Xellos tilted his head, glancing sideways at the goddess beside him. "Then surely you are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect your people...to keep them safe from harm...even if they don''t yet appreciate everything you''ve done for them?" A slight frown creased Ebonheim''s brow at his words but otherwise did not react to the implied challenge. Instead, she simply nodded. "I would do anything to protect my people," she replied softly. "That will never change. Even if they don''t understand my reasons or intentions." A smile tugged at Xellos'' lips as he held her gaze for a long moment before looking away. "Of course. I can sense great potential in this town, though. There is something unique about you, and I wish to learn more. Would you teach me...goddess of this beautiful land? I promise to repay you properly once my health has improved." Ebonheim laughed. "Sure! I like teaching others." She gave him an encouraging grin. "What did you want to know?" Xellos smiled back. "I have trouble understanding mortal concepts sometimes. I would ask for guidance, Ebonheim...to teach me...how to become more appealing to mortals...so they can accept me...and give me their faith. How did you manage to gain such devotion? And how can I emulate you?" The lie flowed easily from his lips, his words dripping with false humility. He hid a smirk as he watched the emotions play across her features: surprise...concern...uncertainty. But in the end, her desire for him to find acceptance and happiness won out. He could tell. Her resolve solidified and she took a deep breath before answering. "I didn''t have much to do with it," she admitted. "My people chose me without me doing anything in particular. I guess you could say...it was fate." She gave him a half-hearted smile. "And my goal is simple¡ªmake everyone happy." He blinked. He didn''t expect that answer. Not one bit. What did she mean by that? Every god''s first objective after manifesting in the world should''ve been the acquisition of a domain¡ªand in order to do that, they needed mortal devotion. A pact had to be established...or forced upon mortals...to bring them under the god''s control. But this...this goddess¡ªno, she was a walking contradiction. One doesn''t simply get chosen as a patron deity over something like fate itself. It didn''t make any sense to him whatsoever. She must have misspoken. Or perhaps she had no intention of answering his inquiry truthfully. "You seem very certain of your path," he observed coolly. His gaze hardened as he scrutinized every detail about her¡ªfrom the way her eyes shone bright against the light to how her expression appeared so earnest. Something didn''t add up here...and he intended to figure out exactly what it was. He smiled politely, masking his thoughts behind his facade. Ebonheim met his gaze evenly. "I am." Her unwavering conviction unnerved him. Perhaps she truly believed what she said. Was she lying to him? Or was she hiding something from him? Either way...Xellos decided he needed to change tactics. He''d ask a few probing questions and watch for any signs of hesitation or deception on her part. "I suppose I must ask then...why do you seek to make your people happy? That''s not exactly an objective a god is tasked with. The Akasha doesn''t require such a sentiment from a god. As long as one provides protection and guidance to their believers in return for worship...that''s all it should need." His voice remained casual despite the intensity of his focus on Ebonheim. "I...That''s what I do." She gave an apologetic shrug. "It''s something innate within me. I feel compelled to act upon that desire." Again with the strange phrasing. What was going through her mind? Did she genuinely lack any self-awareness about her own nature as a goddess? This made no sense whatsoever to him. "Your instinct must drive you strongly indeed," he noted in a flat tone. "But even so...how do you intend to guide your people? Where will you take them? For all their joy and contentment...what lies beyond those borders? There are dangers in this world...monsters prowling beyond our boundaries." His words struck a chord with her. A grimace appeared upon her face and she faltered in her response for a split second before managing to speak again. But he didn''t fail to catch the shift in her demeanor. "We''ll manage. We always do," Ebonheim declared firmly. So there did exist a limit to her naivete. And she had doubts as well...about her ability to protect her people against harm. Good. He might find an opportunity to exploit this information soon enough. He merely had to push her in the right direction. Then he''d find a suitable means of manipulating her. Or simply eliminate her altogether if need be. He flashed her a smile. "Of course." He lowered his head politely in acknowledgment. "Perhaps you have your own way of doing things after all. Maybe it''s not something you can teach directly, but if you''ll allow me to accompany you more...I''ll learn by witnessing your actions. I''d like to understand you better before taking my leave. Hopefully, you''ll allow it." Ebonheim nodded, her expression softening somewhat. "Sure. I think having someone else to bounce ideas off on is healthy for everyone." She gave him an encouraging grin. "And who knows¡ªyou might discover something about yourself while observing us." A sense of triumph swelled within Xellos at the success of his gambit. He managed to play on her desires perfectly, despite the presence of her overprotective dragon¡ªwho still followed behind them, judging from the aura he sensed in the distance. He made sure not to display any outward signs of satisfaction as he returned her gesture with a small smile. "I hope you won''t mind me imposing myself upon your generosity and hospitality any further, Ebonheim." He''d have plenty of opportunities to gain insight into her character during his stay here. This domain might be beyond him for the moment, but she could still serve as an invaluable ally to him when new settlements begin to emerge within the region¡ªand with her help, one of those could be his to rule. And he intended to make that happen no matter what. Chapter 155: Olive Branch The following day, Ebonheim took Xellos out for another stroll through the town. Between their conversations about mundane and everyday matters, she found herself talking about their social structures, their beliefs, and traditions. He asked probing questions about their rituals and customs, how they organized themselves, how they treated outsiders, whether anyone ever left the town or came from outside. She answered readily as much as she could, and Xellos listened attentively, though his tone sounded rather detached. "You''ve done a remarkable job, Ebonheim," he offered at length as they strolled along the main street. "This settlement thrives. You provide security and safety to those living under your protection. Everyone seems content." "I''ve had help," she admitted. "And there''s still plenty left to do." They came to a stop alongside one of the guard towers situated atop the ramparts lining the perimeter. Ebonheim rested her hand against the wall, glancing out towards the forest stretching away into the distance. "I don''t have any special plans though. It''s more of a day-by-day thing. Some days go smoother than others. But ultimately, we''re all trying to live a good life...together. No real goals beyond that. Life just sorta happens." Xellos gave a thoughtful hum as he gazed at the vista ahead, his arms crossed casually in front of his chest. He remained silent for several moments before turning back towards her. "I imagine...it would be difficult to plan for every eventuality without foresight into the future. But still...one must always keep an eye out for opportunities. Which brings me to something I¡¯ve been contemplating..." The change in direction in their conversation threw her off-guard slightly. She glanced sideways at him. "Yes?" "I''ve been thinking about the potential of expanding this sense of community beyond just your domain. What if I could build upon this model elsewhere in the Eldergrove? Maybe create a network of friendly settlements within the borders of this valley. It''d bring more prosperity and security for those who reside here, no?" His voice gained strength with each word. "You want to establish new communities? Here?" she asked in surprise. "Well, not quite what you said exactly," he explained. "Think about it. Your influence over these lands has grown steadily over time due to your town''s growth and its exports to surrounding regions. Word will spread that the Eldergrove can now be traveled safely thanks to your road...which means people will flock here seeking opportunities." He paused briefly before continuing, "Many might decide to settle into your domain, but others might seek to create new settlements in different parts of the valley in order to take advantage of resources there. But these people won''t have the protection offered by having a patron god. This is still the Eldergrove, after all. Ancient beasts lurk here still and not even a small village would last long without divine oversight." Ebonheim rubbed the side of her neck idly, pondering upon the idea. She was starting to get what he was going for. And perhaps he was on to something. "So...you want to help establish a settlement somewhere nearby?" she asked slowly. "To provide patronage to those people and protect them?" Xellos smiled broadly, clearly pleased. "Precisely. For so long, I''ve made the mistake of approaching towns with no patron god and trying to win them over for myself. But I failed to consider that they might not have needed a god in the first place. Instead, maybe I ought to aim my sights lower and try to nurture communities with potential. I merely seek to emulate your example and follow in your footsteps. Didn''t you do the same for this settlement when first arriving here? You were a pioneer in this valley. And now...so too can I." His voice grew softer as he spoke, his eyes taking on a wistful gleam. "In order to achieve this goal, however...I''ll need help from a fellow deity like yourself. One whose knowledge and experience can guide me along this path." His gaze met hers again. "So...Ebonheim...would you lend me your wisdom and aid?" Ebonheim found herself almost swayed by his fervor and enthusiasm. His confidence shone brightly through those black pools staring intently back at her. Could this work out? His proposal intrigued her, yet it also gave her pause. Xellos still seemed determined to secure a domain of his own, despite his failures thus far. But now he sought to emulate her¡ªand while she didn''t mind sharing what she knew, she couldn''t help but wonder how much he truly meant it. Was this another gambit? If he failed to gain anyone''s devotion again, would he turn against them? Her doubts must''ve shown on her face since Xellos immediately tried to reassure her. "Don''t worry. I don''t intend to force the issue if those mortals refuse me. I shall accept whatever outcome I receive. And if nothing else...I should at least be able to provide them with guidance as they settle into their lives here. Don''t you agree?" Maybe he had the right mindset this time...though he could''ve chosen a more opportune moment to spring this upon her. They only finished speaking about this yesterday and he brought it back up today. Was he really as spontaneous as he made himself appear? Still...she couldn''t deny his reasoning. This could potentially work out favorably for both sides involved. "It hurts to be rejected over and over again," he added softly. "To have the hope of fulfilling my purpose dangled before me only to crumble into dust before my eyes. But I won''t give up. Even though others may not welcome me...I won''t allow that to dissuade me from trying to help wherever I can...for whatever time I have. It''s all I can offer." His words touched something within her. Perhaps he truly did understand¡ªat least in part. Or maybe he understood enough to sound convincing. She couldn''t quite tell. She wanted to believe in him. Something in his tone resonated with her, reminded her so much of her own experiences when first manifesting here. Perhaps she should take him at his word¡ªgive him a chance. After all...she had done her best to make everyone happy in her own way. Why shouldn''t someone else try as well? Besides...the prospect of helping someone who lacked direction appealed strongly to her. Just like Ariastra once helped her. Maybe she could pass that favor on. She gave a short sigh. "Okay, I get where you''re coming from. If this is something you want to do...then go for it. Once you''re healed up enough, I''ll gladly support your efforts. Just know that it might take years for people to decide to settle in such remote territory...but they might come eventually. You''ll have to continue wandering until then." Xellos blinked twice before responding. He clearly hadn''t expected her to agree so readily. Then he slowly relaxed, his posture loosening into a more casual stance. "You have my gratitude for your generosity and acceptance, Ebonheim. I will endeavor to repay you tenfold one day. I swear it upon all my divinity." Ebonheim''s smile faltered slightly. A hint of melancholy seeped into her expression as she listened to his words, an undercurrent of sadness lacing them. What must it feel like...having no one to turn to? Being all alone? It must''ve been terribly lonely... Without really thinking, she reached forward and wrapped her arms around Xellos, embracing him tightly in a reassuring gesture. Her action caught the both of them off guard since neither predicted it. His eyes widened slightly at first as he stood motionless, stunned by the unexpected contact. Ebonheim suddenly realized what she''d done and let go immediately, stepping back to put some distance between them. "Sorry...I don''t know what came over me." She laughed nervously. "I guess I just thought you needed...well..." She trailed off sheepishly. To her surprise, he didn''t seem angry or upset. Instead...he began to chuckle lightly. It sounded almost like a chortle to her ears. Xellos raised his hands apologetically. "No need to explain further. I appreciate the sentiment and your willingness to comfort me...despite barely knowing me. But please don''t worry. I''ve always had to rely on myself in everything I do. And while I''ve gotten used to solitude...I thank you for treating me as a friend and trusting me to follow your path." This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Oh...okay." Ebonheim averted her gaze awkwardly. Maybe she''d overstepped herself there after all. She cleared her throat awkwardly while trying to compose herself before speaking again. "Well...I''ve got plenty to do for the rest of the day...so..." Xellos nodded. "Of course. I won''t keep you any longer then." He took one last look around at the scenery surrounding them before turning to leave. As he departed, she caught sight of his smile falling. That faint wistfulness once again returning to his features. *** Ebonheim sat at the head of the table, facing the crowd with her arms folded over her lap. Kelzryn stood beside her with his hands clasped behind his back. She had called for the elders and guild masters to the town hall the next evening at her request. It wasn''t exactly usual for Ebonheim to call for a meeting at such short notice, but she knew this particular topic needed to be discussed sooner rather than later. "Thank you all for gathering on such short notice. We have an important matter to discuss. One that may well affect the future of our town and the Eldergrove." The people gathered in the room exchanged curious glances as they waited for Ebonheim to continue speaking. A hushed murmur started to rise from the audience as they speculated on what might be going on. "While speaking with Xellos, the topic of new settlements came up," Ebonheim continued in a calm tone. She paused for a moment, trying to gauge their reactions. No one had spoken up yet, so she continued. "Not everyone wants to settle in an established community like ours, of course¡ªsome would prefer to build something of their own. I think having a variety of towns in the Eldergrove Valley would benefit us. There''d be more options for travelers and merchants...which could open the doors for more prosperity. I think this is worth exploring..." Her voice faded off as a few people started murmuring among themselves. Roderick scratched his stubby chin, deep in thought. "Hmm...yes...that seems reasonable. During my latest travel, I''ve asked around the eastern cities if there''s been an interest in settling in the Eldergrove. There were no takers as of yet...but it might take time for the word to spread enough to generate any decent amount of migration here." Engin remained pensive during Roderick''s response, rubbing his forehead with his hand in contemplation. "While I''m generally in favor of growth and new beginnings, I worry about the safety of such settlers...as well as the potential drain in resources should these settlers not prove capable of self-sustaining." Ebonheim glanced towards Engin before addressing everyone else present again. "That''s true. But let''s not jump to conclusions yet. Let''s focus on what could go right, rather than assuming things will fail right out the gate." She smiled encouragingly before continuing. "I just wanted to bring this up now because Xellos brought this matter to my attention first." "Xellos did?" Engin raised a brow. "Yes. He expressed a desire to emulate me¡ªto try and establish a settlement in this valley. To become a patron god to the people who choose to move here," Ebonheim clarified. "Is he fit to do that?" Roderick asked. "From what you told us, he doesn''t seem very dependable. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen in my opinion." Ebonheim winced at his blunt words. "Well...no. I don''t necessarily disagree. But I''m not the one he has to impress here. That''s why I''d like to extend him an opportunity." She glanced towards the others. "So long as everyone else agrees with this venture as well." Silence settled over the room. Most of them appeared thoughtful after Ebonheim''s statement. None outright dismissed the idea altogether either. Perhaps she made her point clear enough to them already. Thorsten grunted loudly. "I don''t trust that strange god. He gives me bad vibes. But as far as having other settlements nearby goes...I see no problems there. It''ll only bolster the economy, I reckon. More people around means more demand for goods. So...whatever." Roderick grinned toothily at that. "I concur with Thorsten. That''s always good for business. But for the safety concerns Engin mentioned...well, that''ll have to be on them to resolve. If they choose to move here and create a settlement...they should have the means to protect themselves and thrive on their own." "Aye...this is a dangerous land. Much work awaits a fresh settlement before it can thrive." Thorsten stroked his beard, musing in thought. "But perhaps we can make provisions for assisting them. Depending on how close these prospective settlements end up." "Sounds fair to me," Roderick chimed in. A couple of nods echoed around the table from other people, with many remaining quiet. "My thoughts as well," Bjorn agreed, speaking for the first time since entering the meeting. "New places present their own challenges. But I see no reason to forbid their creation. Our settlement''s prosperity is largely due to our diversity. Let there be a place for those who would wish to forge their destiny elsewhere. We can aid them where we can." A few more voices chimed in agreement around the room as support began to grow for this initiative. Ebonheim glanced around the table and gauged the reaction so far. People appeared receptive to the concept overall. A hopeful sign. She''d take what she could get. But she still had to address a final concern. She turned towards Kelzryn. "What do you think?" Kelzryn appeared calm and stoic as always. His expression never changed throughout this discussion. His amber eyes glowed faintly in the dim lighting inside the town hall. "I can''t offer advice when I don''t possess the entire picture. But the idea of other settlements within the valley would not bode well with the greater spirits who make their homes in these forests. Elmsworth won''t tolerate any expansion past the borders set by him, Calyxia and her Seraphidae won''t accept outsiders settling within her woods, Liselotte will¡ªas you''ve already witnessed¡ªslaughter those who dare venture into her territory. Nillen would be the only one who might tolerate the notion." Oh...right. The Lords of the Eldergrove would still need to be consulted about the matter...and perhaps even persuaded. And she had promised Xellos he could assist in founding new settlements as well. The potential complications kept rising. "However," Kelzryn continued. "The region that your domain resides in¡ªwhich lies between Elmsworth''s, Liselotte''s, and Calyxia''s¡ªis vast enough that establishing more settlements would be feasible, so long as they avoid being too close to one another¡ªespecially to here." "So we could make this work?" Ebonheim asked hopefully. "Why would they need to avoid the town here specifically?" Evelyne leaned forward, raising her hand slightly for attention. "Ma d¨¦esse, what Kelzryne is implying is that more settlements can form nearby, but if you don''t plan to bring them into your fold and instead allow other gods to claim those settlements as their domain as well..." she trailed off. "...then there could eventually come a day where the valley becomes the site of a war between competing gods instead," Lorne concluded Evelyne''s statement. Kelzryn tilted his head, looking back at Ebonheim. "I never said such an outcome is likely, but yes, having another god''s domain relatively close by would limit your growth as a deity. Gods don''t like encroaching on one another''s domains. The more ambitious ones will see weaker gods as an obstacle to their dominion. No god wants another close enough to affect their area of influence." Ebonheim deflated slightly after listening to that explanation. She hadn''t thought about that possibility when discussing the idea with Xellos. She really needed to pay better attention to the details and consequences... Truthfully, she had no aspirations to spread herself thin and gain a multitude of followers across various settlements scattered about the valley. This town served as the core of her domain, the heart of her realm. She didn''t need to branch out elsewhere. It was enough to make everyone here safe and happy. That was all she cared about. Besides, Xellos seemed to have no ambition to dominate others¡ªhe just wanted somewhere where he could establish himself and have a home. That simple desire resonated within her so much...perhaps too much. That didn''t mean he wouldn''t seek more beyond that. Not every god would share the same peaceful outlook as her. But as long as nothing threatened her people...well, she didn''t care what went on outside her domain''s borders. She glanced up to gauge the others'' reactions. Some appeared pensive¡ªprobably contemplating about what Kelzryn shared. Others seemed resigned to accepting whatever Ebonheim ended up deciding to do. No one voiced any opposition outright yet, so she spoke again. "I don''t think that we should worry about potential threats and conflicts right this minute...or even in the near future. Let''s give the idea time to percolate among our people. As I said from the beginning...I just wanted to bring this up now. We don''t have to decide on anything right away. We just need to be aware of where things may lead if this happens." Engin chuckled, resting his chin on his linked hands as he regarded her. "Well spoken. A prudent approach...and sensible. I say we table this discussion for the next gathering. Once the harvest season concludes, perhaps." There came a general murmur of agreement to that proposal. "Then that settles things for now," Ebonheim concluded. "Again thank you all for coming out at such short notice." The town hall was adjourned after that. As the people filed out of the chamber, Ebonheim turned to face Kelzryn. "What do you think?" she inquired. "You seemed on board with the idea. Am I missing something? What else should I consider besides the interests of other gods?" Kelzryn led the way to the exit as Ebonheim fell into step with him. "It''s hard to say without knowing the details regarding how Xellos plans to establish such communities and if they would be amenable to the idea. I can offer advice from my perspective...but it''s difficult to judge things properly when I''m unaware of what exactly he intends." They emerged into the warm summer night air as they exited the building. The last rays of daylight danced upon the town plaza, illuminating the flagstones and wooden buildings with golden hues. Ebonheim sighed softly. "Yeah...I figured as much." A slight breeze rustled through her hair, sending locks of silver cascading across her face. She brushed them away absentmindedly. "Do you trust him?" She didn''t bother to clarify who she referred to¡ªshe trusted that he would know. Kelzryn slowed to a halt on the cobblestones and glanced towards her. "I trust you. If you believe he''s worthy of your patronage...then there''s nothing else to discuss." She smiled despite herself. At least she had a champion ready to defend her interests should the need arise. And while he wasn''t one for idle banter, his presence was a comfort in these uncertain times. "Okay," she said after a short pause. "I''ll keep your advice in mind." With a small sigh, she continued walking along the road with a slight spring in her step. Hopefully, things would progress smoothly from here...and she wouldn''t have to deal with any more surprises. Season Two Thoughts, Season Three Expectations Saga of Ebonheim''s second season is complete! This season was...a struggle to push through. It didn''t help that after the Verdant Pathway story arc, I couldn''t decide on a proper direction for this story (for this season). I knew the broad strokes of what I wanted to go for¡ªsome character development (or growth) and a bit more world-building. But I struggled with how I wanted to execute it. There was just too many paths I could go with, which almost made me want to roll the dice to determine what would happen next. I also may have overestimated the effect of introducing a lot of characters and factions at once...there are so many pieces and perspectives to juggle, taking up Ebonheim''s screen time. I empathize with readers who value a singular perspective in stories since they might find my writing a bit disorienting...and I can''t do anything about the pacing either since it would''ve been a headache to rewrite all this stuff. In any case, despite how rough this season may be in comparison to the first, I was satisfied with a lot of things¡ªlike showcasing other notable characters besides Ebonheim, expanding the backdrops beyond the town itself, developing Ebonheim''s relationships a little more, and setting some groundwork for later arcs. I hope I did all this justice! I honestly wouldn''t blame you if you found these developments unsatisfying. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. And I also suffered from massive burnout. In addition to having the writing energy sucked out of me, the editing process was starting to kill my momentum. Fortunately, I managed to keep the weekly releases up while dealing with workload issues. But fret not! I have ideas for the third season in mind already and will start working on those soon! Now that Season 2 is complete, however, I''ll have to take a bit longer break. Two months to be exact. I''m still in the process of editing Season One for an Amazon Kindle release (probably later this year or early next year). I planned to have it done a couple of months ago, but alas...I realized I had a lot more to edit since I''m planning on splitting Season One into two books, which means moving some events around and adding more chapters to fill in the gaps. Not only that, but recently, my other story "Slumdog Hero" was picked up by a publisher so I''ll be spending a couple of months editing that story as well. Paired with a full-time job that regularly assigns overtime...it''s not a healthy mix for a creative person. Anyway...I digress. I just wanted to explain the upcoming hiatus and also apologize to you readers who''ve followed this series thus far. Thank you all for following and commenting on this series! When the story updates again, I''ll be fast-tracking the releases to five days a week for a month before returning to its twice-a-week schedule. Look forward to that and thanks again for reading! See ya! Zanafar Chapter 156: Treaded Paths 11th of Sunswell, 1372 Two years later¡­ Ebonheim sat cross-legged in her shrine, reflecting on the past year. Time had flown by so fast¡ªthe days passing by in a blur of activity¡ªyet she''d managed to keep up with the needs of her domain and her people. After Xellos took his leave shortly following his recovery, he''d kept in sporadic contact through the gods'' yearly gathering at the Divine Auction. Their exchanges remained cordial and professional¡ªwith Xellos bringing her gifts each time in gratitude for providing a haven for him. But he''d never brought up the idea of expanding settlements again after his initial conversation with her. The mystery of why the Asura demons had captured him continued to elude her, and despite asking Aetheron and Ariastra for their opinions, neither offered a strong view one way or another. So it came down to Ebonheim having to speculate along with Xellos that the attack had no deeper significance other than to cause pain and suffering. The missing demons that Kelzryn had mentioned also hadn''t shown their faces anywhere ever since that battle occurred. She took this as a good sign¡ªmaybe they truly had fled after all. Maybe things could resume as normal from now on without interference from any external force. Only time would reveal the answers though. In the meantime, Ebonheim had plenty to focus on with her daily routine. The town''s growth never failed to amaze her. By now, most of the buildings she''d envisioned for the town had been erected and completed. Only Farrador Keep¡ªwhich would serve as the Silverguard Company''s headquarters¡ªremained in the final stages of construction. It would take some time before the fortress-like structure could accommodate its future inhabitants, but she wasn''t worried about reaching that point anytime soon. Her thoughts shifted towards the town''s metrics through the Akashic System''s records¡ªand she smiled upon seeing how much progress they''d made since last year.
Name: Ebonheim Size: Town Quintessence: 47,352/64,000 Total Population: 6051 Quintessence/Month: 1576 Human: 5820 Beastkin: 231 Professions: Farmers: 536 Hunters and Gatherers: 375 Miners: 724 Craftsmen: 1286 Warriors: 1243 Druids: 20 Healers/Herbalists: 131 Arcanist: 221 Artificer: 383 Village Elders: 19 Unskilled: 1113 Age Distribution: Children (ages 0-14): 1113 Adults (ages 15-64): 4786 Seniors (ages 65+): 152 Devotion Rank Distribution: Unbeliever: 0 Follower: 3174 Believer: 2167 Worshipper: 255 Devotee: 453 Faithful: 2 Building Types: Huts/Tents: 54 Houses: 487 Farms: 84 Workshops: 65 Guard Towers: 8 Market Square: 1 Logging Camps: 3 Mining Camps: 3 Magitech Workshops (Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair and Ethervein Enclaves): 8 Special Constructions: ¡îConduit Chamber (Ethervein Enclaves): 100% ¡îThe Stoneheart Chamber (Deep Miners of Gorgandale): 100% ¡îLa Salle de M¨¦canique (Les Artisanats d''¨¦clair): 100% ¡îYrsta Klettur (Hrafnsteinn Exiles): 100% ¡îFarrador Keep (Silverguard Company): 73% ¡îVerdant Passage (Eldergrove Road):100% Resources: Forest: Hardwood, Softwood, ¡îEbon Trees Rivers: Fish, Clay deposits Mines: Iron, Copper, Tin, Gold, Coal, Granite, Slate, Quartz, Opal, Peridot, Amethyst, Turquoise, Citrine Prosperity Points: 237 Harmony Points: 221 Sustainability Achievement: 116
Nearly half of the new settlers had become Believers. Nearly half! Such an achievement had gone beyond her wildest expectations. And with every additional worshipper came added Quintessence. She felt pride well up in her. A good sign, but she knew not to rest on her laurels. This would be the norm for her from here on out. She mustn''t grow complacent. The mantle of leadership brought with it responsibility as well as freedom¡ªas Engin often said. People looked to her to act in their best interests. More importantly, they trusted her enough to put faith behind such expectations. Besides...she wanted them to stay happy. Happiness should accompany such prosperity. If nothing else, Ebonheim found herself enjoying the company of her people. While some did pray at her shrine on occasion, others simply enjoyed interacting with her on an informal basis. Her friendly demeanor and love for the people only drove more residents to form attachments towards her¡ªeven if a certain barrier separated a god from her subjects. Perhaps to strengthen their connection¡ªor perhaps her vanity wished for it¡ªthey had created small carvings of her to hold and use in their own prayers, giving birth to the image her Aspect took after: A young woman with silvery hair and kind golden eyes. Having absorbed the aspirations of her people, the picture itself housed power within its delicate frame. Whenever someone invoked her name alongside their heartfelt desires...she''d find herself responding. Goddess, help me become better at farming. Goddess, give me strength in battle. Goddess, please bless my child on their birthday. Goddess, may I find love? Goddess, old man Doyle is at it again¡ªhe''s calling his patch of land ''Doyleville'' because he swears his spuds are superior to anyone else''s in the realm! I implore you¡ªknock him down a peg or two! Well...not every invocation of hers contained lofty motives, but this didn''t bother her. Her worshippers displayed admirable initiative and she enjoyed hearing them ask questions or request advice. Most times she''d simply assure them everything would work out alright, occasionally offering pointers when the subject allowed. Rarely would she interfere in mundane matters. The Akashic System served as a blessing in her quest to keep track of her subjects. With a simple command, she could easily summon a report showing the state of the entire town''s morale or economic health¡ªalongside any individual''s details if desired by her. As well, she''d receive alerts whenever anything particularly bad happened around her domain. Yet, even so, she felt an ulterior purpose hidden beneath its vast cache of knowledge. The fact that her interaction with the System seemed to differ from the other gods also raised suspicion within her mind. She could purchase divine abilities whereas the other gods could not. She was able to ascend to a higher divine rank, whereas the others had been recently barred from doing so. The timing of it all seemed strange. She couldn''t help but wonder if a hand other than her own directed these changes. Did something or someone wish to sway her progression for their own purposes? What did they stand to gain from influencing her ascension path? Her most troubling question revolved around the seemingly arbitrary nature of quests and challenges the Akashic System provided. While she''d received alerts in the past regarding the town''s safety, the time during the bandit raid didn''t garner any sort of response. There was also the time when she nearly died fighting Liselotte, only for the System to notify her of a way to activate the ancient Aetherframe and turn the tide of the battle at the last minute...she couldn''t help but question the wisdom of such "benevolence".The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Many pieces remained missing in the grand scheme of things. At the moment all she could do was continue down her current path and observe what unfolded. Regardless of whether unseen forces guided her fate, her job centered around caring for her people, and she would not falter from doing her utmost in their stead. This being said, she had many plans today and could not let herself stay stuck in her own head forever. "Well, time to stop lounging about," Ebonheim muttered, rising up to stretch. She took a moment to appreciate her shrine. Made of wood and decorated with blooming flowers and colorful flora, her shrine sat in a grove beneath the shadow of an Ebon tree''s wide canopy. Moss-covered stones led from the entryway to the dirt path connecting to the town''s central road. Bushes and plants flourished around her shrine as well¡ªgiving visitors a welcoming atmosphere to relax in. It wouldn''t win awards for architectural brilliance by any means, but the simplicity fit her personality just right and everyone agreed with such sentiment, including herself. She inhaled deeply before making her way into town.
The townsfolk greeted her with the usual nods and cheerful shouts as she walked along the streets. Most folks continued with their day, giving her a chance to muse in peace. She often paused to converse with those who stopped her for a brief chat. These casual interactions were important¡ªshe mustn''t neglect them. In time, she found herself strolling along the tree-lined paths of the central plaza. People milled about, ambling to and from work or pausing to gossip with friends. Children played in the fields while their parents chatted nearby. Evelyne approached from behind, locking arms with Ebonheim in her usual, cheery greeting. "Ma d¨¦esse..." she hummed. "What troubles you? You''ve a crease across your brow...is something the matter?" She leaned in close to nudge Ebonheim with her hip. "Anything you care to share with me?" Ebonheim flashed her a gentle smile. "I''m fine, Evelyne. Thank you." Evelyne cocked an eyebrow. "I know better than anyone in Ebonheim that you are not fine." She grinned as she waved an index finger in Ebonheim''s face. "Come now...tell me your troubles. Or I shall nag you to oblivion..." Ebonheim laughed despite herself. "Oh? Shall I remind you that as a goddess my patience is far greater than yours?" She smirked triumphantly. "Your words won''t work on me~!" "That''s where you''re wrong," Evelyne sang, wagging her finger back and forth like a pendulum. "My persistence trumps all. You''ll crack eventually. Besides...you can''t hide anything from me~" "I...urgh." Ebonheim faked annoyance as she let out a dramatic sigh. "Fiiiiine..." The two strolled arm in arm through the town streets as Ebonheim shared her concerns about the upcoming summer festival. She wanted to do more for the citizens this year and ensure everyone had a wonderful celebration. But with how hectic things could get during these times...it''d become difficult to manage things perfectly. This year''s schedule looked like it was already jam-packed full of events and attractions. Ebonheim sighed. "I know I want to do more than last year, but with how busy everyone is already...we might not get enough time or resources to organize more events. Or if we manage them somehow...then they may turn out half-baked." Evelyne listened without interrupting as Ebonheim expressed herself freely. She nodded every now and then while humming softly under her breath. Ebonheim paused occasionally, taking the time to reflect on her thoughts and choose her words carefully before continuing. When she''d finished ranting her heart out, Evelyne spoke at last. "I don''t wish to sound dismissive of your concerns¡ªas I too believe these festivals bring us much joy¡ªbut let''s focus on one problem at a time." Evelyne patted Ebonheim''s arm lightly. "Let me worry about our festival preparations...and you may focus your efforts elsewhere. Les Artisans and I are already planning something big for this year." Ebonheim arched an eyebrow curiously. "Is that why you''ve been holed up in your workshop all month? What exactly are you preparing?" "Ahaha~ Wouldn''t you love to know..." Evelyne tapped her on the nose. "Now come. No brooding! Or I''ll force-feed you." "I wasn''t brooding!" "Were so~" Ebonheim glanced at her doubtfully. "You wouldn''t dare do that to a goddess..." Evelyne tapped her chin with an impish smirk on her lips. "Wouldn''t I? Dare to test my resolve?" The two broke into laughter. Afterward, they continued conversing as they ventured deeper into town.
A few days later... Another busy day in the town hall came to an end. Ebonheim relaxed at her desk after another lengthy discussion with Engin and Roderick about the recent influx of traders visiting the settlement. It appeared the Verdant Pathway¡ªas the name of the road had been dubbed by its travelers¡ªhad begun to pay off in spades already. Ebonheim couldn''t quite remember who suggested calling it that, but given her dislike of overly complex terminology and her preference to keep things simple and clear, she had no objections to adopting this title. The Verdant Pathway... It had a nice ring to it, honestly. She stretched her arms over her head and cracked her neck slightly as she sat upright in her seat. One of their most recent visitors was a delegate from the city of Kerkenberge and its neighboring towns in the east. His job had been to survey the terrain and find a spot to establish a frontier town for people who wanted to leave Kerkenberge to forge their own fortunes¡ªas he said. After venturing out with Lorne and a few of the Silverguards to escort him through the valley, the delegate had found his ideal place¡ªtwo days'' walk southeast along the trail. It lay near a small lake situated between a cliff face on one side and a forested hillside on the other. A fertile plain spread before it, perfect for agriculture and livestock raising, along with several cave systems providing work for miners and hunters alike. The number of people willing to risk venturing into the valley to settle down somewhere had been surprisingly high¡ªthree thousand in total. Guess not everyone desired to live within cities, after all...or the lack of new land available forced many people into such bold decisions. A commoner like the majority of those seeking this chance could never own a piece of land as long as they resided within the walls of a city, especially under a god''s direct control... Engin reasoned that it''d take a few years before these new settlers could establish themselves properly. That gave Ebonheim plenty of time to let Xellos know about them. He''d likely jump on the opportunity to help them establish a settlement out there in due time. Ebonheim idly rubbed her finger across her desk''s surface¡ªtracing circles and swirls into the wood. Her thoughts drifted elsewhere as she mulled over various issues weighing on her mind lately. At length she pushed away from the table, standing slowly. That was enough work for today. She wanted to take a break from her divine duties and responsibilities for a moment. Just an hour or two would suffice...then she''d return to the world outside her tiny cabin where everything was peaceful again and no one bothered her for advice or guidance or assistance. A knock broke the silence in the room, drawing her attention upwards. Kelzryn stood across from her with his hand resting against the wall. "You seem preoccupied," he mused as he approached. "Is there anything you require assistance with?" Guess work might have to continue a bit longer, after all... "Kelzryn..." Ebonheim greeted with a weary smile, sitting back down. "Ah...no. I''m good. I was just going over the trade agreements we struck with the Kerkenberge." Kelzryn nodded in acknowledgment and closed the distance. He settled beside her as they studied the documents lying scattered across her desk. His eyes flickered over the various documents briefly before he spoke once more. "It appears you''ve done well by negotiating with them." A faint smile graced his features as he nodded thoughtfully at her. "Such relations should strengthen your domain''s prosperity immensely in due time, should nothing go awry." "Thanks for your vote of confidence," Ebonheim chuckled wryly and shrugged at him. She then gestured towards the document closest to him. "What do you think this one''s about? Engin says it mentions something about a tax on goods traveling the Verdant Pathway..." She let her voice trail off as she waited expectantly. "A toll...hmm." He leaned forward to examine the papers further. He raised a single brow slightly as he did so. "They''re willing to offer us one thousand gold per year if we allow wagons carrying cargo through our roads and charge only two percent of the load''s value instead of four. That doesn''t sound terribly steep. Was this Roderick''s idea? Or Engin''s?" "Roderick''s." Ebonheim leaned back in her chair. She fiddled with her thumbs absentmindedly as she thought back over their discussion earlier. "I don''t really like the idea of taxes...it smacks too much of exploitation in my mind. Especially when charging people for traversing our road. It should be free for travelers and merchants alike to use." "His reasoning reflects a pragmatic approach," Kelzryn offered mildly. "Though the sentiment you described is noble, Ebonheim...I believe Roderick makes a valid point." "A valid point?" "To maintain the pathways in an ideal condition for travelers...requires considerable effort and expertise to perform. Maintaining the road is necessary, but it is not a charitable endeavor; there must always be compensation involved, whether monetary or otherwise, for service rendered." He paused and cast her a sidelong glance before continuing. "If nothing else, these measures provide reassurance¡ªproof the area remains safe to pass through." She nodded in response. "Makes sense. Still...I don''t want to make money from innocent travelers or honest merchants. We shouldn''t exploit them. I don''t like it one bit." "This toll is only for merchants and traders," Kelzryn clarified. "Ordinary travelers can enjoy using the pathway for free. And the toll isn''t high to begin with. I do not wish to bore you with minutiae...but I believe Roderick''s proposals may benefit us immensely in the long term." Ebonheim mulled it over while drumming her fingers on the armrests. Eventually she let out a resigned sigh. "I guess you have a point..." "You''re still bothered though," Kelzryn stated matter-of-factly. "A little," she conceded, leaning closer. "Maybe I''m overthinking this? Am I just making a big deal out of nothing?" She gestured towards the papers in front of her. "I don''t want to miss out on any important details..." Kelzryn placed his hand gently atop her head, patting her reassuringly. "No. It''s admirable how seriously you''re taking things." "Mmn...thanks..." Chapter 157: Summer Treat 2nd of Dayhelm, 1372 In the end, she had accepted Roderick''s suggestions. Though she found it distasteful, she recognized it wouldn''t negatively impact most that would travel through the Eldergrove. It''d only inconvenience merchants hauling goods through the valley who usually avoided paying their dues and sought the cheapest or easiest options available to them. Those who could afford to pay wouldn''t mind the small price tag for traversing a dangerous region. So she signed the agreement with the delegate from Kerkenberge on behalf of the town before bidding farewell to him and the traders who accompanied him to see the road''s current conditions. She hoped no one would cause problems along the route. Settlers for the new town were set to arrive in midsummer next year. She assumed Xellos might show himself around that time as well. Ebonheim planned to visit with them in the interim. She wanted to help them establish themselves, and she had plenty of knowledge to impart to their leaders and workers to facilitate their efforts in the right direction. She hoped she''d get to assist the settlers even after Xellos'' arrival...though she suspected their attitude towards Ebonheim might change once he became their patron god instead. Only time would tell. But Xellos would first have to gain their trust and win their favor before they considered him worthy enough to serve. And given how secretive he''d remained thus far when it came to establishing settlements...she had little evidence of what to expect from his methods. All she could do now was wait and ponder what the future held for everyone involved. That''s where Ebonheim found herself now¡ªstaring blankly across her bedroom while she lay atop her bed...worrying herself sick about what-ifs and maybes. She let out a frustrated growl as she turned over onto her side. Tomorrow''s the start of the summer festival. Everything should go well. I hope... She glanced at her wardrobe where she''d stashed the gown she planned to wear the next night¡ªa gift from Evelyne. A shimmery white fabric embroidered with golden leaves and ivy vine patterns sewn throughout with golden thread, matching perfectly with the golden accents adorning the dress. It''d suit her hair and skin tone beautifully...and highlight her physique in ways her simple dress usually didn''t. She smiled softly before shifting back onto her front with another groan. "Ahh...why can''t all this just happen faster..."
At long last, the summer solstice celebration had begun. Torches blazed along the pathways leading into the market square. Strings of golden lanterns wound along balconies and rooftops above while music wafted throughout the plaza alongside laughter and cheering. People gathered around booths selling various goods while others danced merrily about the street. Drinking games were being played by some, resulting in roars of joy from victors while grumbling echoed from other tables where competitors lamented their bad luck. Ebonheim watched the festivities from her shrine, which had been relocated for the occasion from its usual spot near the town hall. The area around it had become an outdoor banquet venue for anyone to freely come and eat their fill from the various buffets laid out for all to enjoy. Kelzryn sat beside her beneath a nearby oak tree, seemingly content with observing the proceedings. She''d half expected him to wander off after the opening ceremony earlier in the afternoon, yet he surprised her by staying beside her still. So far, everything had proceeded smoothly without any incidents worth noting. Evelyne and Roderick handled most of the preparations perfectly, allowing Ebonheim to relax and enjoy the festivities instead of fretting herself silly over potential problems or last-minute emergencies. She couldn''t be more thankful for their hard work. Maybe it wouldn''t hurt to reward them sometime soon. "You seem preoccupied," Kelzryn noted from her side. His attention remained fixed forward where a pair of fiddlers played an upbeat tune. "Have the celebrations soured your mood? Or perhaps there''s something else you''re worrying about?" "No no! Nothing like that..." Ebonheim waved a hand dismissively. "Everything''s wonderful so far. Everything''s great. Evelyne deserves praise for how well this whole evening went off." He nodded once but didn''t reply immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted towards the crowd milling about in front of them before returning to stare at her. "If not concern regarding the festival...then what troubles you?" He arched one brow questioningly. "You seem distracted¡ªlike you want to be elsewhere. Is something amiss?" Ebonheim sighed softly. "Well...not exactly. I guess you could call me restless right now. But not in a bad way. Or...well..." She trailed off lamely, unsure whether her thoughts came across correctly. "Ahh...maybe I don''t know how I feel myself," she admitted ruefully. "But I think everything will work out fine. Everything should continue smoothly for now...so I suppose my mind wandered off towards the next few steps after tomorrow." The corners of Kelzryn''s eyes creased slightly¡ªa smile hidden within those brilliant pools¡ªbefore fading again without a trace. "Ah. Your ambitions push you onward as always," he remarked quietly. "I should''ve guessed...but well¡ªit never hurts to inquire before presuming matters." He lifted himself off the ground as he spoke and offered his hand. "Shall we walk around? We won''t gain clarity sitting here by ourselves while the crowd celebrates." When she accepted the gesture, he helped pull her upright beside him. "Come on, let''s wander around together." They strolled along slowly, moving through clusters of people gathered in groups chatting amongst themselves. Occasional laughs could be heard here and there as various conversations flowed around them without stopping or pausing when Ebonheim or Kelzryn passed by. There were quite a few newcomers present today judging by the faces staring back at them curiously or with awe as they wandered along. Some greeted them warmly or wished them well. But most simply watched silently as they walked by. A handful stared longer than what might be considered polite before turning away quickly when Ebonheim glanced their way. "This is the first time there have been visitors at our town''s festivals," Ebonheim murmured to no one in particular. She smiled shyly. "I admit, I didn''t expect so many folks from Kerkenberge or other nearby settlements would come out to join us in celebrating. Makes me a tad nervous...not knowing who they truly are or what they''ll do to pass the time..." Kelzryn remained silent throughout the exchange until finally he said simply, "Don''t fret over such details tonight." A hint of warmth tinged the edges of his words. "Relish in the joy of your success." His hand fell lightly atop her head¡ªnot quite petting yet ruffling through her hair¡ªbefore slipping away moments later. "You''ve earned this break." Ebonheim wanted to argue¡ªto deny the notion that she deserved special treatment¡ªbut stopped herself. The look he gave her made it impossible to refuse. She relented with a sigh. "Fine. No more worrying about tomorrow for now. Promise!" Her lips parted into another smile. "Tonight...I''ll indulge myself." She bowed slightly before turning her attention towards the crowd and starting forward once more. Her pace increased slightly as she walked amongst those gathered within the square. Kelzryn followed close behind her, keeping an eye on things as always¡ªshe''d come to understand how important this action meant to him¡ªbut letting Ebonheim lead nonetheless. After making several rounds around the square, Ebonheim spotted Brevin and Lilin among the crowd munching on skewers near one of the buffet tables set out earlier. The two seemed deep in conversation judging by their expressions, which suggested whatever topic was being discussed wasn''t exactly pleasant given how animatedly they gestured and waved their arms every now and again.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Several others from the Deep Miners of Gordandale stood alongside them sipping ale from large tankards. All appeared equally invested in whatever they argued about between themselves. So much so that none noticed her approach until Ebonheim tapped Brevin''s arm. Brevin broke off his current debate mid-sentence with Lilin to turn towards her. He flashed her a broad grin before raising his half-drunk tankard in salute. "Greetings to you and yours, goddess!" he bellowed cheerfully as he swept the tankard in a wide arc towards the other gathered Deep Miners behind him. "Please join us! We don''t bite!" The rest echoed their approval while thumping the table energetically. Ebonheim laughed softly before taking her place next to Brevin. She took a moment to glance around curiously, taking notice of everyone present. "What were you arguing about? Anything exciting? Or shall I pretend this is the first time I arrived and not interrupt?" "Nothing serious¡ªjust having a lively discussion over our latest expedition into a cavern system," Brevin answered easily enough. "Lilin disagrees with the way I handled the exploration process..." "I didn''t mean to question your methods, chief," Lilin interjected defensively. "It''s just...you know my concerns about safety. I don''t want accidents to occur because of complacency." A murmur ran through the group. Several voices joined the debate while a few more offered their own opinions here and there. Ebonheim stayed quiet throughout this exchange¡ªlistening attentively to all points raised¡ªand chiming in every now and again as needed. Out of all the groups that Ebonheim welcomed into her realm, she had spent the least amount of time interacting with the Deep Miners of Gordandale. They''d kept mostly to themselves aside from their monthly report and occasional requests for assistance with their mining projects within the mountainous terrain north of town. On the surface, they seemed quite aloof¡ªbut she understood how they operated. Their reserved nature merely reflected how they prioritized hard work over idle conversation or frivolous interaction¡ªsomething she deeply appreciated about them. They were all kind and courteous individuals, who treated each other equally regardless of their social status. A group she was glad to welcome within her domain. Still though...perhaps she''d been remiss in giving them less attention than others. From here on out, she''d try to remedy that particular oversight on her part. She''d strive to learn more about them and the lives they led every day. "Brevin." Ebonheim tapped Brevin lightly upon his forearm. He turned slightly towards her, cocking an eyebrow expectantly. "You mentioned you recently discovered new sections deep beneath your mines. May I come along the next time you explore one such chamber? I admit I''m curious to see what you uncover." "Certainly!" Brevin exclaimed loudly without hesitation. His expression shifted to something resembling excitement¡ªhis mouth curving upward into a broad grin. "Absolutely. I don''t see why not! It''ll give you a chance to assess our safety procedures yourself too..." Lilin cleared her throat pointedly at that last remark. Brevin shot a sheepish smile her way. "Err...I mean," he hastily added, "you can also review our guidelines to ensure there aren''t any flaws that might endanger us. I mean...if our goddess herself says we need changes made? How could we refuse?" Several other miners laughed while clapping Brevin on the shoulders. "True enough! Who''d want to contradict our patron''s wishes..." The discussion went back and forth for quite a while. No one brought up further arguments after that point though they continued discussing their expedition for a while after. Eventually, the conversation died down as people wandered off towards other pursuits. Ebonheim excused herself, leaving Brevin and his friends to enjoy themselves for the remainder of the evening. With all her obligations fulfilled for the time being, Ebonheim found herself back at square one: wondering what to do next. It wouldn''t hurt to wander around alone a little bit longer¡ªshe enjoyed the opportunity to observe how others interacted with their peers or family members, whether they were residents or travelers staying briefly. But before she could decide which direction to start heading in...her gaze landed on Evelyne sitting by herself on a bench near one corner of the market square. As always, she looked stunning dressed in an elaborate golden-threaded green gown. Her hair had been braided intricately into complex patterns woven around several small flowers while her skin seemed practically glowing under the light of the lanterns overhead. She appeared lost in thought¡ªsitting still with hands clasped tightly together in her lap. Ebonheim walked towards her without any forethought regarding what to say or do afterwards. She didn''t stop when she got close either; instead she plopped unceremoniously onto the empty spot next to Evelyne. "You seem pensive...for someone whose plans for today worked out perfectly well," Ebonheim remarked casually as she leaned against one armrest. She flashed Evelyne a teasing grin. "Is everything good? Anything troubling you?" Evelyne broke out from her daze and glanced upwards at Ebonheim''s voice. Her face instantly brightened into a smile. "Ma d¨¦esse! You''re finally here¡ªI''ve been waiting for you," she purred, reaching over to pull Ebonheim into her arms. Gwah! Ebonheim barely managed to avoid falling sideways on the bench and squirmed awkwardly as Evelyne smushed her cheek against hers. "Okayokay¡ªyou can stop...! Let go already...!" Her cheeks flushed scarlet as Evelyne continued hugging her like some kind of stuffed toy. They remained locked in their embrace for a while longer before Evelyne finally let Ebonheim go. She gave her a playful peck on the forehead before releasing Ebonheim''s hands and leaning away. "You''re awfully cheerful," Ebonheim commented dryly. Though she secretly enjoyed receiving Evelyne''s affection¡ªeven though she acted so embarrassed about receiving them in public¡ªshe felt compelled to tease her a little too. Evelyne gave Ebonheim a wink as her expression turned mischievous. "Why shouldn''t I be? Everything''s gone splendidly tonight. Everyone''s having the best time! And here I sit with our patron goddess right beside me." She hummed softly to herself¡ªa melody Ebonheim vaguely recalled hearing her hum during times when she crafted something new in her workshop¡ªbefore continuing. "So yes, ma d¨¦esse. All my worries have vanished. It''d take an awful lot for me to be unhappy tonight. And right now? I''m content." Her hand reached towards Ebonheim''s face, cupping her cheek gently while she spoke. "Very content indeed." "Good to know~" Ebonheim chuckled. "Well then! Since we''re both content...why don''t we take this opportunity to enjoy the rest of the party before calling it a day?" "Indeed. Tomorrow marks another step in Ebonheim''s development as our domain grows and our reputation flourishes," Evelyne concurred, before finally noticing Kelzryn standing beside her. "Ahh...Kelzryn...good evening." "Evening." Kelzryn nodded curtly in response. Evelyne pouted at his aloofness. "I know you''ve already spent quite a bit of time with her this eve. It''s my turn to monopolize her company, mon ami..." she huffed while making shooing motions towards him. "I mustn''t allow anyone else to hog her attention. So please...shoo! Go talk with Roderick if you''re so bored." "You both sound like squabbling siblings when you bicker," Ebonheim noted matter-of-factly. Both shot indignant looks her way. "Oh come on...you do. Don''t deny it! You fight over the smallest details sometimes..." "We''re simply passionate about ensuring we maintain our positions as top favorites in your life," Evelyne countered with a giggle. She wrapped one arm tightly around Ebonheim''s shoulders while looking pleased as punch. "You''ll find few in town who aren''t devoted to earning their goddess'' favor~!" Her other arm waved Kelzryn away dismissively. Kelzryn''s expression remained inscrutable despite this clear provocation. After regarding both women for a heartbeat longer, he offered a faint smile and a shrug. "As you wish, miss Evelyne. Enjoy yourselves¡ªI''ll see you both tomorrow. I intend to retire soon as it is." With that said, he bowed graciously towards them before taking his leave. "You''re really mean to him," Ebonheim chided Evelyne even as she settled back into their shared hug. "Why must you keep trying to provoke his ire? He''s nice!" Evelyne turned an incredulous glance at her. "That''s exactly why! He acts too nice¡ªand so composed. All the time! I want to see him flustered or annoyed or surprised at least once. Just one reaction will suffice!" she emphasized with a shake of her fist. "Otherwise he''s no fun to tease at all..." Ebonheim couldn''t suppress the urge to laugh. Despite Evelyne''s rather callous words towards Kelzryn, she knew deep down he didn''t bear any ill feelings towards Evelyne or her antics. Both understood how these playful jabs worked between them. It had become their way of interacting after all these years. "Besides," Evelyne continued, "He needs to toughen up. He doesn''t stand a chance if he can''t handle some friendly teasing." She rose from her spot on the bench while dragging Ebonheim along with her. "Come¡ªlet us enjoy the festivities while we still may. I sense tomorrow shall prove hectic as well!" Chapter 158: Down Under 9th of Dayhelm, 1372 In the deep bosom of the earth, where light dared not stray, the industrious folk formerly hailing from Gorgandale had hewn a thriving mining community from the stone. Deep Miners, they called themselves, not without pride, as if claiming kinship to the rock around them. With their brawny hands and bulky pickaxes, they gouged at the granite wall as if scratching a back long overdue for relief. Shreds and slivers of stone flew aside with each blow, adding to the symphony of earthy drumming that reverberated through the cavernous space. Their robust bodies sweltered within their grimy leather vests and aprons, and their soot-stained skin glistened under the subdued glow of the small light crystals embedded in the surrounding rocks. Ebonheim followed Brevin and Lilin down a side passage lit by dimmer light crystals. The two had been explaining their progress since last year. Over the winter, they had discovered a vast and relatively stable vein of gold far within the mountainside. Lilin wanted to begin harvesting this mineral soon with the new tunnels they were digging. Brevin, however, remained uncertain about the stability. Both had come to a head two weeks ago...and asked their goddess to oversee and determine the proper course of action for themselves. "The truth is...I''m starting to get worried," Brevin confessed after a lull in the conversation. "The area Lilin and I fought over yesterday...well... I''ve discovered evidence suggesting we''re working dangerously close to an ancient section of tunnel¡ªperhaps a hidden path into the Underrealm." "The Underrealm?" Ebonheim asked. The name was unfamiliar to her, but it didn''t sound terribly inviting. "What''s this place?" Brevin hummed low in his throat. "The Underrealm..." he repeated. "Hmm...how to explain? It''s basically a world beneath our own¡ªa place where all sorts of dark creatures reside. Think of underground caverns as enormous as cities above. Only...all you''d find inside such places are all manner of fiends and monsters." Ebonheim frowned. "Sounds dangerous. Why haven''t I heard about this place before...?" "In fairness, you rarely leave Ebonheim...and many folk don''t care or wish to acknowledge the Underrealm," Brevin admitted with a sheepish laugh. "But every now and again adventurers or lost travelers stumble upon passages leading into them. There are few access points available to regular people and even fewer who actually seek them out. Still, however..." His expression turned more somber. "Some creatures might eventually break free and rise onto the surface...gods help anyone in their path once they do..." Ebonheim remained silent for several moments as she pondered his words. Finally, she posed her question. "Our outpost is fairly deep already. Could something have passed through our current mines unnoticed?" "It''s unlikely," Lilin answered instead. She shook her head in emphasis. "We haven''t ventured anywhere near these rumored ''entrances,'' as the chief puts them. These mines rarely dip deeper than half a kilometer underground. According to Chief Brevin''s estimates...we''d need to descend roughly twice our usual distance to risk discovering such a connection with our current equipment." Brevin scratched the back of his neck. "Yes...but if we continue expanding the network downward...eventually we''ll stumble into those places. And I''m not sure how I feel about intentionally burrowing closer towards them. That''d make all sorts of nasty things trickle toward Ebonheim''s outskirts, if they did come out at all." The three arrived at an open chamber within the outpost''s deepest area. Large piles of broken and discarded rocks littered the corners. Near the chamber''s center lay a small pool where murky water glistened eerily beneath the glow of several larger light crystals. "This was the end of the passage we explored when I discovered traces of that ancient path." Brevin stopped near the edge of the pool and crouched before pointing to a section of rock on the other side. "See how the wall curves sharply just behind the water? That''s part of a natural tunnel formed ages ago. Probably carved by an underground river flowing past this place. The light crystals we planted inside can reveal everything...if you peer closely enough." "Are there any signs?" Ebonheim asked as she peered closer. Her eyes narrowed in concentration. "Not quite. Look here¡ª" Brevin placed his palm flat against a specific spot along the curved wall, then gently pushed upward. A faint scraping noise echoed throughout the room as the stone shifted to expose a hidden gap beneath. It extended downward for several paces before disappearing from sight entirely. "This might lead to somewhere farther below...and further away from our usual routes." "Hmm..." Ebonheim''s voice trailed off as she examined the narrow crack. It certainly looked suspicious. Even without Brevin''s warning about its possible connection to the Underrealm, Ebonheim''s gut instinct told her not to trifle with whatever lay beyond this passage. Who knew what kind of monstrosity might crawl up here given enough time? Yet curiosity also nagged at her mind like an itch she couldn''t scratch. "Well...what''re our options regarding this discovery, you two? Do we block it off or investigate its depths...?" Ebonheim questioned while looking at her two followers. The other two remained quiet as they exchanged meaningful glances. Eventually, Lilin cleared her throat. "If you ask my opinion...I believe this requires investigation," she stated firmly. Then she turned toward Brevin expectantly. "Chief...your thoughts...?" "I agree," he responded after a moment''s hesitation. He tilted his head downwards and let out a deep sigh. When he finally raised his gaze to meet Ebonheim''s once more, his eyes shone with steely resolve. "Lilin and I already spoke at length prior about this...and we decided. This is an important matter¡ªwhether for good or ill remains to be seen. Regardless, I can''t risk having us mining this entire complex without knowing exactly what lurks beneath us." Ebonheim nodded. "In that case, I''ll join the exploration team myself. Once we figure out what''s going on in this area, we''ll make our plans accordingly." She offered both a confident smile. "We won''t rush things and remain careful. Who knows...perhaps we''ll stumble upon something useful. If the tunnel ends in a dead end...we''ll consider collapsing the passage to discourage anything from using it in the future." Lilin grinned widely in response. "Then we should decide on a date and gather people and equipment together¡ªsoon. No sense wasting time, ma''am!"
Out of the group gathered in the town hall, only Evelyne, Serelle, and Orin raised their hands to join the expedition into the new tunnels. The rest either preferred to stay put or declined for various reasons. "Eh? None of you are coming...?" Ebonheim blinked. "B-but...I expected more people to sign on to this particular outing. We need a lot of extra muscle for hauling all the necessary gear and supplies."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Bjorn cleared his throat and looked away sheepishly. "I-er, my wife asked me to stick around this time...since we recently had a wee one last winter." Roderick sighed and stared out the window nearby. "Well...y''see, Ebonheim. The thing is...me an'' the missus kinda hit a rocky patch lately. She told me she wouldn''t mind if I went out again so soon, but ah...I reckon I oughtta do right by her and stay home for once. At least till our quarrel gets sorted." Ingrid shook her head solemnly. "Apologies. Unfortunately I must decline your generous invitation due to previous obligations I must fulfill first. I hope you understand, dear goddess." Ebonheim turned to Thorsten expectantly, who quickly gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his head. "Me? Ahaha...not this time I''m afraid! See...uhhhh...my...axe! Yes, my axe snapped last week during sparring practice. It''s still getting repaired. And I''d feel bloody useless without my weapon! Right...?" Ebonheim couldn''t help but quirk an eyebrow at her followers'' myriad excuses. "You''re all awfully quick to reject my invitation today," she pointed out with a wry grin. "But alright. I guess it''s just me and you three then. We''ll head out in two days'' time. Gather your own supplies beforehand. Brevin and Lilin will provide the necessary equipment once we arrive at the outpost." She dismissed everyone else afterward. Once everyone filed out, however, she couldn''t suppress the urge to heave a heavy sigh. "I can''t help but think those excuses sounded a bit...fishy. Don''t you?" Ebonheim asked aloud. Kelzryn remained quiet for several seconds before answering. "They might not like venturing underground. Some people develop a natural aversion towards cramped spaces." "I don''t blame them," Ebonheim said with a soft chuckle. "Still...I didn''t expect them to avoid joining in. At least Serelle, Orin, and Evelyne chose to accompany me. That''ll suffice for this outing. I''d rather avoid overwhelming our miners with too many newcomers in one go..." Kelzryn merely nodded in agreement before following after her.
Ebonheim found herself gazing at her reflection in a large hand mirror. She wore her hair tied back in a neat braid; her usual white dress replaced with a practical set of clothes: leather boots and a sturdy brown shirt paired with comfortable black pants. Over everything, she donned a thick cloak made from thick wool. The whole outfit gave her a more casual appearance than her usual attire¡ªperfect for this expedition into the unknown depths below ground. She set the mirror aside on her bed with a soft sigh before glancing around her cabin one final time to ensure she hadn''t forgotten anything essential for the coming days'' activities. A knock came upon her door. "Ma d¨¦esse~! Are you ready yet? Everyone else has gathered at the town square already! We''re waiting on your orders~" Evelyne called from outside. "Yes,yes, I''m almost done," Ebonheim replied. "Come in if you want. I''m finishing up my preparations now." She turned back toward her nightstand as footsteps approached from behind. A moment passed before Ebonheim felt gentle hands brush against her shoulders. Turning slightly to meet Evelyne''s gaze, Ebonheim gave a reassuring smile. "I didn''t expect you to volunteer. You hate small spaces. And don''t like dirt...or grime...or anything remotely filthy. You sure you want to tag along?" "Mon plaisir! You''ll find me eager to lend my aid whenever possible~" Evelyne chimed. She leaned forward till their noses touched and grinned widely. "Especially when our goddess takes the lead herself. How can I refuse your call for support? Especially since this''ll let me keep an eye on you. And perhaps other things too~" Ebonheim''s cheeks flushed slightly. "Ahaha...you''re always so forward..." She gently pushed away Evelyne''s arms around her. "Thank you. Truly. Having your assistance is greatly appreciated." After gathering her belongings together in her knapsack, Ebonheim slung the pack over her shoulder and strode out from her home with Evelyne trailing after her. They found the rest of their party waiting by the fountain in the central square. Orin and Serelle chatted amiably as they examined a set of tools and gadgets. Next to them was...an egg-shaped Aetherframe supported by two stumpy legs. One arm protruded from either side of the mech¡ªeach ending in a clawlike manipulator. Several tubes and cables ran between its various components to connect them all together. A pair of thick panels sat atop its main body like an oversized lid. It reminded her somewhat of a potbellied stove. Or perhaps more aptly¡ªa walking mechanical barrel. She glanced at Evelyne. "What''s this for...?" "Oh! This?" Evelyne said proudly. "I built a modified version of an Aetherframe for this occasion. It''s designed to haul cargo and perform basic labor in enclosed spaces. We''re going into cramped tunnels. We can''t fit a full-size Aetherframe into them, so I came up with this solution." She patted the machine fondly on its metal carapace. "I call this model ''Orby''. A compact but robust unit perfect for mining and carrying supplies through narrow passageways~" Ebonheim stared at her blankly for a few seconds before shaking her head with an amused grin. "Sometimes I''m not sure what to think of your creations. But if it proves useful...that''s good enough for me. But, um, wouldn''t it be a bit...tight for you in there?" Her eyes roved over Orby''s bulk doubtfully. Unlike the other Aetherframes, this one was only twice the size of an average human. It looked more like an oversized metal keg on legs than anything else. "Non! The cockpit fits snugly around me~" Evelyne purred. She then placed her hands against either side of the chassis'' panels. "And getting in and out is a cinch. Observe!" With a quick motion she lifted open the top like opening a pot''s lid and climbed in. There came the sound of rustling and grunting as she struggled to settle herself inside the machine. Her muffled voice echoed from within. "Merde! A little snugger than usual...but not unbearable~" Ebonheim giggled softly. "Are you sure? Seems quite tight from here..." "N-non...! Just need to...readjust...a bit..." More shifting and wriggling followed before Evelyne''s strained voice spoke again. "There...we...go~ Ahhhh~! Perfect~! Nice and comfy now~" Then Orby stirred; its legs shuddered for a moment before steadying itself once again. The two arms flexed experimentally before giving a thumbs-up pose. Ebonheim approached the front of the mech, noting the small window where Evelyne could peer out from inside. "So...how''s your field of vision in there? Anything obstructing your sight? Will you manage to see well enough while moving around in this thing?" Evelyne chuckled. "Ma d¨¦esse...you worry too much! I installed several viewports all across the hull. My sight should be more than adequate for navigating those tunnels. No need for concern~!" "If you say so," Ebonheim relented. She stepped away from Orby and headed towards the others. Orin greeted her with an easy smile. He wore a set of simple clothes¡ªa white shirt beneath a gray leather vest and black pants tucked into leather boots. A large satchel hung off his shoulder by a strap. "If we ever experience any cave-ins, we can place the blame on Evelyne and her toy here," Orin quipped wryly. He tapped his artificial right arm against Orby''s leg. "She claims this bucket can support itself even when buried beneath tons of rock. But I doubt her boasts." Evelyne scoffed from within her Aetherframe. "How rude! I designed Orby with utmost care! It''s as durable as any full-size Aetherframe! If anything, I''m more concerned about your own safety during this expedition, Orin. You''re scrawny enough as is..." "Hey! My physical fitness has improved greatly since coming here!" Orin shot back. "You''re one to talk anyway! I bet you haven''t stepped foot outdoors for days! You''re probably as frail as parchment! No stamina to speak of!" The Aetherframe stamped angrily at that remark. "Moi?! I''ll show you who lacks stamina!" Orby lurched forward clumsily and swung both arms at Orin in a mock boxing pose. "Come here and let me demonstrate how tough I am~!" Serelle interrupted their bickering with a polite cough. "Please...not here in the square. At least wait until we''re away from the crowd to begin your childish spats. I don''t want anyone injured due to your carelessness." She wore her usual green dress along with her white overcoat and white hooded cloak. In one hand she carried her staff; the other held a large book tucked beneath her arm. She nodded to Ebonheim as she approached. "Hello, Ebonheim. Are you ready to depart? I assume all preparations have been completed. We just await your order to proceed." Ebonheim smiled and nodded back. "Yes, I''m set. I believe everyone else should be too. Let''s head out. Lilin and Brevin are expecting us at the outpost later today. And we mustn''t keep them waiting too long." Chapter 159: Spelunking Ebonheim and the others followed Lilin and her cohort of miners deeper into the mountainside, past the main mining chambers, and finally arrived at the deeper excavations. The passages here grew narrower and more constricted as they descended into the earth. At one point, they had to stoop to avoid hitting their heads on the low ceiling. Evelyne''s mech squeezed through the cramped confines like a lump of food passing along someone''s throat, clanking and groaning as Orby struggled with every step. Ebonheim chuckled at the sight. She wouldn''t admit it aloud, but she found Evelyne''s struggles quite humorous despite herself. Eventually, they reached the newly uncovered tunnel and the murky pool of water near its entrance. "It''s been a couple of weeks since we made this discovery..." Lilin began explaining. "And so far, we haven''t detected anything unusual about this area. No sounds or signs that anything lives further in. Nor have we sensed any strange magic. So, today''s goal will be to explore this route till we either reach its end or find something of interest..." As Lilin briefed them on their plans, Ebonheim turned her gaze toward the pitch-black gap yawning wide behind the pool. Her intuition tingled at the sight...but nothing came to mind. If something lurked deep within...she could not detect its presence from where she stood. Perhaps her instincts were mistaken. Once Lilin finished speaking, several miners stepped forward with pickaxes and shovels. They started chipping away at the wall surrounding the tunnel''s edge, slowly expanding the opening. After only ten minutes of effort, they''d managed to widen the gap enough for everyone to pass through with ease¡ªincluding Orby. Afterwards, Ebonheim and company moved ahead first. The miners stayed behind to finish securing the entrance and setting up lights before catching up later on. Lilin and two others volunteered to accompany them instead, lighting the path forward with enchanted lamps. "We''ve always wanted to show you how we work, goddess...but we never had a proper opportunity to do so before," Lilin explained sheepishly as she led their group onward. "Whenever you visit our outpost...everything is already set up and running smoothly. Hardly the same as when we''re first starting to mine an area." Ebonheim chuckled softly at her words. "Well...it''s not like I come down here often anyway. Usually only during times of importance or emergency situations. And I tend to leave everything else to you and Brevin to handle. You two seem more than capable of keeping things under control. I trust you both entirely." Lilin nodded happily at her response. "Thank you. We''re glad to hear such words from our patron herself. Truly..." Then she paused momentarily as she glanced backward. "Er...what''s wrong with your companions back there?" "Hm?" Ebonheim tilted her head curiously at Lilin''s odd question. Upon turning around, however, she immediately understood why. Both Orin and Serelle seemed distracted by their surroundings; peering closely at every surface they passed. Every now and again, they paused briefly to inspect certain sections before continuing on their way. All throughout this process, Serelle occasionally jotted notes into a notebook while muttering under her breath. "Oh...those two?" Ebonheim asked in surprise. "Well...they''re scholars. I guess they''re just studying the environment we''re in. Taking note of our surroundings and all that. I''m not sure why...since nothing stands out to me. But I assume whatever they''re doing must serve some sort of academic purpose." "Hmm..." Lilin gave a small grunt before facing forward again. "If you say so. Doesn''t sound terribly exciting to me," she murmured to herself. Then louder she said aloud, "Scholars, eh? Must be an interesting lifestyle. We mostly live by our muscles and instincts out here. Granted, there''s more to mining than meets the eye...but not something I''d say requires such scholarly pursuits. Hmm hmm~" Ebonheim couldn''t help but chuckle at her remark. "I suppose so. Still...we should let them continue their research uninterrupted. It might benefit us somehow later on. Who knows? Perhaps they''ll uncover something new about these tunnels that''ll aid in our exploration efforts. Stranger things have happened, haven''t they?" Lilin hummed in agreement. "Fair point. Let''s keep moving forward for now then..." With that, the group continued their trek through the cavernous depths...taking only brief stops to allow the trailing miners to catch up to their position. Occasionally, they halted when Lilin spotted potential ore veins. Each time she marked the site with chalk before urging everyone onward once more.
"I still can''t believe you didn''t let me bring a carrier automaton," Orin grumbled to Serelle as he carried his pack over his shoulder. "So inconvenient. Everything is heavy and cumbersome! And hot! Why do these tunnels have to be so blasted warm?! Ugh!" He wiped sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. Serelle glanced back with raised eyebrows but refrained from saying anything beyond an apologetic look. She merely patted him sympathetically upon his arm as they walked side by side. It seemed she knew better than to engage him when he got in such moods. Orby''s metal legs clanked loudly against the rocky ground. The noise echoed throughout the darkened confines of the narrow passage, mingling with the sound of other footfalls nearby. A haughty laugh came from within the mech. "Tsk tsk. So feeble~! You''d think a renowned Artificer such as yourself would have a little more endurance! Ohohoho~" Evelyne chided teasingly from within Orby''s cockpit. "Should I take those packs from you? I wouldn''t want your fragile limbs to snap like twigs beneath all that weight." "Shut up," Orin snapped without turning around. He gritted his teeth and ignored her. "At least I don''t reek of lavender every waking moment. Does your obsession with that fragrance know no bounds?! Bah!" "It''s called class," Evelyne retorted smugly. "Something which you severely lack~" As their bickering continued unabated, Lilin muttered under her breath. "...Are they always like this...?" "Unfortunately...yes," Ebonheim answered, a weary sigh escaping her lips. Serelle nodded silently at her side as if in agreement. "Aren''t they supposed to be the guild masters of their respective crafts? The elite? Hmmm..." Lilin scratched at her earlobe idly and shook her head in disgust. "How undignified..." Ebonheim chuckled half-heartedly at her remark. "It takes some getting used to...but believe me, there''s more to them than what meets the eye. Despite how they act...they''re quite good at what they do. And reliable too...usually. Just give them time to adjust. Once they get serious, I assure you, you''ll forget about all this nonsense." "Really?" Lilin raised an eyebrow dubiously. "If you say so. Though I must admit I''ve never seen two adults argue so...so childishly before..." Then she cringed as Evelyne''s voice rang out louder than usual. "Ugh...her screeching hurts my ears. And why does she have to constantly go on about such frivolous matters...?" Ebonheim smiled wryly at that. "Another quirk of hers I''m afraid. She can be quite fussy at times. Perhaps a tad overly concerned with personal appearance and proper conduct. She doesn''t like being seen in an imperfect state. But again, she does have her merits. When she gets down to business...it''s truly a sight to behold." "If she gets anything done with how picky she is..." Lilin murmured skeptically before trailing off into silence. In due time, Orin and Evelyne ceased their verbal sparring. They soon returned to inspecting the cave walls, and Serelle joined in their examination with her own observations. Lilin raised an eyebrow at this shift but held her tongue for now as she led onward at a measured pace. This allowed their miner cohorts to keep up without undue strain; even halting occasionally so they may check certain areas thoroughly before moving onward again.
"Cave spiders? Really?" Ebonheim asked curiously, tilting her head slightly to one side as she stared at Lilin. "About as big as your hand..." Lilin replied, holding out her palm for reference. Her fingers wiggled slightly. "...but they''re harmless creatures. Our light scares them off, but sometimes we run into them when working. They don''t bother anyone unless threatened...so please don''t squash them or anything if you happen to stumble on one." "Interesting," Serelle remarked, adjusting her glasses while examining the faint web patterns left behind on the cavernous surfaces nearby. "Do these spiders make good eating? I presume they taste quite gamey given how desolate this place must be. Any edible qualities worth noting? Fat content? Are certain parts more flavorful than others? Do your cooks have a special method to preparing their meat? If so, could I trouble you to ask for their recipes? This seems like something worth researching further...yes indeed..."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Lilin stared blankly at her for several seconds before blinking. "W-what...? Err...that''s...not something I ever considered before..." She shifted uncomfortably under Serelle''s steady gaze; the faintest hint of discomfort flickered across her features. Then she cleared her throat awkwardly. "I''m afraid I have no answers for you right now...but if you wish...I could ask around? I''m sure someone out there has tried cooking with them at least once. If anything comes up...I''ll let you know immediately, okay?" She turned to face forward again afterward and resumed guiding them without further comment. Orin, meanwhile, let out an exasperated groan at Serelle''s words. He rubbed his temple tiredly before speaking. "We''re not going to eat bugs here. If you''re hungry, Serelle, just snack on the rations I brought along in my bag." He reached into his satchel and retrieved a small bundle wrapped in cloth. Unwrapping the package revealed several biscuits and bread rolls inside. These he offered to Serelle with a polite gesture. "Thank you," Serelle said gratefully as she took one. "But...isn''t a spider technically an arachnid? Hmm...it isn''t exactly a bug." Her tone sounded thoughtful as if mulling over the distinction carefully. "...And they''re a novel food source. No harm in experimenting to satisfy my curiosity. Perhaps we can learn something new from such a venture. Besides, if we gather enough specimens¡ª" She paused as she bit into her biscuit mid-sentence and chewed slowly before continuing. "As I was saying...if we gather enough specimens...we may even discover useful applications for these...spiders. Perhaps we may find other ways to use their silk or venom. Or perhaps their bodily fluids contain medicinal properties. Many unknowns exist here. Worth investigating at minimum, wouldn''t you agree?" Before Orin could respond however, Evelyne cut in with a laugh. "Medicines and other potions have never required spider parts before. What would be the point of adding another ingredient? Unless you plan to create a potion specifically made to deal with arachnid-related issues?" "Well...there could be additional benefits," Serelle admitted sheepishly. Her eyebrows knitted together as she pondered further aloud. "And certain poisons can serve as remedies in controlled dosages. It''d be an intriguing study either way." Ebonheim simply smiled as she listened in on the conversation. It didn''t take long for them to fall into their usual banter once more as they delved deeper into the caves.
Another four hours passed uneventfully as they trekked onward into the depths...until eventually they came upon a large underground clearing filled with stalagmites and stalactites jutting from both the floor and ceiling. Hundreds of pale pink crystals adorned the walls¡ªglowing faintly in the dim light cast by their enchanted lamps. Tiny droplets of moisture dripped down onto the stone surfaces below and collected within shallow puddles scattered across the uneven ground. Thin rivulets ran along cracks and crevices and disappeared beneath the surface; while elsewhere they gathered together and formed larger streams and pools within depressions in the rock face. In many places, mineral deposits coated the rocky surroundings in vibrant hues¡ªranging from deep violet to brilliant turquoise and even bright orange; each possessing a lustrous shine under their lamplight. It almost reminded Ebonheim of a massive natural cathedral or temple...albeit one devoid of life save for mosses, fungi and other tiny plants clinging to damp surfaces wherever sufficient nourishment could be gleaned. "Whoa..." Ebonheim murmured softly in awe at the sight before her. "...this is incredible..." Lilin hummed curiously before answering her. "...Oh? Is this your first time visiting such a place? We often come across spaces like this within the mining complex. Some are smaller. Others larger. Though...rarely do we ever come across anything quite this...enchanting. I would''ve preferred to show you something like this under different circumstances...but alas...our duty calls..." "No no...it''s fine!" Ebonheim assured her with a shake of her head and a gentle laugh. A broad smile tugged at her lips as she surveyed the marvelous vista. She ran her fingertips across the nearby rock wall absentmindedly as she admired its beauty further. Her skin tingled faintly at the sensation¡ªperhaps due to the subtle ambient magic infused into the crystal formations...? If nothing else, their faint glow created a cozy atmosphere within the otherwise dark and foreboding space surrounding them. Even though their group carried plenty of illumination to see clearly enough¡ªthe ambience provided by the crystals themselves imbued the space with an indescribable sense of wonderment and warmth that permeated everything around them. "Ahem." Lilin coughed politely after several moments passed without further comment from her audience. "In any case...this area should make for a good resting spot. Let''s stop here and set up camp before resuming our exploration." With that said, their group immediately set about erecting tents and other temporary shelters within the massive open area. Meanwhile, Ebonheim helped Serelle collect water samples from various locations throughout the grotto¡ªdripping from stalactites high above, pooling into shallow basins carved into the rocky terrain below or accumulating in small streams trickling down along the cave walls. They placed these into vials which Serelle carefully labeled according to their source before placing them securely inside her backpack alongside the rest of her research materials. "What exactly are you hoping to discover with this experiment?" Ebonheim inquired while they worked together. "Hmmm..." Serelle tapped her chin pensively as she examined another filled vial. "The water quality in certain sections may differ depending on their proximity to the crystals here. It''s possible we might find traces of their essence infused within the droplets themselves. Who knows? Perhaps the crystals themselves hold unusual properties as well. They are reacting lightly to my Mage Sight...though I can''t discern what elements may lie embedded within them. Mayhaps an interesting subject to examine in detail at another point in time. Yes...indeed..." A soft murmur escaped her lips as she fell back into contemplative rumination once more¡ªapparently satisfied with her initial findings thus far. "Ma d¨¦esse~ Could you assist me for a moment over here?" Evelyne called out from inside Orby. The top hatch to the mech popped open noisily¡ªa hissing sound filling the air as steam spewed forth from the opening. "J-just need a hand getting out! Mmmmphh!! Merde...stupid...hatch..." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow before turning around and walking toward her. "Are you alright in there?" she asked in amusement as she approached. Evelyne stuck her head out through the hatch; her face red and flustered as sweat dripped down her brow. "Yes! I''m fine! Just...having a little trouble climbing out...It''s...it''s not built for people my size..." she admitted sheepishly. "Can you give me a lift perhaps? Je t''en prie~" she added in a sweet tone as she batted her eyelashes endearingly. Ebonheim let out a quiet laugh at her plight. "Alright. I''ll pull you out." She climbed onto Orby''s back and positioned herself directly above the cockpit hatch, gripping the edges firmly with both hands; leaning her weight backward slightly to ensure she wouldn''t lose her balance during this operation. She reached down with both hands and grasped Evelyne''s outstretched arms before pulling hard. After a few awkward attempts at pulling her free however, Ebonheim paused momentarily. "Your legs got stuck in there or something?" Evelyne''s face turned an even darker shade of scarlet at the question. She remained silent for several seconds before replying meekly. "M-maaaybe..." she whispered under her breath. "This stupid thing wasn''t built to fit my hips!!! Ughhhh!!!" she groaned loudly out of frustration as she squirmed about within the cramped confines of her mech''s interior. "Just...pull harder, s''il vous pla?t..." A faint snicker left Ebonheim as she began tugging once again¡ªusing more force than before this time around; all while Evelyne wiggled her hips back and forth within the cockpit...before finally popping loose! "Pah!" With a sharp jerk backwards, Ebonheim fell onto her back with Evelyne on top of her¡ªboth laying sprawled beneath the Aetherframe. "Owww..." Ebonheim grumbled as she rubbed her sore rump; though otherwise uninjured thanks to her divinity. Evelyne pushed herself upwards and rolled off of her with a grunt; rubbing her own rump gingerly as she muttered under her breath. "...S-sorry about that, ma d¨¦esse," she apologized hastily before helping Ebonheim to her feet. Ebonheim dusted herself off and gave Evelyne a pat on the shoulder before turning back toward their campsite. "Let''s eat," she suggested cheerfully. "It smells like they''ve already gotten started on our food supply. I bet they''re cooking up something tasty right now." They joined the others for a late lunch consisting of simple fare: salted pork, bread and cheese with a cup of weak ale to wash it down with. All in all, a rather dull affair despite Orin''s best attempts at seasoning their meal with a bit of spice. Ebonheim barely minded though since eating was more of a pastime for her than anything else at this point. Afterwards, Lilin announced they would continue on further into the cave system for another two hours before calling it a day. She also reminded everyone to stay alert at all times¡ªpointing out several shadowy spots hidden amidst the dim light where monsters or creatures could potentially ambush them from. So on they went¡ªwith their weapons close at hand and eyes scanning their surroundings diligently as they trekked forward once again.
The air grew warmer as they descended deeper, prompting the miners to remove their helmets and shirts to cool off. The walls narrowed significantly too as they ventured further within the tunnel system. It became necessary to squeeze through gaps which required them to take off any bulky equipment first before proceeding ahead again. Every so often, Orin would examine rocks and crystals discovered alongside their journey. He kept a collection in the small wooden box he carried by his hip and occasionally asked if he may stop to observe something interesting. Serelle obliged him without complaint despite her obvious desire to investigate various flora growing from cracks and crevices lining these passages. She dutifully documented every new specimen encountered in her sketchbook after marking the page number where each particular species occurred upon a grid map of sorts. Another hour passed uneventfully before they arrived at another large open area; albeit one much smaller than the previous cavern they''d stayed in. Flickering lights from distant corners of the ceiling caught Ebonheim''s attention first¡ªit almost appeared as though stars sparkled overhead...if not for their size and irregular placement. She stopped in her tracks as she spotted movement among the rocky crags above. "Um...I don''t suppose there might be bats around here?" Ebonheim asked slowly while pointing upward at the blinking luminescence beyond. "Like glowing bats...or perhaps fireflies...maybe?" Lilin glanced upward with mild curiosity as she stepped around to stand beside Ebonheim. "Glowing bats? I don''t think so...I''ve never heard of such a thing." Orin glanced over in their direction upon hearing this and quickly adjusted his enchanted monocle. "I''d expect fungi or bioluminescent species to be present among stalactites. But neither emit blinking lights like that. Hmm..." "Maybe bugs or critters?" Evelyne suggested nonchalantly from within Orby. "Something making its home up there somewhere. A nest or den perhaps." "It looks too...big..." Ebonheim trailed off as she watched one particularly large cluster scuttle sideways before vanishing out of view once more. A vague sense of alarm began creeping within her while studying those strange silhouettes. "I''m gonna check things out closer." Chapter 160: Cryptids Ebonheim crept carefully ahead, keeping her eyes fixed on the shadows above her the entire time. Whatever lurked there made almost no noise beyond faint scratching sounds against solid rock. The faintest outlines of what appeared like sleek, chitinous bodies shimmering in the dim light, blending almost seamlessly with the dark rock and the bioluminescent glow that surrounded them. What the¡ª Are those eyes?! She paused mid-stride at the sight ahead. Eight pairs of glowing orbs stared straight back at her from high above in the darkness¡ªarranged neatly together like the faceted eyes of an insect. Then, suddenly, those same ''orbs'' started shifting about haphazardly across the surface of whatever hid in the dark recesses of the cave ceiling...before receding out of sight again moments later. She activated her Divine Sight. Immediately, those obscure forms gained sharper definition. Compound eyes and a distinct carapace stood out clearly from the murky backdrop. Antennae waved from atop angular heads while six jointed legs shifted about in unison across the jagged outcroppings they clung to. Occasionally a mouthpart emerged from a narrow slit to gnaw upon the abundant mosses or lichens adorning the surfaces thereon. "They''re...some kind of giant insects," Ebonheim stated plainly after a long pause. "A little over a meter each. Six legs. Glowing eyes. I count...eight altogether. Hmm..." Her voice trailed off into thoughtful silence as she continued peering into the gloom beyond. Meanwhile, Serelle had joined alongside her and peered through the gloom. She donned a pair of goggles affixed with a multitude of lenses around the edges¡ªallowing her to switch between varying degrees of magnification and filtration to aid in her observations. "Fascinating," she murmured under her breath before adjusting one particular eyepiece upward with an audible click. An ethereal blue hue enveloped the glass surface. "Their chitin emits mana. And there seem to be traces of earth-aspected arcane energy throughout their bodies as well...hmmm...intriguing...yet I can''t discern its purpose or function. Perhaps a symbiotic relationship with these fungal spores flourishing throughout their habitat? Do you detect anything else unusual?" Ebonheim frowned slightly as she focused upon the creatures once more. [Name] Netherling Cryptid [Health] 80/80 [Combat Stats] Melee Attack 19; Ranged Attack 19; Arcane Defense 17; Physical Defense 20; Evasion 21; Damage 13-16 Kinetic (Natural Weapons), 20-24 Fire (Plasma Projectile) [Special Abilities] Damage Reduction 9 (Kinetic), Damage Reduction 16 (Fire); Bioluminescence; Camoflauge; Plasma Projectiles; Limited Flight; Burrowing; Environmental Adaptation "Well...those are clearly not ordinary bugs," Ebonheim remarked dryly as she deactivated her power. She turned to address Orin who''d come to stand behind them with arms folded across his chest in contemplative silence. "Are you two familiar with something called ''Netherling Cryptids?''" "Netherlings?" Orin furrowed his brow at the term. "No...I''ve never heard of them before. Serelle?" Serelle shook her head. "I have not either. Netherling could refer to numerous types of beings that inhabit or originate from the Underrealm. A somewhat vague descriptor. As for these cryptids specifically...I''m unsure. I''ll conduct further research upon our return to Ebonheim. Perhaps my library will uncover more details regarding this matter." Ebonheim nodded before turning her attention back to the strange creatures hiding within the shadows above them. "They don''t appear aggressive at least. Still though...we should try to steer clear of any confrontations with those things if possible." They returned back to their party and informed them about their encounter. Lilin in particular listened intently before giving a firm nod. "Right. Let''s head back to the other chamber then and make camp. Stirring up a nest of giant insects isn''t on my list today. If we keep going deeper, they might become more territorial. Tomorrow, we''ll search for any other pathways leading out of here. Maybe we''ll find an alternate path without these things around." With that said, she spun about on her heels and began retracing their steps with the rest following close behind.
They made their way back to the larger cavern from earlier in relative silence. Once there, Lilin immediately started setting up their tents and other camp necessities. Several other miners joined her efforts shortly after. Orin and Serelle meanwhile sat down together upon a couple makeshift seats made from flat slabs of stone to discuss whatever findings they''d acquired along their journey so far. Meanwhile, Ebonheim remained standing at the edge of their little encampment and gazed upon the shimmering walls surrounding them. The ethereal glow produced by those abundant crystal formations still filled her with awe...as did the strange, almost alien beauty they seemed to exude in this otherwise bleak environment. She ran her fingers across one particular formation nearby¡ªfeeling the smooth, cool texture beneath her fingertips as she did so. As before, a faint tingling sensation accompanied this touch as well...though whether or not this effect came from some sort of magical property embedded within the crystal itself or perhaps due to her divinity interacting with such things, she wasn''t entirely certain. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against the crystalline structure. Her eyes closed shut. [Name] Eclipsium Cluster [Type] Gemstone (Magical) - Unrefined Raw Form [Description] A rare, luminescent crystal formation commonly found growing deep underground within regions containing abundant amounts of ambient arcane energy. When properly refined and polished, these stones may be utilized as conduits for various forms of elemental magic or even certain divinities depending upon their purity and grade. They''re particularly well suited towards enchantments pertaining to light or fire due to their natural affinity for such energies. "Ma d¨¦esse," Evelyne called out from behind her, "is everything alright? You seem distracted by something over there. Is something on your mind?" Ebonheim slowly lifted her head from the crystalline surface and turned to face Evelyne who now sat cross-legged atop Orby. "Oh. Yeah. Everything''s fine. Just curious about these crystals I suppose. They seem valuable. I wonder why Lilin and her crew haven''t tried harvesting them yet?" Evelyne hummed thoughtfully before answering her. "Perhaps because they don''t know how? Or perhaps because doing so requires specialized tools and skills that they lack? Then again, maybe there are other reasons for leaving these things undisturbed. It isn''t my place to ask however." Lilin chose that exact moment to approach them with two wooden cups filled with steaming soup. "Food''s ready," she said curtly before handing Ebonheim and Evelyne their meals respectively. She paused however upon noticing the curious expression on Ebonheim''s face as she regarded her. "Ah, about these crystals. I assume you have questions?" Lilin raised an eyebrow as she gestured vaguely towards the nearest cluster. "Truthfully, we''re leaving them alone for now. They''re hard to harvest, but that''s not the real reason. See, these crystals...well...it''s strange. But they react negatively when exposed to daylight." "React...negatively...? In what way?" Ebonheim asked after taking a sip from her cup. She glanced toward Evelyne who simply shrugged nonchalantly. Lilin frowned slightly at the question before continuing. "They lose their luster. Turn dull and grey...and sometimes shatter on their own after a few days'' exposure to the sun. Even though they have an affinity for light-aspected arcane energy, they''re averse to natural sunlight. No one really knows why either. That''s why they''re called Eclipsium. A crystal that blooms in the absence of light. It''s a bit ironic. But anyway...enjoy your meal. I have to attend to the others." With that said, she left to tend to the rest of the miners huddled together near the campsite. Ebonheim stared at Lilin''s back for a brief moment before shifting her attention back to the shimmering crystal cluster. She reached out and placed a hand upon its smooth surface once again. "Hmmm...a crystal averse to sunlight huh? Interesting..." Evelyne chuckled lightly before taking a small sip from her cup. "I''ve never heard of such a phenomenon occurring within gemstones before...or any minerals for that matter. But...it sounds plausible enough. Perhaps this reaction stems from a unique characteristic inherent within its molecular composition...? Or perhaps an external factor influences this change somehow? Something to consider at least."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. She shrugged dismissively at her own words as she spoke aloud. "A mystery for another time I suppose." Ebonheim nodded idly before turning her gaze elsewhere. She watched silently as Orin and Serelle shared a laugh over something she couldn''t overhear from this distance. They seemed to get along rather well considering their vastly contrasting personalities...not unlike herself and Evelyne actually. She smiled softly at the thought as she returned to her meal. Another day awaited them tomorrow after all.
It had been a while since Ebonheim last awoke in a tent. She sat up slowly¡ªher body aching slightly due to the hard ground underneath her makeshift bed. It didn''t bother her though. After stretching her arms for a bit and rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes, she crawled forward toward the entrance and poked her head outside. There wasn''t anything particularly notable to observe, other than the dimly lit cave surrounding their encampment. Several miners sat around a small campfire nearby while chatting amongst themselves. A few others remained fast asleep within their own shelters nearby. She crawled back inside afterward and grabbed her gear. After equipping her usual attire, she crawled out through the flap once more and approached Evelyne''s tent. "Evelyne? You up yet?" she asked aloud while peering inside. Therein sat Evelyne who currently busied herself tinkering with some kind of gadget upon her lap. At least...Ebonheim assumed that''s what she was doing based on her posture alone. "Oh! Bonjour! Didn''t expect to see you already awake, ma d¨¦esse. I haven''t finished maintenance work on Orby yet. Is something on your mind?" "No. Not really. Just checking on everyone''s status I guess." "Ah, I see. Well, most of the miners appear to be awake already. The rest are probably still asleep. Serelle and Orin are off exploring nearby if I''m not mistaken. They wanted to do a bit more research before we head out again." "Alright. Thanks Evelyne. I''ll leave you to your work." With that said, Ebonheim retreated from the tent''s entrance and wandered back toward the center of camp. She glanced about for a moment before spotting Serelle and Orin seated upon two separate stones. The pair seemed engrossed in their own conversation as they flipped through several pages worth of notes contained within two separate leather-bound books resting atop their laps. Orin had his monocle flipped downward over one eye as he examined various illustrations sketched across certain sections whereas Serelle kept adjusting the many lenses attached to her goggles every few seconds or so. "...and thus I believe these spores serve as symbiotic conduits for the arcane energy radiated by those crystals. The relationship between these fungi and the surrounding flora here seems mutually beneficial as well...or at least benign," Orin said without glancing upward from his reading material. "See here? I''ve marked several spots where these spores seem to concentrate themselves around the roots of various plants...almost like they''re feeding off them somehow..." "Yes...fascinating..." Serelle murmured absentmindedly before flipping back through a few previous entries. "But what about this specimen you found earlier today? This lichen growing directly atop the crystal surface itself. If your hypothesis holds true regarding the symbiosis occurring throughout this cavern''s ecosystem...then shouldn''t this particular species flourish even further when placed directly in contact with such a potent source of ambient magic...?" Ebonheim cleared her throat audibly, causing them to pause momentarily in mid-speech and glance at her in unison. "Mind if I interrupt?" she asked politely as she approached. "Not at all," Serelle answered with a faint smile before turning back toward the book in hand and flipping toward the most recently recorded entry. "We''re discussing the symbiotic relationship between this environment''s various organisms and its abundance of arcane energy...or perhaps vice versa...I suppose...?" "Or perhaps both simultaneously?" Orin interjected. He leaned forward slightly and tapped his pen upon the parchment paper beneath his fingertips. "Perhaps this entire cavern acts as one giant...ecological circuit?" Ebonheim blinked once and tilted her head ever-so-slightly. "Uh...what...?" Orin merely chuckled lightly at her response as he continued writing additional notes within his journal. "Apologies...sometimes my mind wanders further than I intend for it to. Essentially...what I mean to say is that this cavern appears to host numerous interdependent species which rely upon one another for sustenance. So...rather than viewing each species as separate entities within a single ecosystem...maybe it makes sense to view everything together as part of an interconnected whole. Like cogs turning in unison...or rivers flowing downstream into one another." "...Ah. I see," Ebonheim replied before taking another sip from her flask. "Well, regardless...I hope you two will remain cautious. Remember why we''re here in the first place. It''s easy to forget about potential dangers while engrossed in research or whatever else may distract you. Just stay safe and vigilant." "We shall endeavor to do so," Orin reassured her as he closed his notebook with a soft thud and stood up to stretch. "For now however, I believe we should begin preparing for our departure. The sooner we discover whether this tunnel connects to the Underrealm or not...the better." With that said he strode off toward his tent leaving Serelle sitting alone upon her rock. She closed her own notebook with a sigh before standing as well. "Yes...indeed. It would appear our brief respite has come to an end." After pausing momentarily to regard Ebonheim with a small smile and a slight nod of acknowledgment, she too turned away and walked back toward camp. Ebonheim remained seated for another moment as she watched them go. Then finally she finished off her drink and made her way back to camp herself.
The magitech pickaxe she wielded struck hard against the solid stone before her once again, sending sparks flying outward in a brilliant display of light and color. Ebonheim swung her tool downward again and again¡ªstriking with such force as to drive the head of the pickaxe deep into the rock wall each time until eventually a sizeable chunk broke loose from the larger mass and clattered to the ground beside her feet. She paused for a brief moment afterward to wipe away the beads of sweat that trickled down her brow. Lilin had instructed them all to gather within a specific section of tunnel for this particular excavation task¡ªthe reasoning being that this spot seemed more likely to lead somewhere beyond this cavern than anywhere else nearby. As such, everyone now busied themselves with their own individual tasks. Some worked alongside Ebonheim at chipping away at the thick layers of bedrock ahead. Others sorted through piles upon piles of rubble collected thus far or hauled heavy carts laden with debris off elsewhere. Evelyne, inside Orby, currently helped clear out the larger boulders using the mech''s brute strength while Orin supervised the operation from afar. Serelle meanwhile took great care in separating various types of minerals and gemstones discovered throughout the excavation process¡ªplacing each into their own respective wooden crates before moving on to the next pile of sorted material. As for Lilin herself, she had taken up position right alongside Ebonheim and her fellow deep miners, using her earthen magic to help clear out sections where their tools weren''t quite enough. Speaking of magic, Ebonheim had little doubt that some abilities stored in the Akashic System could be utilized to aid their efforts. Maybe a divine spell or two to uncover valuable deposits or speed along the process? But such conveniences could wait for a later day¡ªthe joys of manual labor shouldn''t be denied. And she didn''t want to spoil the fun. After all, there was a certain satisfaction in performing backbreaking work and feeling your muscles scream at you for hours afterward. So with a slight smirk, she continued her task, hefting her pickaxe aloft and bringing it crashing down once more. *THUNK! CRACK! THUD!* Over and over again...until finally the wall gave way beneath her onslaught. "Well well! Looks like our day''s picking up nicely," Lilin remarked aloud, pausing to examine the hole and giving an appreciative whistle. She then began inspecting the newly opened passage now yawning before them. A faint draft emanated from within¡ªcarrying along with it a distinctive musty scent characteristic of dank underground tunnels everywhere. "The path ahead seems stable enough. Let''s go ahead and press on, shall we?" Ebonheim nodded before taking a momentary break to wipe her forehead again and quench her thirst from the waterskin she carried at her hip. Afterward they began filing inside¡ªEvelyne first with Orby to provide lighting and protection against whatever may lie within¡ªthen came Orin followed by Serelle with Ebonheim trailing closely behind. Lastly came Lilin and several other miners bringing up the rear. The passage itself proved surprisingly spacious despite its cramped nature¡ªeasily accommodating Orby''s bulk without much difficulty. Its walls glistened faintly from moisture seeping through countless tiny crevices. As they proceeded further inward, they soon found themselves descending steadily downward...and downward...and downward still. A sudden tremor shook underfoot, forcing many of them onto hands and knees until steadying again after several seconds had elapsed without recurrence. Nearby rocks fell loose from ceiling cracks onto heads below while those standing further away stumbled against each other for balance. "What in blazes?" Orin cursed under his breath while steadying Serelle who ended up colliding against him during the brief quake. "Wasn''t me!" Evelyne called out defensively from Orby''s cockpit, sounding almost offended by the implication. "This wasn''t caused by anything I did. I swear!" "Wasn''t saying it was," Orin quickly reassured her with a placating gesture. "No need to fret, this tunnel''s sturdy enough," Lilin assured them all as she cast her magic throughout their surroundings to confirm her assertion. "I sensed no fractures or instability nearby¡ªdamn! The way back caved in, though. Let''s hope there''s another exit down this path." "I could shape the earth to open our way back," Ebonheim offered after assessing the situation for a moment longer. Though she didn''t currently have that specific power in her repertoire, she was confident that the Akashic System would accommodate her request to acquire such a useful ability in times like this. Lilin shook her head. "It could cause further instability within this area by tampering with existing infrastructure around us. Not that I doubt your divine powers, goddess...just not ideal for the circumstances. Not even Obsidion could safely shift rock without spending time and energy attuning with the earth first to avoid potentially triggering greater problems elsewhere. I suspect it would be the same case for you." "Alright," Ebonheim relented with a reluctant sigh. She had to admit, the idea of relying heavily on divine magic for every contingency did seem rather boring compared to tackling natural obstacles head-on. That aside...Lilin made a valid point. Using a hammer to swat a fly may work, but you risk breaking whatever surface the pesky bug sits on. She turned to Serelle and Orin. "What about arcane magic? Do you have any spells that might help dig us out without destabilizing things?" Serelle adjusted her glasses as she contemplated the notion before shaking her head. "While many Arcana can manipulate elements and materials, none specifically exist for excavation. I doubt any spell would do anything beyond exacerbating our situation right now." Ebonheim nodded. "Well, we still have to proceed either way. Let''s get a move on, everyone." Chapter 161: Messy Basement There was a subtle gradient in the walls'' texture as they ventured ever deeper, with the crystalline formations gradually fading from existence and giving way to more bedrock. Water trickled from tiny cracks in the ceiling to gather in puddles on the ground, often causing a slip-and-slide mishap amongst the clumsier individuals in their midst. But apart from that brief disturbance, there were no other surprises beyond occasional rumblings reverberating all around them¡ªeach tremor growing increasingly less pronounced with every step taken further down the passageway. Dust motes danced about lazily in the beams of Orby''s headlamp and the glow-crystals some of the miners carried. Ebonheim remained vigilant throughout the trek nonetheless¡ªher keen senses alert for anything out of the ordinary lurking within the shadows. She''d also kept Divine Sight activated all the while just to make sure they wouldn''t be caught off guard by whatever lurked around the next bend or turn ahead. "Do you suppose those Netherlings would be amenable to study?" The question slipped off Serelle''s tongue so effortlessly as if she''d merely commented on the weather or the color of her hair ribbon. Her eyes twinkled eagerly behind her spectacles as though already imagining various methods and experiments she could utilize in said endeavor. She continued, "The opportunity to observe a brand-new species firsthand like that doesn''t come about very often...and with their apparent affinity towards arcane energy and crystals especially so. Fascinating, wouldn''t you agree Orin?" Orin''s eyebrows raised in tandem with a wry smile creeping across his lips as he regarded her. "Well...to each their own. But yes, they are certainly a peculiar bunch," he acknowledged, adjusting his monocle as his gaze shifted from Serelle to glance at Ebonheim instead. "...Any thoughts on that matter? Perhaps your godly intuition may shed light on things we might otherwise miss." "Honestly...I''m not sure yet," Ebonheim admitted after a momentary pause. She glanced at them both with a faint grimace. "Something about their presence bothers me. Can''t quite explain why but...it''s almost as though they belong somewhere else entirely different than here. Kinda like someone misplaced a jar and now everything inside has spilled everywhere¡ªdoes that make sense? Maybe I''m overthinking things though." "Misplaced jar?" Orin repeated quizzically while stroking his chin in contemplation. "An interesting metaphor. Still vague though. What exactly do you imply by misplaced? Like an entirely distinct plane altogether separate from ours perhaps...?" "Exactly!" Ebonheim immediately agreed with an emphatic nod before frowning once more and giving a helpless shrug. "Again...not sure why I feel that way though. It''s a gut feeling if anything. And no, I haven''t sensed anything resembling planar breaches or anything related nearby so far. Then again, I haven''t spent too much time inspecting for those. To be honest, I didn''t expect to stumble upon these kinds of questions before heading down here in the first place." She let out a soft sigh afterward and gently shook her head. "Let''s just keep going for now." "Fair enough," Orin conceded as he and Serelle turned to focus on their own musings once more. There wasn''t much conversation beyond brief snippets here or there between others following suit¡ªuntil eventually their footsteps ceased altogether shortly thereafter as they came to stand at an impasse barring passage further ahead. Beyond lay a chasm opening wide before them spanning roughly twenty meters across. They stood on a small ledge overlooking its precipitous edge. Orby''s lamp shone out over the emptiness before them, revealing a steep drop below to jagged rocks jutting upwards in a harsh panorama like the gaping maw of a titanic beast waiting to devour anyone unfortunate enough to stumble off their precarious footing. On the far side of this rift, the tunnel resumed once again, with little hint as to where the continuation might lead to from here. Orin let out an appreciative whistle as her gaze swept over their surroundings. "Welp," Ebonheim said dryly as she peered over the precipice. She glanced back to Lilin. "Don''t suppose you can fill in this gap with your earth magic?" Lilin shook her head. "Not entirely without shifting a lot of other earth along the way. But I could try conjuring an earthen bridge...only problem is how stable the foundations can get. One bad tremor while we''re crossing..." "...And we''re in trouble," Ebonheim finished for her. She closed her eyes and perused the Akashic System''s list of available powers. She wanted something to span the distance safely. Something secure. No divine bridges spanning the chasm made from divine radiance appeared on the list. Shame. She''d have enjoyed making one of those. Instead, she settled on a rather unassuming power: [Wall of Stone] Grants the ability to erect a wall of solid stone in front or behind oneself. Size, thickness, and overall shape can be influenced by the user''s will. This wall of stone can either be permanent or temporary depending on the intent behind its casting. Only one such structure may exist at any given time per user. Cost: 20 Essence; Duration: 1 hour. A permanent duration requires the expenditure of 20 Quintessence. Well...seemed simple enough. After mentally ''purchasing'' her new ability for fifty quintessence points, Ebonheim stepped forward, palms facing outward and fingers splayed wide. With her will focused on manifesting her desire to cross the rift ahead, a loud rumbling noise reverberated throughout the cavern as a slab of bedrock rose from the depths, stretching outward like a tongue lapping water on a hot summer''s day. When the end of her conjured pathway finally reached the other side¡ªnow bridging the gap entirely¡ªthe rough stony surface smoothed itself over and flattened out into a walkway about two meters across. For added safety measures, two guardrails emerged parallel along the sides of her creation. "...Huh. Well done," Lilin said. "Better than what I could''ve pulled off on my own. Guess divine magic has its perks after all." Ebonheim shrugged noncommittally as she turned her attention back toward the newly created crossing with a satisfied nod. "Anything to help out." With her task completed, she moved aside and allowed others through ahead of her before following suit. Orby''s headlamp shone across the remaining length of this newly forged span ahead until eventually reaching the end and vanishing into yet another passageway similar to what lay behind them.
"Oi! Think I found somethin'' ''ere!" One of the miners called out ahead in excitement upon spotting something further along their path. Ebonheim followed alongside Lilin as they both approached where he squatted. The man gestured toward a shimmering deposit stretching between the surrounding rocks. "Take a gander at this!" "What have we got here..." Lilin asked as she leaned closer for inspection herself. The ore vein pulsed with an inner light, a spectrum of colors that danced across its surface and reflected off the walls, creating a kaleidoscope effect around them. Her eyes widened in recognition and surprise as she turned to face Ebonheim and the others. "Never thought I''d run into these below the Eldergrove." "What is it?" Ebonheim asked curiously while kneeling beside the group to get a closer look at this new discovery. She couldn''t recall seeing anything like it before. It didn''t resemble the gold or silver deposits she''d seen in the other mines. Its shimmering hues shifted ever so slightly when examined under different angles. "Vesperia," Lilin explained. "A rare ore only found within certain regions with extreme geothermal activity, such as in Gorgandale¡ªObsidion''s domain." Ebonheim''s eyes widened at those words. "Geothermal? You mean this whole place is volcanic?!" She glanced about warily toward the chamber''s far reaches for any signs of molten lava or steam rising up between cracks and crevices lining these rocks. Lilin must have caught on to her fears¡ªgiven the smirk spread across her mouth while she patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Nothing to fret over. There aren''t any volcanoes actively erupting nearby...or even close by either based on our scout reports. Just enough residual seismic heat within these rocks for Vespera to exist here. If anything, I would''ve expected obsidian or basalt deposits instead. Although they could well be present too." "So, no volcanoes?" Ebonheim questioned further. "You''re sure about that?" "Absolutely! This entire mountain chain is quite stable. But don''t get me wrong. While there aren''t any active ones nearby, the remnants of ancient volcanic activity have heated the rock formations within these ranges significantly enough to generate Vespera deposits."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Serelle approached them before carefully running gloved fingers along the shimmering veins adorning the walls. "Is there something wrong with volcanic activity? The Eldergrove rests within one giant rift valley, after all. It is entirely conceivable¡ªeven normal¡ªfor geothermal forces to play a significant role in shaping the environment around here." "Nothing wrong per se," Lilin clarified with an emphatic shake of her head. "But sometimes old volcanoes can cause trouble down the road. Especially when magma wells shift ever so slightly and leak into aquifers beneath ground." She reached forward and gingerly chipped off a small piece of the strange ore from its surrounding stone before turning around and offering it to Serelle who promptly accepted her offering with a smile of thanks in return. Ebonheim let out a heavy sigh as she gazed at the shimmering material again. She already had plenty of worries to deal with topside as it stood. Adding another concern involving giant underground insects and now geothermal activity simmering below their feet¡ªseemed like too many unpredictable factors piling atop existing problems she still hadn''t solved yet. With a disgruntled huff at her misgivings, she rose to her feet once more. "So, I''m assuming this Vespera stuff is valuable?" Lilin''s expression brightened considerably at her question. "Very much so. Very precious in fact. When refined and processed, Vespera creates a special conductive alloy used in various applications for Magitech devices. Artificers love this stuff." Ebonheim glanced over to the back of their group where Evelyne had finally caught up with the rest after having fallen behind while carefully maneuvering Orby around tighter corners. "Did you catch all that?" Evelyne nodded through her mech''s viewport. "Sure did. This discovery could prove immensely useful once we can figure out a way to properly harvest the stuff. Seems a shame leaving so much sitting untapped like this." Orin chuckled lightly beside her at those words. He offered a reassuring pat on Orby''s steel casing. "Remember, your guild''s not the only one with a stake in the results. Our company wants its fair share as well." "Oh. Right! Um. Of course," Evelyne quickly replied before nervously clearing her throat and smiling weakly through her mech''s viewport again. "What I meant to say is...well...it''s good news regardless for everyone involved." Ebonheim''s eyebrows rose slightly at this exchange¡ªshe never considered profit-taking or claim staking to come into play regarding this venture till now. Was this going to cause issues between these two groups? Could this expedition turn into a race for riches? Lilin cleared her throat before interjecting herself between them with a casual wave and forced smile. "Let''s put a pin in any claim disputes. We should stay focused on the task at hand and remain on the lookout for anything else useful on our way out¡ªlike a new exit for example." With her concerns now voiced, she turned around and resumed heading further in alongside the miners, gesturing for the rest to follow suit.
Three days. It had taken them three whole days to get from where the initial cave-in occurred to where they were now. Hours of excavating, climbing, squeezing through narrow spaces, and crawling about cramped areas¡ªall interspersed with brief bouts of sleep whenever fatigue crept upon them. But eventually, they emerged at long last from deep underground, arriving back at one of the smaller caverns along the periphery of the main network¡ªa familiar one close to where the Netherling Cryptids had been first encountered. Although they hadn''t found the Underrealm, they did at least manage to retrace their way back out safely...more or less. Orby lay sprawled near the center amidst scattered debris and rubble¡ªthe once-pristine steel plating and joints covered from top to bottom in grime and grit. Its chassis bore countless scratches alongside dents dotting the hull here and there¡ªa testament to the numerous scrapes Evelyne faced during this ordeal as she struggled to maneuver her mech through tight spaces underground. As for the others, everyone wore matching grimy appearances. Hair matted with dried sweat and caked with layers of dust and dirt, skin marred by patches of dried mud and streaked with various shades of earthy stains. Most also carried a host of minor scratches and bruises earned from negotiating perilous terrain or tumbling down unexpected inclines. Still, everyone came out relatively unscathed thanks to the relative ease provided by Ebonheim''s divine powers and Lilin''s expertise. Thankfully no serious injuries befell anyone throughout their journey despite minor mishaps along the way. "Well...that certainly didn''t turn out like I had hoped..." Orin remarked sullenly upon emerging from a pile of boulders that blocked the way ahead before finally opening to this small cavern. He pushed another chunk of rubble aside before crawling free with a tired sigh. "That''s an understatement," Evelyne grumbled from within Orby''s cockpit. Her voice came through crackled and distorted as several damaged components within her mech caused audio distortions. "At least Orby held together well enough throughout all this mess." Lilin hopped atop one such boulder overlooking Orby''s prostrate form and rubbed her eyes wearily. "Alright, alright. We''ll make camp one last time at the cavern with the Eclipsium before calling our expedition off." Ebonheim stood nearby while everyone else tended to their own affairs for a bit. She could only imagine how exhausted they must feel at this point...her included. But unlike her mortal companions, her divine constitution provided ample resistance against weariness and physical depletion. Though she felt fatigued, her mind remained sharp and focused. Regardless of fatigue though¡ªor perhaps because of it, Ebonheim wanted nothing more than to hurry home and soak within a hot bath full of soapy bubbles till she practically melted away. The prospect alone brought a weary smile to her face. Maybe afterwards she could indulge in some delicious mushroom stew and soft buttered bread followed by several glasses of sweet wine before finally falling asleep wrapped snugly within fluffy blankets on a nice featherbed instead of a flimsy bedroll laid across the hard ground.
Ebonheim slipped quietly away from her sleeping companions, making her way through the tunnel leading towards the Netherling Cryptids''s lair. She moved cautiously along the narrow passage as she drew near where she''d encountered the strange bugs during their trek earlier. Her divine sight illuminated everything around her. She caught a glimmer of movement up ahead¡ªNetherlings skittering about their dark chamber beyond¡ªjust before entering its depths. Ebonheim paused at the entrance and observed the creatures intently. They appeared different than when last observed: now fully visible without light obscuring them completely. Each Netherling had six legs and a slender torso with a pair of antennae protruding from either side of their oblong heads. Their bodies were encased in a shiny carapace resembling obsidian. She couldn''t discern a mouth or eyes from this distance¡ªonly smooth chitin plating across their entire forms. Ebonheim watched one creature pause amidst its work and turn its head in her direction, antennae twitching wildly before resuming whatever task kept them busy. The rest paid her no mind, scuttling to and fro without seeming aware of her presence at all. A few others crawled toward her before disappearing within shadowed cracks between rocks lining the walls or ceilings. None approached closer towards her despite clearly noticing her. Well, at least they didn''t seem hostile so far... With renewed confidence she began moving into their chamber, carefully stepping gingerly across loose debris spread throughout. The Netherlings scattered away from Ebonheim''s footsteps. Many disappeared further within darkened tunnels while a few remained close by but still keeping enough distance between themselves and her. Their long feelers quivered furiously as she ventured deeper within the room where most activity took place. A large opening gaped from an outcropping above where several Netherlings assembled together along the chamber ceiling. They carried chunks of quartz extracted from nearby fissures, using their mandibles to grip and haul the minerals towards the crevice. Once deposited inside, these cryptids returned to retrieve another batch before repeating the process anew. While curious about their activities and motivation, she grew increasingly worried about pressing deeper. The last thing she wanted was provoking something nasty by straying where wasn''t invited. As if sensing her growing apprehension, three Netherlings separated themselves from the others and approached her from above. They scurried along stalactites until standing before Ebonheim within striking distance. Uh-oh. "Easy now..." she murmured in a steady tone while raising both hands placatingly towards them. Not that the bugs could understand words at all¡ªlet alone recognize non-verbal cues¡ªbut sometimes speaking calmed herself amidst tense situations. "Just here to observe...nothing more." Nonetheless, she manifested her divine aura as a precaution. Golden energy radiated from her frame while casting warm rays upon nearby surfaces. The Netherlings flinched momentarily under this radiance before resuming their earlier movement closer toward her. One cryptid tried biting her with its jagged mandibles, but it glanced off her aura harmlessly. The other two attempted similar attacks without inflicting damage despite repeated attempts. Each chitinous head struck against her barrier with loud clicking noises that echoed loudly throughout the cave. Their behavior reminded Ebonheim a lot of angry wasps defending their territory. But unlike those aggressive insects...these insects weren''t trying to overwhelm her outright with greater numbers. No swarm emerged to surround Ebonheim in response. This seemed almost like an inquisitive probing towards her. An examination. The first creature that had attacked her backed away before spewing a fiery orb between its mandibles towards her. The projectile splashed against her aura and fizzled harmlessly away. Ebonheim couldn''t tell if this was a type of warning or a genuine effort to attack. Whatever the case, the other two also followed suit shortly thereafter. She stood motionless while waiting patiently for them to finish. Eventually, they ceased harassing her. One crawled back along the cavern wall onto a rocky alcove before vanishing into shadows while the remaining pair darted upwards into an adjacent crack previously occupied by another Netherling carrying loads of quartz crystals. Ebonheim sat down on a nearby rock outcropping and watched them resume their work among the surrounding tunnels without further incident. "That could''ve gone worse," she remarked quietly to herself after letting out a relieved sigh. She''d expected much more violent reactions given her prior experiences dealing with wild fauna within the Eldergrove. The Kungwans came to mind, but they weren''t native to this realm. She''d assumed Netherling Cryptids might prove no better. While they didn''t exactly greet her warmly either¡ªlikely more out of caution than hostility¡ªthe fact they didn''t immediately swarm her did bode well towards learning more about these strange creatures at a later juncture. Their lair''s proximity to the underground outpost worried her a bit though¡ªassuming this was the only one. She could only hope they wouldn''t eventually cause problems in the future. They didn''t pose much of a personal threat to her unless they had some variants that could bypass her aura. Dealing with them, should trouble arise, shouldn''t prove difficult otherwise. But if their numbers were significant...she could imagine things becoming ugly fast. She estimated the Netherlings already present within this cavern numbered around two hundred at least. Maybe even more scattered among other caverns beyond her sightlines. And those she observed might constitute just one single colony within these depths. "A whole new set of challenges." Ebonheim shook her head ruefully as she stood back up and prepared to leave. Her gaze lingered upon their nest briefly while contemplating how to manage possible future confrontations between miners and these strange creatures¡ªif any should ever arise¡ªbefore turning and exiting the chamber. Chapter 162: Mining for Gossip The group returned to the Deep Miners outpost shortly after their expedition''s end. Most went straight to wash and rest afterwards. Lilin reported her findings to Brevin and soon, the news of Eclipsium and Vespera spread fast through the community. With more sites to mine, the prospect of fortune began to fill people with energy and excitement. That was well and good¡ªas long as those Netherling Cryptids could be kept in check. Still, all things considered, things seemed fairly positive in general despite everything else going on right now. Celebrations began to emerge here and there as people began gathering in small groups to discuss plans moving forward. Evelyne had excused herself and left ahead of the others¡ªOrby''s power supply had nearly run out, and she needed to recharge its mana cell immediately before any further damage could occur due to prolonged lack of upkeep. Ebonheim stood apart from the main hubbub as others mingled, watching these proceedings with a faint smile. As much as she wanted to join in on the merriment, her duties beckoned. And after spending most of this week underground, the need to breathe in some fresh air grew stronger by the minute.
She emerged from below along with Serelle and Orin through a hidden tunnel disguised amongst thick foliage. Lush trees and undergrowth framed either side of its mouth where the trio exited. The faint sound of revelry echoed faintly off the cavern walls still present behind them before fading completely the further away they walked. Ebonheim breathed deep the crisp, sweet air of the forest. "Ahh~" She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sense of liberation washing over. "Nothing like fresh sunlight warming your skin after spending too long cooped indoors." Serelle laughed beside her while stretching languidly after adjusting her glasses atop the bridge of her nose. "I must agree wholly. All I wish for now is a nice bath followed by a long nap afterward." Orin yawned and rubbed his eyes as though sharing that sentiment without voicing it. He ran a hand through unkempt hair before turning toward them both. "Shall we head back to town together then? Unless either wishes to return first alone." "I don''t mind the company," Ebonheim said with a smile. "It''s not a long trip anyhow. I''d appreciate you both escorting me there in the meantime." They made their way back to town by meandering leisurely on foot, enjoying a scenic route beneath the great trees'' shady canopies high above. Along the way, Orin prattled on about his various research projects and experiments, though his focus remained primarily fixated upon the Vesperia deposits they stumbled upon underground and their potential uses. "I admit I am rather enthusiastic about its discovery. Vespera is not just a raw resource used for magitech. Arcane practitioners value its properties to refine mana cores and imbue items with magical properties far beyond other ores. We tend to use other mineral deposits for specific aspects of craftwork. For example: Mithril tends to resonate with protective wards while silver has strong affinity with spells channeling elemental magic. However, Vespera allows us to imbue any material without compromising its integrity or function. It provides almost limitless potential for experimentation." He continued on his rambling for a good half-hour before pausing as if suddenly recalling something important. "Oh. Right. "Before we spread the news to everyone else, I must insist that you do not give Evelyne and her guild any special privileges towards the ore deposits." Ebonheim cocked her head slightly to one side, curious. "What do you mean by that? Why would I even consider giving them preferential treatment?" Orin folded his arms over chest and frowned toward her before elaborating. "You two have been spending quite a bit of time together lately...so forgive my bluntness when saying so, but I wouldn''t put it past her or others at Les Artisanats d''¨¦claires getting ahead if there comes a chance. There''re more than enough rumors circulating already about certain advantages your relationship might garner them compared to others." Ebonheim blinked. "W-wait, what?! What kind of rumors have spread around? What exactly are people saying?!" Orin cleared his throat awkwardly before answering back. "Well...it''s no secret that Evelyne has taken more than just a professional interest in you. There''re all sorts of speculation among townsfolk regarding what goes on between you two during those private meetings of yours." Ebonheim stopped walking and gaped open-mouthed at Orin''s words. Meanwhile, Serelle snickered behind cupped hands. His explanation did little to quell Ebonheim''s rising embarrassment at the implication of what people were talking about behind their backs. "It''s n-not like that at all! We spend most of the time just talking. Sure, she sometimes gets a little...affectionate at times..." She trailed off uneasily towards Orin''s skeptical gaze before continuing. "B-but our relationship is platonic! There are no benefits involved whatsoever! Besides, why would anyone care or start gossiping over such a trivial matter anyway...? A-and stop laughing Serelle! W-what about you two hmm? Surely, others must whisper things regarding your friendship as well?" Serelle chuckled while resting a hand casually across Orin''s shoulder in a half-embrace. "That''s a silly comparison, my dear goddess~ Orin and I have known each other for many years now so people have become used to our closeness. There are already established precedents towards explaining why we spend extended periods of time in each other''s company. However, your and Evelyne''s relationship remains relatively fresh...hence its intrigue for people to interpret in various ways. Unfortunately..." She sighed and patted Orin''s arm tenderly. "There will always be people who are interested in the private lives of influential figures¡ªeven if they aren''t fully accurate or truthful." Ebonheim furrowed her brow and huffed irritably. "You sound awfully casual about this whole situation."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Serelle shrugged her shoulders and offered a small smile. "Why wouldn''t I be? Orin and I hold no particular secrets regarding ourselves...at least, nothing overly scandalous worth hiding or gossiping about. It doesn''t bother us if people talk amongst themselves¡ªnothing ever comes of those discussions outside idle chatter and boredom-induced fantasies." Ebonheim groaned quietly and resumed moving once more towards town along the faint trail amidst dense forestry framing their path. Serelle linked arms with Orin and followed along. "Regardless, rumors aside, no one would be surprised if you took Evelyne as your mortal consort." That brought about an even stronger reaction than previous comments. Ebonheim nearly tripped over herself while sputtering wildly, "T-to do what now?!" Orin arched an eyebrow at that response. "Strange. I didn''t think gods could get embarrassed considering their normal disposition and all. But Serelle has a point. While rare, it isn''t unprecedented for deities to take mortals as their spouses. It has happened once or twice throughout our history. Although there''re certainly more reasons behind such unions than solely love alone." Ebonheim''s cheeks flared hotter. She raised both hands and furiously waved them in front of herself, trying desperately to push aside images appearing within her mind''s eye¡ªa particularly vivid one showing her embracing Evelyne beside a lake somewhere beneath the sunlight filtering through clouds drifting lazily past. "N-now wait a minute here! W-whatever reasons you might imagine...that is NOT the case here!" "If you say so," Serelle replied mischievously. "Nonetheless, all the speculation isn''t necessarily bad. People appreciate witnessing such connections developing. Besides, we all have certain...needs." She squeezed Orin''s side teasingly before giggling loudly while sidestepping away from his swatting attempt. "It would be perfectly natural for a deity such as yourself to seek similar companionship too." Orin grunted and rubbed his ribs where Serelle had prodded at. "I think she gets the picture already. But I must correct you on one detail. There has never been a deity that so closely resembles us until Ebonheim. So I wouldn''t compare this situation as being analogous to other deities, despite me agreeing with you." "Fair enough," Serelle admitted with a wry smile flashing quickly across her lips. "I concede that point." Their back-and-forth banter left Ebonheim flustered and uncertain about her feelings. She hadn''t considered those sorts of...relations...between herself and others yet. Her role as their goddess always occupied her mind foremost, taking precedence above all else. It meant focusing solely on ensuring their prosperity rather than considering deeper desires lurking underneath. She was no stranger to the topic of romance. Sometimes, she would watch couples enjoying each other''s company during her nighttime strolls through town. Other times, she would act as a counselor when relationship issues occurred among residents needing her guidance for resolution. It was one of her least favorite responsibilities given, its often...emotional intensity. Don''t get her started with the occasional young man asking her advice toward wooing a potential love interest! Those discussions tended to grow awkward really fast. But even without any romantic experiences of her own¡ªand no desire seeking one presently¡ªdidn''t make the topic unpleasant altogether either. Now that Orin and Serelle brought up the idea out loud though... Ebonheim shook her head briskly. Enough on that subject. She''ll discuss these things later¡ªif necessary¡ªat a more appropriate time and place than right now. "So," Orin chimed in, drawing her thoughts back towards present affairs. "Regarding the Vespera." She nodded and replied calmly despite her cheeks still warm under their stares. "Alright, alright...I will take whatever precautions possible to avoid anyone receiving special treatment regarding ore mining. Regardless of what gossip circulates..." He nodded curtly while adjusting his bag slung around his back. "Excellent. Glad to hear. Otherwise, you would also have to contend with me courting you too then." A shocked exclamation escaped Serelle''s mouth before she erupted into laughter loud enough to scare birds roosting overhead away from nearby trees. "Oh, goddess! That sounded ridiculous coming out of your mouth!" Orin huffed and brushed aside a stray lock from his brow before replying. "It''s no joking matter Serelle. I''m capable of being a formidable rival in love if pressed." Serelle managed to control her laughing long enough for a sarcastic remark. "Oh my~ You do? But the fact that I had no feelings of jealousy after hearing you say that¡ªdespite knowing your intentions were purely playful¡ªspeaks volumes about your ability to woo others, I dare say." "You don''t think I would stand a chance?" he asked wryly. She giggled softly before smacking him lightly atop his shoulder in a gesture of playful affection. "To woo our goddess in particular? Doubtful. She would surely see right through your pretenses...or any pretense for that matter." Ebonheim rolled her eyes while listening to their banter. She never thought Orin was the type to jest this way. His demeanor always presented him as quite serious¡ªalmost dour¡ªby contrast towards Evelyne''s exuberant presence. She''d known those two were rivals at one point in time. The competition still rages between them even after settling in her domain, but Orin often struck Ebonheim as more straightforward and pragmatic than passionate compared to Evelyne. Perhaps their friendly rivalry runs deeper than merely professional ambitions alone. Perhaps there are other reasons influencing their behavior towards each other that she hadn''t considered properly before now. If so...would Serelle consider herself entangled within their unique relationship too? Wait, she was shifting into counselor mode too easily now wasn''t she? Ugh. She couldn''t help herself sometimes though. Especially when presented with interesting questions regarding relationships among her followers'' dynamics...or lack thereof in this specific case perhaps. Not her fault entirely...she was relatively new to learning the intricacies behind mortal interpersonal interactions. She had a lot to catch up on after all¡ªespecially regarding matters of love and courtship. She''d only existed for several years after all. A fact that only the original settlers were privy to. Otherwise, her creation from their collective wills would have come as a great shock among newer immigrants. It would''ve raised questions regarding her nature and origin which Ebonheim prefers staying private for the time being. Explaining how she came into being probably wouldn''t end well once folks outside town learned how she arose from prayers and desires alone. "In any event," Orin stated in a louder voice¡ªas if hoping others would take his earlier teasing more seriously than they originally had done thus far. "My interest is solely professional and nothing more..." "Of course," Ebonheim smirked, deciding to play along. "Whoever said otherwise?" Serelle giggled again while nudging Orin alongside his ribs as they resumed walking. "I believe she just shot you down." He shrugged her hand away before replying flatly. "Yes...a real shame...and a major blow to my ego, for certain. Whatever shall I do...?" He pressed the back of his hand against his forehead in mock exasperation. "Woe is me! For my affections were denied outright and swiftly!" "Oh? I didn''t know you had a knack for theatrics!" Serelle tittered merrily beside him while clapping her hands in delight. "Color me impressed indeed!" Their banter continued throughout the journey all the while Ebonheim listened in mild amusement despite certain topics making her uncomfortable initially. It seemed as though their verbal sparring session had only just begun. But she didn''t mind so long as its focus remained upon teasing each other rather than herself further. Chapter 163: Favorable Outcomes The town square brimmed with life as crowds gathered for evening celebrations following news spreading about Vespera discoveries. People from various guilds mingled with other townsfolk amidst boisterous voices exchanging pleasant greetings while drinking together. Cheerful melodies resonated through the air from lutes played by performers wandering between celebrants. Children weaved between knots of revelers while playing games together. Even the local guards relaxed their patrols this eve in favor of joining in on festivities taking place. Ebonheim stood atop the shrine''s balcony overlooking everything happening within the town proper below. Her people''s joyous energy radiated strongly enough to warm her core. She basked in their positive emotions amidst this gathering without participating physically herself, choosing instead to watch contentedly from her shrine. An approaching presence behind her caught Ebonheim''s attention. Kelzryn stepped onto the balcony beside her in a deep blue dress lined with golden threads adorning its seams alongside a high collar. The sleeves appeared almost like billowing sails whenever he gestured. His long hair fell loosely behind his shoulders framed by silver earrings dangling freely on either side beneath loose strands obscuring portions of those dazzling azure eyes now trained towards nearby festivities down below. "I thought I might find you here," he said while gazing pensively towards those enjoying themselves amidst merrymaking taking place. "Your absence during recent celebrations caught my notice earlier today." Ebonheim offered him a faint smile before turning back toward the streets below where people cheered loudly when a minstrel launched into his ballad. "It seemed prudent to leave everyone else''s enjoyment undisturbed with my presence." "I beg to differ," Kelzryn replied smoothly. "Your people were quite keen to see your shining radiance tonight. It would have been well within your power to grace this gathering in person." "Perhaps." Ebonheim shrugged noncommittally as they observed others dancing near one end of the square beneath torches mounted high atop stout stone posts lining pathways winding around various houses. "But this is their moment after all." Kelzryn hummed quietly while leaning forward upon the railing alongside her¡ªeyes flashing brilliantly under flickering flames cast across his form by candlelight surrounding them both within their shadowed alcove. "Is there something amiss you wish to share perhaps?" He inquired gently without glancing her way. "I sense an unease hidden within thoughts." Ebonheim laughed softly before casting him an amused look. "You''re too perceptive at times. I''ve only now realized how hard keeping things hidden can prove when around you..." She tapped a finger lightly upon the railing. "I guess there isn''t much point in avoiding talking about it, huh?" Kelzryn nodded and gave a small grin of encouragement. "Only if you wish to." "Fair enough." Ebonheim breathed a short sigh before glancing back toward townsfolk gathered together nearby. She hadn''t planned on discussing this matter so soon. But since he''d asked¡ªand likely already gleaned something from her surface thoughts¡ªno sense delaying any longer with pointless pretenses when around him. "I mentioned at the council meeting a few days ago that we encountered a nest of Netherling cryptids on our expedition. And there could potentially be more in the vicinity." "Yes. I recall," Kelzryn affirmed while awaiting what more she had to say. "I''m concerned...about what their presence might entail in terms of other unknown dangers lurking beyond...or worse, closer by." Ebonheim pursed her lips and stared out at nothing for a moment. "I wonder if I should just be more proactive and get rid of them now before anything escalates. I''d prefer acting sooner rather than later...after all." Her face settled into an uneasy smile while she toyed absentmindedly with her hair. "Better to do something sooner when problems arise rather than allowing them to snowball...right?" Kelzryn let out a thoughtful hum while leaning forward against the railing beside her. A flicker crossed those luminescent eyes and the corner of his mouth curled upwards in a faint smile. "Not too long ago, you weren''t so inclined to do more than necessary." "Ha... Yeah..." Ebonheim laughed a little bitterly and let go of her hair. "But circumstances change...and I need to adapt alongside. Plus...there''re fewer unknowns facing me now. It''s not as daunting." "That''s good to hear," Kelzryn stated with an approving tone. "And as far as those creatures go...I was unaware of their presence since I settled into the Eldergrove. I would have mentioned their presence otherwise, had I known about them prior. Yet your description of them does stir certain recollections of a far different nature." "Oh?" Ebonheim''s brows rose in surprise. "Do enlighten me, please. Any additional information could prove helpful." Kelzryn inclined his head. "While I haven''t encountered them directly myself...my kin once shared tales of similar species roaming freely throughout other realms during their travels through many planes." "I thought dragons weren''t allowed to leave this plane?" "I am the only one prohibited from straying too far afield," he corrected mildly. "That doesn''t necessarily apply toward others within my kind. There are certain rules binding my kin to different standards than me. Some can pass between realms unchallenged while I have little recourse available for doing so." "Sounds complicated," Ebonheim remarked. "So you believe they might have come through from someplace else as well?" Kelzryn folded his arms across his chest and nodded. "It would not surprise me in the slightest. Remember that I once summoned Kungwans to this realm. These Netherlings could have easily been brought over through the same means." Ebonheim made an involuntary grimace at the mention of the Kungwans before she sighed with a shake of her head. "What about getting them out? Are there other ways for you to banish these creatures back where they came from? If we have some sort of infestation, that would definitely come in handy."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Even as she spoke the words aloud, her mind was already searching through the Akashic System''s repository for any divine ability fitting this criterion. [Searching archives: Processing¡­] The familiar interface window flashed across her vision, its words hovering in midair like pale blue text etched upon glass. Ebonheim waited patiently while scanning available options. A sub-menu popped up with two choices listed beneath: Planar Banishment and Dimensional Lock. The first option seemed obvious enough in purpose; sending extraplanar creatures back to their home dimension. But there were numerous caveats listed alongside its description regarding what could or couldn''t be banished¡ªalong with many limitations towards the power''s effective range and duration. It was an impressive ability no doubt...yet limited in scope regardless. As for the latter, that sounded more like a stopgap measure compared to the first option. A static effect preventing any planar travel through means magical or otherwise. It would serve as an adequate deterrent for unwanted interlopers attempting entrance without proper clearance¡ªlike those Netherlings¡ªbut wouldn''t necessarily resolve current issues plaguing their region. Both would suffice under certain circumstances, but the prerequisite conditions for purchasing them gave her pause. [You must have attained the Divine Rank of Intermediate God, Zenith Stage to purchase this ability. You currently fall short of the requisite ranks to acquire this ability. Further ranks must be attained before this option becomes available to purchase.] The words hovered before Ebonheim momentarily as she read through them carefully. Then she dismissed the interface with a thought. "Well...that''s disappointing." "Hmm?" Kelzryn glanced towards her questioningly. "Something amiss?" Ebonheim sighed heavily while shaking her head. "It''s nothing. Just realizing my limits. Outside of personally going down there and dealing with them myself...there doesn''t seem to be a good solution for sending them packing on my own. At least not yet anyway. It''s frustrating having something within reach but being unable to grasp it. That''s all." Kelzryn hummed thoughtfully for a moment. "I do understand your concern regarding their presence here. If nothing else, they may pose future issues regarding the Deep Miners'' activities below ground. But I wouldn''t trouble yourself too greatly over these creatures just yet. "We''ve only just learned about them after all. And while they certainly merit further investigation¡ªespecially should their population grow large enough¡ªit would seem premature taking steps towards removing them permanently." "I suppose..." Ebonheim turned away from him towards where others enjoyed themselves during the festivities. "Maybe I am being a bit hasty here. I just don''t want it to turn into another Kungwan situation. There''s still the threat of those Asura demons we haven''t even addressed properly either." "Which is understandable," Kelzryn agreed calmly while following her gaze. "But if nothing else, this knowledge will allow us to prepare accordingly should circumstances necessitate such action later on. Besides...our residents already face enough challenges without adding Netherlings as another factor complicating things further. One issue at a time, yes?" "One issue at a time," Ebonheim repeated after him before smiling faintly towards him once more. "Thanks for listening to me. I appreciate your advice...even if it sounds like I''m overreacting a bit." Kelzryn shrugged noncommittally and replied in an easy tone, "Not at all. I merely shared what seemed prudent in light of current circumstances. Yet you seem troubled by something else entirely beyond these Netherlings'' existence alone. I sense an uncertainty rooted deep within thoughts that don''t quite align with our previous conversation that''s currently distracting you from enjoying yourself properly tonight." "You sure have a way with words..." Ebonheim chuckled before shaking her head ruefully towards him. "Fine, fine...it''s not just about the Netherlings bothering me right now." She paused briefly to gather her thoughts before holding out her hands palm up towards empty air. A soft glow enveloped her fingertips as she spoke, spreading outward until a golden goblet materialized within her grasp¡ªits crystalline surface gleaming brilliantly under torchlight surrounding them both. Kelzryn blinked at its sudden appearance. "What''s this?" He asked with obvious interest. Ebonheim smiled at him before answering. "The Chalice of the Eternal Nectar. It''s an artifact capable of granting prolonged life to any mortal who drinks from it. Even though I''ve had this for several years now, I''ve never once offered its benefits to anyone." "I find that surprising given your devotion towards the wellbeing of others. Is it perhaps because the town''s elders voiced their concerns regarding its potential consequences?" She nodded slowly before continuing, "Yes...partly that. We did come to a consensus on its usage and agreed to reserve the nectar for any who prove worthy of such a gift. Meritocracy in a sense, you could say. But my hesitation also stems from something more personal as well..." Ebonheim sighed and glanced down toward the Chalice resting upon her palms¡ªits golden surface glimmering beautifully under flickering torches lining nearby walls. "Nepotism?" Kelzryn offered after a brief consideration of what she meant. Ebonheim gave a dry chuckle before responding in a weary tone. "In a way, yes...I''m afraid I might show favoritism towards certain people regardless of their merits or lack thereof. Even though the townsfolk would vote on who should receive the nectar, there''d still be those who''d believe favoritism had played a role regardless of the outcome." Kelzryn grunted softly and nodded once more. "So you wish to avoid any controversy surrounding its distribution. And for that reason alone, you''ve kept it hidden away in secret until now." "Yeah," Ebonheim exhaled sharply before gazing back towards him once more. "Over six thousand people are living here now compared to the seven hundred who know about the chalice''s existence. Most of those newer settlers wouldn''t understand why some receive special privileges like prolonged life while others don''t...and I don''t want our town fracturing due to jealousy or resentment towards me either." "That''s understandable. Although your reluctance to share this gift strikes me as misplaced given your generosity toward others. If anything, this chalice would act as a gesture toward bolstering goodwill amongst townsfolk rather than something divisive. Those who truly value your devotion will not begrudge anyone else receiving such favor from you." Ebonheim pondered upon his words before asking, "You think so?" Kelzryn smiled reassuringly towards her. "I''m certain of it. Besides, everyone here knows well enough how deeply invested you are in their well-being. They also recognize you would never allow favoritism to interfere with an impartial judgment regarding your people''s affairs. This chalice is no different in that regard." Ebonheim closed her eyes and breathed deeply as she mulled over his advice. Truthfully, she did want to offer this boon to a few individuals...not just for the sake of benefiting those closest to her heart¡ªlike Engin, Hilda, and many others who''d helped build Ebonheim into what it is today¡ªbut also out of necessity given current circumstances. Many of the elders have reached that venerable age where death would soon claim them before long. Some may live long enough to witness their grandchildren reaching adulthood but not beyond that threshold. They deserved more time than fate allowed. But with the surge of newcomers entering Ebonheim lately, she worried over their chances of receiving the divine nectar on merit alone. With so many potential candidates vying for so few rewards...it might prove impossible to determine who truly merits its benefits among all applicants without incurring accusations towards favoritism regardless of her decision-making process. "You''re right," Ebonheim finally said as she opened her eyes and turned back toward Kelzryn standing patiently beside her. "I shouldn''t hold off sharing this gift any longer because of my fears of potential backlash. I''ve just been delaying things until I felt comfortable enough doing so without reservation." Kelzryn gave a satisfied nod before stepping closer to her. "A wise choice indeed. And I believe now would be an appropriate time to introduce the chalice to everyone given recent discoveries under the mountains. The good news will serve as an excellent segue towards its introduction." Chapter 164: Favors Word spread throughout town like wildfire. The fervor of Vespera veins being mined had been replaced almost overnight with anticipation and excitement towards the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar and what it offered. Gossip regarding its usage spread quickly among residents. People discussed possible candidates receiving its boon in hushed whispers while passing each other along streets. Lorne sat atop his mount next to Kaela while trotting through town together on patrol duty. They listened to various snippets exchanged between townsfolk moving about. It seemed as though everyone had their own thoughts on who might be one of the first to drink from the divine chalice...with some voicing quite different opinions than others. "People are saying there''s going to be a town hall meeting tonight," a young woman wearing leathers remarked as she passed them by on foot carrying a bundle wrapped in cloth across her shoulder. "I''m betting Engin will receive it for sure. It''d only make sense given his position." A burly man in his fifties walking beside her grunted disapprovingly at that comment. "Pfft, you don''t know him very well then. He''ll refuse any such favoritism towards himself despite the town''s approval." The woman scowled back towards him. "What makes you so sure? Why wouldn''t he accept something like this when offered? He''s certainly earned the right to live longer than most others here!" "And those exact reasons are precisely why he''d refuse," the man countered with a dismissive wave towards her. "He cares more about doing what''s right rather than taking advantage of special privileges. Don''t you forget who built Ebonheim from nothing along with those closest to him either." "How could I ever forget that? I''m just saying...it would make sense if he received it regardless what anyone else thinks. I don''t see how anyone can argue otherwise given all he''s done for us over the years." The man grunted again and rolled his eyes toward the woman. "Oh, I''m sure there''ll be plenty of arguments about whether or not he deserves such an honor. Many would say that he''s still got plenty of life left in him despite his age. If anything, we''ll see Olav or Hilda getting the honor first. They''re far older than Engin by comparison and could use its effects more than him at this point." The woman shrugged and glanced toward Lorne briefly before looking away again. "Maybe so. But my coin''s on Engin all the same. Either way though, I''ll drink to whoever ends up receiving it." "Likewise. Though, I''d rather see him continue serving our community for another few decades instead of retiring early because of old age." "I can''t disagree with you there." The woman gave a resigned sigh as they both disappeared into a crowd heading towards a row of stalls selling fresh produce. Lorne slowed his mount before glancing toward Kaela riding beside him. "What do you think?" She shrugged and shook her head slightly. "I''m not interested in longevity at this point. I don''t mind if others want to receive the nectar though. It''ll certainly make our lives easier knowing that we won''t lose anyone too important anytime soon." Lorne nodded in agreement before spurring his mount onward once more while Kaela fell into step alongside him again. A few days ago, Ebonheim had gathered everyone in town together for a special announcement. While the original inhabitants knew about the chalice''s existence beforehand, no one else had ever been told of its presence until now. Certainly caused quite a stir among newer residents. There had never been an instance where a god or goddess offered extended life without strings attached. He had personally seen how things played out after such boons were given during his early mercenary days. Those who''d accepted them often changed drastically in nature. The immortal warriors of the god Farokh had been renowned for their valor and skill on the battlefield. However, they had lost their souls during the process¡ªturning into nothing more than empty husks following orders given by their master without any independent thought whatsoever. In essence, becoming slaves to his will rather than individuals with their own free agency. Lorne doubted Ebonheim would follow a similar path. He''d already seen firsthand how compassionate she could be towards her followers'' wellbeing. She never asked anything from anyone unless necessary...even when they offered something freely on their own accord. This seemed to have more to do with her personal philosophy rather than some ulterior motive hidden beneath the surface. But regardless, he had no intention of receiving this gift regardless of how tempting its allure might prove otherwise. He did not wish to live longer than natural circumstances allowed and had no desire for power either. That meant nothing to him anymore after serving under so many different patrons over the years. If anything, this gesture would serve as an affirmation of his decision-making. He was content with his life and did not require any further reward beyond what he currently possessed. They continued along their route while listening to various conversations unfolding throughout town during their rounds. It seemed as though everyone had something to say regarding these recent developments. Some expressed concerns towards who might receive its benefits over others...while others expressed fear about what would happen if no one received the chalice''s nectar. What if there wasn''t anyone worthy enough? This last point proved particularly troubling among residents who''d settled here more recently compared towards those who''d first settled here under Engin''s leadership. It made sense given the context behind such worries. Those who''d come from wealthier backgrounds would naturally question whether or not they''d ever qualify regardless of their contributions towards Ebonheim''s growth since arriving here. "Twenty people," Kaela mused aloud as she rode alongside Lorne down another street lined with houses built close together amid garden plots and livestock pens lining its borders. "Twenty people every year can receive the blessing and extend their life by two decades. Seems like a small number considering how many have arrived here lately." "It is," Lorne agreed while scanning ahead for any potential disturbances taking place nearby. "But like us, not everyone here wants to live longer than what''s natural for them. They might be content with living out the rest of their lives normally before passing away peacefully at old age without ever receiving this gift from Ebonheim. It''s all about what each individual values most when given such an opportunity." Kaela gave a noncommittal grunt and tugged her cloak tighter around herself before replying quietly, "I can understand that. My main issue is about the limit itself. There aren''t enough slots available to accommodate everyone who would like it regardless of what they think now." Lorne nodded again. He knew what she meant. Only four hundred people would benefit from this boon throughout the twenty-year period without overlap among those chosen. So unless someone died early on by accident or illness, those four hundred individuals would remain the same throughout the duration. Then again, that''s also assuming that they would keep getting voted in by their peers. They could easily lose their spot due to various reasons¡ªmost likely related to how useful they proved to society as a whole¡ªand then have to wait for another opportunity to come up again. It might not even happen during their lifetime if nothing changes between now and when another election takes place. "Four hundred people is a reasonable limit," Lorne pointed out after thinking about it some more. "Any larger and we risk losing sight of what''s important here." Kaela cocked an eyebrow at him curiously. "And what''s that?" Lorne turned his gaze toward her with a small smile before answering simply. "The quality of life."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. He didn''t elaborate further despite seeing confusion cross Kaela''s face briefly before understanding dawned upon her features moments later. "Ahh...I get what you mean." "Good," Lorne said before directing his attention back towards their surroundings once more. If anything, this limitation would allow Ebonheim to moderate only a few hundred extended lives instead of thousands...if not more than that. This would prevent too many people from living too long and losing touch with reality altogether...or worse yet, becoming another Farokh, who viewed mortals as nothing more than pawns for his own amusement. They continued patrolling through town while listening to conversations occurring around them. A familiar face caught Lorne''s eye among the crowd as he spotted Deneve waving at him from across the street. She wore her crimson armor over a gray shirt with black pants tucked into knee-high leather boots. Her two scimitars hung loosely on either side of her waist along with several pouches dangling from her belt. "Commander!" she called out while jogging over towards him. "You''ve heard of the news, I take it?" Lorne nodded once before replying. "Yes. Word travels fast these days." Kaela waved back towards Deneve as she approached closer. "Don''t tell me you''re going to put your name forward for consideration?" Deneve snorted and shook her head firmly. "Hah! I''m only twenty-seven. My prime years are still ahead of me. I won''t consider this chalice''s boon until I''m closer towards fifty at least." "Practical as always," Lorne said approvingly before asking another question. "And what about the other Silverguards? How do they feel about this whole ordeal?" Deneve shrugged and glanced away briefly before answering, "We''ve discussed the matter a few times together already. A few expressed interest in trying their luck though I wouldn''t get my hopes up if I were them. The competition will be fierce regardless of how you look at things. But that''s nothing new for us after all." Kaela smiled wryly and nodded along with her words. "I suppose not." Deneve turned back towards Lorne before adding, "Engin wants to speak with you about something later tonight. He said to meet him by the tavern once your shift ends." Lorne frowned slightly towards her but nodded regardless. "I''ll do so. Thank you." Deneve grinned mischievously and gave a mock salute before taking her leave from them both. "I''ll see you both later then!" Lorne watched her depart before glancing towards Kaela riding beside him. She gave him a knowing look back as they resumed their patrol route throughout town once more. They both had a good idea about what Engin wanted to discuss with him.
The door opened inward with a creak, revealing the tavern''s interior beyond its threshold. Lorne stepped inside and scanned around briefly until spotting Engin seated alone at a corner table near the far wall. A bottle of mead rested between two cups already filled halfway with golden liquid as well as an empty plate lying on its side nearby. Engin gestured for him to take a seat across from him. "Good evening," Lorne greeted while pulling out a chair opposite Engin before sitting down. "Deneve told me you wished to speak with me." Engin nodded solemnly and poured another glass of mead for him. "Yes. Thank you for coming on such short notice." Lorne accepted the offered cup and took a sip from it before setting it back down again. The sweet taste of honey lingered on his tongue afterward as he waited patiently for Engin to continue speaking. He''d grown accustomed towards these informal meetings over the years...especially when they dealt with matters concerning their town''s safety. "I''m sure you already know why I''ve called you here tonight," Engin said after clearing his throat. "But regardless, let me explain things briefly so we''re both on the same page here." Lorne gave another nod and listened attentively while sipping his drink again. "A messenger arrived yesterday afternoon carrying word from the Order of the Burning Shield in Dulgaan. Ardeunius intends to pay us a visit next week. It seems as though he has business that cannot wait." His hunch was right. Lorne set his glass aside after finishing another swallow from it, already anticipating where this conversation would lead next. Engin sighed heavily and gazed off towards nothing particular. He almost seemed conflicted by whatever thoughts ran through his mind before finally turning back toward Lorne with a somber expression etched across his features. "I''d like to ask you a favor if possible. I know this isn''t part of your job description either but I hope you might indulge me nonetheless." Lorne raised his brows inquisitively at Engin''s request. "Go on..." he encouraged gently when nothing else followed afterward for several moments. Engin closed his eyes briefly before continuing, "He intends to occupy Old Drakon''s Castle and have it serve as a stronghold for the Order while they conduct whatever affairs he plans to do in the Eldergrove. I''m sure there won''t be anything nefarious behind his motives but nonetheless...it still warrants some extra attention given whose territory the castle lies within." This time Lorne couldn''t help but stare openly at Engin with bewilderment written plainly across his face. The other man seemed unperturbed by this response and instead leaned forward across the table towards Lorne before speaking again, lowering his voice enough that only those nearby could hear his words clearly. "I know how this sounds. Believe me when I say I also wish nothing more than to leave Ardeunius with his business and allow him to proceed unimpeded without involving ourselves directly. But I don''t trust that their interactions with Elmsworth won''t cause unnecessary friction between them both...even with all the good intentions involved here." It was Lorne''s turn now to heave out an exasperated sigh at those last few lines spoken aloud just now. "That''s one hell of a favor you''re asking me," he muttered under his breath before meeting Engin''s gaze again afterward. "You want the Silverguards to act as mediators if tensions rise between him and Elmsworth...don''t you?" Engin smiled tiredly back towards him while nodding slowly. "Correct." Lorne rubbed his temples with two fingers before shaking his head once more. "You understand that''s easier said than done. I''ve only met that ancient Ent twice, and both times Ebonheim was with me to smooth things over. Wouldn''t Hilda or one of the Jixishan druids be better suited to handle such negotiations given their relationship with him?" "Normally I''d agree," Engin concurred while taking another drink from his cup before adding afterwards, "However...they don''t have much experience dealing with an order of warriors either. If anything, Ardeunius'' knights might look down upon them due to their more pacifistic nature towards resolving conflicts." Lorne couldn''t argue with that logic either. The Order''s reputation for being one of the most disciplined militant organizations on the continent preceded them far and wide...even among those who didn''t share similar views towards war as they did. He could already picture how such a meeting might unfold should Hilda or anyone else representing Ebonheim approach Ardeunius directly. It wouldn''t end well no matter how well-intentioned both parties might be. "So what exactly do you expect us to do exactly?" he asked. "We aren''t diplomats nor diplomacy specialists by any means." Engin gave a dismissive wave before responding in an easy tone, "I know. But despite what you may think, there''s a certain level of respect shared between your two groups already. As long as you remain on neutral grounds while keeping things civil between them both...I have confidence nothing too drastic will transpire during their interaction regardless any differences they might share." "That''s a lot of assumptions," Lorne pointed out, unable to hide his skepticism towards this plan entirely. "Not to mention, we''ll have to leave our duties here behind for an indefinite period while acting as liaisons between Elmsworth and Ardeunius. I doubt the Order would appreciate having us butting into their affairs either." "No, they wouldn''t. But they''re reasonable people overall so I don''t foresee too many issues arising from this arrangement overall. Besides, I''d rather deal with this matter beforehand than let it fester into something worse down the line if left unaddressed." "And what does Ebonheim think of this?" Lorne asked. Engin smiled wryly and shook his head before answering, "She understands my concerns regarding this issue...but disagrees with my approach towards addressing them. She thinks everything will turn out fine as long as the Order keeps their activities within the castle grounds and does not involve themselves directly with Elmsworth." That didn''t surprise him one bit given how laidback Ebonheim normally acted when dealing with the lords of the Eldergrove. At most, she''d offer to resolve any potential conflicts between them both. But unlike Engin''s approach towards preventing those issues from arising in the first place...she tended to take things in stride without trying too hard in terms preventing potential problems ahead. Well, at least during the couple of years she had been more proactive about matters. This time, however, Lorne had a feeling her reasoning might stem more from trusting that Elmsworth would bring his grievances directly to her if anything happened rather than confronting Ardeunius himself. "I don''t envy your position right now," Lorne said sympathetically towards Engin after considering everything said between them both. "But I can''t promise you anything either way without consulting my company first. If we are to do this, I''d need at least one of the Jixishan druids to accompany us for this favor." Engin nodded in understanding before finishing off his drink in one gulp afterward. "That''s reasonable enough. Take as much time as you need. But try to have an answer in two days if possible." Lorne gave another nod before standing up from his seat and pushing it back under the table again afterward. He took one last sip from his cup before bidding Engin goodnight. The other man waved lazily in response while refilling his own glass once more afterwards. He appeared lost in deep thought already...no doubt dwelling over future events still left unresolved. Chapter 165: Generous Tidings Kaela stared at Lorne incredulously as they both sat alone together inside their private quarters. The silver moonlight shining through the window illuminated her face softly while casting shadows across its features otherwise hidden underneath flickering candlelight flickering nearby. "So let me get this straight," she began before continuing onwards immediately thereafter, "you''re asking us to abandon our duties here for however long Ardeunius intends on occupying Old Drakon''s Castle and act as a third party should anything escalate between him and Elmsworth?" "Yes," Lorne affirmed. "It would only be temporary...at least until the Order leaves the Eldergrove." Kaela frowned thoughtfully towards this response. She crossed her arms beneath her breasts before leaning back against a nearby wall covered entirely with maps depicting various locations throughout the region. "That''s a lot of trouble to go through just for something like this," she mused aloud. "Why not just leave Ardeunius alone and trust the Order will act responsibly while staying within their boundaries?" Lorne gave a rueful smile before explaining further, "Because that''s what the Order''s reputation entails. Even if Ardeunius doesn''t intend on causing conflict with Elmsworth...it doesn''t guarantee that his men wouldn''t act on their own initiative." She grunted in understanding before asking another question moments later, "And what about Ebonheim? Has she already given permission for this or is this something she would refuse outright?" Lorne hesitated momentarily before answering, "I don''t know. Engin says she''s opposed to the idea entirely...but that doesn''t mean she would outright reject this favor." "Sounds like you''re walking a thin line between opposing sides here." "Perhaps," Lorne conceded with a shrug of his shoulders. "But regardless of how she feels about this proposal...I''m confident she''ll want us to follow through with whatever decision we come to eventually regardless of her personal feelings on the matter." Kaela sighed deeply and pushed herself upright again before walking over towards her bed where she sat down heavily upon its edge afterwards. "Just when I was getting used to lounging around this town and not worrying about anything besides keeping watch for any would-be brigands." Lorne chuckled and shook his head wryly at those comments spoken in jest. "You act as if you''re the only one here who enjoys a peaceful lifestyle. I''m also not thrilled by this sudden change of pace myself...but given everything involved here, I''d rather do something to prevent a potential disaster from happening later on than ignore its existence altogether." Kaela snorted and glanced over towards him. "You have a point. So, when would we have to depart from here if we choose to help out with this little assignment?" "By the end of the month," he answered without missing a beat. "According to Engin, the Order plans on arriving in three weeks'' time. That gives us enough leeway to prepare ourselves accordingly beforehand." "I see..." Kaela trailed off as she lay back onto her mattress after removing her armor pieces one by one until nothing remained covering her body except her undergarments. She stretched out lazily with a satisfied groan before turning her head towards Lorne with a playful expression lighting up her face moments later. "Well, in that case...let''s enjoy these upcoming weeks together while we can. It''ll be a shame to leave behind this nice cushy life we''ve become accustomed to over the years." Lorne blinked at her sudden flirtation as he watched her run fingertips across bare skin exposed beneath a simple white cotton blouse. It wasn''t often she initiated such intimacies between them unless tipsy or intoxicated. And given the fact neither option applied tonight...this caught him completely unprepared for her advances unexpectedly coming his way. "Are you just going to stand there gawking at me all night or are you going to join me under the sheets? Because if not, I''m going to sleep like this," she added teasingly afterwards with a seductive smirk adorning her lips as she continued gazing up towards him from her current position sprawled across her bed. Lorne chuckled softly and stripped out of his leather armor before climbing into bed alongside her afterwards. He wrapped arms around her slender waist and pulled her close enough so that their bodies pressed tightly against each other. "Someone''s bold tonight," he whispered softly into her ear as he nuzzled his cheek against hers. "I thought you preferred things being the other way around between us?" Kaela hummed happily in response and shifted closer toward him until she lay half atop his chest. "I just wanted to switch things up a bit. You don''t mind, do you?" "Not at all," he murmured affectionately in reply. "As long as you''re happy then so am I."
Morning arrived swiftly for Ebonheim. With the rising sun came renewed energy within the town and surrounding forest. People awoke early to start their daily routines. Some headed off towards nearby fields where they worked tirelessly alongside animals harvesting crops planted months prior; others went about their day tending to livestock kept within pens scattered throughout Ebonheim proper. Ebonheim woke at the crack of dawn as usual. She brushed the bangs from her forehead and sighed while stretching out beneath warm blankets covering her lithe frame. She savored the lingering comfort of slumber gradually fading away while blinking away sleep still clinging stubbornly within unfocused eyes. "Good morning," Kelzryn''s voice called out from nearby as she propped herself upright in bed. "Did you sleep well?" Ebonheim rubbed the remaining grogginess from her eyes before glancing towards Kelzryn sitting in a chair beside her bedside, reading a book under a nearby window. She had grown accustomed to waking up every morning and finding him waiting patiently for her. At first, this unnerved her a bit. But over time, she''d grown accustomed towards his presence despite its initial oddness. After all, there wasn''t anything wrong with being cared for by someone else other than herself. "Yeah. Thanks," Ebonheim replied with a soft yawn. A faint rustle stirred from beside her. Ebonheim shifted towards the source of the noise and found Evelyne curled up beside her sound asleep. The Arcanist''s mouth hung open slightly, drooling onto her pillow. Her hair spilled across her face like a dark curtain covering half of her features from view. Underneath the sheets, her legs intertwined with Ebonheim''s own. At first, Ebonheim didn''t react to her unexpected presence. It wasn''t unusual for Evelyne to stop by in the middle of the night whenever she felt particularly restless or needed somewhere quieter to concentrate on her arcane research. She often forgot how late it was and ended up falling asleep on Ebonheim''s bed by mistake. This wasn''t the first time, and likely wouldn''t be the last. But then Ebonheim noticed something else different about Evelyne''s appearance that stood out immediately¡ªEvelyne was naked. Ebonheim froze and tried not to panic while staring at Evelyne''s exposed form. Her clothes lay in a heap on the floor beside the bed, suggesting that they''d been hastily removed before crawling in underneath the covers earlier on. She slowly turned her head to Kelzryn, who continued reading his book without so much glancing towards them. "W-wha¡ª" Ebonheim stammered, her mind reeling with questions demanding answers right then and there. Was he aware of Evelyne''s nudity? Had he seen her undress? What happened last night?! Kelzryn casually turned a page from his book and finally glanced in her direction. "Is there something wrong, Ebonheim?" Ebonheim opened her mouth to respond but stopped abruptly when Evelyne rolled over in her sleep and threw an arm over Ebonheim''s abdomen, mumbling something incomprehensible as she snuggled closer towards her. Her entire body tensed in alarm. Evelyne''s warmth seeped into Ebonheim''s skin and sent goosebumps prickling along her spine. The Arcanist''s leg brushed lightly against the inside of her thigh, making her shudder involuntarily at the unexpected sensation. "Explain," Ebonheim demanded in a whisper while looking towards Kelzryn pleadingly. "Please explain what I''m waking up to. Last I recall, I returned to my cabin alone and slept without interruptions. Now I find you two in here with me, and Evelyne sleeping naked beside me." Kelzryn glanced towards Evelyne briefly before meeting Ebonheim''s gaze again. "She came over late last night while you slept. She wished to discuss something important with me privately regarding you. When we finished our talk, she grew too weary to return home safely at that hour and fell asleep on your bed." "But why is she naked?!" "This summer season was apparently too hot for her liking," he explained with a nonchalant shrug. "She insisted on not wearing anything while resting beside you so as to prevent overheating while she slumbered. Apparently, she often strips during warmer months regardless who''s around or not."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "But this house has magic that controls the temperature! I haven''t experienced any problems with heat or cold within its walls!" "The duration of those enchantments had lapsed by the time you''d returned. I hadn''t had the opportunity to rejuvenate them until now." Ebonheim groaned and rubbed her face tiredly. Great. Just great. She wanted to wake Evelyne and demand answers right now. However, this was hardly appropriate given her current circumstances. Instead, she resigned herself towards letting the Arcanist sleep for the time being. Ebonheim carefully lifted Evelyne''s arm off her stomach before sliding out from beneath the covers and standing up from the bed. She glanced over at Kelzryn once more. "What did she want to discuss with you anyways?" "Something that needs to wait," he answered simply while returning focus towards reading his book. "A discussion for a later time." Ebonheim scowled towards his evasive attitude. Normally she''d press harder towards gaining the information she desired. However, she also knew better than to waste her energy trying to pull words from a dragon. "Fine," she muttered before turning towards a mirror hanging on the wall nearby and inspecting her reflection closely. Nothing looked out of place aside from slightly tousled hair and wrinkled clothing. Satisfied nothing improper had occurred, she glanced over at Evelyne once again. The Arcanist slept peacefully with her cheek resting on Ebonheim''s pillow and her limbs sprawled over the space vacated by her previous bedmate. She breathed evenly and occasionally murmured incoherent sentences between dreams. "Make sure she gets back safely when she wakes," Ebonheim requested while gathering her belongings from various areas scattered throughout her cabin. "Of course," he responded without bothering to glance towards her. "Though, I doubt she would want me escorting her back to her workshop." "Whatever works...as long as she''s taken care of." Kelzryn gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "Very well. Enjoy your day, Ebonheim." With that settled, Ebonheim promptly exited her cabin and started towards town for her daily routine. The sound of chirping birds accompanied her along the path as they flew overhead through branches swaying gently in gentle breezes blowing past them both. Sunlight shone brightly between clouds drifting lazily across azure skies above. A typical sunny day in her domain. No sign of storms brewing in sight. No omens appearing in ominous shapes signaling impending danger ahead. It may as well be an unremarkable day for Ebonheim''s duties. Unless something noteworthy occurred throughout town during her daily walkabout, she didn''t expect anything out-of-the ordinary happening soon enough...aside from Evelyne''s earlier intrusion that is. She sighed. A serious talk about boundaries was needed, but she''d deal with that later. It wasn''t worth stressing over too deeply for now. In the meantime though, she had plenty of other things occupying her attention to dwell on.
One week later... Ebonheim sat at the head of the table with her chin resting on top folded hands. Her elbows dug into wood grain below while she watched Engin stand across from everyone present within the council room. Around him gathered members belonging towards various factions within town. They conversed amongst themselves quietly while waiting for Engin to begin speaking once again. He cleared his throat and brought attention back towards himself before continuing on with whatever speech he prepared beforehand. "Ardeunius and his knights will arrive here soon. By tomorrow or the day after at the latest." Ebonheim winced inwardly at this news and braced herself for what was about to come next. "They won''t be staying long though. I''ve spoken with Lorne and he''s agreed to allow the Order to use his company to act as a third party between Elmsworth and the Order," Engin announced, glancing around the room towards everyone present for this impromptu meeting. "I know some of you might disapprove of this solution...but I assure you both parties will benefit greatly from their involvement. It will prevent any incidents from occurring that could potentially cause damage between us all." She and Engin had already discussed the matter several times. Even though she''d given her blessing for the Silverguard Company to act as neutral arbitrators between the two parties, she thought he was being too cautious about the entire affair. Elmsworth would have just reached out to her should there ever arise an issue between him and the Order. This measure seemed a little excessive...not to mention inconvenient to the Silverguards. Why send someone else in your place for something as simple as this? But regardless of her misgivings towards the situation, Engin''s mind was set in stone regarding the matter. He reasoned that it was best for her not to get preoccupied with too many things at once. Ebonheim knew he meant well. After all, she did have a habit of focusing too intently on one single task over another. So instead, she decided to go along with his suggestions and allowed the Silverguard Company to handle everything without interfering herself. And as far as the Silverguard Company was concerned, they accepted their new mission readily enough. She knew how well they served their purpose whenever deployed for specific duties. In this regard, she trusted Lorne''s judgment on what his company would do. Plus, having Lorne and his company stay around Old Drakon''s Castle for a few months wouldn''t hurt anything either. The Asura demons that were unaccounted for could return or come out of hiding during that period. Having extra manpower available made sense given these circumstances. "Thank you for understanding," Engin concluded afterwards with a nod towards the rest of the room''s occupants before taking his seat once again. Everyone broke out into hushed conversations shortly thereafter with voices filling the air around them. Ebonheim listened attentively as various topics were discussed among those assembled. Next, Roderick rose to his feet and cleared his throat loudly to gain everyone''s attention again. "Now, before we adjourn here...there''s one final matter that I''d like to address with all of you present. Namely, the discovery of the Vesperia veins and Eclipsium beneath the northern mountains." The chatter ceased immediately as those present focused exclusively on Roderick speaking before them. "I''ve spoken with Brevin Stoneshield about this already...and he believes we should prioritize mining operations in the area above everything else." Brevin nodded in agreement. "Aye. We can''t ignore the potential boon for Ebonheim''s prosperity should the mines produce viable quantities of Vesperia. Especially when combined with the gold veins located within the region as well." Roderick smiled and continued on without missing a beat, "Precisely. If properly extracted, we could sell excess materials overseas for tremendous profit. Not only that...we might even manage to attract foreign investment opportunities over time. Or better yet, establish trading relations with other regions beyond the continent altogether!" His words received mixed responses from those listening intently nearby. While most seemed interested by these prospects, there were still a few who appeared skeptical of such claims despite how ambitious they sounded. "Wouldn''t that paint a target on our backs though?" Thorsten voiced out loud from across the table. "The Eldergrove is neutral territory for everyone within the continent. But if word gets out about us exploiting rare minerals that could disrupt the balance of power between the other kingdoms...we could potentially be inviting unwanted attention towards us." Several murmurs of agreement followed after he spoke. Ebonheim raised a hand to silence any further debate before glancing towards Roderick once again. "Thorsten''s right," she stated firmly. "As much as I want us to flourish and grow...I also don''t want to jeopardize what''s currently here either. So far, the Eldergrove has managed to remain relatively peaceful despite its status as a crossroads between continents. We should keep that peace intact for as long as possible." Roderick tilted his head down in acknowledgment of her words. "Yes...yes. Of course, we should," he reassured while sweeping his gaze across everyone sitting at the table before him. "In that case, we can just stock up on materials for now and keep them hidden within the Deep Miners'' outpost for safekeeping. If nothing else, it''ll serve as insurance should times become rough." "Good idea," Brevin approved with a firm nod. "I''ll inform my kin to extract only what we can handle within storage facilities underground. No more than a fraction of our monthly haul from now on until further notice." Ebonheim smiled approvingly towards Brevin and Roderick. She appreciated how quickly they both reacted towards addressing possible obstacles ahead for them all. The last thing anyone needed right now was unnecessary complications arising later down the road because of negligence on their part. "Then that settles it," Engin declared while standing up from his seat. "Let us wrap up for today. Please remember to report any developments to me as soon as possible. Until next time, good evening." Those assembled echoed back their farewells before exiting the room one by one afterwards. Ebonheim lingered a moment longer, watching them disperse before taking her leave as well. As she passed through the doorway leading outside, a pair of footsteps sounded behind her and matched pace with hers. She turned slightly to acknowledge Kelzryn following on her heels. "You missed the meeting." He shrugged and gave a small smile in response. "There wasn''t anything urgent I needed to contribute to the discussion. So I elected to skip this time around." "Hmm...I see. Well, in any event...thanks for showing up anyways." "Always." The two walked side-by-side in silence for a short while afterwards before Kelzryn spoke again. "How do you feel about this arrangement between Ardeunius and Elmsworth?" Ebonheim heaved a sigh while considering his inquiry carefully. "Honestly? I''m worried," she admitted after a brief pause. "Elmsworth tolerates travelers passing through his territory...but he isn''t fond of them staying long term. But he allowed them to occupy the castle ruins so it''s not really my responsibility to mediate any issues between him and the Order." "But you offered to anyways, didn''t you?" Ebonheim glanced towards Kelzryn, startled by his sharp perception. "I did. But now Engin has Lorne and his company handling things for me. How did you know I''d want to intervene?" "Because you''re kindhearted and thoughtful towards those who depend on you," he replied simply. "It''s not surprising in the slightest you''d consider intervening at some point or another if necessary." She laughed wryly at his answer and shook her head ruefully afterwards. "You make me sound more virtuous than I truly am. Most of the time I just find myself reacting instinctively towards whatever situation presents itself before me." "Yes. But your instincts always lead towards positive outcomes overall regardless of how dire they might seem initially," he countered calmly without breaking stride. "Even if you fail to resolve everything yourself...your compassion and generosity inspires others around you to do their best. Without those qualities within you, I doubt the people of this town would prosper as much as they are currently." Ebonheim stared at him wide-eyed. Kelzryn rarely gave compliments without merit. He was a pragmatic sort and only voiced his opinion if he genuinely believed in what he said. "W-well thank you...that''s high praise coming from you," she stuttered with a blush spreading across cheeks heated by embarrassment. Kelzryn smirked knowingly before nodding once more towards her. "Likewise." Chapter 166: Untethered Valor Two days later, Ardeunius and his retinue arrived in Ebonheim. He entered town flanked by a group of knights bearing their standard red-and-gold livery emblazoned across tabards draped over polished plate mail armor. They marched through its streets in formation, drawing stares from curious townsfolk who watched them pass by. Once they reached the town square, the procession halted. Ardeunius climbed off his horse and strode towards Engin with his back straight and head held high. His men followed suit and lined up behind him. "Welcome back," Engin greeted politely while shaking hands with Ardeunius. "I trust the journey here was uneventful?" "Indeed. Thankfully nothing untoward occurred throughout our travels," Ardeunius confirmed, turning towards Lorne afterward and clasping forearms in greeting. "Commander Miradan. Good to see you again." "Likewise, Knight Commander," Lorne responded curtly. "I hope our services will suffice." Ardeunius smiled broadly and released his grip on Lorne''s arm. "I have no doubts about your abilities. I believe we both share similar goals here after all. Besides, you and your men are veterans well-versed in field operations. I''d rather work with professionals than rank novices anytime. So no complaints whatsoever on my end regarding your role here." Lorne nodded and returned a slight smirk of his own. "Understood." The rest of the Order filed in shortly after and camped out around the outskirts. Tents sprang up around the perimeter like mushrooms growing overnight.
Ardeunius followed Engin and Lorne through the thickening foliage alongside a few of his knights. They trod a narrow path weaving between trees and bushes until a clearing opened before them. Within the center lay a small pond with clear blue waters reflecting the surrounding sky above. A dark, massive tree stood at the pond''s edge. Its bark resembled polished ebony and its branches curved gracefully towards the heavens like a cathedral archway. Tiny silver leaves clung to each limb like shimmering diamonds. A single figure sat perched upon its lowest branch, clad in flowing white robes. It had been two years since Ardeunius last seen the goddess Ebonheim. Had he not witnessed her power and divine presence firsthand, he would not have believed that she was a deity. Instead, she seemed more like a mortal girl who happened to possess incredible abilities...though still ethereal enough to evoke a sense of awe within his heart. As he gazed upon her now, he couldn''t help but marvel at how radiant she appeared. The way her silvery hair flowed freely behind her, cascading down the length of her back in elegant waves, reminded him of a waterfall rushing over the edge of a cliff. Her golden eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, and her flawless olive-toned skin shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Even with her beauty, she appeared to carry herself with a certain amount of maturity and elegance. Maturity...he mused idly. Despite her appearance, she was likely far older than any living man or woman here. He wondered how many ages she had already lived through and seen come and go. He had always assumed that all gods were ancient beings who chose to manifest themselves through physical representations of their own creation. Yet here was proof to the contrary...a deity who appeared human, and young enough to be his daughter if not younger. He couldn''t help but stare in wonderment as he took in her delicate features. Ebonheim sensed their presence and turned to face the newcomers. She smiled warmly at their approach before leaping down from her perch, landing softly upon the grass below without causing even the slightest ripple on its surface. "Knight Commander Ardeunius. How pleasant to see you again after so long," she called out while gliding towards him. "I trust your trip here was uneventful?" Ardeunius bowed deeply before Ebonheim. "Goddess Ebonheim. Yes...yes, the journey itself proved to be quite peaceful despite its length." Ebonheim chuckled lightly as she stepped closer towards him. "Please raise your head. There is no need for formalities between us. You are an ally after all." Ardeunius hesitated momentarily before straightening himself again. He couldn''t help but admire how lovely she appeared up close. Her golden irises shone brightly while peering directly into his own. For a brief instant, he swore he could hear music playing somewhere nearby...a tune akin to birds chirping among leafy boughs. Then as quickly as the sound came, it faded away as quickly as it began. "You honor me greatly," Ardeunius replied with a humble tone before gesturing towards his companions beside him. "Allow me to introduce my companions: Sirs Ulrich, Stephanos, and Emil. They serve directly under me within the Order." Each knight nodded solemnly towards Ebonheim in turn. She nodded back kindly. "Hello there. Welcome to the Eldergrove. I''ve heard much about your organization''s deeds throughout the years. Please enjoy your stay here...all of you," she said with a welcoming grin. Ulrich, Stephanos, and Emil exchanged glances between themselves before smiling broadly towards her afterward. "Thank you!" they exclaimed simultaneously. Ebonheim chuckled again and turned to walk back towards the base of the massive tree. Roots sprouted from the ground and wove together to form a chair beneath her as she sat. "Please, take a seat with us," Ebonheim said while gesturing towards the nearby stumps arranged in a semicircle before her. "I believe we have much to discuss about your upcoming plans here." Ardeunius glanced over at Lorne and Engin. Both men motioned towards him to go ahead. He took one last look at Ebonheim before proceeding forward until reaching a spot directly facing her. Once he''d settled himself comfortably upon his makeshift seat, he cleared his throat and began explaining the details surrounding the Order''s arrival. "As you are well aware, Old Drakon''s Castle used to serve as an outpost for the Kingdom of Nordholz in the past. However, during the Fallen War, the fortification was abandoned and neglected by subsequent generations until finally becoming overrun by nature decades later. As a result, its current condition is less than ideal for proper living standards...but nonetheless, its strategic position remains beneficial towards our goals for the near future." Ebonheim raised an eyebrow at this remark. "Which are?" "Establishing ourselves in this region. It''ll serve as our base of operations within this area," he answered firmly. "And its proximity towards your domain here makes it even more desirable for us to use as a starting point."This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. "I see," she remarked thoughtfully. "Well...the Order''s presence will certainly encourage additional travelers to pass through here regularly. But what does your god think of this?" Ardeunius frowned at this question. Perhaps no one had informed her of this minor detail. "The Order of the Burning Shield does not worship any singular god. We instead devote ourselves solely to protecting those in need." Ebonheim''s eyes widened slightly upon hearing this revelation. "I wasn''t aware. My apologies." "No offense taken. Our neutrality to other deities isn''t widely known. So far, they''ve tolerated our position...and even allowed us to settle within their domains on occasion," Ardeunius said, pausing briefly to observe her reaction. But to his surprise, she didn''t seem perturbed in the slightest by his revelation. If anything, she appeared intrigued by it. "That sounds like a rather difficult task to maintain," she remarked earnestly. "But I suppose being neutral in these matters makes things easier for you." Ardeunius chuckled mirthlessly. "Sometimes yes...and others, no. Regardless, we persevere regardless. And we intend on maintaining our dedication to our cause here as well." "Does that mean my earlier remark about being allies isn''t accurate then? Since you have no loyalties towards gods?" Ardeunius shook his head firmly. "No. Your words still ring true. Despite our lack of faith in other gods...we still support their existence and the benefits they provide to humanity overall. You may think us hypocrites for our views...but I assure you, we are anything but. If anything, our stance allows us to fulfill our purpose to our utmost ability. We protect the people as needed without fearing divine intervention to disrupt our plans. Nor do we hesitate in taking action when called upon either." Ebonheim leaned back against her chair and crossed her arms beneath her chest while gazing curiously towards him. "That''s an interesting philosophy for sure. Tell me more." He smiled crookedly and continued onwards. "Our ranks consist predominantly of men and women who seek out justice and righteousness wherever they find it. We train hard to maintain our skills and talents, and we live austere lives free of distractions and luxury. Our sole purpose in this world is to defend others against monsters and otherwordly threats that would otherwise destroy humanity completely. We do this without fanfare or reward. Simply because we believe such a mission is worth pursuing regardless of its outcome." "And what if the gods tell you otherwise? What then?" "We would ignore their commands," he declared bluntly. "Or worse...resist them outright if necessary." Ebonheim raised a brow towards this bold claim. "Isn''t that dangerous?" "Perhaps. However, we are prepared for such consequences regardless if they arise or not. Better to act against divine will and suffer retribution afterwards than allow innocents to perish needlessly under our watch." A long silence followed afterwards while Ebonheim pondered over his response. Ardeunius glanced towards the others present beside him. Lorne and Engin both listened quietly without interrupting once throughout the exchange. He wondered if any of them would object towards his statements...or perhaps even contradict them outright. But neither spoke up at all during this interval. Eventually, Ebonheim finally stirred from her contemplation and offered a gentle smile towards him. The gesture caught him off guard and caused him to blink rapidly in confusion. He has had this conversation with several other gods in the past. Although most had little to no human-like expressions to convey their emotions, their tone and body language usually communicated their reactions well enough. However, Ebonheim was proving to be quite expressive towards him during their discourse. It wasn''t unpleasant...but definitely unexpected. Why did she seem so calm towards his declaration? He''d expected outrage...or at least indignation from her. Yet instead, she appeared more sympathetic towards his cause than hostile towards his words. That struck him as odd. Gods craved respect and veneration above all else. The fact that Ebonheim hadn''t gotten upset by his disregard towards her status surprised him. Perhaps she viewed his position differently? "My apologies for asking so many questions. It''s just..." Ebonheim started, interrupting Ardeunius''s thoughts. "Your reasons are quite noble. I''d hate to see someone who believes in something so strongly to face adversity over it. Especially when those beliefs happen to coincide with my own as well. So please, continue on with what else you have planned for this region." Ardeunius gave her another bewildered expression. "You''re...supportive of our efforts?" Ebonheim smiled warmly towards him once again. "Of course. Why wouldn''t I be?" He paused and furrowed his brow slightly. This wasn''t the usual response he normally received towards the Order''s agenda. It usually involved tithes or tributes paid by its members to appease whichever god''s domain the Order encroached upon. He''d expected something similar from Ebonheim as well...yet instead, she supported them entirely. What game was she playing? "I don''t understand..." Ardeunius mumbled with a slight shake of his head. "Forgive me...but why aren''t you demanding payment for our presence here? Or insisting upon our allegiance towards your name alone?" Ebonheim blinked in confusion and tilted her head slightly towards him. "Why would I? The people here benefit from your service and protection. It seems natural enough to let you do as you wish provided you don''t harm anyone while staying. Besides, Old Drakon''s Castle lies within Elmsworth''s territory, not mine. He told me that he''d accept you there, provided you do not violate the terms he''d set forth beforehand. So long as he permits it...then I have no objections whatsoever." Ardeunius stared blankly towards Ebonheim for a long moment before bursting out in laughter. Everyone present gave him curious looks as he wiped away tears forming within the corners of his eyes. He didn''t blame them. He must have seemed like a madman to them now. "You are...quite refreshing," he finally managed to say between chuckles. "Thank you for your generous hospitality towards the Order. It won''t go unrewarded in the future." Ebonheim smiled warmly towards him again before rising from her seat. "I''ll take you at your word for that. Now, if you''ll excuse me...I''ve kept you here long enough as is. Please come visit me anytime you''d like." With that, Ebonheim departed and left the others behind. Ardeunius watched as she disappeared into the forest with her back turned towards them. He noticed how graceful and light she moved, almost dancing across the grass below with each step she took. Her hair flowed freely behind her like liquid silver cascading down her back. A soft melody escaped from her lips while she twirled among the trees before fading away into the distance. Once she vanished completely, Ardeunius glanced over towards his companions. Each man shared similar expressions of astonishment and bewilderment towards what they''d just witnessed. Engin was the first to speak. "So...how did you find her?" "Impressive," Ardeunius replied honestly. "Beautiful beyond compare and wise beyond measure. She reminds me of my first wife actually. Except a lot more...approachable. Her kindness radiates throughout everything around her. I''m beginning to understand why the people here flock to her domain in droves. She''s everything a goddess should be." "Sir," Stephanos interjected suddenly. "I don''t think it''s appropriate to compare a goddess to your former spouse. Especially in such a manner." Ulrich and Emil nodded vigorously in agreement. "Indeed. That''s highly inappropriate." Ardeunius frowned at this outburst from his subordinates. "I didn''t mean it like that! All I meant was that she reminds me of my first wife''s qualities. I apologize if I offended anyone here...please forgive my poor choice of words." Engin gave a dismissive wave towards them and shook his head. "Nah...he meant nothing malicious by his comment. Right, Ardeunius?" "Correct. Again...my sincere apologies for causing offense." "Apology accepted," the three knights muttered reluctantly. Afterwards, they continued to converse among themselves for a short while before returning to town. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, Ardeunius found himself reflecting over the encounter with Ebonheim. Her words rang repeatedly through his mind...causing him to ponder further upon the Order''s position within the region and its place within the mortal realm as a whole. If Ebonheim truly believed in their cause without reservation or expectation, then he owed it to her¡ªas well as himself¡ªto do everything within his power to achieve their goals accordingly. Chapter 167: Return Trip 5th of Scarlettide, 1372 The Order of the Burning Shield established themselves within Old Drakon''s Castle ruins. Over the course of several months, they repaired and refurbished the crumbling structures to make them suitable for habitation. They also constructed additional buildings adjacent to the main compound, such as barracks and stables. A blacksmithy and forge soon followed after as well. Soon enough, the previously decrepit outpost transformed into a fully operational military encampment capable of accommodating several hundred soldiers at once. The knights within its ranks spent their time training tirelessly for combat alongside Lorne and his Silverguard company. On the occasions that they ventured into the surrounding wilderness, they hunted for wild game to sustain themselves as needed. Gradually, the fortifications grew stronger day by day. Lorne stood atop the parapets overlooking the land surrounding the castle. The wind rustled through his hair while he gazed out across the treetops below. In the distance, he could make out the faint outline of mountains peeking above the horizon line. Those peaks marked where the Eldergrove ended and the northlands began. A voice called out to him. Lorne glanced over his shoulder to see Kaela approaching from behind. She wore her cloak wrapped tightly around her frame and her hood drawn low over her brow. She stopped next to him and peered out towards the vista laid before her. "Enjoying the view?" she asked lightly. Lorne shrugged and turned his attention back towards the scenery once more. "Not particularly. Just surveying the surroundings. Taking stock of the terrain and landmarks." Kaela snorted in amusement. "Ah, yes. Because I''m sure the giant spire on top of the mountain isn''t a dead giveaway as to what''s where." "Strategic placement and defense means taking in every detail of the immediate vicinity. Not just the obvious ones," Lorne rebuffed casually. "Besides, I needed a break from all the construction. So I figured a quick patrol around the perimeter wouldn''t hurt either." "Fair enough," Kaela conceded. "At any rate, I came up here to give you this," she said as she pulled out a folded parchment from her pocket and handed it to him. "Message from Engin. Says it''s important." "Thanks," he murmured while accepting the missive and unfolding its contents. He skimmed through its contents and smiled wryly towards the end. "Looks like our time here is almost over." "Oh? Do tell," Kaela quipped as she leaned towards him and glanced down at the letter. "Is it bad news?" "Quite the opposite actually," Lorne chuckled. "Ebonheim wants everyone there for this year''s harvest festival." Kaela''s eyes lit up in excitement. "It''s that time already? Wow...I''ve lost track of dates lately." "Same," Lorne agreed as he scanned the message again. "The last several months went by fast." "I guess so," Kaela murmured as she gazed upwards towards the sky above. "Wonder what''s in store for us this time around. Hopefully nothing too crazy." "Knowing Ebonheim, probably the usual activities. Food contests...games...music. But I think she''ll be presenting the chosen candidates to receive the chalice''s blessings." "That''s right," Kaela hummed in thought. "We cast our votes before we left town. I forgot about that. Guess we''ll find out soon enough. I''m kind of curious though." Lorne nodded. Each member of the Silverguard Company had a private audience with Ebonheim before they left town. They were free to nominate up to twenty people they believed deserved her divine blessing. In order for them to qualify, they had to demonstrate an admirable character and a genuine desire to better the community through their actions. A simple process...but one which Ebonheim valued highly nonetheless. "Anyway," Lorne said, shaking off the memories of his own visit. "I''d better report this to Ardeunius. Wanna tag along?" "Sure," Kaela answered, walking beside him as they descended down the stairs leading to the courtyard below. On the way towards Ardeunius''s office, they passed by Deneve practicing with her sword outside the smithy. She spotted them and waved in greeting. Lorne waved back and watched as she hurried over towards them. "Hey guys," she panted slightly. "Are we leaving soon?" "How''d you know?" Kaela asked. Deneve shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a hunch." "Yeah...we''re heading back tomorrow," Lorne confirmed. "Relay the information to Urien and the rest." "Gotcha," Deneve confirmed with a nod before jogging off. Lorne shook his head with a smile and headed straight for the command post. A soldier saluted and directed him towards a room at the end of the hall. He knocked twice before entering. Inside, Ardeunius sat behind a desk covered with maps and various papers. He glanced towards them and rose to greet them. "Commander Miradan. Kaela," he said pleasantly. "Is there an issue?" "Nothing urgent, Knight Commander," Lorne said while handing him the message. "The Silverguards'' business here is completed. So we''ll depart for home on the morrow." Ardeunius read through the missive and smiled slightly towards the end. "I see. Well...allow me to formally thank you for your assistance during this period. Settling on the hunting and foraging grounds with the Ent proved to be rather challenging. Your presence made the negotiations significantly simpler than they otherwise would have been."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Lorne shook his head. "It was mostly our druid friend doing the heavy lifting for that. We just facilitated the discussion between the two sides." Ardeunius laughed softly. "Perhaps so. But nonetheless, your contributions were appreciated regardless. With that being said...what are your plans for the coming winter months?" Lorne exchanged glances with Kaela for a second before responding. "Honestly...nothing definite. There''s still work to be done at our keep. But most of that consists of finishing touches at this point. So nothing overly taxing." "Understandable. Well...should you find yourselves at loose ends and wishing for additional work, consider stopping by again. There''s always plenty available here." "Will do," Lorne acknowledged before excusing himself and Kaela from the room. "We''d better pack. See you at the gates tomorrow morning." Ardeunius waved them off. "Take care." Once they exited the building and headed towards their quarters, Lorne broke the silence between them. "What did you think?" "About Ardeunius?" "Yep." "I can see why he earned his reputation," Kaela commented. "He''s an effective leader and an excellent administrator. A bit old-fashioned perhaps...but good-natured overall." "I agree," Lorne concurred. "He reminds me of my father. Only more disciplined. And with fewer regrets." "Maybe. But I get the impression he''s got a few skeletons in his closet he doesn''t want anyone finding out about. No idea what they might entail, though. Just a hunch." "Intuition''s a useful skill. Be sure to follow through on any hunches you get in the future." "Of course," Kaela scoffed. "That''s a given."
As Lorne and his company trekked through the woods towards Elmsworth''s grove, the air around them grew denser and the trees loomed overhead. The foliage seemed to bend towards them as they passed. The hairs on the back of Lorne''s neck stood on end as they entered the darkening shadows. They''d made this trip several times already, but each time felt like the first. Unlike Ebonheim''s forest, which was filled with towering oaks, maples, ash trees, and lush greenery, this forest was different. The trees here seemed ancient and gnarled. They twisted and turned in odd shapes that defied reason. Vines clung to the bark and crept towards the ground in a carpet of leaves. Moss and lichen covered every surface. The ground squelched underfoot with each step they took. Despite the chill in the air and the oppressive silence, Lorne couldn''t help but marvel at the beauty and eeriness around him. He glanced towards Kaela and the others. They all wore grim expressions, but their eyes spoke of wonder and awe. At the front of the column, the Jixishan druid Lira led them through the maze of trees. Her hair was braided into two long ropes and wound around her shoulders. Her dark skin glistened in the dying light filtering through the canopy above. She carried a long staff in her hand. Its head was carved into a spiral pattern resembling ivy. During the months spent assisting the Order, he''d grown accustomed to relying upon Lira for her guidance and knowledge. It helped that she''d shown no fear or hesitation in sharing her expertise freely. Whenever he inquired about specific details regarding plant life in the region, she readily answered in great detail. In return, she''d ask for his thoughts on various topics ranging from politics to history. Out of all the groups he had interacted with in Ebonheim, the Jixishan tribe proved to be the most mystifying. The tribe followed ancient rituals and beliefs based on their experiences and traditions. They often performed ritualistic dances and songs during ceremonies or festivals. Many of their practices baffled him at first, but after spending enough time amongst them, he''d come to appreciate their cultural values. When he had time to spare, he''d listen attentively to Lira''s stories and folktales recounted from the tribe''s history. Some were humorous anecdotes. Others told tragic tales. But all served to illustrate their customs and beliefs. Their journey continued through the afternoon until the unmistakable sounds of the elder Ent''s footsteps echoed through the woods. The ground trembled as he approached. Elmsworth emerged from behind a thick copse of trees and strode towards them. A deep rumbling noise emanated from his trunk. The branches atop his head swayed gently as he greeted them. "Welcome back...young ones," he rumbled deeply. The group bowed their heads respectfully in acknowledgment. Lorne and Lira stepped forward and responded in tandem. "Greetings, Lord Elmsworth." The massive tree spirit peered down at the company. His roots parted from the soil and shifted beneath him as he repositioned himself. His gaze swept over everyone assembled. After a lengthy pause, he spoke once more. "What brings your visit here today?" Lorne cleared his throat and explained their situation. "Our duties with the Order of the Burning Shield have concluded. The current arrangements between you and Knight Commander Ardeunius should be sufficient until further notice. However, Ebonheim requested that we attend the upcoming autumn festival. As such, we''ve come to pay our respects and bid you farewell until next time." Elmsworth dipped his head. "Very well. Go forth...and enjoy the festivities." The group bowed again and turned to leave. "Wait!" a chirpy voice called out. Everyone whirled towards the source of the sound. A tiny figure darted towards them from behind Elmsworth''s massive frame. As it approached, the shape became clearer. It was a sprite with shimmering green wings and a flowing dress made from leaves. Her hair appeared to be made entirely of vines and flowers. Her skin glowed with a soft light that reminded Lorne of moonlight reflecting off a pool of water. She hovered in the air in front of them and smiled brightly towards everyone assembled. "Hello!" Lira smiled and offered her hand. The sprite landed softly on her palm. "It''s nice to see you again, Ivera." Ivera giggled. "Nice to see you too." She looked around at everyone else and waved. "I overheard your conversation with Elmsworth. Sounds like you''re heading back to Ebonheim soon. When''s the party?" Lorne frowned. "Party?" Ivera rolled her eyes. "Yeah. You know...the annual fall festival? Ebonheim throws one every year. I haven''t gone in forever, though. But this time, I won''t miss out again. So count me in!" "Count you...for what exactly?" Lorne asked hesitantly. Ivera placed a finger on her chin and scrunched her brow as if contemplating something complex. "Hmmm...good question. Last time, I helped with the arm wrestling tournament. The time before that, I judged the pie-eating contest. I''m not really sure what I should do this year...any ideas?" "Why don''t you join us for the journey? Maybe we can figure something out along the way," Lira suggested. Ivera grinned happily. "That sounds fun!" She flew towards Lorne and perched on his shoulder. "I like this guy. He seems reliable. Let''s go together!" Lorne blinked in surprise. He glanced towards Lira, who merely shrugged. "Sure...whatever you say," Lorne replied, still puzzled by her sudden appearance. Must be another friend of Ebonheim''s. He guessed. Elmsworth had also observed the exchange between them and nodded in approval. "Give Ebonheim my regards." Lorne bowed slightly before turning to lead the group away from the clearing. "I will." As they walked off, he glanced sideways at Ivera sitting on his shoulder. She flashed him a playful wink before smiling widely and singing a jaunty tune. He shook his head in amusement. This will certainly be an interesting trip. Chapter 168: Live and Love 18th of Scarlettide, 1372 Ebonheim sat beneath the shade of her tree at the center of her shrine. She leaned back against its trunk and gazed towards the heavens. The clouds drifted lazily across the sky while the wind played through the branches above. The leaves danced in the breeze while the last vestiges of sunlight filtered through the canopy. Her thoughts wandered aimlessly as she relaxed in the cool autumn air. Despite Engin''s worries and concerns about how busy she would be during the coming months, she found herself in the opposite position. Outside her daily routine of providing guidance and advice to her devotees, she found herself with nothing but time on her hands. Even after speaking with every person who came to her shrine to cast their vote on who they thought should receive the chalice''s blessing, she remained largely unoccupied. This gave her ample opportunity for reflection. She pondered over several things in particular: the nature of her existence as a deity...the role of the divine in the world...and ultimately her place in the divine hierarchy itself. These questions occupied much of her attention throughout the past month. She still hadn''t settled on a definite answer regarding any of them. At least not yet at least... The rustling of fabric drew her back from the recesses of her mind as someone approached her. She blinked and looked towards the source of the sound. Th''maine stood before her. The old Arcanist wore his usual brown robe with frayed edges. His gray hair was pulled back into a ponytail and his beard rested against his chest. The sun reflected off his glasses causing his eyes to appear yellow instead of blue. He inclined his head towards her and then proceeded towards the trunk of her tree to take a seat. "May I join you for a moment?" he asked cordially. She smiled warmly at him. "Of course. How are you doing?" Th''maine nodded. "Quite well. Busy with my research, of course. Although, there hasn''t been much progress lately." "Still trying to unravel the mystery behind the Akashic System," Ebonheim guessed knowingly. He nodded again and shrugged. "Indeed. But I''m afraid that solving such an intricate puzzle might take an eternity. Or at the very least...far longer than I''ve got left. Regardless, I''ll continue to chip away at it till I''ve pieced everything together or drop dead trying." Ebonheim gazed at him for a long moment, noting his venerable appearance and his wrinkled visage. He didn''t seem too different from the last time they met. However, he did appear slightly paler. Not too noticeable...but she could sense subtle changes occurring within him nonetheless. This saddened her to a degree. But perhaps a bit of good news might cheer him up a little. "Though I''m not supposed to announce it until the harvest festival, you''re one of the ten people voted to receive the chalice''s blessing," she said with a smile. His eyebrows rose in surprise. "Come again?" "You remember the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar, don''t you?" she teased lightly. "I''m granting the blessings on that day too. Your name is among those chosen." "Really? Huh..." Th''maine trailed off. He seemed dumbfounded by her revelation, as if unsure what to make of it. She chuckled softly in amusement. "Why do you sound surprised?" "I suppose because I''ve never once given any thought to how popular I might be in this town. Or anywhere really..." he muttered, stroking his beard in deep contemplation. "I assumed everyone viewed me as just some odd old coot who sits around writing all day. Not someone worthy of special recognition." She tilted her head sideways as she listened. His remarks tugged at her heartstrings a little. Despite everything, he seemed content with his lifestyle and lack of notoriety within the community. It wasn''t surprising given how antisocial he tended to be. She doubted he even interacted with anyone outside his immediate circle beyond small talk or chit-chat whenever necessary. But despite his introverted nature, there was no denying that he''d contributed significantly to the town''s prosperity. Perhaps he needed a reminder of all the great work he''d accomplished. That might help improve his self-image somewhat. "You have to give yourself some credit," she pointed out. "I''ve spoken with everyone in town, and every Arcanist and Artificer here respects your expertise and dedication to your craft. Most of them aspire to become half the scholar and researcher that you are." He chuckled ruefully. "I highly doubt that. I''m a stubborn old man with strange tastes. No one wants to emulate a curmudgeon like myself." "You''re too hard on yourself. People appreciate your efforts. Including me," Ebonheim countered firmly. Th''maine sighed. "I know...I''m sorry for putting you on the spot with my personal problems." She leaned towards him and gently placed a hand over his own. "It''s alright. Everyone needs to vent every once in awhile. Don''t worry about offending me. You''re entitled to air your frustrations from time to time." He wrinkled his nose and chuckled, breaking away from their contact to brush aside his bangs. He seemed embarrassed by her gesture of affection and averted his eyes from her gaze. After clearing his throat, he glanced sideways at her once again. "You''ve certainly gotten better at this whole goddess business. Last time we spoke, you had trouble being candid with me. Now, I hardly recognize you." Ebonheim smiled with pride as she straightened up, hands on her hips. "Thank you for noticing." "No need to get smug," Th''maine admonished as he shook a finger in front of her face. He quickly withdrew his hand though, before returning to fidgeting with his beard instead. She smirked at him knowingly but said nothing else. He might not admit it, but his remarks had pleased her more than he realized. Just like with the other elders, she appreciated his honesty and candor towards her shortcomings as a deity. "Anyway," he said abruptly while turning towards her. "While I appreciate you giving me the heads up about my nomination...I''m still not entirely sure how I should react towards this." Ebonheim settled down, crossing her legs and placing her hands in her lap. "You''re nominated, but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. You could just ignore it entirely if you wanted." "I suppose it all comes down to one''s thoughts about longevity..." he murmured with a contemplative frown. "If given the opportunity to live a longer life, why wouldn''t one take advantage? Especially if they have something left to accomplish. Although I must admit, I do understand those who choose otherwise." She nodded slowly in agreement. Everyone had a different view on what mattered to them most, and each person''s opinion regarding mortality differed greatly too. Some welcomed death with open arms while others fought desperately to stay alive despite suffering tremendously as a result. It depended entirely on each individual''s circumstances at any given moment. There weren''t many universal truths regarding this matter. "So...would you?" Ebonheim prompted quietly. "Of course," he answered without hesitation. "An extra decade of life would help me further my research exponentially. I''m only getting older and I''ve got plenty still to do before I meet my maker. I wouldn''t pass such a chance up lightly." "And what about after? What will you do when you''ve completed your work?" she prodded further. "Then I''ll work on something else. Although I doubt anything will be as paramount in my life as discovering this mystery." His tone grew more determined as he spoke. Ebonheim grinned broadly. "Well...I certainly hope that doesn''t mean you''ll disappear into your study after you get blessed then." He snorted derisively at her playful jibe before shifting his stance to lean back against the tree trunk and stare off into space again. "I can assure you, I''ll be more inclined to step outside every now and then since there are certain social obligations that must be fulfilled. If only to appear ''normal'' to everyone else. Although I''m sure I''ll still drive them mad from time to time. Just by being my weird self." She laughed outright at his response and shook her head. He always seemed surprised by how well-received his blunt comments generally were around here. Perhaps because most people found humor in sardonic remarks. They certainly amused her regardless. She couldn''t imagine a world where Th''maine wasn''t himself. She would rather have him act like himself than pretend otherwise.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "So," he continued. "Since you''ve disclosed my nomination to me, I don''t suppose you''d be opposed to revealing any other names?" Ebonheim smiled mysteriously towards him. "No, I''m sorry. But you''ll have to wait and find out like everybody else. There''s no fun in spoiling everything beforehand." "I can venture a guess or two...based on personal observations alone if nothing else," he commented drily. "Engin, Hilda, Bjorn, Argoran, Roderick, Olav, Odette, Brzenk, and Ionus. Did I miss anyone?" She blinked several times in shock. "H-How the...when did you figure out who else had been chosen?! Only I''m supposed to know!" His brows arched high on his forehead at her reaction before shaking his head. "Oh please," he harrumphed. "I''ve made a living on uncovering truths others cannot uncover. Figuring out who''s eligible to receive a god''s blessing would hardly require more than simple deductive reasoning." Ebonheim stared at him, dumbfounded. He rolled his eyes at her expression and elaborated further. "First, the obvious choices like Engin and Hilda would probably be chosen due to their long-standing reputations around here. Bjorn and Argoran are respected leaders of their respective communities. Roderick is a natural choice given his influence among traders. Olav holds great honor and standing within the Hrafnsteinnians. Odette, Brzenk, and Ionus are also one of the founding elders. It would make perfect sense for all three of them to receive blessings in tandem." After his short monologue, he folded his hands together and waited expectantly for her response. When none came after a moment''s pause, he tapped his finger on his temple several times in a self-satisfied manner. "Elementary, dear Ebonheim. Elementary." She gaped at him, speechless. He grinned smugly at her. They stared each other down for several seconds before they both burst into laughter simultaneously.
Argoran narrowed his eyes as he stared across the fire pit at his daughter, Serrandyl, who had been staring at him with an impish smile plastered on her face for the better part of the night. The wag of her tail mirrored her playful expression. He didn''t quite trust that expression of hers. She seemed to be plotting something he had no inkling about. And that meant he had to remain cautious of whatever she had up her sleeve. She was already twenty-eight years of age, yet she still acted like a mischievous teenager at times. And with no spouse or offspring of her own, she tended to focus all her energy on keeping her old man on his toes. Something he''d gotten used to over time. Even if he found her antics frustrating sometimes. "What are you planning this time?" Argoran asked bluntly. "You seem too casual for someone who''s supposed to be preparing for her mating season soon." Her smile evaporated in an instant. Her shoulders drooped as her tail went limp between her legs. "Dad! You shouldn''t say stuff like that out loud!" she hissed under her breath. Argoran glanced around and saw a few heads turned in their direction, most likely eavesdroppers eager for juicy gossip. But they quickly returned their attention elsewhere after catching a glimpse of his scowl. Serrandyl groaned and dropped her head between her palms. "Great...now everyone knows," she grumbled bitterly. "Good," Argoran stated firmly as he crossed his arms. "There have been too many rumors regarding your preference for mates around here. You''ve rejected every suitor thus far for one reason or another. All of them good, young warriors with bright futures ahead of them too..." he trailed off slightly before continuing. "But you can''t afford to procrastinate much longer. I''m concerned for you." Serrandyl''s shoulders slumped further as she heaved a loud sigh. "I know. I just...don''t really see myself settling down with someone. There''s nothing wrong with the guys who approached me. I''m just not interested." "So it would appear. But you must choose a mate sooner or later. Time is running short. Those you grew up with have already mated and started families. Yet you remain unattached, without offspring. It reflects poorly on me and our family as well," he pointed out quietly. "You''re a prime example to young females in the tribe. A role model even. How could they aspire to become honorable wives themselves if the daughter of their Pridelord hasn''t taken the leap herself?" Serrandyl covered her face with her hands and groaned again. "Dad...please don''t lay such heavy guilt on me. This is already hard enough as it is." Her voice became muffled between her fingers. "Then what should I say?" She paused at his question, raising her face slightly and peering through her bangs with red irises. "Just give me a chance to figure things out for myself. Like you always do." Argoran paused briefly before speaking again. "Is there another who holds your fancy?" Serrandyl''s ears perked at this question. She lowered her hands to reveal a faint blush forming beneath her cheeks as her gaze slid elsewhere nervously. "Not exactly...but maybe? It''s complicated right now..." Argoran scratched at his chin and frowned thoughtfully towards her response. He hadn''t detected any new scents indicating another male having grown close with his daughter. Yet he hadn''t expected this response either. Perhaps she''d fallen for someone out of his knowledge or awareness. Which wouldn''t have surprised him too terribly given how private Serrandyl tended to keep her matters. He only knew what she permitted him to know. Although, her reaction made him question whether or not her feelings towards this mystery male involved more than a physical desire. If anything, he believed Serrandyl to be more pragmatic regarding her choice of a suitor rather than emotional or romantic. "Out with it, daughter of mine. Don''t leave me hanging." Serrandyl hesitated for several seconds while chewing her bottom lip. Finally, she exhaled heavily through her nostrils and walked over to him to whisper in his ear. He leaned in closer to listen carefully. "Thorsten?!" Argoran exclaimed before he could stop himself. Every head nearby snapped towards them again. Serrandyl cringed visibly before putting Argoran in a chokehold while hissing at the beastkin staring curiously in their direction. "Mind your own business! Nothing interesting happened, so scram!" They hurriedly dispersed after her threat. When they were alone once again, she glared fiercely at the Pridelord. "Dammit, dad! Now everyone is going to gossip about this! Thanks a lot!" On one hand, he was proud of how strong Serrandyl had become. The chokehold around his neck wasn''t exactly light. But on the other, the headlock around his throat also reminded him of how dangerous she could be if provoked. And when angry...well...he''d prefer not to dwell upon those consequences. Much less get caught in a chokehold like this again. "I''m sorry...It just...slipped out," he gasped. "Let go, please?" She relaxed her grip before releasing him completely, dropping back down to her seat beside the fire while keeping her gaze averted. "Damn it," she cursed as she shook her head bitterly. "This is why I never discuss stuff like this with anyone." Argoran cleared his throat several times until he felt air flow freely once again. He rubbed his sore neck gingerly while watching his daughter brooding angrily across from him. Her tail had stiffened in agitation. "So...Thorsten," he said in an attempt to clear the tension building around them. "How long have you felt this way towards him?" She remained silent for several moments before glancing towards the fire between them and sighing. "Since forever...I suppose? Ever since I fought him when I first raided the village." Argoran arched an eyebrow. "Is that so...? That seems rather long." "Tell me about it..." she muttered dryly. "Besides the whole...being my rival thing. He''s not bad as far as male companions go. Though he''s got plenty of flaws as well. But still...I dunno...I respect him somewhat." Argoran stroked the underside of his beard thoughtfully. He never would have expected this turn of events. As far as he noticed, there had been no signs whatsoever to indicate Serrandyl had developed a soft spot for Thorsten during her many interactions with him. She frequently bickered and argued with him constantly about anything under the sun. But he supposed this could be chalked up to their opposing personalities conflicting together. Or perhaps Serrandyl had developed deep-seated feelings for him without even realizing herself. This possibility didn''t surprise him either given how stubborn she tended to be regarding anything relating to love interests. Although admittedly, he wished for nothing more than a good outcome to come out of this matter. "You realize he''s over a decade older than you, right?" Argoran noted casually. "And a human, at that. I''m sure he''s past his prime already." Serrandyl snorted loudly at his comment. "Doesn''t change how he carries himself. He''s still got plenty of years left in him. Not to mention the stamina needed to keep up with me," she countered confidently. "Plus...it doesn''t seem like anyone else has captured his interest either..." her voice trailed off again uncertainly before adding: "For now, at least." "True..." Argoran conceded. He could hardly argue against any points she raised so far. But he still couldn''t wrap his head around the idea. "So if you intend to court him...how do you plan to approach things from here onward?" Serrandyl shifted uncomfortably in her seat and avoided his gaze once more. "Well..." she hesitated again before answering slowly. "I haven''t figured out the details yet...but I intend to challenge him properly during mating season. To claim him as my prize for victory." Argoran blinked several times. Then he blinked again. He had trouble processing his daughter''s declaration as a legitimate plan for success. "I...see," he replied evenly. His response sounded more incredulous than intended. "That''s quite bold of you to say." "Yeah...well..." she faltered for words. "It sounds a lot worse when I put it into actual speech compared to inside my head. Besides...we''ve fought each other enough to have gotten comfortable with each other''s tactics. So I think...hopefully...it shouldn''t be as bad as my imagination makes it appear." He stared at her quietly for a minute. He didn''t doubt the truth behind what she said, although he doubted her chosen method to approach Thorsten with her affections would get them anywhere remotely close to the path of romance together. He''d known Thorsten for quite a while now and knew how reserved and focused on his warrior lifestyle he typically was. Unless Serrandyl could find a way to win him over before approaching the topic of sex and intimacy, she''d end up failing terribly and cause more embarrassment than necessary. Assuming she could even convince Thorsten to even accept her as a mate to begin with. A tall order considering her personality and temperament. "Well, I''ll pray to Ebonheim that everything goes smoothly," Argoran said. Serrandyl shot him a half-hearted glare. "You better not tell him or anyone else about this. Or else! I know where you sleep!" She jabbed a clawed finger in his direction. Argoran laughed heartily at her remark and shrugged. "Of course. It would dishonor your pride to divulge such sensitive information to others." "You already have," she accused icily as she crossed her arms over her chest with a huff. "I''m sure they didn''t know the context. They probably assume it has something to do with the festival. Besides, everyone will learn eventually. This is just common gossip amongst the tribe." "Whatever," Serrandyl replied sullenly while continuing to sulk in silence. Her tail flicked erratically behind her seat before finally coming to a rest by her side. Argoran smiled sympathetically towards her. He''d learned over time to respect the limits of her tolerance when discussing delicate matters such as this. Although he still wished things had unfolded in a different direction for her sake. "In any case, why were you smiling like a buffoon before this? What did you come to talk about?" Argoran asked curiously, in hopes to lighten the mood once again. Serrandyl glanced back towards him and her expression softened at the change in topic before returning to her trademark smirk. "I overheard something interesting earlier today..." Chapter 169: The First Sip 21th day of Scarlettide, 1372 Engin Meric sat on a rocking chair on his porch and gazed out into the vast plains stretching beyond his home. The sun had already dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vast landscape. His thoughts wandered as he took in the scenery. He never grew tired of this view. Even after living here for almost a decade now, he still marveled at how beautiful it all looked. He shifted slightly in his seat as he pondered over his situation. Longevity... It''s a concept he never considered seriously before. Not until recently anyway. He always assumed he''d live and die with no exceptions or deviations. But now that he had been offered a chance to extend his life, he wasn''t sure what to do. Fifty-three years of age. How many decades did he have left? One? Two? Three if he was lucky? His current state of health didn''t concern him overly much. He had no chronic illnesses or physical impairments to worry about. But his mind often felt foggy at times. And his joints ached in the cold weather. He sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead in frustration. "I don''t know what to do," he mumbled softly. Ebonheim would hand out blessings to ten individuals during the festival tomorrow. His name had been among those chosen to receive a gift from her. But ultimately, it was his choice to make. He could decline the blessing if he so desired. "Should I? Shouldn''t I?" he muttered to himself as he rocked back and forth slowly in his chair. "I want to...but..." He groaned in annoyance at himself for how indecisive he felt about this whole thing. It shouldn''t have been such a big deal to him. Yet here he sat fretting over whether or not to accept the gift of longevity. His musings continued until a soft tap on his shoulder pulled him out of his reverie. He glanced behind him to see his wife Suna standing beside him with a gentle smile on her face. She held a mug in each hand. One contained hot cocoa, while the other contained tea. Both steamed warmly in the chilly evening air. "Here," she said kindly as she offered him the mug filled with hot cocoa. "Something to warm your insides." He smiled gratefully towards her and accepted the drink. "Thanks." He sipped from the mug and savored the sweet flavor spreading across his tongue. It tasted like home to him. Like comfort and familiarity. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Suna took a seat beside him and leaned against his side. "Care to share what''s on your mind?" she asked softly. "I can tell you''ve got something weighing on your heart." He sighed again. "You always know when something bothers me, don''t you?" "Of course I do," she replied. "I''m your wife after all. So spill it already." Engin glanced sideways at her before continuing. "I''m most likely one of the people Ebonheim offers the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar to during tomorrow''s harvest festival." "Oh..." Suna murmured in surprise. "Are you considering declining the blessing?" "Maybe," he admitted quietly. "I haven''t decided yet." He took another sip from his mug and watched the steam waft upwards towards the darkening sky. "On one hand...I''d like to accept the gift. It would give me more time to help our town grow and prosper." "And on the other?" she prompted gently. "I don''t want to leave you behind." His voice lowered even further as he spoke those words. They hung heavy between them for a long moment before he continued. "My biggest fear isn''t dying young. My biggest fear is dying before you." He turned to look at her fully now. "How could I enjoy my life knowing I''d eventually have to watch you wither away while I remained relatively unchanged?" Suna''s expression saddened at his statement. She placed her mug on the floorboards beneath her chair and leaned closer to him. Her hand wrapped around his and squeezed lightly. "Oh, Engin..." she whispered as she nuzzled his shoulder. "I understand how you feel. Truly I do. But please don''t let your concerns about me keep you from making the right choice for yourself. That''s not fair to you." "But-" he started before she silenced him with a finger against his lips. "Shhhh," she hushed gently. "Don''t argue with me. Let me finish." He nodded silently as she removed her finger from his mouth. She cupped his face with both hands and stared deeply into his eyes. "You''re allowed to live for yourself. Not just for me. I know you want to do more for our town. For everyone who lives here. That''s part of why I love you so much. Because you care deeply about our home." She pressed her forehead against his and closed her eyes. "So please...make your decision based on what''s best for you. Don''t worry about me. I''m not going anywhere anytime soon. Besides..." She paused briefly to place a soft kiss on his cheek before pulling away with a grin. "You must have forgotten that I''m thirteen years younger than you, hmm? If anything, you taking this blessing means I''ll have more time to deal with you in the future. So win-win for me either way." She winked playfully at him. Engin blinked several times at her words. He hadn''t considered their age difference before. Nor did he ever think of himself as much older than her. But now that she mentioned it, he felt somewhat silly for overlooking such an obvious factor¡ªespecially considering how energetic and youthful she seemed compared to most women her age. Maybe he''d subconsciously been ignoring their age gap for a while now because he enjoyed her company so much. "Hah," he chuckled softly before taking another sip from his mug. "You''re right. I hadn''t thought about that." "Of course I''m right," she replied confidently. "I''m always right." She picked up her mug again and sipped from it. The steam curled around her face as she savored the hot liquid. Then she placed the mug back on the floorboards and leaned against him once more. "I still want to be blessed with more children before you get too old to perform your husbandly duties though. Imren wants some siblings. Maybe twins if we''re lucky." She poked him lightly in the ribs with a teasing smile. Engin nearly choked on his drink as she mentioned twins. "Really now? Weren''t you the one who insisted we stop after having Imren? Said something about not wanting to have too many kids to handle at once," he teased back. Suna laughed quietly before responding. "Well yes...but things change. And I''m not getting any younger myself. So we better act fast while we still can. Before I start resembling a shriveled prune." Engin rolled his eyes at her remark but said nothing more. He merely placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. They sat together in comfortable silence as they enjoyed each other''s company. Their mugs remained half-empty in their hands while the stars twinkled above.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "You know...I love you, right?" Engin whispered softly after several minutes passed by. "Even if I act cranky sometimes." Suna giggled. "Of course. And I love you too." She leaned over to kiss his cheek again before nestling herself against him once more. "Now finish your drink so we can go inside. It''s getting cold out here."
22nd day of Scarlettide, 1372 Ebonheim stood on the dais overlooking the crowd gathered below her. Her gaze swept over everyone present. The townspeople mingled with each other as they celebrated the annual harvest festival. She smiled at the sight. This event had become one of her favorite times of the year. She loved seeing everyone in such high spirits. And the food and decorations always brought a sense of joy and wonder to the proceedings. Much of the day''s festivities involved games, contests, and performances. Everyone participated in one way or another. Even the children joined in. Ivera held a skit competition among the kids where they performed their own stories. Several people participated in archery tournaments while others took part in various drinking games and competitions. Meanwhile, those interested in arts and crafts displayed their creations for sale or auction. Those with other talents like music and dance performed for the crowd. It seemed like everyone had something they wanted to show off during this festival. The evening marked the time for Ebonheim to distribute the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar. She watched patiently as the crowd quieted down. Then, she lifted the chalice high into the air and addressed the audience. "As the goddess who watches over this town and its people, I wish for you all to enjoy long and fulfilling lives. This chalice contains a divine nectar that shall bless the ten people chosen by the community with longevity and vitality. They will continue to guide our town into the future for many more years to come. The choice remains in their hands. If any chosen person does not wish to accept the gift offered, then they may decline without fear of judgment or punishment." Ebonheim paused briefly as she glanced around at everyone gathered before continuing. "Please step forward when your name is called." Then she lowered the chalice and read off the names. "Engin Meric, Hilda, Th''maine Kurveteig, Bjorn Hjelmstad, Olav Borrensen, Roderick Sedley, Argoran, Ionus Nevyrand, and Brzenk Durgun. Please come forward." She placed the chalice upon the dais and waited patiently for them to approach. Engin stepped forward first. He stood straight and tall with his head held high as he approached Ebonheim. His eyes never left hers. When he reached the edge of the platform where she stood, he knelt down before her. "Goddess Ebonheim," he said formally. "I am honored to receive this blessing from you." Ebonheim smiled kindly at him and took his hand in hers. She raised the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar towards him. "Drink deeply," she commanded gently. "Let its power flow through you." Engin lifted the cup to his lips and swallowed a mouthful of the golden liquid. It tasted sweet and rich on his tongue. He felt warmth spreading throughout his body as he swallowed. A pleasant tingling sensation followed soon after. As he lowered the chalice back down, Engin let out a deep breath. "How do you feel?" Ebonheim asked. Engin rolled his shoulders and arched his back slightly. "Amazing," he admitted. "It''s like I''ve shed years off my body. Did my wrinkles or grey hair go away?" Ebonheim chuckled softly at his question. "No, unfortunately. But you look more refreshed." Engin grinned broadly at her words. "Good enough for me," he replied cheerfully. Then he rose to his feet and returned to his spot among the crowd. Next came Bjorn. She wasn''t sure whether or not Bjorn would accept the gift offered to him. He hadn''t expressed any interest in the chalice before this point. But when Ebonheim extended her hand towards him with the chalice in hand, he immediately knelt before her. "I thank you for this honor," he rumbled solemnly. "I hope to continue to serve my people well for many years to come. My loyalty and strength belong to you." Ebonheim smiled and lifted the chalice towards his lips. "Drink deeply." Bjorn did as instructed and gulped down a large mouthful of the divine nectar. When he finished, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gave her a toothy smile. "Damn...that''s good stuff," he muttered. He stood up and stepped back into the crowd. He patted Engin on the shoulder as he passed by. Th''maine approached after Bjorn. His expression remained neutral as always. But she could sense his excitement underneath. "Thank you for this opportunity," he said calmly. "I promise to put this gift to good use." He lifted the chalice towards his mouth and drank deeply. Once finished, he wiped his lips clean with a cloth before returning to his place among the others. Argoran approached next. He strode forward with confidence and grace. When he reached Ebonheim, he knelt before her and bowed his head. "I am honored by your trust," he stated. "May I continue to serve you well in the years ahead." Ebonheim placed the chalice against his mouth. "Drink deeply." Argoran lifted the chalice and sipped slowly. His expression remained stoic throughout. As he lowered the chalice, his gaze shifted towards his left arm. A faint glow surrounded the stump where his arm had once been. The light grew brighter and brighter until a new arm began to form. It started as a vague outline and gradually took on solidity and detail. Within seconds, he had a fully formed left arm once again. He flexed his fingers experimentally and made a fist. Then he glanced towards Ebonheim with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he murmured softly. "This is more than I could have ever asked for." From the crowd, Serrandyl cheered and hollered with joy. Argoran flashed her a grin and a thumbs-up before returning to his spot among the spectators. Roderick, Iounus, and Brzenk came forth to accept their blessings as well. Olav was next. The blind shaman from Hrafnsteinn walked forward with sure steps. He inclined his head towards Ebonheim when he reached the dais. "I am honored to have been voted by our people to receive this blessing," he said in a low voice. "But I must decline." A murmur ran through the crowd at his declaration. Olav continued, "The spirits have blessed me greatly in exchange for my sight. This additional gift would take away from what they have already given me." He lowered his head. "Thank you for your generosity though. But I humbly request you to pass on the blessing to someone else." He rose and stepped back into the crowd without another word. "Hear hear!" Thorsten shouted loudly from where he stood. The rest of the Hrafnsteinnans cheered as well. Ebonheim smiled faintly at the sight. Last came Hilda. She approached the dais with slow steps and knelt before Ebonheim. Her face remained neutral throughout. Ebonheim grasped the chalice tightly in her hand. She knew Hilda would refuse the gift. Most of Hilda''s votes came from those outside the Jixishan tribe. The rest had come from the younger members who wanted to honor her for her achievements. Ebonheim sensed Hilda had no desire to extend her lifespan. She had made peace with the inevitability of death long ago. Despite this, Ebonheim still offered the chalice towards Hilda''s lips. She owed it to her to at least try. Hilda merely shook her head and leaned back on her heels. "Dear Ebonheim...I thank you for this honor. But I have lived a long and full life. I am content with how things are." Ebonheim lowered the chalice and nodded in understanding. "As you wish," she said. "Let your light continue to guide the younger generation." "Of course," Hilda agreed as she rose to her feet. She returned to her spot among the crowd with ease despite her advanced age. Her face remained serene throughout. The Chalice of the Eternal Nectar dissolved into motes of golden light as Ebonheim returned it to her divine armory. Then she addressed the townspeople once again. "This concludes this year''s distribution of the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar. Let us continue our celebrations in good spirits!" she declared loudly. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. They dispersed throughout the town center after that. Ebonheim slumped down on her chair as soon as everyone else left. She leaned forward and buried her face in her hands. A few seconds later, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She glanced up to find Kelzryn standing beside her. "Well done," he said encouragingly. "That couldn''t have been easy for you." Ebonheim managed a weak smile. "I was so nervous that no one would accept the gift. Well, I knew Th''maine would, but I was still worried nonetheless." Kelzryn patted her back gently. "Don''t fret over such things. Just enjoy yourself tonight. We can talk more tomorrow." "Thank you," she murmured as she rose to her feet. "I think I''ll do just that." Chapter 170: Braving the Frontiers 11th day of Lustertide, 1373 The dawn was but a pale whisper against the eastern horizon as three thousand settlers, drawn from cities and towns far and wide, gathered in a field on the outskirts of the ancient city of Kerkenberge. It was a sea of faces and voices¡ªsome anxious, others filled with excitement¡ªall united in a shared desire for a fresh start in life. Men hefted sacks of grain and tools, the sinews in their arms straining under the weight of their future. Children clung to their parents, seeking comfort and reassurance from their elders as they prepared for their long trek ahead. The campsite bustled with activity as wagons and carts were packed and loaded with everything they could carry. The scent of woodsmoke hung thick in the air, mixing with the cries of livestock and the murmur of conversation. A handful of traders had also tagged along, eager to stake their claim in the frontier lands. Their destination lay farther northwest: the Eldergrove Valley. According to rumors circulating throughout the city-states, the region held great promise for anyone brave enough to venture out and establish themselves. The mountains provided rich mineral deposits while the ancient forests and rivers were ripe for harvesting. Even the prospect of building a trade route between the Eldergrove and Kerkenberge¡ªwhich could potentially bypass the high taxes imposed by the nobles in charge¡ªwas enticing enough for many to consider making the trip. As the sun began its ascent into the sky, the caravan''s leader called for everyone to begin loading up their wagons and mounts. They had a long journey ahead of them. The road leading out from Kerkenberge cut through miles upon kilometers of grasslands and bogs before reaching the verdant forests of the valley. From there, they''d need to cross an old stone bridge spanning a ravine filled with rushing waters that flowed from distant glaciers hidden beyond snowcapped mountains far away. Past the ravine, their path would wind along the river until they reached the westernmost edge of the Eldergrove. Miriam stood near the edge of the crowd, her sturdy frame clad in a leather apron over a simple tunic. Her hands, calloused from years of labor at the forge, rested on the handle of a hefty hammer slung at her side. She was a blacksmith by trade, her skills honed in the bustling city of Redmoor, but here she was just another hopeful soul seeking a new beginning. She glanced back over her shoulder to check on her family''s belongings for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. Satisfied that everything remained where she''d left it, she turned her attention towards the front of the caravan where a group of people had gathered around the leader¡ªan imposing figure with scars crisscrossing his weathered face named Gareth. His armor, though dented and scratched, was well-maintained, as was his sword¡ªa wicked blade carved with runes along its length. He stood tall above everyone else present, towering over even the tallest of men with ease. The crowd quieted as he spoke. "Not too long now," Gareth rumbled. "Four days'' march before we reach the Eldergrove. And if the weather holds...we''ll make good time." He gestured towards the horizon ahead. "If you have any last preparations to make, do them now. Otherwise, let''s move out!" With that, he turned and strode off without another word. The rest followed suit. A rumble of voices rose behind him as the caravan got underway at last. Miriam lingered a moment longer, her gaze fixed on the distant mountains looming ahead. Her hand tightened around her hammer''s handle. "Here we go," she murmured under her breath. She turned and strode towards the front of the convoy with purposeful strides.
The caravan wound its way through the countryside, a serpentine line of wagons, horses, and hopeful souls trailing behind. The sun had crested the horizon fully now, casting long shadows that danced across the dew-laden grass. A gentle breeze stirred the air, bringing with it the scent of wildflowers and fresh rain. Miriam walked alongside her family''s wagon, her hammer swinging at her side. She kept a watchful eye on her surroundings, the rhythmic creak of wheels and the steady clop of hooves blending into a background hum that did little to soothe her nerves. They''d left the road behind them hours ago, opting instead to travel through the wilds to avoid the bandit groups known to lurk along the well-trodden paths. Beside her, a boy of ten summers named Thom trotted to keep up with her long strides. His curly brown hair bobbed wildly as he tried to match pace. "Mama," he piped up, "how long until we get there?" Miriam smiled and ruffled his hair fondly. "Not too long now. Another week or so, if we make good time." Thom wrinkled his nose. "Another whole week?" he whined. "That''s forever!" "You''ll survive," Miriam replied dryly. She raised a hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun overhead. "Come on, let''s keep moving." They walked in silence for a while longer before Thom spoke again. "Mama? Why did we leave Redmoor?" he asked curiously. "I liked living there." Miriam sighed and glanced sideways at him. "We had to leave, Thom," she said softly. "Things weren''t working out for us there anymore." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The city''s changing. People aren''t as nice as they used to be. They expect more from you when you''re older...and there''s not enough room for everyone anymore." "Oh." Thom paused to consider this. "But why didn''t we go somewhere else? Why did we have to travel so far away?" He kicked at a pebble on the ground with his foot. "Why did we leave all our friends behind?" Miriam sighed again. "It wasn''t easy for me to decide where we''d go," she admitted. "I wanted to find a place where we could make a fresh start¡ªwhere we wouldn''t have to worry about anything but ourselves. And I heard about this valley...so I figured we should give it a try." Thom frowned. "But what if we don''t like it there? What if we hate living in the valley?" Miriam stopped and knelt in front of her son. She cupped his chin gently with one hand and looked him in the eyes. "Then we''ll figure something else out," she promised. "We always do." "Okay..." Thom nodded slowly, still unconvinced. "Can I ride in the wagon for a while? My legs hurt." Miriam smiled and stood up again. "Of course. Just don''t get into trouble, all right?" She helped him climb into the back of the wagon where he sat next to his sister Aleya, who had fallen asleep some time ago. As they rumbled along, she reflected on their journey thus far. She''d never traveled this far from Redmoor before¡ªin fact, she''d never been outside the city at all until recently. It was strange to think about how much had changed since then. The sky grew darker as afternoon turned into evening. Soon enough, they stopped for the night to rest and prepare for the next day''s journey. As she helped set up camp alongside the rest of the caravan, her husband Rhys came over to greet her with a tired smile. "How''re you holding up?" he asked quietly. His gaze flickered towards the children playing nearby. "They haven''t given you any trouble?" "They''re fine," Miriam replied with a faint smile. She rested a hand on his shoulder. "How are you doing? I hope you''ve gotten some rest since this morning." Rhys chuckled softly. "I''m fine, love. Don''t worry about me." Her husband had joined Gareth''s mercenary band during their last year in Redmoor¡ªspending most days fighting off brigands and rogues from around the countryside. He''d become fast friends with Gareth himself after proving his mettle against many enemies and foes. When Miriam had heard about the opportunity to venture out to new lands...Rhys had jumped at the chance to start afresh with her and the kids. It meant leaving his mercenary life behind and starting anew as a farmer...but he''d done so without complaint. "Gareth said we''ll be traveling through a bog tomorrow," Rhys said as he unpacked their sleeping rolls. "It''ll take us a couple of days to cross it. We''ll have to make sure the horses don''t get stuck in the mud." He shot her a rueful smile. "Better pack your boots."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Miriam grimaced. "Wonderful. My favorite part of this trip." She glanced towards where Gareth stood near the edge of the camp, conversing with a few other travelers. "He seems like an experienced leader. You trust him?" "Aye," Rhys nodded solemnly. "He''s got a good head on his shoulders. I wouldn''t follow him otherwise." He patted her arm gently before heading off to check on their wagon. Miriam watched him go before turning her attention back towards the children. She watched as Thom and Aleya chased each other around the campfire, laughing and giggling as they went. She couldn''t help but smile at their antics. The night passed quickly enough. Miriam slept fitfully beside her family¡ªthough she did manage to catch a few hours of rest before sunrise. When she woke up again, the sky had lightened to a dull gray, and a fine mist hung over the grasslands. She stretched and rubbed her eyes blearily before rising to her feet. Around her, people began stirring as well. Gareth''s voice rang out as he called for everyone to break camp and get ready for another long day on the road. Miriam pulled on her boots and strapped her hammer to her belt before heading over to join the rest of the caravan. A few minutes later, the wagons started rolling again. The lush grasslands soon gave way to stunted shrubs and tufts of moss. Mud squelched underfoot as they marched onward through thick sludge. The bog had seemed like a harmless fen at first¡ªan unpleasant obstacle to be crossed quickly but nothing more¡ªuntil the wheels of one wagon sank halfway to the axle into soft ground. The poor beast pulling the wagon whinnied miserably as its hooves sunk deep into the muck. Several travelers helped push the wagon free¡ªmiraculously managing to salvage the vehicle and its cargo with no further issues¡ªbut Miriam noticed Gareth grow increasingly tense as time went on. He kept glancing around warily, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. A few other guards in the caravan did likewise. Something didn''t feel right.
Rhys watched Gareth out of the corner of his eye as they trudged through the swampy terrain. His friend''s demeanor had changed over the past hour or so¡ªever since they''d entered this part of the bog. Trees stood like skeletal sentinels, their twisted branches clawing at the sky, draped in thick curtains of moss that swayed in the breeze. Waterlogged grasses covered the ground in places, dotted with clumps of mud and rotting logs. There was no path here; only marshland stretched ahead. The further they ventured, the more the bog seemed to close in around them. The sunlight, which had been bright and warm in the open grasslands, was now reduced to a dim glow filtering through the mist. "You sure this was a good idea?" Rhys murmured. "Crossing through this place rather than taking the long way around?" Gareth glanced his way and grunted noncommittally. "It''ll save us three days of travel. That''s worth the risk." Rhys frowned but said nothing more. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. They''d passed a few old campsites earlier¡ªplaces where other caravans had made camp in times past¡ªbut none seemed recent enough to offer much comfort. The traversable route kept narrowing as they progressed deeper into the bog. Eventually, they reached a point where there simply wasn''t enough room for all their wagons to pass side by side anymore. So they formed a single-file line instead, with the lead wagon in front and everyone else following behind. The settlers huddled closer together, their chatter subdued to nervous whispers. The mist thickened, cloaking the world in a gray shroud that muffled sound and distorted shapes. Rhys strained his ears, listening for any hint of danger, but all he heard was the steady plod of hooves and the occasional creak of wagon wheels. "I don''t like this," Rhys muttered as he rode beside Gareth. "It''s too damn quiet." Gareth glanced sideways at him. "Relax," he replied in a low voice. "Nothing''s going to happen. It''s just a bog. There''s nothing out here but us." Rhys kept one hand on his sword hilt and scanned the murky depths ahead. Gareth said that, but they both knew better. Lands outside a god''s domain always carried risks¡ªeven when traveling in large groups. Drakes, chimeras, elementals, aberrations, spirits, Jotunns, Fomorians...and other such monsters roamed wild beyond the established divine territories. Monsters lurked everywhere in such unprotected places. You''d have to be a fool to wander about carelessly without taking precautions against such dangers. And yet here they were¡ªtraipsing through this accursed swamp like fools indeed. "I hope you''re right," Rhys muttered. "But I don''t believe it." Gareth didn''t respond. He simply continued riding alongside Rhys without a word. They rode onward until eventually reaching another clearing where they could stop for a rest. The bog stretched out around them in every direction¡ªa vast expanse of gloomy shadows and tangled foliage. The mist grew denser still, reducing visibility to only a few meters at most. It swirled around the wagons and horses like a living thing. The travelers'' faces took on grim expressions as they dismounted. No one spoke as they ate their rations. Rhys spotted Gareth and a few rangers huddled by the edge of the clearing. He excused himself from Miriam''s side and joined them. "What is it?" he asked, his voice low. Gareth stood, a grim expression on his face. "Tracks. Big ones. And they''re fresh." Rhys looked down at the prints in the mud. They were deep and wide, with elongated toes ending in sharp points. His heart sank. "Trolls?" Gareth nodded grimly. "I''m afraid so." "How many?" Rhys demanded. "And how far away?" One of the rangers pointed northward. "Judging by the spacing between these prints...there''s probably at least ten. Maybe more." Rhys swallowed hard. "We need to get moving. Now." Gareth nodded again. "Agreed." He turned to the rest of the group. "Everyone! On your feet! We''re leaving!" The settlers obeyed quickly, packing their belongings and climbing back into their wagons. Within minutes, the caravan was moving again¡ªthough at a much faster pace than before. The further they went, the more uneasy Rhys became. He had encountered a troll once before. He remembered its massive bulk¡ªall muscle and sinew¡ªand its powerful limbs tipped with razor-sharp claws. It had taken ten men to bring the beast down. And even then, they''d barely escaped with their lives. Gareth''s band numbered only two hundred, with eight Arcanists included in their ranks. Dealing with ten trolls was one thing, but protecting three thousand settlers at the same time? In this terrain? A lot of people were going to die today. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. "Shit shit shit." As if reading his mind, Gareth spoke softly. "We''ll handle this. Just stay focused." Rhys grimaced. "Easier said than done." They passed the remains of an old camp, its fire pit long cold and overgrown with weeds. Scattered around were tattered remnants of tents and discarded belongings, half-buried in the muck. Rhys spied a skull lying amongst the rubble¡ªits empty eye sockets staring sightlessly into the mist. Gareth motioned for them to keep moving, his expression set in a hard line. "No stopping," he ordered. "We need to be clear of the bog before nightfall." The caravan pressed on, the mood growing ever more tense. Rhys found himself constantly looking over his shoulder, every rustle and creak setting his nerves on edge. He spotted a broken wagon wheel half-submerged in a pool of stagnant water, its owner nowhere to be seen. Several sets of tracks led away from the wreckage into the mist. Rhys guessed those people had met a grisly end. As they rounded a bend, Rhys caught sight of something that made his blood run cold. Hanging from a low branch was a decaying corpse, its clothes rotted away and its flesh picked clean by scavengers. The bones jutted through the tattered skin, gleaming white in the gloom. The wagon behind them slowed down. "Keep moving!" Gareth shouted. "Do not stop! Keep going!" The driver gave a frightened yelp and spurred his horses forward. The wheels churned through the mud as he passed beneath the corpse''s perch. Rhys winced at the sound of snapping branches as it came loose from its mooring and fell to the ground with a sickening thud. A cloud of flies buzzed angrily around the remains. The travelers'' faces grew pale and drawn. They kept their eyes fixed ahead, not daring to glance sideways at the macabre sight. Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed through the bog ahead of them. Everyone froze instantly. Silence hung thick in the air as they waited with bated breath. Then another growl sounded¡ªcloser this time¡ªfollowed by another. And another. Rhys strained his eyes, trying to pierce the fog, but all he could see were shifting shadows. The horses whinnied nervously and tossed their heads. The rangers drew their bows and nocked arrows. Gareth unsheathed his sword. Rhys followed suit. "Formations! Get ready!" Gareth commanded. "Arcanists! Prepare your spells!" The settlers scrambled to obey. Families huddled together inside their wagons while the guards spread out into defensive positions around them. The air crackled with energy as the Arcanists summoned their magic. Sparks danced along their fingertips as they readied themselves for battle. Then, through the mist, Rhyss saw it¡ªa massive, hulking figure, its eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The creature emerged from the fog, its grotesque form becoming clearer with each step. Covered in muck and filth, its skin was a sickly green, festooned with boils and warts that oozed foul liquids. Long, tangled hair hung in greasy strands over its face, obscuring most of its features save for its mouth full of jagged teeth. It wielded a massive club made from a tree trunk and covered in rusty nails. A Bog Troll. More shapes appeared, flanking the caravan from both sides. Rhys counted at least thirteen trolls emerging from the shadows. A few had rudimentary weapons such as crude clubs or stone axes, but most were content to rely on their claws and fangs. Rhys felt the blood drain from his face as he stared at the advancing horde. This was not good. Not good at all. He turned to Gareth, hoping for some reassurance. But his friend''s expression mirrored his own fear. "Ready yourselves!" Gareth shouted. "They''re upon us!" Chapter 171: Shadows of Salvation Rhys gripped his sword tighter, his knuckles white against the hilt. The swampy ground beneath his feet shifted and squelched with every step. The trolls lumbered forward with an unhurried menace, their guttural growls reverberating through the misty air. Gareth bellowed orders as he strode forward to meet the oncoming threat. His rangers followed suit, fanning out into a loose formation behind him. The settlers watched anxiously from inside their wagons. A few of the more brazen among them drew daggers or pitchforks, ready to defend themselves if needed. Rhys joined a group of fighters stationed near one side of the caravan. He glanced back at Miriam¡ªwho stood beside their wagon¡ªand gave her a reassuring smile. She returned it weakly. Then he turned his attention to the approaching horde. He couldn''t help but wonder how many they''d lose today. How many families would be torn apart by these monsters? How many lives would end here in this miserable bog? He clenched his jaw and readied himself for battle. If only there were more Arcanists among them... "Imbue your weapons!" Rhys commanded as he reached for the pouches at his belt. He withdrew a whetstone and ran it along the length of his sword. The metal glowed faintly as arcane runes etched themselves into its surface. Beside him, the other fighters did likewise. Some used quartz crystals infused with mana, while others rubbed oils or powders onto their blades. One man even dipped his spearhead into a vial containing what appeared to be a salamander''s tongue. The steel hissed as its tip turned bright red. Whatever methods they employed, each made sure to fortify themselves with whatever meager resources they possessed. Gareth''s mercenaries were no strangers to combat¡ªthey''d faced all manner of beasts and brigands before¡ªbut even they knew better than to underestimate the ferocity of trolls. Once finished, their weapons shone with an ethereal light. "Charge! Don''t let them get close!" Rhys roared as he rode towards the oncoming threat. He raised his sword high above his head and shouted again. "Forward!" The other fighters followed suit, rushing forward to meet the enemy head-on. Rhys spurred his horse forward, closing in on the troll directly in front of him. The creature swung its tree-club in a wide arc¡ªtrying to crush him underfoot¡ªbut Rhys swerved to the side, avoiding the attack and striking out with his sword. He aimed for its ribs. His blade sank deep into its flesh as he drove his weapon home with a grunt. The troll roared in pain and staggered back. It swung wildly at him once more¡ªthis time connecting with his side and sending him flying from his mount. He crashed to the ground with a muffled gasp as pain lanced through his left leg. He managed to roll out of the way just as the troll''s massive club came down where his head would have been. Rhys scrambled to his feet and backed away. He grimaced as he put weight on his injured leg but gritted his teeth and prepared for the troll''s next attack. The other fighters in his group swarmed around him¡ªhacking at the beast with their swords and spears while staying clear of its flailing limbs. Blood oozed from dozens of wounds, soaking into the already muddy earth below. Yet still the monster did not fall. Sinew and flesh began to reform over its injuries even as its attackers tried to inflict fresh damage upon it. The wound that Rhys had given it now appeared little more than a shallow scratch against its mottled hide. No matter how hard they struck¡ªor how deep they sliced¡ªits unnatural healing ability refused to falter. It caught a fighter in its grip and squeezed tightly¡ªcrushing the man''s chest with an audible crack. It tossed him aside like a broken doll before swinging its weapon at another foe. A spear pierced its stomach, causing the monster to roar and fling its assailant into the air with enough force to shatter bones upon impact. Another warrior ducked under a wild swing¡ªonly to be knocked sprawling as the troll kicked out at him. Several arrows lodged themselves into the beast''s hide. Most bounced harmlessly off its tough skin, but one found its way into an eye socket. The monster threw its head back¡ªroaring in agony¡ªbefore clawing at its face in an attempt to dislodge the offending projectile. A dozen cuts scored its hide as the other fighters seized upon this opportunity to deal further injury. Even still, they could not bring the brute to its knees. Rhys climbed back atop his horse and spurred it forward again, slashing at the troll from behind as he rode past. This time he aimed for its calves, hoping to cripple the beast at least temporarily. His blade bit deep, sending rivulets of blood pouring from the gash. The troll staggered and stumbled before finally losing its balance. It landed heavily on all fours¡ªshaking the ground beneath him. It snarled as Rhys turned around for another pass. Arrows flew through the air at such rapid frequency they resembled a swarm of angry hornets. Their tips buried themselves into the troll''s body over and over again, embedding deep and remaining stuck fast within. Its flesh knit together quickly around them¡ªmaking it seem as if each projectile grew directly from its hide like a strange outgrowth. One of the Arcanists closest to his group, a woman dressed in dark robes emblazoned with sigils, raised her hands, her voice rising above others. "Lux ignis!" A blazing orb of light erupted from her palms, shooting straight towards the wounded monster. It struck its mark dead center and exploded into a blinding flash that burned with searing heat. The concussion wave hurled several men aside, sending them sprawling headfirst into mud while others fell prone from where they''d been knocked from their horses. Rhys shielded his eyes, blinking away the afterimages until he recovered enough to observe the scene again. The troll roared in pain, its skin blistering and blackening beneath layers of crisped flesh. The spell had cauterized much of its wounds, but its face had melted horribly. It swung wildly about in rage¡ªcatching one unfortunate fighter with a backhanded swing. He fell to the ground in a heap. Dead. Or dying. A second hit ended his suffering for good. "Keep firing!" Rhys screamed to those close enough to hear as he rode towards the troll once more. "Aim for its head!" The remaining members of the group complied¡ªhurling spears, arrows, and other implements in a haphazard rain towards the troll. Most of their shots found their targets, lodging into its neck and torso. One hit its remaining eye¡ªblinding it completely¡ªand another found its way into its mouth. Rhys slashed at its face twice more as he circled around for another pass. His sword cut deep, scoring long gouges across its jagged features. Blood sprayed out in great torrents every time his weapon bit into flesh. The smell of charred meat filled his nostrils as he rode past. He breathed through his mouth to avoid gagging on its acrid stench. The troll lumbered unsteadily as arrows continued pelting against its body. With a final shudder, it toppled sideways into the muck below. Rhys exhaled loudly, leaning back in his saddle before surveying the carnage around him. Other groups had managed to defeat a few trolls already but were now facing similar difficulties as his group. Two other trolls lay dead, surrounded by a score of casualties. But the rest seemed to be holding their own. For now. One troll managed to breach the line and rampaged into the middle of the caravan. People fled in terror as it wreaked havoc among them, smashing through wagons and stomping on anyone who didn''t escape quick enough.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Several mercenaries came forward to combat the monster, harrying it from all angles while others dragged those injured out of danger''s path. Rhys spurred his horse nearer so he could assist, but he had little time for anything else as another troll emerged from the mist behind him¡ªcrushing two nearby fighters beneath its massive bulk before they even had time to react. The crunch of bones and the screams of dying men rang loud amidst the melee. One man managed to stab his spear clean through the beast''s calf before collapsing into the muck from loss of blood. His body went limp as death took him a moment later. Another was trampled underfoot when she tripped during her hasty retreat. The troll continued advancing on the caravan¡ªits stride hardly hampered by injuries from dozens of blades. "Fall back!" Rhys commanded as he raced towards where the other troll raged. "Everyone get away!" As he galloped towards his new target, he spotted Gareth fighting the first troll while several of his band harried it from a distance. They seemed to have regained the upper hand since his last encounter with them. The sight gave him renewed hope. If they could wear down enough trolls...they just might prevail yet! But before he could make another pass¡ªor strike from range with his crossbow¡ªsomething struck his mount from behind and sent him tumbling off balance. He barely had time to roll and recover before another troll loomed above him. He brought up his blade to deflect a blow from its stone axe. Rhys was no practitioner of any Mystic Rites. His strength lay in a lifetime as a mercenary-turned-farmhand. He did not boast any skills beyond swordplay. So when his steel met against a monstrous stone axe, it did little to prevent the impact from shattering his bones. As Rhys fell to the ground, writhing and screaming in agony, the world descended into a kaleidoscope of pain and chaos. Through the haze of torment, he saw a blurry vision of a troll approaching his family''s wagon. Rhys cried out desperately, pleading for help despite knowing none would be able to answer such a call. Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from the sky, and Rhys felt a wave of power wash over him. As the light dimmed, he saw that the monsters attacking them had frozen in place¡ªtheir eyes wide and mouths agape as if stunned by some invisible force. Everyone in the area turned their gazes skyward to see what had caused this sudden change in the battle''s pace. When the light faded, he saw a dark figure descend from high above. Clad in a tattered cloak as dark as the void, the stranger''s features were obscured by his hooded cowl. But as he landed on the ground¡ªcausing an eruption of mud and dust to rise around him¡ªRhys could make out a face full of intricate patterns, etched into his grey-skinned flesh. A human?... No. Those large pitch-black eyes and sharp ears revealed that he was something else altogether. His gaunt visage and emaciated form seemed drawn and withered like a mummified corpse, betraying the stranger''s otherwordly nature. An oppressive aura radiated outward from him, filling the air with a palpable dread. He stood before the stunned crowd with a calm demeanor that betrayed little of what lay beneath. His lips curled into a subtle smirk, revealing a row of crooked teeth that glinted in the fading light. As he raised one slender hand above him, shadows coalesced into a ball of energy between his fingers. With a quick gesture, he sent the black orb hurtling towards the troll before him, blasting the beast into smoking bits of ash and ichor. The creature''s disintegrated corpse collapsed with a dull thump as cinders rained from its smoldering remains. The other trolls recoiled briefly at the sight, though Rhys doubted they understood the danger before them. In a blur, the stranger vanished from view¡ªappearing beside the next closest troll, unleashing a torrent of shadowy projectiles that tore through its leathery hide as if it were nothing more than parchment paper. It died without uttering a word. Even their blood seemed to boil under the mysterious being''s presence. He slew each remaining bog troll without fanfare or pause. Shadows seemed to bend around him, twisting and curling to his whim as he strode through the bog. Wherever his steps fell, the earth cracked and shattered as tendrils of shadow reached out from beneath his feet. They pierced through one troll¡ªskewering it in mid-stride¡ªbefore retracting back beneath his robes. A cloud of darkness formed over the monster as its body began decaying rapidly within the swirling mass. Flesh withered away and bones cracked apart like splintered kindling. When the darkness lifted, there was only dust left behind. The last bog troll, who had been battling Gareth''s group earlier, managed to shake itself from the trance and roar defiantly at the stranger¡ªreeling its tree-club back to strike a blow that would surely crush the emaciated stranger. But with a careless wave of his hand, the newcomer created a barrier of flickering energy between them. The tree-club splintered upon impact, leaving the troll off-balance for long enough to leave his fate sealed. A dark maw opened wide beneath the troll. Shadowy tendrils erupted from the depths of the abyssal chasm, engulfing the creature. As they withdrew once more into their dark void, all traces of the troll had vanished. Not a single troll remained standing. Once all threats were dealt with...the figure in black stood motionless before them. A hush fell over the clearing as everyone present stared at the stranger in awe and fear. Rhys forced himself to rise shakily, clutching at the fractured arm he knew he''d soon have to tend to. He glanced warily between the figure in black and his surroundings. He could hardly believe what had just transpired. Many had died just moments prior...but now they were safe. Or...were they? Gareth stepped forward cautiously, his sword drawn. The remaining warriors formed around behind him¡ªall facing the hooded stranger. Rhys rushed to join them. Whatever the stranger''s intentions, he didn''t want to miss anything that might occur. His instincts told him this encounter could go one of two ways. "Who are you?" Gareth demanded as he stood before the cloaked stranger. "Are you a friend or foe?" He kept his tone calm and measured despite the tremor in his voice. The figure turned his head slightly to the side¡ªas though regarding Gareth from the corner of his eye¡ªbefore he replied. His raspy voice seemed to echo across the empty spaces inside Rhys'' skull. "My name is Xellos," came his answer. "And I mean you no harm." He lifted his chin slightly, raising his cowl to reveal his face further. Those large inhuman orbs stared back without blinking or shifting away. His lips curled upwards slightly as his features twisted into a malicious smirk. It seemed more animalistic than human¡ªa predatory smile displaying too many sharp teeth behind curled lips. Rhys had not expected the appearance underneath to be so terrifying¡ªyet somehow beautiful¡ªlike something out of a nightmare. The stranger''s skin had a dull, grey pallor with strange markings etched deep into its surface. The patterns glowed faintly as he spoke¡ªas if they were symbols carved into his flesh by some unknown force. Yet despite the ominous aura surrounding this newcomer...those words resonated true within Rhys'' heart. Xellos continued speaking after a moment''s pause. "I sensed a disturbance nearby¡ªand deemed it necessary to investigate. It appears I arrived just in time." Gareth frowned suspiciously but did not lower his blade. "You...aren''t human," he noted. "What manner of being are you?" Xellos tilted his head once more. "I am a lonely god, with no place to belong. I wander the lands, seeking opportunities to prove myself worthy of servitude. Sensing your plight, I took action accordingly...with no expectations for reward." His expression became almost wistful for a second before returning to stoic. "Perhaps fate brought us here," Xellos mused. "Perhaps we can find comfort in each other''s presence until our respective journeys reach their final destination." Silence followed his statement¡ªonly broken by the sound of Rhys coughing as he regained his composure. Gareth remained silent for what seemed like an eternity until finally responding. "If what you say is true...then you have my gratitude for saving us. However..." he added hesitantly, "...we are on a journey to found a settlement for our families. We cannot offer you much in return..." The corners of Xellos'' mouth twitched upwards at Gareth''s words, though they did not quite form a full smile. "I am also on a journey...to the Eldergrove where a friend of mine resides." He waved his hands idly about as he continued. "Perhaps we might travel together for a time?" "A friend?" Gareth asked. "In the Eldergrove? I know of only one deity that resides there, the one called Ebonheim. Are you acquaintances?" "My savior," Xellos amended. "I owe her my life." "I see," Gareth responded, sheathing his sword slowly. He motioned for the warriors to do likewise. "From what I''ve heard, Ebonheim''s reputation is fair and trustworthy. If you''re a friend of hers...I would welcome you among us. We would appreciate your protection on the rest of our journey." He offered a hand to Xellos as a gesture of friendship. "My name is Gareth. I serve as captain of the guard for this group." Xellos grasped it, his bony fingers feeling unusually warm against Gareth''s skin. A faint tingling sensation shot through Gareth''s arm at the contact, leaving an unpleasant sensation lingering in the wake of the brief touch. Gareth found himself wanting to pull away quickly. But something compelled him to keep holding on. Somehow, this made him feel strangely safe. Protected. Almost as if...they had formed a covenant together. "You needn''t worry. No harm will befall you. Not while I''m around." Xellos promised. "Please allow me to assist you during our travels together." A murmur went around the crowd, followed by nods of acceptance among them. Then Xellos turned his eyes towards where Rhys still clutched at his injury. A smile formed upon his lips. A small one. Yet this one looked almost genuine. Chapter 172: Monsters Without, Tricksters Within They arrived at the region of the Eldergrove where the plan was to lay the foundations of their settlement, a few days later. At that time, no other monster had come to attack the group, nor was there any hint that any creature was following their path through the wilderness. Gareth couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief every time he looked over their surroundings. Without Xellos'' help...they wouldn''t have survived their journey. Finally, they''d set foot on the site where they''d work to found their new town. Many hugs and celebrations were exchanged. But most eyes were focused on the slender figure garbed in tattered black robes sitting alone in the distance. Xellos, the wandering deity who had saved them from certain death mere days ago. "Now, everyone," Gareth spoke to the gathered settlers. "This...is where our town will begin. Get to work. Those who know how to build, start by creating shelters. Gather materials for a proper campsite. Find fresh water and dig a well. The rest of you can gather food and prepare firepits for cooking. Make sure you get enough rest too. Tomorrow morning we''ll divide up into shifts." He surveyed the valley ahead. It was mostly flat, dotted here and there with trees and rocks. In the center lay a stream which emptied into a small lake. A large hill covered in thick underbrush stood on the other side of the stream. Some distance beyond that rose a rocky outcropping reaching higher than any mountain peaks within view. Its sheer cliffs shimmered blue-green in the sunlight. Tall pine forests grew around the base of the slope below, stretching away across the plain before them. All around them lay open space; enough for fields and gardens if they chose to cultivate crops here. While the settlers got to work, Gareth went over to the god''s side, where he found Xellos staring into the distance. Gareth stopped next to him, standing silently for several minutes without saying anything. Then he cleared his throat loudly and spoke up. "Thank you again for protecting us. We wouldn''t have made it without your help." A faint smile crossed Xellos'' face as he glanced at the mercenary. "Think nothing of it," he replied softly. "My power pales in comparison to those belonging to greater gods. Yet still, I desire to utilize my divine might to aid mortals whenever possible. As I''ve said, I''m seeking servitude... I am without worshippers, Gareth. I have no divine domain. No place to belong. No prayers to grant me sustenance. If I don''t find a suitable place soon, I''m afraid I may fade." Gareth considered this for a moment. "Fade? Aren''t you...immortal?" he asked finally. Xellos nodded. "Indeed. But even immortals need sustenance to survive. Mortal prayers act as a form of energy to us. Without such energy, we eventually cease to exist entirely. Only those mortals who worship us can grant us their prayers and allow us to continue existing. It is rare for a god to die...but in these lands, where faith has diminished considerably in recent times, many lesser gods like myself must take great pains to avoid fading." He turned to Gareth. "You know the goddess Ebonheim? The one who resides in the Eldergrove?" "Yes," Gareth said. "I''ve heard about her from merchants and travelers who pass through here occasionally. Though I don''t know much about her myself aside from the fact she seems benevolent and protective of her followers. That''s more than most gods out there." Xellos nodded. "She is benevolent indeed. And she granted me shelter when I had nowhere else to turn. I owe her my life. However...I do not want to impose. So I''ve set out to find my own place, a place to belong, a place to claim as my own divine domain." "I see," Gareth said after a moment. "Forgive me if I''m overstepping my bounds here, but...I believe that if you''re seeking servitude, perhaps we can work something out. The settlers and I have chosen not to worship any particular god yet. But given everything you''ve done for us thus far...it''d seem only fair to reciprocate." Xellos'' eyes widened slightly at this. "What do you propose?" Gareth continued carefully. "The settlement we''re going to build here could become your domain, your place to belong, and the settlers your worshippers. In return, you protect and guide the settlement. Our devotion and prayers will sustain you. What do you think?" A slow smile appeared on Xellos'' face, revealing sharp incisors. "Such an offer is unexpected...and quite generous. But I will not impose on your plans if this isn''t something your people want. However...if you''re willing to allow me into their lives, perhaps I could remain within their midst and serve them as well. A partnership." Gareth held out his hand again. Xellos took hold of it firmly and shook his hand in turn. The familiar tingling sensation lingered on Gareth''s skin long after their fingers parted. This time, however, Gareth didn''t pull away immediately upon contact. Something about this made him feel even safer than before. Almost as if a bond had formed between them. A bond of trust. Almost like a covenant.
The construction of the initial settlement took around a month of back-breaking labor and was still far from done. Most people were housed in tents or makeshift huts. Xellos remained true to his word and helped defend the settlers from wandering beasts while the builders focused their efforts on the construction of rudimentary walls and dwellings. They lacked a proper well, relying solely on a few streams and natural ponds to draw fresh water. Their livestock consisted primarily of sheep and goats they''d brought along. Fields hadn''t yet been cleared for farming. Instead, several hunters and gatherers kept busy providing meat and edible plants for the entire group. But progress moved forward. Even amidst hardships and difficulties. Many hands working diligently ensured steady advancement. Bit by bit, their little encampment became more livable. Less susceptible to attack or exposure to the elements. Day by day, the foundations for the future town were laid. Gareth supervised construction alongside a handful of skilled craftsmen who volunteered their time and talents. He kept his eyes peeled for potential dangers during the day and at night, taking shifts with the rangers and guardsmen. Every now and then, he''d join the others on hunting expeditions or venture out alone to survey the area. Not once did he ever see any signs of monsters approaching their settlement. Only Xellos seemed to be aware of his movements while out scouting and hunting. Perhaps the god''s aura helped deter enemies from their position? Either way...that gave him peace of mind at least. He had plenty else to worry about beyond monster attacks anyway. All throughout this period, Gareth frequently consulted with Xellos. From these conversations, Gareth learned more about Xellos'' past. How he''d come to exist as a lesser god, devoid of divine domain. How he had been repeatedly shunned by mortals across the lands in his quest for followers. About Ebonheim''s influence and how she protected him from fading away. How she inspired him to continue searching for his own place to belong. And also...about how desperately lonely he felt without a proper home. Without a domain he could claim and protect. By the end of those discussions, Gareth found himself growing quite fond of the deity. Even though they had only known each other for such a short span thus far...he already considered Xellos a close friend. A trusted confidant. Someone worth having faith in. Someone worth putting faith in. A few more weeks passed by quickly as construction progressed steadily onward. Soon enough, their encampment began to resemble an actual settlement rather than a camp. The walls were nearly complete. Dwellings had started to spring up around the edge of the clearing where they had begun building their homes. They finally managed to dig a well near their newly constructed longhouse¡ªensuring clean water remained accessible at all times. Around half of the town''s population lived in permanent structures now. Work on additional buildings continued apace. While there remained ample room within the clearing itself...the surrounding forest had been cleared away considerably over time. A good deal of lumber now lay stacked near their modest carpentry workshop for future use. Woodcutters and lumberjacks labored tirelessly under the bright midday sun every single day. Yet still...something bothered Gareth. Something gnawed away inside him like an itch deep in his skull he couldn''t scratch or ignore any longer. A persistent unease festering beneath the surface. Everything around him appeared fine. People seemed happy enough. Healthy. Secure. Safe. Content.Stolen story; please report. So why did he still feel so anxious sometimes? Why did he constantly wake up late at night drenched in cold sweat? Was he going mad? Or perhaps he simply hadn''t fully adjusted to their newfound security yet. Perhaps he expected everything to crumble apart around him at any moment. Perhaps his worries stemmed merely from old habits he needed to break himself free from once again. Or perhaps not. Perhaps this vague fear came from somewhere else entirely. Something deeper within himself. Some instinctive sense warning him against trusting his newfound fortune too easily. Urging him to remain vigilant lest danger strike unexpectedly. Reminding him always to stay wary and alert lest anything sneak past his guard unnoticed. Lest something slip beneath his attention without his noticing until too late. He tried reminding himself this wasn''t anything out of the ordinary¡ªthat everyone must undergo similar trials after settling down somewhere new, especially after leaving behind their old lives entirely...like he''d done so many years ago already. "Everything alright, Gareth?" Miriam asked him one night over dinner. She sat across him alongside Rhys and their kids Thom and Aleya. Gareth hadn''t even realized he had drifted off mentally during his meal until Miriam interrupted his thoughts. He blinked twice before replying. "Huh? Oh. Yes. Sorry. Just lost in thought. What were you saying again?" Miriam exchanged glances with the rest of her family before returning her attention to him. "We were talking about Xellos. He seems eager to become a part of our lives here. Most folks don''t mind his presence either...and those who do aren''t vocal about their concerns. But he doesn''t really interact with us much. We thought since you''re on friendly terms with him...you might convince him to spend more time around us. Maybe even attend a town meeting or two? It would certainly make things easier going forward." "I suppose you''re right," Gareth replied with a nod. "I''ll speak to him tomorrow morning. See if we can arrange something."
The following day, he approached Xellos. He found the god sitting alone near the edge of the woods surrounding their settlement. As usual, Xellos wore his dark tattered robes, and sat in the same cross-legged posture he assumed whenever he meditated. Gareth stopped a short distance away, waiting patiently until Xellos stirred. After several minutes passed by in silence...the deity opened his eyes and acknowledged Gareth''s presence. "Hello, Gareth. How may I help you today?" "Well...it''s about the town," Gareth replied hesitantly. "Most folks here want you to join them from time to time. You know, participate in certain activities or events. Get acquainted with everyone better. Spend some time socializing. Show them your true self beyond what you''ve shown so far." Xellos considered his words carefully for a while longer. Finally, he spoke once more. "Ebonheim had said the same. That I should involve myself further in mortal affairs. I suppose you''re correct...it would be beneficial to me as well." Xellos stood up slowly, brushing bits of fallen leaves and dirt from his cloak as he rose. "Very well. Lead the way." And so the pair began walking back towards the burgeoning settlement. Along the way, they chatted idly. About trivial matters mostly¡ªcurrent progress made with the settlement''s construction, plans for its future growth, possible improvements, and additions to consider later on. At first, Xellos appeared stiff and uncomfortable as he met most members of their community face-to-face. Gareth could sense the awkwardness between the two parties whenever they conversed directly with one another. Gradually though...as days turned into weeks, those barriers began melting away. People grew accustomed to Xellos'' presence. He even started participating in communal activities like helping maintain crops, or lending his aid during construction projects. Gareth couldn''t help smiling inwardly whenever he saw Xellos engaged in such mundane tasks. There was something oddly satisfying about witnessing the deity helping others out firsthand rather than sitting high above their problems atop his lofty pedestal¡ªespecially now that everyone had begun referring to him as the settlement''s patron god. But his initial concerns eventually returned. Something still didn''t feel quite right. Not necessarily have anything to do with Xellos himself per se...rather, something deeper within Gareth''s psyche. He just couldn''t quite put his finger on exactly what bothered him so much.
Xellos stood atop the hill overlooking the small settlement. The night air blew through his dark robes and he surveyed the buildings and tents and all the hustle and bustle. At last, after decades of wandering, decades of drifting across the world...he had finally acquired a divine domain. These people accepted him as their god. Even without having an actual temple built for him yet, he''d already started receiving their prayers, and these granted him divine sustenance. He no longer had to fear fading. He motioned his hand through the air, drawing forth lines and runes that only gods could see and understand. The Akashic System, the essence of all knowledge and creation. It revealed to him the progress and attributes of the settlement, and the goals he needed to achieve to reach the next stage of growth. A grin spread across Xellos'' lips. Everything was going exactly according to plan. Ebonheim''s reputation had proven exceedingly useful. It had brought settlers without divine patronage to the valley. After slaying those monsters and saving the humans'' lives, gaining their trust had been the easy part. By using his ''Irresistible Influence Mantra''¡ªthe latest power he had acquired from the system''s auction¡ªhe had managed to disarm any suspicions and help integrate himself into their midst as their god. And now, this was his domain. His followers, his lands, his town. Their quintessence belonged to him. This was far from his end goal though. One day he would become the only god of this realm¡ªthe Supreme God. This settlement...was merely a stepping stone to achieving that goal. A shadow wreathed in purple flames stepped out from a tear in reality. Xellos didn''t have to turn to know who the visitor was¡ªan Asura who served directly beneath him. He regarded the Mayakara demon with a passing glance before turning his attention back to the lights of the town below. "Well?" he asked the demonic figure. "You''re not usually one to come back empty-handed, Dahak. I trust you bring me good news. Tell me the plan has succeeded as I''d expected." Dahak lowered his head in supplication before his master. "I...I''m terribly sorry, Lord Xellos. I''m afraid I failed to destroy our target. This setback is most unfortunate and embarrassing. I have no excuse for myself. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit as penance for my failure here today¡ª" Xellos raised his hand abruptly mid-sentence. A tendril of shadows shot out and wrapped itself around Dahak''s throat, silencing him instantly. Then, Xellos clenched his fist tightly¡ªthe Mayakara demon was sent flying into the tree behind him, slamming against the trunk hard enough to leave a visible dent. "That is twice now," Xellos snarled lowly as he stalked forward. "Twice now you have failed me, Dahak! Explain yourself immediately lest you suffer far worse than what mere impact can inflict upon you!" As the shadowy tendrils withdrew from Dahak''s neck, Xellos waited impatiently while the fallen Asura demon slowly picked himself off the ground. "That elder lamia-spirit..." Dahak began hesitantly after clearing his throat twice. "...she proved far more powerful than we anticipated. My brethren and I barely escaped with our lives. We couldn''t defeat her like you''d hoped. I''m very sorry..." Xellos seethed silently for several moments before letting out a long breath. His anger subsided somewhat, but the undercurrent of rage remained evident within the depths of his pitch-black eyes. He hadn''t expected any of these elder spirits who claimed the valley to be particularly strong. But if they were able to repel the greater Asuras under his command, then these adversaries presented a problem. Not an insurmountable one by any means...just problematic nevertheless. It seemed like he''d need to adjust his plans accordingly. Dealing directly with such powerful opponents wasn''t worth the risk right now. Not until he''d fully consolidated power throughout the region. Doing so would take time and considerable effort¡ªeffort best spent elsewhere rather than squandered fighting pointless battles against mere nuisances. "Fine," Xellos replied through gritted teeth. "For now we''ll leave those spirits be. I don''t need to slay them for quintessence now that I''ve secured a domain. Consider yourself fortunate, Dahak. Had things not unfolded in my favor...you would not be standing here before me right now." Killing Dahak wouldn''t do him much good anyway. His remaining forces were stretched thin as-is thanks to Ebonheim and her allies. Moreover, he had no way to replenish their ranks quickly or easily given the present circumstances. Losing Dahak might cost him dearly later if something unexpected happened further down the road. "But do not think I am without means to punish you for your failure," Xellos hissed. "For one year, you shall lose the privilege of having a physical form. Now, begone!" With that, the Mayakara demon''s corporeal manifestation dissolved into a puff of purple smoke and disappeared into the ether. Now alone once more, Xellos could turn his thoughts elsewhere. Toward matters closer at hand instead¡ªnamely ensuring everything continued smoothly regarding the development of his settlement. No doubt Ebonheim would soon pay them a visit. But when she did, Xellos would need to make certain she didn''t uncover the truth behind his true intentions. If all went according to his plans...perhaps he''d manage to convince her to align herself with him willingly. But such things would require patience and subtlety on his part. One misstep and she''d become his enemy rather than his ally. Then again...the other option would fare just as well. The mystery behind why the gods couldn''t ascend to a higher rank in recent years had finally been uncovered by Aetheron, and when the god came to him to share his discovery, he had told Xellos of a risky plan to remove this obstacle. Well...risky was an understatement. In fact, the plan was downright insane. But if he could coerce Ebonheim into joining Aetheron''s cause...then her domain would eventually end up under Xellos'' control anyway. Either outcome worked equally well for his own goals. Xellos turned and strolled toward the town as he pondered these possibilities. His eyes glowed for an instant before dimming once again. Chapter 173: Corinth Ebonheim walked along the trail leading to the new settlement outside her domain. The rolling hills were covered in lush grasses and wildflowers. Scattered across the landscape were clusters of trees and shrubbery. A meandering stream flowed to a small lake near the edge of the forest. It was a beautiful place¡ªa perfect spot for the group of settlers who had arrived several days ago. Engin, Roderick, and Lorne accompanied her on the journey. They were eager to meet the new arrivals and introduce themselves as Ebonheim''s representatives. The trio trotted along on their mounts beside her, discussing what they expected to find once they arrived. "A few thousand people from all over the place," Roderick explained. "It''s not too dissimilar from your circumstance when you settled here, eh?" "Indeed," Engin added with a wry smile. "But I doubt their collective reasons for leaving are quite the same. Nonetheless, we welcome them to the Eldergrove and look forward to working together to strengthen our ties." Roderick smiled widely at that. "Of course! And with my goods to help ease tensions..." He patted a bulging sack on the side of his mount. "What exactly is in there?" Ebonheim asked with a raised brow. "Your usual fare?" She had not seen him carrying that when they met up for this excursion. "Well, no," he answered cheerfully, "that''s just a gift of wine and ale to get their spirits high! You understand. We need to make a good impression after all. I wouldn''t dare arrive empty-handed." He winked playfully at her before turning back to continue chatting with the others. Ebonheim chuckled and shook her head lightly at this. She should have expected as much from someone like Roderick. After all this time¡ªand their interactions together¡ªshe had come to learn what made him tick. Roderick was a man of opportunity, always searching for a way to improve his standing within the community and beyond. His connections and trade skills made him an indispensable member of her council. Even if his motives sometimes remained ambiguous. She trusted him enough to let such concerns fall away without further consideration. It helped that his actions benefited everyone equally most times. He was a shrewd businessman...but a kind soul beneath his jovial fa?ade. As they crested a hill, they spotted a small cluster of cabins and tents near the stream in the distance. People scurried back and forth between tasks. Suddenly, Ebonheim stopped dead in her tracks, causing the others to halt as well. A strange sensation swept over her body, as though a powerful force had enveloped her. It tingled along her skin and buzzed in her head. She had not felt this sensation for a long time...not since visiting Ariastra''s city, Byllais. It meant one thing only¡ªshe had entered another god''s domain. But whose? She could only think of one explanation¡ªXellos. He had mentioned coming to the Eldergrove after the new settlers arrived. She had offered to help him form a relationship with the people if he so desired, but he had declined, saying that he would find his own way. It seemed like he''d done so much sooner than she expected. "What''s wrong?" Engin asked. "We''ve entered another god''s domain, it appears." She glanced at the settlement ahead. "Xellos. He must have already convinced them to take him on as their patron deity." "Xellos?" Roderick asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean that god you rescued from those demons at Old Drakon Castle a while ago?" She nodded. "The very same. I''ve spoken with him several times already during my trips to the divine auction. But this is unexpected." "Hrmm," Engin mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "If I recall, you mentioned that he''s been wandering the lands seeking followers...and that he''s somewhat aloof from other deities. Is that right?" Ebonheim pursed her lips. "It''s more like...he''s a loner. He admitted having trouble forming relationships with others¡ªparticularly with mortals. I''m surprised he managed this feat already...perhaps his wanderlust has finally ended. I suppose we can ask him when we get there." As they resumed their approach toward the encampment, Ebonheim accessed the Akashic System to check Xellos''s Divine Domain. It appeared in front of her as an orbiting panel: [Domain Name] Corinth [Patron God] Xellos (Lesser God) [Population] 2945 humans [Morale] Fair Not a whole lot of information to be gleaned from that entry. But at least her guess was correct¡ªthis domain belonged to Xellos. A tall man with dark-blond hair strode toward them when they reached the outskirts. He wore a leather chestpiece and carried a sword and dagger at his hip. A few scars marred his face, and his left arm had a splint on it. His hazel eyes looked them over warily for a long moment before his expression relaxed into a guarded smile. "Well met," he greeted. "I''m Rhys, captain of the guard." "Greetings. My name is Engin Meric. These two are Roderick and Lorne. The fair lady with us is Ebonheim, our patron goddess." Rhys froze in shock before he recovered enough to respond politely, "Ah yes. We''ve heard many things about your town...and your patron. We hope to form a strong partnership between us." He hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. "Xellos mentioned that you''d probably come visit us at one point or another." He turned his gaze back toward Ebonheim. "He''s atop the hill over yonder," Rhys added, pointing further along the slope behind them. "He''s expecting you." Ebonheim turned to the others. Roderick spoke first. "Don''t mind us. I''m sure we can mingle about and get acquainted. Let ye gods do godly things together while we humans keep ourselves busy." He tipped his head towards them before steering his horse towards the cluster of cabins. Engin nodded towards her before following him. Lorne leaned close to Ebonheim before leaving. "Goddess, I''ll keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If anything comes up, you''ll know the signal." Ebonheim gave him a nod and a grateful smile before making her way towards the hill as instructed. It was reassuring to have someone like Lorne among them at times like this.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Ebonheim found Xellos sitting cross-legged atop a large rock formation at the top of the knoll overlooking the settlement below. His hands rested upon his thighs and he faced the sun''s rising position above. Eyes closed, he sat motionless save for the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She climbed the steep path leading up to where he sat until she reached the summit. He did not stir from her approach. Was he meditating? Odd... He had critiqued her for sleeping, eating, and living as mortals do¡ªbut yet here he sat, immobile and seemingly lost in reflection. She couldn''t help but ponder over this juxtaposition as she stood silently by, waiting patiently for him to acknowledge her presence. "I sensed you arrive in my domain," Xellos began, without turning his face to her. His eyes remained shut. "I welcome you, Ebonheim, to my humble domain...though you might need to lower your standards as my resources do not match yours." His tone remained calm and neutral. She took a step closer, cocking her head to one side. "I didn''t expect you to achieve your goal so quickly. How did you convince them so soon?" She honestly couldn''t fathom how someone like him managed to charm a whole town''s worth of people so fast. They had just arrived...weren''t they too busy building their settlement and tending to other matters? "I merely offered my services as a protector...and gave them aid in dealing with a troll horde that would have annihilated their numbers," he responded as if reciting a scripted explanation he''d already memorized verbatim. He finally opened those inhuman black orbs¡ªturning his gaze toward her¡ªand smiled faintly. The expression did not quite reach those empty pools of darkness though. There seemed to be something bothering him still. She couldn''t help but feel as if his smile came forced. An act perhaps. "During the journey here, I followed your advice from our last encounter¡ªbuilding up a good rapport through small kindnesses. I helped out in whatever way I could while we traveled. They accepted my aid readily once I made my intentions clear...so much so they even insisted I form a Divine Pact with them without much prodding on my end. Which I did so." Ebonheim blinked. He sounded almost proud. But why shouldn''t he? That was his first step into becoming a deity worthy of devotion. A step well taken if he asked her. It seems he''d listened well to her words after all. The corner of her mouth turned upwards into a smile at this realization. "Congratulations. I''m glad you''re taking things seriously." He sighed. "Of course. Your guidance has proven invaluable to my aspirations. I won''t squander them away lightly." A pause. Then he spoke again. "I realize that the proximity of my domain to yours might present certain issues...such as overlapping interests and resources. But rest assured we won''t encroach upon your territory or overburden you with our troubles." His voice remained soft, yet firm. He sounded sincere¡ªeven if the latter part came off as rehearsed. But she supposed Xellos could simply be unfamiliar with human etiquette. It wasn''t like he spent much time interacting with anyone else beside her and a few other gods, as far as she knew. Ebonheim waved a hand dismissively at his last comment. "Don''t concern yourself about trivialities such as those. As long as we maintain positive relations, nothing should cause strife between us." Xellos smiled slightly at this reassurance and dipped his chin forward¡ªalmost like a bow. Then he closed his eyes again and resumed his silent musing. She suspected he might still meditate over his newly acquired role and responsibilities as a patron god. She stood quietly beside him, gazing out over the hills and valleys stretched out before them. A breeze ruffled her hair. For a long while neither spoke a word or stirred from where they stood watching over the land below. "So who decided to name this settlement Corinth?" Ebonheim finally asked once the quiet between them became too oppressive for her liking. "The people themselves," came his response. He raised an arm and gestured towards the settlement before adding, "Apparently, the name signifies a new beginning and unity. Or something along those lines. They didn''t exactly explain it in depth...though it seems apt enough considering its nature." "That''s nice," she murmured as another gentle gust swept across them. It tousled the hemline of her robes gently while carrying on its back the scents of wildflowers and fresh earth. "It''ll certainly take them a while to set everything up. If they need any help, I wouldn''t mind sending over some aid from my domain. Just let me know." Xellos sighed quietly and looked toward the horizon. "Thank you for the offer. However, I doubt we''ll require anything yet...at least for the foreseeable future. I appreciate your generosity regardless, as always." A pause then, "But...since you''ve brought up the subject of assisting others...there is one matter I wish to address..." "Go on." He turned to her again, meeting her gaze straight on this time. A troubled expression marred his gaunt visage. "You recall when I mentioned that something is preventing us from ascending to greater ranks among the pantheon?" She nodded. Granted, they didn''t know that she seemed unaffected by this restriction...so he still assumed she was in the same situation as the rest of the gods. She didn''t correct him and admit to her special privilege, though. "What about it?" she urged. "Aetheron had managed to uncover some information regarding a method to free us from this limbo...a method that involves breaking through a guarded barrier within the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala. Whatever lies within its confines, Aetheron believes to hold a key to solving the enigma surrounding us." Her brow creased together at this. The Sanctum had an area guarded? It shouldn''t surprise her, in retrospect. She had already seen many strange places within the realm...what''s one more? "And how does one access this place then? And what did you mean by ''guarded'' exactly?" Xellos shrugged slightly. "I''ve only overheard bits and pieces of the conversation he''d had with a handful of deities who also seem aware of this obstacle. But from what I gathered...it might involve some sort of trial or trial-by-combat scenario, maybe involving specific opponents or a particular kind of challenge we must overcome. Only those below the Greater God stages have the ability to access that area...hence the reasoning behind my inquiry to you." "So...basically, you''re asking me to help out with whatever comes up during this ''trial,'' right?" She gave him a wry half-smile. "Well...that shouldn''t be too hard." "I''m afraid I won''t be able to join you," he clarified. "In terms of combat, I''m fairly average at best. It''ll only serve as a hindrance rather than any actual benefit when you''re facing these unknown challenges. But more importantly, I''ve now got other duties here that need attending. I''d like to fulfill my obligation toward my own domain first. You understand, I hope? If things don''t go well..." He trailed off without finishing his statement. She had a good idea of what he would say in either case. It made sense for him not to prioritize this over his newfound role. "No worries. Thanks for letting me know," she reassured him. "So, when is this whole affair going down again?" "During the next Divine Auction. Aetheron has arranged to gather several interested gods to form a group to confront the barrier." Hmm. Almost eight months from now. Plenty of time for preparations... "Alright. I''ll keep that in mind then," she offered, smiling again before glancing down at the settlement and clearing her throat. "So...shall I return and chat with the townsfolk?" He chuckled at her words. "They''d be glad to have another guest in their midst. Feel free to socialize. I suspect a lot of them will want to get acquainted with you and ask about your domain. They''d appreciate your input as well..." She nodded. "I figured. Well, if you''ve nothing else to discuss...then I suppose I can go on ahead of you." He smiled slightly in response. "Of course." "Until later then." Ebonheim turned her head towards the forest and snapped her fingers¡ªcausing her form to fade in a soft flash and leaving behind only a fading echo as her body dispersed completely into particles that disappeared on the breeze. Xellos stared off after her for a brief moment afterward¡ªa shadow falling upon his face. An indiscernible expression flitted through his countenance as his gaze lingered where she once stood. When his features came back under control again, he resumed his meditative stupor while contemplating her visit in silence. "Did she suspect anything?..." Side Story: Love is War (Part 1) 4th day of Amberfall, 1373 The morning sun kissed the treetops, casting dappled light through the thick canopy of the Eldergrove, where the scent of damp earth mingled with the sharp tang of sap. The occasional twitter of birdsong echoed amongst the branches while squirrels chased each other across thick boughs. Serrandyl stood at the edge of the training ground, her tail flicking back and forth as she watched Thorsten perform his morning exercises. The Hrafnstennian warrior grunted as he went through the motions¡ªtwisting, ducking, and pivoting in sync with the imaginary foe before him. The sound of his breathing filled the air between his grunts. Beads of sweat trickled down his face as he continued his routine without pause. Today was the day¡ªtoday, Serrandyl would challenge him and make her intentions clear. It wasn''t glory or victory she sought. No, today she wanted something far more elusive: Thorsten''s attention. She cracked her neck and rolled her shoulders, glancing over at her father, Argoran, who stood at the edge of the yard with his arms crossed, a bemused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. When he noticed her watching, he gave her a nod before walking away. Her gaze followed his retreating form until he disappeared into the treeline. With a sigh, she turned back to watch Thorsten once more. He''d paused momentarily to stretch his arms above his head and catch his breath. "Thorsten!" she called out as she strode toward him. "Let''s spar." Thorsten straightened up and raised an eyebrow at her approach. "Sure," he replied warily. "How do you want to do this?" She flexed her fingers, adjusting the fit of her gauntlets that protected her claws. She knew he wouldn''t back down from a challenge¡ªhe''d never refused before. But she couldn''t help feeling anxious nonetheless. "You have your axes. I''ll use my fists," she declared with a determined grin. "First one knocked out or unable to continue loses." Thorsten stood across from her, a hulking figure of rust-colored hair and thick muscles, his broad frame dwarfing hers. His beard hung loose and unbraided over his chest. Serrandyl licked her lips nervously. She''d never seen him look so intimidating before. He gave her a hard look. "You really want to give more work for our healers today, don''t you?" he asked dryly. Then he shrugged. "All right. If you''re sure. You sure you want to use those normal gauntlets?" Using her Gauntlets of the Storm Giant proved an advantage against Thorsten. The boost in strength alone would help tip the odds in her favor. But she wanted this to be a fair fight¡ªshe didn''t want to cheat. This time at least. Besides, he was also using a normal axe. "Don''t worry," she assured him. "I''ll be fine. Besides, I want to test how much I''ve improved without them." Serrandyl clenched her fists tighter, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She wasn''t sure why she was nervous¡ªthey''d sparred countless times before¡ªbut this time felt different. "Ready, old man?" she teased, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. "Or do you need a bit longer to get those creaky joints in order?" "Oi! Who''re you callin'' old?!" Thorsten growled playfully as he twirled his axe around. "I''m nowhere near past my prime yet!" Serrandyl''s grin widened, her sharp teeth gleaming. She liked that fire in him. It reminded her of why she''d set her sights on him in the first place. A mate should be strong, unyielding, someone who could stand against her own fiery temper and not break under pressure. She didn''t want a pretty boy or a whiner. She wanted a partner who could challenge her in every way. And Thorsten had never failed to meet her expectations in that regard. He was strong enough to handle her¡ªphysically and emotionally¡ªand he had a quick wit to boot. She crouched low, circling him slowly. The grass rustled beneath her feet as she moved. Her tail twitched behind her. He watched her closely, holding his axe loosely in one hand while keeping his body relaxed and loose. His stance changed subtly as she moved closer¡ªslight adjustments to the placement of his feet, the angle of his hips¡ªbut she didn''t fail to notice them. She lunged first, closing the distance between them with a speed that caught most opponents off guard. But Thorsten wasn''t most opponents. He sidestepped her strike with a practiced ease, his axe coming down in a slow arc that forced her to duck and roll to the side. She sprang to her feet and whirled around to face him, blocking his follow-up swing with crossed forearms. Sparks flew as his axe scraped across her gauntlets. Her arms vibrated from the force of the blow. He wasn''t pulling any punches today. Good. "Too slow," Thorsten chuckled, planting his axe on the ground and leaning on it like a walking stick. "You''re off your game today." Serrandyl hissed angrily as she leapt forward, her claws slashing at his chest. He brought his free arm up to deflect her attack, but she managed to graze his shoulder. He grunted in pain and stepped back. She pressed her advantage, continuing her assault with renewed vigor. Her attacks came fast and furious¡ªjabbing, slashing, clawing at any exposed skin she could reach. Thorsten deflected each one with ease, his axe moving with the precision of a man who had been born to the weapon. But he didn''t counterattack¡ªinstead, he stayed on the defensive. Serrandyl didn''t let up for a second. If he wouldn''t engage her, she''d keep pushing until he had no choice but to strike back. And she did¡ªright after he failed to block her punch. The blow connected squarely with his jaw, sending him reeling backwards. She followed through by grabbing hold of his arm and swinging herself around his body until she stood behind him. In one fluid motion, she wrapped an arm around his throat and squeezed tight. "Gotcha," she whispered in his ear. Her legs locked around his waist, pulling him closer against her chest. Her free hand gripped his wrist tightly to prevent him from moving his axe. "You''re mine." Thorsten struggled against her hold, twisting his neck to try and break free. Serrandyl tightened her grip. If she could keep him pinned for a few more seconds, she''d have him¡ª Suddenly, he dropped his axe and threw himself backwards. They fell together onto the grass, his body landing on top of hers. The impact knocked the wind out of her lungs and sent them both tumbling in a tangle of limbs. The fight devolved into a frantic grappling match as they wrestled each other to the ground over and over again. They rolled around in the dirt until Serrandyl managed to pin Thorsten beneath her. She straddled his chest, using her weight to keep him immobilized. Her tail flicked from side to side as she grinned triumphantly at her victory. "Well? Are you ready to admit defeat yet?" she panted. Her voice came out breathless and husky¡ªa result of their scuffle. "Or should I keep going until I break a rib or two?" As soon as Thorsten heard the word "defeat," he responded with a deafening roar that reverberated through the training grounds and echoed off the trees. Serrandyl winced and clapped her hands over her ears. Thorsten took advantage of her momentary distraction and rolled them both over, reversing their positions. Now he had her pinned beneath him. She let out an undignified yelp as she struggled futilely against his grip. Her claws dug into his skin as she tried to push him off her. But his strength proved too great for her to overcome. Eventually, she stopped struggling and accepted her fate. "Fine," she huffed, her cheeks burning hotter than usual. "You win. Now get off me." Thorsten released her wrists and stood up, brushing the dirt from his pants. "That was fun," he chuckled, rubbing his jaw gingerly where she''d punched him. "You''ve gotten better at hand-to-hand combat." Serrandyl propped herself up on her elbows and stared up at him through narrowed eyes. Her tail twitched irritably as she watched him pick up his axe and start walking away. He turned back after a few steps to give her a wry smile.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "Let''s spar again soon," he said before turning to leave. "Until then." Serrandyl flopped back onto the grass with a frustrated growl. She''d planned this fight so carefully¡ªhad spent days rehearsing every move, every counterattack¡ªand yet she''d still lost. It wasn''t supposed to end like this! She hadn''t even gotten a chance to show off her moves properly. How was she supposed to woo him if she couldn''t even win a single sparring match? He''d called her moves predictable, too slow, and obvious. Did that mean he didn''t think she could keep up with him? Was he already bored of her? Was this the beginning of the end? She groaned and pressed the heels of her palms against her eyelids. What a mess. "That went well," came a voice from above. Serrandyl turned her head and saw Argoran standing beside her, his arms folded across his chest as he looked down at her with a knowing smile. "You still have time to try again tomorrow...and the day after." Serrandyl sat up abruptly and scowled at her father. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she muttered. She climbed to her feet and brushed herself off. Her tail twitched in agitation. "I''m going hunting." Without another word, she stalked away into the woods.
Thorsten sat in the corner of the feast hall, the sturdy oak table creaking slightly under the weight of his large frame. The hall was alive with the sounds of laughter, clinking tankards, and the smell of roasted meats wafting through the air. Flames danced in the large central hearth, casting flickering shadows on the long tables laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, and tankards of mead. It was a typical night in Ebonheim, the kind Thorsten enjoyed most¡ªcomfortable, familiar, and free from unnecessary complications. He took a long draught from his mug of mead, savoring the sweet, earthy flavor as it slid down his throat. There was a certain satisfaction in it, the way it warmed his belly after a hard day''s work. He didn''t need much more than that¡ªa good fight, a good drink, and the camaraderie of his fellow warriors. That was enough. Around him, the townsfolk swapped stories of the day''s hunts, celebrated minor victories, and let loose in the company of friends. Thorsten watched them all with a contented smile, feeling at peace in the midst of the revelry. That peace, however, was short-lived. Bjorn Hjelmstad, his old friend and fellow warrior, plopped down beside him with all the subtlety of a charging ox. He clapped Thorsten on the shoulder so hard that he nearly toppled off his bench. "Ho there!" Bjorn laughed as Thorsten regained his balance. "You look like a man in need of company." "I was perfectly content sitting here alone," Thorsten grumbled good-naturedly. He took another sip of mead and shrugged. "But I suppose I could stand to listen to your stories for a bit." Bjorn grinned broadly and raised his mug in salute. "I''ll drink to that!" He took a hearty swig before setting the mug down and leaning back against the wall behind them. "So how have things been with you lately? Keeping busy?" Thorsten glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Bjorn seemed more chipper than usual, his eyes sparkling with mirth. He''d clearly enjoyed himself today. "Yeah, well...you know how it is," Thorsten replied evasively. "What about you? Anything interesting happen today?" Bjorn''s grin widened further. "You could say that. Got myself a bit of good news earlier this afternoon. Figured I''d celebrate with a round or two." Thorsten arched an eyebrow and eyed his friend suspiciously. "Really? What sort of good news?" "S?unn is due to have our second child come spring," Bjorn announced proudly. "We''re hoping for another boy." Thorsten paused mid-sip and lowered his mug slowly to the table. The news wasn''t all that unexpected given how often Bjorn spent time with his wife, but still, it surprised Thorsten nonetheless. "That''s...well, congratulations! I guess this calls for a proper toast!" Thorsten lifted his mug into the air and Bjorn copied the motion. They clanked the wooden cups together, spilling liquid over the sides as they did. "To the birth of your second child!" Thorsten exclaimed loudly. "May they grow up to be as strong and stubborn as you!" Bjorn threw his head back and laughed heartily, attracting attention from the other patrons nearby. They joined in the toasting and celebrating for a moment before returning to their own conversations. Bjorn nudged Thorsten playfully. "Speaking of children and such, what of you? Any plans of starting a family yourself? You''re not getting any younger. Might wanna hurry up before your balls dry up." Thorsten scowled and gave Bjorn a gentle shove. "Oi. Don''t you start that again, you old dog. I''ve got plenty of years ahead of me yet. Besides...finding someone I''m willing to settle down with isn''t easy." He wasn''t lying. It wasn''t easy. But it never seemed worth the trouble either. His duties took up too much time to worry about trying to romance someone. Bjorn chuckled, shaking his head. "You always say that, Thorsten. But you''re getting on in years. You''re what¡ªpushing forty now? Maybe it''s time you started thinking about settling down. Or are you planning to spend the rest of your life swinging that axe of yours with no one to come home to?" Thorsten smirked, leaning back against the wall behind him. "And what''s wrong with that? The axe hasn''t failed me yet. And neither has my bed, empty as it may be. I''ve got the town, the hunt, the battle. That''s enough for me." Bjorn snorted. "Aye, you''ve got the town. But that doesn''t warm your bed on cold nights, does it?" Thorsten rolled his eyes. "If I needed warmth, I''d sleep closer to the fire. Besides, I''ve got plenty of furs to keep me warm." "Furs don''t talk back," Bjorn said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. He elbowed Thorsten sharply in the ribs, causing him to choke on his drink. "Or maybe that''s what you like about them, eh? No one to argue with, no one to nag you about this or that." Thorsten chuckled despite himself. "You''re not wrong there. Peace and quiet are underrated." "But don''t you ever think about it?" Bjorn pressed. "A family of your own? Someone to fight alongside you, not just on the battlefield, but in life? Someone to share all the joys and sorrows of living? A wife. Children?" Thorsten paused, his gaze drifting to the fire pit at the center of the hall. The flames danced and crackled, their light casting flickering shadows on the walls. There had been moments in his life where he had considered taking the plunge. Moments where his thoughts briefly turned towards that idea. A wife. Children. A family. It wasn''t such an unappealing thought. Just...one that required work. And effort. Not to mention a lot of time dedicated to making another person happy. "Maybe once," Thorsten admitted after a moment. "But not anymore. I''ve got my place here, and that''s enough." Bjorn raised an eyebrow. "So there''s not a single woman in this town who could catch your eye? Not even one?" Thorsten shrugged, taking another sip from his mug. "If there is, I haven''t noticed. Most of the women here are married or spoken for in one way or another." "What about Ingrid?" Bjorn asked. "She''s still unattached, isn''t she?" "You realize she considers us her elder brothers, don''t you?" Thorsten countered with a smirk. "That would make any sort of courtship highly improper." Bjorn nodded solemnly. "True. But she''s a fine shield-maiden in her own right. It''d take someone damn strong to win her favor." "I heard from Ebonheim that she saw Ingrid spending quite some time with Roderick''s bodyguard as of late. His name...what was it again?" Thorsten pretended to ponder the question for a brief moment before snapping his fingers. "Ah yes! Simon. That''s his name. He''s a quiet one. Keeps mostly to himself. I''ve hardly spoken with him myself. But he''s quite skilled with the sword." "Really? They seemed close?" "Intimate," Thorsten said. "The town gossipers have a few rumors swirling around." A thoughtful expression settled on Bjorn''s face. "Hmm, in any case. Where were? Ah... someone that could catch your eye. Come now, Thorsten. If you could have your pick, what would she be like? Humor me, old friend." Thorsten sighed, setting his mug down on the table and rubbing a hand through his beard. He knew Bjorn wouldn''t let this go until he answered, so he might as well indulge him. "All right," Thorsten began, his voice thoughtful. "If I were to consider it¡ªwhich I''m not, mind you¡ªbut if I were, she''d have to be strong. Not just in body, but in spirit. A woman who can stand on her own two feet, who doesn''t need to be coddled or protected. Someone who understands what it means to fight, to struggle, and who doesn''t shy away from it." Bjorn''s grin widened. "Go on." Thorsten scratched at the scar on his chin, his brow furrowing as he thought. "She''d need to be independent. Someone who doesn''t rely on others to define her, but who knows who she is and what she wants. A woman with fire in her belly, who can challenge me and keep me on my toes.¡± Bjorn chuckled, nodding along. "Sounds like you''re describing a warrior." "Maybe I am," Thorsten said with a smirk. "Someone who can hold their own in a fight, who doesn''t flinch at the sight of blood or the sound of battle. But she''d also have to be more than that. She''d need to have a sense of humor, be able to laugh in the face of danger, and not take life too seriously." Bjorn leaned back, folding his arms across his broad chest. "Sounds like you''ve got someone in mind already." Thorsten frowned, shaking his head. "I don''t, Bjorn. Like I said, it''s just¡­ an idea. A dream, maybe. But nothing real." Bjorn''s eyes twinkled with amusement as he leaned forward again. "You sure about that? Because from where I''m sitting, it sounds an awful lot like you''re describing Serrandyl." Thorsten nearly choked on his drink. He coughed roughly, pounding his chest with one fist while holding up a finger at Bjorn to indicate he needed a moment. After he regained control of his airways and calmed himself down enough to speak again, he narrowed his eyes. "Where did you get an idea like that?" The older man chuckled low and deep in his throat. "Oh come now. You can''t tell me you haven''t noticed how she''s always watching you whenever you''re around. The way she follows after you when we go out to hunt. How she challenges you in combat, always tries to catch your eye, to get your attention." "You think she''s...fond of me?" Thorsten asked in disbelief. "No, Thorsten. I think she''d like nothing more than for you to bed her senseless." Thorsten spat out another mouthful of mead. Side Story: Love is War (Part 2) Reo crouched low in the underbrush, his feline ears twitching at the sound of Serrandyl''s voice drifting through the trees. He hadn''t intended to eavesdrop, but when he''d spotted her from afar, muttering to herself in that determined way of hers, curiosity had taken hold. Now here he sat¡ªcrouching within earshot of a conversation he wasn''t meant to overhear. Serrandyl paced near the edge of a pond, kicking rocks into the water. Her crimson mane swayed with every step. She seemed to be arguing with herself, as if debating something important. "He is strong...and brave....a good fighter...But the man''s thicker than a troll''s skull sometimes!" She stopped and sighed loudly. " Uggh! Just ask already!!!" With a huff, she kicked another rock angrily into the pond before marching away. "Stupid Thorsten. I know you want to play hard-to-get but not like this! Uggggh!!" Reo stared dumbstruck at the empty space where she''d stood moments ago. She was talking about Thorsten. Again. How could Serrandyl¡ªfierce, proud Serrandyl¡ªbe interested in a human, of all things? Much less such an oafish lug as Thorsten. He couldn''t picture the two together in any sort of romantic capacity. Then again, maybe he was only saying that because he secretly carried a torch for the female Beastkin himself. Strong as the human warrior was, Thorsten could never understand Serrandyl like a Beastkin could. No, more than that¡ªlike Reo could. It should be someone like him¡ªsomeone who understood her, who shared her blood, her instincts, her world. Reo had watched her from afar for years, admired her strength, her wild beauty, the way she embodied the spirit of their tribe. She was everything a Beastkin should be, and more. But now, to hear her speak of courting Thorsten¡­ It felt like a betrayal, as if she were turning her back on their heritage. How could she possibly prefer a human over him? Why hadn''t she expressed any interest in him? Did she not see how perfectly compatible they''d be? How well suited they were to each other? Reo''s jaw clenched. He couldn''t let this happen. Thorsten wasn''t right for her¡ªhe was just another human, another ignorant fool who couldn''t hope to appreciate her properly. He couldn''t let them become anything beyond mere comrades-in-arms. If Serrandyl insisted on pursuing a human partner instead of choosing someone from her own kind...then it was time he stepped forward. It was his duty as a male to offer himself for her consideration. To protect her from the mistake of settling for less.
He followed Serrandyl silently through the forest, staying far enough away as to remain unseen but close enough so as not to lose sight of her among the trees. If there was one skill Reo excelled at above all others, it was stealth. A skill that served him well today. She seemed preoccupied, distracted even, as though lost in thought. Her footsteps fell heavy and deliberate upon the leaves littering the forest floor. Even her tail twitched less frequently than normal. He kept pace easily with her despite this. Eventually, the trail ended at a small stream tumbling over mossy rocks. Serrandyl knelt at the edge of the water and splashed her face before stretching lazily along the bank. Reo hid behind a tree and watched her from a distance. His eyes lingered upon her exposed skin and toned muscles¡ªthe smooth lines of her arms, the curves of her thighs. He traced those lines with his eyes over and over again. It took him a while to realize he hadn''t moved in several minutes. Embarrassed by his own lack of focus, Reo blinked rapidly and refocused. Now wasn''t the time to ogle her! With a determined breath, Reo stepped out from the shadows, his tail flicking behind him as he approached her. "You''re really planning on courting that human?" he blurted out before he could stop himself. Serrandyl jumped to her feet with a startled gasp, whirling to face him. Her claws were already drawn and ready for attack¡ªuntil she realized who had interrupted her private moment. "Reo?! When the hell did you get here? Wait, did you follow me?!" "Y-yes!" Reo answered quickly, taking a half step backwards. "Sorry¡ªbut I heard you talking...to yourself," he added hastily. Serrandyl huffed in annoyance and crossed her arms. "Well? Why''d you sneak up on me? You made me nearly claw your damn face off." "I didn''t mean to startle you¡ªI was just¡ª" he hesitated, gathering his courage. "¡ªjust trying to understand why you would want to court Thorsten in the first place." He didn''t bother softening his words. He never did. It wasn''t in his nature. The sooner she got angry at him for his directness, the better. But Serrandyl only rolled her eyes and sat back down, resting her arms atop her knees and propping her chin on top. "Why wouldn''t I? He''s strong. Handsome. He makes me laugh," she ticked each quality off on her fingertips with each word. "What more do I need? Besides, what business is it of yours? Are you jealous or something?" Reo flinched at her accusation, his ears flattening against his head. "I''m not jealous. I''m concerned. You''re the daughter of the Pridelord, Serrandyl. You should be with someone from our tribe, someone who understands what it means to be Beastkin." His words came out sharper than intended; sharper than he liked. But he couldn''t keep the bitterness from creeping into his voice. She had rejected him once already when he''d expressed interest¡ªwhy couldn''t she see what a mistake this would be? "And let me guess¡ªyou think that someone is you, right? Because we''re friends? Because we grew up together?" He could tell from the tone of her voice that she''d lost interest. That the conversation would end soon unless he said something different. Something to pique her attention and make her see reason. "You haven''t even given me a chance. Let me prove it to you, Serrandyl. Let me show you that I''m the better choice." The words left his mouth faster than he expected. But now that they were out, he couldn''t take them back. Serrandyl raised an eyebrow, her tail swishing lazily behind her. "Prove it, huh? How do you plan on doing that?" Reo''s mind raced as he searched for something, anything, that could sway her. A challenge¡ªa series of tests, like their ancestors would have done. Surely, if he could best her in these competitions, she would see him as a worthy mate. It was all but tradition! "I''ll win you over," he declared proudly. "We''ll compete. Tests of strength, speed, and skill. If I win, you have to consider me as your mate and put Thorsten out of your mind. If I lose...well...then there''s nothing more to say about any of this." Serrandyl blinked at him, and for a moment, Reo thought she might laugh. But instead, she tilted her head to the side, considering his words. Then, much to his surprise, she nodded.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Fine. But if you lose¡ªwhich you will¡ªyou''ll forget everything and leave this stupid idea alone. Understood?" She extended her arm out towards him expectantly. "Do you promise?" He hesitated a second, surprised by how easily she''d agreed to the competition. Was he ready for this? Could he really do it? He swallowed hard past the lump forming in his throat and clasped her forearm tightly. "I promise." "So, what''s the first round?" Serrandyl asked as they walked through the forest. Her arms folded behind her head, and she bounced energetically at his side. Despite her earlier moodiness, she seemed genuinely excited about these challenges. It had certainly lifted her spirits. Which only served to make Reo even more nervous about this whole endeavor. She wasn''t taking him seriously. It was the sort of careless confidence she always had when it came to her skills against his own, but he wished she would have shown at least a modicum of respect for his abilities. "A race," he said, pointing towards the open meadow beyond the treeline. "To the old oak and back. Simple enough for even someone as distracted as you to focus on." Serrandyl smirked, her tail whipping behind her playfully. "Alright. Let''s do this. I won''t go easy on you." With a grin, she dropped into a runner''s stance. "Ready? Set! GO!" Before he could reply, she darted off. Reo chased after her with an indignant squawk as they barreled toward the open field ahead.
The race to the old oak was just the beginning. As Serrandyl and Reo tore through the forest, their footfalls muffled by the thick carpet of pine needles, the thrill of competition surged through Serrandyl''s veins. She relished the way the wind whipped against her face, how the trees blurred into streaks of green as she pushed herself faster and faster. But even in the heat of the race, there was a lightness in her heart¡ªa sense of play that made her grin as she glanced over at Reo, who was straining with all his might to keep up. Reo was quick, that much was certain, but Serrandyl had always prided herself on her agility. Her lithe body made it easy to dodge obstacles and dart nimbly along the forest floor. Still, Reo wasn''t far behind; he seemed determined to win this competition no matter what. He never stopped to catch his breath or slow his pace. He just ran. Serrandyl smiled despite herself at his eagerness, but the thought of letting him claim her affections as his prize made her skin crawl. She''d already spent enough time pining after Thorsten without throwing Reo into the mix as well. Her friend meant well, but he needed to realize how foolish this all was¡ªhow she couldn''t possibly be attracted to him the same way she wanted Thorsten. She forced those thoughts from her mind as she reached the oak tree, skidding to a halt in front of its trunk. Turning on her heel, she ran back towards the edge of the clearing where they had started, grinning at the sight of Reo gasping for breath. "And there we go¡ªfirst round finished! Took you long enough though, huh? What was the final distance? A hundred steps? Maybe two?" She crossed her arms across her chest as he bent over with his hands on his knees. "U-ugh...I...don''t...know." Serrandyl laughed at him. "What''s next? Have you got some more challenges lined up for us?" "Climbing," he panted between breaths. "We''re climbing." He stood straight again. "Let me rest." Serrandyl huffed a laugh. "Alright, alright." She went back to leaning against the tree. "Let me know when you''ve caught your breath." It didn''t take long before he''d caught his breath enough to point to an Ebon tree deeper in the forest. "This one. First one who reaches the top wins." Serrandyl nodded. She spread her arms and flexed her fingers wide. "Are you ready for this? Do I need to go easy on you so you don''t fall?" Reo scoffed indignantly at the suggestion, puffing out his chest. "I will have you know that I could beat you at climbing even when we were kits. Don''t underestimate me." "We''ll see about that."
Six challenges...six losses. Each more embarrassing than the last. But worst of all was the way Serrandyl would taunt him after each win. No matter how hard he tried or how far he pushed himself, she always seemed to stay one step ahead. His pride stung worse than any other blow¡ªespecially with the promise of her affections hanging over his head. He hadn''t considered the possibility that he might actually lose the whole thing. But here he sat, alone in the woods, staring at his tail while he picked leaves out of his hair. How had this happened? Why couldn''t he measure up? He had all the advantages! Size, strength, speed...so why did this keep happening? He lost the race because of Serrandyl''s damn distracting ass swaying in front of him. He lost in the climbing match for the same reason. Then he failed the swimming race because he''d been too focused on her shapely figure in the water. He nearly drowned. It couldn''t be helped. He wasn''t able to concentrate around her like he was with other opponents. It didn''t matter how many times she beat him; he always found himself ogling at her rather than focusing on the task at hand. The remaining three challenges had come close, though. Hunting, target practice, even combat¡ªbut he lost every time. And the taunting seemed to increase after each successive loss, as if she couldn''t believe how badly he''d done. Now here he sat, sulking in defeat. His last chance to prove himself worthy of her love. And what a colossal failure that had been. Serrandyl had gone off on her own shortly after claiming victory, leaving Reo alone with nothing but the trees and his own thoughts. Reo sighed and flopped backwards into the soft moss beneath him. At least he could enjoy one last afternoon in the forest before returning to Ebonheim in utter shame. With luck, they''d never speak of this again. A familiar voice suddenly broke the silence. "Well, well. If it isn''t the loser himself." Reo groaned aloud as he heard Raksha''s footsteps approaching. "Go away," he grumbled. "I don''t want your pity." "Too bad." Raksha dropped onto the log next to him and rested her chin in her hands, leaning back lazily. "I''m here whether you want me or not." Unlike Serrandyl who personified the brilliance and majesty of a roaring flame, Raksha carried with her the coolness and calmness of a full moon shining brightly in the dark night sky. Her hair was as black as her name implied. Her eyes shone with a silvery light. And while Serrandyl was bold and loud in her movements and personality, Raksha had a more reserved and thoughtful demeanor. Despite their differences, the two had always been close friends. So when Raksha said she didn''t want Reo''s pity, he knew she meant it. "How did you lose to her anyway? It''s not like she''s got a hundred years'' experience on you." Reo winced at the memory. "She''s just...distracting." Raksha snorted. "What¡ªlike her bouncing tits distracting? Or her swinging hips distracting?" Reo swallowed hard. "Yes." Her silver eyes widened in surprise. Then she smirked at him. "Well, that''s what you get for letting your loins control your head. I thought you prided yourself on being the ''chosen one'' and all that crap." She nudged his side with her elbow. "I''ve heard your monologuing before. How you''re destined for great things, how no other male Beastkin could hope to match your prowess." Her mouth twisted into an even bigger smirk. "And now you''ve gone and proved us all wrong by losing six matches in a row. I don''t know whether to laugh or cry for you. On one hand¡ªthe arrogance! On another... well, you''ve set a low bar." He huffed in annoyance, casting her an annoyed glance from the corner of his eye. "You don''t have to rub it in. I already feel like a fool." "Does that mean you''ve given up on her?" she asked bluntly. Reo looked back down at the ground beneath him and didn''t answer. He did promise her to give this up if he lost, but...did that mean his own feelings for Serrandyl were gone as well? There was still a chance that Thorsten would reject her completely, giving him another opportunity, right? He shook his head slowly. "I don''t think I can." "So stubborn..." she mumbled. He felt her tail curl around his own. "You never learn." Reo blinked at the unexpected touch and instinctively tugged his tail free, avoiding her gaze. "It doesn''t matter. Like you said before, you''re not here to pity me." "But I wanted to make sure you weren''t about to do something stupid to try and win her back," she said with a sigh. "Like challenge Thorsten himself." He scoffed at the thought. As if he could hope to defeat the warrior in battle. He''d witnessed firsthand how formidable he truly was during skirmishes. "I may be foolish sometimes, but I''m not suicidal. Thorsten would destroy me in combat. No contest." "Exactly." She patted his head lightly. "Which is why I don''t want you doing anything foolish or rash." She rose to her feet, brushing pine needles off her pants. "Besides, even if she rejected you outright...well... I''m sure there''s someone who would want to be your mate. If you''re interested." The casualness of her tone caught him off guard, causing his head to snap up at her with surprise written across his face. "W-wait, really? Who?" Raksha rolled her eyes playfully, stretching languidly and yawning before answering. "Oh, I don''t know...maybe I could help you find one." She flicked a pine needle at his forehead with her tail before turning away to continue deeper into the forest. "Come along." Side Story: Love is War (Part 3) Thorsten had fought in countless battles, faced down roaring beasts, and weathered the fiercest storms nature had to offer. But nothing in his years as a warrior had prepared him for the peculiar storm that was Serrandyl. He sat on the rough-hewn bench outside his cabin, sharpening his axe with slow, methodical strokes. The familiar scrape of the whetstone against the steel was soothing, a rhythm he could count on. But today, even that small comfort couldn''t keep his mind from wandering back to Serrandyl''s strange behavior over the past few days. It had started innocently enough¡ªor so he''d thought. A few mornings ago, she had shown up at his door with a plate of¡­ something. "Thorsten!" she had called, her voice carrying that familiar blend of challenge and excitement. He''d opened the door, half-expecting her to demand another sparring match. Instead, she thrust a plate into his hands, practically smashing the edge of it against his chest. Her expression was...nervous? He couldn''t quite place it. "What''s this?" he''d asked, staring down at the lumpy, misshapen objects on the plate. "Food," Serrandyl had declared, as if daring him to question it. "I made it for you." Thorsten had blinked, momentarily at a loss. He wasn''t used to Serrandyl bringing him food¡ªespecially not something she''d made herself. Her skills, as far as he knew, were better suited to the battlefield than the kitchen. Cooking had never been Serrandyl''s strong suit¡ªshe was more at home skinning a deer than kneading dough. But there she stood, watching him with an intensity that made him feel like he was being tested. So, with the same resolve he''d mustered before charging into battle, he picked up one of the¡­ pastries? Bread rolls? Whatever they were meant to be, he bit into one. Chewed slowly. Swallowed carefully. Tried to keep his face neutral as the flavor settled in his mouth. Serrandyl watched him closely the whole time, her eyes tracking every move. There was an odd tension in her body language as she waited for him to react. It made him uncomfortable. And what sort of warrior would he have been had he shied away from discomfort? He bit down on a mouthful of pastry. Then he swallowed. Took another bite. Immediately, he regretted it. The texture was dry and grainy and the taste was bland. He chewed through sheer force of will alone, but by the third bite, even that effort failed him. With great difficulty, he forced down what remained of the first bite and then set aside the half-eaten roll. He cleared his throat and met Serrandyl''s gaze with a weak smile. "How is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope. "I worked really hard on them. I''m still practicing with the recipe..." She trailed off as Thorsten swallowed again¡ªa little too quickly this time¡ªand choked. A shudder ran through him as he finally managed to swallow the last mouthful of crumbs down without spitting them all over his front. "It''s¡­ hearty," he managed. "Tough bread makes tough warriors, they say." She looked at him for a moment, as if unsure whether to believe him, then laughed¡ªher usual boisterous laugh, full of life and energy. "Yeah, tough. Right." She turned on her heel and bolted before he could say another word, leaving him standing there, bemused and holding a plate with a half-eaten misshapen doughy lump. After a moment, he shrugged and placed the plate beside his door¡ªthen went back inside and ate several large handfuls of oatcakes. Serrandyl was a peculiar one, that much was certain. Perhaps she had simply been trying to be kind. But it didn''t stop there. A couple of days later, Thorsten was enjoying a rare quiet moment at the feast hall when Serrandyl plopped down beside him, sliding a flagon of mead his way. She seemed strangely subdued, her usual vigor tempered by something he couldn''t quite place. "Thorsten," she said, her tone more serious than usual, "what do you think about...normal things?" He frowned at her, not understanding the question. "Normal things?" "Yeah, you know. Things people talk about. Not fighting or hunting, just¡­ other stuff." Thorsten leaned back, giving her a sidelong glance. "I talk about plenty of things," he said, though even he knew that wasn''t entirely true. Most of his conversations did tend to veer toward combat or survival¡ªthings he was familiar with. Anything else tended to elude him. Especially when it came to the ladies. Serrandyl seemed to sense his hesitation and pressed on. "Do you...I don''t know, have hobbies? Interests? Things that make you happy?" Thorsten stared at her. This was not the kind of conversation he was accustomed to having with Serrandyl. Normally, their exchanges were filled with banter and playful insults, not...whatever this was. Still, he humored her. "I suppose I like carving wood in my spare time," he said slowly. "It keeps my hands busy when there''s no work to be done." Serrandyl perked up at that. "Wood carving! That''s interesting! What do you carve?" Thorsten shrugged, scratching idly at his beard. "Depends on what strikes my fancy at the time. Sometimes I make little figurines, animals mostly. Other times I try to replicate certain objects¡ªlike the axe or sword. And occasionally, I make furniture¡ªbenches or chairs, things like that. But usually only when someone asks for one. People don''t really buy such items when there are far more practical items to make instead." She blinked at him, clearly expecting a different answer, but she recovered quickly. "Axes are¡­ nice. What about anything else? Ever think about...I don''t know, the future? Maybe a family?"This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Bjorn''s words from earlier came to mind. Ever since that conversation at the feast hall days before, Thorsten hadn''t been able to forget them. Serrandyl herself kept popping into his mind, invading every quiet moment when she wasn''t constantly around. Thorsten frowned, scratching at his beard. "Never gave it much thought, to be honest. I''m content with the way things are." Serrandyl''s shoulders slumped slightly, but she nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, makes sense. Just curious, that''s all." And with that, she drained her flagon and left, leaving Thorsten more confused than ever. He watched her go, his thoughts churning. There was something going on beneath those fiery red locks of hers. Was she really fond of him after all? The final straw came a few days later when Serrandyl appeared at his cabin again, this time holding something behind her back. Her expression was uncharacteristically hesitant, almost shy, as if she couldn''t quite believe she was standing outside his front door with whatever she was about to give him in her hands. "Thorsten," she began, her voice uncharacteristically soft, "I, uh...I brought you something." He sighed inwardly, bracing himself for another attempt at baked goods, but instead, Serrandyl revealed...flowers. A small, slightly wilted bunch of wildflowers, probably picked somewhere near the stream on the edge of town. She thrust them at him, holding the ragged bouquet with both hands. "Flowers?" he asked, not quite able to keep the confusion out of his voice. No woman had ever given him flowers before¡ªnot in all his years. "Yeah," she muttered, looking anywhere but at him. "Humans give flowers, right? Thought you might...like them or something." Thorsten took the flowers from her, holding them gingerly as if they might crumble in his grip. He had no idea what to do with them, but the sight of Serrandyl standing there, shifting nervously from foot to foot, was enough to make him smile despite himself. "Thank you, Serrandyl," he said, his tone gentle. "I...appreciate it." She grunted in response, shuffling back a step. "Yeah, well... don''t get used to it. I''m no florist." With that, she turned and walked away, her tail lashing side to side as she left. And Thorsten watched her go, feeling oddly perplexed but pleased all the same. Maybe there was something to Bjorn''s suspicions after all. But now? What exactly did it mean? He wasn''t sure. And when it came to matters such as this¡ªmatters of the heart¡ªhe preferred to take the advice of someone far wiser than himself. So he did what any sensible man would do when faced with an uncomfortable situation: he sought out his old friend. And thus, the next morning found him sitting across from Bjorn at his table, pouring out his worries in hopes that they would prove less intimidating when laid bare like this. "So let me get this straight," Bjorn interjected midway through Thorsten''s long-winded monologue. "First she made you burnt pastries? Then gave you mead?" "Aye, that she did," Thorsten agreed solemnly. He shifted in his chair and added, "She gave me flowers too." "Right." Bjorn stroked his beard in thought. "She''s courting you." "Is she?" Thorsten mused out loud, the gears in his mind spinning as he mulled the thought over. She certainly wasn''t shy about getting his attention in every way possible. Maybe the young woman did harbor genuine feelings for him...or at least some interest. "Maybe she just has a crush? She seems to find amusement in teasing me, so perhaps this is all just a prank?" Bjorn shrugged. "Sure seems like more than a crush to me. I mean, she does spend a lot of time challenging you and seeking your attention, which is a common tactic used by those trying to show off for someone." Thorsten sighed, rubbing his forehead. He didn''t like being unsure of what to do. "You''re not making this any easier." "It never is when we try to decipher women''s intentions." A faint giggle slipped out, drawing both men''s attention. The source came from a third party who had unceremoniously invited herself into their conversation after Thorsten had entered Bjorn''s home¡ªEbonheim, of course. A coy smile rested on her lips as she sat cross-legged beside them, her golden eyes dancing with delight. Bjorn''s face contorted to hide a smile while Thorsten sighed and rubbed his forehead. He should have known that Ebonheim would eventually catch wind of all this and want to join in the fun. As the town''s resident deity and protector, she often took an interest in people''s comings and goings and readily inserted herself into conversations¡ªoften times without prior warning¡ªeven if she wasn''t directly involved. This didn''t surprise him or Bjorn any longer. It had happened far too often for them to even raise their voices at her. So Thorsten did his best to play along and pretend he found nothing odd about the situation. "I don''t suppose she has spoken to you about this," he remarked with a weary voice. "In any form." "Oh no," Ebonheim chirped in reply. "She won''t say a word about that sort of stuff. But she does talk about you quite often. I can fill in the rest." The hint of mischief in Ebonheim''s tone wasn''t lost on Thorsten. Neither was Bjorn''s widening smirk. They exchanged a look, as if sharing the same thought, before Thorsten spoke again. "I''ll bite...what do you mean by ''fill in the rest?''" "Oh, nothing much." Ebonheim waved dismissively, a playful giggle escaping her. "I''ve got an inkling of her heart, at least. She cares for you a great deal." Her answer didn''t reassure Thorsten in the slightest. If anything, it did little to ease his mind. A part of him felt guilty about not being more enthusiastic towards her. She was a strong warrior and a reliable friend. Her presence was never unwanted but she did tend to get underfoot. He respected her courage, but her boldness had always made her a bit too reckless. And yet...her smile remained etched deep in his heart. Bjorn shook his head with a sigh. "This is like watching a man try to catch a fish with his bare hands¡ªand the fish has already jumped into his bucket. What am I going to do with you? At this rate, she''ll have to knock you unconscious and tie you down before you''ll take the hint." Thorsten opened his mouth to protest, but Bjorn held up a hand to silence him. "Enough. I will give you only one piece of advice: do not overthink this. She wishes to be close to you and clearly finds joy in spending time around you. That should be enough. Spend some time with her¡ªshow her how you feel. You don''t have to rush into anything, but don''t waste your opportunity either. Sometimes the answers to your heart''s greatest desires can be found in the last place you expect to look." Ebonheim nodded as if she were the one giving counsel. Thorsten resisted the urge to groan. He''d come to Bjorn for advice¡ªhe hadn''t intended for Ebonheim to get involved too. Still...they were both right. No point dwelling on things when actions speak louder than words. "Right, of course," Thorsten replied reluctantly. "I appreciate your guidance." Bjorn smiled kindly. "Come now, old friend. Don''t act so defeated. It doesn''t suit you." "He has a point," Ebonheim remarked offhandedly. "Besides, what could go wrong?" The mischievous glint in her golden eyes made Thorsten bristle slightly. He didn''t miss the teasing tone in her voice. She probably meant no harm by her comment, but the sheer innocence in her tone still put him on edge nonetheless. He flexed his hand. It had been a while since he delivered the "iron claw" technique to someone''s skull. Maybe Ebonheim would enjoy a taste of that once or twice. "What indeed?" he answered flatly. Side Story: Love is War (Part 4) The sky above was overcast, threatening to unleash a torrent of rain at any moment. Thorsten let out a grunt as he pushed forward, the muck sucking at his boots with every step. He''d been through worse, much worse, in the cold, desolate northlands where the wind howled like a banshee and the snow cut through a man''s skin like a knife. This drizzle, this bit of mud¡ªit was nothing. But the silence was another matter. It was a different kind of weight, one that pressed down on him more heavily than the storm clouds above. He was a man of few words, but he knew when silence carried meaning, and this one was charged, full of things unsaid. Thorsten cast a glance over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Serrandyl through the misty drizzle. She was trailing behind, her usual boisterous energy muted by the somber atmosphere. Her crimson mane, wild as always, clung to her face in wet strands, and her steps were uncharacteristically measured. She didn''t seem to care that her garb was soaked through, that her boots were caked with mud. In that, they were alike. It was odd seeing her this quiet; normally, she would be cracking jokes or challenging him to some sort of competition. Today, though, she seemed lost in thought. His thoughts drifted back to Ebonheim''s smile when she handed them the task of patrolling the western road. It had been too sweet, too innocent, like a mother trying to gently nudge her children toward something she thought was for their own good. The kind of smile that made him uneasy. Thorsten sighed, rubbing a hand over his beard. He wished he could say something to lighten the mood. But words failed him as they always did when faced with Serrandyl''s shifting emotions. "Thorsten..." The name tumbled from her lips hesitantly, like she didn''t know whether to speak or keep quiet. "Hmm?" He slowed his pace slightly to let her catch up. "What is it?" She opened her mouth as if to reply, then shook her head and fell silent once more. Thorsten frowned, glancing at her sidelong. He didn''t like seeing her this way. Normally she was so confident, so sure of herself¡ªit felt wrong to see her struggling. "Spit it out," he said gently. "You''ve got something on your mind." "Oh, um...you think Ebonheim''s trying to set us up?" she asked, her tone half-joking, half-serious. He nodded with a grunt. "Wouldn''t surprise me." She let out a bark of laughter. "Figures. I shoulda guessed. She can be pushy when she wants somethin'', can''t she?" "Sometimes." They walked on for another moment, neither speaking. Thorsten watched Serrandyl from the corner of his eye. She kept looking at him then glancing away when their gazes met. Her tail swished from side to side, a restless, agitated movement. She scratched absently at her cheek and cleared her throat a few times without saying anything. Every fiber of his body could feel her desire to say something. "What else do you want to share with me?" he probed with the patience of a saint. Serrandyl''s gaze dropped to the ground at their feet before lifting back up to his. A faint flush tinged her cheeks, making her freckles stand out. Thorsten noted her ears twitched slightly. "This might sound silly but...the past few days have been...nice." She paused briefly before adding in an almost shy voice. "Being with you, spending time together...I like it." Thorsten rubbed the back of his neck. That one word echoed in his mind, bouncing from one end to the other: nice. It wasn''t a particularly remarkable sentiment. Nothing overtly romantic. And yet, there was something about the way she''d said those words that resonated deep within him¡ªsomething heartfelt and honest. The more he considered them, the more he found himself agreeing. "I agree," he said after several seconds had passed. "The days have been...nice..." The word sounded weird leaving his mouth. Unfamiliar and clumsy, like someone putting their foot through a patch of snow that looked thicker than it actually was. But as ridiculous as it felt to say, he couldn''t argue its validity. Serrandyl glanced sidelong at him. "Oh...really? Then would...would you want to spend more time together?" She fidgeted slightly with her fingers as she spoke. "Maybe...I don''t know...do something different from patrolling?" A faint smile spread across his lips. This had to be the most awkward conversation he''d ever witnessed, and he''d sat in on enough of Bjorn''s drunken confessions to know how bad such things could get. Serrandyl seemed to catch herself midway through the question and quickly changed tactics. "I mean...we don''t have to...but...if you...maybe..." She trailed off again, floundering for the right words to express herself. She wasn''t usually like this around others. She was bold, brash, fearless. If she wanted something, she asked for it. Plain and simple. Yet here, standing beside him in the middle of the forest with only the drizzling rain as their witness, she had become timid and shy. It wasn''t a side to her he''d seen often, but the sight stirred a strange feeling in him that was difficult to describe. "We can go fishing if you wish." Thorsten found himself saying before she got the wrong impression. Serrandyl blinked up at him in surprise. "Fishing?" Thorsten nodded, gesturing with one hand. "Aye. Just you and I. I know a good spot where we won''t get bothered." He stopped himself short of admitting she would need a lot of patience. Fishing required a certain calmness that not everyone possessed. But they could make a day out of it nonetheless. Serrandyl stared up at him, eyes wide with wonder. "Wait...is this like...a date?" Her lips curved upwards into a big smile. "Is Thorsten Gustafsson asking me on a date?!" Thorsten cleared his throat loudly. This wasn''t how he''d envisioned it going. Not in the slightest. He''d assumed she''d eagerly agree or laugh at him and walk off. Not turn expectant eyes on him. Waiting. Anticipating a response he was still in the process of coming to terms with. "Ehhh..." he stammered out slowly. His mind churned through several different answers before settling on something simple. Something safe. "Sure." The smile Serrandyl gave him was blinding¡ªlike the sun emerging from behind a cloudbank. It caught him off guard, made his breath hitch. She moved closer and nudged his arm playfully. "You sly old bear! Who''d have guessed you had this side to you!" His gaze dropped back to the ground and he muttered something unintelligible under his breath. Serrandyl snorted with laughter, her tail swishing rapidly from side to side. Then her hand slid down his forearm until their fingers laced together. Thorsten didn''t even think as he squeezed gently. The corners of his lips twitched upwards slightly. Serrandyl responded by squeezing back. They stayed there for a moment, hands linked, both smiling like fools. Then a loud clap of thunder broke the moment, making Serrandyl jump. She let go abruptly, her cheeks burning brighter than ever before. "Right." She straightened up and started walking. "I guess we better get moving again. Wouldn''t want the rain getting worse or somethin''." Her attempt to sound cool and nonchalant failed miserably.
The journey back to Ebonheim went by swiftly compared to how it started. The rain had eased to a fine mist that barely qualified as drizzle, but neither minded the dampness. They strode side by side in a silence more comfortable this time. Thorsten took note of how the clouds above their heads parted, letting the sunlight peek through in places. A good omen, one might say. As they reached a bend in the road, Serrandyl''s stomach growled loudly enough to make Thorsten glance at her in surprise. She gave him an apologetic smile, but before she could say anything, her stomach grumbled again. Thorsten snorted in amusement and Serrandyl whacked him lightly with her tail. "We''re out of rations," she said, a hint of mischief returning to her voice. "You up for a hunt?" The thought of a good hunt appealed to Thorsten. And besides, he was hungry too. He gave Serrandyl a quick pat on her back as a confirmation. "Let''s do that." They headed deeper into the woods, eyes scanning the underbrush for movement. Occasionally they would catch sight of a critter scurrying away through the greenery. Each time Serrandyl leapt after them, Thorsten trailing along at a more relaxed pace. But every time, she was too late. It wasn''t long before they spotted the boar. It was a massive beast, even by boar standards, its dark hide covered in mud and bristling with coarse hair. Its tusks were long and curved, wicked-looking weapons designed for gore and death.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Serrandyl crouched low behind a fallen tree trunk, staring intently at the boar. "There he is!" she hissed excitedly. "Look how fat he is. We''d have more meat off him than both of us combined." Her tail thrashed eagerly, thumping against the damp grass. She started to rise from her hiding place, intent on charging right at him. But Thorsten caught hold of her arm, keeping her in place. "Wait, now. That''s a big boy. Let me try my axe." He pulled his axe from its holster on his back. With one smooth motion, he threw the axe towards the beast. The blade sunk deep between the thick muscle and sinew of the Boar''s shoulder. The beast bleated loudly in rage, trying desperately to flee. But Serrandyl pounced after him, tackling the boar. The pair rolled end over end across the clearing as they fought for purchase. Finally, the boar bucked hard, throwing Serrandyl off him and sending her crashing into a nearby tree. She landed with a groan but was quick enough to roll aside when the boar came charging towards her once more. The beast crashed headlong into the trunk. Serrandyl scrambled to her feet. As she did, Thorsten grabbed his fallen axe and circled the boar. This time, they moved together, circling the raging creature. Serrandyl darted in from one side and Thorsten feinted from the other. Each attack provoked another round of frenzied charges, which the pair dodged and weaved away from. Finally, after several minutes of dancing circles around each other, Serrandyl managed to get close enough to strike. As the boar wheeled around, Thorsten lunged in with his axe. He buried it deep into the beast''s skull. A final bleat escaped before the life ebbed from its body. Serrandyl let out a victorious laugh, patting the large boar a few times. "That was fun!" She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her arm before holding a fist out toward him. After a brief moment passed, he realized she wanted to clack fists and so he held his own up in response. They gave each other a firm knock followed by a hearty laugh. "Let''s get to work then," he suggested. "The sooner we dress it, the sooner we eat." They set to the task of preparing the boar, Serrandyl bragging loudly as she worked about how many times the animal tried to gore her. Thorsten chuckled along with the stories. The girl liked to exaggerate sometimes but he wouldn''t dare call her out on it. Let her have her moment¡ªthat''s what being a warrior was about sometimes. As Serrandyl worked on the carcass and cleaned its insides out, Thorsten collected branches and twigs for their fire. The hair on the back of Thorsten''s neck prickled as he paused in his gathering, his instincts flaring to life in response to some unseen danger. Slowly, he scanned the clearing and surrounding area for any signs of movement. A deep, resonant growl echoed through the forest, cutting through the quiet. It was followed by the crack and crunch of foliage as something huge moved through the underbrush. Thorsten rushed to Serrandyl''s side, hand on his weapon''s hilt as he searched the tree line with narrowed eyes. "Stay sharp." "Something''s coming," Serrandyl said in a hushed voice. The growl came again, louder this time, closer. Whatever was out there, it was no ordinary beast. Then, with a sudden crash of underbrush, it appeared¡ªa massive boar, easily thrice the size of the one they had killed. Its hide was a mottled gray, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural light. Bony spines jutted from its shoulders and back. Its tusks were as long as spears, curling outward at their tips. "Is that what I think it is?" Serrandyl gasped out, sounding half-excited and half-terrified. "A spirit beast," Thorsten confirmed gravely. "And we just killed its kin."
The spirit beast let out a roar reverberating through the trees, shaking the ground beneath their feet. "We''re in for a proper fight now." Thorsten tightened his grip on his axe. Serrandyl grinned, flashing her fangs. "Bring it!" Before he could warn her to be careful, she was already charging forward, her gauntleted fists raised, ready to brawl. Typical Serrandyl¡ªalways charging in headfirst, never a second thought put into strategy. Thorsten cursed under his breath and followed suit, swinging wide to the left to catch the spirit beast''s attention. The beast roared again and charged at Serrandyl, its massive hooves tearing up the ground as it barreled toward her. She stood her ground against it, catching its charge in her hands and throwing all her weight behind it to push back. Her feet dug in, skidding through the loose earth, but she managed to slow the creature long enough for Thorsten to get within striking distance. He hefted his axe and swung hard at the beast''s hindquarters. The steel bit deep. With a blood-curdling bellow, the beast wheeled away and tried to ram him, but Serrandyl kept hold, dragging its head to the side. The boar''s hindlegs kicked out at Thorsten, sending him tumbling to the ground. As he struggled to right himself, the creature thrashed against Serrandyl''s grip. But she held fast. She pushed back with all her might, grunting with exertion. Despite the strain she was visibly putting into trying to contain its brute strength, a wild grin still plastered onto her face. The spirit beast reared up, its maw opening wide. Serrandyl scrambled back just as a gout of green flame erupted from its throat. She dove for the ground, barely escaping the brunt of the fire. Thorsten scrambled to his feet, rushing forward to get another strike in on the monster''s side. Serrandyl followed his example, darting to the other flank and delivering a series of vicious blows to the spirit beast''s head and ribs. It shook them off and stomped on the ground, letting out a low growl as vines began to sprout from its hide. They crawled along its body, coiling around its legs, growing thicker and thornier as they went. "This thing''s not going down easy!" Serrandyl shouted, dodging as several of those vines snapped towards her like tentacles. "You don''t say?" Thorsten answered sarcastically, slashing his way through the wriggling tendrils. The spirit beast charged again and the duo scattered. Its hooves pounded against the earth, kicking up clods and splinters as it tore across the clearing in pursuit. Serrandyl leapt aside easily while Thorsten dodged by rolling forward beneath the beast''s path. Once again, his axe struck home; this time, deep into its neck. He let go quickly as the creature roared again, rearing above him before lashing out with its tusks. Thorsten dodged, narrowly avoiding getting skewered through the stomach. He ducked beneath another attack, grabbing his fallen weapon and swinging wildly to drive the creature back. Their battle raged on through the trees and underbrush. At one point Serrandyl latched onto the beast''s tusk and was flung all over the forest clearing until the tusk broke off, the sharp end stabbing into a tree. Then, with renewed vigor, she leapt atop the beast''s back and rained punches into its spine. The creature reared up to toss her off again but she held fast despite its angry bucking. With a furious cry, Thorsten joined her assault. His axe hacked at the beast''s flanks and shoulders. Between the two of them, they wore the great boar spirit down until, finally, it collapsed with a groan. The flames dimmed in its eyes; the vines that covered its body shriveled and died. It lay still at last. Serrandyl, battered and bruised, flopped beside him, breathing hard. Thorsten slumped against the trunk of a nearby tree, dropping his axe at his side. His muscles ached; every breath burned his chest. Blood trickled from a number of cuts and scratches along his limbs and torso. He wiped a streak of sweat from his brow, gritting his teeth as the action pulled at his wound. A strange sound bubbled within the spirit beast''s corpse. It groaned and creaked, as if coming to life once more. Then, with an abrupt burst, the body split apart like an overripe fruit, sending a shower of ectoplasmic gunk and vines cascading outward like a blast wave with its death throes. Thorsten threw up his arms to protect his face as Serrandyl yelped and shielded herself with her gauntleted fists. But the torrent of material enveloped them both, dragging them together and pinning them in place. When the deluge finally slowed, they found themselves intertwined in a mass of vines that bound them tightly, chest-to-chest. Thorsten shifted uncomfortably, trying to disentangle himself from the vines and free his companion, but the more he moved, the tighter the vines pulled around them both. Like a pair of bugs trapped in a spider''s web, they hung in the air between earth and tree in an uncomfortable embrace. One of Thorsten''s hands had somehow ended up on Serrandyl''s backside, causing her to wriggle indignantly beneath the vines. "Um...hi," Serrandyl said through a mouthful of his beard. "I don''t suppose you can wriggle out of these vines?" he murmured back. "How''d you guess?" she quipped back at him. Her ears twitched against his chin. A faint growl left her. "They won''t budge at all." Thorsten grunted something noncommittal in reply. He had hoped she wasn''t noticing his musky scent after such exertion¡ªor worse, him noticing her unique smell. The slime coating them didn''t make things any easier. While it smelled pleasant like fresh rain, there wasn''t anything else positive about the sticky substance clinging to their bodies like honey. Even worse was Serrandyl squirming against him. Thorsten tried not to think too hard on that or how the pressure between them made his trousers grow tight in certain regions. The situation required a clear mind. If he panicked here, he wouldn''t die but he''d never live it down. "Stop fidgeting! You''re making it worse!" he admonished sharply. "What?! Then don''t poke me with¡ª" she started before her cheeks went red under her freckles. His face flushed as he stammered. "It''s a natural reaction! Don''t read too much into it!" They lapsed back into embarrassed silence and refused to meet each other''s eyes. Neither dared move too much lest they worsen the situation even further. Luckily, the sun provided enough warmth to counteract the gooey slime covering them. After a few minutes passed without comment, Serrandyl spoke hesitantly. "Um...so what now?" Her voice dropped to a low whisper, almost shy as she added, "We could just stay like this for a while." He blinked down at her, uncertain whether she meant to joke again or tease him. But her expression remained neutral, if slightly bashful. She averted her gaze as if avoiding eye contact, but her tail flicked around to settle over his waist in a manner that could only be described as coy. Heat crept along his skin. Despite how uncomfortable and ridiculous their situation was, he found himself considering how close she was to him. How she smelled of spring flowers mixed in with the scent of sweat and blood. "Sooo...at least we can''t say that this was a boring trip," Serrandyl said with a chuckle. "Eheh...get it? Boring...boar spirit..." She trailed off lamely as he gave her an exasperated look. "You must be tired if your jokes are getting this bad." "I''ve been hungry since this all started," she grumbled. "Oh, I wonder if this is edible..." She licked the slime off his neck and made a face. "Guh! It tastes awful!" Not a moment later, she vomited on him. Thorsten let out a groan. "Are you kidding me?" He closed his eyes. "You can be such an idiot sometimes." Serrandyl wiped her mouth on Thorsten''s beard, spitting out bits of slime as she did so before looking up at him with a pouty expression. "Yeah, but...I''m your idiot." The sudden declaration caught Thorsten off guard. This girl... He gazed at Serrandyl for a heartbeat¡ªtwo, three¡ªbefore breaking into laughter, loud and boisterous. The action shook his frame hard enough that the vines finally loosened their hold, dropping the pair unceremoniously onto the ground with grunts and groans. He lay atop her, arm around her waist as if he were holding her tight while she gazed up at him wide-eyed. Thorsten leaned forward until their foreheads brushed. "That you are," he murmured, a smile twitching at his lips before he pressed them to her mouth in a tentative kiss. Chapter 174: Fractal Conduit, Part I 23rd Day of Raincrown, 1374 Ebonheim had always found beauty in simplicity, in the way the sunlight filtered through the leaves of the Eldergrove, in the rhythm of daily life in her town, and in the warmth of her people''s devotion. But every time she stood at the precipice of the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, she felt a different kind of awe¡ªone born out of admiration for the majesty of the place''s architecture and its grandiosity. From the colossal archway above the entrance, carved out of a single piece of pure aether and adorned with elaborate symbols representing the cosmos and their constituent stars...to the massive walls and spires, reaching upward toward the infinite sky beyond¡ªeach decorated with ornate designs depicting celestial phenomena. Even the floors¡ªtheir polished surfaces smooth and shiny like mirrors¡ªheld intricate patterns etched on them; one might think they were gazing at a starry night instead of standing on solid ground. But most impressive of all, to Ebonheim at least, was the way in which everything connected to one another. Whether by purposeful intent or chance...the symmetry inherent to the Sanctum''s construction created a kind of harmony amongst all its elements. It reminded her of the way a forest grows organically according to each plant''s natural inclinations while at the same time harmonizing with the landscape around it. She could stare at it for days without tiring of its splendor. As she stepped foot into the Sanctum today, however, she paused midstride to admire the sight before her. The interior had changed significantly since she last visited. There weren''t rows upon rows of large pillars and marble stairs leading to higher platforms anymore. Instead...she now gazed at a wide circular space filled with towering columns and floating platforms connecting them. Around each platform hung translucent veils shimmering faintly with an ethereal glow, obscuring what lay behind them. Some areas had small pavilions hanging suspended in midair nearby for more intimate gatherings. Everything appeared larger and more vast than before. She walked across the gleaming tiles to where Aetheron''s imposing silhouette loomed beside one such veil. He waited with arms crossed and a blank expression while observing the rest of the assembly present. By now, Ebonheim was used to the colors radiating from him¡ªhis light green hue signaling his desire to stay composed and collected. But she couldn''t help but marvel at its intensity today. His eyes, twin stars within the void of his semi-ethereal face, flickered with thought as he gestured with his slender hand. An image appeared above his palm¡ªa diagram of the celestial hierarchy, each god represented by a glowing sigil. Next to him, Ariastra floated languidly nearby, lounging against a pillar with her limbs splayed out loosely, forming a kind of indolent yet graceful posture. Aetheron''s gaze shifted towards her as she approached. "Greetings, Ebonheim." His melodious voice carried effortlessly throughout the chamber without echoing. "We haven''t spoken in quite a while. Are you well?" He uncrossed his arms and unfolded them toward her. His irises flashed a vibrant crimson. A gesture to indicate affection...or friendliness. Probably. It was hard to tell sometimes. Ebonheim mirrored his action¡ªraising both hands and extending her arms forward¡ªand bowed her head politely. "Very well, thank you for asking. What about you? Keeping busy?" She noticed Ariastra perk up and tilt her head towards the two of them as they conversed. "Busier than I''d like...yet not nearly as busy as I should be. Your domain''s prosperous, I assume?" His tone remained polite despite his bluntness. "As always." Ebonheim shrugged. "You know how things are." He nodded. "Good. May you continue enjoying your success indefinitely. But...now''s not the time to discuss mundane happenings. Today''s gathering is a little different than usual. The matter we shall tackle may prove dangerous...very much so. I take it that you understand what this entails?" "Yes," Ebonheim replied. "Xellos informed me about this obstacle you uncovered." He hummed in agreement. "It seems like his hunch that you would join us proved true. This bodes well for us." So, Xellos had given him advance notice about her presence among them. Good to know. Although...something about that struck her odd. Aetheron''s gaze flitted towards the image hovering before them. "We are missing two participants still." "Who''s late?" Ariastra called out lazily. She pushed herself upright from her reclining position and floated closer to inspect the diagram. Her eyes narrowed briefly at the absence indicated by the two unlit glyphs on the chart. "Ahh...Nephri and Syntris. The former''s never been particularly punctual. Though the latter''s known to run overdue for meetings frequently." As if on cue, Nephri appeared next to Aetheron. Her serpentine form materialized and curled around a nearby column. "Methinks thou hast summoned us for a quest of dire import." Aetheron acknowledged her with a slight dip of his head. "Indeed. You may recall when I previously mentioned a potential breakthrough in our struggles." "Vaguely," she answered flatly. "Something about traversing uncharted regions within the divine realm and unraveling secrets to reveal truths. Or summat close to that. Thou art fond of flowery speeches, and thy words often pass through my mind like whispers in wind. Pray forgive this one''s failing attention span." "I''ll endeavor to simplify my sentences, then." Aetheron let out a quiet sigh before continuing. "We are planning to break through a seal guarding a hidden region in the realm. Inside its confines lie answers concerning our inability to ascend through the hierarchy." "Hmm." Nephri slithered forward a little. "Dost thee truly believe this plan will succeed? What makes thee so certain?" She flicked her tail¡ªcausing ripples to spread outward along its length¡ªas if to emphasize her skepticism. "Let us wait till Syntris arrives so I only need to explain things once." His reply came curt and terse. "Fair ''nough," Nephri agreed. She retreated back behind the pillar and disappeared from view once more. Minutes passed in relative silence until a new arrival emerged¡ªSyntris'' armored form burst through one of the shimmering curtains surrounding the platform like a comet hurtling towards a celestial body. He skidded across the floor¡ªcoming to rest near them¡ªand immediately hopped back onto his feet. His armor shimmered with metallic hues while his cloak billowed behind him like a cape. "Finally!" he announced triumphantly. "Apologies for the delay, everyone. But I got caught up in a rather unfortunate altercation with a demon nest. They''re usually easy enough to deal with normally...but there were quite a few of them this time." He glanced at the others gathered. "Regardless, I presume Aetheron here has apprised all of you regarding what happened already?" "Yea," Nephri whispered. "He said something about a barrier." She poked her head out and eyed him warily. "If thy intention was to impress us...''twas sorely lacking. Perhaps next time, thou wilt consider employing tactics less showy and more effective. If only for a change." "Spoken like someone who prefers staying hidden and undetected," Syntris remarked. "For someone so timid...you''re surprisingly critical." "Timid? Timid?! Who hast spoken to me in such a way?!" she hissed indignantly. "Wretch! Fie on thee!!" "That would be the last participant arriving," Aetheron spoke calmly and deliberately¡ªbreaking up the brewing conflict¡ªas he motioned toward Ebonheim. "The last deity needed to make this endeavor a success. Ebonheim." "Huh. What a surprise to see you participating in something so bold." Syntris loomed over her in one quick stride, leaning in closely to study her face. Ebonheim winced but remained resolute and unmoved despite Syntris'' sudden proximity. His visage¡ªcomplete with two glowing eyes peering out from within the darkness beneath his helm¡ªexuded a sense of overwhelming power and danger, yet she sensed no hostility in him. A heavily armored shadow. That''s what he resembled. Still, she couldn''t help but feel unsettled by his bizarre form¡ªnevertheless, she maintained her composure and smiled politely back at him. "Hi, Syntris. It''s a pleasure to see you again." She extended her hands towards him, and he shook them firmly in response. "Likewise. It''s nice to catch up after so long. So...what''s got you interested in this venture? Something tells me your involvement isn''t entirely due to curiosity alone." He let go and folded his arms across his chest. "True. Xellos told me about this situation with the barrier. He figured I could lend my aid." "Xellos?" Syntris let out a hollow laugh. "That wanderer? I warned you to keep your distance from that loser of a god. I bet he''s still begging for followers wherever he goes. Honestly...why he continues to wander without acquiring followers or establishing himself anywhere remains an enigma to me." Ebonheim frowned at his disparaging remark. "He''s not that bad, actually. We''ve become good friends over time. He actually managed to establish a domain and gain worshipers recently." She placed her hands on her hips, straightening her back while fixing him with a stern glare. "He''s not the same Xellos you first met." Syntris scoffed at her protestations. "That guy always rubs me wrong. There''s just something off about him...like he hides something behind his affable demeanor. And speaking of...where''s he now? Why isn''t he helping us out here instead?" Aetheron raised his hand¡ªsilencing them before they could descend into an argument again. "This conversation is taking longer than necessary. Let us commence with our objective and speak later."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. He lifted a hand and formed another image floating above it. The figure depicted a huge sphere encompassed by numerous rings. A swirling vortex appeared between the outer surface and innermost shell of the object. It rotated slowly upon itself as they watched. "So, this is our target, hmm?" Syntris muttered. "Can you explain how we''ll manage this feat? I''m guessing you devised some plan beforehand." "We proceed toward the gateway embedded at the center of the sphere. A barrier defends its access point, which we must destroy if we intend to progress deeper into the realm beyond," Aetheron explained in an even monotone. Nephri slithered closer to the image. "Hmm. Hmmm. How peculiar...thou callest this a barrier? Pardon this one''s bluntness...however, I fail to fathom why such measures should exist. Methinks someone built these defenses deliberately to conceal something important within." "Correct. Although precisely what remains uncertain¡ªthough considering its location, it surely must hold importance." He glanced at them before continuing. "Once through the shielded passageway, we shall reach an unknown territory past the boundaries of this realm. No doubt more difficulties will impede our path thereafter." Ebonheim examined the model as it rotated slowly in front of them. The rotating orbits and inner workings mesmerized her. Yet...there was something off about the image. She couldn''t quite pinpoint what bothered her exactly. But something nagged at the back of her mind. Was the shape itself unnatural somehow? Or perhaps the placement of the rings...? She couldn''t tell for sure. The notion left her dissatisfied and irritated. Regardless, this task sounded potentially perilous. While she''d overcome trials before...she''d done so on her own turf with her powers and luck bolstering her success. Now, she faced an unknown danger alongside four deities with vastly differing abilities and strengths. The weakest one was most likely her. Fortunately, she had ample time to prepare beforehand. Evelyne''s guild had managed to restore Cepheid back to its original working state. She should be fine using the ancient Aetherframe for combat purposes...given how well-armored and powerful Cepheid had proved during its previous battle with Liselotte. It''s now stored in her divine vault of artifacts¡ªready and waiting for whenever she wished to utilize it. Aetheron waved his hand and dissipated the illusion. "Any questions?" No one spoke up. "Then let us proceed."
The gateway loomed before Ebonheim like a promise shrouded in mist, flickering as she approached. Its surface glittered faintly in the light. Beyond the threshold...lay a dark abyss dotted by tiny sparks of light. Some lights shone brighter than others and swirled around each other¡ªcreating colorful patterns that danced across its expanse. Concentric rings of glowing runes encircled the entrance, casting a faint glow throughout the surrounding space. Each symbol pulsated with energy and seemed to emit a soft whine as they neared. The symbols appeared vaguely familiar...as though she had seen them somewhere before. Yes¡ªshe has seen them before. Similar runes had appeared when she piloted Cepheid and were present on the constructs that imprisoned Kelzryn. This runic language seemed to belong to the same source. She glanced at Aetheron, who stood beside her, his form ethereal and calm as always, the light from the barrier reflecting in his semi-translucent robes and causing them to shimmer. "Is this the barrier?" Ebonheim asked, studying the script more closely. They appeared almost alive...almost breathing. If she focused enough on one, she could perceive tiny shapes moving within their depths. Like bubbles rising through molasses. Aetheron nodded wordlessly. He stretched a hand outward, and a ripple appeared above his fingertips¡ªflowing towards the script like a wave upon a still pond. As his power made contact with the inscriptions, the runes flared brightly before returning to their original luminosity. "Hmmm," he mused aloud. "Interesting. I suspected they would respond negatively to divine intrusion..." He withdrew his arm and lowered it. The light dimmed once again. "Do you recognize this writing?" Ebonheim asked. He shook his head. "No. Its origin remains obscure." Strange. Was she the only one familiar with it? She looked at the other deities assembled. Nephri floated above them, swaying back and forth gently in a nonchalant manner. Syntris stood several paces away from Ebonheim with his arms crossed. Ariastra hung back idly, pacing the perimeter. None showed any recognition of what they saw. None except her. Aetheron moved closer. "It reacts to divine energy. But more than that¡ªit distorts it. If I tried harder to force a reaction, I suspect the outcome would have proven cataclysmic for all involved." "I thought you''ve already come up with a strategy to deal with this," Syntris complained. "Don''t tell me you dragged us here only to find out that this whole trip was pointless." "I have. However..." Aetheron pointed towards the middle circle nearest where he stood. "The runes seem to operate independently from each other. Only this particular ring responds differently than the rest. Therefore, this should prove crucial for our approach." "So?" Nephri drawled. "What does that mean? Speak plainly for those not versed in abjuration like ourselves." "This ring is the weakest link," Aetheron answered simply. "It appears to lack the other rings'' defenses. Conversely...it might function as a warning system to alert the other barriers in case of tampering." "How do you plan to tackle this conundrum then?" Syntris asked. "If you''re suggesting breaking through the weakest one first...we risk setting off the alarms and losing access to the rest." Aetheron cocked his head towards him. "I considered that possibility as well. However, I believe we can safely disable each one in succession if done carefully. Fortunately, I''ve encountered similar enchantments in the past and have devised methods to bypass them." "Hmmm...and pray tell...what method doth thou intend to utilize?" Nephri inquired. She drifted closer until she hovered above the centermost circle. "Tis no simple task dismantling complex bindings like these." Ariastra wandered over to watch as well. "In other words...you can''t guarantee this method to work." "Not with complete certainty." Aetheron held out his hand again, pointing his index finger directly at the target rune. "However, I stand confident enough in my knowledge to attempt this endeavor." "Oh dear..." Ariastra sighed dramatically. "Are you absolutely positive about this? You won''t leave us with any regrets? Because if something happens, I refuse to assume responsibility for the aftermath." "Well...aren''t you overly cautious." Aetheron glanced back at her. "Fear not¡ªfor I have done extensive research on this subject prior to summoning you. Furthermore...this scenario reminds me of a riddle I came across long ago. My confidence stems from personal experience rather than blind faith in theories alone." "Hah!" Syntris scoffed incredulously. "Sounds like wishful thinking more than anything. What sort of nonsense did you stumble into that relates to this instance?" "A labyrinth once guarded by similar enchantments designed to deter intruders," Aetheron explained matter-of-factly. "It took me several tries to figure out the puzzle, but after solving its trials successfully, it yielded valuable spoils." He paused briefly before adding, "Although...I admit I stumbled upon the answer by sheer luck initially." Ebonheim listened quietly while the conversation went back and forth. She turned her gaze back towards the intricate sigils and studied their configuration more intently. Seven concentric rings of runic scripts surrounded the gateway¡ªeach one containing dozens of individual markings¡ªwhile another band encircled everything in the middle, forming the outer shell. All together, the intricate designs reminded her of the spokes and gears of a clock''s mechanism. But instead of mechanisms keeping time, these symbols served as anchors to this space. At least that''s her best guess. She understood most of what the runes signified, at least based on what her instincts told her. As for their intended function...she had no idea. Still...something tugged at the edge of her mind as she observed them. Like a memory just beyond recall. A whisper teasing the tip of her consciousness without revealing its full contents. Try as she might to grasp at them...nothing solid surfaced. No epiphany occurred. Whatever caused them to stir remained elusive still. "So, Ebonheim. What say you? Does Aetheron''s plan merit consideration?" Ariastra broke her concentration with the question. All eyes fell on her. If she told them that she recognized the runes, would they suspect her of having something to do with the barrier''s creation? Would Aetheron start asking questions? Or worse...demand answers? It''s not like she could explain what she knew even if she wanted to. The last thing she needed right now was to invite scrutiny onto herself. She doubted she could fool Aetheron either. If she told him she wasn''t involved, he''d press further. Which would eventually lead him discovering her privileged status. "Um..." She cleared her throat nervously. "It seems worth a try. What harm could it do, really?" Aetheron tilted his head and regarded her for a moment. Then he returned his attention to the ring in front of him. "Very well. Here goes nothing, as mortals would put it." He tapped on one of the runes of the middle circle. Its luminosity brightened and emitted a faint humming noise. "The first step requires identifying the keystone marking that initiates the sequence. Afterward, we activate a second rune nearby¡ªand so forth until the correct number of keys in this ring have responded to our touch." "And how would you know the correct number?" Syntris challenged. Aetheron ignored the inquiry and continued his explanation instead. "Once that part finishes, we repeat this procedure throughout the rest of the circles until the final seal breaks apart. If everything works correctly...the barrier should disperse." "If there''s no way to tell how many keys must be activated...doesn''t that defeat the purpose of doing so?" Nephri protested. "Why bother wasting effort attempting something if thou cannot determine success?" "Because, as I mentioned earlier...I''ve managed to solve a similar obstacle previously. Experience gives me hope," Aetheron reassured. "Even if I don''t understand what these runes symbolize, I can mathematically deduce the combinations required by the layout''s design alone. This particular pattern follows a very specific set of rules dictating its functionality." He touched another rune. Again, it glowed brighter than the rest and produced the same humming sound. Then he tapped on yet another one. This time, however, the symbol in question didn''t respond as expected. Instead, its glow faded quickly before returning to its original state. The two activated runes dimmed simultaneously afterward. Silence permeated the area after he withdrew his hand. All eyes fixed upon Aetheron, who stood motionless for a short period. He blinked slowly several times, tapping his chin thoughtfully with a slender finger. Eventually, he lifted his head. "It appears my guess was incorrect." "Are you kidding?!" Syntris snapped. "That''s your entire strategy? Guessing randomly until one finally hits the jackpot?!" Aetheron shrugged casually in response. "My apologies. I admit I made a miscalculation somewhere along the way. Nevertheless, the fault lies solely upon me...not the process itself." He shifted his attention from him to the gate before continuing. "If I make an educated conjecture regarding the correct combination based on available information...and fail to achieve results on my first attempt...then I conclude that there''s something missing from my equation. Which means...I require further data. Or else, I won''t discover the solution." "Which would entail restarting everything from the beginning every time you fail," Syntris growled under his breath. "And who knows how long that will take?" He threw his hands into the air in exasperation. "Honestly! I should''ve stayed home and dealt with demons instead...at least that would''ve been useful!" "Calm thyself." Nephri chided softly. "Tis unbefitting of a god to lose control of thy temper in public. Especially toward allies during critical situations." Syntris rounded upon her, his tone growing sharper. "You stay out of this! You haven''t even participated in this discussion aside from throwing out complaints! It''s about time you stop criticizing my methods and learn to contribute something to this venture!" He jabbed a finger toward Ebonheim. "Or how about you ask our newest member here? She''s been quiet ever since arriving. Maybe you can pry some words from her tongue!" Ebonheim bit her lip. She shouldn''t intervene...yet the desire to speak her mind grew stronger with every passing minute¡ªuntil finally, she blurted out, "Perhaps...instead of randomly touching symbols without rhyme or reason...we should examine the runes further and analyze them. Maybe we can discover the common elements among each one. That might shed light on this dilemma." Everyone stopped talking and turned to stare at her instead. "A wise suggestion. It merits consideration indeed," Ariastra commented. "Do enlighten us, please. What did you see?" Chapter 175: Fractal Conduit, Part II Explaining what each rune signified without arousing suspicion proved tricky. Fortunately, she had a plausible excuse to hide behind. "I think I recognize some of the runes here," Ebonheim said carefully. "When I was exploring the Eldergrove, I stumbled upon the ruins of an ancient city that probably predates us." She swallowed hard¡ªhoping they''ll buy her story¡ªbefore going on. "Anyway...one of the buildings contained wall carvings resembling these symbols here. But whether I''m completely accurate on their exact meaning remains to be seen." She didn''t lie. Not exactly anyway. She did see some of these runic scriptures at those ruins¡ªthough she didn''t pay much attention at the time. But Aetheron still gave her a doubtful look. "Then how did you manage to decipher them?" Ebonheim chewed her bottom lip absently before answering, "Well...you see...since my domain is pretty small, and there''s not a lot of things going on, I have a lot of free time to myself. So I like spending it researching stuff like this. It helps pass the day away quickly. So, while I may have a basic understanding of what most of these mean, I don''t claim total comprehension of their functions." Syntris let out an incredulous laugh. "Wait...you''re telling us...you spend time figuring out old languages instead of dealing with the mundane issues in your territory? Just how bored are you?!" "Hey now! Don''t knock it. There isn''t much else to do in my domain other than explore the forest and collect herbs." She crossed her arms defensively. "Besides...what I do in my own territory is none of your business. Unless...you fancy coming over to my domain and offering advice on improving my daily activities. By all means...please enlighten me on what you presume would occupy my time better." Nephri let out an amused giggle. "Hehe...quite feisty one thou art. Be careful lest he snaps back in earnest." Syntris scoffed, crossing his arms as well. "Hah! I wouldn''t waste my time bothering with the puny domain of a lesser god. I bet you don''t even have ten thousand worshipers! But whatever makes you happy, I suppose. Who am I to judge?" The nerve! I thought he was a nice god! What a jerk!! Ebonheim suppressed the urge to retort¡ªonly because she spotted Ariastra shaking her head disapprovingly out of the corner of her eye. Aetheron interrupted them once again. "We''re straying from the topic. Return your focus to the situation at hand, please. Now that Ebonheim has volunteered her knowledge, the missing data I required should fill in the gaps. Give me a moment while I recalculate accordingly." He brought his palms together and closed his eyes in concentration. Iridescent light radiated from his semi-translucent form¡ªlike sunlight shining through stained glass¡ªcasting colored reflections off the ground underneath. He held his pose for a while¡ªcompletely immobile¡ªbefore relaxing and opening his eyes again. "I''ve determined the correct sequence. Thank you for bringing this detail to our attention, Ebonheim. Your intervention proves invaluable. We may proceed without further delay." She smiled and scratched her nose bashfully. "Oh...it''s nothing really. I''m just glad to help." Syntris huffed impatiently. "Then quit dilly-dallying! Get started already!" "Your enthusiasm inspires me," Aetheron replied calmly before reaching towards the first circle again. "Let us commence." He tapped on another sigil, and it brightened like its predecessors. After five more symbols lit up, the entire ring began glowing softly, emitting a low hum. He moved on to the adjacent rings and repeated the process¡ªwith similar results. The smaller rings required fewer keys to activate than the larger ones. Before long, the final outer band activated fully¡ªcausing the barrier to dissipate into motes of energy. Where the veil once stood now opened a dark abyss dotted with tiny points of light. Several streams of luminescence swirled within its depths¡ªlike ribbons dancing through an invisible current. "The path forward stands clear. Let us advance." Aetheron began floating towards the gate. The other gods followed suit. Ebonheim blinked. "Where exactly are we going again?" "This," Aetheron gestured towards the portal ahead, "is the threshold to the fractal dimensions¡ªan unexplored region that exists within a network of countless dimensional nodes linked to the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala. Each node represents a unique demi-plane, constructed according to a different set of rules than the rest. But all share the same root cause¡ªbeing derived from the mortal realm we govern" "Whoa..." Ebonheim breathed. She wanted to ask questions¡ªso many questions¡ªbut there wasn''t enough time as the group crossed through the gateway into the dimension beyond. With a deep breath, she leapt into the vortex, the world dissolving into a swirl of color and light as the fractal dimensions welcomed her into their chaotic embrace.
Her vision swam¡ªas though submerged in muddy water. A myriad of hues washed over her. She spun wildly in place and caught glimpses of the other deities also twisting erratically alongside her. All while the void around them surged and bubbled. Everything blurred¡ªfilling with endless specks of incandescence¡ªbefore reforming back into reality. Finally, her spinning ceased. The strange phenomenon passed. The first thing she perceived was Aetheron''s tall silhouette looming close by. He stood still¡ªwatching¡ªhis features barely discernible within the semi-ethereal layer separating his face from view. As if gazing through frosted glass. Beyond his spectral outline, a new environment greeted Ebonheim¡ªone unlike anything she''d encountered before. A bizarre land of twisted shapes and distorted colors stretched endlessly around them. Shimmering blue grass grew atop red soil under a green sky filled with purple clouds. Above her head, where the sun would normally hang, hung a massive celestial body. Its surface resembled a cracked sphere made entirely out of crystal. Strange lights shone through its numerous fissures¡ªwhich constantly shifted in size and position across its surface as she watched. In the distance, where the horizon should''ve existed, giant black structures jutted upward like stalagmites. Some seemed to twist in and out of phase with the surrounding landscape while others remained solid and still. Floating islands of yellow stone drifted lazily amidst the chaos. She craned her neck back, looking up at Aetheron. "Where exactly are we?" "Welcome to the fractal dimensions," he answered simply. "These realms exist beyond the confines of the sanctum itself. Each one possesses unique properties separate from ours." He turned his attention towards the horizon and continued, "This is one such fractal plane." "So, there''s multiple regions like this? Are they all the same?" Being a fractal meant each part reflected the whole somehow. Maybe...some sort of mini versions of the divine realm...? Could there even be replicas of her town? That would be wild... "Not necessarily." Aetheron shook his head. "There may exist similar themes and concepts between different planes, but the details often prove...different...when compared side-by-side. We call these fractal domains due to their relation to a central anchor point¡ªthe sanctum. Despite the lack of shared features however, all of these nodes form a cohesive whole." "Huh," Ebonheim said. "Sounds complicated." "Perhaps it''s because you''ve spawned in the form of a human that your mind rejects understanding," Syntris said as he marched past her, followed closely behind by Nephri and Ariastra. He paused briefly and glanced back at her. "Just enjoy the ride and take in the sights." He continued onwards towards the horizon. Ebonheim scowled after his retreating figure. How rude! She considered hurling an insult back at him but decided against it. His words stung though. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Ariastra leaned in closer to her and murmured, "Excuse his harsh attitude. Syntris doesn''t hold compassion in high regard. Especially not for those he perceives beneath him." Ebonheim bristled at her statement. "So I''m supposed to forgive him just because of his status?" "Forgiveness isn''t necessary. Merely acknowledging that his character flaws aren''t personal. Think about this objectively. To him, deities like us possess superior worth and value as opposed to mortal beings. Your form, unfortunately, does little to support the fact that you''re a divine being. Which makes interacting with you more difficult than usual." "Thou hast come far for one so...weak-bodied," Nephri added as she joined in beside Ariastra. Her slithering body formed a trail of iridescence in her wake. "Though...thine spirit doth burn brightly despite thy fragile form. Methinks thou art stronger than thou seemest." Ebonheim stared at her back, surprised by her kind words. "Thanks, I think." Ariastra laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take heart. I don''t claim to speak for the other deities involved here. Only myself. Even so...I welcome your involvement in this affair. Your presence proves refreshing compared to dealing exclusively with gods like Aetheron." She pointedly glanced toward Syntris'' retreating form. "And him..." Aetheron sighed. "Please. Enough gossip." He gestured toward himself. "Follow. We''ll need to traverse through multiple planes before we reach our destination. Keep close. Otherwise...you might find yourselves trapped forever inside this labyrinth." Ebonheim nodded obediently and trotted alongside the others while surveying the scenery. The bizarre landscapes proved intriguing enough on their own merit. She wished she had more time to study them. Unfortunately, Aetheron kept pushing ahead¡ªgiving her little chance to indulge herself. She hurried along with everyone else. "I''ve been meaning to ask," she spoke aloud, trying to strike up conversation again. "How did you find out about the cause of the blockage to our ascension, Aetheron? Did you detect something?" Aetheron didn''t slow down during their talk. He walked at a brisk pace while he explained, "It was not a discovery made lightly, nor was it something I expected to find. But the signs were there, if one knew where to look." "What signs?" "The flow of Quintessence is the lifeblood of our existence, Ebonheim. It sustains us, empowers us, and ultimately allows us to ascend. But just over a decade ago, I began to notice anomalies¡ªsubtle at first, mere fluctuations in the energy I received from my followers." He paused, his eyes narrowing as if recalling the exact moment those suspicions took root. "I thought, at first, that it might be an internal flaw. Perhaps I was not managing my Quintessence as efficiently as I should. Or perhaps there was interference from rival gods, a subtle manipulation to keep me bound. But as I delved deeper, I began to see patterns, discrepancies in the flow of Quintessence, not from me, but across the entire divine hierarchy. "This discrepancy truly manifests during the process of ascension. The Quintessence meant to fuel the jump to the next rank instead fizzles out prematurely, rendering the ascent a failure." "The more I studied it, the more I realized that the problem was not with me, or even with the Akashic System as we understand it. It was something deeper, something woven into the very fabric of the divine order. That was when I began to suspect that our ascension was being deliberately hindered. Ebonheim listened raptly, hanging on to Aetheron''s every word. She hadn''t noticed any strange fluctuations in her own supply of Quintessence. She barely paid attention to the subject. The flow had always been steady, if somewhat slow in its trickle. It never occurred to her to scrutinize its nature too closely. "But how did you connect that to the fractal dimensions? And the barrier we just encountered?" she asked. Aetheron stopped abruptly, causing Ebonheim to nearly stumble into him. He turned around and fixed her with an impassive stare. "The Akashic System is not infallible, but it is consistent. When something disrupts that consistency, it leaves traces, echoes that ripple through the divine realm. I began to notice these echoes, concluding that the flow of Quintessence was being manipulated, diverted into channels that should not have existed." "Diverted?" she echoed. "By whom?" "Not by whom," Aetheron corrected, raising an index finger to emphasize his point. "By what. Only gods frequent the sanctum, so the culprit cannot lie with our kind. No, I believe this act belongs to some machination deep within the fractal dimensions. The barrier is evidence of this. "I didn''t know for certain, but I followed the echoes, tracing them back to the gateway we came through. If you use your Divine Sight, you''ll be able to see them as well." She activated Divine Sight and peered through the veil of reality. At first, she didn''t see anything. But after a few seconds of staring hard into the distance, she did catch a glimpse of thin filaments flowing gently through space¡ªalmost as though they were currents of water. Aetheron continued, "We follow the threads to wherever they lead. I do not know what we''ll find at the source, but whatever lies there holds power enough to affect the course of ascension. Power enough to defy the Akashic System." With that said, Aetheron began walking again, his tall and graceful strides making swift progress across the unfamiliar terrain. Ebonheim fell in line beside Ariastra. The latter gave her a sideways glance but made no further attempt at conversation. As they trekked onward, Ebonheim pondered everything she''d learned thus far. Something was diverting the Quintessence meant for the gods, siphoning off bits to feed some hidden goal. If a god tried to ascend, all the Quintessence spent on them would be lost. Yet...somehow she was unaffected. Why? What made her unique? Did she even want to draw attention to her unusual circumstances? Would sharing the truth help the others? She didn''t dare risk the latter, knowing how quickly a friendly alliance could turn sour. Instead, she chose to keep silent and continue following the group. For now, at least...she was content to learn from afar.
Overhead, the strange celestial sphere rotated in place. Lights flared from within its faceted structure periodically. For Ebonheim, everything in this land bore a dreamlike quality. Things tended to blur out of focus if she didn''t concentrate on them properly. And even when she did pay attention, objects often shifted shape slightly¡ªwithout warning. Her footsteps sunk slightly into the pliable earth as the blue grass blades rippled away from her touch, before returning to their original position once she had passed. Every plant possessed an ethereal texture. One she couldn''t quite put into words. Almost like satin or silk. Definitely unnatural for sure. Not exactly uncomfortable...just...weird. "There''s something ahead," Aetheron said suddenly, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. Ebonheim followed his line of sight and saw, far beyond the twisted structures and floating islands, a towering obelisk that seemed to pulse with the same strange energy as the barrier they''d encountered earlier. "That''s the source?" she wondered aloud. "No," he replied firmly. "The trail of Quintessence leads into that structure, but like with the barrier, I suspect the true source is deeper still." With that said, Aetheron broke into a jog, leading the group toward the distant tower. As they moved closer, the landscape began to shift more aggressively, the ground beneath them rolling like waves on a turbulent sea. Ebonheim had to focus on keeping her balance, her steps careful and measured. The others seemed to handle it better, though she noticed that even Nephri, who swam through the air instead of walking like the rest, slithered along slower than before as if affected by an invisible current. "It feels as if the world is trying to push us away," Ebonheim said, grunting as she narrowly avoided tumbling off a steep ridge. "Tis likely, child," Nephri agreed, her body undulating gracefully in place. "Whatever powers reside in this region will seek to dissuade intruders from entering deeper within." Ebonheim tightened her grip on her bow. "Then we''ll have to make ourselves at home." As they neared the obelisk, the air grew heavier, pressing in all around Ebonheim. She forced herself forward, pushing against the growing resistance with every step. She gritted her teeth, straining to keep moving. Beside her, the other gods advanced slowly as well, each fighting against the weight bearing down on their bodies. The last time she felt this way, she was sinking into quicksand. But instead of the ground sucking her in, she imagined an immense pressure squeezing her flat like an insect. The obelisk itself loomed large over them, its dark exterior appearing almost organic. It curved and spiraled upwards, the material appearing slick and glossy. It reminded her of the shell of some gigantic chrysalis. It pulsed with a dull, rhythmic light, as if it were a heartbeat. "Be on your guard," Aetheron warned, his voice low. "I doubt this will be unguarded." No sooner had the words left his mouth than the ground beneath the obelisk began to tremble, a low rumble that quickly escalated into a violent quake. The runes on the obelisk flared to life, glowing indigo. Ebonheim instinctively took a step back, her hand reaching for the bow slung across her back. Suddenly, two massive clawed hands erupted from the dirt nearby, flinging chunks of red soil high into the air. Behind the massive appendages, a colossal being heaved itself from the depths below. Its bipedal form gleamed like obsidian glass in the light cast by the orb overhead. Despite its spindly frame, it loomed over them¡ªeasily ten times Ebonheim''s height. Where its head should be, a sphere of pure darkness floated within a ring of crystal spikes. There was no visible indication of eyes or anything resembling a face. Yet the construct regarded them nonetheless. "What the...!" Ebonheim instinctively took a step back, her hand reaching for the bow slung across her back. "That must be the sentinel," Aetheron observed with a frown. "It has reacted to our presence." Syntris conjured his weapon¡ªa massive blade wreathed in flames¡ªand adopted a defensive stance. "I thought this was going to be more interesting. I can take this monstrosity." The looming sentinel shifted, its form blurring as it prepared to attack. The air around it crackled with energy, and for a brief moment, Ebonheim thought she could see the faint outlines of other realities reflected on its obsidian surface¡ªglimpses of other versions of herself and the other gods, all engaged in their own desperate struggles. What was that? She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the here and now. The towering automaton was already charging at them. With a silent nod to herself, Ebonheim drew back her bowstring, igniting her Enchanted Essence Bolt. "Let''s do this," she whispered, and released the arrow. Chapter 176: Fractal Conduit, Part III The arrow streaked through the air, a shimmering bolt of divine energy that seemed to carve a path through the distorted atmosphere. It struck the sentinel''s glossy surface with a resounding crack, the impact sending a ripple across its obsidian form. For a brief moment, the creature seemed to falter, its massive frame swaying as if caught off balance. But then, with an almost casual shrug, it righted itself, the spot where the arrow had struck already beginning to heal over with a smooth, glass-like sheen. Ebonheim barely had time to process this before Syntris launched himself at the sentinel, his flame-wreathed blade cleaving through the air with terrifying speed. The blade connected with the sentinel''s arm, cutting through the gleaming surface with a sound like shattering crystal. As the sentinel reeled from the blow, the other gods joined the fray. Aetheron followed suit, his hands glowing with a soft, turquoise light as he sent a wave of energy crashing into the sentinel''s chest. The force of the impact was enough to send the towering construct staggering backward, its clawed feet gouging deep furrows into the red earth. Ariastra followed Aetheron''s attack by weaving a complex set of seals with her mahogany fingers. The gestures created a pattern in the air around her body which began to glow with a golden hue. As she completed the series of movements, a beam of dazzling light lanced forth from the intricate geometric formations. The light enveloped the sentinel in a searing burst of radiance. The force of the blast drove the construct deeper into the ground, its obsidian-glass surface cracking and splitting apart under the onslaught. However, despite the severity of the attack, the sentinel appeared unfazed by Ariastra''s assault and, after recovering its footing, resumed its relentless advance. Meanwhile, Nephri flew above, her slender serpentine body writhing sinuously as she unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp icicles toward the towering sentinel. The shards of frozen water sliced through the air, striking the automaton''s exposed joints and cracks in its armor-like surface. Where the ice made contact, crystalline tendrils grew across its obsidian-glass skin, binding its limbs and restricting its movement. Still, the sentinel pressed on, its movements increasingly hindered by the layers of ice encasing its form. Ebonheim fired a barrage of Essence Bolts as she maneuvered behind the sentinel. Her aim remained true as the arrows landed upon the gaps between the ice, creating clusters of cracks that spider-webbed outwards. For a moment, she thought the construct might shatter, but instead, the energy of the arrows seemed to sink into the sentinel''s dark body, absorbed by the swirling void where its head should have been. The sentinel halted mid-charge, its form flickering as if caught between two states of existence. Ebonheim''s breath caught as she watched the construct convulse, its limbs jerking erratically. Then, with a sound like glass shattering, the sentinel split into two smaller versions of itself, each one identical to the original in every way except for size. Now the two were only nine times Ebonheim''s height. Not much of a difference¡ªstill enormous. "What the¡ª?" Ebonheim swore. "Well, that wasn''t expected," Syntris muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance as he hefted his flaming sword. "But two is still manageable." Undeterred, Syntris sprang forward, his flaming sword leaving a trail of embers in its wake. With a shout, he brought the blade crashing down upon the closest of the two sentinels. The construct met the attack head-on, catching the fiery weapon with one massive clawed hand. The impact caused the red soil beneath the pair to erupt in a shower of dirt and debris, as the force of Syntris'' assault shattered the ground between them. "Persistent, aren''t you?" Syntris muttered, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. His eyes narrowed, the flames on his blade flaring brighter in response to his growing resolve. While Syntris and the first sentinel grappled with each other, Ebonheim focused her attention on the second construct. She let fly another volley of Essence Bolts, but this time augmented by her Elemental Admixture. The bolts collided with the second sentinel''s glossy torso, engulfing the automaton in an inferno. Flames licked at its obsidian-glass frame, causing the heat to shimmer as they burned bright against its reflective surface. As the fire died down, the sentinel continued to stand firm¡ªits black form untouched. Nephri swirled above, her aqueous form twisting and coiling as she released a cascade of icy torrents onto the burning construct. The combined might of Nephri''s hail and her fire-enhanced projectiles managed to momentarily halt the sentinel in its tracks. But then, with a sickening lurch, that sentinel began to convulse. The fires consuming its body dimmed, and the hail pounding its form shattered harmlessly against its darkened surface. The convulsions grew more violent, the sentinel''s form twisting and warping until, with a sound like cracking ice, it split down the middle. Just as before, the two halves pulled away from each other, reshaping themselves into smaller forms that mirrored their previous iterations. Except the new pairs were eight times Ebonheim''s height. Ebonheim''s eyes widened in shock. "It''s multiplying!" she yelled. She barely had time to process her words before she had to duck under a vicious swipe from one of the newly split sentinels. The blow caught her shoulder instead, sending her spinning off her feet. She crashed to the ground with a painful grunt, her body skidding through the pliable earth beneath her. [Divine Aura] 237/400 From one glancing blow?! Just how strong are these things?! If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. She activated her Divine Sight, peering into the aura of the sentinels. ???????? Analysis Unavailable ???????? Analyze failed due to incompatible entity format. The message flickered and faded. Ebonheim blinked hard. "What?!" She looked back towards Syntris and the others. The sentinel that they had been fighting also split, adding two more to their opponent''s number. Syntris parried a strike from one of the smaller versions before delivering a powerful riposte, his flaming blade biting deeply into the sentinel''s arm. It retaliated by striking out with its free hand, clawed fingers raking across Syntris'' divine aura. A burst of dark energy from its central void then caught him square in the chest, sending him flying back several meters before slamming hard onto the soft earth below. His divine aura waned, yet it looked like it could still weather a dozen more such attacks. Ebonheim gulped as she turned her gaze back at the sentinel attacking her. It looked like she really was the weakest among them. Regardless...there wasn''t any choice except to fight on! It''s do or die...literally! Nephri weaved around a dark blast from one sentinel and swiped at another with her tail. Ice crept along the sentinel''s glossy surface in a futile effort to restrain its movements. But just as soon as the frost crystals gained purchase, the construct simply tore loose and continued its relentless advance. Aetheron and Ariastra fared no better. The former blasted his foes with bursts of pure energy, but the resulting explosions only served to knock them back momentarily. Ariastra emitted a symphony of harmonious tones from the strings embedded into her mahogany flesh¡ªsome beautiful, some horrific¡ªand manipulated them as a weapon. The chaotic discord clashed violently against the sentinels'' bodies, yet they showed no sign of faltering. How long could they continue like this? Was there a limit to how many times they could divide? What was causing it? Their attacks?! The sentinel chasing Ebonheim closed in, its bulk looming above her. She rolled to the side as it tried to stomp on her, narrowly avoiding the creature''s clawed foot. She leapt to her feet and fired off another round of Essence Bolts at point-blank range. Her efforts were rewarded with the sentinel splitting again into two more of its kind. "Dammit!" she cursed. She jumped back as the nearest construct attempted to skewer her with its sharp appendages. While in mid-air, she noticed the void ''heads'' of the two newest additions warp and contort¡ªthe same thing she saw when one of them blasted Syntris earlier. A moment later, twin bursts of dark energy shot out from them, enveloping Ebonheim. [Divine Aura] 0/400 [Health] 608/751 "Aaaaaagh!" she screamed. She never thought pain could get worse with her not being human. But apparently, that wasn''t the case. She tumbled and bounced like a ragdoll across the rough terrain. Fortunately, the pliable nature of the area cushioned her landing enough to prevent further damage. Still, her whole body throbbed with agony. Her vision swam, a kaleidoscope of distorted colors and shapes spinning madly around her. Her ears rang with the clamor of battle, mixed with the guttural roars of the sentinels. Through her blurry vision, she could see Syntris and the other gods struggling to hold off the growing numbers of obsidian-glass automatons. The tide was turning against them. Unless something changed quickly...it would only end one way... She coughed and tried to pick herself off the ground, her muscles protesting every movement. Even moving an inch sent jolts of white-hot pain racing through her nerves. "Damn..." she groaned. The air around her rippled as Aetheron and Ariastra appeared beside her. Aetheron stood in front of her and pressed his palms together. A shimmering prismatic wall materialized between them and the sentinels. "A strategic retreat seems prudent," he suggested, his calm tone contrasting with the urgency of the situation. "Our initial assessment may have underestimated this foe." He turned to Ariastra, who nodded solemnly in return. "Prepare to open the path out of here." Ariastra closed her eyes and began weaving symbols in the air with her deft wooden fingers. Her melodious voice rose in song once again as she wove the musical spell. Golden sigils flashed into existence around them, forming intricate geometric patterns that hung suspended in space. With a final flourish, Ariastra brought both hands together with a thunderous clap, completing the spell. The air rippled as a portal opened. Syntris and Nephri regrouped with them. The latter''s movements appeared sluggish and erratic, her azure liquid body trailing rivulets of silver in its wake. Syntris'' divine aura dimmed, and his weapon faded into nothingness. "We''re leaving," Ariastra said. "Make haste." Nephri dove through first, vanishing into the glowing aperture without hesitation. Ariastra followed close behind, then Syntris. Aetheron grabbed Ebonheim and unceremoniously threw her into the portal. She stumbled through and collapsed on the other side into a heap. She shook her head weakly, her blurred vision gradually clearing. Slowly, her senses returned. Aetheron stepped through the gap and held up a palm. With a flash of light, the portal snapped shut. They had retreated back to the spot where they''d originally entered this dimension. Or whatever this place could be called. Ebonheim pulled herself upright and surveyed her surroundings. Nothing appeared changed since they''d ventured in. The same ethereal landscape of twisted shapes and distorted colors spread before them. The strange celestial orb still dominated the horizon. Nothing seemed to be pursuing them...yet. "Well, that went unexpectedly horribly," Syntris said flatly, dusting his cloak off. He fixed Aetheron with an annoyed stare. "You''d better explain why we ran away." Ebonheim shakily got to her feet, wincing as her body creaked and ached with each movement. Aetheron quickly moved over to her and helped her straighten her posture. "Those sentinels multiplied whenever we caused enough damage," Aetheron explained. "The more we fought, the harder it became to avoid dividing them." "So you want us to stand around doing nothing?" Syntris countered. "Far from it. We must investigate this anomaly further. There is a connection between those constructs and the obelisk nearby. That much I am certain. So we need to figure out a method to circumvent or destroy those guards." Ebonheim couldn''t argue with Aetheron''s logic. Attacking those sentinels head-on proved unwise and dangerous. At least they could attempt something different with the obelisk next time. Maybe there was a puzzle that had to be solved to disable it. But that plan required rest and recovery first. "Guess we can give it a try...when we''re ready," she said hesitantly. "My aura needs to replenish before we go again." "Mine doth as well," Nephri agreed, floating closer to the group. Aetheron gave a curt nod and took a seat atop a nearby rock formation. "Very well. Let us recover. We are far enough away here to give ourselves time to do so. Use the time wisely. Because we''ll most likely have to repeat the cycle once more." Chapter 177: Fractal Conduit, Part IV Ebonheim gazed at the looming obelisk and took a steadying breath. Eight of those sentinels now guarded the structure''s base. Four of them surrounded its outer perimeter while another four patrolled around its center. They swiveled their shadowy voids ''head'' at random intervals like rotating searchlights. Any one of them would have been challenging to defeat, even for her companions. Against eight at once? Maybe more if they kept replicating from their attacks, like last time? Insanity. The word that came to mind. Not a viable option. No doubt. She activated her Divine Sight, scrutinizing the energies surrounding each automaton. [Analysis Unavailable] [Analysis failure due to incompatible entity format.] Hmm...how frustrating...she had hoped for more insight than this... She sighed loudly and returned her attention to her peers. Aetheron knelt on one knee beside her, staring intently at the constructs ahead. "I suspect that destroying the source of these sentinels will prevent them from continuing to multiply indefinitely. If we can reach the heart of the obelisk undetected and remove whatever sustains the mechanism, victory shall be ours." "Easy for thee to say," Nephri pointed out. "However, tis easier spoken than done." "I don''t think direct assault works well anymore, considering the past events," Ebonheim added. "Not without knowing if we trigger more divisions or not." Aetheron inclined his head slightly towards her. "As I alluded to earlier, there is a connection between them and the structure itself. They''re bound together. I felt it as we fought them." "Bound? How?¡± Ariastra asked. "When we attacked the sentinels, the obelisk pulsed in response. It was faint, but it was there. It means they share a lifeline¡ªone that sustains both the obelisk and its guardians. If we destroy the obelisk, the sentinels should fall with it." "Should?" Nephri''s serpentine form glided through the air, her liquid body shimmering with ripples of light. "Thou soundest unsure." Aetheron''s gaze remained steady, though his aura''s hue wavered briefly, betraying a hint of uncertainty. "It''s not a perfect theory, no, but we''ve seen how attacking the sentinels directly only causes them to multiply. It stands to reason that the key to defeating them lies elsewhere." The others exchanged glances amongst themselves. Each appeared reluctant to disagree with his logic¡ªwhich, in truth, seemed sound to Ebonheim. They had little information to go on, but what options did they have left? Only time would tell if his idea proved fruitful. "It''ll be hard to destroy the obelisk when we''re fighting eight of them at once," Ebonheim pointed out. "Does anyone have any attacks that can reach it from this range? My arrows can''t do anything at this distance." Aetheron raised a hand. A ball of blue energy appeared above his palm. It hovered a meter above his extended arm, glowing with a soft radiance. It crackled and sparkled like an azure star. He sent the energy sphere arcing through the air towards the obelisk. As it passed overhead, the constructs reacted instantly. They tracked its trajectory, shifting positions and firing a barrage of dark blasts from their cores. Aetheron''s magical attack disintegrated into motes of light. "As I surmised," Aetheron remarked as he watched the spectacle. "The sentinels recognize an attack on the obelisk itself and respond accordingly. Even at range." "That makes things trickier," Ariastra said, her fingers tapping lightly on her chin. "But if the goal remains to destroy the core of the obelisk, what alternatives do we have besides a brute force assault?" Ebonheim pondered this for a bit before saying, "Maybe some of us can distract them¡ªkeep them occupied while the others focus on the obelisk?" Aetheron turned toward her and nodded. "A fine idea. Providing a distraction ought to provide enough opportunity to attack the target. That does not mean we take our time however, so we must strike quickly. Once the damage begins, the sentinels will move to stop it." "Then let me play decoy," Syntris volunteered eagerly. "I can handle keeping them occupied, provided everyone else gets the job done fast enough." "Though you are the most battle-ready among us, Syntris," Aetheron said, casting an appraising glance at him, "we cannot count on your strength alone. Not against eight of them at once. Even you must admit to being overwhelmed under such conditions." "Perhaps," Syntris admitted, raising his metallic hands and flexing them as if stretching muscles, "but I''m used to fighting overwhelming odds. If others help keep the heat off me, I''ll make sure they won''t catch on quick to your scheme. Count on that at least." Aetheron seemed pleased by Syntris'' words and responded in kind by giving a curt nod of agreement. "Then I''ll aid in the task as well. Together, we should prove sufficient for holding back the tide." "I''ll support you," Ariastra chimed in, raising her mahogany palms. "I do not have the offensive might capable of damaging a structure as imposing as the obelisk. But my powers can bolster the defensive capabilities of those in the vanguard. You''ll appreciate its effect once we begin." "Then that leaves Ebonheim and Nephri," Aetheron said. "Do the two of you believe yourselves able to destroy the core of the obelisk?" Nephri''s sinuous form slithered in mid-air as she drifted closer to Ebonheim. Her tail tip flicked back and forth slowly. "Between the two of us, perhaps we may succeed. Though tis quite a challenge thou propose." "No pressure or anything," Ebonheim muttered. She squared her shoulders and met Nephri''s gaze squarely. "I''ll do what I can. Let''s see if we can pull this off." Aetheron seemed satisfied with their answers as he clapped his palms together with finality. "Good. Then let us commence. Our group will head out first. Once the sentinels are engaged with us, you two attack the obelisk. Move swiftly and act decisively. There will be no time wasted once the fight begins." With that said, the three of them headed out. Ebonheim looked up at Nephri. "Ready?" Nephri''s response was a slow nod, her body undulating as she moved closer. "Climb upon me, Ebonheim. I shall carry thee skywards and deliver thee above our target." Ebonheim watched as Nephri''s form shifted from serpentine to a gargantuan manta ray. Without delay, she clambered aboard and clung tightly to Nephri''s slick skin. With a beat of her membranous wings, Nephri lifted off. She ascended into the cloudless heavens above before banking sharply toward the towering structure below.
Ebonheim steadied herself atop Nephri''s immense form as they soared upward, the wind tugging at her hair, threatening to dislodge her at any moment. She had to grab tight hold onto a spiky protrusion running down the middle of Nephri''s back for stability as Nephri wheeled gracefully through the alien sky. The twisted geometry of the landscape below shifted, the horizon warping and collapsing in on itself as if the very concept of distance was a mere abstraction. The obelisk loomed ahead¡ªblack, monolithic, and untouched by the madness around it. From her vantage point atop Nephri''s back, she could see the battle raging below. The sentinels swarmed around Aetheron, Ariastra, and Syntris. Both groups clashed violently in a tangled mass of frenzied activity. Energy bolts streaked through the air while golden sigils danced across the ground. Chunks of the red soil flew into the air in all directions. Sparks erupted wherever metal struck metal. Ebonheim could make out flashes of fire erupting sporadically, but her vantage point made seeing details difficult. Part of her wanted nothing more than to join them. But that was not her role at the moment. The responsibility to cripple the obelisk lay on her and Nephri. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Now, young one," Nephri urged, her voice echoing within Ebonheim''s mind. Her great wings flared, catching the ethereal winds of this distorted realm, propelling them faster toward their target. "Unleash your arrows." Her Enchanted Essence Bolts could probably do the job, given enough hits. But that''d take too long...time they didn''t have. Holding back wasn''t an option. She leapt off Nephri, performing a twisting flip in the air. In her free fall, she closed her eyes for the briefest moment and reached into herself, to the core of her divine essence where Cepheid slumbered. The Aetherframe, an artifact of ancient power, lay nestled within her, a giant waiting to be awoken. "Cepheid," she called softly, her fingers brushing the edge of something both vast and intimate. The air around her shimmered, warping in a circle as if the very fabric of reality bent to accommodate her will. From the void beyond, she could feel Cepheid stirring, as if the ancient Aetherframe awaited her summons with the patience of a sleeping titan. The connection between them flared to life as she poured her power into the conduit forged between them. "I need you." From the rift above her, Cepheid emerged. The Aetherframe''s massive wings unfurled in a burst of brilliant light as the rift closed. Its armor gleamed, reflecting the fractured light of the cracked celestial sphere above, and its crystalline core pulsed with life, a soft glow radiating from its center. Ebonheim landed smoothly on Cepheid''s waiting hands. As she did, the Aetherframe''s armor shifted, opening to receive her. She slipped into the cockpit as its walls closed around her like a shell, encasing her within its protective embrace. The sensation was immediate¡ªthe familiar rush of connection as her essence synced with Cepheid''s core. Power flowed through her. Her body hummed with energy as the Aetherframe came to life, responding to her command. The screens flickered to life around her, illuminating the dark interior with an ambient blue light. Gently, she grasped the controls. [Aetherframe "Cepheid" Activated! Power Reserve: 40% available] With a single thought, Cepheid spread its wings, slowing its descent until it hovered several dozen meters above the obelisk. This was only her second time piloting the ancient Aetherframe, yet the commands came instinctively. The system was integrated into her senses as if the two had always been one. Every movement felt natural, as though the massive suit of armor was an extension of her own body. Her vision expanded, taking in a full 360-degree view of the battlefield through the Aetherframe''s enhanced sensors. She could see the sentinels below, still locked in combat with Aetheron, Ariastra, and Syntris, the trio having succeeded in gaining the constructs'' attention. But the obelisk¡ªthat was her target. Nephri glided beside her, the mantra rays body glistening beneath the fractured sky. "Ebonheim...? What is this...?" "Oh, just something I found while exploring," Ebonheim answered innocently. "Figured I could use the extra firepower against that thing." "Ah...very well then..." "Anyways, let''s get this done!" Ebonheim''s fingers curled around the controls, adjusting her flight trajectory. Since the target was immobile, she didn''t need to focus on accuracy as much. Brute force would suffice. Her finger flicked over the firing button, and she unleashed a salvo of energy bolts from Cepheid''s shoulder armaments. They crashed against the obelisk''s surface like waves breaking upon the shore, carving deep furrows into its dark exterior. The impacts sent shockwaves reverberating through the structure. Deep fissures rippled across its surface, and fragments of stone crumbled to the ground in a torrential rain. Ebonheim continued her bombardment, unleashing another volley at the weakened area. Nephri''s wings flared wide, and from her shimmering membrane, a cascade of energy beams lanced downward. The emerald projectiles tore into the damaged section of the obelisk, shredding through the weakened stonework. But just as another barrage of energy bolts slammed into its outer layer, dark blasts from the sentinels intercepted their efforts. Explosions rocked the air as the projectiles collided mid-flight. Ebonheim weaved to avoid the incoming barrage. Through her screens, she saw three of the sentinels breaking off from the melee and engaging them. Their obsidian forms swooped and darted through the skies, firing volleys of dark blasts in rapid succession. Nephri twisted and turned, dodging the attacks while simultaneously maintaining her own onslaught. However, she lacked maneuverability due to the cumbersome nature of her frame. One bolt struck her side, causing her to waver in mid-air, her body momentarily flickering as if destabilized by the impact. Ebonheim banked sharply, using Cepheid''s increased speed to circle around to Nephri''s rear. She fired several bursts of energy bolts to intercept the incoming shots while providing cover for her ally to regain composure. Nephri stabilized her flight pattern soon after. She arced away from the conflict and dove towards the obelisk again, her wings streaming behind her like a shimmering banner of aqua-colored light. As she descended, she cast a powerful beam attack at the wounded part of the structure. This time, none of the sentinels managed to intervene as she scored a direct hit. "Let''s keep at it, Nephri. I''ll cover us. I don''t think this''ll take long!" Ebonheim shouted encouragingly. "I concur," Nephri agreed. "We cannot allow our fellows to be overextended too long." Their combined effort soon bore fruit. The constant bombardment wrought havoc on the obelisk. Cracks spread throughout its surface as larger chunks began to detach themselves. Soon, the entire upper half toppled over and fell, crushing an unfortunate group of sentinels caught beneath its weight. Ebonheim cheered triumphantly inside her Aetherframe as she watched the destruction unfold. She looked at another screen to assess the situation below and saw Syntris cleaving through one sentinel with his sword, slicing it in two¡ªand it didn''t duplicate! Instead, the halves fell to the ground, crumbling to dust. Ariastra''s spells and Aetheron''s blasts ripped apart two more in quick succession, and neither duplicated either. Her confidence grew. The plan worked! With renewed vigor, Ebonheim directed Cepheid to assist them in dealing with the remaining few adversaries. Between the four of them, the battle ended swiftly. Within moments, the last sentinel fell, its broken remnants scattering across the red earth. The gods regrouped amongst the rubble. Ebonheim maneuvered Cepheid to land beside them. She disembarked and grinned widely. "Well...that went a lot better than expected." Instead of returning her cheer, Aetheron and the others regarded her with silence¡ªone that unnerved her. After a lengthy pause, Aetheron finally spoke up. His tone lacked its usual poise and serenity. "Ebonheim...where did you get that Aetherframe?" Ebonheim froze. She gulped. How to answer? The truth would likely sound dubious at best. On the other hand, lying wouldn''t be a good idea...not with someone who could likely tell whether she was being honest or not... "Ah...well...umm..." she stuttered. "It''s a long story...but...you see...I happened to find this hidden in the ruins I mentioned earlier...I stumbled across it while exploring...was curious...I wanted to examine its workings...so...I fixed it up." Ariastra frowned. "Fix it up?" Her tone sounded skeptical. "You''re talking about one of the lost Magitech designs of the ancient civilizations...and you claim to have fixed it like...like...a common tool?" "Actually, it fixed itself...and...ah...I don''t know how to describe the whole process...it''s kinda strange..." she trailed off. Why did her throat feel parched all of a sudden? "It bound to me somehow." Aetheron folded his arms and stared at her. His aura glowed with intense interest and suspicion. "And the reason you decided not to inform us earlier? I trust there isn''t anything you''re hiding?" She held both her palms in front of her. "Of course not! Why would I? I found it recently...just never got around to telling anyone because...well...it wasn''t relevant till now." He seemed placated by her explanation for the time being. At least his aura dimmed, which meant she had stopped alarming him. He gave a curt nod. "Very well. Fortunately, you were the one who unearthed this artifice and not the mortals under you. The Akashic System has forbidden any more knowledge regarding this technology from being passed on. The current era of Aetherframes is the exception to this rule. I trust that you will enforce this restriction for the greater good?" Ebonheim''s heart leapt into her throat. Did she hear him right? ''Forbidden''? But she had already let her Artificers tinker around with bits and pieces here and there. Was that already a violation? But the Akashic System didn''t do anything about it, so...? She placed a hand on her chest as if swearing an oath. "Of course! Just like you all, I would never do anything against the Akashic System''s dogma!" "Indeed. And you would do well to exercise caution with such discoveries. Anything else from you would risk the Akashic System enacting judgment¡ªone that we all will bear as a collective burden." Aetheron paused and looked around at the destruction surrounding them. "Regardless, that must wait for another time. We still have more pressing matters at hand." She nodded hastily. "Yes, absolutely! More important things!" Relieved, she took a deep breath to steady her racing heart. Nephri glided nearby, her form shifting back to serpentine. "Might we continue our investigation? I assume thou intendeth to search the wreckage." Aetheron turned his attention to the broken structure, eyeing the debris intently. "No need to search the rubble. We continue following the trail of Quintessence." Ebonheim activated her Divine Sight once more, glancing in the direction Aetheron pointed at. The faint golden strands flowed outward from the collapsed obelisk, splitting into two distinct trails. Both paths led to cracks in space, similar to the one that led them into this dimension in the first place. "For efficiency, we''ll split into two groups," Ariastra suggested. "Each party should investigate one trail independently." "I agree," Aetheron replied. He glanced at each person present and nodded to himself. "Ariastra and I will follow this trail." "And I shall accompany thou," Nephri said towards Ebonheim. "Syntris," Aetheron continued, "accompany Ebonheim and Nephri." "Fine by me," Syntris confirmed. He hefted his large blade over his shoulder and nodded toward Ebonheim. "You might have that gigantic hunk of armor and all, but you''re still a fledgling god compared to me. Be sure to keep up." Ebonheim squinted her eyes at him. This was not going to be a fun excursion¡­ Chapter 178: Fractal Conduit, Part V Ebonheim emerged from the dimensional rift, shielding her eyes from the sun''s glare. She blinked several times before lowering her hands. She stood on a sandy beach surrounded by a sea of cerulean waters. Scattered across the horizon were dozens of islands dotting the endless expanse. The sky above was clear save for a few wisps of cloud. Behind her, a dense forest stretched from the sandy shores to the mountains rising high into the distance. The fine grains of sand slid between her toes, tickling her skin as she planted her feet firmly. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater and brine, and the cry of seabirds echoed in the air. It felt refreshing compared to the previous dimension. Ebonheim glanced around. "Where are we?" Nephri rose from the rift beside her and drifted past, her sinuous form slithering through the air. She circled the beach once before returning. "Unknown to me. Though tis pleasant to behold." Syntris stepped out from the rift and glanced at their surroundings. "Well, at least we''re not in some hellish abyss or something. This place looks nice." "The trail of Quintessence seems to continue towards the distant islands," Ebonheim pointed out, following the strand with her Divine Sight. Sure enough, it appeared to head directly toward a larger cluster of islands in the distance. "Guess that''s where we need to go." "Hrmm," Syntris mumbled thoughtfully, staring out across the water. "Looks rather far away. Alas, I haven''t acquired any powers of flight or water-walking. I''d have to resort to trudging across the ocean floor, which sounds highly unappealing." He settled cross-legged onto the sand with a sigh. "As such, you two have fun searching. I''ll wait for you here. If you find trouble, bring them here." Ebonheim frowned. "But¡ª" Before she could object further, Nephri interrupted. "So be thy wish." Nephri slithered towards the ocean. Her liquid body morphed into a manta ray-like form as she swam effortlessly along its surface. "Thou are welcome to ride upon me as before, Ebonheim. If you so desire." "Couldn''t you also give him a ride, too?" Ebonheim asked. "Your form looks big enough to handle us both." Nephri''s voice rang in her mind. "I am not so close to this one as to suffer his touch. My generosity extends only so far." "But you let me ride with you, and we barely know each other..." Ebonheim pressed, trailing off. There was a long silence before Nephri responded. "My affinity is different for thee. Perhaps because of thy human form, but thine existence resonates strongly with those connected through my domain. Thus, I share an innate sympathy for thee. That same bond allows for easy companionship. However...tis not so for others." "Well...okay." Ebonheim shrugged and clambered onto Nephri''s back. "I suppose he''s tough enough to manage on his own. Let''s go then." "Yes," Nephri said softly as her fins flapped. The water parted beneath her as they launched forward. "Hold on tight, little one." Ebonheim braced herself as they sped through the waves, cutting cleanly through the water. Salt spray coated her face and dress, but she ignored it, focusing instead on the trail of Quintessence. Its golden threads wound above them, flowing steadily onward. As they progressed, the closest island grew nearer. Soon enough, Nephri drew near its shores. She slowed, allowing Ebonheim to disembark before shifting back to a serpentine shape and emerging from the water. The island itself wasn''t overly large. A small stretch of sandy coastline blended seamlessly into grassland leading inland. A grove of trees bordered its edge, framing a natural path between thick foliage. The path of Quintessence continued straight into the heart of the jungle. Ebonheim stood at the edge of the forest and squinted ahead. "Guess we follow this trail." "Then lead the way," Nephri responded as she hovered above the ground next to her. "We shall proceed slowly lest we encounter perils unknown." Together they entered the tropical greenery. Sunlight shone down through openings in the canopy overhead, dappling the undergrowth with patches of bright light. Moss-covered rocks lined the narrow footpath winding deeper into the jungle. After walking for several minutes along the trail, they came to a halt before a rocky hillside. An opening in the ground loomed ahead¡ªa gaping mouth leading downward. The golden strands of Quintessence disappeared into its depths. Ebonheim and Nephri exchanged glances before peering into the tunnel. Darkness met them. No signs of movement could be discerned within its inky interior. Nothing stirred within. Ebonheim summoned a spark of light and sent it into the depths. As the tiny orb floated downward, a dim outline formed on its surface. Eventually, the sphere bumped gently against the floor below. It revealed the silhouette of another obelisk identical in form to the previous one¡ªthough quite a bit smaller. Its surface gleamed in the pale illumination emanating from Ebonheim''s spell. Aside from the obelisk, the cave contained nothing else besides rock and dirt. There was no sign of life. Ebonheim climbed the steep slope and descended into the cavern. Nephri glided after her. Once inside, they approached the object cautiously. Once close enough, she ran a finger along its smooth surface. Again, symbols inscribed across the material danced across her vision. She gazed intently at them and concentrated. Her sight flickered with flashes of images. Static burst within her ears. "Argh!" She clutched her head with both hands. Nephri hovered beside her. "What hast happened?" "I saw...something...and..." She shook her head to clear the cobwebs from her thoughts. "Ugh...my head hurts...what was I looking at?" Ebonheim stared at the obelisk before her as memories returned. Images flashed through her mind as if recalling a half-forgotten dream. A scene replayed in her thoughts, and her body reacted accordingly. As if guided by an unseen force, she brought a palm against its side and focused her essence upon it. A portion of her divine energy surged forth, channeling directly into the artifact. Energy crackled beneath her fingers as the obelisk flared with life. Golden light burst forth from every surface as the obelisk activated. Then the glow vanished. The cave dimmed as darkness claimed its rightful place again. But this time, Ebonheim could sense a presence within. Ebonheim blinked, surprised at what she had accomplished. "Whoa...that''s new." "Indeed..." Nephri murmured. "I don''t think we need to destroy this one to disable it, but I can''t be certain. Something feels different about this one compared to the last. Let''s try something different this time around," Ebonheim suggested. "Destroying this obelisk could do something we don''t want it to. Could cause a chain reaction of sorts..." Nephri floated closer toward the structure. "Proceed with caution regardless. I shall observe for anomalies." "Will do." Ebonheim examined the obelisk further. The runes etched along the sides no longer appeared random. They radiated a subtle radiance, reflecting the natural ambient light. As if responding to her inquisitive gaze, the markings changed shape and color. The sigils rearranged themselves, forming familiar words within her mind¡ªwords she could read. She deciphered its message aloud. "I await the moon''s touch, Her silver light to lift my spirit so." "Huh," Ebonheim mused. "Moon''s light...so...I guess that means we gotta wait until nightfall before we can figure this out." "Verily," Nephri agreed. "We should return to Syntris and apprise him of our findings." "Yep," Ebonheim said with a sigh. "Guess we wait then." Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Nephri floated closer. "Come then, little one." Nephri wrapped her tail around Ebonheim''s waist and lifted her skyward. Together they rose through the mouth of the cavern and exited into the sunlight above. Ebonheim scanned the sky for the moon. It hung low on the horizon, its white crescent appearing faintly. Judging by the position of the sun, it was still early in the day. They had plenty of time left. They returned to find Syntris sprawled across the sand on his back. He lay unmoving as the waves crashed against the shore. When Ebonheim and Nephri approached, he sat upright. His metal form shimmered in the sunlight. "And? Any leads?" Syntris asked without preamble. Ebonheim shook her head. "Not quite. The trail ended in a cave with an obelisk. However, it seems we need to wait for nightfall to investigate further. The obelisk asked for ''moonlight'' to activate or something. Not sure how exactly yet. But this does confirm this obelisk works differently than the one before." "Why didn''t you just destroy it? Would have been simpler." Ebonheim scowled at him. "That might have bad side effects. I have a feeling the consequences could be dire. I''d like to avoid causing a catastrophe if possible." "Hmm." Syntris tilted his helmeted head slightly. "I suppose caution is warranted. Very well. As I don''t like waiting around, I''ll explore the surrounding area and kill time that way. Don''t expect much though." He stood and walked towards the treeline. Nephri watched him disappear into the lush jungle. "His attitude leaves something to be desired." "Yeah, I noticed..." Ebonheim sighed. "Oh well. Best leave him to do whatever he wants. Rather not waste energy worrying about his opinion." A slight laugh escaped Nephri, which sounded like bubbles popping inside a pool of water. "Truly. Now...let us enjoy our respite while we wait." Ebonheim stretched her limbs. "Agreed. What should we do? Got any ideas?" "Swimming."
Ebonheim tightened her grip on Nephri''s slippery skin as they dived underwater, plunging deep into the azure depths. Bubbles exploded around them and fish scattered in fright as their passage stirred the currents. The sunlight filtering through the surface faded rapidly as they continued deeper still. As her vision adjusted to the darkness surrounding them, she spotted a school of silver-scaled fish darting across the sandy floor. Several jellyfish drifted lazily along the gentle flow while eels hid amongst coral clusters lining the bedrock walls. Various plant life swayed softly in the currents. When they reached the bottom, Ebonheim released her hold. She swam freely and touched one of the plants curiously. A bright orange coral flower blossomed instantly before fading away just as fast. The motion attracted a nearby school of colorful seahorses. Each creature attached itself to a floating tendril sprouting from the bloom. She giggled in delight. After exploring a bit more, she swam back to the surface, where Nephri waited. As soon as she broke into fresh air, she giggled again. "Those tiny things...with their tails...they looked...too cute...but...but they...stuck onto each other..." she managed in between breaths. She gestured wildly as if trying to illustrate her point. "If I held out my hand, they''d probably attach to it..." Nephri''s amusement rippled across their mental link. "They may indeed. Many marine creatures find such things beneficial to their survival." "Right...but...the other animals...and the flowers...and...oh man...this place..." Ebonheim floated on her back, gazing upward in wonderment. "The lakes in the Eldergrove are nice, but this...wow. Just wow..." "Tis pleasing to me as well. My domain contains such wonders aplenty, though few visitors appreciate its majesty." Nephri paused before continuing. "Perhaps one day...I shall show thee my domain...when our duties permit such indulgences." "I would like that! Definitely!" Ebonheim remained buoyant atop the waves, enjoying the sensation of being weightless amidst the serenity surrounding them. "Do you mind me asking what your domain is like?" she asked after a while. A few moments passed before Nephri answered. "My domain lies nestled among the coves along Osnua''s northern shores, deep within the Northebber Sea. It borders the sea and forestlands to the west, and the steppes to the east. My people reside primarily in coastal towns built near the various inlets and fjords carved throughout the island. Khirie is the city where the majority dwell." "How many people live there? The humans and demi-humans in your domain, I mean." "Some four hundred thousand citizens call my realm home." A hint of pride filtered through Nephri''s tone. "Most are fishermen and traders who traverse the oceans. Some have become renowned masters of their craft." "What about non-residents? Do any come to visit?" Ebonheim asked curiously. "Are travelers welcome? Tourists? Adventurers? Traders? Merchants? Anyone?" "I allow any to enter without interference as long as they enter unarmed. Those seeking exotic wares often stop by from foreign lands as well. So yes, there are plenty who pass through regularly." Nephri''s voice softened. "Is there a specific purpose behind your curiosity?" "Oh, sorry!" Ebonheim splashed around sheepishly. "No real reason. Just curious. I haven''t seen much of the realm outside the Eldergrove aside from Ariastra''s city when she invited me over a few years ago. I''m still kind of new as a deity. You guys have far more experience than me, and I feel out of place in the Sanctum most times..." "Understandable. Thou art still a fledgling in divine affairs. Forgive my oversight. I did not intend offense." "Don''t worry about it." Ebonheim waved away her concern. "You''ve done nothing wrong. I was the one prying." She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Anyways, what''s life like for your people?" "Simple and quiet," Nephri replied immediately. "Their days follow a predictable routine. The people work hard during daylight hours. After sundown, they retire to our homes and rest. Occasionally there are celebrations, but mostly everyone follows their daily activities without interference." "Sounds...peaceful. No major issues ever arise?" "Tis a generally safe place. We have the occasional incidents caused by brigands, pirates, raiders, or wild aberrations. However, my sentinels deal with such nuisances quickly." "You must really care for them. Your subjects I mean," Ebonheim mused out loud. "Even with so many under your care, you still watch over them. Guide them. Make sure they''re happy." Nephri dipped lower, coming face-to-face with Ebonheim. The mantra rays'' large eyes seemed even more expressive than usual. "I care for my domain, certainly. But the relationship is more... transactional. The mortals offer their faith, their Quintessence, and in return, I grant them protection, prosperity, a place where they may live in peace, shielded from the ravages beyond my borders. As a god, this is my duty." "Do you have a good relationship with them though? They like you?" Ebonheim probed further. "Can you talk to them? Be friends with them? Maybe even fall in love and¡ª" "Such emotions elude my nature, little one." Nephri sounded amused. "However, my interactions with mortal denizens have always been civil, if distant." Nephri''s answer reminded Ebonheim of Ariastra and their conversation about the proper role a deity should fulfill. She frowned as she recalled the discussion. Her friend had expressed a similar mindset¡ªone of detachment from the people she was supposed to protect. Why? Were they afraid of letting the mortals too close to them? Did they fear becoming too invested in those under their domain? "Why distance yourself?" she ventured to ask. "The humans don''t seem to have issues with personal contact between god and worshipper. If anything, they seek closeness with their patrons. Not physical proximity necessarily. Emotional bonding sounds more accurate." Nephri drifted slowly through the water, her fins propelling her along the surface. "Tis not in our nature to engage so closely. I believe thou will learn this eventually as thy strength grows." "Maybe so," Ebonheim said, unconvinced. "Still seems...cold to me. Wouldn''t it be nice to receive affection from the mortals rather than...just loyalty?" "I would not presume to tell thee otherwise. Thou art young yet, with much still to experience. Eventually, thou shall come to understand thy own place in the cosmos." "If you say so." Ebonheim sighed. "Doesn''t make sense to me still..." She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of waves washing ashore. She swam for a while until she felt tired. With great effort, she paddled to a nearby sand bar and crawled onto the beach. Exhausted, she collapsed upon the warm sand to recuperate. A faint breeze blew over her drying skin as she relaxed in the sun. Her fatigue melted away quickly under the pleasant warmth. After resting for an hour, her stamina replenished, she glanced up at the sky. The moon hung high above, its silvery light shining brightly in the night sky. A cloudless expanse stretched overhead. Only stars twinkled against its backdrop. "Nephri, it''s time," she called out. In response to her summons, Nephri glided into view, her form shifting into its manta ray appearance again. "I see. The appointed time hast arrived." "Yes." Ebonheim clambered onto her back, settling securely within the gap between her dorsal fins. "Let''s head back." The two retraced their path through the forest until they arrived at the cave entrance. As the moon shone its light upon the obelisk, runes flared into existence, glowing in response. Its surface flickered and wavered, warping in places. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the obelisk activated fully. Slowly, its bulk lifted upward into the air. Dust cascaded around its base as it rose higher, settling high above them. Once stabilized, it rotated once before fixing its position in place. A series of clicks and whirs emanated from somewhere within its structure. Its upper half began splitting apart into three distinct sections. These pieces broke free from one another, exposing a central cylinder of shimmering gold encased within its heart. Within this tube, a crystal orb sat suspended midway. Its surface glowed faintly with a dim blue light. Five beams of light shot out from the orb simultaneously. Two went towards the ocean while the other three branched out to different islands visible across the waters. As the lines connected with each destination, more sigils formed in front of the obelisk that Ebonheim recognized¡ªa timer, counting down. She counted in her head as she read the numbers changing. One hour. That''s the time the obelisk showed. "What now?" she pondered out loud. "Nothing else happening here." Just then, a second set of markings emerged at the bottom of the obelisk. Ebonheim squinted as she concentrated on them. Once decoded, they read as follows: "Beneath the moonlight, My roots drink deeply Of the source Below." Ebonheim scratched her head. "Another riddle. Gonna have to give this one a minute." She sat cross-legged on the ground and mulled over the words carefully. "Roots...drinking...of a source...below? Uhh..." Chapter 179: Fractal Conduit, Part VI "Nephri, can you check the two beams that reached the water? See if there''s anything important at either end." "At once." Nephri slithered toward the coastline and dived underwater. Ebonheim stayed where she was to focus on deciphering the riddle. A short while later, Nephri reappeared with news of what she''d found. "A coral reef lay at the terminus of the beam stretching beneath the waves. At its center rests a spherical stone similar in shape and size as the object within the obelisk. Three sentinels guard its vicinity." Ebonheim perked up at the information. "Three sentinels? Like the ones we fought before?" "Yes. Their ilk. Though they possess less formidable appearances than those conjured previously." Nephri paused before continuing. "Shouldst we attempt acquisition?" Ebonheim sighed. "Great." She groaned and buried her head between her knees. "So we gotta fight ''em again, huh?" "Thou doest not appear enthused with our current prospects." Ebonheim rubbed her temple. "I really don''t. Hopefully, those sentinels don''t have the same ability to multiply as the last bunch we encountered. If they do though..." "We must prepare for the possibility. However..." Nephri glided closer until she hovered directly above Ebonheim. "I doubt these guardians retain power equal to the first. These were smaller constructs, shaped to resemble simple crustaceans and aquatic fauna. The other beam leads to an undersea chasm where another sphere and its guardians await." "Hmmm..." Ebonheim tapped a finger against her chin as she thought. "Then those five beams must all lead to artifacts needed to fuel the obelisk. And judging by the text I read...each artifact has something unique to contribute to the process. This is probably our chance to disable this thing before its countdown ends." Nephri nodded slowly. "True." Ebonheim stood up and stretched her body before taking a deep breath. "Can you take care of the spheres under the sea? I''ll grab Syntris and drop him off to deal with one of the artifacts. Then I''ll take care of the other two." "As thee wish." "There''s probably a trick with those sentinels like last time. Try destroying them first, then the artifact. If that doesn''t work, do the reverse. If that doesn''t work, try luring them away from the artifact and repeat the process. Should work eventually." "An adequate course of action. Well said. Let us proceed forthwith." Nephri slithered away, heading straight towards the shore. Ebonheim closed her eyes, tapping into her divine storage to call upon Cephied once more. The giant Aetherframe burst into being in front of her. Cepheid landed heavily on the sand with a resounding boom and rumbled eagerly. As always, the hum of machinery echoed within the frame. She entered the cockpit and fired the ignition sequence. The Aetherframe roared to life, thrumming with power. She activated flight mode and blasted forward, arcing over the ocean in a rush. Using her divine sight, she searched for Syntris, finding him wandering through the jungle towards her location. She headed toward his direction. Soon enough, she spotted his massive figure trudging through the foliage. He stopped and glared up at the sound of the approaching Aetherframe, leveling his broadsword in preparation. She brought Cephied to a hover several meters above the canopy and engaged the external speakers. "No time to explain," she announced. "Get on! I''ll drop you off somewhere to smash some stuff." "Finally, some action," he grunted, sliding his sword into its scabbard on his back. He reached out and grasped Cephied''s extended hand, clambering onto its arm and hoisting himself up into its palm. When settled, Ebonheim ascended into the clouds, bringing him high over the islands in the distance. She followed the closest beam of light leading towards land to a small volcanic island with a single towering peak. An active caldera belched lava from its peak. There was nothing else notable besides the rocky slopes and barren cliffsides dotted with vegetation. Smoke billowed constantly into the air as molten lava poured down its sides into the surrounding sea. Ebonheim landed the Aetherframe safely on the edge of the caldera. She dropped Syntris from a height, allowing him to freefall to the ground. He struck the ground with a loud crash, leaving a deep crater beneath him. "Follow the light. You''ll find a stone sphere and a few sentinels guarding it. Destroy everything you can until the job''s done," she explained via the external speakers. "Think you can handle that?" He turned to face her with a thumbs-up before lumbering forward into the volcano proper. Ebonheim took to the skies again and flew off. She followed another light beam across the ocean. It led her over another large island covered almost entirely in tropical flora. Its geography consisted mainly of steep cliff faces jutting above the water. Thick vegetation grew rampant everywhere¡ªeven covering some of the cliffs themselves¡ªforming a lush green carpet across its entire surface. A small plateau sat isolated from the rest of the terrain surrounded by dense jungle. The light beam pointed directly to its summit. She descended until she spotted a strange formation atop the bluff. She activated a zoom lens to get a better look. It appeared to be a ring of standing stones forming a circle near the edge. She focused on the circle''s center. Sure enough, she spied another familiar object sitting within the arrangement. A tiny white sphere rested in the middle of the ring. Nearby, she spotted three metallic constructs patrolling around it in a protective formation. Each sentinel stood taller than a bear at full height. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. They bore the shape of something... avian, but grotesquely exaggerated. A bat perhaps? Their wings stretched wide¡ªfar wider than any bird she had ever encountered, and they were made of segmented metal, each joint clicking noisily as the limbs moved. Sharp talons tipped each appendage. At the front of their elongated, serpentine neck, a narrow skull-like face jutted forward, ending in a long, pointed beak that snapped open and closed with a mechanical clatter. Their hind legs were short and angular, ending on sharp claws that scraped against the stone beneath as they paced around the stone sphere. Ebonheim could tell they sensed her presence from the way they stared upward intently. Without hesitation, they spread their wings and launched into the air, heading straight towards her. Oh boy. Here we go again. She lifted Cephied away from the area and increased the throttle. The Aetherframe responded instantly and sped forward, leaving the three sentinels far behind. She circled back toward the plateau, aiming her sights at the sphere on the topmost section. It lay nestled between a cluster of giant boulders stacked atop one another. Its surface glowed with a bright blue light. She accelerated and brought the Aetherframe to a dive as she drew closer, targeting the artifact with her energy beams. However, the moment she fired her first barrage, a honeycomb-structured barrier rippled across its surface. The force field repelled the blasts harmlessly away. Okay, fine. Time for Plan B. She shifted course and targeted the trio of incoming sentinels instead. They approached rapidly and swerved aside to avoid her initial strikes. One managed to get close enough to slam against her hull before flying past. Its impact jarred Ebonheim briefly before she recovered her bearings. Once steady, she launched a second volley, hitting one squarely in the chest with an explosive blast. Its entire torso exploded in a shower of shrapnel and sparks. She followed with another shot aimed at the wingtip of the remaining two, but missed completely as they zig-zagged wildly in the air. Both avoided her attacks as they maneuvered around the Aetherframe in erratic patterns. One sentinel banked sharply sideways into the Aetherframe''s right flank, ramming hard against the hull before peeling away. Again, she shuddered slightly but remained stable within the frame''s cockpit. The collision left behind a shallow gouge in the metal plating. The second sentinel crashed into her opposite side and pushed her to the left, causing Cephied to tilt wildly as it struggled to regain control. After regaining equilibrium, Ebonheim initiated another attack pattern, shooting repeatedly at the nearest opponent while dodging the remaining foe. She targeted the damaged section of its body, scoring several direct hits. Each blast tore through its armored carapace and ripped open large gashes within its inner mechanisms. Black fluid oozed from the openings and splattered across the ground below. At the same time, the third sentinel swooped over her head and slammed itself into the Aetherframe from above. Cephied rocked violently on its axis from the impact. Ebonheim clutched tightly onto the controls as she attempted to counteract the unexpected motion. Unfortunately, this caused her aim to go wide as she fired in reflex. The energy beam pierced harmlessly through empty space several meters away from the target. Before she could reacquire a lock, the two injured constructs dove past her defenses, forcing Ebonheim to break off to avoid taking further damage. For a few minutes, they played cat and mouse in the air. Ebonheim took advantage whenever they came into range and scored another hit or two. Bit by bit, she whittled them down, tearing away bits of armor and components in small chunks. Every now and then, a lucky strike hit a critical joint or vital system. Their movements became sluggish and uncoordinated. Eventually, they fell behind her trail as Cephied soared past their faltering forms. As Ebonheim finished dealing with the sentinels, she flew Cephied back over the plateau, targeting the still-active stone sphere. Once aligned with its location, she launched a concentrated burst of energy directly into its core. The blow connected, smashing through the protective shield surrounding the sphere. The ensuing explosion engulfed the entire plateau momentarily, lighting up the sky in an incandescent flash. A thunderous boom echoed across the jungle as dust clouds kicked upwards from the blast zone. She circled low overhead to survey the results. Nothing remained except a charred crater where the sphere once sat. The three sentinels also lay shattered amongst the rubble. "Well...that takes care of that one." The job done, she rocketed away towards her next objective. She checked the clock to gauge how much time remained on the obelisk timer. Thirty minutes. Plenty enough time to finish this.
The last sphere crumbled into powdery ash after her attack. She let out a relieved sigh as she surveyed her work. Around her, the ruins stood silent amid a landscape of blackened debris. Smoke spiraled from piles of scorched metal scraps strewn around the area. Satisfied she''d accomplished her task, she switched gears and flew away from the island towards the obelisk. On the way there, she picked up Syntris who already completed his portion. The obelisk''s countdown continued, slowly ticking down every second. Fifteen minutes remained on the clock. Ebonheim landed Cephied onto the beach beside the floating structure. She exited the Aetherframe''s cockpit and hopped onto the beach. Nephri glided overhead, returning from her own mission. "How did things go?" Ebonheim asked without preamble as she approached. "Successful," Nephri answered. "The process went smoothly for me. All objectives met without difficulty. Didst thee encounter problems?" "Some," Ebonheim admitted. "They weren''t too bad, though. Got a little messy near the end. Had to improvise." "Were your foes overly powerful?" "Not terribly. Just tricky." Ebonheim brushed her hair back. "Mostly though...I got lucky with timing." Syntris stomped over to join them. "No one told me there''d be tricks to my part either. Wasted my efforts initially by attacking the sphere first before dismantling the guardians instead." He shrugged. "Did the job regardless. Now what?" "Now we go to the obelisk." Ebonheim jogged up to the obelisk''s base. Its surface emanated heat, which caused the surrounding air to shimmer with distortion. The orb within its core still pulsed with energy, but its glow dimmed steadily. After another minute passed, the light faded completely. The runes disappeared from view, and its hovering motion ceased altogether. Now inert, the whole contraption settled slowly to earth. Its bulk hit the sand with a loud crunch. Seconds later, the outer layer cracked apart along seams she hadn''t noticed before. The trail of Quintessence finally emerged into view. It streamed outward in a steady flow, splitting into three branches and drifting upward into the starry night sky. Ebonheim tracked their paths using her Divine Sight, watching closely as the energy flowed towards the fractal dimensions beyond the realm''s boundaries. "Looks like we''ll have to split up again," she said aloud. "Seems like each one goes to a different place. Want to play rock-paper-scissors on who gets to pick the one they want to follow?" Syntris and Nephri exchanged glances before turning toward her. "Clearly your mind''s been tainted from spending too much time with the mortals," Syntris grumbled irritably. "What an absurd suggestion." "Fine. Sorry," Ebonheim apologized. "So which one do you guys prefer? Me, I''m curious about the one on the left." "Very well," Nephri replied. "Thou mayest choose thine own path." Syntris shrugged. "Doesn''t matter to me. Just toss me into one before you leave. I can''t fly myself there." Chapter 180: Fractal Conduit, Part VII Ebonheim stepped through the dimensional fissure into the fractal dimension where the beam of quintessence led. Cepheid had returned to its dormant form and waited within her divine storage. The world beyond was unlike anything she had ever known, and for a moment, she simply stood still, letting her eyes adjust to the shifting reality around her. The space felt vast, infinite even, with no clear beginning or end. Twisting, spiraling paths stretched in all directions, some crisscrossing through the air like bridges suspended in a void. Some led upward into the sky, only to loop back around, while others vanished into distant horizons that seemed to fold into themselves. The sky, if it could even be called that, was a swirling vortex of colors¡ªdark purples, brilliant blues, and shimmering silver streaks that occasionally burst into cascading arcs of lightning. The ground beneath her feet was solid¡ªat least for now¡ªbut it, too, was strange. It resembled polished stone, though its surface rippled as if made of liquid glass. With every step, it shimmered and vibrated, responding to her presence. Ebonheim''s breath fogged in the cold, though the air itself felt neither warm nor cold. It simply was, like the absence of sensation. Somewhere in the distance, she could hear the faint echo of voices, as if a crowd was murmuring just beyond the edges of her perception. "This is weird..." She looked back toward where she entered. The portal she arrived through no longer existed. The others had scattered, each following different leads within the fractal dimensions. She felt the weight of her isolation now, more than ever. "I''m on my own now," she muttered nervously to herself. "Time to get moving." She stepped forward cautiously, her footfalls soft on the smooth, glass-like surface of the path. It didn''t feel solid, yet it held her weight. Ahead, the path branched off in a dozen different directions, each one curving into impossible shapes, as if inviting her to choose a fate. She studied the paths for a moment, trying to find something familiar, but nothing made sense. A sudden, soft glow caught her attention. Off to her left, a faint shimmer of light pulsed along one of the pathways, almost as if it was calling to her. Ebonheim narrowed her eyes, stepping closer to get a better look. The light was rhythmic, its pulse slow and steady, as if it were a heartbeat. Instinctively, she reached out with her senses, feeling the subtle pull of divine energy from within the glow. It was faint, but unmistakable¡ªQuintessence. The flow of divine energy, trapped and scattered in this fractured space. A trail. She set her jaw and started along the glowing path. The air was thick with a sensation she couldn''t quite describe¡ªlike walking through water, each movement requiring a fraction more effort than it should. As she walked, time itself seemed to warp around her. One moment, she felt as though she had been walking for hours, each step echoing endlessly into the distance. The next moment, time snapped back, and it felt like mere seconds had passed. The strange geometry of the fractal distorted her sense of time and direction. "I gotta keep focus. Can''t lose track in here..." Ebonheim breathed deeply and pushed forward, ignoring the fatigue building in her legs. Ahead, the light began to fade, and a faint humming filled the air. Ebonheim slowed her pace as the pathway opened into a vast chamber, its walls shimmering with mirrored reflections. It was an eerily beautiful sight¡ªthe chamber seemed to ripple, as though it were a pool disturbed by a stone''s throw. At its center floated a strange construct, suspended in mid-air by nothing she could discern. It was a sphere made entirely of tiny hexagonal panels that rotated slowly about its axis. Its surface was covered in shifting runes, and it glowed faintly with a soft golden hue. A latticework of beams connected these plates to each other. As Ebonheim watched, the spinning slowed until finally coming to a stop. "Another orb," she mused quietly as she examined it. "Wonder how this one works?" She crept closer to inspect the device, studying its complex pattern and construction. The panels of metal interlocked perfectly with one another, forming an impenetrable shell of protection. Inside the core lay another crystal sphere, much like the one from the obelisk earlier, only smaller. "What is this thing?" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper in the vast chamber. The answer didn''t come. No divine intuition, no sudden insight. Just the silence, broken only by the occasional hum of the rotating sphere. Ebonheim furrowed her brow and stepped even closer, the hum now resonating through her chest. Her eyes were drawn to the runes once more, and now she noticed something odd. Each one of them seemed to shift in rhythm with her movements, as though they were reacting to her presence. When she took a step back, the runes dimmed slightly, their pulse slowing. When she leaned forward, they brightened, quickening their beat. Woah. It wasn''t just reacting to her presence¡ªwas it watching her? Ebonheim glanced around the chamber, her gaze sweeping over the mirrored walls. For a moment, she caught sight of her reflection in the far corner, and something about it gave her pause. She turned to face it fully, eyes narrowing. Her reflection blinked back at her, but there was a delay¡ªjust a heartbeat off. She moved her arm slightly, and the reflection followed, but a fraction of a second too late. She took a step forward, and her double mirrored the motion, only a little slower. Time is wrong here. She hadn''t noticed it before, but now it was undeniable. The very fabric of this place wasn''t behaving as it should. She turned back to the construct, her mind racing. Could this device be the cause? Was it manipulating time in some way? She stepped closer, reaching out tentatively toward the floating structure, but stopped short. The air in front of her hand rippled, warping as though she had disturbed the surface of a still pond. Her hand tingled, and she drew it back. The device pulsed once, then twice, the runes flaring briefly before dimming again. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. "I don''t like this," she muttered, taking a step backward. She knelt down, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the floor. There were no seams, no obvious mechanism that would suggest how it worked. Just the runes, ever-shifting, and the strange distortion in the air. She stood again, circling the construct, her mind working through the possibilities. Perhaps it was some kind of lock. Maybe if she touched the correct sequence of runes in order... But which ones? And how many times? If she guessed wrong, would the device react badly? Could she be trapped in this place forever? The thought sent a shiver through her body. Her gaze drifted back to the mirrored walls, where her reflections moved in and out of sync with her. She stopped in front of one, raising her hand again. The reflection followed, a second too late, then caught up with her. She tilted her head, watching as her mirrored self did the same, but slower, as if struggling to keep up. Her eyes flicked back to the device. Time is wrong here, she thought again, the realization settling in. This wasn''t a lock of metal or stone. It was a lock on time itself. Ebonheim stepped closer again, her fingers flexing at her sides as she studied the shimmering runes that danced across its surface. The runes held her gaze, and now, with more clarity, she began to distinguish something in their chaotic form. They were arranged in three distinct layers, each set pulsing at a different rhythm. The outermost layer glowed gold, its light slow and steady, like the fading embers of a fire long extinguished. The middle layer shimmered with a blue hue, constantly shifting, flickering in time with her every breath. And the innermost layer¡ªbarely visible¡ªwas a pale silver, its light faint and elusive, as if it hadn''t quite solidified into something real. Ebonheim reached out with her divine senses, probing the construct for answers. To her surprise, she felt something respond, though not in words. It was more of a feeling. It felt as though the very essence of time had been woven into the device, and her presence alone stirred the threads. She bit her lip, her fingers itching to touch the runes, to understand them. But this wasn''t something she could solve with brute force or divine power alone. She had to think. She tudied the runes in silence, her brow furrowed as the hum of the chamber reverberated through her chest. The floating construct continued its rhythmic pulse, but the runes¡ªgolden, blue, and faint silver¡ªoffered no immediate answers. Her gaze wandered from the runes to the mirrored walls surrounding her. She couldn''t shake the feeling that her movements were being reflected back at her, but in a way that felt wrong. Her earlier glance at her reflection in the mirrored walls of the chamber had already unsettled her. The image of herself, slightly delayed, replayed in her mind. She glanced at the mirrored wall again. Her reflection stared back, mimicking her movements, but just a fraction too late. She stepped to the side, watching as her mirrored self moved slower than it should. It wasn''t just an ordinary delay¡ªthere was something deliberate about it, something she felt connected to this place. She turned back to the construct, her mind churning. The runes brightened slightly as she approached again. They shifted in sequence¡ªgold on the outside, blue in the middle, and silver faintly flickering at the core. Each layer seemed to pulse with a different rhythm, as if they were tied to separate forces, but she couldn''t tell what they represented. Her reflection moved again, just behind her. The delay wasn''t constant. It changed, depending on how close she stood to the device. Sometimes less, sometimes more. There was a pattern here, something just beyond her grasp. She paused, watching her reflection once more, studying the way it moved. It was like looking at herself from a moment in the past¡ªa version of her that had already acted. And with that realization, it clicked. This place was more than just disorienting¡ªit was manipulating time itself. Her reflections weren''t just delayed; they were echoes of her past actions, replaying out of sync with the present. Ebonheim frowned, her eyes darting back to the runes. The golden ones...could they represent the past? She took a step to the side and watched one of her delayed reflections while watching the golden runes. One flickered at the exact moment her reflection took that same step. She tried again, moving in a different direction this time. Another golden rune shone in response, exactly when her reflection took a second step. And suddenly she understood. The outer layer was the past. She could use it to predict the other two. Ebonheim took another step forward, watching the runes pulse as she moved. The blue layer responded immediately, flickering in tune with her steps, almost as if it was reacting to her actions in real-time. The present, then. It tracked her movements, changing as she acted. But the silver runes¡ªthe innermost layer¡ªthey remained dim, elusive. They were there, but only barely, like the faint outline of something not fully realized. Could they represent the future? It seemed impossible to be sure, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. The silver runes flickered with uncertainty, not yet fixed, much like the future itself¡ªsomething always in motion, never set. Ebonheim''s heart quickened. She wasn''t dealing with a simple mechanism. This device, whatever it was, didn''t just lock a door or a gate¡ªit locked time itself. Her reflection, the shifting sense of moments dragging and speeding up, the delayed movements of her mirrored self¡ªit all pointed to the same conclusion. The construct was manipulating the flow of time, using it as a barrier, a lock she would have to break. She turned toward the mirrored wall again, her reflection now solid, its movements once again a few beats behind her. The golden runes¡ªthe past¡ªthose were echoes, things that had already happened. They couldn''t be changed. The blue runes, though, moved with her now, the present, responding to every choice she made. And the silver¡ªthe future¡ªseemed distant, unreachable. But how could she manipulate these things? How could she possibly influence the past or anticipate the future? She didn''t have a guide to walk her through any of this, just her instincts and the vague impressions she gleaned from the runes. Her mind pressed the Akashic System for an answer, but none came. She sighed and let out an exasperated sigh. Why did everything have to be so hard? Time itself was the key, she knew that much now. The runes, the reflections, the strange fluctuations she had experienced¡ªit all fit together in some way, but the logic escaped her. If this construct was some sort of lock, she''d have to figure out how to crack the code. If each set of runes were tumblers in a lock that corresponded to her action in time, what did she have to do to unlock it? Where could she find the combination? Hopefully not through trial and error. Ebonheim winced at the thought. That meant if she got one wrong and couldn''t reset the entire puzzle... she could wind up stuck in this place forever. Possibly worse. Activating the relevant runes that corresponded to past, present, and future could work. Or perhaps making all three active at once...or setting off all three in an intricate chain reaction. Maybe there were more than three sequences. Wouldn''t she need to test all three combinations and identify the differences in the outcomes? Ebonheim stared at the construct, her mind spinning in circles. Each option carried risk. One wrong move, and she''d never know. After staring at the runes for what seemed like hours, she managed to single out a possible combination. The problem was testing the sequence. She stepped back from the construct, her eyes narrowing. The reflections in the mirrored walls kept replaying her movements, delayed, almost mocking her. It was like she was watching her past selves, seeing each moment she had lived just a heartbeat too late. And the future...well, she couldn''t see that at all. Yet. There was no way to activate the sequence she had in mind. She had no way of changing her past actions to match what the runes needed to activate the correct response. Only the present changed at her whim. Only the blue runes. A thought struck her¡ªa wild, desperate idea. What if the key wasn''t in trying to change what had already happened, but in aligning herself with it? What if, instead of trying to control the flow of time, she had to synchronize with it? But how? Chapter 181: Fractal Conduit, Part VIII Ebonheim stood before the construct, the weight of the task ahead settling upon her shoulders. The pulsing runes¡ªgold, blue, and silver¡ªseemed to watch her as much as she watched them. Time itself was the lock, and she needed to find the key within herself. She glanced back at her reflections in the mirrored walls. Each one was a fragment of herself, moving just out of sync. The delay wasn''t constant; it shifted, sometimes lagging by mere moments, other times by longer stretches. An idea began to form in her mind. If the reflections represented her past selves, perhaps she could use them to her advantage. She turned back to the construct and extended her hand cautiously. The air shimmered around her fingers, a ripple coursing through the chamber. The blue runes brightened at her movement, confirming their connection to her present actions. She withdrew her hand, and they dimmed once more. "All right," she murmured to herself. "If the present runes react to me now, then the past runes must be linked to what I''ve already done." She considered the golden runes. They pulsed steadily, unaffected by her current movements. But perhaps if she could replicate her past actions, align them precisely with the echoes in the chamber, she might trigger a response. Ebonheim recalled her earlier steps upon entering the chamber¡ªthe way she had approached the construct, the hesitation in her movements. She retraced her steps backward, careful to mimic her exact path. As she did, she watched the mirrored walls, noting how her reflections began to align more closely with her. She reached the spot near the entrance where she had first paused. Taking a deep breath, she started forward again, this time paying close attention to each movement. She stepped deliberately, matching her stride to the lingering echoes of her reflections. Left foot, pause, right foot, slight tilt of the head¡ªshe mirrored her own past. As she approached the construct once more, she noticed the golden runes beginning to glow brighter. Her heart quickened. It was working. She continued, repeating the small gestures she had made earlier¡ªthe tentative reach of her hand, the way she had withdrawn. The golden runes pulsed in response, their light growing steadier. Encouraged, Ebonheim decided to test her theory further. She stepped back again, this time moving to the side where she had glanced at the mirrored wall. She turned her head slowly, just as she had before, observing her reflection with the same curious tilt. The golden runes flared slightly, a warm glow filling the chamber. "It responds to me reenacting my past actions," she whispered. "But I need to be precise." She repeated the sequence once more, this time focusing on the exact timing of her movements. Each step, each gesture had to match perfectly. As she did, the golden runes began to hum softly, their light intertwining with the blue runes of the present. Now, the challenge was to bring the past and present into alignment, matching the sequence of runes to her actions in both time periods. She needed to synchronize her reenacted past actions with her current movements. It was like performing a dance with herself, but out of step, and her partners were echoes of her own memories. She moved gracefully, her lithe form echoing through the chamber as she traced her path. The reflections in the mirrors began to sync more closely, the delay shrinking. The golden and blue runes pulsed in unison, their combined light casting intricate patterns on the walls. Ebonheim felt a surge of confidence. Two layers were responding to her. But what of the silver runes¡ªthe future? They remained faint, elusive. How could she interact with something that hadn''t yet happened? She paused, considering. If the past responded to her reenacted actions and the present to her current ones, perhaps the future required her to anticipate her next moves. But how could she demonstrate actions she hadn''t yet performed? An idea sparked. Perhaps she could set the stage for her future self. If she created a scenario now, she could predict how she would act in response. It was a gamble, but it might just work. She looked around the chamber for anything she could use. The room was sparse, but her gear might suffice. She reached into a small pouch at her waist and retrieved a handful of shimmering leaves¡ªtokens from her town, imbued with a touch of her own divine energy. Ebonheim placed a leaf gently on the floor at a specific spot near the construct. Then another, forming a subtle path that curved around the device. She imagined herself walking that path in the moments to come, visualizing each step. Closing her eyes, she focused her thoughts ahead, picturing herself following the trail, reaching out to touch the construct at just the right moment. She opened her eyes, the silver runes flickering slightly, a hint of brightness emerging. "Yes," she breathed. "That''s it." She began to move, stepping back to her starting point. This time, she followed the path of leaves she had laid out, each footfall deliberate. As she progressed, she concentrated on the actions she had envisioned, aligning her intent with each movement. The silver runes responded, their glow strengthening. They were still faint but now visibly connected to her actions. She reached the final leaf, standing directly before the construct. Summoning her resolve, she extended her hand toward the device, fingers outstretched. The runes of all three layers¡ªgolden, blue, and silver¡ªpulsed together, their lights merging into a brilliant cascade. The construct hummed, its sound rising and falling in rhythm with the rippling waves of light. Ebonheim flinched involuntarily but stood firm. She felt a connection, a thread linking her past, present, and future selves. She understood now¡ªthe key was not just in reenacting or anticipating actions but in uniting all aspects of herself in a single moment of harmony. By blending her past, present, and future into a cohesive whole, she had activated the device. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The air shimmered around her hand as she touched the luminous sphere at the center of the construct. Her fingers brushed lightly against its smooth surface, warmth radiating outward. The light flashed once¡ªblinding white¡ªand disappeared. The oppressive weight lifted from the chamber. The reflections in the mirrors snapped into alignment, moving perfectly in sync with her. Time flowed naturally once more. Ebonheim withdrew her hand, staring intently at the now-still orb. The chamber was silent. A low hissing noise emanated from the construct as the orb broke apart, its fragments crumbling away like ash. A burst of golden light emerged from within and shot skyward, passing through the mirrored walls into the fractal dimension beyond. Ebonheim exhaled, feeling the tension leave her body. She had done it. The way forward had been opened. Now, all she needed to do was follow the trail of Quintessence into the next part of the fractal dimension. Good thing she decided to take this path. If it had been Syntris who''d picked this place, he would likely be stuck here forever. Nephri might also struggle with the strange space. Heck, she doubted even Ariastra could tackle the complicated puzzle she had solved. She smiled at her reflection in the mirrored wall. She was getting good at this. With time on her side. "Another down," she said. "Let''s get out of here before everything gets reset..."
How many fractal dimensions has she traversed? Five? Seven? Ten? The endless maze-like journey began to tire her mind. Each riddle, puzzle, and trial she endured in the distorted spatial realms taxed her focus and resourcefulness to the limits. What started as a fun and challenging quest gradually became a tedious and frustrating task. She couldn''t help but let the weariness seep out in her voice. "I hope I don''t get lost..." Ebonheim stepped through the shimmering veil, her vision blurring as she left behind the last stable point of the dimensional pocket she had just navigated through. She rubbed her eyes, trying to focus. The new realm resolved itself after a few moments. She landed on something solid, though it didn''t feel quite like ground. A thin, translucent layer, shimmering like oil on water, spread beneath her feet. She looked down and saw nothing beneath it but a vast void¡ªa dark, endless space, dotted with strange, swirling shapes. After going through so many confusing realms in the fractal dimensions, this shouldn''t have phased her. But even still, she stumbled on unsteady legs. "Where am I?" she wondered aloud. There were layers beneath the surface she stood on, each one shifting like the pages of an invisible book being turned and turned again. Ebonheim took another cautious step, then another, her eyes flicking from side to side, searching for something familiar¡ªanything to anchor herself. But nothing stayed the same for long. The landscape shifted in her peripheral vision: one moment, there were floating mountains, jagged and immense, casting long shadows across the expanse; the next, they dissolved into something akin to clouds, nebulous and uncertain. She turned her head to focus on them, but they vanished again, leaving only faint, quivering traces of what might have been. At least in previous parts of the fractal, she found things. Puzzles or traps she could overcome with the right amount of luck, creativity, or finesse. But here? What kind of puzzles could she possibly solve if she didn''t have a grasp on the rules of this place? Her eyes scanned the horizon, but it too wavered, like a mirage on a hot summer day. She could have sworn she saw something¡ªherself, maybe? A reflection? She blinked again, harder this time, but the figure disappeared before she could study it closely. Strange. It had moved just like she did but slightly out of sync. And it had been watching her. She shivered, her hair standing on end as if electrified. "Right," she whispered, more to herself than anything else. "Stay calm. Just figure it out. Focus on the things that don''t shift and go from there." It sounded easy enough. A soft sound caught her attention¡ªa pebble skittering across the ground¡ªthough "ground" felt like an overly generous word for the patch of unstable space beneath her. Yet, when she looked down, she saw the pebble hadn''t moved at all. Puzzled, she nudged it with her toe. It rolled forward, but a moment later, it was back where it started. "That''s not how pebbles usually behave." She picked up the pebble and tossed it ahead. The pebble spun in the air, but instead of falling, it hung there, suspended for a long, unsettling moment. Ebonheim waited. The pebble hovered, unmoving, as though time had forgotten about it entirely. She frowned and stepped closer to inspect it, but the moment she did, it dropped¡ªclattering to the ground like nothing strange had happened. "All right, I get it," she murmured, folding her arms. "Time''s funny here too." This was either a mind game or something weirder. The latter was often more troublesome. She bent down to pick up the pebble again, but her hand passed right through it. No, not through it¡ªthrough the space where it had been. The pebble was there, and not there. After squinting her eyes, she could tell the pebble existed in another layer beneath her. "Well, that''s not unnerving at all," she muttered. This place seemed out of sync, like it was holding its breath, waiting for her to catch up with it¡ªor maybe waiting for her to fall behind. She bit her lip, unsure of what to do. The air around her vibrated with a low hum, and she turned, expecting to see something. Nothing. But she could sense movement¡ªsomething just out of sight, like a shadow flickering at the edges of her vision. She turned again, slowly this time, and there it was¡ªa glimpse of herself, just for a second, standing several paces behind her. Her heart thudded, but the figure vanished before she could react. A reflection? No, this one was different. It didn''t feel like a mirror; it felt like...a version. A version of her, doing something else, somewhere else. Ebonheim took a slow breath, trying to steady her nerves. She had to think. She had time to stop and think. Just like her experience with the clockwork orb construct in the last dimension she exited, she couldn''t perceive things exactly as they were. What was the theme of this place...? Layers? Misalignment? Does it have something to do with time again? Maybe. This fractal dimension was like a stack of paintings stacked up and flipped through, with each painting overlaid over the others. Layers of realities? Possible. A warped form of reality? Likely. Whatever the answer was, it involved this sense of layeredness. Would that explain why she saw a mirage of herself? Was it another version of her? Another layer of this fractured place? That sounded like it would make sense. But what could she do about it? "This place is layered. I''m misaligned. That''s the issue," she said quietly to herself. "So how do I fix that?" Maybe, if she focused and worked out the pattern in this fractal...if she could line things up correctly...she could pull herself back into sync. Or maybe she''d stumble across another clue. Anything to put her on the right track. She walked forward again, this time slower, more deliberate. The world flickered, fractured, but she tried to move in rhythm with the pulses of the space around her. As she did, she caught her echo following suit, but now, she could see the pattern¡ªthe slight delay, the almost-perfect mimicry. If she timed it just right... She raised her hand a second time, slower still, matching the rhythm of her echo. When their movements aligned, the world steadied. And as she brought her hand to rest by her side, her echo did the same. Gotcha. "Okay," she breathed. "So far, so good." She moved forward again, carefully this time, watching the world bend and shift around her, but now, at least, she had a thread to follow. Chapter 182: Fractal Conduit, Part IX Her perception adjusted to the fractal environment. Slowly. It hadn''t taken her too long to identify how she had to orient herself. In many ways, the rules here operated similar to a pond¡ªa flat, stable area when still but constantly shifting with even the lightest ripples. In the pond''s case, the source of the ripple originated outside of it. A rock thrown into the water displaced the surface. Only, in her case, she was the rock. "So when I make a change here..." She shifted her body into a sprint and started running. As she did so, she caught images of herself blurring past her¡ªin front, behind, and beside. Different iterations of herself in different poses that reflected how her body had been seconds before. Their motions appeared disjointed, creating a perplexing optical illusion as if the image from the mirror had snapped and distorted. Ebonheim gradually stopped running, her movements growing slower. "...It breaks apart again," she finished. "The parts separate." Looking over her shoulder, she saw multiple delayed reflections in constant motion¡ªmoving backward from her current position. "I must keep the movement stable." It had to be smooth, without jerking motions or sudden outbursts of energy. If she maintained that consistency, the layers would move in harmony and stop dispersing. Time and energy... She needed to conserve both while making as little impact as possible on the fractal layers. This should help her move through this distorted reality with less difficulty. However...another issue would prove to be even more pressing. The realm also presented hazards that could emerge when one layer encountered another. Ebonheim stared ahead at a colossal pillar of water towering into the sky. It gushed from beneath the fractured reality''s surface as if unleashed from a previously dormant source. Yet as abruptly as it began, it halted¡ªnot merely splashing onto the surface but merging with another layer as though it were an invisible path, suspended in mid-air. A single beam of sunlight gleamed brightly as the watery column scattered its rays. The waters rose upward and extended ever onward. Yet the waves and ripples she could feel against her body had not dampened her clothes. Ebonheim''s dress remained pristine throughout. "You can do this. Keep calm," she whispered. "This place requires both mind and body in sync." As Ebonheim aligned herself with her surroundings and slipped closer to the center of the space, the world''s strangeness diminished. At least it felt less threatening, less unstable. Her entire body relaxed as her thoughts cleared, the muddled state lifted as the mirages faded out and her surroundings conformed to her expectations. Maybe things would work out in her favor and she wouldn''t run into another obstacle. A change in her luck wouldn''t be undeserved. "What''s next?" she asked rhetorically. Ebonheim moved carefully, each step deliberate and slow, testing the space around her as if the ground itself might buckle under the weight of a misplaced footfall. The layers shifted with her movement but didn''t fracture. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly. She kept moving. The rules here were not the rules of the world she knew. There was no straightforward cause and effect. Even the simplest of actions¡ªraising a hand, taking a step¡ªdidn''t always have an immediate or even a logical outcome. Instead, the results would scatter. Reaching for an object might make it appear a step to the left or slightly behind. Looking at something might cause it to multiply. Every time she looked for her double, they could always be found somewhere nearby. That pattern kept up too, despite the lack of logical consistency. She focused on the distant path, which seemed to spiral upward like a stairway made of light and water. The pillar of water she''d seen earlier was still there, suspended in the air like frozen glass, scattering sunlight. Something tugged at her senses¡ªa ripple, a disruption in the layers. That was when she heard it: a note, soft and melodic, faint as the first whisper of a song carried on the wind. She stopped, listening. The sound drifted through the fractured air, a pure, harmonious tone that stood in stark contrast to the chaotic dissonance surrounding her. Ebonheim straightened, her head tilting slightly as she strained to catch the melody''s source. The longer she listened, the more she realized it wasn''t random. There was a rhythm to it, a pattern, like the gentle strumming of an unseen instrument. Someone''s here. The thought was oddly comforting, like finding a familiar face in a sea of strangers. She began to walk again, this time following the music. The closer she moved toward the sound, the more the world seemed to settle around her. The jagged edges of reality, the unsettling echoes of herself that had followed her steps, began to fade into the background, replaced by a sense of serene, inexplicable harmony. The fractured reflections stopped shifting erratically and began to align with her movements, almost as if they, too, were responding to the melody. Ebonheim took this as a good sign. She walked faster now, with purpose, the earlier caution still lingering but no longer dictating her every action. The path ahead began to clarify, solidifying beneath her feet as if the space itself had decided to cooperate for once. The disorienting pillars of light and water that had once twisted the horizon now seemed distant, receding into the background as the melody became stronger, clearer. That was when she saw the figure. A single form stood at the center of a glowing platform that hovered above the fractured terrain. Light and sound swirled around her, coalescing into radiant waves that pulsed in time with the soft music that filled the air. Ariastra. Her presence here felt like the one stable point in a realm built of dissonance. Ebonheim paused, watching the other goddess for a moment from a distance. Ariastra''s body, as always, was a seamless fusion of human and instrument, her strings vibrating gently with each movement, each note. The ethereal light that emanated from her form bathed the area in soft, soothing hues, casting away the harsh, jagged edges of the fractured dimension. It was as though the mere act of her presence was enough to bring order to the chaos. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. A calming anchor in a storm-tossed sea of uncertainty. She approached quietly, unsure whether Ariastra had noticed her yet. For a moment, she simply watched, mesmerized by the calm she emanated. The sound of Ebonheim''s footsteps must have carried, because Ariastra turned toward her then, her eyes¡ªa shimmering swirl of musical notes¡ªlocking onto Ebonheim''s. Though her face bore no mouth, her expression radiated warmth. The two stood in silence for a moment, taking in each other''s presence. Ebonheim let out a small laugh, the sound of it surprisingly clear. "I was starting to think I''d have to figure all of this out alone." Ariastra''s reply was not so much spoken as felt. Her voice, though not born from a mouth, carried like the first note of a song. "You adapt quickly," she noted, her eyes flickered with something akin to admiration. "You''ve learned to stabilize the ripples in your wake." "I got lucky," Ebonheim admitted with a small smile. "I figured out that if I stay steady, the layers stay calm. But if I rush it, things break apart again." The weight of solitude lifted from Ebonheim''s shoulders as she shared Ariastra''s company again. Ariastra extended her arm towards Ebonheim. With her own movements slightly synced to Ariastra, Ebonheim linked arms with her. "This place..." Ariastra began, "It''s not just fractured. It''s...layered. Each part of it is trying to exist in harmony, but something is disrupting the flow." Ebonheim nodded slowly, her eyes taking in the surreal landscape around them. "Yes, that''s what I also gathered. The way things keep splitting off... It''s like the world can''t hold itself together. Is that the disruption you''re talking about?" Ariastra moved her hands through the air, her long fingers trailing a soft vibration. "Exactly. The different realities¡ªwhat you see as reflections of yourself¡ªare all variations trying to occupy the same space, but their movements don''t line up. Time passes differently. There''s a constant pushing and pulling in the dimension." The imagery reminded Ebonheim of a deck of cards¡ªshuffled repeatedly while trying to deal from it. Except here, the cards represented alternate versions of space. "So...what are we dealing with? Do you know what''s causing it? Or is this the nature of this pocket dimension?" Ariastra tilted her head as if listening to the rhythms in the air. "The misalignment isn''t natural to this space. It''s caused by a disharmony that interrupts the flow. Almost as though an unwanted external influence has found its way in..." "Unwanted? Like someone not meant to be here? Could someone have locked this place and meant for no one to disturb it?" "Not someone, something. A resonating source. When I began playing my strings, it started to respond. Mmm, how should I describe it? A sort of...reality filter, if you will." "A reality filter?" Ebonheim''s brow furrowed. "What kind of filter do you mean?" "When you bring pieces of different realities in proximity," Ariastra explained, "sometimes, their intrinsic vibrations get mixed together. It''s like notes in a chord, each playing at a different frequency. If they''re not played correctly or not attuned properly, they clash instead of harmonizing." Ebonheim closed her eyes. This made sense but didn''t quite click for her yet. She thought back to the numerous reflections of herself, the strange sensation of being in multiple places at once, and how some motions or actions would make the layers disperse. If she had to categorize everything by musical metaphor... She struggled to put words to the revelation she was trying to have. "So... You''re saying the other ¡®reality frequencies'' got off sync and they have to be aligned to fix the problem?" Ariastra gave a subtle nod. "Almost. You''ve got the right idea. But there''s another force distorting the vibrations. It''s what I can sense beneath everything else. A foreign substance spreading into the heart of this space." "Then it''s another lock like the ones we''ve come across before." "Yes." "But how do we find it?" "It''s deeper in this dimension¡ªbefore you arrived, I was tracing the threads of disharmony to their source. I have an idea where to go." Ebonheim inclined her head curiously. "Can you lead?" In lieu of a verbal response, Ariastra gracefully raised an arm and pointed towards the fragmented horizon, where the fractured reflections merged and blurred into an almost dreamlike distance. A ripple, barely discernible, moved from Ariastra and through the realm. The fractured landscapes shuddered but maintained their alignment. And, for a moment, she and Ebonheim stood at the center of a newly cleared path¡ªa stable space amidst the roiling chaos. Ariastra''s long, flowing hand hovered over her ethereal strings, a gesture reminiscent of a dancer waiting to begin their performance. Her fingers twitched slightly as the silvery-white instrument swirled with golden motes. "I''d prefer not to force my way through the distortions," she said. "Navigating these spatial anomalies requires a delicate touch." As the last word left her, a resonance echoed through the space, vibrating through them. The dimensional layers began to reposition, their chaotic shuffling slowing. Some began to align. Ariastra exhaled a silent breath and spoke. "Are you ready?" Ebonheim leaned in slightly at her companion and focused on her movement. "After you." Ariastra moved forward without another word. Ebonheim''s lips pressed into a thin line. Despite her growing confidence in her ability to adapt to these disjointed realms, she felt woefully underprepared for this level of metaphysical displacement. Quick reflexes, sure. Instinct, absolutely. Solving relatively simple puzzles involving runes, she could do. But this? Definitely out of her wheelhouse. She remained keenly aware of how lost she would have been if Ariastra wasn''t here. Had she been forced to figure this out on her own, she likely would have drifted into endless reflections trying to find a path forward. It might have taken her weeks, months, maybe years to unravel this spatial knot. At least Ariastra''s presence was something Ebonheim could rely on. Together, they moved forward, each step deliberate, the music of Ariastra''s presence filling the air with soft, resonant notes. Ebonheim kept her movements slow, focusing on the melody, on the rhythm that Ariastra was weaving through the fractured dimension. With each step, she could feel the tension in the space ease, the layers aligning just enough to keep the world from splintering. They approached a shimmering wall of light ahead, its surface undulating with an unsettling pulse. The distortion was stronger here, the afterimages of herself and Ariastra flickering more frequently, as if the dimension was fighting to keep itself intact. "This is it," Ariastra said, her voice reverberating through the music that surrounded them. "The filter should be on the other side." Ebonheim reached out and placed a hand on the wall. A cold tingle shot up her arm¡ªa result of the foreign element repelling her touch. "How do we get past?" Ebonheim asked. Ariastra lowered her head a fraction and knelt by the edge of the distorted plane. "Remember, the key here isn''t brute force." Her delicate hands spread across the plane as she traced the rhythm with her fingers. Then, Ariastra strummed her strings again, their sound clear and firm. The harmonies interlaced and shifted, subtly altering the rhythm of the space around them. As the notes swelled, the barrier before them vibrated, responding to the harmonic frequencies. Its once impenetrable surface began to ripple, its resonance matching the vibrations of the harmonies. Ariastra stopped for a moment and lifted a hand towards Ebonheim. Ebonheim carefully linked her arm with Ariastra''s. She moved in unison with Ariastra now, the two walking together in a steady, careful rhythm. The resonance hummed between them. As they touched the barrier simultaneously, Ebonheim felt her surroundings shift and warp. She took a step forward and Ariastra followed along with her. Instead of colliding with the barrier, the two figures melted through the space. Their senses stretched, elongated, as they were drawn into a narrow thread, a sliver of space within the distorted reality, like passing through the eye of a needle. Instinctively, Ebonheim slowed her movements further to keep in sync with Ariastra. After a short moment of disorientating warp, the two goddesses found themselves on the other side. They stood in a sprawling courtyard beneath a shimmering canopy of fractured light. At the center, a series of archaic pillars seemed to anchor the disparate realities around them. And in the heart of the pillars: a twisting knot of void-like energy. It hovered there¡ªspasmodic and volatile¡ªits inky tendrils pushing and pulling at the surrounding space. Around the knot, reality itself appeared frayed¡ªcolors leaked and blurred from one plane into another as if painted lines had been smudged by a giant finger. "Is that...the distortion lock?" Ebonheim asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Ariastra nodded. "We found its origin." Chapter 183: Fractal Conduit, Part X For a moment, neither of them moved. Ebonheim''s eyes traced the warped lines of the space, following the way the pillars bent and twisted, as if struggling to hold their form in the presence of the knot''s chaotic pull. The energy at the center shifted and writhed like a living thing, tendrils of dark light stretching outwards before being sucked back into its swirling heart. Beside her, Ariastra''s silvered fingers tightened ever so slightly¡ªthe tension in her usually fluid movements betraying her unease. Ebonheim blinked, and for a split second, she saw the courtyard whole, its pillars unbroken and the sky a smooth, cloudless expanse. But then it snapped back¡ªfractured and unstable, as if reality itself couldn''t decide what it wanted to be. "This isn''t going to be easy," Ebonheim murmured. "Then again... nothing''s been easy since we left the Mandala." Ariastra took a step forward, her fingers trailing through the air as though she were feeling for something unseen. Her strings, which had been still, now vibrated faintly, emitting a low hum. Her iridescent eyes shifted through colors, the musical notes in them swirling in an almost hypnotic pattern. Ebonheim moved too, keeping pace with her. They wove their way through the pillars, navigating around the chaotic smears in space. As they grew closer to the distortion knot, the air pressed against them, thick with an invisible energy that felt like it was pushing them away. "How do we stop something like that?" Ebonheim asked. "The lock is amplifying the distortions," Ariastra murmured, more to herself than to Ebonheim. She began to walk around a pillar and study the surrounding space. "But the problem isn''t just the lock. It''s the broken structure...that''s destabilizing the dimension. Hmm..." She raised a hand, her long fingers hovering over the strings that lined her torso, trailing them in a slow, thoughtful motion. The music that emanated from them subtly changed, adapting to the new tempo and rhythm she had discovered. "Everything here is out of tune," Ariastra continued as if diagnosing an illness. "It''s not just the distortion lock¡ªit''s the space around it, the very fabric of this dimension. The different realities are trying to coexist, but the lock disrupts their harmony. Each layer pushes against the others, creating disharmony. Almost as though they''re fighting for dominance." The silence hung heavy around them as Ebonheim tried to grasp Ariastra''s explanation. But...did it really matter? A lot of things that Ariastra said flew right over her head. Better to stick with what she did understand. Ebonheim frowned, her eyes flickering from the lock to the surrounding pillars. "So...we''re not just dealing with that thing," she nodded toward the knot of void-like energy, "but with the entire space. The lock didn''t break the place¡ªit''s like an illness in a body. And we''re trying to cut the illness out. Right?" "Yes," Ariastra replied. "The lock is at the center, but it''s merely amplifying what''s already fractured. To neutralize it, we''ll have to bring the surrounding layers into alignment first." Ebonheim moved a step back. "How do we do that? How do we fix it?" Ariastra stared at the pillars, her eyes tracing their spiralling lines. "Not fix it. But we can bring the layers close enough to harmony that the lock loses its power. It won''t be perfect¡ªthis distortion goes too deep for perfection here. But stable enough. I hope." "And how do we bring them closer?" Ariastra''s fingers moved again, this time strumming a soft, lilting chord that echoed through the courtyard. The pillars seemed to hum in response, vibrating faintly, as if they recognized the melody. The distortions around them slowed, and for a brief moment, the courtyard stilled. "It responds to music," Ebonheim said, keeping an eye on the shimmering structure before them. Ariastra nodded. "Yes, but it''s temporary. The distortion is too strong for a simple melody to hold. What we need is a more complex harmony¡ªone that matches the vibrations of this space, one that can resonate with the fractured layers and bring them into alignment." "A harmony, huh..." Ebonheim tried to peer into Ariastra''s eyes. "Do you have the skill for that?" Ariastra glanced around. "Yes, but not without help. To succeed, we''ll need to work together." She said ¡®we''. Ebonheim sighed, glancing at the knot of void energy, its tendrils writhing and pulsing as if sensing their presence. "Guess I assumed I could just watch this time around. But I don''t know anything about this fractal world. What could I possibly do?" Ariastra walked with an unsteady gait, a pace dictated by the ever-shifting space around her. "The pillars are key," she said. Her hand lingered near a pillar. "They form the dimension''s boundaries here, its structure. We have to make them harmonize. Then we can proceed towards the lock itself. While I weave the harmony, you''ll need to adjust the pillars. They act as anchors for the different layers of reality, but right now, they''re misaligned. If you can adjust their positions, I can match the vibrations with my music. Together, we can realign this space." The plan wasn''t any clearer than mud. "Okay...," Ebonheim replied while reaching out to a nearby pillar. Its surface flickered under her touch, shifting and vibrating. But as she pushed against it, it offered steady resistance. At least these weren''t difficult to interact with. "And to be clear¡ªyou want me to do what to them?" "Each pillar is like a tuning peg. The position of each one changes the...note this place produces." "How am I supposed to know what''s in tune?" Ariastra smiled, but the musical expression didn''t reach her eyes. "Leave that part to me. I''ll indicate which pillars need to move and how. Your role is to move them before the dimension''s layers fragment again." Ebonheim pursed her lips as she stared at the distorted array. "So this harmony game..." "Yes?" "Do you think I''ll be able to move between the pillars without...breaking anything?" she asked, half-joking but unable to fully mask her concern. Ariastra''s response was a soft, reassuring hum. "You''ve already learned how to move through this space with grace. Just stay attuned to the rhythm I set, and don''t get into a hurry. Remember: Deliberate, but careful." Ebonheim took a deep breath. "Right. No sudden movements, stay in sync with your music. Got it." She cast a glance back at the distortion lock, its chaotic energy pulling at the edges of her vision. "And if we mess up?" Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The other goddess''s silence lingered for a beat too long. Ebonheim laughed, trying to disguise her unease. "Glad to see you''re not blind to the risks." She lightly patted her companion''s shoulder. "It''s fine. I get it." "We can''t fail," Ariastra stressed. "...Right." As the pair stood in the courtyard, Ebonheim pointed to the center where the distortion lock lay. "If I adjust the pillars while you''re doing...whatever you''re doing, what stops the lock from interfering?" Ebonheim asked. "What happens when it attacks us?" "It won''t attack." Ariastra offered. She closed her eyes as if to visualize the entire area as a complex instrument. "We aren''t the intruders here." Ebonheim gave a faint laugh. "Now isn''t the best time to test that theory." "Stay ready just in case. I doubt that''ll be an issue. If you adjust the pillars at a pace to my harmony, and don''t become trapped in the rifts or mirrors of this space again, there''s little reason to worry. Keep that balance in your head and move in rhythm to the beat. I will do my best to guide you." Ariastra lifted her elegant hands above her strings, her fingers poised as though she were about to perform a masterful symphony. In the silence before the first note, the world seemed to pause¡ªbreathing shallowly¡ªwaiting. Then, she played. The music that poured from her fingers was exquisite, ethereal. It resonated through the space, filling the courtyard with a harmonic echo. The pillars, which had seemed so still before, now appeared to sway gently, their spiralling lines shimmering in response. Ebonheim couldn''t help but stare in awe. "Your position¡ª," Ariastra said. "Left three paces, forward six. Stand at a diagonal position." Ebonheim''s focus shifted from admiration to action. She eased into motion, gliding across the courtyard with slow, smooth steps. Around her, the fractured space seemed to yield, bending slightly to the rhythm set by Ariastra''s music. At Ariastra''s direction, Ebonheim stepped next to the first pillar. The crystalline structure towered over her, its surface a shifting kaleidoscope of muted colors. With Ariastra''s hum guiding her, Ebonheim carefully positioned herself next to the pillar. "Place your hands on its surface," Ariastra''s voice flowed like the music around them, soft but authoritative. "Feel the rhythm. You''ll get the timing when the pulse washes over you." As Ebonheim reached out to touch the pillar, her palm flattening against the cool, shifting surface, the courtyard stilled around her. The noise fell away. As time slowed, a silent note began to chime deep within the pillar. "You''ll know the right moment to push. It''ll come in three...two..." On Ariastra''s cue, the pillar gave a subtle pulse under her palm. "Now." Ebonheim exhaled and gave the pillar a nudge. She found herself easing the colossal structure back rather than pushing¡ªalmost like sliding a towering monument through water. But at the same time, there was resistance there. A pushback. The air was so thick. Ebonheim maintained her grip for another beat. As she moved the pillar, a resonance rippled outward, extending to the other pillars in a cascading wave. The reality around them seemed to relax, aligning for a fleeting moment. "Well done. Follow my rhythm and step to the right. Position yourself diagonally from the previous point." As Ariastra directed Ebonheim with hand gestures, her graceful movements matched the rise and fall of the melody, tracing invisible patterns in the air. In the silence between Ariastra''s notes, Ebonheim stepped slowly, positioning herself as instructed. This time, a subtle bass hum was echoed from the pillar. It seemed like a guiding pulse against the silence that filled the rest of the fractured space. They adjusted another pillar¡ªrepeating the same process. Each time a pillar fell into place, the fractured reality around them shifted slightly, gradually slotting together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Ebonheim felt the resonances strengthen. The surrounding structures settled into place. Three, four, five pillars soon hummed with Ariastra''s music, each adjustment a gentle push orchestrated by her musical guidance. The further they went into this practice, the easier they found themselves easing into the process. Ariastra''s music flowed into each pillar. Ebonheim nudged them with less difficulty as the resistance began to weaken. Everything felt more at ease. Bit by bit, the fractured courtyard realigned. The sky above clarified and stabilized, the chaotic lines smoothed out. Ebonheim relaxed. The dimensional lock slowly constricted and settled at the center of the pillars, its shape going from a spasmodic knot into something that resembled an imperfect circle. The tentacles of dark energy gradually receded as the pillars that Ariastra and Ebonheim had brought into harmony seemed to dampen the void-like substance. Almost done. When she adjusted the last pillar, the air around them settled into a near-quiet state. As the final note from Ariastra''s music faded, the surrounding landscape took on a more unified appearance. The layers of reality¡ªonce chaotically overlapping and contorted¡ªnow seemed to melt into each other, their boundaries softening into a harmonious blend. The pillars, too, had shed their discordant spirals, now standing tall and uniform. And at the center, the distorted knot of void energy¡ªthough not fully dissolved¡ªappeared subdued, its size significantly reduced. "Now, Ebonheim. Destroy the lock." Ebonheim''s head snapped to attention. "Do what now?" "With the alignment in place, the lock''s power has weakened." Ariastra kept her body between Ebonheim and the lock as if to block anything that might try to break through. "Take advantage of this vulnerability and end its disruption." Her plan had apparently always involved Ebonheim using her skills to smite this barrier. Ebonheim grinned. "...Don''t need to tell me twice." She conjured her bow, fingers tight around the ethereal string. With a smooth movement, she drew the bowstring back, feeling the thrum of power beneath her fingertips. Her Enchanted Essence Bolt glimmered to life, a radiant arrow made of pure divine energy. Its form sparkled and flared with a brilliant aura, casting a shimmering light that danced across the now-harmonized courtyard. Ebonheim angled the tip towards the distortion lock. "You were an excellent accompaniment," she said in jest. The arrow whistled through the air¡ªa gleaming missile of purity. It collided with the lock. The impact flared in a brilliant detonation of light. The remnants of the void-like substance evaporated in the surge of energy, leaving the space before them cleansed and empty. Behind Ebonheim, Ariastra lifted her fingers to her strings and plucked a final, resounding chord. The courtyard around them quivered softly. As the dust settled and the light from her Enchanted Essence Bolt dimmed, Ebonheim scanned their surroundings. The courtyard was serene. The air¡ªno longer fractured and distorted¡ªsettled into a clear and harmonious calm. The sky above transitioned into a steady blue expanse once again. Her gaze drifted to her right where Ariastra stood still. "Another obstacle conquered," Ariastra offered, her voice soft yet resonant amidst the newfound calm. Ebonheim placed her bow on her shoulder. "A teamwork job. I don''t think we would have made it nearly as far through this place alone." "Mmm," Ariastra offered as her sole response. Ebonheim looked around for the Quintessence trail that should lead to the next aperture. But to her dismay, she saw only the normal clear glow of the realm around them. "Wait...that''s odd. Are we not¡ª" "Hmm." Ariastra twisted her body left and right. "This place is clear but..." Ariastra''s voice trailed off, her head tilting slightly as though she were listening to something only she could hear. Ebonheim watched her closely, noting how the ethereal strings along her body began to hum faintly, vibrating with an energy that felt oddly familiar. The air around them, though calm now, still shimmered with traces of the remnants of the lock''s energies, as if the dimension itself hadn''t fully settled from the disruption they had just undone. Then, the shimmering began to shift¡ªsubtly at first, then more clearly, like ripples spreading across a pond. Ebonheim blinked, and before she could ask what was happening, the space around them seemed to peel away, the courtyard dissolving into layers of light and shadow. The world grew thin and translucent, and through it, she began to see something else¡ªa glimpse of another reality, overlaid like a reflection on the surface of water. "There," Ariastra said, her voice smooth and unhurried, though her eyes gleamed with interest. "It seems we aren''t quite finished. Look." Ebonheim turned her gaze to where Ariastra was pointing. The shimmering distortion had resolved itself into a window¡ªno, a series of windows. They hovered like fragile panes of glass suspended in the air, each framing a scene from what seemed like another realm. Chapter 184: Fractal Conduit, Part XI The first window, closest to them, showed Aetheron. He stood in the midst of a landscape of light and crystalline structures¡ªan endless expanse of shifting, translucent planes that folded and unfolded like the pages of a book. His form, pale and glass-like, shimmered with iridescence, and he moved with deliberate grace, stepping carefully as though to avoid shattering the fragile structures that surrounded him. Ebonheim blinked. "Is that...?" "Aetheron," Ariastra answered, her eyes focused on the scene before them. "It seems like the others are still working through their own realities. The filters there haven''t been neutralized yet." In the ethereal landscape beyond the window, Aetheron continued his cautious walk. His reflective gaze darted between the glassy folds surrounding him. A radiant mist hung in the air around him, each particle of light glinting with his movements. A slow grin spread across Ebonheim''s face. "So, we get to watch the show?" Ariastra responded with a glint in her eye. "So it seems." As they watched, Aetheron found himself at a juncture where several crystalline planes intersected, forming a space of fragile geometry. He hovered in the center, his head tilted back to observe the delicately balanced structures above him. With a graceful wave of his hand, a tendril of light extended from his fingertip, reaching out to touch one of the glassy planes. The instant his light made contact with the structure, a cascade of sound washed over him¡ªthe dissonant clamor of a thousand cracked bells. The plane above him began to fracture, spiderweb cracks spreading out from the point of contact. Alarmed, Aetheron drew back his hand, his iridescent eyes widening. "A delicate operation," Ariastra mused softly. "That looks... confusing," Ebonheim muttered, tilting her head to try and analyze the shattered geometry in the crystal world. Aetheron circled the structure and observed the shifting cracks. He stood with his arm extended again and strands of light weaved out from his fingers. They began to wrap around the plane, joining the cracks. "...Do you have any idea how this is supposed to work?" "I...do not," Ariastra admitted after a pause. "But a good view in nonetheless." He focused on one large crack on the plane before him. He appeared to test different ways of interacting with the crystal and struggled to find one that worked. Meanwhile, Ebonheim leaned closer to the window¡ªso close that her breath fogged against the fragile surface, blending with the mist that lingered in Aetheron''s realm. "Hmmm..." Ebonheim murmured to herself. "He doesn''t seem to know how to solve this puzzle." Ariastra gave a soft, amused hum. "Ah, but Aetheron''s mind is uniquely suited to this challenge. He thinks in angles and lines. This should intrigue him." As she said that, they saw Aetheron pause before the largest fracturing area. He took a small step forward and slowly and methodically connected each end of the fractured crystal. When he was finished, a structure existed on the crystal similar to a spiderweb. The light connected every crack-end on the large surface plane. All these lines coalesced into a singular point towards the center. The crystalline structure balanced at a fulcrum there. Aetheron moved again but was cautious not to interrupt the support he had provided. He avoided every delicate strand of light, walking close to the edge of the pane. After navigating around the structures, he crouched into a ready stance in front of the nexus of all intersecting points. He lifted his right arm. His index finger glowed slightly. From the fingertip, he extended a shimmering, thin, silver beam. He aimed at the center. Ebonheim perched with anticipation. "..." "I need to know...what happens there!" Ebonheim blurted out. "Wait¡ªwhy? Why''s he stopped? What''s he waiting for?" Her immediate outburst drew a curious glance from Ariastra. "You grow invested in this spectacle," Ariastra commented. "How could I not?" Ebonheim exclaimed. "Just look at this. Why pause in the middle of something so tense?" "Aetheron plans his movements carefully. I wonder what thoughts weave through his mind, dictating his precise motions." Aetheron sat there for a long moment. "He''s delaying too long!" Ebonheim spoke with impatience. Ariastra tilted her head at her. "It''s a high-pressure situation for him." "I know! That''s what worries me." She clenched her teeth. "Get on with it!" Then, he finally moved. His beam made contact with the center of the fulcrum. In that instant, a rippling energy surged outward across the crystal, illuminating every strand that supported it. For a moment, the structure seemed to hang in mid-air. But when the light faded, the webwork dissolved along with all the fracturing across the surface, leaving an unmarred crystal plane. Everything balanced and reset to normal. The area once more looked untouched and pristine. Aetheron gracefully rotated his body around to the unscathed plane behind him. The tension in his posture eased, his relief palpable as a small shudder ran through his translucent form. Ebonheim exhaled¡ªrelief flowing over her face. "Finally." "He succeeded in his task. Of course. But we have another spectacle." Ariastra directed Ebonheim''s attention to another window with a subtle motion. There, the sight of Nephri came into view.
Unlike Aetheron''s realm of light, Nephri''s domain was fluid, constantly shifting like the surface of an endless ocean. Her serpentine form glided through the water-like reality, her iridescent scales glittering amidst the waves. Here, there were no discernible structures¡ªonly layers upon layers of flowing water, each carrying its own distorted reflection of Nephri as she moved through them. "Woooow." Ebonheim couldn''t tear her gaze away. "Is she underwater? What a space." "Intriguing, isn''t it? A liquid world where layers are as plentiful as the waves. How will she navigate such fluidity?" Ariastra floated alongside Ebonheim near the pane. While the pair''s divine bodies levitated weightlessly within this space, the world of water had ensnared their attention. Tendrils of liquid energy swirled around Nephri, responding to the movements of her body as she twisted and coiled through the space. The water seemed to part before her, bending to her will as though she were the very embodiment of the currents. "She''s a bit too comfortable in there," Ebonheim commented. "Will she try to get through this as quickly as possible? Or relax?" "She''ll want to continue as soon as possible," Ariastra replied. Nephri''s tail swished behind her, stirring eddies in the water-like energies surrounding her. Her movements left brief trails of light and her shimmering scales shifted hue with each subtle change in the currents. She slowed, seeming to pause to evaluate her surroundings. Then she turned towards the left¡ªa sharp swerve that should''ve propelled her onward through the liquid mass. Instead, her body abruptly halted mid-thrust. Some invisible restraint thwarted her advance. She coiled back on herself in confusion. "I wonder what''s going through her head," Ebonheim murmured. "Mm. Perplexity. Fascination. Intrigue," Ariastra hypothesized, her words slipping through the air. "My guess? A liquid world where each layer affects her in distinct ways. Some must be malleable while others impede progress." "Too tricky for me..." With a flex of her serpentine body, Nephri dove beneath the currents only to appear several layers lower. As she surfaced, her body morphed slightly. Fins emerged from her long neck and sides, shimmering with faint iridescence against the surrounding water. Ebonheim''s eyes widened. "Adaptation. A transformation suited to the medium she treads?" Nephri shot through the layers and explored every one she could. Her body moved about each space with new flexibility. While she navigated one layer, her tail would sharpen. The next layer, her scales would close up or extend from her body. Each one altered her shape somehow. And when she moved again, she took advantage of whatever form would give her the upper hand. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "A distinct trait to her arsenal," Ariastra mused. On the water''s surface, a soft glow danced from beneath. Nephri plunged downward and spiraled through layers of liquid energy until she reached the light source. She swam there, circling the object: a crystalline shape hidden beneath the waters. As she coiled around it, the world froze¡ªlayers locked in place¡ªand in her presence, the structure shuddered before bursting outward into droplets of light. For an instant, all layers rose as the space wove itself back together in unison. They realigned from her actions, restoring continuity to her realm. "Now I wonder," Ariastra said as she watched the realm before them meld together. "Nephri''s journey must be the easiest by comparison. If someone tried to complete this one, how would they fair without the flexibility of her divine form? My question to you, Ebonheim: Do you believe you could adapt to the task? How?" "Hmm..." Ebonheim shrugged. "I would like to think I could have but I don''t think so. Definitely not. She''s used to water. She can take on so many different forms. Water goddess. What''s more perfect? Probably nothing." Ariastra gazed back at Ebonheim, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "Even we gods have our preferred playgrounds." Ebonheim chuckled. "Agree." "Now we observe Syntris." "Oh boy," Ebonheim said with a heavy dose of sarcasm. "Not the best way to end this sequence. I hope he didn''t land on one of the trickier dimensions. That wouldn''t bode well for him."
Syntris''s window differed drastically from the others. Within an expanse of obsidian blackness, craggy pillars of stone jutted out. Deep fissures cut through the stony landscape, emitting a faint, ember-like glow akin to magma veins. Overhead, nebulous clouds churned in dark shades of crimson. In the center of this stark and severe environment, Syntris¡ªtall and armored¡ªstood as a monolith against the bleak backdrop. His presence offered a gleam amidst the shadowy stillness of his fractured dimension. A dark fortress-like structure loomed large behind him. Silhouetted against the hazy red sky, it rose with stark contours. Jagged parapets framed its roofline, while towers spiraled skyward like granite pillars. His steely demeanor contrasted starkly with his environment. "Can''t tell what he''ll have to do there," Ebonheim said. "Too...plain? What could he face? So simple here..." "Mm. Simplicity needn''t equate to ease. Some realities show strength in their starkness," Ariastra responded quietly. As they watched through the shimmering pane, Syntris walked towards a crevice. A magma-red glow burst forth. He seemed unfazed by the surge. He instead inspected the glowing core, where pulsating energies flowed in erratic patterns, seemingly connected to the destabilized state of the dimension. Cautiously, he peered into the crevice before signaling with a nod and gripping a pair of protruding rocks with his hand. With a powerful jerk, he ripped a slab of stone from the earth. "What on earth is he..." Ebonheim tilted her head. "Making an opening?" "A...possibility," Ariastra replied. Another glow built. Red mists bled out from the cracks before erupting forth in a flare. Waves of crimson energy buffeted Syntris, battering his form. But his grip remained unyielding. Yet this blast would be only the first of many to follow. Each surge grew in intensity. Syntris pressed the slab hard against the fissure while each blow drove against his structure. He used the slab to withstand the battering blows. Smoke began to pour from behind him. The edges of his armor had started to glow orange at his joints. Sparks escaped from within. "So. We witness a manifestation of his warrior''s might. Enduring the very essence of this reality''s disarray," Ariastra commented. "Urgh! I want to punch something so badly just by watching him..." Ebonheim took a small swing to help fulfill her need to make her own hits against nothing. "Come on, Syntris!" Syntris persisted despite the relentless onslaught. But as more fiery energy beat at him, he began to buckle. He dropped to one knee. Ebonheim winced as the metallic squeal of straining plates and the hiss of rupturing joints emanated from him. Syntris''s golden glow was starting to dim with a faint touch of rust at its corners. He struggled to rise to his feet again. As the onslaught intensified, he hunched deeper under the slab, bracing for each hit. Smoke now wafted from various parts of Syntris. His metal panels looked partially scorched and seared from the ongoing impacts. Ebonheim covered her face with a palm. Syntris re-gripped his slab-shield and wrenched his knee upward. A muffled grinding sound could barely be heard in the background. As he finally managed to get back up to his feet, an inner glow resumed within him. His metal plating looked like it had recouped its robust shine from before. Ebonheim''s eyes widened. "He''s fixed himself? Ah! ...He can do that? Just like that?" "An...intriguing revelation indeed. Though not entirely unexpected. There are a few powerful regenerative powers that the Akashic System can bestow during the Divine Auctions." While Syntris continued to press the stone against the fissure''s opening, his body absorbed more impacts. The constant bludgeoning cracked his armor further. Sparks shot out from every seam. But even as the glow of his plates waned to a mere glimmer, he kept pushing. "Come on! You got this! Piece of cake!" Ebonheim yelled at him. "You realize he cannot hear you...correct?" Ariastra reminded her. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Still don''t want to not say anything when it looks like he needs all the encouragement he can get." "Another human habit?" "That''s the thing." Ebonheim smiled and started to whistle loudly. "Who really needs encouragement here? But someone''s gotta." "How thoughtful of you." "Don''t you start." Ebonheim playfully punched the goddess to her right. On the other side of the window, Syntris continued to press his arm into the stone cover, fixing its position to the opening in the rock. Steam rose from where he touched the surface as the elements connected. As his plating fused with the cover slab, he drew himself tighter against it, firmly sealing the crevice shut. Then, like a tightly wound spring set free, a shudder rippled through the environment, propelling Syntris backwards. He careened wildly over the terrain before tumbling to a stop in a cloud of dust. "Ouch!" Ebonheim recoiled at the sight. "Bet that''s gonna leave a mark." There amidst the dust and debris, Syntris climbed to his feet. As the smoke around him dissipated, he faced the looming dark fortress against the hazy sky behind him. With steady strides, he advanced toward the colossal structure. His glow radiated once more¡ªa resolute beacon against the backdrop of the dim landscape. Dust fell off his form. Despite his battered state, his demeanor bore an air of satisfaction. "One challenge down" would have been an appropriate inscription to his current situation. "Oh¡ªphew! Look at him. Trying to show off and making me think he did any harder than you did!" Ebonheim pointed through the window. "Talk about showboating!" "Yes. At least our adventure was far more elegant. Unlike this one." "Exactly! So extra. But I''ll admit...an admirable display all the same." Ebonheim folded her arms with a subtle smirk on her face. As Syntris advanced toward the massive edifice ahead, its gates gradually opened. Behind those colossal doors, a towering construct surged¡ªfour glistening metal arms driving rhythmic movements. Its broad base gripped the earth as it maneuvered. In response to this new threat, Syntris poised himself and lunged forward, conjuring a maul within his grip and dashing straight for his massive foe. Syntris roared, his voice like the clash of steel against steel, and brought his hammer down with tremendous force. The ground beneath him rippled, sending shockwaves through the metal expanse. The guardian staggered but did not fall, its many-faceted eyes gleaming with otherworldly light as it retaliated, sending beams of energy lancing toward him. "He''s...not one for subtlety, is he?" Ebonheim remarked, her eyes wide as she watched the titanic struggle unfold. "The grace of a sledgehammer," Ariastra replied wryly, "and the determination to match." Ebonheim chortled. "That aside," Ariastra turned to face her. "Syntris is a craftsman and a warrior. He prefers to shape his reality with force and precision. Look closely¡ªeach strike is calculated, not just to defeat the guardian, but to shape the battlefield itself." Ebonheim squinted, her eyes following the path of Syntris''s hammer. She noticed, now, how each blow left behind a trace of radiant energy, a shimmering afterimage that lingered in the air. The energy coalesced into geometric patterns, reinforcing the space around him, as if he were weaving a new reality with each strike. Ariastra observed her closely. "How many patterns do you count?" Ebonheim closed her eyes before snapping them open. Her gaze shot left and right and took in the count of each seal. "...Eight? Nine?" She wasn''t sure but tried to bluff anyway. "Close. Eleven." Ariastra responded. As Syntris''s onslaught continued, the metal monstrosity responded in kind. It sent forth shockwaves through the ground, shook the earth, and hurled gouts of flame that spiraled across the darkening sky. Ebonheim saw now, however, how Syntris''s efforts went beyond the clash. With every hit, he directed the energy not just at his foe but also into the surrounding environment. Geometric designs traced through the air in intricate detail as he aimed another hit. The arcs flared brightly, painting luminous lines across reality like the strokes of a calligrapher''s brush. Some glowed with a cool, calming blue. Others rippled with orange flame. "He''s...reforging the realm," Ebonheim realized, her voice tinged with awe. "He''s using the battle to strengthen the structure." "Precisely," Ariastra explained. "Watch the realm coalesce. Order and chaos battle for supremacy in every fracture. Their conflict serves as the core to realigning this damaged dimension back into harmony." While they battled, Syntris hurled his sledgehammer upwards¡ªjust above the tip of the metal construct''s head. As if splitting a block of marble, a deep fissure streaked downward across its frame and divided it in two. Syntris followed through with a midair backflip and finished his arc by swinging his hammer with both hands. "Right down the middle..." Ariastra mumbled. The full momentum of his swing swung out. BANG! Syntris struck through the entire construct in front of him and took apart the monstrous creation. The fragmented parts hurtled outwards into a shockwave, and the jagged debris rained down like metallic hail. With a sharp clatter, the metallic remnants of Syntris''s vanquished foe clattered to the ground. Ebonheim chuckled. "How showy." Then he landed on his feet. The fissures along the dark landscape began to dissipate, along with the smoky gloom that shrouded the sky above. A dimmed amber light began to break through. Syntris absorbed his hammer back into his hand and straightened. Ebonheim shook her head, a small grin tugging at her lips. "And here I thought we had it tough." Ariastra offered a small laugh. "We did have our hurdles, though." "Don''t get me wrong," Ebonheim shrugged, holding her hands up in surrender. "We also put in the work." Ariastra began to count out on her hand. "Navigating through a landscape rife with fracturing dimensional layers...playing a complex harmony among interlocking structures...we''ve had our moments." Ebonheim snickered. "Who doesn''t love a challenge?" In the quiet moment that followed, the widows wavered and shifted like disturbed waters. They swirled and wove themselves back into an empty haze. Ebonheim stared at their surroundings. "Our cue to depart?" "So it seems." In front of them, an aperture gradually dilated. A radiant and soothing light seemed to stream from its center, beckoning them onwards. Ebonheim arched an eyebrow at Ariastra. Ariastra nodded. "Through there." A quick blink later, Ebonheim''s grin widened. "Then what are we waiting for?" Chapter 185: Fractal Conduit, Part XII Ebonheim and Ariastra stepped into the portal and emerged onto a plateau in a realm bathed in an ethereal glow. Before them lay a vista of translucent structures and intricate geometric forms, all shimmering against the backdrop of a star-speckled sky. The plateau where they stood was a smooth, glass-like surface reflecting the celestial expanse above. Its edges were ringed by an iridescent mist that rose and fell rhythmically as if breathing with the fabric of the realm. Beyond this perimeter, cascading tiers of translucent platforms descended into the ethereal distance, each tier emitting a subtle, pulsating light that danced along its contours. In the center of the plateau rose a towering crystal spire, its facets glinting with an inner luminescence. At its base, suspended within a web of interlocking metallic filaments, hovered a large, radiant sphere. Ebonheim''s Divine Sight kicked in immediately. She surveyed the radiant sphere in the center. She detected a massive reservoir of Quintessence within. "So...this is the final leg of our journey?" she asked. She glanced back at Ariastra, who had already taken a step forward. "Indeed. This is where our paths converge with the others," Ariastra affirmed, her gaze fixed on the sphere. "The final lock of quintessence, bound within that core. Its release shall signal our collective triumph." "Are there no more traps?" Ebonheim''s question hung in the air. "Too quiet. Too easy." Ariastra gave a thoughtful nod. "We mustn''t be deceived by the tranquility that surrounds us. Hmm, it appears we''re the first to arrive. Let''s set the stage for a grand reunion. Shall we?" Ebonheim nodded but kept her gaze fixed on the radiant sphere, uneasy. The silence here felt deliberate, like a held breath. This was no tranquil harbor¡ªthey stood at the edge of something waiting to wake. As Ebonheim''s attention lingered on the core, Ariastra turned her focus towards the perimeter of their plateau. With a wave of her hand, she conjured a soft melody that echoed through the space. The sound reverberated, gently pushing against the edges of their surroundings. "I do not detect any imminent threats," Ariastra murmured. Her fingers continued to weave threads of music into the air as if testing the unseen boundaries of the realm. "But this stillness¡ªit''s almost...too complete." Ebonheim frowned. "I''ve got the same feeling." Her senses were on edge, her every instinct screaming caution. Yet the scene before her remained a serene tableau¡ªa deceptive calm that masked an unknown storm. A low sound¡ªlike a distant thunder¡ªrolled across the plateau, though the sky remained clear and unchanging. Then, from the misty perimeter, a portal spiraled open. A figure emerged¡ªAetheron. He stepped onto the plateau, his form shimmering with the iridescent hues of the realm. "Ah. Ariastra and Ebonheim." His voice carried a hint of surprise. "So you arrived before us." His gaze shifted towards the core at the center. "And there it is¡ªthe final convergence, as predicted." Ariastra inclined her head towards him. "The journey was not without its peculiarities." "I could say the same." He acknowledged her words with a slow nod. "Each path through these dimensions offered its own unique set of challenges. Some more...esoteric than others." Ariastra''s fingers strummed an absentminded note on her strings. "Yes, the trials were varied and, in my case at least, involved a rather intriguing puzzle of resonant frequencies and spatial dissonance." Aetheron raised a brow. "How intriguing. I faced a realm of shifting crystalline structures. Their angles and alignments held the key to progression." He glanced back at the portal behind him. "Nephri should arrive shortly. Our paths intersected during our journey here." At his words, another figure materialized from the portal¡ªNephri. She glided across the plateau, her serpentine form coiling and uncoiling in an elegant dance. As she approached, her attention was drawn immediately to the core. She observed it with her unblinking eyes before turning her gaze towards the assembled group. "Ariastra. Ebonheim," Nephri nodded at each. "Thy paths have led thee here as well." Ebonheim returned her nod and smiled. "Looks like we''re all in this together now. Well...when Syntris arrives." Aetheron turned his head to the perimeter. "He''s...still en route, I presume?" His gaze swept across the misty borders, as if expecting another portal to materialize at any moment. "The stillness of this realm does not bode well for lingering." Ariastra''s notes paused. "Indeed. Ebonheim and I were just remarking on the quiet...and the potential threat it may cloak." Her words trailed off as a third portal began to form, its edges rippling with a soft, golden light. They all watched as the portal opened, revealing the towering form of Syntris. He emerged with a measured stride and stood on the plateau. His armor gleamed brightly, as if freshly forged, contrasting starkly against the ethereal backdrop of the realm. "Hmph," Syntris grunted. "The convergence point." He glanced at each of the gathered figures before his eyes settled on Ebonheim. "So we meet once again...on the brink of resolution. I''m surprised our little fledgling goddess survived her journey." A low chuckle escaped him. Ebonheim gave a mock bow. "I''m not surprised you survived. You have that special kind of luck, don''t you?" Syntris grunted again and turned his attention back to the core. "So, this is the heart of the matter." He extended his arm, and a radiant hammer materialized within his grip. "Then let us begin." "Hold thy hammer, Syntris," Nephri''s voice rang out sharply. "I sense a deception here. A veil of stillness hangs about this realm, too profound to ignore." Syntris glanced at Nephri but did not lower his hammer. "Deception? In what form?" Ariastra interjected, "We''ve all noted the tranquility here¡ªtoo perfect, too...complete. A deliberate stillness. It''s likely to conceal something within its folds." "Hmm," Syntris grunted, his gaze returning to the core. "A ruse, then." Aetheron''s eyes narrowed as he surveyed their surroundings. "I agree. This quietude...it''s a facade. For what purpose though, I cannot yet discern." As they deliberated, the radiant sphere at the center pulsed gently, as if responding to their presence and conversation. Its soft light cast long, shifting shadows across the plateau. "It''s too easy," Ebonheim reiterated. "Everything has led up to this. No way we''ve come this far for no resistance." She squinted. "Where are the traps? Where are the guardians? If we''ve come this far, we should have triggered something already." Aetheron nodded. "Agreed. The trials we faced along the way pale in comparison to what we should expect at this juncture. There is something...more. Lurking beneath the surface perhaps. Waiting." His eyes swept the group. "We must tread with utmost caution." A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Syntris grunted his agreement but kept a firm grip on his hammer. "If a threat presents itself, I shall be ready. But for now," He gestured towards the core. "Shall we begin? I would see this journey through to its conclusion." As they made their way towards the crystal spire, Ebonheim found herself standing a bit further back. Her eyes kept darting around. The plateau stretched out before them like an open stage, wide enough to encompass her whole town several times over. It was a vast, lonely expanse, yet it felt like the epicenter of something immense and unknowable. The starry sky above provided little comfort, its distant lights like indifferent observers to their actions below. As she moved with the group, Ebonheim felt the pressure immediately, like a great invisible hand tugging her in multiple directions at once. The plateau around them flickered, the edges of the misted horizon blurring and warping, as if the entire realm were caught in the throes of an uncertain dream. The ground beneath Ebonheim''s feet rippled, though it appeared perfectly smooth. A wave of disorientation surged through her, like standing on the deck of a ship while the horizon tilted ever so slightly. Her vision swam, colors bleeding at the edges, distorting the world around her. Shapes flickered, shifted¡ªAetheron, just ahead of her, seemed to step forward and then backward in the same breath. Ariastra''s figure wavered, as if caught between frames of a moving painting, each moment misaligned with the next. Ebonheim blinked, but the effect didn''t fade. Time felt stretched, warped¡ªone moment she stood still, and in the next, a flash of something else entirely. She caught glimpses of her own hand, raised in triumph. Then it flickered, and her hand was bloodied, gripping her bow in a desperate battle. Each image was too brief to grasp, gone before she could understand it. Her breath caught in her throat. Was this some kind of trick? She swallowed hard, instinctively flexing her fingers to check if they still obeyed her. They did. But the feeling remained, the lingering sense that she was walking through a fractured mirror, her reflection splitting and rejoining at random. She glanced sideways at Ariastra, whose form flickered, her elegant strings vibrating in discordant tremors. For a second, she disappeared, then reappeared just ahead, her movements lagging as if reality couldn''t quite keep up with her. Ariastra raised her hand to the strings woven through her form, plucking a note, but her melody wavered in the air, stretched and broken into dissonant echoes that reverberated across the expanse of the plateau. Ahead, Aetheron''s outline blurred at the edges. As she watched, his form split and recombined¡ªtwo figures overlapping momentarily before snapping back into one. His hand, raised to gesture at the core, flickered in and out of focus, the gesture repeated but never quite completed. Nephri''s serpentine body rippled as if underwater. Her movements were a series of still frames¡ªcoiling and uncoiling without the smooth transitions of her usual grace. And Syntris, with his hammer in hand, appeared to both stride forward and stand still. His armored form fragmented, breaking into a thousand mirror images that reassembled just as quickly, leaving him disoriented and stumbling. "It''s...coming apart," Aetheron breathed out, his voice wavering in the unstable air. "Reality here...is unraveling. It pulls us¡ªfragments us into...possibilities." His words, like the rest of him, seemed to stutter and overlap, as if he were speaking from multiple moments at once. Another flicker¡ªa shadow of herself, but not quite her. There, in front of the core, kneeling. Her body slack, as if defeated. Then she blinked, and the vision was gone. She stared at where the vision had been. Possibilities? Did he mean different outcomes of what could be? Different outcomes that could occur right now? She''d seen¡ªno, she''d felt something¡ªjust moments before, but to call it another reality seemed premature. Aetheron''s gaze fixed on Ebonheim. "Stay together. This...unraveling, these... possibilities¡ªit''s a trap. Designed to...to break us. We must resist its pull." His form flickered once more, overlapping with a version of him that looked drained, diminished. Another flash of disorientation. Aetheron stood at the core''s center, his body drained and empty, as if all his essence had been pulled from him. Ebonheim shook her head and the vision dissolved. The realm seemed to twist around them, the plateau stretching out like taffy. Ebonheim saw herself standing at the edge of the plateau, peering into the mists, only to be jerked back as the ground beneath her shifted and warped. She felt herself split¡ªpart of her standing by the core, another part at the plateau''s edge, yet she remained rooted to her original spot, untouched by the schism. The split selves wavered like mirages before merging back into one, leaving her disoriented but whole. Did she have any powers in her arsenal that could counteract what was happening? What did she even call this? A fracturing realm? A time schism? Whatever it was, a quick assessment of her powers left her stumped. Nothing in her repertoire seemed to offer a clear solution to the spatial and temporal instability she faced. She couldn''t stitch the fabric of reality back together. Her only real options were to push forward and hope for the best or stay back and avoid the effects entirely. She watched the core''s pulsating glow. It''s probably the source. Ebonheim gritted her teeth. She glanced around at the other gods, each struggling with the same disorienting phenomena. If they were pushing on, so was she. She focused on each step, willing her form to coalesce and stay present. As the neared the core, the disorienting effect that had plagued them began to shift. The rippling distortions slowed, the overlapping versions of herself and her companions faded, and the surreal flickers of alternate realities gradually diminished. The closer they moved towards the core, the more grounded everything became. The fractured possibilities that had danced at the periphery of her vision ceased altogether. Her breathing, rapid before, evened out as if an invisible pressure was lifted. Ebonheim stole a glance at the others¡ªthey too seemed to regain their bearings, their forms solidifying, the blurred edges of their silhouettes sharpening. The plateau beneath their feet felt steady again, the ethereal landscape no longer stretching and warping. But the oppressive stillness remained, unnerving in its completeness. Then, as they neared the spire, the reflective surface of the plateau rippled again, but this time it was different. The shift wasn''t erratic like before; instead, a deliberate wave swept across the expanse. The glass-like surface at the base of the spire began to distort, warping into undulating waves that pulsed outwards in concentric rings. And then the ripples began to converge. At first, it was subtle¡ªa mere shimmer in the air, barely perceptible. But as the ripples intensified, a colossal figure started to form from the distortion. It stepped out of the reflection like a shadow peeling away from the surface, coalescing into something more substantial with every moment. The form was humanoid at first glance, but as it solidified, its appearance became more alien. Its body shimmered and flickered, as if it couldn''t decide which shape to take. One moment, its limbs were sharp, angular, and crystalline; the next, they flowed like liquid metal, melding into smooth curves. Jagged fragments of reflective armor covered its body, shimmering with the same ethereal light as the core. Its head lacked distinct features¡ªno eyes, no mouth¡ªonly a smooth, reflective surface that mirrored the plateau and the gods standing before it. And yet, even without a face, there was an unmistakable sense of focus directed towards them. Aetheron''s eyes tracked the guardian''s movement as it stepped from the distortion. "So this is what the stillness cloaked. A guardian. The final one, perhaps..." Syntris stepped forward, his hammer pulsating with a fierce light. "At last, a worthy challenge." The guardian''s presence loomed over them like a silent mountain, its form towering above even the crystalline spire that housed the core. Each of its steps resonated across the plateau with a deep, resonant hum, causing the ethereal fabric of their surroundings to quiver. "Do we attack?" Ebonheim asked, her voice low, eyes darting between the others. Aetheron''s gaze flicked to her, then back to the guardian. "No. Not yet. It''s watching us, assessing our threat. We should¡ª" Before he could finish his thought, the guardian moved¡ªfaster than its colossal form should have allowed. Its body flickered in and out of existence, splitting into multiple forms as it dashed across the plateau. Ebonheim''s bow was already drawn before she could think, her Enchanted Essence Bolt nocked and ready. She fired, but the divine arrow sailed through a reflection, passing harmlessly through the guardian''s ephemeral body. Ariastra''s fingers plucked a discordant note, sending a wave of sound rippling towards the guardian, but her attack too passed through its form without effect. Syntris''s hammer swung with devastating force at another form, only to hit the ground with a resounding crack, sending shards of crystalline debris flying. The guardian had vanished, reappearing elsewhere on the plateau as another reflection. "It''s not attacking us," Ebonheim realized aloud. "It''s¡ª" "¡ªplaying with us," Aetheron finished her thought, his eyes narrowing. "Testing our responses. It''s...disconcerting."