《Urban Knight - Return of Legends》 Chapter 1 - Prologue Demons, they called them. Abyssal monsters from the era of gods, waging an eternal war against humanity and the other races of good, simply because evil was their very nature. For the longest time, they weren¡¯t much of a threat. Their generals, the Cardinal Sins, had vanished without a trace. But demons had become more active in recent years, decimating villages, winning many skirmishes, and growing in numbers. The balance was already shifting in their favor. The rumor was they finally had a new leader, a king of sorts¡ªand this very creature was blessed with not only overwhelming power but also fearsome intelligence. Ascalon was a knight among knights, a man of honor, bearer of the Exemplaris spear and the Aegis greatshield. The one blessed by the light and hailed as a hero throughout the nineteen realms, and believed by many to be just a fairytale¡ªbut who could fault them? He was truly a fable. When the Golden Alliance formed¡ªtwelve different countries with dozens of races coming together to raise an army¡ªthey made it his burden to lead them. But not even this legendary warrior could have known what was waiting for him on the battlefield. ¡°Push forward!!!¡± His voice echoed throughout the battlefield¡ªamong the clamor of steel against steel, shouting cries, and flesh being torn apart. The voice belonged to the leader of a renowned company of knights, Ascalon Rendland¡ªan armored man with short golden hair partially covered by the white hood of his cloak. His face had a huge scar crossing his left eye, and his visage was one of determination with furrowed brows, as he was known not to falter, to not show the slightest hint of fear or exhaustion. He was leading a charge into an enormous but abnormal structure. With his impenetrable greatshield on his left hand, and a huge, heavy, silver lance on his right, Ascalon pierced through horned creatures of nightmarish appearances. Six long days. That was how long the battle had been going for. After great effort and the sacrifice of his comrades, they had just finally reached the enemy stronghold. It was a tall, otherworldly structure made from brick and pulsating flesh alike. Giants stomped in the distance, monstrosities rampaged in lunacy, and even former allies were being forcefully awakened from the dead to rejoin the fray as cheap fodder for the demons. But soon, it would all be over. ¡°Be brave! The final hour is at hand, we carry on!¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice was clear and firm, but a hint of agitation could be perceived. A horrible stench surrounded his forces as they charged and battled at every turn, with no moment to rest. They had made it so, so very far, but even his trusty knights were starting to fall behind, and he could see them faltering. Of the twenty-four warriors that accompanied him, twelve remained. Some had lost parts of their armor, or had half-broken weapons and makeshift shields. Their very bodies were barely hanging in there, bandaged as best as possible. Most of them were beyond their limit. They could keep going, faith and hope still present; their belief in their leader extolling them to deeds only heard of in legend. But Ascalon knew he couldn¡¯t protect them when facing off against the one they came to defeat. The brave twelve fought up the stronghold, right next to their righteous leader, but many fell during the ascent. By the time they arrived at the top of the climb, only six remained. But they were almost done with their journey, they had to be. As they stepped out of the staircase, they could see the distance, having emerged at the rooftop. They could hear the roars and the clashing of the battlefield below. But everyone was focused on a single point, where a devilish horned creature stood, his mere presence making their hairs stand on end. Taller than any of them, with skin of a reddish color and pulsating veins, a pair of leathery black wings and black, long hair that went past his waist. The air around him was warping, as if he was emanating heat from his body. He gazed upon them, with yellow, horrible eyes that seemed to dig into their souls; and hope vanished. How could such a monster even exist? Ascalon strengthened the grip on his lance and shield, bracing himself at the sight of the demon. It was an oppressing, overwhelming feeling that he had never felt before¡ªnot even against huge minotaurs, or necromancer¡¯s terrifying aberrations. Even a proud dragon would bow to this being, he thought. Sweat started to slide down his back as he saw the devil¡¯s lips part. ¡°Hah¡­ is this it?¡± The creature spoke, and everyone froze in primal fear. His voice felt otherworldly, made their ears ring in pain, and his tone was¡­ full of disappointment. The nightmarish face went through various emotions, from frustration to anger, and ended with a deadpan stare. He had already lost interest in them, and Ascalon felt desperation, as his blood started boiling. The demon before him seemed unimpressed, unbothered. He had measured them, and found the knights to be no threat at all. Was his journey in vain? Ascalon¡¯s thoughts raced, spiraling into dread, until the silence was broken once again. ¡°D-d-demon! Y-you stand in t-the pre-ssence of Ascalon Rendland, h-hero of the realms! Pre-prepare yourself!¡± Ascalon didn¡¯t need to turn his head to know who had spoken. It was Hidalgo, the weapon master, one of the most courageous men he had ever met. But even bold Hidalgo was stuttering, barely standing his ground, as his mace shook in his hands. He had taken the burden of declaring the battle, against the desire to run away in fear. Ascalon couldn¡¯t show his knights, his friends and brothers, a sorry show¡ªnot as long as they still believed in him. He had to stand his ground, it couldn¡¯t have been all for naught. He readied himself, pointing the tip of his lance to the demon, and watched as the being smirked. ¡°Ha ha! You humans are amusing.¡± His smile widened into a grotesque, mocking grin. ¡°But still, only humans.¡± The demon raised his right arm, and slowly lifted his index finger, as everyone tensed up. The next moment¡­ splatter! The sound of liquid hitting the ground, their armor, and even their faces. The first to turn his head was Robetorick, the flag-bearer, looking in horror at where Hidalgo stood, reduced to a pool of black-ish blood. Robetorick suddenly vomited, multi-colored liquid rushing through his mouth in an instant, and everyone started to panic. Ascalon simply strengthened the grip on his lance, while grinding his teeth in anger. He had to be angry, focus all his thoughts on preparing for battle, or fear would overcome him. Him, of all people¡ªthe mere notion seemed like a joke. But no, it was reality. The moment he readied himself to charge, another of his knights ran past him. ¡°Aahh!!!!!!¡± Ricard¨ªo, the youngest one, with his longsword held up high, ran fueled by what he thought was courage. But it was just a delirious charge, induced by panic and terror. ¡°Stooop!!!¡± Ascalon screamed in desperation, as Ricard¨ªo exploded. Just like that, two of his men were defeated¡ªno, annihilated, without even making the demon take a single step. What in the world was that unfair difference in strength? No wonder the demons were gaining the upper hand throughout the realm, their commander was an existence akin to a God. ¡°Now that? That¡¯s not even amusing.¡± The devil spoke again, his smile gone, seemingly offended at how such a weakling would charge against him. Again, anger filled Ascalon¡¯s thoughts¡ªand the hero of the realms finally moved. His speed was inhuman as he crossed the distance between him and the demon in a split second. His heavy spear directed at the creature¡¯s chest, like a locked-in projectile, glowing with the power of light. His shield raised before him, covering most of his body, an impenetrable moving fortress. ¡°You. You I¡¯ve heard of.¡± As the demon spoke, Ascalon felt a blow to his shield. His entire left arm went numb, and his body shook as he felt his feet leave the ground. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It took him a moment to realize that he was blown away a good distance, a new experience for the knight. Still airborne, he mustered the strength to cleave the shield into the ground, and stopped himself from going further, as it would¡¯ve meant falling from atop the structure. Pain like he had never felt before ran through his left arm and he was certain that it had been broken. ¡°Not as impressive.¡± The demon hissed, showing again that hideous grin of his. He then raised his right arm again, and waved his hand in the direction of the knights, as if to scare away some flies. Ascalon moved, ignoring the pain and mustering all of his strength into a dash, as there was no time to think; he knew what that fiend was going to do. But the horrifying splatter sound was heard again. Heltilio, Artanis, Terrym, and ¡®Turtle¡¯¡ªthe four remaining knights were no more. Ascalon felt true despair as he stopped on his tracks. He was supposed to lead them to victory, as he had always done, but there he was, unable to react in time to shield his trusty companions. Ascalon¡¯s feelings sank even deeper, when the devil spoke again. ¡°Is that the extent of a Goddess''s blessings? ¡­How?¡± The creature looked irritated. ¡°How could we lose for so long?! Were my brethren really that weak? Hah¡­ but it¡¯s alright.¡± He seemed more relaxed, content. ¡°Our era is now, I¡¯ll make it so. After all, this human was supposedly the only one capable of stopping me, or so He said.¡± The demon was pretty much talking to himself, but managed to keep Ascalon distracted from his own dread. What was that creature even talking about? Ascalon wasn¡¯t in the right mind to make sense of the demon¡¯s gibberish, but at least he was recovering little by little, thanks to the blessings granted upon his body¡ªeven his arm was pretty much healed. But the resting time was short-lived, and the monster now stood before him. He didn¡¯t even sense it get that close, probably a product of mental fatigue, but it was his chance to strike. Ascalon¡¯s blessings manifested in a golden, warm aura, enveloping his whole body as it steadily grew around him. The demon peered at it with an amused look, giving him a chance to show his prowess. The radiance expanded, the world bathed in a celestial light, and Exemplaris resonated with the gift of celestial might. With all the strength and speed he could gather, Ascalon pulled back his spear and promptly pierced forward. A normal warrior wouldn¡¯t really do much damage from that close with such a huge, heavy lance; they would need more momentum or a brute¡¯s musculature. But the hero of the realms was no normal person, and the blow from his Exemplaris struck like a bolt of lightning. The force of the impact made the very structure shake, as the ground trembled and the air parted in a shockwave. A mere second later, a golden ray erupted, and a blinding luminance swallowed the demon¡¯s figure whole, ascending toward the sky with unstoppable force. ¡°Oh? So this is the color of my blood, huh?¡± Ascalon knew his attack had hit the target, and felt the spear sink into flesh¡­ but it was too shallow of a feeling. As dust and brilliance dissipated, he saw that his trusty lance had barely penetrated the demon, it was just the tip. Crimson, blackish droplets ran through the spear, but it was clear there was no damage at all. His instinct made him raise his shield, as another huge blow made him soar through the air yet again. ¡°Pathetic!¡± The creature¡¯s voice exploded, and before he could even try to regain his balance, another blow struck his back. Despite his armor under the cloak, he felt every single bit of the pressure as his bones snapped. Pain ran through his whole body, making him lose the grip on his weapon and shield, as he, once again, was sent flying like a rag doll through the air. He hit the cold floor and rolled a few times. He tried to compose himself. It took a lot of strength, both physical and mental, to get on a knee and start getting up. But his body was done for, from three mere blows, something that anyone who knew him would think was impossible. Ascalon¡¯s vision was blurry, his ears rang and his body was shaking. His hope and courage were slowly being snuffed by this unfathomable being. His thoughts began to drift away, his sight falling on the bloodied remains of his knights. What could he do? How could he turn the tables? There could be a way¡­ A trump card he had been saving¡ªa power Ascalon hadn¡¯t fully mastered yet, so it was a dangerous gamble. But even with that idea on the back of his head, every path he imagined was engulfed by darkness. ¡°Let¡¯s end this charade!¡± Again, the demon¡¯s voice shook the air, as he stretched his wings and took flight. It was the most he had actually ¡®moved¡¯ since the start of the fight, so it was worrying. The wind pressure alone made the knight lose his balance, but Ascalon managed to keep standing, somehow, watching as the creature gained altitude. Little by little, he could see flames starting to gather in the distance, into a small sphere that kept growing and growing. His eye widened as the fire engulfed the skies, a huge fireball the likes he had never seen before, a conjuration of such sheer size that even the high mages of the north wouldn¡¯t dream of. With a grin on his face, the demon flicked his finger down, and the giant ball of fire began to descend. ? ¡°Curse you!¡± Ascalon¡¯s eye darted through the battleground as he shouted, trying to locate his greatshield. He had recovered a little thanks to his blessings, but he doubted it was enough to resist a spell of that magnitude. He ran and grabbed Aegis, then crouched and tensed up his body as he raised it. He poured as much of his power as he could onto it, as even the light inside him was fading, and braced for impact. Soon enough, the heat started to envelop him, and a second later he felt the impact. Scorching fire raged around him, as his greatshield started to heat up to an intolerable temperature. He was blocking it but suffering much damage, taking him beyond his limits¡ªthough the structure below wasn¡¯t as durable as his will. The tower started to crumble furiously, and his footing was no more. The power of the fireball made him plummet to the ground below among the falling debris. A huge explosion ensued as both Ascalon and the fireball struck the earth, what was left of the battlefield trembling in response. As the spell subsided, little by little, a raggedy hero weakly rose from the ashes. His cloak was gone. His armor? mostly melted. And even some of his hair and skin had been burnt in some places. Ascalon wheezed in pain, his lungs full of ash and smoke. He had to recover a bit, and then, even if it meant gambling his life away, he had to try and use his trump card. But even then, he felt that it would not be enough. As he thought that, he slowly raised his head to meet the demon¡¯s gaze, and found the sight a bit surprising. The devil was seething with anger, and showed a grotesque expression of both hate and disgust. ¡°Y-you¡­ you would dare intervene?! After all this time?!¡± For a second, Ascalon was confused, but then slowly realized that his wounds and exhaustion were starting to recover faster. Light engulfed him little by little, and a ray of pure goodness descended from the sky, parting the clouds and shining on the whole battlefield. A feeling began to fill his chest, invigorating his whole body. Never had he felt this way before, but still, he knew. He knew what was going on, as if it was a given. ¡°Ah¡­ my¡­ my Goddess.¡± Ascalon¡¯s good eye shed a few tears as he looked up at the sky. He couldn¡¯t see anything other than light, but he knew that his Goddess was on his side. Truth be told, he wouldn¡¯t have believed in all that ¡®chosen by the Goddess¡¯ tale in his youth if it wasn¡¯t for the blessings that dwelled in his body. This was, in fact, the first time he had seen any kind of ¡°Godlike¡± intervention. Never before had his prayers been answered, or the Gods commanded him directly, but here She was, Athanya¡¯el, Goddess of light and the third throne of the great Gods. Hope began to rise again, overflowing from his chest as he smiled boldly, there was nothing to fear now. But the feeling was short-lived. ? ¡°No. This isn¡¯t. Your cue.¡± ? A¡­ voice? No, it was something beyond mortal comprehension, and it made him freeze. His whole existence shook violently. He wanted to scream, but the pain was so unimaginably strong, it was indescribable. He was being torn asunder¡ªuntil the light suddenly grew stronger, and he could finally regain his senses. Ascalon could feel his Goddess was also in pain, enduring something unknown, and his head moved as if guided by an invisible hand. His eyes focused on the distance, where an almost impossible darkness was swallowing the sky, earth and everything around it, like a black hole of pure malice. As a Goddess interfered, ????????? else had deemed it fair to manifest. He could hear the demon rejoicing, joyous laughter and shouting in a language unknown to man. The darkness in the distance began creeping ever so slowly, but it swallowed the whole world in what seemed like both a second and an eternity. He couldn¡¯t hear even his own breathing, he couldn¡¯t feel anything at all. Did his body even exist anymore? And as his mind began to crumble, a new ¡®voice¡¯ broke through the desperation. ? ¡°Oh my dear Ascalon, it¡¯s okay now¡­¡± ? Light enveloped him once again, and he regained his existence. A feeling of pure bliss was washing over him like a warm, loving embrace. He felt nothing could harm him anymore as the otherworldly voice spoke again. ? ¡°I don¡¯t have much time¡­ I¡¯m so sorry, Ascalon¡± ? The voice seemed so frail, and exhausted. He reached through the light that was keeping the darkness at bay, but couldn¡¯t grasp anything. ¡°My Goddess, wh-¡± Something gently pressed on his lips, a finger keeping him from speaking another word. ? ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t explain right now¡­ Or ever, I don¡¯t think. I don¡¯t know if I can meet you like this again. My brave, proud knight.¡± ? Her voice was shaky, he could¡¯ve sworn she was crying if it weren¡¯t because of her Godlike nature. ? ¡°¡®We¡¯ knew the outcome, but¡­ I couldn¡¯t help it. I broke the rules, anyway, so there¡¯s no going back.¡± ? She paused, and spoke with more resolution this time. ? ¡°But I won¡¯t let it be for naught. I can go all out now. Yes¡­ I¡¯ll renounce it¡­ I¡¯ll renounce it all, and preserve you, Ascalon Rendland, for it is not the time nor place for you to be vanquished!¡± ? He wanted to ask what she meant, what was she going to give up for him, and why? What were those rules she spoke of, what was going on with the darkness and the being that commanded it? He could feel Athanya¡¯el could perceive these questions, and almost could picture her smiling softly, but there was no answer. The warmth he was feeling grew stronger, he felt so at peace he began to close his eye. ? ¡°I really hope we can meet again, as impossible as it is¡­¡± ? He thought he heard something as his consciousness started fading, into a long, deep slumber. He was at the mercy of fate now, but he could rest for a little while¡ªmaybe he had finally earned it. Chapter 2 - Foreign Land Somewhere, sometime, Ascalon awakened, his body feeling dull and rigid, his vision blurry, and his mind still somewhat asleep. What was he doing before? That¡¯s right¡­ the demon, his companions¡¯ fate, the Goddess and that unknown entity opposing the light; the memories hit him one by one without mercy. He shook his head and his thoughts started to race. What had occurred?! ¡°Wh- where am I? What happened?! Athanya¡¯el?!¡± He called his Goddess''s name, but only heard his own voice echoing. He took a moment to calm himself, and looked around. He was in what seemed to be a¡­ prison? No, a cellar? Some light came through a small window near the ceiling, letting him appreciate strange objects littered around. Some were completely unfamiliar, and some he could recognize like bottles and stools. But most curious were some statues of varying sizes, although it wasn¡¯t something to dwell on at present. Still disoriented, he stood up and realized his armor was restored, cloak and all, and Exemplaris and Aegis were at his side, on the floor. At least, he had his trusty equipment, and didn¡¯t seem to bear heavy wounds from his last battle. Was that his Goddess¡¯s parting gift? Gathering himself, he started to stumble along through the darkness, until he saw a wooden staircase and some more light at the top, coming through some gaps in a wall made of the same material as the stairs. He climbed the stairs, with heavy steps and an exhausted body, and as he got closer to the end he could finally picture a door that looked old and dirty. He tried pushing it, since it had no handle, but it seemed to be blocked from the outside. With his patience being tested, he pressed his greatshield against the object, then his shoulder against said shield, and pushed with enough strength. The door gave away, hinges and all, and the knight stumbled upon the light among the ruckus he had caused. Almost blinded by the sudden change in lighting, he shook his head and started to blink, trying to get accustomed to the outside. As he regained his bearings, he scanned his surroundings. He was inside of what seemed like a tavern, with a counter and bottles of different beverages behind it. But contrary to the place he awoke in, this one was clearly well maintained and clean. It didn¡¯t take him long to notice some really peculiar objects, like a box that emitted a cheerful melody, and also a weird contraption spinning on the ceiling. He then noticed the mess in front of him. The door, completely broken, over a big piece of furniture he had toppled. Probably what was blocking the passage in the first place. But it was of no importance, he could apologize to the tavern keeper later, as he had to find out where he was first. There were no signs of people around at the moment, so he looked for an exit, and promptly found it. Ignoring the rest of the room, he sluggishly walked and reached for the nearest door, pushing on the handle to open it. A fresh breeze of air and warm sunlight greeted him as he emerged from the doorway, to some really foreign surroundings. Big, grayish walls all around him, covered in signs or paintings, and what seemed to be either a language unknown to him or just random gibberish. The ground was made of a smooth stone-like material, his boots making a pleasant sound as he took a few steps. His confusion and awe were increasing by the second, and he had the feeling that he was far, very far away from home. He had to go back somehow, and learn of what had happened after he lost consciousness and was brought there. If only he knew, that the very home he wanted to return to was no more, since a long, long time ago. The knight walked forward as he emerged from the tavern, inspecting the unfamiliar view, his head moving calmly from left to right. There was a lot to take in, like the colorful moving symbols on the walls that reminded him of magic glyphs, or the multitude of different structures that went as far as the eye could see. As he scanned the area, his gaze finally spotted a person, then another, and then he finally realized that the streets were actually pretty busy. As Ascalon¡¯s attention expanded, he noticed how some of these people were looking at him, with confused looks, some showing curiosity, but most prominently, suspicion. He even saw a woman drag a child in the opposite direction, so it was clear that he was sticking out like a sore thumb, and not giving out a pleasant impression. ¡°Well, I am a foreigner to these people, I suppose.¡± He stated to himself, as he walked slowly, his armor making a metallic sound as it moved under his caped cloak. But something was amiss. Little by little, he became aware of the many different features that these persons had, and some were really surprising to him. Aside from the very human-looking, there were people with animal ears and tails, some even had visible scales on their hands or faces. He wasn¡¯t familiar with these races, but they all seemed to be cohabitating as if their appearances weren¡¯t out of the norm. Then, why were they looking at him as if he was an anomaly? ¡°Wait¡­¡± He paused his advance and looked at his lance and shield, thinking that maybe that was part of the issue. It wasn¡¯t uncommon for knights to patrol with their equipment at hand, it was actually pretty normal where he came from, but he was starting to realize that no one around him looked as armored as he was. He wasn¡¯t about to leave Examplaris and Aegis behind, but he was feeling a bit troubled. After all, Ascalon didn¡¯t know the customs of these lands. Maybe their ruler wasn¡¯t fond of people wandering the streets with weapons in hand, and it would probably be even worse when the one walking around all dangerous-looking was a foreign knight. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± He pondered with a relaxed stance, his eye closed and head a bit tilted, and thought of a simple solution that would suffice for the time being. Ascalon had learned a bit of magic before, from some of the wizards he had met in his crusade, and knew about an incantation that could make his equipment more inconspicuous, so to speak. The only issue was that he wasn¡¯t very good at magic. He usually relied on his ¡®holy¡¯ powers, since they came to him as natural as breathing, but maybe he could try it out. He breathed in slowly, and focused on his shield and lance, trying to picture them as transparent and incorporeal. It was supposedly very important to have a clear image of what you wanted to conjure, but it was hard to imagine, well, nothing. ¡°§¢§Ñ§á??§ß!¡± He recited the spell, as energy began to well up from within, power overflowing uncontrollably. He was taken aback by this sudden surge, as he didn¡¯t intend to tap so deep into his holy might; but then again, he didn¡¯t know how long it had been since he had last mustered his strength. In other words, he was a bit out of practice¡ªand it was a total failure too, as his equipment was still as visible as before. Ascalon sighed in disappointment, but didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it, when he heard a strange, ominous sound coming from a nearby structure. It wasn¡¯t like anything he had ever heard, and it made him tense up, it was sort of alarming and eerie. He realized then, that people around him were rushing through the street, shouting, panicked. ¡°What is happening?¡± He asked himself, extremely puzzled, as he quickly looked around trying to understand the situation. Was it monsters? He couldn¡¯t sense any bloodlust in the air, or the stench of a dark creature lurking nearby, but he was on a foreign land, and unknown dangers could be awaiting him. He put his guard up and assumed a more serious expression, as he watched people run past him, and prepared himself.
Meanwhile, in a huge building that served as the command center of the city, the siren that started blaring all of a sudden took everyone at the control room by surprise. Confusion turned into action, as the monitoring specialists began to send alarm signals through the system, prompting the units at the headquarters¡¯ barracks to get ready to go. ¡°Huh?! There were no sightings last night, what¡¯s going on?¡± Asked a tall, bald man in a corner of the resting room, as he quickly started to suit up. He, alongside everyone else in there, formed part of the defense force of the city: the army so to speak. They weren¡¯t equipped to deal with these kinds of events directly, but were the ones in charge of evacuation. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. This particular unit wasn¡¯t expected to be deployed that day, so the confusion was understandable, although they were always prepared in readiness for any kind of situation either way. In the meantime, another man raised his voice as he started putting on his boots in a rush. ¡°For real, what the hell?! We usually get a warning beforehand!¡± He, of course, also seemed confused, but mostly annoyed. ¡°Maybe it came from underground? I think there was one like that at¡­ huh, that one city near the border.¡± A younger one chipped in, and moments later an open palm hit him on the back of his head. ¡°Ouch! Vice-captain?!¡± He complained, rubbing the back of his head as a bulky man started to walk to the exit. ¡°It¡¯s called Yerlim, you dumbass! You just graduated from school and already forgot half they taught you!¡± The strong-looking guy seemed pissed, his face slightly red, but took a moment to compose himself, breathing in and out before stopping in his tracks. ¡°Come on you lot, the captain¡¯s not here, but we have to go. These people are probably scrambling to the shelters right now.¡± There were important matters at hand. They had to evacuate the civilians, and the suddenness of the situation was going to be a problem for sure. The man frowned, thinking something was wrong, and crossed the doorway into the courtyard. The rest of the group had just finished gearing up, so they quickly followed after him. Back at the control room, one of the specialists, a woman with long, brown hair and a very serious expression, made a call to the outside.? ¡°Attention, guilds of New Lumingard! I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already aware, but as per protocol, I have to formally request your aid. A huge energy signature has appeared in the Southern block of the city! It has been recognized as kaiju rank. Exact coordinates have been sent.¡± The call reached dozens of offices across the city¡ªguild halls, headquarters for the many different guilds residing in the surrounding areas. The request was made in an open channel, so anyone could join in and participate. It didn¡¯t take long for someone to answer, and his picture appeared on a floating screen in front of the specialist. A young, blonde man with a huge smile, sunglasses covering a pair of purple eyes, and a huge tattoo of a whale on the left side of his face. ¡°Yesss, we hear it loud and clear over here! But there¡¯s something strange, missy!¡± The guy with a cheery voice was the first to join the call, the ¡®manager¡¯ of Whaleyard¡¯s guild, Jay Lorens. ¡°We¡¯re pretty close to the Southern block, as you know, but¡­ there¡¯s no sight of any kaiju from here.¡± His smile vanished and his face showed a doubtful expression. "I know the system doesn¡¯t make mistakes often, but¡­ yeah, we don¡¯t even hear a commotion, like giant footsteps or rawr rawr sounds." He paused, and showed a half smile. ¡°But well, there¡¯s certainly a ruckus! Made by people scrambling to safety, alongside that blasted siren!¡± He laughed heartily as a new picture appeared in front of the now taken aback specialist. ¡°Graycanyon here. We sent a drone to the skies and it isn¡¯t getting any sort of creature signature on its radar.¡± This time, the voice belonged to a serious-looking black man. Silver piercings adorned his ears, and scars ran across both sides of his lips. His blue eyes were fixated on another screen, as he looked at the drone live report with a brows furrowed in a tense expression. He was the chief in charge of communications and public relationships at Graycanyon¡¯s guild, Duncan Deanson. ¡°Hmm. It could be a system malfunction¡ªI should contact maintenance and ask when was the last time they ran a status check. Still¡­ just to be sure, can I have your support in the area for the rest of the day?" The specialist asked in a more relaxed fashion, but still wary of the situation. It could have been a mistake, but the protocols demanded a thorough investigation, and the protection of the civilians first and foremost. ¡°I got¡¯chu baby girl. I just happened to have two of my recruits on location.¡± A cheeky voice joined the call at the same time as a new picture. This time it was a man with long and silky blonde hair, with his head turned to the side as he tried to act cool. His face was immaculate, not a sign of a scar or even a past pimple, his eyes were brown, and an expensive earring with intricate design could be seen on his right ear. Casanova¡¯s guild master, Lucio Cormante, an attractive man with an ego of a thousand. Who else would name their guild ¡®Casanova¡¯ if not him? ¡°Okay¡­ Thank you for your cooperation, sir.¡± The specialist answered coldly, trying to suppress her annoyance. The rest of the call was in awkward silence. A few minutes passed, but no one else joined. It was to be expected since the situation was so abrupt, but many guilds weren¡¯t that cooperative with the headquarters in the first place, anyway. After waiting a bit more, the specialist spoke again. ¡°I¡¯ll cut the call for now, but the direct line is open. I would appreciate it if you could keep me informed on the situation. The line is strictly for professional use, I remind you.¡± Everyone knew who that last line was directed at, except of course the man himself. But at least he knew better than to annoy the specialists too much, thankfully. ¡°Roger.¡± Duncan was the first to leave, he was a very ¡®by the book¡¯ kind of man. ¡°Later!¡± The cheery Jay followed, probably on his way to laze around for the rest of the day. ¡°See you around, baby girl.¡± Lastly, the casanova fled. When the specialist knew she was alone, her fists hit the terminal with enough force to scare her coworkers. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking call me baby girl you fucki-¡± She started mumbling in anger, boiling inside as exhaustion washed over her. Soon after, she let out a resigned sigh and started to work on contacting maintenance, hoping the situation was indeed just a false alarm.
¡°And that¡¯s the gist of it, newbies!¡± On the Southern block, and just around the corner of where Ascalon was, a couple of young members of the Casanova guild were briefed on the situation by their guildmaster. There was a girl, around twenty years old, a bit short in stature. She was wearing an open pink hoodie, black bike shorts, and a set of mismatched socks; one up to her thigh, completely red, and another that only reached a bit past her ankle, white with blue stripes. Black boots protected her feet from the cold pavement below. Her white face was half hidden by the hood, but some of her long red hair could be seen, along with her noticeable yellow eyes that seemed to glow a bit. She seemed tense, probably the fault of the siren. At her side stood a taller man who looked a bit older than her, also wearing a hoodie but of a soft blue color, and a pair of baggy pants of a darker hue. He wore a pair of blue sneakers that looked comfortable and fashionable. His face was kind of pale, his short hair black as the night, and his eyes were of a deep, green color. His handsomeness was a bit sullied by an annoyed expression, as he answered his guildmaster with a tired tone of voice. ¡°Yes, sir, we¡¯re on it.¡± He replied as the call was cut, and rolled his eyes. The girl giggled and eased up a bit, before hitting his companion gently on the shoulder.? ¡°All right, our first assignment! Although I would¡¯ve liked something more chill, you know?¡± Her lips curled up into a grin, and a pair of fangs greeted the light. ¡°Hah~ could¡¯ve done without the kaiju alert, yeah. Luckily it does seem like a false alarm¡­¡± The guy replied, eyes half closed and shoulders slumped. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lil. Hope we don¡¯t die or something.¡± He told her as he started walking sluggishly, in a laid-back manner. If there were really a kaiju rampaging around, there was absolutely nothing they could do anyway¡ªexcept for running, of course, and even that had it''s dangers. ¡°Aight, Selly!¡± Answered the girl in an energetic manner, rising her arms high in a pumped-up fashion before following after him. Soon, destiny would do its thing. A fateful meeting would take place; two different worlds would collide and transcend time¡ªa knight, an unusual noble and a young maiden, intertwined in an uncertain future. Chapter 3 - New Lumingard The streets were silent, as the siren had stopped just a couple of minutes after their call with the Guildmaster ended. The day was already going into the afternoon, so the surroundings were bathed in orange light, and everything felt really serene; the whole Southern block was probably empty, after all. The two companions walked side by side, the girl with a confident stride, and the guy unbothered and slightly slouched. Both were looking around, in search of anything out of the ordinary, but the truth was that they had already lost their tenseness, since nothing happened after all. ¡°I think it was a mistake, just like the Guildmaster said. What do you think?¡± Lil, as her companion called her, broke the silence in an inquisitive manner, with a finger pressed to her chin as she wondered. The elf shrugged as he replied. ¡°Beats me¡­ or that¡¯s what I would say. But, I honestly can¡¯t believe there¡¯s a kaiju around.¡± He answered, his half-closed eyes slowly scanning the intact buildings around. There was no sign of rubble, or smoke coming from anywhere. Usually, things would be the complete opposite when it came to a kaiju alert, as they tended to be pretty destructive, to nobody¡¯s surprise. ¡°Yeah¡­ it¡¯s kinda weird. Oh well, at least we weren¡¯t eaten on our first mission, hurray!¡± She celebrated smiling broadly, both arms to the sky as she skipped a few steps. She was always so energetic and joyful, he couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit too.? "Yaaaay.¡± He joined in a very monotone tone as per usual. As such, she hit him on his arm with playfulness, as they turned around a corner they were pretty familiar with, as they usually hung out nearby. Both friends unexpectedly froze for a moment at the sight before them. An armored man stood at the end of the road, his gaze fixed on their direction, as if he were expecting them. A chill ran through their backs, as this sudden situation felt like an anomaly, mostly because of how empty the streets had been until now. The girl quickly tensed up and inspected the stranger, noticing immediately his enormous lance and the greatshield he carried. Her companion also seemed on guard, both were thinking pretty much the same thing. What was that ominous feeling? But before they could dwell on it, the dread started to fade away, as the unknown blonde man tilted his head in confusion before proceeding to bow to them deeply. The mere sight of that gesture made them relax a bit, since, although old-fashioned, it seemed to be a friendly enough greeting. They started to approach him slowly, still a bit wary. As they got closer, the girl took the chance to ask the stranger a question, smiling gently. ¡°?H??e??y?! ?W??h??i??c??h? ?G?u??i??l??d? ?a??r??e? ?y??o??u? ?f??r??o??m??¡±
Ascalon had been slowly moving around the block after the people around him started running away, and hadn¡¯t seen another living being for a while¡ªwell, aside from a few cats and a dog. Although he was wary of his surroundings, his curiosity was being picked left and right. There were so many objects and structures that were foreign to him, like steel poles that had started to shine as the sun began to set, or magical glass screens that played moving and colorful pictures. It was a very strange, but hopeful sight. After all, everything felt so peaceful, quite a stark contrast from the war-torn fields he was so used to. As he strolled, he felt a presence, two to be more precise, coming from around a corner. He focused on their location in advance, and prepared himself, as they didn¡¯t ¡®feel¡¯ like mere townspeople, especially when taking into account the situation. Before him came two persons into view, a girl and a guy wearing hooded clothing, and both seemed taken by surprise by his presence¡­ or maybe, his appearance? ¡°Ah, once again¡­¡± Ascalon spoke to himself, as he tilted his head, somewhat deflated. But promptly banished these thoughts and decided to bow cordially to the strangers; he didn¡¯t want to create any misunderstandings from the get-go, seeing he was still going around with his weapons. Thankfully, they seemed to understand the gesture, since they started approaching him, the girl smiling and the guy being wary, making no effort to hide it. But Ascalon couldn¡¯t blame him, of course. The girl opened her mouth, and Ascalon finally heard the voice of a person since he had awoken. ¡°?H??e??y?! ?W??h??i??c??h? ??G?u??i??l??d? ?a??r??e? ?y??o??u? ?f??r??o??m??¡± She asked, assuming that by his looks, he was also sent by one of the Guilds in the city. Mostly because no random civilian would go around with a suit of armor. But the thing was, Ascalon couldn¡¯t understand a thing of what she had said. His face must have communicated his confusion, as the girl also tilted her head inquisitively. ¡°?U??hm?, ?h??e??l??l??o??¡± She talked again, but of course Ascalon still couldn¡¯t decipher the meaning behind these ¡®words¡¯. This cemented even more the fact that he was in a really foreign land, and he would probably have a lot of trouble when it came to communicating with the locals now. ¡°Can you understand me?¡± He replied, trying to see if maybe they could. But both the girl and her companion seemed taken aback. They looked at each other, confused and clearly wary of the knight once again. ¡°?W??h??a??t? ?d??i??d? ?h??e? ?s??a??y??!¡± The girl questioned his companion, Ascalon yet again in full incomprehension. ¡±I? ?d??o??n?''?t? ?k??n??o??w?... ?I??s? ?h??e? ?d??r??u??n??k? ?o??r? ?s??o??m??e??t??h??i??n??g??¡± The hooded girl¡¯s companion paused for a moment, pondering briefly until his eyes opened wide. He seemed to have connected some dots, and arrived at a plausible conclusion. ¡±O??h?! ?i??s? ?h??e? ?a? ''?w??a??n??d??e??r??e??r?''?¡± As the guy replied, the girl seemed to get really excited and fidgety all of a sudden, looking at the blonde man with both curiosity and awe. ¡°?O? - ?M? - ?G?! ?N??o? ?w??a??y?!!!¡± She jumped in place a few times, and Ascalon didn''t need any words to understand she was pretty happy about something, and that it probably involved him somehow. She looked at her companion with pleading eyes, and he nodded, acknowledging something that only they understood. She closed her fist and shook it victoriously, and then started to fiddle with her fingers in the air, making various motions that looked really random to Ascalon. ¡°??I? ?c??a??n?''?t? ?b??e??l??i??e??v??e? ?I? ?g??e??t? ?t??o? ?i??n??v??i??t??e? ?s??o??m??e??o??n??e? ?t??o? ?t??h??e? ''?G??i??f??t??e??d?'' ?n??e??t??w??o??r??k?!!!¡± Her companion smiled a bit, but Ascalon was starting to feel a bit awkward and lost. He hadn¡¯t experienced before what it felt like to not understand another person, and it was kind of lonely, although curiosity was what he was feeling the most. But before he could delve into these thoughts, some weird floating glyphs appeared before him.
[??Y??o??u? ?h?a??v??e? ?b??e??e??n? ?i??n??v??i??t??e??d? ?t??o? ?t??h??e? ?G??i??f??t??e??d? ?N??e??t??w??o??r??k?. ?
A??c??c??e??p??t?/D??e??c??l??i??n??e?.]
Ascalon looked at the transparent conjuration with a serious and confused expression. Was that some kind of magic? He wasn¡¯t sure, but it was probably the most sensible answer. To him, at least. He didn¡¯t know how to proceed though, and the girl seemed to take notice of it. She started poking with her finger at the air, making a pressing motion over and over, as she spoke again. ¡°P??r??e??s??s?, ?t??h??e?, ?b??u??t??t??o??n?!¡± She said, reciting each word slowly, as if he could understand her that way. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. And it kind of worked, because in his confusion, Ascalon simply mimicked her and pressed on the floating image with his index finger. The image¡¯s glyphs changed, forming a new set of unknown gibberish for him to not understand.
[?I??n??i??t??i??a??t??i??n??g? ?s??u??b??j??e??c??t?''?s? ?i??n??t??e??g??r?a??t??i??o??n??t??o? ?t??h??e? ?n??e??t??w??o??r??k?. ?E??r??r??o??r?. ?U??n??k??n??o??w??n? ?o??r??i??g??i??n? ?d??e??t??e??c??t??e??d?. ?E??r??r??o??r?. ?N??o? ?k??n??o??w??n? ?l??a??n??g??u??a??g??e??s? ?d??e??t??e??c??t??e??d?. ?E??r??r??o??r?. ?S??u??b??j??e??c??t? ?u??n??a??b??l??e? ?t??o? ?c??o??m??m??u??n??i??c??a??t??e? ?w??i??t??h? ?t??h??e? ?n??e??t??w??o??r??k?. ?I??n??i??t??i??a??t??i??n??g? ?h??o??t??f??i??x?. ?S??c??a??n??n??i??n??g? ?f??o??r? ?l??i??n??g??u??i??s??t??i??c??s?... ?d??o??n??e?. ?S??t??u??d??y??i??n??g? ?t??h??e? ?s??u??b??j??e??c??t?''?s? ?m??i??n??d?... ?p??r??o??c??e??s??s??i??n??g?... ?p??r??o??c??e??s??s??i??n??g?... ?p??r??o??c??e??s??s??i??n??g?... ?p??r??o??c??e??s??s??i??n??g?... Translation complete. Subject successfully integrated into the network. Welcome to the Gifted network, Ascalon Rendland.]
He opened his good eye wide in surprise, as he could now perfectly understand these strange words. The most intriguing thing was that the glyphs were still the same, yet he could read the meaning behind them as if it were his own language. That was some incredible magic, and really useful at that! ¡°Astounding!¡± Ascalon exclaimed, and the girl happily started clapping. She looked so excited, bouncing up and down in place¡ªit was honestly a really cute sight to behold. ¡°You¡¯re hella embarrassing, Lil.¡± Stated the hooded guy, smiling playfully. She hit him on the shoulder again, while her cheeks reddened softly. Ascalon noticed then that even if he understood the language, there were some words that seemed to be¡­ different? Hella sounded like hell, but it was a weird context to use it on. He had much to learn, he thought, as the girl parted her lips again. ¡°E-hem!¡± She cleared her throat, and stood in front of the knight, beaming a shy smile. ¡°Uhm, nice to meet you! My name¡¯s Lilithra, and this weirdo is Selly¡ª The ¡®pet¡¯ himself simply raised his hand unenthusiastically. ¡°Yo~.¡± A simple expression, very to the point. Ascalon nodded, a bit taken aback, yet again. Ascalon took a moment to think and smiled gently, before bowing his head and putting his shield arm to the front of his chest. ¡°Excuse my manners, Lady Lilithra and Sir Selorien, My name is Ascalon Rendland, head knight of Wyrmland¡¯s Citadel and commander of the Golden Alliance of Excadia, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.¡± He spoke calmly but his words carried a deep reverence for the individuals before him. The old-fashioned greeting took the pair by surprise, as they weren¡¯t used to people being so¡­ respectful? They were accustomed to normal people, but also to a more rowdy crowd, or downright rude bastards. The rank he introduced himself with seemed incredibly important, but it usually meant nothing after coming to another world. Still, Lilithra thought the blonde man was really cool, although a bit stiff, and Selorien simply wondered if he was just some kind of renaissance role-player. Ascalon, on the other hand, had a lot of things to ask his new acquaintances, but one of these had priority over the others at present. ¡°Pardon me, but may I ask you a question?¡± He paused, awaiting confirmation from the other party. Lilithra nodded, and her companion remained looking at the knight, inquisitively. Ascalon took the absence of an objection as a good sign, and continued. ¡°Where¡­ where are we?¡± The hooded duo looked at each other, confusion had now completely banished from their faces. They both understood right there that what Selly had guessed before was pretty much on-point: Ascalon was a ¡®wanderer¡¯. ¡°I don¡¯t want to deal with this, so go ham Lil.¡± Said the hooded man, shrugging lazily. The girl on the other side frowned and sighed, but knew deep down that he was just being considerate of her. She was really excited to explain stuff to the stranger, honestly! She promptly faced the knight again and smiled, speaking energetically. ¡°First of all, nice to meet you, Ascalon! Oh wait, didn¡¯t I already say that¡­ Well, anyways! Welcome to the city of New Lumingard!¡± The girl exuded joy and a bit of nervousness while she opened her arms wide, as if to present the city to him. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but look around and take in the sights again, following on her actions. New Lumingard, certainly a name he hadn¡¯t heard before, which was strange. He had traveled far and wide in his quest, but had ever come across anything resembling the name, nor the inhabitants he had seen earlier. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re confused, but let me guess! Did you come out of a vortex, uh, portal thingie?¡± She asked, crossing her arms triumphantly as her face formed a smug expression. She was totally sure of this, but Ascalon simply tilted his head, incertitude clouding his visage. He took a moment to ponder, memories were a bit blurry still. But then answered truthfully. ¡°I¡¯m not really sure what you mean by that, Lady Lilithra. I only remember¡­ waking up in a cellar of sorts.¡± He explained, trying to remember how he came to be. Was he truly in another world? Lilithra made a worried expression, and felt a bit embarrassed after all she had said, but was mostly wondering if he was still disoriented. Also, the whole ¡®lady¡± thing was giving her shivers, but in a good way? ¡°Uhm, well¡­ in this world, we get ¡®wanderers¡¯ from time to time.¡± Ascalon realized that the expression had a deeper meaning behind it, especially when she emphasized the word.? ¡°Portals and, like, stuff linked to other worlds open randomly, and the people that pop out from them are what we call ¡®wanderers¡¯. They wander in, right?¡± She smiled and seemed pretty content. It was indeed a concise classification. Selorien was pretending to doze off behind her, something Ascalon was trying to ignore as to not be rude. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re one of them, you probably just don¡¯t remember! It¡¯s, uh, rare to see someone with their weapons and armor out¡­ But it¡¯s even more strange if they speak in an unknown language!¡± She lifted her finger in a triumphant fashion, as if she had just revealed some really cool facts. Ascalon was actually impressed and intrigued by these so-called wanderers, mostly because of the aspect of traveling between worlds. It wasn¡¯t such a far-fetched notion, since he knew Gods resided in a different plane, or maybe even a ¡®world¡¯, just like she was explaining. If he was actually from an unknown beyond, it would explain many things, and maybe he could even go back. ¡°And, well, you just give out that sort of¡­ unknown aura, you know? Sorry, am I being rude?¡± She asked as she smiled shyly, feeling that she was being overly familiar with someone that she had just met, and that she felt had a more respectful or dignified attitude. Ascalon smiled warmly, and bowed a bit once again.? ¡°You are not being rude, Lady Lilithra. On the contrary, I am deeply grateful for your helpfulness.¡± He stated as he raised his head, looking at the girl again. She smiled from ear to ear, hands on her cheeks. She seemed really happy, once again. ¡°He¡¯s calling me a lady so much, a lady!!!¡± She tried to whisper to her companion, but of course Ascalon could hear it perfectly. ¡°He just doesn¡¯t know you yet, Lil. But hey, enjoy it while you can, heh.¡± Selorien replied jokingly, as he grinned. The girl blushed and hit him on the shoulder, again. Ascalon was taking note of that action, as she did it quite a lot actually, probably a form of affection between the two of them. He took a moment to interfere, as a question was gnawing at his mind. ¡°Pardon me, but, is there a way I could¡­ go back?¡± Both friends looked at him with a hint of sadness in their expressions and shook their heads, as Selorien took the reins of the conversation this time. ¡°Not that we know of. Wanderers just kinda end up here and that¡¯s it¡­ Never really thought about that, huh.¡± He stated, pondering for a moment. This made Ascalon feel a bit dismayed, since he wanted to return to the battlefield¡ªto witness what had happened in his absence. Seeing his expression, Lilithra tried to change the mood. ?¡°But there might be one, you know? Just because we don¡¯t know doesn¡¯t mean there isn¡¯t! Uhm, don¡¯t give up!¡± Exclaimed the girl, smiling energetically and pumping her fists. Ascalon nodded in appreciation, and decided to not think much about that matter for the time being. First, he had to get his bearings in this unfamiliar place. The afternoon was on its way out, and the street lights were shining more intensely. The passage of time made Lilithra remember something¡­ They had forgotten completely about the kaiju alert. She looked a bit nervous, and her eyes darted from the knight to her companion, giving him a knowing look. Then, she faced Ascalon once again. ¡°You should come with us! I¡¯ll explain everything later!¡± Lilithra exclaimed out of nowhere, in an energetic manner, skipping past him joyfully. Ascalon looked back, and saw the girl extending her hand and making a motion for him to follow. Selorien sighed, and silently acknowledged that she finally remembered they were on patrol. Such a shame, he was actually having a bit of fun too. He then followed after his friend, nothing he could do about it. Ascalon gazed at them as they started walking, and didn¡¯t hesitate before deciding to join them. There were still a lot of questions he wanted to ask, but for now, it would have to wait. As he followed the pair, a familiar feeling made him stop and look back, a presence abnormal enough to be felt at a distance, an event similar to when he met the other two. Something was approaching. Chapter 4 - Of Guilds and Gifted What felt like a long day was now approaching its end, mere hours before midnight. The orange hue was slowly fading, and the street poles were about to shine at their roles, literally. Ascalon was fixated on the distance, gazing into the empty street, as shadows grew larger and the daylight transitioned into darkness. His companions took notice of his absence, Lilithra being the first to turn back to look at the knight. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± She asked curiously, tilting her head to the side. Selorien also stopped in his tracks, turning around and casting a watchful eye in the direction the blonde man seemed so preoccupied with. Among the many races that inhabited the planet, his was known to have the advantage when it came to eyesight, but even he couldn¡¯t figure out what was supposed to be the object of the knight¡¯s attention. A few moments passed, and just when he was about to give up and chalk it off as nothing, he spotted the shape of a car approaching from far away. A bit surprised, he looked over at the knight with a suspicious look on his face. ¡°Was it just a coincidence¡­?¡± Selorien whispered as he focused on the distance once again, this time in a more serious manner. How could the blonde man detect something beyond his own line of sight? Selorien banished those thoughts, and as he began to pay more attention, he noticed it was a car commonly used by the defense force. He thought they were probably scouting in after securing the safety of the civilians, since the kaiju alert was probably called off quite a while ago. The sound of the machine started to reach their ears, and even Lilithra perked up to see what was finally approaching. As the car stopped, Ascalon seemed baffled. What was this contraption that moved so fast and effortlessly through the road? It made a strange but continuous sound, and it vibrated as if it were alive. He could see people inside through conveniently placed glass, an ingenious design to be sure. Were they riding it, like an armored horse of sorts? But made of steel, and possibly, very undoubtedly, magic? He was so deeply intrigued by the sight before him, that he didn¡¯t notice Lilithra was standing right at his side, her face fixed on him as she smiled happily. The doors of the military vehicle opened, and two people dressed in camo clothing emerged from it, accompanied by a hooded person; it was his presence that the knight noticed. Aside from him, one of them scanned the surroundings in reconnaissance, while the other approached Ascalon¡¯s group with a serious expression. He parted his lips and a strong, commanding voice could be heard. ¡°Sergeant Louis, requesting a status report.¡± Ascalon snapped out of the enchantment and glanced at the man. He was tall, pretty bulky, and his demeanor was that of a disciplined man. Lilithra took a few steps forward, taking the reins of the situation, Ascalon simply watching from behind. ¡°Hello Sargeant! We¡¯re from the Casanova Guild, sent to scout the area when the siren started.¡± She paused, and the man nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°We found a wanderer, but no sign of kaiju, uhm, sir, as obvious as it seems.¡± The stranger looked at Ascalon, raising an eyebrow in surprise and suspicion. The hooded man in the back seemed to take interest in the conversation, too. ¡°But, uhm, yeah, no kaiju to be seen. Sir!¡± Lilithra was a bit nervous, as she had never actually talked to the defense force. This was her first assignment, basically. The man looked over to Selorien, then Ascalon again, and lastly to Lilithra. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Headquarters feared it was a false alarm. Also, are you certain he¡¯s a wanderer?¡± Although Ascalon¡¯s appearance was a bit out of the norm, it was not enough for the Sargeant to simply believe he was what the girl claimed. After all, to his knowledge Guilds were populated by outlandish people of all kinds. He could be a random wannabee trying to get some attention, for all he knew. ¡°Yes sir! I confirmed it by inviting him into the Gifted network!¡± She answered energetically, still proud of that fact. Ascalon focused on these words, recalling the events that had transpired. He still wanted to ask about that ¡®Gifted network¡¯, or that ¡®kaiju¡¯ thing, although that would have to wait of course. The sergeant took a black contraption out of his chest pocket, and talked into it, as Ascalon peered at him curiously. ¡°Headquarters, this is Sergeant Louis reporting in. Two Guild members of Casanova on site, confirming the absence of a kaiju. Streets seem completely unharmed. But also¡­¡± He paused, scanning Ascalon from head to toes as he furrowed his brows in skepticism. ¡°There¡¯s a supposed wanderer here with them, said they invited him to this ¡®Gifted network¡¯ thingie of theirs.¡± He didn¡¯t try to sugarcoat his distaste for the situation and the Guild¡¯s involvement, something Ascalon took note of as he thought Lilithra and Selorien had been really helpful to him. But he wasn¡¯t about to question the man¡¯s beliefs and grievances. He remained a lost knight in an unfamiliar kingdom, with more pressing matters at hand than delving into other people¡¯s affairs. As the knight thought about that, the black gadget started answering back. Ascalon made a surprised expression, listening to the magic device intently. ¡°Report received. We confirmed that Casanova sent two of their members earlier today. We request you leave the wanderer on their hands, they should know the procedure.¡± The man had an unsatisfied, sour look on his face, and clicked his tongue before putting the contraption back into his pocket. ¡°You heard her, don¡¯t go causing any trouble with this guy and quickly do whatever it is you¡¯re supposed to do, understand?! And for fucks sake, do something about that big stick before he pokes someone¡¯s head off!¡± He exclaimed angrily, pointing at Ascalon¡¯s Lance, the mighty Exemplaris being reduced to a mere ¡®big stick¡¯. ¡°Roger~!¡± Said the girl enthusiastically, as she grabbed the Knight by the arm and started to walk again in the opposite direction. Taken by surprise, Ascalon let himself be guided by Lilithra, while the grumpy man went back to his steel carriage. Ascalon was still so, so very confused. His mettle was being tested left and right, and he almost wished he was back at the battlefield, not thinking much about anything other than the fight at hand. Selorien, who had been silent the whole time since he seemed to want no hassle, joined them on their way once again. The gaze of the hooded man lingered on the back of Ascalon¡¯s head as they left, but the knight sensed no danger or bloodlust so he didn¡¯t pay any mind to it. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. They walked for a couple of minutes through the well-lit streets. These magic lighting poles were incredible, as they made the shadows cower to a considerable distance, and were way more efficient than the old torches the knight was accustomed to. Ascalon wondered how they could stay powered for so long, since only competent mages mages could cast ?¦É?§ß§ä and maintain it for such a prolonged time. While in awe, he heard Selorien¡¯s voice. ¡°So, are we gonna ¡®follow protocol¡¯, Lil?¡± He spoke with mischievousness, smiling at the girl. Ascalon glanced at her, and saw a similarly playful grin on her face. ¡°Hell no! We take him to Uncle¡¯s first! I don¡¯t want him to go deal with the boring suits just yet!¡± Lilithra answered boldly, as Selorien snickered. It seemed they had plans for him, and from his lips escaped a chuckle, which made Lilithra smile happily. To be fair, deep down Ascalon was kind of enjoying himself too, though after all that had happened, he felt like he didn¡¯t have the right¡ªnot after suffering defeat at the hands of the demon. While Ascalon was absorbed in his thoughts, Selorien¡¯s eye wandered and caught sight of the blonde¡¯s weapons, remembering the words of the Sargeant. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He let out a soft murmur, and Lilithra picked up on it quickly, by following his gaze. ¡°Oh right!¡± She exclaimed as she stopped, and turned around to face the knight, her hoodie and hair dancing as she spun. ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s deal with that ¡®big stick¡¯, if you don¡¯t mind!¡± Ascalon stopped and listened, mustering half a smile. ¡°Remember the Gifted network I invited you to? You can actually use it for a ton of things!¡± Oh? This was one of the things Ascalon was interested to know more about. ¡°First, you have to imagine the screen, and, uhm, associate that image in your mind with the Gifted network! Uh, I hope that doesn¡¯t sound confusing.¡± Screen? Did she mean the image that materialized out of thin air before? He contemplated for a moment, and tried to summon the memory back, concentrating on the key word as Lilithra instructed him to. The girl was waiting in anticipation. As he opened his eye, there it was, a big, floating blue ¡®screen¡¯.
[Welcome to the Gifted network, Ascalon Rendland.]
The letters faded, and many blocks with more words started to appear. He looked at Lilithra, his face clearly pleading for help. She grinned and opened her own interface in order to guide him better. ¡°Now, push on ¡®Profile¡¯, and then on the ¡®inventory¡¯ button!¡± He listened intently, and then looked around the screen. Following the instructions diligently, he managed to find the way to the inventory word and pressed it. A new image appeared, showing many more blocks and words, his mind working at full throttle to decipher the meaning behind it. ¡°Now, there should be a ¡®remove¡¯ button! Press it, and then select what you want to unequip on the left side; in this case, uhm, your weapon, shield, and maybe your armor?¡± She beamed from ear to ear, looking really animated while explaining all that information to him. From what he had understood, wanderers weren¡¯t that common, so it made sense that she found the situation so entertaining. ¡°Hmm, oh!¡± He exclaimed as he found the words he was looking for. He pressed on them, and a silhouette of him appeared! All the objects he was wearing were categorized neatly, from his armors and boots to even the clothing underneath, which was both amazing and weird. He pushed on the Exemplaris image, then on Aegis, and his pieces of armor, one by one. ¡°Oh yeah! When you¡¯re done, press ¡®confirm¡¯!¡± Lilithra added, still smiling. He then noticed the word on the bottom of the screen, and pressed on it. At that moment, he felt the weight of his equipment disappear, as it slowly disintegrated into light before banishing. He gasped, and many thoughts crossed his mind. From surprise to doubt, and a bit of fear too. What if he had just destroyed his precious equipment?! ¡°Wha-!¡± Lilithra¡¯s surprised voice startled him, so he quickly focused her eye on her. Lilithra was covering half of her now blushed face with both hands as she squirmed, peeking through her fingers. ¡°U-uhm, y-your shirt!¡± She exclaimed as she burned to memory the man¡¯s muscular torso. It was truly a sight, many a scar adorning the skin, giving off a rough and tough feeling. ¡°Oh. My apologies!¡± He answered a bit startled, as this was a new kind of occurrence for him. It was pretty much the first time he had shown his bare skin in the middle of the street, in a non-combat environment, that is. It seemed that he had mistakenly selected his shirt as part of the items to be unequipped, but he had no idea how to undo these changes. She noticed this, and tried her best to explain it to him. ¡°Uhm! You can simply put them on again at will, by using the ¡®equip¡¯ button and following a similar process! Y-you can also like, skip the button pressing if you imagine yourself doing it instead!¡± She demonstrated by manifesting a big, red marble on her hand, and then banishing it again, while she tried her best to not look at him¡ªto no avail, that is. Lilithra seemed really skilled at using the network, seeing how she didn¡¯t press anything and simply conjured the sphere. He felt a tingle of emotion run through him. Such advanced and convenient magic, this kingdom was truly exceptional! He proceeded to follow her advice, and fiddled with the screen until he managed to summon the last part of his attire. He looked satisfied, and smiled at Lilithra. ¡°This Gifted network of yours is beyond belief, Lady Lilithra! We had nothing of the sort back at Excadia.¡± He exclaimed in admiration, and she smiled from ear to ear. ¡°Hehe! And this is just one of its many functions, but! We can leave that for later.¡± She replied, still blushing, but a bit more relaxed. A few steps in front of them, Selorien chuckled, and Ascalon realized just how absorbed he was by the Gifted network, having completely forgotten about the hooded guy for a while. He thought of apologizing, but Selorien didn¡¯t show any discomfort. In fact, he seemed to really like to just hang in the distance, and observe others interact. Or at least, that¡¯s what the knight had concluded from all their interactions. After all that, Lilithra looked at Ascalon from head to toes, nodding a few times, visibly satisfied. Ascalon stood before them, devoid of armor, now wearing a brown leather shirt, a pair of unremarkable green pants, and a somewhat old pair of boots tied around by small ropes. He now looked like a peasant you would see depicted in a picture book, but at least he was still wearing his white cloak. ¡°We gotta hit the shopping district later, and get you some cool, new clothes!¡± Lilithra stated with cheerfulness. What was wrong with his attire? It wasn¡¯t banquet-worthy, but it was just fine for training. But well, looking at Lilithra and Selorien, Ascalon could easily picture himself out of place. Come to think of it, their clothes had looked really interesting from the get go, and exuded a really different, exotic vibe in comparison to his. Selorien simply nodded in agreement at his friend''s words, so Ascalon smiled and accepted the proposal. ¡°Understood. I shall be in your care, Lady Lilithra, Sir Selorien.¡± He bowed, and the girl shuffled shily, looking up at him. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go! We can¡¯t hog you to ourselves all night, so we gotta make it count!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as energetically as ever, and they resumed their walking, with Ascalon following close behind. They were supposedly going to her uncle¡¯s place, and the way there seemed oddly familiar. Around them, people were starting to populate the streets once more. Whatever had them in a panic before, seemingly resolved. In the distance, a building came into view, and the words ''The Chalice'' could be read, above a sign that also added ''Bar''. Oh¡­ that was where he had awakened, wasn¡¯t it? Chapter 5 - The Chalice The soft sound of a broom sweeping the floor filled the almost empty bar, accompanied by a song playing quietly from a nearby radio. It was rare for ''The Chalice'' to be this vacant, but perhaps people were still settling back into their routines after the kaiju alert, so it was understandable for seats to be empty. The only one around was an older man, his hair a blend of black and gray, his demeanor that of a gentleman experienced in the ways of service. A sophisticated black vest adorned his chest, contrasting with the buttoned white shirt he was wearing underneath. Black pants complemented the attire, culminating in a stylish pair of brown loafers. He had the look of a ¡®suave¡¯ man. Although the man exuded an aristocratic aura, he was focused on such a mundane task that it made for quite the picturesque view. He was in the middle of cleaning up a mess, consisting of broken wood, glass shards and varying debris from the fall of a dishes cabinet. He sighed, pausing his cleaning for a moment, and stared at the grandfather clock nearby. It was almost 10 p.m. but nearly no customers had dropped in, and the few that did were a bit startled by the disordered view and decided to ¡®come back later¡¯. He was calm now, at least, but a few hours back he had been extremely preoccupied by that same mess, and even had called on the authorities to report it. After all, someone must have broken in, as one of his statues in the basement was missing. But more than worrying, it was baffling! Who in their right mind would have hauled off with a big, old statue, ignoring the cash register and all the other valuable items they could have sold more easily? He lamented the loss, but then again, he had tossed the sculpture in there and forgotten about it for years. At present, he was more annoyed by the cleaning, and wanted to get back to his usual place behind the counter as quickly as possible. The gentleman sighed once again, since he hadn¡¯t made much progress, and just as he was about to resume his task, the hanging chimes at the door rang softly, signaling the arrival of new visitors. He stared vacantly in the door¡¯s direction, and saw a familiar pair of hoods come in: his niece and her friend. Behind them, an unknown, tall blonde man crossed the doorway¡ªbut oddly enough, he seemed vaguely familiar. ¡°Hey Lil, Selly.¡± His voice carried a husky and gruff tone, but his smile showed warm kindness towards the pair. He eyed the stranger while raising an eyebrow, and continued. ¡°Another guildmate of yours?¡± He asked, assuming their companion was part of that guild of theirs. Would make sense why he felt such familiarity with the guy. Well, that or he had come to the bar at some point. The gentleman wasn¡¯t in the habit of remembering non regulars. He resumed his sweeping, an ear pointed in their direction, waiting calmly for a reply.
Ascalon¡¯s group had just arrived at the bar, and his suspicions were on point. The toppled furniture, the messy disaster, the weird contraption that still spun in the ceiling; it was all too familiar. No doubt about it, that was the tavern he had awoken in. But before he could do anything, Lilithra skipped a few footsteps ahead, hurriedly. ¡°Uncle! Are you okay?!¡± She patted her uncle everywhere, as if trying to ascertain if he was missing a limb or something, clearly a bit panicked. Selorien couldn¡¯t help but snicker, although he too was worried about the sight before him. The gentleman laughed heartily, left the broom to the side of the counter, and put both hands on his niece¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m fine and dandy, don¡¯t worry.¡± At his words, Lilithra let a relieved sigh escape her lips, and looked around the mess with both curiosity and alarm. Ascalon kept quiet, letting the family members speak to each other. ¡°What happened here, Uncle?¡± Her worried expression made her uncle put on a reassuring smile, as he replied. ¡°Whatever happened, I wasn¡¯t here at the time; I went for a bit to Marygold¡¯s. But, I think we¡¯ve been robbed!¡± Lilithra finally relaxed when she heard her uncle was fine, and frowned upon learning about the robbery. With so many guilds around, one would think crime would be on the low end, but the truth was that bad people always profited, no matter the times. But before her train of thoughts led her to anger, her eyes widened in realization as she remembered her uncle¡¯s question. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right!¡± She said, turning to Ascalon, while a smile spread across her face. ¡°This is Ascalon, and he¡¯s a, wait for it¡­ a wanderer!¡± She presented the knight with both hands in the air, shaking them as if revealing a big surprise. Ascalon took it as a cue to step forward, making a deep reverence while the gentleman looked at him with intrigue. ¡°Greetings, good sir, my name is Ascalon Rendland, head knight of Wyrmland¡¯s Citadel and commander of the Golden Alliance of Excadia, and it is an honor to be in such esteemed presence.¡± It was his usual presentation, but he added a bit of flair, since the gentleman looked like a man of noble origins, giving the impression of a wise scholar. The older man simply appreciated him with awe, thinking of what a grandiose introduction that was, filled with impressive details that picked his interest. Pondering for a moment, he smiled and replied. ¡°Well, well, manners make a man, I say! Raphael Ashford, master of The Chalice, at your service.¡± The man bowed elegantly, showing cordiality. Lilithra and Selorien watched in wonder, exchanging knowing glances. They felt these two had a few things in common. ¡°And I am deeply sorry about this¡­ as it was my doing.¡± Ascalon exclaimed, pointing at the mess the ¡®master¡¯ was cleaning up before. Confusion swept the room, while everyone stared at the knight with different expressions on their faces. ¡°Pardon me, but what do you mean by that?¡± Raphael asked, his voice taking a more serious tone, his brows furrowing slightly. Selorien and Lilithra stood silent, but eyed the knight suspiciously. ¡°As Lilithra explained to me, I hail from another world. I was in a rather¡­ perilous situation, back in my homeland, and lost consciousness.¡± He explained, approaching the doorway to the basement, and pointing through it.? ¡°When I awakened, I found myself trapped in this place¡¯s very cellar. I had no choice but to force my way out. Once again, I am deeply sorry about the result of my actions.¡± After his last words, the room fell silent. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Selorien had raised one of his eyebrows in suspicion, but Ascalon¡¯s tale didn¡¯t really sound that far-fetched. Lilithra didn¡¯t show the slightest doubt on her expression, and simply smiled. Ascalon could feel her trust towards him, and felt both grateful and happy. Raphael was the one to break the silence at that moment. ¡°Hmm, I see. But then, tell me, what about my statue, hmm?¡± He asked, letting the others know what he had meant earlier by being robbed. The pair of hooded friends stood in silence, watching things unfold with uncertainty. ¡°It couldn¡¯t have simply gone off, walking after you.¡± As Raphael spoke, an odd feeling began to assault him. The blonde knight¡¯s features, his hooded clothes, stature and other details were starting to juggle his memories. He wore quite the resemblance to the statue. That sculpture was supposedly being passed down from generation to generation for centuries, in a family of wealthy merchants; that is, until Raphael lucked out on a gamble against a drunk, rich fellow from said lineage. He stood there in silence, brooding and murmuring to himself. Lilithra wore a worried expression, while Selorien sighed and took a seat at the bar counter. Raphael shook his head and rubbed his temples. ¡°There¡¯s no way¡­ am I getting too old?¡± He kept grumbling for a while, thinking he was going senile. It wasn¡¯t that unreal, if he thought about it for a second. Stranger things happened when the Gifted were involved. So, could a traveler from another world possess a statue or some sort? ¡°Hey Lil, do you remember that statue¡­?¡± Lilithra jumped, a bit surprised at the mention of her name. ¡°Uhm, no? Which one, to begin with?¡± She lifted a finger to her chin and looked a bit pensive. ¡°Yeah no, sorry Uncle, but I can¡¯t remember a single one anyway.¡± She smiled awkwardly, and her uncle sighed. It was to be expected since these sculptures had been kind of sealed into the basement for a while, and even Raphael had just remembered about them. Raphael focused a sharp stare on the knight, and after a brief moment, decided to simply forget about it. There was no way a statue came to life, anyway, and he couldn¡¯t trust his memory of the object¡¯s details. Ascalon didn¡¯t look or behave like a thief, more like a weirdo if anything, too. Maybe someone had entered after the blonde man left; there were other, more plausible possibilities. He was too tired to think, and sighed in resignation. As if to close the matter entirely, Ascalon¡¯s stomach rumbled loudly. Lilithra looked at him with surprise and giggled, Selorien murmured ¡®same¡¯, and Raphael smiled gently. ¡°Anyways, I¡¯ll trust you, Mr. Ascalon. You must be tired, besides hungry, so take a seat. I¡¯ll prepare dinner.¡± As the gentleman disappeared through a door, probably the kitchen area, Ascalon felt really grateful. And also felt the need to pee. He had blocked out all his bodily functions from his mind, given all the confusion and events that had transpired that day, hadn¡¯t he? Clearing up his throat, he asked Selorien a question. ¡°Sir Selorien, could you point me in the direction of the nearest latrine?¡± Selorien looked at Ascalon like he had just heard some unknown language, and then realization hit him. ¡°Oh! Bathroom, right? Just go through that hallway, first door to the left.¡± He pointed lazily to a passage close to the door the master had gone through. Lilithra kept herself away from the conversation, and sat next to Selorien, starting to fiddle with her thumbs while she waited. Ascalon nodded in appreciation, and promptly followed the directions. He thought it was a bit odd to have a latrine inside the house, but he wasn¡¯t going to judge his benefactors. But damn if it wasn¡¯t a fancy latrine. He had never seen such a sparkly and well decorated room. The floor looked smooth and clean, and different contraptions surrounded him, some even made from what looked like polished marble. Even the actual latrine was marvelous, and looked much like a throne! He couldn¡¯t believe such a luxurious room was made just for answering nature¡¯s call. ¡°New Lumingard¡­¡± He whispered as he went about his business. It truly was a country way ahead of any other he had visited. Some time passed, and Lilithra and Selorien were wondering if Ascalon needed a hand. ¡°Hey, maybe he slipped or something?¡± Said the girl worriedly, while peeping at the hallway. ¡°No way. He¡¯s probably confused about the faucets and shit.¡± Answered the guy, also looking in the same direction, somewhat curiously. At that moment, the robust figure of the knight appeared, a smile on his face as he quickly walked in strides towards them. ¡°That was such an experience! Even warm water came out!¡± The pair of friends looked at each other, and burst out laughing, hoping he was referring to the faucet. Ascalon looked at them a bit embarrassed and confused, but couldn¡¯t help but end up laughing with them. Lilithra and Selorien thought that was the first time they had heard him laugh, and felt a warm feeling inside. The knight too, pondered about how fortunate he was to have met these two. He took a seat next to Selorien, and Lilithra looked both relieved and somehow sad. At that moment, Raphael appeared, bringing in a moving table full of dishes. Ascalon thought that he was going to be taken by surprise too many times from now on. As for the food itself, it looked incredible, and everyone else watched him as if to urge him to eat. He complied and grabbed a piece of what seemed to be a chicken leg, masterfully roasted, and eagerly bit on it. ¡°Hmmm! Thjs js deljcjous!¡± He exclaimed, mouth full of chicken and bliss. The rest looked at him with warm stares, small smiles on their faces. Selorien took the chance to remove his hood, and for the first time that day, Ascalon could fully appreciate his face. He was indeed handsome, although he showed a really sour expression most of the time. And where those¡­ Elf ears? ¡°An elf?¡± Ascalon blurted out, surprising both Selorien and the rest. He had never seen a black-haired elf, so it took him off guard. ¡°My apologies, I do not mean any harm by that. I just¡­ have never seen one with such a dark hair color.¡± Surprise aside, Selorien smiled a bit mischievously, and started to cut into his food with a knife. ¡°Heh yeah, I dyed it black. So you know elfs, huh?¡± Selorien asked, and Ascalon nodded while thinking that this ¡°dyeing¡± had to mean he painted it somehow? It looked good on him, it really set him aside from all the blonde elves Ascalon had met. Was that the purpose of it¡­? He decided not to pry, and kept indulging in the banquet before him. Ah, truly a king¡¯s dinner. Then, he noticed Raphael was looking at Lilithra with a worried expression. ¡°Won¡¯t you remove it, Lil?¡± The older man asked calmly, nothing but gentleness in his tone, but Lilithra jumped and grabbed both sides of her hood, pulling it down as if to hide herself. ¡°Uhm, no, I¡¯m kind of chilly, actually¡­ haha¡­¡± It was an obvious excuse, even Ascalon could tell, but Raphael¡¯s sorrowful look made him keep quiet. The knight felt a tingle on his chest, being the first time he had seen Lilithra appear that small and scared. ¡°Come on Uncle, let¡¯s eat!¡± She said enthusiastically, as she started chowing down her food, too, in an obvious attempt to divert the topic. Her uncle simply sighed and smiled in resignation. Selorien kept quiet, but Ascalon could tell he was also worried. Well, everyone had their demons to deal with, some more literal than others. Ascalon stopped eating for a moment, as he tried to suppress the memories of his last, cruel battle. The sight before him did him good, it was kind of healing in a way¡ªbut did he deserve to be there? After some conflicted thoughts, he kept partaking in the feast, enjoying the peace while he could, as time passed slowly. Chapter 6 - The Flaming Fists Raphael had put out the ¡®closed¡¯ sign outside the bar, as no other visitors had decided to show up. The rest lingered at the counter, and basked in the afterglow of a delicious dinner. Ascalon watched as Lilithra fiddled with a small, thin black box, while Selorien was reclined on his chair, yawning from time to time. It was quite late, and as much as they wished to invite the knight to stay, both friends knew that it would only lead to annoying lectures from headquarters. They had already postponed the wanderer¡¯s visit there for far too long. ¡°Alright, I contacted the Guildmaster, he¡¯ll let headquarters know we¡¯re on our way.¡± Lilithra exclaimed with a tired voice. Selorien nodded and sluggishly made an effort to get up. They both looked at the knight, who showed a hint of confusion on his face. ¡°Hey, we were actually supposed to take you somewhere, ¡®as per protocol¡¯, but yeah, we kinda ditched that.¡± Selorien made an annoyed expression before shooting a half-smile at the blonde man. ¡°We¡¯ll take you there now, aight? Shopping tomorrow, Lil?¡± He added, as the girl nodded. It seemed they had already kind of ¡®adopted¡¯ Ascalon, but he couldn¡¯t feel anything other than appreciation for them. Mere hours ago, he had felt completely lost and somewhat panicked, but now he was even relaxed. ¡°It will be an honor to accompany you, now and tomorrow.¡± Responded Ascalon, smiling gently at the pair. Lilithra joined in on the smiles and then stretched her arms above her head, releasing some pent-up exhaustion before making her way to the door. ¡°We¡¯re leaving, Uncle!¡± She shouted, as her figure crossed through the doorway. Selorien and Ascalon promptly followed, while the master of The Chalice waved cordially. ¡°Don¡¯t get into trouble now, y¡¯hear Lil?!¡± With these parting words behind her, Lilithra giggled, and the group made their way through the streets. There were few people around at the time, and the wind had picked up, howling through the passages. A light pole flickered, and dogs barked in the distance¡ªa premonition of things to come. The trio was walking at their own pace. Lilithra and Selorien were talking among themselves, the latter had put on his hood again, and Ascalon could pick up a few words here and there. They were probably making plans for the next day, and the girl seemed as excited as she had been earlier. Yeah, that suited her better than the expression she had made at dinner. He quickly vanished these thoughts, as he didn¡¯t want to let his curiosity lead him to pry, once again. Luckily, her voice saved him from his own mind. ¡°Uhm, Ascalon! They¡¯ll bombard you with a ton of questions and be annoying, but they just want to help you out, okay?¡± She reassured him, smiling gently. He knew that neither Selorien nor Lilithra would lead him somewhere bad, so he simply nodded in understanding. Seeing his expression, she continued. ¡°They¡¯ll probably ask about you and explain to you a few things about the Gifted network. You can tell them you already know some stuff, too, to speed things along!¡± Selorien looked back as he walked, and chimed into the conversation. ¡°Yeah, they¡¯ll also register you to their database and stuff. Maybe even find you a place to live¡ª¡± But he couldn¡¯t finish his sentence before Lilithra interjected. ¡°No! He¡¯s staying with us at Uncle¡¯s!¡± She exclaimed selfishly, just like a capricious kid. Selorien was a bit taken aback, but then let out a defeated laugh. Ascalon was a bit surprised too, and wondered if he deserved such kindness. He was still pretty much a complete stranger to them. ¡°Lady Lilithra, you have already done enough for me¡­ I could not impose on your home, too.¡± She stopped for a second and pointed a finger at him, her expression filled with resolution. ¡°No! It¡¯s already decided! I¡¯ll convince Uncle, easy peasy.¡± And after her triumphant remark, she continued walking. Selorien snickered to himself, while Ascalon sighed and accepted his fate, showing a resigned but gentle expression. ¡°You have my gratitude, lady Lilithra.¡± She skipped happily as she heard his words. She couldn¡¯t get enough of the ¡®lady¡¯ treatment, and Selorien couldn¡¯t help but keep giggling. Ascalon thought that these were some peaceful moments, something he could become fond of. But the night was far from over, and as he feared, there were still a few surprises to be had. It was then that Ascalon¡¯s honed senses picked up on something, yet another presence to be on the lookout for. He had his fair share of that sensation since he had arrived at New Lumingard, and was learning to recognize those who were going about their business, mostly to not be wary about every single thing. But this was different; it was a familiar feeling, and he knew that this individual was focused on them. Like a pack of wolves searching for prey, Ascalon noticed quite a group approaching in the distance, gathering around the first presence. He halted in his tracks, his attention on the distant scene, and the friendly duo looked at him with questioning stares. The first to react was Selorien, recalling that something similar had happened before. Following his intuition, he quickly turned around and fixated his eyes in the direction Ascalon was watching. Surely enough, a group of people were approaching, recognizable by their distinctive leather jackets adorned with a logo of a flaming fist in red, yellow, and black colors. Selorien was now convinced of Ascalon''s exceptional senses, far beyond the norm, but he pushed aside the thought for the moment. Right now, he needed to focus on the unfolding event. ¡°Lil, stop. It''s the Fists.¡± Lilithra halted abruptly, a few steps ahead of the guys, and gazed at the distance. Ascalon could notice her body shrinking slightly, and could swear she was trembling. ¡°Let¡¯s, uhm, let¡¯s just go this way.¡± She exclaimed nervously, as she pointed in the direction of a nearby crossing, which had a sign reading ¡®Wellington¡¯, planning on taking another route. Selorien clicked his tongue, and put an arm in front of his friend to stop her. ¡°Nah, they¡¯re onto us. It¡¯s that guy, the one with the sergeant.¡± So that¡¯s what it was. Ascalon couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint why that feeling was so familiar, but now he knew. It was that person who had accompanied the so-called sergeant before. But things didn¡¯t end there. Alongside the approaching group, Ascalon felt another presence skulking in the shadows. This one was incredibly skilled at making themselves unnoticeable, as they maintained a calculated distance and moved with precision, their footsteps as silent as if they didn¡¯t even exist. He took note of this interloper, but decided to focus on the group that was openly approaching them. He could feel the intent of the unknown figure, and their purpose was to observe, rather than engage¡ªespecially noticeable when going to such lengths to mask their traces. They could be left alone, for now. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Aside from the person they had seen earlier, one other man stood out from the crowd. He had unruly, green hair up to his shoulders¡ªan unusual hair color, Ascalon thought. He also wore their distinctive Fists jacket over a naked torso, showing a well-trained body. His hands were painted red, and on his back rested a massive silver scythe. Taking into account how easy it was to put weapons away thanks to the Gifted network, Ascalon understood that having the scythe out was meant as a display of power. It was a pretty clear message, one of warning. ¡°Is this the guy?¡± Asked the menacing individual, stepping into the light. His face showed a confident look, with a bold smile, and many metal pieces lodged into both his nose and lips. Ascalon didn¡¯t know they were simple piercings, a fashion choice, so he thought they were also part of the ¡®dangerous¡¯ image he wanted to convey. The stranger brushed his bangs to the side, while eyeing Ascalon intently. ¡°Yes.¡± A simple answer, given by the other man. He was wearing a hooded robe, his face obscured, hidden by choice. His thin complexion gave a false sense of frailness, but Ascalon could feel he was more of a problem than the one with the scythe. ¡°And they found him? Ha ha ha! Oh destiny, little joker.¡± He seemed to know Selorien and Lilithra, judging by his words, and the latter even flinched when he spoke. The rest of the irrelevant troupe were snickering and walking around, as if to surround them, to enjoy the show from different angles. Selorien stepped forward, with a face that looked like a mix of seriousness and anger. It was the most expressive Ascalon had seen him act since they met. ¡°What do you want with us, Rosco?¡± The man smiled at the question, whistling in amusement. ¡°Oh, come on, we¡¯re old pals. Lil and I! Do I need a reason?¡± Lilithra looked like she wanted to run away, and Ascalon was getting annoyed by the second. As if sensing the knight¡¯s emotions, the girl mustered her will, and stepped forward. ¡°We¡¯re not pals!¡± She blurted, raising her clenched hand and a middle finger towards the guy, who simply laughed in response. The pack of hyenas around him imitated his actions, while his hooded companion had slipped behind the chaos. ¡°You break my heart, Lil. After all I did for you! After I gave you a chance, when no other Guild would!¡± He exclaimed, as Lilithra clenched her fists. They seemed to have a story, one the girl didn¡¯t want to remember. ¡°But you just¡­ up and left.¡± His mocking tone turned more serious, his expression filled with contempt. ¡°But anyways! Believe it or not, I don¡¯t care about that right now. My business is with him.¡± And he pointed towards the obvious: Ascalon. Both Selorien and Lilithra looked at the knight, coming to understand what was going on. They wanted the wanderer, and they could think of a few reasons for that. At least, meeting with the Flaming Fists was just a coincidence, and they weren¡¯t here for retribution¡ªnot this time, anyway. ¡°What do you wa¨C¡± The red-haired girl wanted to ask, but was cut short by Rosco¡¯s cold words, and his right hand on the handle of the massive armament on his back. ¡°You stay quiet now, grown-ups are going to talk business.¡± Lilithra cowered, and stood there in defeat, angry at herself. ¡°Hey pal, I¡¯ll be straight with you. We could use wanderer muscle. Join my Guild, the Flaming Fists. I promise you that whatever they offered you, I¡¯ll double it!¡± He exclaimed enthusiastically, as a punchable smile appeared on his face. He seemed to be accustomed to dealing with people by simply waving riches around, an attitude the knight didn¡¯t like at all. As that seemed to be his only train of thought, he seemed to think that Lilithra and Selorien had invited Ascalon into their Guild, or something along these lines. ¡°They did not ¡®offer¡¯ me anything.¡± Ascalon replied calmly. His words made the man open his eyes wide in disbelief. The hooded man in the back simply stood by, his eyes never leaving the Knight¡¯s figure. ¡°Seriously? Is that Casanova pal hurting for money now? Ha ha ha!¡± He laughed, his entourage once again mimicking him. It was just adding to Ascalon¡¯s annoyance, honestly. The man eyed the knight suspiciously, as if not really believing his words. Then, he looked over at Lilithra and Selorien, and made a pensive face. ¡°For real? No contracts, no money, nothing?¡± The knight simply shook his head in negation, giving the man the cold shoulder. ¡°Well, works for me! Just name your price. No matter the¨C¡± But before he could finish his words, Ascalon cut him short. ¡°I am not interested.¡± This made Rosco tilt his head, pondering for a second what just had happened. Was his offer rejected, before even explaining anything? Anger took over his face, as the wanderer was taking him lightly. It was then that Lilithra decided the worst time to interject. ¡°Hear him? Get lost!¡± A sudden courage filled her, as she stepped up to the man. That¡¯s right, she had taken Ascalon under her wing, as frail and small as it was; or so she deluded herself into thinking. Ascalon¡¯s words showed clear conviction. He wasn¡¯t swayed by strangers at the mere mention of money, like most people she had known. He was an honest, good man, and she wanted to keep him away from disgusting people like Rosco. The guy simply looked at her with disgust, as if he had just stepped on manure. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it, so don¡¯t interfere, please.¡± These words were directed towards Ascalon, and came from Lilithra¡¯s lips. He hesitated to agree, but ultimately, decided to respect her determination. She seemed confident, so he wanted to trust her. ¡°Rosco, he hasn¡¯t even been registered yet. Do you think the other Guilds will stay put if you snatch him away like this? Why not play by the rules and avoid the mess?¡± Lilithra said boldly, thinking she could coerce or scare the man by mentioning the other Guilds, but she was naive. Recruiting wanderers wasn¡¯t uncommon, on the contrary, they were highly sought. They had to be registered at the headquarters beforehand, to avoid unnecessary conflicts between Guilds. But some people never played fair, and Rosco was one of them. He was clearly ignoring the guidelines to get an advantage over others, something he was pretty used to. ¡°Oh Lil.¡± He said, face and voice aligning into smugness. ¡°You of all people talking about rules¡­ did you learn nothing from your parents?¡± Lilithra''s heart sank at his words, and her complexion got visibly paler. Rosco took the chance to grab her by the collar, and lifted her effortlessly with one hand. Ascalon readied himself, at the brink of his patience, but the view before him made him freeze in place. Her hoodie had slipped down, revealing not only her long hair and the rest of her face, but also a pair of dark-red horns protruding from both sides of her forehead. Images rushed through Ascalon¡¯s mind: His last battle, his comrade¡¯s faces, his ultimate defeat. The sight of these horns stirred his instincts. Lilithra, a demon? A demon stood before him¡­ An enemy of mankind and all that was good. In another time, he would¡¯ve shown no hesitation and would¡¯ve lunged at the wicked being¡­ But now, something was holding him back. His mind in turmoil, conflictive thoughts clashing against each other. ¡°Nooo!!!¡± Lilithra screamed, struggling in vain and trying to hide her face. ¡°Don¡¯t try and lecture me, you filthy demon bitch!¡± Sneered Rosco, still holding onto Lilithra¡¯s collar. Tears began to roll down her face. ¡°Not when your parents were worse pieces of shit than me!¡± That was it. Selorien clenched his teeth in anger, immediately snapping at the man. ¡°Rosco!!!¡± At that moment, the elf materialized a pair of long, blueish daggers on each hand, and dashed at the thug in hopes of helping his friend. But in that split second of action, the interloper skulking about, the figure Ascalon had pushed to the back of his mind, moved; and the knight was in no condition to react. A shadowy blur blocked the path between Selorien and Rosco, and a second later her visage caught up to her speed. There stood a tall woman, with short black hair parted in two bangs, and a white headdress atop her head. Her body was covered in a long, neat and sophisticated black maid dress, white apron and all. Her posture, with both hands in front of her, gave a refined, polite image. As a final detail, a cute crimson ribbon rested above her notable chest. ¡°Young master.¡± The figure spoke with impassiveness, a pair of cold, detached red eyes fixated on Selorien. The elf hesitated, as sweat began to run down his forehead. ¡°Escarlata¡­? Why¡­?¡± He asked in confusion. In the corner of his eye, he could see Rosco¡¯s gloating smile. Things weren¡¯t looking good. Chapter 7 - The Flaming Fists - Part 2 The scene had unfolded in an unexpected way. Ascalon was still in a daze, his heart split in two as he struggled to regain his senses. His last battle, all that he had endured, the pain and cruel memories¡ªeverything came rushing back at the most inopportune moment, triggered by the abrupt event before him. But while he wavered, shutting himself out from the outside world, one of his companions still stood in defiance. ¡°Why¡­?¡± Selorien asked once again, his anger being kept in check solely by the presence before him. In fact, he could not even take another step, not when she had intervened. Escarlata¡ªthat was the name of the woman in the sophisticated, servant attire. She was one of the ¡®maids¡¯ currently serving his family, the L¡¯adariel bloodline, and she was clearly blocking his path. Also, despite her appearance, to Selorien she was probably the strongest and most dangerous individual in the whole vicinity. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± He questioned her once again, his voice a mix of anger and confusion, trying to understand why one of his own servants would stand in his way¡ªespecially in such a situation. The girl remained expressionless, her eyes focused on the ¡®young master¡¯. Her lips moved again, and a very well-crafted, respectful tone could be heard. ¡°My apologies, young master. I¡¯m merely following Master Theoldorien¡¯s orders.¡± After her empty apology, not only had she avoided answering the question, but also said everything Selorien needed to hear to understand the situation. ¡°Grandfather¡­!¡± The words came from behind clenched teeth, as he made no effort to hide his displeasure. He looked at the maid, his gaze a mixture of seriousness and hate. ¡°Let me through, Escarlata, or else¡­!¡± Maybe it was time to make use of his status in the family. Maybe he could convince her, as the ¡®young master¡¯. But her next, icy words sent shivers down his back. ¡°Or else¡­ What? Do not forget, young master.¡± Her visage was still as stoic as before, yet Selorien could feel he was gazing into terror itself. ¡°I only answer to Master Theoldorien.¡± A simple-to-understand ultimatum. He was not in any position to order her around, he wasn¡¯t even standing on equal grounds, even when he was supposed to be above her due to his status in the family. He was powerless before her, and the might of his grandfather. In the distance, Rosco watched in amusement. His groupies were scattered around¡ªsome bored, some drooling at the sight of the maid, a few itching for anything to happen, any excuse to spill blood. Among those, the mysterious hooded man approached Rosco and looked at Lilithra while whispering. ¡°We should go. Take her with us.¡± The man with the huge scythe on his back looked at his companion in bewilderment. Lilithra, on the other hand, started struggling harder, but the arm holding her in the air was barely moving. ¡°Wha- why? We came for that guy!¡± He exclaimed, confusion turning into anger as he pointed with his free hand to the motionless Ascalon. What was his companion thinking? ¡°We don¡¯t have the luxury of waiting around all night!¡± Replied the hooded man. He seemed agitated, and even raised his voice. Rosco wasn¡¯t pleased by that. They had a mutual, beneficial agreement, but they weren¡¯t Guildmates or anything of the sort. He wasn¡¯t about to let an outsider give him orders, not until the hooded bastard explained himself; and even then, he had to like what he heard. The girl simply listened, it was the only thing she could do, for now. She was using this time to think of a way out of the situation; although amid her panic and fear, it was a hard task. Still, an idea was slowly but surely coming through, so it was good that these guys had decided to discuss with each other. ¡°What¡¯s your game here, huh, Moleman? This was your idea.¡± Rosco responded with total seriousness, his demeanor changing completely, as he faced the man boldly. Rosco was informed about the wanderer, a pricy scoop! The plan was to coax him into joining them, by any means necessary. It was going to be easy, a unique opportunity since the outsider wasn¡¯t in the headquarter¡¯s clutches yet. It was just what he needed to finally get ahead of the other Guilds! And finally, finally get some more recognition in the lower spheres of the city. If only. Things had really taken a weird turn, especially when that maid had contacted them, negotiating with them so they wouldn¡¯t hurt the ¡®young master¡¯ in exchange for her assistance. It was a suspicious event, but one he would fully exploit. There was also the blonde wanderer, who seemed like a dumbass with no survival instinct, seeing that he had rejected the Flaming Fists without even a bit of consideration. But the so-called ¡®Moleman¡¯ now wanted to leave without the prize, and with some leftovers to boot? He was singing to a different tune, and Rosco couldn¡¯t understand why. To be fair, he wasn¡¯t the smartest man, either. ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re so st¨C¡± The hooded man was replying while losing his patience, but as if to help explain his point, and save him from calling Rosco stupid, Selorien¡¯s phone started ringing. His eyes immediately focused on the elf, as that was what he had feared for a while now. Selorien heard the familiar ringtone and gasped, regaining control over his senses after he had been locked into Escarlata¡¯s dreary stare. He quickly backstepped, and as one of his daggers disappeared into nothingness, he picked up his phone from his hoodie¡¯s pocket and answered. A voice he couldn¡¯t stand came out from the speakers, and it belonged to none other than Casanova¡¯s Guildmaster. That¡¯s right, they still had a way to get out of that situation! ¡°Hey hey, Selly. What¡¯s taking you guys so lon¨C¡± But he was cut short by Selorien¡¯s frantic shouting. ¡°We need help at Wellington¡¯s crossing!¡± Exclaimed the elf, but as soon as he tried to elaborate, his phone shut down. Surprised, Selorien rapidly looked around, and saw the hooded man with one of his arms extended towards him. Right after, a screen manifested itself in front of Selorien, and confirmed what had happened.
Skill - Interference - has been detected.
An ability usually utilized to interrupt communications or electronic devices for a short while, very illegal but pretty common in the lowest circles of the city. It wasn¡¯t something one could use to rob a bank or the like, because of the low range and duration of the effect, but it was enough for moments like these. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Selorien clicked his tongue, but in the back of his mind, he assessed the situation. He had managed to ask for help, and named the street clearly. There was no doubt his Guildmaster would understand, right? Right¡­? Somehow, doubt began to overcome him, remembering the punchable face of the man known as Lucio. On the other hand, the better news was that Escarlata didn¡¯t move; she simply watched him. Was it that she couldn¡¯t interfere anymore, or that her purpose was solely to stop him from engaging in combat against the Flaming Fists? The latter seemed the most reasonable, since she had stuck around. Adding to that, his grandfather¡¯s orders were probably related to Lilithra. No, more like definitely. He knew how much hatred the old elf had for the girl''s parents since that fateful incident had taken place¡­ But Selorien didn¡¯t want to believe he would take it out on her; until now, that is. Escarlata was probably his grandfather¡¯s way of stating that he should cut ties with her or something. But oh boy, was his grandpa talking to deaf elven ears. Selorien wasn¡¯t anything like him and took pride in that; he could see beyond prejudiced hate, and firmly believed that the sins of the parents shouldn¡¯t carry over to their children. His family had a fair share of that, too, and he had seen with his very eyes how Lilithra was anything but a ¡®demon¡¯. Most importantly, he had made a promise to her, as his best friend: that he would always stand by her side, no matter what. He took comfort in remembering his promise, and bravery in his defiance against the old man. But the bad news, and the hard reality, was that he still couldn¡¯t do anything; not with Escarlata on his ass. They needed to hold on, somehow, until, and if, reinforcements arrived. Maybe Ascalon, who had been oddly unresponsive, could lend them a hand, even though Lilithra had asked him to stay put. Wait, was that it? Was he really just standing around because she asked him to not interfere? But before he could delve deeper into these conclusions, he heard Lilithra scream, and his eyes focused on the girl¡¯s location. ¡°Let me go!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, as Rosco started to drag her away. He had resigned himself to following Moleman¡¯s plan, much to his frustration. The group that accompanied him started to move as if to block the way, and Selorien couldn¡¯t help but feel that their time was running out. There had to be something they could do, he just had to think! But Escarlata¡¯s presence was unraveling every plan he conceived in his head. He couldn¡¯t imagine a path that far ahead, but he had to keep trying. Meanwhile, Lilithra thought this was her only and last chance. In a last effort to break out of Rosco¡¯s grip, she started summoning her weapon of choice. An object began to appear on her free hand, taking a long and somewhat thin shape as it materialized. It could¡¯ve been mistaken by a b¨­ or a quarterstaff, but three pointed ends at the top betrayed the suspense of its identity, the image resembling a bladed cross. However, It was no simple spear either, as a lengthy cloth started to manifest around the cross-shaped end, revealing its true form: a battle-banner. It was an uncommon armament, to be sure, but one that she had chosen for herself, and that really fit her personality. Both Rosco and Moleman looked at her, not very surprised or bothered by this, but a bit curious instead, as she raised her banner high. Rosco especially, since he had never seen her use it. ¡°Be brave!¡± The girl shouted with resolution, her voice echoing boldly! At the same time, her weapon started to glow in a golden, soothing light, the cloth dancing in the wind furiously. Then, a blue-ish screen appeared atop the area.
The personal skill - Be Brave! - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Selorien recognized the skill immediately, as he felt a surge in power. It was a buff-type ability, one that moderately raised the stats of those Lilithra acknowledged as allies. It was a basic skill for the moment, but it was definitely her style. She had always wanted to support other people, lend a helping hand, and rouse up the spirit of those around her. It also let Rosco clearly know that she never considered the Flaming Fists their allies. Although he had seen her only as a pawn too, it was like the last straw for the tough-looking man, as he felt a calm anger rise inside him. Taking the initiative, Lilithra brought the banner down in a downward swing towards Rosco, powered by her now-raised parameters. Rosco let go of her and sidestepped to the left, easily avoiding the attack while his other hand clutched the handle of his great scythe. Moleman quickly took a huge leap backwards, almost in a panic, as he didn¡¯t want to get caught in the rampaging of a wild beast. The girl gulped, as her yellow eyes followed Rosco¡¯s hand, feeling a chill run down her spine once again. Selorien, in the distance, opened his eyes wide in agitation. He knew Rosco was a thug and not the brightest bulb in the shed, but he became a true monster when wielding his signature weapon. Rosco was one of the reasons his Guild was still standing, even when they leaned heavily into the clandestine; and that very man was about to wreak havoc. But the moment he started to unsheathe, he hesitated, his hand twitching all of a sudden. The maid was the first one to notice, alarm bells ringing inside her head as she finally pried her eyes from Selorien and looked at Rosco¡¯s direction with a shocked expression. It was the most ¡®humane¡¯ face she had shown up to that moment. The second to notice was Moleman, who was caught completely off-guard by what had just happened. Having gained a good distance, he could appreciate it clearly, but still couldn¡¯t have anticipated such an outcome. Then Rosco, Lilithra, Selorien, and lastly the rest of the riff-raff from the Flaming Fists. Everyone gazed at the anomaly: Ascalon had finally moved. The guy that everyone had somewhat forgotten, now stood in between the red-haired girl and her opponent, his back turned on the latter. His good eye interlocked with Lilithra¡¯s, showing a resolute stare. As everything unfolded, Ascalon had been replaying horrible memories inside his head. Whenever he approached the light, ugly emotions pulled him back. He needed a push, a guide¡ªhe needed help. And it was then that Lilithra¡¯s cry broke his trance. He moved to her side immediately, he wanted to confirm something. Her words made him remember a conversation they had at The Chalice, when they had finished enjoying dinner. ¡°Lady Lilithra.¡± His voice felt distant, but determined. His eye slowly went to her horns, then back to meet her gaze. ¡°Just tell me. Were your words at the tavern your sincerest wishes?¡± The girl, somewhat taken aback by the whole situation, tried to understand the abrupt words of the knight. Realizing what he was referring to, she nodded weakly. Her yellow eyes looked teary, her face laid bare before Ascalon. At the sight, his chest tightened. Ascalon took a deep breath, and closed his eye for a second. Then he turned around, and as he met Rosco¡¯s shocked stare, Exemplaris started to materialize in front of him. He grabbed it, and effortlessly stuck the pointy end in the ground, putting both hands atop the handle. ¡°Very well. Henceforth, you shall have to face me.¡± He stated in a commanding voice, shivers assaulting everyone. ¡°But I am not one to bully the weak¡ªwhoever flees will be spared.¡± He had found his resolution. Chapter 8 - The Flaming Fists - Part 3 Ascalon reminisced, memories from before the whole ordeal had started. It was when they were still at the bar, talking to each other after having dinner¡­ ¡°...And these ¡®light poles¡¯, and the ¡®moving pictures¡¯, are all powered by this ¡®electricity¡¯?¡± Asked Ascalon, who had been bombarding Lilithra and Selorien with mundane questions, which the duo, but mostly Lilithra, had been happy to answer. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s pretty much it! It¡¯s not magic, well, not usually! Electronic devices and stuff.¡± The girl replied, a huge smile on her face. Then, she brought out a small, black device, similar to what the Sergeant had used before, and it lit up as she fiddled with it. ¡°For example, this is one of science¡¯s wonders: A smartphone!¡± The blonde man appraised the object like a child staring at a toy. ¡°With this, I can communicate with people from all over, even from other countries! It also has many other functions; it¡¯s like an encyclopedia of knowledge packed into your pocket!¡± She raised it with both hands as if it were some kind of holy object, after repeating some words she had heard somewhere, with Ascalon staring in reverence. Then, she pointed it at him, and a flash of light took him by surprise. ¡°It can also take photos!¡± The girl exclaimed, showing Ascalon a depiction of him! It was incredible, such astounding technology. Ascalon was deeply impressed by how such a tiny gadget could be so versatile. ¡°But she mostly uses it to play games and contact the Guild, hehe.¡± Added Selorien, laughing softly in a mischievous manner. Lilithra quickly hit him on the shoulder, blushing a bit. This made another question pop out from Ascalons lips. ¡°What are those ¡®Guilds¡¯ I keep hearing about? I reckon I get the gist of it, but still¡­¡± Lilithra and Selorien both realized they hadn¡¯t told him about that yet. The elf didn¡¯t seem interested in explaining complicated things, so it was no wonder that Lilithra began to speak again. ¡°Right. When the Gifted network appeared, a lot of trouble came with it. Before, only certain, uhm, individuals and races had what we now call ¡°gifts¡±. They were mostly legends or tales until then. You could think of it as magic, powers, etc.! It all boils down to special abilities, alright?¡± She stated, taking a pause for the knight to absorb the information. Sounded a lot like magic, blessings, and ¡®bloodline¡¯ abilities back in his world. He pondered for a second, and nodded, letting her proceed. ¡°So, people were all over themselves with these newfound abilities. Mostly the bad kind of people, to no one¡¯s surprise.¡± The girl rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by these troublemakers. She then took a sip of water from a nearby glass, and continued. ¡°But that¡¯s not all! Somehow, the Gifted network attracted a whole other interdimensional mess. Kaiju: giant ugly creatures! Towers: they¡¯re like gateways to dungeons, with both danger and treasure! Wanderers: which you already know of. And well, some other stuff. Everything changed.¡± Ascalon listened intently, it all sounded like a fantasy, but he knew she wasn¡¯t toying with him or lying about it. It was, in fact, a topic both intriguing and worrying. ¡°And well, normal people can¡¯t deal with giant horrors, ravenous beasts, or ¡®supervillains¡¯. So! The nation¡¯s leaders took inspiration from old stories, fiction and the like, and proposed the creation of Guilds! Incentivised by money and fame, and all that, you know?¡± He actually did know! Somewhat. Honor, wealth, pride, even greed¡ªthey were very common things where he came from. She perceived the understanding on his face and smiled before continuing. ¡°And, uhm, that¡¯s a short summary, I guess. There are a lot of Guilds around New Lumingard, and outside too of course! Some are¡­ ¡°better¡± than others, so to say, haha¡­ We¡¯re from the Casanova Guild, by the way! Although we¡¯re just newbies.¡± She said, a bit ashamed of the name. But the knight didn¡¯t really get it. He smiled in appreciation for the explanations as he replied. ¡°I am deeply grateful for all the answers, Lady Lilithra, Sir Selorien. I gather that if you belong to this Casanova Guild, it must be a most righteous group!¡± Both friends looked at each other for a moment and laughed. Selorien looked especially energetic this time around. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not a bandit¡¯s den, at least.¡± Added the elf jokingly. Lilithra giggled, but a hint of sadness could be seen behind it. ¡°Haha yeah¡­ At least they accepted us newbies.¡± She broadened her smile, looking resolutely at the knight. ¡°There are some weirdos here and there, but they¡¯re all great people. I can finally help those in need thanks to them! Like you, Ascalon!¡± She looked around sheepishly, embarrassed by her own words. The master, who had been cleaning up some glasses in silence, smirked from behind the counter, and Selorien followed suit. Ascalon greeted her smile with one of his own and bowed slightly in appreciation. ¡°But this is just the beginning, right Lil? She has some biiiiig plans for such a shortie.¡± Selorien cracked a more daring smile, and Lilithra shifted in her seat, trying to hide her face under her hood. ¡°Why did you bring that up?! Uhm, don¡¯t laugh, okay Ascalon?¡± She asked the knight, now fiddling with her hair shyly, as a soft voice escaped from her lips. ¡°Someday, I want to make my own Guild.¡± She peeked at the blonde man with anticipation, wondering what kind of expression he would make. Ascalon looked at her with wonder, his good eye resting on her gaze. ¡°That seems like a grand ordeal¡­ Why is it that you want to take on such a task?¡± He questioned, with no deep meaning behind his words, but only simple curiosity. Selorien looked at the girl, urging her to answer. Lilithra looked really bashful, but gathered herself and continued. ¡°Well¡­ I want to help people, as I said¡ªand don¡¯t get me wrong. The Casanova Guild has been good to me, but¡­ I also want to make a place for everyone, something more.¡± The girl stated, resolution and seriousness burning in her yellow eyes. She took a deep breath, showing how nervous she was behind her bravado, and continued. ¡°I want to accept those who are shunned by others, because of their circumstances, looks, or whatever¡­ A haven for people that want to show the world that they¡¯re not what others make them.¡± Lilithra paused for a moment, smiling softly and blushing slightly. ¡°I want to give people courage, a second chance¡ªI want to be brave for them when they feel alone in this world that can be so cruel!¡± Ascalon simply heard her in silence, basking on her determined words. A few seconds of silence came to pass. Selorien wore a kind expression, while the master wiped away some tears in the background. ¡°I¡­ you know, I have a¡­ Troubled past, I guess. I don¡¯t want people to, uhm, go through stuff like that. It¡¯s just my selfish wish, though!¡± She spoke reluctantly, as it seemed to be a really personal topic. Ascalon felt a tingle in his chest, sensing a certain bond with the girl. She was speaking from her heart. A heart forged by whatever circumstances she had to face in the past. And he admired her conviction. ¡°I see. That is a marvelous goal to have.¡± Responded the knight, smiling gently at the girl. Lilithra beamed a huge smile as her cheeks reddened once again, thinking she was being such an embarrassment that day. But she felt happy that Ascalon could understand her, even though she was still keeping details from him. She felt a bit guilty, but she couldn¡¯t just unpack her whole story on him, who was still on his very first day in this world. Maybe another time, she could take off that hoodie and come out of her shell willingly. Everyone enjoyed a moment of calmness, content with the situation. It didn¡¯t take long for Ascalon to start asking more questions, and the mood quickly turned more cheerful as they talked to each other about various things.
Back in the present, Ascalon lamented his weakness. Anger was directed at himself for wavering at the mere sight of Lilithra¡¯s true form. What if she was a demon? This world was obviously different, and the girl he had come to know throughout the day was anything but an evil being. There was a chance it was all a facade, but¡­ To him, she seemed like a kind, charitable soul, and so he had decided to put prejudices behind and focus on what lay ahead¡ªfor the time being. The situation at hand was still tense. Selorien and Lilithra were worried about the knight, who had become involved in their affairs. But the elf was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. He had his suspicions, but what if Ascalon was actually really strong? The blonde man had been calm and composed throughout the entire day, only showing more emotions when asking questions or marveling at things that seemed new to him. He also seemed to detect threats with uncanny precision and had ample time to react to them. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.There was also the way he had introduced himself. Selorien hadn¡¯t thought much of it at the moment, but now he considered that the knight had quite the grandiose and imposing set of titles. He was supposedly a commander in charge of a whole alliance, too. If he could back these words, it would mean business. To top it all off, the way he interjected between Lilithra and Rosco had everyone taken by surprise. Escarlata herself was fixated on the knight with a nervous expression, despite not having taken her eyes off Selorien through the whole event, until now. The elf himself hadn¡¯t noticed Ascalon moved, and his race¡¯s keen eyes could pick up on things easier than the average person. Maybe, just maybe, he was about to witness something amazing. Meanwhile, In the maid¡¯s mind, many thoughts raced as she tried to analyze the situation. When she was appointed to this mission, she wasn¡¯t told anything about this wanderer, other than being notified of his presence. Although he gave her an odd feeling, she thought he wouldn¡¯t be much of a hassle, seeing how he had kept himself out of the affair. But things took a different turn. She had enough experience in her line of work to know that the man was going to be a problem from now on. There was no way a normal human could¡¯ve moved in such a way, especially when she herself didn¡¯t notice it until it was too late¡ªshe wasn¡¯t one to brag, but she was one of the strongest people in the whole city. She tried to maintain her composure. Her orders were clear: she had to stop the young master and couldn¡¯t interfere in anything else. If the Master had only given her an easier task, like assassination¡­ But it seemed to be a show of pity toward his grandson¡ªto let the girl be dealt with by a third party, as if that would be a lesser blow. She banished these thoughts, and solely focused on the scene. On the other hand, Rosco and his entourage looked confused, perplexed and some even scared. The knight¡¯s ultimatum had hit deep, his imposing figure seemingly untouchable. Rosco took a moment to try and calm himself, appraising the blonde man from head to toe. He didn¡¯t seem to be well-equipped, aside from the great lance he had just conjured. His clothes looked old and worn out, but the air around him exuded not only confidence, but indifference. Rosco knew that the man before him was looking at them as if they were mere hoodlums, a walk in the park. His words backed his bravado, too. Rosco felt angry at such disrespect, but something gnawing at the back of his head stopped him from lashing out. It told him that crossing that man would be a mistake. In the distance, Moleman clenched his teeth. Was he being too hasty with the preparations? His associates weren¡¯t going to be happy. He was so close to snatching the girl away, but that wanderer seemed to be a threat to his plans. Yet, just like Rosco, he couldn¡¯t decide to take action either. But what if he didn¡¯t need to? A flash of inspiration crossed his mind as he smiled under his hood. That¡¯s right, he just needed a scapegoat, someone who would act with just a little push¡ªa perfect distraction. After all, the Flaming Fists were just that, little puppets he had manipulated, getting them involved just to take the fall if needed. It was time to put them to good use. He cleared his throat, and took the initiative. ¡°So even the great Rosco gets scared.¡± He claimed boldly, knowing which buttons to push. His smile widened as he watched the object of his mockery tremble in anger. ¡°Shut up!¡± Rosco screamed at the top of his lungs, finally unsheathing his great scythe in a fluid motion. His mastery over the weapon was such that the floor cracked in a line under its wake, and his underlings started to get hyped up at the sight. But the knight didn¡¯t seem fazed, as he watched in silence with a furrowed brow. This made Rosco feel angrier, and even ashamed. It had been a long time since someone had taken him lightly, and it was a memory he didn¡¯t want to recall. More importantly, he couldn¡¯t stain the Flaming Fists¡¯s reputation now. He had to leave his doubts aside and punish the arrogant bastard that stood before him. As if sensing the man¡¯s resolution, Ascalon grabbed his great lance with his right hand. He assumed a posture, the pointy end of Exemplaris towards Rosco, who suddenly lunged forward. ¡°Let¡¯s go, bastard!¡± Screamed the scythe wielder. There wasn¡¯t much distance between them to begin with, so it took but a moment before he reached the knight. The scythe drew an upward arc through the air, aiming to split in two the blonde man, with no hesitation nor holding back. As it cut through the air, the blade burst into flames¡ªRosco¡¯s signature skill, and kind of a requirement to be in the Guild.
Flame coating.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 60. Potential: B. Attribute: Fire. Effects: Coats an object with the fire attribute, increasing attack power by 10% and inflicting fire damage on contact. Additional effects: * Has a 15% chance to inflict a lasting burn on the target.
But Ascalon, unbothered, struck downwards with his lance, intercepting the attack and stopping it completely. The clash made the air reverberate, sending a wind shockwave that made Lilithra cover her face, being so close to the impact. Some of Rosco¡¯s companions even stumbled backwards, being as weak as they were. ?¡°H-how?!¡± Exclaimed Rosco in astonishment, seeing how his attack was dealt with so easily. His arm felt a bit numb, too. Clenching his teeth, he grabbed the weapon with both hands, his muscles bulking up as passive skills began to activate one by one.
Strength Up.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 61. Potential: B. Attribute: None. Effects: Boosts the user¡¯s strength attribute by 10%, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.
Speed Up+.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 67. Potential: A. Attribute: None. Effects: Boosts the user¡¯s agility attribute by 12% , depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.
Honed Senses.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 59. Potential: None. Attribute: None. Effects: Increases the user¡¯s reaction time and motor reflexes, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: *Increases effectiveness of tracking, surveying, exploring and other related abilities, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.
Feeling the power well up, senses sharpened and newfound speed, Rosco unleashed a flurry of attacks onto Ascalon. To the untrained eye, it might have looked like a random barrage out of desperation, a savage set of blows; but in reality, every swing aimed for a vital spot. And, at the same time, each one was being challenged. Neck¡ªparried. Torso¡ªblocked. Left arm¡ªdiverted. Ascalon was meeting every single attack head-on with his trusty lance, making precise and small movements, leaving witnesses in stunned silence. The way he wielded that huge spear with such finesse was a sight to behold. Escarlata herself was enraptured by the clash. Rosco was undeniably skilled despite his personality, as she already knew. But the blonde man was in a league of his own. While the Flaming Fist tried desperately to find an opening, the knight remained calm, not even deigning to launch a counterattack. It was clear he wasn¡¯t taking the fight seriously. At the sight, Escarlata felt a thrill she hadn¡¯t experienced in years¡ªa bloodlust for battling strong opponents, to break them into submission with her own hands. It was a familiar feeling she had buried deep, due to her new employer¡¯s wishes. She was even biting her lips, relishing on the flourishing feeling. What if she interfered, just this once? She had her orders, but the desire to plunge into the knight¡¯s back was gnawing at her. She was ready to throw herself at the battle, about to ambush the blonde man, when suddenly he turned slightly, his gaze locked onto her. Ascalon¡¯s good eye was focused on hers, freezing her in place. A shiver ran through her whole back, as a blue screen appeared in front of her. A warning.
A L?gend h?s ca?t his gaze u?on you.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Unknown skill Rank: ??? - Level ???. Potential: ???. Attribute: ???. Effects: ???. The network is still learning about this skill.
The words shook her to the core, as she gasped for air seemingly at death¡¯s door. She fell to her knees, her legs crumbling under an unseen weight. She realized the man standing there was a warrior like no other, and his gaze alone made her question everything she thought she knew about power. Chapter 9 - The Flaming Fists - Finale Ascalon could feel the maid¡¯s bloodlust like a knife to his throat. He had taken a moment to send a bit of his ¡®will¡¯ towards her¡ªa warning, urging her not to wager her life in vain. It seemed to work, thankfully. Whatever her plans were, they were none of his business, but he preferred not to get Selorien in trouble, as he had heard the girl call him ¡®young master¡¯ at some point. Hopefully, she would behave, so he could focus again on the fight. The Flaming Fist himself was in a state of panic. ¡°What are you?!¡± He shouted as he opened his stat screen, to see if his bonuses were even applying. And there they were. Strength Up, Speed Up+, Honed Senses, and some other passives were activated. So then, how?! How was he no match for that guy?! He tried to regain his focus, putting all he had into his relentless barrage. Sparks flew through the air as Rosco¡¯s scythe clashed with Ascalon¡¯s lance. Flames burst left and right with each hit, illuminating the street with ephemeral brilliance. The rest of the Flaming Fists stood in hesitation, not knowing whether to attack or retreat, as Rosco¡¯s cutting winds posed a threat to anyone who would get close. Even so, none of these attacks had even grazed Lilithra, who was the closest to the action. There were scorch marks on the ground and cuts here and there, but it was as if she were surrounded by an invisible barrier. She was absorbed with the spectacle in front of her, admiring the immeasurable skill of the knight. It was indeed Ascalon who was keeping her safe. Now that he had decided on it, nothing would harm her. Lilithra could feel that it was so, and was filled with many emotions, from gratefulness to deep, caring affection. She wiped her eyes roughly, a few droplets staining the ground, and grabbed her banner to hold it high. As gales of wind rushed around her, the cloth of her weapon danced furiously and began to glow once again. ¡°Be brave!¡± She shouted her skill one more time, as she didn¡¯t want to simply stand by anymore. Ascalon felt the warmth envelop him. It was a familiar feeling, somehow, and he felt a soft smile forming on his face. A gesture Rosco hated, of course. At that moment, a blue screen appeared in front of the knight.
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Ascalon peered at the information as he let out a curious ''hmm''. The notice itself could be read by anyone, but an extended description of the skill was shown only to her allies. He read the contents slowly, while dealing with Rosco¡¯s furious attacks.
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Her resolution shines on the battlefield, her demonic heart a beacon of hope!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Rank: F - Level 18. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All subjects considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Lilithra Vexeria will get a 10% increase in all stats. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance of shaking off fear debuffs. * Has a 15% chance of rousing up morale. * Has a 0.1% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
So that was Lilithra¡¯s resolution, in the form of a unique skill. Ascalon wondered if it was just as the ¡®unique¡¯ label implied, and if that meant it was hers, and hers alone. It did suit her, truth be told. It was surprising to see her full name, too. And also, these skills sounded really interesting! That aside, he didn¡¯t perceive much of a change in his prowess, but felt motivated nonetheless by the simple meaning of the action. She had his back, too. In front of him, Rosco was at his wits¡¯ end. He was still attacking because he thought that stopping would mean defeat. But even if he kept going, what would change? What could he do to claim victory over the monstrous man that was that lance bastard wielder? Just how much of a level difference was there? His underlings weren¡¯t daring to interfere, and that Moleman idiot was also keeping away. As for Moleman, he also noticed the situation was going nowhere. Rosco was being manhandled like a novice, by a man that ended up being way more powerful than expected. Moleman wasn¡¯t a foolish man, so he knew that involving himself in the battle would be futile. His plan was crumbling to bits, and both anger and fear were starting to mix inside him. Anger at the uselessness of Rosco. Fear of what he could face, should he fail. That¡¯s right. Even if he turned away, the others were going to chew him out about his actions, and only that if he was lucky. So what was there to lose? He cast doubt aside, and brought up both arms to his chest. He put a hand on top of the other, both of their palms facing off, and then started separating them. As his fingers curved, a yellow energy sphere began to take form. Ascalon took notice of the sudden threat, and looked over at the hooded man. He seemed to be preparing some sort of magic spell, so he put a little more strength into his next attack. He couldn¡¯t waste any more time with Rosco. The impact between his lance and Rosco¡¯s scythe sent the latter violently backward, as astonishment washed over his face. The ground cracked and rumbled with the air pressure of Rosco¡¯s momentum, finally stopping after he struck a wall, a long distance from the knight. It took no longer than a moment for Rosco to fall weakly to his knees, pieces of the wall hitting the ground around him. He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but the pain was more than enough to break his will¡ªhe was absolutely nothing in comparison to Ascalon. Everyone could hear his pride shatter, in the form of his scythe falling to the ground. The sight of their leader in such a state and the destruction around them, combined with the powerful growing energy from Moleman, finally encouraged the rest of the Flaming Fists¡¯ to flee in defeat. A few of them actually seemed to care, coming back to pick up Rosco and his weapon in a hurry, dragging him away. At least they had a sense of self-preservation and camaraderie! Still, something told Ascalon that this wasn¡¯t the last he saw of the scythe-wielder. But for now, his attention was on the hooded man. Yet just as Ascalon began to prepare himself for a new opponent, he smiled boldly and showed a content expression, relaxing his whole stance. The sight of this made Moleman very confused. Did the lance wielder have a trick up his sleeve? No matter! He would take the chance to gather even more power, and disintegrate him in a maelstrom of raw, pure energy! This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. While Moleman was thinking that, he felt a sharp pain in his back and chest. ¡°Huh?¡± He gasped in confusion, as the power in his hands began to fade away. He looked down, his breath turning ragged and wet, the sound of blood bubbles filling his lungs. Two sharp edges protruded from him, and as his vision started to get blurry, he slowly turned his head around. There stood Selorien, an elated expression on his face. ¡°You all forgot about me, huh?¡± A mischievous smile appeared on his lips as he spoke. Selorien noticed Escarlata¡¯s fixation with Ascalon, and decided to take advantage of the situation, using the same skills the maid was so proud of: Stealth and assassination. Sure, he wasn¡¯t anywhere near her level, but it had worked thanks to the many factors at play. He had Ascalon to thank most of all, of course, but his gamble had paid off. ¡°Y-you¡­ b-bast-tard¡­¡± Whispered Moleman as he began to crumble, the two daggers being removed from his body. Selorien deftly slashed the air, removing the blood from his weapons, and sheathed them into oblivion. He was surprised the knight didn¡¯t raise a ruckus about his treacherous attack. But truth was, Ascalon had no issues with how ¡®rogues¡¯ operated¡ªespecially in war. It was at that moment, seeing Ascalon in a less threatening posture, that Escarlata noticed Selorien¡¯s actions. She had made a heavy blunder, failing her Master, and it was all thanks to that damned wanderer. That muscular, blonde hunk of a wanderer! With those big, strong arms¡­ But she shook her head, dissipating the creeping thoughts, and focused on what this entailed. She was going to be punished. She sighed deeply, defeated, and took a moment to recompose herself and got up, bowing in Selorien¡¯s direction after cleaning up some dust from her skirt. ¡°Young master.¡± Were the only words she spoke, as she banished as quickly as she had arrived. Ascalon being the only one to notice that, as she fled, she kept glancing back at him. He wondered if she was afraid he could attack her from behind. But Ascalon was not the kind of person to resort to such treacherous ways, so she was safe for the time being. Ascalon took a moment to observe the aftermath of the event, taking in the sight of those who surrounded him. On one hand, Rosco and the Flaming Fists¡¯ had scattered, their presences fading away as they raced the alleyways. Lilithra now stood at his side, her weapon dissipating into the air, with a relieved expression and a nervous smile on her face. Selorien was approaching them at an exhausted pace, half a grin shining under his hood. Suddenly, in the distance, a black pool of goo began to form in the ground around Moleman. The trio tensed up, Selorien stopped and quickly turned back, as everyone looked at the sight with cautiousness. Black, slimy ¡®hands¡¯ began to rise up from the puddle, enveloping the hooded man¡¯s body little by little, until he looked completely wrapped up. And at the next moment, the black limbs began to pull the lifeless Moleman into the ground. It simply sunk, slowly, disappearing along the goo-ish substance. Ascalon frowned, as his good eye darted through the scene and his senses expanded. But shockingly enough, he couldn¡¯t feel anything out of the ordinary. That put a lot of wariness in the mind of the knight, seeing that there was some unseen hand at play, and that he couldn¡¯t react in any way to it. But contemplating that nothing else was happening, he finally relaxed a bit. It seemed to be finally over. The one to break the silence after such a sight, was none other than Lilithra. ¡°W-well, that was scary¡­ Hehe.¡± She said shyly, as Selorien continued to walk towards them, wary of his surroundings. She seemed a bit tense still, but a lot calmer. Ascalon looked at her and smiled softly. But at the back of his mind, Lilithra¡¯s presence gnawed at him. Sure, he had decided to act, and had put aside his feelings towards the demonic for the time being. Yet every glance at her horns brought back an unpleasant feeling. ¡°Hah¡­¡± Ascalon let out a mix of a sigh and a mocking laugh at himself. How could he still waver? The knight who thought was an unshakable force realized then, that maybe he wasn¡¯t as strong as he had always thought. He rested his gaze on Lilithra, who was looking more cheerful by the second as she conversed with Selorien. ¡°Thanks, guys¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± She exclaimed sheepishly. Selorien patted her head and answered. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly.¡± Those were the only words the elf gave back, as he smiled gently. Lilithra then looked at Ascalon and beamed nervously, but genuinely. Her eyes reflected gratitude and admiration. Amidst that, she realized something, and covered her head with her hoodie once more. Ascalon felt a tingle in his chest at Lilithra¡¯s actions. He clenched his fist, hardening his grip on Exemplaris, ultimately banishing it into his ¡®inventory¡¯ now that its purpose was served. How could such a sweet, pure soul reside in the body of a demon? Maybe¡­ Maybe that¡¯s why he was there, at that given time. Somewhat of a revelation hit him. Maybe he had to witness this girl¡¯s path. Perhaps he was sent to her side for a reason, to guide her, or even vanquish her if needed? He now thought that meeting her couldn¡¯t have been simply a coincidence. Even his awakening was in a place related to her. It all kind of made sense especially when he recalled that his Goddess, an omnipotent higher being, had put him there. Or so he thought, at least. He gained confidence in his theory by the second, as he watched over a blushing Lilithra. He realized he had been staring at her for a good while, and no one was saying anything, so the air around them was kind of awkward. This realization helped break his tension, and he sighed with tiredness. ¡°No, I apologize.¡± Said the knight, leaving both Lilithra and Selorien kind of dumbfounded. ¡°Huh?! But you pretty much saved us from a lot of trouble! What¡¯s there to apologize for?¡± Lilithra questioned him, as she started to chuckle at the sudden event. Selorien laughed a bit too, and Ascalon simply smiled gently. Maybe it was better to keep his thoughts to himself, and focus on what lay ahead. Particularly on the new presences approaching them. ¡°This is indeed an unending night, my friends.¡± Both Lilithra and Selorien felt a tingle of surprise, yet rejoiced at the word ¡®friends¡¯, but then realized his stare was set in the distance. Now even Lilithra knew to pay attention to Ascalon¡¯s random distance-gazing moments, since it meant someone had caught his attention. Sure enough, a few cars arrived moments later. Most were much like the one Ascalon had seen before, military vehicles. Then, a more elegant model, painted red and designed with style in mind, stood out from the rest. From one of the military ones, a couple of people descended, among them the Sergeant. He looked at the damage they had caused all around them, and furiousness clouded his eyes as he trembled in place. Then, from the more lavish vehicle, came out a single man. This one had a more distinctive presence, and a certain air around him. He looked as sleek as his ride, wearing an unbuttoned white shirt, tight blue jeans, and black leather boots. His long blonde hair danced in the wind, alongside his intricate earring. ¡°Ugh.¡± Blurted Lilithra under her breath, exchanging a sour expression with Selorien, before quickly trying to hide it. It was a man Ascalon didn¡¯t know yet¡ªthe Guildmaster of the Casanova Guild himself. He started to approach them, as he struck random poses in between steps, making for a very awkward sight. But Ascalon could see there was confidence behind the weird demeanor. ¡°My lovelies! My sweet Lil! Are you guys alright?! He exclaimed in a worried tone, as he looked at the pair with teary eyes. A rose appeared on his hand, and he threw it at Lilithra with an extravagant motion. She slapped it to the ground mid-air, immediately. ¡°Ah- s-sorry Guildmaster, I¡¯m, uhm, still in battle mode!¡± She stammered in a hurry, Selorien trying to hold back his laughter. The man then looked at Ascalon, his brown eyes appraising him with seriousness. But just as he was about to say something, the Sergeant stormed in front of them and shouted rudely. ¡°Alright, enough of this nonsense!!! You¡¯re coming to headquarters with me, now!!!¡± He pointed at Ascalon, extremely annoyed. The Guildmaster raised an eyebrow, but decided to not interfere. The knight, who was being pointed at, simply blinked in confusion, and looked at his companions. Lilithra and Selorien looked perplexed, but the girl nodded nervously. It was the result of their own actions, after all. It was finally time for Ascalon to get to headquarters. Chapter 10 - Headquarters After a quick ride by car, during which Ascalon marveled at almost everything he saw, the group escorting him arrived at the gates of a colossal establishment. It was the size of a castle, lit up in colors from one end to another, and surrounded by floating screens displaying varying descriptions, alerts, and other information. The headquarters served as a command center for coordination, monitoring, and the relaying of information for both Guilds and the Defense Force. Therefore, the building itself was clad in steel plating and surrounded by towering walls, automated weapons, and fortifications put in place to give off a sense of security and hope¡ªa last bastion built for times of catastrophes. The courtyard itself was so vast it had to be traveled in a vehicle, and many different people could be seen going in and out of the main doors even that late into the night. It was truly a sight to behold, and Ascalon was simply awestruck as he tried to not press his face to the car¡¯s window. It didn¡¯t take long for them to get authorization and enter the premises, riding seamlessly to the building¡¯s entrance. ¡°Alright, get out!¡± Exclaimed the Sergeant from the front passenger seat, while looking back at Ascalon. The knight fiddled a few seconds with the door and learned how to open it, without breaking it in the process. It was a huge improvement from the door he had destroyed at The Chalice. As he stepped out of the vehicle, his senses were overwhelmed both by strong presences, many voices and discussions, varying unknown sounds from consoles and machinery, and the blinding lights that illuminated the area. While he gathered his bearings, a woman with long, brown hair approached him in a rush. ¡°Mr. Ascalon, I assume.¡± She talked in a courteous manner while Ascalon glanced at her. She wore a stern expression and a pair of thick glasses in front of her sharp eyes. Atop her head rested a black beret, which matched with the rest of her attire: a blazer of the same color atop a white shirt, and a short skirt, also black. She stood straight before him, giving off an air of meticulous seriousness. ¡°Please, follow me.¡± Added the woman, as she turned around and entered the building once more, her heels tapping the immaculate tiles of the main hall. Ascalon couldn¡¯t even answer before she started moving, so he simply crossed the doorway after her. Inside, the facility looked even more incredible. Transparent displays floated everywhere, some showed various news, or relayed messages to the workers. Lots of different people could be seen going around, distinguishable by their uniforms and racial traits. Many tapped the air in front of floating screens, others rested on benches, or talked to each other. It was bustling with life, a notorious contrast to the royal courts he was used to, where nobles mumbled before kings and knights kept quiet for the most part. After all, that was the closest thing he could compare it to. But before he got lost in his admiration for the place, the brown-haired woman looked at him with strict, furrowed brows, urging him to keep the pace. They walked through a few corridors the size of entire houses, adorned with countless doors on either side. He glanced at some of them as he walked, seeing plaques that read their descriptions, such as ¡®Research¡¯, ¡®Strategy A¡¯, and other things he couldn¡¯t decipher the meaning of. Ascalon was thrilled by the sense of adventure that came from being in an unknown world, it was a feeling of excitement that he hadn¡¯t felt in his past travels. He was brought back to reality by the woman, who stopped a few steps before him and turned to point to a door. ¡°Please, wait in this room. A coordinator will soon arrive to meet you.¡± She expressed, maintaining her professional tone. Ascalon glanced at the description beside the room, which read ¡®Coordination - Briefing¡¯. Before the woman could leave, Ascalon bowed courteously and took the chance to finally speak to her. ¡°You have my thanks. Farewell.¡± His old-fashioned show of gratitude surprised her a bit, but she nodded in appreciation and promptly walked away. She seemed like a busy woman, and it made sense since she worked in such a place. Ascalon watched the nameless girl go, and proceeded to enter the room. The walls surrounding him were painted with a soft blue, and a single window faced a side of the courtyard. There was a table in the middle, surrounded by four chairs, and there were some screens and other objects near the entrance. He pondered for a moment, and moved over to the table, taking a seat on the opposite side of the room. That way, he could easily greet whoever came in! But minutes passed, and although many people seemed to walk through the hall, no one entered. He even started to doze off, a little.
Meanwhile, back at The Chalice, a crestfallen Lilithra sat at the bar counter, absentmindedly tracing circles with her finger on the rim of a glass, with a sullen expression on her face. At her side, Selorien looked over with a fed-up stare. ¡°Come on, stop sulking and go to sleeeeep~.¡± Said the elf, dragging his words thanks to his own exhaustion. Lilithra left the glass alone and shifted on her seat to face her friend. ¡°But! But! I¡¯m so worried! And what if they snatch him away from us!¡± She exclaimed, teary-eyed. It wasn¡¯t every day that Lilithra got so attached to someone, so Selorien was actually touched by the situation. But¡­ he was so damn tired, too. He sighed heavily, and put both hands on her shoulders, looking at her right in the eyes. ¡°Listen, you don¡¯t have anything to worry about¡ªhe¡¯s no lost puppy, alright? And I wanna sleep!¡± He spoke with strictness, and she nodded shyly a few times. ¡°We¡¯ll see him tomorrow, we promised!¡± He added, his voice firm yet gentle, and these words seemed to reassure her. She smiled softly, and nodded once again. ¡°...Also, we have to talk to the Guildmaster tomorrow, too¡­ so we better take a good rest.¡± This time, his words weighed more heavily, as he was already feeling how bothersome that would be. Lilithra, too, made a reluctant expression and groaned. Back in the aftermath of the battle, their Guildmaster had let them go to rest without making a fuss or asking many questions¡ªa nice gesture, of course, but it just meant that he expected all of the details the next day. Both friends looked at each other in understanding, and got up. Selorien waved at the silent Raphael behind the counter, who, though reading a bundle of papers, waved back anyway. It was a good thing the master of The Chalice wasn¡¯t aware of what had happened, or he would have raised hell about it. Leaving these thoughts behind, Selorien tiredly headed for the exit. ¡°See¡¯ya tomorrow Lil, Uncle.¡± He exclaimed with as much cheerfulness as he could, and as his figure left the doorway, a cheery voice followed after him. ¡°Night!¡± With these parting words, Lilithra headed to the second floor, waving at Raphael as he stretched his arms and prepared to close up shop. Each step of the stairs felt like a bigger hurdle than the last for the tired girl. It was way too late to take a shower or even to brush her teeth, and her body was completely drained either way. She simply beelined straight to her room, not bothering to even turn the lights on when she closed the door behind her. Stumbling through the darkness, with all of her might, she finally collapsed onto her bed. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Fumbling around the sheets, she found one of her favorite plushies and hugged it tight, as she wondered how Ascalon fared. With memories of the day racing through her mind, her consciousness slowly drifted into sleep.
At around the same time, Ascalon woke up. He seemed to have fallen asleep for a couple of seconds, tiredness catching up to him. His rest was interrupted by the sound of the door being finally opened. A man in sophisticated attire looked at him with a surprised expression, perhaps not expecting to encounter his visitor in such a deplorable state. He smiled and deftly bowed, his short brown hair bouncing softly with the motion. ¡°Hello, Mr. Ascalon. My name is Ron Redslate, and I¡¯m in charge of your coordination.¡± He looked very confident and similar in age to Raphael. But who knew which race he belonged to, so maybe he was actually way older. The man was wearing a pristine white suit, accompanied by pants and shoes of the same color, and a black tie¡ªa pretty striking style of fashion. His face also sported a well-cared-for mustache, and his smile was bright as a light pole. Ascalon thought that by Ron¡¯s demeanor, in his world he could easily pass as a cunning merchant. Ascalon stood up, and returned the bow with one of his own, as he began to introduce himself. ¡°My name is Ascalon Rendland, it is an honor to meet you, sir Ron Redslate.¡± His words carried respect and firmness, something the other man seemed to appreciate. This time around, Ascalon decided to skip his titles and the flair of his greeting, as he had realized throughout the day that it was a bit of an outlandish presentation in this new world. Ron smiled and promptly approached the table, taking a seat opposite to Ascalon, who followed suit and sat once again. Then, the man in the suit began to fiddle with his fingers in the air, a motion the knight was getting accustomed to watching. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re tired, so let¡¯s go straight to the¡­ hmm? Seems like you¡¯ve already been invited to the network, huh? This saves a bit of time.¡± Said the man with a hint of suspicion behind his words. It wasn¡¯t usual for wanderers to be invited to the Gifted network before reaching headquarters, as it was part of the commonly agreed protocol. But, though wrong this time, he knew some Guilds were going to take advantage of situations like this, so there was nothing he could do about it now. Ascalon remained silent, unsure if explaining what had happened would put Lilithra in a tough spot. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s skim over some of the basics just in case, okay?¡± Ron¡¯s words brought him back to attention, and he listened as the man explained some things to keep in mind. Most of the information was already provided to him by Lilithra and Selorien earlier, so he simply nodded in understanding after every point, until new details started to come up. ¡°...As I mentioned, Guilds are independent organizations. They handle various threats, ranging from monster hunting, exploration of ruins and portals, to dealing with troublemakers and so on. They¡¯re ranked based on their success rate, wealth, and power of their members.¡± He paused, letting Ascalon absorb the information. It was similar to what Lilithra had told him before, but Ron approached the matter in a more thorough way, as it was part of his job. Ron cleared his throat, and proceeded with his explanation. ¡°The Defense Force, the people that brought you here, are in charge of coordinating large-scale evacuations, defensive perimeters, and assisting Guilds during specific crises. Contrary to Guilds, the Defense Force serves the government.¡± He explained, as he fiddled with his fingers in the air, his eyes darting around as if he was reading from a book. Ascalon nodded, understanding the information clearly, and Ron continued. ¡°Although the Guilds and the Defense Force commonly cooperate, you have to understand that there¡¯s more to that beyond the surface. Some Guilds distance themselves from ¡®official¡¯ matters and rather do things on their own¡­ as you might¡¯ve experienced.¡± This time, Ron was referring to Ascalon¡¯s encounter with the Flaming Fists. ¡°But at least, you had only Rosco to deal with. There are other, more powerful people in that Guild.¡± With these words, Ascalon showed a confused expression. Only Rosco? He had to ask, to make sure. ¡°If we are talking about battle prowess, there was one more¡ª¡¯Moleman¡¯, as he was called by this Rosco fellow.¡± Hearing that name, Ron raised an eyebrow in suspicion. He gazed into his interface, and looked puzzled. ¡°There¡¯s no mention of any Moleman in the Flaming Fist¡¯s roster, nor in the report I received¡­ Maybe it¡¯s a pseudonym, or a nickname? Hmm¡­ What happened to him?¡± He asked, looking Ascalon in the eye. The knight recalled what had happened, and recounted it to Ron. The black goo that had appeared and swallowed Moleman¡¯s body, after his demise at Selorien¡¯s skilful assassination. Ron listened intently as he rubbed his mustache, his expression a somber one. He was fiddling with his screen constantly, taking notes or perhaps searching for more data about that mysterious Moleman. ¡°Thank you for the intel, we¡¯ll look into this matter.¡± He spoke firmly, as he focused his gaze on the knight once again. Just remembering the situation made Ascalon sigh in exhaustion, and Ron took it as a chance to pause the conversation briefly. ¡°Would you like something to drink?¡± He asked, to which Ascalon nodded. He was feeling a bit parched, to be honest. The man got up, and walked to one of the machines Ascalon had seen when he entered, near the doorway. Then, he saw as Ron produced a white cup from the air, and put it in a compartment. Moments later, the object came to life, making some artificial but soothing sounds. Soon, an aroma he didn¡¯t recognize filled the air, and Ron approached him once again, setting the cup before him. Ascalon gazed at the contents, watching a black, bubbling substance fill the recipient. It smelled great, but it looked¡­ vile, so he raised an eyebrow in suspicion. ¡°This is one of mankind¡¯s greatest gifts upon this world: Coffee.¡± Said Ron, his smile sparkling. The smell alone was convincing, so he decided to drink it. After all, he had numerous poison resistances in case of situations like this. He grabbed the cup, and put it to his lips. A bitter but curious taste filled his mouth, as he gulped down the liquid without stopping. It was hot, too, and his insides filled with warmth as the ¡®coffee¡¯ coursed through. ¡°Hmmm! Not bad, thank you kindly.¡± Ascalon stated with a satisfied expression, as Ron sat again, his smile turning into a more serious look as he prepared to keep explaining things. ¡°Well then. In order to avoid situations like the one today, we try to integrate wanderers, such as you, in Guilds that suit their needs, personalities, or simply their taste in companionship.¡± Ron paused, once again, putting both elbows on the table and interlocking his fingers. ¡°By joining a Guild, we can ensure that you can adapt quicker to your new surroundings. They¡¯ll provide not only shelter, but also information, equipment, a stable income, and also help you from being hounded by other organizations.¡± Ascalon had already grasped that wanderers were quite the asset to these Guilds, so it was to be expected that competition would give rise to conflict. ¡°Of course, you¡¯ll be of great help to the Guild you decide to join, so we would recommend some of the most¡­ cooperative ones, so to say.¡± The knight understood that Ron meant Guilds pretty much the opposite of the ones like The Flaming Fists. Ron cleared his throat, and many screens appeared in front of Ascalon. They all showed different names, and many small pictures of people. Appraising these closely, he could tell they were Guild¡¯s names, member photos, and other various info. ¡°We at Headquarters would like to recommend you to any of these, they¡¯re-¡± He began to explain, but his words were cut short by Ascalon, who raised a hand to signal him to stop. ¡°I am grateful for your concern and for all this information, but I will not be joining a Guild for now.¡± Ron looked confused, thinking that maybe he had offended the knight in some way. Why would he reject such an opportunity? After a brief moment of pondering, he asked cautiously. ¡°May I ask, why? I mean¡­ It¡¯s not unheard of, but it would be unwise to let you loose on your own. We don¡¯t know how different your world¡¯s rules are to ours, and we need to prioritize the safety of the citizens above all else.¡± He spoke in a serious tone, his expression inquisitive and firm. His concern made most sense, and Ascalon understood it clearly. Yet, Ascalon smiled softly, as he recalled two distinct faces in his mind. ¡°It just so happens that the Guild I want to join¡­ has not been formed yet.¡± He added with vagueness, as he was the only one to fully comprehend the meaning behind these words. Chapter 11 - Network Issues The room fell silent for a couple of seconds, the only sound that could be heard being the footsteps of people walking by in the hallway. Ascalon¡¯s words sounded cryptic and mysterious to Ron, who furrowed his brows in confusion. What did he mean by that? ¡°I¡¯m not sure I follow¡­ does that mean you¡¯re interested in creating a guild, or¡­?¡± Ascalon shook his head, and Ron remained pensive for a moment. But he was an astute man, so it didn¡¯t take long for him to piece it together. Ascalon had been in the company of two other people throughout the day, after all. ¡°Ah, I see¡­ Casanova¡¯s newbies, is it? Interesting¡­¡± Ron muttered, but the blonde man¡¯s deep gaze made him hesitate. Maybe it was better to not pry further. Ascalon noticed Ron¡¯s wavering, and wanted to reassure him. It wasn¡¯t his intention to make trouble for the coordinator. ¡°It is not certain that it will come to pass, but I want to be of help to them.¡± He stated, in a gentle but determined tone. ¡°I refuse to join any other Guild until then. I know I am being unreasonable, but I promise I won¡¯t be a cause of trouble in New Lumingard. I will lend my assistance in other ways if needed.¡± With this, Ron seemed more satisfied, as he relaxed in his seat. The suited man pondered but ultimately smiled and let out a sigh. ¡°Very well Mr. Ascalon, I understand and respect your wishes. Still, we¡¯ll provide you with a place to live, as well as some funds and other commodities until you get settled in. Just remember, our offer stands if you change your mind.¡± He explained, remaining flexible. Ascalon bowed in appreciation, but Ron continued. ¡°But do be aware of the implications. Not belonging to a Guild will attract headhunters, and I can¡¯t have what happened today repeat itself constantly.¡± His tone of voice was more serious, showing concern for probable, impending trouble. Ascalon grasped the situation perfectly and understood Ron¡¯s worries. But he was determined to see his conviction through, and this was something about him that had not changed since coming to this new world. ¡°I shall be careful.¡± It was the only thing he deemed necessary to tell. He would show his resolution with actions, not words. Ron understood this, and smiled boldly, somewhat amused. ¡°Thank you, we only want what¡¯s best for this city and its inhabitants¡ªwhich includes you from now on. It may be a little late, but¡­¡± He stood up, and made a stravagant reverence for the knight. ¡°Welcome to New Lumingard.¡± And with this, it was official. Well, kind of. Ron stood tall once again, extending his right hand in the door¡¯s direction. ¡°There are still some details to get over with, but let me show you to a room where you can rest. We can resume the coordination in the morning.¡± The man was aware of Ascalon¡¯s countenance, since he had seen him dozing off when he arrived, and decided it was finally time to put a pause and let the poor wanderer rest. Ascalon stood from his seat too, and bowed in appreciation. ¡°You have my gratitude, sir Ron.¡± He exclaimed with sincerity. He really needed some time to wash away the exhaustion that weighed on his tired mind. It had been quite the day, after all, full of surprises and information overload. Ron smiled in satisfaction and led the way, Ascalon following behind. They walked for a few minutes through the facility, arriving at what seemed to be common dorms. The beds looked really comfy and tidy, and the knight could finally get a taste of ¡®modern¡¯ commodities. Ascalon pretty much fell asleep the moment his head rested on that fluffy pillow. In his placid dreams, he didn¡¯t notice that Ron had posted someone outside the door throughout the whole night. First thing in the morning, Ron came to pick him up, with new clothes for the knight. Ascalon declined, leaving Ron in a bind, but he had his reasons. Then, the cordial man showed him to the bathroom and dining room. Ascalon didn¡¯t say it, but the master¡¯s cuisine back at The Chalice was in a different league¡ªRaphael was truly a man versed in the ways of cooking. Afterward, they went through some mundane procedures. Ron took him to a room where they took some pictures of him. They uploaded some information, a map of the city, and basic suggestions into his Gifted network panel, so he could read it at his own pace later. Everything went perfectly well, until Ascalon accompanied Ron into another room. Inside, many people sat around multiple screens. They pressed on the displays with trained movements, clearly accustomed to their work, whatever it was. Ron approached one of them, Ascalon following along. ¡°Ms. Mary, could you assist us with the final step in the coordination process?¡± He asked, a woman turning back to meet their stares. It was the same brown-haired girl that had accompanied him the day before. Ascalon of course didn¡¯t know at that time, but she was the one that had sent the word out about the kaiju, ultimately getting Selorien and Lilithra involved with him. Fate was a trickster for sure. She looked at Ron with her eyes half closed, huge purple bags under them. No wonder her expression showed annoyance; it seemed she hadn¡¯t slept all night. She then glanced at Ascalon, sighing in frustration before speaking. ¡°I¡¯m being worked to death here, Mr. Ron, but sure¡­¡± Mary made no effort to hide her exhaustion, but Ron seemed quite accustomed to the sight. Ascalon was simply wondering what they needed her for. Mary rose from her seat, and approached the two men. Then, she traced lines in the air as she handled her interface of the Gifted network. ¡°Alright, Mr. Ascalon, you will receive a request to share your profile.¡± She explained, as a blue screen appeared in front of Ascalon.
Marianne Coldstock is requesting access to your profile information.
Accept / Decline
Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡¯hmmm¡¯ as he read the text, and then pressed accept without hesitation. This pleased Mary, who was used to more reluctant visitors. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. However, after interacting with her console once again, she showed an irritated expression. ¡°Ugh¡­ his stats show question marks, Mr. Ron.¡± She remarked in frustration. Ron raised his eyebrows, and sighed with disappointment. He glanced at the blonde man, and then nodded in Mary¡¯s direction, while Ascalon watched in silence as doubt plagued his mind. The woman used her interface one more time, and another screen manifested itself in front of the knight.
The skill - Deep Scan - failed to analyze your profile. Skill level is too low.
¡°Huh?¡± Both Ascalon and Mary exclaimed the same word, confused about the same message, but for different reasons. They looked at each other, and then the woman looked at Ron. ¡°Uhm, Mr. Ron, this is¡­¡± As she spoke, Ron approached her and looked into an interface she seemed to be sharing with him. His face turned into a shocked expression, before looking at Ascalon with suspicion. The knight himself felt nothing but disconcerted, so Mary decided to explain what was happening. ¡°Ehem¡­ so, I requested access to your profile to see your stats, as we keep track of that information here at headquarters. Since I couldn¡¯t see your stats, I used a skill¡ªDeep Scan, which allows me to bypass concealed information¡­ I apologize, but many people try to hide things from us.¡± She bowed slightly, apologizing briefly before continuing. ¡°The thing is¡­ it says my skill level is too low to analyze you. It has never happened before.¡± Her expression showed intrigue, as her interest had been picked. Ascalon felt amazed at the revelation. He wondered what it could mean, to have this analysis fail in such a manner. Ron stood before Mary, contemplating the situation as he rubbed his mustache. ¡°Could you try again, Mary?¡± He added, so the girl used her skill once again, but the outcome didn¡¯t change. Ron watched the scene puzzled, then looked at Ascalon with a serious expression. ¡°I assure you, I have nothing to hide in this profile of mine. Even if I did, I would not know how to conceal it.¡± Ascalon spoke, getting ahead of what Ron was probably going to ask him. Truth be told, he didn¡¯t even know where those stats were. His knowledge went as far as to how to store and remove equipment, for the most part. But then, Mary jumped in surprise, and pointed at her screen while urging Ron to look as well. ¡°Mr. Ron, look!¡± Ron gazed at her interface again, and tilted his head in astonishment. ¡°The network is¡­ calculating his stats?¡± At these words, Ascalon grew curious, and manifested his own screen to glimpse what they were talking about. The profile looked just like he remembered, with the slots for equipment and all. His eyes darted around the text boxes, searching for a keyword. Surely enough, the ¡®status¡¯ button seemed relevant, so he pressed on it. Both Ron and Mary looked extremely puzzled. It seemed that they were unfamiliar with such a notice, so Ascalon was at a loss for words. Ron let out a soft ¡®hmmm¡¯, as he closed his eyes for a moment. ¡°Well, this is unprecedented¡­ I have never heard of something remotely similar.¡± He then sighed, exhausted. ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing we can do at the moment. Let¡¯s put this on hold for the time being, then. Is that alright with you, Mr. Ascalon?¡± Asked the man, looking for the knight¡¯s confirmation. Ascalon nodded, and answered with relief. ¡°Yes, I have no issue with that. I do have an appointment today, and wish to make haste if possible.¡± At his words, Mary and Ron exchanged curious glances. The woman bowed, and went back to her seat, while Ron spoke. ¡°Very well, Mr. Ascalon. It¡¯s been a pleasure, and I thank you for your cooperation and patience. Let me escort you to the exit.¡± And with that, Ascalon nodded, following behind the man. A few minutes later, they found themselves at the entrance of the building. In the morning, the sight was even more lively than the night before, and there were so many people it was a bit dizzying. As they crossed the doorway to the outside world, a cheery voice cut through the courtyard. ¡°Ascalon!!!¡± The girl in the pink hoodie ran towards the knight, seemingly about to jump at him. But mere steps before collision, she stopped, showing a face full of mixed feelings. It seemed she had held herself back. Then, the sound of clapping could be heard from behind her. ¡°Ooh~ you did it Lil! You stopped yourself from an embarrassing event so early in the morning, good job!¡± Selorien¡¯s mocking tone reached their ears, as Lilithra blushed in irritation. Ron observed both new arrivals and pondered. So these were the object of Ascalon¡¯s interest. ¡°Uhm, good morning, Mr. Ron, Ascalon. We came to pick you up!¡± Exclaimed the girl while looking at Ascalon sheepishly, and he smiled gently in response. He had missed these two. ¡°Good morning, Sir Selorien, Lady Lilithra.¡± Ascalon answered with a gentle tone. Then, Ron cleared his throat and bowed to everyone. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you in their capable hands, Mr. Ascalon. Remember what we talked about. Don¡¯t be a stranger, and do visit us if you need anything at all.¡± Ascalon bowed deeply before meeting Ron¡¯s gaze. ¡°You have my thanks, Sir Ron. I shall visit once again to settle matters.¡± At Ascalon¡¯s parting words, Ron went back into the building, walking with a dignified stride. Ascalon gazed at his companions, smiling gently at them. Lilithra beamed with joy, and Selorien simply raised his hand in a lazy greeting. ¡°Uhm, well, let¡¯s go! There¡¯s no time to waste, so we can talk on the way!¡± Stated the girl with excitement. She was really looking forward to this outing. Ascalon nodded, and the group got moving. On the long walk through the courtyard, Ascalon shared some of what he experienced at headquarters. The questions, the sleeping facilities, how the food felt lacking after trying Raphael¡¯s, and how the last process had gone awry. He took care not to overshare, especially the bit about joining a Guild and his weird issue with the stats. He simply didn¡¯t want them to worry or get them involved in complicated matters. That day, he wanted them to enjoy themselves. They slowly made their way out, and started walking through the streets of New Lumingard. Their destination: the shopping district.
As they left, Ron¡¯s eyes followed them from the sixth-floor window, Mary standing at his side also watching with curiosity. ¡°I want a team on him at all times. Handpick the most experienced operators in stealth, camouflage, tailing¡­ you know the drill. If his level is as high as I concluded, he will probably notice them, so instruct them to avoid showing any sign of hostility.¡± The woman nodded in understanding, and quickly started making calls. Ron rubbed his temple, and looked at the distant sky with a worried expression. Ascalon gave off a trustworthy feeling, sure, but he was an anomaly¡ªan unknown, volatile variable. He didn¡¯t like that, since it just meant Guilds were going to hound him the moment word spread out. And word always found its way into the wrong ears, no matter how much they tried to hide it. He was especially conflicted after witnessing the unprecedented message about his stats. If his theory was correct, it only meant his parameters were so high that even the Gifted network struggled to calculate them¡ªa system so powerful yet so mysterious no one fully understood how it worked, aside from its creator. And now, somehow, it couldn¡¯t handle something as basic as reading stats. It was nonsensical, but also made the most sense. Perhaps it was just an error, the most likely outcome, and what he actually hoped for. What he could be sure of, was that the uncertainty was somewhat terrifying. They had to monitor him for the time being; for the good of New Lumingard. Chapter 12 - Shopping District & Casanova Guild It was the second day of Ascalon in New Lumingard. The weather was pleasantly cool thanks to a gentle breeze, with clouds that drifted in and out, occasionally shielding passersby from the sun. The knight and his companions were walking through one of the many busy streets of the city, as he listened to them talk. Lilithra was as energetic as she had been the day before, while Selorien kept his signature laid-back attitude, managing to keep up with her, though answering at a more leisurely pace. Ascalon was learning a lot about these two by just watching them. Their mannerisms, things that made them smile or groan, and even words and actions they seemed to avoid. Most of these were subtle things, except for one of Lilithra¡¯s quirks: She had her head completely covered by her hoodie, once again. Ascalon pictured her horns, which could barely be noticed below the fabric, pointing up, and wondered why she was so reluctant to show them. His own prejudice and experiences with demons aside, this world seemed very welcoming when it came to the many races that populated it. But Lilithra¡¯s kind appeared to be the exception, as Rosco had put special emphasis on calling her a ¡°demon bitch.¡± It may have been a coincidence, or just a way for the man to vent his frustrations in the form of an insult; but seeing Lilithra go out of her way to hide her heritage did show some signs. It was the girl¡¯s voice that blew his cloudy thoughts away and brought him back to reality. ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Her face was suddenly in front of his, with a huge smile to greet him. ¡°The shopping district!¡± She exclaimed with energy, while stepping aside and waving her arms toward the path in front of them. Ascalon peered at the sight, seeing a bustling road ahead, an abundance of people going from window to window as they observed the different stores. Many signs glowed in a multitude of colors and stylish designs. Some even had decorations with silhouettes that mimicked the objects that were probably sold inside. The lively atmosphere was quite the contrast to the gloomy thoughts that occupied his mind mere moments ago. He looked at Lilithra and Selorien and bowed slightly as he smiled. ¡°Well then, I am in your hands.¡± He exclaimed, knowing full well that he was going to be dragged around by these two no matter what he might have thought of their outing. He knew they were pretty excited, Lilithra mostly, to get him new clothes. It was the sole reason he had declined Ron¡¯s gifts, after all. Selorien sighed and smiled, while Lilithra shifted from one foot to another in place. ¡°Leave it to us!¡± She exclaimed, as she raised her hand and gave Ascalon a thumbs up. The wind blew gently, as if inviting them in, so the group complied. What ensued from then on, was utterly marvelous. Ascalon was taken from shop to shop, as he wondered at the many distinct types of clothes and their varying designs, purposes, and colors. There were elegant, full sets of suits just like Ron¡¯s, or more comfortable, sporty attire. There was no doubt that the people in this world put a lot of effort into their appearances, as he could gather from Lilithra and Selorien¡¯s styles. It was a form of self-expression, something he had never considered before. In Excadia, his ¡®wardrobe¡¯ consisted of the same everyday clothes and his armor, in an endless loop¡ªthere was no expectation for anything else in a war-ridden land. He was also amazed at how people could simply try out the clothing right there, by entering a small compartment that was even equipped with a mirror. Lilithra and Selorien would bring him many different pieces of garments, and he would then put them on, and come out to inquisitive judges of fashion. From time to time, Lilithra would ponder, hum, blush, or smile excitedly. So many emotions would show up on her face at the mere sight of Ascalon changing attire. It was, honestly, a bit embarrassing for him. Selorien wouldn¡¯t pass up these chances, snapping pictures with his ¡®smartphone¡¯ and laughing. In the end, it was really peaceful¡­ It made Ascalon wonder: what would have happened if his world were like this? Or if he wasn¡¯t chosen by the Gods to begin with? With many conflicting thoughts in his mind, he continued indulging his companions until they were satisfied. By the end of their shopping spree, they had chosen a dark blue jacket, a white t-shirt, a pair of round red sunglasses, beige jeans, and stylish brown boots for him. He felt completely different as he gazed upon himself in the mirror, but he quite liked the look. Exhausted from all their shenanigans, the group was now sitting in an open cafe, enjoying a well-deserved rest and the gentle breeze. Ascalon drank a cup of coffee, sipping slowly as he appreciated the calm after the whole shopping ordeal. Lilithra was watching him with a satisfied expression, leaning back in her chair as she smiled, while Selorien scrolled through his phone with a vacant look. Though sometimes, girls would approach the elf and ask for pictures and such, which was a curious sight. Ascalon looked around, admiring the passersby absentmindedly. Memories flashed before his eye, a tingle of sadness making his chest feel tight. He was getting used to all this peacefulness, forgetting about his old world¡­ and he was unsure if that was a good or a bad thing. But he also kept thinking about other things in the back of his mind¡ªlike the people who were seemingly following him around. They maintained a good distance but weren¡¯t nearly as skillful as Selorien¡¯s maid. Though sensing no hostility, Ascalon was letting them be, especially because he figured it had to be Ron¡¯s doing. But still, why were people in this city so obsessed with skulking about? Then, Lilithra¡¯s voice made him focus again, so he put down his coffee as he listened. ¡°So, what did you think?¡± She asked anxiously, a shy smile on her lips. The question was a bit broad, so he decided to answer with what first came to mind. ¡°It was quite the ordeal. It felt somewhat exhausting, but I enjoyed the experience thanks to you both. I shall pay you as soon as I can.¡± He exclaimed, smiling gently as he bowed slightly. Selorien and Lilithra exchanged triumphant looks. ¡°You¡¯re very welcome! And don¡¯t worry, let¡¯s say it¡¯s your welcome gift. Anytime you want, we can come back to freshen up your wardrobe, too!¡± She spoke with a voice full of energy, and an even bigger smile. Selorien giggled to himself, still playing with his phone. ¡°Gotta say, you look damn cool Ascalon.¡± He added, as he snapped a new picture of the knight. Lilithra nodded in understanding, proud of herself for having picked most of his attire. Ascalon laughed softly, a bit embarrassed, as he enjoyed the atmosphere. ¡°Oh! Also, there are some places we wanted to show you, but we have some stuff to do later so that will have to wait.¡± The girl added, piquing Ascalon¡¯s interest. Seeing his expression, she continued. ¡°There¡¯s an antique store, gadget and gems boutiques, artifact sellers and buyers, even weapon and armor shops¡ªyou can get some neat stuff around here. Sometimes it¡¯s better than dealing with headquarters¡¯ stiff rules and whatnot.¡± She said, showing a hint of annoyance at her last point. It did seem like headquarters would put a lot of conditions on such matters. He nodded in appreciation and answered. ¡°I would be grateful if we could visit these establishments when the time arises¡±. Lilithra and Selorien agreed, getting used to Ascalon¡¯s old-fashioned statements. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. As time marched on, they talked about various topics. Little details, mundane occurrences, things to simply pass the time. Ascalon mostly kept to himself, but listened intently to his companions, and participated when they clearly wanted him to chime in. He was feeling the development of a real bond with these two, and a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t expected to find so quickly. What broke their peaceful resting time was an alarm coming from Lilithra¡¯s phone, signaling it was half-past noon, just like the sun did as it shined from above. ¡°Ugh, well, we gotta go meet our Guildmaster¡ªhe¡¯s the guy you saw yesterday, remember? I doubt anyone could forget about him, sadly.¡± She exclaimed, clear displeasure in her tone of voice. Ascalon was about to ask why they were in that Guild if they disliked interacting with their leader so much, but Rosco¡¯s words about no one accepting Lilithra echoed in his mind, and decided to remain silent. ¡°Uhm, will you be fine on your own? I really, REALLY, don¡¯t want you near the Guildmaster!¡± She pleaded out of nowhere as she stood up, taking Ascalon by surprise. Selorien started to laugh loudly at Lilithra¡¯s sudden request. ¡°Hahaha! Oh Lil, what? Hehe. Do you think he¡¯ll corrupt Ascalon or something? Pfft! Haha!¡± Interjected the elf, still giggling uncontrollably. ¡°Well, yes, that¡¯s one of the reasons!¡± Ascalon chuckled softly, and stood up. Selorien did his best to also get up amid giggles. Then, the knight walked around the table, and put a hand on Lilithra¡¯s shoulder. ¡°No, I want to accompany you both, if you would allow me.¡± The girl peered at his face, meeting his gentle gaze, and sighed in resignation. ¡°Alright¡­ but don¡¯t take him seriously, okay? He¡¯s a good guy but¡­ also a real weirdo.¡± Her eyes showed discomfort, and, at that point, it was clear that dealing with her Guildmaster was quite the ordeal. To be honest, he was really interested in this character, after all that ominous talk surrounding him. So far, he had only seen his appearance and some of his strange mannerisms. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Exclaimed the knight, as both Lilithra and Selorien got ready. They navigated the streets once again, coming across many interesting buildings and parks, until they finally arrived at their Guildhouse. It wasn¡¯t nearly as impressive as the headquarters¡¯ buildings, but it was indeed imposing, and more to Ascalon¡¯s liking. It was a mansion, built in concrete and black marble, and exuded a really sophisticated yet mysterious vibe. A tall steel fence enclosed a vast garden, and there was even a fountain on the way to the building. It really stood out from the surrounding structures, not only because of the colors and design, but also for its pillars, statues, and a giant glowing sign that read ¡°Casanova¡±, followed by an image of a rose. That detail totally ruined its image, and clashed with the rest of the mansion in a way that couldn¡¯t simply be ignored. Both Lilithra and Selorien could feel Ascalon¡¯s disappointment. They patted his back in understanding¡ªthey also hated that sign. Putting their feelings aside, they approached the huge ornate gates of the garden. A ¡®beep¡¯ sound could be heard as the doors opened slowly, giving way to the interior of the fenced area and a cobbled path that led to the abode. Lilithra and Selorien took the lead, and Ascalon followed behind them while appreciating the well-maintained greenery around. Mere moments later, they had entered the building. The mansion looked as extravagant inside as it did outside, decorated with paintings, striking red curtains, candle-filled chandeliers, and other sophisticated furniture. Many banners showed the same rose symbol that was shown outside, and the knight concluded that it was the Guild¡¯s emblem. Ascalon marveled, reminiscing about a similar sight he had admired back in his world: the castle of Lord Rasa¡¯h¡ªan enigmatic nosferatu who had refused to side with either the forces of good or the demons. It was regrettable, as he was a powerful being, and maybe with his help, Ascalon could have reached a better outcome¡­ but it was not the time to dwell on that. There were also some people around, who looked at the trio with varying expressions, each of them sporting a long, red scarf. Some seemed uninterested, others annoyed, and a handful perked up in curiosity. But neither Lilithra nor Selorien stopped to talk, limiting themselves to waving to a few of their guildmates as they continued. They went up a grand staircase, and arrived at the entrance of the room that seemed to be the Guildmaster¡¯s office. Lilithra took a deep breath, but before she could even knock, a voice rang from inside. ¡°Come in!¡± She froze for a moment, but then opened the door and went in. Selorien followed, and Ascalon stood there¡ªhis intention was only to accompany them, after all, as he had no intention to interfere with their Guild¡¯s business. ¡°You too, Mr. Wanderer!¡± The voice rang again, and Ascalon raised his brow in surprise, but ultimately decided to go in. As he entered the room, he saw the blonde man standing by a large, ornate desk. The man smiled, and gestured to a set of chairs in front of it. ¡°Please, take a seat, my lovelies.¡± Lilithra and Selorien followed the invitation, and looked at Ascalon as if urging him to sit as well. Did that ¡°lovelies¡± phrase include him too? Ascalon pondered as he took a seat, with Lilithra and Selorien to his right. The Guildmaster walked over to his extravagant chair, akin to a small throne, and following in everyone¡¯s actions, sat down as well. He crossed a leg, and brought both elbows to his desk, interlocking his fingers as he rested his chin on them. ¡°Mr. Wanderer, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lucio Cormante, and I¡¯m the leader of this humble Guild: Casanova.¡± Humble? Ascalon thought, but simply nodded and answered. ¡°It is an honor to meet you, sir Lucio Cormante. My name is Ascalon Rendland.¡± He added, as the Guildmaster smiled with satisfaction. Introductions aside, Lucio scanned the trio from left to right before speaking again. ¡°I see you have become friends! That¡¯s wonderful.¡± He said, his tone of voice gentle but somehow¡­ something didn¡¯t sit right with Ascalon. ¡°You can fill out the paperwork after I get the report from Lil and Selly, okay? But, for now, welcome to the Guild!¡± Ascalon¡¯s baffled expression seemed to confuse the man, as Lilithra and Selorien exchanged sour looks. Ascalon took a moment to think, and came to the conclusion that the man thought he was there to join Casanova. ¡°Pardon me, but I have no intention of joining your Guild.¡± As his words left his lips, Lucios expression darkened, as if he were told terrible news. ¡°What? Are you¡­ yes, you are serious.¡± He said, his voice cracking with sadness. He posed dramatically, covering his eyes, a tear glistening as it ran down his face. Ascalon understood right then why his companions loathed interacting with this man, as he seemed really into¡­ theatrics, to say the least. ¡°Oh, pardon my misunderstanding! I just thought¡­ Since you were such good friends¡­¡± Lucio peeked through his fingers to see Ascalon¡¯s reaction. It was an underhanded comment, but Ascalon let it slide and bowed in apology. Lilithra shifted nervously in her seat, her fists clenched. Lucio hummed and smiled, seemingly satisfied with the interaction. Then, he adopted the same posture as before, with his head resting on his hands. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll convince you eventually.¡± His words exuded confidence and pride. ¡°Now then, Lil, Selly, recount yesterday¡¯s events for me, please!¡± For the next half an hour or so, the duo of friends gave a report to the Guildmaster. Ascalon noticed that they omitted some parts, like their visit to The Chalice, but he kept silent. The Guildmaster simply absorbed the information as it came, nodding from time to time, and without interrupting them. After the summary, Lucio pondered with a serious expression. ¡°Hmm, it seems like the Flaming Fists think that we¡¯re some kind of pushovers, since we aid headquarters from time to time¡­ To think they would just come and try to recruit someone from under our noses, and fight against us so openly.¡± He exclaimed, a bold smile with a hint of irritation appearing on his face. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to pay them a visit, huh? I¡¯ll make the preparations.¡± His words this time carried a heavy undertone, and Lilithra and Selorien tensed up¡ªit probably meant a Guild War. He then smiled gently, as if to push away the cloudy mood. ¡°Don¡¯t you lovelies worry about a thing! For the time being, remain on standby. Show Mr. Ascalon around and all that!¡± Stated Lucio, his voice full of cheeriness as he started shooing them away. Lilithra and Selorien nodded and left reluctantly, while Ascalon bowed deeply. ¡°Farewell, Sir Lucio.¡± Were his parting words. As he approached the exit, he could feel a deep, dangerous tension in the air. The Guildmaster really meant to wage war against the Flaming Fists. Chapter 13 - Deep in the Shadows & Prelude to Adventure Deep in the city¡¯s underbelly, an intricate network of tunnels carved a path into the unknown. The pungent sewage smell was present throughout the entire maze, and hideous critters hunted ravenously for anything to fill their bellies. Among the many paths and dead ends, a specific wall hid a secret passage¡ªa long and pitch-dark corridor leading to ancient catacombs, its existence unknown to even the higher-ups at headquarters. No kind of surveillance or scanning skill could go that far. Inside these decrepit crypts, a room stood out, far from ordinary. It was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from a few flickering candles. The smell of burnt wax filled the room, and shadows danced in the walls as if they were alive. At one end, an almost crumbled set of stairs gave way to a second floor, with a railing that barely held up, bordering the ledge. But the first floor was the focus this time, as a group of seven people stood ceremoniously in a circle right in the center of the room. The air around them seethed with eeriness as they remained still, except for one of them who trembled erratically. Their faces were obscured by their clothes, but also by red masks that were put in place as a second layer of privacy, each sporting a unique design tailored for its owners. Their identities were to remain hidden at all times, even from one another, with the exception of their ¡®leader¡¯ who personally recruited all of them. One of the mysterious figures raised his hand, revealing a reddish, oval-shaped amulet, with engravings that depicted an open, ominous eye with two irises. The rest followed suit, showing their own trinkets as a sign of greeting¡ªaside from the trembling one, that is. The first to move hid his charm, as a raspy voice came out from beneath his mask, which had the motif of a falcon. ¡°My brothers and sisters, it¡¯s good that all of you could make it today.¡± He exclaimed, his voice cutting through the weird atmosphere. ¡°I¡¯m sure some of you are aware by now, but for those who aren¡¯t, we¡¯re here today because of Greed¡¯s actions.¡± His tone of voice turned displeased, and his hood shifted in the direction of the trembling figure. The rest of the group followed suit, and the object of everyone¡¯s stare convulsed in place, a ghoulish wail escaping his hood. ¡°I only had. The Septem¡¯s interests. In mind.¡± His voice lacked any hint of humanity. Another voice joined the conversation, coming from a figure that wore a mask with the motif of a cat. ¡°Alas, he did bear the Sin of Greed, and now remains an undead husk of his former self¡ªa puppet unfit for his seat.¡± His voice was soft and slow, his words melodic as a poem. Hearing this, the trembling silhouette growled. ¡°I am. Still me. Please. Another chance.¡± His ragged lips forced a voice, taking great effort as his lungs weren¡¯t even functioning. Then, a feminine voice chimed in, from a voluptuous body that could not be hidden by her robes, sporting a mask with a bunny motif. ¡°Poor thing! That¡¯s what you get when you hurry things up, instead of taking them slowly¡­¡± Her tone was like a seductive whisper, a voice that could make many men weak at the knees. ¡°But even if you are- well, were Greed, it was just too soon, dear.¡± She added, as she shook her head. Most of the hooded figures nodded, and the one bearing the falcon motif spoke once again. ¡°It¡¯s as Lust says. We discussed this on many occasions. Our hour is yet to come; she needs more time to ripen.¡± He paused, then raised his hand and clenched his fist tight. At the same time, the trembling figure wailed in agony, and collapsed to his knees. ¡°You went against what we all agreed upon and ended up dying in the process. I brought you back not out of pity, but for information. And you¡¯ve outlived your usefulness.¡± His tone showed no empathy for the creature. Then, another womanly voice could be heard, from behind a mask with the motif of a fox. ¡°So you¡¯ve got the info out of him already, right? Share it with us already, Wrath.¡± Her tone was commanding and bold, lacking any respect whatsoever for the one she called Wrath. At these words, the man sighed, flickering his fingers. The trembling creature gasped, and stopped moving entirely. ¡°Yes. He tried to use Rosco of The Flaming Fists to get to her, but failed. We have a new variable to take into account¡ªa wanderer, a truly strong one at that. He thwarted our late friend¡¯s plans and saved the girl.¡± The man exclaimed as he gazed upon the floor, the former being known as Greed now unmoving. The rest of the hooded figures started mumbling and whispering among themselves. The woman with the fox mask was the one to interject once again. ¡°Bah! Who cares about some weirdo from another world. We will bring forth the fated night, no matter who gets in my way.¡± Her boldness made a few of the others nod in agreement, as a new voice joined in, coming from a mask with the motif of a boar. ¡°Our way, you mean?¡± The man, whose body was the largest of the group, scoffed. The girl in the fox mask didn¡¯t need to show her face for others to sense her displeasure. At that point, most of them had chimed in, but one remained silent: the bearer of a mask with the motif of a serpent, who simply observed. The one called Wrath acted before the fox could complain. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s as you say, Pride. Our time will come¡ªwe must be patient.¡± The lights flickered, while everyone in the room nodded in agreement. ¡°This meeting was just to remind ourselves of our goal. Don¡¯t get impatient like Greed. For now, keep your ¡®normal¡¯ lives going; put on a good show for these inferior beings.¡± They nodded once more and the room darkened ominously. ¡°I will be on the lookout for a kindred spirit to fill the seat of Greed¡­ Although, I do have a few candidates in mind.¡± He added, as the one with the serpent mask let out a curious ¡®hmmm¡¯. Wrath stepped into the center of the group, and raised both his arms, his amulet clasped tightly between his hands. ¡°Soon we won¡¯t have to hide, it will all be worth it¡­ We will bring back the old ways for our true Lords of this undeserving world!¡± The hooded figures mimicked his actions, and repeated his words. The air in the room seemed to warp for a moment, malice seeping in all directions. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The lights went out, and the mysterious men scattered in the shadows, leaving behind what once was ¡®Moleman¡¯¡ªthe seat of Greed, now just a pile of dust and robes.
Back at The Chalice, the group sat at the bar counter, which had become Ascalon¡¯s favorite place in the tavern. The master hummed a tune behind it, while Selorien slowly ate a piece of cheesecake. Lilithra, on the other hand, was absentmindedly poking at her own piece, lost in thought. Ascalon gazed upon her, while savoring the delicious pastry. It was so sweet and soft, and made him question why he had to go so long without tasting such delicacies. Raphael was truly a dangerous man, holding a shackle on Ascalon¡¯s stomach and palate. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t be able to live anymore without the man¡¯s culinary skills. It was a scary thought. That aside, he decided to speak to Lilithra. ¡°Lady Lilithra, is something the matter?¡± She looked at him and smiled softly. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking, yeah¡­¡± She paused, returning her gaze to her plate. Then, she picked up a piece of cheesecake and brought it to her mouth, promptly eating it. Ascalon waited, mimicking her actions. She proceeded after she gulped the treat. ¡°After what the Guildmaster said, I think I need to level up.¡± Lilithra showed a conflicted expression, somewhat sad. Ascalon tilted his head, and Selorien brought his attention to her. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right. If we¡¯re really going to¡­ You know, some extra stats wouldn¡¯t hurt.¡± Selorien nodded as he spoke, picking his words carefully in front of Raphael, and continued to enjoy his cake. At these words, Ascalon decided to interject. ¡°What is the meaning of these levels and stats? I have seen them in my profile.¡± Both friends looked at each other, and Lilithra then shifted on her seat to face the knight. Ascalon knew that expression, she was about to enjoy giving him a lecture. She cleared her throat, and a screen appeared in front of Ascalon. Ascalon gazed at the numbers, as Lilithra spoke. ¡°Well, they¡¯re pretty straightforward. Levels are like, uhm, a representation of your overall skills and such. The higher your level, the stronger you are, simple as that.¡± Ascalon nodded to let her know he understood. Lilithra then pointed with her finger at the stats on her screen. ¡°Then, you have stats. As you can see, they represent our different, uhm, abilities so to speak. Strength, dexterity, wisdom, etc.¡± The blonde kept scanning the numbers with his eye, nodding in understanding. ¡°I see. And how do these stats increase?¡± He added, as Lilithra pondered for a second and smiled. ¡°Well, to level up both your level and stats, you need experience!¡± Her triumphant look made Selorien giggle before interjecting. ¡°You¡¯ll need to be more specific, Lil.¡± Lilithra looked at him with puffed cheeks, and her gaze sat on her plate. She decided to grab another bite of her cake, munching on it quickly before proceeding with her explanation. ¡°Yum. Well, experience is¡­ just that, experience. You gain experience doing pretty much anything. It¡¯s kinda annoying to track, actually¡­ Heck, we¡¯re probably gaining experience as we talk.¡± This confused Ascalon, and it showed in his expression, so Lilithra continued. ¡°You know how if you train with a sword or something, you¡¯ll gain experience handling it, right? Well, it¡¯s the same. As we do different things we acquire experience, and eventually level up!¡± It was still a bit confusing, but Ascalon grasped the basic concepts as he nodded. Then, Selorien interjected. ¡°The thing is, when you level up some of the experience you gathered will be turned into stats¡­ so, if you focus on training or fighting, you¡¯ll probably get more points in strength and constitution.¡± His explanation made a lot of sense. ¡°Ah, I see. It is pretty straightforward.¡± Added Ascalon. Lilithra nodded with a smug smile, and Selorien continued. ¡°Even Raphael is gaining stats while he cooks or cleans¡ªnot as much as he would fighting or crafting, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a steady increase in dexterity and maybe wisdom, heh.¡± The man behind the counter laughed as he polished a glass. Ascalon pondered, fascinated by the explanation. ¡°Experience increases reaaaaaaally slow when doing it that way though! But that means everyone can find what they¡¯re good at, one way or another, and just specialize in it if they want.¡± Lilithra said in a cheery voice, pointing at her uncle and smiling. ¡°Especially, because as your stats increase, you will lean into a ¡®class¡¯, like a warrior, rogue, etc. This makes certain stats get a bit of a boost when leveling up! Like, a knight would get more points into constitution, you get me?¡± Ascalon smiled, nodding energetically. Selorien took the chance to interject once again. ¡°Although it would be so much easier if it was just like in video games¡­ simply kill some slimes and bang, level up! Put the stats wherever you want and get OP.¡± He smiled wryly, while Ascalon Ascalon nodded, now certain he had grasped most of the explanation, except for the last bit about ¡®video games¡¯. Ascalon¡¯s expression turned pensive as he pondered. ¡°So this means you want to train, Lady Lilithra?¡± Asked the blonde, referring to Lilithra and her earlier remark about leveling up. She beamed, and blushed slightly. ¡°Yup, you got it!¡± She then focused on eating the rest of her cake. The two men mimicked her again, and everyone let out a satisfied sigh. Doubt plagued the knight once more. How could Raphael be so good at cooking?! Maybe his class was something like ¡®master chef¡¯, Ascalon thought as he smiled to himself. He rested his gaze on Lilithra one more time, and asked. ¡°How are you planning to train? I would like to help you in any way I can, Lady Lilithra.¡± At his sincere words, she showed a cheerful expression, her chest tightening as she met his gaze. But before she could answer, Selorien jolted with a face full of surprise. ¡°Wait! You don¡¯t mean¡­?¡± As the realization hit him, he questioned the girl, who simply smirked in his direction. ¡°Yes! Let¡¯s go to Howling Chasm tower!¡± She exclaimed with enthusiasm, while conflicted feelings appeared on Selorien¡¯s face. Ascalon, of course, showed nothing but confusion on his visage. Surprisingly, the elf was the one to explain it to him this time. ¡°It¡¯s a dungeon¡ªa newly opened one at that. Remember the portals and stuff Lil told you about?¡± Ascalon nodded, a bit intrigued. ¡°Well, she wants to go to one of these¡­ and of course, it has to be one we have barely any info on!¡± Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled as she rose from her seat. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we should go! Let¡¯s scout it out and gain some experience. We might even find some treasure, like a relic!¡± She exclaimed in obvious excitement. Ascalon thought it was kind of contagious. Selorien sighed, clearly torn. He didn¡¯t want to deal with new surprises and dangers in an unknown tower, but he also wasn¡¯t about to leave Lilithra, of all people, to go to a new dungeon without him. ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s gonna be a pain, but I¡¯m in.¡± The girl jumped at her friend¡¯s grumpy words, and looked at Ascalon with huge, pleading yellow eyes. He immediately understood what she wanted to hear, and smiled. ¡°If this will help you achieve your goals, then I shall assist you in this crusade against the tower!¡± He raised his fist and clenched it tight. Selorien giggled thinking they were about to lay siege to a dungeon, as Lilithra jumped a few times in place, overjoyed. Raphael sighed behind the counter, hoping these kids would stay out of trouble for once, but smiled gently as he put down the glass he had been polishing. It was good to see Lilithra being so cheerful with someone other than him and Selorien, and he felt she was in good company. The group then would begin preparing for their first incursion with Ascalon, the atmosphere filling with a palpable sense of adventure. They had to gear up, get some supplies, food that Raphael would kindly provide, and a good night¡¯s rest. It was a good time to convince Raphael to lend Ascalon one of the vacant rooms for the day, even though Lilithra hoped that it would become the knight¡¯s permanent residence. However, that would have to wait for another time. The next day they would march on, their objective: the Howling Chasm tower. Chapter 14 - Howling Chasm A new day greeted the bustling city of New Lumingard. For some, just another sign of the passage of time¡ªfor others, an exciting step into the unknown. The latter was the case for Ascalon and his friends as they stood outside the tavern, waving goodbye to the master of The Chalice. They wore their everyday clothing, as they were the most comfortable for them and ideal for any situation, along with some moderately sized backpacks that contained their provisions, some tools, and other assortment of objects. But that wasn¡¯t the only thing they shared in common, as their faces showed the same kind of expression: a mix of determination and anticipation. They walked the streets as they engaged in small talk, with Ascalon asking questions along the way about things that piqued his interest. He was curious about the many different colored hairs he saw, their animal-like traits such as canine ears that some people had, or establishments he hadn¡¯t seen before, like arcades and other electronic stores. Lilithra and Selorien did their best to answer¡ªmostly the cheerful girl, as per usual. Ascalon felt he really fit in with these two, now more accustomed to their personalities. Among the many topics they discussed, he brought up the question of why they were carrying backpacks. ¡°We could simply use the network¡¯s inventory system, no?¡± Ascalon asked, in a matter-of-fact fashion. But Lilithra showed an annoyed expression. ¡°No! We¡¯ll go with the authentic adventure experience!¡± Lilithra replied, her words having some truth to them. Selorien simply rolled his eyes. After a while, they arrived at a place where many people stood around them, as if waiting for something. Promptly, the answer to that mystery came into view: an enormous metallic beast approaching. He marveled at the sight as Lilithra explained to him that it was a train, one of the forms of public transportation used to quickly get from one end of the city to the other. Ascalon was feeling a bit of pity for horses. They were trusty companions back in his world, but he hadn¡¯t seen a single one since he had come to New Lumingard. It made most sense, seeing how many better and faster ways of transportation the Lumingardians had at their disposal, but it was still sad. As they rode the train, Ascalon behaved just like when he traveled in the military vehicle, watching through the windows in childlike awe. Lilithra and Selorien quite enjoyed the sight, as it filled their hearts with warmth and amused them at the same time. It was incredibly fast and efficient, due to how many people could travel in it at once. Truly only beaten by translocation portals, which needed enormous amounts of mana to be opened for at most a couple of minutes, and also only able to be cast by a handful of the most powerful mages around Excadia. While lost in thought, Lilithra nudged him and got up, as the train stopped. While they descended, Ascalon appraised once again the contraption, and decided to use it often as he had really enjoyed the experience. They were now in the Northern district, and Ascalon could appreciate the differences between the Southern one. For one, buildings looked older, more vintage as some would say. There were even structures with workers and machinery around them, in the process of renovation or reconstruction. The group walked for a couple more minutes, still chatting about various things, and finally arrived at the entrance of a huge, green tent. The outside was guarded by armed men with these ''guns'' he had been told about, and a fence that encompassed the entire area. He could feel a powerful force from inside, no doubt the portal connecting to the dungeon. Aside from that, it was clear they weren¡¯t the only ones thinking of going into the tower, as a group of people stood in front of the entrance as they conversed animatedly. Surely enough, none of them carried backpacks or anything of the sort. Lilithra and Selorien watched the strangers with inquisitive eyes. ¡°Hmm¡­ I wonder which guild they¡¯re from.¡± Lilithra thought aloud, as Selorien nodded in agreement. Ascalon simply gazed upon them, feeling curious. Then, a head poked out from the lot, looking in their direction. It was a young girl with fluffy brown hair, and her eyes widened as she saw Lilithra and her companions. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that the Selorien?!¡± The girl asked, as her head disappeared momentarily and her whole group looked at the elf. She probably didn¡¯t mean to raise her voice so much, but her excitement got the best of her. Lilithra sighed as Selorien showed a disgruntled expression. ¡°Right, I didn¡¯t tell you Ascalon, but Selly here even has a fan club. Better get used to it¡­¡± Lilithra spoke with a monotone tone of voice, seemingly used to these interactions, but enjoying none of it. Ascalon thought it was impressive that Selorien had such popularity, recalling how sometimes people would approach him in the streets, but the look on the elf¡¯s face made it clear that he didn¡¯t share the sentiment. The same girl who questioned Selorien¡¯s identity approached shyly, her arms behind her back, as the rest of her group murmured between themselves. She was as tall as Lilithra, maybe a tad bit shorter, and wore a yellow jacket over a red shirt, a set of blue shorts, and black simple shoes. If someone had to say what they noticed first about her, it would probably be her ample chest, which was quite the contrast with the rest of her petite body. But as for Ascalon, his gaze rested among her soft hair, appraising a pair of cat-like ears twitching. Then, he noticed she even had a tail, a fluffy and long brown tail. As he pondered about the girl¡¯s appearance, she spoke in a soft, nervous voice. ¡°H-hey, I hope I didn¡¯t sound rude¡­ Haha. M-my name¡¯s Lyra¡­¡± Selorien composed himself and showed his usual, uninterested expression. ¡°No worries.¡± He stated, short and to the point. Some would think of him as a cold man, but Ascalon knew that Selorien was simply behaving as always. On the other hand, Lilithra couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for the girl, so she waved at her. ¡°Hey, Lyra! I¡¯m Lilithra! This is Ascalon, and, well, you know Mr. aloof over here.¡± She spoke cheerfully pointing to her companions. ¡°Which Guild are you guys from?¡± Lilithra asked as she peeked over Lyra curiously, the girl jumping slightly at the question. She seemed quite nervous. ¡°Ah, uhm, nice to meet you!¡± Lyra bowed frantically. ¡°Well, we¡¯re from a n-new Guild¡­ we¡¯re¡­ we¡¯re called Fluffy Warriors.¡± She stated, her face reddening furiously. It was quite the intriguing name, Ascalon thought. Perhaps a name like that could help give off a false sense of weakness! Truly a cunning stratagem. Both Selorien and Lilithra couldn¡¯t help but giggle, and contrary to what one would expect, that brought a smile to Lyra¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s a cute name!¡± Exclaimed the red-haired girl, showing a joyful expression. Lyra nodded in appreciation, still smiling softly. As they exchanged words, another man approached from their group. He was tall with short, black hair, and wore the same jacket as Lyra, alongside a pair of blue jeans and brown boots. His face showed a gentle expression as he watched over them. Lyra noticed the newcomer¡¯s presence, and beamed at him. ¡°Oh, Ian!?¡± She asked shyly, as he smiled at her. Then, Ian looked at the group, and offered them a nervous bow with a hand behind the back of his head. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I hope our Lyra isn¡¯t bothering you guys.¡± He spoke with a tender tone, and Lyra¡¯s cheeks reddened as embarrassment assailed her. But Lilithra simply shook her head in denial. ¡°She¡¯s no bother at all, don¡¯t worry!¡± Her words reassured Lyra, who smiled happily once again. Ian looked at Lyra and sighed contentedly, seemingly used to these kinds of situations. Then, he patted her head softly. ¡°Hehe.¡± A small chuckle escaped Lyra¡¯s lips, as she smiled. The rest looked at her with warmth, as she seemed like a lovable girl. Then, a guy¡¯s soft voice could be heard from behind the cat-like girl and Ian. ¡°Hey Lyra, Ian, we¡¯re going in!¡± Ascalon and his friends turned towards the voice, seeing an adorable brown-haired young man. He was short in stature, and owner of a baby face that would melt the heart of any doting, older woman. He wore the same clothes as Lyra, except that his jacket was blue. His expression was one of impatience. ¡°Oh! Uhm, alright, big brother!¡± Said Lyra, with a nervous tone of voice. Ian bowed to the group, his face still smiling after the whole encounter, and left to join the rest of his companions. Wait, something felt wrong about what she said. Big brother? The trio looked at each other, seemingly in sync, and then rested their gazes on the young man. He looked at them with his eyes half-closed in annoyance and suspicion, as if reading their minds. ¡°I know that expression¡­ Ugh. Yes, I am her big brother, and Guildmaster of Fluffy Warriors. I¡¯m twenty-five by the way!¡± He exclaimed, pointing a finger at them, before storming off in an adorable fashion, not even deeming to tell them his name. ¡°Ah¡­ S-sorry about that! G-good luck with the tower!¡± Said Lyra, as she ran nervously after her brother. Even from behind, one could see her chest swaying, and Lilithra felt the unfairness of the world. ¡°You too!¡± Lilithra shouted, sighing as she watched the other group cross the gates. They all exchanged gentle looks, and Selorien spoke. ¡°Alright, you guys ready?¡± He asked, a half smile appearing on his face. Lilithra nodded enthusiastically, and Ascalon bowed slightly. ¡°It¡¯s time then, let¡¯s go!¡± Lilithra raised both arms in the air as she declared the start of their adventure, her backpack making some noise behind her. They promptly followed the other group¡¯s footsteps, approaching the gate and showing the guards there their Guild identifications. Seeing this custom, Ascalon put on a worried face, because he didn¡¯t have one. However, it seemed that he could go in if a Guild vouched for him, so there were no issues. Ascalon felt relieved as the guards let them through, and stepped into the enormous green tent. Once inside, he could feel more clearly the powerful aura emanating from the swirling vortex, a mix of blue and purple colors at the center of the makeshift facility. It was like no other gateway he had seen before, but such thoughts were becoming less surprising as he adapted to this new world. They approached the magic mass as if being pulled in, and they looked at each other to confirm their intentions. ¡°Together?¡± Asked Lilithra, a bold smile on her face. Both Ascalon and Selorien nodded firmly, and she smiled. Without hesitation, the three of them stepped forward into the swirling portal. Instantly, the world around them spiraled out of control. Colors stretched as far as their eyes could see, their bodies distorted in a whirlwind, their consciences traveling across the planes. It was but a brief moment, yet felt like a long journey. Their vision was momentarily blinded by a sudden white light, as they slowly felt the ground beneath their feet once more. In their minds, they could see a blue screen.
The wind greets you with fierce gales, travelers. Welcome to the Howling Chasm.
Dungeon type: Open-field. Rank: D - Medium difficulty.
The screen surprised Ascalon, who took a mental note of the summary. Afterward, the group blinked almost in unison, their eyes fighting against the brightness as they adjusted to their new surroundings. The first to speak out was Lilithra. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Was her only word, as she scanned the area in awe. Ascalon and Selorien understood her sentiment, as they too gazed around them. They were now atop a high cliff, the ground beneath them a field of yellow rock. From the edge nearby, they could see the world expand below¡ªa vast blend of green and blue in all directions, stretching to the distant horizon. The wind howled, giving its name to the place. The sight was breathtaking, even Selorien couldn¡¯t hide his elated expression. Ascalon stood closer to the precipice, taking in the sights with a content expression. ¡°So this is the Howling Chasm. Truly lives up to the name.¡± He remarked with a smile, as his eyes scanned the surroundings in awe. Then he felt a tug on the hem of his shirt, and looked back to find a smug Lilithra looking at him. ¡°Nope! That is the Howling Chasm.¡± She exclaimed, as her finger pointed in the opposite direction of the cliff¡¯s edge. Ascalon¡¯s eye followed her gesture, and his head began to rise as he gazed upon a towering set of mountains that seemed to pierce into the sky above. Even from that distance, he could feel the winds rage furiously, and the cries of unknown creatures lurking in the crevices of the chasm. Selorien whistled, evidently impressed by the sight, and Lilithra smirked at his reaction. ¡°It is indeed impressive, although I must say, I wasn¡¯t expecting this kind of view when I was told we were going into a dungeon.¡± Said Ascalon, as he walked over to Lilithra¡¯s side. Lilithra nodded at his words, understanding what he meant. ¡°Mhmm. Sometimes you get old, musky dungeons and mazes, or towers with multiple floors and stuff! But from time to time, we get open-field dungeons like this one¡­ And it looks amazing!!!¡± She explained, as she opened her arms wide as if presenting the world to Ascalon. Then, Selorien stood beside them and chimed in. ¡°Yeah, though it¡¯s pretty obvious where you have to go¡­¡± He stated as he looked up to the mountains. This brought a question to Ascalon¡¯s mind. ¡°What about the world yonder?¡± He pointed with his finger to the horizon, and Lilithra put on a conflicted expression. ¡°Nobody knows. People have tried to explore beyond what¡¯s clearly the dungeon¡¯s area in these open-field kinds, but always end up getting back to where they started. Honestly, these dungeons are still a big mystery to everyone.¡± Lilithra¡¯s face showed intrigue, as she scanned the vast landscape. Ascalon pondered for a moment, curious about the purpose of these dungeons. He was sure that everything was connected to the Gifted network, especially with the summary of the Howling Chasm that they had seen before. However, it wasn¡¯t the time to dwell upon the mysteries of the network, but for adventure! He took a look around, trying to scan the area for anything of importance, and noticed that there were no signs of travelers around. ¡°Hmm. I wonder how far ahead are the Fluffy Warriors.¡± He wondered with a pensive expression. Lilithra¡¯s face lit up with realization, thinking about a specific detail. ¡°Oh right! They¡¯re probably somewhere else. The portal kind of drops you randomly in the vicinity of the dungeon, haha.¡± She spoke with a smirk, as Ascalon made a surprised expression. That explained it, but also opened a few more questions in his mind. Did the random translocation serve a purpose? Was it to avoid early confrontation between different parties, or to ensure fairness in the dungeon delving? He shuffled a few ideas around, but ultimately decided to leave them for later. He kept getting distracted by his own curiosity! Determined to focus on the adventure at hand, once and for all, he took a few steps in front of the group. ¡°Should we advance?¡± He asked, looking back at his friends. Both Selorien and Lilithra nodded, the latter smiling in excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Exclaimed Lilithra as she skipped forward, heading to a rocky path up the mountain. Selorien adjusted the straps of his backpack and promptly followed after them. Ascalon walked along Lilithra, with Selorien a few steps behind, scanning their surroundings. The path through the cliffs was rough, the unleveled yellow terrain having formed naturally probed quite hostile to travelers. The wind howled as if it were the growl of a humongous beast, and the light that seeped from the cracks along the stone structures seemed to fade as they marched along. There was a kind of somber beauty to it all, a wild territory untouched by men. It was a sight Ascalon was more accustomed to, in contrast to the ever-expanding streets of New Lumingard and its enormous buildings. The rugged landscape resonated with him, and he felt right at home in these harsh, unwelcoming cliffs¡ªas weird as that sounded. But neither he nor his friends were actually welcomed, as a sudden screech alerted the whole group. It was a wail Ascalon would recognize anywhere, and he expanded his senses as he looked up. And sure enough, there they were. Bare chests hung from the creatures, with feathers covering most of their bodies. Their faces showed womanly features, but their bloodlust-filled eyes looked anything but human. They perched on stone edges and dry branches, their arms open wide with sets of huge wings. Half-bird, half-women¡ªharpies. The first challenge in their adventure had presented itself. Chapter 15 - Winged Horrors The howling wind carried the echoing screeches of the winged creatures, some of them circling in the sky and casting ominous shadows on the world below. Others remained perched on their places, their fanged teeth shining as saliva dripped down from them, their bird-like eyes focused on the prey¡ªthe delicacies that had just arrived. Their hunger was palpable, and their unsettling cries were getting more agitated by the second. The cackling harpies made Lilithra shudder, being her first encounter with their kind. Selorien stood by her side, showing a serious expression, though one could feel the tension in his demeanor. Her lips parted, letting out a nervous voice. ¡°W-what do we do? Aren¡¯t these, like, really high-level?¡± She asked as her eyes darted from creature to creature. They were, indeed, one of the most dangerous creatures in the Howling Chasm. ¡°Ugh, just my luck. I¡¯m at a disadvantage here¡­¡± Exclaimed Selorien, clearly frustrated that his combat style wasn¡¯t suited for dealing with flying opponents. His daggers wouldn¡¯t reach them, and he could miss even if he threw them. But more importantly, with their bird¡¯s-eye view, the harpies could easily detect any kind of stealthy tactics. Ascalon, on the other hand, remained composed as he counted the harpies. It was a big flock, twelve in total¡ªa rare occurrence, since the bigger the group, the more they contested with each other. Usually, a whole ¡®clan¡¯ of harpies would reach around sixty, scattered around in smaller ¡®packs¡¯ that preyed upon different territories. Still, nothing was ever set in stone, and these beasts could be as whimsical as humans. Then, he noticed one of the perched harpies raise its wing, hiding its face behind it while peeking over with an alluring look in its eyes. Ascalon recognized the pattern, and promptly spoke. ¡°Prepare yourselves, the wretched creature is about to sing!¡± Both Lilithra and Selorien looked at Ascalon with a hint of confusion on their faces, and then it happened.
The skill - Harpy Song - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Come, come, come, my delicious appetizer!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Creature Skill Rank: C - Level none. Potential: None. Attribute: None. Effects: Hypnotizes the Harpy¡¯s targets and forces them to helplessly get closer, its efficacy depending on the target¡¯s constitution and intelligence. Additional effects: * Has a 5% chance of bypassing resistances. * The effect doesn¡¯t end until the Harpy stops singing. * Multiple Harpy Songs in the same area get a boosted effect.
A sweet, melodic voice echoed through the cliffs. It was a song so enchanting and intoxicating that it rapidly captivated their senses. Selorien shook his head, trying to resist, while Lilithra simply watched the creature in awe, cheeks flushed and mouth hanging open. She was enthralled by the song, and wanted to accept the harpie¡¯s invitation wholeheartedly, so she started to stumble forward. Ascalon didn¡¯t budge, sighing while grabbing Lilithra by the back of her hoodie and lifting her effortlessly, as if she were a house cat. She flailed and mumbled, smiling in blissfulness at the harpy that had captivated her. It was good fortune that the knight was nearly immune to mental attacks. Back in Excadia, he had an encounter with Sirens, creatures very similar to the harpies but that dwelled in the seas, and fell victim to their treacherous song. When they tried to gobble him up, his body retaliated with a frenzied rampage, resulting in him massacring the whole pod in a daze. Since then, he sought ways to fortify his mind, to try to ward off or expel unwanted visitors from it, in order to not harm others by mistake in case something similar occurred once more. He traveled far and wide until he came across the Monks of the Frozen Oasis, who preached a saying: ¡®Your mind is a temple, trespassers have no right to sully it¡¯. Under their guidance, he trained rigorously until he mastered their ways. However, he had no way of using his mental defenses to help others out of the enchantment, so he recurred to something more¡­ practical. With his free hand, he materialized Exemplaris. He arched his arm backward, gathering his strength. Then, with a swift motion, he thrust his lance forward, hurling it in the harpy¡¯s direction. Exemplaris pierced through the air, causing the wind to howl as it reverberated through the cliffs, sending shockwaves that shook the very rocks beneath their feet. The projectile found its target with deadly precision, decimating the creature in a heartbeat, feathers and blood spraying everywhere. Some of the other perched harpies took flight because of the quaking walls and the impending danger, while a couple lost their balance mid-flight, knocked to the ground by the shockwaves, their bodies landing with solid thuds. They tried to rise, weakly, as the rest of the flock screeched from above. Selorien watched the aftermath speechless, his eyes wide open. He thought he had already come to terms with Ascalon¡¯s prowess, but the scene before him made him realize that the blonde man was far more powerful than he had imagined. On the other hand, Lilithra woke up from her stupor. ¡°W-wha-?¡± She exclaimed as she looked around, then up and down as she noticed she was floating in the air. She blushed the moment she saw Ascalon holding her by her hoodie, and let out some cute sounds of confusion and protest as she flailed around. Ascalon slowly set her on the ground, his good eye still in the sky. As her feet touched the rocks beneath, Lilithra extended both arms to their sides in a balancing pose. Then, as she recomposed herself, realization hit her like a bucket of cold water. She lost her senses and succumbed to the harpy¡¯s song so easily, and it seemed she had been the only one affected. She blushed once again, a mix of embarrassment and anger. ¡°Ugh! What¡¯s the point of coming here if I¡¯m going to be useless again!¡± She exclaimed in frustration, trying to hide her expression with both hands. It wasn¡¯t her intention to voice it out loud, but she couldn¡¯t suppress her desire to vent. Selorien looked at her with a pained expression, not only because of her circumstances, but also for his lack of action. Once again, Ascalon had to save the day. Were they that helpless? The thought crossed both their minds, but the blonde¡¯s words brought them back to reality. ¡°I understand your vexation.¡± Ascalon stated with a firm voice, the other two looking at him with curious expressions. ¡°I can¡¯t keep interfering with your growth.¡± He continued. Lilithra and Selorien both grasped the meaning behind his words. They needed to be able to take care of themselves in situations like these, in order for them to grow. The words resonated even more clearly with Lilithra¡ªshe had to become stronger if she wanted to make her goals a reality. They couldn¡¯t rely on Ascalon for everything. While they were thinking that, Ascalon spoke again. ¡°Let us set that aside for now. I shall help you vanquish these vile creatures, this once.¡± The harpies circling around shuddered, as if they had understood his words. ¡°But afterward, I would like to propose something to you two.¡± A bold smile appeared on his face, as curiosity took over Lilithra and Selorien once more. Ascalon took a few steps ahead, the flying creatures hissing in caution. ¡°Bring forth your weapons, and strike with all your might!¡± He exclaimed, as he summoned his great shield on his left hand. Then, he set his eye on the sky, and his voice boomed with authority. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Come, winged abominations! Come and test your mettle!¡± The moment he spoke those words, a blue screen appeared before the rest, and the flying beasts felt shivers through their whole bodies.
The personal skill - Heroic Challenge - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Calling forth honor and unwavering resolve, he dares the wicked to test their might against his valor!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s ??? unique skill. Rank: ??? - Level ???. Potential: ???. Attribute: ???. Effects: Those ??? as ??? by Ascalon ??? are forced to ??? in combat with ???. Additional effects: * ??? * Has a ??? to ??? the effect. The network is still learning about this skill.
Lilithra and Selorien both read the screen in awe and astonishment. Some of the information seemed to be missing, but there was enough to piece it together somewhat. It was undeniably an amazing skill. However, they couldn¡¯t admire it for long, as ravenous screeches soon echoed loudly through the cliffs. They gazed upward, and saw the creatures plunging in the knight¡¯s direction, their faces a mix of rage and¡­ fear? The harpies'' primal instincts were screaming; their only concern was to flee. But their minds were assailed by conflicting thoughts, and their bodies moved without delay. Despite their terror, they were unable to stop their descent, compelled by an unseen force toward the very thing they wanted to get away from. It didn¡¯t take long for the group of harpies to start kicking, scratching, and biting on the knight; even the ones that had fallen to the ground before. Yet the knight seemed unphased, his clothes and demeanor showing no sign of damage as he deftly defended against their rampage. Aegis covered much of his body, effortlessly deflecting their razor-sharp talons, while his free hand intercepted the rest of the attacks. He looked back while dealing with the swirling mass of feathers around him, and shot an impatient stare to his friends. Lilithra and Selorien, who were watching mesmerized, snapped from their enchantment and rushed towards him. Weapons materializing in their hands, they prepared to attack the creatures. Lilithra took the initiative, swinging her banner downward with both hands and striking a harpy right on the top of its head. ¡°Take this!¡± She screamed as her hit connected. The creature staggered, but still moved, so she nervously repeated the action several times until it ceased to struggle, her cross-shaped banner now stained with blood. Selorien, on the other hand, deftly backstabbed three of the creatures in quick succession, showcasing his more experienced combat capabilities. Despite his prowess, he found himself stabbing each target more than once, which showed the creatures were pretty durable. Ascalon smiled, seeing his friends battle. He observed them meticulously, his gaze sizing them up. Meanwhile, Lilithra had already moved on to the next harpy, surprised they opposed no resistance, as their relentless barrage had only Ascalon as the objective. Some were even already exhausted, gasping for air as they weakly struck the knight. It didn¡¯t take long until the last harpy stopped breathing, and the pair of friends sat on the floor, catching their breath. Although Ascalon had been the focus of the beast¡¯s rampage, It had been quite the workout. The knight took the chance and went to recover his lance. As he got back, he gazed upon his friends, both Aegis and Exemplaris banishing into his inventory. Ascalon let out a thoughtful hum, while they looked up at him, tilting their heads in curiosity. ¡°Hmmm. If I may, Sir Selorien.¡± As he spoke, Selorien listened intently. ¡°Your skills are astounding, but you rely too much on your stabbing speed. You should try to put more strength into your blows, and find an adequate balance between that and your quickness.¡± The elf looked at his daggers as he reflected on the knight''s words. It was true that he relied on careful, speedy movements, but maybe he wasn¡¯t putting enough power behind them. Selorien recalled having problems with tougher creatures, such as scaled lizards and other thick-skinned beasts, which led to prolonged fights¡ªexactly what a rogue like him aimed to avoid. He glanced back at Ascalon, smiling in gratitude. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right, thanks Ascalon. Feel free to point out anything else I can improve on. Also¡­ uh, stop it with the ¡®Sir¡¯, please.¡± Selorien smirked, as Ascalon showed a conflicted expression. ¡°Hmm. I shall try my best¡­ Selorien.¡± Answered the blonde, encompassing both topics his friend brought up. ¡°Selly is fine too.¡± Added the elf as he unsummoned his daggers. But Ascalon¡¯s troubled expression showed that it would take a bit before he could get accustomed to such informal naming. Then, Ascalon turned to Lilithra, who tensed up and promptly hid her face beneath her hoodie. She felt like a child whose teacher was about to scold her. At the sight, Ascalon showed a gentle smile. ¡°It seems to me that you don¡¯t have a defined style.¡± He paused for a moment, trying to come up with words that wouldn¡¯t discourage her too much. ¡°To put it simply, you lack the basics. Your weapon is an unorthodox choice, but it should serve the same as any spear. What do you say, shall I train you in its ways?¡± At his words, she looked up instantly, her face beaming with excitement. It was the second time someone had offered to help her train with her weapon, the first being her uncle. Selorien couldn¡¯t teach her about a weapon he couldn''t use, after all. But she had refused at the time, being in a different, more somber period of her life. Lilithra shook away the creeping thoughts and stood up. ¡°Yes, please!¡± Lilithra pleaded, as she grabbed Ascalon¡¯s hands on her own. She looked resolute but quickly blushed and let go, thinking she was being too up-close and personal. Ascalon smiled gently and spoke again. ¡°Still, I am surprised you decided to come here despite your current skills. You are truly brave, Lady Lilithra!¡± His tone showed innocence and meant to encourage her, but his words sounded a bit harsh to Lilithra, who grabbed her head with both hands and growled. The confidence she had shown when deciding their adventure betrayed her actual, limited experience, and that was both embarrassing and terrible. Maybe she was taking these dungeons too lightly, and putting others in danger because of her whims. She didn¡¯t have that much trouble in the past, but they were rank F towers after all, with slimes and dusty skeletons. ¡°I¡¯m partly to blame, honestly¡­¡± Interjected Selorien as he smirked, trying to change the mood. ¡°I¡¯ve been babysitting her too much.¡± Without saying anything, Lilithra walked over to him and started punching him in the shoulder. ¡°Ouch, ouch, ouch~.¡± Exclaimed the elf in a joking tone of voice. Ascalon never got tired of seeing that playful interaction. Lilithra finally stopped and sighed, then squatted down, her legs pressed together. She grabbed the straps of her backpack and placed it on the floor, rummaging through its contents until she found a bottle of water. Tiny droplets slid down its surface as she unscrewed the cap and took a few refreshing gulps. Selorien mimicked her actions, realizing he could use some water too. Ascalon gazed at them for a moment, and then decided to take a quick look around. ¡°Oh wow! I didn¡¯t even notice!¡± Lilithra¡¯s sudden voice startled the knight, who once more set his eye on her. ¡°I went up two levels!¡± She continued, in an energetic and joyful tone. Selorien clapped softly. It wasn¡¯t an enthusiastic clap, but it wasn¡¯t sarcastic either. ¡°Let¡¯s gooo!¡± He exclaimed, smiling gently. She bowed dramatically as if thanking an audience. Ascalon¡¯s interest was piqued, and he approached the girl with curiosity. ¡°Could you show me your, hmm, stats window, Lady Lilithra?¡± He asked, hoping he hadn¡¯t said it wrong. She seemed surprised at the question, but smiled with glee as she pressed on an invisible screen. Then it appeared in front of him.
Level: 12
STR: 65
CON: 30
AGI: 50
DEX: 25
INT: 50
WIS: 20
CHR: 50
¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ascalon muttered, fascinated by the increase in stats. She seemed to have gained a significant amount of strength, and some agility. Lilithra looked really pleased with herself, though she also wondered why she had gained so many points from only two levels. But maybe it was just her imagination. While Ascalon gazed at her stats, Lilithra stored the bottle in her backpack, and promptly put it on her back. Seeing her readiness, Selorien stood beside her, also equipping his own bag but keeping his bottle at hand. Then both of them nodded to each other, and started to collect some of the fallen feathers¡ªthough they didn¡¯t look all that pleased about it. Ascalon, done reading Lilithra¡¯s info, decided to join them with curiosity taking over his visage. ¡°Is this for crafting equipment?¡± He asked, knowing just a little bit about that particular topic. Lilithra nodded with a smile, and added. ¡°Yeah! Though these are probably junk, so we¡¯ll just sell them or something.¡± Her voice showed disappointment, as it seemed the harpies had nothing of worth on them. A hint of troubled thoughts also showed on her expression, but she did her best to hide it, so Ascalon didn¡¯t know how to approach the matter. After some uneventful looting, they rested for a moment. But soon, they would continue their climb. Chapter 16 - Snowy Peaks The group advanced steadily through the barren cliffs, the climb becoming increasingly difficult and steeper with each passing moment. The path was rough and uneven, shifting from tight to narrow depending on the terrain. The rocky walls shielded them from the howling wind, though occasional cracks created unsettling whistling sounds. It initially bothered them, but became part of the background noise as time went on. They had been walking for a while, yet the peaks still towered in the distant sky, as if they had made no progress at all. After the harpy encounter things hadn¡¯t really changed much; the adventure had been uneventful so far. Lilithra was starting to feel anxious and wanted something to happen, hoping a chance to redeem herself would appear before them. Throughout the way, her thoughts spiraled downward, making her feel guilty and discouraged. She kept thinking about how she was the weaker member of the group, yet they were in there because of her, as the one who had proposed the adventure out of a whim¡ªnot even considering the dangers of an unknown dungeon, and her own incapabilities. Selorien noticed her downcast expression and tried to cheer her up. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s take it easy. I¡¯m actually enjoying this chill stroll.¡± He said with a laid-back smile, then drank from his bottle of water. But Lilithra furrowed her brows in irritation. ¡°We didn¡¯t come here for a walk! If we just wanted to exercise we could¡¯ve done that at home!¡± Her words didn¡¯t carry anger or blame at Selorien, but venting a little always helped her cope. Selorien skipped putting his bottle in the backpack and simply banished it to his inventory. Afterward, he sighed and patted her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s still a whole lot of ground to cover.¡± The elf spoke as he pointed to the cloudy, faraway peaks. Then, Ascalon chimed in. ¡°I am certain that danger lurks ahead. This brief respite will freshen us up before battle.¡± He added as he smiled. Lilithra felt a bit reassured by their words, sensing their support. They didn¡¯t blame her or think she was a burden at all, yet she was thinking so far ahead, feeling in such a rush over nothing. She breathed in, before taking a long sigh to calm herself. Then, she hit Ascalon playfully on the shoulder. ¡°As if you needed rest! You look fresh as a cucumber!¡± She exclaimed joyfully, smiling. Surprise took over Ascalon¡¯s face, as a warm sensation tingled in his chest. She hit him on the shoulder! For others, it might have been a small gesture, nothing worth noticing, but for Ascalon, it meant a great deal. It was the action she kept repeating on Selorien, and only Selorien, over and over¡ªa show of affection and trust for the elf. To add to that, she had always been reluctant to overstep her bounds with him, unsure of how close she could get without coming off as rude or intrusive. So that very detail had touched his heart. He felt a rush of happiness, slightly bewildered at how such a simple act could bring him so much joy. At their side, Selorien beamed, unable to hide his happiness. He too was touched by the gesture, as it was the first time he had seen his friend do that to someone else. He felt like pretending to cry to tease her a bit, but decided to simply enjoy the warm feeling in silence. Lilithra looked a bit bashful as she noticed her own actions, having hit Ascalon¡¯s sturdy shoulder. Her smile turned shy while she laughed nervously. The mood was turning awkward, so she took the chance to change the subject to something she was meaning to ask. ¡°So, uhm¡­ Maybe it¡¯s not the right moment, but¡­ If you don¡¯t mind telling us, just how did you get so strong?¡± Her words were careful, as she didn¡¯t want to push Ascalon into answering something he didn¡¯t want to¡ªalthough she was really hoping he would. It was an out-of-nowhere kind of question, prompted by her nervousness and the tingling feeling on her knuckles. He relaxed a bit, snapping out of his previous joyful mood, and pondered. Selorien, whose interest was extremely piqued, looked at him with curiosity. After a few moments, Ascalon spoke. ¡°Well, when I was blessed by the Gods at a young age, I started training to-¡± He began to explain, but was abruptly interrupted by Lilithra, who stepped before him with a raised hand, as if signaling him to stop. She blinked slowly a few times, taking in what she had just heard. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean by that?!¡± She asked, clearly baffled. Selorien stood at her side nodding in agreement, sharing a similar bewildered expression. ¡°Hmm. Shall I explain what kind of training?¡± Ascalon replied, a bit confused, as Lilithra and Selorien facepalmed in unison. ¡°Not that! What the hell do you mean ¡®blessed by the Gods¡¯?!¡± Exclaimed Selorien in irritation. Ascalon realized what they meant and looked embarrassed. He was accustomed to his own story, of course, but he had forgotten how people usually reacted when he talked about being chosen by the Gods. It had been a long time since he had shared these memories with others, after all. He sighed, smiling softly, his friends losing a bit of their suspenseful tension. ¡°It means just that. I was chosen to bear Gods'' blessings one day, out of nowhere.¡± He spoke, the other two listening intently. ¡°I was very young, cannot quite recall exactly how old I was. I was taken to a monastery, where they trained me in the basics of combat.¡± He raised his right hand, and his palm started to shine as a soothing aura washed over Lilithra and Selorien, taking them by surprise. Ascalon then continued. ¡°I had to learn how to muster these blessings on my own. I did not even believe I was a ¡®chosen one¡¯ until then. But that moment felt truly revelatory.¡± His gaze wandered far, as if looking at a distant place, or time. ¡°I knew what my calling was, to wage war against de- ahem, evil. So I trained, striving every day to become a bit stronger. One day I was battling orcs as I struggled with a wounded body and fearful heart, the next I was facing an ancient dragon with courage guiding my lance. Such was the path fate laid for me; one of hardship. But I endured.¡± He paused, omitting the part about demons, for the time being, and looking at his friends. Lilithra looked at him with awe, her eyes glistening with excitement. She loved these kinds of stories, and felt like she was meeting a celebrity of some sort. Selorien, on the other hand, appeared a bit suspicious but clearly shaken. Despite his doubts, Ascalon¡¯s might was undeniable. Selorien would challenge anyone to try and claim the knight¡¯s tale was fake. Ascalon was becoming even more outstanding by the second, having that kind of legendary backstory. Then, Lilithra raised both arms and clenched her fists tight, striking a pumped-up pose. ¡°That¡¯s so cool!!! Like, real Gods!? And you¡¯re the ¡®chosen one¡¯!¡± She exclaimed animatedly, but Ascalon¡¯s expression made her regret it. The knight¡¯s visage showed a hint of sadness. ¡°Hmm. Is it, though? I spent my whole life between training and the battlefield, never knowing my real family, or the joy of the normal every day.¡± He stated, with a soft tone. Lilithra wanted to apologize, but the knight continued. ¡°To be honest, I never had these thoughts back in Excadia. I suppose New Lumingard¡¯s peacefulness is making me reconsider many things.¡± He smiled, both Lilithra and Selorien listening without interrupting. ¡°¡®What if I was never chosen by the Gods, and lived a normal life?¡¯ I ask myself that, yet the struggles I have faced, the countless enemies vanquished, who would have challenged them instead? And the knights, my friends and only family, who trusted me yet I lost them, what would they think about me now?¡± His voice was carried by the wind, echoing around the cliffs. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. His friends looked at him with comprehension, sadness, and a bit of admiration. That man had endured things they couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine. They sometimes forgot that he had a life before coming to New Lumingard, that he had traveled his own path, yet they didn¡¯t deeply consider what kind of feelings he would be carrying with him. Though, to be fair, even he wasn¡¯t aware of these feelings until recently. Seeing their sullen expressions, he smiled gently and chuckled. ¡°Do not get me wrong, I do not really regret the life I have lived. The people I met, the victories we shared¡ªthey are fond memories of mine. There is no harm in thinking about what-ifs. It is clear that I am here because I walked that path, and that this very path is far from over.¡± He showed a resolute expression; sharing his thoughts had been a good way to cement his conviction. If only he had known earlier that speaking his mind would help him see things more clearly. Lilithra suddenly stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around Ascalon¡¯s chest, bringing him into a hug. Ascalon was taken aback but slowly reciprocated, enveloping her small body in his own arms. She tightened her hold on him and spoke, her cheek pressed against him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but thank you for sharing that with us.¡± Selorien smiled, and being not one for hugs, awkwardly patted the knight¡¯s shoulder. Ascalon felt great warmth, both coming from within and from his friends. Especially the one that held him with such tenderness. ¡°I apologize too, bringing such matters when we are supposed to be adventuring¡ªthough I was asked, I must say I ¡®overshared¡¯, as you guys say. Haha!¡± He laughed, and Lilithra followed suit. Selorien smirked, and grabbed the girl by the arms, gently prying her away from the knight. ¡°Sorry but if I don¡¯t do this she won¡¯t let go today.¡± He exclaimed in a smug tone, as Lilithra¡¯s reddened face came into view, trying her best to hide it as she averted her eyes. They took a moment to bask in the afterglow of such a beautiful event, and then recomposed themselves. It was hard to just shift gears back into adventuring, but they tried their best, and carried on. The next couple of minutes remained uneventful, aside from a few gusts of wind that managed to make Lilithra stumble, forcing her to adjust her walking posture in order to better face the air currents. As they turned a corner through the narrow path, a chilly atmosphere greeted them, and their eyes scanned a white landscape. The rocky hills were covered in pristine white, and the wind carried along sparkling snowflakes. It seemed that part of the climb had taken over a Winter mood, being quite the stark contrast to the desolate, rough cliffs they had become accustomed to. Lilithra smiled with childlike glee, her eyes glistening at the sight, as she skipped forward. Her footsteps left a shallow trail in the snow, and she giggled as she caught the falling white fragments. However, as she sneezed, she suddenly realized how cold she was feeling. Her attire, particularly her shorts, wasn¡¯t exactly ideal for such a chilly environment. She quickly fiddled with her hand in the air while trembling slightly, and a second later a new set of clothes materialized over her. Long, thick black pants covered her legs, and a set of earmuffs now protected her ears. Red cotton gloves fit in her hands, and an oversized, yet again pink, hoodie enveloped her. She sighed in satisfaction, feeling her body warm up. Selorien¡¯s accusative voice could be heard from behind her. ¡°What happened to the ¡®authentic adventure experience¡¯ or whatever, huh?¡± She blushed and looked at him, irritation showing clearly on her face. ¡°Oh, shut up, Selly! I didn¡¯t think about packing a set of damned Winter clothes, okay!?¡± At her protest, Selorien burst out laughing, enjoying his teasing. Ascalon simply watched them as he smiled, finding amusement in their interactions once again. Honestly, he wasn¡¯t feeling the cold at all. Meanwhile, Selorien followed Lilithra¡¯s lead, and also manifested a set of more adequate clothing. His pants were now baggier, and his hoodie was now a black, puffy jacket. His head also sported a dark blue wool cap with a cartoonish cat¡¯s face printed on it, complete with ears poking out from above. Lilithra smiled happily at the sight, seemingly excited about the wool cap. ¡°Ah, I love that one!¡± She exclaimed as she walked over to Selorien, and reached up to pat his head, having to tiptoe to manage it. Selorien avoided it and smiled smugly. She tried a few more times, clearly annoyed, but failed every time, so she gave up. It was then that Ascalon¡¯s hand rested on Selorien¡¯s head, making both the elf and Lilithra look in astonishment. Selorien sighed and looked a bit embarrassed. ¡°Touch¨¦.¡± He stated, as he skipped a few steps away from Ascalon. The knight chuckled softly, and Lilithra joined in. She then appraised the surroundings and spoke. ¡°Ah, I want to go back, and get Uncle to make me some hot cocoa!¡± Selorien seemed to like the idea. ¡°Ooh~ Damn that sounds neat.¡± The elf nodded in understanding, both friends clearly in sync. Ascalon watched both amused and confused. ¡°Where did your determination go?¡± He asked as he rested his gaze on them. They both smirked, and Lilithra answered. ¡°We¡¯re fickle beings!¡± She laughed, her huge smile filling Ascalon with warmth. But the Howling Chasm had other plans, as a loud howl echoed through the area. Ascalon perked up, smiling boldly. ¡°Now these are some fitting opponents for you.¡± He remarked, as both Lilithra and Selorien looked around. Canine figures started to surround them, appearing from seemingly nowhere, their wailing a call for their kin. Snow wolves, their thick gray fur blending with the snowy landscape, emerged from the cracks in the rocky walls and from behind patches of snow. Their colored eyes looked intelligent and furtive, as they studied their prey. Such magnificent beasts, Ascalon thought, feeling quite partial to the dog-like species. Lilithra and Selorien quickly armed themselves and dropped their backpacks, having learned from their last fight that they had to be ready at all times. Ascalon looked around, and spotted a good place. He walked over, ignoring completely the impending danger, and sat down on a rock he thought would give him a good view of the battlefield. His friends'' faces showed question marks all over them, so he decided to explain his actions. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not participating in this bout.¡± Lilithra and the elf looked at each other, still a bit puzzled. ¡°I do not like hitting dogs.¡± Declared Ascalon, resolutely, as one of the wolves lunged at him and started to bite furiously into his arm. He simply started petting him with his free hand. The astonished look on the wolf¡¯s face almost brought Lilithra to laughter, but she managed to barely hold back, struggling to keep calm. Selorien looked baffled, on the other hand. Then Ascalon¡¯s voice rang again. ¡°And also, I feel this is a good chance for you two. I shall give you advice from here if I deem it needed.¡± His words made sense to the duo of friends. They did need to manage by themselves, sooner or later, and this seemed like a more fair fight than the one against the flying, deadly harpies. Still, the pack of wolves circling around made for an imposing view. These creatures were fast and vicious, smart enough to look for openings and coordinate attacks. Lilithra was nervous, as she recalled Ascalon¡¯s pointers. Even though the knight had offered to train her later, for now she was still the same as before, and had no combat style to rely on. She had to simply do her best and fight, trusting that Ascalon would be a helpful strategist. Selorien was on the same boat, as he planned to focus on making his blows more impactful this time around, having taken the knight¡¯s advice seriously. The air felt tense, sparks could be pictured crackling in the space between the two friends and their canine enemies. Then, a few of them howled, and around five of them lunged towards them. Lilithra quickly raised her banner, and shouted. ¡°Be brave!¡± Light enveloped herself and her allies, newfound strength flowing through them. A new encounter had begun.
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Her resolution shines on the battlefield, her demonic heart a beacon of hope!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Rank: E - Level 21. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Lilithra Vexeria will get a 12% increase in all stats. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance of shaking off fear debuffs. * Has a 15% chance of rousing up morale.* Has a 0.1% chance of doubling all effects percentages.]
Chapter 17 - Wolves & Growth The fight had begun as multiple canines launched their offensive. Their fangs glistened as their jaws opened menacingly, preparing to bite their prey. Lilithra maintained her composure, feeling reassured by Ascalon¡¯s mere presence, and swung her battle banner in a crescent, horizontal arc. This caused some of the wolves to stop, and others to change course and circle around, leaving her unscathed for the moment. She planned to keep the beasts at bay with her weapon¡¯s long reach, and if she managed to hit one of them in the process, all the better. Selorien, on the other hand, had turned around and covered Lilithra¡¯s back, avoiding a few bites as he launched counter-attacks with both his daggers barely grazing his targets. ¡°Lady Lilithra, get your back to that wall.¡± Ascalon suddenly exclaimed, pointing past her to a rocky structure near her position. Both she and Selorien understood Ascalon¡¯s strategy, and she quickly sprinted towards it. Meanwhile, Selorien smirked and jumped a few steps back. Now free of guarding Lilithra¡¯s back, he could now focus on fighting in the ways he was accustomed to: stealthily. He activated one of his skills, his appearance beginning to sway as if it were a mirage. Slowly, his shape blended with the surroundings and banished from the wolf¡¯s view, leaving them momentarily confused.
Stealth+.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill Rank: C - Level 62. Potential: A. Attribute: Illusion. Effects: The user blends in with their surroundings, gaining momentary lower invisibility. The effect ends when the user attacks another being, or is attacked. Additional effects: * Has a 3% chance of erasing the user¡¯s sounds, such as clothes rustling or footsteps.]
Yet what the wolves'' eyes couldn¡¯t perceive, their noses and ears could, so Selorien didn¡¯t have the leisure of remaining hidden for long. Lilithra, on her side, was already with her back against the wall. She showed a bold smile, now that she didn¡¯t have to worry about threats behind her. Shooting a quick glance at Ascalon, she noticed he was still petting that wolf, which flailed around trying to escape his affection. She averted her eyes as fast as she could and took a deep breath, doing her best to remain calm and not laugh. At that moment, two wolves closed in on her. But she now had a good sense of her weapon¡¯s range, so she quickly exhaled and swung the banner once again, and one of the pointy ends managed to connect by piercing a wolf¡¯s torso. The creature cried in protest, and slipped away bleeding, while its companion stopped and looked at Lilithra with caution in its eyes. A second later it growled, and jumped toward the girl. ¡°Sorry, pooch!¡± She exclaimed with confidence, as she changed her posture and brought her arms back before piercing forward with all her might. The spear atop the banner punctured the wolf¡¯s head, whose momentum helped the blade force its way in. A helpless cry left the canine¡¯s mouth as it fell to the ground motionless, blood gushing from its wound. Lilithra sighed heavily while her hands trembled slightly, as she didn¡¯t rejoice in taking its life. But she needed to steel her resolve, because another pair of wolves were approaching fast, their eyes bloodshot with rage. Suddenly, one of the beasts groaned as blood started to stain the fur on its neck. A dagger appeared out of thin air, firmly lodged below the canine¡¯s jaw. Following suit, Selorien emerged from stealth, and removed the dagger from the unmoving creature. At that moment, Ascalon¡¯s voice pierced the air, some of the wolves freezing in place, taken aback by the sudden shout. ¡°Do not linger in the light! A rogue should strike and return to the shadows before the target can finish blinking!¡± At the knight''s words, the elf opened his eyes wide in realization. He felt a tingle of excitement at what Ascalon implied, as it sounded incredibly cool. He also couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing that someone much younger than him was instructing him. Guided by the knight¡¯s advice, Selorien¡¯s figure started to distort once again. Two wolves growled and lunged at him, their jaws snapping close on nothing but cold air, biting down on the elf¡¯s afterimage. In an instant, one of the canines fell with a thud, a huge wound open on its back. Lilithra gasped in amazement at Selorien¡¯s skills, smiling as she kept a few wolves at bay by swinging her banner around. Though she didn¡¯t take joy in battling the doggies, she felt truly hyped up by the situation. Ascalon¡¯s advice was short, somewhat obvious, and concise. Yet it was turning the fight in their favor with ease. She couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine the amount of experience Ascalon had under his belt. The action continued for a while, as more wolves were felled by the pair. Some managed to flee, wounded and weak, due to Lilithra¡¯s compassion, and partly to her hesitation. And soon enough, the battle was over. The girl sat exhausted, her back against the cold, rocky wall. She gasped for air as her body lost its tension, relieved that it was finally over, and smiled contently. She had gained four more levels, twice as many as when fighting against the harpies. Maybe she had gained more experience because she battled mostly by herself? She certainly wasn¡¯t going to complain. Selorien leaned against the same wall, and sighed while he cleaned his face of sweat. His expression was an elated one, as he read a blue screen in front of him.
Phantom Stab
In the deep shadows a blade glimmers, striking true at the heart of evil!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Selorien L''adariel unique skill. Rank: F - Level 1. Potential: S. Attribute: Darkness. Effects: The user strikes with a powerful, precise strike that makes use of both the user¡¯s strength and agility. Additional effects: * Has a 30% damage increase when used while in a state of invisibility. * Has a 5% chance of dealing double the damage while in a state of invisibility. * Has a 5% damage increase when properly timing consecutive uses. * Penalty: Has 40% reduced damage when not properly timing consecutive uses.
It had an awesome description and all, and relied on him actually fighting with finesse rather than simply spamming stabs. Selorien couldn¡¯t believe the knight¡¯s advice had led to him developing his own unique skill in such a short time. And as a bonus, he had leveled up once, too. He decided to share his excitement with the group, as Ascalon approached with a wolf under his right arm. ¡°Check out my new skill! Also, you can¡¯t keep that.¡± He stated energetically, before changing to a more serious expression and pointing at the dismayed canine. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Ascalon frowned as he read the screen that appeared before him. ¡°Hmm. These effects are astounding, congratulations Sir¡­ I mean, Selorien.¡± He said, stuttering over his words. Then, Lilithra chimed in with joy in her voice, having also finished reading it. ¡°That¡¯s so cool Selly! Nice job!!!¡± She stated, getting up and clapping happily. Selorien smiled and let out a smug chuckle. ¡°No, but really you can¡¯t keep it.¡± Said the elf. At that moment Selorien''s expression looked like a thorn mixture of feelings, between his satisfaction towards the skill and the praise it was getting, and his worries about Ascalon¡¯s furry acquisition. Ascalon sighed, putting the wolf down, which hastily scurried away. ¡°Farewell, Moonstone...¡± At his words, Lilithra and Selorien looked a bit conflicted. It seemed Ascalon was really attached, as he had even given it a name! But they couldn¡¯t keep a dungeon wolf, so maybe they could get him a puppy or something back home. For the time being, they had won, and everyone had acquired something valuable thanks to their growth. Lilithra had leveled up, gaining more stats, and Selorien also had a new, unique skill. Ascalon didn¡¯t get anything tangible, but enjoyed the satisfaction of having contributed to their growth. He smiled at them, as a familiar feeling enveloped him. Was it pride? Perhaps. It was something he felt when he trained with his knights back at Excadia, a happiness that came from helping others grow. He stopped reminiscing and spoke. ¡°You both were marvelous, I commend your bravery!¡± He put a hand on their shoulders, Lilithra looking bashful and Selorien a bit pleased. ¡°I am glad you listened to me and put up with my selfishness in that situation.¡± He continued with a more gentle tone of voice. Lilithra shook her head and interjected. ¡°No, we have to thank you! Your tips are so easy to understand and to the point that even I could follow them! And look at the result: four more levels!¡± She exclaimed excitedly, as she shared her profile with the others.
Level: 16
STR: 95
CON: 50
AGI: 50
DEX: 25
INT: 50
WIS: 50
CHR: 50
Selorien looked perplexed, and Ascalon let a curious ''hmmm''. To the elf, her stat growth seemed incredible. Particularly, her strength and wisdom had quite the jump from before. It was also amazing that she managed to get four levels. He was happy to have gained one too, since he didn¡¯t even remember the last time he did. But truth be told, he hadn¡¯t done much training lately. Selorien stretched his arms out and let out a satisfied sigh, Lilithra smirking at the sight. Then both of them agreed to fetch their backpacks. Lilithra rummaged through her belongings and took out her water bottle, promptly gulping it down in a rush, seemingly needing that hydration. Selorien was one step ahead, as he had simply manifested it from his inventory and drank leisurely. She glared at him, who was breaking the rules of adventuring! But since their clothes were also a ¡®cheat¡¯, she kept quiet and finished up her water. ¡°That¡¯s the stuff!¡± She remarked, satisfied, smiling from ear to ear. Even in such a chilly environment, cold water was the best after exercising! Ascalon chuckled at the sight. The elf also sighed in satisfaction, and sent the bottle to his inventory once again. Then, they repeated the last fight¡¯s ritual and started looting the corpses. This time they could gather some wolf pelt, though it was the same as the harpies feathers: cheap and not that exciting. Also very, very uncomfortable and¡­ bloody. After a few minutes, Lilithra gave up, and her friends followed suit, kind of thankful about it. They rested a bit more and cleaned their hands thoroughly. After regaining their composure, they all exchanged looks, and Lilithra took the initiative. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s continue!¡± But just as they nodded in agreement and were about to take their first step, a notice appeared before them.
The boss monster - Lord of the Peaks - has been defeated. The dungeon will close in: two hours. Reopening in: Eight hours.
Lilithra opened her eyes wide in surprise, and then swayed her head from side to side as she grumbled. ¡°Nooooooo! We were just starting!¡± Her expression was a mix of disappointment and sulkiness. Selorien sighed in frustration, before joining in on the complaints. ¡°Damn, they really went and rushed the boss, huh?¡± At these words, Ascalon recalled the other guild that had come in moments before them: the Fluffy Warriors. It seemed they had taken down the main beast of the dungeon, and now they had a limited amount of time to continue their adventure. He let out a soft ''hmmm'', a bit curious about how that worked, and decided to ask. ¡°What does this mean? Is this timer a warning?¡± He asked, thinking that maybe if two hours passed they would end up stranded in the dungeon. Lilithra sighed as she came to terms with the situation, and focused on reassuring Ascalon. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it just means it will take us back if we¡¯re still here after two hours!¡± She explained, as understanding washed over Ascalon¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s so you can gather the loot leisurely I guess¡­¡± Added Selorien, in a sulking tone of voice. Lilithra¡¯s face was overcome with regret. ¡°Ugh~ we didn¡¯t get any loot! No chest, no drops aside from some bloody feathers and wolf fur! I wanted something shiny and that sold for tons!¡± She complained once again, Selorien agreeing with her as he patted her shoulder. Ascalon understood that riches and treasure were expected at the end of an adventure. He had claimed gold stockpiles from vanquished dragons, and plundered vaults filled to the brim when sieging corrupt lord¡¯s castles. But this time around, it seemed they were going home empty-handed. He remained thoughtful, as Lilithra and Selorien chatted to each other, and came across a good idea. Though he sought his friend''s permission. ¡°Hmm. Perhaps I can gather some loot, if you will allow me to venture ahead by myself.¡± He suggested, as they both appraised him with intrigue and suspicion. ¡°I know it goes against the ¡®authentic adventure experience¡¯, but I am certain I can find you both a most fine reward.¡± He added, his confident visage backing his words. The pair didn¡¯t doubt the knight for a second, knowing that if he said he could get some awesome loot, he would deliver. But still, a sense of guilt surfaced. They exchanged knowing looks and smiled gently before Lilithra responded. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. But thank you, Ascalon!¡± She said cheerfully, the elf nodding in agreement. Ascalon showed a gentle expression and bowed respectfully, understanding their intentions. ¡°This is just our first adventure after all! There¡¯s gonna be many chances for us to get some cool loot!¡± Explained Lilithra with optimism. Selorien chuckled mischievously at her words. ¡°You could¡¯ve also said it wasn¡¯t all about the loot, Lil. You greedy goblin.¡± He added smugly, and Lilithra puffed her reddened cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s not all about the loot, for real!¡± Seeing them banter like that, Ascalon chuckled softly and decided to not pursue the matter further. She was right; this was only the beginning of their adventures, maybe the first of many. Who knew what tomorrow and beyond held in store for them? As he watched over his friends peacefully, Lilithra met his gaze. ¡°So, wanna go back? I don¡¯t feel like continuing with a timer ticking over my head.¡± She spoke while looking around, the orange hue of the afternoon beginning to settle in. It was indeed a good time to go back, since time constraints would make for hasty decisions. Selorien yawned with his eyes half-closed, slipping back into his usual laid-back demeanor. ¡°Yeah, I wanna go back and get some rest. What do you say, Ascalon?¡± He asked, directing a half-smile at the knight. Ascalon nodded, but was concerned about the time it would take them to travel back to the entrance. ¡°I agree, we should go back. But won¡¯t the journey take longer than two hours?¡± He asked, his doubt clearly showing on his face. At the sight, Lilithra smiled smugly. ¡°Hehe, only if we were truly following the rules of the authentic adventure experience!¡± She exclaimed, as she fiddled with her invisible screen. Then, a blue notice appeared before the knight.
An ally in the vicinity has activated - Dungeon Escape - and invited you to join them.
Accept / Decline
He gasped in surprise, and looked to his friends for confirmation. As they nodded, he pressed the accept button. A few moments later, he felt the same sensations as when he crossed the vortex to the dungeon earlier that day. The swirling mass of colors converged into a familiar view: the inside of the tent that housed the dungeon portal. The group blinked a few times as they got accustomed to their new surroundings, and promptly headed for the exit. Now, they were anticipating a peaceful and enjoyable evening before it turned into night, a good time for relaxation. But fate always had other plans. They stepped outside only to be met by a shocking scene¡ªa multitude of wounded individuals being treated by people dressed in white attire. Among them, Ascalon could recognize the girl with the cat ears and a fluffy tail: Lyra, who belonged to the Fluffy Warriors¡ªbarely standing upright as blood dripped from her forehead. Chapter 18 - Sudden Tragedy The sight before them was one of absolute despair. The group who had looked so animated before entering the dungeon, was now reduced to a frail state, tragedy reigning over them in a sharp, cruel contrast. Lilithra watched the scene with a hand covering her mouth, her eyes drawn to a man who hurriedly draped a sheet over multiple people lying on the floor. She gasped, immediately realizing they were bodies. She felt her stomach churn, but managed to keep her composure somehow. Dealing with the wolves'' corpses had already been unsettling enough, but this was so much more somber, knowing they were people. Maybe she was a hypocrite, she thought, but promptly shook her head to regain her focus. ¡°Was¡­ was the boss that strong?¡± She asked in a low voice, only heard by Ascalon and Selorien, thinking one of these could have easily been her if not for the knight. Ascalon appraised the situation in silence, while the elf¡¯s expression was taken over by doubtfulness. The Fluffy Warriors were numerous, and the dungeon itself wasn¡¯t that high in rank, so it was unexpected that they had suffered so many losses at the end¡ªespecially after reaching the peak so quickly, meaning they hadn¡¯t faced much trouble until then. While Selorien was deep in thought, Lilithra recalled someone in particular, and her yellow eyes darted frantically in hopes of finding her. Lilithra sighed in relief upon spotting her: Lyra, who trembled weakly in place. However, noticing the blood dripping from Lyra¡¯s forehead, anxiousness took over, prompting her to quickly rush to her side. ¡°Lyra!¡± She exclaimed with worry, as she approached the now startled girl. ¡°Ah¡­ L-Lilithra, was it¡­? H-hi¡­¡± The girl answered in a feeble tone, forcing a sad smile on her face. But it was an ephemeral gesture, since her expression turned downcast almost immediately. Lilithra was taken aback, trying to find the right words. ¡°Uhm, are you okay? What happened?¡± She asked the most generic questions possible, and felt like an idiot. The trembling girl didn¡¯t seem to mind, and opened her mouth a few times as she let out inaudible sounds, hesitating to speak. Before she could articulate any word, tears started to roll down her face, and soon she was sobbing, shielding her face from view with both hands. Ascalon and Selorien observed from behind, as Lilithra reached out to the girl, wanting to comfort her. But she stopped her hand mid-air with reluctance, and dropped it to her side once again. Lilithra realized she was a complete stranger to Lyra, so she had no right to cross the boundaries. She hated that she stopped herself, but couldn¡¯t do anything about it. Everyone was waiting patiently for Lyra to stop crying, but she began to speak amidst her sobbing, choosing her words carefully. ¡°W-we¡­ got t-to the b-boss¡­¡± She took a deep breath, and Selorien took the chance to interject. ¡°Was the boss too strong?¡± He asked inquisitively, but the girl looked at him shaking her head in denial, as horror overcame her expression. ¡°T-the boss w-was going well¡­ but t-then Ian¡­ Ian!¡± She exclaimed in anguish, mentioning someone¡¯s name. It was the gentle-looking guy they had met before, wasn¡¯t it? Her eyes opened wide as she forced herself to relive the scene in her memories. She hung her head down and narrated the events with a pained voice. ¡°Ian s-started attacking us. He t-took advantage of the boss and a-attacked us from behind¡­ He wasn¡¯t acting like himself, he-he was acting like¡­ Like a maniac¡­!¡± The girl looked up at them, her face showing a trembling smile. ¡°The e-ever so gentle I-Ian¡­ Said I w-was a f-fucking disgusting m-mixed race!¡± Lyra sobbed once again, her eyes puffed and red, the heartbreak clear in her shaky voice. Selorien and Lilithra showed alarmed expressions, knowing something Ascalon did not. ¡°He always p-praised my fluffy ears! A-and now he¡­ he did su-such horrible things to our friends¡­! Why?!¡± She crumbled to her knees, crying desperately. It was truly a sorrowful sight. The group didn¡¯t know what to say. What could they even say? They simply stared at her in silence, with worried expressions. What she retold sounded terrible¡ªthey couldn¡¯t begin to understand just what she was feeling right now, being betrayed by someone she seemingly trusted so much. Ian himself looked harmless and gentle when they met him, so they were shocked to learn about his betrayal. Lilithra looked as if she was going to cry at any moment, varying emotions swirling inside her. But suddenly, an angry voice could be heard nearby. They all turned in unison, gazing at a forming commotion. ¡°Let me go! I have to find him!!!¡± A short man of child-like appearance protested. It was Lyra¡¯s older brother, who was being held down by three men in white attire. ¡°S-Stop please, Mr. Levi! You¡¯re in no condition to go, and won¡¯t catch up to him anyway!¡± Said one of the men, struggling to hold the small person. Levi, as the man in white called him, looked furious beyond belief, his eyes burning with deep hatred. Lyra slowly raised her head and looked at his brother amidst her crying, and they locked eyes. The view of her sister in such a state seemed to infuriate Levi even more, who started to grind his teeth as a blue-colored swirling aura began to surround him. Ascalon noticed immediately the impending danger looming over these men, who tried their best to hold back Lyra¡¯s brother, and moved with hastiness in their direction. As gently and as quickly as he could, he pried them away and pressed down on Levi, pushing him down in an instant. Levi¡¯s face went from anger to surprise, as he was suddenly suppressed. He looked at Ascalon and his face slowly showed recognition, before his brows furrowed and he shouted. ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?! Let me go!¡± The boy ordered in anger, but Ascalon shot him a firm stare. ¡°I beg you to reconsider, Sir Levi. You seem to be heavily wounded.¡± He stated matter-of-factly, his eyes studying the multiple injuries on Levi¡¯s body. But the young-looking man looked even more furious. ¡°What is it to you?! Who-who even are you?!!! This is our Guild¡¯s business!!!¡± His words at the end carried truth; he was completely right. This wasn¡¯t Ascalon¡¯s business¡ªbut he had decided to interfere anyway. He had a guess at what Levi wanted to do: to go after Ian, who betrayed them. But in his condition, the only result would be Lyra crying her heart out once again, and that would be a painful sight for both Ascalon and his friends. At that moment, Ascalon felt a familiar presence, surrounded by a few more that he also recognized. A new voice cut through the air, with a gentle yet firm tone. ¡°Would you please step down, Mr. Ascalon?¡± Ron¡¯s voice reached his ears, as he approached with a group of people close behind. They were the ones that had been tailing Ascalon since he had left headquarters. He had forgotten about them since entering the Howling Chasm, as they clearly didn¡¯t go in after him. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Ron smiled politely, as a set of new people arrived after him, rushing in to help. They seemed more experienced, specialized so to say, as they quickly began to cast spells, or more likely used skills, to heal the wounded. The men in white were helping beforehand, but clearly weren¡¯t healers. Ascalon looked at Ron, and the man nodded in response, so he decided to stop pushing Levi down. Levi himself seemed more calm, looking relieved at the healing being done on his friends. Lyra approached him, having stopped crying, and helped him get up. Then, Ron spoke again. ¡°My apologies Miss Lyra, we came as fast as we could after we received your distress call.¡± He directed his words at the girl, who looked at him with a vacant expression, exhausted from crying. ¡°T-thanks, Mr.Ron¡­¡± Lyra answered weakly, as her brother gently patted her head. Levi let out a heavy sigh as some of Ron¡¯s entourage approached him. He nodded, and they started healing him, their hands glowing with a green light. Ascalon thought that looked similar to the healers he used to know back in Excadia, just that they usually relied on a golden, holy power. Ron stepped forward, and glanced at Ascalon and his friends. ¡°Excuse my rudeness, but I would like you to keep out of this matter.¡± He spoke with a smile, but behind it, Ascalon felt clear suspicion. Did Ron maybe think he had a hand in this situation? It was to be expected, though he felt a bit offended. Lilithra nodded hesitantly, still worried about Lyra, but she understood that it was another Guild¡¯s private business. It¡¯s not like she was friends with them either, but still, she was overcome with sympathy¡ªshe couldn¡¯t help but feel bad after seeing such a sweet girl so saddened. She glanced at Lyra and waved sheepishly. The girl smiled and bowed to Lilithra¡¯s group. Ascalon pondered for a moment, appraising the scene before him. Many of the Fluffy Warriors were regaining their senses and recovering, but others remained motionless on the cold floor. He clenched his fists, as the whole ordeal didn¡¯t sit well with him. However, with their request for them to leave, there was nothing else to be done. He bowed to Ron, who had been staring at him the entire time, and started to walk away, Lilithra and Selorien close behind. But after a few steps, Lilithra stopped and turned around, dashing to Lyra¡¯s side. The girl¡¯s cat ears perked up, while Ron watched with a raised eyebrow and Levi stepped protectively in front of her sister. ¡°Uhm! I¡¯m sorry! I know I¡¯m just butting in, but, contact us if there¡¯s anything we can do to help!¡± Lilithra spoke hurriedly, as she sent a message to Lyra through the Gifted network, containing her contact information. Then she bowed a few times and ran back to Ascalon and Selorien¡¯s side. Ron, Levi, and Lyra simply watched them go with a mix of surprise and suspicion in their expressions. Once she returned, both Ascalon and Selorien looked at her with gentle smiles and resumed their walk. Selorien sighed and spoke as they left. ¡°You¡¯re such a busybody.¡± His soft tone betrayed the snarky comment as he patted Lilithra¡¯s head. ¡°She just looked too sad.¡± Lilithra answered with total seriousness. Something in that heart-wrenching event had stirred something within her, hardening her resolve to help those in need. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but notice the conviction in her eyes as he peered briefly at her face, thinking once again that he wanted to be of help to her. But these thoughts were slowly pushed back as they walked in silence through the streets, each of them reflecting on different, yet similar things. Ascalon couldn¡¯t really delve much into his pondering, realizing Ron¡¯s group was tailing him again. This time, however, he felt a bit irritated. Time passed, and with the recent events lingering in their minds, the group arrived at their usual place: The Chalice. It was almost night, and for once, the place was bustling with activity, the Master doing his best to fulfill all the patrons¡¯ requests. Though he didn¡¯t appear to be even breaking a sweat. Fortunately, their three seats at the counter were empty, probably thanks to Raphael. They had taken the chance to put on their everyday attire on the way, instead of the warmer clothes they had equipped in the dungeon. The Gifted network sure was handy, allowing them to equip clothing on the go, with no need for stops or changing rooms. Ascalon would never cease to be amazed by the mysterious system. They now were feeling more comfortable and wouldn¡¯t stand out, not more than usual, at least. Tiredly dragging their feet, the group walked to their spot and finally sat down. Lilithra leaned on the counter, plopping her upper body onto it and calling out in a childlike tone. ¡°Uncleee~ foooood~!¡± Ascalon chuckled, while Selorien fiddled with his phone. Some of the customers giggled in the distance, maybe regulars who knew how Lilithra behaved. Raphael waved at them and momentarily disappeared behind the kitchen door, before coming back with three plates full of food. He was prepared for everything, wasn¡¯t he? Looking at their faces, he made a surprised expression, as he served them their food. ¡°You guys look terrible. Tell me about it later, alright?¡± He spoke in a soft, understanding tone. He was such a wise man; Ascalon admired his noble demeanor. Lilithra nodded at her uncle¡¯s words and started to eat slowly, his friends following suit. The night went on, clients came and went, and Raphael closed The Chalice for the day. He approached the group, who had been mostly silent, and leaned on the counter. He noticed Lilithra was poking at a few leftovers, a habit she had when she was racking her brains about something. He let out a soft ''hmmm0, but didn¡¯t say anything, knowing she would speak her when ready. As if reading his mind, she sat straight, her face showing determination. Ascalon and Selorien perked up, the latter kind of lying down lazily across two seats. ¡°Uhm, alright so. I¡¯ve been reflecting on our dungeon outing.¡± Said Lilithra suddenly, and Selorien groaned. ¡°Liiil, you still thinking about that?¡± His voice carried a hint of exhaustion, knowing exactly what she was referring to. She puffed her cheeks, as per usual, and continued. ¡°Shut up, Selly! Let me speak, please.¡± It seemed she wasn¡¯t in the mood for joking, so Selorien kept quiet. ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m just sorry, guys. I thought I was ready for that dungeon but¡­ I was way over my head.¡± She expressed her feelings, the three guys around her listening intently. ¡°But I promise I won¡¯t hold you back next time. I will do my best from now on.¡± Her eyes lit up with conviction. ¡°If I want to reach my goals, I have to get stronger! Not just for me¡­ but also to help others out. Today I really felt so, so helpless. I want to change that!¡± She exclaimed, her words bathed with resolution and a bit of cheesiness. But those who listened to her shared similar expressions among them, filled with warmth and completely moved by her heartfelt declaration. After a few moments passed, and being the center of everyone¡¯s stares, she blushed and hid beneath her hoodie. Raphael suddenly laughed, and walked over to her, patting her head. ¡°Alright, you should get some rest now.¡± He spoke with tenderness. Then he gazed at Ascalon. ¡°As for you¡­ Just stay in the room you¡¯ve been using if you want to. I know this one wants you to lodge here, and I trust you.¡± He said with a conflicted grin, glancing at Lilithra as she looked up with her eyes sparkling. ¡°You could work here to pay me. Will help you get accustomed to this place, to New Lumingard¡ªtrust me.¡± Ascalon was pleasantly surprised by Raphael¡¯s generosity, so he bowed deeply in response. Raphael had a valid point. He couldn¡¯t simply live there for free; he had to earn his stay! And working around The Chalice would do him good, as it would allow him to learn more about New Lumingard and its inhabitants¡ªa marvelous opportunity. ¡°I am once again in your debt, Sir Raphael.¡± Ascalon spoke with reverence, as he maintained his bow. Lilithra and Selorien smiled, while Raphael laughed. ¡°You sure are, haha! Now get to sleep, all of you. Have a safe trip, Selly.¡± He directed those words at Selorien, who yawned sluggishly and promptly stood up. The elf stretched and waved at everyone lazily. ¡°Night peeps.¡± He then headed for the door, leaving some parting words behind him, a view Ascalon was already used to. Behind him, Raphael smiled and Lilithra repeated Selorien¡¯s words before getting up and stretching a bit too. She was sore all over. ¡°See you tomorrow, Ascalon.¡± She waved, grinning softly, her yellow eyes peeking at him. Ascalon bowed in response, and watched her go up the stairs. It was about time for him to head to bed too, now in a room he could actually call his own. He felt happy at the thought and got up, nodded at Raphael, and followed after Lilithra. Tomorrow was going to be a new day. Chapter 19 - A Foreboding Feeling Ascalon woke up early in the morning, a usual habit of his, and sat on his comfortable bed while enjoying a moment of peace and solitude. He looked around the room he had been using, relishing in the feeling that it now belonged to him. This was his place to return to every day, and it was important for him to have that¡ªespecially after coming to this foreign world Back in Excadia, he knew that no matter how much he struggled, he could always go back to his room in the knight¡¯s barracks. There, he could enjoy a moment of reprieve, away from battles, political issues, or any other sort of hassle. The thing was, he rarely had the time to do so. Often, he had to camp in the open, or fight throughout the night. Sometimes, he was traveling to other territories, or crusading for days. But that just made returning home even more worthwhile. He took a moment to fully appraise the room¡¯s contents. It was pleasantly elegant, though more ¡®modern¡¯ than what he was accustomed to. Instead of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, there was a small bulb that, when activated, illuminated the whole area with ease. The walls themselves had a stylish design, covered with brown wallpaper that resembled a wooden pattern. Against one wall stood a tall oak wardrobe, seemingly old but still faithfully serving its purpose, as some clothing hung in its insides. Although the Gifted network could perform the same function and more, Ascalon thought he would give it some use. Beside the bed, there was a desk painted in white, with an assortment of books or journals on its surface, alongside other objects he didn¡¯t pay much attention to. These items probably belonged to whoever used the room before Ascalon, but he wasn¡¯t really that interested in them. On the opposite wall, a window let in some morning light, though partly blocked by a set of dark red curtains. It led to the front of the building, and he had pondered beside it a few times, while gazing at the streets below. Not too far from the window, a moderately sized mirror hung from the wall, a bit dusty¡ªbut that could be easily solved. The bed he was sitting on was firm yet comfortable, as were the soft pillows that rested by the bedhead. He would fall asleep instantly when putting his head on them, and thought they were even better than the ones at headquarters. He sighed in satisfaction, his studying of the room pleasing him. He got up and stretched his whole body, while fiddling with his inventory to equip the clothes his friends had bought for him. He glanced at the mirror, admiring the red glasses that adorned his face. These would certainly cause a fashion uproar back at Excadia. Smiling to himself, he let his voice out toward a certain curious girl behind the door. ¡°You may come in, Lady Lilithra.¡± He spoke with a gentle tone and heard the girl jump in surprise. A second later, she pushed the handle and came into the room, her face reddened and her smile a shy one. ¡°M-morning~ I didn¡¯t want to bother you so I was planning to wait until you came out¡­ haha¡­¡± She shuffled in place, peeking at him. His mood turned a bit sour the moment his eye glanced at her head, her horns visible since she didn¡¯t have her hoodie on. She seemed incredibly conscious about them, noticing his gaze in an instant, and immediately summoned her usual clothing, hiding them under her pink hood as fast as she could. She tried to act natural and smile, but her panicked actions revealed her discomfort. At the sight, pain tingled in his chest, accompanied by a feeling of guilt. But her voice distracted him from his conflicted thoughts. ¡°H-hey, so, I called Selly over. We wanna go sell the stuff we got yesterday, even if it¡¯s junk. Wanna come with us?¡± She asked, probably referring to the pelts and feathers they had collected in the Howling Chasm. He also knew the question was a formality, because she probably planned to drag him along regardless. He nodded, putting the view of her horns to the back of his mind, and walked over to her. ¡°I would like to accompany you, Lady Lilithra. I am most curious about the other shops you mentioned.¡± He responded animatedly, remembering that she had told him about weapons and armor stores, artifacts traders, and other various establishments. She beamed with joy at his words and pumped her fists. ¡°Nice! Let¡¯s go wait for Selly then!¡± Maintaining that high level of energy, she turned around and rushed to the stairs, her figure disappearing as she climbed down the steps. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but smile endearingly, and quickly followed after her, closing the door to his new room behind him. He descended the set of stairs, and after a quick bathroom stop arrived at the main floor. Lilithra was already seated at the counter, drinking from a cup as she fiddled with her smartphone. Ascalon approached, sitting beside her. Raphael suddenly appeared from behind the kitchen door, and set a cup in front of the knight, smiling pleased. ¡°Good morning you two.¡± Said the older man while he rolled down his shirt sleeves, probably pulled up beforehand in order to not stain them with the cooking. ¡°Morning Uncle!¡± Answered his lovable niece. Ascalon peered at the cup, a black liquid filling it. The sweet aroma of coffee filled his nose, and he smiled with anticipation. He had become quite partial to coffee, but Raphael prepared it so exceptionally that it simply overshadowed any other. A few sips were enough to fill Ascalon with warmth and happiness. Raphael let out a confident ¡®hmph!¡¯, as he vanished into the kitchen, his cape dancing in the wind. No, wait, it was just his apron. Both Lilithra and Ascalon enjoyed their drinks in silence, while the girl¡¯s attention remained with her phone. Ascalon wondered how she could be so attached to that small device. He knew it had many useful uses so it wasn¡¯t like he was judging her, it was mostly curiosity. Maybe he could get one someday, and explore its functions¡­ Although he still needed to get more familiar with the Gifted network, so maybe it wasn¡¯t that good of an idea yet. He then turned around, looking at the door, sensing the elf approaching. Surely enough, the doorbell rang and a sluggish Selorien walked towards them. ¡°Hey~ what¡¯s up?¡± He asked as he nodded towards Ascalon. Lilithra looked back and showed a surprised expression. ¡°Oh shoot you¡¯re already here! I haven¡¯t finished my cocoa, wait!¡± She exclaimed, picking up the cup in both hands and starting to hastily gulp the contents down. Ascalon mimicked her actions, but in less of a rush, savoring the coffee slowly. As for the girl, she wheezed and gasped for air, Selorien laughing to himself at the sight. Stolen novel; please report. It wasn¡¯t long before they got ready, and left The Chalice, Raphael watching over them with a gentle gaze as they disappeared into the distant streets. Time passed, and the group arrived at the ever-bustling shopping district. Unlike their previous outing, Lilithra had come with a clearer objective, so she quickly beelined to a less crowded alleyway. Her friends were going hurriedly after her, trying their best to keep up and not crash into any passersby. The hustle and bustle of the main street faded into a background tune, as they stepped into a shabby-looking store. While the exterior had been unimpressive, the interior gave the exact opposite impression. Dim light bathed the room, coming from many different sources, shining on the many items they had to offer. Ascalon¡¯s good eye opened wide as his gaze darted around, a sense of child-like wonder washing over him. The shop had an abundance of peculiarities no matter where you looked. Shelves lined the walls, filled with trinkets and baubles. Alongside them were long, ancient-looking scrolls inscribed in languages unknown to the knight, some written in glowing colors and others in the blackest of inks. There were mechanical gadgets with cogs and pipes occupying various corners, a few of them were operating with a continuous, methodical rhythm. A couple looked so deeply intricate that their size nearly reached the ceiling. The constant ticking sound emanating from the functioning ones felt surprisingly pleasant. Crystal spheres floated over shiny pedestals, while golden and silver necklaces and rings adorned mannequins that almost seemed to move. There was also a section filled with bottles that contained swirling, multicolored liquids, and tablets engraved with glyphs and symbols that hummed with unknown force. Amidst most attention-catching objects, piles of assorted goods were scattered or stacked around the black-tiled floor. There was barely any room for customers to walk, actually. Beyond the clutter, a large wooden counter came into view at the opposite end of the entrance, with multiple items littered on its surface. Behind it, a figure could be seen fiddling with some of them, their identity partially obscured by the dim lighting. Lilithra deftly rushed towards the counter, seemingly accustomed to the intricate pattern needed to navigate the mystical chaos. Selorien casually browsed some of the shelves, so Ascalon decided to go after Lilithra. What had looked so simple for her, required the utmost concentration from the knight, as he maneuvered the cluttered shelves with careful steps, afraid of touching and breaking something. The girl reached the counter and greeted the shopkeeper with familiarity, suggesting that she was a regular visitor of the shop. ¡°Morning, Claude!¡± She said in a cheerful tone. The figure peered at her, stepping closer to the light as they put down one of the trinkets they were fiddling with. At that moment, Ascalon stumbled into view and stood by Lilithra¡¯s side, sighing in relief that he hadn¡¯t broken anything, just in time to appraise the clerk¡¯s appearance. A face filled with wrinkles emerged from the shadows, short, disheveled gray hair covering the top and sides of his head. His blue eyes looked magnified behind a pair of multiple, thick glasses, held in place by a round, reddish nose. Below it, a gray mustache with pointy ends seemingly burnt. A lengthy beard covered with black, oily stains swayed as he responded. ¡°Hmm? Is that Lilithra?¡± He asked curiously, while touching some small buttons in the frame of his glasses. A few of them moved up and down, and his eyes changed size once again. ¡°My, what a surprise! It¡¯s been some time since you came to pester me about my trinkets!¡± His cheerfulness made his long beard get caught with some gadget¡¯s mechanism. Unbothered, he grabbed a pair of scissors from behind the counter and promptly cut the tangled hairs, freeing the rest of his beard with ease. Ascalon watched in shock as the one called Claude showed such an immediate action, with zero hesitation behind it. The older man reciprocated the stare, grinning. He could conclude two things from that: that he either was a bit out of his mind, or that same mind was in the realm of geniuses. Ascalon had seen a couple of sages like him back in Excadia¡ªthe smartest, yet most peculiar scholars. Most likely, it was a bit of both. Lilithra giggled with confidence and puffed her chest. She fiddled with her network interface, and two bags appeared above the counter. ¡°Hehe! I¡¯m not just window shopping today, we have some materials to sell!¡± Claude let out a curious ¡®hmmm¡¯, and opened both bags without asking for permission. Lilithra seemed to not mind it, so Ascalon gathered she trusted him that much. The older man let out a few mumbling words as he rummaged through the bags and took out their contents. It was, as Ascalon expected, feathers and pelts. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Claude murmured softly again, switching his lenses rapidly while his other hand fiddled with an invisible interface. ¡°I was a bit excited since they were Lilithra¡¯s carefully gathered materials, but this is just junk!¡± He expressed while laughing animatedly, still appraising some of the objects. Lilithra giggled, a mix of nervousness and cheerfulness. ¡°Ha, yeah. We knew that but¡­ better a couple coins than nothing, right?!¡± A happy smile took over her face. Ascalon was wondering if that was the first time she had brought items for selling, but a sudden exclamation from Claude caught his attention. ¡°T-this¡­ This is?!¡± Claude looked flabbergasted, as he gently lifted one of the feathers and brought it closer to his face, almost touching his glasses. Selorien appeared behind Lilithra, peering with curiosity at the feather, lured by the commotion. The girl herself showed confusion and a hint of anticipation on her visage. ¡°This is a matriarch feather! So very rare to get! They usually don¡¯t leave their nests unless they¡¯re in heat! And oh boy, when they do they just sing a song-a-ling for the ages!¡± The trio exchanged surprised glances, Lilithra looking ecstatic. ¡°O.M.G!!! Is it like, a high-level reagent or something!?¡± She asked with excitement, Selorien and Ascalon smiling in surprise at the discovery. Claude looked at her with a furrowed brow and spoke with a confused voice. ¡°Huh, maybe? Dunno! But it does look pretty!¡± At his words, the exhilaration surrounding them plummeted to the ground. Lilithra particularly looked very disappointed, her head hung in a downcast demeanor. ¡°But I will buy it for a good price! As I said, they are rare! If you don¡¯t wanna sell, I¡¯ll trade!¡± He spoke with enthusiasm and then stood on something below him, gaining a bit of height. He opened his arms wide, presenting the shop to the trio, meaning that pretty much anything was up for exchange¡ªif it matched the feather¡¯s price, of course. Lilithra looked up and stood tall, her face showing an elated smile as her eyes sparkled. She gazed at Ascalon and then at Selorien, and lastly around her surroundings. ¡°Alright! Find something you like and bring it here! Then we¡¯ll decide which has the cooler one and see if Claude agrees to a trade, hehe!¡± She spoke with effusiveness, her body a bundle of excitement about to explode. ¡°Heh, don¡¯t bother, I¡¯ll get the sickest I can find.¡± Remarked Selorien with a smug tone, clearly challenging the other two. Ascalon sighed, not one for such shenanigans, but nodded. Lilithra furrowed her brows daringly and smirked, before storming out and disappearing between the shelves. How did she manage to navigate these aisles so deftly? Ascalon thought, as Selorien also banished, leaving him alone with Claude whose attention was focused solely on the feathers. He felt, somehow, defeated, and walked aimlessly towards nowhere in particular. He didn¡¯t really know what would be a good pick, so he decided to go with his guts! But as he walked, something felt off. He thought he heard something, a faint¡­ whisper? It seemed to linger in the air, like a gentle feel brushing past him¡ªa foreboding feeling. ? ¡°A~, ~y de~r A~~a~o~¡± ? But no matter how much he focused, he couldn¡¯t quite make out what it was. He shrugged it off, thinking it may have been one of the magical artifacts humming, and kept browsing around. Then, his gaze rested on a shelf, zeroing in on an object nestled among many other trinkets¡ªAn emblem he immediately recognized as the mark of his company of knights. Chapter 20 - The Knights Emblem A heavy mood lingered around Ascalon as he approached the shelf, staggering, his trembling right hand reaching out. He hesitated, withdrawing his fingers a few times, but ultimately mustered his resolve and picked up the emblem. It was a shield-shaped crest, with a yellow engraving of a cross with four lines extending off the corners. As he felt its weight in his hand, he started to breathe heavily, many thoughts flooding his mind as shock and doubt plagued his visage. ¡°How¡­?¡± He asked himself, clutching the object. How was it possible that the emblem of his knight¡¯s company was right there, in New Lumingard? Ideas began to take form in his mind, but they all reached pretty much the same conclusion. There must have been another wanderer from his world before. He agitatedly turned around, and hastily made his way to the wooden counter. In his rush, he kicked a couple of oval-shaped metal objects, their clattering sound resounding through the store. Selorien and Lilithra quickly appeared from among the aisles and piles of trinkets, intrigued about the noise, while the shopkeeper ignored it and kept appraising the matriarch¡¯s feather. They saw Ascalon stumble forward, and noticed his agitation. Worry overcame them due to the unusual sight, so they both promptly approached the counter, with Lilithra about to ask him if something was wrong. But before she could articulate any word, Ascalon thrusted an object in Claude¡¯s face, as he asked with a strident voice. ¡°How did you obtain this?! Who traded it with you?!¡± Ascalon vociferated, making even Lilithra shrink down in surprise at his sudden outburst. He didn¡¯t realize he was in such turmoil. The older man looked up, meeting Ascalon¡¯s gaze with a calm but serious expression. ¡°First of all, don¡¯t raise your voice at me in my damn own shop.¡± He stated, the whole store shaking slightly at his words. Ascalon felt a huge weight on his shoulders, an unknown force pushing down on him, yet continued to look at Claude in defiance. Then, he felt a tug on the hem of his shirt and quickly turned around to find Lilithra with a pained, worried expression, barely holding up as she struggled to stand straight. Her eyes pleaded with him, and the sight immediately calmed the storm raging within. Guilt and regret assailed him as he snapped out of the frenzy, and concern took over his actions. He held her gently, shielding her from the pressure that burdened their bodies. Admiring the scene, Claude sighed in resignation and the unknown weight subsided, the tension in the air slowly dissipating. Lilithra let out a gasp and sniffled, wrapping her arms around Ascalon tightly. Ascalon felt terrible, having lost his composure and involving his friends in such a situation. Selorien let out a big sigh, stretching as he approached. ¡°Ugh, what was that?¡± Asked the elf with an annoyed expression, ignoring the embracing duo. Ascalon looked at him, and then back at Claude, who observed him with wariness. ¡°I am deeply sorry¡­¡± The knight spoke with clear regret over his actions, apologizing not only to Claude, but to everyone around him. Lilithra looked up at him, her teary yellow eyes resting on his gaze. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked, her gentle tone filled with nothing but concern. He expected that kind of reaction from her, knowing she wouldn¡¯t complain or shun him for his outburst. His chest felt warm, but not only because he was still holding her tight. He hesitantly released her, her arms slowly unwrapping from around him. ¡°I am fine now.¡± He spoke to her with a soft voice. ¡°Thank you, Lady Lilithra.¡± Lilithra nodded, blushing slightly as a shy smile formed on her face. Then, Ascalon faced Claude once more, his visage a more calm, resolute one. ¡°Once again, I apologize for my behavior. This emblem¡­ It means a great deal to me. I let my emotions get the better of me when I saw it¡­¡± He explained, a shred of regret in his words. Lilithra and Selorien perked up, intrigue taking over their expressions. Claude¡¯s visage softened as he listened, nodding in understanding. ¡°I see. That happens! But try to keep yourself in check, being an inconvenience to others is a job for old people like me!¡± His cheery words made Lilithra giggle, it didn¡¯t seem like he was going to reproach him. Ascalon was a bit taken aback, but thankful. Then, Claude reached out, gesturing for Ascalon to give him the emblem, which he did without any reluctance. The older man examined the small trinket, dusting it off with his thumb while his other hand adjusted his glasses. Lenses moved up and down rhythmically, his eyes warping behind them. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± He appraised the object from all sides, his beard swaying with his head¡¯s movements. ¡°I can tell you it¡¯s been sitting there for many years. I have no memory of buying it!¡± He exclaimed, a bit surprised. Lilithra knew he rarely forgot about the trinkets in his store, so it really meant it had been there for a long time. ¡°I can take a look at my records, but there are thousands of transactions written there, and I can assure you¡ªI don¡¯t register each and every one of them. Oh right, and some got burnt when I dropped a flask with dragon tears in the basement! It was quite the sight hehe.¡± He laughed animatedly, but that didn¡¯t really reassure the knight at all. It seemed his search for answers would depend heavily on luck, an unreliable method at best. Ascalon pondered for a moment, thinking of the Gifted network and its many handy uses. ¡°Hmm. Can¡¯t the network¡¯s features help with that, somehow?¡± Claude looked uninterested in his words, still appraising the emblem. Lilithra nudged Ascalon on the side, asking for his attention. ¡°Uhm, believe it or not, Claude¡¯s not part of the Gifted network¡­¡± The knight¡¯s eye widened in surprise as he peered over at the older man. Claude grumbled, and showed a displeased expression. ¡°Not anymore, no! I was banned by the administrator¡ªa real bastard, that one!¡± Ascalon¡¯s interest was piqued at these words. Banned by the administrator? What did that mean? Seeing his confused expression, Lilithra chimed in. ¡°He was¡­ Uh, kicked out from the network? By its creator¡­¡± That Ascalon could understand, but it only made more questions surface in his mind. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. What happened, or what did Claude do to deserve being barred out of the network? Who was exactly the ¡®creator¡¯? Undoubtedly a powerful being. Did Claude know this administrator personally? His thoughts were pierced by said man, who spoke out again. ¡°I¡¯ll do you a favor and look through the records later, aight? But it will cost you!¡± The older man showed a troubled smile. Ascalon sighed and nodded. Even if it was down to luck, it was the only option at the moment. At least Claude hadn¡¯t shot him down, seeing that it seemed like annoying work. Also, he was going to need to contact Ron somehow and ask him for monetary assistance. But for the moment, he kept thinking about the emblem''s presence in New Lumingard, his thoughts lingering on that until he noticed someone moving beside him. Lilithra leaned in, her face lighting up in a broad smile as she caught Ascalon¡¯s eye. She seemed so happy for him, no questions about the earlier outburst or anything else. She was such a kind person, he couldn¡¯t help but reciprocate the smile. Claude gazed briefly at them, humming to himself, before speaking again. ¡°You know what, keep it.¡± He said as he extended the emblem towards Ascalon, who took it hesitantly, surprised by the sudden offer. ¡°I don¡¯t see any value in it honestly, and you said it matters a lot to you, yeah? Just keep it!¡± He added, grinning behind his beard. Ascalon bowed deeply, clutching the emblem to his chest. ¡°I am in your debt, Sir Claude.¡± The knight spoke with reverence, and the older man looked a bit perplexed. He gazed over at Lilithra and then Selorien, pointing at Ascalon with his finger. ¡°He a weird one huh? Must be a hassle! Anyway! You guys wanna trade or what? I need to close shop to dive into those damned records!¡± Both Lilithra and Selorien exchanged glances before turning to Ascalon. They chuckled softly as Ascalon sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. They then brought over some items to the counter. Excluding the freebie that was given to Ascalon, they had picked up two objects each. Lilithra presented a big, blue marble and some sort of stuffed toy, resembling a cat. Selorien, on the other hand, put down an old, sophisticated monocle, and a bottle with a murky, purple liquid inside. Claude peered over at Lilithra¡¯s selection and sighed unenthusiastically, but his interest was immediately piqued when he glanced at Selorien¡¯s selection. ¡°Well well, Selly¡¯s always finding the good stuff, huh?¡± He stated, smiling with greed. ¡°The lockfinder¡¯s monocle, capable of directing you to the nearest closed lock in a tower.¡± Claude picked up the elaborate monocle and peered at it. Ascalon felt a tingle of amazement at the item¡¯s description. Claude set the item down and then picked up the bottle, its contents swirling gently as he moved it in a circle. ¡°And a bottle of shadow¡¯s whisper elixir, eh? Want to sneak around and hide your footsteps? Are you planning something perverted?!¡± He exclaimed, laughing joyfully at his own joke while Selorien rolled his eyes. Ascalon gasped, but knew the elf wasn¡¯t a perverted miscreant¡­ right? Then, Claude brushed over Lilithra¡¯s items. ¡°A marble and a plushie, nothing worth mentioning¡­ As always, so boring!¡± He stated, shrugging, but Lilithra didn¡¯t seem to mind the words, as she kept smiling happily. Claude directed his stare at Selorien, letting out a contemplative ''hmmm'', his face showing a troubled expression. ¡°Hmm¡­ The four items combined are a bit more expensive than the feather¡­ But bah, who cares! Take them, take them all and go before I change my mind!¡± He spoke jokingly as he gestured with his arms in a shooing motion. Lilithra beamed and picked up the marble, banishing it into her inventory, and then the plushie. She held it tight, hugging it with love, the sight filling Ascalon¡¯s chest with warmth. Then, the plushie accompanied the marble into the beyond. Selorien smiled contently, as he picked up both his finds and stored them, too. But both were thinking the same thing: to later get something else for Ascalon, feeling a little sad that he had only picked one item, even though it was free. For now, it was best to go, so Claude could start reading his trade records. As they were preparing to leave, the door to the alleyway opened up, and a small figure entered the store, stomping toward the counter hastily. The group of friends turned to the newcomer, and immediately recognized him. A furrowed brow, brown hair, and a baby face: It was Levi, the Fluffy Warriors¡¯ Guildmaster. He ignored them, his determined gaze focused on Claude. ¡°Hey, Claude! Did that bastard Ian come around here?! Tell me right now!¡± He asked¡ªno, demanded. Claude didn¡¯t quite like his tone of voice, but noticed the nuances behind such rude behavior, and the mention of this Ian fellow. ¡°And who the hell is that? Do you think I remember every chump you bring here, huh?! Better be more clear and polite while I¡¯m still feeling nice.¡± At his words, Levi tensed up. It seemed he too had angered the shopkeeper at some point. The short man cleared his throat, and finally realized the others'' presence. He glanced at them, and before continuing his talk with Claude, spoke. ¡°Oh¡­ Hey. Don¡¯t tell Ron or my sister about this, okay?¡± He pleaded, surprising the group of friends. They hadn¡¯t interacted much, but to them, he was a hasty, rude runt. Yet he was behaving politely all of a sudden. While their minds wandered, Levi began speaking to Claude again. ¡°Ian is tall, black hair, and a normal-looking human. Ugh, this isn¡¯t gonna work¡­ Ah! Anyone sold gryphon materials to you yesterday or today?!¡± Levi asked with agitation, the group of friends knowing the source of his impatience. His words seemed to resonate with Claude, who showed a face full of realization. ¡°Oooh yes! He wanted ¡®cold, hard cash¡¯ as he put it. He came yesterday, at around closing time. Now that I think about it, he looked a bit sketchy¡­ But don¡¯t be blaming me, you know I don¡¯t turn away customers!¡± He explained, shrugging. Levi¡¯s eyes lit up, and he spoke again. ¡°Did he tell you anything else? Like where was he going, or what was the money for?!¡± He looked at Claude with pleading eyes, as if grasping at a last straw in his quest to find this Ian person. The older man let out a ''hmmm'', and scratched his chin along with his beard. Then, he spoke with a bit of unsureness. ¡°Uuh¡­ he may have said something about Starugnia? I¡¯m sorry but I don¡¯t pay attention to things I have no interest in.¡± Claude explained plainly, as he was just that kind of man. But Levi seemed satisfied by the answer. ¡°Starugnia¡­ how did I forget?! Thank you, Claude! I will repay the info later!¡± And as fast as he had stormed in, Levi ran off. Everyone watched the scene with worried expressions, as they couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that things were headed in a dangerous direction for Levi. ¡°I¡¯m worried.¡± Lilithra voiced her feelings suddenly, catching Selorien¡¯s and Ascalon¡¯s attention. The elf shot her a firm gaze, his face a mix of anger and annoyance. ¡°Don¡¯t. Ron told us to not get involved¡ªand for real, it¡¯s not our business.¡± Selorien replied matter-of-factly, causing Lilithra to shrink a bit, looking downcast. She pondered for a moment, while Claude arranged some items on the counter, already moving on from the last scene, as if nothing phased him. ¡°Yeah¡­ You¡¯re right, Selly. Sorry guys!¡± Lilithra said, smiling shyly. She understood Selorien¡¯s words. She was in no position to meddle, nor did she have any capacity to help. She had to focus on what she had to do, for the time being. Ascalon watched over her with a gentle gaze. Then, he clutched the emblem in his hand, and resolved himself to find out anything he could about it. Promptly, the group left the store, and navigated through the shopping district. They spent a while in a cafe, transitioning to a more uplifting mood, and refreshed themselves with something to drink. Afterward, they decided to rest in a nearby park, where they showed Ascalon a greenery view, and a well-maintained children¡¯s playground. As the three of them sat on a bench, Selorien brought up a question that had been in his mind for a while. ¡°So¡­ Is that an emblem from your world?¡± He asked, Lilithra perking up with curiosity as she leaned slightly on the knight¡¯s shoulder. Ascalon smiled softly, and produced the emblem from a pocket in his jacket for them to see. ¡°Yes¡­ It belonged to the finest order of knights around¡­ My own comrades.¡± He spoke with a gentle expression, his gaze set in a distant time. Chapter 21 - Reminiscing & Guild War Confirmation Ascalon sat beside his two friends, the park scene before him overlapping with a barren battlefield in his memories. Smoke columns rose from scorched beasts, blasted by the mages¡¯ firepower. A tower lay destroyed, and around the debris and corpses, a group of armored soldiers celebrated animatedly. He reminisced about a specific conquest, a moment when his company of knights gathered around him, their faces full of joy and pride¡ªquite the contrast with the ravaged land around them. Yet even if Ascalon could picture their smiles, the memories were blurry and their visages were a bit obscured. It had been such a long time. One of them laughed loudly, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°With this, the outer kingdoms won¡¯t dare ignore us anymore, I say!¡± Said the man with effusiveness, a couple of the others nodding in agreement. ¡°Aye, I must agree! It is said that our company¡¯s feats are traveling far and wide!¡± Added another voice, pumping a fist in the air. Then, a more nervous voice chimed in. ¡°W-we should ask for a coat of arms! I shall have the tailors embroider it on my flag!¡± His proposal was met with excitement, as everyone started to hum and agree. ¡°That¡¯s a marvelous idea, Robetorick! The mere sight of our company¡¯s emblem should instill fear in our enemies, as you raise your flag and tower over evil!¡± Everyone cheered, shoving Robetorick around as they ruffled his hair. He smiled in happiness. Then, one of the figures stepped in. ¡°I would like us to have an emblem we can carry around, too, like a token of our camaraderie. We can¡¯t have Robetorick hogging all the glory!¡± Once again, the group laughed and agreed. ¡°A fine idea! But as for Ascalon, we should add it to his armor, so he can display it on the battlefield. That will engrave it in the memory of our foes and allies alike!¡± Ascalon chuckled, his smile a sad but gentle one. Then, little by little, the images started to disappear, replacing them with Lilithra and Selorien, who were peeking at him. Ascalon brought up his inventory interface, and equipped his armor. ¡°This is our coat of arms.¡± He said with resolution, as he put the emblem beside his chest, where the same symbol was engraved in his armor. Lilithra and Selorien appraised it curiously, and the girl replied. ¡°It looks cool!¡± Were her words, as she smiled, still leaning on the knight. Selorien looked a bit pensive, and promptly spoke. ¡°It¡¯s unreal that you managed to find an item from your world¡­ And it¡¯s even related to you, what the hell?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but voice his disbelief. Ascalon himself thought the elf was right. It was too much of a coincidence¡ªonce again, the word fate came to mind. He appraised the emblem, and a strange feeling overcame him. ? ¡°C~~ ~ou h~~r ~~ ~o~~e¡­?¡± ? He looked around, sensing a gaze upon him, but just like in the store, he couldn¡¯t perceive anything unusual. Was he still shaken from the emblem¡¯s discovery? Or was it an aftereffect of being thrown into a new world? Perhaps he hadn¡¯t realized how taxing it was for his mind, all these events one after the other. As he wondered, Lilithra poked his cheek with a finger, startling him. ¡°You okay?¡± Her gentle voice dissipated his worrying thoughts, and he smiled at her. ¡°Yes¡­ Sorry. I was reminiscing about the day we decided to create this emblem.¡± He resumed what he initially wanted to convey. ¡°Our flag-bearer had the idea. Now I look back, and recall. We really took our time before figuring out a symbol we all agreed on.¡± His smile turned a bit sad, and Lilithra felt her chest tighten. Selorien let out a confident ''hmmph'', and said with a bold smile. ¡°It¡¯s a simple symbol, but I¡¯m with Lil, it looks cool.¡± Ascalon appreciated those words, as he nodded. Then, Lilithra tilted her head, a thoughtful visage taking over. ¡°Do you think one of your companions came here?¡± She wanted to know the answer to a question the knight had already asked himself. ¡°No¡­ Well, I am not certain. It is a possibility¡ªthough none of my comrades would sell their emblem. I know they would rather die of hunger than do so¡­¡± No knight of his company would forsake the emblem; he could be sure of that. But still, he was certain they had perished in front of him¡ªthroughout their last crusade, and against that malevolent demon they fought. But could one of his brothers-in-arms have survived their last fight? Had they come to New Lumingard, and lost the emblem? Or had something happened to them somehow? Maybe a completely unrelated party had picked up the symbol. There were many variables and mysteries still. Seeing his conflicted expression, Lilithra took a moment to think, trying to find the right words to tell the knight. ¡°Well, no use stressing over it right now! We have to wait for Claude anyway. We¡¯ll help you out, too! But at this rate, smoke is going to come out of your ears, hehe!¡± She spoke animatedly, but he didn¡¯t quite fully grasp what she meant. Still, seeing her smiling expression, he couldn¡¯t help but agree with her. He had to remain patient. There would come a time to pursue these matters, but for now, he had no leads to follow. He unequipped his armor, the jacket his friends bought him appearing over him again, and reclined on the bench. Lilithra beamed with delight, thinking of how much it suited him, and mimicked his actions. She then pondered for a moment, about the emblem and the harpy feather. ¡°Hmm. We really need an appraiser.¡± She spoke her thoughts out loud, and Selorien nodded in agreement, while Ascalon peered at them with curiosity. ¡°Yeah, we grabbed that feather by chance¡­ we need someone to look at our stuff while we¡¯re still inside the dungeons.¡± Said the elf, who side-eyed Ascalon. Seeing his confusion, he decided to explain. ¡°Ah¡­ Imagine someone like Claude that can see the value or effects of an item. Appraisers do just that. There¡¯s many appraisal skills but neither Lil nor I have one.¡± Selorien shrugged, as Lilithra nodded. Seemed like having an appraiser companion would be quite handy. Just when Ascalon began to consider the matter of the appraiser, Selorien got up and stretched his long limbs, prompting Lilthra to question him. ¡°You leaving, Selly?¡± She asked curiously. Selorien shot her a bothered gaze, his expression one of anticipated exhaustion. ¡°Yeah, sorry guys. I have to dine with grandpa today¡­ and he¡¯s always a hassle about time and whatnot, so I¡¯m going early.¡± Lilithra looked a bit taken aback, and shrank slightly. ¡°Oh¡­ Okay, uhm, have fun!¡± She stated nervously, Ascalon picking up on her subtle demeanor. Selorien sighed, clearly conflicted. ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯m sure it will be ''fun''. Don¡¯t do anything cool without me, I¡¯ll catch up later, okay?¡± He turned around, his laid-back movements ever present. But before he started walking, he jumped slightly as he thought of something. He looked back, a mischievous grin on his face. ¡°And Lady Lil, even if you two are alone, try to show some restraint!¡± For a second, she didn¡¯t really understand and tilted her head. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Then, as realization hit her, her face reddened furiously. ¡°Wha-?!¡± She exclaimed in protest, as the elf quickly rushed into invisibility. He had even used a skill to avoid Lilithra¡¯s outburst! Ascalon sat confused beside Lilithra, not understanding the hidden meaning behind the elf¡¯s words. The girl shifted nervously, her shoulder grazing him. She immediately jumped up, standing tall with her back facing the knight, her baggy hoodie softly bouncing. She fanned her face with both hands, trying to cool the warmth assailing her cheeks, suddenly feeling self-conscious. ¡°Haha¡­ I wonder what he was on about?!¡± She said nervously, in a more effusive way than she initially wanted. Ascalon gazed at her with curiosity, but his attention wandered elsewhere. He noticed that one of the presences tailing him had approached closer than usual, but once they noticed their distance, they hurriedly retreated. What a blunder, thought the knight, but an idea surfaced in his mind. ¡°Ah¡­ good timing.¡± He spoke softly, but Lilithra heard him and turned around in curiosity. Ascalon got up, and fixed his good eye on the presence¡¯s direction, his gaze commanding them to come closer. He could feel the person tensing up in the distance. After a few moments of what seemed deliberation, the unknown figure approached. Lilithra, following Ascalon¡¯s gaze, peered at a seemingly ordinary businesswoman. She was tall, with black hair, and walked on long heels. She wore a black blazer over a white, buttoned shirt, and a black skirt that complemented her office look. Her face had a nervous look on it, sweat glistening on her forehead, and her green eyes were focused solely on the knight, as if scared to look away. Lilithra got over her sheepish mood, and tilted her head in confusion as her eyes narrowed. Ascalon approached the woman, who tensed up even more. ¡°I apologize for my manners, but I need to relay a message to Sir Ron.¡± At his words, the woman seemed to ease up, her shoulders slumping in relief. She took a moment to think, conflicted feelings appearing on her visage, and answered. ¡°A-alright¡­¡± Lilithra¡¯s gaze wandered from Ascalon to the lady, as she still felt out of the loop. Then, the knight spoke once again. ¡°I would like to request the funds he offered me.¡± He stated, realization washing over the woman¡¯s face. She nodded, and let a moment pass before speaking out again. ¡°Anything else¡­?¡± She asked with reluctance, as if she wanted to limit the interaction as much as she could. Ascalon let out a contemplative ''hmmm'' and crossed his arms, recalling a very important detail that he needed to share with Ron. ¡°Ah, yes. He may already know, but I am currently living at The Chalice tavern. Err, bar, I mean, in the¡­ Southern district?¡± He asked, gazing at Lilithra, who nodded in response. She had understood what was going on, but still didn¡¯t quite get where the girl popped up from. It was as if Ascalon summoned her, somehow. Ascalon¡¯s next words answered some of her doubts. ¡°And also, tell Sir Ron that I¡¯m finding the¡­ ''escorting'', incredibly unpleasant.¡± Lilithra took a moment to dwell on those words, before she found a conclusion that made the most sense, taking into account Ascalon¡¯s situation as a wanderer. Were they being monitored by headquarters¡ªspied on?! Her face reddened slightly as thoughts swirled in her head. The woman nodded once again, her expression showing signs of agitation, and Ascalon bowed in gratitude. At his gesture, she understood she was allowed to go, and gained some distance in a rush. She seemed really shaken up, but Ascalon thought he was doing her a service. Now she would be more careful, maybe would even polish her skills. What he didn¡¯t consider is that she could have been traumatized, too. But he was indeed tired of being tailed. Lilithra poked his side frantically and spoke to him with a worried expression. ¡°Are we being followed? Since when?¡± She questioned the knight, who answered plainly. ¡°From the moment we left headquarters, the other day.¡± These words did nothing to ease her agitation, as her eyes opened wide in realization. ¡°Since the other day?! And they¡¯ve been following us around all this time?! Don''t tell me¡­ do they spy on us even at home, like, when I¡¯m in the bath or something?!¡± He met her inquisitive gaze, her expression one of complete panic. But he put a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her. ¡°Do not worry, I can assure you their attention has been solely on me, Lady Lilithra.¡± At his words, she let out a big sigh, and calmed down a bit. She still felt a bit embarrassed, but it wasn¡¯t as bad as it could have been. She approached the bench and sat down again, seemingly exhausted after her moment of distress. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Mr. Ron¡­ wait¡­ no, scratch that, I can actually believe it.¡± She spoke with an annoyed tone, her face reflecting the feeling. Ascalon smiled at her, agreeing with her distaste for the situation. He didn¡¯t mind as much at first, but now he was cherishing the private moments he had with his friends, and didn¡¯t want others to invade that privacy. If Ron would take no heed of his words, he would bring the complaint in person, and Ascalon wasn¡¯t one to be roundabout about things. As if answering to his thoughts, the presences tailing him dispersed at the same time. It seems Ron had been contacted, and complied with Ascalon¡¯s subtle request. He stood in front of the girl, who peeked at him from below, a cute sight to behold. ¡°They are now gone. Seems Sir Ron is a reasonable man.¡± His voice was gentle but bold, relishing the freeing feeling. Lilithra beamed and stood up in one jump, almost bumping her head on the knight¡¯s chin. She giggled nervously and sidestepped him, as her phone suddenly started to ring. ¡°Huh, no way, is it Mr. Ron?!¡± She asked, suspicious of the timing of the call. But as soon as she fetched her device, her face turned sour. Ascalon knew immediately who the caller was, going by her expression. She fiddled with the screen in reluctance, and an effusive voice could be heard coming from the speakers. ¡°Heeeeeey Lil! How is my sweet red-haired bean today?!¡± Asked Lucio, Lilithra¡¯s Guildmaster. She didn¡¯t really want to answer, and it showed on her face, but forced herself to do it anyway. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Guildmaster haha¡­ Is something the matter?¡± She looked at Ascalon, who remained silently watching the smartphone. ¡°So cold! Ah, my poor heart! Anyway! I made the arrangements!¡± His voice showed a bit of excitement, and Lilithra half-closed her eyes in confusion. As silence reigned over the call, Lucio spoke again. ¡°Did you already forget, you silly girl?! Is Selly not there to make fun of you?!¡± Lilithra puffed her cheeks, and answered in irritation. ¡°He¡¯s not here, no! Sorry I¡¯m so dumb!¡± Ascalon smiled awkwardly, as the Guildmaster¡¯s voice rang again. ¡°I¡¯ll speak plainly, then! I traveled far and wide, many hurdles paved my path as-¡± But as he dramatically adorned his words, Lilithra burst out in annoyance. ¡°That¡¯s not plainly, Guildmaster!¡± At her words, a smug laugh could be heard coming from the speakers. Even Ascalon was feeling a bit annoyed! Lucio cleared his throat, and finally took things seriously. ¡°Alright listen up. Three days from now, we¡¯ll fight the Fists in the colosseum. You and Selly are on the roster, of course. Good luck!¡± And with these words, he hung up. Lilithra raised her hand high and was about to smash her phone to the ground, her body trembling in anger. She took a few breaths, and slowly lowered her arm, calming herself and saving her phone, which disappeared into her hoodie¡¯s pocket. Sighing with exhaustion, she fidgeted in place, her expression serious and anxious. ¡°The colosseum?¡± Asked Ascalon, who stood closer beside her. She looked up to meet his gaze, and then faced the distance. ¡°Yeah¡­ when Guilds want to settle matters, uh, ''officially'', they go to the colosseum¡­¡± She explained, and Ascalon showed a curious expression. She rested her gaze on him again. ¡°Usually it¡¯s like matches between the Guilds members, and the Guild that wins more battles¡­ Uhm, wins.¡± Ascalon nodded, getting the gist of it. Then, Lilithra grabbed her head with both hands, and let out a conflicted grunt. ¡°Agh I¡¯m nervous! Tons of people go watch these, and bet, and stuff! And the winning Guild gets more fame and sponsors and whatnot, but the losing one¡­ I¡¯m feeling the pressure already!!!¡± She shouted, panicking. He found the sight a bit amusing, but decided to cheer her up. ¡°Then I guess it is my time to shine.¡± Lilithra looked at him, tilting her head in confusion. ¡°Should we start training?¡± Asked the knight, a half smile on his face. As realization hit her, her eyes sparkled and her mouth widened into an excited grin. It seemed it was finally time for her to train with the knight of knights! She nodded effusively, multiple times. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this! There¡¯s no time to waste, let¡¯s go!!!¡± She exclaimed with enthusiasm, suddenly bursting into a dash. Ascalon was a bit taken aback for a moment, then laughed at her eagerness and promptly ran after her. It was a good warm-up, after all. With The Chalice as their destination, they trotted along the streets¡ªthey had three days for her to become even a little bit stronger. Chapter 22 - Training & Acceptance The sound of something cutting through the air echoed at The Chalice¡¯s backyard. The surroundings were unkempt, contrary to the main entrance at the opposite side, as it was littered with old furniture¡ªsets of garden tables and chairs taken over by vines, and closed-up parasols. It gave the sense that it had been used as a sort of open-air caf¨¦ at some point, but maybe even the skilled Raphael couldn¡¯t manage everything by himself. For now, it was being used as a training ground for both Lilithra and Ascalon. The girl was swinging her battle banner at the knight, trying her best to hit him. He avoided every attack with minimal movement, appraising Lilithra¡¯s skill. She was wearing her usual clothing, except her hoodie was a sportier one, with the sleeves rolled up. Sweat glistened on the bare skin of her arms and legs, a few droplets descending down her face. She looked exhausted. Ascalon took notice of her increasingly sluggish movements, and decided to let her catch her breath. ¡°Let us rest for a moment.¡± He spoke with a gentle tone, smiling at the girl. She immediately fell to the floor, gasping for air. Despite the tired image she was conveying, her face showed a content smile. ¡°Whew¡­ I haven¡¯t¡­ sweated like this in¡­ a good while¡­ not even against the¡­ doggies!¡± She said wheezing, raising one of her arms and appraising how it trembled slightly. Her muscles were burning, but it felt nice. Ascalon walked up to one of the dilapidated tables, where a few water bottles rested, some already empty. He grabbed an unopened one and brought it to Lilithra. ¡°Thanks!¡± She exclaimed, taking the bottle and sitting up. She almost pried open the lid in a hurry, and gulped down the liquid in one go. ¡°Ah, I needed that!¡± Feeling refreshed, she let out a cheerful voice. Ascalon chuckled, and extended a hand to the girl. She blushed a bit and grabbed it, feeling her body being lifted effortlessly by the knight. She let go and breathed in and out slowly, then shot a determined gaze to Ascalon. He nodded, and walked back a few steps. ¡°This time I won¡¯t dodge, Lady Lilithra.¡± He said suddenly, as his t-shirt disappeared into his inventory. Lilithra opened her eyes wide, feeling shocked at his words and blushing at the sight of his bare chest. ¡°Huh?! Y-your s-shirt¡­ I mean! I-I don¡¯t want to hit you!¡± Lilithra protested, looking conflicted and somewhat curious. But Ascalon shook his head. ¡°I apologize, I took off my clothing so it won¡¯t get damaged. You need to connect some hits to get more accustomed to the feeling. I saw you wavered with the wolves, and as thankful as I am for that, I know it¡¯s bad for your growth, Lady Lilithra.¡± He stated, and Lilithra bit her lip in shame, knowing he was right. Although she managed to hit and take down some of the wolves back at the dungeon, she hesitated whenever a hit struck its target. She realized how hard it was to strike at a creature that didn¡¯t resemble a monster, showing how inexperienced she still was. She gathered her resolve, and nodded, as Ascalon¡¯s voice rang. ¡°Begin!¡± He declared with a firm tone, resuming their training. Lilithra lunged at him, charging with her banner in both hands pointing forward. She steeled herself, and struck the knight with a thrusting motion. The banner hit his abdomen, and she felt her arms go numb. ¡°Wha-?!¡± She let out a surprised sound as her weapon bounced back, staggering her for a moment. Lilithra felt as if she had just struck a rock, but Ascalon¡¯s gaze seemed to urge her to keep going. Leaving her befuddlement behind, she moved her arms in a horizontal arc to the left, and then swung his banner in the opposite direction. This time, she struck with the right end of the cross-shaped banner, and it felt different. Ascalon had taken note of his toughness, and decided to relax his muscles as much as he could. Now it actually felt like she was hitting a living being, though the blade still didn¡¯t penetrate his flesh. Although she didn¡¯t want to hurt him, she felt annoyed somehow. Prompted by her desire to prove herself, she inhaled as much air as she could, and unleashed a chaotic barrage of swings and thrusts. ¡°Hiyyaa!!!¡±She let out a battle cry to pump herself up, as wind began to blow around her due to the whirlwind of attacks. Though erratic at first, her movements were slowly becoming more precise and stronger. Ascalon stared at her meticulously, trying to hide his disbelief. Her growth was astounding; he was witnessing her improvement in real-time at an incredibly fast rate. He recalled how her stats also increased a lot when she had leveled up, and thought that maybe she was some sort of prodigy. But as he was pondering about that, Lilithra¡¯s arms gave out, the banner falling to the floor with a clank. She stumbled forward and fell into his arms, hugging him to avoid collapsing. Her face was completely red, partly because of her exertion and also the fact it was now pressed firmly against his bare chest. He was a bit taken aback, worry overcoming his senses, as he held her up and pried her from his chest¡ªa weird, sticky sound accompanying the movement due to her sweaty skin. ¡°Sorry! I n-need¡­ A bit of¡­ rest.¡± She blurted out, embarrassed by the situation. She kneeled and sat on the ground, heaving again. She was a bit ashamed of her stamina. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ so weak¡­ haha¡­ ugh¡­¡± Lilithra looked really crestfallen, but Ascalon smiled gently and reassured her. ¡°Do not worry about such matters. Gods¡¯ blessings aside, when I started training, I was but a frail boy.¡± The girl looked at him with curiosity, listening intently between her panting. Ascalon reminisced about arduous training days, harsh discipline, and despair at his own frailness and doubts. ¡°I knew nothing about fighting, and my masters were unforgiving. I try not to follow in their footsteps, though.¡± He admitted with a soft chuckle, and Lilithra sighed in relief. He wasn¡¯t exactly spartan, but his current strictness was good enough for her. Any more severe and she would crumble! ¡°But I did my very best. I trained day after day, came rain or snow, even throughout the night if my trainers deemed it necessary. My will was tested several times, haha!¡± He laughed, and she smiled softly. One would think such memories wouldn¡¯t warrant a laugh, but she realized the fondness he felt for these times. He recomposed himself, and gestured with her palm for her to wait. He went to fetch some water once again, bringing it to her. Her smile widened, as her cheeks blushed a bit more. She refreshed herself, drinking slowly, as Ascalon spoke again. ¡°What matters most is perseverance! You already have a clear and noble goal, Lady Lilithra, and I am certain it is taking your growth to greater heights!¡± He talked with enthusiasm, and she felt encouraged. He always managed to motivate her, though she was unaware she did the same for him, all the time. ¡°Ready to continue?¡± He asked with a bold smile, and she nodded with determination. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Master?! The suddenness of such a title startled him deeply, and she blushed slightly at her own words. But she felt it was fitting to call him so¡­ after all, she had been meaning to find another way to refer to him, just like she called Selorien ¡®Selly¡¯. It wasn¡¯t as endearing a nickname as she hoped for, but it would suffice for the time being. She knew she was the only one that would address him that way, and that was good enough for her. She also wanted to see Selly¡¯s reaction to it! They were about to resume the training, when Ascalon noticed she was still breathing heavily, her face reddening not subduing. He picked up on her subtle movements, seeing how she shifted in her hoodie, visibly uncomfortable. How had he missed that? Guilt assailed him, realizing she had to be enduring additional heat under her hoodie, possibly to hide her horns¡ªmaybe because of him. He deliberated within himself, his expression a torn one. Lilithra quickly noticed, and tilted her head worriedly. ¡°Are you okay, Ascalon?¡± Her voice pierced through, once again, and he felt his chest tingle, a raging emotion overcoming him. How? How could she, even in that situation, still care for him above her own well-being? How much had she endured? Hiding, behind that hoodie, that barrier that seemingly served as her safe space. He wanted to be worthy. Worthy of her trust, for her to not worry about her appearance when in his presence. He clenched his fists tight, resolving himself, a light shining deeply in his core. He adopted a more suitable expression, a reassuring smile on his face, and voiced his thoughts. ¡°You should take off the hood if you feel uncomfortable, Lady Lilithra¡ªI gather the heat is hindering your movements.¡± At his words, her eyes widened, a mix of panic and surprise taking over her visage. She grabbed the hood with both hands and pulled it down slightly, hiding her face a bit more, her gaze remaining on the knight. He could see her trembling, yellow eyes, filled with doubt. It must have been a harsh request, but he wasn¡¯t going to back down. ¡°Please.¡± He pleaded with a soft expression, the most gentle he could ever muster. Lilithra hesitated, but slowly let go of her hoodie. Then, after a couple of seconds that felt like an eternity, her hoodie banished into her inventory. Her long, red hair danced in the wind, her horns now in plain view. She trembled slightly under his gaze still, her face showing anticipation and a hint of fear. Ascalon¡¯s stare didn¡¯t waver. This time, the discomfort of seeing her horns was fiercely overridden, by a stronger, all-encompassing feeling: acceptance. He felt liberated, somehow, as if a shackle embedded in his heart had been undone, and smiled warmly at the girl. ¡°That is much better, isn¡¯t it?¡± She seemed shocked, as if expecting a different reaction altogether, and her eyes shimmered with emotion as she nodded happily. ¡°Yeah¡­ thank you, uhm, Master¡­¡± Her face reddened as she stumbled over the word. She had decided on using it, but boy did it sound awkward! Still, she was determined to get used to it¡­ for better or worse. They both readied themselves once again, a newfound, refreshing feeling washing over Lilithra as she smiled happily. She too felt liberated, and enjoyed the feeling of baring her true form, so to say, to the knight. She felt it was a good time to put her hair in a ponytail, now that her hoodie wasn¡¯t there to keep the mess in check. They spent the next few hours repeating the same training, as Lilithra¡¯s handle on her weapon steadily increased. Her knowledge about fighting also grew as Ascalon gave her pointers: Things like the best angles to strike in order to save stamina or deal more damage, body movements to watch for to anticipate certain attacks, the advantages of her longer reach, how the cloth of the banner could be used as a distraction, and using terrain to her benefit¡ªadvice born from years of experience. The results of her training also showed up in the form of new levels, as she had surprisingly leveled up twice¡ªa quite unexpected event, since it was just training, but they couldn¡¯t really dwell on it much amidst their tiredness. Maybe it was her conviction pulling through! Ascalon himself basked in her determination, his resolution to help her filling his chest with warmth. As time passed, she reached her limits, the afternoon light already settled in. They both sat on the ground near the tables¡¯ area, above cracked tiles that had let the grass grow freely. Ascalon had put on his t-shirt again and was sitting cross-legged, facing Lilithra. Despite his straight posture and the firm vibe surrounding him, he felt a bit drowsy. Lilithra gazed absentmindedly at some chairs, sitting with her legs stretched out and her hands serving as support. They were enjoying a quiet moment of rest, which went on for a couple of minutes before someone approached them. Raphael walked towards them with an immaculate posture, a silver tray balancing neatly in his right hand. On top, a couple of tall glasses could be seen, droplets glistening on their surfaces and filled with bubbly, orange-colored beverages. His voice then resounded through the almost empty backyard. ¡°Well, well. Seems like you two worked up a sweat.¡± He expressed with a bold smile, his gentlemanly demeanor exuding the usual confidence. He noticed Lilithra¡¯s bare horns, letting out a thoughtful ''hmmm'', warmth taking over his visage. ¡°Since I¡¯m such a good uncle, I brought you some refreshments.¡± As soon as he reached them, he bowed deeply. The glasses on the tray remained completely still, their contents undisturbed, showcasing the masterful skills of a true steward. Ascalon¡¯s face was overcome with admiration, while Lilithra smiled happily and picked up her drink, appreciating the gesture. ¡°Thank you, Uncle!¡± She expressed her gratitude, Raphael smiling gently at her words. Ascalon too grabbed a drink, and appraised the colorful substance and the bubbles emerging to the surface. With the tray now free, Raphael stood tall once again, and waited patiently in front of them. Lilithra was the first to drink, gulping down the liquid slowly. At the sight, Ascalon followed suit. A refreshing, fruity flavor filled his mouth, widening his eye in amazement. It was truly a fitting beverage after a day of exercising. Lilithra finished her last sip and let out a satisfied breath, Ascalon following close behind. Seizing the moment, Raphael spoke again. ¡°So, how did it go? For you to train with Ascalon after rejecting my own proposal¡­ I hope it was worth it!¡± He said jokingly, yet one could see he was a little concerned about it. Lilithra felt momentarily guilty, but Raphael promptly ruffled her hair with affection to dispel her creeping thoughts. Ascalon watched in silence, admiring how perceptive and caring Raphael was. Then, Lilithra voiced her thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Uncle! But in my defense, that was a while ago and I wasn¡¯t¡­ uhm, feeling it. But now, I needed to train!¡± She exclaimed, with resolution on her expression. At her words, Raphael raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°That¡¯s right, you mentioned something like that the other day, is something going on?¡± He asked, and Lilithra tensed up as she racked her brain to come up with an answer. But to her dismay, Ascalon replied before she could. ¡°Lady Lilithra wants to be ready for her upcoming ¡®Guild War¡¯.¡± He explained bluntly, the older man looking flabbergasted. It was the first time he had heard about this matter, and shot a sharp stare towards the girl. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see, I see.¡± He replied as he stroked his meticulously maintained beard. Lilithra shook her head while gazing at Ascalon, trying to warn him, but he kept talking. ¡°They are going to fight in the ¡®colosseum¡¯, against the Guild called the Flaming Fists. It may be my fault, since we had an altercation with them the other day. They wanted me to join their Guild, though I refused, and Lady Lilithra¡­¡± Suddenly, a soft, small hand was covering his lips. It was Lilithra, who looked panicked. Ascalon was confused, still not grasping the situation. For a brief moment, Ascalon could feel an intense, powerful aura emanating from Raphael. His senses perked up instantly, as his good eye fixed itself on the older man. ¡°I see¡­ The Flaming Fists, huh? I see¡­¡± He let out a few, cryptic, words which hid a deep, swelling anger. Ascalon was taken aback. He felt as if a slumbering dragon had just been awakened, the world around him seemingly warping while the wind howled. It was but for a moment, though, as everything went back to normal in an instant. Lilithra herself seemed to be unaware of what had happened, making Ascalon question if any of that was even real. Raphael sighed deeply, and voiced his opinion with a soft voice. ¡°You should have told me, Lil. But, oh well. I will cheer for you and Selly, maybe¡­ maybe even bet on you! Hoho, I¡¯m going to call Marygold right now!¡± He expressed enthusiastically, a stark contrast with what Ascalon thought he had just experienced. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Uncle! But, uhm, maybe don¡¯t bet on me hehe. Actually, don¡¯t even go!¡± Her words showed her conflicted feelings, as nervousness and awkwardness washed over her, her arms flailing up and down. Raphael simply chuckled as he walked back to The Chalice, and Ascalon watched him go, a suspicious glare fixed on the steward. Was it just his imagination, or did the master of The Chalice hide a most mysterious secret? Chapter 23 - And the Training Goes On Lilithra woke up early, yawning as she gently pushed away the army of plushies guarding her sleep¡ªthe one she had picked up at Claude¡¯s had now joined their ranks. She grabbed one at random, and hugged it while swaying slightly, a content smile appearing on her sleepy visage. It was a habit of hers. She put it down with care, and looked at her right hand, opening and closing it slowly. She should have been feeling sore all over, but she kind of knew that Raphael¡¯s beverage was far from just a refresher. She felt nothing but gratitude for her uncle, knowing that she could now devote herself to training once again. She stretched a bit, her long, red hair brushing around her pajamas, and reached out with her right hand to touch one of her horns. Her thoughts slowly drifted to Ascalon, the man who was helping her so much without expecting anything in return. Though maybe he felt thankful for everyone¡¯s help and wanted to repay their kindness. He had arrived so suddenly into her life, being a mysterious wanderer no less, and her every day had changed completely. Lilithra recalled how he used to look at her horns. He would try to remain calm, but she could see his discomfort. Even though she was used to these kinds of reactions from others, it was still not pleasant to see. But amidst their training, something had changed in him¡ªand in her, too. She felt her cheeks burning up, her heart beating rhythmically. She wasn¡¯t as much of an airhead as others would think¡ªshe recognized the signs of a flourishing, somewhat scary feeling growing steadily in her chest, with no sign of stopping. His demeanor, kindness, and willingness to lend her a hand didn¡¯t exactly help, either. But maybe it was just a fleeting emotion caused by his attention, or perhaps it was simply the novelty of his origins. Lilithra shook her head and pressed both hands to her cheeks, the warmth of her palms mixing with the heat on her face, and promptly shifted gears. For the time being, she had to focus on getting as strong as she could in the next two days. As resolution washed over her, she started to get ready. Time passed, and she descended the stairs to the first floor. Her uncle could be heard humming in the kitchen, and a tray with a healthy breakfast awaited her. She giggled happily, and grabbed a peanut butter sandwich and a yogurt as she walked by. ¡°Thanks, Uncle!¡± She exclaimed, hearing a faint ¡®no worries!¡¯ coming from a distance. She didn¡¯t want to waste a single moment, so she munched on her food and drank while heading to the courtyard. As soon as she opened the door, sunlight bathed her body and momentarily blinded her. She blinked a few times to regain her senses, and her eyes opened wide in surprise. The backyard was different from yesterday! The white tables showed no sign of vines or dirt on their surfaces, and the chairs were neatly grouped around them. Some of the parasols were open, and created pleasant-looking shades throughout the area. The ground tiles were still cracked and unkempt, but most grass growing in between had been pulled out. In the distance, a kneeling, blonde man could be seen humming as he arranged some bags brimming with vegetation. It was Ascalon, of course! Who else would take matters into his own hands and clean up the backyard without anyone asking him? She doubted she would have done it willingly, maybe if her uncle had asked her with pleading eyes. Lilithra watched over him with admiration, a gentle smile on her face as she approached. ¡°Good morning, Lady Lilithra.¡± Said the knight as he turned his head towards her, a soft expression on his face. She jumped slightly, taken by surprise once again by Ascalon¡¯s keen senses. ¡°G-good morning, uhm, Master!¡± She stammered. The one who felt surprised was now the knight, who had forgotten her new way of calling him. It was going to take a bit longer for him to get used to that. He chuckled softly and stood up as he wiped some sweat from his forehead. Lilithra tilted her head in curiosity, wondering just how long had he been at it. She hadn¡¯t seen him break a sweat, after all. He turned around, and looked at her with a content smile on his face. ¡°I took it upon myself to clean up the surroundings of our training grounds.¡± She appraised the newly cleaned backyard, and nodded in satisfaction. ¡°It looks so different! But you should¡¯ve told me, Master! I would¡¯ve gladly helped you¡­¡± She looked a little downcast, but he put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. ¡°Do not worry. You needed to rest and regain your strength for today¡¯s training, Lady Lilithra!¡± He stated effusively, as she smiled gently. She brushed her bangs shyly and let out a curious ''hmmm'' while peeking at Ascalon. She was sure now, that her bare horns weren¡¯t affecting the knight in the slightest, and her chest tightened with sweet relief. But as she wondered about that, a new voice cut through the air. ¡°Whoa! Did you guys train for gardening or what?¡± Selorien¡¯s joking tone reached their ears, as he approached sluggishly, his eyes scanning the changed backyard. Ascalon smiled, having missed the elf¡¯s presence the previous day, and Lilithra held her hand high as she waved. ¡°Selly!¡± She exclaimed happily, delighted to see her best friend again. Ascalon himself felt it was a rare occurrence to not see them together, so he felt satisfied that everything was back in place once again. Selorien hesitated for a moment as he walked, his eyes darting from Lilithra¡¯s horns to Ascalon. He pondered aloud, an inquisitive expression on his face. ¡°Hmm¡­ Just what did I miss?¡± He said as his lips warped into a mischievous grin. Lilithra felt a bit embarrassed, but then realized it was the right moment, so she half-closed her eyes and grinned, a smug visage directed at the elf. ¡°Well, after you ditched us, I trained with Master until night!¡± It was then that Ascalon witnessed the most flabbergasted expression Selorien had mustered until now. Selorien blinked a few times in astonishment, with his mouth slightly opened as his jaw dropped. He had to take a moment to fully comprehend what she had just said, slowly piecing together its meaning. An idea formed in his mind, and he seized the moment to mess with Lilithra once again! ¡°Whoa, I, uh, won¡¯t judge¡­ okay?¡± He said sheepishly, doing his best to appear embarrassed. Lilithra didn¡¯t quite get it at first, but her face slowly reddened as realization dawned on her. ¡°You dummy!!!¡± She screamed, hiding her face behind her hands, and Selorien burst out laughing, relishing his victory. It was too early for Lilithra to gain the upper hand in their teasing bouts! Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Ascalon remained confused but amused, not grasping the hidden meaning behind Selorien¡¯s words, as per usual. Nonetheless, he smiled fondly at their interactions. As Lilithra recomposed herself, Ascalon noticed a faint, stealthy presence in the distance. He focused on it while thinking that maybe it was Ron¡¯s doing again, but apologized in his mind as soon as he realized who it was: Selorien¡¯s ¡®maid¡¯. He tilted his head in curiosity, and directed his thoughts aloud to the elf. ¡°Selorien, are you aware that you are being followed?" At his words, Selorien clicked his tongue and his gaze shifted to the side, clearly annoyed. ¡°So he¡¯s keeping tabs on me now, huh? Stupid old man. It¡¯s probably Escarlata, too.¡± His angry tone showed how much he disliked the situation, and Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but agree, finding it relatable. Still, a weird feeling crept up his back, feeling as if the one being watched by this maid was him, though it was probably just his imagination. He shook off these thoughts and approached Selorien. ¡°Would you join us today, Selorien?¡± He proposed, and the elf perked up with momentary confusion. Then, Selorien realized what he meant. ¡°Oh, you mean training? Uh, not sure how I can help, but yeah let¡¯s do it!¡± Selorien replied, his voice almost enthusiastic as he pumped a fist high in the air in a very lazy, slow motion. Lilithra approached them with a few skips, a smile in place of her now-forgotten embarrassment. ¡°Should I hit Selly today?!¡± She asked with a hint of malice in her voice. Selorien sighed and smirked, while Ascalon chuckled in amusement. ¡°No, I think you already hit me a lot yesterday, Lady Lilithra. This time, Selorien will be attacking you.¡± Her smile disappeared immediately, replaced by a confused look. Selorien¡¯s smirk widened, rejoicing at Ascalon¡¯s words. Lilithra pouted her lips, feeling betrayed, so the knight tried to reassure her. ¡°I believe you got the hang of striking by now, so now you need to be able to defend yourself. I think Selorien will make for a good sparring partner, since he can unleash precise blows in a flurry, and can hide and strike from any direction.¡± His words carried a confidence that she couldn¡¯t argue with. ¡°I assure you, if you can learn to defend against Selorien¡¯s speed, you will grow much stronger, Lady Lilithra.¡± Even Selorien was feeling hyped up about Ascalon¡¯s plan. As much as he teased her, he wanted her to achieve her goals, too. The horned girl took a moment to ponder, and then nodded with determination glistening in her eyes. Ascalon smiled, feeling glad she had accepted his proposal. ¡°So, what should I do?¡± Selorien¡¯s question prompted Ascalon to walk over to one of the bags he had filled with grass, stones, and other debris. He had set aside something in hopes Selorien would arrive. He rummaged through one of them, and took out two small-sized branches. They looked sturdy enough, and were about the same length as Selorien¡¯s daggers. Both Lilithra and the elf knew immediately what Ascalon¡¯s idea was. Ascalon raised them high, and smiled at them. ¡°I would prefer if you used these, Selorien, just in case anything happens. I trust your skills, but one must always be wary, even when sparring.¡± Selorien and Lilithra thought that Ascalon¡¯s words always carried a deeper meaning, years of experience backing his thought process. Selorien nodded, smirking mischievously as usual. ¡°That will be a nice handicap, yeah.¡± His smug tone made Lilithra puff her cheeks in irritation. Her brow furrowed as her signature battle banner appeared on her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s see who needs the handicap after I beat you up!¡± She declared with confidence, mixed with impatience. Ascalon chuckled softly, and gently threw the branches in Selorien¡¯s direction. The elf jumped slightly and picked them up mid-air, showing off his finesse from the get-go, irritating the girl even more. He decided to stop the teasing there, before it affected her training. Selorien adopted a readied posture, with his makeshift daggers held in a reverse grip, what would be the blades going along his arm, and the imaginary handle toward Lilithra. Then, Ascalon¡¯s voice caught their attention once more. ¡°I would advise against holding back, Selorien.¡± His words surprised the elf, who pondered the meaning of such a statement. Was it a warning from the knight¡­? No, he wasn¡¯t that kind of person. Perhaps holding back would be rude, or less effective. But what if¡­? He fixed his deep, green eyes on his best friend. Lilithra stood with a firm grip on her weapon, the long body of the battle banner running diagonally in front of her while the cloth danced in the air. She showed a determined look, and somehow, he felt some of the openings he could¡¯ve exploited were being cut off as seconds passed. He smiled in amazement, asking himself just how strong she had become. They both readied themselves, and Ascalon gave them the signal to start. ¡°Begin!¡± He exclaimed excitedly, anticipating a good spar session. They went at it for a while. Selorien would vanish and quickly approach her from a blind spot, such as her back or the side she wasn¡¯t focused on. Then, he would strike at vital points with slashing motions, as a stab could still hurt her even if he was wielding branches. It didn¡¯t take long for Selorien to realize that he had put high hopes in Lilithra¡­ maybe a bit too high, due to Ascalon¡¯s words. She would try to anticipate his movements and strike at the air, receiving a blow from the complete opposite direction. Her body was being filled with red marks all over, and she was getting more tired by the second. Yet as Selorien stole glances at Ascalon, he couldn¡¯t see any hint of doubt, as the knight watched Lilithra with unwavering confidence, and even threw some pointers for both of them here and there. They took their first break after she gasped for air and raised her hands in defeat. Even if she seemed exhausted, it was clear that something was different. Her stamina was much higher, and her reflexes were getting sharper as the training went on. It was a strange phenomenon, because they had fought together at low-level dungeons and her rate of improvement had never been this fast. He pondered for a while, and looked at what he thought could be the cause: Ascalon. Maybe the knight¡¯s presence was pushing Lilithra to overcome her limits. If that¡¯s what it was, Selorien felt glad they had met the wanderer. With these endearing thoughts, they resumed their training, sparring for a couple more hours. Lilithra was really getting the hang of it, and although Selorien remained undisputedly better, she was learning a lot. Ascalon was sure that Lilithra was going to do just fine in their Guild War. While thinking about that, he felt a bit surprised by a presence approaching The Chalice, though it didn¡¯t seem like their business was with him at the moment.
A suited individual stepped inside the bar, deciding to arrive early to avoid the usual bustling hours. It was Ron, who smiled at the man behind the counter as he approached. ¡°Pardon my intrusion, Raphael.¡± His respectful tone made the older gentleman show a sour expression. ¡°I would ask what brings you here, but¡­ It¡¯s probably about Ascalon, isn¡¯t it?¡± He remarked with cleverness. The visitor shot him a sharp stare, smiling softly at his conclusion. Ron promptly sat on a stool at the counter, with a dignified posture, as Raphael set a cup of coffee before him. ¡°Hmm. Always so efficient. And yes, I am here because of him.¡± The man brought the cup to his mouth, tasting once again the most delicious coffee in all of New Lumingard. As he relished the flavor after a long time, Raphael¡¯s voice took a more serious tone. ¡°I see, I figured as much¡­ but good timing, honestly. I happen to have a question for you.¡± Ron already knew what this was going to be about, so he tensed up, bracing himself. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you contact me about the Flaming Fists ordeal?¡± Raphael¡¯s words cut through the air, his tone cold and accusatory, and Ron felt as if a sharp blade was pressed on his throat. Yeah, that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to tell him¡­ Chapter 24 - A Serious Talk & Celebration Raphael¡¯s question lingered in the air, the atmosphere inside The Chalice turning heavy. Ron already knew he couldn¡¯t hide his niece¡¯s dispute with the Flaming Fists forever, but had a sliver of hope that it wouldn¡¯t come to light so soon, especially now that they were going to solve it ''formally''. Ron let out a sigh, as he placed the now empty cup on the counter, and met Raphael¡¯s gaze with a solemn stare. ¡°The issue was resolved quickly, and your precious niece wasn¡¯t harmed. I didn¡¯t deem it necessary to inform you.¡± He said calmly, almost as if his words had been rehearsed over and over. He was that kind of man, after all, and had to deal with all kinds of similar situations. Raphael¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°She wasn¡¯t hurt so it¡¯s all good, huh? You know what kind of pain she went through with those assholes.¡± He paused, noticing his fist was trembling slightly. He inhaled slowly, trying to compose himself. His expression turned pained, his gaze a concerned one. ¡°She just wanted to fit in somewhere, and these scumbags took advantage of her na?vet¨¦ with sugar-coated words and promises of friendship. Even you, who sold your soul for money, should feel angry at the bastards.¡± Raphael continued, his voice slowly taking a furious undertone. ¡°If Selly wasn¡¯t there¡­ I don¡¯t even want to imagine where she would¡¯ve ended up¡ªsold to some degenerate, or worse. And you don¡¯t want to imagine what I would¡¯ve done to them.¡± Ron tensed up, feeling the older man¡¯s anguish mixed with an unworldly pressure. He knew that Raphael felt a duty to protect the girl in the past, solely out of guilt. But it was clear that these two had become a family now. He brought both hands to the counter and interlocked his fingers in a pensive pose he was accustomed to. ¡°I apologize, old friend. The bureaucratic life is taking a toll on me.¡± Ron smiled softly, a hint of regret on his expression. Raphael simply appraised him with an impassive stare. ¡°I understand where you¡¯re coming from. I did my best to handle the situation, and they¡¯re going to work it out in the colosseum¡­ so please, don¡¯t do anything rash, I beg you.¡± His voice near the end seemed almost shaky, as his facade was crumbling before Raphael. It¡¯s not like he wanted to protect the Flaming Fists¡ªit would be better for New Lumingard if they simply disappeared¡ªbut things weren¡¯t that easy. Bigwigs deemed these chaotic Guild¡¯s presences necessary for the city¡¯s economy, as horrible and dark as that sounded. Removing a Guild that held part of the city¡¯s underbelly in a tight grip would bring forth a lot of problems. But what he was truly afraid of was the older gentleman standing behind the counter. He didn¡¯t want to picture the unholy sight of what Raphael would leave in his wake if his old wrath were unleashed. He gulped slowly at these thoughts. Raphael, seeing the man¡¯s expression, let out a sigh and clicked his tongue. ¡°Alright Ron, I will stay my hand for now¡­ but know that even the slightest graze will force it.¡± Raphael¡¯s promise seemed to dispel the worried mood that hung over Ron, who smiled in relief. Ron himself counted his lucky stars, and thanked the passage of time that appeared to have made Raphael a bit softer. He knew that in the past, the situation would¡¯ve been vastly different. Not wanting to overstay, he rummaged in his suit pocket and took out his wallet. He placed a bill beside the cup, and a metallic-looking card above it. Raphael raised an eyebrow, confused by the second object. Peering at him, Ron decided to explain. ¡°I know you weren¡¯t going to charge me for the coffee¡­ But it would be criminal not to pay for the best services out there! And this¡­¡± He pointed at the rectangular card. ¡°This is for Ascalon, who requested monetary assistance. Since he won¡¯t be using the facilities I offered to him, I converted them into assets and added a little bonus for him.¡± Ron smiled politely, as Raphael let out a curious ''hmmm''. After a few seconds, the older man scratched his beard softly, making a troubled expression while clicking his tongue. ¡°If he needed money he should¡¯ve asked me, am I not being a good host?¡± Asked Raphael, a worried half smile forming on his face. At the sight, Ron chuckled softly, closing his eyes briefly. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s exactly because you¡¯re a good host that he doesn¡¯t want to impose on your generosity further. Anyway, I just came for this, so I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Added Ron, as Raphael took the card and the money and stored it behind the counter. As the suited man left, Raphael¡¯s voice rang through the tavern once more. ¡°I¡¯ll pass the card onto him, and¡­ I¡¯m sorry the mood turned sour, Ron.¡± He spoke awkwardly, not used to these kinds of situations. Ron simply raised a hand and waved without turning back, though Raphael could feel his old friend smiling. As Ron stepped outside, an entourage began to shadow him. One of them was the woman Ascalon had met at the park, who approached the man and spoke in a low, secretive voice. ¡°Mr. Ron, the L''adariel¡¯s monster maid is in the vicinity, should we secure an escape route?¡± At her words, Ron sighed and facepalmed. She was still so wet behind the ears, and perhaps even thought to herself that she was in some kind of spy movie. ¡°She was here before we arrived, and even if we were on L''adariel¡¯s bad side, they wouldn¡¯t go for a replaceable spokesperson like me. Just-just follow your orders.¡± He replied, his voice showed irritation. He waved her away with one hand while rubbing his temples with the other, and she bowed nervously before stepping back into the shadows. Ron let out an exhausted breath, and decided to just zone out until he arrived at headquarters.
At the same time, the maid they were referring to was ignoring their presence entirely. She sat on a tree branch, her legs pressed to each other as they dangled below, alongside her sophisticated dress. Her posture was straight, with her hands resting neatly on her lap. If her cheeks weren¡¯t flushed, one would think she was a pale, human-sized doll. The L''adariel¡¯s clan leader had ordered her to keep tabs on his grandson, Selorien. A simple task for a woman of her professionality and skills. Yet, even if she thought highly of herself in that regard, her eyes were fixed on the blonde man. Ever since their last encounter, her mind was plagued by the wanderer¡¯s presence. She had been daydreaming about him constantly, yet managed to do her job just fine thanks to her strict upbringing and her resiliency. But with him in the flesh, and not just a figment of her imagination, her task had been relegated to a lesser priority without her realizing it. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. She shifted nervously as she gazed upon the knight with a hazy stare. He showed so many openings it made no sense, especially after being forced into submission by just a stare from him. It was as if he was inviting¡ªno, daring others to try and test their luck. Her right hand trembled, moving slowly over her maid¡¯s dress as her breath grew more ragged. ¡°No. Not outside, Escarlata.¡± She whispered to herself with a hint of regret, as she stopped her hand and placed it beside her, on the branch. Escarlata wanted to succumb to her swirling feelings, a mix of excitement, bloodlust, and curiosity. What would it be like to fight him, giving their all in battle? Though she knew she was no match, she felt intrigued by how towering was his¡­ strength. Then, what would it feel like to dominate him? Or¡­ to be dominated? She let out an anguished gasp, and shook her head. Escarlata noticed she was behaving like an entirely different person when the blonde man was in her mind, and it was unbecoming. What would her sisters think if they saw her act like this? It would be amusing, at the very least. But as much as she tried to suppress these feelings, she just couldn¡¯t put a lid on them. It was a first, for sure, and conflicted thoughts reigned her mind. She swung her legs playfully like a child and covered her face, muffling small, delighted cries.
Lilithra and Selorien kept training for a couple of hours. Ascalon felt chills run down his spine multiple times, and thought that maybe, after all these years, he was coming down with a cold. It wasn¡¯t anything to dwell over, though. He approached his friends, who were now resting around one of the tables he had cleaned in the morning, and commended them for their efforts. ¡°Lady Lilithra, Selorien, you both did great today!¡± He exclaimed, showering them with an earnest smile. Lilithra beamed, her eyes glistening at the praise, and Selorien rubbed his nose in embarrassment, smirking softly. Then, Lilithra nodded a few times, seemingly resolving herself for something, and looked up to meet the knight¡¯s gaze once again. She clenched her fists, her face a nervous but determined one. ¡°Uhm, M-Master! You can c-call me Lil¡­¡± She blurted with anxiousness, and began to blush. Ascalon watched over her, taken slightly aback. ¡°Lil-Lilithra¡­! Uhm, it¡¯s not fair that you dropped the honorifics just with Selly!¡± Lilithra backpedaled a bit, feeling a tad too embarrassed. Maybe she wasn¡¯t ready to hear him call her ¡®Lil¡¯. But! She did feel like the ¡®lady¡¯ treatment was putting some distance between them, and she wanted it gone. Ascalon relaxed a bit after hearing her fully, and sighed softly before replying to her suggestion. ¡°Very well, Lilithra.¡± His tone was tender, with a sprinkle of happiness. Lilithra¡¯s face felt like it was melting, a few excited squeals escaped his mouth as she smiled and hid behind her hair. Ascalon thought she always reacted in the most adorable and jovial ways. Selorien, too, basked in the warm scene. Afterward, they spent a good while just chatting, enjoying the fresh breeze as night began to dawn on them. Though it was fast approaching, the Guild War didn¡¯t seem to worry them that much anymore. There was no tension in the air, but confidence and anticipation. At some point, Raphael approached them with a tired pace, his face showing a bit of exhaustion but also a hint of pride. The three friends looked at him, a mix of curiousness and surprise in their expressions. ¡°Whew! I must say I outdid myself today. You guys should come in before it gets cold!¡± He blurted out of nowhere, his tone of voice was full of energy. Then, anticipating the group¡¯s questions, he simply turned around and went back to the bar, leaving them hanging. Lilithra and Selorien caught on pretty quickly, their mouths almost drooling as they smiled with happiness. Lilithra focused on Ascalon, beaming at him with an excited voice as she swayed in her seat. ¡°Master! Prepare your tummy!¡± She exclaimed effusively, standing up with a jump. She hurriedly ran after Raphael. Selorien nodded at the knight, and also sprinted toward The Chalice¡¯s interior. Ascalon was left alone, an astonished look on his face, and sighed in resignation as he stood up. He looked around one last time, feeling satisfaction at his early endeavors with the garden, and felt a growing desire to keep tending to the place. Perhaps he could fix up some of the damaged bits, and replace the cracked tiles with new ones¡­ but that would have to wait. For now, he headed inside, too. The Chalice was empty, which confused Ascalon for a moment. It was usually bustling at that time of the night, he thought. But soon, his good eye focused on their usual seats at the counter. The long table was to the brim with food, a similar sight to the first night he had spent with them. A nostalgic feeling assaulted him, as his stomach started rumbling with anticipation. His two friends were already seated, but looked at him as if to urge him to join them, which he promptly did. They all admired the large array of dishes laid before them, while Raphael appeared from the kitchen with a bottle of what appeared to be old wine. His cheery voice rang through the almost vacant hall. ¡°Now then! I want you to enjoy this meal to the fullest, and do your best at the Guild War!¡± He exclaimed, a bold smile on his lips. Selorien was a bit taken aback, but soon realized that Lilithra had probably told him about the fight with the Flaming Fists. It was a bit surprising, but Raphael didn¡¯t seem angry so it didn¡¯t matter! Lilithra felt a bit shy, basking in her uncle¡¯s gratitude. She could always count on him, and knew that no matter what, he was her family. But before she delved too deep into her thoughts, Raphael spoke again. ¡°Now go ahead, I closed up early so there won¡¯t be any interruptions! Eat and celebrate, and then kick their asses!¡± He laughed fiercely, perhaps already a bit drunk. He served some of the wine to the rest, though Lilithra¡¯s glass was clearly smaller than the others. Ascalon watched as she sipped a small gulp, her face grimacing as she shivered, yet she smiled in the end and began indulging in the food. Selorien was already eating, delighting himself with the delicacies, so Ascalon was the only one left. He sighed, content with the sight around him, the warmth that The Chalice held within. He followed suit, and ate alongside them. As time passed, he shared stories, laughed, and conversed with his friends. Slowly, but surely, he had already made a place for himself in New Lumingard. Amidst all the joy and celebration, he failed to perceive that weird, unknown feeling, once again. ? ¡°A~, ~ow ~ ~i~h ~o ~e a~ y~~r ~id~ ~~d ~o~~er~~ w~t~ y~u, ~oo.¡± ? The cryptic, lingering echo didn¡¯t catch his attention, and the night went on until it was almost bedtime. Selorien was a bit tipsy, having downed multiple glasses of wine, but seemed to be quite accustomed to alcohol. Raphael was in a similar state, his face slightly flushed but his mind still sharp. Lilithra, on the other hand, was smiling absentmindedly at her empty glass, her cheeks burning with a scarlet color, clearly the most affected by the drink. Ascalon¡¯s passive resistance kept him from feeling intoxicated, so he remained the same as usual¡ªthough he was enjoying himself all the same. The elf was the first to leave, like always, and Raphael helped Lilithra up the stairs and to her room. Ascalon felt like tidying up a bit to lend the master a hand, and then stretched his body to let out some of the day¡¯s exhaustion. He watched with satisfaction the piled-up plates and neatly organized cups. He felt a tad different now, as he was discovering new sides of himself while being shaped by newfound experiences. He smiled contentedly, and headed to his room. The Guild War was just around the corner, and he wanted to witness the result of their training. Extra 1 - Lilithra info
Name: Lilithra Vexeria
Age: 20
Height: 5¡¯2 (1,60m)
Appearance
Lilithra has red hair, long past her shoulders, and two dark-red horns that she usually hides. Her facial features lean into her cute and young nature, having no beauty marks or anything of the sort, though her lower eyelashes are a bit pronounced. Her yellow eyes reveal part of her half-daemon heritage, and her pupils are shaped into a cross (this has no significance whatsoever, at least for now, I just liked it and did it that way! Just a note for anyone wondering why no one ever noticed it in-universe, it¡¯s just not important. I also never described it lol¡­). As a side note, half-daemons could have other physical traits like tails, bigger or shorter horns, or even another skin tone, but Lilithra is fairly ¡®average¡¯ in that aspect. She rarely changes her clothing style, preferring oversized hoodies, thin and soft shirts, and shorts that let her legs ¡®breathe¡¯; like the sorts used for biking or exercising. She also wears a pair of mismatched socks; one up to her thigh, completely red, and another that only reaches a bit past her ankle, white with blue stripes. Lilithra really likes the contrast between them, though she felt a bit awkward wearing them that way at first; she wondered if people would find them weird, but so far, no one has mentioned anything about it so she¡¯s become accustomed to them. The last pieces of her attire are a pair of black, sturdy-looking boots, which she finds really comfortable.
Personality
Lilithra is a bundle of joy, curiosity and compassion. She¡¯s the epitome of cinnamon rolls in New Lumingard, though some would disagree. Lilithra has a troubled past, an issue I¡¯ve skirted around continuously (though I¡¯m sure some of you have already taken some guesses), and that will be explored later on. This past of her shaped her into the person she is now, and fueled her desire to help people. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. She Loves plushies, and helping people. This is something that has been established, but still! Lilithra wants to have her own Guildhouse someday, and an entire room just for her stuffed animals. Her favorite color is pink, to no one¡¯s surprise, though she loves the red of her hair, too. She also loves her little fangs! Though her horns are kind of a trauma, she can¡¯t deny they¡¯re cool.
Relationships so far
Raphael: Her foster Uncle. They¡¯re not related by blood, but are family nonetheless. There will be an arc featuring their first meeting! Selly: Her best friend! She doesn''t remember her first meeting with him, so for her they met around the time she joined the Flaming Fists, and is also something we have to explore at some point. Though he¡¯s way older than her, due to his Elven nature he¡¯s pretty much the same ¡®mental age¡¯ as her, so they hit it off easily. Ascalon: They met recently, but she¡¯s deeply fond of him. She wonders if she¡¯s crushing on him, whether because he¡¯s a novelty, so to say, or for his kind and caring nature. Rosco: One of her traumas, and for all purposes, an enemy. He lied to her and tried to exploit her weaknesses. Claude: A shopkeeper she used to pester day after day, and who eventually grew fond of her. She still visits him from time to time, though rarely for business. Casanova Guild members: She hasn¡¯t interacted much with them aside from Lucio, the Guildmaster, but hopes to get to mingle with them more.
This image is outdated! ^ sorry about that! Chapter 25 - The Colosseum Rumbles! A humongous, oval-shaped building towered above the Eastern district. The limestone tiles adorning its outside matched well with the textured, yellow glass from the many windows scattered around its surface. Enormous, decorated pillars were erected at key points, and helped the colossal structure stay firm and strong. The entrance was as wide as a castle gate, flanked by intricate columns bearing multiple flags of various colors, each sporting Guild emblems and other miscellaneous logos. Above the entrance, a massive archway presented the name of the arena: The Colosseum, written in shiny gold letters. It was quite the sight, though it didn¡¯t have an ancient feel to it, as it was rebuilt a few years after the Guild system was implemented. Still, it was a marvelous work of art. The streets leading to the structure were lined with vendors, and bustled with activity as people made their merry way to watch the event with food and drinks in hand. It seemed to be more of a social spectacle than a resolution to the conflict between Casanova and the Flaming Fists. Ascalon, alongside Lilithra and Selorien, stood at the base of the colosseum, peering at its seemingly unending height. Raphael had told them he would arrive later, after picking up Marygold. It was a name Ascalon had heard a few times, but he still didn¡¯t know a single thing about the person it belonged to. Lilithra was starting to feel nervous, now that the day had finally come, shifting in place as she slowly breathed in and out. Selorien, on the other hand, looked as laid-back and uninterested as always; he even seemed a bit sleepy, judging by his half-closed eyes. Ascalon watched over them, observing that in addition to their usual attire, they also wore long, red scarves with a darker rose symbol embroidered on them. He had seen that same emblem before, back at their Guildhouse. It seemed that they had graduated from being newbies and now owned the distinctive item of their clan. Ascalon placed a hand on each of his companion¡¯s shoulders, who looked at him in response. ¡°I strongly believe you two will emerge victorious today.¡± He spoke with a determined but gentle tone, as he smiled toward his friends. Lilithra¡¯s lips curled up in a soft grin, and Selorien raised his hand to give them a thumbs up. ¡°I¡¯m sure I will! Lil, however¡­ nah, I would tease you, but, it will mean nothing when you start kicking butt.¡± Said Selorien as he glanced at Lilithra, trying to lift the girl¡¯s mood by not joking for once. Lilithra appreciated her friend¡¯s sincerity, feeling that their belief in her growth was motivating her to try her very best, and even beyond! ¡°I¡¯m gonna make you proud, Master, Selly!¡± She exclaimed, her resolve burning fiercely in her big, yellow eyes. It was then that her phone rang, startling her for a second. She quickly produced her device from a pocket in her hoodie, and fiddled with it for a moment. Lilithra looked up, then left and right, until she spotted what she was looking for. ¡°Ah, there!¡± She raised her arm and pointed with her finger toward a path to the right of the colosseum. There, a few bulky persons in black suits stood impassively at both sides. ¡°That¡¯s the Casanova entrance, so, we have to head there! Supposedly, there¡¯s another for the Fists¡­ good thing the Guildmaster contacted us now!¡± A sigh of relief escaped her lips. To begin with, she planned to go through the main entrance like everyone else¡­ Lucio had just saved her from some embarrassment, though she didn¡¯t want to admit it. Ascalon gazed at her, watching her expression turn annoyed, and thought she was thinking of her Guildmaster. She noticed the knight¡¯s eye on her and turned to face him, smiling happily. As always, she was an adorable person. Selorien, who was peeking at their designated entrance, nudged Lilithra on the side. ¡°Aight, let¡¯s go then.¡± Then, he set his sights on Ascalon. ¡°Sadly, you gotta go through the main entrance. I hope you find a good seat to watch us mop the floor with these morons.¡± A bold smile adorned his lips, confidence behind his every word. Lilithra let out a cry of protest at the elf¡¯s words, realizing that they had to part from Ascalon. ¡°Awww, I forgot about that! Are you going to be alright alone?¡± She asked with concern, and Ascalon felt his chest tighten at her words. Lilithra never ceased to care for others, even with an impending battle ahead of her. ¡°I shall be fine, I have Ron¡¯s card to pay the entrance fee.¡± He stated with smugness, as he now had a small, magic card that could be used to pay for what he needed. Raphael had given it to him before they set out, and Ascalon still couldn¡¯t grasp how such a small gadget contained money, but it was probably thanks to the Gifted network anyway! The only thing he wanted to know was how much coin it held¡ªjust to make sure, since he wasn¡¯t about to use it indiscriminately either way. At his words, Lilithra¡¯s expression softened, feeling a bit relieved. Though Ascalon could still glimpse a bit of sadness behind it. ¡°I will cheer you on, Lilithra.¡± He placed a hand on her head, and softly patted it. She blushed, looking down as she enjoyed the affectionate gesture, and nodded shyly. Then, Selorien started to leave, his attention already on the battle ahead. Lilithra saw her friend go at his own pace as usual, ignoring the nice feeling she was basking in, so she begrudgingly went after him. As she walked, she turned around a few times and waved at the knight, her eyes sparkling with determination and gratitude. Ascalon smiled with an earnest expression as he watched her go, until she disappeared through the path and went into the Casanova¡¯s entry point. He took a deep breath, and looked at the main entrance with nervousness. The knight couldn¡¯t believe that he, who had even kings kneel in his presence, felt a bit anxious about going into the building alone. It was surprising that he had come to know more about himself only after coming to New Lumingard, a thought that often crossed his mind. He shook his head and chuckled, as he started to walk toward the Colosseum. He had to get a good seat to watch his friends give their all in combat.
Lilithra and Selorien entered through the door to Casanova¡¯s waiting room. There, a few familiar faces greeted them. One of them was Lucio, their Guildmaster, who was sitting on a chair with one of his legs crossed over the other. He smiled charmingly at the newcomers. ¡°Finally! I thought you had gotten scared and ran off! Or that you got lost somehow, after declining my offer to come together with everyone!¡± His last words were traced with reproach, though his overly dramatic expression was too much of a contrast to take him seriously. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Beside the Guildmaster, two of their Guildmembers awaited. One of them was a tall, muscular Felinae man, his body covered in white fur with black stripes. He stood with his arms crossed, and gave out an unapproachable aura. The right half of his tiger-like head was hidden by a red cloth, leaving only one blue eye and round ear visible. He was wearing a blue jean jacket with its sleeves savagely torn off, over a black t-shirt. His bulky legs were covered by camouflage green pants that had a hole behind, for his long, fluffy tail, and his rear paws were contained inside a pair of sturdy-looking green boots. He had no other accessories or possessions, seemingly unbothered about his overall appearance. His Guild scarf, on the other hand, was riddled with holes and tears, giving him a rough, combative appearance. He appraised them with disdain, showing his fangs in clear displeasure. ¡°Still can¡¯t believe you chose those cubs for the Guild War.¡± He growled, directing his stare to the Guildmaster, who simply waved him away. The remaining member was a girl, a bit taller and curvier than Lilithra. Her voluminous hair was pristine black with blunt bangs, long to her hips, and her pale face showed a bored expression as she fiddled with her phone. Two upright bunny ears could be seen twitching above her head. Her purple eyes were surrounded by a thick black eyeliner, with lipstick of the same color on her full lips. Complementing the makeup, her clothing was all black, exuding a somewhat punk-gothic vibe. She wore a corset top, closed up in the middle by a set of silver busks, a cute ribbon resting at the uppermost part. Beneath, a fishnet shirt allowing a glimpse at a modest cleavage. Her neck was clasped tight by a choker with a cartoonish bat pendant, and her fingerless gloves had loose threads hanging from them, showing continuous use. Her bottom was covered by a short skirt, decorated by multiple small bat ornaments, and held by a set of belts of different sizes. A pantyhose with a, yet again, bat pattern hid her plump legs, and her long, heavy boots were similar in design to her corset, with thick laces in place of busks, and ribbons at the top. The only thing not black and white on her, was the Guild¡¯s red scarf, which dangled behind her. She gazed at Selorien for a moment, then at Lilithra, before looking at her phone again. Lilithra and Selorien had seen them before; they were Richard and Lucretia¡­ or something along those lines. Truth be told, they hadn¡¯t interacted much with their Guildmembers, so it was no surprise that the Felinae was against them participating. But it was clear that Lucio had put them in because of their conflict with the Flaming Fists. The silence was turning things awkward, so the Guildmaster took it upon himself to change the mood with his usual flair. ¡°Alright, my lovelies! Forget about whatever you¡¯re obsessing about and look at this!¡± He stated with effusiveness, as a transparent screen appeared before each of them. It was the roster for the upcoming fight, detailing the matchups with the people they were going to face off against. While Richard and Lucretia seemed unbothered, both Lilithra and Selorien focused on two specific combatants, exchanging concerned and surprised glances. ¡°I- I¡¯m going against Rosco¡­?¡± Questioned Lilithra, her tone of voice trembling with disbelief, contrasting with her earlier determined demeanor. The elf looked at her with a pained expression, knowing she was getting scared. And who could blame her? Rosco was strong, sure, but had also left a lasting mental impact on the girl. ¡°So what? He¡¯s just a punk.¡± Richard Snarled, raising his visible eyebrow in confusion. Then, his eye narrowed, about to keep venting, but stopped himself when Lucio shot a serious stare at him. The Guildmaster walked over to Lilithra, everyone watching with curiosity. ¡°Lil, I know you had some issues with Rosco, but the matchups were decided at random¡­ look, I¡¯m against some unlucky chump!¡± He spoke while covering his face, striking a dismayed pose. That was also surprising! The Guildmaster was going to actually participate in the fights, which explained why there were so many people outside. It wasn¡¯t a common occurrence for the Guild heads to showcase their prowess in a place such as the Colosseum, since they were living it up in their mansions and big skyscrapers, or delving into dungeons to get a bit ahead of their competitors. But still, these words didn¡¯t reassure her at all. Then, the Leporian goth chimed in, walking closer to Lilithra. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we just need to win three out of five, right?¡± She shot her a cold stare, her soft voice contrasting with the depressing comments. But inside her mind, Lucretia thought she had chosen the perfect words to lift the newbie¡¯s spirits. She just wasn¡¯t really good with people. Feeling that these guys were of no help at all, Selorien walked to the now teary-eyed Lilithra, and patted her back. ¡°I agree with the not worrying part. Just remember who¡¯s gonna be watching out there. Can¡¯t lose with that guy looking over us.¡± His words were earnest, though a bit playful. Still, he believed in what he said wholeheartedly. That seemed to spark something inside Lilithra, who looked up with a smile on her face. Her eyes lit up once again with resolution. That¡¯s right, Ascalon, her master, was going to be watching! She had decided to do her best, so that¡¯s what she was gonna do. Thinking about it calmly, it was a perfect opportunity to overcome her past¡ªthe trauma of being betrayed by the Flaming Fists, their lies, and how they cruelly shamed her for what her parents had done in the past. She was going to show them, but most of all, she was going to do it for Ascalon¡¯s honor, he who had helped her so much. She had stopped trembling altogether, everyone in the room silently appraising her newfound conviction. The vibe in the room changed, as Lucio clapped vigorously a few times. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I follow! But you seem motivated now so whatever! Let¡¯s get going to the arena! My-our fans await us!¡± Lucio spun around a few times, for whatever reason, and put a hand on his hip as he walked with long strides to a door at the other end of the room. Richard and Lucretia appeared accustomed to his antics, not even batting an eye as they followed suit. Selorien and Lilithra looked at each other and nodded resolutely, walking together toward their fight. They proceeded through a tunnel where a few people spoke with Lucio as he passed by¡ªprobably informing him of last-minute details and such. Eventually, they reached the end, and light shone upon them, alongside a thunderous cheer from what seemed like a thousand voices. Lilithra and Selorien gasped, opening their eyes wide as they appraised the view. ¡°Whoa!¡± They exclaimed in unison. The spectator stands were filled to the brim through the immense colosseum, to the point that the ground itself rumbled with the stomping as the people rallied and celebrated. The atmosphere was completely taken over by a festive mood, and both friends couldn¡¯t help but smile in ecstatic surprise. Lucio waved and blew kisses to the stands, while Lucretia shrank back a bit, and Richard simply huffed out a sigh. Then, a loud echoing roar erupted again, mixed with booing and cries of protest. The Casanova members looked at the opposite end of the arena, where a group of five people approached. A distinctive silver scythe glinted in the distance, signaling the arrival of Rosco and his Guildmates. Three of them ignored the spectators and looked straight at their opponents, while the other two sent different, ugly gestures toward the stands. They were clearly a rude bunch, and some of the people around them didn¡¯t like them very much. Lilithra gulped, but quickly scanned the surroundings, trying to find that one person among the sea of people. One would think it was futile, but, against all odds, she locked eyes with him. There, in what appeared to be a VIP spot at the pinnacle of the stands, sat Ascalon. His gentle gaze fixed on her. She beamed with relief, her cheeks blushing slightly. Letting aside the surprise of seeing him in such an extravagant seat, now she felt she was truly ready to fight. Chapter 26 - VIP Seats Going back to when the trio of friends had parted, Ascalon entered the colosseum. He walked in a line alongside a multitude of people, watching them curiously as he appraised their features. He tried his best to not linger too much and to avoid eye contact, because he knew what he was doing was a bit rude. But still, how could he hold himself back? Ascalon was finding it very interesting to try and distinguish everyone¡¯s ¡®races¡¯, so to speak. After all, he hadn¡¯t had the chance to take his time and mingle with crowds, to actually study these details. There were people that simply wore a resemblance to humans but had added traits, and then there were those who were practically anthropomorphic animals. He was especially aware of the individuals with dog-like resemblance, because of his own bias, and the differences between the forms of their ears, how bushy were their tails, or how good it would feel to pat their silky heads. Ascalon thought that maybe he was getting carried away, so he decided to focus, shaking his head as if to dispel the intrusive thoughts! He sighed and kept advancing, the line slowly nearing a checkpoint of sorts. A marble counter awaited next to a door, where people stopped for a second to interact with a couple of people, receiving a long piece of paper in return. Ascalon began feeling a bit anxious as his own turn approached, wondering if he would be able to understand how to do the transaction properly. Shortly after, he stopped in front of the counter. A couple of attendants greeted him, a man and a woman whose white attire kind of matched each other. The gentleman was wearing a suit, similar to Ron¡¯s but a bit less sophisticated, while the girl wore a buttoned shirt and a skirt. The woman was the one to speak first, smiling as she scanned Ascalon from head to toe. ¡°Hello sir, welcome to the Colosseum! Can you show me the file that came with the purchase receipt?¡± She said with eagerness, as she fiddled with a smartphone similar to Lilithra¡¯s. But Ascalon didn¡¯t understand a word after the welcoming part. A file with the purchase receipt? What did that mean? His face showed confusion, as his brows furrowed while he began answering. ¡°Hmm, I am not sure¡­ I just¡­ I want to pay for a seat to watch the bouts?¡± He stated, smiling awkwardly, not entirely sure if he was explaining himself properly. The attendant tilted her head to the side, and her eyes opened slightly wider as she seemingly realized what he meant. ¡°Oh! So you didn¡¯t reserve a seat beforehand¡­ no worries, we still have many available!¡± She spoke cheerfully, as her partner approached with an electronic device on hand. Ascalon had seen some of these in the shopping district, they were a bit bigger than phones but supposedly served the same functions and more; Selorien had called them¡­ tablets, maybe? He wondered about the exact name, as the man¡¯s voice reached his ears. ¡°There¡¯s plenty of seats at the eastern part of the colosseum, and some more around the other areas. I hope you can understand that the best ones are already sold.¡± The man¡¯s tone sounded gentle and regretful. It didn¡¯t take long for Ascalon to figure out that the ¡®best¡¯ seats were assuredly in high demand at such a popular event, so he understood that maybe the available ones were farther from the action. Still, it didn¡¯t matter to him¡ªthe mere fact that he could get a seat was enough to bring a relieved smile to his face. Both attendants seemed surprised but happy to see him smile, probably finding his reaction a bit unusual, especially after telling him such regretful news. Ascalon took the chance to rummage a pocket in his jacket, producing from it the metallic card Ron had gotten for him. Ascalon extended it to them, and was about to ask how it worked when both attendants gasped loudly. ¡°Wait¡­ is that¡­?!¡± The girl spoke first, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape as she focused on the card. ¡°An executive card?!¡± Added the man, getting slightly closer to the object and peering at it with awe. Ascalon was taken aback by their reactions, and even recalled his arm a bit in suspicion, moving the card away from them. But their next set of actions surprised him even more, as they both bowed deeply. ¡°We¡¯re deeply sorry sir! We didn¡¯t realize you were a VIP!¡± The man stated with a flustered tone, as he raised his head again. Ascalon could hear murmurs behind him. Realizing he was stalling the line, the knight felt a bit troubled. But before he could speak, once again, the girl attendant quickly stood straight and extended her arm toward a door behind the counter. ¡°This way, please, esteemed guest!¡± She exclaimed with a warm smile, her cheeks slightly flushed by the agitation. Ascalon briefly looked around, the suspicious and curious stares of the crowd becoming increasingly noticeable. Feeling he had no choice, he simply followed the woman¡¯s directions and stepped through the door. Somehow, the card Ron had given him had triggered an unusual turn of events, and he feared he might miss the fights if he didn¡¯t hurry, especially after being told to go through the wrong door! He resigned himself with a deep sigh, and proceeded through a well-lit corridor. Along the way, he could glimpse at many distinguished individuals, wearing extravagant, sophisticated attire. Some conversed animatedly with each other, while others simply stood around. In addition to their striking appearances, Ascalon began to notice that some of their presences were also notable, a few on par with Lucio himself. He narrowed his eye as he let out a contemplative ¡®hmmm¡¯, while moving along. He could feel stares and whispers, but tried to pay no mind to them as he had more important matters to attend to. At the end of the long hallway, light greeted him. Stepping outside, he could see the vast inside of the enormous colosseum from a vantage point. In the distance, sets of seats were filled with spectators who eagerly awaited the start of the event. The scene was truly astonishing to him, as he couldn¡¯t believe just how many individuals were there. But appraising his surroundings more closely, Ascalon found himself in quite the elegant location. It was an open room, with many chairs arranged neatly around round tables, which had multiple beverages and bite-sized food atop them. Closer to the balcony, around twenty big seats could be seen. They looked luxurious, and were evenly spaced, offering ample personal space unlike the rest of the tribune seats. Aside from the objects, most of the individuals around him exuded a particular air about them, and Ascalon seemed to have piqued their interest. He slowly scanned the people in the room, starting with a familiar silhouette: Escarlata, Selorien¡¯s maid. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The servant stood impassively at the side of one of the balcony seats, her back turned to him. Ascalon could sense someone sitting there but couldn¡¯t see them yet. He of course couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine what kind of battle Escarlata was fighting in her mind¡ªthe desire to stare at him conflicting with the professional etiquette that defined her. A few seats to the left was a blonde guy who smiled at him. He looked young, and wore a pair of black glasses, but his most prominent feature was a huge tattoo of a whale on the left side of his face. His attire consisted of a colorful blue shirt with ocean waves depicted on it, blue shorts to match, and a pair of uncomfortable-looking white sandals. Sitting in the chair beside him, a woman peeked in Ascalon¡¯s direction with a pair of big, magenta eyes. He could only see her face and a bit of her red hair, but her presence was notable as she exuded an air of confidence and pride. At the other side of the room, a scrawny-looking man watched him with a cold, inquisitive stare. His clothes were baggy, as if he had lost weight and they weren¡¯t fitting him anymore, and consisted of a long white jacket, blue jeans, and brown shoes. He looked almost sickly, with huge bags under his black eyes, which reflected a mysterious feeling. Over his black, unkempt hair, rested a hat with a blue sword symbol. Nearby, a humongous, bear-like person stood tall, also staring daggers at him. They wore a red tank top and black shorts, their rear paws completely bare over the floor. Some sparkly gold chains adorned their neck, and their broad, fur-covered shoulders could probably sit two Lilithra each¡ªthough the individual gave out a very dangerous, unapproachable vibe, so maybe that wasn¡¯t a good idea. There were a few others around; some looked like nobles but didn¡¯t have a notable presence, and others were also sitting and out of view. A couple of the individuals he had seen on the way also started arriving. Ascalon was feeling a bit scrutinized by the ones who were focusing on him, he could even hear a ¡®Who¡¯s that? Some rich fellow?¡¯ somewhere, but it was to be expected. That area seemed to be reserved for esteemed guests, and he finally understood what the attendant had meant. That metallic card Ron had given to him seemed to be way more useful, and important, than he gave it credit for. It was likely an attempt to get in his good graces, or perhaps an apology for the tailing. So, in other words, he stuck out like a sore thumb, a stranger amidst a multitude of VIPs. It was then that the young blonde approached him, beaming with glee at the knight. ¡°Heeey, what¡¯s up?¡± He asked joyfully as he raised his hand in greeting. He seemed amicable and eager to socialize. Ascalon was a bit surprised by the suddenness of the man¡¯s approach, but bowed slightly to return the greeting. He wasn¡¯t sure what to reply, so he simply went to the point. ¡°Greetings, I am here to watch the event.¡± He spoke plainly, and the man before him raised an eyebrow, his smile unwavering. ¡°I see, I see! I mean, everyone is here for that, yeah.¡± The man laughed boldly, his body leaning back as he stood with confidence, and the bear-like person snickered from across the room. Ascalon felt a bit embarrassed at his own remark, but the young man quickly patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Hey man, sorry about that! Didn¡¯t mean to make fun of you or anything, y¡¯know? I¡¯m Jay, by the way, Jay Lorens!¡± He said excitedly, his ever-present smile beaming at Ascalon. He sighed a bit more composed, and replied in kind. ¡°My name is Ascalon Rendland, it is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jay.¡± His voice carried the reverence he usually showed, and Jay made a surprised expression, raising his eyebrows as he whistled. A few others murmured in the background, but Jay didn¡¯t seem to care and kept talking. ¡°Nice to meet¡¯ya Ascalon! I see my name didn¡¯t ring a bell, so you must be that wanderer I¡¯ve heard about~.¡± Jay¡¯s smile changed to a more bold one, rising to one side, and a few of the others perked up. It seemed Ascalon¡¯s presence was making the rounds, for better or worse. Ascalon bowed slightly, about to apologize, but Jay stopped him by patting his shoulder and laughing loudly once again. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it, don¡¯t mind it! I don¡¯t have the ego of these people, couldn¡¯t care less if no one knew me!¡± Jay casually pointed with his thumb backward, toward the individuals that were already seated, and Ascalon could feel a few of them shift in their seats, probably annoyed. The blonde then turned around, and looked back to Ascalon with a grin in place. ¡°Let¡¯s get seated!¡± He exclaimed as he walked ahead. Ascalon felt like he was being dragged around, and it reminded him of his friends, so he smiled softly and followed after Jay. Jay sat at the left corner of the balcony, and Ascalon took one of the chairs that was nearby. Ascalon wondered if Jay had taken that seat because of his left, scarred eye, because from there he could now properly see some of the individuals that were hidden from his sight before. At Escarlata¡¯s side rested an old-looking elf with long silver hair, and his wrinkly visage made for a surprising sight. Elves lived incredibly long, so seeing an elder of their race meant he had truly witnessed the passing of entire ages. He looked regal from head to toes, his demeanor that of a wise, prideful man. His clothes matched the image he projected, as they were long, immaculate robes, their lining glistening with golden threads. He side-eyed Ascalon, not deeming to actually turn to him, and he spoke with authority to his maid. ¡°So he¡¯s the one that made you falter?¡± Escarlata tensed up, even the air around her felt like it flinched for a second. ¡°Yes, master Theoldorien.¡± She replied with a respectful tone, bowing deeply. The older elf let out a soft ¡®hmmm¡¯, and his lips curled into a satisfied grin. ¡°You¡¯re forgiven, Escarlata. Not many can stand up to such a monster.¡± With these cryptic words, Ascalon could feel the rest of the room focus on him once more, while Escarlata felt an enormous weight lift off her shoulders. So that was Selorien¡¯s grandfather, the head of the L¡¯adariel house. He seemed like a man to be wary of, as age and experience were a fearsome tool. As he pondered that, Ascalon¡¯s eye caught another man staring at him. He had long, black hair, and a few scars ran through his right cheek. His green eyes narrowed as he watched Ascalon, and his nose wrinkled in irritation. Ascalon was wondering if he had done something to offend the man, until he saw his black, leather jacket¡ªon it, the symbol of the Flaming Fists. Ah, that made sense. It was then that Ascalon¡¯s attention shifted, as the whole colosseum erupted in cheers and applause all of a sudden. Taken aback, he looked around, and his eye focused on a group of people walking in the arena¡ªamong them, Lilithra and Selorien! He smiled with happiness, his good eye sparkling as he felt energized by the sight, somewhat influenced by the festive mood that had taken over the entire, colossal structure. He noticed the people on the balcony applauding, making some comments among themselves, or simply snarling at the sight¡ªthat one was the bear, most likely. Then, the next group entered the arena: The Flaming Fists. Ascalon felt a bit curious, so he scanned them amidst the booing and cheers of the spectators. Rosco was there, accompanied by his Guildmembers. They looked tough, but he had confidence in both Lilithra and Selorien. Prompted by his thoughts, he looked over at the Casanova group once more. As he watched his friends intently, he could see Lilithra¡¯s head moving around, as if looking for something. It wasn¡¯t long until her big yellow eyes found him, even at that kind of distance. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, but smiled gently, knowing she had been looking for him. He raised his arm high, his fist closed tight¡ªa sign of encouragement to both his friends who were about to fight in the grand colosseum! Chapter 27 - First Match ¡°Heeelllllloooooooo people of Neeew Luuumingaaaaaaard!!! it¡¯s me again, your favorite commentator: J-Rider!!!¡± An amped-up voice boomed through the colosseum as giant floating screens started materializing above the center, viewable from any and every seat. They all showed the same image: a red-haired man smiling boldly. His face had four distinctive tattoos: a red heart on his left cheek, a blue diamond on the right, a black club on the forehead, and a gray spade on the chin. His teeth shone with a golden glow, and as he moved animatedly, a variety of chains and trinkets could be seen dangling about. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we gathered at the colosseum, huh?! We even had to get rid of some giant spiders and cobwebs! but boy, did we come back with a bang!¡± Once again, the enthusiastic tone reverberated inside the structure. ¡°Two guilds decided to settle things once and for all! and we, the lucky ones, are here to witness their clash!¡± He took a pause, as the spectators shouted and exclaimed in agreement. ¡°So tell me, New Lumingard, are you exciteeeeeeeeeed?!¡± The colosseum erupted with encouragement, applause, whistling, and a myriad of different noises. ¡°Yeaaah!!!¡± Screamed the spectators in unison, the giant structure rumbling with their collective movements. ¡°Yooo that¡¯s what i like to heeeear! Put up your bets, grab onto your tails, and cover your ears, because it¡¯s gonna get craaaaaaaaaaaazzyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!¡± The tattooed man yelled at the top of his lungs, and the masses cheered as streaks of light began to ascend all around the arena. Then, at the height of their ascent, explosions followed, scattering a multitude of colorful sparkles that slowly cascaded down. Ascalon watched the whole event unfold with his eye wide open, amazed at every little detail. From the announcer¡¯s booming voice reaching such a high tone, to the infectious energy emanating from the spectators¡ªwhich included a motivated Jay nearby¡ªand the dazzling spectacle of lights that followed They really were embracing the ¡®festival¡¯ mood, yet Ascalon felt it took away from the seriousness of the situation. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but be influenced by the cheerful atmosphere. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t so bad that things weren¡¯t more somber after all. He looked down at the arena, saw Lilithra clap animatedly at Selorien¡¯s side, and smiled softly. If his friends were fine with it, why would he be against it? As he thought that, the so-called J-Rider¡¯s voice was heard once more. ¡°For the newcomers and regulars alike, let me explain the rules!¡± The red-haired man shouted enthusiastically, and the screens changed from his visage to an image displaying the names of the fighters, divided by columns with symbols that represented their guilds. ¡°The main rule is: there are no rules!!! and today, we¡¯re gonna see some one versus one action!!!¡± Explained J-Rider amidst the cheering crowd. ¡°We have the best healers and medics in town at the ready, and defensive barriers are set around the arena, so go ham everyone!!!¡± Ascalon listened intently, thinking it was actually pretty similar to the arenas back in Excadia. Though there were no healers at the ready there¡ªbattles usually lasted until one of the fighters drew their last breath. Still, even if he believed in his friends, the whole no-rules thing made him a bit worried. ¡°Personally, I really wanted to see a relay kind of battle, where the winner keeps fighting until defeated! But since the one aaaand only Lucio Cormante is participating, we decided to keep it fair!¡± The people in the stands shouted various things, some understanding, some confused by a particular topic, and the commentator picked up on that as his smile turned into a grin. ¡°What¡¯s that, dear spectators? Why isn¡¯t the Flaming Fists leader participating? Why isn¡¯t the great Ignis defending the honor of his guild? He¡¯s a coward, you say? Daaayuuuum! Be careful people, I can see him seethe in the VIP balcony!¡± The commentator laughed loudly, clearly mocking the Flaming Fists¡¯ Guildmaster. The man with long, black hair¡ªthe one that had shot Ascalon an irritated stare earlier¡ªreclined in his seat and crossed his arms, replying to no one in particular. ¡°Hmmph! As if I would lower myself to his level! I couldn¡¯t care less about Lucio¡¯s stupid schemes!¡± He exclaimed with annoyance, his eyes closed and his brows furrowed. Ascalon could now get a glimpse at what kind of man was the Flaming Fists¡¯ leader, and he didn¡¯t like his attitude at all. That entire Guild seemed like a lair of truancy and villainy, to be honest. It was then that the announcer spoke again. ¡°But oh well, I''m sure Lucio will meet his match today! Against the one and only¡­ fucking Bob bahahah!!! Oh shit sorry Bob, don¡¯t take it personally!¡± He exclaimed with a mocking tone, his distaste for that particular Guild being pretty evident¡ªthough Ascalon felt a bit sad for this ¡®Bob¡¯ fellow. Still, the colosseum erupted with laughter, and in the field, a member of the Flaming Fists raised his arms high in the air. He was a chubby man, wearing the distinctive jacket of his Guild, a pair of blue pants, and a set of military-looking boots. His head had a circular patch of hair right in the middle, with the rest completely shaved. On his nape was a tattoo of their Guild emblem, and his round face showed an ecstatic smile. Ascalon assumed that was Bob, and at least he seemed to be happy about the attention. ¡°Hell yeah Bob!¡± Exclaimed J-Rider as he watched the now pumped-up Bob. ¡°But let¡¯s get this show on the road! Like, dayum, someone make me shut up already!¡± He added, part of the audience laughing and rallying. ¡°Cooooming right up, we got the biggest and meanest kitty in the block: Richaaaaard the White Gaaaale!¡± At the announcer¡¯s words, Ascalon scanned Casanova¡¯s group, and immediately found the person that matched the description. He looked fierce and confident as he walked toward the center of the arena, his tail moving quickly from side to side. The man looked incredibly annoyed though, his visible brow furrowed and his fangs glistening in the open¡ªprobably due to J-Rider¡¯s commentary. ¡°Versuuuuuus!!! The one guy from the fists that actually focuses on training martial arts¡ªthe muscular, stone-cold: Daaaaaario the Pummeler!¡± This time, Ascalon gazed in the opposite direction and fixated his eye on a strong-looking individual approaching Richard. He stood out from the rest of his group for his impassive demeanor, as he had ignored the audience and focused on his opponents since setting foot in the arena. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Dario too was wearing the distinctive jacket of their Guild, though his looked roughed up and old, bulging with his notable musculature. It kind of matched Richard¡¯s scarf, in a way. The bulky bracelets on his forearms added to his rough appearance, and he was also wearing blue jeans, while barefoot. His hair looked unkempt and all over the place, as if he had cut it with a sharp rock rather than a pair of scissors or a blade. He walked with a confident stride, and gave out the aura of a seasoned warrior. Ascalon admired the man¡¯s posture, as he seemed truly disciplined and concentrated on the fight ahead. It was a shame that he belonged to such a nefarious Guild, though. From where Ascalon was seated he couldn¡¯t see the three scars that disfigured the right side of Dario¡¯s face, nor his deep, dark eyes, but could notice Richard sneering as his opponent approached. ¡°Came for a new scar to match the old one, buddy?¡± Richard¡¯s snarky voice echoed through the arena, rallying erupting at his remark. The sudden event took Ascalon by surprise, his eye widening in confusion. But the feeling was short-lived. ¡°Cool, right? It¡¯s J-Rider¡¯s unique skill! Voice amplification, or something!¡± Jay¡¯s excited voice reached Ascalon, who looked at him curiously and nodded in appreciation, thankful for the information. So there were even skills like that? Ascalon thought that was really interesting. As he was marveling at the discovery, Dario¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Try to rile me up all you want, Richard, but today I¡¯m paying back this debt.¡± He exclaimed as he touched the right side of his face with his left hand. The crowd followed his comment by shouting and cheering once more, clearly hyped about the incoming battle. Ascalon felt intrigued about their conversation since he still couldn¡¯t see what Dario¡¯s face hid, but also felt overcome with anticipation¡ªhe wanted to witness the bout already! ¡°These two seem to have quite the history, eh?¡± Added Jay from his seat, smiling gleefully, clearly a gossip-loving fellow. Though Ascalon was in no position to judge, either. ¡°Now then! get ready, everyone! Richard, Dario, give us a good show boys! Rejoice, as I will shut the hell up until it¡¯s over! The fight will start once you hear the signal!¡± Some of the spectators laughed at the comment, but the tension was already so high that most people were glued to the two combatants, eager to see them clash. Seconds passed, as the shouting slowly subdued to a murmur, and even some birds could be heard in the distance. Then, a bell rang across the whole colosseum. The two warriors lunged forward brazenly, colliding furiously in the middle of the arena. The impact of their fists crashing sent shockwaves all around them, and the colosseum rumbled as cheers resounded once again. After the initial blow, the fighters jumped back at the same time, gaining some distance to size each other up. They walked in a circle, Richard focusing intently on Dario¡¯s body movements, and Dario on Richard¡¯s. Richard shifted his weight from one foot to the other, swaying slightly as he advanced, his Felinae agility a notorious feature of his style of combat. Dario, on the other hand, maintained a methodical pace, his steps accompanied by quick, short breaths. Blood was circulating seamlessly through his veins, his muscles pulsating slightly as his heartbeat encompassed his whole body. They both waited, looking for an opening or any slight sign of weakness, but were clearly at an impasse. The most impatient one had to act first. Suddenly, Richard dashed in a burst of incredible speed toward Dario¡¯s right side, leaving behind an afterimage that, to the surprise of the spectators, ran in the opposite direction and approached from the left. The crowd gasped in amazement as two Richards pounced upon Dario. The scarred man ignored the first one¡ªwhich disappeared at a hair¡¯s breadth from him¡ªand turned left as he raised both his arms in defense, intercepting a razor-sharp set of claws with his bracelets. The impact made his legs quiver, but he quickly bulked up and leaned forward, jumping as he extended his right leg into an upward kick aimed at the Felinae¡¯s chest. Richard, who remained mid-air after pouncing, relied on passive skills and his trained body to soften the blow, and Dario¡¯s bare feet struck him squarely in the torso. The white-furred Felinae flew back a slight distance, and even though the pain was bearable, his opponent wasn¡¯t done yet. Dario took advantage of the situation and rushed toward Richard, his fists beginning to glow as they were quickly enveloped by fiery flames. Richard assessed the situation, and as soon as his rear paws hit the floor, he backstepped in succession as a flurry of blows assaulted him. Richard deftly evaded the hits, rapidly twisting his body from side to side while he retreated, smelling his fur burn as the fists grazed him. Dario showed no sign of frustration as his attacks were avoided, and kept advancing with no signs of stopping anytime soon. The crowd cheered all the while, and Ascalon was engrossed with the fight, his face showing both elation and amazement. Their skill and strength were really on par with each other, so the battle could either last as long as their stamina allowed or end as soon as one of them made a slight mistake. One of the attacks grazed Richard¡¯s face, and the cloth covering his right side fell, revealing his bare skin. He was missing an eye and an ear, his fur barely growing in patches around a disturbing burn scar. Ascalon felt a sense of camaraderie with the one-eyed Richard, but was more interested in the tale behind that old wound. He pushed the thoughts away and concentrated on the fight at present. The one to break the stalemate was Richard, who, displaying once again his astounding speed, separated his body into multiple afterimages that rushed in different directions. This time, Dario opened his mouth and gritted his teeth, as he was so focused on the relentless barrage that he couldn¡¯t spot the ¡®real¡¯ Richard among the fleeing ¡®clones¡¯. He stopped attacking and took a big breath before briefly raising his right leg high. The next moment, he exhaled sharply and brought his feet down in a thunderous stomp. The whole colosseum shook, the ground around him cracking under the weight of the impact. This made a few of the afterimages stumble and vanish, but there were still three quickly dashing as they circled him. Then, Ascalon heard the Flaming Fists¡¯ Guildmaster speak out of nowhere, annoyance clear in his voice. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s getting pushed around by that cat again! Ugh, useless bastard, I should just kick him out!¡± He stated while a few murmurs could be perceived around him. It was then that a womanly voice cut through the balcony, her tone firm and coated with disdain. ¡°Please do, your shithole isn¡¯t worthy of a man like Dario.¡± Ascalon¡¯s eye moved in the direction of the voice, seeing now the appearance of the woman who was talking to Jay when he arrived. She had voluminous red hair, and her slightly tanned face and long eyelashes made for a striking view. She wore a brown overcoat over a white shirt, which bulged over an ample chest. Her brown pants and leather boots matched well with the rest of the attire, and she had a black cloth tied on her left arm with a white symbol of a skull opening its mouth. Going by what Ascalon had gathered about the people in the ¡®VIP¡¯ area, she was probably also a Guildmaster, or at least a high-ranking member of a Guild. She side-eyed him, noticing his stare, and winked, which startled Ascalon a bit. The Fists¡¯ Guildmaster simply huffed, and ignored the girl. Back at the arena, Dario felt like Richard was testing his mettle, trying to agitate him, to wear him down¡ªhe knew the Felinae very well, after all. His eyes darted from one Richard to the other, assessing their pathing and their speed. He waited patiently until the three blurs were around the same side of the arena, and furrowed his brow as his visage was overtaken by determination. He quickly spun on his right foot as he unleashed a wide, sweeping kick. His leg cut through the air with a booming sound, as a shockwave reverberated forward, causing two of the afterimages to waver and dissipate. The real Richard, however, got on all fours and pressed his body to the ground in order to avoid the attack. But it wasn¡¯t just an evasive maneuver. Richard quickly pounced toward Dario, with the speed and ferocity of a wild predator¡ªboosted to impossible levels by passive skills and the strength of all his four limbs combined. Dario was taken by surprise, and barely managed to raise his guard as the Felinae approached. Richard¡¯s attack was a downward slam with both his powerful, sharp claws, and as it connected with Dario¡¯s bracelets, the ground shook and a cloud of dust and debris enveloped them. The crowd erupted in cheers once more, their excitement reaching a new peak. As the fine particles dissipated in the arena, people gasped at the sight. There were the two warriors, struggling with all their might, their faces a mix of rage and fighting spirit, teeth and fang bare. Richard¡¯s right claw was firmly embedded into Dario¡¯s left shoulder, dangerously close to his neck, and blood was staining his jacket. The left paw of the Felinae also stuck on Dario¡¯s bracelets. Ascalon let out a big sigh as he reclined in his seat. He, who had seen countless battles and experienced many a bout, knew the fight was already over. Jay couldn¡¯t help but notice his demeanor, and briefly raised an eyebrow before focusing on the arena again. Dario¡¯s face twisted in pain, as Richard roared atop his beastly lungs. ¡°Rrraaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!¡± The claw deeply lodged into Dario¡¯s flesh began to glow white, and the air began to circle around them in a fierce whirlwind. Then, blood gushed from Dario¡¯s shoulder as Richard raised his right paw high, dislodging it from the flesh. In a second, it went down again in thunderous impetus, slashing through Dario with a clean downward motion. A white flash followed, and the thud sound of Dario¡¯s left arm hitting the floor made the tribunes gasp in shock, horror, and awe. Silence reigned around the colosseum after such a turn of events. Dario then smiled weakly in regret and defeat, his now vacant eyes looking at the floor, and put down his head in shame. It seemed to be over. The announcer''s voice boomed through the structure, breaking the heavy silence. "And the winner is... Richaaaard the Whiiite Gaaaaaaaaale!!!" Chapter 28 - Adariel vs Lucretia The colosseum exploded in cheers and shouting as Richard was announced the winner, even though the image before the spectators was crude and visceral. Dario had fallen to his knees, and clutched his bleeding shoulder while his left arm rested in a pool of crimson. In the distance, medics could be seen hurriedly approaching now that the match had concluded. Richard heaved with ragged breaths, exhausted and relieved by his victory, and looked down at his now defeated adversary, his blue eye showing no emotions behind it. He didn¡¯t feel even the slightest bit of remorse or pity at what he had done, but did regret, just a little bit, that that might have been the last time he fought Dario on equal terms. He turned around and began walking back to Casanova¡¯s group, but something was gnawing at the back of his head. He clicked his tongue and spoke, his voice still being amplified by J-Rider¡¯s skill. ¡°Come and try again as many times as you want. I¡¯m always ready for a rematch. Hmmph!¡± He said with disdain, though Dario sighed softly at the words. Maybe the Felinae did feel a bit of remorse, after all. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that just hype you up, people?! Two real warriors right there, yes siiir!¡± The crowd roared once again, and the floating screens now showed the remaining matches after having added a victory for Casanova¡¯s team. ¡°Calm down people, it¡¯s only been the first match! Spare some of your voice for the battles ahead! Or¡­ you could simply buy one of our highly effective throat remedies! A single sip can¡­¡± As J-Rider began running an advertisement, Richard reached his Guild members'' designated spot. Lucio greeted him with a knowing smile, confident that Richard would¡¯ve won no matter what. Lucretia was glued to her phone, but gave a thumbs up toward the Felinae, who chuckled softly. As for Lilithra and Selorien, they simply watched the warrior in awe. They had been silent through the entire match, and had felt a myriad of emotions. From admiring the fighter¡¯s prowess, to being jealous of their skills, and even a bit scared at how it had ended up. Lilithra was especially taken aback by the bloody outcome, thinking that she had to face an opponent as deadly as Richard in just two more matches. It was clear that in a fight between the two, the Felinae would mop the floor with Rosco. But that was the thing: she was not Richard. The whole ¡®no rules¡¯ part was also a bit scary for her. She knew Rosco wasn¡¯t going to hold back, and there was nothing stopping people from killing each other in the colosseum, even if it was a rare occurrence. With her thoughts spiraling down, she decided to look at the VIP corner once again. Ascalon¡¯s presence out there lightened her mood immediately and rekindled her resolution. She hesitantly approached Richard, who now sat on a bench and dried his sweaty fur with a towel. He looked up, his eye showing displeasure and suspicion, as she timidly raised her voice. ¡°Uhm! Great fight!¡± She exclaimed concisely, her hands curled into tiny, pumped-up gestures. Even Richard couldn¡¯t help but admire a bit of her innocence. He nodded, sighing in resignation, and Lilithra felt that she had passed some kind of hurdle. Both Lucretia and Lucio seemed surprised by the interaction, but didn¡¯t voice it. At the same time, Selorien was smiling at his friend. Even though he had pictured himself cheering up Lilithra through the event, he was glad that she didn¡¯t seem as nervous as he had predicted, and felt quite reassured by her actions. If she maintained that level-headedness, he could focus on preparing for his own match. He didn¡¯t know a single thing about his opponent, and a colosseum wasn¡¯t exactly the best place for a rogue to excel at, so he was trying to come up with a plan¡ªthough being mesmerized by the fights was going to prove counterproductive, unless the battles sparked a strategy for him. Still, it was exciting. When was the last time he felt his life was on the line? A hundred years ago, give or take? He thought the ¡®encounter¡¯ with Escarlata didn¡¯t count, not wanting to admit she scared him to the core that one night. He was really looking forward to testing his skills against another fighter, and not just some dungeon monster. While his friends delved into their own thoughts, Ascalon was anticipating the next battle. The people around him were making various post-fight comments, and he listened intently to their reactions. ¡°I think Richard¡¯s agility was what tipped the scale! I mean, maybe Dario would¡¯ve won if he had better equipment too.¡± Commented Jay, his friendly smile ever present, as he playfully threw some small, white snacks into his mouth. ¡°I agree. I know you men love showing off your chest and muscles, and I¡¯m not complaining! But good enchanted armor can make a difference.¡± Added the red-haired girl, whose name was still unknown to Ascalon. He agreed with her though, knowing that his own armor had been of great help in his past. Even if his body was resilient and almost impervious to damage from weaker foes, he had many encounters with creatures where his trusty equipment had been a deciding factor. Still, the ¡®enchanted¡¯ part piqued his curiosity. ¡°He was simply outclassed! Hah!¡± A fierce voice cut through the air, belonging to the man-bear that Ascalon had seen before. ¡°You¡¯re just saying that because you¡¯re both furry, Urvan!¡± Jay interjected while laughing, the palm of his hand hitting his knee repeatedly. He seemed incredibly amused by his own words, implying that maybe the bear had some sort of camaraderie with Richard because of their races. Ascalon thought it made sense. Since time immemorial people tried to band with those that resembled them, appearance-wise. Though he had thought New Lumingard was a more diverse, open-minded place, maybe there were still some that preferred to associate with their ¡®own¡¯. Urvan laughed alongside Jay, his ferocious jaw opening wide in an entertained smile. Ascalon thought most people there knew each other enough to joke around, and it made for a lively sight¡ªthough there was one that silently seethed in his seat: the Flaming Fists¡¯ leader. Ignis, as the announcer had called him, trembled with bottled-up anger. Despite trying to conceal it as best as he could, he was like an open book¡ªhis brows furrowed, face flushed red, and veins pulsating on his forehead. No one wanted to poke fun at him, knowing it was going to lead to trouble. While Jay, the woman and Urvan kept exchanging comments, others didn¡¯t share their thoughts. Both Escarlata and the old elf had watched the match in silence. Ascalon hadn¡¯t noticed even the slightest bit of emotion on the man¡¯s face, and it was to be expected. Just how many similar battles had this Theoldorien witnessed in his life? The elder probably felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu just by being there. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. There was also the scrawny-looking man Ascalon had observed when he arrived. He sat the furthest from the group, and in a really unorthodox position. He was hunched over his seat, with both his shoes on it, and was holding his knees close to his chest, adopting more of a squat rather than a sitting position. Watching him closely, Ascalon could notice he was actually moving his lips, though he seemed to simply be talking to himself. But as he thought that, he heard his name being called out. ¡°So what did you think, Ascalon? I¡¯m only asking twice, alright? Ha!¡± It was Jay¡¯s voice, who laughed animatedly. It appeared that he had tried to get Ascalon¡¯s attention before, but he was too focused on his surroundings. He furrowed his brows slightly as he pondered. ¡°It was a fine battle. While they were on par with each other, Sir Richard seized the slightest advantage to turn the match in his favor! I must agree with the Lady, though¡ªI wonder if it would have ended like so if Sir Dario were better armored.¡± Ascalon replied, referring to the red-haired woman as the Lady, not knowing her name, and agreeing with her earlier comment. The woman smiled softly, clearly pleased by his words. ¡°Why, thank you¡­ Mr. Ascalon. You can call me Calista, by the way.¡± She answered in a slightly seductive tone, her gaze fixed on him. Ascalon nodded, acknowledging her name and nothing else, his dense nature keeping him from reading too much into her tone. Still, he felt he was fitting in among these people, his earlier doubts about being alone having banished completely. Urvan seemed to engage in a brief conversation with the scrawny-looking man, who simply shook his head in response, and at the same time, the announcer¡¯s voice boomed over the crowd. ¡°Alright everyone! Dario is going to the infirmary to learn about prosthetics. The arena has been cleaned up, soooooo¡­¡± He paused for a moment, building up the anticipation. ¡°It¡¯s time for the second maaaaatch!!!¡± The cheering and shouting repeated itself, and the colosseum rumbled as the screens showed the next combatants¡¯ names. ¡°Coming from the Flaming Fists¡¯ pest-ridden hellhole, this one is a real piece of work! He¡¯s known for being high all the time and a total douche to boot! Give it up for Adarieeeeeeel the Scorched Alchemiiiiist!!!¡± The crowd erupted in a mix of booing and cheering as a man approached the center of the arena, being one of the guys that had made some rude gestures toward the spectators before, alongside the damned Bob. Despite that, he seemed to have a certain level of popularity, seeing how he had split some parts of the audience into voicing their opposing opinions against each other. Adariel grinned widely, his mouth stretched from ear to ear with his tongue out, giving off a really unhinged vibe. As his yellow eyes darted around the stands, he basked on praise and insult alike. His spiky, orange hair had random streaks of red and yellow hues mixed in. Many corroded nails could be seen embedded into his ears, adding to his wild appearance. As for his torso, he was wearing the Flaming Fists¡¯ jacket over a naked, pale chest, and through his right arm ran a distasteful tattoo of a crying, naked woman. He also wore a pair of long, red shorts with big pockets, and his hairy legs were full of red dots and marks. On his shoes, two old-looking sneakers whose blue color had mostly faded away, and the laces had been crudely replaced by zip-ties. In the VIP balcony, Calista¡¯s displeased voice reached Ascalon¡¯s ears. ¡°Poor girl¡­ to have to deal with that deranged bastard.¡± She stated with clear disapproval, her upper lip raised and her nose wrinkled up in disgust. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but agree, seeing Adariel¡¯s crazy looks. Ascalon couldn¡¯t believe some people were even cheering for him, but he reminded himself that such was the unpredictable behavior of people in crowds, especially in events where emotions ran high and blood was shed. As he wondered, J-Rider¡¯s voice reached everyone. ¡°On the other hand, and contrasting with this damn weirdo, we have the gorgeous, dark-looking doll that ranks first in people that I want to be smothered by! Lucretiaaaaaaa the Hushed Whispeeeeeer!!!¡± This time, the Leporian girl left the Casanova group, making her way to the arena with half-closed eyes and a bored, unbothered expression. Her eyes rolled as she listened to the announcer and the spectators, some of them screaming their unending love for her. Among the many weirdos, she heard Lilithra. ¡°D-do your best!¡± Exclaimed the red-haired girl, with a bit of shyness on her tone. Lucretia felt a bit touched, yet her facial expression remained unchanging. As she arrived at the arena, a creepy sight welcomed her. Adariel was licking his lips lecherously, his hands rubbing against each other while he moved his hips back and forth in a thrusting motion. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re such a hot bitch!¡± He said with a mocking grin, his eyes burning holes in her cleavage. The spectators booed in repulsion, hearing his amplified voice, and Lucretia herself rolled her eyes again. ¡°Ew.¡± Was the only word that escaped her lips, but that only seemed to fuel Adariel as his tongue moved erratically outside his mouth. ¡°Chill out man, what the fuck. Start this already, people!!!¡± Even the announcer seemed disgusted by Adariel¡¯s behavior, and hoped the colosseum staff rushed the starting signal. Thankfully, his wish was granted, as the bell sound echoed through the colosseum once again. The crowd cheered, accompanying the sound, and Adariel quickly dashed forward. He raised both his hands and grabbed a pair of rusty hatchets that appeared out of thin air. His crazed look as he advanced made for a horrifying sight, his tongue lolling about and droll staining his chin. But Lucretia simply sighed, as she raised her right hand and a black book materialized on it. The tome opened, and the pages started to flip furiously. In a second, a dark aura began to seep out of Lucretia, devouring the colorful surroundings and reducing them to monochrome shades. ¡°Prologue¡ªIt devoured it all.¡± She whispered with an ominous, hushed tone. Her voice, being elevated by J-Rider, sent shivers through many of the spectator¡¯s backs. Adariel, mere steps away from her, stopped in his tracks as soon as one of his feet crossed the boundary between the colors and the black and white atmosphere. His face showed confusion as he opened his eyes wide and tried to look around, but he couldn¡¯t move an inch. The spectators could see how the darkness was wrapping all around him, like tentacles made of black, dense ink. The Leporian¡¯s ears twitched as she raised her other arm, and a mass of black energy began to swirl on her upturned palm. It slowly began to release small fragments that gradually took the shape of bats, and unleashed them in her opponent¡¯s direction. Adariel watched in helplessness as more darkness surrounded him, a multitude of bat-like creatures covering him, biting furiously into his flesh. But he relished the pain, a deranged smile forming on his face as his whole body suddenly erupted into a fierce explosion. A cloud of monochrome smoke covered his retreat as he jumped backward, outside the range of Lucretia¡¯s aura. He heaved heavily, laughing creepily between breaths, his body exuding visibly heat due to his fiery abilities. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re so scary¡­ I¡¯m so hard right now!¡± He exclaimed, the crowd letting out words of complaint out of disgust. Lucretia calmly watched him, her dark aura slowly expanding around her. Adariel took notice of her range, and started walking back slowly, humming to himself as he analyzed the situation. Despite his appearance suggesting that he had, at most, two brain cells, he was cunning and liked to strategize. His desire to overcome his opponents fueled by impure, repulsive thoughts. He tilted his head while raising his right hatchet, and promptly slashed at the air in a downward swing. From the blade emanated an unruly flame, which followed along the path of a shockwave toward the black domain of the Leporian. The fiery attack clashed against the boundaries of the darkness, fire splitting in all directions and scorching the air, as if an invisible barrier protected Lucretia¡¯s surroundings. The crowd let out amazed sounds and cheers, and even Ascalon, atop the balcony, was captivated by the girl¡¯s mysterious abilities. It was clear that, for the moment, she had the upper hand, and by a huge margin. But Adariel hadn¡¯t shown all his abilities yet, so the match¡¯s victor was still uncertain¡­ Chapter 29 - Hidden by the Dark The many eyes around the colosseum were glued to the arena, where creeping darkness slowly swirled and expanded around the goth girl, her body barely visible at the center of the dome-like ability. Her opponent hummed while biding his time, his head bobbing from side to side as he analyzed the situation. Adariel had noticed that the girl¡¯s spell had slowed gradually, possibly as its range expanded. He thought he was ¡®safe¡¯ as long as he kept his distance, so he was trying to take that as his advantage. But while he was thinking that, Lucretia crouched and placed a knee on the ground, followed by both her hands while her book hovered in the air. She whispered a few words, closing her eyes and beginning to concentrate her energy on her palms. Adariel watched with curiosity, tilting his head to an unnatural degree and raising one of his eyebrows. Suddenly, from the boundary of the darkness, a straight, shadowy line shot toward the man. His eyes widened in surprise, but he managed to react in time thanks to being so concentrated on the dome. Adariel dashed to his right side and avoided the attack, but maintained his gaze fixed on the moving line, as a strange sense of caution washed over him. Surely enough, the dark silhouette turned toward him and began to give chase, forcing a slightly surprised Adariel to quicken his pace. Even though the situation wasn¡¯t in his favor, his face showed a deranged, entertained smile, his lips stretching as much as his facial muscles allowed. ¡°That¡¯s some crazy shit! Hahaha!¡± He exclaimed, cackling wildly, his body quickly darting through the arena. The audience was cheering once more, the sight beginning to hype them up. Ascalon watched Lucretia¡¯s powers with great interest. He had seen similar abilities back in Excadia, both involving shadows and dark energy, but were usually on the other side of the battlefield as they were considered ¡®evil¡¯ arts. Truth be told, he kind of agreed, especially after witnessing their uses. It also reminded him of that one night, when that Moleman fellow was gulped down by a similar kind of darkness. But he could feel there was a difference in skill between whoever used it on that occasion and Lucretia. If she had been the one, Adariel would¡¯ve already lost. Still, he was impressed by her mastery. Lucretia looked around the same age as Lilithra, yet wielded such powerful abilities to an incredible degree. Her control over the dark energy was astounding, and her focus seemed unshakable, even taking into account the kind of weird opponent she was facing. Her eyes had never left her target, and her actions were calculated. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but feel that Lucretia would make a fine ally, and was glad that she was on Lilithra¡¯s team. As his mind wandered over the Leporian, he noticed Adariel was beginning to act. The Flaming Fists¡¯ member kept running away from the line that relentlessly pursued him, while he shuffled some ideas in his mind. He was having fun, trying to come up with the best plan, or the one that would entertain him the most. To Adariel, it was all a game after all, and his enjoyment was the only thing that mattered. He decided on a course of action, his shoes suddenly glowing while he activated one of his skills. Fire began to rise from the ground, following in his wake, his feet now engulfed in flames that reached past his knees. The pursuer met the fires head-on and started to burn up like a rope coated in oil. Noticing this, Lucretia cut the connection with her ability, raising both her palms from the floor. The dark tendril vanished into dark particles mixed with smoke, dissipating into the air. She then stood up, her eyes narrowing while she pondered over her approach. Adariel slowed to a stop, his legs now succumbing to even greater flames, and turned to face Lucretia with a mischievous grin. He launched his hatchets in the air, and began juggling them with seasoned practice, simply to entertain himself as he observed his opponent. ¡°What¡¯s the hold-up?! Do some crazy shit already!¡± Adariel exclaimed before snickering in a taunting manner, his tone of voice that of an impatient child. Lucretia ignored his sneering, focusing her thoughts on her next move. She extended her arms and raised her palms, her book circling around her with its pages furiously turning. As she closed her eyes, the tome began glowing with purple light, and the darkness around her began to shrink, appearing to be absorbed by the object. Both Adariel and the crowd watched with curiosity as the black mass began to take a more compact, solid form. Then, she opened her eyes sharply, and from the monochrome boundary erupted a wave of winged creatures that, once more, resembled bats. ¡°Chapter 3¡ªNight of the Chiroptera.¡± She whispered one more time, her silky, soft voice contrasting with her attack. This time though, their sizes were enormous and resembled those of big, ominous eagles, their wings stretching as if they could cover the very sun if they all banded together. The dark beings advanced relentlessly toward Adariel, the crowd gasping collectively as they witnessed the unnatural creatures. Among the cacophony of screeches and flapping wings, Adariel¡¯s voice resounded through the colosseum. ¡°Damn, baby, you really like those flying rats! Hahaha!¡± He cackled, a mix of confidence and boldness in his voice, as he stopped juggling his weapons and gripped them tightly. While the bat-like horde approached, the fire on his legs expanded upward through his body¡ªit looked as if the flames were consuming him. But his unwavering smile betrayed the sight. Then, the massive bats lunged from above. He swung his now flaming hatchets at the nearest one, the blades cutting through the air in an upward, diagonal swing. He felt his attack connect, and the creature caught in flames before being reduced to smoke and ashes. The spectators wowed in amazement, seeing how Adariel handled the monstrous bat so easily. Still, it was only one of many. Adariel didn¡¯t stop to count them; he didn¡¯t care much about their numbers, but he roughly guessed they were about thirty. In the end, it didn¡¯t matter. He was going to destroy every single one of them! He kept repeating his swings as more of the winged shadows approached, an onslaught of slashes thrown in all directions. Some of the creatures evaded him, others perishing in the process, as flame and shadow clashed fiercely, amazing the spectators. But something felt off. Adariel¡¯s eyes narrowed as the cunning part of his brain began to analyze a few uncertainties, looking at how some of the bats just circled around him and screeched. He was now clad in his [Smoldering Corpse] skill, so the shadows wouldn¡¯t be able to hurt him anyway, even with the dark aura that comprised them. But were they being cautious? Or just¡­ a distraction? Adariel looked over in Lucretia¡¯s direction while fending off the winged assault, but the girl remained fixed in place, her expression impassive and her eyes still on him. She didn¡¯t seem to be plotting anything. But then, why? Why were his instincts screaming at him? Why was he so certain that something was wrong? He was overcome with impatience, his usually deranged, unhinged face, now showed an angry expression with furrowed brows. He felt agitated, and wasn¡¯t enjoying himself. That was actually infuriating for him. It was then that something along the darkness flickered. Adariel focused, his eyes closing slightly, and noticed her shadow was moving slightly. Wait, shadow? Among the darkness that surrounded her? His brain started working at full throttle, and his body moved in an instant. He jumped in the air, propelled by a fiery streak of flames, and appraised the situation from a birds-eye view. There, he gasped in surprise at the sight, while the girl smiled wickedly. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Behind Lucretia extended a set of dark tendrils, all going in a straight line toward the far end of the arena. Her body, along with the darkness that enveloped her and the incorporeal shape of the lines, made for the perfect combination to hide her next attack. Adariel¡¯s eyes followed the tendrils closely, seeing how they wrapped along the edges of the arena, and alarm signals began to sound inside his mind. His face showed no trace of his earlier confidence, replaced instead by a visage of pure rage. He propelled himself by a burst of flames, and plummeted toward Lucretia in a raging descent. But before he could reach her, his whole world turned black. The audience shouted, gasped, and cheered as they saw the whole situation develop. The tendrils had connected with each other, forming an entire circle around the fighting grounds, and had enveloped it completely in a matter of seconds. Some of the spectators leaned back as the blackness blocked their view from the fight, Lucretia¡¯s dome having reached a humongous size. Ascalon thought he could stretch forward and touch it, though he refrained from doing so due to many, sensible reasons. Inside the now closed-up sphere, a frantic Adariel shook his head from side to side, trying to perceive anything in the encompassing darkness. But he couldn¡¯t even see his own flames, still burning up fiercely around him. ¡°What did you do to me?!¡± He screamed with a panicked voice, though this time it wasn¡¯t amplified. It seemed he had been cut off from the rest of the world, and was alone in a dark, vast emptiness. It was then that a voice reached his ears, wherever they were. ¡°Chapter 8¡ªIt cometh.¡± A hushed whisper echoed through the void, the voice of Lucretia, who appeared as a blur in what seemed to be a distant point in space. He squinted over and over, or so he tried, but her shape didn¡¯t become any clearer. Then, dread began to creep over him. The hair all over his body stood on end, as a presence began to overcome him with an abysmal, existential dread. Around the Leporian¡¯s almost transparent silhouette, a multitude of gigantic, monstrous eyes began to slowly open up. In an instant, an unbearable pressure descended upon him, his mind shattering immediately as he gazed upon something he shouldn¡¯t be allowed to¡ªa peek into an unknown, unfathomable depth. It was a place for entities that shouldn¡¯t mingle with humans, yet he had been forced to witness a maddening existence beyond comprehension. The audience watched in tense, palpable anticipation filling the air. After a few moments, the darkness began to recede. The dome vanished slowly, black particles rising toward the sky as they disappeared. At the center of the arena was Adariel, kneeling on the floor, his weapons scattered around him. His face looked incredibly pale, his once colorful hair now a single shade of gray, and his lips moved up and down as he mumbled incomprehensibly. Only a select few had been able to peek at what had happened inside the dome, thanks to specific skills, but there were some that knew what kind of powers she wielded anyway. But it was clear to everyone that Lucretia was the resounding victor. ¡°Uh- ehm- and the winner is Lucretia, the Hushed Whispeeeeer!!!¡± The commentator¡¯s voice resounded throughout the colosseum, and the spectators began to cheer reluctantly, until they started getting more animated, and loudly clapped and shouted for Lucretia¡¯s victory. ¡°Hmmph!¡± She turned back sharply and walked back to his Guild¡¯s place, her confident stride garnering her the unconditional love of many of the spectators. At the same time, the medical team rushed in, and carried the dazed Adariel out of the premises. ¡°That was a crazy match, guys! And the count is now two to zeeeeeeeroooo!¡± J-Rider¡¯s voice pierced the air, as the screens showed the updated matchups one more time, chalking another victory for the Casanova group. The crowd was chanting Lucretia¡¯s name, and a few cheers for Casanova as a whole, the atmosphere turning more animated now that the stakes were higher for the Flaming Fists. They were a single defeat away from losing the entire event, after all. As Lucretia approached her Guild¡¯s designated spot, her new Guildmates looked at her with awe. Compared to Richard¡¯s fight, hers was a more one-sided show, and her stylish clothes even remained pristine throughout the entire match! Lucio clapped softly at her return, his voice gently greeting her. ¡°Nice job out there, though you went a bit too hard on him, gamble or not.¡±Exclaimed the Guildmaster as the girl passed him by. She side-eyed him with a bored look on her face. ¡°He deserved it for being a weirdo, and, a pervert. And it wasn¡¯t a gamble¡­ I knew he had zero mental resistance.¡± She proclaimed with pride, as a few droplets of blood began to stain the makeup on her lips. Her powers were strong but had some nasty repercussions. The latest chapters she had unlocked in her book were focused on illusion magic, but just conjuring these imitations, even if not real, was truly taxing. ¡°Yes, he did deserve it¡­ but you should think about yourself more!¡± Answered Lucio, with a worried tone of voice that took Lilithra and Selorien by surprise. They had never seen him behave so¡­ sincerely. But they understood it had to do with the crimson droplets coming out of Lucretia¡¯s mouth, which she was softly cleaning with a cute, purple handkerchief. Even Richard had perked up, and showed a concerned expression on his face. They realized that whatever she had done in that dome had taken a toll on her body. The girl herself noticed their gaze, and smiled softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this; it¡¯s just an aftereffect of my skills¡­ but I do need to rest.¡± She spoke with a gentle, but tired tone, trying to reassure her comrades while she approached a nearby bench and sat with carefulness. Lilithra walked over to her with a bit of hesitation on her steps, Lucretia watching her with curiosity.? ¡°Uhm! You were really cool out there! Congrats!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with admiration, her eyes sparkling as she watched the Leporian. Lucretia¡¯s lips curled up into a smug smile. ¡°Well, it was to be expected. I mean, who would lose against those jerks?¡± Her soft tone of voice betrayed her somewhat mean comments. Once again, her social ineptitude had kicked in, though she was still as oblivious to it as ever. Lilithra laughed nervously to herself, while Selorien sighed and patted her shoulder in understanding. Lucio and Richard observed from the sidelines, Lucio feeling a mix of happiness and satisfaction as the newbies were starting to open up a bit. They had been quite reserved up to the match, so as the Guildmaster he was feeling a bit concerned about them. In the meantime, at the VIP balcony, a new conversation had been sparked by Lucretia¡¯s victory. Ascalon simply watched and listened as the rest talked animatedly. ¡°That girl is a menace, geez! I wouldn¡¯t want to be in Adariel¡¯s place.¡± Jay commented as he stretched his arms forward, smiling boldly as usual. Ascalon wondered if the man ever stopped smiling. ? ¡°The cutie sure showed him, hehe~! Illusions sure are effective against dumbasses.¡± Calista chimed in with a playful tone of voice, her face showing a satisfied expression. While most of them seemed quite pleased by the match¡¯s outcome, there were a few who didn¡¯t seem to share their joy. One of them was the thin man that Ascalon still didn¡¯t know much about. He sat in his weird posture in silence, mumbling to himself and detached from his surroundings, only answering to Urvan from time to time. The other one was obviously Ignis. He didn¡¯t seem as angry as before, but he looked bothered and disappointed, rubbing his temples slowly. Ascalon would have felt some sympathy if it weren¡¯t for the fact that Ignis was an unpleasant person overall, and leader of an even worse Guild. The man was probably pondering about the event¡¯s outcome. After all, everyone already knew that the Flaming Fists had lost, and the rest of the matches were just a formality. If Lilithra and Selorien were to lose, Lucio would be the last standing member of their Guild, and there was no conceivable universe where Bob would win against him.? ¡°Sorry, Bob.¡± Ascalon whispered as he scanned the arena. Even if Casanova¡¯s victory was pretty much set in stone, he was still excited to see his friends'' matches! Though he was unsure if they would go on with Lilithra¡¯s fight if Selorien were to win. But before it could come to that, a shocking development would shake the entire Colosseum, causing Ignis to grin in his seat as a glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes. Chapter 30 - Seloriens Turn The spectators were chanting Casanova¡¯s name and celebrating an obvious victory when the announcer¡¯s voice reached everyone¡¯s ears. ¡°Whoa whoa whoa! People of New Lumingard, I bring you some juicy news!¡± Exclaimed J-Rider animatedly, his image bouncing from side to side in the big, floating screens. The audience quieted down a bit, as anticipation began to build. ¡°It seems that Lucio is surrendering his match!!!¡± A wave of confusion assaulted the whole colosseum, and it hit the entire Casanova group even harder. Lilithra and Selorien were completely taken aback, their faces a mix of suspicion and shock as they looked around in search of the blonde man; but he had vanished without a trace. Richard was shaking his head from side to side, his brows furrowed in annoyance. ¡°Ugh, such a Lucio thing to do¡­¡± Added the warrior, while Lucretia sighed in exasperation from her seat. ¡°This guy¡­¡± She put a hand over her face, a dismayed look taking over her visage. These two seemed to know the logic behind their Guildmaster¡¯s actions. ¡°Ehem! Let me relay his message! Uhum, let¡¯s see¡­ ¡®dear spectators, and beloved fans of mine! I am sorry to disappoint you, but there¡¯s just no way I can win against the very Bob himself!¡¯ haha fucking Bob! Ehem. ¡®but I have no doubt that my comrades will take us to victory nonetheless!¡¯ he says!¡± Immediately, a mix of booing and shouts resounded through the coliseum. ¡°Come on, I wanted to see a Guildmaster fight! Even if it was against Bob!¡± Screamed someone amidst the sea of people. ¡°It¡¯s not like it changes anything¡ªthey still have two fighters and just have to win once!¡± Chimed in another citizen from the other side of the arena. Similar comments could be perceived here and there, but none from the VIP seats. The faces around Ascalon were those of contemplative and knowing looks. Jay tilted his head, his smile rising to one side. ¡°Lucio and his theatrics. Is he still testing the newbies?¡± Asked the cheerful man, and Ascalon furrowed his brows at the idea. Then, Calista replied. ¡°He does like to put on a show¡­ I mean, where¡¯s the fun in knowing who¡¯s going to win in the end, right? But he must know something we don¡¯t, because the young L¡¯adariel is strong.¡± Her words carried truth, especially toward the end. ¡°Maybe he just wanted to go home early, haha!¡± Urvan laughed mockingly, and Jay joined in with him, their joy becoming contagious. Though the whole ordeal was still not sitting well with Ascalon. He had faith in his friends, of course, but he didn¡¯t like that Lucio was still testing them in some way or another, especially when Lilithra was prone to worrying and overthinking. Ascalon sighed in resignation, knowing there was nothing to do about it but keep believing in them. Lilithra, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t feeling as pressured or nervous, partly because Selorien was going to fight before her, and she couldn¡¯t imagine him losing. If worse came to worst, though¡­ well, she would think about it then! As if reading her mind, Selorien shot her a confident look, smiling boldly and giving her a thumbs up. That was enough for her to beam cheerfully in his direction. Meanwhile, new images appeared on the giant screens and showed the new matchups. J-Rider, who had been trying to appease the audience amidst ads and jokes, put the show on the road once more. ¡°Okaaaaaay everybody, the next match is upon us!!! In the casanova side we have quite the special elf! The young heir of the L¡¯Adariel family, fighting for the first time in the colosseum! Seeeeeeeeelorieeeen! No nickname yet though!!!¡± At the announcer''s words, the crowd boomed in cheers, the voices belonging mostly to females. The male viewers were taken aback, and some booed in jealousy at the elf¡¯s popularity, though they were drowned out mercilessly by the smitten girls. Selorien himself narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue in annoyance, and then walked in a laid-back pace toward the center of the arena. His uncaring attitude garnered even more cheers from the ladies. ¡°Well damn. Anyway! His opponent, to everyone¡¯s surprise, is the only flower among the turds that dwell in the flaming fists! Her tongue is sharp, her smile a most dangerous weapon! Don¡¯t be taken in by her looks fellas, or she¡¯ll take your everything! She¡¯s Zaaaarya the Charmiiiing Deliiiight!!!¡± This time the womanly voices from the stands booed in unison, and the men clapped in satisfaction as Selorien¡¯s opponent advanced. Zarya was tall and lean, with short violet hair held in a pigtail at the back of her head, adorned by a few clips and accessories in the form of small cat faces and stars. Her face showed a contented smile, and her soft, pink lipstick was an eye-catching feature alongside her deep blue eyes and long eyelashes. She wore her Flaming Fists¡¯ jacket over a one-pieced, frilly white dress, and the most surprising part was that she looked immaculate. It was a heavy contrast with the looks of her companions, their jackets being a messy sight to begin with. Her legs were covered by white socks up to her thighs, emerging from a pair of small pink shoes. Her whole image could be described simply as cute. As she arrived at the center, her cheeks reddened as she fidgeted with one of her shoes on the ground. ¡°Hey, cutie!¡± She blurted out of nowhere, hiding her shy, smiling face with both her hands. The stands burst with complaints and death threats, from telling her to know her place to wishing to be in her shoes. Most men in the audience were just silent, wondering about life. Selorien coldly nodded in greeting, unbothered by both his opponent and the rowdy crowd. Lilithra, watching from afar, felt a bit annoyed by his growing fan club. They were already being stopped in the street or at the cafe by his groupies from time to time, and now that Ascalon was hanging out with them, she didn¡¯t want him to put up with that too. She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping in resignation as she realized that it was going to be a losing battle anyway. Still, it was surprising to see such an adorable-looking girl in the Flaming Fists. Ascalon himself watched from the VIP area with great interest, trying to imagine what kind of fight was going to unfold between these two. He glanced over at Selorien¡¯s grandfather, and caught Escarlata hurriedly looking away. Was she still wary of him? Ascalon¡¯s gaze kept going and rested on the elf, who side-eyed him in return. The elder was pretty sharp, as he expected, but didn¡¯t seem any different. Ascalon thought that maybe he would be more excited about his grandson¡¯s match, but it was clearly not the case. He decided to push away any creeping, meddlesome thoughts and focused once more on the arena, just as the announcer spoke. ¡°Now theeeen! You know the drill!¡± Exclaimed the effusive man, expectation growing among the stands as they waited for the starting signal. Seconds passed, and then the bell sound boomed throughout the structure. Without wasting a single second, Selorien summoned both his daggers and backstepped, his intense gaze fixed on Zarya while his body wavered and started to blend into his surroundings. The spectators whistled and shouted in amazement at the disappearing act.
Stealth+
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill Rank: C - Level 62. Potential: A. Attribute: Illusion. Effects: The user blends in with their surroundings, gaining momentary lower invisibility. The effect ends when the user attacks another being, or is attacked. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Additional effects: * Has a 3% chance of erasing the user¡¯s sounds, such as clothes rustling or footsteps.
Zarya gasped in shock, her mouth and eyes opening wide. She covered her lips with her hand, giving a modest, coy look. ¡°Woah~!¡± She exclaimed, her tone of voice ringing with surprise and awe. She looked around shyly, as if unsure of what to do, and then summoned her weapon. A long scepter materialized on her hands, its top adorned with an emerald embedded in a decorative winged frame. Zarya then started to walk in circles, spinning around and retreating randomly as she swung at the air with her scepter, letting out cute yelps and other sounds with every hit. The spectators reacted in different ways, some thinking she was acting overly cute, others captivated by her adorable antics. It helped distinguish the people who didn¡¯t actually know her. Selorien remained at a good distance, hidden by his stealth skill, and studied the girl with suspicion. To put it bluntly, she seemed¡­ dumb. Way too careless, to the point it felt like a trap. Sure, there was a fair share of people like Bob on the Flaming Fists¡ªseemingly ordinary, or harmless. But Zarya? She somehow reminded him of Lucio. He moved slowly, circling her while trying to carefully conceal his footsteps. He could use his shadow¡¯s whisper potion and erase all of his sounds, but decided he didn¡¯t want to waste it on this situation. While he stalked his prey, the girl looked anxious, and fatigued from all her incessant swinging. It was as good an opportunity as any. Selorien positioned himself behind her and darted forward, quickly closing the gap as he raised his daggers with the pointy ends aiming at the girl. He was going to try and be as non-lethal as he could¡ªenough to incapacitate her and finish the fight swiftly and decisively. But in that brief span of time, he heard her snicker in mockery. Her scepter began glowing, and the next step he took felt heavy and unnatural, as if weighed down by a bundle of bricks. He stopped abruptly, struggling to not stumble into the ground while swinging his arms in an attempt to steady himself, and hastily glanced down.
Glyph of Gravity.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Runecrafting skill. Rank: B - Level 73. Potential: A. Attribute: Gravity. Effects: Places a glyph on a solid surface. Any entity that makes contact with the glyph¡¯s boundary will be pulled toward the center. Additional effects: Unable to view additional effects.
There, glowing below his right foot, was a pink glyph etched in the arena. A screen appeared before his eyes, showing some of the info about the skill. While some details were available to him, the specifics of the skill¡¯s additional effects were hidden, a common occurrence for abilities that were set to be ¡®private¡¯ to outsiders. Alarmed, he backstepped with all his might, feeling a sharp pain as his limb slipped away from the invisible force pulling on it. Zarya looked back in his direction, her face beaming with surprise. ¡°There you are!¡± She exclaimed as she clumsily ran toward him, swinging her weapon wildly. Selorien was flabbergasted by her antics, and kept retreating with some difficulty. His foot was hurting a bit, but not enough to impair his movements for the moment. But he was more focused on her shenanigans. Was she really putting on a cute act for the show? He wasn¡¯t going to fall for that, especially after catching a glimpse at her true personality. He could still hear her mocking snicker, and it kind of irritated him. She stopped chasing him soon after, panting as she crouched slightly. Sweat glistened on her skin, and her face showed nothing but exhaustion. The crowd seemed touched by her earnest efforts and cheered her on, while Selorien took the chance to slip away into the shadows once more. He had to be more cautious now, since she appeared to be placing glyphs on the ground as she flailed about with her scepter. He had to admit it was a clever strategy, although he thought it could be easily countered. He simply had to avoid treading in places she had tampered with. And even if he couldn¡¯t see her magic he could try and predict her movements, making use of his keen sight and sharp intuition. For one, he couldn¡¯t go for her back, as it was way too obvious. The front? If she was half as cunning as he, she would expect him there too. Selorien had to think things carefully, and strategize another kind of approach. Walking with cautious, slow steps, he circled his opponent once again. Zarya looked weak and tired, the sweat emanating from her body showing no sign of stopping. Was she actually that low on endurance? Or was her act just that good? Selorien didn¡¯t want to risk it, so he was going to assume everything she was doing was an act, from her mannerisms to her very appearance. He then decided to try something. Lurching his left arm back, he swung it forward and threw one of his daggers with all the strength he could muster. The blade flew, making a distinctive sound as it cut through the air, and Zarya perked up in surprise, seemingly taken aback. ¡°Noo!¡± She exclaimed with a cute yelp as she swung her scepter wildly, hitting the dagger by pure chance and diverting the attack. Selorien was convinced that she had done it on purpose, and moved quickly in order to change his position. But just as he took a few steps, he sensed another unnatural feeling below him. His eyes darted in shock toward the ground, seeing multiple, colored glowing glyphs appear.
Glyph of Repulsion.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Runecrafting skill. Rank: B - Level 75. Potential: B. Attribute: Gravity. Effects: Places a glyph on a solid surface. Any entity that makes contact with the glyph¡¯s boundary will be pushed away from the center. Additional effects: Unable to view additional effects.
Glyph of Boosting.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Runecrafting skill. Rank: C - Level 58. Potential: B. Attribute: None. Effects: Places a glyph on a solid surface. Any other glyphs in the vicinity will get their effects boosted, depending on the user¡¯s intelligence stat. Additional effects: Unable to view additional effects.]
Glyph of Tracking.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Runecrafting skill. Rank: A - Level 83. Potential: S. Attribute: None. Effects: Places a glyph on a solid surface. Any entity that makes contact with the glyph¡¯s boundary will be marked. Additional effects: Unable to view additional effects.
As the screens appeared before his eyes, Selorien felt his body taking off from the ground. His world turned and twisted as he spun through the air, propelled by the glyph''s gravitational repulsion. His sense of balance was thrown into disarray, and his stomach churned as its contents moved violently. The crowd watched with bated breaths as the elf flailed high above the arena. Lilithra wore an expression of worry and shock, her brows furrowed in pain at the sight. She closed her fists tight, and cheered for her friend in her mind. Moments later, Selorien¡¯s airborne voyage reached its end. He crashed to the ground with a heavy impact, his body ragdolling through the arena thanks to the momentum and the glyph¡¯s boosted effects. At the sight, the spectators let out anguished gasps, though some cheered for Zarya. The elf himself didn¡¯t move, his daggers now scattered who knows where. ¡°Ugh¡­ what a pain.¡± His weak voice boomed thanks to J-Rider, as he slowly rose from the ground with clear difficulty. At the same time, the girl approached him with playful steps. Selorien mustered all of his strength and got up, trying to put some distance between them, but she raised her arms high, her scepter glowing ominously as she smiled shyly at him. ¡°Whoa, easy there!¡± She exclaimed, suspicion plaguing the elf¡¯s visage. ¡°I got you good, right? Let¡¯s call it quits and go on a date!¡± The whole colosseum quieted down, before a storm of furious, womanly voices screeched through the structure. Selorien, taken aback and unsure of what to do, stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face. Just what was her deal?! It was clear that Selorien was on the losing end, but he felt he could still fight. He narrowed his eyes as his body started to slip away into the shadows, trying to win some time to recover, but a transparent screen warned him about his actions.
Skill - Tracking - has been detected.
His eyes opened wide, a cold sweat assaulting his body. He recalled the earlier screens and the skills displayed on them. Sure enough, he vaguely remembered something about tracking. It wasn¡¯t as if he had the leisure to read them carefully, after all. His shoulders slumped in disappointment, realizing that the girl had put him in checkmate. The worst part? These kinds of skills had a high chance of failing. Her earlier bravado made sense. Her skills were just too good against him¡­ Zarya countered him very hard, so to say. It was almost too convenient. What if¡­? His mind raced as his cautious nature took over, and he remembered certain details from his last dinner with his grandfather. What if¡­ the matchups were rigged? He furrowed his brows in anger, as two plausible culprits crossed his mind: either his grandfather, Lucio¡­ or both. Chapter 31 - Fated Fight Selorien remained pensive for a moment, while Zarya looked at him with her head tilted in curiosity. The elf analyzed the earlier matchups in his mind, thinking it made sense that they had been predetermined, and not random. Richard had fought with his ¡®sworn¡¯ enemy. Lucretia had an easy win against a perverted lunatic, which pleased the audience for the most part. He was up against a Glyph-focused Gifted, one who could keep him on the backpedal for as long as she wanted. Lilithra, on the other hand, was going to be up against Rosco, an ex-Guildmate turned enemy. And lastly, Lucio was supposed to fight against Bob, who was plain fodder put in there as a ¡®filler¡¯ combatant. Selorien frowned deeply as he considered his idea. What was the point of rigging the matches? Pleasing the crowd? Manipulating betting money? There was a lot up in the air, especially when the whole predetermined matches thing was just a guess of his. Was this all orchestrated by a third party? Probably not, seeing how Lucio was clearly involved with it. As he pondered, a creeping thought began to gnaw at Selorien. He felt a bit conflicted, but ultimately let the conclusion flood in: His grandfather was likely to be involved because of Lilithra. Frustration welled up at the thought as a pained expression took over his visage. His grandfather was still hung up about the incident with Lilithra¡¯s parents, that much was clear¡ªthough, who could blame him? But to go as far as to meddle with the colosseum¡¯s matches? Just to mess with a poor girl? Selorien remembered the great Theoldorien as a doting, gentle elder. But that was before his son had been murdered. There had been many signs, yet Selorien refused to see them. He recalled that one night, when he left Ascalon and Lilithra, and went to dine with his grandfather. Selorien remembered the whole event vividly. They ate in the enormous dining room, in almost complete silence as usual, while trays of delicacies came and went. Aside from mundane questions and answers, his grandfather had broached two topics that Selorien was now grasping straws at. The first, questions about the upcoming Guild war. He even faintly remembered his grandfather mentioning Lucio, for some reason. The key detail was, Selorien hadn¡¯t told Theoldorien about the Guild war at that point. The second, was to remind Selorien of one thing: to ¡®cut ties with Lilithra¡¯, ¡®for his own good¡¯. Like hell he would. He rebelled then, and rebelled now, looking at the VIP seats with defiance, his eyes reflecting his conviction. Selorien¡¯s powerful sight met Theoldorien¡¯s gaze, and the elder sighed in disappointment. ¡°You sure keep letting me down, Selorien.¡± Whispered the old elf, catching Ascalon¡¯s attention. Ascalon was taken aback by Theoldorien¡¯s words. He realized there was some tension between Selorien and his grandfather, and wondered why. But before he could delve into those thoughts, his friend¡¯s voice reached his ears. ¡°This is a pain, I give up.¡± Selorien¡¯s comment boomed throughout the colosseum, and the audience began murmuring in confusion, before shouting complaints and booing cries. Amidst the chaos, J-Rider made himself heard once again, seemingly as shocked as everyone else. ¡°Wha- well¡­ uh¡­ ehem! Zarya the Charming Delight wiiiiiiiins!!!¡± As the battle¡¯s results were announced, the girls in the stands seemed conflicted; some were disappointed, and others worried about the elf. A part of the spectators cheered for Zarya who beamed with confidence, as if her victory had always been a given. Both Ascalon and Lilithra were perplexed at Selorien¡¯s decision, though they knew he was probably feeling cornered by his opponent¡¯s abilities. They knew him well, especially how he hated dealing with troublesome stuff. Theoldorien, on the other hand, seemed content with the outcome. ¡°Good.¡± Theoldorien spoke to himself once more, and Ascalon felt a bit confused by his attitude. But even so, he was more worried about Lilithra, because the result of her match would determine which Guild was going to be the victor. Most likely, she was going to feel pressured, yet Ascalon wanted to believe that she could overcome it. ¡°Now then, as anticlimactic as that was, it¡¯s now down to the finaaal maaatch!¡± J-Rider¡¯s hype reached the audience, who slowly regained their cheerfulness. Leaving the outcome of Selorien¡¯s match aside, the spectators felt the stakes were higher and were enjoying themselves once more. Back at the arena, Zarya skipped joyfully around Selorien, probably feeling like the happiest person in the colosseum at the time. ¡°So, date? date?¡± She asked twice, smiling with delight, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. Selorien rolled his eyes and shook his head slowly, tiredly. ¡°Maybe another day.¡± His tone was cold and distant, but Zarya didn¡¯t show any sign of dejection. She even looked more motivated, having taken his words as a promise of sorts. ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll be waiting!¡± She exclaimed energetically, raising her arms with excitement. Her scepter vanished, and she hummed as she skipped back to the Flaming Fists¡¯ area. Selorien felt like he had stepped on a landmine, and his shoulders slumped with the unseen weight of future troublesome events. But there was something more important now: Lilithra had to win her match. He raised his eyes and met her gaze as he approached Casanova''s side. He had given up partly because he was fed up with the match, but also because he had confidence in Lilithra. His grandfather was probably thinking he had done it for him, but no. He wanted her to show that old elf what she was made of. As he approached her, the girl hit him on the shoulder playfully, though it made him lose his balance. Maybe he was in worse shape than he thought. ¡°Oh! Sorry!¡± She exclaimed, grabbing onto his arms to help steady him. Selorien smiled softly and gently brushed her off. ¡°You should be worrying about your match instead.¡± He spoke bluntly. He wasn¡¯t going to sugarcoat it or joke around, not this time. Lilithra looked into the elf¡¯s eyes, and saw on them a resolute, serious stare. He was counting on her. She was nervous, of course she was. But knowing her friends believed in her filled her with courage. She had been absorbed by the matches before hers. Everyone¡¯s conviction and might had awed her, and she had managed to convince herself, over and over, that she had to rise to the challenge. She had to do her best; that way, even if there wasn¡¯t much chance of beating Rosco, she could at least hold her head high. She looked over at the VIP stand, fueling herself by acknowledging Ascalon¡¯s presence. Right on cue, J-Rider¡¯s voice boomed as the screens showed the next matchup. ¡°I can''t believe we¡¯re already here, people! After a succession of incredible, blood-pumping matches, we¡¯re finally arriving at the tipping point! The peak, the apex of¡­ okay, okay i¡¯ll cut it short, please stop shouting in my ear!!!¡± The man complained to whoever rushed him, most likely a member of the colosseum¡¯s staff. People laughed jovially at the sight, the mood completely changed from Selorien¡¯s post-battle. Perhaps J-Rider was a master entertainer, Ascalon thought. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Sorry about that guys! Anyway! Give it up for the last two combatants, who carry the weight of their whole guilds on their backs!¡± The crowd cheered wildly, their levels of excitement through the roof. ¡°On the flaming fists¡¯ side, we got one of the most notorious and nefarious guys around. He¡¯s the kind of man that would kill the killer in a horror movie! He¡¯s got many nicknames, a reaper taking the visage of a man! The cruel, and merciless, Rooooooscooooo the Crescent Glinnnnnnnnt!!!¡± The scythe wielder walked slowly toward the center of the arena, amidst booing and cheering alike. His stare was fixated on Lilithra, a hint of rage dwelling within. She gulped loudly as Lucretia patted her on the back. She smiled shyly, her cheeks reddening in surprise, and nodded at Lucretia, then at Selorien, and lastly to Richard, who simply grumbled in the distance. ¡°On Casanova''s side, we got another newbie! Also her first match here, no nickname nor renown¡­ though some may know¡­ no, forget that! Ehem! What I can say is that she¡¯s a reaaaaaaaaaal cuuutie! And her name¡¯s Liliiiiiiithraaaa!!!¡± Lilithra let out a big breath and clutched her Guild scarf as she advanced toward her opponent, her eyes focused on the scary-looking Rosco. Each step felt decisive yet heavy. The oppressive aura of her enemy was testing her willingness to proceed, but she soldiered on, even when her heart was beating louder than the cheers around her. Ascalon watched over her with his fists closed tight, his eye hiding a mix of concern and belief. She looked confident, her stride unwavering. The sight filled him with various emotions. Lilithra arrived at the center of the arena and breathed in and out before her hoodie disappeared into her inventory. Her long hair swayed at the slight change of clothes, as she was now showing her shirt below the scarf, which she rolled a few times around her neck. She didn¡¯t want it in the way of her movements. The crowd gasped in awe as they saw her horns, curious whispers, and cheers surrounding her. ¡°Is that a half-daemon?!¡± One of the many voices asked animatedly. ¡°That¡¯s a rare sight!¡± Chimed in others, amidst the reigning rallying. She did her best to shut them out. To shut everything out, and focus solely on Rosco, who looked both perplexed and infuriated. Right, he was probably expecting her to hide her horns, as she always did. Tough luck! She felt she had changed, for the better, and it boosted her morale. Though he was still scary as hell. In contrast to the crowd¡¯s reactions, the VIP balcony¡¯s mood turned somber, and Ascalon perked up in surprise. Gazing around, he saw everyone looked more serious, even the scrawny-looking guy had leaned forward and watched Lilithra with narrowed eyes. But most of all, the old elf was digging into the chair¡¯s armrests with his fingers clenched tight around the edges, his face painted with pure, unapologetic hate. This surprised Ascalon greatly, and many questions started to appear in his mind. ¡°So that¡¯s the Vexeria¡¯s spawn, huh?¡± Ignis¡¯ voice cut through the tense silence, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to Lilithra, their faces a mix of discomfort and doubt. ¡°Yep¡­ the daughter of these two demons¡­¡± Jay chimed in, his smile souring as he spoke. His words didn¡¯t sit well with Ascalon, who found himself frowning in his direction. Jay tensed up, feeling Ascalon¡¯s intense stare, and wondered if he had offended him in some way, though he was also surprised by the man¡¯s presence. Jay was confident in his unshakable easy going nature, yet Ascalon had made him flinch. It was interesting, to say the least. ¡°Ehem! Be mindful of Mr. Theoldorien, please.¡± Calista said from her seat, visibly embarrassed by the reactions around her. Ascalon felt out of the loop and slightly agitated. It was clear they were looking at Lilithra with the same prejudice and disdain he had shown her a few days prior: as if she were an impure, evil demon. He didn¡¯t know the reasons behind their behavior, and even though he could take a few guesses, the atmosphere felt really uncomfortable for him. He hated the way they treated her, seeing himself in their reactions and realizing how he had been acting before. His fists were turning white as he kept clenching them tight. He had to focus on the upcoming match and ignore them, otherwise he would lose his composure. Coincidentally, another man was sharing similar feelings of irritation, and he was standing right there in the arena. Rosco, who looked clearly pissed off, but¡­ something about him was odd. Lilithra looked at him with a focused gaze, slowly noticing some curious details. Rosco had huge bags under his eyes, and his posture, though intimidating, was nothing like his usual imposing demeanor. It was a surprising sight, taking into account that Rosco had always been strong and confident in her eyes. She steeled herself, and her battle banner slowly materialized on her hands. She twirled it and raised it high, the cloth on her weapon dancing freely in the air¡ªa show of encouragement to herself. The crowd cheered at the display, and Rosco flinched. Rosco himself had been going through a hard time since that one fateful night. His eyes darted around nervously, driven by a gnawing feeling at the back of his head. Rosco knew he was there, he had to be¡ªthe man that had humiliated him just a few days ago: The wanderer that went by the name of Ascalon. Rosco had never experienced such a resounding defeat. He had been beaten to a pulp multiple times while he grew in strength and kept going undefeated for a long time afterward; but his fight against Ascalon was completely different. He was put in place by an unstoppable, superior force. He wasn¡¯t even that hurt physically since his opponent didn¡¯t deem him a threat big enough to inflict pain upon. But the wound to his pride was deep, and kept gushing uncontrollably. Rosco was still under the trauma of such a defeat, and had been drowning his frustrations with booze and women, neglecting training and sleep. Still, how could he rest when the fight against Ascalon, if you could even call it that, kept replaying inside his head? The sound of the spear meeting his unruly scythe, the frustration he felt as every single one of his blows was parried effortlessly. He clenched his teeth and shook his head wildly, trying to drive away those thoughts. He regained as much of his senses as he could, his eyes fixing once again on Lilithra. Lilithra herself looked confident, different. She was baring her horns to a thousand curious eyes, yet she was standing tall and ready before him. How? How could she have changed so much in such a short span of time? The cowering, pitiful girl he had always known was there no more. Rosco felt desperate. He couldn¡¯t stand her attitude. She should¡¯ve been scared to death, her eyes gleaming with tears, her body shaking uncontrollably! He gripped his scythe, rage burning fiercely in his eyes. His thoughts were in disarray, and as much as he tried he couldn¡¯t shut out the outside world. The audience¡¯s cheers and shouts were incredibly exasperating. His agitation was clear, and someone in the colosseum¡¯s staff seemed to notice, as they went ahead and blared the starting signal without waiting for J-Rider¡¯s pre-match speech. The sudden sound, coupled with a new set of erupting rallies from the spectators, snapped Rosco back, and he quickly unsheathed his scythe. Lilithra tightened her grip on her battle banner, her throat feeling dry and nervousness trying to take over. But her confidence and the thought of her friends kept the shadows at bay. Still, seeing Rosco with his great scythe in hand was always an ominous sight. The weight of her friend¡¯s and her own expectations suppressed the feeling. She furrowed her brows, a small, nervously bold smile appearing on her lips as she raised her banner high once more. ¡°Be brave!¡± She shouted with energy, her voice booming throughout the colosseum while her figure glowed momentarily.
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Her resolution shines on the battlefield, her demonic heart a beacon of hope!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Rank: E - Level 32. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Lilithra Vexeria will get a 14% increase in all stats. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance of shaking off fear debuffs. * Has a 15% chance of rousing up morale. * Has a 0.2% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
Her signature skill surged amidst the deafening cheers. She felt ready for the fight ahead. Chapter 32 - Awakening at the Brink of Defeat The day had progressed as the battles went on, and spectators grew weary and restless. But it was finally down to the last fight, and the warriors stood ready amidst the cheering from the audience. The air between them felt tense, flames could be pictured behind Rosco¡¯s eyes, a daring gleam in Lilithra¡¯s gaze. After activating her skill, she decided to be the first one to act. Lilithra gripped her banner with both hands and pointed with the spear end toward Rosco before lunging at him. She dashed leaning forward, with a fast, charging attack aimed at his torso, her darting figure resembling an arrowhead. The man¡¯s eyes widened at the sight, surprised both by her eagerness to fight and the speed of her advance. Rosco couldn¡¯t imagine her taking the initiative, so he was slightly taken aback. He gritted his teeth to steel himself and sidestepped to the right, the banner barely grazing his clothes. At that moment, he twisted his body backward and, using both his hands, slashed through the air in an upward swing, his scythe aiming to split his opponent in two¡ªit was one of his classic, and deadly, opening moves. But exactly because it was one of his usual attacks, Lilithra was ready for it. She stopped running, planting both feet firmly in the ground, and spun her banner in a circle, catching the scythe¡¯s edge and redirecting the attack toward the side seemingly effortlessly. Rosco¡¯s visage was one of pure shock, his mind racing as his attack was deflected. ¡°How the fuck?!¡± He blurted in irritation, as he couldn¡¯t conceive how Lilithra, of all people, had just defended from one of his attacks. His attacks¡ªthe great Rosco¡¯s attacks! Lilithra, on the other hand, didn¡¯t even hear his words, as the sound of her beating heart was deafening. She couldn¡¯t believe it either, that she had managed to block one of Rosco¡¯s attacks. But she couldn¡¯t get too excited, especially not when her opponent was already preparing for his next attack. Rosco retreated a couple of steps and shifted the Scythe to his right hand. Then, he threw his right arm back trying to build momentum, his tool of murder gleaming as it moved through the air. Immediately after, he leaned forward with a heavy stomp and brought his weapon in a horizontal, crescent slash aimed toward Lilithra¡¯s lower body. Lilithra took a big breath while crouching slightly, trying to brace herself, and quickly spun the banner clockwise, placing it vertically in front of her and gripping it with all her strength. The blade of the huge scythe clashed against the rod, and her body shook violently from the impact. Her face showed a pained expression, her teeth gritted as she felt her arms tremble. But she had blocked it once again! Her heartbeat was starting to worry her, but she had no time to think as Rosco lunged at her. This time, the one to retreat was Lilithra. She jumped back and swung both arms toward her left side, moving the banner in a horizontal slash with the intention of cutting off Rosco¡¯s advance. However, he raised his left arm and struck at the side of the weapon with his palm, deflecting it with ease. She gasped and spun her body toward the direction of Rosco¡¯s parry, taking advantage of the movement to gain some momentum, helping her swiftly retreat a few more steps. She faced her opponent, who grunted in irritation as he raised his scythe high and grabbed it with both hands. It was an obvious, downward attack, but the flames spurring from the edge made Lilithra flinch.
Flame coating.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 61. Potential: B. Attribute: Fire. Effects: Coats an object with the fire attribute, increasing attack power by 10% and inflicting fire damage on contact. Additional effects: * Has a 15% chance of inflicting a lasting burn on the target.]
Lilithra¡¯s thoughts rushed. Amidst the battle, she had forgotten about the flaming fists¡¯ signature skills, and was racking her brain to come up with a countermeasure. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t have any kind of fire mitigation ability or other skills that would help in that situation. From the beginning, her only good skill was her unique one, and it was a passive ability. She was managing solely on guts and basic attacks, clearly at a disadvantage. But still, she wasn¡¯t going to give up. She waited for as long as she could, and saw the scythe come down like a bolt of thunder. The moment the heat started to reach her skin, she jumped to the side in a panicked roll, avoiding the attack by mere chance and gaining some distance. The weapon struck the arena a moment later, sending rocks and flames alike in all directions. Rosco had been slowly but surely getting more frustrated, his face reddening in anger. His attack, as powerful as it was, had been dodged by such a crude movement. ¡°Fuuuck!!!¡± He screamed in a mix of rage and desperation. There was no way the fight was still going on. He had expected to win right at the start! It was just Lilithra, after all. Then why? Why was she still fighting, and worse, still unscathed!? He felt a rush of emotions bubbling up from the depths of his soul. Since losing against the wanderer he had been haunted by the feeling of everyone''s eyes on his back. He knew they were all looking down on him. He made sure to punish them, amidst their excuses, but the feeling still lingered, as if no matter how many he put in their place, the stares wouldn¡¯t go away. Lilithra noticed Rosco¡¯s turmoil and took the chance to rest momentarily, steadying her breath. The flames dancing on the scythe made her gulp in nervousness, but it was clear that her opponent wasn¡¯t his usual self. She had to take advantage of this for as long as she could. She slowly circled Rosco, trying to not catch his attention. As soon as she positioned herself behind him, she rushed at him once again. Her posture took the same form as her previous attack, as she leaned forward and pointed with her weapon toward the man, launching herself into a piercing charge. Rosco snapped back, noticing her rushed footsteps, and his fury erupted like a volcano. Even Lilithra was looking down on him. How dare Lilithra, the half-demon bitch, the daughter of the betrayers, the puny and sad Lilithra¡ªhow dare she look down on him?! ¡°How fucking dare you?!!!¡±He roared with fierceness, his voice booming through the arena. The flames on his scythe flared larger and hotter as he raised it from the ground. The spectators trembled at his unbridled rage, their murmurs and gasps taking over the stands. Even Ascalon felt taken aback by the sudden outburst. The VIP balcony had remained calm for the most part, but the air was still tense. Ignis, however, was now laughing in amusement, clearly pleased by the situation. ¡°That girlie is done for.¡± Said Jay with a half smile, though he didn¡¯t seem to care as much. ¡°She may still have an ace up her sleeve.¡± Added Calista, watching the arena with a raised eyebrow, somewhat concerned. Then, out of the corner of the room, a frail voice could be heard. ¡°It would be great if they both killed each other¡­ but she¡¯s clearly the weaker one¡­¡± The scrawny-looking guy had finally spoken, and Ascalon felt repulsed by his uncaring demeanor. Urvan chuckled, adding to the conversation with mockery. ¡°Haha! You never know, Credence; maybe she¡¯ll drag him to hell alongside her!¡± His voice was brimming with mockery, and it only added to Ascalon¡¯s irritation. It was then that Theoldorien¡¯s cold voice cut through the air. ¡°Finish her off already¡­ that disgusting wretch of a girl!¡± His calm tone betrayed a deep hate behind it, and Ascalon felt something snap in his mind. ¡°Enough!¡± His voice thundered through the balcony as his patience reached the end of its limits. Everyone looked at him with confused, surprised looks. ¡°As both her friend and the one she considers her master, I shall not stand for this slander any longer!¡± Ascalon¡¯s ultimatum sent chills down Theoldorien¡¯s back, while Urvan stood from his seat, his face now a mix of irritation and anger. ¡°Oh, is that so? So what, little buddy? What are you gonna do?¡± Taunted the man bear, baring his fangs at Ascalon. Ignis laughed to himself, speaking once more. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you bought your way into the Guildmaster¡¯s balcony, but you better be careful little wanderer!¡± His tone was playful, but the warning was clear. The knight furrowed his brow, his tightly locked fists trembling as anger welled up. It was then that, suddenly, a set of presences jumped from the shadows, drawing little surprise from the VIP guests. Ten girls surrounded Ascalon, all of them dressed similarly to Escarlata: in sophisticated and pristine maid attire. A variety of bladed weapons were pressed slightly to his throat from all angles; but their wielders, despite their readiness, felt reluctant to push further. Ascalon paid no heed to them, as Theoldorien¡¯s voice reached out to them. ¡°Stand down you fools, if Escarlata didn¡¯t move why would you?¡± He ordered with irritation. The maids, taken aback by their master¡¯s words, hesitantly stepped back into hiding. Escarlata simply watched Ascalon with curiosity and expectation, her cheeks slightly flushed. She wanted him to snap, to bask under his unfathomable might once more. The atmosphere was tense. The guy called Credence looked as uninterested as before, though his eyes were now deeply focused on Ascalon. Urvan seemed ready to fight, and Ignis grinned from ear to ear, clearly entertained by the unfolding events. Theoldorien, after vanishing his entourage, looked back at the arena, ignoring Ascalon¡¯s plea but at least quieting down. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. It was Jay¡¯s nervous voice that cut through the tension. ¡°Hey now, calm down everyone! We¡¯re here to watch the fights, not fight ourselves! We should be cheering for them instead!¡± He attempted to mediate, Urvan growling at him with clear dissatisfaction. Ascalon took a deep breath, shifting in his seat as he tried to recompose himself. Jay was right. He was there to watch his friend fight¡ªto encourage her from afar. He felt ashamed, having lost his composure because of some rude comments born from their ignorance. They didn¡¯t know Lilithra as he did. And he knew that she would have been hurt, but would ultimately forgive them. He felt his eyes well up slightly, his hand now clutching his chest. That¡¯s right, she was nothing like what they thought, and she would be pained to see him like this. ¡°You are right, sir Jay, I apologize.¡± Ascalon bowed deeply in his seat, and Jay smiled cheerfully at the sight. Urvan sighed and clicked his tongue, taking a seat once again, his face averted from Ascalon. The rest of them seemed to relax, though Ignis seemed unamused now that the drama was over. It was fortunate that things hadn¡¯t escalated further. Ascalon had already wasted too much time with their pointless remarks and had neglected Lilithra¡¯s fight. He looked down at the arena, his chest tightening at the sight as he was overcome with concern. There, in the middle of the battleground, stood a tattered Lilithra, slumped over her banner and clutching it tightly in order to not crumble.
Back when the whole conflict in the balcony had started, Lilithra was plunging at Rosco. He felt infuriated beyond reason, his thoughts in a state of complete disarray. He grabbed his weapon and raised it from the ground, spinning toward Lilithra and launching himself forward in order to intercept her midway. He dragged his scythe behind him as he darted in her direction, the sharp edge carving a line of fire through the ground. As soon as they were in each other¡¯s range, they both attacked. Lilithra thrust the spear-end of her banner with all her might, while Rosco slashed upward with overwhelming force, all of his passive skills activating simultaneously.
[Strength Up.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 62. Potential: B. Attribute: None. Effects: Boosts the user¡¯s strength attribute by 12%, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.]
Speed Up+.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 68. Potential: A. Attribute: None. Effects: Boosts the user¡¯s agility attribute by 14%, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.
Honed Senses.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous skill. Rank: C - Level 60. Potential: None. Attribute: None. Effects: Increases the user¡¯s reaction time and motor reflexes, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: Increases the effectiveness of tracking, surveying, exploring, and other related abilities, depending on the skill¡¯s rank and level.
The clash of their weapons sent a shockwave through the arena. Lilithra faltered and stumbled backward as her arms vibrated from the forceful impact, the numbness spreading through her bones. Before she could even recompose herself, Rosco stomped on her stomach with a forward kick, the strength making Lilithra wince in pain as she was hurled through the air. But Rosco was not finished; driven by a wild frenzy. He pounced after her like an animal, his burning scythe raised high as he prepared to unleash a barrage of attacks. Lilithra rolled away from Rosco as soon as she touched the floor, trying to suppress the throbbing pain in her belly. With great effort, she stood slightly crouched, bracing herself. ¡°Gryaah!!!¡± She shouted as she met Rosco¡¯s relentless assault directly. She spun her banner rapidly, blocking some of the blows despite Rosco¡¯s overwhelming pressure. She was truly fortunate that he wasn¡¯t a cunning fighter and simply knew how to attack head-on, but some of the blows were cutting and burning at her skin. The spectators watched in awe, their feelings a mix of admiration and concern. It wasn¡¯t like the other fights, where both contestants had fought with incredible skill. This time, there was a clear gap in experience between them, as Lilithra didn¡¯t seem as seasoned a warrior as the rest. But she was still fighting, holding on desperately as she did her best to defend against a whirlwind of attacks. People started cheering louder and louder with each passing moment. Rosco snapped back, slightly taken aback by the scene before him. There stood Lilithra, weakly, and seemingly a push away from collapsing¡ªyet he didn¡¯t feel he had won yet. The crowd was calling her name, and the fire in her eyes burned fiercely.
Ascalon watched over Lilithra with a pained expression, his fists clenched tight as he stopped himself from jumping down to the arena. He couldn¡¯t believe the thought had crossed his mind, as he was used to watching duels and honoring the results without issues back at Excadia. But even if he were to go to her aid, he would be insulting her determination. He could only watch in silence and helplessness. It was then that a blue window popped up beside him.
The subject¡¯s stats have been calculated. Additional skills have been added to the network. Titles are now fully functional. New skills will be added as they-
He barely read through it before sweeping it away. ¡°Not now!¡± Ascalon whispered to himself in frustration, vanishing the bothersome window away. At the moment, his whole concern was Lilithra. Lilithra herself was gasping for air, grateful for Rosco¡¯s sudden pause. She could feel her breath steadying, as her ears ringed with the unceasing pounding of her heart. But even if she could rest up for a moment, she knew she was moments away from defeat. She smiled weakly, knowing that, at the very least, she gave it her all. She was proud of having endured for so long against Rosco. He was so strong, yet such a ¡®bad¡¯ person. If only she had that kind of strength¡­ just how many people could she protect? It was then that a blue window appeared before her, catching her by surprise. She appraised it with curiosity.
An ally¡¯s skills are now properly integrated into the network, and you can now fully benefit from their effects.
Under his Watchful Gaze.
The knight of knights watches over you; fear not the dark nor the evil.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: S - Level 91. Potential: S. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Ascalon Rendland have a 40% chance of ignoring fear debuffs. Additional effects: * Has a 30% chance of rousing up morale. * Has a 10% chance of granting -lesser blessing of light-. * Has an 8% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
Her smile slowly widened at the sight, as it was so similar to her own unique skill. She didn¡¯t feel any different, so the effects were probably not working. After all, she didn¡¯t feel scared. But the mere sight of it reminded her of his presence. That¡¯s right. She was under his ¡®watchful gaze¡¯. She couldn¡¯t suppress the emotions welling up in her chest, her cheeks reddening as the beat of her heart increased. Ascalon was still watching her, alongside Selorien, Raphael, and even Lucretia and Richard. Maybe Lucio, too¡­ though he didn¡¯t matter as much! She felt newfound strength rousing her up at the thought; she could still keep going for a little longer! Once again, her friends and allies were an encouraging reminder. She didn¡¯t want to betray their expectations! Lilithra rose up with some difficulty, still using her banner as a crutch, but standing taller and bolder. Lilithra looked at Rosco with a fierce stare, and he narrowed his eyes in irritation, gripping his scythe harder. Little by little, she regained her poise and stopped relying on her banner to stand. It was kind of strange, how she was feeling more and more motivated by the second¡ªit was a hopeful feeling, something she hadn''t experienced up to this point in the battle. A combination of different factors was at play. Her confidence, her friend¡¯s feelings, the multitude of spectators watching over her, the weight of the fight, and her desire to not give up and grow stronger¡ªthey were all culminating into something powerful, more tangible, and she could feel it awakening inside her.
Battlefield Cadence.
Her focus heightened, her eyes locked on the objective; they¡¯re dancing to her tune now!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Rank: C - Level 58. Potential: SSS. Attribute: None. Effects: All stats increased by 27% percent during the duration of the skill. Current duration: 5 minutes. Additional effects: * Can only be used once per battle. * Increases health and stamina recovery by 15%. * Has a 4% chance of doubling all effects percentages * Activates the -Honed Senses- skill (the user automatically learns the skill the first time it activates).
The battle was not over yet. Chapter 33 - And so the Battle Ends Both Ascalon and Selorien, from their respective locations, witnessed with awe the figure of their friend, rising slowly, her posture gaining confidence with each passing moment. She looked renewed, her eyes rekindled¡ªit was as if the fight, for her, had only just begun. Ascalon couldn¡¯t bottle up his feeling of joy, his lips curling into a reassured grin, his good eye fixated on the horned girl. Selorien, on the other hand, wore an incredulous expression on his face, with his eyebrows raised and his mouth slightly agape, yet also beamed with excitement. Lilithra was truly surprising everyone, probably even herself¡ªshe was giving it her very all against the enemy of her past. Everyone at the VIP balcony seemed surprised, too, especially Theoldorien, who moments before was silently rooting for her demise. He looked exasperated¡ªhe clearly couldn¡¯t stand to watch anymore, but his eyes were glued to the arena for one reason or another. Ignis, who hadn¡¯t cheered even a word for Rosco throughout the whole event, simply scoffed at the sight. He looked like a man who only expected the very best from his Guildmembers, and any other result was a complete failure. If that was truly the case, Ascalon would feel justified in not liking him. Aside from the Guildmasters, the spectators, and even the colosseum staff, the two protagonists of the fight were the most surprised of them all. Lilithra couldn¡¯t believe her eyes, which were wide open as she read her new skill. An overwhelming feeling of elation was engulfing her, and it was reflected in a bold smile. Rosco gazed at her with both shock and suspicion. How could she stand so tall, seemingly recovered, after his relentless assault? It couldn¡¯t be! There was no damn way she was unscathed! What had happened to the cowering, weak girl from mere moments ago?! ¡°I won¡¯t fall for such a simple bluff, stupid bitch!¡± He shouted with clear desperation in his voice, his body hesitating to move. It couldn¡¯t be. It just couldn¡¯t be. His thoughts were spiraling out of control, plunging into a deep, black abyss. Lilithra, on the other hand, felt at the top of the world, her feet moving before she could even think about her next move. She simply had to act, she had to take advantage of her newfound strength, and the time limit of her incredible new skill. She darted at a speed that left her dumbfounded, cheering erupting from the audience as they saw the underdog biting back. A myriad of feelings overflowed as she thrust her banner forward, the wind parting before her attack, her hair dancing wildly as she advanced. For the average spectator, she had become a blurry bolt of red. Rosco gritted his teeth to the point it hurt, while raising his scythe to the right side, his hands firmly gripping the handle. He wasn¡¯t going to let her, of all people, look down on him! He was still strong¡ªstronger than her! The outcome against the blonde wanderer couldn¡¯t repeat itself, not against Lilithra of all people. She was just bluffing, probably a last desperate attempt! His weapon burned fiercely as he spun to the left, using the force of the rotation to swing his scythe in a powerful horizontal slash. The weapon traced an arc that sent a huge shockwave forward, in the form of a crescent flame that could engulf Lilithra whole. Yet, to his surprise and desperation, she pierced through the fire, her advance unstoppable. He panicked as his thoughts raced. The face of the one-eyed wanderer flashed in his mind, and he backstepped, slashing through the air in the opposite direction. Lilithra decided to leave her shock aside, which had peaked after piercing through a giant flame attack, and fully committed to the fight. She felt more in tune with her body, her movements, her breathing. Her footsteps were precise, and her yellow eyes could spot openings in Rosco¡¯s defenses. She recalled her training with Ascalon and Selorien, her dear friends, and felt a surge of gratitude for their guidance. Experience was truly king, and everything she had learned was going to be put to the test! Confidence overflowing, she closed the gap in a sudden burst of speed. As soon as her weapon was in range of Rosco¡¯s defensive slash, she stomped with her forward foot and thrust the spear end with great force. The cross-shaped trio of spears met the scythe¡¯s blade with precision, the impact reverberating around them. Rosco couldn¡¯t believe that Lilithra had mustered such strength; it was as if a different person had taken her place. He felt infuriated, his face contorting into a reddened, raging expression. He leaned back, raising his scythe high, the flames leaving a glowing trail behind it. Then, with fierce determination, he started a frenetic succession of slashes¡ªthe same relentless rampage that had put Lilithra against the ropes before. But, once again, the girl went against his expectations. With her newfound heightened senses, Lilithra started to swing her banner in various directions, slashing, thrusting, and even spinning the whole weapon with both hands as she met the attacks head-on. ¡°Heeya!¡± Lilithra shouted, pumping herself up with enthusiasm as she gracefully parried her opponent¡¯s strikes. Rosco despaired at the sight, putting even more effort into his barrage. He couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. It was like a sick joke; maybe he was dreaming. Or¡­ she had to be cheating, somehow! Maybe the wanderer was buffing her stats! They were laughing at him, both of them! As his thoughts bordered madness, he saw the girl smile. She seemed to be relishing on his misery! He felt humiliated, enraged to no end. But also suffocated by a painful feeling rushing through his entire body. It was a sensation he thought had been buried deep, a feeling he knew very well in the past. Just how had things turned out like this? He had fought through blood and mud to get to where he was. People weren¡¯t making fun of him anymore, nobody was after him¡ªhe was Rosco, the Crescent Glint, and no one could mess with him, not until that night. That¡¯s right¡­ everything had crumbled the day he met the wanderer. It was all his fault. And now even Lilithra was on par with him, with THE Rosco. Although the man was absorbed by his own thoughts, his attacks didn¡¯t relent, yet Lilithra beamed, her eyes sparkling with amazement. She was ecstatic about how well she was handling the fearsome Rosco¡¯s barrage; she felt she could do anything! Though she knew she had little time left. It was then that, out of the pit of Rosco¡¯s despair, an idea surfaced. What if¡­ this was just karma? He felt taken aback by the sudden notion, and Lilithra, focused as she was, didn¡¯t miss the chance. Amidst the cheers and hype of the spectators, Lilithra moved with finesse. A corner in the cross-shaped spears met Rosco¡¯s weapon, sliding through the scythe¡¯s edge until it reached the connection between the blade and the handle. With both weapons interlocked, she pivoted on her right foot and spun with calculated timing, aiming to disarm Rosco with her momentum. To the surprise of everyone present, the huge, flaming scythe flew through the air, spinning wildly before burying its edge in the ground, a good distance away from them. Lilithra¡¯s face was overcome with astonishment, and Rosco, in his moment of distraction and weakness, couldn¡¯t comprehend what had just happened. He felt a prickle of pain in his chest, and slowly looked down, seeing Lilithra¡¯s weapon poking at him slightly. ¡°Wha¡­?¡± He exclaimed weakly, his thoughts in disarray. Lilithra gasped for air, her figure moving up and down as the crowd erupted in deafening cheers. In a rare occurrence, Selorien jumped with excitement, screaming her friend¡¯s name. He hoped she hadn¡¯t seen him, recomposing himself and clearing his throat, yet unable to hide his wide smile. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Meanwhile, Lucretia slowly clapped with a flabbergasted look on her face, a half smile adorning her darkened lips. Even Richard had been completely absorbed by the fight, and was appreciating her prowess. But the proudest of them all sat atop the stands, in the VIP balcony. Ascalon¡¯s face was one of pure satisfaction and joy, his gentle gaze and tender smile focused on Lilithra. He was overcome with emotion, and didn¡¯t know what to do with all the energy that was rushing through his body. He was so enraptured that he didn''t notice how the old elf stood up and left, his face a somber reflection of disappointment. Escarlata walked after him but turned back to shoot a quick glance toward the knight. She wondered if she would ever be on the receiving end of such a warm gaze. Shaking her head and blushing slightly, she left after her master. Everyone else was at a loss for words. Jay¡¯s face was a mix of shock and admiration, while Calista clapped excitedly in her seat. Urvan, on the other hand, yawned with disinterest, and the scrawny-looking Credence was biting on his nails, his eyes seemingly looking beyond the arena. Ignis sighed with irritation, and promptly got up and left. He didn¡¯t want to watch anymore, whatever the outcome would be. But before crossing the door to the exit, he let out a few words coated in venom. ¡°Hmmph! Hope you enjoyed the spectacle, because it won¡¯t happen again.¡± He addressed the whole room with disdain, but everyone was too distracted by the arena to fully pay attention to his cryptic message. He left in indignation, his figure disappearing in the shadows of the corridor. Ascalon managed to compose himself briefly, wondering why these two¡ªIgnis and Theoldorien¡ªhad left without waiting for the match¡¯s conclusion. Most likely, they were just fed up with the event, or didn¡¯t care as much for the result anymore. Still, as much as he rooted for Lilithra, he knew Rosco could still fight; especially because she was too much of a softie to finish him off. It was both endearing and concerning, but he decided to simply accept that part of her, at least for that one time. Rosco stood still, overwhelmed by a profound sense of perplexity. Somehow, he felt the day he met the blonde wanderer had sealed his fate. His defeat, the plunge into self-doubt, and Lilithra¡¯s unexpected growth¡ªhe felt as if he was unraveling. Was he ever truly strong? His warped thoughts couldn¡¯t even come up with decently fabricated excuses or justifications. He was at a loss. His thoughts drifted as far back as when he was a kid, begging on the streets, powerless. It was something that had nothing to do with his current self nor the fight, yet why? Why would these memories resurface? Why would they come to haunt him now? He was deeply shaken, but was right in some aspects. His fate had indeed been sealed by crossing paths with Ascalon. Rosco was too proud of his abilities, feeling at the top of the world. But being at the top, he could only crash after facing the inevitable: there¡¯s always someone stronger. Lilithra had the upper hand only because of these multiple factors at play; any other opponent on Rosco¡¯s level would¡¯ve probably won against her. From the lingering trauma of Ascalon¡¯s fight, to her unexpected growth. The pressure born from his ever irritated Guildmaster¡¯s expectations, his own doubts and insecurities, and the fact that he was assailed by emotions that he didn¡¯t even know how to handle. In a show of frustration and confusion, Rosco clutched his head between his hands, crouching slightly as he shouted with a raw, anguished cry. ¡°Gaaaahhhh!!!¡± His voice resounded above the spectator¡¯s cheers and applause, shocking part of the audience. It was then that the most unexpected voice broke through his stupor. ¡°Are you okay¡­?¡± Lilithra¡¯s concerned voice gently echoed through the colosseum, a wave of warmth spreading across the audience. Rosco lifted his head slowly, his eyes glistening slightly, unable to hide his turmoil. ¡°What are you?¡± Rosco asked in agony, his soul feeling like it was being torn apart, his face twisting into a confused and frustrated look. How could she ask him that? After everything that had happened? He felt a pit in his stomach as he stood, his figure wavering. Without another word, he walked to his scythe, reaching out for the handle with his extended right arm; he looked lost, his steps uneven. Lilithra readied herself, a hint of agitation on her face. Her skill¡¯s duration had run its course, and she was feeling the exhaustion, the pain, and the dullness all around her body. The only thing she could do now was put on an act of confidence and strength, though she lacked the energy to even do so. To her surprise, the scythe disappeared as soon as he grabbed it. He had put it in his inventory¡ªa choice that bewildered everyone who knew the slightest bit about him. Without even looking back, he simply walked to the exit, leaving the arena. The colosseum fell into silence, as the spectators tried to come to terms with what had transpired. It was Selorien¡¯s voice that broke it. ¡°Hell yeah, Lil!¡± The elf shouted, putting both hands around his mouth to further amplify the cheer. Her head turned in Selorien¡¯s direction, a shy smile appearing on her lips. Then, a second voice, from far above, cut through the arena with resounding firmness. ¡°Splendidly done, Lilithra!¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice reached her ears, and she looked up with tears beginning to well up in her eyes, her cheeks reddening as many emotions began to swirl in her chest. There stood the knight, his arm raised high, his fist clenched tight. ¡°I did it guys!¡± She screamed in answer to her friends, pumping both hands in the air. At the sight, the crowd exploded in cheers and shouts, chanting her name, congratulating her, and even asking her out! She felt overwhelmed by their reactions, and looked anxious as she shifted in place, seemingly unaware of what to do. Thankfully, J-Rider was there to save the day. ¡°Aaaaaand the winner is Liliiiiiithraaaaaaa!!!¡± At the announcer''s words, she bowed frantically toward the many stands, and walked slowly toward the Casanova¡¯s location. She was clearly exhausted and in pain, but the excitement she was feeling helped distract her. Selorien awaited her with a hand in the air, which she clapped in a weak high-five as she passed him by, smiling from ear to ear. ¡°Hoooooly heeeeell people, that was an unexpected match! Some of you are probably regretting betting on Rosco, huh? That just goes to show that, in the colosseum, anything can happeeeeeeeeen!!!¡± He screamed with energy, and once again, a bundle of flares shot into the sky from around the arena. At their highest point, they all exploded in a dazzling display of multiple colors and shapes, illuminating the ever darkening sky. ¡°And of course¡­ Let us all congratulate the winners: the Casanova Guild!!! You sure showed those scumbags!¡± J-Rider¡¯s voice boomed and the people cheered in agreement, the excitement showing no sign of stopping. ¡°But, what do they win, dear J-Rider? Well, aside from the huge boost in popularity, the sponsors who¡¯ll be fighting to reach out to them, and all that boring stuff, we have some cool goodies for them! because the colosseum is always thankful for everyone¡¯s patronage!¡± The crowd gasped in anticipation, wondering about what kind of prizes were going to be revealed. The Colosseum was always thankful for Guilds fighting it out in the arena, since it was good for business, and prizes were given to the winning side as part of the ¡®show¡¯ and as a token of appreciation. ¡°First of all, thanks to the generous officers at headquarters, we have a whole new territory for them¡­! That''s right, a clean plot of land for them to build another Guild hall, a casino, or whatever the hell they fancy!¡± The crowd clapped at the prize, though it wasn¡¯t as exciting as they had imagined. ¡°From the ministry of travel, we have a seal of approval for incursions! They¡¯re now permitted to travel to and from any city and beyond! That''s right folks, that includes the off-limit, god-forsaken zones! even if no one wants to go there anyway!¡± This time, the spectators let out amazed gasps before cheering excitedly. Ascalon didn¡¯t really understand the enthusiasm behind the audience, but felt it was an important prize. ¡°But there¡¯s more! Aside from the pooled prize money, we also have a reward for each individual member!¡± As he announced that, a podium started to emerge from the ground at the center of the arena. A few staff members rushed toward it, as lights shone upon a set of items displayed over the surface of the platform. Lilithra and Selorien looked at the sight with curiosity and eagerness, as a familiar voice reached their ears. ¡°Nice job, my lovelies! Let¡¯s now reap the rewards of our hard work!¡± It was Lucio, who appeared at their side flamboyantly, a confident grin on his face. Immediately, Selorien¡¯s mood turned sour, as he scoffed at the Guildmaster. ¡°You have much to explain about these matchups.¡± At his accusatory tone, the whole room fell silent, while Lucretia and Richard perked up. Lucio shot him a smile, narrowing his eyes as he replied. ¡°Oh? Whatever could you mean?¡± The blonde asked in a carefree tone, as he skipped forward toward the arena. Selorien sighed deeply in resignation, while Lilithra peeked at him with curiosity. Whatever answers he sought would have to wait¡­ for now, he could only keep up with the charade. Chapter 34 Awards Ceremony The festive atmosphere had somewhat receded, and some people were already starting to leave the stands. After all, not everyone held the same level of excitement about seeing the contestants receive their prizes, and some were only interested in the main show, which was now over. Among those who were heading home were a few of the extravagant members of the VIP balcony. Credence got up from his seat and walked away at a slow and tired pace, only acknowledging Urvan with a brief nod as he left. He didn¡¯t seem fond of people in general. Urvan himself stood tall and stretched his huge arms above his head, his jaw opening wide as he yawned. ¡°See you around Jay, Calista.¡± Said the man in a cheery voice, ignoring Ascalon completely. He was either still offended or simply didn¡¯t care much about him¡ªwhatever the case, Ascalon felt like he was at fault. The humongous bear figure swayed from side to side and the ground trembled slightly as he vanished into the corridor, crouching for a bit as he crossed the door. Jay and Calista remained in their seats, waving away at Urvan while conversing among themselves, probably about the matches¡¯ outcomes. Some of the individuals who hadn¡¯t interacted at all with the rest of the room also left; others remained, but kept to themselves still. Ascalon pondered about the events, but ultimately decided to pay attention to his friends and the prizes they were going to receive. He smiled softly, feeling happy about them. They deserved a reward, after all. In the arena, the Casanova group advanced toward the podium. Lilithra walked alongside Selorien, who helped her along with her arm around his shoulder. She seemed moments away from collapsing under the exhaustion. As they approached the items, J-Rider¡¯s voice boomed through the colosseum once more. ¡°Now then! Before everyone leaves the stands, our staff members will give out the prizes one by one!¡± He exclaimed as the two attendants bowed deeply. They were the pair Ascalon had seen before, the ones that showed him to the VIP balcony. They seemed ecstatic about their role, going by the huge smiles on both their faces. ¡°Go on, don¡¯t be shy!¡± J-Rider¡¯s voice urged the group to step forward, and while Lilithra and Selorien hesitated, not knowing how to proceed, Richard advanced toward the podium without a care in the world. His eyebrows were angled sharply, his expression giving away his annoyance. He was feeling impatient and wanted to be done with the pleasantries. The girl attendant approached him shyly, and presented to him a long, decorated sword. The blade had what appeared to be various runes engraved across the middle, from the hilt to the pointy end, and the handle looked masterfully crafted. He picked it up with a disappointed expression, the prize seemingly not to his liking. ¡°Oh wow! We¡¯re starting with a big one! Anyone remember Edgar, the lone blacksmith?! He only ever made six swords of epic quality, and this, everyone, is one of them! But the most interesting detail: it has never been appraised! I wonder what kind of effect it will have!¡± The crowd let out collective gasps and whispers of curiosity and awe, as Richard clicked his tongue. While to the average person it sounded cool, the sword being unappraised meant it could end up being complete garbage. Even Ascalon wondered if it was truly a worthy prize, especially when Richard didn¡¯t seem to use that type of weapon at all. The Felinae sighed and bowed slightly, showing minimal manners, and walked back with his prize in paw. Lilithra looked amazed, and Selorien had a troubled look on his face, as he also realized the sword was kind of a gamble. Lucio was smiling from ear to ear, enjoying the situation, and Lucretia played with her phone in total disinterest. They were a peculiar bunch, to say the least. Then, Lucio stepped forward, bowing deeply at the female attendant in a flamboyant display. To his dismay, she bowed back and left as his partner approached with the next prize. He held in his hands, and with great effort, a huge brown box, and he placed it before Lucio as he smiled with satisfaction. The Guildmaster leaned forward, peering inside the box. ¡°Whoa, Lucio sure is lucky today! First he gets to avoid fighting Bob, now he receives an entire collection of crafting blueprints! Seems like it¡¯s time to grab some tools and get to work, Lucio!¡± The audience laughed at the remark, and Lucio raised an eyebrow in suspicion. But he didn¡¯t dwell much on it, beaming at the stands as he made exaggerated reverences. ¡°My, my, that¡¯s quite the prize! Thank you, everyone!¡± Lucio¡¯s voice, amplified by J-Rider¡¯s skill, reached everyone¡¯s ears and left them confused. What was he even thanking them for? With the doubt plaguing their minds, Lucio picked up the huge box effortlessly, and retreated from the podium while nodding at Selorien. The elf assumed that he could take the next one, so he gently pried Lilithra¡¯s arm from around his neck and stepped forward, his friend silently cheering for him. The staff girl appeared once more, carrying a small, round shield, which she extended toward Selorien. It gave off an unremarkable feel, with the edges showing splintered ends from continuous use. The front part had a metal circle in the center, and the back had a handle in the same position. Even though it was quite small, it was way heavier than it looked. ¡°Not quite what a rogue would want, but here we have the Buckler of Shielding! What a redundant name haha! It has a nice bonus to blocking and even bolsters strength slightly!¡± The spectators sounded more impressed this time around, maybe due to the shield¡¯s effects. But most of the voices heard were coming from women across the stands, so perhaps it was just Selorien¡¯s presence that had sparked the clamoring. As for Selorien, he accepted the prize and nodded slightly. He walked back with his eyes narrowed in irritation, as he had no real use for that shield. Thinking about it, all of the prizes so far seemed pretty lame, to say the least. He was surely going to visit Claude soon, and sell it to him without remorse. It was now down to two prizes, and Lilithra looked back at Lucretia, her sparkly eyes inviting her to be next. Lucretia sighed and put away her phone before slowly making her way to the podium. There, the male attendant handed her a small ring. She eyed it with curiosity, studying its engravings and a decorative blue jewel. ¡°As for the next prize, we have the Ring of Underwater Breathing! Nice and to the point, huh? It lets the wearer breathe underwater for a couple of minutes!¡± If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. That actually seemed pretty handy. Even Lilithra felt a bit jealous, thinking how she could¡¯ve used it to dive into the ocean and explore the mystic depths¡­ for a couple of minutes, at least! Lucretia seemed content and smiled softly as she walked back, the crowd clapping in celebration. At least someone was finally happy about their award. Lilithra gulped, knowing it was now her turn, and approached the couple of staff members with uneasy steps. She was nervous about what she would get, but her feeling of tiredness was overwhelming her senses. Oh how she longed for a nice, long bath, and a plate full of tasty delicacies cooked up by her uncle! But this time, both attendants stepped forward as the crowd murmured among themselves. The lights shining on the podium started to move around, and a fanfare could be heard echoing all around the colosseum. ¡°Huh? Huh?!¡± Muttered Lilithra with complete uneasiness, confusion taking over her weary face as she looked around with nervousness. ¡°Surprise, surprise! As for the last prize we have a veeeeeeery special item!¡° At his words, the staff members presented Lilithra with a purple pendant, dangling from both their hands on a gray chain. The accessory itself looked intricately crafted, shaped in the form of a teardrop with two small ornaments protruding to its sides, resembling small wings. On the center was a purple amethyst, embedded in a silver socket engraved with elaborate symbols. The gem itself shimmered with an almost mystical light, and reflected the astonished expression of her new owner. Lilithra carefully picked it up by the chain, letting it dangle in front of her as she peered at it with great interest. ¡°For the girl that surprised us all, the winged tear of fear! As its name implies, it can inflict the fear status on low-level creatures! Forget about dealing with rats, bats, and other critters hovering around you while exploring the dungeons!¡± At his words, the spectators reacted with a mix of surprise and amusement, since it seemed like a handy item for some, and just a pest repellant for others. Lilithra, however, looked incredibly impressed and pleased, her face beaming as she clutched the pendant and bowed deeply to the attendants. Seeing her heartfelt actions, amidst the pain and exhaustion she was feeling, the staff members gently patted her on the shoulders. Ascalon felt in tune with them, knowing that Lilithra had that effect on people. She smiled shyly and went back to her group, as the crowd started clapping. Selorien looked really happy for her, and Lucretia clapped softly with a soft smile on her lips. Lucio was more interested in the crowd, as per usual, and Richard was already gone! ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaand that¡¯s it, everyone! Thanks for coming, and bearing with me haha! I hope you enjoyed the matches! Now scram, we gotta prepare for the next Guild war¡­ someday!¡± The stands erupted with chuckles and comments after J-Rider¡¯s parting words, and the many visitors started to head toward the exits, amidst echoing ads and shows of gratitude toward sponsors and other such boring matters. The clapping and cheering slowly subdued, and the last people on the VIP balcony started to leave too. Meanwhile, Jay and Calista approached Ascalon. He got up and met them head-on, bowing slightly. ¡°Hey, man! We¡¯re gonna hit a cool bar nearby, wanna come?!¡± Asked Jay effusively, his smile shining bright. Calista peeked from behind him, her face wearing a similar, but more mischievous expression, her eyes were narrowed and her lips curled into a grin. ¡°I am deeply sorry, but I want to meet my friends. I am grateful for the invitation, nonetheless¡­ and I apologize once again for my earlier behavior¡­¡± Ascalon replied with clear regret in his voice, leaning forward into a more respectful bow. The couple looked a bit disappointed, but understood his motives. Then, seemingly in sync, they both extended their hands forward and presented Ascalon with two small cards. They looked at each other and chuckled, as Ascalon peered at the objects with utmost curiosity. Among the various words, what struck out were the Guild names: ¡®Whaleyard¡¯ and ¡®Cranium Pirates¡¯. Curious, to say the least. Ascalon hesitated for a moment, and then grabbed one with each hand. Both Calista and Jay nodded at him, pleased, and while the first turned around and began to leave, Jay gave Ascalon a thumbs up. ¡°If you wanna join a Guild, join mine okay?! Don¡¯t be lured by her looks! See you around, buddy!¡± He exclaimed as he laughed heartily, following after Calista who shook her head as she walked. ¡°Join mine instead, I¡¯ll make it worth your while~.¡± Said the girl without turning back, her words ringing with an alluring feel. But Ascalon simply sighed, watching them depart, and looked back at the arena. He tried to locate his friends, to no avail. It seemed they had already left, so he resigned himself and decided to also head out. Thankfully, he only had to go back the same corridor as he arrived, and had no way of getting lost if he followed the crowds¡­ right? With eager steps, he left the VIP balcony behind and made his way outside. A couple of minutes later, he found himself outside the entrance to the colosseum. His head moved from side to side as he scanned the area, trying to spot his friend¡¯s visages without having to rely on sensing their presences. After all, the surroundings were packed with a myriad of auras, and it was going to be a difficult task to discern his friends among them. It was then that he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned back to witness a sleekly dressed Raphael, wearing a white suit from head to toe, making for an unusual and peculiar sight. ¡°Hey, Ascalon! Did you enjoy the match? Lil was incredible!¡±He exclaimed with cheerfulness, his face beaming with delight. Ascalon was about to respond, when a womanly, soft voice came from behind the gentleman. ¡°Oh? Is this the one you¡¯ve been talking about, Raphy?¡± Raphael turned back, and Ascalon gazed upon the woman who had just spoken. She was tall, with long blonde hair cascading to her hips. Her red one-piece clung tightly to her curvy figure, and she wore lengthy, white gloves that went up and past her elbow. On one hand, she had a lit cigarette in a long holder, and an expensive-looking purse on the other. Her neck was adorned by a shimmering, gold necklace, and her hands sported a variety of rings over the gloves. Her face showed a bold smile, her lipstick a deep red. Her green eyes seemed to stare right at his soul, and were highlighted by red eyeliner. Below her right eye rested a small mole that added to her beauty, and she exuded a confident, almost regal presence. ¡°Oh right! Ascalon, meet Marygold!¡± Exclaimed Raphael with a half smile, presenting the woman with both his arms in a gesture of reverence. Marygold stood tall, holding the cigarette to her lips with one hand while supporting her arm with the other, her posture elegant and firm. She took a slow drag from her cigarette, clearly an avid smoker, and gently released a gray cloud to her side as her eyes studied Ascalon. ¡°Nice to meet you, handsome.¡± She purred, her gaze resting on his good eye. Ascalon bowed courteously, and returned the greeting in kind. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Marygold.¡± His respectful tone made her arch an eyebrow, while her half-smile deepened into an amused grin. Raphael chuckled at her side, while peering at the many faces in the crowd. ¡°Don¡¯t be getting any funny ideas, Marygold. You can¡¯t gobble this one up.¡± He said in a mischievous voice, his eyes darting in search of her niece. Ascalon was slightly taken aback by Raphael¡¯s attitude. It was an interesting side of him. While he pondered about that, Marygold¡¯s voice cut through the air again. ¡°What a shame! I¡¯m sure the girls back at the brothel would drool at the sight of him.¡± She added playfully, puffing on her cigarette. Raphael laughed as he raised his hand and waved animatedly. Noticing the gesture, Ascalon followed the gentleman¡¯s gaze and finally saw his two friends approaching amidst the multitude of people. He smiled with glee, though his enthusiasm was short-lived. Lilithra smiled nervously as she made her way toward them, clearly doing her best to put on a brave face, while Selorien¡¯s irritation was clearly palpable even from a distance. Just what could have happened to sour their mood right after winning the Guild war? Well, it was, as per usual, Lucio¡¯s fault. Chapter 35 - Guild War Aftermath After everyone reunited, Raphael suggested a change in location. To Lilithra¡¯s dismay, he also offered to pay for an all-you-can-eat buffet with the earnings he had made betting on her fight; that meant she wasn¡¯t going to enjoy her uncle¡¯s cooking that night. It was truly a shame. They headed to an expensive-looking restaurant, and booked one of the most luxurious private rooms. It seemed that the master of The Chalice had won big! The place itself exuded a ¡®wealthy¡¯ vibe, making Selorien, Ascalon, and Lilithra feel a bit out of place, though also somewhat excited. There were soothing, faint lights that helped relax their weary eyes, evenly spaced through the neatly decorated walls that showed a repeating pattern of red and black tiles. A few abstract paintings adorned some spots, creating a well-balanced atmosphere and leaving little wasted space. They walked on a fluffy red carpet, and took seats on a soft, U-shaped leather sofa that surrounded a large round table. It was incredibly comfy, something Lilithra and Selorien were especially thankful for. They both managed to sit at the center, with Ascalon to the right of the elf, Marygold beside him, and Raphael sitting on the opposite corner next to Lilithra. Lilithra was a bit disappointed, but was too tired to even think. She sank into the sofa comfortably and sighed deeply, resting with her eyes half-closed while awaiting the food. After Raphael ordered their banquet, he focused his gaze on Selorien. ¡°Alright, what got that frown on your face? I know it wasn¡¯t because you gave up your fight.¡± Asked the gentleman, caring concern filling his voice, though his face reflected a serious look. He had come to know the elf very well in these past few years. Selorien himself had been sporting a pissed-off look throughout the way, and wasn¡¯t showing any signs of his mood improving. He shot a sharp stare at Raphael, and sighed in exasperation. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not really about my fight, but it does have to do with it!¡± His words were coated with irritation, and Raphael raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Ascalon watched silently from the side, curiosity guiding his gaze. ¡°Lucio set us up¡­ or, well, something like that.¡± Added Selorien, putting both elbows on the table and resting his chin on his fists. ¡°Bottom line is, he¡¯s a deluded asshole.¡± He huffed, before recounting what had transpired in the short span after the fights and before they had all reunited.
Right after receiving their prizes, the Casanova group advanced toward their designated room, where they would probably make plans for celebration or simply disband. Lucio led the way while humming to himself, clearly pleased about the Guild war¡¯s outcome, yet Selorien couldn¡¯t help but stare at him with suspicion. Once they arrived, the Guildmaster turned around and opened his arms wide in an exaggerated posture, addressing his subordinates. ¡°Once again, good job, my lovelies! I hope you enjoy your prizes, and get ready for a lot of attention from now on! Especially, unwanted attention, heehee~.¡± He laughed mischievously, resting his right cheek on his hands. Richard rolled his eyes, and Lucretia nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°But great things are coming! Can¡¯t wait until you see what I¡¯ve got in store for the Guild going forward!¡± Lucio chuckled with confidence, spinning around and finally pointing to the exit. ¡°For now, though, let¡¯s go celebrate!¡± As he concluded his shenanigans, Selorien grabbed his arm, and Lucio slowly turned around to meet the elf¡¯s annoyed stare. He sighed dramatically, and stood in front of Selorien, carefully prying the elf¡¯s hand around away from his arm. ¡°Alright, what is it, Selly?¡± Lucio asked, showing a warm smile. The rest of the group perked up with intrigue, as they were aware of Selorien¡¯s behavior¡ªespecially his closest friend. ¡°Tell me the truth, Guildmaster: did you have a hand in the matchups selections?¡± Lucio¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but his eyes narrowed as he pondered. After a brief moment, he chuckled and moved his right hand in the air in a waving motion, as if to disparage the elf¡¯s accusation. ¡°Selly, oh, Selly, whatever gave you that idea? You know The Colosseum¡¯s staff handles all that!¡± He shrugged, shaking his head at the elf. But Selorien didn¡¯t relent. ¡°Cut the bullshit! I know, it was my grandfather, wasn¡¯t it?¡± At his words, Lucio¡¯s eyes flinched, his facade breaking momentarily. The Guildmaster sighed once again, this time with resignation, and cleared his throat as his brown eyes dug deep into Selorien¡¯s stare. ¡°You¡¯re not going to let this go, are you? Fiiiine, we had a bit of an agreement, but just a teeny bit! Though the funds I managed to squeeze weren¡¯t tiny at all!¡± Lucio exclaimed while giggling, as if the matter wasn¡¯t anything more than a joke. Selorien¡¯s cheeks reddened with anger. At this point, Lilithra looked confused, while Richard and Lucretia were eyeing Lucio with displeased looks. Seeing the atmosphere turn sour, Lucio tried to appease them. ¡°Come on, everyone! Money aside, you could say it was just a little test for the newbies! A last trial, so to say! I was confident in you both!¡± He spoke looking at Lilithra and Selorien. ¡±But if you lost, well, it didn¡¯t matter! BUT! You won! You did it! You shone bright on the stage!¡± He rambled on and on as everyone¡¯s discomfort ramped up. ¡°You really surprised me! That¡¯s no easy feat! I would dare say it was the bestest outcome, eh? In the end, no harm was done to us! It was a win-win situation!¡± Lucio concluded, clearly proud of himself. He really didn¡¯t see anything wrong with what he was saying. Selorien trembled in place, his anger welling up as he recalled the matches. He didn¡¯t care as much for his own fight, but what about Lilithra? What if she hadn¡¯t improved as much, and had to face Rosco at an even greater disadvantage? She could¡¯ve died, yet Lucio was acting so carefree about it. But, in the end, it wasn¡¯t solely the Guildmaster¡¯s fault, as other hands were at play; one of them, his grandfather¡¯s¡­ and he knew that Lilithra¡¯s death would please the stubborn, old elf, as morbid as that sounded. Selorien took a big breath, trying to control himself, which took the utmost effort from his part. ¡°Really? No harm done, huh? It didn¡¯t matter at all if we won or lost; it was all a charade! But of course, there were real stakes for us, none for you!¡± Selorien shouted in frustration, wondering what was going through Lucio¡¯s head. What had happened with the anger Lucio had shown just a few days ago? Had he simply feigned being offended by the Flaming Fists, the night they messed with Lilithra? Was the whole Guild war orchestrated with ulterior motives? An act for his own amusement? Hell, Selorien didn¡¯t even need to go so far back to question the Guildmaster¡¯s actions. What about his concern for Lucretia after her own fight? Had it been genuine, or fabricated? Did Lucio even care about anyone else but himself? Selorien just didn¡¯t know what to make of the situation, as many questions raced through his head. Lucio tilted his head as if not understanding the issues that Selorien was bringing up. Then, Richard started to head out for the exit, letting his voice out as he walked. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°This is a new low¡ªeven for you, Lucio.¡± The Felinae scoffed, leaving without turning back. Lucretia approached her Guildmaster and shot him an irritated stare before turning away and following after Richard. Lucio stood there, dumbfounded, apparently unaware of how much his actions had disappointed his Guildmembers. He turned to Lilithra, the only one that hadn¡¯t chimed in, and saw her downcast expression. ¡°Lil! You understand, don¡¯t you? You have to give the people what they want: a good show! This is all business for them bigwigs, but I did it for the Guild! I did it for you guys!¡± He paused, his visage showing a contorted smile as he rambled with glee. ¡°I¡¯m a bit disappointed! I thought you¡¯d see that this wasn¡¯t all about winning¡ªyou could even look at it as a consolation prize! Imagine you¡¯d lost and we went home empty-handed. Awful, right? You should all be thanking me for being so cunning!¡± He said animatedly, as if his point would be met with applause or gratitude, though he was giving off a really deluded aura. Selorien started to understand another reason as to why he was so irritated by Lucio all the time. The Guildmaster seemed to live in his own world, surrounded by carefully fabricated notions, and acted as if he was a grand actor on a weird, huge stage. He was clearly detached from reality. Lilithra smiled weakly, her brain struggling to catch up with the situation. All she knew was that she wanted to leave. ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m not sure what you wanted to accomplish, Guildmaster¡­ But I don¡¯t like how you did it.¡± She stated with a tired voice, and Selorien realized he had more important things to focus on¡ªlike her well-being. He approached her and lent her a shoulder. Lilithra smiled faintly and accepted his help. They left without crossing another word with Lucio, who simply remained standing in silence. ¡°I am in the right¡­¡± Lucio¡¯s voice trailed off after them, but they heed no mind to his words.
As soon as Selorien finished recounting the events, Raphael struck the table with a clenched fist, the intensity of his anger making Lilithra flinch at his side. ¡°That filthy rat! I knew something was up! I was so damn worried about Lil throughout her whole fight, because of that damned Rosco! And now you come and tell me it was because of that piece of crap Guildmaster of yours?!¡± His words reverberated through the room, which seemed to distort in response to the gentleman¡¯s ire. Selorien was taken aback, but Lilithra was simply too exhausted to fully grasp what was going on. Ascalon was focused on Raphael, confirming that the steward was no mere barkeeper. There was a slumbering might dwelling within, unmeasurably so. ¡°Calm down, Raphy; think of the kids.¡± It was Marygold¡¯s calming voice that quelled the beast, as she puffed on her cigarette, uncaringly. Raphael gasped, cleared his throat, and slowly sighed. His visage softened, his face showing a concerned expression. ¡°Listen, I want you both out of that Guild.¡± Raphael declared, his tone resolute and implying no room for retort. Lilithra¡¯s tired mind managed to catch onto those words, and she abruptly leaned forward, putting both hands on the table for support. ¡°But, Uncle!¡± She pleaded with a pained look, her eyebrows furrowing in anguish, but Raphael shook his head. ¡°I know being in that Guild gives you a chance to help people, but you can also do that anywhere else. I don¡¯t want you near that lunatic anymore, please. I¡¯ll personally talk with Ron and find you another opportunity if needed.¡± At these words, Lilithra sank again into the sofa, her eyes shimmering slightly. She knew Raphael had her best interests in mind. Deep down, she wanted out. She had come to like Casanova, and was finally getting to know some of them, like the grouchy Richard, and the cool beauty Lucretia¡­ but, despite the tiredness that tried to cloud her thinking, Lucio¡¯s actions were starting to wound her deeply. It was as if he had no faith in her at all, and had fixed the matchups like her loss was an inevitability. He said it was in order to benefit his Guild, but she wondered if that even included her and Selorien. She clutched her guild scarf, and a few tears started to roll down her cheeks, dripping onto the cloth. She wasn¡¯t that fond of Lucio in particular, but she had wanted to be part of their Guild so badly; she wanted to be of use, and help others. Maybe she too was using them in some way. Lilithra sobbed quietly, her shoulders shaking as Raphael gently patted her back. Selorien sighed and rubbed his face in frustration, while Marygold puffed thoughtfully on her cigarette. Ascalon watched the scene with a look of pure consternation. His chest felt tight with a pain he struggled to suppress. He wanted to feel angry at Lucio, but knew that it would only pain Lilithra further, and held his emotions back. Minutes passed, Lilithra¡¯s sobbing being the only sound in the room. It was then that the food finally arrived. Lilithra did her best to dry her tears with the sleeves of her hoodie, and decided to not think anymore. Her fatigue was building up, and her head was starting to pulsate with pain, so she was going to enjoy some food and go to sleep. The heavy thoughts, and the decisions she had to make, would have to wait for tomorrow. As for the food itself, everyone silently agreed that while it wasn¡¯t quite on par with Raphael¡¯s cooking, it was delicious nonetheless. It was an assortment of different dishes set across the table, from seafood and fried chicken, to hamburgers and pizza¡ªthe latter being something that Ascalon had come to love unconditionally. Little by little, the mood lightened and turned more cheerful, leaving the somber atmosphere behind. As Raphael began chatting with Selorien and Lilithra, Marygold poked Ascalon on the side. ¡°Hey, I heard a lot about you, you know? How¡¯s it been, adapting to a new world?¡± She asked with a gentle smile, resting her head on her hand, which was held up by her elbow on the table. Ascalon pondered for a moment, returning the smile as he gazed upon his friends. ¡°At first, I thought it was going to be a grand ordeal. But it was not as difficult as I feared, mostly thanks to the three of them.¡± He responded, then looked at Marygold. She murmured a soft ¡®hmmm¡¯, her green eyes shifting toward the others, then back to Ascalon. ¡°I know what you mean, they¡¯re a cute bunch¡ªespecially Lil. I¡¯m glad you found your way to them.¡± She stated, her lips curling up into a mischievous smile. Ascalon gazed at Lilithra, smiling to himself. She looked so tired, yet seemed to be enjoying herself a lot more than before. She noticed his stare, and waved at him shyly, both Selorien and Raphael chuckling at her actions. Raphael grinned as he watched Ascalon and Marygold, as she slowly inched closer toward him. ¡°Be careful Ascalon, the more you talk to her the more attached she becomes. Like a puppy!¡± He laughed nonchalantly, Selorien smirking at the joke while eating a piece of meat on a stick. Lilithra eyed them curiously, and Marygold winked at her while playfully grabbing Ascalon¡¯s arm. ¡°You guys are so mean. You¡¯ve been hogging this guy all to yourselves for so long¡­¡± Marygold stated, pouting while rubbing her cheek against Ascalon¡¯s shoulder. Ascalon himself was feeling conflicted, as he wasn¡¯t really used to these kinds of situations, and didn¡¯t know how to peel away from her without coming off as rude. He could feel Lilithra¡¯s intense gaze directed at him, which only added to his growing confusion, while both Selorien and Raphael giggled in amusement. The night went on peacefully, with Ascalon¡¯s mettle being tested by Marygold¡¯s unabashed clinging, and Lilithra feeling a mix of exhaustion, irritation, and an arrangement of other emotions. It was late into the night when they decided they had enough of the food. Raphael paid for the bill with a huge grin, knowing he still had quite a bit of money left over, and everyone prepared to leave the still bustling restaurant. Outside the establishment, Selorien bid goodbye to the group, and sluggishly stepped into the darkness. Ascalon knew he could take care of himself, but was also reassured by the presence of a few of his maids discreetly escorting him from a distance. On the way to The Chalice, they left Marygold at the doors of a scandalous building, as its premises were full of scantily clad women who received them with utmost excitement. Thankfully, Marygold managed to shepherd them inside as she waved goodbye to the group. It wasn¡¯t long until the three of them arrived at the bar, and everyone bid each other goodnight before heading toward their respective rooms. In his warm, comfortable bed, Ascalon finally felt back at home, and reflected on the day¡¯s events, wondering what tomorrow might bring after such a rollercoaster. He was sure that it was going to be a tough day due to Raphael¡¯s request. Maybe Lilithra and Selorien would have to look for another Guild, or perhaps they would stay in Casanova anyway. Maybe Lilithra would finally make her own group, though it was unlikely that she would do it so suddenly. Either way, it was still an uncertain future. What he didn¡¯t realize was that he had completely forgotten about his stats calculation, and he drifted into a deep slumber without a care in the world. Chapter 36 - Onto Old Matters Lilithra woke up slowly, as soreness spread throughout her body. She reached around her bed with her hand while muffling complaining sounds, until she found her phone and wearily looked at the hour. It was a bit past eight in the morning. She sighed with a bit of regret, and tossed the device to the side. Her ever-growing squad of plushies moved around slightly while she shuffled under the bedsheets, as she tried to get into a position where her aching muscles could feel a bit more comfortable. The girl looked at the ceiling while recalling the events of the previous day. She had seen some incredible fights, even if they had been pre-arranged, and had even won against Rosco. Just a few weeks ago, she wouldn¡¯t even have dared to dream about fighting him, much less winning against him. Lilithra smiled with joy, as a wave of euphoria washed over her. ¡°I won!¡± She whispered to herself, turning from side to side in excitement. Though she wondered why she hadn¡¯t leveled up, since the fight had been so hard. But well, it¡¯s not like she could do anything about it. She grabbed a plushie and hugged it, then another, and soon she found herself clinging to a bundle of stuffed animals. She lifted the newest one, peering at it from below. It was the one she had acquired at Claude¡¯s the other day. Her thoughts inevitably shifted to her friends, who accompanied her at every step of the way. Selly, who had been her first and only best friend, and who arrived at her side when she felt alone and displaced. And of course, Ascalon, the gallant knight that helped her grow tremendously. She brought the plushie closer, and slightly kissed its forehead. Her cheeks reddened as her mind began to drift into more affectionate thoughts. Lilithra tried to picture Ascalon¡¯s face in the stuffed cat¡¯s visage and shyly puckered her lips. But before doing anything else, she set the plushie aside and covered her face with both hands, feeling the warmth of her red cheeks. ¡°What am I, twelve?¡± She questioned her own actions with a hushed voice, rolling from side to side under the blanket. As she calmed down, she reminisced about the banquet. She frowned slightly at the memory of Marygold fawning over Ascalon, and felt a bit jealous. Immediately after, she felt ashamed. She knew what jealousy could do to a person and hated the feeling. If only she could simply switch off some of her emotions. Amidst her internal struggle, her doting Uncle¡¯s words echoed in her mind, and a realization began to dawn on her. She needed to make a decision about the Casanova Guild, too. Her eyes started glimmering at the surging emotions. Lilithra took a big breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself and focus on getting up. It was too early to think about that¡ªshe needed time. For now, what she needed was a shower and the feel of clean clothes against her skin. With that in mind, she headed for the bathroom before beginning her morning routine.
Contrary to Lilithra, Ascalon had woken up much earlier, around five o¡¯clock. He lingered in bed for a couple of minutes, basking in its comfort, before finally getting up. He stood by the window, watching the sun slowly rise on the horizon, as he quietly pondered about the hectic prior day. It had been quite the ordeal, and the reveal of Lucio¡¯s actions had somewhat soured the authenticity of matches. Still, credit where credit was due¡ªLilithra had won, even against all odds. He felt overjoyed at the memory, though of course, he didn¡¯t realize how big of a part he had played in that victory. Ascalon also thought it was a shame that Selorien didn¡¯t have a chance to show off, but he also knew that the elf had probably forgotten all about it by now. He admired his carefree nature, especially as someone who couldn¡¯t help but contemplate on all kinds of matters¡ªsometimes even a bit too deeply. He sighed, chuckling to himself. Then, he went about his mundane routine, including a trip to the bath, before descending to the main hall of The Chalice. At the usual counter awaited Raphael, who was already up, stirring a cup of coffee with slow, methodical movements. The gentleman pushed the cup toward Ascalon, a dignified smile spreading through her calm visage. ¡°Good morning, Ascalon.¡± His steady voice greeted the blonde, who nodded slightly and took a seat before answering. ¡°Good morning, Sir Raphael. Early as ever, I see.¡± Responded Ascalon as he held the cup in his hand. He savored the smell for a moment, before sipping on the sweetest of nectars. It was truly a marvelous beverage. Raphael watched over him with a warm and proud gaze, feeling satisfaction in fulfilling his customer¡¯s needs. But he wasn¡¯t a man who would beat around the bush, so he quickly started a conversation. ¡°Could I ask you for a favor, Ascalon?¡± He asked, his tone of voice full of seriousness. Ascalon finished his coffee, and answered as he gently put the cup down. ¡°Of course, if it¡¯s anything within my power, I shall strive to grant it.¡± He assured, as he felt indebted to the older man and would be honored to help him in any way he could. Raphael glanced at the stairs, making sure Lilithra wasn¡¯t around¡ªeven if it was unlikely at such an early hour¡ªand voiced his inquiry. ¡°Could you watch over her? Over Lilithra? I know she will struggle to make a choice, and she¡¯s been¡­ led around, so to say, in the past.¡± He paused, his stare reflecting deep sorrow. ¡°I know Selly won¡¯t let her do anything rash, but his Grandfather seems to bear deep hatred toward her¡ªbecause of her parents¡¯ actions. I fear he will try to limit their interactions from time to time.¡± Raphael¡¯s voice turned more sad toward the end. Ascalon frowned as he wondered about the mysterious circumstances that surrounded Lilithra¡¯s parents, as it was a topic that he had heard about constantly, but only in bits and pieces. He steeled himself, and asked. ¡°Just what happened with her parents?¡± His firm voice made Raphael show a conflicted expression. Ascalon wanted to ask more, delve deeper, but kept it as concise as he could in order to be as respectful as possible. The gentleman sighed, bringing a hand to his head and rubbing his temples slowly. ¡°I¡­ No, I can¡¯t be the one to tell you. Let¡¯s just say they did something terrible, and she unfairly bears that stigma.¡± He said with a tone of regret, his face contorting into a pained expression. But he shook his head briefly, regaining her usual calm demeanor. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll tell you on her own, when she¡¯s ready.¡± The older man smiled gently, and Ascalon nodded in acknowledgment. Raphael was right, he wasn¡¯t the one he wanted to hear it from. Ascalon¡¯s curiosity had gotten the best of him, and he felt ashamed. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Looking down at the empty cup of coffee for a moment, he then raised his head, meeting Raphael¡¯s gaze. ¡°As for your request, I was going to watch over her regardless. I owe her much, after all.¡± His tone was resolute, and his half-smile made the gentleman chuckle. ¡°Ha, I should¡¯ve known. Sorry to bring up a serious talk so early, but you better get used to it. As I grow older I start to rant more often!¡± Raphael laughed, grabbing the empty cup to wash it. As he watched the steward work, Ascalon recalled something he had meant to ask. ¡°Is there anything I can help out with? Regarding the establishment, I mean.¡± Ascalon questioned, referring to The Chalice. Raphael tilted his head for a moment, humming while cleaning the cup with a soft rag. ¡°Hmm. Maybe you could keep rejuvenating the backyard! I used to open early and serve breakfast and light drinks, like lemonade and such¡ªit was like an outdoor caf¨¦.¡± He explained, setting the now clean, shining cup down. ¡°I can¡¯t quite recall when, but I had to travel for a while and closed down The Chalice. When I returned, well¡­ you saw the state of the backyard. I thought it would be too much trouble to restore by myself, and decided to stick to just opening the main building at night.¡± He concluded, placing a hand under his chin as he pondered for a moment. Ascalon nodded as he listened, thinking it made sense that the building would deteriorate with the passing of time and no one caring for it. Still, it seemed like Raphael had quite a long trip, taking into account the state of the backyard. There were various other things he was curious about, like why the steward hadn¡¯t simply appointed someone to take care of the place while he was gone, but decided to keep those prying thoughts to himself. It was then that Raphael¡¯s voice brought him back to reality. ¡°If you want to keep working on the backyard, I can buy some materials to renovate it. We could open it again, and you could get the customers¡¯ orders! It would help you to mingle with more people around here.¡± Raphael suggested, his face showing a caring smile. Ascalon felt grateful for the older man¡¯s support, who was still trying to help him adjust to life in New Lumingard. So far, Ascalon hadn¡¯t had a chance to help much around the tavern, so this was a great opportunity for him. Ascalon bowed respectfully, before raising his head to meet the steward¡¯s gaze. ¡°It would be my pleasure!¡± He replied with glee, smiling warmly at the man. They both chuckled, feeling a sense of comedy in their mannerisms, but ultimately realizing they were quite in tune with each other. Afterward, Ascalon headed to the backyard, busying himself with cleaning up debris, sweeping leaves, and inspecting the outdoor furniture. Even if he was no expert, he could pinpoint rotten wood, splintering ends, or corroded nails. They needed to get rid of all of that if they wanted a safe, welcoming environment for the customers. The hours passed as he kept himself busy, and he took a moment to sit on one of the finest chairs, taking in the surroundings. Performing these mundane acts of labor filled him with a different kind of satisfaction than that of vanquishing foes or the like. It was a refreshing feeling of accomplishment. It was around that time that Ascalon felt a familiar presence. Looking toward the entrance to The Chalice¡¯s backdoor, he saw a distinctive pink hoodie popping out. There stood a peculiar-looking Lilithra, peeking at him shyly, her body hidden behind the frame. Noticing she had been found out, she smiled nervously and skipped in Ascalon¡¯s direction. She was wearing her usual clothing, including the hood pulled over her head, which was to be expected since the weather was mildly chilly. As she approached, she raised her hand and quickly waved. ¡°Morning, Ascalon!¡± She greeted with energy, her smile widening in joy. He noticed she had omitted the ¡®master¡¯ title, and wondered if she had already forgotten about it, or was going to be selective about using it. There he was again, pondering about things too deeply. He shook his head and sighed, before meeting Lilithra¡¯s gaze. ¡°Good morning, Lilithra. How are you feeling today?¡± Ascalon inquired while peering at her posture, noticing she was shifting uncomfortably. Lilithra slumped her shoulders and let out a disgruntled cry. ¡°Ugh~ kinda tired, and sore. But happy!¡± She expressed her delight by pumping her fists in the air. She winced mid-motion, and then retracted her arms as she slouched slightly. ¡°Ouch, I think I pulled something¡­¡± She rubbed her back slowly as she made an irritated expression, seemingly fed up with her body¡¯s aching. Ascalon chuckled at the sight. He recalled times when he felt like her¡ªhis body covered in bruises, and the pain that lasted for days on end. ¡°It hurts now, but you have undoubtedly grown stronger because of it.¡± He stated with a confident smile, and she perked up with excitement. ¡°Yeah! I really got stronger. I still can¡¯t believe I won against Rosco¡­ but, honestly? He felt¡­ different.¡± Her happy visage turned upside down as she frowned, doubt clouding her mind. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but agree. The Rosco he had faced didn¡¯t show as many openings, and wasn¡¯t as distracted as he appeared in Lilithra¡¯s match. Still, there was an undeniable truth amidst any of these assumptions. ¡°Even so, you won.¡± He spoke with encouragement, his smile softening. She looked at him with a gentle gaze, regaining her cheerful expression. ¡°And that¡¯s all that matters!¡± She replied, giggling to herself. Then, she looked around, inspecting the surroundings with curiosity. Ascalon noticed her stare, and explained her uncle¡¯s plan. She seemed on board with the suggestion. ¡°That¡¯s a cool idea! I¡¯ll help, too!¡± Her upbeat attitude made him chuckle once again, and she joined in, blushing slightly. Ah, these were the best moments, she thought. But just as she began to relish on the feeling, Ascalon perked up and looked at the distance with a concerned look. Following his gaze, Lilithra caught sight of Ron and another lady coming toward them. Lilithra had seen her a few times at Headquarters, but didn¡¯t know much about her. Ascalon realized then that it was probably time to honor his promise to Ron, and met him halfway through the backyard. Ron smiled softly, his mustache lifting slightly, and bowed at the knight. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Ascalon; I hope I¡¯m not intruding.¡± He spoke with respect as per usual, though one could feel it was his ¡®business¡¯ persona. ¡°Greetings, Sir Ron, and Lady¡­ Marianne?¡± Ascalon answered respectfully, though his words drifted toward the end. He struggled to remember her name, since he had only interacted briefly with her. Marianne nodded, seemingly unperturbed. Lilithra waved at them shyly, peeking from behind Ascalon, and Ron smiled at her before focusing once again on the blonde. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for dropping by unannounced, but we¡¯d like to close the matter regarding your profile as soon as possible. If I recall, the calculations should¡¯ve finished yesterday, yes¡­?¡± Ron inquired, and Ascalon remembered the screen that he had swept away when watching Lilithra¡¯s match. Ascalon nodded in confirmation, while Lilithra tilted her head in curiosity. He had told her something about that, but kept it rather vague at the time. ¡°Yes, it seems that whatever my ¡®profile¡¯ was doing is now finished, though I completely forgot about it until now.¡± Ascalon answered, feeling a bit ashamed of forgetting such an important matter. Ron smiled with relief while rubbing his hands together. ¡°Perfect! I even brought Ms. Mary here to save you a trip to Headquarters!¡± At his words, Mary muttered a ¡®more like dragged me here¡¯ under her breath, though Ascalon decided to act as if he didn¡¯t notice. Clearing his throat, Ron made way for Mary to get closer. ¡°Should we proceed?¡± He asked, and Ascalon nodded in agreement. A moment later, a screen he had seen before appeared before him.
Marianne Coldstock is requesting access to your profile information.
Accept / Decline
Just like that one time, Ascalon pressed accept. Mary looked over the screen and showed a relieved expression, before opening her eyes wide in shock. ¡°What the fuck?¡± She exclaimed, completely flabbergasted and startling everyone. It seemed she had seen something quite outrageous. Chapter 37 - The GREAT Headquarters President! Moments passed as Ascalon peered into Mary¡¯s expression, a look of total disbelief painted over her entire face. Lilithra, peeking from behind Ascalon, tilted her head with curiosity as she wondered what the girl had seen, while Ron perked up with a brow raised in suspicion. ¡°This¡­ this makes no sense¡­ ¡± Mary blurted out in a quiet tone, mostly to herself, frustration and confusion clear in her voice. Ron approached her, and Mary looked up at him. Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, as if struggling to find the right words, or unsure of how to properly convey them. She shook her head to regain a glimpse of focus, noticing her own demeanor, and quickly fiddled with her screen in order to send Ron the data. The usually calm gentleman gazed at his screen with an eager look. As his eyes studied the contents, his brows furrowed, and a mix of wariness and shock slowly took over his visage. ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± Ron whispered while his hand reached for his chest pocket, removing a handkerchief that he promptly used to wipe his face. Ascalon and Lilithra stood there, taken aback by their reactions¡ªespecially the latter, whose intrigue was being reflected on her whole body. She tip-toed behind Ascalon and swayed her arms as her impatience welled up; she wanted to know what was going on! While Lilithra had curious thoughts, Ron was trying to process the absurd information that was being presented to him. Ascalon¡¯s stats were outlandish, far beyond the norm. Ron closed his eyes and took a big breath, trying to clear his mind for a moment. Mary kept studying Ascalon¡¯s profile, her eyes darting around as she tried to come to terms with reality. Ascalon, sensing the bundle of energy intensifying behind him, decided to finally interject. ¡°Is there something wrong, Sir Ron?¡± He asked with a worried tone, snapping Ron out of his thoughts. The man hurriedly put on a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s not like there is a problem, Mr. Ascalon¡­ it¡¯s just¡­ give us a moment, please.¡± Ron stammered slightly as he grabbed Mary¡¯s arm and dragged her away, confusion spreading across her face once again. After walking a good distance, he turned to look at Mary, who pouted in protest at his abrupt actions. He ignored her, and talked in a hushed voice, hoping Ascalon wouldn¡¯t overhear them. ¡°I expected high stats, but this is ridiculous!¡± His tone was quiet, yet the indignation was clear. ¡°What if his profile is glitched? Or something along these lines¡­¡± Mary answered, eyeing Ascalon and Lilithra with suspicion. Ron pondered for a moment, humming thoughtfully as he wracked his brain before retorting. ¡°I find it hard to believe that the network would make such a mistake, especially after a ¡®stat calculation¡¯¡­ that alone suggests that something needed correction, I would assume. One way or the other, he¡¯s something special. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± He nodded to himself, as if confirming his own train of thoughts. Mary brought a hand to her face, placing it below her chin as she reflected on her superior¡¯s words. Ascalon watched from a distance, unsure of how to act since he was indeed overhearing their conversation. He felt a sense of D¨¦j¨¤ vu, and apologized in his mind for the intrusion. He then decided to look at Lilithra to see how she was faring. The horned girl beamed shyly as she noticed his gaze, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Ascalon sighed, knowing her curiosity couldn¡¯t be helped. The exchange served as enough of a distraction for Ascalon to miss part of the brief conversation between Ron and Mary, who returned to his side with determined steps. Ron looked at him with a serious, but gentle expression. ¡°Mr. Ascalon, we have registered your information. For now, the coordination is complete, so you can forget about us pestering you for a while.¡± He spoke with a bit of humor in his voice, yet Ascalon could notice the gentleman was hiding something. ¡°But I would like to make a request. Don¡¯t show your profile to anyone. To anyone, please.¡± Ron pleaded, this time with total solemnity, his words carrying a weight that took Ascalon by surprise. Meanwhile, Ron shot a glance at Lilithra, considering if it was necessary to convince her to not pry into the matter, but he ultimately decided to dismiss the thought. Knowing that Ascalon was fond of her was enough of a reason to not antagonize her, and he believed that it would be wiser to rely on the blonde to ensure she would keep the confidentiality. Ascalon, for his part, nodded in understanding. He didn¡¯t need to think too deeply to realize that it was probably for his own good. He recalled when Ron told him about headhunters and whatnot, so it was understandable that he would request discretion. ¡°I give you my word, Sir Ron. I barely use the network interface, either way.¡± Ascalon spoke with a half smile on his face, attempting a light-hearted joke to lift the mood. Ron sighed deeply, relief washing over him. At his side, Mary looked more content, her lips curled slightly into a soft smile. ¡°We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Ascalon.¡± She stated, bowing deeply, to which Ascalon responded with a reverence of his own. ¡°Alright, we won¡¯t impose on you further. Once again, don¡¯t be a stranger, and do contact us if you need anything. Thank you for your time.¡± Ron concluded, imitating their actions and bowing with respectfulness. With their business finished, the pair from Headquarters made their way out of The Chalice¡¯s grounds. Ascalon remained in place, watching them go, while Lilithra quickly stood in front of him and pointed an accusatory finger at his face. ¡°What are you hiding from me, your precious and adorable apprentice?!¡± She questioned him, half-jokingly and half incredibly curious, her yellow eyes fixed on his gaze. Ascalon chuckled, and proceeded to do exactly what Ron had asked him not to just moments earlier. He willed his network interface into existence, and looked at her for guidance. ¡°Oh! Right, we never taught you this!¡± She exclaimed with excitement, always happy to delve into network-related things. ¡°Just try to imagine wanting to show it to me specifically, and a ¡®share¡¯ button will, uhm, should appear!¡± Lilithra nodded to herself, proud of her vast knowledge, though it was actually a pretty simple process. It didn¡¯t take long before Ascalon grasped the concept, and a screen appeared in front of Lilithra. She rejoiced and eagerly began to fiddle with it, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gazed upon what Ron and Mary had been so shocked about. Lilithra gasped as she appraised Ascalon¡¯s stats. ¡°What the¡­?!¡± She exclaimed in surprise, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets as she reread the parameter names and their staggering numbers. ¡°Holy¡­!¡± She kept muttering, bewildered at the finds. Ascalon took the chance to peer at it too, since he hadn¡¯t seen his own info yet, either. He then understood everyone¡¯s reactions. Compared to Lilithra, his stats were incredibly high¡ªand that was an understatement. The highest he had seen before were in the hundreds, yet his own were reaching almost ten thousand. He hummed while studying the highest ones, wondering if they were at their maximum¡ªwhich would mean that he couldn¡¯t grow any more¡ªor if they were simply the biggest numbers the network could show. It was an amusing thought, to say the least. It was then that he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders, reaching up from below. He looked down, and saw Lilithra peeking at him with a worried expression. ¡°Just how much did you train?!¡± She asked with a mix of exhilaration and concern in her voice. On one hand, she was incredibly hyped up about seeing Ascalon¡¯s stats. His journey through ¡®Excadia¡¯ had to be beyond amazing, far more captivating than any book or movie she could ever experience. On the other hand, her own caring nature made her consider just how much had the knight endured on his war-ridden path. She didn¡¯t know his exact age, nor his race, but she had a suspicion that he had six or seven years more than her at most. If he had lived for so little, yet experienced so much¡­ Well, it was something to ponder about. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Ascalon laughed heartily, clearly entertained by her reaction. She stepped back while blushing, her hands clenching into small fists. ¡°Ugh~ you reminded me of Selly just now!¡± She reproached, remembering her friend¡¯s teasing antics. Ascalon took a pause to breathe, wiping a small tear from his good eye. ¡°Sorry, I did not mean to make fun of you. It was not what I was expecting you to say, Lilithra.¡± He added, his lips still curled into a grin. She sighed deeply, and then smiled in return. As astounding as his stats were, it just quantified into numbers what she already knew about him. He was strong, but Ascalon nonetheless! She giggled to herself and her silly thoughts, and gazed upon the screen once more. She noticed the ¡®Titles¡¯ tab, and curiosity overtook her again. With a swift, decisive move, she pressed on the collapsible arrow, revealing a list of Ascalon titles.
Vanquisher of the Scaled
Eye in the Deeps
Mountain of Yeod
Wyrmland¡¯s Exalted Knight
Unparalleled Lancer
Beacon of the Battlefield
Watchful Mentor
Slayer of Rad''hel
The Blessed One
Saviour of Anavasis
Athanya¡¯el¡¯s Hope
World''s Anchor
Abyssal Survivor
Harbinger of Dawn
Champion of the Citadel
Light of Guidance
Keeper of the Tribunal
¨‹¨‹¨‹
And the list went on and on, so much that Lilithra had to scroll down to keep reading. She looked up at him, her eyes glittering with a million questions behind them. Ascalon realized, with a smile, that it was going to be a long, long day.
A while later, in the Headquarters building, Ron tapped his foot impatiently on the floor of the moving elevator, as if his actions could make the contraption go faster. He kept glancing toward the cityscape through the glass panels as the small lift ascended, his thoughts clouded by a certain issue. He was on his way to the highest floor of the building, a restricted area where only workers with an ¡®executive¡¯ level of clearance were permitted to enter. It was where the higher-ups worked and organized meetings of utmost importance, and in some cases where some of them resided. After what felt like an eternity, the elevator came to a stop with a chime, and Ron quickly stepped out as soon as the metallic doors opened. He proceeded down a long corridor, and was greeted by a particular group of individuals that awaited in the shadows, their black suits helping them blend in with the darkness. The mysterious group consisted of around ten people, and varied in sizes, races, and genders; each of them exuding a palpable aura of confidence, and deadliness. They were the pinnacle of the Headquarters defenses, and were guarding a different door each, though their existence was pretty well hidden from the public¡ªonly the people who had crossed that corridor would¡¯ve met them, after all. Ron acknowledged their greetings, nodding as he walked, his mind distracted by matters that were more important than to chit-chat with the guards. He promptly arrived at a set of pristine white doors, which slid open automatically the moment he approached them. He stopped for a moment, clearing his throat to signal his arrival. ¡°Come in~!¡± A cheery, childlike voice greeted Ron, inviting him to enter. He bowed respectfully and crossed the doorway. The room was spacious, with a ceiling so high it seemed more suited for a cathedral, and painted in resemblance to a morning sky. The walls were paneled with dark, polished wood, adorned with both elaborate carvings, and childish doodles in the form of pink cherry blossoms. To the right of the entrance was a long table, filled with an assortment of paperwork, toys, and various food scattered on its surface, making for a messy yet lively scene. Many office chairs were surrounding it, as it usually served for important meetings. Beyond the table, a vast window, also ¡®decorated¡¯ with scribbles and drawings, faced the Eastern part of the city. There were similar windows on each wall, facing the cardinal directions. To the left of the entrance was a small, children¡¯s bed, which contrasted sharply with the more grandiose furniture in the room, such as the towering library shelves and expensive-looking wine cabinets. Among the bottles, one could even spot milk cartoons, discreetly hidden. The bed itself was surrounded by life-sized plushies and other toys. Ron paid little heed to the whimsical details of the room, and advanced over a soft, velvet carpet until he reached an imposing-looking desk. Behind it, a tall, regal swivel chair¡ªmore akin to a throne¡ªswayed slowly from left to right, facing toward a window. The one sitting on it, hidden from Ron¡¯s sight, hummed a cheery tune to herself. Ron cleared his throat once again, and bowed respectfully. ¡°Ms. Elzbeth, I have urgent matters to report.¡± He spoke with the utmost cordiality, maintaining his bowing posture until addressed. Once more, a child-like tone rang. ¡°Yes! Finally, something interesting is happening! I knew this wanderer of yours was going to shake up this monotonous city!¡± The owner of the voice spun the chair around, and showed herself to her subordinate. The sight would¡¯ve made anyone doubt their eyes, as a small, cute girl sat in the middle of the imposing chair. The contrast made for a comical view, as her little legs dangled below, swinging playfully. She had long, wavy blonde hair, with an accessory resembling fox ears attached to the top of her head. As for her outfit, she wore a charming, pastel-yellow dress, adorned with layers of frills. The top showed a cute cat character in the center, complemented by a matching bow above it. The sleeves were long, and puffed at the shoulder, which made for a fluffy, playful look. Her bottom was covered by a pairing skirt, which looked bouncy and added to her adorableness. It was also detailed with alternating layers of yellow textures, which shifted slightly in hue. Across her legs ran a set of white socks, adorned with cutely designed bears, and her little feet were protected by a pair of delicate white, shoes with small laces. She grabbed the desk with both hands, and pulled the chair closer. Then, she picked up a piece of paper and a blue crayon, and looked up at Ron with big, round sky blue eyes. Her small lips parted slightly as she smiled with excitement. ¡°Go on then!¡± Elzbeth exclaimed with joy, and Ron took it as a cue to straighten up his posture. He then traced the air with his fingers, pressing and dragging objects only he could see. A screen appeared before the girl, who peeked at it with her eyes sparkling with curiosity. At the same time, her hand started moving, the crayon sliding over the paper as she¡­ drew Ascalon. One would expect she was going to take notes of importance, but no, she just wanted to draw. Ron seemed to be accustomed to the sight, so he simply started speaking. ¡°As you can see, he¡¯s on a level of his own.¡± He paused, with Elzbeth nodding frantically in acknowledgment. ¡°I am honestly at a loss, so I¡¯ve come for your advice, Ms. Elzbeth.¡± His words rang with sorrow, as though he regretted having to ask her for help. He didn¡¯t want to waste her time, and feared that he might disappoint her as well, as he wasn¡¯t able to reach a solution on his own. She stopped drawing, and presented a funnily depicted Ascalon to Ron, featuring big eyes, a comically huge torso, and a giant flaming sword. The gentleman couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the sight, some of his tension leaving his body. ¡°That¡¯s great! I¡¯d really like it if people relied on me more! I¡¯m so bored all the time!¡± Elzbeth exclaimed, gazing upon her own drawing with a satisfied look, her cheerful words betraying Ron¡¯s concern. ¡°Now then, let me handle this~!¡± Her words carried an ominous undertone, and her face reflected a confident, bold smile far beyond her apparent age. The corner piece of the city was taking action. Extra 2 - Ascalon info
Name: Ascalon Rendland
Age: 29
Height: 6.56 (2m)
Appearance
Ascalon has blonde, short hair with some volume to it. His facial features are overshadowed by the scar that runs through his left eye¡ªhis new friends wonder just who, or what, was able to deliver such a wound on him. He has green, bright eyes, and usually exhibits a calm expression. His complexion is quite bulky, as his body was honed by endless training, and his torso has been on the receiving end of many attacks, bearing multiple scars to show it. Aside from his musculature and towering height, which adds to his imposing presence, there''s not much noteworthy about his appearance. His usual clothes back at Excadia where pretty simple, somewhat shabby. They usually consisted of brown leather shirts, unremarkable pants, and a somewhat old pair of boots tied around by small ropes. There wasn¡¯t much fashion sense back in his days, after all. After coming to New Lumingard, his wardrobe had an abrupt change, as he now sports more modern, stylish clothes¡ªhandpicked by his friends, of course. His now usual outfit consists of a blue jacket, a white shirt, a pair of red sunglasses, beige jeans, and brown boots. When going into worthy battles, he sports his weighty armor¡ªa set of steel plates hammered relentlessly under the hands of a renowned smith, made to fit Ascalon to perfection. The white cloak that he usually uses was a gift from another blessed¡ªa woman he has completely forgotten about¡­ As for his armament, he wields the great lance Exemplaris, and the great shield Aegis, both common weapons forged by the same smith. Contrary to common belief, both in Excadia and among his newest friends, they¡¯re just normal weaponry¡ªtheir names and renown were given to them by people that recounted his feats. In short, they¡¯re marvelous results of masterful smithwork, but aren¡¯t really infused with any sort of enchantment or blessing.
Personality
Ascalon is usually calm, very meditative and cautious. He¡¯s got the qualities of a great leader, and an authoritative demeanor, though he doesn¡¯t exert his will over others unless necessary. He¡¯s chivalrous and honorable, but can, and will, be ruthless depending on the task at hand. His anger isn¡¯t easily quelled, though he has been behaving more relaxed thanks to the new environment he¡¯s in. It goes without saying, that Ascalon would protect his friends with his life. He loves dogs, and his favorite color is blue! His aspirations are to find any traces of his old world, and a way to go back¡ªthough he doesn¡¯t want to abandon New Lumingard forever, either. Working at The Chalice and helping out Lilithra are his other short-term goals.
Relationships so far This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Raphael: Both his benefactor and a role figure, as he admires the older man¡¯s insight and his polished steward skills. No one can blame him, honestly. Selorien: The mischievous elf that has been rubbing off on him, a beacon of being laid-back and relaxed. He apparently has quite the lineage, and his grandfather seems a bit dubious. Lilithra: Although he was once conflicted about her true nature, he cherishes deeply, and has convinced himself that, somehow, he¡¯s at her side to see her growth. Rosco: Some guy he beat up, and who was annoying Lilithra. She beat him up too. Ron: A true businessman, but that has helped him greatly. Ascalon thinks he¡¯s trustworthy, though maybe a bit too meddlesome. Marianne: Ron¡¯s subordinate, so to say. Ascalon doesn¡¯t really know much about her. Only added her so she doesn¡¯t feel left out! Marygold: Raphael¡¯s mysterious friend, who seems to run a brothel of sorts. She seems trustworthy enough. Guild Leaders: Back at the colosseum, he met a few of them, some more closely than others, but his impressions about them are mixed. Jay and Calista are the ones he felt could get along with. Lucio could''ve been added to this, but alas, he''s unworthy!
Some of his titles (graphic below is like a clickable interface, which is why they don''t show in the pic! I swear it''s not laziness!)
Vanquisher of the Scaled
Eye in the Deeps
Mountain of Yeod
Wyrmland¡¯s Exalted Knight
Unparalleled Lancer
Beacon of the Battlefield
Watchful Mentor
Slayer of Rad''hel
The Blessed One
Saviour of Anavasis
Athanya¡¯el¡¯s Hope
World''s Anchor
Abyssal Survivor
Harbinger of Dawn
Champion of the Citadel
Light of Guidance
Keeper of the Tribunal
¨‹¨‹¨‹
Chapter 38 - Unexpected Message The president¡¯s suite fell silent for a moment as Elzbeth looked at the data brought by Ron, a tad more seriously this time. Still, she remained a bundle of cheerfulness, swinging her legs and swaying her head in rhythm to an imaginary tune in her mind. Suddenly, she looked as if she were conflicted, her expression tensing up as she pondered about something. She slouched slightly on the chair and reached for a drawer on the desk, opening and rummaging desperately through it. ¡°Ah, here it is!¡± She exclaimed with a revelation, pulling out a juice box with a peach design drawn on it. Elzbeth removed a plastic straw from its side, plunged it into its respective hole, and sipped contentedly. ¡°Pah! So tasty!¡± Her delight was palpable, and Ron smiled gently at the sight. The little girl resumed her reading, without stopping her cheery swaying, and drinking from her juice from time to time. After a few minutes, she looked up at Ron with an inquisitive stare. ¡°So then, what¡¯s the problem?¡± Her tone hinted at a bit of confusion. The gentleman knew her thoughts were likely on a higher level than the issue at hand. ¡°Well, he has behaved so far, but that can change at any moment. I was thinking we should keep tabs on him, but he¡¯s¡­ uncannily perceptive, and has made it clear that he is displeased by the surveillance¡ªunsurprisingly.¡± Ron voiced his concerns, taking out his handkerchief to wipe his face. He seemed to have been mulling over the issue. Elzbeth tilted her head to the side, humming playfully. ¡°Hmm. Cameras and drones could work if he doesn¡¯t know much about machines! It would depend on what kind of world he¡¯s from.¡± She paused, tilting her head. ¡°But I¡¯m getting a funny feeling that he would notice them anyway!¡± She giggled to herself, her whimsical tone matching her demeanor. ¡°I guess he can feel auras or something like that, but there¡¯s no waysies he¡¯s keeping an eye on every citizen!¡± She smiled with a confident look, her eyes narrowing to a squint, resembling a fox¡¯s cunning gaze. Ron arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her words. Elzbeth grabbed the desk and used it to propel her chair, making it spin around a few times in place. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s strong! That he can fight dragons and stuff without breaking a sweat! But I¡¯m smarter than him¡ªmy brain is unparalleled!¡± She boasted, her small body exuding an air of greatness. ¡°Let¡¯s just use one of our own strengths: the numbers we¡¯ve carefully amassed!¡± She laughed with enthusiasm, her visage appearing and vanishing as the chair rotated. ¡°Put a team of¡­ dunno, a thousand people! They don¡¯t need any skill or experience¡ªthe more average, and the less they know, the better!¡± She started, her brain delicately threading an idea. ¡°We have enough workers to fill that quota without issues!¡± Her small figure suddenly appeared as she jumped from the chair, her frilly dress dancing while she playfully skipped through the very air. The sight was mythically adorable, to say the least. ¡°Divide them into groups, and never, ever schedule them for the same day or hour unless it makes sense! Set different routes that will ensure they cross this Ascaloony guy, even if only for a brief moment!¡± She kept prancing around, soaring ever higher as she stepped on non-existant steps. Ron was used to these moments, yet was captivated every time by the fantastical image of Elzbeth¡¯s playfulness. She stopped abruptly, and began to descend slowly and gracefully, her dress undulating around her like gentle waves. ¡°And there you have it! A surveillance network that he won¡¯t be able to detect, unless he memorizes every, single, presence, all day looooong! Hahaha!¡± She boldly stated as her feet carefully planted themselves in the ground. Looking up at Ron, who was clearly much taller than her, she smiled with child-like innocence. Ron was completely awestruck by her simple yet brilliant solution. Maybe a thousand was too much, but If he set up enough people they would have less trouble keeping tabs on Ascalon, especially if they disguised the workers as everyday commuters, bar patrons, or whatever other role that would fit the situation and place. He could even get informants right in The Chalice! They wouldn¡¯t have to act discreetly either, just like any average citizen going about their daily routine. Ascalon could be incredibly perceptive and careful, but memorizing a random pattern of a multitude of people? Unlikely. It was a perfect idea, and Ron felt a wave of relief wash over him. He smiled gently at Elzbeth, who had started humming and swaying in place, already distracted from the situation. ¡°I¡¯ll put your plan into action right away, Ms. Elzbeth. You¡¯ve saved us a lot of trouble once again. Thank you.¡± Ron spoke with respect, his warm gaze reflecting his feelings of gratitude. Elzbeth looked up, her eyes narrowing as her smile curled into a smug grin. ¡°Hehe~ you should ask me for help more often! You know I¡¯m always here!¡± She exclaimed, suddenly dashing off and running in circles around Ron. The gentleman made an effort not to follow her with his gaze, knowing he¡¯d probably get dizzy if he did. ¡°That¡¯s only because you don¡¯t leave your room, Ms. Elzbeth.¡± The girl suddenly stopped, the cheerful air around her vanishing as she looked at Ron, pouting. He felt a sting of pain in his chest, his expression turning sour as he furrowed his brows in regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Elzbeth. I know you don¡¯t like when I broach the subject, but¡­ don¡¯t you want to go out, even if only once a week? Or a month?¡± He asked, his voice brimming with worry as she tried to persuade her. She simply turned her back to Ron and walked to her bed. ¡°I don¡¯t like it outside¡­ everyone¡¯s dumb.¡± Elzbeth spoke with a muffled voice, her eyes glimmering slightly as ugly, sad memories flashed in her mind. She climbed onto her bed, her dress ruffling as she moved. ¡°But Ms. Elzbeth¡­ you nee-¡± Ron started to plead with her, his brows furrowed into a concerned expression, but her voice rang abruptly, cutting him short. ¡°No! I don¡¯t wanna! Leave!¡± She screamed with frustration, hugging one of her humongous stuffed animals and burying her head in its chest. Ron knew there was nothing to be done once she retreated to her ¡®sanctuary¡¯; she had successfully closed herself off. He felt deep anguish bubbling up, knowing that, once again, he had hurt her. ¡°I¡¯m deeply sorry, Ms. Elzbeth. Excuse me.¡± The gentleman''s voice was met with silence. Sighing heavily, Ron left the room. The girl remained alone, as she was accustomed to, and sobbed in her solitude. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Ron walked back down the same corridor, trying to focus on Ascalon¡¯s matter, though his heart ached at the scene that had repeated itself over, and over again. The elite guards watched him go, knowing what had transpired and also used to the routine. None of them voiced their thoughts, as it was not their place. Back in the presidential room, Elzbeth lifted her head from her fluffy plushie, and looked at her desk with an intense stare. A piece of paper started to float in the air, advancing toward her hand. She looked at her depiction of Ascalon, and wondered what it would be like to have her own adventures, just like those wanderers. It was but a fleeting, silly thought¡ªone that brought her pain, as she was shackled to that room, and forever would be.
¡°...and while I wavered, the pegasi battalion came to my aid. It was a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice gently echoed through the backyard, as he recounted one of his many adventurous tales to an unexpectedly large audience. Lilithra had started asking him questions about his titles, and one thing led to another, ending up with him sharing some of his feats. Somehow, Ascalon¡¯s sole listener grew into a group as random passersby were enraptured by his vivid retelling; mostly younger kids, and a wild Selorien that had suddenly appeared. The elf felt right at home, sprawled languidly across two of the outdoor chairs, while the group of four children sat cross-legged on the ground around Ascalon. Lilithra was among them, her eyes sparkling as she listened intently. And there was one more: an adolescent boy with fiery hair, who had approached them with suspicion in his eyes but was now clearly entertained. He had been the most talkative one, eagerly asking about details and providing interesting remarks. ¡°That gave me goosebumps! They were real bros, after all!¡± He spoke with energy, his red eyes burning with excitement as he clenched his fists and trembled in place. He was really immersed in the stories, and Ascalon found him thoroughly amusing. ¡°Well, they were mostly women, but yes.¡± Ascalon replied with a smile as some of the kids giggled. ¡°A bro is a bro, doesn¡¯t matter the gender!¡± The youngster declared proudly, puffing out his chest with confidence. Ascalon nodded a few times in agreement, acknowledging the point. ¡°That is true; in the battlefield, my comrades were all like brothers and sisters to me, after all.¡± Ascalon added as the boy crossed his arms and nodded, closing his eyes in a thoughtful expression of understanding. It was then that a deeper, more older voice rang across the backyard. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting the outdoor caf¨¦ to turn into a playground! But it¡¯s well past playtime now.¡± Raphael laughed as he approached them, while Lilithra looked back and realized just how late it had become. ¡°Whoa! The sun is almost gone! Kids, you should head home~!¡± Exclaimed Lilithra, getting up from the ground and brushing off some dirt from her legs. The younger crew let out sounds of complaint and disappointment, but ultimately stood up and began to leave, waving at the kind storyteller and his friends. Ascalon chuckled as the red-haired boy rose up and stretched his arms above his head. ¡°I¡¯m no kid, but I¡¯m also leaving! This was fun, Ascalon; I¡¯ll come back again.¡± The nameless youngster smirked, before sprinting away with a methodical, trained rhythm. Ascalon took note of his movements, recognizing the boy was quite athletic. It was a shame his name remained a mystery. As the unusual guests left, Selorien yawned and lazily corrected his posture, now occupying only one of the chairs. ¡°Time sure flew by¡­ I don¡¯t even remember when I got here. You should write your stories into a book, Ascalon. They¡¯re hella interesting.¡± The elf remarked, while Lilithra nodded with a joyful expression, seemingly in agreement. ¡°Hmmm.¡± Raphael thoughtfully contemplated, thinking he had missed something quite peculiar. ¡°I feel out of the loop, but oh well. Dinner will be ready soon, kiddos.¡± The older man said with a laugh as he turned back and headed toward The Chalice. Ascalon considered Selorien¡¯s words, and joined his friends in following Raphael. An enjoyable supper followed, during which they discussed various things, and helped Raphael get up to speed in regards to Ascalon¡¯s stories. The older man seemed impressed, and even asked to be included next time. ¡°Oh right, I turned away a lot of pesky journalists and excited fans today¡­¡± Raphael suddenly blurted, the trio of friends looking confused for a moment. ¡°Ah!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as realization hit her. Lucio had told them to be prepared for ¡®unwanted attention¡¯, and she now fully understood these words, though it wasn¡¯t something Lilithra was looking forward to. Selorien clicked his tongue in annoyance, and Ascalon simply watched over them. They were going to be fine, he thought. After the meal, they all resumed their usual routine, with Selorien leaving The Chalice and everyone else heading to their respective rooms. The day had been quite the rollercoaster, from Ron¡¯s visit and the confusion it ensued, to the laid-back afternoon with Ascalon sharing his past. Ascalon remained awake, laying on his bed as he looked at the wooden ceiling of his room. Recounting his tales had brought back some pleasant memories, and at the same time, a sting of regret; a feeling that he could now freely show in the solitude of his room. He thought about the people back at Excadia, wondering how they were faring. He turned to the desk beside his bed, and picked up the emblem of his company of knights. He let it dangle above him, appraising it with a sentimental look in his eyes. It seemed to almost sway by itself, though it was probably his drowsy gaze. Just what had become of his homeland, and to the realms he had sworn to protect? Ascalon kept trying to push back these doubts as the days went by, but it was no surprise that they would resurface now. Even if he was enjoying his time in New Lumingard, it wasn¡¯t as if he had completely forgotten about his old friends, his sworn brothers, or even some of his mere acquaintances. He couldn¡¯t simply forget how he had abandoned them at the hands of hideous demons, even if against his will. Ascalon felt remorseful, like a betrayer. His thoughts then shifted to Lilithra, and he took the chance to look for a justification, reminding himself that he had some higher purpose in being there. Yes, he could do nothing for Excadia, and needed to focus on witnessing the ¡®demon¡¯ girl¡¯s journey. It was a convenient excuse, and he knew it was a flimsy one, but it helped him ease a little, nonetheless. Still, he chuckled at the thought of Lilithra being a ¡®demon¡¯, as she was probably fretting about leaving her Guild or something similar at that very moment. A smile spread across his cheeks as he recalled her cheerful visage, slowly drifting off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Lilithra was doing exactly as Ascalon thought. She was rolling on her bed while hugging a bundle of plushies, indecision clouding her mind. Captivated by Ascalon¡¯s tales, her entire day had disappeared in a flash, and thus, the matter of the Guild had remained unfinished. But she couldn¡¯t focus at all! Her mind was filled with grandiose scenes of Ascalon vanquishing enemies, or riding mythical creatures into battle. Just how could she remain composed?! She felt full of energy and enthusiasm, and about to run off and pursue adventure! But she held back, of course, as she knew she was getting a bit too excited. She stopped her rolling motions, and buried her face on her pillow, trying to suppress her restlessness. ¡°Ughh~ What do I do¡­?¡± Lilithra groaned, thinking about the Guild once more. If only she had the courage and the means to open her own Guild right now¡­ but she knew she wasn¡¯t ready. It wasn¡¯t a simple matter, after all. She sighed deeply in resignation, and decided to try and sleep, but the sudden sound of her phone ringing clashed with her plan. Her curiosity welled up as she picked up the gadget, knowing that the sound meant a text message. Lilithra rarely received those, especially at such hours. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion while she inspected the unknown number, and then looked at the contents with a slight feeling of anticipation. ¡°Hello, is this Lilithra? It¡¯s Lyra, from the Fluffy Warriors Guild. We met at the Howling Chasm. I¡¯m sorry for the sudden message and the late hour, but I¡¯ve been meaning to send this message the whole day. I need your help, please.¡± Lilithra¡¯s face turned into a mix of concern and surprise, the cryptic message leaving her with a sense of mystery and urgency. Just what could Lyra need help with? Chapter 39 - Lyras Request It was a new day in New Lumingard, and the weather had turned cloudy for a change as a mass of black, foggy shapes were blocking out the sun. The wind had picked up, and a storm was brewing in the distance¡ªperhaps an omen of things to come. The usual suspects had gathered in an unusual spot in The Chalice, around a table that was located further inside, one of the more discreet spots in the establishment. Ascalon sat near a window, and watched the darkening sky with a contemplative look, wondering if the climate in this world was as harsh as the one back in Excadia. At his side rested a languid Selorien, who yawned softly from time to time and looked incredibly tired. Lilithra had called him early, and also fetched Ascalon along the way, for a supposedly ¡®very important¡¯ meeting. Driven by his desire to laze around, Selorien spoke with impatience. ¡°Ugh~ why did we need to come so early if she¡¯s going to take her time to come?¡± He grumbled, dropping his right cheek onto the table and muttering inaudible words to himself. Lilithra, seated beside him and in front of Ascalon, pulled his hoodie up and covered his head. She smiled mischievously, seeing no resistance coming from her friend, and replied. ¡°She said she was going to come around this hour, so I needed you here beforehand!¡± Lilithra propped her chin up with her hands, her elbows resting firmly on the table. She looked tired, with bags under her weary eyes, as if she hadn¡¯t slept a wink. As far as Ascalon and Selorien were aware, Lilithra had been contacted late into the night, and had been exchanging texts with Lyra, the girl they had met back at the Howling Chasm. They both had their own ideas about why, but didn¡¯t want to jump to conclusions. Selorien sighed in resignation, slowly lifting his head to meet Lilithra¡¯s gaze. ¡°Why did we all need to come, then?¡± He reproached, thinking that his presence wasn¡¯t really necessary. Lilithra puffed out her cheeks, and retorted with indignation in her tone. ¡°Because I would get shy!¡± She pulled her hoodie up over her head this time, and Ascalon smiled gently at her reasoning. It was then that the door chime rang, signaling the arrival of a visitor. The trio¡¯s heads moved in unison, staring right at the entrance. There stood a girl, squirming as she looked around nervously, a fluffy tail swishing behind her. She jumped slightly the moment she spotted them, and advanced toward their table with uneasy, awkward steps. It didn¡¯t take long for her to reach them. She waved bashfully in greeting, her fluffy cat ears twitching cutely. Ascalon nodded, and Selorien waved lazily back at her. ¡°G-g-good morning, I-I¡¯m sorry about being late¡­ I missed my train¡­¡± The trio felt compelled to reassure her, as she exuded an aura that made others want to dote on her. However, the only one to actually reply was Lilithra. ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Uhm, take a seat!¡± Lilithra¡¯s enthusiasm was palpable in her tone, though a bit of nervousness seeped through. Lyra smiled shyly and blushed a bit as she pulled up a chair, sitting on it carefully as she folded her dress to the side. In contrast to the last time they had seen her, she was now dressing very differently, more cutesy! She had a long, one piece white dress adorned with a delicate floral pattern embroidered along the hem. On top of it, she wore a small pink blouse made of cotton, buttoned up tightly and holding on for dear life as her chest was clearly too big for it to fit. She complimented her look with a stylish red purse, and a short, puffy pink muffler. Her legs were covered by long white socks, and her feet by a pair of pink Mary Jane shoes. Lilithra stared at her with awe, completely enchanted by her appearance¡ªparticularly by the pink selections that quite matched her own sense of style! Well, if you could even call it a ¡®style¡¯, as she always dressed in similar clothes. Lilithra felt a bit embarrassed, but quickly pushed aside her thoughts about fashion and the like. A few moments passed after Lyra sat down, letting the silence grow into an uncomfortable mood. Selorien and Ascalon gazed at her, unsure of what to say, so Lilithra took the initiative. ¡°So, uhm, I haven¡¯t told them yet. So, could you tell them what you texted me yesterday?¡± She asked, smiling softly. Lilithra didn¡¯t want to push her, but she thought it would be better if the rest heard the details from Lyra herself. Lyra jolted on her seat as realization struck, her gaze dropping to the table. ¡°W-well¡­ You remember w-what happened to us at the dungeon¡­?¡± She asked while lifting her head, her ears shrinking slightly as painful memories crossed her mind. Ascalon and Selorien both nodded in tandem, and Lyra took it as a cue to continue. ¡°M-my brother, Levi, told me he was going to solve it, that I d-didn¡¯t have to worry, and just left¡­ I-I haven¡¯t seen him or heard from him since, and he never does that to me.¡± The table fell silent again, her brown eyes glimmering with anguished, unshed tears. Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯, and nodded at her. Lyra placed her hands on the table, and fiddled with her thumbs as she spoke. ¡°Since he left, everyone at the Guild has been¡­ angsty and moody, s-so to say. Some of them told me they were leaving the Fluffy Warriors, the rest are mostly avoiding me¡­ I-I know I¡¯m not a good vice leader, and I¡¯m unreliable at best, so I don¡¯t blame them¡­¡± Her voice trailed off, and she looked really crestfallen, her mouth pouting in sadness. ¡°I-I wanted to find Levi, but I didn¡¯t know where to start¡­ and since my f-friends wouldn¡¯t help me, I was going nowhere.¡± Lyra paused, sighing deeply at her own words. The trio looked at each other, exchanging brief glances. They all shared the same thought: that the dungeon incident had probably struck the Fluffy Warriors quite hard, so Lyra¡¯s friends were probably dealing with their own issues, too. After all, lives had been lost. The impact of such a tragic event was bound to be profound. Lyra noticed the silence creeping in once again, and perked up nervously. ¡°Uhm, so¡­ a friend told me t-to try and keep myself distracted, and invited me to t-the colosseum¡­¡± At her sheepish words, the rest began to realize where all of this was going. ¡°I saw your matches, and r-remembered you offered to help me that time, L-Lilithra. I thought about it over and over, and s-selfishly contacted you¡­¡± Her voice cracked for a moment, her regret clearly palpable. She didn¡¯t want to involve them in her matters, but Lyra was clearly at a loss of what to do next. ¡°I see. After witnessing their matches, you thought they could be reliable helpers, yes?¡± Ascalon asked in a gentle but inquisitive tone. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Lyra nodded a few times, her ears twitching slightly. ¡°I¡­ I know I shouldn¡¯t ask¡­ b-but, I don¡¯t know what to do. I miss Levi. I want to find him, and f-for that¡­ I need help.¡± She stated her feelings with a sorrowful tone, a few droplets rolling down her cheeks. ¡°I-I will pay, of course!¡± She said frantically, feeling that compensation would help the trio make their minds. But the group simply looked at her with warmth in their eyes, feeling touched by the girl¡¯s earnest emotions. She just wanted some help finding her brother, and the raw honesty of her plea resonated with them, reward or not aside. Lilithra herself was at the verge of tears, moved to her core. Selorien patted her on the shoulder, trying to comfort her. Lilithra shook her head and wiped her face with the hem of her hoodie, before looking at Lyra with a determined gaze. She had already gotten the gist of it through Lyra¡¯s text messages, but hearing it in person felt like it had added a lot of weight to the request. ¡°So, in short, you want us to help you find your brother, right?!¡± Her words carried her usual enthusiasm, fueled by her desire to help Lyra. Ascalon¡¯s face was lit up with a contented smile after hearing Lilithra¡¯s words, knowing she had already resolved herself to assist the cat girl, even before setting up the meeting. Lyra looked at Lilithra with a gaze that flickered between suspicion and hope, her eyes reflecting a quiet desperation as she nodded repeatedly, trying to emphasize her acknowledgment. Selorien stretched in his seat, chuckling softly at their interactions. Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled with determination as she clenched her fists in a pumped up gesture, springing to her feet as motivation welled up inside her. ¡°Alright!!! We¡¯ll help you out, Lyra!!!¡± She exclaimed energetically, her cheerfulness spreading through the air. Lyra felt a bit confused at first, unsure if she had heard her right. She had already braced herself for rejection, and Lilithra¡¯s sincerity had taken her by surprise. She smiled with delight as the realization slowly dawned on her. ¡°T-thank you!¡± She stated, her head bobbing up and down as she bowed frantically, her face beaming with happiness. But her joy was short-lived. After a moment, she stopped and looked down once again, her shoulders slumping as she noticed a key detail. ¡°T-thank you, but¡­ I don¡¯t even know where to begin, anyway¡­¡± She informed them, her tone a defeated one. She had managed to get them to help her, yet had no leads to follow whatsoever. She hadn¡¯t thought things through. Lyra felt so useless, at the brink of crying. Lilithra and Selorien looked at her with sympathy, pondering about how to reassure her, when a voice cut through the air with authority, effortlessly waving away the downcast mood. ¡°Ah, but we do.¡± Ascalon¡¯s sudden addition took everyone by surprise, and they all turned their heads toward him. Looking at his confident visage, Lilithra and Selorien felt their curiosity welling up, wondering where his sureness came from. ¡°Starugnia.¡± Ascalon declared, his tone exuding triumph, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure of what that even meant! His friends¡¯ faces gradually shifted into surprised expressions as they recalled the name. ¡°That¡¯s right! Claude and Levi!¡± Exclaimed Lilithra with excitement, while Selorien nodded with a bold smirk on his face. Lyra stared at them with furrowed brows, clearly out of the loop, and interested in what they knew about her brother. Lilithra noticed this, and cleared her throat as she explained. ¡°Right! We met your brother a while ago, at Claude¡¯s shop! He asked about that guy¡­ uh, Ryan? Anyway, Claude told him something about Starugnia, and Levi acted like he had struck gold!¡± She smiled with confidence at her own words. Slowly, Lyra¡¯s face lit up with realization. ¡°Ohh! Ian, n-not Ryan, was talking to Levi about Starugnia once¡­ I d-didn¡¯t catch much of it, but it sounded like something only they would understand!¡± Lyra added, hope rekindling in her eyes. Even if it wasn¡¯t the most concrete of clues, it was the best they could hope for. A thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯ could be heard from Selorien, who shifted on his seat and put an elbow on the table, resting his face on his hand. ¡°Hmm¡­ but Starugnia is part of the Union, isn¡¯t it? We¡¯ll need a pass to be allowed there¡­¡± He informed them with a slightly cheerful tone, trying to not bring the mood down. ¡°Or¡­ make use of Casanova¡¯s prize.¡± He added, shooting a knowing look to Lilithra. Ascalon let out a gasp of realization, remembering one of their rewards from the Guild war. If he recalled correctly, the Casanova Guild could now travel anywhere, it was something regarding ¡®incursions¡¯. Lilithra looked conflicted, but her fiery resolve wasn¡¯t so easily shaken. She nodded at Selorien, her gaze a firm stare. ¡°Yeah¡­ we¡¯ll have to postpone leaving the Guild for now.¡± Her sorrowful words puzzled Lyra, who knew nothing about the current issues within Casanova. Lyra pondered about the reveal, taking solace in the fact that she wasn¡¯t alone, that every Guild had their own problems. She felt a bit reassured at the thought, even if it was a bit shameful to find comfort in the misfortune of others. Noticing her soft smile, Ascalon glanced at Lilithra. He knew her desire to help others was genuine, and it never ceased to uplift his spirits, filling his chest with warmth. He felt compelled to assist her, but also felt excitement welling up at the thought of traveling to a new city. If New Lumingard had been so incredible, just how interesting were the other lands or countries? But Ascalon couldn¡¯t let himself get carried away. After all, this was no sightseeing trip, but most likely a ¡®rescue mission¡¯. Selorien¡¯s thoughts aligned with Ascalon¡¯s, as he felt a sense of anticipation for the adventure, but was also concerned about Lyra¡¯s older brother. As usual, they were quite in tune with each other, unknowingly. It was then that Lilithra¡¯s voice caught their attention. ¡°Alright! When do you think we should start, Lyra?¡± She questioned the Felinae, her smile shining with confidence. Lyra fidgeted shyly, and clenched her fists in determination. ¡°I-I can go after I make some arrangements! Five- no, give me three days!¡± Her enthusiasm made the rest nod in agreement, recognizing she had been fully resolved to find her brother, and simply needed a guiding hand. They all exchanged looks as Lilithra placed both hands firmly on the table. ¡°In three days it is, then!¡± She declared, and everyone nodded in agreement. The date was set. Afterward, Raphael approached with some drinks. He had maintained his professionalism and discretion, waiting for their matter to be settled before intruding. The group enjoyed the masterfully crafted beverages, with Lyra feeling like she could get hooked on them. She wondered if she could become a regular there, after they found her brother. After discussing some details, like where to meetup and such, the group escorted the girl to the entrance. Just before leaving, she stopped in her tracks and turned around, bowing deeply to all of them. ¡°Again, t-thank you! I w-will never forget this!¡± She declared, her tone filled with heartfelt gratitude. They had made such a huge decision despite barely knowing her, so she was going to repay them to the fullest. ¡°Just a second!¡± Raphael¡¯s voice boomed from behind the counter, taking the group by surprise. He hurriedly approached with a folded umbrella on hand, offering it to Lyra with a warm smile. They had been chatting for so long that they had completely forgotten about the storm brewing outside, but Raphael was one to never miss such fine details. ¡°Thank you!¡± She exclaimed with yet another deep bow, before finally heading out, her body now shielded by the umbrella. Thankfully, the rain had only begun, and it was little more than a light drizzle. They all watched her go from behind the door, until her figure disappeared around a corner. With their business concluded, Raphael flipped the outside sign to ¡®open¡¯, letting the outside world know that the caf¨¦ was ready for customers. It took no time before patrons came rushing in, eager to enjoy a warm refuge from the rain. As for Lilithra, Ascalon and Selorien, they moved to the bar counter, and discussed some more details about their upcoming quest. They had to prepare well, since they were heading to a city none of them had visited before. In just a couple of days, a new adventure awaited. Chapter 40 - All Aboard! Destination: Starugnia. The storm that had been brewing for a few days had finally hit the Southern block in full force, causing many of the scheduled departures to be pushed back. The station was packed with people from all ages and races, some drenched to their feet, others complaining about the delays while shaking their dripping umbrellas. Ascalon¡¯s group had arrived at noon, after a few days of preparation, with the sole exception being Lyra, who was running late once again. Ascalon stood near the entrance, his tall figure towering over many of the citizens around him, watching the rainy streets with a curious stare. Beside him was Selorien, casually leaning against a wall with his hoodie pulled up. He impatiently tapped his crossed arms with his fingers, an annoyed frown deepening on his face. ¡°Why is this girl always late?! Do her breasts slow her down or something?!¡± Exclaimed the elf with frustration, earning a punch in the shoulder from Lilithra. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude!¡± Reproached Lilithra, her cheeks puffed in indignation as she stood by his side. She was wearing her usual attire, but had added a small, pink fanny pack to her waist, probably motivated by Lyra¡¯s fashionable sense. ¡°Besides, she said the other day that her train ran late¡­¡± She added, shooting daggers at Selorien with an angry glare. She was already in a bad mood before, since Lucio had called them a few times, but both Lilithra and Selorien had decided to not answer him¡­ for obvious reasons. Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯, thinking that if Lyra had trouble with the transportation the other day, it was to be expected that she would face the same issue today, especially with the fierce downpour. His eye wandered as various sights caught his attention, like people playfully running through the rain, or some of the neon signs across the streets. There was also a steel plaque with the symbol of a cat, its surface gleaming with rain droplets. The little animal depiction stirred a memory from the prior day, when a mechanical creature had visited the tavern¡­
¡°It¡¯s Claude¡¯s messenger droid!¡± Exclaimed Lilithra, picking the steel contraption and placing it on the bar counter. It resembled a little cat, and surprisingly mimicked its actions, like licking on a paw¡ªyet it lacked a life-like aura, so to say, remaining a simple puppet with a clear purpose. ¡°Hey kids!¡± Claude¡¯s voice rang with an artificial tune, coming out from the creature. ¡°I found some info on that emblem of yours.¡± He added with a cheerful voice. Ascalon perked up at his words, feeling anticipation rising up. ¡°It¡¯s not much, but I have it marked as ¡®shipped from Starugnia¡¯.¡± Claude explained, and the trio of friends all gasped in surprise. ¡°No fucking way.¡± Said Selorien, shaking his head in disbelief while Lilithra frowned, deep in thought. ¡°And yeah that¡¯s all! I spent entire days searching, only to find three damned words! You owe me, little rascals!¡± Claude¡¯s voice showed clear frustration, which was to be expected. The ¡®cat¡¯ then stood and jumped down from the table, promptly walking away with a mechanical rhythm. ¡°This is all fate.¡± Declared Ascalon, crossing his arms as he let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm.¡¯ ¡°I can¡¯t help but believe you¡­¡± Remarked Selorien, unsure of what else to think. Lilithra, on the other hand, clenched her fists while her eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Whatever the case, we have a lead on Ascalon¡¯s mystery!¡±
Lilithra¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, as Ascalon¡¯s thoughts shifted back to the present. He sighed slowly, thinking about how convenient it was that their next destination might hold some kind of clue regarding his emblem. He had declared it was fate, but maybe something else was pulling at the strings¡­ Ascalon shook his head, and appraised his surroundings once more, trying to distract himself from his assumptions. If he ignored the buzzing inside the station, the other elements made for a relaxing atmosphere, a nice little time of reprieve¡ªit was almost a pity that they couldn¡¯t simply enjoy it in peace. He let out a short sigh as one of the trains arrived, and with it a familiar presence. ¡°Ah, there she is.¡± Ascalon declared with a half smile, witnessing how the enormous vehicle opened its doors and a wave of people quickly rushed out. Among them was Lyra, who spotted them immediately thanks to Ascalon¡¯s height, and rushed over. Lyra was now wearing the same outfit she had on when they first met: her yellow jacket, a red shirt, blue shorts, and a pair of black running shoes. She stopped before them, her chest bouncing slightly as she came to an abrupt halt. ¡°H-hello¡­ sorry about the d-delay¡­ again¡­¡± She said with a timid voice, clearly regretting her tardiness. Ascalon bowed in acknowledgement, while Selorien sighed and Lilithra beamed as she patted Lyra¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that! It¡¯s a miracle the trains are even running.¡± Lilithra¡¯s voice carried a gentle tone, and Lyra smiled in appreciation. Selorien stood straight, moving away from the wall as his expression softened a bit. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re all here. When¡¯s the next train?¡± He asked, raising an eyebrow as he scanned the information panels around the station. Ascalon followed his gaze with interest. ¡°Uhm, if they don¡¯t delay it, in twenty-ish minutes!¡± Exclaimed Lilithra, pointing toward a screen hanging on a nearby wall. The group exchanged glances, with Lyra fidgeting in place, her right foot shifting from left to right. She seemed nervous, which was understandable given that they barely knew each other. Lilithra took the chance to ask something she was curious about. ¡°Hey, Lyra, which block do you live in? Gotta be North, right?!¡± She questioned with an inquisitive gaze, wondering if Lyra ran late because of the distance between the Southern and Northern blocks. Lyra looked surprised, her eyes widening slightly as she replied. ¡°Yes! W-we live around the Northern edge of t-the city.¡± Lyra replied with a cheery voice, her skittishness easing a bit. Ascalon looked over them with a thoughtful expression, while Selorien yawned in disinterest. Lilithra however, was eager to keep chatting, so she seized the momentum, and kept asking her questions. Through the exchange, they learned that Lyra lived with her brother, Levi, in a large house that they had inherited from their parents. It also served as their Guildhouse, since they realized they could use the plentyfull rooms to their advantage. It was clear the siblings were very close and cherished each other, so it was no surprise that Lyra would be concerned about her brother, especially when he hadn¡¯t been in contact with her at all. The group tried to reassure her and distract her with other topics, and time passed until the train was finally ready to depart. ¡°Finally!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with an excited tone, smiling from ear to ear as she eagerly took the lead into the train. ¡°Let¡¯s go! You¡¯re gonna love this, Ascalon!¡± She added, looking back at Ascalon with a mischievous grin. Ascalon tilted his head slightly, curiosity taking over his thoughts as he boarded the train behind his friends. He noticed that, compared to the other trains he had used to travel to other blocks, this one¡¯s interior was surprisingly spacious. The walls were decorated with posters, postals, and various bits of information, while red curtains hung at the sides of every window. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. They walked through a carpeted corridor, passing sets of closed doors that piqued Ascalon¡¯s curiosity and confusion. It wasn¡¯t until they arrived at their own cabin that he realized the purpose of said doors. Each group of passengers had their very own private rooms in the train! ¡°Whoa!¡± Ascalon exclaimed in amusement as he leaned forward and stepped through the doorway. The cabin had two sets of comfy-looking seats facing each other, and a large window that provided a great view of the outside, flanked by a set of curtains to block out the sunlight¡ªthough, for now, the only view was of droplets hitting the glass. A small table was attached to the wall below the window, with a small wooden cabinet underneath. The floor was decorated with a fluffy, red rug, while a glowing bulb hung from the ceiling, casting a soft light over the room. Lilithra sat at the left side, leaving the window seat for Lyra who smiled sheepishly as she joined her. Selorien did the same for the right side, letting Ascalon enjoy the same privileges as Lyra, perhaps feeling a little competitive with Lilithra. As the blonde looked around in awe, Lilithra chuckled playfully. ¡°Hehe~ I¡¯ve only ridden on these once, but I love the vibe!¡± She exclaimed with delight, leaning back into the soft fabric of her seat. Ascalon nodded thoughtfully, recalling a conversation they had beforehand. It seemed that the journey to Starugnia would take nearly two days by train, so it made perfect sense that they were equipped with private cabins and cozy seats. Supposedly, there were faster choices for transportation, but Lilithra had strongly recommended the train¡ªmostly because it was the fastest option at present. She also insisted that it would help Lyra ease up a bit, choosing a comfortable and more relaxed pace for the trip. Ascalon appreciated the choice, as he could now enjoy the experience in a more leisurely way, too. A few minutes passed, and the enormous contraption began to move, picking up speed as it glided along the rails. The group looked through the window with expectant gazes, but the droplets dripping over its surface made for a gloomy view. Lyra giggled, her cat ears twitching as she addressed the group. ¡°I want to take the chance to thank you, again¡­ I would have gone directly, with my head in the clouds¡­¡± She spoke with timidness, but didn¡¯t stutter for once, her nervousness visibly easing. Lyra felt grateful for how accommodating they were with her, especially after learning about Lilithra¡¯s idea. At first, she had wanted to rush over to her brother¡¯s side and was a bit skeptical about the whole train voyage. But the more she thought about it, the more she agreed with the choice. If the other means of transportation had been available, she might have pressed ahead, without a moment¡¯s rest. She realized she had been running on fumes for a while now, and this kind of break was just what she needed. The group looked over her with warm gazes, a familiar feeling welling up inside of them. Lyra just had that kind of aura that awakened in them a desire to protect her, and it wasn¡¯t the first time they had collectively felt that way. Lilithra beamed at her while swaying joyfully from side to side, and took the chance to respond. ¡°Hehe~ don¡¯t worry about it! Honestly? I wanted to rush right away, too¡­ but I, uhm, didn¡¯t want to make the same mistake I made before, and decided to take things more calmly this time.¡± She exclaimed, her tone an embarrassed one. Then, she suddenly jolted as she realized something. ¡°Oh! But if I hadn¡¯t rushed these two to the Howling Chasm, we wouldn¡¯t have met you! Kinda funny how that worked out, huh?¡± She smiled, a bit surprised at the revelation. Selorien laughed softly, nodding in agreement at Lilithra¡¯s words, while Ascalon contemplated the matter a bit more deeply, as per usual. It was a remarkable chain of events¡ªfrom their initial meeting, to offering a helping hand, then to being noticed by their win at the colosseum, and finally being asked for assistance. It was a reminder of how destiny always intertwined people¡¯s paths in the most unexpected ways. They basked in a pleasant silence for a while, the rain''s gentle patter against the window and the rhythmic clattering of the train creating a soothing ambience. Selorien yawned, soon followed by the others. Ascalon smiled softly, while his gaze wandered, resting on the cabinet below the table. Curiosity guiding his thoughts, he reached out and opened it, revealing that it was stocked with pamphlets, traveling brochures, and even a map of the railway. Everyone peeked curiously at his findings, as he unfolded the map and inspected it closely. ¡°Hmmm. Just what kind of city is Starugnia?¡± He suddenly asked, looking up to meet Lilithra and Lyra¡¯s gaze. They both tilted their heads in thought, while Lilithra shrugged. ¡°I only know it¡¯s an arid place, surrounded by deserts!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, feeling a bit embarrassed by her lack of knowledge. At Ascalon¡¯s side, Selorien added to the conversation. ¡°It¡¯s also part of the ¡®Union¡¯; a kind of alliance between cities¡­ and they don¡¯t include New Lumingard.¡± Explained the elf. Ascalon nodded, absorbing the information. So that¡¯s why they needed Casanova''s traveling pass, or whatever it was called. Lyra fidgeted on her seat, and gathered her courage to speak up. ¡°It-it¡¯s also a harsh city to live in¡­ with constant sandstorms, desert beasts, and a high crime rate¡­¡± She added sheepishly, her tail twitching slightly at her side. Ascalon nodded in acknowledgment, recalling that even if Guilds were around, there would always be evildoers. ¡°What kind of beasts?¡± He asked while folding the map, his gaze now fixed on her. Aside from the creatures in the last dungeon they had visited, he had only seen domesticated animals like cats and dogs around New Lumingard, so he was curious about that topic. Lyra looked pensive for a moment before answering. ¡°Scary ones, r-remains from a ¡®catastrophe¡¯...¡± Her voice turned more quiet, as if she were scared of her own words. Ascalon knew what a catastrophe was, but there seemed to be a deeper meaning behind her words. Sensing his inquisitiveness, Selorien chimed in. ¡°Well¡­ remember the portal to the Howling Chasm? Usually, we use them to go to the dungeons¡­ but sometimes, they bring the ¡®dungeon¡¯ to us, so to say.¡± Selorien¡¯s tone reflected the seriousness of the topic. It was an intriguing notion, yet it made sense that if they could cross a portal, other beings might be able to do so as well. There were a lot of mysterious and surprising occurrences in this world, but they also seemed pretty dangerous overall. The very idea that a portal could bring forth not just adventurers, but also the unknown perils of a dungeon, was a concerning thought. For how peaceful everything seemed¡ªwith the exception of the Flaming Fists¡¯ incident¡ªAscalon realized he had simply been lucky since coming here. The many dangers that lurked beneath the shadows were something to be mindful of, and he knew it was just a matter of time before he had to confront them head-on. Lilithra noticed Ascalon was deep in thought, and waited patiently until his gaze met her. She smiled and eagerly presented her own bit of information. ¡°I read that the portal was never closed, so now all kinds of dungeon creatures roam the desert! I even heard there are giant sandworms!¡± She exclaimed excitedly, clearly hyped by the sense of adventure rather than scared of the dangers¡ªit was much like her, though it made Ascalon worry. Ascalon sighed in resignation, and continued to browse through the rest of pamphlets and brochures he had gathered. Some featured other cities, like Caldenoire, which was depicted with towering skyscrapers, a variety of curious vehicles, and columns of smoke that rose to a darkened sky. Another brochure highlighted a name that Ascalon found difficult to pronounce, Vellistrielle, with long water canals running between modern streets, and technological advancements being prominently featured in text form. The last one showed Tharkodania, a robust bastion surrounded by giant, steel walls, and a multitude of what seemed to be ¡®weapons¡¯ mounted atop them. Included in the pamphlet was a line of text that strongly suggested, or perhaps warned, travelers to avoid visiting it. This one was the most intriguing, as its contents really stood out from the rest. Ascalon then passed the information around, as he had noticed curious stares from his friends, and they all conversed about the different cities that were showcased. He could gather that none of his companions had traveled much, with the exception of Selorien that had been to ¡®Rivedallia¡¯¡ªan elven city that didn¡¯t accept many visitors from other races. It sounded much like the elves of Excadia, with their secrecy and hidden forest villages. ¡°It was really lame though.¡± Selorien commented, his visage turning sour as he seemingly recalled his visit to the place. Lilithra pouted with annoyance in her seat, crossing her arms. ¡°At least you traveled to a cool place! They say they have beautiful streets, and that their elves are really in touch with nature! Can you imagine? Pathways surrounded by flowers, elven delicacies, handsome people that aren¡¯t lazy bums like Selorien!¡± She added, pressing her palms together as she imagined a fantasy haven, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Lyra giggled at her side, while Selorien shot Lilithra a smug grin. ¡°Well, you¡¯re all stuck with the lazy bum~!¡± The elf joked, his tone a mischievous, fun one. Ascalon chuckled and chimed in. ¡°And we would not have it any other way, Selorien.¡± His voice was gentle, but also slightly playful. Selorien let out a complacent laugh, while Lilithra turned her head in a show of fake indignation at their ever-growing camaraderie. Lyra simply giggled, enjoying the atmosphere, her thoughts drifting to her brother. She wanted him to meet them properly, knowing Levi would also grow to like them. With the cheery, yet melancholic mood, the ride went on. But, as per usual, it wasn¡¯t going to be as stress-free as they thought. Chapter 41 - Something Blocks the Way Hours had passed since they embarked on their journey, the rhythmic clattering of the wheels and the soothing sway of the carriage providing a relaxing background tune to their conversation. The scenery outside had slowly shifted from the rainy, darkened skies as they left the city behind, to green fields bathed in the warm orange light of the afternoon. As they chatted and exchanged opinions on various topics, Lyra had been slowly getting accustomed to the group¡¯s dynamic, feeling increasingly comfortable around them. At some point during their travel, the door to their cabin had suddenly opened, and a friendly steward peeked in, pushing a cart filled with food and beverages. Selorien took the opportunity to get everyone some snacks that would suffice until dinnertime¡ªperhaps a bit too many, as they were now piled high on the small table below the window. The train attendant went on his way once they were satisfied, and Lilithra beamed with joy as she munched on a cheese sandwich. ¡°Hmmm~ I was so hungry!¡± She exclaimed, delight clearly palpable in her voice. Lyra giggled while taking a small nibble off a strawberry-filled pastry, while Ascalon appraised the pile of treats with curiosity, unsure of what to choose. The warm atmosphere inside the room continued uninterrupted as they snacked, but outside, the world began to slowly change once again. This time, the vast, open fields had been replaced by the remnants of a ruined city, expanding to the horizon and taking Ascalon by surprise. Noticing his concerned expression, Selorien followed his gaze and spoke up. ¡°Yeah... contrary to New Lumingard, some cities aren¡¯t as lucky with the kaiju and other disasters.¡± He explained, his eyes narrowed in disinterest, seemingly used to these kinds of news. Ascalon, too, was no stranger to lands ravaged by war or rampaging creatures, so he simply nodded in acknowledgment at the elf¡¯s words and continued to appraise the view. The sun setting behind the desolate ruins made for a solemn, melancholic scene. Lilithra gazed through the window, her downcast expression reflecting a sense of sadness. She couldn¡¯t help but imagine what the city could¡¯ve been like, bustling with life just like New Lumingard. Lilithra let out a deep sigh, and Lyra looked at her with a gentle gaze, wondering what she was thinking about. Around that time, the train¡¯s velocity started to noticeably decrease, everyone perking up at the sudden feel of the brakes grinding against the rails. Amidst their confusion, a manly voice coming from a gadget mounted on the wall echoed in the cabin. ¡°Dear passengers, remain calm. We are temporarily stopping due to an unforeseen situation up ahead. We¡¯re incredibly sorry about the inconvenience, but we regard your security as the utmost priority.¡± The announcement resounded through the train, the formality of the voice only adding to the uneasiness in the cabin. Ascalon heightened his senses, and noticed that far ahead, there seemed to be some kind of conflict. Selorien leaned closer to the window, and cast his gaze along the rails as the vehicle finally came to a complete stop. With silence reigning around them, Lyra exchanged a concerned glance with Lilithra, and nervously peeked through the window, her ears twitching as she caught distant sounds. Lilithra rose from her seat to join her, not missing a beat. Everyone focused their hearing, catching faint, muffled sounds¡ªroars, gunshots, and shouting. Suddenly, the train shook; though they could feel the tremor coming from the earth, and not from a collision. Something huge was going on, and it was escalating ever closer. It was then that Selorien gulped audibly, his expression darkening as he rushedly opened the window and stuck his head out. ¡°Oh shit, it¡¯s a goddamn kaiju guys! Did I fucking jinx us?¡± He exclaimed, his tone of voice a mix of agitation and excitement. After all, it wasn¡¯t everyday that one could witness such a creature. The two girls gasped and joined Selorien, squinting at the distance. Through the growing gloom of the setting sun, they glimpsed at a towering figure in the distance, its massive form illuminated briefly by bursts of firepower being directed at it. The kaiju¡¯s silhouette was imposing, a multitude of humongous, stick-like legs stretching over the desolate ruins. Each limb was segmented into multiple articulated sections, with thousands of spikes sticking out across them, and ended in razor-sharp talons that dug into the ground with ease. They moved with an eerie, methodical rhythm that showcased the beast¡¯s unsettling agility. Ascalon, who had been curious about kaiju for a while, also approached the window, studying the creature with a sharp gaze. It was a giant mass of black fur, covered in certain areas by a carapace that reflected the dim light. Its surface seemed to be coated in some sort of mucus-like substance, giving it a grotesque look. The kaiju¡¯s head was pointed in the other direction, so Ascalon could see a gross appendix protruding from its behind. A series of wriggling, thread-like tendrils emerged from inside the pulsating organ, expanding in all directions and adding to the critter¡¯s nightmarish appearance. The rest were at a loss for words as they watched the scene, mesmerized by the whole encounter, Lyra being the one to break the silence. ¡°I-I hope it doesn¡¯t notice us¡­¡± She commented, her voice quivering with nervousness. Selorien looked at her with a perplexed expression, his mouth slightly opened in indignation. ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it further.¡± He complained, shaking his head as Lyra let out a soft whimper of regret. Lilithra turned her head and frowned at the elf. ¡°It¡¯s a fair concern, ok?! If that creature gets the funny idea of eating the train we¡¯re doomed!¡± Lilithra took a step back from the window, grumbling to herself. Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯, his attention shifting to a new sound reaching their ears. The soft purr of motorized vehicles grew steadily closer, prompting the group to peek in the opposite direction of the kaiju. They could see a convoy of vehicles approaching from behind the train, and Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Seems like reinforcements!¡± She exclaimed, although her joy was momentary. Her expression changed into a more confused look as she narrowed one of her eyes. Ascalon appraised the upcoming group with a critical eye, noticing that their means of transport were rather¡­ rough-looking, so to say. There were around a dozen cars, from roadsters to trucks, accompanied by twice as many motorbikes. They all shared a common motif, as all the vehicles were damaged, rusted, and some even showcased modifications that weren¡¯t commonly seen, like bumpers with spikes, and crudely mounted guns. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. It was a huge contrast with the pristine designs that Ascalon had come to see in New Lumingard; even the very train they were on was more modern and sleek in comparison. As the unknown travelers approached, they suddenly opened fire toward the train, their mocking laughter and cheers mingling with the sound of gunfire. Chaos erupted in an instant and screams began to echo across the vehicle, coming from the corridor and other cabins, as people scrambled in a panic. ¡°Get down!¡± Ascalon¡¯s commanding voice resounded throughout the cabin, his authoritative tone leaving no room for retort. Selorien dove away from the window to take cover, while Ascalon quickly moved and materialized his shield, positioning it to cover the window. He felt the projectiles slam against his armament, with immediate, jarring force. Meanwhile, Lyra screeched in fear, the suddenness of the situation catching her off guard. Lilithra had no time to think as her instinct took over, and quickly hugged the cat girl, pushing her down to take cover behind Ascalon. The horrid sound of laughter and gunshots faded as Ascalon moved his shield for a clearer view of what was happening outside. ¡°Savages.¡± He muttered with clear disgust in his voice, watching as the vehicles advanced toward the kaiju. ¡°For a moment, I thought they might board the train.¡± Ascalon explained, frowning at the mere thought, recalling ruffians who robbed traveling carts on the roads of Excadia. Selorien rose up slowly, brushing some dust off himself as he sighed. ¡°Worse, they probably shot us for their amusement¡­ they¡¯re scavengers¡ªbandits that fuck around the road.¡± He concluded as he kneeled and offered a hand to Lyra, who was clinging tightly to Lilithra. The girls lifted themselves off the floor, while Ascalon seethed with anger, the sound of the passengers'' cries and desperate shouts filling his ears. The group tensed up, feeling Ascalon¡¯s fury well up as the announcement system rang once again. ¡°Please stay in your cabins! Our stewards are trained in first aid and will check every cabin immediately!¡± The sound of hurried footsteps could be heard from the corridor, and the door burst open. A woman peeked in, but Lilithra immediately thrust her palms toward her. ¡°We¡¯re fine, check on other cabins!¡± Lilithra urged, agitation clear in her voice. She forced a nervous smile, trying to reassure the stewardess. The woman quickly assessed their condition, and after noticing no visible injuries, disappeared as swiftly as she had arrived. Selorien clicked his tongue, approaching the door and glancing both ways down the corridor. ¡°Shame we don¡¯t have any healing skills.¡± He spoke with his usual, nonchalant tone, though he showed clear concern for the rest of the passengers. Lyra fidgeted in her seat, seemingly nervous. Lilithra bit her lower lip, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness, and joined the elf, peeking outside the room with a bit of hesitation. The once-relaxed trip had devolved into an awful situation, and the distant sound of fighting only added to the uneasiness in the air. ¡°Those bastards!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, stomping on the ground with frustration. Lyra, feeling a bit more composed, sheepishly placed a hand on Lilithra¡¯s shoulder. ¡°L-let¡¯s calm down¡­¡± She said softly, her voice wavering as her ears twitched with every sound. Lilithra turned around, her expression showing a hint of regret. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± She sighed, understanding that panicking or getting angry wouldn¡¯t help. Her eyes wandered toward Ascalon, who stood in silence as he glanced outside. Approaching him, with Lyra following with curiosity, she asked. ¡°Are you alright, Ascalon? And thank you for shielding us¡­¡± Lilithra expressed, smiling gently at the blonde knight. Ascalon turned around, his firm visage softening as he beamed back at her. ¡°I am fine, thank you for your concern, Lilithra. And you don¡¯t need to thank me; it is only natural for me to protect all of you.¡± He replied with confidence, and Lyra felt a spark of admiration welling up inside of her. Ascalon had been a truly mysterious person to her up to that point, but she could say with confidence that he was a chivalrous man. Lilithra blushed slightly, feeling happy about their exchange, though his face was soon clouded once again. He cast a side-eye glance to the outside, and spoke with clear conviction. ¡°I shall put an end to this.¡± He declared, his voice quiet yet impactful. He felt it was about time he put some scoundrels in their places, and they couldn¡¯t waste time on such matters when their main objective lay ahead. His words took everyone by surprise, especially Lyra, and prompted Selorien to snap his head toward him. ¡°Oh shit! It¡¯s finally happening!¡± Selorien spoke with clear anticipation in his voice, his usual uncaring expression brightening with excitement as he boldly smiled. Lilithra gasped and looked at Ascalon with a concerned frown. ¡°A-are you sure¡­?¡± She asked, her anxious tone reflecting her inner thoughts. Ascalon placed a hand on her head, and gently caressed from side to side. She blushed, meeting his steady gaze. ¡°Do not fear; I shall be back shortly.¡± Ascalon stated, turning around and putting a hand on the windowsill to swiftly jump over it. Lyra stood in stunned silence, her confusion clearly visible on her face, and pointed toward the window with an uneasy look on her face. ¡°W-w-where is he going?!¡± She stammered, and Selorien giggled mischievously in response. The elf quickly rushed to the window, glancing back as he spoke. ¡°Come on, we gotta see this!¡± He urged with a grin, extending a hand to the girls and gesturing for them to follow. Without hesitation, he jumped out and used the windowsills to climb atop the train. Lilithra and Lyra exchanged confused looks, but promptly followed after him. Lilithra climbed up first, then reached down to lend a hand to the struggling Felinae. As they stood atop the vehicle, they saw Ascalon walking with unwavering determination into the distance. The sight of the knight marching on, with the giant kaiju battling in the background, created an epic and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Selorien took a seat, treating the whole situation as an entertaining event, as if he were settling down at home to watch a movie. Lilithra sighed at his laid-back attitude, and shrugged it off. The cat girl, on the other hand, kept glancing repeatedly between them and Ascalon, panic evident on her visage. ¡°Guys?!¡± She questioned them, probably wondering why they were allowing him to take such a reckless decision. Selorien¡¯s face changed into an expression of realization, recalling that Lyra didn¡¯t know much about Ascalon. ¡°Oh right, don¡¯t worry about that guy.¡± He said with a bold smirk. ¡°Actually, worry about the kaiju.¡± He added, snickering to himself. This only added to Lyra¡¯s bewilderment, though she eased up a bit when Lilithra patted her on the shoulder. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard not to worry, but¡­ Ascalon is really strong¡­¡± Lilithra reassured her with a shy smile, her yellow eyes fixed on the knight. Lyra wasn¡¯t sure whether to feel amazed by their trust in Ascalon, or terrified about their nonchalant take on the situation. Still, it wasn¡¯t like she could do anything about it, so she resigned herself as her ears dropped cutely. Lilithra glanced at Lyra, and felt a strong urge to pet her head, but held herself back, for obvious reasons. For one, Lyra wasn¡¯t a pet! She looked at the distance once more, the figure of the knight slowly shrinking. Ascalon walked alongside the train, noticing curious stares and murmuring from within, but paid no heed to the onlookers. As he passed the conductor¡¯s cabin, a voice called out from behind. ¡°Wha¡ªd-dear passenger, get back into the train, it¡¯s dangerous!¡± It was the same voice from the announcement system, likely belonging to the driver. Without looking back, Ascalon raised a hand and waved, a gesture meant to reassure the man, though it did little to ease the conductor¡¯s uneasiness. ¡°Well then, I should make haste.¡± Ascalon muttered once he felt was at a safe distance from the train. He crouched slightly, the ground beneath him cracking as his muscles coiled, and with a powerful leap, he shot forward. The sound that followed was like an explosion, and his figure soared through the air. Amazed gasps and shouts resounded through the train, while his friends watched in awe as he made his way toward the kaiju. It was time for Ascalon to exert himself a bit. Chapter 42 - Kaiju in Danger The earth trembled as Ascalon landed with a thunderous crash, the force of his descent carving a circular crater in the ground around him. Both the humongous creature and the people battling it were caught by surprise by the sudden explosion, momentarily putting an end to their confrontation. As the cloud of dust and debris slowly settled, Ascalon emerged, fully armored and wielding both Exemplaris and Aegis, his trusty lance and shield. The Gifted network¡¯s inventory system was proving it¡¯s worth once again! Ascalon looked up at the beast towering above him, appraising its hideous visage with his good eye. Rows of giant jaws protruded from within its cavernous mouth, dripping with a viscous, corrosive substance, similar to what oozed from some parts of its body. Six crimson, glistening eyes fixed on him. It seemed that as he studied the creature, the kaiju studied him in return. ¡°What the fuck?¡± A few voices echoed through the ruined area, breaking the brief silence. Ascalon turned his gaze toward the commotion, witnessing a peculiar situation. There were a multitude of people among the ruins, many of them rough-looking ¡®scavengers¡¯ who belonged to the group that had attacked the train earlier. It was easy to distinguish them, since they all wore raggedy, weathered clothes reinforced with makeshift armor for protection, like shoulderpads and breastplates. Some were still atop their vehicles, manning the mounted guns. Mixed with the bandits were individuals suited in what appeared to be military uniforms, similar to those Ascalon had seen back in New Lumingard. ¡°Hmmm.¡± Ascalon assessed the situation calmly, recognizing that there was a clear conflict among the two factions. It wasn¡¯t that surprising honestly. One of the many scavengers pointed at him, while others resumed their struggle against both the kaiju and the military. ¡°What the fuck just happened? And where did this moron come from?¡± Asked a bulky man with a red bandana covering his head. He stood tall among the chaos, seemingly unperturbed by the surrounding fight. On his right shoulder rested a massive cylinder, scorch marks visible around an orifice in one of its ends. Ascalon didn¡¯t recognize him from the convoy that had shot at the train, but it was clear that he held some sort of authority among the scavengers. Then, a husky voice came from the other side of the battlefield, agitation evident in his words. ¡°Are you part of the reinforcements?!¡± Ascalon glanced toward the shouting, seeing a young-looking soldier peek from behind a crumbling wall. The man¡¯s helmet was dented from what appeared to be projectile impacts, and his face showed a nervous expression. The soldier took advantage of the bandit¡¯s momentary distraction, aiming a thin, long barrel at him and firing a barrage of bullets from his weapon. The scavenger scoffed, darting behind cover at incredible speed. Amidst the escalating conflict, the kaiju let out a deafening roar, causing the earth to quake as huge explosions erupted around its body¡ªthough they didn¡¯t seem to do much other than enrage it further. ¡°Haha! Try again, soldier boy!¡± The bandit¡¯s mocking voice echoed, provoking laughter from some of the other scavengers while they fought. It was truly a free-for-all battle, as some exchanged shots with the military, and others were brawling in vicious close combat. The ones still on the vehicles focused on the kaiju, alongside some of the soldiers who launched huge projectiles toward the creature. While Ascalon understood the situation, he couldn¡¯t grasp what the scavenger¡¯s intentions were. Were they perhaps simply messing with the soldiers? It wasn¡¯t quite the best moment to do it, though. Instead of dwelling on his silly thoughts, he shifted his attention to the man that had shouted before. ¡°I may not be the reinforcements you expected, but I offer you my aid.¡± He paused, sensing the man¡¯s suspicious stare. ¡°However, I need to understand what is happening here.¡± Ascalon added, his eye fixed on the kaiju once more. He could simply join the fray, but he wanted to be sure in order to not interfere with the soldier¡¯s actions. Still, It was fortunate that the massive being was distracted by the oncoming fire, but there was no way of knowing when that would change. The soldier seemed reluctant to respond, suspicion still in his eyes. Surprisingly, the bandit was the first to reply to Ascalon¡¯s question. ¡°Are you touched in the head? Haha! What do you think is going on, dumbass?¡± He cackled with sarcasm from beyond his cover, amusement evident in his voice. Irritated by the scavenger¡¯s taunt, the soldier answered Ascalon¡¯s query. ¡°These scumbags just want to strip any kind of material they can from the kaiju! They¡¯re interfering with our rerouting, and are going to get us all killed!¡± The young trooper shouted with frustration, shooting at the bandit¡¯s cover as if to vent his stress. Ascalon nodded in acknowledgment, finally grasping the full scope of the situation. These scavengers truly lived up to their names, though that was actually terrible. ¡°Very well. I advise you all to withdraw.¡± Ascalon¡¯s authoritative tone resounded through the ruins, cutting through the booming explosions and the kaiju screeches. For a moment, the battlefield seemed to take a pause, while everyone tried to comprehend his words. The scavenger peeked from behind cover, an incredulous expression taking over his face. ¡°Who do you think you are, punk?¡± He sneered, his earlier amusement long gone. He pointed his massive cylinder toward him, a malicious grin spreading on his face as he pulled the trigger. The weapon roared with thunderous force, launching a huge rocket toward Ascalon, similar to the ones that were being used against the kaiju. Ascalon appraised the projectile with curiosity, lifting his left arm to put Aegis in its trajectory. The moment the huge bullet collided with the shield, Ascalon deftly parried it, redirecting the attack toward the creature¡¯s head. The kaiju roared after the explosion, clearly infuriated. Normally, the projectile would have exploded in contact with Aegis, but ascalon¡¯s skillful motion, combined with his speed, had made short work of the attack. The bandit looked in awe, unsure of what he had just witnessed. He felt there was something wrong, that he had to deal with that blonde right away. He frowned, raising his weapon over his shoulder and aiming it at Ascalon once again. ¡°Fellas, shoot this motherfucker!¡± He commanded, his voice booming as he fiddled with his weapon, a red light now shining ominously on Ascalon. The knight realized it was some sort of targeting signal, since the rest of the scavengers raised their weapons towards him in response, aimed with trained precision. The motion seemed surprisingly rehearsed, a slight level of discipline that Ascalon wouldn¡¯t have expected from a rag-tag pack of bandits. In the next moment, a relentless barrage of different calibers rained upon him; steel, lead, explosives, and shrapnel hammering against his armored figure. The soldiers watched the brutal spectacle in bewilderment, while the one that had spoken to Ascalon seized the opportunity. ¡°Regroup!!!¡± He shouted with a mix of desperation and regret, watching the scene in horror. He felt sick, knowing a man had just been brutally executed, yet the first thought that had crossed his mind was to turn the tables to his favor. At least, his soldiers had listened, dragging their wounded to cover as they regrouped with him. Meanwhile, the kaiju, now free from the pesky attacks, slowly studied the scene with interest behind its grotesque eyes. Its monstrous gaze shifted between the different beings, intelligently piecing together the new center of the conflict. Ascalon chuckled amidst the barrage that relentlessly hit against his armor and shield, some projectiles gracing his face. ¡°These ¡®bullets¡¯ sure sting!¡± He exclaimed slightly amused, though his voice was overwhelmed by the surrounding chaos. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. As ammunition ran low, the clouds of gunpowder and dust began to dissipate, revealing the confident knight still standing amidst the wreckage. The doubt and fear in the scavenger¡¯s faces was clear, while the soldiers felt like hope had been rekindled. They prepared to assist Ascalon, when the kaiju suddenly roared deafeningly, its massive form looming in the sky above. Ascalon looked up, and felt the creature¡¯s intent. ¡°It is coming.¡± He declared, casting a sharp glance toward the soldiers. The young-looking trooper nodded in acknowledgment, though with hesitation, and tried to lead his men toward a safer distance. At the sight, the bandit ¡®leader¡¯ tried to regroup his own troops. ¡°Hmmm. No, you cannot leave just like that.¡± Ascalon stated, his sharp gaze freezing the ruffians in place. Ascalon felt a little playful saying it, realizing that some of Selorien¡¯s mischievousness had rubbed off on him. Those among the scavengers that were integrated into the Gifted network saw a blue screen appear in front of them, an unseen weight assailing their bodies as they crumbled helplessly to the ground.
[The personal skill - Unfathomable Presence - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Those of vile hearts crumble to their knees, bowing down to absolute righteousness!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: Those considered as enemies by Ascalon Rendland are burdened by his immense willpower, and are rendered unable to move momentarily. Additional effects: * Strong willed individuals may resist the effect depending on their combined stats levels. * Has a 10% chance to bypass all resistances. * Effect duration is determined by the user¡¯s focus and the target¡¯s level.]
The scavenger¡¯s leader gasped for air as he watched Ascalon with wary, nervous eyes. He seemed to have a slightly higher resistance to Ascalon¡¯s overwhelming presence than the rest, and recognized that this unknown third party had just single-handedly stopped all of his henchmen with ease. ¡°F-fucking Lum-gard G-guilds!¡± The bandit stammered, trying his best to speak under the pressure. It seemed that he was under the impression that Ascalon belonged to one of New Lumingard¡¯s Guilds. It wasn¡¯t true¡ªnot yet at least¡ªbut it mattered not. Ascalon¡¯s attention had already shifted to a humongous talon sweeping down from above. The air around the massive limb warped as if in a vacuum, the pointed, gleaming edge intent on stomping the entire area into oblivion. The knight seized the moment, crouching slightly before launching himself toward the kaiju¡¯s leg, his own force sending ripples through the ruined landscape. As he gained height, he raised his shield above his head, and, with all his strength, bashed against the incoming attack. The following sight left everyone watching completely dumbfounded, as a thunderous impact echoed across the battlefield and the kaiju¡¯s limb was sent flying backwards, repelled by Ascalon¡¯s shield strike. Even his friends, observing from a distance, were overwhelmed with awe as they witnessed the humongous creature momentarily lift off the ground, the force of Ascalon¡¯s impact having sent its whole body flying backward. The massive kaiju¡¯s back hit the ground, and the ear trembled furiously as an ear-splitting wail emanated from within its jaws. Ascalon, descending from his jump, appraised the distance he managed to put between the creature and the soldiers. ¡°Hmmm. Seems I held back too much.¡± He remarked calmly, landing next to one of the creature¡¯s colossal limbs. With just those few words, Ascalon drew his right arm back, aligning his lance¡¯s tip with one of the joints on the massive leg. In the next moment, he thrust forward, a booming explosion reverberating as Exemplaris pierced through the air. The sheer force of the impact decimated not only one of the kaiju¡¯s legs, but sent forward a shockwave that severed two other limbs in its path.
[Realm Piercer.
Evil shall be split asunder, for this knight of knights wills it so!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: Ascalon Rendland pierces forward in a powerful strike.]
Ascalon peered at the window before him, finding it amusing that a simple thrust had been converted into a skill by the Gifted network, chuckling at the notion. In contrast, the beast screamed, its guttural sounds resembling a mix of pain and confusion that echoed with a horrifying tune through the landscape. Back at the train, Selorien gasped, his sharp eyes capturing every detail of the fight with uncanny precision. His elven sight was a gift he would always be thankful for, especially in moments like this one. Lyra, on the other hand, had taken out a handy gadget from her inventory beforehand¡ªa small telescope that projected an image of the distant scene. This had allowed her and Lilithra to witness the battle as if they were watching a movie, and both were completely enraptured by the sight. ¡°I-I now understand why you let him go¡± Spoke Lyra with a mix of fascination and surprise in her voice. Lilithra nodded, smiling boldly. ¡°Yeah¡­ but he¡¯s always blowing my expectations away¡­¡± She replied, realizing that whenever she thought Ascalon was strong ¡®enough¡¯, he would go above and beyond to prove that she was underestimating him¡ªthough not on purpose! It was truly a marvel to see him fight, especially in such an epic, large-scale battle. Even some of the train¡¯s passengers were cheering at the sight, at least those that had the means to clearly appraise the battle. Around the battlefield, some of the soldiers had taken action, amidst the ones that were still mesmerized by Ascalon¡¯s prowess. The young-looking militar seemed to have a knack for strategizing, as he had instructed everyone to quickly apprehend the scavengers while they were immobilized. He wasn¡¯t sure if that was the blonde man¡¯s intention or not, but he took full advantage of the opportunity. Meanwhile, the humongous kaiju roared once again, causing some of the dilapidated buildings in the ruins to crumble under the sheer force of its bellow. Its massive body began oozing more viscous fluid as it struggled to regain its balance, managing to stand on its remaining, numerous legs. The beast fixed its gaze on Ascalon, fury burning behind its scarlet, egg-like eyes. All of its legs bent simultaneously, and in the next moment, it launched itself into the sky, the sheer power of its ascent generating a swirling shockwave that whipped through the battlefield. It was fortunate that Ascalon had moved the creature away; otherwise, the entire military squad, along with the train tracks, would have been wiped clean from the face of the earth by the kaiju¡¯s overwhelming force. As the soldiers scampered away to their vehicles with apprehended scavengers, Ascalon eyed the creature with curiosity, trying to decipher its next move. It was clear that it was some kind of spider-like creature, so he was taken aback by its sudden take off. He assumed such a beast would rely more on ground-based combat rather than aerial attacks. The next moment, the creature answered his thoughts, as its carapace shifted and a set of giant, translucent wings emerged from its back. ¡°Oooh~ you are a resourceful one, hmmm?¡± Exclaimed Ascalon, smiling boldly at the sight, his cloak and hair whipping furiously under the wind pressure. The scene of the massive beast flapping its grotesque wings¡ªwith some of its limbs missing, and corrosive liquid oozing out¡ªwas nothing short of terrifying. The kaiju bellowed once more, its weird tail protrusion unleashing a powerful, thread-like jet of substance toward Ascalon. He quickly raised his shield, meeting the attack head-on. The pressure of the stream made Ascalon¡¯s knees buckle, and his face was overcome with surprise. ¡°A fighter to the end!¡± He exclaimed, smiling boldly at the kaiju¡¯s fighting spirit. Ascalon then adjusted his posture, curling up slightly in order to better brace the impact by anchoring to the ground. The battle was not over yet, and it filled him with a sense of joy¡ªit had been a while since he went all out. Extra 3 - Selorien Info
Name: Selorien L''adariel
Age: 221
Height: 6¡¯0 (1,83m aprox)
Appearance
Selorien is of average height among elves, but could be considered tall in comparison to other races. His hair is black, usually kept short, and his eyes are of a deep green color. He keeps in shape but is quite thin, his muscles barely pronounced. He bears no scars of any kind, and doesn''t sport piercings or any other such accessory. His face is what many would describe as handsome, mostly due to his elven heritage. His sharp, pointy ears and his neatly pale skin give him an air of timeless beauty. Since he usually keeps his eyes narrowed in perpetual tiredness and boredom, he appears mysterious without really meaning to. He doesn''t quite understand what''s so charming about his appareance, either way. His choice of clothing is quite similar to Lilithra''s, as he really enjoys wearing hoodies, though usually of darker hues of blue. He has a liking for baggy pants, like cargo or khakis, as he doesn''t like the feel of tighter clothes. As for shoes, he wears comfy sneakers or slip-ons, since he relies on them making the least noise possible when skulking about in the shadows. He doesn''t really put much care into his appareance other than picking the clothes he likes, so he doesn''t wear earrings or any other jewelry. At most, he could sport a fanny-pack or small satchel, though he doesn''t usually need to thanks to the Gifted network. He also sometimes wears beanies when its cold.
Personality
Selorien is a laid-back elf, and has no interest in things that don''t catch his attention or curiosity. Although he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he cares not for his noble origins, and hates the ''norm''. He''s somewhat dettached and composed, and may seem cold and distant deliberately, but that''s just how he is. He doesn''t really care about what others think, though. If left alone, he would probably laze around a sofa until the end times, so Lilithra serves as his motivator. Whenever she wants to do something, he follows along, pulled by his friend''s enthusiasm. Selorien is usually calm and quiet, prefering to let others talk and explain things while he just hovers around. He enjoys company, and is sometimes mischievous and cheerful, though he doesn''t know how to hold his tongue in most cases. Like most people, he has a limit to his patience, and can be real energetic, angry, or proactive when the situation requires it. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He used to be more withdrawn and uncaring, completely uninterested in the world around him; to the point that even the death of his own parents barely fazed him. Thankfully, Selorien has been slowly changing since meeting Lilithra.
Relationships so far
Theoldorien: His grandfather and only close relative. Selorien cherishes the memories of the old elf doting on him, though he''s been questioning his decisions lately. Lil: His best friend! They first met when Lilithra was really little, so she doesn''t remember. Their second meeting and the one that sparked their friendship was around the time Lilithra joined the Flaming Fists. He acts like her big brother, teasing her and following along with her plans, being the person he''s the most fond of. Raphael: Lil''s uncle and a man he has the utmost respect for. He can''t live without the beverages the steward can prepare, and thinks of him as his own uncle too. Ascalon: They met recently, but he admires his prowess and attitude. Ascalon has a lot of virtues that Selorien would love to have, like his unwavering courage. He''s grown quite attached of the knight. Rosco: A man he despises, as he once tricked Lilithra into joining the Flaming Fists. Lyra: A Felinae that seemed to know him from somewhere. He hates that she''s always late to things. Escarlata: The L''adariels ''monster maid'', a member of the highest ranking maids that serve the family, the Caretakers. He would never admit it, but she''s his role model, and the sole reason he''s a rogue. He hates that she doesn''t take him seriously and always calls him ''young master''. Casanova Guild members: He doesn''t know much about any of them, and really doesn''t care. He''s only there because of Lil. Zarya: A weird girl he fought in the colosseum, and whom he lost to. He has a date set with her, though he really regrets it.
Chapter 43 - Moving On! Thanks to Ascalon¡¯s intervention, the military had swiftly apprehended the scavengers, who now thrashed and complained inside the soldier¡¯s transport vehicles¡ªexcept for those staring mesmerized at the spectacle from the windows. In the distance, the kaiju roared with deafening force, the wind pressure from its wings causing the earth to tremble once more. Ascalon defended with his shield against an unrelenting stream of acidic fluid, his visage an impassive one. While his armament absorbed the brunt of the attack, the viscous substance still found its way into the ground, eating away at it. The combination of the corrosion and the immense pressure caused the surface beneath Ascalon¡¯s feet to crack, his boots sinking deeper as he pondered his next course of action. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ascalon murmured, his eye peeking around the edge of the shield to assess the creature. The beast was struggling to maintain a steady balance mid-air, clearly not accustomed to being hurt¡ªthough that made sense. The spider-like kaiju had probably never faced a stronger one of its kind, nor against the knight of the realms. Ascalon chuckled, relishing the thrill of battle. ¡°It has been enjoyable, but alas, I cannot linger here.¡± He declared in a low yet firm voice. Under the jet-like stream of acid, Ascalon¡¯s form began to glow with a soft, golden brilliance, growing steadily by the second, as if the very sun was rising. His figure was bathed in divine radiance, the light gently tracing the contour of his armor with a majestic touch. Soon, the golden luminance expanded into an ever-growing sphere, an aura imbued with the power of Ascalon¡¯s celestial blessings. It encompassed the whole area with a soothing warmth, cutting through the darkening landscape. It pulsated rhythmically as it extended, as if echoing the resolute, unwavering resolve of the knight¡¯s heart of hearts.
Blessed be the knight.
He carries the weightiest burden, a celestial might to vanquish evil!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique passive skill. Rank: Not applicable - Not applicable. Potential: Not applicable. Attribute: Celestial. Effects: Ascalon Rendland calls forth divine aid to bolster his stats immensely and add the celestial attribute to all of his skills.
Caught off guard by the sudden brightness, the creature hesitated, relenting on its attack and backing away as it gained altitude, cautiousness guiding its actions. Its set of eyes fixed on Ascalon, who looked as if the very light of the heavens had descended upon him. The massive being screeched in a mix of confusion and bewilderment, its intelligent brain piecing together one thing: it had nowhere to flee. As the world was illuminated by Ascalon¡¯s divine blessings, he readied his lance and prepared to attack, his good eye meeting the kaiju¡¯s stare. Shivers traveled through the beast¡¯s humongous body, its instincts kicking-in as it leaned back and began gathering energy. Both combatants sized each other up, and the first one to act was the kaiju. Its body swelled with newfound power as it unleashed a stream of corrosive acid through its tail protuberance, cutting through the air with enormous force once more. At the same time, a devastating energy beam emerged from its cavernous mouth, raising the temperature in the area dramatically. It showed that, up to that point, the kaiju wasn¡¯t taking the fight seriously, or that it was forced into using its ultimate move. Either way, the combined force of the attacks was such that it propelled the beast¡¯s body even higher, rendering its wings nearly useless for the moment. The spectators in the distance felt a mix of awe and terror creeping up as they witnessed the kaiju¡¯s devastating offensive, feeling like death was coming for them all. The sheer scale of its attack was nothing short of apocalyptic, a display of concentrated firepower that would put any man-made weapon to shame. The very earth shook violently as the cataclysmic event unfolded, the combined might of the corrosive stream and the energy beam straining the world itself. Ascalon faced the onslaught with a calm, resolute expression, his unwavering form one of courage and honor! With a skillful motion, he raised his lance, and Exemplaris brimmed with divine light as if to answer its master¡¯s call. The intensity of its brilliance grew as Ascalon thrusted forward in a single, precise movement. The motion was methodical, and honed by unending training and countless battles¡ªa strike the beast could not follow despite its many eyes.
-Celestial- Realm Piercer.
Evil shall be split asunder, for this knight of knights wills it so!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy Celestial. Effects: Ascalon Rendland pierces forward in a powerful strike.
A thunderous sound boomed as the lance parted the crackling air. The tip of the armament pierced through the attacks, splitting them asunder, the searing light cutting through like a knife through paper. In the aftermath, a shockwave of celestial radiance burst forth, engulfing the remnants of the attack as if ravenously devouring them. The light spread beyond¡ªa beam of pure goodness that met the befuddled creature in a blinding flash, disintegrating its existence under the sheer power of the heavens. The sky was illuminated, clouds parting to make way for the divine power''s ascent. After a brief moment, the light slowly dissipated, leaving no trace of the kaiju in its wake. Ascalon peered at the distant firmament, the cape on his cloak fluttering in the wind, his face a picture of disbelief. ¡°That was much stronger than I remember¡­¡± He pondered to himself, his eye now fixed on Exemplaris. Something was off about his strength, a notion that lingered since the day he had awoken in New Lumingard. On that day, he felt his holy might surging uncontrollably; now, though more manageable, he had demonstrated a power that could rival the very demon that had once defeated him. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ? ¡°Y~s!¡± ? Ascalon sensed a strange, tingling feeling coming from beneath his chestplate, but was more concerned about this sudden growth in power. Could it have been due to the world itself? Perhaps this place elevated his abilities somehow, though he didn¡¯t feel much different in other regards. He decided to put the matter to rest, knowing he would end up standing there, in the middle of decimated ruins for who knows how long. Ascalon took a moment to assess his surroundings, preparing to return, when a convoy of military vehicles approached from a distance. They stopped nearby, and the young-looking soldier hurriedly emerged from one of the cars, making no effort to hide his excitement. ¡°Sir, that was out of this world!!!¡± The man exclaimed, his voice brimming with admiration. A resounding cheer erupted across the vehicles, their occupants agreeing with the soldier¡¯s words. ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t be doing this while on duty, but please give us your autograph!¡± He pleaded, bowing profusely as a cacophony of voices joined in, seconding on the request. Ascalon was taken aback, his sole eye opening wide in confusion. He sent his lance and shield to his inventory, the weapons slowly dissipating into the air, before responding to their request. ¡°I am honored you would like my ¡®autograph¡¯, but I must make haste toward my friends.¡± Ascalon replied in a calm and gentle voice. He appreciated the thought of being admired, and knew, somewhat, that autographs were a big deal; after all, people often asked Selorien for them. But Ascalon¡¯s priority was to return to the train and check on how his companions were faring. Amidst a chorus of disappointed cries, the young-looking soldier stood tall and brought a hand to his temple in a swift military salute. ¡°We¡¯ll take you anywhere, sir! A-also, my name is Ryan, sir, I would be honored if you remembered it!¡± He declared, waving to the convoy as if inviting Ascalon to join them. ¡°Hmmm. I, Ascalon Rendland, am in your debt, Ryan!¡± Ascalon stated, feeling deeply grateful. This was far more convenient than having to calculate where to safely jump back so he wouldn¡¯t damage the rails! The soldier trembled with excitement, his eyes still sparkling, clearly overjoyed about the exchange. Afterward, Ascalon accompanied the group, and they all set out toward the stopped train. Along the way, he was bombarded by questions, like whose Guild he belonged to, what kind of skills he had, and even if he had a betrothed¡ªthe latter leaving him particularly puzzled. ¡°So this is how they felt¡­¡± Ascalon murmured, putting himself in Selorien and Lilithra¡¯s shoes for a change, reminiscing about all the relentless questions he had asked of them. He smiled at the thought, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. It didn¡¯t take long until they reached their destination, where Ascalon was dropped off amidst a new wave of cheers, coming from the train passengers who had been able to witness his prowess. ¡°It¡¯s been an honor, sir! We¡¯ll inspect the rails ahead and radio the train conductor if we find any issues! Hopefully we¡¯ll also meet with our reinforcements along the way!¡± The young-looking soldier exclaimed from the seat of his vehicle, while the rest of the military men bid their goodbyes as the convoy roared into the distance. Ascalon sighed and inspected the train, relieved to find it in one piece, as an object flew toward him. He caught it mid-air¡ªa bottle of water glistening under the train¡¯s lights. He looked up, and saw his friends climbing down the vehicle¡¯s roof. ¡°Heeeeey~¡± Selorien called out in his usual laid-back tone, approaching him with an amused grin. Ascalon nodded at him with a smile, and took the chance to unscrew the bottle to drink some water while walking toward them. ¡°Ascalon!¡± Lilithra¡¯s excited voice rang from behind Selorien, her figure suddenly skipping joyfully toward Ascalon. ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re okay!¡± She stated as she inspected the knight all over, as if making sure he was in one piece. Ascalon chuckled, a mix of tenderness and amusement in his smile. ¡°I am sorry to have worried you.¡± He declared, rejoining the group once again. Lyra peeked at him from behind Lilithra, her eyes sparkling with admiration. As the passengers continued to cheer, Lilithra gently tugged on Ascalon¡¯s cloak to get his attention. ¡°We should go back to our cabin¡­¡± She suggested with an uneasy smile, probably thinking it would be wiser to retreat to their private room. Seeing that the spectators¡¯ excitement showed no sign of diminishing, Ascalon agreed, and everyone boarded the vehicle. Once in their cabin, they all sat down and let out a collective sigh, though the seating order seemed to have changed. Selorien sat on the left side, doing his best to hold back his laughter, his face the picture of playful mischief. Ascalon sat on the right side, with Lilithra and Lyra flanking him¡ªthe latter leaning a bit too closely to him, a stark difference to how she behaved earlier. Ascalon could feel a certain girl seething at his left, while the other gazed up at him with moist, shimmering eyes. ¡°Lyra, why did you sit there?¡± Lilithra spoke with a smile, though Ascalon sensed a demonic anger boiling beneath. Lyra peeked at her from behind Ascalon¡¯s shoulder, her ears twitching as she shyly replied. ¡°I-I feel more at ease here.¡± She declared, nestling back into the sofa. But that answer didn¡¯t seem to satisfy Lilithra. ¡°What about Selly, then?! You were like, his fan!¡± Lilithra argued, pointing toward the elf. Selorien snorted, clearly entertained by the whole situation. Lyra gasped, her cheeks reddening as she stammered a retort. ¡°T-this and that are different. Selorien is cool like an i-idol to root for, but¡­¡± She trailed off, her eyes locking onto Ascalon¡¯s gaze. ¡°I feel more at ease here¡­¡± Lyra repeated herself, her voice softer, almost in a daze. As she shifted slightly, her voluptuous chest pressed against Ascalon. At that moment, Ascalon felt a tingle beneath his chest plate once more. ? ¡°He~! St~p tha~!¡± ? Ascalon could swear he heard something, but there were more pressing matters at hand¡ªliterally. Ascalon cleared his throat and stood up, swiftly shifting to Selorien¡¯s side, taking a seat beside him. Now in a safer place, he switched his armor for his regular attire. Everyone except Ascalon displayed different expressions of disappointment, each for their own varying reasons. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Ascalon decided to ask something that had been gnawing at him for a bit. ¡°How are the passengers faring after the attack?¡± He asked with a concerned tone, bringing everyone back to reality. Lilithra smiled reassuringly, raising a thumbs up in his direction. ¡°I asked a stewardess, and she said they¡¯re all okay! Most of the passengers were barely grazed by the shots, it seems!¡± She exclaimed happily, Lyra¡¯s face lighting up at her words. Ascalon let out a relieved sigh while Selorien chimed in. ¡°Heh, they seemed to have terrible aim.¡± He said in a mocking tone, giggling to himself as he crossed both arms behind his head. Lilithra and Lyra joined in, the tension slowly lifting from the carriage. As they chatted a bit more, the train began to finally move, the driver¡¯s voice resounding through the vehicle. ¡°Dear passengers, we¡¯re sincerely grateful for your patience and deeply sorry for the inconvenience! We¡¯re resuming our journey now, and to make up for the terrible experience, we¡¯ll fully refund your ticket¡¯s cost.¡± The group could hear cheering and clapping from other cabins, some voices even reassuring the train conductor; after all, it wasn¡¯t his fault. Ascalon smiled, knowing the passengers were a reasonable bunch, and his friends beamed at him. After a few moments passed, Lilithra spoke up with curiosity. ¡°So, how was it? Fighting a whole kaiju by yourself¡ªand winning!¡± She exploded in enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It was as if an invisible dam had burst open, releasing all her pent-up energy in one go. She had clearly been dying to talk about it! Lyra nodded frantically as she shared the sentiment, while Selorien perked up with clear interest. There was no way around it, and it was to be expected that they would be curious about the battle. Ascalon smiled in resignation before replying. ¡°It was a challenging foe. The creature relied on a corrosive substance¡ªit melted the very soil, but it could not penetrate my shield¡­¡± He recounted some of the fight, his friends amazed by every detail. ¡°...though I feel way stronger, somehow.¡± Ascalon¡¯s retelling slowly shifted, toward a topic they simply couldn¡¯t help him with. ¡°Well, the stronger the better, right?¡± Selorien wondered, gazing at the cabin¡¯s ceiling. Ascalon pondered for a moment. He was mostly worrying about not being able to handle his newfound power, but maybe he was overthinking it¡­ as usual. Ascalon shook his head, doubting there would be many situations where he would be forced to use his full power. Perhaps it was best to keep things simple, and worry about more pressing matters, like his emblem¡¯s origins and Levi¡¯s whereabouts. With that thought in mind, Ascalon gazed through the window, appreciating the sparkling night sky. It had been a long day, and the soft rocking of the train was a gentle reminder that, sometimes, it was better to rest and think about things with a fresher perspective. Everyone seemed to share the sentiment, as yawns began to echo throughout the cabin. ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep.¡± Lilithra suggested, her tone of voice sounding tired. She took the chance to retrieve some blankets from a compartment below the seats, sharing them with everyone while smiling sheepishly. Soon, they found themselves cozily nestled in their blankets, the methodical rhythm of the train easing them into the dream world. It was time to say goodnight. Chapter 44 - The Desert City The rest of the trip had been uneventful, and the group enjoyed a relaxed journey. They talked about various things, and even taught Ascalon how to play some card games¡ªsomething completely new to him. Back in Excadia, his pastimes had been limited to throwing spears at targets, arm wrestling with his comrades, or honing his horseback skills. It was a shame, though, that most steeds couldn¡¯t handle the intensity of his battles. Ascalon was also still really intrigued about ¡®video games¡¯, as he kept seeing Selorien and Lilithra partake in that activity with their phones. However, he recognized that learning about these would be a bigger hurdle than playing cards for his current self, so he decided to leave that for the future. The group had also learned a lot about Lyra, by simply observing her behavior. For example, she was really clingy once she felt comfortable around someone, and had been eager to engage in hugs or other forms of physical contact with the rest of the group. Lilithra was overjoyed, feeling as if the cat girl were her own little sister, though they were pretty much around the same age. No one would dare break the illusion, of course, as their bonding was both warming and endearing. Still, Lyra kept trying to get closer to Ascalon, and Lilithra had been doing her best to stop her¡ªan interesting yet confusing sight for the oblivious knight. As time passed and the train traveled on, Ascalon noticed the landscape shifting many times, yet he hadn¡¯t seen any cities apart from ruined ones. It seemed that this world had its fair share of tragic events, but its people didn¡¯t appear disheartened in the slightest. The view gradually changed into a yellow hue as sand began to take over, covering every inch of the plains up to the horizon. The heat grew steadily, and Ascalon¡¯s friends peeked with curiosity at the outside world. Lyra gasped, marveling at the vast expanse, while Lilithra narrowed her eyes, shielding them from the harsh sunlight. Selorien, on the other hand, didn¡¯t seem particularly amused. ¡°Ugh it¡¯s gonna be so hot¡­¡± He complained, clearly displeased by the rising temperature. It was to be expected, given his attachment to hoodies. It was a good moment to change out of their warmest clothing, replacing them with choices that felt fresher and lighter. In the meantime, the announcement system rang, informing the passengers of an upcoming stop. ¡°Dear passengers, we¡¯re glad to inform you that we¡¯re about to arrive! Prepare your luggage and sunscreen, and double-check so that you don¡¯t leave anything behind. We hope you enjoy your stay in Starugnia!¡± The announcement voice paused, and the passengers stirred with excitement. Surprisingly, amidst the clamor, the conductor¡¯s voice resounded through the train once more. ¡°Also, we would like to express our gratitude to our ¡®knight in shining armor¡¯, who showed us an unreal sight and possibly saved us all! I have been informed that his name is ¡®Ascalon¡¯, and we of the transport team kindly extend our gratitude to him¡ªthank you, Mr. Ascalon!¡± As the driver¡¯s voice receded, the train filled with clapping and cheers, with passengers also showing their appreciation toward Ascalon. The knight felt a bit bashful at the attention. Although he was accustomed to being received with ovations in saved towns and award ceremonies, this time it felt somewhat different. It was hard to explain. Adding to the situation, Ascalon¡¯s friend joined in and clapped, their faces showing warm smiles¡ªexcept for Selorien¡¯s cheeky grin! The knight sighed in resignation, and the girls giggled in amusement. Leaving the cheery mood behind, everyone got ready to descend the train among the sea of passengers that were on their way to the exits. Ascalon¡¯s towering figure earned him curious looks, but he tried to pay no heed to them. The moment Ascalon¡¯s group stepped off the train, they were hit by a wave of intense heat, the difference between the cool interior and the harsh desert air making them recoil. The station itself was pretty crowded, and even the shade looked hot. ¡°I already regret this.¡± Exclaimed Selorien as he slouched, seemingly weighed down by the temperature. The elf looked up with a hand shielding his eyes from the sun, as Ascalon stood by his side. ¡°There¡¯s not even a single cloud!¡± Selorien complained, prompting Lilithra to push his back gently. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to the shade, dummy!¡± She replied, forcing Selorien to advance. Ascalon and Lyra both chuckled at the sight, though the latter seemed to share Selorien¡¯s sentiment to some extent, since she was fanning herself with a hand as sweat glistened on her skin. Taking her into consideration, Ascalon followed behind Lilithra, heading past the station toward a nearby tree, hoping to find some relief from the sun. It was then that they could fully take in the surroundings, and the sight mesmerized them. Starugnia stood tall amidst the unending dunes, a sanctuary for weary travelers and citizens alike. From the get go, a colossal skull dominated the view of the city, a pair of giant horns¡ªone partially broken¡ªprotruding from atop. This central landmark appeared to serve as a repurposed building, with pathways leading into its hollow eye sockets and giant maw, its entrances covered by hanging curtains. Ascalon was fascinated, his gaze wandering toward other aspects of the city. The architecture, for example, reflected its defiance toward the harsh environment. The buildings were constructed with enormous adobe slabs and bricks of an orange hue, and their rooftops were tall, adorned with imposing wind-catchers. There were other details that caught his attention, like retractable overhangs above doors and windows, likely a protective measure against sandstorms. In the same line of thinking, there were numerous walls with latticework, possibly for cooler wind circulation. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Lilithra blurted out in amazement, marveling at the sight. Selorien, on the other hand, looked as if he hated everything, though he begrudgingly admitted the city had a certain charm. The cat girl peered curiously at everything, fidgeting in place. Ascalon wondered if she was growing impatient now that they had finally arrived where her brother was supposedly located. Lilithra caught on to it too as she side eyed Lyra, and decided to move things along. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get inside the city!¡± She proclaimed, grabbing Selorien by the arm and dragging him along with her. Ascalon smiled at her motivation and her caring nature, and both he and Lyra followed after her. At the enormous, yellow gates stood a pair of guards, each of them armed with long spears. They were checking on people who wanted to enter the city, likely an everyday procedure. So far, none of the travelers seemed to have any issues, and soon it was their turn. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°Welcome, travelers. State your business and affiliation.¡± Said a tall, dark-skinned man, with an impassive tone. His long upright ears gave him a resemblance akin to a jackal, and he looked strict and disciplined. Lilithra awkwardly stood forward, and smiled at him while fiddling with her fingers in the air. ¡°Hello! We¡¯ve come from New Lumingard to fulfill a request! We¡¯re from the Casanova Guild.¡± Lilithra stated with confidence, sending some information, like their names and other Guild details, to the guard through the Gifted network. It seemed that she had taken Lyra¡¯s plea as an ¡®official¡¯ request, probably to take advantage of the Guild¡¯s benefits. The man inspected the contents of the message, and checked on some things on his end, before replying with a sharp stare. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but your names aren¡¯t in the list of allowed members.¡± At his words, everyone let out a collective ¡®huh?¡¯ of confusion. ¡°U-uhm, but I sent the application beforehand. A-are you sure?¡± Lilithra stammered, clearly shaken by the situation. Ascalon suspected it had to be some kind of mistake, but the guard¡¯s next words reflected otherwise. ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. You haven¡¯t been given approval to enter the city¡ªcome back after you apply for tourism, like everyone else.¡± He declared coldly, glancing at the line of travelers behind them ¡°Next.¡± The guard added, prompting Lilithra to hurriedly pull the group to the side, trying to not be an inconvenience. ¡°W-what should we do, Selly?¡± Lilithra asked with clear anxiety as they settled in the shade of a nearby wall, sweat trickling down her neck from both the heat and her agitation. Selorien traced the air with his fingers, his expression nonchalant as he raised an eyebrow and looked at something in his network interface. ¡°Welp. Seems like we¡¯ve been kicked out.¡± His tone was carefree, yet the meaning behind his words was heavy, though he shrugged, clearly unbothered. Lilithra opened her interface in a panic, and checked with a dismayed look at the ¡®Guild¡¯ button, now marked with a ¡®locked¡¯ sign. ¡°No way¡­¡± Lilithra muttered, visibly upset, while Ascalon and Lyra exchanged intrigued glances. ¡°What is the matter?¡± Asked the knight, leaning forward to be at Lilithra¡¯s eye level. She looked up at him with teary eyes, her lips curling up in an awkward smile. ¡°We¡¯ve been expelled from the Guild.¡± Her tone was frail, reflecting her sadness and disappointment. Although she had been considering leaving the Casanova Guild, she wasn¡¯t prepared for it to happen so suddenly, and that hurt her¡ªespecially since there had been no parting words or any explanation. Lucio had been pretty cold-hearted. But maybe it was the result of her own actions? She had been ignoring his calls, after all. Ascalon frowned, and gently patted Lilithra on the head, caressing her hair from side to side. Lyra approached and shyly took Lilithra¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± She said softly, trying to comfort her. Lilithra squeezed her hand in return, and sighed heavily. A couple of minutes passed, and suddenly, Lilithra brought both hands to her face and slapped herself, taking everyone by surprise except for Selorien, who showed a knowing smile. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s no time to mope around!¡± Lilithra blurted out, her tone more energetic but still a bit shaky. She couldn¡¯t do anything about the situation at the moment, and her friends¡¯ kindness reminded her that they had a request to fulfill. After all, it was never about Guilds or missions¡ªit was about helping a friend in need. Gradually, both Ascalon and Lyra sensed her renewed determination, and smiled with relief. Though the issue of being denied entry was still unresolved, it was nice to see her recover some of her characteristic cheerfulness. With his usual laid-back demeanor, Selorien broached the subject. ¡°So¡­ what do we do? Should we sneak in?¡± The elf suggested, his face taken over by a mischievous look. Lilithra punched him in the shoulder, puffing her cheeks in indignation. ¡°No! We¡¯re not criminals, Selly!¡± Lilithra huffed, while Selorien giggled at her, clearly enjoying his teasing. Ascalon, meanwhile, pondered for a moment, trying to think of a solution to their problem, while Lyra looked a bit conflicted. They had gone all the way there; they couldn¡¯t simply give up. While everyone grasped at straws, searching for ideas, a familiar voice rang through the air. ¡°Ascalon siiiir!¡± Startled, everyone turned around to see a young-looking soldier walking toward them, who Ascalon recognized as Ryan. ¡°I knew I¡¯d run into you here!¡± Exclaimed Ryan, his voice filled with excitement and admiration. Aside from Ascalon, the group peered at him with curiosity. They had seen him before, but hadn¡¯t interacted at all, so their wariness was to be expected. Ryan approached them, bowing slightly as he addressed the knight. ¡°I¡¯m glad you made it to Starugnia safely! Not that I ever doubted it, but still!¡± Ryan smiled from ear to ear, clearly thrilled about their meeting. ¡°Right, I¡¯m Ryan! Nice to meet you!¡± He added, this time directing his words to the rest of the group. ¡°Uhm, nice to meet you, Ryan! I¡¯m Lilithra, and these are Selorien and Lyra.¡± Lilithra responded, introducing her friends to the newcomer. Selorien nodded in acknowledgment, while Lyra bowed and smiled shyly. Ryan beamed once again, his eyes locking back onto Ascalon. ¡°So what¡¯s up? Waiting for someone?¡± He asked, glancing around, unaware of their current situation. ¡°We have been denied passage into the city.¡± Ascalon replied in a frustrated voice. The soldier made a surprised expression, before he frowned in indignation. ¡°The nerve!!! Come with me!¡± Ryan declared, storming off toward the gate with determined steps. Ascalon and his friends hesitated for a moment, astonished by Ryan¡¯s sudden actions, but they quickly followed with intrigue in their minds, Ascalon leading the way. As they saw the soldier approach, the guards stood at attention, and the one that had denied them passage spoke. ¡°Lieutenant Miller, is something the matter?¡± He asked, noticing the anger in Ryan¡¯s face. The travelers who were waiting for their turn perked up with curiosity, glancing at their direction. ¡°Give these four clearance to enter!¡± Ryan demanded, his voice a mix of annoyance and authority. The guards exchanged glances, clearly troubled, but didn¡¯t utter a single word of complaint. One of them fiddled with his network interface, then bowed to the group. ¡°They¡¯re allowed now, Lieutenant Miller.¡± The guard confirmed, his arm gesturing past the gates as if inviting them in. ¡°Good! Remember, they have my backing!¡± Ryan added, puffing out his chest with a satisfied expression. And just like that, their problem was solved. Ascalon and his friends stood in silence, clearly surprised by the turn of events, and unsure of how to react until Ryan urged them to go in. ¡°Go on then! I can¡¯t join you right now but I¡¯ll try to keep in touch!¡± Ryan spoke with joy, waving at them as he went toward the direction of the train. ¡°Oh right! Enjoy your stay, guys!¡± He added, glancing over his shoulder before disappearing in the distance. The group exchanged looks, and, out of nowhere, burst out laughing. ¡°Oh geez, this feels so silly!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye. Ascalon chuckled and nodded, while Lyra and Selorien seemed to agree with the sentiment in between giggles. All of them felt a wave of relief wash over them, the tension finally leaving their bodies. Some of the travelers walked past them, giving them weird looks, and making Lilithra realize they were the center of attention. ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s go in!¡± She urged them, feeling awkward all of a sudden. Walking through the gates, they could appreciate the cityscape up close, marveling once again at the sight. Selorien in particular felt a rush of happiness as he noticed some pathways covered by shade sails, stretching from building to building. ¡°Neat!¡± The elf exclaimed, as he took from his inventory a simple black cap and put it on. With that combination, he felt he could better face the heat. Seeing his idea, Lyra and Lilithra followed suit, equipping some light headwear. Lilithra opted for a red cap similar to Selorien¡¯s¡ªher horns sticking out through conveniently placed holes¡ªwhile Lyra put on a more cutesy straw hat with a flower adorning the top. ¡°Alright then! Where to start?¡± Exclaimed Lilithra excitedly, feeling a renewed determination. The rest looked at her with confident looks, sharing her enthusiasm. Lyra stepped up, raising a hand. ¡°W-well, there¡¯s gotta be an info hub like in New Lumingard, right?¡± She suggested, as the rest nodded in acknowledgment. However, they would soon realize that being expelled from Casanova had severely limited their options, and that Starugnia wasn¡¯t as accommodating as they would think. Chapter 45 - The "Spymaster" The group walked through the hot streets of Starugnia, trying to find a place to ask for information about Levi while admiring their surroundings as they advanced. Ascalon noticed that, aside from the buildings and other details, the people here were also very different from those in New Lumingard. Most had varying tones of dark skin, and their racial features clearly leaned more into those of desert creatures¡ªlike jackals, serpents, and scorpions¡ªcontrary to the more diverse citizens of New Lumingard. Most of them also wore veils and turbans, with clothes that were thin and soft in colors¡ªlogical choices for the harsh desert environment. ¡°There!¡± Lilithra suddenly exclaimed as she pointed with enthusiasm, prompting Ascalon to snap back to attention. He followed Lilithra¡¯s gesture, and saw a building that struck out from the rest. It had a more modern design, its walls made of a white, shiny material. The doors that gave way to the inside were similar to those he had seen back at headquarters¡ªthe kind that opened by themselves. Above such a doorway rested a sign that read ¡®Exchange Hub¡¯. ¡°Neat!¡± Selorien stated as the group marched toward the building. They headed inside without issues, and were immediately greeted by the cool interior air, a refreshing contrast to the heat outside. Without missing a beat, Selorien quickly beelined to an empty seat, and sprawled out on it with a contented sigh. The rest giggled in amusement, while Ascalon took a moment to inspect the area. The hall was as large as it appeared from the outside, but wasn¡¯t as crowded as he had expected. Most people inside were clearly travelers rather than locals, suggesting that the building either didn¡¯t serve much of a purpose to the citizens, or that they didn¡¯t need to rely on the cool air as much. There was a particular individual nearby, his gaze intensely set on them through a pair of black sunglasses. Despite the intensity, Ascalon deemed the man as simply curious about them. That aside, Lilithra approached an empty counter shyly, smiling to the woman behind it. The woman exhibited brown snake-like scales over her cheeks, partially covering her forehead, neck, and arms too. The girl returned a rehearsed smile, and spoke with a soft voice. ¡°Welcome, dear travelers. What can I assist you with?¡± She said with a cordial tone, her eyes slowly appraising the three guests one by one. ¡°Uhm, we would like some info on a certain person!¡± Lilithra responded, her first course of action to learn more about Levi¡¯s whereabouts. The staff member nodded and traced the air with her fingers, clearly bringing up her network interface. ¡°Of course. Could you please provide your Guild¡¯s name?¡± At the woman¡¯s words, Lilithra froze for a second, her smile turning awkward. ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m not part of a Guild¡­ haha¡­¡± Lilithra¡¯s words were coated with both embarrassment and hesitation, causing the woman to show a troubled expression. ¡°I¡¯m deeply sorry, but this service is only available for Guilds.¡± The staff member replied as she bowed slightly. Feeling the growing awkwardness, Lyra mustered the courage to interject. ¡°I-I am in a Guild! The Guild¡¯s name is F-Fluffy Warriors, and I¡¯m the vice leader, Lyra.¡± The cat girl exclaimed with a mix of pride and nervousness, feeling she was finally being useful to the group. The attendant nodded once again, and started fiddling with her screen. ¡°Thanks, Lyra!¡± Lilithra beamed at the cat girl, relief washing over her. She was already feeling like they would hit another wall, so she appreciated Lyra¡¯s intervention. After a brief moment, the staff woman replied. ¡°Alright. Please note that, since your Guild is fairly new, the amount of information I can provide might be limited.¡± She said in a matter-of-fact fashion, and Lyra nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Perfect. Could you please tell me about the person you need information on?¡± The attendant asked, while Lyra fidgeted as she thought about what to say. ¡°Uh, I¡¯m looking for Levi Summers! M-my brother, and leader of our Guild.¡± Lyra explained, and the attendant nodded as she worked. After a brief silence, she spoke again while shaking her head slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but there¡¯s not much I can tell you, due to a lack of information.¡± She paused, looking at the group. Both Lyra and Lilithra showed concerned expressions, so the woman continued. ¡°I can tell you that he visited the Exchange Hub a few days ago, inquiring about an individual by the name of ¡®Ian¡¯, but we didn¡¯t have any information on him.¡± She concluded, bowing slightly. It seemed that the information they had on Levi went as far as confirming his presence in Starugnia, and nothing else. Despite that, Ascalon noticed Lyra clenching her fists with renewed determination. ¡°Thank you!¡± Lyra exclaimed with a more confident tone, smiling softly at the attendant. Lilithra beamed at her side, clearly happy about her friend¡¯s enthusiasm. It was good to see Lyra in high spirits. Lilithra wanted to hug her, like a cat plushie, but held back for many reasons. ¡°At least, we know he¡¯s been here!¡± Lilithra remarked, while Lyra nodded a few times. That¡¯s right, they had confirmed Levi¡¯s whereabouts to an extent, and now they just needed to learn about his current location. Still, the lack of information on Ian wasn¡¯t a good sign, Ascalon thought. Leaving that aside, he turned around to check on Selorien, and found him surrounded by three beautiful, veiled women. The elf was looking at him with an intense stare, and moved his lips slowly, clearly spelling ¡®save me¡¯ in a hushed voice. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, an amused grin appearing on his face as he nudged Lilithra on the side. Lilithra jumped slightly, startled by Ascalon¡¯s sudden action, and looked in the direction he was focused on. Soon, a mischievous smile adorned her face, and Selorien glared at his friends with irritation. Surprisingly, Lyra was the one who stepped up to assist the elf, approaching him with confidence. ¡°S-selly, we¡¯re going!¡± She said with her fists clenched, mustering all her strength to overcome her shyness with strangers. Selorien looked at her with relief and admiration, as if she were a saint or a savior, and quickly stood up to walk toward the group. ¡°Sorry, gotta go.¡± He remarked coldly, without even looking back. The three women who had been surrounding him squealed in delight, clearly enjoying the treatment. Just what was it with Selorien¡¯s charm? Ascalon was puzzled by the thought, but mostly, amused! After a moment of Lilithra laughing and Lyra blushing at her own, unexpected actions, the group left the Exchange Hub and faced the heat once more. ¡°Actually, let¡¯s go back inside.¡± Selorien suggested, turning around as he adjusted his cap. But Lilithra grabbed his arm from behind, and pulled with all her strength. ¡°Stop it~!¡± She said in a cheery tone, Lyra giggling to herself at the sight. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. As Ascalon let out a sigh of resignation, another figure crossed through the automatic doors, heading toward them with decided steps. Ascalon perked up, raising an eyebrow as he met the same man with sunglasses that had been staring at them inside the building. ¡°Greetings!¡± The unknown individual spoke with enthusiasm, and the rest of the group shifted their attention to him. ¡°I am known as Rahmu, and I might know a thing or two about this Levi person~!¡± He added as he smiled with glee, his gold teeth greeting the light. Ascalon took a moment to appraise the person more carefully, noticing his physical features. He was short, around the same height as Lilithra and Lyra, and his skin was of a copper-like tone. He wore a small, ragged turban and a tunic-like robe long to his feet, both white in color. His face was sullied by an unkempt bear, but adorned with long, golden earrings that looked expensive. Rahmu, as he called himself, adjusted his sunglasses and waited patiently for an answer. ¡°I see, you must be an ¡®spymaster¡¯.¡± Ascalon declared, realizing the man was probably someone who dealt with information behind the scenes, in a more ¡®unofficial¡¯ way. He had seen a few of those back in Excadia, and could smell their greed from a mile away. Rahmu looked a bit confused for a moment, unfamiliar with the term, but quickly pieced together its meaning. ¡°Yes! Though I must admit, while I try to present myself as an information broker, spymaster sounds quite imposing!¡± Rahmu laughed to himself, amused by Ascalon¡¯s choice of words. Aside from Ascalon, the rest felt a bit wary of the man, and understandably so. It was too convenient that he happened to have the info they needed at just that moment. ¡°I guess you want to sell us this info, right? How can we know it¡¯s legit?¡± Selorien suddenly addressed the man with an accusatory tone, his question posing a real concern. Ascalon nodded thoughtfully in acknowledgment, while Lilithra and Lyra observed from the sidelines. ¡°Ah, yes, I understand your suspicion!¡± Rahmu exclaimed, opening his arms wide, taking on a grandiose pose. ¡°Allow me to offer you a glimpse of my knowledge, a token of my sincerity!¡± He concluded, making a swift reverence toward them. ¡°But first, please follow me!¡± Rahmu requested, swiftly walking toward a nearby alleyway, glancing back as if expecting them to follow. The group exchanged wary glances, but Ascalon nodded with a half smile, reassuring them. They all knew that they had nothing to fear with Ascalon at their side, whether it was an alleyway or a dragon¡¯s maw. With that in mind, the group followed. The alley itself was quite small, a simple space between two houses, and no one else but them seemed to be around. The best thing? It was pleasantly cool thanks to the shade provided by both buildings. Once they gathered before Rahmu, he directed his words toward the cat girl. ¡°Your brother came in search of Ian, am I correct?¡± Said Rahmu, showing a smug expression, his smile widening as he gazed at Lyra. The girl nodded hesitantly in affirmation. ¡°Well, I happen to know they actually met! And as you might expect, it wasn¡¯t quite a friendly encounter!¡± Rahmu chuckled, finding the situation amusing. Lyra, however, didn¡¯t share his sentiment, and showed a desperate expression on her face. Her frown deepened and her eyes shimmered with concern as she replied. ¡°What happened? Where is my brother?¡± She asked with a mix of agitation and urgency, her earlier calmness wavering under her impatience. Her reaction was understandable, since the man was putting on a show before her, presenting the bits of information as if he were dangling a meal in front of a starving person. Ascalon glared at Rahmu, and the man shuddered momentarily. Recomposing himself, he cleared his throat and continued. ¡°I will answer all your questions once I see some coin.¡± Rahmu declared, crossing his arms with confidence, knowing he had the upper hand in the negotiation. As per usual, such individuals were only motivated by money. Lyra, however, didn¡¯t waste a moment as a palm-sized bag appeared in her hand, materializing from her inventory. She tossed it at Rahmu without a care in the world, probably feeling a bit irritated. The man raised an eyebrow with suspicion as he caught the bag mid air, the distinct clinking of coins ringing from within. He opened it and his expression shifted into a lecherous grin. ¡°Yes, this will suffice.¡± He exclaimed, smacking his lips, the delight palpable in his voice. Promptly, the bag of coins disappeared, probably into his own inventory. Rahmu cleared his throat again and rubbed his unkempt beard as he prepared to speak. ¡°Levi and Ian clashed in the lower districts.¡± Rahmu began explaining with a chuckle. ¡°A place I wouldn¡¯t recommend visiting, hehe!¡± He continued, relishing in his own amusement, until Ascalon¡¯s urging gaze made him reconsider his approach. ¡°Ehem. They had quite the vocal quarrel, and even fought for a while, until guards arrived¡ªlate, as usual.¡± Rahmu added, shrugging and shaking his head in frustration. ¡°They both fled, of course, and haven¡¯t been seen in the open since.¡± He concluded, giving them a moment to absorb the information. ¡°And¡­?¡± Selorien asked, one of his brows raised in doubt. ¡°That is all.¡± Answered Rahmu with a satisfied, greedy smile. The elf frowned in irritation, realizing that Rahmu had already given them exactly what they had paid for. ¡°That¡¯s it?!¡± Reproached Lilithra, fuming with anger at the man¡¯s greediness. But Rahmu simply chuckled, rubbing his beard. ¡°My information is very valuable! If you want more, you¡¯ll have to pay. It¡¯s a simple transaction.¡± He replied matter-of-factly, brimming with confidence. Ascalon sighed deeply and stepped forward. He planned to plead with the man, but Selorien stopped him, putting a hand on his chest. ¡°Do you know Lieutenant Ryan?¡± Selorien suddenly asked, and Rahmu narrowed his eyes. ¡°What of him¡­?¡± He replied, trying to hide a hint of nervousness. Selorien didn¡¯t let the detail escape him, and his lips curled into a smug grin. It seemed that this Ryan had quite the authority for someone so young, that even a shady dealer was wary of the name. ¡°We happen to be his friends. Ascalon here saved him from a kaiju.¡± Selorien pointed to Ascalon, who stood tall and imposing, towering over the small Rahmu. The broker gulped loudly, his eyes opening as the greed that had clouded his thoughts vanished. He recognized Ascalon¡¯s oppressive presence, an air around him that screamed he shouldn¡¯t be messed with; and, to top it all off, he supposedly had Lieutenant Ryan in his debt. ¡°Y-you can¡¯t intimidate me like that! You want information, I have information. I want coin, you have coin! There¡¯s nothing wrong with doing business!¡± Rahmu exclaimed, clearly shaken, his eyes darting toward the alleyway exit. Ascalon realized Rahmu was probably going to try and run away if pressed further; and the man did have a point. Taking him into consideration, Ascalon decided to go with the swiftest solution. ¡°Selorien, could you pay the man? I will make it up to you.¡± He calmly stated, and Rahmu looked up at Ascalon with a mix of curiosity and relief, noticing the shift in his behavior. ¡°Aight, only because you asked.¡± Selorien answered, shaking his head with a resigned smile. At the same time, Lyra tugged at Ascalon¡¯s shirt, looking up at him with a big smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± She whispered, her eyes shimmering. Lyra was probably feeling very cornered by the situation, after all. Lilithra smiled at the exchange, as Selorien gave the man some paper bills. At first, Rahmu looked like he was going to complain, but quickly recognized their value. He promptly vanished the money into his inventory with a joyful expression, before speaking with enthusiasm. ¡°Very well! I will give you my priciest information. And know that this is something not just anyone can buy!¡± Rahmu boomed with confidence, and then looked around with a cautious gaze, as if making sure no one else was close by. ¡°There¡¯s only one place these two could have gone to! In the underbelly of the city, there¡¯s a very, very hidden entrance¡­¡± He started, speaking in a low voice. Everyone listened intently, their curiosity piqued. ¡°If you manage to find it, there¡¯s an intricate pathway leading to, and listen closely, a dungeon!¡± Rahmu concluded, raising a finger in a gesture of affirmation. Everyone aside from Ascalon showed a confused expression, since he wasn¡¯t aware of what this implied. ¡°A dungeon?¡± Selorien asked with doubt in his voice, and Rahmu smiled boldly in response. ¡°Yes! And I kid you not, its existence hasn¡¯t been revealed to the public yet.¡± He paused, his smile turning more confident. Everyone let out a surprised gasp, as Rahmu continued. ¡°The thing is, the dungeon isn¡¯t behind some magic portal¡­ it¡¯s in this very world!¡± Rahmu declared, while Selorien, Lilithra and Lyra exchanged astonished looks. A dangerous, yet curious notion had escaped the man¡¯s lips, and Ascalon quickly grasped the implications of a dungeon being located beneath the city. It felt ominous, somehow. Extra 4 - Rafael Info
Name: Raphael Ashford
Age: 66
Height: 5.8 (1,76m aprox)
Appearance
Raphael is slightly taller than average, and has a fit physical complexion that betrays his age. His hair is a blend of black and gray, usually slicked back. His meticulously maintained beard, and deep gray eyes, help pronounce his air of sophisticated gentleman. His body has a few scars¡ªa product of his rowdy past¡ªbut he hides them extremely well. As for his clothing, he prefers elegant and proper attire. Most of the time he wears a sleek black chest, atop a buttoned white shirt. Sometimes, he puts on a red necktie that helps complement his image. To match, he usually sports black pants that end up in a pair of brown loafers, the kind of shoe he likes the most nowadays. Both his choice of clothes and well-kept appearance make him exude a ¡®suave¡¯ and polished vibe.
Personality
Raphael is a kind and respectful individual. His calm and gentle demeanor earned many of his customers trust, who share with him deep secrets and consult him for advice¡ªboth things he handles discreetly, and masterfully. He used to be colder and had trouble bottling up his anger, but has changed a lot since meeting Lilithra, driven by a feeling of guilt that spurred his determination to improve his attitude. He also behaves like a doting parent, taking the role of an uncle. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Nowadays he enjoys his life to the fullest, managing The Chalice with unmatched skill, looking over Lilithra and her friend, and coming up with new dishes or beverages. The Chalice is not only his home, but what gives him a new sense of purpose, as many people from across the land, and from many different wealth spheres, come to New Lumingard especifically to taste his delicacies. Though he has left his old life behind, a shadow of his former self slumbers within him, ready to wreak havoc the moment someone oversteps the line. It¡¯s no exaggeration to say that the Flaming Fists were spared from annihilation thanks to his friend Ron¡¯s advice.
Relationships so far
Lilithra: Her adopted niece. He cherishes her dearly, and thinks of her as his real family. At first, it was because of guilt, but now it¡¯s a genuine feeling. He changed a lot to protect her and her everyday life, and won¡¯t hesitate to do whatever it takes to keep her happy. Selly: Lilithra¡¯s best friend, and the kind of person he can rely on to keep an eye on her. He sees him as another nephew, and dotes on him as much as he dotes on Lilithra. Ascalon: They met recently, but he¡¯s fond of him due to his demeanor and chivalry. He trusts him as much as Lilithra and Selorien, and though reluctant at first, hopes he can stay at The Chalice as part of the family. Ron: One of his old friends, and one of the select few that know of his past. He doesn¡¯t see Ron as much, since he¡¯s always busy, but appreciates when he does drop by. Marygold: The lady in charge of the most renowned brothel in New Lumingard, and one of his closest friends. She also knows about his past, and was deeply involved with his old ¡°job¡±. Lyra: Doesn¡¯t know much about her, but has a feeling that she¡¯ll visit The Chalice more often from now on.
Chapter 46 - The Search Continues The alleyway fell silent for a moment as everyone processed Rahmu''s revelation. The idea of a dungeon existing within their very world was unheard of, at least for Lilithra and her friends. They were mere newbies in comparison to bigger Guilds or organizations, but even so, they would have expected news of this caliber to spread like wildfire. Out of all of them, the most skeptical one was Selorien, of course. ¡°That makes no sense.¡± He remarked, frowning with suspicion in his eyes. Rahmu didn¡¯t seem to mind, as he smiled boldly, full of confidence. ¡°You can believe what you will, of course, but it remains a fact!¡± Rahmu declared, puffing his chest and chuckling triumphantly. Lilithra and Lyra exchanged glances, wondering if it could possibly be true. The implications were scary, since dungeon dwellers were a serious threat to civilians. The notion made Lilithra realize something, prompting her to ask Rahmu about it. ¡°But if there really is a dungeon, wouldn¡¯t monsters come out?¡± Lilithra asked, thinking about what kind of answer Rahmu would provide. Rahmu nodded a few times, as if acknowledging Lilithra¡¯s question as fair. ¡°Truth is, I have been told there¡¯s some kind of barrier confining the dungeon creatures inside!¡± He exclaimed, raising a finger once again in affirmation. The group pondered in unison, trying to make sense of Rahmu¡¯s words. This time, Ascalon was the one to chime in. ¡°Hmmm¡­ is it like what you two mentioned before? That people cannot stray far from a dungeon without being sent back to the entrance?¡± He wondered aloud, causing Selorien to let out a surprised gasp. ¡°Could that rule apply to monsters too? In some cases, at least¡­¡± The elf questioned, as the rest considered the possibility. It wasn¡¯t a far-fetched notion, taking into account that dungeons were still a mysterious phenomenon. They knew there were cases where creatures roamed out of the portals and wrecked chaos, but what if it varied from one dungeon to another? They racked their brains around their theories, but ultimately, they couldn¡¯t really confirm any of their suspicions anyway. Lilithra, most of all, looked as if she had reached her limit. ¡°Ahh! We¡¯re wasting time here!¡± She exclaimed, surprising her friends slightly. ¡°We just gotta confirm it with our own eyes!¡± Lilithra declared as she clenched her fists in determination. Lyra smiled at her, while Selorien let out a sigh of resignation. Ascalon, on the other hand, nodded in agreement. Lilithra was right, they simply had to go to the dungeon, if it existed in the first place. ¡°So, where is the entrance?¡± Asked Lilithra as her excitement ramped up. After all, if Rahmu was being honest with them, they were going to explore a new, enigmatic dungeon! But her enthusiasm was short-lived, as Rahmu shook his head while shrugging. ¡°I don¡¯t know that! I may be the best broker in all of Starugnia, but even I know some information is better left alone¡­ I quite like being among the living!¡± Rahmu explained, showing a contented expression. Lilithra¡¯s shoulders slumped in disappointment, while Selorien shot an irritated stare to the broker. ¡°This all smells like bullshit to me!¡± The elf blurted out, his accusatory tone causing Rahmu to click his tongue. ¡°How rude! I give the best information, and I take pride in its authenticity!¡± Rahmu retorted, clearly annoyed. ¡°But¡­ I do suppose it is hard to trust a stranger. I shall tell you another bit of information, free of charge!¡± He continued, his lecherous grin taking over his expression once again. ¡°Look for Loreno in the lower districts¡ªhe¡¯s got eyes everywhere, and he¡¯s the one that confirmed the dungeon entrance to me.¡± Rahmu crossed his arms, his expression turning more serious. ¡°But do be careful; he¡¯s the one running the whole lower district¡­ and Lieutenant¡¯s names won¡¯t do you any good with him!¡± The man concluded, implying that this Loreno fellow held significant power in the city. The group exchanged glances¡ªmixes of curiosity, wariness and doubt. ¡°At least there¡¯s another lead¡­¡± Lyra said with a hushed voice, and Lilithra placed a hand on her head, gently ruffling her hair. The cat girl smiled shyly, relishing the affection, while Rahmu softly clapped his hands. ¡°Now then, I have given you more than enough information! I hope you don¡¯t resent me for doing business, and that you find who you¡¯re looking for!¡± Rahmu exclaimed, bowing profusely. ¡°Thank you, sir Rahmu.¡± Ascalon replied, as Rahmu smiled proudly before swiftly exiting the alleyway. From their perspective, it looked as if he was running away, probably still a bit rattled by their earlier intimidation. The group took a moment to compose themselves, gathering their thoughts before Lilithra took the initiative once more. ¡°Aight then! Let¡¯s find this Loreno guy!¡± She declared with resolution, as the rest nodded in agreement. Just then, a rumbling sound echoed through the alleyway, coming from Lilithra¡¯s stomach. She clutched her belly and blushed, squealing with embarrassment. ¡°Lil! We ate just a while ago!¡± Selorien teased with a mischievous grin, while Lyra giggled to herself. Ascalon thought it was much like Lilithra to break the tension in the most unexpected ways, and beamed with an earnest smile. ¡°We could grab something to eat on the way.¡± Lyra suggested, shifting in place sheepishly, and Lilithra looked at her with sparkling eyes. ¡°Such graciousness!¡± Said Lilithra dramatically, the rest chuckling at her antics. With new plans in mind, the group left the alleyway, wandering the streets as they searched for both food and directions.
Meanwhile, Rahmu moved through the narrow spaces between buildings with ease, a perfect map of the city ingrained in his mind from years of scurrying around. He knew every shortcut, every hidden pathway¡ªsome so obscure that only he used them. His hurried steps brought him to what seemed like a dead end: a small alley obscured by towering walls. Without hesitation, Rahmu approached a corner and pushed on a seemingly random brick. As his hand pushed it, the brick sank into the wall and a section of the floor nearby shifted in response, revealing a set of stairs heading down. Unfazed, Rahmu walked toward the newly opened entrance, paying no heed to the weathered, dusty slabs, and climbed down with eagerness. He was clearly used to it, so accustomed to the way that he needed no light to navigate the pathway that spiraled down. After a few minutes, his descent came to an end. Rahmu stood in a dimly-lit passage, a set of doors adorning the walls around him. He headed toward the nearest one, pushing it and crossing the doorway as he sighed in relief. The contrast between the old-looking, brick wall and the modern interior of the room was quite shocking, though not to him. He ignored the multitude of gadgets on shelves and headed straight to a white desk, sitting down to manipulate a device with a screen hovering above it. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Moments later, the screen flickered to life, displaying the face of someone Rahmu knew really well. The man, partially obscured by darkness, wore an expression of both surprise and curiousness. ¡°Well, well, it¡¯s been a while since you contacted me directly. What do you have for me, Rahmu?¡± The man spoke with a deep voice, his teeth shining in the dark as he smiled. Rahmu nodded slightly, showing respect. ¡°It has been a while indeed, but even old rivals need to catch up from time to time.¡± Rahmu said with a joking tone. ¡°I bring you very interesting news today, my friend.¡± He added, stroking his beard slowly. The man let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯, and his shady figure nodded. ¡°You know I¡¯ll compensate you for the trouble. Proceed.¡± He spoke with firmness, letting Rahmu know the info was going to be paid for. Rahmu, of course, smiled with greed at the words. ¡°Some people have come in search of the guys that caused a ruckus a while ago.¡± Rahmu mentioned, dropping subtle hints before continuing. ¡°I sent them your way, Loreno, since they¡¯re looking for this Ian you allied yourself with.¡± He concluded, crossing his arms as he studied the man named Loreno¡¯s reaction. ¡°We¡¯re not exactly allies¡ªit¡¯s more of a mutually beneficial agreement. But I digress. What about these people is so important you would send them to me?¡± Loreno asked with both curiosity and a bit of irritation. He was a busy man, so these people would need to have any kind of value for him to bother letting them safely roam the lower district. ¡°Well, let¡¯s say one of them is friends with a lieutenant¡ªRyan, to be specific. And he¡¯s got quite the imposing presence!¡± Rahmu explained, as Loreno leaned in, clearly interested. ¡°Go on.¡± Loreno added, urging Rahmu to proceed. ¡°I would recommend you get rid of them before they mess with your plans.¡± Rahmu suggested, causing Loreno¡¯s smile to gradually disappear. ¡°But I¡¯m merely stating my thoughts aloud. I only wanted to give you a bit of a heads-up! I wouldn¡¯t dare interfere with whatever you¡¯re doing.¡± Rahmu quickly added, trying to appease Loreno. The man across the screen reclined in his seat, sighing heavily. ¡°I see. Well, thanks for the concern, old pal. I¡¯ll look into it.¡± Loreno said as he prepared to end the call. ¡°Wait!¡± Rahmu exclaimed, putting both hands up as if gesturing him to stop. Loreno stopped and waited, though his impatience was palpable. ¡°Don¡¯t tell them about me! I want to keep business going if they, somehow, end up in your good graces!¡± Rahmu added with a sly grin, as Loreno sighed once more and ended the call. As soon as the call was over, Rahmu started laughing, a hint of malice seeping from its tune. ¡°Oh Loreno, you foolish thug! Once this ticking bomb explodes in your face, I¡¯ll sweep in and get my hands all over the good old lower district!¡± Rahmu declared, standing from his chair. ¡°I can¡¯t wait!¡± He added, chuckling to himself. ¡°I see.¡± A feminine voice coldly remarked as Rahmu froze in place, his face a mix of confusion and terror. Warning bells rang in his mind, knowing that no one should have been in there aside from him. He panicked and tried to reach for the desk, but the room suddenly began spinning around him, disorienting him. His sight blurred for a brief moment, and then it stabilized¡ªbut he noticed something was off. He felt strange, detached from his surroundings, as if he was observing the room from an unnatural angle. He gasped for air, his eyes bulging out of its sockets as he focused on the view before him. In a flash, the horrifying realization hit him. He saw his own headless body from behind, crumpling to the floor, failing to reach the desk. A final, fleeting thought of terror crossed his mind as his consciousness faded into nothingness. A few steps back stood a shadowy figure, her red eyes gazing impassively at the lifeless Rahmu. ¡°I am deeply sorry, but I have deemed you too dangerous for the young master.¡± She spoke once more, her cold tone echoing through the room. With a swift flick of her hand, she swung the long blade she had just used, spraying the blood off its surface and onto the floor. She inspected it briefly, appraising the now clean, gleaming edge, and her blurry figure vanished as she stepped back, deeper into the shadows.
Back at street level, Ascalon and his friends had made some progress in their search for a meal. They were all seated around a round table outside a bustling restaurant, the parasol standing in the center providing a comfortable shade for the group. Lilithra hummed a melodic tune as she sipped from a glass of orange juice, while her other hand held a long, half-eaten hot-dog. Selorien, sitting across from Ascalon, munched on a pear as he watched the streets absentmindedly. Meanwhile, Lyra nibbled on a sandwich, her face filled with pure delight. Lastly, Ascalon had a half-eaten croissant in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other, a blissful smile on his expression. ¡°I cannot express just how much I enjoy coffee¡ªthough, I must admit, this one pales in comparison to what Raphael can make.¡± Ascalon suddenly voiced his thoughts, drawing the attention of his friends. ¡°You really do love coffee, huh? But yeah, Raphael¡¯s is the best.¡± Selorien replied, a half smile slowly curling up. Lyra set the sandwich down on her plate, and hesitated briefly before chiming in. ¡°The drink I had the other day was incredible.¡± She said shyly, recalling the beverages Raphael had made for them the day she asked for their help. That got her thinking, once more, about her brother. She wondered if it was truly okay for her to be enjoying a sandwich at this moment, with such carefreeness. Lyra shook her head, reminding herself that rushing ahead wouldn¡¯t help. They just had to follow the leads patiently. While the cat girl pondered, Lilithra took the chance to speak up. ¡°I can¡¯t remember a single time I didn¡¯t like something my uncle made¡­¡± She said with both admiration and a bit of surprise in her tone, as she realized the truth while bringing it up. Selorien nodded in agreement before finishing up his fruit, and let out a satisfied sigh. Then, his expression shifted to a more serious one, frowning as his thoughts drifted. ¡°I wonder if he¡¯s doing okay.¡± The elf whispered, placing an elbow on the table to prop his head on his hand. Lilithra was about to answer with her usual cheerfulness, reassuring him that he had nothing to worry about, but stopped when a thought crossed her mind. It was possible Selorien was referring to his grandfather, rather than Raphael, so she decided to keep quiet just in case. Selorien loved his grandfather, after all, even when he didn¡¯t agree with many of the old elf choices or stances. Lilithra sighed, as if to expel the thoughts away, and shifted her attention to Ascalon, who had now finished both his drink and croissant. ¡°Aight! Let¡¯s go over what we know!¡± She blurted suddenly, attracting everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°There¡¯s this Loreno guy who, maaaybe, knows about Levi and Ian¡¯s whereabouts.¡± Lilithra explained, raising her index finger. ¡°Then, there¡¯s this supposed dungeon beneath the city¡­¡± She continued with a quieter voice, raising another finger. ¡°That¡¯s if we believe in Rahmu¡¯s words¡­.¡± Selorien added, his doubts around Rahmu still noticeable. ¡°Uhm, we also know Levi and Ian fought¡­¡± Lyra chimed in, her tone of voice showing a bit of sadness. It was hard for her to simply label Ian as a bad person just like that, even after he¡¯d called her horrible things. She wanted an explanation, at the very least. ¡°Oh, right! It¡¯s kinda weird though¡­¡± Lilithra wondered aloud. ¡°Back at the hub, the attendant didn¡¯t mention any ruckus caused by Levi.¡± She stated, her brows furrowing as she thought about it. ¡°Well, they didn¡¯t catch him, right?¡± Selorien interjected, looking a bit bored. ¡°He probably wasn¡¯t recognized at the time, being a traveler and all. Also, didn¡¯t Rahmu say it happened in the lower district? The one place that sounds really ¡®fun¡¯.¡± He concluded, sarcasm clear in his last choice of words. It wasn¡¯t far-fetched to think that fights in the lower district happened regularly. After all, it was the place that was seemingly ruled by Loreno, who didn¡¯t appear to be a law-abiding citizen, from what they had heard. ¡°Aight then. Let¡¯s just go find this Loreno guy and ask him!¡± Lilithra declared, rising up from her seat. It was the only thing they could do, aside from asking random passersby about Levi¡ªthough that didn¡¯t seem like an efficient use of their time. Sensing her enthusiasm, Ascalon also stood up, his face adorned with a confident smile. It didn¡¯t take long before Selorien and Lyra joined them, and soon they would all set out. It was time to move to the lower district¡ªor at least, that was the plan. Chapter 47 - Someone is Watching Far in the distance, a solitary figure watched the group of friends through a pair of binoculars. Her keen eyes were sharply focused on them, her sight heightened thanks to the innate skills on her gadget. She stood tall on the rooftop of a grand bell tower, her long maid¡¯s dress fluttering wildly in the desert wind. If someone saw her, they would undoubtedly be surprised and concerned at her choice of attire. After all, being so heavily dressed under the blazing sun had to be uncomfortable, to say the least. Even so, she remained expressionless, her impassive demeanor showing she felt no discomfort despite the harsh environment. It was Escarlata, one of the L¡¯adariels¡¯ most trusted maids, who had been tasked with keeping an eye not only on Selorien, but also on Ascalon. ¡°Why can¡¯t I be there with them?¡± She reproached, her lips pouting cutely. It was quite the contrast to her earlier expression. Escarlata recalled vividly what had brought her to Starugnia, an event that had transpired mere days ago. Ron, one of the Headquarters spokesman, had suddenly paid a visit to the L¡¯adariel household, apparently to discuss urgent business with the family head. Theoldorien received Ron with a mix of suspicion and intrigue, and invited him into an office where they could converse discreetly. As one of the maids in charge of Theoldorien¡¯s protection, Escarlata had been present, listening intently to their conversation¡ªthough that was a part of her duties, and not just mere curiosity. The lower ranked maids were instructed to distract themselves from any discussion between Theoldorien and his business partners, but it was different when it came to the higher ranked ones. Theoldorien himself trusted their advice, but also wanted a failsafe in case he were to forget an important conversation, or worse. He was old, and had many enemies, after all. ¡°So what brings you here today, Ron?¡± Theoldorien asked in a clear, authoritative tone, his sharp stare fixed on the guest. ¡°I apologize for the sudden visit, but we had no time to make an appointment.¡± Ron replied, bowing slightly. Theoldorien nodded, encouraging him to continue. ¡°I would like to request your assistance with a matter involving your grandson.¡± Ron concluded, waiting to see the old elf¡¯s reaction. ¡°What do you mean, exactly?¡± Theoldorien questioned, arching an eyebrow. ¡°As you know, he¡¯s been accompanied by a wanderer.¡± Ron explained. ¡°And we¡¯ve been monitoring him, just in case.¡± He paused, while Theoldorien waited patiently. ¡°But it seems they¡¯re leaving the city, and we can¡¯t replicate the same strategy we¡¯ve been using to keep tabs on him¡ªnot outside of New Lumingard.¡± Exclaimed Ron, leaning forward in his seat. Theoldorien let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯, clearly interested in the matter. ¡°We spoke with Lucio Cormante, their Guildmaster, and he agreed to remove them from their Guild to see if that would dissuade them from traveling.¡± Ron sighed, a hint of regret in his words. ¡°But we can¡¯t rely solely on that.¡± He added, his eyes shifting toward Escarlata, then back to Theoldorien. ¡°We would like to request the help of your maids.¡± Ron stated, finally revealing the main reason for his visit. ¡°Smart decision.¡± Theoldorien spoke with pride. ¡°Especially using my grandson as bait.¡± The elf smiled mischievously, and Ron bowed slightly. ¡°But even Escarlata here was put to shame by this wanderer.¡± Theoldorien added, and Ron¡¯s expression darkened. To be fair, he was kind of expecting that, but it was still discouraging. Surprisingly, the maid was the one to speak up next. ¡°If I may, Master Theoldorien.¡± She said with a courteous tone. ¡°This is rare. Speak.¡± Theoldorien replied, knowing that Escarlata wasn¡¯t one to suddenly interject in their meetings. ¡°I have gauged Asc-ehem, the wanderer¡¯s range, and I¡¯m confident that I can monitor him unnoticed now.¡± Escarlata explained, her expression remaining unchanged. ¡°Hmmm. I see, you¡¯ve been busy while escorting Selorien, eh? I¡¯m impressed.¡± The maid bowed as Theoldorien replied with a bold smile, while Ron felt like hope was rekindled. ¡°Alright, you go. Take all the precautions you need, and keep my grandson safe.¡± Theoldorien¡¯s order echoed through the room, prompting Ron to let out a sigh of relief. ¡°But Ron, know this: if my grandson wasn¡¯t involved, I would have asked for compensation.¡± The old elf exclaimed, a sly grin on his face. Ron chuckled with clear nervousness, and the meeting concluded not long afterward. Once the visitor was gone, Escarlata spoke to Theoldorien once more. ¡°What about the demon girl?¡± She asked, facing the elf with a serious stare. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I don¡¯t want to lose one of the Caretakers to that damned wanderer.¡± Theoldorien replied with an irritated tone, his eyes burning with deep anger. Escarlata bowed profusely, and excused herself from the room. Back in the present, the maid sighed in resignation. She had spoken with confidence before, but monitoring the group as they journeyed had proven to be harder than expected. To begin with, Escarlata had to take a different train in order to keep her distance from the group. She even had to sprint through the carriages to the very end of the vehicle when it suddenly stopped, due to Ascalon¡¯s train blocking the way. At least, she had managed to catch a glimpse of the knight¡¯s distant fight, and squealed in excitement all the way through. Thankfully, she had resorted to stealth in order to not appear indecorous to the other passengers. Aside from having to maintain a ridiculous distance from them, Escarlata also felt¡­ jealous, so to say. At first, it was only Lilithra who hovered around Ascalon like a fly, but now there was also a cow! Two other girls were clinging to Ascalon all the time¡ªor so it appeared in her mind¡ªand she had to watch from afar as those wenches enjoyed his presence. ¡°Unfair¡­¡± She whispered, stomping with her right foot slightly, though the force was enough to make the rooftop tiles crack. ¡°Oh, pardon me.¡± Murmured Escarlata as she quickly vanished from the bell tower, swiftly changing locations. Now standing atop a towering windcatcher, Escarlata sighed with frustration, knowing that she had to keep her distance unless absolutely necessary. It was fortunate that the shady broker had such a hidden lair; eliminating him had been pretty simple. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. That other Loreno fellow seemed like more of a threat. But well, she could always go and get rid of him after her targets left the area. What worried her was what she had managed to learn from reading their lips¡ªthe existence of a dungeon, and the possibility that they might venture into it. If they did, she wouldn¡¯t be able to follow them without exposing her presence, since most dungeons were far smaller than cities, making it nearly impossible for her to remain unnoticed as she tailed them. Once again, a sigh escaped her lips, as her conflicting thoughts clashed¡ªtorn between her orders, her obsessive behavior, and the damned mysteries of the city. For now, she had to keep watching from afar and think carefully about her next steps.
The group, oblivious to the watchful maid, walked under the relentless sun until it decided to finally hide behind the horizon, leaving the stage to the incoming night. They had wasted a lot of time getting lost and getting weird looks when asking for the lower district, which was probably baffling to the average citizen. After all, why would a tourist want to go to such a place? Ascalon rationalized their reactions as they waved goodbye to the last person they had asked. ¡°They keep telling us to keep away from there, but don¡¯t even tell us where we''re supposed to not go! What if we were travelers and just stumbled there?!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with clear frustration, slumping her shoulders. Selorien laughed at her words, amused by the thought, while Lyra softly patted her back. ¡°It¡¯s okay, we¡¯ll get there!¡± She said with confidence, smiling reassuringly. Ascalon chuckled and joined in, patting Lilithra¡¯s head. ¡°Stop it~!¡± Lilithra complained sheepishly, her cheeks reddening in response. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, so maybe we¡¯ll find more willing people now!¡± Selorien chimed in, his face showing a mischievous grin. ¡°Are you implying we get robbed?¡± Lilithra retorted, frowning at the elf. ¡°Robbed? Us? Even if Ascalon wasn¡¯t around, I doubt the average thug would put up much of a fight, heh.¡± Selorien added, his grin deepening. ¡°Ugh you know full well that most people are above average nowadays¡­¡± Said Lilithra with a sigh, while Selorien tilted his head. ¡°Touch¨¦.¡± He exclaimed, conceding Lilithra¡¯s point. ¡°Well, I propose we leave that matter for tomorrow.¡± Ascalon suddenly interjected, and everyone turned to him. ¡°As much as I want to find Sir Levi, I do not want to press further and risk any of you getting injured.¡± He declared, reflecting on how they had been on the move the whole day. It was getting dark, and they were in an unfamiliar city. Even if Ascalon was exceptionally strong, he didn¡¯t want them to forget what he had told them before, the day they had trained: one must always be wary¡ªthough Lyra wasn¡¯t present at the time, so she wouldn¡¯t know. The rest understood his words, but Lilithra and Selorien shifted their concern toward Lyra. She looked at them and smiled shyly before speaking up. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me! We ca-¡± Lyra started speaking, but as she was about to finish, she was startled by a loud whistle coming from the distance. ¡°Damn, look at that rack!¡± A voice echoed through the mostly empty street, as a pair of bulky-looking guys approached. They were both quite tall, but the one who spoke stood out the most. He had long brown hair braided into large dreadlocks, his face showing a lecherous grin. The man wore no shirt, only a pair of white, baggy harem pants. But what stood out from his appearance were the big, elephant-like ears that flopped at both sides of his head. ¡°Heey~ you girls enjoying the city? We can show you some neat places if you ditch these two!¡± The other man spoke, brimming with confidence¡ªthough he looked more fearless than confident. ¡°Ew!¡± Lilithra blurted out as he got closer. He had short black hair, combed to one side, and his face¡¯s handsome features were on par with Selorien¡¯s. His body was well-built, but he had no significant racial features in comparison to his companion. Unlike him, he did wear a stylish vest over his torso, alongside his own set of harem pants. Both men looked at Lyra with clear ill intentions, their eyes fixated on her chest area. She shrank back, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, as a figure approached them from behind. ¡°Ah, you were right, Selorien! Our guides have arrived!¡± Ascalon suddenly blurted out, looming over the newly arrived pair with a menacing smile on his face. Selorien couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, the tension leaving the rest of the group instantly as both men turned around to face Ascalon. ¡°Huh? What do you m-¡± One of the thugs began to ask, but his words were cut out as Ascalon slapped him across the cheek. The handsome fellow flew through the air, spinning multiple times before crashing to the ground a good distance away. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ascalon murmured, realizing he had put more force into the slap than he had intended. The other thug stepped back in surprise, before frowning with anger and lunging at Ascalon with a punch directed toward his face. Ascalon met the attack by simply placing a hand on the way, the force of the punch echoing through the street¡ªthough he remained unfazed. The thug widened his eyes in disbelief, knowing that his half-Elephantid heritage had blessed him with enormous strength from birth, yet the man before him didn¡¯t even budge before his might. ¡°Please, grab your friend and go.¡± Ascalon declared, his voice booming with authority and leaving no room for complaints. The man¡¯s elephant ears dropped slightly, as he realized he was biting more than he could chew. With reluctance in his steps, he walked away and picked up his friend effortlessly, turning back one more time to glance at Ascalon before fleeing into the dark streets. At the same time, Selorien burst out laughing. ¡°Oh man¡­ poor guy!¡± He managed to say as he clutched his stomach. ¡°Smart, though.¡± Ascalon replied, his eye focused on the distance. ¡°Ah, but we should¡¯ve asked them about the lower districts!¡± Selorien exclaimed as realization hit him. ¡°Ha, do not worry about that.¡± Ascalon stated with a smirk, brimming with confidence while Selorien gazed at him with curiosity. The knight had a plan in mind, though it was just a gamble for the moment. At the same time the guys conversed, Lilithra approached Lyra with a worried expression. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked, and Lyra nodded energetically. ¡°Yes!¡± The cat girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Lilithra felt like she could relate, as she too thought it was really cool to see Ascalon in action. As murmurs from passersby reached their ears, the group decided it was a good time to change locations, so they set out in search of lodgings. It didn¡¯t take long for them to find a nice hotel, their journey made easier by the cool, refreshing night air. The establishment was bustling with travelers, and the atmosphere felt really cheerful. Some of the travelers were passengers from their train, and upon quickly recognizing Ascalon and his group, they eagerly tried to engage in conversation. After some awkward mingling, the group managed to get away from the crowd, and booked a few rooms to rest for the night¡ªone for the girls and one for the guys, as they needed some privacy after days spent in the same train cabin. On the girls¡¯ side, Lilithra and Lyra took turns in the shower and then changed into more comfortable sleeping clothes. The unfairness of the world was presented to Lilithra once again, as she saw Lyra¡¯s ample chest bulging under an old shirt she used as a pajama. Lyra didn¡¯t notice the girl¡¯s envious stare and climbed onto a bed, her exhaustion causing her to quickly drift into sleep, even when she had planned to chat with Lilithra for a while. Lilithra followed Lyra¡¯s lead, lying down on her own bed. Looking at the ceiling, she patted her own modest chest as she held back a tear. ¡°Damn it!¡± She muttered under her breath, clenching her fists. She wasn¡¯t ready to give up on her dreams! But for now, it was time to rest, too. On the boy''s side, Selorien fell asleep immediately, clearly tired from a whole day of marching under the sun. Ascalon watched the elf¡¯s body sprawled all over his bed and chuckled as he opened a window. Without hesitation, Ascalon leaped out into the night, his figure darting swiftly through the streets. His objective was a pair of presences he had kept tabs on¡ªthe two thugs he had let go earlier. It was time to put his plan into motion! Chapter 48 - Brief Tavern Visit The cool night air brushed against Ascalon as he dashed through the streets of Starugnia. The city felt really calm now, contrary to what he had experienced through the day, as the people and merchants had returned to their homes and the bustling ambience was replaced with an eerie stillness. The only people up and about were either guards, possibly night owls, and, most likely, wrongdoers. Ascalon was trailing the latter¡ªthe pair of men that had harassed Lyra earlier. He had let them go, only to see if they could lead him to Loreno. It was a gamble, of course, since they could simply be random, local thugs, but Ascalon thought there was no harm in giving his plan a try¡ªone of the reasons why he had gone by himself. Eventually, his surroundings shifted from the usual, maintained buildings of the upper districts, to more dilapidated, abandoned ones. ¡°Hmmm¡­ ¡®lower district¡¯ is a fitting description.¡± Ascalon muttered to himself as he stopped abruptly in front of a run-down structure. The sign outside read ¡®The Bottomless Barrel¡¯, and the sounds of cheerful activity could be heard from within. The entrance door was battered and slightly ajar, letting out some light into the street. As Ascalon approached, the sound of laughter and glasses clinking grew more clear, so he assumed it was some kind of tavern. With his usual confidence, he pushed the door open and stepped into the building. The bustling liveliness inside was halted briefly as the patrons turned to look at the entrance, a multitude of eyes examining Ascalon from head to toe. He felt scrutinized by varying gazes, from curiosity, and suspiciousness, to clear disgust and annoyance. Paying no heed to the stares, Ascalon appraised the interior. It was as shabby as the outside, with broken tables, steel stools that had some of their legs replaced by wooden poles, and a bar counter that looked like it would crumble under the weight of a single glass of beer. ¡°Ah!¡± A voice suddenly exclaimed, drawing Ascalon¡¯s attention. There, seated at the counter, were his two marks, the one with elephant ears looking at him with a mix of agitation and anger. ¡°The fuck is he doing here?¡± Asked the handsome thug, his words slurred partly from an apparent drunkenness and partly from the swelling on his cheek¡ªa painful reminder of Ascalon¡¯s earlier slap. At least he seemed livid enough to recognize him. Sensing their friends¡¯ demeanor, another patron chimed in. ¡°This the guy that slapped the hell out of you, Chris?¡± Asked a tough-looking man seated at one of the tales. His face was marked with a few bruises and scars, as if he had been on the receiving end of a fight not too long ago. This Chris person nodded, his whole body wobbling in response. He was clearly intoxicated, probably trying to drown the throbbing pain in his cheek with alcohol. Then, another voice rang from nearby. ¡°Done in by a tourist, haha!¡± Exclaimed a guy, laughing mockingly. He had disheveled black hair, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. The man was wielding a long stick, and stood at the side of a long table with balls and holes on its surface. Ascalon had heard about that game from Selorien¡ªbilliards, or something like that. ¡°Shut up!¡± Screamed the one with elephant ears, clearly irritated by the comment. ¡°Wh-what do you want?!¡± He then asked Ascalon, frowning with anger¡ªthough it was mostly bravado, and the knight could see through it. Ascalon noticed that some of the tavern patrons were shifting in place, a clear sign of readiness. ¡°I am sorry to disturb your merriment, but I seek a man by the name of Levi. Perhaps some of you could direct me to him.¡± Ascalon spoke with politeness and a small smile, trying to see if these men were reasonable enough. The tough-looking guy that had spoken earlier replied. ¡°Levi? Lemme see. Boys, any of you a Levi, or seen one around?¡± He asked, his question met with shaking heads and negative responses, accompanied by snickering and whispers. ¡°Sorry, pal! Try the next shithole you come across, aight?¡± The man chuckled to himself, a few of his fellows joining in. Ascalon sighed, expecting that kind of behavior in response. ¡°Then, perhaps you could lead me to Loreno.¡± Ascalon added, and the whole tavern seemed to flinch at his words. The atmosphere changed abruptly, as some of the patrons started to rise from their seats¡ªa few even armed themselves, their weapons appearing from thin air. ¡°Wait!¡± The elephant-eared man shouted while raising his arms as if to stop the others, making some of the people around him hesitate. ¡°H-he¡¯s not some chump, Kaji!¡± He added as he looked at the tough man, earning a mix of doubtful and curious looks. As Ascalon remained unfazed by the sight, some began to reconsider the situation. However, there was always someone who lacked a sense of danger, and in this case, it was the tough-looking guy, Kaji. He approached Ascalon with a confident stride, his expression showing no hint of fear. ¡°Keep that name outta your mouth, tourist.¡± Kaji declared as he faced Ascalon, standing right in front of him, his breath reeking of ale. Ascalon stared him down, his impassive demeanor intensifying the others'' reluctance. ¡°I was sent by Rahmu, who mentioned that Loreno could assist me in my search.¡± Ascalon spoke with calmness, though his words seemed to further infuriate Kaji. ¡°I don¡¯t care who sent you!¡± Kaji exploded in anger. ¡°I said: keep that name outta your mouth, tourist!¡± He shouted, his right fist swinging through the air toward Ascalon¡¯s chin. Ascalon felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, wondering if these thugs were only capable of sucker-punching a man¡¯s jaw. Even Rosco, who lacked any semblance of decency, felt like leagues ahead in regard to fighting etiquette. Just like he had done earlier with the other thug, Ascalon put his right hand in the way, intercepting the punch with ease. This time, however, he grabbed the astonished Kaji¡¯s fist, enveloping it in an inescapable grip. In the next moment, Ascalon sharply raised his arm, pulling Kaji over his shoulder and releasing him with force, throwing him toward the entrance wall. Kaji crashed against the structure, breaking down part of the wall and the flimsy door, before rolling out into the street. As Ascalon sighed in resignation, the rest of the bar split into two different kinds of groups: those that lunged at him in a panicked frenzy and those that fled through the backdoor¡ªthe latter being the more reasonable bunch. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. A rain of blades and bludgeoning weapons approached, but Ascalon sensed no formidable opponents among them. At this realization, he opted to end the fight in a single move and be done with the situation. Ascalon raised his right foot slightly, and then stomped the ground, breaking part of the floor and sending a powerful shockwave around him. Every single thug that had charged at him flew through the air, repelled by Ascalon¡¯s defensive move, and crashed into the many walls. A few of them even joined Kaji on the street! In the aftermath of the brief ¡®fight¡¯, Ascalon stood unshaken, his eye focused on the billiard table, where some of the balls had entered the holes. ¡°Huh.¡± Ascalon murmured, realizing he wanted to learn to play that game. But there was no time for that, as his gaze wandered toward the two men that had been left behind, and that had also not joined the reckless attack: Chris, who was deeply asleep against the tavern counter, and his elephant-eared friend. ¡°I-I¡¯ll tell you where Loreno is¡­¡± Said the only awake man, his tone of voice a bit shaky. Ascalon smiled in triumph and walked toward the tavern counter. At the same time, a small figure rose up from behind it¡ªmost likely, the owner of the establishment. It was a short, elderly man, his gray hair a clear sign of his age, and he slowly gained height as he peeked out. He placed both hands on the counter to steady himself, his frail figure causing Ascalon to feel regretful about his actions. ¡°My apologies, tavern keeper. I shall compensate for the damages soon.¡± Ascalon declared, bowing slightly to the man, planning on asking Selorien for more money later. It was a shame the card Ron had given him only worked in New Lumingard. To Ascalon¡¯s surprise, his words were met with jovial laughter, coming from the elderly man. ¡°Hoho! That was exciting! Been a while since people brawled here; I feel honored!¡± The man said as he bowed in reverence, his body still trembling. Ascalon realized the man was shaky due to age, not because of fear, and felt a bit relieved. The elder then placed a clean glass on the counter, and filled it with a bubbling, brown liquid before offering it to Ascalon. ¡°Here, on the house!¡± He exclaimed joyfully, leaving no room for argument as he turned around and began arranging some bottles. Ascalon sighed, and simply passed the drink toward the elephant-eared man, who watched the scene unfold in fearful silence. The man took the glass with clear reluctance, but downed its contents in a single gulp. ¡°Alright¡­¡± He began, speaking in a low voice and looking around nervously. ¡°You can find Loreno not far from here, a couple blocks east¡­¡± He hesitated for a second before continuing. ¡°He hangs around the fancy building; you¡¯ll know which one¡­¡± The man finished, sighing deeply. After sharing the information, his elephant ears perked up and his expression turned more calm, perhaps glad that Ascalon might leave him alone now. Ascalon memorized the directions and pondered for a second before nodding in acknowledgment. ¡°I appreciate the assistance.¡± Ascalon declared, and the man sighed, relief washing over him. ¡°But¡­¡± As the knight spoke again, the thug flinched. ¡°Cease harassing people in the streets, tourists or otherwise.¡± Ascalon demanded, his powerful tone making the man shrink. His elephant ears wobbled as he nodded frantically, and Ascalon smiled with content. Afterward, he bowed toward the elder and walked away, leaving the tavern. On the way, he briefly inspected the men that had been blown away before, who were struggling to stand up and twitched at his sight. Fearing they would retaliate once more, Ascalon burst into a sprint, quickly leaving the lower district behind, as there was no need for further violence. Unbeknownst to him, a certain maid panicked to keep her distance, cursing at his speed! His hurried steps carried him back to the hotel, and he swiftly climbed through the same window he had left before. Selorien was still asleep, his face burrowed into a fluffy pillow. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, and leaned against the window wall, peering at the street from above. He didn¡¯t sense any pursuers or other threats, but wanted to remain watchful anyway. Though he had felt a bit tired before setting out, he was now completely awake, his body recalling the many sleepless nights he had endured during his numerous crusades. He reminisced about Excadia for a while, his expression shifting to one of solemnity, as the night went on¡­ As the sun raised, so did the temperatures and the bustle of the city. Amidst that, Selorien slowly awoke. ¡±Right¡­ we¡¯re in the desert¡­ ugh¡­¡± Said the elf as he rose from his bed, his sweaty clothes sticking to his skin. ¡°Morning, Selorien.¡± Greeted Ascalon with a smile, sitting on his own bed. He had decided a while ago that there was no need to keep watch still. Selorien nodded drowsily and headed for the shower, while Ascalon decided to make his way to the hall and wait for the group there. He sat at an empty table, watching travelers go by as they yawned or recognized him and waved. Ascalon answered with slight nods in acknowledgment, hoping they were enjoying their touristic endeavors. Around twenty minutes later, Selorien arrived, still showing a sleepy expression on his face. The elf sat beside Ascalon and adjusted his cap with a conflicted expression¡ªhe was probably missing his hooded attire. A bit later, the two girls came down the stairs, smiling and waving as they approached. Lilithra looked much like she did the day before, wearing another pair of pink shorts paired with a thin, light shirt. Lyra, too, had swapped her attire for something similar, now matching Lilithra in both shorts and a shirt, though hers were white. Both wore their respective hats, and looked rested and ready to set out. Finally reunited, the group exchanged good mornings and had a light breakfast, while Ascalon recounted to them his midnight adventure. Understandably so, his story received a mixed reception. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us?!¡± Lilithra protested, puffing her cheeks in indignation. She probably felt like she had missed out on an exciting moment. ¡°I for one am glad you let me sleep.¡± Added Selorien, smiling with his eyes half closed in a relaxed expression. ¡°If it were someone else I would have told them it was reckless, but¡­ yeah¡­¡± Lyra said shyly, smiling softly. She probably meant that there was nothing to fear since it was Ascalon, after all. Still, Lilithra pouted in disappointment. ¡°I wanted to let you rest and made sure to wait for you before seeking Loreno.¡± Ascalon explained with a gentle voice, addressing the whole group. He could have gone by himself, but had decided to not spoil the sense of adventure for his friends. Lyra beamed with appreciation, as she was the one that wanted to know about her brother the most, and desired to be there in person when they met this Loreno. Meanwhile, Lilithra sighed in resignation, conceding that at least Ascalon had indeed waited for them. Selorien, on the other hand, looked pensive. ¡°Hmmm¡­ I assume that by now, Loreno knows about you.¡± The elf stated, drawing the group''s attention. His words rang true, as the thugs had probably already warned Loreno about what had transpired at the tavern. ¡°What if he escaped or something? Maybe you should¡¯ve gone straight to him¡­¡± Selorien continued, suggesting that perhaps Loreno could have already fled, leaving behind an empty building and no other leads for them to follow. In response, Ascalon chuckled with confidence, a bold smile on his face. ¡°I cannot conceive it.¡± He declared, earning curious looks from the rest. ¡°If Loreno is the kind of man I believe him to be, he would not flee. Rather, he is waiting for us.¡± Explained Ascalon, causing his friends to exchange glances. ¡°Well, if you say it, I believe it!¡± Selorien said with a grin, having the knight¡¯s back. Lilithra felt like Ascalon would know best, as the weight of his experience was something they shouldn¡¯t underestimate. And although Lyra was the newest of Ascalon¡¯s acquaintances, she shared a similar train of thought to Lilithra, clenching her firsts in determination as she wholeheartedly believed in the knight¡¯s words. Everyone agreed in silence, and after finishing up their breakfast, they set out to finally meet Loreno. Chapter 49 - Negotiation Gone Wrong The group moved through the sunny streets of the city with a clearer objective in mind, their steps guided by conviction. Even so, they took the chance to admire their surroundings as they walked, for Starugnia had many distinctive features that they rarely saw in New Lumingard. Its people, for instance, were quite reserved and polite. They would nod or wave at them as they passed, but rarely engaged in conversation¡ªeven the merchants made sure to not be an inconvenience, as rare as that sounded! If they thought about it more deeply, most of their interactions were with travelers rather than with the city¡¯s inhabitants¡ªwell, aside from Rahmu, the girls that had approached Selorien back at the hub, and the ¡®thugs¡¯. Apart from that, a sandstorm had suddenly hit the district they were in, and they could see in action the many structures put in place to protect the citizens against the hazardous weather. It was both ingenious and practical, though not infallible. Selorien, for one, seemed to think so as he spat out some sand with an irritated expression! As the colossal skull that stood in the center of the upper districts began to shrink in the distance, the group slowly reached the lower districts. They were taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere, and since it was daytime now, Ascalon could better appreciate some details he had missed the night before. People in this area of the city wore ragged clothing, and exuded an air of poverty. A lot of them looked thin, and appeared wary and shifty, with some even spitting at their mere presence, which made Lyra flinch with nervousness. Buildings were not only dilapidated, but also flimsily repaired with makeshift additions, like wooden boards over the adobe slabs. At some point, Lilithra stopped briefly, her gaze locked onto a corner between two buildings. A mountain of sand had piled up, and there was an old, frail person slowly trying to dig it up with a rusty spade. It was clear that the same protection from sandstorms they had in the upper districts wasn¡¯t as effective here, or even nonexistent. Lilithra looked at Ascalon, her eyes pleading, and the knight sighed in resignation as he understood her intentions, walking toward the elder. With little explanation, Ascalon gently moved the man aside, the look on his face one of shock and intrigue. Picking up the spade, Ascalon dug swiftly into the sand, clearing the passage in a matter of seconds. However, the sand remained piled on both sides, as there was no other place he could simply move it to. At the end of the narrow passage was a weak dog, which didn¡¯t even have the strength to bark. It weakly approached the older man, who hugged it gently. Ascalon thanked Lilithra in his mind, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. ¡°Thank you, traveler.¡± The old man exclaimed as he bowed, taking both the dog and the spade with him. Lilithra beamed with delight at the knight, alongside Lyra who was a bit teary eyed. Selorien was smirking, though he seemed eager to move on. As they advanced, the surroundings grew somber, as people shouted in the distance and some of the inhabitants of the district fought in the streets. It was a shocking sight¡ªsome people even appeared to be out of their minds. Perhaps it was a common occurrence in these areas, as poverty and hunger brought forth desperation. Ascalon did his best to try and resolve any conflict he could, but only if it looked like it could be solved swiftly¡ªthey had their own matters to focus on, after all. Amidst the chaotic situations, they continued with their journey, and soon, they stood at the entrance of a building Ascalon recognized as ¡®fancy¡¯ from the moment he saw it. ¡°So this is the ¡®fancy¡¯ building that Elephantid thug told you about, huh?¡± Selorien asked, understanding why it had been described as such. The structure before them contrasted with the run-down looks of the lower district. It was tall and imposing, and its surface was adorned with golden tiles that shimmered under the harsh sun. Two large pillars stood at the sides of the entrance, and a multitude of tough-looking individuals surrounded the building, forming a perimeter. Contrary to the other lower district citizens, the people guarding the structure were clearly well-fed and well-paid. They wore clean, well-made clothes, adorned with jewelry, and some even had guns at the ready. They didn¡¯t seem surprised by the group''s presence, as one of them approached with laid-back steps, chewing gum and clearly uninterested. ¡°Go on, he is waiting.¡± he stated, pointing toward the entrance. Without hesitation, Ascalon proceeded, his friends quickly catching up to him as they nervously appraised the surroundings. The inside of the building was as sophisticated as the exterior, with lavish red curtains hanging from every wall, golden vases and statuettes, and guards at every door. Aside from the mean-looking thugs, there were many veiled women in scantily-clad attire, some even baring their chests. The most common thing they shared, however, were their scared, defeated expressions, visible even through their veils. Ascalon could easily imagine that these women were there against their will¡ªa distressing yet most common occurrence in such dens of villainy, and it was both disgusting and infuriating. Lilithra and Lyra, in particular, seemed increasingly uncomfortable at the sight, which was no surprise. As they walked, the group was guided by guards who pointed toward the direction they had to go, and ascended through polished stairs as they tried to focus on the task at hand. As they finally reached the last set of doors, they were invited into an ample guest room, filled with expensive-looking furniture. From lush sofas to extravagant paintings and other sophisticated decorations, the space exuded an air of wealth and luxury. It was baffling to see such grandiosity amidst the impoverished areas of the lower district, and Ascalon wondered if this Loreno fellow was sucking up the resident¡¯s funds in some way or another. It felt reminiscent of the many corrupt lords he had encountered in Excadia, who always found ways to impose higher and more absurd taxes upon their villages. While Ascalon was contemplating, the man himself, Loreno, made an appearance, emerging from behind a set of curtains that probably led to another room. Without uttering a word, Loreno walked toward a nearby sofa, leisurely sitting down on it while the group appraised him intently. The man had dark gray hair and copper-toned skin, exuding an imposing aura. His blue eyes were set on the group, his gaze intense and fierce, as though he could pierce right through them. His face was adorned by a well-kept short beard, and he had a single golden earring dangling from his left ear. His attire consisted of a long white jacket, decorated with golden embroidery along the hems, sleeves, and collar, the fabric seeming really soft and thin. His white harem pants looked as sophisticated as his jacket, with golden patterns that matched it perfectly. Loreno was clearly a man that loved to flaunt his wealth, and for the wrong purposes. ¡°Take a seat.¡± The man suddenly spoke, his deep voice startling Lyra. Ascalon bowed slightly and quickly took a seat, while his friends looked at him with clear reluctance. Eventually, they followed his lead and sat around him. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Loreno looked at each of them slowly, carefully assessing them, before speaking up again. ¡°I was informed you messed up some of my boys yesterday.¡± He said as his gaze stopped on Ascalon. ¡°And that you¡¯re looking for a certain individual as well.¡± Loreno added, raising his right hand and snapping his fingers. Ascalon arched an eyebrow in curiosity, while his friends tensed up. Lilithra couldn¡¯t help but think this was the moment in the movie when they would be gunned down at the mafia leader¡¯s signal. However, what followed was a sight that only angered her, rather than an ambush of some sort. A completely naked girl appeared from behind the curtains Loreno had emerged from, her body full of bruises. Most noticeably, her cheeks and right eye were swollen, bearing the mark of recent violence. Lilithra clenched her fists tight, her anger swelling up, while Lyra shrank slightly, shocked by the sight. Selorien, though usually unbothered, frowned with clear disgust. The girl shakily brought a long cigar to Loreno¡¯s lips, placing it with some effort. The man produced a lighter from his pocket, and gave it to her. The poor girl tried to light the cigar multiple times, but her frail fingers couldn¡¯t manage to make the contraption work correctly. As Loreno grew in irritation, he forcefully took the lighter away and lighted his cigar himself. ¡°Useless bitch, shaming me in front of my guests.¡± He muttered as she bowed with fear, turning back and leaving while sobbing. Ascalon stared at Loreno with a calm, impassive expression¡ªthough he concealed a burning rage within. They still needed to learn about Levi¡¯s whereabouts, so Ascalon had to be patient. But Loreno was in for retribution afterward, that was a promise. ¡°So, you want to know where this Levi guy is, right?¡± Loreno¡¯s words cut through the tension in the room, drawing everyone''s attention as he played with his cigar in one hand. Lyra was forced to take the initiative, urged by her brother''s name. ¡°Ye-yes!¡± She exclaimed, her heart racing as Loreno¡¯s sharp eyes focused on her. He studied Lyra from head to toe, making her feel extremely uncomfortable, and his lips curled up into a smirk. ¡°You must be his sister, Lyra.¡± Loreno replied, his eyes boring into her. He took a drag from his cigar, breathing in the tobacco. ¡°I do know where he is. But, why should I tell you?¡± He added as he examined their reactions, a cloud of dark smoke slowly escaping from his lips. They all thought that, at the very least, Loreno wasn''t bluffing about the information, since he knew that Lyra was Levi''s sister. That, or someone else had tipped him off¡ªmaybe even Rahmu. But, for now, they had no way to confirm their doubts without convincing Loreno to talk. ¡°Sir Rahmu said you could help us, if that is of any worth to you.¡± Ascalon spoke, causing Loreno to look at him with narrowed eyes. ¡°Sadly for you, his words have no weight here.¡± The man replied, smiling confidently. ¡°How much money do you want?¡± Selorien suddenly chimed in, leaning forward with impatience. Loreno chuckled to himself, opening his arms wide. ¡°Ah yes, I love money¡ªwho doesn''t, eh? One can never have enough!¡± Loreno exclaimed with a mocking tone. ¡°But lately, I¡¯m more into¡­ investments!¡± He crossed his arms, his chuckling turning into full blown laughter, the cigar on his lips almost falling down. Aside from Ascalon, the group started to tense up, realizing the man before them wouldn''t give the information so easily after all. ¡°I''m no mere broker like Rahmu, I deal with the highest bidders¡ªStarugnia''s politicians, and wealthy noble families from across the land.¡± Loreno boasted, his voice booming with grandeur as he drew from his cigar deeply. ¡°If you want this info, you''ll either have to pay me a fortune... or, these two could work for it.¡± He added, pointing with two fingers toward Lilithra and Lyra, his mouth releasing a cloud of dark smoke toward them. The girls flinched, disgust and anger steadily growing within them. Ascalon clenched his fist, while Selorien frowned in clear irritation. ¡°Hmmm... well, not her, I suppose.¡± Loreno said with a disappointed expression, his eyes fixed on Lyra, who furrowed her brows in confusion. ¡°I know you would bring a steady flow of cash, as tasty as you look, but my friend Ian wouldn''t forgive me!¡± He concluded with a bold smile, having dropped another hint to them. The mention of Ian made Lyra¡¯s heart race with agitation, since she was still feeling conflicted about the whole ordeal. To add to her frustration, they had finally found the one who seemed to have the answer she was looking for, yet he wanted something outrageous in return¡ªand she wouldn¡¯t allow it. ¡°I see.¡± Ascalon''s voice suddenly rang through the room, everyone focusing their attention on him. Loreno, in particular, awaited his words with clear anticipation. ¡°It does not seem like we will reach an agreement, so I have another proposal.¡± Ascalon''s tone was calm, yet everyone perked up in curiosity as the intrigue overcame them. ¡°You give us Sir Levi''s location, and you get to walk away in one piece.¡± Ascalon concluded, his voice resolute. Everyone froze for a moment, and Loreno blinked a few times, processing what he had just heard. Abruptly, he burst out laughing. ¡°Oh wow! Such confidence... or naivety? ¡± Loreno exclaimed as his laughter receded, a mocking grin plastered on his face. In the next moment, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers once more. Ascalon''s friends shifted nervously, expecting that this time around, they weren¡¯t going to just see a girl bringing in another cigar. This was, indeed, the part of the movie where they were supposed to get gunned down. A multitude of guards flooded into the room, and the group sprang into action, readying themselves for a fight¡ªthough the odds weren''t in their favor. ¡°Make sure to leave the girls unharmed.¡± Loreno ordered his henchmen, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. At that moment, Lilithra summoned her trusty banner, while Selorien armed himself with his distinctive dual daggers. Lyra, on the other hand, looked lost and scared, while Ascalon remained unfazed. At the sight, Loreno raised an open palm, gesturing to his guards to stop. ¡°Now then. I''m a reasonable man, as one has to remain flexible when doing business.¡± Loreno spoke, his words carrying a smug bravado. He threw the cigar toward them, hitting Ascalon''s shoulder before it fell to the ground. ¡°My offer still stands. You could still, how was it, ''walk away in one piece''? Ha ha!¡± He mocked Ascalon, his eyes fixed on him, daring him to act. Ascalon sighed in resignation as he stood up, the guards pointing guns and bladed weapons toward him. ¡°You must realize that my guards are nothing like the fools you played with yesterday.¡± Loreno explained, opening his arms wide as if presenting his troops. ¡°I''ve seen my share of overconfident, fearless guys like you.¡± He said, narrowing one eye. ¡°They''re all cut from the same cloth, believing their skills to be special, their levels to be unmatched!¡± Loreno added, chuckling with amusement. ¡°But they always end up the same way, beaten to a pulp... like your brother!¡± The man exclaimed as he smiled with glee, his eyes fixed on Lyra. Lyra''s expression contorted with desperation. ¡°No... wh-where''s my brother?!¡± She screamed as tears started to shimmer in her eyes. Loreno laughed, clearly enjoying the unfolding event, while Lilithra and Selorien exchanged impatient glances. Ascalon simply stepped forward. ¡°Oh? What now?¡± Loreno asked, noticing Ascalon''s movement, his grin still brimming with confidence. ¡°I did say you would walk away in one piece, yes.¡± Ascalon began, his voice firm and unwavering. ¡°But I must apologize, for that was a lie.¡± He added, and in the next moment, his figure crossed the distance between him and Loreno in a second. None of the so-called guards managed to react, but Loreno, with a shocked expression, backstepped just at the last moment, screaming. ¡°Get them!¡± His authoritative voice spurred the guards into action. Ascalon held back, since they needed Loreno to be as healthy as possible to give them information, but was slightly surprised by his reaction time. In response, Ascalon burst forth and shoved the man slightly, sending him flying across the room. Shockingly, Loreno managed to maneuver in the air and landed on his feet, before sloppily fleeing through the curtains he had emerged from, wincing in pain. Ascalon quickly assessed the situation, and while he could have used his overwhelming presence to deal with the guards, he believed his companions were more than enough. They could use the training, after all, though it might have been a bit too spartan from his part. Still, he had Loreno to deal with, so Ascalon dashed after him. Chapter 50 - Lyras Time to Shine As the battle started, Lilithra raised her banner high and exclaimed with fierce conviction. ¡°Be brave!¡± Her voice echoed through the room, startling the incoming enemies momentarily while her friends'' figures glowed briefly with a golden light.
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Her resolution shines on the battlefield, her demonic heart a beacon of hope!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Rank: E - Level 32. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Lilithra Vexeria will get a 14% increase in all stats. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance of shaking off fear debuffs. * Has a 15% chance of rousing up morale. * Has a 0.2% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
Selorien immediately faded into the shadows, while Lyra, clearly panicking, placed a hand on the floor. ¡°Rising tide!¡± The cat girl recited with nervousness, her voice shaky but resounding with a mystical reverberation. Answering her call, water began to surge from her hand, quickly spreading through the room.
Rising Tide.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Field type skill Rank: B - Level 72. Potential: A. Attribute: Water. Effects: The user floods the surroundings with water. The amount of water produced depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: * Boosts other water attribute skills¡¯ power and spellcasting speed by 28%. * Can be maintained for as long as the user stays in contact with the water * Decreases the user¡¯s lightning-related affinities by 40%.
Lilithra squealed in surprise as the flood suddenly soaked her shoes, while Selorien cursed at Lyra under his breath as his footsteps splashed the water and revealed his position. The guards then regained their composure, and the gunners started shooting in their direction; two aiming at the invisible elf, and four others at the girls. Selorien, trying to regain his stealthy advantage, jumped from the water and began using the furniture as stepping stones, narrowly avoiding the bullets and leaving his opponents at a loss. Luckily, the rushing water masked Selorien''s noisy movements, so he felt like forgiving Lyra. As Lilithra saw the gunmen, she prepared to dart to cover, but was stopped by Lyra¡¯s sudden words. ¡°Cascade Barrier!¡± The girl exclaimed, the mystical ring in her tone surprising Lilithra once more. Then, from the water flooding the ground erupted a rising wall in front of both the girls, like an enchanted, reverse waterfall.
Cascade Barrier.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Defensive skill Rank: C - Level 57. Potential: A. Attribute: Water. Effects: The user erects a wall of water, capable of defending against both magical and physical attacks, including projectiles. The strength of the barrier depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level, and the attribute of the shielded attack. Additional effects: * Number of walls erected simultaneously depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. * Can be maintained for as long as the user stays in contact with the water. * Has a 30% chance of repelling attacks with a burst of water.
The bullets should have been able to pierce through, as it was mere water, but they were instead stopped at the surface, the liquid meeting their rotation with an opposing force, rendering their momentum useless. Lilithra gasped in awe at Lyra''s skills, feeling both amazed and excited, her eyes sparkling in admiration. ¡°You''re amazing, Lyra!¡± She exclaimed, her tone filled with enthusiasm. ¡°Hehe!¡± Muttered Lyra, regaining some confidence at Lilithra¡¯s words. Yet the feeling was short-lived, as she flinched in realization. She hurriedly grabbed Lilithra¡¯s hand and pulled on it. ¡°Quick!¡± Lyra blurted out, and her friend, though slightly confused, trusted and followed. The cat girl ran toward a corner of the room, away from the thugs who were shooting at them, bullets grazing their clothing and skin as their footsteps splashed. Once they reached their destination, she quickly ducked and placed her hand on the floor again. In a moment, a wall of water erected itself in front of them, just as a hail of bullets hit the cascading liquid. Lyra sighed with relief, easing up slightly. Lilithra was utterly impressed by Lyra''s quick response, recalling when Ascalon had instructed her to use a similar tactic, back when they had fought the snow wolves at the Howling Chasm. That time, she had used a wall to protect herself from being ambushed, a tactic Lyra was replicating right now. Lilithra wondered with curiosity just how much experience had the cat girl under her belt. Perhaps, Lyra¡¯s rank as the Fluffy Warrior¡¯s vice-leader was more than just a title! The cat girl, unaware of Lilithra''s thoughts, placed her other hand on the floor. Frowning with clear determination, she chanted. ¡°Wave Pulse!¡± Her voice resonated with a mystical tone, as the water rippled in rhythmic pulses, its purpose to try and sweep the guards off their feet.
Wave Pulse.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous water skill. Rank: C - Level 56. Potential: A. Attribute: Water. Effects: The user sends a successive set of shockwaves through a body of water. The intensity and number of pulses depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: * The larger the body of water, the greater the skill''s efficacy.
Sadly for her, most of the thugs seemed to resist the shockwaves, as some had skills of their own and were pretty bulky, so only a few struggled with the currents. The gunmen kept shooting, and the ones that were onto Selorien''s trail simply sprayed the walls with bullets, destroying valuable statues and other decorations on their rampage. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Fuck! Kill them quick, we''re all fucked anyway!¡± Exclaimed one of the guards, probably realizing his boss was going to have them punished for all the destruction. ¡°But remember not to touch the girls!¡± Said another man, who was rushing out of the room, following after Ascalon with a couple of other guards. Lilithra felt like the battle was leaning in their favor, since the enemy''s number had decreased and they were protected from ranged attacks by Lyra''s skill. Still, she didn''t know just how long the water wall lasted, or if it was truly impenetrable. As she was thinking that, one of the thugs approached, slashing at the waterfall with a curved sword. The edge pierced the water slightly, before the liquid swirled around the blade and repelled it with a small burst of water. The guard was taken by surprise, and was even pushed a few steps back by the force of the burst. Lyra smiled in relief, her confidence increasing steadily and showing on her expression. Lilithra was encouraged by her friend¡¯s rising spirits, and decided to stand by her, ready to act when the opportunity presented itself. If it ever came to happen, that is, because Selorien was finally making his move. Darting through the walls and furniture of the room, the elf finally reached the enemy''s flank, and dashed forward with a phantom-like speed, sinking his daggers into a guard''s back. The man gasped silently, unable to scream as the blades pierced his lungs. He fell into the water shortly after, staining it red. There were a few who noticed Selorien''s sudden appearance, and quickly aimed their guns at him. ¡°Hehe!¡± Selorien giggled as he retreated into the shadows, his figure vanishing from view. Although he felt confident thanks to the adrenaline rushing through his body, the sharp pain of a gunshot to his left leg forced him back to reality. ¡°Fuck!¡± The elf protested, falling to the ground as he clutched his wound, his body slowly emerging from the failed stealth. ¡°Yeah!¡± Shouted one of the guards, raising his hand in triumph, having been the one that had managed to hit the elf. Lilithra and Lyra gasped in sudden terror as they saw their friend out in the open, defenseless, and an ominous sense of dread began to assault them. ¡°Quick, shield Selly!¡± Lilithra blurted in a panic, but Lyra shook her head frantically. ¡°I-I can''t use more than one!¡± The cat girl quickly explained, her eyes tearing up. Lilithra realized the meaning behind her words; Lyra, most likely, could only maintain one barrier at a time, and if she used it to shield Selorien, they would be the ones left defenseless. With melee guards still trying to slash the water wall, and the gunmen aiming at Selorien, Lilithra began to feel true despair. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with a plan, but, what could she do? Ascalon wasn''t there to help them, either, and she had no way to protect their friends. Once more, Lilithra cursed her own weakness. Beating Rosco had given her a huge boost to her confidence, yet whenever she felt like she had grown, the world would make sure to show her that it was still not enough. It felt like everything was lost, that her dearest, best friend was going to disappear from her life in the very next moment. She wanted to scream, an anguished ''no'', but something stopped her. The room suddenly felt cold, and everyone tensed up as if paralyzed with fear. In a split moment, a multitude of shadowy figures swept through the room, their wave of bloodlust and unbridled violence warping reality itself. The sound of slashes and confused murmurs echoed, as blood spurted out and guards fell one by one. Lilithra opened her eyes wide, unable to fully grasp what was happening, while Lyra watched with her mouth agape, fear creeping up her spine at the bloody sight. Selorien, on the other hand, was momentarily surprised, but soon sighed with relief. He realized who it was, and simply laid on the cool water, knowing everything would be over soon. Shortly after, no guard was left standing; the whole room showed a sight of utter massacre. As the whirlwind of death stopped, the multiple, blurry figures coalesced in the center, slowly giving form to a person. A woman stood in the aftermath of her rampage, her maid dress unstained by the bloodshed, her straight posture exuding an air of cold sophistication. There was Escarlata, who had been forced to intervene. She sighed, putting a hand to her cheek. ¡°I am deeply sorry, Master Theoldorien.¡± She whispered to herself, before scanning the room with her unnerving, red eyes. Lilithra gasped in surprise as she recognized the maid, and felt a wave of relief wash over her. Even though the maid didn''t like her, Lilithra was reassured by her presence, knowing that, at the very least, Selorien was safe. Lyra was struck with both shock and admiration, as she had heard a lot about the L''adariel''s legendary ''monster maid'', her impassive figure evoking a sense of greatness in the room. ¡°Whoa...¡± Lyra blurted out, as the wall of translucent water fell to the ground. Escarlata side eyed her, before approaching Selorien with courteous steps. ¡°Young master.¡± Escarlata greeted Selorien, her respectful tone making him grimace. ¡°Ugh~ why are you here? I mean, thanks, but ugh~!¡± Selorien complained, rolling slightly on the floor, though the pain in his leg made him flinch and stop. Escarlata sighed in resignation, but before she could say anything else, another voice cut through the air. ¡°Ah!¡± Lyra suddenly exclaimed, as realization hit her. Rapidly, she rushed toward Selorien¡¯s side. ¡°E-excuse me!¡± She said as she briefly bowed to Escarlata, who looked at her with an emotionless expression. Lyra felt in danger, but approached the wounded elf anyway. She placed her hands on the wet floor, closing her eyes and concentrating deeply. Lilithra ran after her, curiosity and worry both leading her steps, shuddering as she waded through guards¡¯ blood and remains. As soon as she arrived to where they all were, she witnessed another of Lyra''s feats. ¡°Aqua Vitae.¡± Lyra recited, as the shallow water in the room began to concentrate on her palms¡ªwith no traces of blood in it¡ªbefore gently enveloping Selorien''s leg. Then, the water started to glow softly, a sky-blue light emanating from it. Selorien winced as, little by little, the bullet surfaced from the wound which steadily closed itself.
Aqua Vitae.
From her heart surges a wish to mend, the tide answering her earnest call!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lyra Summers unique skill. Rank: B - Level 74. Potential: S. Attribute: Water. Effects: Lyra Summers channels healing power into water she touches, mending wounds and exhaustion. Healing effectiveness depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: * Lyra Summers must part with some of her vitality in return; the worse the wound, the more strain on her body. * Has a 10% chance of over-healing the target, providing a boost to their stamina. * Has a 3% chance of not draining any stamina from Lyra Summers. * Has a 0.1 chance of regenerating a missing limb, depending on its size.
¡°You can heal?!¡± Lilithra asked with clear excitement in her voice, clenching her fists in a pumped-up motion. Lyra giggled in embarrassment, her cheeks reddening as she replied. ¡°Yeah, but it''s kinda hard and takes a lot of concentration!¡± She sighed tiredly, seeing the wound completely closed, as sweat ran down her forehead. It did seem like that healing skill took a toll on her own stamina, even when the wound was quite small. It explained why she wasn¡¯t helping her Guildmates back at the Howling Chasm¡¯s aftermath, too. Selorien moved the leg and tapped it a few times with his hand, before smiling toward Lyra. ¡°Thanks! That''s a neat skill.¡± He exclaimed as he rose up, Lyra beaming with glee. She seemed to love being useful, and she had been pretty much the centerpiece of the stage this time around... well, alongside Escarlata, that is. They all looked at the maid with dubious stares, while Selorien crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as he spoke. ¡°So, the old man sent you after me, huh?¡± He asked, both his friends exchanging curious glances. Escarlata nodded slightly before replying. ¡°Yes, young master. Master Theoldorien graciously tasked me with your safeguarding for this journey.¡± She said as she grabbed the hems of her skirt and bowed in reverence, her maid attire and her demeanor giving off a majestic aura. Lilithra and Lyra both gasped in admiration, clearly awestruck by the maid''s sophisticated attitude. Escarlata stood tall once more, her emotionless expression somehow seeming a bit proud. ¡°Hmmm... weird that he didn''t tell me about it... and that you hid so well!¡± Selorien remarked, clear suspicion in his voice. ¡°I wonder if Ascalon knew?¡± He added, gauging the maid''s reaction, but she remained unfazed. That was boring, the elf thought, but resigned himself at knowing it was nearly impossible to get a reaction out of her. ¡°Master Theoldorien instructed me to not interfere with your travel experience, young master.¡± Escarlata replied, her tone still courteous. ¡°He didn''t want the young master and his friends to feel distracted from the journey by this unworthy maid''s presence.¡± She concluded, bowing profusely once more. She was partly lying, as she did have the other task of monitoring Ascalon, but they didn''t need to hear that information, obviously. Selorien narrowed his eyes even more, before slumping into a tired posture. ¡°Aight, got it.¡± He said, his tone defeated, as he adjusted his cap. ¡°I¡¯m all drenched¡­ gotta go get dried by the sun later¡­¡± Selorien complained, while his friends giggled, and Escarlata remained silent. As he scanned the room absentmindedly, realization hit him. ¡°Oh right, talking about Ascalon! Where is he?¡± Selorien suddenly questioned, addressing the maid. Lilithra and Lyra perked up at his words, understandably curious. ¡°He is currently three floors above us, engaged in a¡­ ¡®fight¡¯ with a group of people.¡± Escarlata informed them, her eyes rising slightly to the roof. ¡°Are they strong?¡± Lyra asked sheepishly, as concern welled up inside of her. Ascalon had defeated a kaiju with clear ease before, so there had to be a reason as to why he wasn''t done with these thugs yet. Lilithra and Selorien exchanged knowing looks, their thoughts aligning with Lyra''s to some extent. ¡°He is clearly holding back out of consideration for us.¡± Escarlata spoke with a respectful tone, drawing everyone''s curiosity. ¡°He could easily raze this whole building, or even the district, to the ground. But what about us¡ªwhat about you, then?¡± She said, an almost imperceptible smile spreading across her lips. The group of friends smiled with contented expressions, knowing Ascalon was always thinking about them. Lilithra blushed, her chest tightening with rushing feelings, things she had been trying to bottle up during their travels. ¡°We shouldn''t interfere.¡± Escarlata declared, earning a frown from Lilithra. ¡°What? No, we should go support him. He''s our friend!¡± She reproached, her determination clear as she prepared to rush to Ascalon''s aid, but Selorien stopped her by gently grabbing her arm. ¡°Ugh, Lil! As much as I agree... think about it.¡± Selorien paused, as Lilithra looked at him over her shoulder, with a dissatisfied expression. ¡°He''s already holding back because we''re here, in the same building. Imagine if we were in the same fight, too, dummy.¡± Selorien explained, using a more playful tone to try and ease her emotions. Lilithra was visibly shaken, and promptly felt embarrassed. Escarlata had said just mere moments before that Ascalon was holding back because of them, yet she was carried away by her emotions and forgot about it immediately! Her cheeks reddened at her own thoughts. ¡°You''re right Selly, sorry...¡± Lilithra pouted, clearly conflicted. But she understood what they meant. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for him, then! But¡­¡± She glanced around nervously. ¡°Maybe somewhere else, haha¡­¡± Lilithra awkwardly exclaimed, seeing the carnage around them. Without much of a fuss, the group moved to another room, wary of their surroundings. As they walked they wondered: just what was going on with Ascalon¡¯s fight? Chapter 51 - Levis Whereabouts A few stories up from where the rest of the group was located, Ascalon stood in the middle of a room. He was effortlessly parrying multiple attacks with his bare hands, with minimal, but precise movements. The irritation and awe of his opponents was visible on their faces, as they tried to strike the blonde man to no avail. As for Loreno, he stood in a corner, holding tight to the girl they had seen before and aiming a huge knife to her neck. Loreno felt not only agitated, but also terrified. He was strong, amongst the strongest in the city, and only maybe below Ian. But he realized that Ascalon was in a different league, a whole other realm of might. It had been almost a miracle that he had managed to evade Ascalon for so long, and he felt powerless as soon as he realized the knight wasn''t even serious. The hostage was the only thing keeping the man at bay, as the other thugs were completely useless before him. ¡°You are despicable.¡± Ascalon''s voice boomed through the room, the people surrounding him flinching back. ¡°Yeah, but that''s just how it is! I didn''t get to where I am by playing fair!¡± Loreno replied, his voice shaky and full of fake bravado. ¡°I have seen plenty of men like you.¡± Ascalon stated, punching a nearby thug in the face, who collapsed immediately. ¡°They were all held high at the tip of my spear.¡± He declared, sending shivers through Loreno''s whole body. ¡°Shut up! Shut up or I''ll kill her!¡± Loreno shrieked, his voice brimming with panic and desperation as he pressed the knife¡¯s tip against the girl¡¯s neck. She yelped, with tears rolling down her face, and Ascalon''s patience reached its limit.
The personal skill - Unfathomable Presence - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Those of vile hearts crumble to their knees, bowing down to absolute righteousness!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: Those considered as enemies by Ascalon Rendland are burdened by his immense willpower, and are rendered unable to move momentarily. Additional effects: * Strong willed individuals may resist the effect depending on their combined stats levels. * Has a 10% chance to bypass all resistances. * Effect duration is determined by the user¡¯s focus and the target¡¯s level.
In the next moment, Ascalon''s presence expanded, and the whole room froze, as if time itself had stopped to marvel at his might. The surrounding thugs couldn''t move an inch, including a terrified Loreno, who trembled in place as he struggled to regain control of his body. ¡°W-wh... at...?!¡± Loreno stuttered, as he couldn''t even control his own lips. The girl, feeling Loreno¡¯s grasp weaken, hurriedly scurried away to freedom, fleeing without a second thought. Ascalon exhaled in relief, and set his gaze on Loreno. ¡°Hmmm¡­ perhaps I should take some measures.¡± Ascalon wondered aloud, his voice exuding a cold calmness. With evident ease, he began to punch the thugs one by one, each of them easily knocked unconscious. The sound of Ascalon¡¯s fist meeting their faces echoed in the room, as Loreno watched in helpless fear and indignation. ¡°Now then.¡± Ascalon muttered. Loreno struggled harder, his fingertips moving slightly as the knight approached. Without hesitation, Ascalon grabbed the man by the neck, and dragged him back toward the entrance, his powerful grip feeling like an inescapable sentence to Loreno. Moments later, Ascalon appeared in front of his friends, who looked at him with mixed expressions of surprise and relief. Ascalon himself was slightly surprised by the maid¡¯s presence, realizing how focused, and enraged, he had been while dealing with Loreno. The maid bowed at him, her body twitching briefly. She seemed feverish, her cheeks a bit reddened¡ªprobably had overexerted herself, Ascalon assumed. Of course he had no idea what was going on through her mind. The rest approached him cautiously, seeing the man he had been dragging around with him. ¡°Uh¡­ is he alive?¡± Selorien asked, peeking at Loreno. He noticed the man was indeed awake, and that he trembled while letting out muffled sounds. ¡°Yes, he is fine¡ªfor now.¡± Ascalon remarked, a somber tone in his voice. Lilithra looked at Loreno with disgust, yet a bit of pity, her kindness always shining through. Lyra, on the other hand, seemed really impatient, her eyes darting anxiously from Loreno to Ascalon, as if pleading. Most likely, she wanted to know if Loreno had talked about Levi¡¯s whereabouts. Ascalon faced her and spoke. ¡°You shall have the opportunity to question him about Sir Levi soon, Lady Lyra.¡± He began, Lyra¡¯s face lighting up with relief. ¡°But first¡ªis there any way we could contact Sir Ryan?¡± Ascalon added out of nowhere, confusion spreading among his friends. ¡°Ryan? The Lieutenant?¡± Selorien asked, his eyes narrowed as he pondered. ¡°Oh!¡± He suddenly exclaimed, as a thought crossed his mind. Ascalon noticed Selorien¡¯s expression, and spoke. ¡°I want all of these lowlifes to face the law.¡± He declared, his sole eye fixing on Loreno, who twitched in response. ¡°If you would excuse my rudeness.¡± Escarlata interjected, her red eyes locked onto Ascalon¡¯s gaze with firmness. ¡°I have a direct line of contact with the city¡¯s authorities. I could ask for Lieutenant Ryan specifically.¡± She explained, her tone respectful but eager. Ascalon appraised her with a bit of doubt. Although their interactions had been brief and she seemed like a neutral party for the most part, he knew she served under Selorien¡¯s grandfather, Theoldorien, and Ascalon had his concerns about the old elf. Still, it didn¡¯t seem like she was hiding an ulterior motive, and her expecting, intense gaze made him feel somewhat uneasy. ¡°If you would, please. I shall be in your debt.¡± Ascalon exclaimed solemnly, bowing to her. Escarlata suddenly squealed, the cutest of sounds escaping her lips, taking everyone off-guard, especially Selorien. She quickly recomposed herself and cleared her throat, her expression an impassive, cold one. ¡°Pardon me. I will contact Ryan immediately.¡± She excused herself and walked away with a sophisticated grace, though Ascalon noticed she was tightly clenching one of her fists. Selorien, on the other hand, showed the most mischievous grin to ever have graced the earth, as his mind rushed with knowing thoughts. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Lilithra and Lyra exchanged looks, and both realized something was fishy about the maid, their instincts kicking in. But before anyone could delve deeper into Escarlata¡¯s demeanor, Ascalon¡¯s voice drew their attention. ¡°Now then. It is time for Loreno to speak.¡± He declared, as he held Loreno high. The man felt in control of his body once more, and quickly unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks toward Ascalon, surprising everyone with his tenacity. Still, Ascalon remained unfazed, and as Loren¡¯s fists started to hurt, he realized there was no point in struggling. ¡°Y-you¡­ just who are you? Why did you have to come here?!¡± Loreno reproached, grabbing tightly onto Ascalon¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯ll ruin it all! My empire, my plans, everything! And for why, some random guy?!¡± He kept venting in agitation, clearly frustrated. ¡°Damn it!¡± He blurted out, as he stopped struggling. ¡°You brought this upon yourself.¡± Ascalon replied calmly, as Loreno gazed at him with curiosity and hopelessness. ¡°You were overconfident.¡± He remarked, frowning slightly. Loreno couldn¡¯t help but agree in his mind, as everything might have been fine if he hadn¡¯t underestimated the knight. ¡°Cease your pointless tantrum and tell us about Sir Levi.¡± Ascalon demanded, his resolute voice making Loreno wince in frustration. He pondered for a moment, biting his lips and finally resigning himself. ¡°He¡¯s in the dungeon.¡± Loreno spoke, as everyone, especially Lyra, perked up with anticipation. Escarlata subtly rejoined them as Loreno continued. ¡°The entrance is inside the sewers, at the east edge of the lower districts¡­¡± Loreno explained, taking a moment to breathe since Ascalon¡¯s clutch on his neck was quite painful. ¡°You¡¯ll have to go through some abandoned tunnels, and I hope you enjoy the fucking labyrinth down there!¡± Loreno scoffed, a mocking smile spreading through his face. ¡°Wanna know why the dungeon was so well hidden?¡± He asked, noticing their suspicious stares. ¡°Because it¡¯s through a damn hole! We only found it because a clueless imbecile fell right into it!¡± He managed to let out a laugh, which turned into coughing as Ascalon¡¯s grip tightened. ¡°W-we marked it, so you won¡¯t have that much trouble finding it.¡± Loreno concluded, and Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯ as he pondered. While Selorien and Lilithra exchanged glances, Escarlata decided it was a good time to interject. ¡°Lieutenant Ryan will arrive shortly.¡± She stated, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Lilithra smiled with relief, while Lyra seemed deep in thought, likely considering the information they had obtained. Selorien took the opportunity to chime in, raising a question. ¡°Now, what are you gonna do, Ascalon?¡± He asked, his expression turning serious. ¡°You know what kind of scum he is¡­¡± Selorien continued, as Lilithra looked at him with a concerned but intrigued expression. ¡°Yes, I understand that he will be released shortly after being apprehended.¡± Ascalon replied, as Lilithra and Lyra understood their conversation. Most likely, Loreno would count on his wealthy friends and politicians to get him out of prison¡ªthat was the kind of man they were dealing with, after all. ¡°S-so what, are you gonna kill him?!¡± Lilithra asked with agitation, anguish clear in her voice. Loreno appraised her with a skeptical look, as if he couldn¡¯t believe her words. Ascalon smiled at her, seeing her as the kindhearted beacon of light she always was. He wished in his heart that she wouldn¡¯t ever change, that she wouldn¡¯t lose her compassion. ¡°I-I understand I might sound hypocritical, I know a lot of people died today¡­¡± Lilithra continued, clearly conflicted about her own thoughts. ¡°B-but still!¡± She retorted with a shaky voice, not knowing what to believe in. On one hand, she was completely disgusted by Loreno. She had seen his cruelty firsthand, and knew there were countless girls held against their will in the very building they stood in. Thinking more deeply, she could easily picture that this had been going on for a while, and wondered just how many women, men, and even children, had disappeared once they had crossed Loreno¡¯s doors. She trembled with anger, but at the same time, she didn¡¯t want to see Ascalon as an executioner. The guards that had died at Escarlata¡¯s hands were trying to kill them, but Loreno was pretty much helpless, one could say he had already surrendered. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to let justice handle it, then? ¡°What a naive girl.¡± Escarlata¡¯s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, and Lilithra stared at her with her brows furrowed in frustration. Lyra placed a hand on Lilithra¡¯s shoulder, trying to show her some encouragement. Selorien didn¡¯t know what to say, since he would clearly lean more into a bloody resolution. ¡°I have to agree!¡± Loreno suddenly blurted out, his tone a mocking, confident one. ¡°I will be out by nightfall, dumb girl! And you will all fucking regret it!¡± He cackled, before Ascalon tightened the grip on his neck, making him wince. Lilithra felt anxious, her desire to uphold righteousness clashing against her anger toward Loreno. ¡°I cannot have that.¡± Escarlata exclaimed in response to the man¡¯s words, pointing toward him with a swift motion. In the next moment, a long, thin blade emerged from her sleeve, piercing through Loreno¡¯s chest and heart in a flash. ¡°Ugh¡­ ni-nice¡­ choi-ce.¡± Loreno stuttered, managing a bold smile. Ascalon released his grip as he sighed in resignation, and Loreno¡¯s body crumbled to the ground. Lyra gasped, covering her mouth, while Lilithra recoiled as she whispered in defeat. ¡°No¡­¡± Lilithra clenched her fists, cursing at her own powerlessness. She looked at Escarlata defiantly, while the maid skillfully withdrew her blade, spraying the blood off the edge and onto the floor before concealing it once more. ¡°My apologies, but the young master¡¯s safety comes first.¡± The maid said as she bowed, a clear courteousness in her tone. Lilithra wanted to lash out at her, but, deep in her heart, she knew it would make no difference. After all, she wasn¡¯t that clueless. She knew that if Ascalon had wanted it, he could have easily deflected the attack. She looked at him, who returned her gaze with a shameful expression, his brows furrowed in consternation. Unable to hold back any longer, she lunged at him. Lilithra hugged Ascalon tightly, her face burrowed in his chest as she let out muffled sniffles. Lyra quickly held her from behind, enveloping her in a warm embrace, wanting to show her support. Selorien simply sighed with a soft smile, as he side eyed Escarlata, who looked like she really, really wanted to join in. Ascalon patted Lilithra¡¯s head, knowing that he had taken a cruel decision out of her hands. He had delivered death to countless people in his time, some worse than Loreno, some that didn¡¯t deserve it as much¡ªbut no matter how evil they were, blood was on his hands nevertheless. After a brief moment, Lilithra pried away, with Lyra stepping back in response. She rubbed her eyes, wiping them away, her cheeks reddened with embarrassment. ¡°S-sorry, that was¡­ nevermind, sorry.¡± She exclaimed, stammering over her words as she smiled awkwardly. Lilithra felt weak and pitiful, and Escarlata¡¯s proud presence did nothing but elevate her feelings. She didn¡¯t want to be like the cold, ruthless maid, but wished she had at least a sliver of her strength, of her unwavering resolve. Yet, amidst her despair, Lilithra was forgetting that she too could be resolute and determined! As her thoughts spiraled, she felt a gentle tug on her cheeks. Lyra was softly pinching them, smiling sheepishly. Seeing Lilithra¡¯s confused look, she spoke. ¡°M-my brother used to do this for me when I felt upset¡­¡± Lyra explained, her cheeks reddening softly. It was an unorthodox way of showing affection, but Lilithra felt touched, her cloudy thoughts slowly drifting away. Lilithra smiled at her caring friend and giggled, remembering why they were there in the first place, while the rest watched over them with a mix of relief and warmth in their hearts. Except for Escarlata, that is, who remained expressionless. One could perceive just what kind of life the maid had endured to be so detached from other people, but that wasn¡¯t important at the moment. Before anyone else could exchange words, Ascalon perked up as he felt the presence of Ryan and his military companions, who swiftly swept through the building. Having received Escarlata¡¯s instructions, the disciplined men apprehended the remaining thugs, helped out the girls and others that were there against their will, and secured the area in case of any other possible threats. After the dust settled, Ryan met with Ascalon and his group, his face full of delight. ¡°I¡¯m glad you asked for my help, sir!¡± Ryan spoke, his tone brimming with joy. ¡°I promise these people will rot in prison!¡± He added, puffing his chest out Ascalon bowed in appreciation, as Ryan continued ¡°I¡¯ll make sure the people we rescued are brought to their families, just leave it to me!¡± His confident tone earned him relieved smiles from Lilithra and Lyra, who were the most worried after all. ¡°Still¡­ something weird¡¯s going on.¡± Ryan said with a hint of concern in his voice. ¡°Loreno was a scumbag, but he was never this greedy¡ªhe really dropped the ball this time.¡± He added, proud to finally catch the bastard. ¡°The whole lower district seems restless, honestly¡­ but I¡¯m just rambling here!¡± Ryan smiled awkwardly, the rest exchanging curious glances. They had seen something like that before, and the memory made Ascalon feel a tingle in his chest. Though he was unaware that it was coming from his emblem. ¡°Anyway! You have helped Starugnia immensely¡­¡± Ryan said as he bowed his head. ¡°I will make sure things like this won¡¯t happen again.¡± He declared, conviction burning fiercely behind his words. After a while of exchanging information, the group was escorted out of the building, greeted once again by the unrelenting sun. Selorien felt like his clothes were dried up in an instant, though it may have been an exaggeration. As they bid their goodbyes to Ryan and his companions, and with Loreno¡¯s matter settled, the group set out for their next objective: the dungeon. Chapter 52 - Plunging Into the Dungeon Ascalon led the group with resolute steps, his senses sharpened, his eye scanning every nook and cranny of the streets in search for the sewers entrance. Along the way, they could witness again what worried Ryan. Some of the poor-looking people of the lower district looked even more shifty than earlier, and behaved violently. A couple had even attempted to rob them, which was a terrible decision. After knocking some sense into them, the robbers were swarmed by more denizens, who scrambled as soon as they found nothing of value in their clothes. A familiar tingling assailed his chest as he watched these events unfold, unaware that it came, once more, from his emblem. It was a shocking sight, but there was nothing he could do for them. After all, there were pressing matters at hand, and they had to find the sewers. As far as Ascalon knew, they were like a set of tunnels underneath the city, where the citizen¡¯s residues ended up. It was a place unfit for human activity but they had to go nonetheless. Escarlata was following behind them, as a surprising addition to the group. She took the chance to accompany them, her reasoning being the ¡®young master''s¡¯ safeguarding. It was the perfect excuse, she thought! Her eyes seemed fixed ahead, though Ascalon could feel she kept taking peeks at him, probably still wary of his presence and the fact that their encounters had been anything but friendly. As they walked under the little shade provided by the buildings, Selorien and lilithra skipped ahead suddenly. ¡°Here, I guess?¡± Lilithra asked as she leaned with curiosity, her left hand wiping off some sweat from her forehead. Selorien mimicked her actions, clearly affected by the heat. Both of them were gazing at the ground, where a huge, rusted metal door gave way to the lower district innards. Ascalon and Lyra followed suit, appraising the entrance, while Escarlata shot cold glares to curious onlookers, who promptly scrambled. She was truly an imposing presence amidst the desertic city. ¡°Shall we go in, then?¡± Ascalon asked, making sure his friends were ready. After all, they hadn''t rested much, driven by a sense of urgency¡ªLyra most of them all. It was no wonder that she would feel that way, especially after hearing her brother was ¡®beaten to a pulp¡¯, even if it might have been a lie from Loreno. Unsurprisingly, Lyra was the first to nod, her ears twitching as if reflecting her enthusiasm, her fists clenched with determination. No other words were needed, as Lilithra and Selorien smiled with renewed conviction, encouraged by their willingness to help Lyra. Ascalon basked in their resolve, his expression adorned by a bold smile. With a slight nod of acknowledgment, he grabbed the door and pried it open with an unnatural ease, the metal bending like a can of tuna. His friends were surprised at the almost cartoonish scene in front of their eyes, though they were slowly growing accustomed to Ascalon¡¯s feats. Escarlata, on the other hand, did her best to conceal her admiration. As was his duty and honor, Ascalon led the way, descending through the entrance and climbing down into the dark, foul-smelling sewers. With some effort and discomfort, the rest followed¡ªthe last one being Escarlata, who looked as unfazed as always. The interior was pitch black, aside from the light that came through from the entrance, and the pungent smell made both Lilithra and Lyra gag. Selorien looked around with his nose wrinkled up in disgust, while Ascalon appraised the surroundings. He could see well enough, and knew that Selorien and Escarlata would have no problem perceiving their surroundings, but the other two girls might find the journey more difficult. As if reading his thoughts, Lilithra brought out her phone, and after fiddling with it for a bit, she lit up the area with a moderate but helpful stream of light. ¡°Hehe, see, it''s not just for games!¡± She exclaimed with pride and a smug smile, as Ascalon gazed upon the brightness with clear surprise and admiration. ¡°Lil, using her phone for something other than games?!¡± Selorien questioned with a smile, his tone mischievous, as Lyra giggled and took out her own phone to do the same Lilithra puffed her cheeks in irritation but quickly explored the surroundings with her gaze. They were still pretty much at the entrance, as there were no water canals to be seen, so she feared just how much worse it would get from then on. Exchanging firm glances, the group set out, walking through the tunnel as the girls lit the path ahead. ¡°Wish I had packed some masks in my inventory¡­¡± Selorien commented as they advanced, his disgust for the smell evident and reasonable. Ascalon then wondered just how much of an advantage the inventory system was, and how better it would be with some foresight. Technically, they could carry with them whatever they needed for almost any situation. He couldn''t help but compare how easy it would''ve been back in Excadia if they could carry war rations in an inventory rather than in wagons. No need for food guards or horses, for example. They could also change weapons and armor on the go, and have all kinds of life-changing items for different situations. Upon realizing he was getting carried away with his overthinking, he let the matter rest, but reminding himself to scold his friends later¡ªhe had to ingrain in them the sense of precaution, so they would pack more stuff for unforeseen situations! Just as his attention shifted back to reality, he noticed a slight problem ahead: the path split in three different tunnels. ¡°Hey! Loreno said nothing about this!¡± Lilithra complained, as she shone her light through each entrance. Lyra started fidgeting as her eyes darted between the different paths, while Selorien sighed with frustration. ¡°This way.¡± Both ascalon and Escarlata exclaimed in unison, their fingers pointing to the same tunnel. The rest perked up with curiosity, as Lilithra stepped forward. ¡°How do you know?¡± She asked with eager anticipation and intrigue in her tone, knowing that if both of them had picked the same path, it meant it was the correct one without a doubt. Ascalon glanced at Escarlata, who simply nodded in return, and took it as a cue to speak. ¡°I can sense lingering presences through this path.¡± Ascalon declared, taking a few steps ahead. ¡°You can also compare it with the other entrances.¡± Escarlata added, pointing toward another path. ¡°The dust is mostly unperturbed through there, and there as well.¡± She remarked, her finger tracing the air to the remaining tunnel. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. The rest let out impressed sounds, while both Lilithra and Lyra appraised the paths with narrowed eyes, trying to perceive the differences the maid had told them about. Be it because the smell was too distracting, their untrained eyesight, or the lack of experience, they couldn¡¯t grasp what made the correct path stand out. They gave up and slumped their shoulders, as Selorien spoke with a reassuring tone. ¡°I can barely notice even with my elven eyes, so don¡¯t feel bad about it.¡± He exclaimed, his friends smiling softly at his words. ¡°It¡¯s unfair to compare yourself to these monsters, anyway!¡± Selorien added, giggling to himself. Ascalon sighed, while Escarlata seemed to take it as a compliment, her expression a proud one. Without wasting any more time, the knight led the way once more, and the rest eagerly followed. They walked on and on for what seemed like an eternity, the paths before them splitting multiple times, the smell becoming less and less of an annoyance as they grew accustomed to it. Lilithra was wondering if that even was a good thing, but decided to simply get an hour-long shower afterwards. Maybe two hours. As their impatience grew, Ascalon finally stopped, gesturing to his friends to do the same as he raised a hand in the air. ¡°I can feel a draft.¡± He stated, approaching a corner and taking a cautious peek. ¡°Ah, here it is.¡± The knight added, this time waving a hand toward him, inviting the group to follow. Lilithra took the initiative and skipped past him, turning the corner, only to come to an abrupt halt. Just mere steps ahead was a big hole, its edge looking cracked, seemingly about to collapse at any moment. As the rest followed, they gasped at the size of the crevice, peering down at what looked like a bottomless pit. At one side was a portable ladder: a set of wooden boards tied together by two ropes, its long end disappearing into the dark chasm. Lilithra took a few steps back, looking at the flimsy ladder as she shook her head. ¡°No, no, no! No way that thing is gonna hold on!¡± She exclaimed with a panicked expression, her concerns infecting Lyra who started to fidget nervously. Selorien, as usual, giggled to himself in amusement. Ascalon, on the other hand, considered Lilithra¡¯s fears. The ladder did look quite flimsy, and it didn¡¯t seem like it would support his own weight. The rest were probably safe, as they were pretty lean and athletic, Lyra being the only exception¡ªthough not enough to warrant worry. Still, Ascalon thought of a better solution. He just had to confirm something first, so he promptly spoke. ¡°Miss Escarlata, may I impose upon you for a moment?¡± His eye locked onto her, and the maid visibly flinched, clearly taken aback by him suddenly addressing her. Selorien didn¡¯t let the chance slip away, and smirked, while Lilithra and Lyra peeked at them with curiosity, wondering just what did Ascalon need from her. The maid, recomposing herself, managed a slight, shy nod, and the knight continued. ¡°Could you kindly scout ahead, to see if the ¡®landing¡¯ is safe?¡± Ascalon asked, his choice of words confusing the rest for a bit, though Escarlata grasped the meaning in an instant. She bowed politely before replying. ¡°If it is for the young master¡¯s safety, I shall oblige.¡± She said with a courteous tone before taking a few steps ahead and suddenly leaning forward, her body falling into a fast plunge as gravity pulled at her. Lilithra and Lyra gasped in shock as Escarlata descended rapidly, her figure vanishing into the dark abyss, where their light couldn¡¯t reach. ¡°Wha-?!¡± Lilithra began, likely about to reproach Escarlata¡¯s actions, but Selorien shook his head with a knowing smile on his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± He stated, making Lilithra reconsider. She sighed in resignation, realizing that there was indeed no need to worry¡ªit was Escarlata, after all. Lyra still seemed skittish, so Lilithra took the chance to ruffle her hair, mostly for her own amusement. Lyra took the action with confusion but relished on the affection. At that moment, the sound of something cutting swiftly through the air reached their ears, and a second later something struck the ceiling. They all looked up with curiosity and wariness, and witnessed what appeared to be a knife embedded in the roof. ¡°I see. It seems to be safe.¡± Ascalon proclaimed as he stepped forward, the rest looking at him with curiosity. ¡°Grab onto me.¡± He suddenly ordered, leaving his friends puzzled. ¡°Huh?¡± Lilithra blurted out, while Selorien, wasting no time, lazily climbed onto Ascalon¡¯s back, making the girls realize what the knight meant. ¡°Come on.¡± The elf urged as he smiled, clearly amused. Lyra hesitated for a moment, putting her phone away, and then skipped toward Ascalon and hugged his right side. Ascalon enveloped her with his arm, and lifted her effortlessly. The cat girl blushed and held tighter, her face showing a contented smile. Lilithra puffed her cheeks as both jealousy and eagerness overcame her, and quickly ran toward Ascalon¡¯s left side, mimicking Lyra and also putting away her phone. Ascalon gently put his arm around her, and lifted her too, her face reddening as she squealed. ¡°You girls¡­¡± Selorien teased before tapping Ascalon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hiya!¡± He exclaimed, as if urging a horse to move. Ascalon exhaled sharply at the elf¡¯s antics, and grabbed both girls tighter. ¡°Do not fear¡ªjust do not let go.¡± He proclaimed, as he stepped forward, his figure inching closer to the abyss. They all knew what was going to happen next, but had the utmost trust in the knight¡ªthough two of them had also some ulterior motives of their own. With unwavering confidence, Ascalon jumped down, the weight of his companions adding to the momentum of his descent. ¡°Aaaah!!¡± Both Lyra and Lilithra screamed, a mix of elation and uneasiness in their voices. For them, it was like going into a rollercoaster¡ªjust faster and more dangerous! As they fell, Ascalon peered into the distance, watching as the ground slowly appeared and grew increasingly closer. Just before impact, Ascalon shifted his posture and adjusted his grip on the girls, while Selorien giggled as he flailed on his back. The knight landed with a solid thud, his legs bearing the brunt of the impact and absorbing most of it. The ground cracked slightly as he cushioned the fall for his friends, who felt a sudden jolt as the momentum stopped, but were otherwise unharmed. Both girls let out a sigh of relief as Escarlata greeted the group with a slight bow. Selorien was the first to let go of Ascalon, falling to the ground and stumbling slightly as he recomposed himself. ¡°That was something.¡± The elf added, a smug grin spreading across his face as he looked at Ascalon. There stood the knight, two girls tightly clinging to him. ¡°It is safe to let go now.¡± Ascalon informed them, but the girls remained unfazed. They exchanged glances, their cheeks flushed red, and Lilithra broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯ll let go if you let go¡­¡± She said while narrowing her eyes. Lyra met her stare with surprising boldness. ¡°N-no I¡¯ll let go if you let go!¡± She exclaimed, Ascalon feeling flabbergasted by the situation. It was Escarlata¡¯s cold, sharp stare that made both girls flinch, and they promptly let go of the knight. ¡°S-sorry¡­¡± Lilithra and Lyra said to each other, before smiling and giggling at their own antics, though still feeling the maid¡¯s emotionless eyes on them. They thought that maybe Escarlata was feeling impatient at their childish attitude. If only they knew she was simply jealous, perhaps they might have bonded over it! But that wasn¡¯t a priority at the moment. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ascalon muttered as he appraised his surroundings. They were in a dimly lit corridor, with a few, broken statues littering the ground around them, their stone ¡®eyes¡¯ focused on their direction. Mounted along the walls were a set of old-looking torches¡ªmost likely magical, as there was no way their ancient flames could remain lit for so long. Lilithra looked around with clear curiosity, followed by a sheepish Lyra. ¡°Are we like, actually in? No entrance or anything?¡± Lilithra asked, her gaze shifting to Selorien. ¡°We didn¡¯t get a dungeon notice either¡­¡± The elf replied, pondering over the matter, while Lyra nodded in acknowledgement. Ascalon remembered their time at the Howling Chasm, and how a network message had greeted them upon entering. But this dungeon, if it even was one, seemed different¡ªperhaps outside the network¡¯s intervention. It was something to be wary of, that much was clear. Heightening his senses, Ascalon felt many presences around the labyrinthine paths, and raised an eyebrow as he pondered. ¡°Seems like there are beasts abound.¡± He declared, and his friends looked at him with knowing looks. ¡°That much is a given!¡± Lilithra proclaimed with confidence, her friends nodding at her. She seemed excited, and ready to face the dungeon and its unknown dangers. Still, Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but feel something was strange, as he felt a familiar tingling in his chest, though this time it was stronger. He produced his knight emblem from his pocket, and everyone marveled at it with curiosity. The crest moved by itself in his palm, surprising both the group and Ascalon himself. The mysterious event unfolded, as deeper inside the dungeon, another presence became aware of their arrival. Chapter 53 - The Unknown Dungeon Deep within the maze was a room, its floor stained red and black with the blood of various beasts. At the center stood a pile of corpses, a sickening sight even to those that were used to hunting game. Some of the bodies were completely still, while others twitched slightly, hinting at their hour of death. Atop the grim mound of remains sat a dark-haired guy, his face contorted into a frustrated expression, his hands drenched in dripping blood. He was wearing a white jacket, which had multiple red stains, and a pair of jeans that had suffered the same fate. The only thing that had remained the same, so to say, was his red shirt, its color masking the blood better. ¡°This is not enough¡­ I need more! I want more!¡± He complained with agitation as he inspected a blue screen, reading his stats with an impatient gaze. Just then, he spotted something moving in the corner of his eye. ¡°Ah! You¡¯re awake again!¡± The man spoke with a cheery voice, addressing a small figure twitching in a corner of the room. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but we got some surprising visitors!¡± He added, his smile widening. ¡°Huh?¡± A ragged whisper escaped the lips of a frail, young man, whose body looked thin and shriveled. His brown eyes seemed devoid of life, as if he were struggling to even remain conscious. ¡°The ¡®eye¡¯ I left at the entrance just spotted them!¡± He explained with a confident tone, completely different from how he was behaving mere moments ago. ¡°I didn¡¯t recognize the rest of them, but Lyra¡¯s here. Lyra, Levi!¡± The man known as Ian jumped with delight, his smile widening. At the mention of his sister¡¯s name, Levi¡¯s eyes regained their focus, brimming with life. ¡°No¡­!¡± Levi weakly protested, trying to clench his fists in vain. Ian looked at him and chuckled to himself, clearly amused. ¡°Yes, Levi, yes! Guess mixed-races really do stick together!¡± Ian rejoiced, his unhinged expression of mockery and delight making Levi recoil in both fear and disgust. ¡°D-do¡­n¡¯t¡­¡± Levi stammered, his throat too parched to properly convey his words. His eyes reflected pain and frustration as he watched Ian lick his lips. ¡°I can¡¯t believe she came all the way here, just to die at her brother¡¯s side¡­ that stupid cow.¡± Ian murmured to himself, his eyes shifting to the pile of corpses. ¡°But¡­ I need to keep leveling up¡­ I¡¯ll have to wait for her to come here on her own.¡± He laughed with a deranged excitement, the sound echoing through the room. The laughter attracted a few roaming beasts: a pair of bulky jackals with stone-like fur, who entered the room as they glared and growled at Ian. The man smiled boldly as he faced them, promptly lunging in their direction while an elated expression took over his face. At the same time, Levi¡¯s eyes drifted toward one of the entrances, his thoughts filled with concern. He wished in his heart that his sister wouldn¡¯t come, a feeling of impotence washing over him as he knew he could do nothing to stop her. A single tear escaped from one of his swollen eyes, quickly evaporating as Ian¡¯s unhinged laughter and the sounds of carnage echoed horribly through the room.
Back at the ¡®entrance¡¯ of the dungeon, the group stood around Ascalon, their entire attention on the emblem that rested on his hand. It was moving erratically, twitching, and even appearing to jump slightly¡ªit was almost as if it were alive. ¡°It¡¯s cursed!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, shielding herself with Selorien. The elf sighed with exasperation, and retorted. ¡°Do you really think Ascalon, the holiest person to ever grace the earth, wouldn¡¯t notice if he was carrying around a cursed object?!¡± He exclaimed with clear disbelief. Despite his words, Lilithra grabbed his shoulders and shook him in a panic. ¡°But still!¡± Lilithra reproached while crossing her arms, as Ascalon pondered for a moment, concentrating on the emblem. ¡°I do not feel any ill intent coming from it.¡± He stated, and Lilithra calmed down. Lyra approached sheepishly, her cat ears twitching slightly. ¡°C-can I see it?¡± She asked in a soft, embarrassed tone. Ascalon smiled gently, to try and ease her tension, and presented the amulet to her. Lyra carefully picked it up, her eyes fixed intently on it. ¡°I¡¯ll appraise it.¡± She declared with resolution, while Selorien and Lilithra twitched in surprise. ¡°You heal and appraise?!¡± Lilithra asked, her voice filled with both excitement and admiration. At that very moment, Lilithra reinforced a thought that had crossed her mind back at Loreno¡¯s place: she had gained an amazing ally¡ªan amazing friend. Lyra smiled as her cheeks reddened, and after a brief moment of concentration, a window appeared before her. Before reading it, she shared it to everyone else through the network.
Emblem of the Fallen Knights.
Though defeated and vanquished, their deeds were not forgotten.
Miscellaneous accessory. An emblem from a renowned company of knights. Effects: None. Additional information: * Something resides within.
The group collectively gasped at the revelation. Although it seemed like a normal emblem, for the most part, the last line was greatly unsettling. Ascalon realized that, amidst all that had happened, he had almost forgotten about his other goal in Starugnia: learning more about the emblem¡¯s origins. The unnatural liveliness of the artifact made it even more clear that the city, or even the dungeon itself, had some sort of connection to it. And it was Lyra who had brought it to light. ¡°Thank you, Lady Lyra.¡± Ascalon addressed her, bowing deeply. Lyra blushed and beamed with happiness, as she gave the emblem back to his owner. ¡°No problem!¡± She replied, gaining confidence after being thanked. Meanwhile, Lilithra fidgeted in place, her whole body brimming with excitement. ¡°Something resides within?! That sounds so cool!¡± The horned girl smiled with glee, her eyes sparkling at the emblem¡¯s mystery. ¡°It sounds ominous.¡± Selorien added abruptly, his face showing a smug grin¡ªthough it did feel creepy to him. ¡°Stop ruining it! And stop making it scary!¡± Lilithra reproached, pouting and punching him on the shoulder repeatedly as he giggled. Escarlata, who had been watching silently, was also pretty interested in the whole affair. It was quite the novel event for her, and her curiosity was almost palpable. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Appraise my amulet later, please!¡± Lilithra suddenly requested the cat girl, remembering her own pendant¡ªthe one she had won in the colosseum. She knew the description the announcer had given her, but wanted to have it appraised anyway. Lyra beamed and nodded with enthusiasm, clearly happy to be of help. With that set for later, Lilithra decided to focus on Ascalon and the rest of the journey. Ascalon, deep in thought, wondered about what the description of his amulet could mean. Just what could be ¡®residing¡¯ within? A blessing? A curse? A¡­ being? He sighed as he pondered in silence, his thoughts taking him nowhere as his friends merrily conversed in the background. There was nothing he could do at the moment, other than thinking about what-ifs, anyway. Ascalon took a last look at the emblem, memories flooding in and out of his mind, before slipping it back into his pocket. Just then, a fleeting, strange feeling overcame him. ? ¡°B~ ca~eful.¡± ? It felt like a gentle wind, or a slight caress, and it made him feel reassured. As if spurred on by the feeling, he gathered his bearings and stepped forward. ¡°Shall we press on, then?¡± He asked his friends, who focused their attention on him before exchanging glances. If Ascalon felt like the matter was settled, at least for the time being, they felt they had nothing to worry about. A moment later, they all nodded in response, and promptly joined him. Escarlata, as emotionless as ever, followed after them with an elegant stride. Afterward, Ascalon¡¯s group advanced through the torch-lit corridors, the labyrinthine design making their journey both unpleasant and difficult. The distant shrieks of unknown creatures kept them on edge from time to time, though they hadn¡¯t encountered a single beast as of yet. Still, they had armed themselves just in case, with the exception of Lyra, Ascalon and Escarlata. Lyra didn¡¯t seem to use weapons, while Escarlata kept hers concealed at all times. Ascalon didn¡¯t need to arm himself, but that was not his sole reason for not carrying one. Although spears would work wonders in narrow corridors like these ones, Ascalon would pose a threat to his friends if he were to wield Exemplaris. He knew he would have trouble holding back with his trusty armament on hand, and didn¡¯t want to risk a cave-in or a similar disaster. Ascalon led the group with confident steps, as per usual, while Lilithra peeked from behind, her battle banner clinking occasionally as it grazed the ground. ¡°Sorry!¡± She kept repeating every time, with Lyra giggling after her. Selorien was yawning with both daggers on hand, his laid-back attitude unchanged even deep into a mysterious dungeon. Escarlata kept a close eye on him now that they were in a more dangerous place, since protecting the ¡®young master¡¯ was her top priority. It was no time to get distracted by unnecessary thoughts. As they walked, Ascalon and Escarlata noticed a couple of approaching figures. The next to realize was Selorien, whose sight gave him an advantage over the remaining two girls. The presences seemed to notice the group as well, and started rushing toward them. Finally, Lilithra and Lyra were able to witness the incoming threat: a pair of big, dog-looking creatures, their muscular bodies contrasting with their smaller, jackal-like heads. Their fur was brown and seemed rough, as if it were made of dead grass rather than hair, and their big fangs glistened under the torch-lit corridor. One of the creatures barked, and ran straight at them. Escarlata leaned forward, her figure tensing slightly as she prepared to dart toward the incoming beast. However, Ascalon placed a hand before her, gesturing her to stop. Surprised by the knight¡¯s actions, she peered at him with curiosity, and followed his gaze. There, running ahead from the group was Lilithra, who charged with her banner pointed toward the creature. With a powerful stomp, she launched herself forward, closing the distance faster than the jackal could react to. Amidst its momentary confusion, the beast couldn¡¯t react, and Lilithra¡¯s spear pierced right through its torso. The dog yelped in pain as the girl quickly adjusted her position to spin in place, using the momentum to slam the creature against a nearby wall. Selorien and Lyra watched in awe as Lilithra deftly handled the threat, with Ascalon feeling a sense of pride well up inside. It seemed like she wanted to prove herself after what had happened back at Loreno¡¯s place, and she was showing that her growth had been purposeful. Escarlata realized that she wasn¡¯t needed for the moment, and returned to her usual, elegant posture. The ¡®demon¡¯ girl had some spunk in her after all, the maid thought. The creature was felled at Lilithra¡¯s hands, who removed the spear from its body and sighed with a relieved smile on her face. Lilithra herself was determined to overcome her weakness, though she was still unsure of what that even meant at this point. She had decided to take it a step at a time, starting with clearing this dungeon flawlessly! As her body was filled with renewed strength, the remaining beast lunged at her, baring its pointy fangs. But before it could even get close to its target, Selorien appeared at its side, emerging from stealth and delivering a precise blow to its head. His dagger pierced the creature in a clean, swift movement, and its body promptly dropped to the floor, lifeless. ¡°Don¡¯t hog all of the experience for yourself!¡± Selorien exclaimed in a teasing tone, a playful grin spreading across his face as he wiped the blood off his dagger, in a motion that resembled Escarlata¡¯s. Lilithra simply stuck out her tongue toward the elf in a mischievous fashion. In the distance, Lyra started clapping softly. ¡°Wow!¡± She exclaimed with a shy smile, her tail flickering with excitement. She hadn¡¯t even noticed Selorien moving, and between his attack and Lilithra¡¯s feat, the cat girl couldn¡¯t help but be thoroughly impressed. She recalled their fights in the colosseum, and felt once more that they were truly reliable companions. The thought filled Lyra with hope and courage, especially as they grew closer to where her brother supposedly awaited. Ascalon, on the other hand, thought that Selorien and Lilithra¡¯s friendly squabbles were good for their growth, as both had a tendency to compete in teasing each other. He wondered if they could apply that same motivation to fighting and training! After recomposing themselves, the group returned to their ¡®formation¡¯, with Ascalon leading and Escarlata covering the rear, and resumed their dungeon delving. The place grew more intricate, the maze-like paths getting on their nerves as they found dead-ends at every turn. There were also hidden traps and other mechanisms, though they were useless against the maid¡¯s keen eyes and her vast experience¡ªeven when she spotted them from behind the whole group. Thanks to her, the rest remained mostly unscathed, though Lilithra did have a close call when she nearly fell into a hole filled with spikes. The surprising thing was that some of the presences that Ascalon felt seemed to avoid them, as if aware of them and unwilling to engage. Perhaps it was thanks to Lilithra¡¯s amulet, Ascalon thought, as he recalled the effect that it supposedly had¡ªthe one about inflicting fear on lesser beasts. The presences weren¡¯t as notable as the ¡®dogs¡¯ that had attacked them, so the theory made a lot of sense in his mind. Still, there was no need to bring it up just yet¡ªespecially when a greater threat loomed ahead. ¡°Prepare yourselves.¡± Ascalon declared as he advanced with courage, his friends tensing up at his words but following after him with cautious steps. Escarlata felt more on edge, her eyes narrowing as she readied herself. Moments later, the group emerged from the corridor into a more spacious chamber. Their footsteps echoed against the stone bricks that made up the floor, as they observed the many doors that lead in and out of the room. ¡°It is coming.¡± Ascalon stated as his eye fixed on a specific entrance. His friends and the maid followed his gaze, just in time to see a monstrous beast step into the room. It was a towering, grotesque creature, with a four-legged body clad in stone-like scales. It had two heads in place of one, its form a menacing blend between two different animals. One head was that of a lion, its mane thick and voluminous. A set of huge, pointy teeth protruded from its fierce jaw, and its body seemed to resemble this animal the most. The other head looked like that of a snake, its color making it seem as if its scales were made of sand. A pair of glistening fangs emerged from its mouth, dripping what appeared to be a most vicious venom onto the ground, adding to its dangerous appearance. The beast¡¯s four, separate eyes pierced the group, and the lion head let out a booming roar, causing the entire room to tremble under its might. Aside from Ascalon and Escarlata, the rest of the group recoiled in shock, but readied themselves. This was going to be quite the challenge. Chapter 54 - The Chimera An ominous air filled the room while the creature¡¯s heavy steps made the earth tremble on its wake. It was a beast from another era¡ªa mighty yet horrendous creation of both alchemy and necromancy. Ascalon recognized its twisted features, as a kind of foe he had battled more than once in his time: A chimera. But even with the weight of experience on his side, Ascalon admitted to himself that he had never seen one quite like this. This alone was enough for him to be wary of whatever kind of tricks the monster could be hiding. Adding to that, Ascalon wasn¡¯t alone, so he couldn¡¯t simply risk vanquishing the beast with all his might, due to the possibility of the dungeon collapsing on their heads. Still, the room was more spacious than the corridors they had traveled earlier, so perhaps he could use his armament now. As the humongous being sized them up with his snake head hissing, Ascalon glanced at his friends, who seemed tense but prepared. With a confident smile, he raised his voice. ¡°Courage, my friends!¡± He declared, his fist high in the air. His words startled the group momentarily, but they all nodded in acknowledgment, renewed enthusiasm surging within as a blue screen appeared in front of each of them.
Under his Watchful Gaze.
The knight of knights watches over you; fear not the dark nor the evil.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: S - Level 91. Potential: S. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Ascalon Rendland have a 40% chance of ignoring fear debuffs. Additional effects: Has a 30% chance of rousing up morale. Has a 10% chance of granting -lesser blessing of light-. Has a 8% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
For Lilithra it was a familiar sight, as she had seen the same skill back at the colosseum, though this time she could finally feel the effects! Her body relaxed as her morale increased, her grip on the battle banner tighter. Lilithra beamed with joy, feeling Ascalon close. As for the rest, it was a surprising event. Lyra gasped in awe, feeling her fearfulness vanish in an instant, a soothing warmth filling her chest. Selorien, on the other hand, looked at the screen with a raised eyebrow in an incredulous look, his body feeling more nimble all of a sudden. Just then, a new notification showed up in front of him.
Lesser Blessing of Light.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Holy skill. Rank: Not applicable - Level: Not applicable. Potential: Not applicable. Attribute: Holy. Effects: Raises all stats by 10%. Additional effects: * Enhances resistances against dark and evil attributes by 30%. * Has a 2% chance of upgrading to -moderate blessing of light-.
¡°Ooh~ I lucked out!¡± Selorien exclaimed as a smile spread across his face. The rest were slightly confused for a second, but quickly pieced together what he meant. ¡°Not fair!¡± Lilithra complained, puffing out her cheeks, her eyes focused on the enemy ahead. Escarlata remained impassive, but was extremely interested. Leaving aside her fixation with Ascalon as a person, the skills and feats he was showing as a warrior were something she had to ingrain in her memory. Both to analyze and learn, and also to try and find ways to counter their effects¡ªin case the knight turned his spear toward the L¡¯adariels, for whatever reason. She was a disciplined and loyal maid, and was proud of it! Still, in the back of her mind, she squealed and rejoiced to be considered an ally by him. The chimera itself seemed very curious about them, biding its time before making a move, which was good fortune for sure. Even so, the more time it waited, the more the dread would creep again, fighting against Ascalon¡¯s passive aura. The knight himself realized this, to an extent, so he decided to push things along. ¡°Come forth, foul beast!¡± Ascalon declared, taking a step forward as Exemplaris and Aegis appeared in his hands. Once more, a screen materialized in front of the group.
The personal skill - Heroic Challenge - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Calling forth honor and unwavering resolve, he dares the wicked to test their might against his valor!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: S - Level 93. Potential: S Attribute: Holy. Effects: Those considered as enemies by Ascalon Rendland are forced to engage in combat with him. Additional effects: * Has a 50% chance to bypass all mental protections. * Has a 55% chance to boost the effect, allowing for ¡®boss¡¯ monster taunting. * The effect¡¯s efficacy depends on the enemy¡¯s stats and level.
It was a skill Selorien and Lilithra had seen before¡ªbut it was a bit different this time, since it now showed all of the information instead of having question marks all over. Before they could fully read the skill description, a thunderous roar shook the entire room, small pebbles dropping from the roof as a sign of its magnitude. The creature suddenly burst into a dash, its enormous paws striking the floor with a powerful rhythm, having Ascalon as its objective. Lilithra took the chance to act, raising her banner high and letting her voice be heard. ¡°Be brave!¡± Her courageous rally resounded through the room, and his friends received her blessings. Selorien, especially, felt more stronger than ever, with both his friends passively increasing his stats!
The personal skill - Be Brave - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Her resolution shines on the battlefield, her demonic heart a beacon of hope!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lilithra Vexeria¡¯s unique skill. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.Rank: E - Level 39. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: All units considered an ¡®ally¡¯ by Lilithra Vexeria will get a 14% increase in all stats. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance of shaking off fear debuffs. * Has a 15% chance of rousing up morale. * Has a 0.2% chance of doubling all effects percentages.
Then, as the beast charged toward its prey, compelled by the mighty taunt skill, it shrieked once more atop its lungs. Lyra struggled to maintain her posture, wobbling in place as the scream¡¯s shockwaves hit against her. ¡°S-so strong¡­!¡± The cat girl exclaimed, getting on her knees and placing her hands on the floor, both for balance and to activate her own skill. ¡°Rising tide!¡± She chanted, her voice echoing with a mystical tone.
Rising Tide.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Field type skill Rank: B - Level 72. Potential: A. Attribute: Water. Effects: The user floods the surroundings with water. The amount of water produced depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: * Boosts other water attribute skills¡¯ power and spellcasting speed by 28%. * Can be maintained for as long as the user stays in contact with the water * Decreases the user¡¯s lightning-related affinities by 40%.
Just like when they fought the guards, a stream of water started to manifest from her palms, rushing through the room. This time, however, she exerted her full concentration to manipulate its course, guiding it away from her friends and directing it toward the creature instead. It was clear that she had taken notice of the issues in their previous fight, and applied a change in strategy in order to avoid getting in her companion¡¯s way. Selorien was the first to notice, being the one that had cursed at her for ruining his stealth, and felt a shred of regret mixed with gratitude as he witnessed the girl do her best. Lilithra, on the other hand, was ecstatic to see Lyra in action again! Ascalon, raising his shield at the incoming beast, glanced at Lyra to observe her powers for the first time. She seemed to be an elemental mage¡ªa type of wizard he was quite familiar with, as he had fought side by side with many of them back in Excadia. They were, to say the least, most reliable allies! He wanted to commend her, a nostalgic feeling welling up inside of him, but the chimera¡¯s looming presence forced him to focus. Just mere steps away from him, the beast pounced, both its front claws descending from above with overwhelming force. Ascalon braced himself, planting his feet firmly on the ground and crouching slightly, his shield rapidly raising to intercept the attack. The clash echoed through the room with a resounding boom, the resulting shockwave dispersing not only dirt and dust in all directions, but also repelling the water that Lyra had conjured. Startled, Lyra¡¯s ears twitched. She frowned, determined to concentrate her energy even further and guide her power once more. Meanwhile, the beast pressed down on Ascalon with all its strength, the knight¡¯s legs tensing up at its colossal weight. While he kept the beast at bay, its lion head took bites at the air, trying to maul a piece off him. The serpent¡¯s head, having a will of its own, scanned the room with a vicious stare, in high alert and seemingly unaffected by Ascalon¡¯s taunt skill. ¡°I shall keep it distracted!¡± Ascalon exclaimed as he assessed the situation, knowing that even if the snake remained unfazed, the other head was fully focused on attacking him. It was the perfect time for his friends to act! Lyra, who had been manipulating the water beforehand, was the first to assist the knight as her spell finally reached the beast¡¯s rear paws. ¡°Ocean¡¯s shackles!¡± She mystically chanted, her voice catching the snake¡¯s attention.
Ocean¡¯s Shackles.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Miscellaneous water skill. Rank: C - Level 56. Potential: B. Attribute: Water. Effects: The user sends forth a current of water that wraps around and ensnares their target, limiting its movement. The restraining effect depends on the length to be restrained, the user skill¡¯s rank and level, and the target¡¯s resistances and level. Additional effects: * Has a 10% chance to immobilize the target. * Has a 18% chance to boost the restraining length. * Has a 3% chance to ignore all resistances.
In a moment, the water climbed the chimera¡¯s legs, coiling around them to try and bind its movements. Lilithra, in awe of yet another of Lyra¡¯s skills, rushed ahead with her spear end pointing toward the beast, her charge steadily increasing in speed as she swiftly darted through the room. Selorien, urged by both his friend and the power surging through his body, vanished into the shadows in order to flank the enemy easier. He advanced fearlessly, a smug grin plastered on his face, though an ominous feeling gnawed at the back of his mind. ¡°Careful, Selorien!¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice resounded as he grappled with the beast, forcing the elf to focus on the chimera. Selorien suddenly stopped as he noticed the snake¡¯s eyes firmly fixed on him. ¡°Fuck!¡± He complained with clear irritation, feeling like he had been at a disadvantage at every one of his recent fights. But his frustration didn¡¯t stop there, as his body abruptly froze and alarm bells rang in his mind. ¡°Huh?¡± He muttered, locked into the serpent¡¯s gaze and unable to even blink.
Basilisk Stare.
Hisss!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Creature Skill Rank: A - Level none. Potential: None. Attribute: None. Effects: Paralyzes the target by forcefully maintaining eye contact. Additional effects: * Has a 25% chance of turning the target to stone. * The effect doesn¡¯t end until the Basilisk loses its concentration. * Can be resisted by having a higher combination of stats and level than the Basilisk.
As the information poured in his mind, Selorien¡¯s disappointment and annoyance reached its limits, while his recent encounters flashed in his mind. Back at the colosseum, he suffered a resounding defeat against that crazy glyph girl. Afterward, he was mostly useless when they faced Loren¡¯s goons, who didn¡¯t even use skills against him. And now, the serpent could bloody see through his stealth, the one thing he tried to specialize in¡ªand it could even lock him in place. ¡°This is such a pain!¡± He growled in a powerful voice, his usual laid-back demeanor stepping down as a bubbling anger welled up. Alongside it, another feeling surfaced¡ªa bit of jealousy, as he caught his friend rushing ahead in the corner of his eye. Selorien wasn¡¯t one to dwell on such matters, but at this moment, he felt like he was lagging behind Lilithra. Since Ascalon¡¯s arrival, the timid girl had shown incredible growth, and while he would always be the first to be happy about that, he couldn¡¯t help but think he was stagnating. He, who once thought the entire world was a drag, he who hated troublesome things, was now feeling desperate. As much as he longed to spend his days lazily lounging around, he wanted to remain at his friends¡¯ side¡ªand as things were, Selorien feared he wouldn¡¯t be able to. His spiraling thoughts were halted abruptly as the serpent wailed in pain. Regaining control of his body, Selorien focused on the creature. Ascalon was still engaged in a relentless struggle with the beast, the powerful bout unending. But the snake head, on the other hand, was flailing around as it hissed in fury and pain. Both its eyes had been pierced through¡ªone by a thin, long blade wielded by Escarlata, the other by a sharp, golden spear in the hands of his best friend, Lilithra. Looking back with clear concern, the girl raised her voice. ¡°Selly! Are you okay?!¡± Lilithra called out as she pulled out the banner¡¯s blade from the beast, feeling a bit fearful of its intense presence, even from a distance. At the same time, Escarlata looked at him with a firm stare, her red eyes betraying a hint of relief. Selorien smiled softly, and exhaled deeply as conflicting emotions swirled within him, as he felt both grateful and frustrated at the same time. It was a good wake-up call for him, letting him realize that he needed to take things a bit more seriously. It was time to step up his game! Unbeknownst to him, something was being carefully forged within, shaped by his conviction. As Selorien¡¯s resolution steadily grew, the situation turned for the worse. The beast suddenly snapped out of Ascalon¡¯s taunt, catching the knight momentarily off guard. With a powerful push on his shield, the chimera leaped back to gain some distance. Not even Lyra¡¯s watery grasp managed to stop it, as it easily freed itself from the restraints. Then, the lion¡¯s head appraised its wounded companion, trembling in place as its fury welled up. Its anger surged into an ear-splitting roar that made the entire dungeon quake under its might. Everyone promptly dropped their weapons and covered their ears, the powerful sound causing a pulsating pain in their heads as it reverberated through the room. Without letting its prey react, the beast pounced, but this time toward its nearest target: Lilithra. The girl, unaware of the impending threat with her hands firmly pressed to her ears, looked up in horror as her eyes caught a glimpse of something. The gigantic chimera was falling upon her, its razor sharp claws aiming to take revenge for its wounded head. Ascalon felt a rush of adrenaline, and leaped toward her with all his might, but feared he wouldn¡¯t reach in time. Lyra, for her part, tried desperately to redirect the water to her friend, in hopes of erecting a wall to protect her. But the claws inched ever closer, an inevitable doom permeating the air. Chapter 55 - Advanced Class?! The atmosphere in the room was tense, the torches along the walls flickering drearily as the chimera advanced. Everyone watched the beast with a mix of urgency and fear, their thoughts aligned into one: protect Lilithra. All except for Escarlata, who witnessed the scene with a cold stare, her intention to not intervene being made clear. But just as she held her hand back, one other had once promised to do the exact opposite. Selorien felt time slowing down, recalling the day he had solemnly vowed to stand by Lilithra¡¯s side. Her current helpless expression reminded him of that day. It was a bleak, ordinary Tuesday for most people, but for him, it had been a life-changing moment. That afternoon, he had escaped from the L¡¯adariels¡¯ mansion, determined to find that ¡®demon¡¯, despite his Grandfather¡¯s orders. But when he found her, Selorien couldn¡¯t help but reconsider if that girl could really be a wicked creature. He watched from afar for a while, hearing all kinds of insults, and witnessing cruel, one-sided violence. At some point, he couldn¡¯t stand to watch anymore, and approached. His presence had made a group of kids scatter. In their place remained a small Lilithra, standing still, her vacant, puffed eyes looking up at him. Her tears were all dried up, and her expression was nothing like the cheerful, kind girl she was in the present. Her face was swollen, and she had bruises all over. How could such a small girl be forced to carry such a heavy burden? One unfairly dropped onto her by her parents. Selorien remembered vividly how he had clenched his fists, his usual uncaring attitude being broken through by the sight of Lilithra¡¯s weak complexion. She managed a small smile, as if trying to reassure him, bottling-up her own pain just to try and ease a stranger¡¯s conflicted expression. Amidst Selorien¡¯s disdain and disinterest for the world, a spark of resolution was ignited. Was it pity? Perhaps, but it mattered not. It was the first time he had really wanted to do something, a sense of purpose surging from the deepest part of his very soul. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Selorien began with a firm tone. The small Lilithra tilted her head, confused. ¡°I¡¯m Selorien.¡± He continued, smiling gently. The girl hesitated, but replied shyly. ¡°I-I¡¯m Lil-Lilithra¡­¡± She muttered, shrinking slightly, as if she feared he would lash out for some reason. ¡°Lil, huh?¡± Selorien replied, as she looked at him intently. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home, okay?¡± He said as gently as he managed, not used to caring for others, and extending a hand toward her. She took a moment to process the situation, taken aback by his offer and probably wary of his intentions. Still, she looked so frail and defeated, she had no strength to even refuse¡ªand her eyes had a spark of hope in them, a yearning for a friendly interaction. Lilithra took his hand, and both set out, slowly. In his heart, he promised. That he would stand by her side¡ªa vow he would repeat aloud to her, later on. As the memory faded Selorien remembered how he had to explain himself to Raphael, and the fear the man had instilled in him. It made him chuckle. But it was no time for a laugh. Lilithra was a moment away from being crushed by the chimera¡¯s fierce attack. But¡­ something was weird. That had been a pretty long-winded memory, yet the beast was still mid-air, as if frozen in time. Selorien was confused, but thought maybe he could take advantage of that strange event¡ªperhaps he could even save Lilithra now! But soon, he realized he couldn¡¯t move either. What was going on? He wondered as his attention gathered in one spot: a blue screen hovering right in front of his face. Surprised that he hadn¡¯t seen it until now, he peered at its contents with suspicion.
Congratulations, Selorien L¡¯adariel. Your perseverance and a desire to change have been heard. Class promotion requirements have been unlocked!
A class promotion?! He felt a rush of excitement wash over him, and a sting of regret due to the situation, as this was no time to be happy about these things. Still, class promotions were incredibly rare. As he pondered about that, the screen started showing more information.
In order to conclude your class promotion, complete the following quest.
A quest? Why was the network giving him a task all of a sudden? The elf thought of the games he usually played on his phone, finding the whole ordeal amusing.
Deal the finishing blow to the boss monster of the Shaded Grove.
The what? The name meant nothing to him, though he assumed it was a dungeon of some sort. He felt scammed, knowing that even games gave more info than that! But the next screen replaced the welling irritation by a sense of elation.
Please read carefully the following content before accepting or denying the quest.
* Two skills from your advanced class will be unlocked to aid you in your task. * Once accepted, the quest cannot be canceled. * There is no time limit to complete the quest. * Denying the quest will reset the requirements for class promotion. Note: it might never happen again. Do you accept the quest?
Confirm / Deny
Was that some kind of joke? Who in their right mind would deny, especially after being told it might never happen again? Selorien didn¡¯t hesitate, and confirmed in his mind.
You have accepted the quest. The two skills have been added. Good luck!
And with these written words, the screen flickered, being replaced by two new, shiny skills for him to appraise. In complete admiration of the newfound power, Selorien felt as if the world breathed again¡ªit was his que to act.
While Selorien felt a brief moment of leisure, the scene unfolded as normal for the rest, their desperation growing as the chimera¡¯s threat loomed closer. Time had not stopped for them, clearly, and every second counted as they rushed to protect Lilithra. Ascalon knew he was a second too late, the creature¡¯s claw a mere breath away from the girl. His heart sank, knowing he was going to fail, and wishing his companions could do something in his stead. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Lyra, though doing her very best, was feeling the exhaustion of manipulating her energy continuously for so long, and the water she meant to use as a protective wall was not even close to reaching Lilithra¡¯s position. To add to that, Escarlata had remained in place, unwilling to assist¡ªsomething Ascalon couldn¡¯t ignore. The situation was growing dire, but suddenly, hope shone through in an unexpected turn of events. As Ascalon reached Lilithra and shielded her with his body, confusion spread across his face. Wasn¡¯t there supposed to be a chimera there? In its place stood Selorien, a huge smile adorning his confident expression as he looked around, seemingly ecstatic. ¡°Huh?!¡± Lyra abruptly exclaimed in astonishment, eyes wide and all. Even Escarlata twitched in surprise at what had just happened. From Lilithra¡¯s perspective, the colossal, looming creature had turned black very briefly, before vanishing. Suddenly, a new black figure appeared, quickly taking the form of Selorien instead. Lilithra was at a loss of words, while Ascalon side-eyed the beast, now a good distance away from them. It was clearly as shocked as them, its lion head moving in all directions as it searched for its prey. Amidst his elation, Selorien noticed the understandable confusion, and raised his voice with a smug tone. ¡°You¡¯re all hopeless!¡± He declared in a joking manner, the tension slightly easing up around the group as he fiddled with his network interface. Ascalon sighed as he held Lilithra close, utterly relieved that she was safe. The girl, in his arms, was still completely taken aback, her eyes darting from Selorien to the beast, trying to come up with an explanation in her head. It was then that a screen appeared before everyone¡ªa window that Selorien had shared with them.
Phantom Swap.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Unique -advanced class- skill. Rank: A - Level 81. Potential: S. Attribute: Darkness. Effects: The user can swap positions with an enemy or ally within sight, as long as both are standing in or near a shadow. Additional effects: * When swapping with an enemy, the target experiences brief confusion. * The swap has a chance to fail depending on the enemy¡¯s level. * If used while in stealth, the user gains a 10% damage bonus to their next attack. * If used while in stealth and swapping with an ally, the ally gains momentary stealth. * Both the user and the target gain invincibility while swapping. * Can only be used once per target per day until it fully reaches its potential.
Everyone, Escarlata included, gazed with awe at Selorien¡¯s skill. Ascalon marveled at its description, thinking it was an incredible ability, especially since the ¡®within sight¡¯ part felt really strong for an elf, who could see things at very long distances. Lilithra, on the other hand, behaved as usual. ¡°O.M.G! Advanced class?!¡± She exclaimed, her fists clenched hard and her eyes sparkling with unbridled excitement. ¡°Selly!¡± Lilithra added, her face painted with glee, feeling proud of her friend. Selorien chuckled, slightly embarrassed, while in the distance Lyra spoke up. ¡°Amazing!¡± The cat girl joined with enthusiasm, a single word of admiration escaping her lips. She was feeling as excited as Lilithra at the prospect of an advanced class, something she had only heard about in rumors. The remaining one, Escarlata, let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯ as she pondered something to say about the matter. But she decided against it, as her red eyes caught a glimpse of the beast moving. Although the battle had proved beneficial for the young master, she felt it had gone long enough. ¡°Let us get rid of it.¡± The maid suggested, causing everyone¡¯s attention to shift, her cold but courteous tone directed at Ascalon alone. The knight didn¡¯t even look at her, as he mulled over her actions. As much as he wanted to reproach her unwillingness to help Lilithra, he decided to put it aside for the moment. He let go of Lilithra, who looked at him with a smile, grateful for his protection¡ªbut her kind expression stung at him, as he was too late to protect her. It had been a miracle that Selorien managed to awaken a new skill, perhaps even divine intervention! As he thought that, he felt the emblem in his pocket stirring. There it was, once again, acting as if it were alive¡­ but there was no time to dwell on the mysterious trinket, as the chimera roared once more, its eyes focused on them. Casting a side glance at Escarlata, Ascalon nodded, and the maid rushed forward in response. Her figure blurred as she crossed the distance in the blink of an eye, leaving the rest of the group marveling at her astonishing speed. The chimera reacted as quickly, raising its right paw to the side before sweeping it down with thunderous force, aiming at where the maid would arrive. Surprised by the beast¡¯s reaction time, Escarlata came to an abrupt halt just before the razor-sharp claw could strike her. Both monsters sized each other up, and the sophisticated maid swayed slightly in place, her form warping the air around her. In an instant, Escarlata¡¯s figure seemed to split in all directions, a multitude of her now dashing around the creature as it roared fearlessly. The group was awestruck by her movements, watching Escarlata showcase one of her most powerful skills. Lilithra wondered just how strong one would have to be to unlock that kind of potential within them, while a curious feeling welled up inside of her. It was like jealousy, but not quite¡­ it was more like a fierce resolve! She longed once more to achieve that level of might, to stand side by side by her amazing companions, and to never feel like a burden to them. A fiery determination ignited inside of her. She picked up her banner, gripping it tightly and nodding to herself in a sign of self-reassurance. In the next moment, she burst in a dash toward the beast, surprising everyone with her actions. ¡°I don¡¯t want to just sit and watch!¡± She declared with confidence, her conviction shining through like a beacon amidst the battle, fueling both Lyra and Selorien with inspiration. The elf promptly moved, his figure disappearing into the shadows as he followed his friend. Ascalon smiled, a mix of gentleness and pride showing on his face as he watched the girl charging ahead with all her might. ¡°Oh, Lilithra¡­¡± He whispered to himself, his chest overflowing with warmth and admiration at her perseverance and optimism. While Lilithra advanced, Escarlata and her other selves attacked the beast relentlessly, slashing and stabbing at every chance. Despite her skillful assault, the monstrosity rampaged around and endured, clawing at the afterimages without hesitation or concern, its resilience a sign of its prowess. It was more than clear that the chimera was a high-level monster, intelligent and prideful, and that it felt there was still a chance at victory. Its serpentine head seemed to have recovered enough to hiss and move, although its eyes were still clogged with dried blood. Lyra, who had regained her focus, now felt even more motivated thanks to Lilithra. She reached the beast with her spell and used the binding skill once more, sending water coiling around its legs. The chimera fought against the growing pressure, its attention now divided¡ªit was the perfect time to strike. Upon arriving at the perfect distance, she stomped on the ground and launched herself forward, the momentum of her advance allowing for a swift lunge. Her weapon pierced the lion¡¯s neck without much resistance, the spear sinking deep into its flesh. At the same time, Selorien emerged from stealth just above the creature, having jumped beforehand in order to attack its back. His daggers gleamed as he prepared his skill.
Phantom Stab.
In the deep shadows a blade glimmers, striking true at the heart of evil!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Selorien L''adariel unique skill. Rank: E - Level 39. Potential: S. Attribute: Darkness. Effects: A precise and powerful strike that makes use of both the user¡¯s strength and agility. Additional effects: * Has a 32% damage increase when used while in a state of invisibility. * Has a 6% chance of dealing double the damage while in a state of invisibility. * Has a 6% damage increase when properly timing consecutive uses. * Penalty: Has 39% reduced damage when not properly timing consecutive uses.
The combined force of his powerful stabs and the momentum of his descent made both daggers pierce through the stone-like fur of the beast. Both Lilithra and his attack had hit at the same time, causing a great deal of pain to the monstrosity. The chimera wailed, its massive body hunching in pain. Without missing her chance, Escarlata increased the speed and power of her attacks, a whirlwind of blades tearing into the beast¡¯s body. But Ascalon, from a distance, noticed the spark of defiance in the creature¡¯s eyes. It was not over yet! Chapter 56 - The Chimera part 2 Giving Ascalon no time to warn the others, the chimera suddenly sprang to its full height, both of its jaws opening simultaneously to let out the most earth-shattering roar as of yet. The dungeon trembled violently, the intensity making pillars crumble and the earth to crack. Escarlata¡¯s afterimages flickered and vanished under the sheer power of the creature¡¯s booming cry, a shockwave so powerful that even her real form staggered back. She bit her lips in annoyance as she leapt away while avoiding the crumbling debris, fleeing from the chimera¡¯s fierce display of anger. Lilithra and Selorien were both repelled back, their figures flying through the air before crashing against the ground and rolling a few times, while a pulsating pain assaulted their eardrums thanks to the chimera¡¯s roar. They both struggled against the throbbing agony, but slowly rose up to their feet. Lyra¡¯s binding spell was completely neutralized, the water around the creature being effortlessly blown back and vaporizing. In response, she stopped concentrating on her skills and shielded her ears instead, a pained expression showing on her face. Ascalon stood still, his sole eye focused on the enemy. The monstrosity, under its unending scream, started to glow slightly. The amulet on Ascalon¡¯s pocket stirred once more, a slight warm spreading across him. Taken aback, he clutched it against his chest, wondering if it was reacting to the creature¡¯s growing power. Just what was going on with his emblem? As that fleeting thought crossed his mind, he witnessed a strange change in his foe¡¯s demeanor. To everyone¡¯s shock, the chimera¡¯s body convulsed violently, the sound of snapping bones and tearing muscles reaching their ears. The horrifying sight escalated, as a hideous, viscous protuberance began to slowly grow between its two heads. The lump swelled and shifted, its form changing rapidly to a reddish hue. Glistening scales dripping with mucus began to cover its flesh, as the end of it took the shape of a new creature. A draconic head emerged from the chimera, its yellow, newly-born eyes brimming with life. It slowly appraised its surroundings with curiosity, its other two heads screeching as if to welcome it into the world. The group¡¯s morale plummeted as they took in the grotesque scene. A dragon head¡ªjust the notion sent a chill down their spines. Dragons were among the most powerful beings in existence; and it showed, as even a mere head was making their resolve waver. The ominous presence it exuded was so strong, that it almost overcame the passive fear resistance provided by Ascalon¡¯s skill. Lilithra gulped loudly, gripping her banner tightly. She had only heard of such creatures in fiction. From tales of their greed, cunning, and intelligence, to being portrayed as formidable foes in games. The thing she could be sure of, was that they were always, and without a doubt, a challenge worthy of the mightiest heroes. But there it was, a dragon in front of them. The reality of facing such a legendary creature, even if it was only a head, was both thrilling and terrifying. Her face showed a nervous expression, as her eyes darted from the creature to each one of her friends, her thoughts of concern overwhelming her other thoughts. Selorien looked amazed, a small grin plastered on his face, likely thinking about games too. He held his daggers in a firm grip, his stance low but a bit unsteady, as the pulsating pain in their eardrums had barely subsided. Lyra, on the other hand, appeared terrified, her small figure crouching in place as she held both hands to her ears. Despite the current situation, Lilithra couldn¡¯t help but think she looked adorable, like a small animal cowering after being scolded. She shook her head to disperse the intrusive thoughts, her eyes focusing on Escarlata. As expected, the maid was standing tall and composed, her sight firmly focused on the chimera. Just what was going on through her ruthless mind? As Lilithra wondered about that, her eyes reached the last member of the group. Ah, there it was, Ascalon¡ªthe sole reason they were still in place and not running away, thanks to his passive aura. She didn¡¯t know if that was entirely a good thing, but she had the utmost confidence that things would be okay, that the knight would lead them to victory. Her firm belief in Ascalon made her resolution flare, easing up some of her nervousness. In contrast with her growing calmness, the chimera¡¯s dragon head cried. Although it wasn¡¯t as strong of a roar as that of the other heads, what followed was way more alarming. The draconic being opened its mouth wide, and its neck began to swell as something slowly surged up from deep within. In the next moment, a fierce stream of fire erupted from the dragon¡¯s maw, illuminating the surroundings and clashing with the ceiling, flames spreading in all directions. The group, aside from Ascalon, was caught off guard. Despite the attack not being aimed at them, they could feel the danger it posed as the temperature began to rise around them. It was up to him to stand up and face the beast. Ascalon tightened the grip on his lance and shield, while stepping forward with unwavering courage. ¡°Come, let us continue!¡± Ascalon declared, his voice booming with authority. He planned to taunt the creature once more, but oddly enough, his skill didn¡¯t activate. In its place appeared another blue screen, and he peered at it with a raised eyebrow.
The skill -Heroic Challenge- has failed to taunt Draconic Head. The Boss monster can¡¯t be taunted while in its enraged state.
The screen left him astonished, as he had never encountered this ¡®enraged state¡¯ thing before¡ªthough, well, he didn¡¯t have the network interface back in Excadia. Even so, the creature seemed to be struggling, the snake head hissing furiously in his direction, though still eye-less. The other lion head growled at it, while the dragon one peered around curiously. The chimera¡¯s paws scratched the ground, its body twitching and behaving erratically. Could the taunt have worked on the snake head? Ascalon recalled how the lion had been taunted before, but the serpent remained in control of its free will. Perhaps every head was considered a separate monster, meaning they had their own resistances and whatnot. It was no surprise that it hadn¡¯t affected the draconic head, as even in an infant state these creatures had an absurdly imposing will of their own. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ascalon pondered as he walked forward, appraising the chimera as its heads fought for control. If he couldn¡¯t taunt them with his ¡®skill¡¯, then he simply had to force their attention by engaging in combat! In a flash, he burst forth, his spear cutting through the air like an unstoppable projectile¡ªthough being severely limited in strength due to him deliberately holding back. The rest watched in awe as the knight advanced, and decided it was time to act as well! Lilithra ran forward with all her might, charging with the spear pointed at the chimera just like she had done before. ¡°I¡¯m going!¡± She exclaimed with confidence. She was steadily getting the hang of that kind of attack, and the network rewarded her efforts in response.
Charge Forth.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Thrusting skill. Rank: D - Level 52. Potential: A. Attribute: None. Effects: The user charges forward with the weapon aimed ahead, carrying the momentum into a piercing thrust. Additional effects: * Damage depends on the user''s stats and level. * Gains a boost to attack depending on distance traveled and how much momentum is maintained.
Lilithra¡¯s eyes widened as she saw a new skill appearing before her, a gleeful grin spreading across her face. With her motivation renewed, she put more strength into her dash. Selorien smiled boldly at his friend, and dashed alongside her as he entered the shadows. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Before anyone else could react, Ascalon had reached the beast, and his trusty Exemplaris pierced its torso. The creature wailed in agony, their earlier confusion being replaced by anger once more as the three heads focused on him. Seeing the chimera recoil, Lyra clenched her fists in determination before placing both hands on the ground, directing a flow of water toward the beast once again. She knew it wasn¡¯t doing much, but she wanted to be of help! At the same time, Ascalon raised his shield preemptively, just as the lion¡¯s maw snapped shut on it, biting at the steel. The snake did the same¡ªthough in its blindness, it had trouble aiming at the knight, relying solely on its tongue to feel around. It snapped its maw at the air multiple times, with Ascalon barely avoiding some of the bites. While Aegis kept the lion at bay, Ascalon withdrew his spear, only to thrust it back into the chimera¡¯s body with a series of powerful and precise thrusts. ¡°Have at you!¡± Ascalon declared as the barrage forced the creature to stagger, its cries growing as pain and desperation assailed it. Then, the dragon let out a piercing screech, its maw aiming right at the knight¡¯s face as a glowing fire could be seen building up within its throat. Ascalon braced for the impact, confident in his ability to withstand the elements. He recalled the day he was defeated¡ªa colossal fireball raining down from above. If he could endure that kind of hellish fire, an infant dragon¡¯s breath would be no issue! Still, he realized the draconic head was growing by the minute, and letting it fully manifest would turn the tide of battle against them. Unaware of both Ascalon¡¯s fire resistance and the impending danger of the dragon¡¯s growth, his friends acted on his behalf. Selorien emerged from the shadows, his figure now reflected in the eye of the dragon, who appraised it with curiosity. Without the slightest hesitation, the elf struck the dragon head on its side with a piercing stab. The scales were tough as steel, and although Selorien had carefully aimed his dagger at a space in-between, the creature had barely flinched. It was at that moment that a voice cut through the air, startling him. ¡°Young master, let go of the dagger!¡± Escarlata ordered with a commanding voice. Selorien, slightly taken aback, stepped back and released the dagger from his grip just as a black stiletto darted past his face. Escarlata lunged forward with a flying kick, her dress fluttering behind her and revealing a pair of sophisticated garters over her trained legs, which kept her long stockings in place. She felt it was indecorous, but had no time to care about that! The sole of her stiletto struck the dagger¡¯s hilt with great force, pushing the blade further and finally piercing through it¡¯s scaled hide. The strength of her attack diverted the dragon head to the side, away from Ascalon, and Escarlata smiled with relief at her own actions as she swiftly landed a couple of steps away. The creature wailed slightly, as a relenting torrent of flames erupted from inside its jaws, muffling its sounds of protest. Replacing the dragon¡¯s cry, the lion roared as flames engulfed it, the unending stream of fire searing through its fur. The snake head hissed in pain, while the dragon head flailed in a panic, the fire cascading around the room from above. Selorien and Escarlata quickly retreated with careful backsteps, realizing being close to the panicked beast was too dangerous. Ascalon remained in place, his shield raised high as he watched the lion head. It moved furiously as the fire receded, though the burning pain lingered. Amidst the fiery rain, Lilithra stomped on the ground in a decisive leap, her banner piercing the air as it met its mark: the disconcerted lion head. Her cross-shaped spear penetrated the creature¡¯s head, its cry of anguish making the other heads twitch in response. As the banner pierced deep, she used the momentum of her jump to place both her feets on the chimera¡¯s body, and using it as a foothold, she jumped back. As the spear was removed from the beast, it let out another, weaker cry, a stream of blood following in Lilithra¡¯s wake. She landed gracefully at a safe distance, her deft movements surprising even herself. Just as she began to process her feats, a fireball struck the floor beside her, startling her into a panicked yelp. ¡°Nicely done, Lilithra!¡± Ascalon exclaimed with clear elation. ¡°The lion has been vanquished!¡± He added, and a surge of excitement swept from the room. Everyone focused on the chimera, and saw how the lion head was hanging limp, completely still. Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled, encouraged by her growing strength, though a bit saddened by the sight. Even if they had been aided by the very same creature¡¯s attack, they had managed to defeat one of its heads. ¡°Let us push further!¡± Ascalon declared, urging his friends to not relent. As if answering his call, a wall of water erupted in front of the beast. ¡°I-I will help, too!¡± Lyra suddenly screamed in a surprisingly bold voice as she concentrated on her spell. She wanted to try something new, an idea she had considered but had never put into action. And fueled by her rising confidence, her thoughts became a reality. The water wall started to grow and bend, enveloping the creature. In its pain and confusion, the chimera watched helplessly as it was confined by an enormous, shimmering water bubble. A screen appeared before Lyra, who smiled with glee at the sight.
Hydro Sphere.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Defensive skill. Rank: B - Level 71. Potential: B. Attribute: Water. Effects: An advanced application of Cascade Barrier. Envelops an area with a spherical barrier of water capable of defending against both magical and physical attacks, including projectiles. The strength of the barrier depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level, and the attribute of the shielded attack. Additional effects: * Can be maintained for as long as the user stays in contact with the water. * Has a 40% chance of repelling attacks with a burst of water. * Enemies confined within suffer a 2% penalty to their stats. * Decreases lightning-related affinities by 60% for both allies and enemies confined within.
As she read the skill, she tightened her focus, hoping to maintain the creature restrained for as long as she could. Ascalon watched in awe, admiring the girl''s water sphere as his amulet stirred once more, though with greater, increasing force¡ªit was as if it wanted to get his attention, somehow. ? ¡°Go fo~th.¡± ? Amidst curious stares, Ascalon vanished his shield and brought the emblem out, feeling strangely compelled to advance. Without hesitation, he pushed through the water barrier effortlessly, and stepped into the chimera¡¯s confinement. The dragon head regarded him with an impassive stare, its features having grown more regal and imposing¡ªit had reached a mature state. Its intelligent eyes made Ascalon feel uneasy, but, at the same time, the water around him began to glow in a golden, soothing light. The rest watched in confusion, Lyra most of all, as strange sigils and glyphs started to envelop the barrier¡ªmystical words willed itselves into existence, its ethereal glow making for an enchanting and mysterious view. Ascalon was taken aback, but felt a familiar presence. ¡°This is¡­?¡± He muttered, reading ancient but familiar writing. It was a protective spell, one of divine nature, and that could withstand his might. As he pieced together the meaning behind it, he smiled at the unexpected, but favorable event. Ascalon then began to radiate an incandescent light, his overwhelming presence propagating through the sphere and making the dragon flinch. As his blessing activated, Ascalon drew Exemplaris back, and then pierced forth, a most powerful sound echoing against the barrier walls. The dungeon trembled very slightly, even when his power was being contained.
Blessed be the knight.
He carries the weightiest burden, a celestial might to vanquish evil!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique passive skill. Rank: Not applicable - Not applicable. Potential: Not applicable. Attribute: Celestial. Effects: Ascalon Rendland calls forth divine aid to bolster his stats immensely and add the celestial attribute to all of his skills.
-Celestial- Realm Piercer.
Evil shall be split asunder, for this knight of knights wills it so!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy Celestial. Effects: Ascalon Rendland pierces forward in a powerful strike.
Without needing to hold back, Ascalon¡¯s unrestrained attack devastated the weakened beast in an instant, and without allowing the dragon to fully manifest. The golden, protective sphere cracked under his overwhelming force, showing that it had barely held on. But the amulet stirred, as if overcome with joy, and Ascalon sighed as he peered at it, wondering just what kind of being dwelled within. Chapter 57 - Face to Face with Ian The dust flying around the room slowly settled as the mystical glyphs that surrounded the barrier started to dissipate. The sphere slowly lost its glow, and the water that had once given form to the earlier brilliance fell to the ground with a resounding splash. The group observed the knight in awe, having witnessed what most people would consider a miracle. It was an enrapturing view. The towering Ascalon stood still as light slowly drifted down around him, sparkling as it cascaded down. The water beneath him shimmered slightly, and reflected his pensive expression as he gazed upon his emblem. The rest were so focused on him that none of them noticed their level up notifications. Escarlata peered at Ascalon with a perplexed expression, though she quickly regained her composure and chastised herself for faltering. But how could she not waver at the sight of such a powerful being? She let out a deep breath, trying to calm down her bubbling veneration. Ah, if only she could be like the rest and show her admiration freely. As if to mock her conflict, Selorien skipped ahead from the group and stopped at Ascalon¡¯s side, whistling as he took in the aftermath of the event. The elf wondered if he would ever get accustomed to seeing such a raw display of power, though he also knew Ascalon wasn¡¯t one to exert himself often. ¡°How¡¯s the thingie?¡± Selorien asked with a smile, and Ascalon peeked at him. Following the elf¡¯s intrigued gaze, Ascalon realized that the emblem was most likely the ¡®thingie¡¯. ¡°Hmmm¡­ I am not sure.¡± He replied, sighing softly as he raised the amulet. It was quiet and unmoving, as if it were dormant, nothing like what Ascalon had felt earlier. Lilithra, on the other hand, was smiling with an elated look on her face, her eyes sparkling with admiration and her hands tightly gripping her banner. If her armament were alive, it would probably protest at the treatment. But she couldn¡¯t help but be amazed! The monster they had been fighting for so long, and that had even evolved mid-fight, was vanquished in an instant by the mighty knight. She shyly approached, and peeked from Ascalon¡¯s side. ¡°Nice job, master!¡± She exclaimed with enthusiasm, her smile beaming like the sun. Meanwhile Selorien inspected the remains and grabbed some loot¡ªmaterials from the chimera, which were probably quite rare. He wondered just how these had endured Ascalon¡¯s onslaught. Still, the elf had felt the omnipotent power of the network firsthand, as time had seemingly stopped around him when they were fighting earlier¡ªand items not being damaged after obliterating a monster didn¡¯t sound that weird, after that. Selorien smirked as he wondered if Lyra could appraise these for them later. Just then, the sound of hurried steps could be heard. ¡°Master?¡± A voice brimming with curiosity sounded from behind Lilithra, and looking over her shoulder she saw Lyra trotting to them. ¡°Oh¡­ right, yeah¡­ uhm¡­ Ascalon helped me train a while ago and I, uh¡­ decided to call him that¡­ sometimes.¡± Lilithra stammered as she explained herself with an embarrassed expression, her cheeks slightly flushed and her eyes darting around nervously. Lyra opened her eyes wide, clapping once as she arrived by them. ¡°Ohh~! No wonder you pulled off that cool move back there!¡± The cat girl declared, her voice full of admiration. Her huge smile made Lilithra feel even more bashful. It was clear that Lilithra¡¯s nimble attack against the lion head had been worthy of praise! ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Selorien suddenly chimed in, turning toward Lilithra and grabbing her by the shoulders. ¡°That attack was crazy!¡± The elf exclaimed with energy, startling Lilithra as he shook her slightly. ¡°You really went all out!¡± He added with clear happiness in his tone, and Lilithra blushed even more. ¡°Y-yeah¡­ b-but! You also have a new cool skill!¡± Lilithra remarked, her cheerfulness almost palpable as she turned the praise around. Lyra nodded a few times in agreement, while Selorien puffed out his chest with pride. ¡°He! Say that again when I show you the other one~!¡± Selorien¡¯s lips curled into a smug smile, and both girls exchanged surprised glances. ¡°Another one?!¡± Lyra asked, her ears twitching in excitement. At that moment, Ascalon turned to them as he put the emblem in his pocket, intrigued about their conversation. Escarlata watched from a distance, while Lilithra gasped as she remembered something quite important. ¡°Ah! Advanced class! Tell me more, now!¡± She demanded as she stepped forward, invading the elf¡¯s personal space and causing him to backstep in annoyance. ¡°Chill!¡± He replied with a smirk as he traced the air with his fingers, looking up the details about his quest¡ªthough he abruptly stopped as he realized that, perhaps, it was not the best time. ¡°Maybe later¡­¡± He said with a smile, but Ascalon waved at him as if to reassure him. ¡°Go on, I am interested too.¡± He stated, nodding at the elf. ¡°You all should take the chance to rest for a moment, after all.¡± Ascalon mentioned, smiling gently. Both Lilithra and Lyra let out a relieved sigh, as they both felt quite strained. The cat girl was feeling a bit guilty for stopping once again, but she really needed some rest after manipulating her spells for so long¡­ even if she wasn¡¯t that helpful against the chimera. She groaned as Lilithra patted her head, seemingly in tune with her thoughts. ¡°Alright¡­¡± Selorien said with a content expression. ¡°Well, I got a quest¡­ but it tells me to deal the ¡®finishing blow to the Shaded Grove boss¡¯.¡± He explained as Lilithra and Lyra let out curious sounds, and Ascalon watched him with interest. ¡°The thing is!¡± Selorien added, his face contorting into a grimace. ¡°It doesn¡¯t even tell me where that is!¡± He exclaimed in frustration, frowning as he read the text over and over. They weren¡¯t even giving him a single hint! His friends exchanged suspicious glances, wondering why the network needed to be so cryptic about it. But, thinking about it more deeply, it kind of made sense that the advanced classes had weird requirements, otherwise they wouldn¡¯t be as rare. Maybe. Surprisingly, Escarlata stepped closer to them, and cleared her throat before speaking. ¡°Yes, that is how they usually are.¡± She explained, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°How do you know?¡± Selorien asked in return with a curious stare, knowing that Escarlata wasn¡¯t one for small talk, so there had to be some meaning to her joining the conversation. ¡°Because I have met a few that unlocked their own requirements for advancing their classes. And¡­¡± She paused for a moment, as if unsure to continue. ¡°I also have a quest of my own.¡± Escarlata finally added, taking the rest by surprise. ¡°Huh!?¡± Selorien blurted out, while Lilithra and Lyra peeked at the maid with admiration, clearly fascinated by her words. Ascalon stared at her with clear anticipation, urging her to continue. Under his gaze, Escarlata couldn¡¯t help but squirm and comply. ¡°Ehem. I do not want to make you feel bad, young master, but¡­ I have had this quest for over a year now.¡± She declared, shocking everyone with the revelation. Selorien most of all, as he clutched his head with both hands and groaned. ¡°I knew it was too good to be true! Damn it!¡± He complained and started to grumble to himself. Seeing him like that, Lilithra patted his back softly. ¡°But hey, at least you got some new skills!¡± She tried to reassure him. ¡°And we¡¯ll help you with your quest too!¡± Lilithra added, her voice brimming with enthusiasm at the prospect of adventure. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Escarlata nodded and chimed in. ¡°There is no issue with receiving aid for the quests, as far as I know.¡± She said, her red eyes appraising the group. ¡°And just because mine has been eluding me so far, it does not mean yours will too, young master.¡± She continued, trying to ease him a bit. It was rare of her to be so considerate, so Selorien smiled slightly. ¡°What kind of quest do you have?¡± Lyra shyly asked all of a sudden, her brown eyes gleaming with intrigue. Escarlata hesitated again, but slowly opened up. ¡°My quest demands I ¡®rekindle the light in the darkness¡¯.¡± She read the quest for them, and the group gasped in amazement. Then, silence followed, and after a few moments, Selorien replied. ¡°And¡­?¡± He asked, urging her to continue. ¡°That is all.¡± Escarlata replied, and Selorien stomped the ground with clear irritation. ¡°That¡¯s even worse than mine, what the hell?!¡± The elf reproached as he groaned, while Lilithra and Lyra exchanged dumbfounded glances. ¡°That¡¯s just mean! Stupid network!¡± Lilithra blurted out, feeling annoyed at the cryptic quests. How were they supposed to complete them with barely any information? Ascalon pondered, deep in thought, wondering if Escarlata¡¯s quest was some kind of riddle. He gave up shortly after, though, and exhaled in frustration before speaking up. ¡°Well, no use dwelling on these matters now.¡± He declared as he pointed with his spear toward one of the many doors in the room. ¡°That should be the right path. Shall we proceed?¡± Ascalon asked with a gentle voice, letting the rest know it was a mere suggestion. He planned to wait until they were all rested and ready, since he didn¡¯t know how much longer they would have to explore or what kind of dangers awaited. Selorien stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied sigh as he nodded. Lilithra gave a thumbs up and a smile, and looked over at Lyra, knowing that she was probably the most tired. Despite that, Lyra nodded frantically, her soft fists clenched tightly. ¡°I¡¯m ready to go!¡± She voiced her resolution aloud, and the rest smiled with tenderness. She truly was a creature they needed to protect! Escarlata, for the most part, remained serene and exuded an air of being always ready. With everyone¡¯s approval, Ascalon set out, the group following close behind. They advanced through the labyrinthine tunnels once more, though this time the journey felt easier. Many of the traps had been dealt with, probably by Ian¡¯s hand, and the few creatures they encountered posed no threat after having vanquished the chimera. It didn¡¯t take long until Ascalon felt a presence, one that didn¡¯t belong to a monster, and stopped to let the group know. ¡°There is someone ahead.¡± He declared, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Lyra started to fidget in place, her nervousness and anticipation permeating the air. Lilithra put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, while Selorien nodded to Escarlata. Both he and the maid stepped into the shadows, which was a smart decision, the knight thought. Without further ado, Ascalon navigated toward the presences, the two girls and the shadows accompanying him. They arrived at a similar room to where they had fought the chimera, but this time the scene before them was one of grotesque horror. Right in the middle stood a pile of corpses, so high it almost reached the ceiling, and, above it, resided the presence Ascalon had felt. Looking at them from above, as if seated atop a throne, was Ian. He looked at them with curiosity, his intense gaze making Lyra shiver. ¡°Ian!¡± She screamed suddenly, her expression a mix of pain and anger. The man chuckled, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Hey, Lyra! How have you been?¡± He asked with a gentle tone, reminiscent of the day they had met him outside the Howling Chasm dungeon. If it weren¡¯t for the scene before them, they would have thought it was a genuine display of friendliness. Lilithra shuddered at the thought, realizing that he was accustomed to putting on that act. ¡°Where¡¯s my brother?!¡± Lyra asked in a desperate tone, her composure long gone. After seeing Ian act so nonchalantly, she couldn¡¯t help but feel agitated, and scared. At her words, Ian¡¯s smile faded, his face contorting into one of disgust. ¡°Always the same; brother this, brother that.¡± He complained as he mocked her. ¡°You¡¯re so useless without your brother that you even came to look for him all the way to Starugnia!¡± Ian smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°I was surprised to see you, honestly! But, yeah¡­ you do seem to have some strong teammates, to make it this far¡­¡± Ian pondered as he inspected them one by one, since he hadn¡¯t taken a good look at them yet. Then, as his eyes crossed Lilithra, he suddenly leaned forward. ¡°Huh¡­? Could you be¡­?¡± Ian muttered, bringing a hand to his chin as he scrutinized Lilithra. Lilithra herself felt a mix of confusion and wariness, and even took a step back after seeing how the man¡¯s expression transformed into one of pure elation. ¡°It¡¯s you! The one we need!¡± He blurted out as he stood up, his boots making an unpleasant sound over the corpse¡¯s flesh. ¡°I¡¯m truly the chosen one, just like he said!¡± He cackled in ecstasy, sending shivers down Lilithra¡¯s back. Ascalon frowned, feeling a hideous aura around the man. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The knight¡¯s commanding voice resounded, and Ian slowly stopped laughing. ¡°Ah¡­ and you are?¡± He asked, tilting his head. ¡°Hmmm¡­ you feel familiar¡­ but who cares!¡± Ian turned around and crouched slightly, fiddling with something atop the corpse pile. ¡°First things first!¡± He exclaimed as he brought something up. ¡°Here¡¯s your brother, Lyra!¡± Ian¡¯s voice was seeping with mockery and malice, as he presented to them a child-like person in his arms. Levi looked frail and tattered, his small body bruised, swollen, and full of visible, dried up wounds. His almost dead eyes peered from above as he dangled on Ian¡¯s arms, and a single word escaped his lips. ¡°Run¡­¡± He muttered as his gaze fell on Lyra, who cried out in desperation. ¡°Levi!!!¡± Her anguished shout echoed in the room, as a stream of tears began to roll down her face. Ascalon frowned with palpable anger, while Lilithra tightened the grasp on her banner, her fury bubbling up at the sight. That man was clearly evil. ¡°Why Ian?! Why¡­ how did it come to this?! What happened to you?!¡± Lyra started to scream at him, her voice shaking with heart wrenching emotion. But Ian rolled his eyes as he clicked his tongue, his expression brimming with annoyance. ¡°Why¡­? How? Pfft.¡± He mocked her once more. ¡°I¡¯ve always been like this! But I¡¯ll answer you¡­ it¡¯s very simple, after all.¡° He began, grabbing Levi¡¯s face to peer at it. ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re disgusting!¡± Ian exploded in anger, slapping Levi across the cheek. Ascalon did his best to remain in place, suppressing the urge to lunge at him out of concern for Levi, while Lilithra trembled in anger at his side. Lyra, on the other hand, looked at Ian with a mix of pain and confusion in her face, her tears still showing no sign of stopping. Seeing her like that, Ian¡¯s face contorted again into one of repulsion, his nose scrunching up as if he were smelling refuse. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it? Look at you!¡± He complained, forcefully grabbing one of Levi¡¯s cat ears and provoking a feeble whimper out of him. ¡°Look at this shit! You¡¯re a fucking aberration!¡± Ian continued, his tone carrying a deep anger. Lyra fell to her knees, as memories from the day Ian had betrayed them flooded into her mind. He had told her something similar at the time, and the unpleasant, painful feeling stung like a knife to her heart. ¡°Stop it!¡± Lilithra abruptly cut in, her yellow eyes glowing with fierce determination. ¡°Are you really one of those racist weirdos? In this day and age?!¡± She reproached, her cheeks puffed with irritation. Ascalon tilted his head in confusion, but quickly pieced together what was going on. ¡°So there are people like that here too, huh?¡± Ascalon pondered aloud, his tone filled with disappointment. He had seen his fair share of racism back in Excadia, especially between certain races like dwarves and elves¡­ though it had gotten better after the threat of demons forced them to fight together. Ian shook his head, looking at them from above as if they were mere ants. ¡°¡®People like me¡¯? If you mean pure and unpolluted, yes!¡± He scoffed, his grin widening. ¡°These mixed races are an eyesore, they¡¯re tainting our world!¡± Ian continued, his expression turning serious and desperate. ¡°But I will change that!¡± He added, an ominous air flowing into the room. ¡°I was chosen, after all! Look, this is the proof!¡± Ian cackled as a red mask appeared in the air, floating in front of him, its features resembling those of a rat. Ascalon felt an alarm ring in his mind, and his amulet stirred uncontrollably. Chapter 58 - The Mask is On The mask hovered in place, swaying slightly and exuding an unmistakable sense of dread. Its crimson surface gleamed under the light, and its rat-like features gave it an eerie, mysterious look. Its presence filled the room with a heavy, gloomy aura, as a malevolent energy radiated from within its form. Ascalon instinctively raised his guard, a strange sense of danger overcoming him. It was a familiar, yet unnatural feeling¡ªand with it came the unsettling sensation that something, or someone, was looking at him through the mask¡¯s eyeless sockets. ¡°What is that?¡± Lilithra asked in a concerned tone, her eyes shifting from Ascalon to the mask. Noticing the knight¡¯s demeanor, she realized something was wrong. Though the one to answer her question was none other than Ian. ¡°This is proof of my loyalty!¡± He exclaimed with glee, his eyes shimmering. ¡°The gift I received after simply getting rid of some beasts!¡± Ian rejoiced at his own words, his whole body shivering. He then set his gaze on Lyra, and smirked hideously. The cat girl slowly widened her teary eyes, realizing the hidden meaning behind his explanation. ¡°B-beasts?! They were your friends!¡± She screamed in anguish, clutching her chest tight, her afflicted expression causing Levi to struggle in Ian¡¯s arm. Ascalon and Lilithra quickly understood what he meant. Ian was likely talking about the day he had betrayed the Fluffy Warriors, and both felt disgusted by his words. The betrayer himself scoffed at Lyra, his expression full of disdain. ¡°Friends? With these mixed mongrels? Ha!¡± He chuckled mockingly. ¡°I had to endure their presence for so long! Putting on that nice guy act around those fucking bastards was a pain in the ass!¡± Ian looked at Levi with disgust, and then back at Lyra. ¡°You know, you¡­ I quite liked you at first, Lyra.¡± He began, making Lyra perk up with both curiosity and wariness. ¡°You were so nice¡ªand that tempting body of yours¡­¡± He averted his gaze, biting his lips, while Lyra flinched at his lecherous words. ¡°But I figured it out, that you were just leading me around!¡± He exclaimed in frustration, gritting his teeth. ¡°You acted shy and friendly with everyone, and I knew you were just a bitch in heat!¡± Ian complained in anger, his words bordering madness. Lyra shrunk slightly, her tears welling up once more as she realized Ian was too far gone. Had she ever truly known him? The thought made her feel an immense sadness, as the one she had considered a dear friend had likely always been a stranger putting on a mask. Lilithra shared the sentiment, feeling like the man before them was just a lunatic. ¡°You¡¯re horrible!¡± Lilithra shouted, her tone coated with both disgust and anger. Ian simply waved his hand in the air, as if dismissing her words. ¡°Of course you would say that¡ªyou¡¯re a mixed race, too!¡± He retorted, meeting her gaze with a frown. ¡°But at the very least, you do have a purpose¡­¡± He pondered aloud as confusion overcame Lilithra once more. Just what did he mean both earlier and now? Ian realized he never answered Ascalon, and a smug grin appeared on his face. ¡°Right¡­ you wouldn¡¯t know¡­ should I tell you?¡± He spoke in a teasing manner, clearly amused by the situation. Both Ascalon and Lilithra were losing their patience, but with Levi still in Ian''s grasp it was better to stay still. But they did wonder, just how long they could restrain themselves? ¡°Hmmm¡­ I want to tell you, but¡­ Wrath will get angry at me.¡± He clicked his tongue, a conflicted expression on his face. Ascalon narrowed his eye at the mention of that name. ¡°Wrath?¡± The knight asked, while Lilithra and Lyra looked at Ian with an intrigued look. The man returned their gaze, smiling gleefully, as if relishing their attention. ¡°Ah~ I wanna tell them! Wrath, please!¡± He pleaded, his eyes resting on the mask. As the confusion spread across the room, a new voice boomed against its walls. ¡°Should I sew your lips shut next time we meet?¡± A raspy voice came from the mask, startling everyone but Ian, who giggled in response. Ascalon peered at the object, and he felt it more clearly now¡ªsomeone really gazed back at them through the mask. A sigh escaped the accessory, and the voice spoke again. ¡°Having come this far¡­ allow me to introduce myself.¡± The voice stopped for a moment, the malice radiating from the mask taking a tangible form. Even Lyra, who watched from behind the group, shivered at the following sight. A foggy, darkened figure flickered in the air. It was barely visible, and its features were indistinguishable, but its presence was overwhelming. ¡°I am Wrath, and it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my dearest Lilithra.¡± Wrath¡¯s voice filled the room, his hoarse tone and choice of words making Lilithra¡¯s hair stand on end. ¡°Do I know you?¡± She asked with disgust, her frowning expression making it clear that she didn¡¯t quite like being called ¡®dearest¡¯ by a stranger. ¡°No, not personally.¡± He answered in a clear and concise manner. ¡°But you are very, very important to us¡­ so be careful, Ian.¡± Wrath warned Ian, who simply waved at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry~!¡± He replied in a nonchalant way. ¡°What do you want with Lilithra?¡± Ascalon asked with firmness, his words carrying such authority that even the very malice around the mask flinched. An intense gaze set on him, coming from somewhere, far away. ¡°All in due time... ¡®Sir¡¯ Ascalon, I assume?¡± Wrath¡¯s voice seeped through the fog that manifested his presence, a curious tone coating his words. Ascalon stepped forward, as if shielding Lilithra from the stranger¡¯s gaze. ¡°I am.¡± He replied with a steady voice. Wrath''s form flickered while his real self, far beyond Starugnia, narrowed his eyes at Ascalon¡¯s boldness. ¡°Know this.¡± Ascalon began, pointing Exemplaris at the fog. ¡°Whatever it is you seek with her, you shall have to face me first.¡± The knight declared, his words echoing with intensity. A shiver ran down both Lilithra and Wrath¡¯s back; the first feeling a powerful sense of glee, the other recoiling at Ascalon¡¯s overwhelming willpower. Lilithra side-eyed him with admiration, her cheeks flushing after hearing his words. He really was a knight in shining armor. She exhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart, while Lyra clasped both her hands in a mix of excitement and delight. Even if Ascalon¡¯s words were directed at Lilithra, the cat girl couldn¡¯t help but find the whole scene utterly dreamy¡ªwell, ignoring the shadowy, malignant fog. Wrath, even beyond the safety of his projection, felt slightly cornered. But under such an event, he rejoiced, a huge grin forming in his face. ¡°Very well¡­¡± Wrath suddenly spoke, his words feeling heavy, tangible. ¡°And face you we shall, when the time comes¡­ and if you leave in one piece.¡± He added, as every torch in the room flickered, as if fearful of the deep dark that seeped from the mask. Ascalon frowned, meeting the intense wave of hostility head-on, while Lilithra and Lyra recoiled in place. ¡°Now then, it was indeed a pleasure¡­ Ah Ian, I shall grant you permission to use it.¡± Wrath exclaimed, and Ian flinched in surprise. Then, he nodded solemnly at the fog. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Ah, yes, one last thing. Do be careful with the two others skulking about, too.¡± Wrath suddenly remarked, as Ascalon¡¯s group realized the man within the mist knew about both Selorien and Escarlata. In the next moment, the foggy figure dispersed abruptly, Wrath¡¯s presence vanishing along his malice. Lyra and Lilithra sighed in relief, feeling their bodies lighter. Ian clicked his tongue, clearly irritated by Wrath¡¯s comment. ¡°Ugh! I wanted to keep playing dumb.¡± Ian complained, his gaze darting to two different spots nearby. ¡°Yeah, yeah. I know you¡¯re there.¡± He rolled his eyes, seemingly unamused. The very next moment, Escarlata and Selorien emerged from stealth, the latter wearing an annoyed look. Selorien was climbing midway through the pile of corpses, using them as a makeshift staircase. Meanwhile, Escarlata stood at the top, some steps away from Ian, her eyes firmly set on him. It was both surprising and alarming that he had detected the maid, and that he wasn¡¯t even slightly bothered by her presence. ¡°What a way to spoil my fun, Wrath.¡± Ian exhaled in resignation, mumbling to himself. ¡°Anyway¡­ where were we?¡± He asked no one in particular, his demeanor full of confidence. ¡°Right¡± You¡¯re important, Lilithra! But it¡¯s not the time yet, so, leave!¡± He waved her away with his hand, a carefully crafted, gentle smile on his face. This time the one to roll her eyes was Lilithra. ¡°Stop screwing around!¡± She retorted, aiming her banner at him. Ascalon smiled at her confident words and joined in. ¡°We will not leave without Sir Levi.¡± The knight added, backing Lilithra. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ian looked at Levi, who hung limply from his hand, while pondering the matter. ¡°Well¡­ if that¡¯s all it takes¡­ I don¡¯t think I can sap more out of him, anyway¡­ fine!¡± He said in a carefree tone, as he simply threw Levi down the pile of corpses. Lyra gasped in horror, but was soon relieved by Ascalon¡¯s actions. The knight leaped in a flash, catching Levi mid-air and gently landing with him. Hurriedly, Lyra approached as Ascalon lay the feeble cat boy on the ground. Lilithra stood in front of them, her banner pointed toward the enemy. She was determined to protect them with her whole body, in case Ian decided to attack them by surprise. But the man simply smiled at her. Yet two others took his passiveness as an invitation to strike. Selorien climbed the pile of corpses swiftly and entered stealth, hoping it would work this time. Meanwhile, the maid lunged at Ian with a precise thrust of her blade, aimed at his chest. To her surprise, Ian chuckled and backstepped just at the right moment, avoiding the attack with ease. Escarlata felt a chill as Ian suddenly tried to grab her arm. Alarm bells rang in her mind and caused her to jump back with all her might. Ian opened his eyes wide in surprise as he spoke. ¡°Wow, great instincts!¡± He said as a creepy grin spread across his face. ¡°I want you.¡± Ian declared, as Escarlata gained some distance, feeling repulsed and alarmed. Just then, Selorien emerged from stealth, delivering a powerful backstab toward Ian¡¯s blind spot. But, once more, Ian deftly moved, sidestepping and turning around while simultaneously avoiding the attack. His hand reached for Selorien, and the elf too felt an impending sense of danger. Selorien wasn¡¯t as fast as Escarlata, so he rolled to the side before jumping back, barely escaping Ian¡¯s grasp. Ian clicked his tongue, though his face showed an amused smirk. Lilithra watched the tense scene and gulped, realizing that Ian wasn¡¯t simply all talk. The thought sank even deeper, knowing that Ian had, supposedly, been in the dungeon for a while, and yet he didn¡¯t show any signs of exhaustion or any visible wounds. That was worrying, to say the least. Ignoring the whole encounter, Lyra gazed upon her brother¡¯s battered figure. He was so very thin, his cheeks almost sticking to his bones. His eyes were dull, as if he were barely conscious, and his lips were completely dry. The many cuts and bruises around his body made Lyra start sobbing as she softly placed her hands on him. ¡°It¡¯s okay now, big brother¡­ I will help you¡­¡± She said in a whisper, trying her best to smile at him, though her heart ached so very painfully. Soon, water began to flow from her hands, carefully and caringly enveloping the weak Levi.
Aqua Vitae.
From her heart surges a wish to mend, the tide answering her earnest call!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Lyra Summers unique skill. Rank: B - Level 74. Potential: S. Attribute: Water. Effects: Lyra Summers channels healing power into water she touches, mending wounds and exhaustion. Healing effectiveness depends on the user skill¡¯s rank and level. Additional effects: * Lyra Summers must part with some of her vitality in return; the worse the wound, the more strain on her body. * Has a 10% chance of over-healing the target, providing a boost to their stamina. * Has a 3% chance of not draining any stamina from Lyra Summers. * Has a 0.1 chance of regenerating a missing limb, depending on its size.
As her healing spell activated, the liquid surrounding Levi began to glow slightly, and Lyra quickly began to gasp for air, beads of sweat appearing on her face. Both Ascalon and Lilithra knew that she had been straining herself, and that her mending power required a lot of stamina and concentration on her part. Most likely, she was out of the fight. Ascalon peered at the scene with an impassive stare, his anger boiling. He walked up to Lilithra, and stared at the man atop the pile of corpses. ¡°Why did you do all this?¡± He asked, surprising Ian while Lilithra eyed him curiously. ¡°That again? I already told you-¡± Ian began, but Ascalon cut him out abruptly. ¡°Yes, we know about your hatred for ¡®mixed¡¯ races.¡± The knight exclaimed as Ian narrowed his eyes. ¡°But that cannot be all.¡± He remarked, his intense gaze making Ian groan with annoyance. ¡°Well, no harm telling you, I guess.¡± Ian replied, sighing with exasperation. ¡°They offered me power, of course!¡± He stated with a mocking tone, as if his answer was completely reasonable. ¡°And the only thing I had to do was get rid of some mongrels, haha! Two birds with one stone, as they say.¡± He began, grinning as he recalled memories in his mind. ¡°After passing that test, Wrath even gave me the location of this dungeon! Can you imagine? A completely undiscovered dungeon, all to myself!¡± He cackled, extending his arms in the air as he looked around. ¡°All that experience and loot, just for me!¡± He declared with joy. ¡°I had to use that guy Loreno to actually find it, and give him some stuff to keep him off my back, but still¡­¡± Ian groaned, rolling his eyes. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t have to worry about him anymore.¡± He continued, shooting Ascalon a taunting smile. Ian probably realized that Loreno had been dealt with. Ascalon sighed deeply, a concerned look on his face. ¡°That is all? You did all this, just for power?¡± He asked with clear sadness in his voice. ¡°¡®Just¡¯ for power? Power is everything, my guy.¡± Ian scoffed, looking at the pile of corpses. ¡°But even then¡­ it¡¯s not enough. I need more¡­¡± He continued, his eyes showing a vacant stare, his smile widening into a grotesque grin. Ascalon felt a strange, ominous sensation overcome him. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough; I want more!¡± Ian squirmed, and reached for his mask which was still hovering nearby. ¡°Just when monsters began to become stale, you all came around¡­ I¡¯m sure Wrath will forgive me if I only rough her up a little¡­¡± Ian muttered, inching the mask closer to his face. ¡°I will take it from you, then.¡± He declared in a cryptic fashion, the mask suddenly clapping tightly to his face. The moment the object touched Ian, the room seemed to warp, as if breathing, a pulsating, eerie energy emanating from him. The group flinched as the wave of malice assaulted them, causing Lyra to lose her concentration briefly and stare at Ian in terror. Even Levi, half-conscious, shivered under the unrelenting force. Was that¡­ really Ian? Lyra wondered, trying to remain composed, her stamina dwindling. Ascalon opened his eye wide in shock, his emblem stirring uncontrollably and resonating with Ian¡¯s power. The knight gripped his lance tightly, fury and despair building up from within. ¡°How¡­ how did you come to wield demonic power?!¡± Ascalon shouted in anger as his amulet quivered in response. Beneath his mask, Ian¡¯s grin twisted with profound satisfaction. Chapter 59 - The Seat of Greed ¡°How¡­ how did you come to wield demonic power?!¡± Ascalon¡¯s question echoed against the room¡¯s walls ominously, startling everyone with the implication behind his words. A maniacal laugh escaped Ian¡¯s lips, increasing in volume and horror. Lilithra, most of all, gasped in both shock and fear, knowing too well that demonic energy was one of the most dark, hideous powers one could possess. She understood the gravity of the situation very well, even better than most, as demon blood coursed through her veins¡ªthough she lacked any of the power associated with her heritage. Her very existence resonated with Ian¡¯s grotesque power, making her body tremble and her confidence waver. Her mind was flooded by memories of her mother¡ªa true demon¡ªand she felt like a child, small, weak and helpless, just like in the past. But, amidst the creeping despair, she felt a gentle relief push against the dark. Ascalon¡¯s passive skill kept her from falling too far into the depths of terror, and she looked at him with teary eyes. Ah, the brilliant knight, his mere presence a beacon of hope and righteousness! But now he looked fierce, somewhat desperate. It was a given. Lilithra recalled how Ascalon seemed to have a history with demons. Thinking about her own horns, she felt a sting of pain in her chest, but she quickly shook her head from side to side, knowing it was no time to feel bad about herself. Ascalon was the one suffering, and she needed to stand by him no matter what! Meanwhile, the rest were feeling the intense malice from a distance. Selorien gripped his daggers tightly, a profound sense of dread gnawing at the back of his mind. Ascalon called that power ¡®demonic¡¯, and the elf agreed wholeheartedly. ¡°And they call Lilithra a demon¡­¡± Selorien whispered to himself, baffled by the situation. Escarlata, as experienced and skillful as she was, focused her full, undivided attention on Ian. The energy radiating from him caused her to deem it a most dangerous threat, her whole demeanor changing to that of a ruthless, killing machine. She was so on edge that if anyone approached her, they would be cut where they stood. Though, for now, she assessed the situation in complete stillness. As for Lyra, she kept imbuing her energy onto her brother as she fought the scary thoughts in her mind. Levi¡¯s complexion had improved somewhat, his wounds mostly closed and his face showing a bit more color¡ªbut Lyra was at her limit, as her stamina was all but gone. She stopped for a moment, struggling for air and placing her head on Levi¡¯s torso. ¡°Levi¡­¡± She whispered weakly, her shaky voice drawing Ascalon¡¯s attention. Her brother feebly raised his hand, patting her head, and they both smiled warmly. The sight made Ascalon¡¯s chest feel warm. He thought that, amidst the incoming horror, they were to be protected at all costs. Resolution ignited fiercely in his soul, causing him to recompose himself and face Ian once more. At that moment, Ian stood tall, letting out a relieved, long sigh. ¡°Yes¡­ this is it¡­ this power.¡± He raised a hand, a hideous, strange amulet in his palm. ¡°What manner of creature have you become? Ascalon asked with clear disgust, narrowing his eye at the weird trinket. Ian simply chuckled, amused by the knight¡¯s question. ¡°What am I¡­? Well¡­ Henceforth, you shall call me by my new, true name.¡± Ian¡¯s voice distorted, sounding as if he had become a completely different person¡ªor being. ¡°I am the seat of Greed! Anything and everything shall be mine!¡± He declared, his dreary voice spreading a wave of malice around him. He raised the strange amulet high, and Ascalon¡¯s emblem resonated wildly in response, stirring in his pocket with what the knight could only assume was anger and disgust. Ascalon frowned, a chilling notion settling in. Wrath and Greed¡­ where they mimicking the cardinal sins? But why, for what purpose? Though mimic may have been the wrong word, for the demonic power that permeated the air was very much the real deal. But as much as Ascalon wanted to keep questioning the man, Ian¡ªno, Greed¡ªleaped down from the pile of corpses. The air around him crackled with dark energy, his laughter echoing through the room as he descended with terrifying intensity. His intentions were clear¡ªhe wanted a fight, and a fight he would have. Though that was easier said than done. Ascalon remained shackled by his worry for both his friends and the city above him, after all. Yet even if he made sure to hold back, the L¡¯adariel¡¯s ¡®monster maid¡¯ had no qualms with going all-out¡ªher sole focus was protecting the young master. In the next moment, Greed landed with an unnatural weight, many of the floor slabs around him cracking, his energy sending a ripple through the room. While everyone recoiled at Greed¡¯s maddening landing, Escarlata lunged at him with an uncanny burst of speed. As she cut through the air, both her hands drew long, thin blades from within the sleeves of her dress, their sharp edges reflecting the blurry surroundings. She reached her target in an instant, thrusting forward with precision¡ªa powerful dual strike aimed at the man¡¯s chest, propelled by her momentum. But Greed only chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement through the sockets in his mask. As Escarlata¡¯s blades approached, Greed moved with careful, fluid motions. His body twisted like a serpent as his feet shifted on the cracked ground. He lowered his center of gravity, his knees bending as he turned slightly to the side. In a shocking turn of events, both of Escarlata¡¯s blades barely grazed his skin. Her eyes widened in disbelief, as her attack was meant to take the man by surprise and decide the battle in a single move. Yet he had avoided it narrowly¡ªand worst of all, deliberately. Such precise dodging was no mere chance, and she knew it too well. Meanwhile, the rest felt both shocked and alarmed. It was twice now that Greed had avoided Escarlata¡¯s attacks, and that was utterly worrying. The maid who they felt was the closest to Ascalon¡¯s strength was thwarted once more. Selorien felt especially shocked, as the one that knew her the best. Lilithra, on the other hand, gulped with nervousness but gripped her banner tightly. Feeling the gravity of the situation, Escarlata slammed the ground with her heels, the force of her jump blasting the ground beneath her. Escarlata meant to jump back and regain some distance, but before she could, Greed¡¯s voice sent an icy chill down her spine. ¡°No, no. Not this time.¡± He growled in a deep, ominous voice, as his figure blinked forward. Greed¡¯s hand reached out with terrifying speed, his fingers clasping tightly onto Escarlata¡¯s right leg. The sudden pull of his grasp made her not only lose her momentum entirely, but also crash with her back to the ground, the impact forcing the air out of her lungs.¡°Ugh!¡± Escarlata whimpered with a hushed but sharp tone. It was unsettling to see the usually impassive maid being forced to yelp in pain. A wave of unease spread across the group, prompting Ascalon to quickly dart in her aid. Selorien snapped out of his shock and stepped into the shadows, while Lilithra raised her weapon high. ¡°Be brave!¡± She activated her usual skill, a newfound strength encompassing their allies. But, as the knight advanced, Greed cackled in delight. ¡°Mine!¡± He declared while Escarlata¡¯s body glowed momentarily green. Confusion and wariness took over Ascalon¡¯s expression as Exemplaris shot forward, its pointy end aiming to pierce Greed cleanly through. The attack hit deep and true, the great lance skewering the masked man¡¯s torso without resistance¡ªperhaps a little too easily. Escarlata took the chance to get up, though her dumbfounded expression took Ascalon by surprise. Meanwhile, Lilithra felt both excitement and relief well up, thinking that Greed had been cleanly vanquished. But Ascalon knew something was wrong. Before the knight, Greed¡¯s body suddenly flickered and dispersed into a mass of intangible shadows. His laugh could be heard, echoing across the room from beneath his mask¡ªno, it was not exactly echoing, it was really coming from different parts of the area at once. Everyone witnessed in shock and horror as a multitude of Greed clones started to dash around the room, their maddening giggling heightening the sense of despair. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Realization hit them all at once¡ªGreed was using Escarlata¡¯s skill, somehow. Lyra, who had regained a sliver of her stamina, stared in complete terror as one of the masked figures stood before her and Levi. She quickly shielded her brother, who struggled to remain conscious, his teeths clenched. The cat girl could feel an intense stare, her whole body freezing over, Ascalon¡¯s fear protection waning with every passing breath. The knight himself felt a rush of urgency sweep over him, seeing the two he wanted to protect at evil¡¯s mercy, and burst toward them in hopes of helping¡ªbut in his way stood three more versions of Greed, their imposing presence making him grit his teeth as he tried to break through. Lilithra, being the closest to Lyra, felt the adrenaline coursing rapidly across her body, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. She had to help them, but her body wouldn¡¯t move. The malice seeping from Greed¡¯s body stirred her memories, and the face of her mother flashed vividly in her mind. A long-forgotten fear gripped her body, her hands shaky and her breath quickening. ¡°Move!¡± She muttered in frustration, through chattering teeth. ¡°Move!!!¡± Lilithra shouted, her body finally obeying her command. She quickly drew her arms back, carrying the banner with her, and immediately pierced forward in a powerful thrust. But Greed didn¡¯t even flinch, sidestepping to avoid the incoming attack without deeming it necessary to look at it. At the same time, he placed a hand on Lyra¡¯s head. For a moment, the cat girl anticipated a soft, gentle caress. But the memories of the ever kind Ian were pierced through by a weird feeling of emptiness, followed by the sharp pain of her hair being pulled at. ¡°Auugh!¡± Lyra whimpered meekly as Greed lifted her effortlessly. Her body glowed with an eerie green, just like Escarlata had moments before, and the man chuckled under his mask before hurling the cat girl through the air with absolutely no mercy. Lilithra followed Lyra¡¯s airborne body with a panicked gaze. Without missing a beat, the horned girl threw her banner to the ground and leaned forward, ready to move. In the next second, she ran behind Lyra, her legs carrying her at a speed she didn¡¯t know she could even muster. Just before Lyra¡¯s frame hit the ground, Lilithra leaped forward and reached out, catching the falling cat and cushioning the impact with her arms. ¡°Agh!¡± Lilithra gasped in pain as Lyra''s weight slammed into her, the force of the impact squishing her into the stone beneath them. Her arms throbbed under the strain, but she let out a relieved sigh as Lyra recomposed herself. ¡°Lilithra!¡± The Felinae exclaimed, sitting on the floor and helping her friend up. Lilithra smiled awkwardly as she stood up, pain still present across her body, while Lyra¡¯s eyes darted toward her previous position. ¡°Levi!¡± Lyra recoiled in angst, seeing how the Greed that had thrown her was standing over her brother, one foot pressing cruelly on his face. Amidst her anguish, her eyes caught a yellow streak. It was Ascalon, charging toward Greed with three other copies following closely behind. He had managed to outrun them, though a moment too late¡ªonce again, he was thankful for his friends¡¯ presence, as they were covering for his blunders. Ascalon reached the Greed that was tormenting Levi. ¡°Oh?¡± He muttered with curiosity, before being pierced clean by the ruthless Exemplaris. The man flickered, melting into a shadow before disappearing while Ascalon swiftly turned, delivering a sweeping horizontal strike to his pursuers. Two of the pursuing Greed back stepped in order to avoid the hit, while the remaining one simply laughed as the attack crossed through him, erasing him from existence. ¡°Curse you and your tricks, Greed!¡± Ascalon barked, his tone a mix of frustration and annoyance. Greed was proving to be a problematic foe, and Ascalon lamented his weakness. If only he didn¡¯t need to hold back, he could be of better help to his friends. Just as he thought that, one of the Greeds that had avoided him stepped closer, and placed a hand on his shoulder. Ascalon flinched as a weird sensation spread through his body, a strange sense of loss invading his mind. He pulled away from the masked man while simultaneously thrusting forward, piercing him cleanly with his lance. But it was too late. While Greed vanished into nothingness, Ascalon saw his body glow eerily a moment before a screen materialized in front of him.
The sinful skill - Covetous Grasp - Has stolen some of your power.
Beware what you believe is yours, for Greed will come and claim it all!
¡ªSkill info¡ª The seat of Greed¡¯s unique skill. Rank: Not applicable. - Not applicable. Potential: Not applicable.. Attribute: Demonic. Effects: When Greed touches a living being, one of the following effects activates: Stat claim: Steals a random percentage of the target¡¯s stats. Has a chance to steal multiple parameters at once. Skill devourer: Steals a random active or passive skill. Has a chance to steal multiple skills at once. Selfish intention: Steals vitality and stamina. Has a chance to absorb twice the amount. Dishonest growth: Steals experience and levels. Resulting stats are automatically allocated. Additional effects: * Duration of the effects depends on both Greed and the target¡¯s stats and levels. * All of the effects have a chance to become permanent.
While Ascalon studied the details of the skill, his emblem quivered furiously, as if it shared his anger at the thief. But what alarmed Ascalon the most was the mention at the very beginning. ¡°Sinful skill¡­?¡± Ascalon murmured, his sole eye focusing on the Greed that was closest to him. The clone tilted his head, and Ascalon could picture him smiling under his mask. It was clear now. Greed wasn¡¯t merely pretending to be a cardinal sin¡ªhe was channeling something far darker. Somehow, he had tapped into the raw power of the ancient, long gone archdemons¡ªa thought both terrifying and alarming. Ascalon felt his heart pounding with dread and a sense of duty, as this was no simple foe; it was a threat to be utterly eradicated. ¡°You blasphemous wretch¡­!¡± Ascalon snarled from behind clenched teeth, a profound feeling of hostility erupting from within. He gripped Exemplaris tightly, and with a burst of raw strength, he lunged at the Greed before him. Meanwhile, Lyra and Lilithra hurried to his side, both intent on protecting Levi. ¡°Let¡¯s get him further away!¡± The horned girl suggested with a worried tone, and her cat-eared friend nodded frantically. As bitter as it was, they knew they would be of no help as they were. Lyra was at her limit, having barely any strength left and doing her best to carry Levi on her back. She was so glad her brother was so small and light¡ªthough she knew better than to say that to his face! Lilithra, on the other hand, knew she would get in the way. Greed exuded such a powerful aura that even she could feel it, physically, sticking to her skin like something vile. It was a hideous, nauseating feel¡ªthick with demonic energy. Trying not to succumb to fear, she ran along Lyra, trying to protect her from incoming danger while they relocated Levi to safety. The remaining two were now engaged in combat with various copies of Greed. Escarlata had composed herself and was holding her own against two clones, though she found it incredibly difficult to gain the upper hand. Everytime she tried to push further, a premonition would strike¡ªa fresh memory of Greed¡¯s hand claiming something of hers. Thus, it remained a stalemate, one clearly in favor of the sinful. On the other side of the room was Selorien, who had been grabbed once already, his dexterity stat having been drastically reduced. He felt agitated, cornered, yet still wanted to keep fighting against the single Greed that taunted him with his presence. It was strange. But even stranger was the fact that some part of him didn¡¯t even mind the challenge, thinking he could still turn it around, that he could claim victory over his foe. It was quite greedy of him. It was then that a voice echoed through the room. ¡°Be brave!¡± It was Lilithra¡¯s skill, though it came from a different mouth¡ªa malevolent, mocking voice. Both Selorien and Ascalon turned toward the sound, their hearts leaping as they saw another Greed grabbing Lilithra by the neck, her small figure struggling to break free. At his feet lay Lyra, heaving under the weight of her brother, a swollen cheek painting the scene that had just unfolded. Seeing the two of them in such distress, something snapped inside Ascalon. Chapter 60 - Greed Intensifies "More, more, more!" Greed chanted, his voice maddening and reverberating through the room with an insatiable hunger. Lilithra could feel her strength slipping away, little by little. He was claiming it all. Her stats, her levels, even her own unique skill¡ªeverything that made her who she was. Her body trembled as she struggled under his grip, her mind racing with various thoughts as a crushing sense of weakness overtook her. A whirlwind of emotions spun uncontrollably within her, a mix of fear, despair, and frustration¡ªeach feeling intensifying with every moment she remained in his grasp. All her efforts, the pain she had endured, the battles she had fought, and her hard-earned feats, as few as they were¡ªthey were all cherished memories and proof of her growth, of her journey. And they were all being erased as the masked man claimed them for himself. She could even feel his own power growing at her expense, which added salt to the wound. But amidst all of that, two specific losses hurt the most. Her unique skill, what she thought was her most precious achievement¡ªthe ability she had gained due to her pure, burning desire to help others. Tears started to roll down her face, wishing with all her heart that Greed¡¯s skill wouldn¡¯t activate permanently. And the other thing that gnawed at her, was her training with Ascalon and Selorien. The days she had spent preparing to fight Rosco. The hours spent increasing her stats and levels, attaining mastery over her weapon. And all the battle knowledge she had learned thanks to the knight¡¯s guidance¡ªeverything was threatened by the masked man¡¯s existence. She cursed at Greed in her mind, her increasing feebleness forcing her to stop struggling¡ªyet, even if her body had given up, her spirit raged; her yellow, beady eyes burning with intense hatred. But unbeknownst to the girl, as things were being taken away from her, something else was slowly being drawn out, from the deepest, abyssal parts of her soul. Even if it was barely manifested and imperceptible, Greed had set into motion a life-changing event for Lilithra¡ªan awakening that would one day send ripples across the whole world. Though that day had yet to come. At the height of despair, Ascalon moved. His figure blinked through the air, his force now unrestrained. No one could react¡ªno one but the real Greed, who watched from afar, his mouth agape under his mask. ¡°Just who is that man¡­?¡± He muttered to himself, witnessing Ascalon¡¯s feat of inhuman, terrifying speed. As he surged through a finite fraction of time, Ascalon drew his arm back, preparing Exemplaris for a thrust. His actions were guided by unbridled fury, his sole desire to vanquish the demon before him¡ªthough the stirring of his emblem sent a soothing warmth through his body, stopping him from being fully consumed by the anger. With a resounding boom, Ascalon pierced forward, the tip of his lance decimating the Greed that was holding Lilithra faster than one can blink. The resulting shockwave made the whole dungeon tremble, causing everyone to lose their footing. Pillars, wall bricks, and chunks of the ceiling crashed violently around them¡ªenormous stone slabs torn loose by the force of Ascalon¡¯s attack. Realizing the aftermath of his wake, he snapped back to his senses. At the same time he gently cradled Lilithra before she had time to touch the ground. ¡°Lilithra!¡± He exclaimed, holding her close, a relieved smile appearing on her face. ¡°Ascalon¡­¡± She whispered in a weak voice, probably too trained to say more. Ascalon grimaced, and carefully placed her on the ground. She had no visible wounds other than a bruise on her neck, but what about the damage he could not perceive? Her tears were a testament to her inner struggle, and the sight almost made him forget, once again, that he had to remain calm. It was a blessing that his amulet was soothing him so¡ªa mystery he would dare not dwell upon at the moment. The knight turned around to assess the situation. Lyra and Levi were at Lilithra¡¯s side, both hurt but conscious. Escarlata had taken advantage of the abruptness of Ascalon¡¯s attack to defeat one of Greed¡¯s clones, and was now almost evenly matched with the other. Selorien was backed into a wall, leaning onto it as he heaved, his face twisted in a maddened smile that made Ascalon do a double take. Was that really Selorien? What kind of thoughts were racing through his mind? As the knight wondered about that, he caught a shadow moving in the corner of his eye, and rage built up once more. Another Greed was skulking nearby, clearly aiming for Ascalon¡¯s weakened friends. ¡°You filth!¡± Ascalon''s voice boomed, the whole room recoiling at his display of anger. In the next moment, he let go of his shield and vanished with a swift leap, grabbing the incoming Greed by the head and hurling him through the air to the farthest wall in the room. The clone didn¡¯t even get to collide with said wall¡ªthe force of the throw was such that the mere friction with the air made him disintegrate. The real Greed gasped in astonishment, his whole body shivering at the perplexing sight. Greed had never imagined that someone like that would show up¡ªa person so strong that even he, despite all his days of uninterrupted leveling, had no hope of matching in a one-on-one. ¡°He was holding back, then?¡± Greed whispered to himself, a half-smile forming beneath his mask. Seeing the destruction in Ascalon¡¯s wake, Greed understood why the knight had restrained his power. The masked one¡¯s smile twisted with maliciousness, as his mind concocted a most advantageous plan. Suddenly, Greed¡¯s body split again, multiple copies of him scattering through the room, their laughter echoing with confidence and amusement. Both Ascalon and Escarlata were caught with surprise¡ªthe latter feeling a creeping sense of dread amidst her shock. She knew her skills inside and out, having engrained them to memory in order to use them as swiftly and deftly as she could¡ªand she knew full well that the cooldown hadn¡¯t finished yet. That could mean many things; like Greed having better mastery over the skill, a higher level, or even a passive ability to shorten the skill¡¯s reutilization. Whatever the case, she knew that he had claimed it for himself, twisting it with his hideous energy, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel utterly ashamed. The scene before her was one of hopelessness, as she realized that she had no chance of winning her bout. She was barely keeping up with one clone, and now a new batch of them had manifested in the room. As Escarlata swung her blades at the Greed she had been dueling, she shot a side-glance toward the knight. In her mind, Ascalon was the only one that could turn the situation around¡ªand even then, she had trouble figuring out how. Ascalon himself felt a growing sense of urgency as he kept track of the clones. He had realized just how much strain he was putting on the whole dungeon every time he exercised his might, and it was mere luck that the chunks of ceiling falling down hadn¡¯t crushed any of his friends¡ªyet. He had to keep calm and figure out the situation. He clutched his pocket, seeking solace in the warmth spreading from his emblem, his mind racing to form a strategy. But Greed wasn¡¯t going to simply wait for him; his plan had already been set into motion. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ascalon¡¯s eye widened with a mix of fear and anger as he saw the clones darting once more toward his friends¡ªnone of them were aiming at him. Clenching his fist and gritting his teeth in frustration, he quickly moved to aid Lilithra and the others. ¡°You treacherous wretch!¡± Ascalon shouted as he swiftly raced toward his friends, arriving at their side before the clones could. But by doing so, he was playing right into Greed¡¯s hands. The clones swarmed him, and one by one, began to split into multiple copies once more. With urgency guiding his actions, Ascalon unleashed a barrage of thrusting strikes with his lance, though his power was restrained to avoid harming his close-by friends. He realized that Greed had guided him into an unfavorable position, and felt cornered. He could break through, and move the battle elsewhere, but in doing so he would leave Lilithra and the rest at the mercy of the clones¡ªand he knew Greed was going to take full advantage of that. Ascalon had to commend Greed¡¯s cunning stratagem, even if he was a foul devil. Amidst his thoughts, he could feel some of the clones grasping at him, and his body glowed every time they did. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what they were taking from him, but they were surely and steadily chipping away at his might. At the same time, he could hear another yelp coming from the maid. While shaking off some of his enemies and without stopping his piercing barrage, Ascalon shot a glance at Escarlata. A multitude of Greed¡¯s clones had her pinned down, their hands groping her body in a most lecherous manner. Her form glowed with an incandescent green, her very existence seemingly being drained away. ¡°Yes, yes!¡± The real Greed exclaimed from the distance, laughing and rejoicing along his clones. At the sight, Ascalon felt a deep sense of helplessness. His instincts screamed at him to go and save her, but his mind forced him to stay focused on protecting his friends. It was then that Escarlata¡¯s body became a shadowy blur, and Ascalon feared the worst. Had they consumed her whole? His mind raced at the terrifying thought, just as another shadow gave form to Selorien in her place. ¡°Ugh!¡± The elf groaned, as Greed¡¯s clones halted their groping in confusion. ¡°Selorien!¡± Ascalon shouted with a mix of relief and concern¡ªas he was glad Escarlata had been saved¡ªfor the time being¡ª but also worried about Selorien¡¯s predicament. ¡°Escarlata, get the hell out of here!¡± The elf¡¯s voice roared with an intensity quite unlike him, his expression showing a bold, somewhat deranged smile. Ascalon kept the clones at bay as he scanned the room for Escarlata¡¯s aura. There, away from the majority of the clones, the maid struggled against a wall as her form melted with the shadows, her presence quickly vanishing. She must have used some sort of retreating skill. A relieved sigh escaped Ascalon¡¯s lips, thinking that now he had one less person to worry about. Conflicted feelings surged as he battled the wave of seemingly unending Greeds. Their laughter rattled his composure, but they weren¡¯t causing any physical damage, clearly focused on sapping away his strength. He just had to figure out how to aid Selorien without neglecting the rest, and everything would be fine¡ªor that¡¯s what he thought, at least. As if answering his plea, a feeble voice could be heard from nearby. The sound of running water reached the knight¡¯s ears, and he turned slightly just in time to see a translucent sphere shaping up around his friends. ¡°Lyra!¡± Ascalon gasped with concern, knowing the cat girl was straining herself way beyond her limits. He could barely feel her weak aura from within the dome, and smiled with admiration at her powerful conviction. He could not let her actions go in vain! She showed him that even now, they were still fighting, and he had to answer their trust! ¡°Please, hold on, Lyra.¡± Ascalon pleaded, a moment before his figure shot past the wave of Greed¡¯s clones. His powerful charge cleaved through the room with relentless force, the clones being blown away and obliterated in his path. The ground trembled with each of his steps, and Ascalon clenched his teeth as he struggled to keep a good balance between restraining himself and unleashing his might. The real Greed clicked his tongue in annoyance at the sight, but felt his confidence growing with each passing moment. He had a connection with his clones, and every time they touched someone, he was the one that absorbed what was stolen. He thought that soon, he would be able to face the blonde warrior on even grounds! Especially when he could keep spewing out clones at will¡­ though, he lamented that the ¡®stolen¡¯ skill was going to expire sooner or later. Meanwhile, Ascalon reached for Selorien and pried him away from the Greeds that surrounded him, delivering a swift and precise thrust to each one and vanquishing them mercilessly. ¡°Selorien, how are you faring?!¡± Ascalon asked with urgency, seeing the weakened elf struggling to breathe. Selorien, barely able to speak, pushed the knight away with all of his remaining strength, his actions confusing Ascalon. ¡°Let¡­ let me be! I need¡­ I need that experience!¡± The elf complained, his words bordering nonsense. ¡°What?¡± Ascalon asked aloud, perplexed by his friend¡¯s strange behavior. Then, as if on cue, every Greed in the room burst into laughter. Ascalon scanned his surroundings, realizing they seemed to be hiding something¡ªa weird sense of unease gnawing at him. ¡°Leave the young master to me!¡± A sudden voice cut through the laughter, as Escarlata manifested from the darkness in front of Ascalon, taking him by surprise. Not only did she look healthier and more composed, but her presence had regained much of her imposing strength. The knight wondered if she had any kind of self-healing skill, or perhaps some revitalizing potion¡ªbut that wasn¡¯t important at the moment. Without hesitation, Ascalon pushed the elf toward the maid, paying no heed to his incoherent complaints. Escarlata seized him from behind, and in a matter of seconds, melted back into the shadows with him. Ascalon felt a surge of hope erupting from within, as he quickly turned his full attention to Lyra¡¯s location. Relief washed over him as he saw the sphere still intact, some of the clones trying to push their hands inside to no avail. As the realization hit him, Greed spat out a multitude of new clones, their ominous masks slithering through the room as they dashed toward the sphere. ¡°Prepare yourself.¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice boomed with authority, causing every single Greed to flinch and turn toward him. With his concerns partly alleviated, Ascalon lunged, unshackled, at who he knew was the real Greed,. Feeling the impending danger, the masked man recalled his troops in a hurry, recognizing that the situation had turned around. The wave of Greeds surrounded Ascalon, knowing full well that they were going to be decimated by his relentless advance¡ªbut they had but one job: to try and sap as much of his power as they could before their inevitable destruction. The seat of Greed smiled with satisfaction beneath his mask, as he felt a surge of power each time one of his other versions touched Ascalon. Ascalon, unbothered by their stratagem, charged toward Greed while thrusting his lance forward, the powerful piercing attack being propelled by an uncanny momentum. In his mind, he pleaded that the dungeon could withstand this level of might, as his strike connected with a thunderous boom. A cloud of dust and debris floated around what Ascalon thought was Greed¡¯s place of demise¡ªbut he was entirely wrong. Even before the fog dissipated, Ascalon could feel something stuck to Exemplaris. ¡°Oh?¡± He muttered, somewhat impressed at the sight, as he saw a multitude of clones between him and the real Greed. Some were impaled and slowly vanished, while others clung tightly to the lance¡ªsome were even forming some kind of human ¡®chain¡¯ by pulling on each other. They had all united in strength, cushioning the attack and stripping it of its momentum slowly but steadily. It was indeed a stunning display of ability, especially considering Greed had only just acquired the skill. In the aftermath, and at mere inches from the tip of the spear, stood Greed, his arms crossed in a clear display of boldness. Chapter 61 - The Price of Avarice Lyra struggled for air while furrowing her brows in intense concentration, massive beads of sweat rolling down her face, neck, and torso. Her mind was hazy, and her whole body felt dull¡ªyet her spirit shone bright like never before. Her determination allowed her to tap into the deepest part of her soul, to try and squeeze as much energy as she could in order to maintain the protective spell in place. Amidst her dizziness, she wondered just what kind of toll she would have to pay for putting such strain in her body. Though her willingness to help her brother and Lilithra strengthened her resolve, and made her strongly believe that it was going to be worth it, no matter the cost. As her vague gaze focused slightly, her eyes opened in clear disbelief. The scene before her was both incredible and terrifying. A mass of Ian look-a-likes swarmed the entire chamber, their hideous laughter making her ears ring unpleasantly. Ah, that¡¯s right¡ªit was not Ian, it was Greed. Just before her eyes closed under the exhaustion, she could see a yellow smudge in the middle of the maddening landscape. There was Ascalon, fighting against the horde of Greed with intense focus, utmost discipline, and unparalleled skill. He felt his senses heightened, a much familiar sensation guiding his actions. Fighting against such numbers was transporting Ascalon to another time, back to Excadia. He was pretty much on a battlefield now¡ªthe place where he ruled supreme, at least until the day he fought that vile demon. But Greed was not on that level¡ªnot yet, at least. Exemplaris had pierced countless of them by now, many of their copies being sent into oblivion with every thrust. Yet their numbers weren¡¯t dwindling in the slightest. To make matters worse, they all tried to sap his power at any chance they had, and were slowly growing in strength the longer the fight dragged on. It was a battle of attrition, but one the knight knew he was losing. Just how much longer did he have to endure? How many more Greed must he have to slay? These doubts were pierced through by a fierce resolve, the warmth spreading from his amulet heightening his conviction. It didn¡¯t matter how long or how many¡ªthey had to be vanquished. ¡°It¡¯s useless!¡± Greed¡¯s voice echoed in the room, as multiple clones jumped at Ascalon once more. The knight met his enemies with an impassive demeanor, his lance piercing the air swiftly. Half the attackers fell, while the rest struck Ascalon with different moves. A kick to the back, another to his right leg, a punch from behind directed at his left cheek¡ªthey were simple hits, but he was starting to feel some of them, even if barely. It was then that a resounding ¡®splash¡¯ could be heard, and Ascalon twitched in nervousness as he quickly turned to look toward Lyra¡¯s direction. As he feared, the sphere surrounding his friends had given out, and the cat girl lay over her brother¡¯s chest, seemingly unconscious. ¡°You did well, Lyra¡­¡± Ascalon whispered to himself, his tone a mix of regret and pride. He knew what was going to happen next, and it didn¡¯t take long to occur. A multitude of Greed broke away from engaging him and set their course toward the defenseless ones.
The personal skill - Unfathomable Presence - Has been activated in the surrounding zone.
Those of vile hearts crumble to their knees, bowing down to absolute righteousness!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: SSS - Level 100. Potential: SSS. Attribute: Holy. Effects: Those considered as enemies by Ascalon Rendland are burdened by his immense willpower, and are rendered unable to move momentarily. Additional effects: * Strong willed individuals may resist the effect depending on their combined stats levels. * Has a 10% chance to bypass all resistances. * Effect duration is determined by the user¡¯s focus and the target¡¯s level.
In an instant, Ascalon unleashed his presence, flooding the room with his overwhelming might. It was something he could¡¯ve done from the start, but¡­ seeing the result, he realized it was in vain. While some of the Greed had been frozen under his undeniable authority, most of them were unaffected¡ªand the worst part was that the immobile clones started splitting up into multiple copies, shaking off his skill. It was just as he had expected. Greed was too cunning a foe for such a simple strategy to work. There was not much left Asclaon could do. ¡°Wait!¡± He exclaimed, his tone resolute but mixed with slight desperation. ¡°I shall surrender, on one condition.¡± He continued as every Greed in the room perked up with insatiable interest. ¡°Oh! Self-sacrifice, huh?¡± Greed sneered, realizing what Ascalon likely meant. To confirm his thoughts, the knight spoke. ¡°Leave them be, and you shall have all of me.¡± He declared, and Greed smiled gleefully under his mask. ¡°I mean, I could just take all of you! It¡¯s not that good of a deal when you hold such a weak hand, ha!¡± Greed mocked the knight, knowing the odds were in his favor. But Ascalon¡¯s intense gaze made him flinch, an unfathomable sense of danger overcoming his body. ¡°You could.¡± Ascalon began, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°But know that I shall give it my all henceforth.¡± The knight of knights delivered his ultimatum with such conviction that it sent chills through Greed¡¯s entire body¡ªand not only him, but also across every one of his clones. Greed gulped, considering his options. ¡°You bluff¡­¡± He said with disdain, instinctively taking a step back. He looked down, raising a hand¡ªit was shivering. ¡°Ugh!¡± Greed complained, as he sized up the knight. Surely he wouldn¡¯t just risk it all¡­ his friends safety had been his primary goal since the fight started. But what if¡­? Greed couldn¡¯t help but doubt, especially under such a powerful gaze. What if the blonde unleashed all of his might? Greed would have no chance at all¡ªnot yet. As his mind raced, he came to a favorable conclusion, a sly smile spreading across his hidden face. ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll take it!¡± Greed finally accepted the deal, while Ascalon let out a quiet, relieved sigh. ¡°Swear an oath before me.¡± The knight commanded, his solemnity echoing through the room. Greed barely resisted the urge to snort at his words. ¡°I swear!¡± He answered, clearly lying. But the Ascalon knew the truth¡ªthis whole conversation was meaningless. It was clear that Greed wasn¡¯t going to uphold his end of the ¡®bargain¡¯. But Ascalon needed to buy some time for his friends, and to think of a way out of the situation. There had to be a bright path at the end of all this! With both wariness and resignation, Ascalon let go of Exemplaris, and extended his hand forward. The real Greed smirked beneath his mask, and advanced toward the knight as his clones swarmed him. Every part of his body was seized by the malevolent copies, and his body began to radiate an incandescent green. Then, to seal the deal, Greed clasped Ascalon¡¯s outstretched hand. Both of them clasped gripped tightly, as an ecstatic laughter escaped Greed¡¯s lips. ¡°Yes. Yes!¡± The man shouted, his words shaking with pure delight. ¡°This is¡­ incredible¡­ this is what I always wanted¡­ such¡­ raw¡­ power!¡± Greed continued, gasping for air as his strength steadily rose. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. For the first time, Ascalon began to feel his power dwindling¡ªslowly, barely perceptible, but clearly being drained away. But he had no time to dwell on that, as he had to think of a plan! Yet before he could fully focus on his thoughts, he sensed something off about Greed. ¡°Ugh¡­ s-so strong, haha!¡± The masked man stammered, rejoiced, though his whole body shivered. Ascalon raised an eyebrow, seeing the man, and even his clones, were struggling more and more. It was then that a spark of inspiration hit, the warmth coming from his emblem furiously expanding, as if urging him into action. ¡°If you want it all, are you willing to pay the price?¡± Ascalon questioned, his voice brimming with both resolution and confidence, while Greed tilted his head in confusion.
Blessed be the knight.
He carries the weightiest burden, a celestial might to vanquish evil!
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique passive skill. Rank: Not applicable - Not applicable. Potential: Not applicable. Attribute: Celestial. Effects: Ascalon Rendland calls forth divine aid to bolster his stats immensely and add the celestial attribute to all of his skills.
Then, divine light surged through the knight¡¯s body, the will of the heavens manifesting within him. The green glow was replaced by a radiant white, as his aura of goodness spread in pulsating waves. At first, Greed was simply taken aback, somewhat confused. But at some point, his draining skill dared to touch the blessing. ¡°W-What is this?!¡± Greed cried in clear shock, his words filled with pain. ¡°Gah!¡± He muttered, his body trembling as he absorbed an unending, celestial will. ? ¡°You are unworthy to shoulder this burden, heathen!¡± ? A womanly, blissful voice echoed in Greed¡¯s head, as incandescent light burned through his eyes, pouring furiously through the mask¡¯s eyeless sockets. ¡°W-wait!!!¡± He protested amidst infinite pain, the wrath of divine retribution surging through his body and rejecting his existence, tearing it apart. Ascalon watched in awe, as his gamble had actually paid off. His emblem stirred uncontrollably, trying to break free from his pocket, while the clones started to spontaneously combust one by one. Divine light spread in all directions, its soothing warmth gently permeating the air¡ªthough for Greed, it felt like burning in the deepest pits of the hells. In the distance, the two girls slowly rose up, their bodies feeling lighter and fresher as heaven¡¯s blissfulness reached them. ¡°Ian¡­?¡± Lyra asked meekly, her eyes tearing up at the sight. Lilithra clutched her head, feeling dizzy, her eyes locked onto the divine scene. Just what had they missed? The thought crossed both their minds. Greed screamed in agony. The will of the heavens proved too great a burden for a simple mortal¡ªand beyond deadly for one as corrupted as he. To Ascalon¡¯s surprise, Greed¡¯s own mask started screeching, seemingly sharing his pain. ¡°N-no¡­ not¡­ yet¡­¡± Greed stammered, his voice growing weak. ¡°My¡­ goals¡­ no!¡± He continued, trying to break free from Ascalon, but it was far too late. ¡°Wrath¡­ Lyra¡­!¡± His final words echoed through the room, as every single clone vanished, and Ian, who called himself the seat of Greed, collapsed into a charred husk. Ascalon let go of the lifeless hand, sighing with relief and exhaustion. Greed had been a vile, yet worthy foe. Just before Ascalon could drop his guard and rejoin his friends, a familiar voice seeped out from the mask. ¡°Incredible¡­¡± Wrath¡¯s raspy tone invaded the room, causing Ascalon to perk up in vigilance. Lyra and Lilithra, even from a distance, flinched at the incoming malice. ¡°To witness it firsthand¡­ I can finally attest to your might, ¡®Sir¡¯ Ascalon.¡± The mask continued as the knight narrowed his eye in suspicion. ¡°That¡¯s two Greed you¡¯ve taken from us¡­ but at least Ian proved to be far more valuable than the last one.¡° He scoffed, chuckling. ¡°Show yourself, you evil puppeteer.¡± Ascalon commanded, his authoritative voice sending shivers through the distant Wrath¡¯s body. ¡°Ha¡­ a clever proposition. But no.¡± Wrath answered in a composed voice. ¡°It¡¯s a pity, but we¡¯ll have to think of a different approach now¡­¡± He continued cryptically, and Lilithra felt increasingly uncomfortable, as if being watched. ¡°What is it you want?!¡± Ascalon demanded an answer in frustration, his anger palpable. But Wrath ignored his question. ¡°But it matters not¡­ a few detours won¡¯t change our final destination.¡± Wrath chuckled, as a mass of darkness began surrounding Ian¡¯s body, just like Ascalon had witnessed the day they tangled with the Flaming Fists. The tendril-like shadows wrapped Ian neatly, and began to pull him down into a puddle of pure blackness. ¡°Until we meet ag-¡± Wrath began, but was suddenly cut off by Ascalon. The knight lunged at the former Greed¡¯s body, claiming him with a most powerful grip. Effortlessly, Ascalon pulled back, prying the corpse away from the dark tendrils. ¡°Wha-¡± Wrath muttered, as Ascalon stomped on the malicious energy, dissipating it completely. With a firm expression, Ascalon brought the mask to his eye level. ¡°Know that I shall find you, Wrath.¡± The knight declared with the utmost confidence¡ªhis words resonating with inevitability. The real Wrath, far beyond the mask, took a step back under Ascalon¡¯s overwhelming intensity. ¡°I shall make sure you rue this day¡ªthe day you dared put my friends in danger.¡± The knight¡¯s voice boomed with an otherworldly echo, causing Wrath to recoil in shock. Suddenly, the malicious presence vanished. ¡°He severed the connection, the spineless wretch.¡± Ascalon complained aloud as he carefully removed the mask from Ian¡¯s face. He inspected it for a moment, feeling none of the demonic energy that had enveloped the whole fight. Perhaps the mask itself was only a receptacle for whatever rite or unholy spell Wrath was casting. Still, Ascalon realized he had to be wary. He would dispose of it later, nonetheless. Leaving his promise to find Wrath aside, Ascalon had no idea where to begin. He was at great disadvantage, since Wrath already knew about him, and implied he knew a lot about Lilithra too¡ªyet they didn¡¯t even have a clue about Wrath¡¯s identity. He sighed in resignation, knowing there was no point in dwelling over the matter at present, he stored the mask in his inventory, and hurriedly went back to his friends. Lilithra was standing up, a flushed smile on her face. Lyra, on the other hand, was helping Levi steady himself on the floor, seemingly unable to stand. ¡°Serves him right!¡± The small Felinae growled, a pained expression flashing on his face. ¡°T-take it easy, big brother!¡± Lyra reprimanded him, but hugged him tightly. ¡°Uuugh¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ breathe¡­¡± Levi complained to his sister, who quickly released him from her embrace. Ascalon smiled at the peaceful sight, when a pair of familiar presences stepped into the room. He glanced over their general direction and saw Escarlata and Selorien walking toward them, the latter clearly exhausted. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Selorien raised a hand and waved weakly, his face showing a regretful grimace. Escarlata simply nodded, her usual composure and elegance completely restored. Lilithra rushed to the elf¡¯s side, her brows furrowing as she showed a worried expression. ¡°You okay, Selly?¡± She asked as she slowly patted her friend¡¯s body, and he chuckled in response to her actions. ¡°Yeah¡­ but I was out of it for a while there.¡± Selorien replied as he scratched the back of his head, causing Lilithra to raise an eyebrow in confusion. Ascalon remembered Selorien¡¯s odd behavior, and wondered if that¡¯s what he meant. But before he could join his friends, a feeble hand gripped the hem of his cloak. Looking down, he saw Levi staring up at him. ¡°Thank you.¡± The cat boy exclaimed, his now lively eyes burning with appreciation. Ascalon smiled reassuringly and nodded, while Lyra giggled, teary eyed. ¡°Thank you as well, Ascalon¡­¡± She joined in, bowing slightly, her cute ears twitching. Ascalon patted her head once, and then approached Lilithra and the rest, leaving some space for the siblings. As he arrived at their side, Escarlata cleared her throat before producing a couple of flasks from thin air. They were filled with a deep crimson liquid, almost resembling blood. ¡°These are¡­?!¡± Lilithra suddenly perked up in excitement, peering at the vials with clear interest. ¡°Restoration potions.¡± Escarlata remarked, shyly presenting them to Lilithra. Ascalon raised his eyebrows in surprise, as the sight of the maid being compassionate, toward Lilithra of all people, was quite shocking. Selorien smiled knowingly at her side, so perhaps he had influenced the sudden development. Lilithra took the flasks carefully, her eyes glistening as she was overcome with emotion. ¡°Thanks!¡± She replied with both admiration and glee, before clumsily making her way to the siblings, eager to share the potions with them. She was still frail, yet her very first thought was to go and help her friends. It was a most warming scene. Ascalon glanced at Escarlata, who locked eyes with him and blushed slightly. Whatever had prompted this change in her demeanor, Ascalon thought it was for the better. For the moment, matters had been settled, and Ascalon could enjoy a brief respite. Chapter 62 - The Statue in the Dungeon A pleasant stillness filled a corner of the room, a cozy reprieve away from the pile of corpses that Ian had left behind, and his own charred body that now rested beside it. Ascalon and the rest had regrouped around Levi, who seemed to have recovered a bit more thanks to Lyra¡¯s efforts and Escarlata¡¯s potion. The maid observed the scene from a distance, occasionally stealing glances toward Ascalon, and fidgeting in place. For a moment, she reminisced about what had happened mere moments ago, when she took Selorien with her and vanished into the shadows. She had relocated with the elf to another room, away from the fight¡ªa place where she could keep him safe. After forcing him to drink one of her most valuable potions, he kept rambling incoherently about ¡®having to get back to the fight¡¯, and that he ¡®was missing out on experience¡¯. She had never seen him behave like that before, and assumed it had to be related to Greed in some way. Still, her priority had been keeping the young master out of harm¡¯s way, so she kept him in a firm, merciless headlock until he finally calmed down¡ªlikely because of Greed¡¯s defeat. After releasing him from her grip, and with some awkward exchanges, the elf had suggested she share some of the potions with the group. At first she had no intention of doing so¡ªthe concoctions weren¡¯t only expensive, but of the highest quality. She certainly didn¡¯t want to waste such valuable resources on the Felinaes or the ¡®demon¡¯ girl. But just a few words from Selorien were more than enough to change her mind. ¡°Ascalon would appreciate it.¡± Now, standing in the present, that phrase echoed in her mind, obfuscating the memory of the mischievous smile that her young master had shown at that moment. She was unaware that the whole thing was orchestrated for the elf¡¯s own amusement, and it would remain that way! Escarlata wondered whether Ascalon had actually appreciated her gesture, and at the same time, questioned her own decisions. She thought that her master, Theoldorien, wouldn¡¯t be pleased to learn she had shared her potions with them. But at least, the young master was in one piece, though a bit tired, and that gave her some leverage¡ªperhaps her punishment wouldn¡¯t be as bad. She sighed as quietly as she could, her thoughts swirling with confliction. Meanwhile, Ascalon, completely oblivious to Escarlata¡¯s inner struggle, was simply watching over the siblings with a warm gaze. Lyra, after drinking one of the potions, was channeling her renewed strength into healing her brother, her determination causing Ascalon to be filled with admiration. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but be worried for the cat girl, as she had been pushing herself way too hard. Just then, Lilithra skipped over to him, holding the last potion flask in her hand. ¡°Uhm, here! You must be tired.¡± The horned girl exclaimed with a gentle, yet radiant smile as she presented the crimson drink to him. Both Ascalon and Escarlata were taken aback by her actions, although in different ways. The maid narrowed her eyes, considering if Lilithra was just trying to flatter Ascalon with her gesture. After all, she was a demon¡ªto be deceptive and manipulative were supposed to be part of her very essence. Perhaps this was her way of gaining the knight¡¯s trust or affection. Yet these thoughts were halted in place, faltering as Escarlata bit her lips. Deep down, Escarlata knew the truth¡ªa realization she wasn¡¯t ready to accept, as it contradicted many of her orders and beliefs, and most of all, went against her master¡¯s wishes. She had been watching Lilithra from afar, even if briefly and by mere chance; from her training with Ascalon to their time here in Starugnia, and even through the entire dungeon. The ¡®demon¡¯ was nothing like she was led to believe. Lilithra was plainly a genuinely nice, gentle girl. Her actions were the exact opposite depiction of her heritage¡ªit was as if she were rebelling against her true nature, and Escarlata couldn¡¯t help but notice and kind of admire it. Unable to ignore the truth any longer, she sighed with a mix of frustration and resignation. Ascalon, on the other hand, was purely bewildered. Time and time again, Lilithra reminded him of her praiseworthy selflessness and caring personality. Even while putting on a brave front¡ªher legs shaky under her weight, her breath uneven, and her body bruised¡ªLilithra continued to place others before herself, without the slightest bit of hesitation. She really was a special one, and her very presence filled his heart with warmth. Lilithra tilted her head with curiosity, likely wondering why Ascalon was just standing there, dumbfounded. He sighed, a gentle smile forming on his lips, as he carefully pushed her hands back toward her. ¡°No, you should drink it. I am completely fine!¡± Ascalon declared, flexing his arm as if to show his energy. Though a bit fatigued after being drained by Greed¡¯s skill continuously, he was recovering gradually thanks to his own blessings. That brought a question to his mind, but it was pushed back momentarily by Lilithra¡¯s voice. ¡°Are you sure¡­?¡± She asked in a sheepish voice, still concerned. Ascalon nodded and placed a reassuring hand on her head, gently ruffling her hair. ¡°I assure you. More importantly.¡± He began, as Lilithra blushed under his affection. ¡°Have you regained your skill?¡± Ascalon questioned with preoccupation in his tone. Lilithra jumped slightly as realization dawned on her. ¡°Oh, right!¡± She exclaimed, her fingers dancing through the air as she fiddled with her network interface. Her gaze darted from place to place, until she finally sighed with relief. ¡°Everything is back¡­ thank goodness.¡± The girl muttered, her voice trembling with emotion, her eyes tearing up slightly. Her beloved skill had been returned, and she felt ever so grateful. Amidst her worry for Lyra and Levi, she had completely forgotten about the stats and skills that had been stolen from her. It seemed that Greed¡¯s demise had triggered their return, thankfully¡ªas morbid as that sounded. Lilithra shivered at her own dark thoughts, while Ascalon patted her head more firmly, sensing her discomfort. ¡°Thank goodness indeed.¡± He replied, and she beamed at him with both glee and bashfulness. Then, Ascalon nodded at her, his sole eye focused on the potion. Urged by his stare, she uncorked the bottle and brought it to her lips, drinking the crimson liquid and immediately feeling the effects. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. While she finished up her concoction, Selorien approached with slow, tired steps. ¡°So¡­ what now?¡± He asked, clearly unsure of how to proceed. Ascalon brought a hand to his chin in a pondering gesture, while Lilithra furrowed her brows. They hadn¡¯t thought about their next move, yet. Although they had overcome Greed¡¯s menace, they were still in the depths of a dungeon, and Ascalon could feel many creatures roaming the corridors. It was safe to assume that the beasts had been repelled by the intensity of their fight, but now that everything had calmed down, they lacked that ¡®protection¡¯. Still, the knight couldn¡¯t feel any monster as strong as the chimera, so he wasn¡¯t that concerned in that regard. What worried him was Levi, who, after receiving so much help, was still showing no signs of getting up. A sorrowful thought crossed Ascalon¡¯s mind, and his mouth moved before he could even realize it. ¡°Sir Levi, are your legs¡­?¡± He stopped himself, watching the Felinae clench his small fists. Lyra looked up at Ascalon, and then back at her brother, worry and intrigue etched in her expression. ¡°Yeah¡­ I can¡¯t move them.¡± Levi admitted in a sad voice, but showed a half-smile as if to appear unfazed. Lilithra gasped, her heart sinking at Levi¡¯s words, while Lyra began to tear up. ¡°Big brother¡­¡± She whispered before starting to sob, while Levi gently stroked her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lyra. I don¡¯t mean to sound harsh but¡­¡± He began, as Lyra slowly stopped crying. ¡°This isn¡¯t exactly a hospital, you know¡­?¡± Levi remarked in a joking tone, and Lyra smiled shyly in response. Levi had likely received too much damage, and a simple potion and a restorative spell wouldn¡¯t be enough to fully heal him. He needed professional care and uninterrupted rest, much like the many warriors Ascalon had seen gravely injured in battle. His memories of old comrades making a resounding recovery from seemingly hopeless wounds filled him with hope, and a relieved smile formed on his lips. ¡°That is true. We must take Sir Levi to a safer place.¡± Ascalon declared with resolution, his words spreading a positive energy through the group. Lyra clumsily wiped her eyes with her hand, a spark of determination in her eyes. ¡°Right!¡± She exclaimed, pumping her fists in the air. Lilithra sighed with relief, while Selorien patted her shoulder, clearly sharing the sentiment. Escarlata remained emotionless, though she was clearly vigilant. Just then, Selorien groaned. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be a pain to get out of this place, though¡­¡± He complained, kicking a loose pebble across the ground. A sour mood dawned on them due to the elf¡¯s words. The journey down had been long and tedious, so having to go back the same way¡ªwith an injured man and exhausted bodies¡ªwould prove to be far more difficult for the rest of them. ¡°Hmmm.¡± Ascalon muttered, lost in thought. ¡°Perhaps I could go ahead and clear the path?¡± He suggested, while the rest considered her proposal. ¡°What about looking for another exit?¡± Lilithra chimed in, bringing up another idea, her curious eyes glancing toward the many doors in the room. It was an interesting proposition, but Escarlata wasn¡¯t entirely on board with her plan. ¡°We cannot be sure of that. We could be wasting precious time looking for something that isn''t there.¡± The maid responded, her tone firm yet logical. Lilithra couldn¡¯t help but agree that Escarlata had a fair point, and slumped her shoulders in defeat. Ascalon looked at her with a warm gaze, at the same time that his emblem stirred in his pocket. ¡°Oh.¡± He exclaimed in realization, remembering the trinket had been quite lively in the earlier fight, yet he had maintained it confined to his pocket. Amidst curious stares, he brought it out and let it rest on his palm. Everyone watched as the amulet jumped slightly, increasingly more energetic. ¡°What is it?¡± Selorien asked as he approached, extending his hand and poking the emblem with his finger. The accessory twitched, as if startled, and then trembled furiously. Selorien pulled back his hand in surprise. ¡°Guess it didn¡¯t like that¡­¡± He said as he narrowed his eyes, while Ascalon simply chuckled. The emblem seemed to be developing its own personality as time passed, the knight thought. As he wondered about that, the amulet began to jump once again, slowly moving in his palm. Ascalon then realized that it was clearly following a pattern¡ªconsistently inching toward the same direction. Perhaps it was trying to tell him something? ¡°Hmmm¡­ I believe it wants me to go that way.¡± Ascalon explained, as the rest perked up with renewed curiosity. ¡°Could you watch over the others, please?¡± The knight suddenly asked, his gaze locked onto the maid. Escarlata¡¯s impassiveness was broken as she blushed and nodded meekly, while Selorien grinned teasingly, a smug expression forming on his face. At the sight, Lilithra stepped forward with resolve, gathering her courage to speak. ¡°Uhm, can I go with you?!¡± She asked, clearly intrigued by the emblem¡¯s mysterious behavior. Ascalon considered it for a moment, and then nodded. ¡°Very well, but you must not engage in combat¡ªyou need to conserve your strength.¡± Ascalon said as he crossed his arms, posing a condition for her to accompany him. Lilithra clenched her fists in a pumped-up fashion, her effusiveness contagious. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll behave!¡± She replied, ecstatic at the prospect of adventure. ¡°Good. We shall return soon¡ªhopefully.¡± Ascalon declared with a reassuring smile, as Lyra waved at them energetically, and Levi simply nodded. Escarlata seemed a bit skittish, and Selorien looked too tired to even consider joining them. With that, Ascalon turned and set out with Lilithra eagerly following close behind, her enthusiastic steps creating a pleasant rhythm. As he walked, Ascalon peered at his emblem, comparing it to a very lively compass and following its intention without hesitation. ¡°I wonder what we¡¯ll find!¡± Lilithra chirped at his side, her body swaying happily as she walked. Ascalon¡¯s expression softened, smiling gently at her lighthearted behavior as they crossed one of the doors and continued through a corridor. ¡°I wonder that as well.¡± He replied, earning a cheerful smile from Lilithra. Minutes passed as they traveled, their steps taking them further and deeper into the dungeon. They came across some creatures on the way, which watched them warily and dared not engage. Perhaps they sensed the knight¡¯s formidable strength, or maybe it was Lilithra¡¯s amulet spreading the ¡®fear¡¯ effect once more. Either way, Ascalon was grateful for avoiding unnecessary combat. As they turned down another hallway, the amulet stirred strongly, livelier than ever. ¡°We must be close.¡± Ascalon stated, and Lilithra nodded in agreement. They advanced, unwavering, and at last emerged into a bigger chamber. It was similar to the ones where they had fought the chimera and Ian. But this time, instead of an open space or a pile of corpses, there was a colossal statue in the middle. Lilithra gasped in awe, her head raising to appreciate the object as a whole, while Ascalon examined the figure with curiosity. Slowly, a realization dawned on him¡ªa notion that shook him to the very core. ¡°Arkssol¡¯el¡­?¡± He muttered, his tone brimming with disbelief, his emblem reacting strongly at the name. At his side, Lilithra peeked at him with a raised eyebrow, intrigued by his reaction. Ascalon¡¯s expression was pale, his tension palpable, so she gently tapped his shoulder and asked. ¡°Are you okay¡­?¡± Her voice was full with concern, and Ascalon snapped back from his bewilderment. ¡°How¡­?¡± The knight muttered, causing Lilithra to be further confused. There, in front of them, stood a statue depicting a tall, robed figure carved from yellow sandstone; many cracks and holes ruined its surface, and gave it an ancient look. One of its arms was outstretched, its index finger pointing toward North, a fact Ascalon knew very well¡ªit was a gesture of guiding, of pointing the way. Its face, though partly eroded by the passage of time, depicted a smile of solemn compassion, as if watching fondly over someone with a gentle, watchful gaze. Intricate carvings of dancing winds and sand mounds adorned the base of the sculpture, while small runes from a bygone era had been inscribed onto a rectangular plaque at its feet¡ªthough the writing, even if partially faded, was all too familiar to the knight. It was a monument to one of the Gods from his world¡ªArkssol¡¯el, the God of Wayward Souls, the eternal guardian of travelers. Chapter 63 - Mysterious Stranger Ascalon stood in shock before the almost faceless, towering statue of Arkssol¡¯el, his single eye locked on the plaque below. The writing, though worn and somewhat faded, showed a message that only he could read and try to piece together: ¡®Eight Altar of Arkssol¡¯el, our guiding benefactor, God of Wayward Souls, and the revered sixth throne of the great Gods. May he always show us the way.¡¯ Ascalon chuckled at the words, his tension easing up a bit. Among the ten great Gods, Arkssol¡¯el was one of the three who had never granted him a blessing. He found it amusing that he would stumble upon the statue of the ¡®guiding¡¯ God, of all things, since he had never been guided by him. Still, the mere presence of the sculpture filled him with unease. He tightened the clutch on his emblem, which stirred fainty in response. ¡°How is this possible?¡± He muttered in a low voice, his expression darkening. How could there be a statue from Excadia in this world? And in the depths of a dungeon, no less? Altars were usually placed in towns and cities, so pilgrims and believers could easily worship their respective Gods. As he mulled over the discovery, he noticed Lilithra peeking at him from the side, her face a mix of intrigue and worry. The sight of her both frowning and fidgeting calmed him a bit. That¡¯s right¡ªshe had asked before if he was okay, and he hadn¡¯t replied yet. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he spoke. ¡°I am okay, sorry to worry you.¡± He stated as he flashed a reassuring smile, his emblem stirring on his palm once more. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s this?!¡± Lilithra asked excitedly, realizing Ascalon knew something she didn¡¯t. Her eager, cheerful tone lifted his spirits. ¡°It is a statue to an old God¡­ from my world.¡± He explained in a concerned tone, and Lilithra opened her eyes wide in amazement. ¡°What?!¡± She exclaimed, raising her voice a tad bit more than she initially wanted to. ¡°S-sorry.¡± Lilithra quickly apologized for her outburst, smiling sheepishly, while Ascalon simply sighed in resignation. ¡°I am as confused as you are, Lilithra.¡± Ascalon replied, gazing upon the statue once more, doubts beginning to cloud his mind again. ¡°I cannot understand why this is here¡­¡± He continued, while Lilithra¡¯s expression slowly shifted into a pensive one. Just then, the emblem in Ascalon¡¯s hand jumped slightly, as if urging him forward. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Ascalon pondered momentarily, before reaching out and causing the amulet to come in contact with the sculpture. Lilithra watched curiously from the side, while Ascalon waited patiently, his arm stretched out¡­ yet nothing happened. The emblem stirred, and it felt a bit warmer, but that was all. After a second or two, it jumped slightly, and away from the statue, prompting Ascalon to withdraw his hand. For a moment, the knight thought the trinket felt¡­ disappointed? It was an odd sensation, to be sure. Both him and Lilithra stayed still for a few minutes, wondering if something would suddenly change. But it seemed that whatever the trinket wanted with the sculpture was already finished. The emblem stopped moving entirely, and the pair simply looked at each other with confused expressions. ¡°Well¡­¡± Lilithra began, clearly at a loss, circling the statue and examining it all over. ¡°I, uh, what do we do now? Haha¡­¡± She added, blushing slightly at her own awkward question. Unfortunately, Ascalon shared the same sentiment, and was unsure of how to proceed from there. He couldn¡¯t feel anything else coming from the emblem, and the statue remained as silent and unmoving as before. It seemed that this was all there was to find¡ªmore questions to add to the growing pile of unanswered mysteries. Ascalon rubbed his temples, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips. Why was everything so enigmatic?! He questioned in his mind, brimming with frustration. But before he could delve deeper into these thoughts, a screen abruptly appeared in front of them.
The boss monster - Chimera of the Long Lost Tomb - has been defeated. The dungeon will close in one hour. Reopening in: Ninety eight hours.
¡°Wha-?!¡± Lilithra blurted out, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. Ascalon too was taken aback by the sudden notice, wondering why it would show itself now of all times. Up to this point, the network hadn¡¯t classified the place as a dungeon, and the Chimera had been defeated quite some time ago. So, why now? To add to the weirdness of the situation, the reopening time was incredibly long in comparison to what he had witnessed back at the Howling Chasm. ¡°Is this normal?¡± Ascalon asked, causing Lilithra to shift in place while tilting her head to the side. Bringing a finger to her chin, she let out a thoughtful ¡®hmmm¡¯ as she rummaged through her memories. ¡°No¡­ well, I dunno. I¡¯ve never heard of something like this, at least¡­¡± She replied with a half-smile, slightly ashamed that she couldn¡¯t answer him properly. Ascalon smiled at her to try and reassure her, before eyeing the statue once more. It was all too strange, and made him feel unsettled. He stepped forward, and placed his hand on the sculpture¡¯s plaque, hoping for a sign, a revelation¡ªanything. ¡°What is it that I should do?¡± He muttered to the God of guiding, but his wish was met with silence. Sighing with clear disappointment, he returned to Lilithra¡¯s side, who watched over him with a sad expression. He placed a hand on her head, and she blushed slightly. Ascalon felt a bit discouraged, but reminded himself that he was in another world. Perhaps the statue had been transported just like him, and its connection to its God may have been severed due to that. Once more, he found himself lost in thought, dwelling upon matters he had no way of resolving on his own. Shaking his head slightly, as if to clear his mind, he looked at Lilithra with a firm gaze. ¡°Let us go back, and regroup with our friends.¡± Ascalon suggested with a gentle tone. At his words, Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°Yes! We can probably use the escape skill now!¡± She exclaimed, clearly excited that they could now leave¡ªlikely, thinking about their friends¡¯ health. With a warm feeling enveloping his chest, Ascalon took the lead, returning to the entrance as he promised to himself to come back. Next time, he would explore the entire dungeon and leave no stone unturned¡ªperhaps then, he would find at least an answer to one of his questions.
As soon as the pair left the chamber, a figure stepped inside through another entrance, completely undetected by Ascalon. ¡°Finally! Thought they¡¯d never leave!¡± The stranger exclaimed in a masculine voice, his words coated with irritation. ¡®He¡¯ strolled toward the center with a relaxed, carefree demeanor, his body swaying slightly with every step. His swagger was slow and nonchalant, almost exaggeratedly laid-back to an average person. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. But to those who had stepped into the realm of the mighty, his bearing would be recognized as irrefutable confidence. The man stopped in front of the statue and leaned back, placing his hands at his hips as he inspected the sculpture. The flickering torches in the room revealed his appearance, though no one was there to witness it. He was of average height, with short white hair. His face was slightly obscured, but a pair of black sunglasses could be pictured covering his eyes. He wore a long, white trench coat, with the sleeves slightly rolled up. Beneath it, a black t-shirt hung loosely, adding to his laid-back vibe. Matching the coat, he had a pair of white cargo-style pants, and his boots were black, with thick soles. Strangely enough, all of his clothes looked brand new, which greatly contrasted with the surroundings. He raised his right hand, covered by a white glove, and traced his fingers through the air, briefly manipulating an unseen console. ¡°Network, is the sync complete?¡± He questioned with an impassive tone as he slid his hands into his pants pockets, slouching slightly forward.
Yes, master.
¡°Good. Initiate the relocation process and execute it once the dungeon is cleared.¡± The man commanded, his firm tone betraying his carefree image.
As you command, master.
¡°Ah. Save their battle records, too. I want to watch their fights later.¡± He added, remembering something that piqued his curiosity.
Saving...
He then looked around, sighing with exasperation. ¡°Still, just how did they find out about this place, anyway? It¡¯s outside the ¡®playground¡¯.¡± He groaned and clicked his tongue, casting a side-glance toward the exit Ascalon had used. ¡°This changes things¡­¡± He stated in a tired voice, clearly unamused.
Should I penalize the culprits, master?
Reading the network¡¯s proposal, the man pondered for a moment. ¡°Hmm¡­ no, leave them be.¡± He replied, shaking his head.
Understood, master.
¡°It wouldn¡¯t be fair. After all, I did help that elf out.¡± He continued. ¡°These guys playing at being the cardinal sins are up to some weird things¡ªdangerous, and evil things, mind you¡ªbut this is my blunder anyway. I should¡¯ve sealed this place better.¡± He took his right hand out of his pocket, and scratched his chin.
The master is never wrong.
¡°Oh shut up, you.¡± He replied, chuckling to himself. ¡°Still¡­ Ascalon¡¯s involvement was unexpected¡­ or was it? It¡¯s hilarious to see he¡¯s carrying her around, oblivious to her existence, haha!¡± The man suddenly laughed, his tone a mix between mischievous and smug. ¡°She must be so mad, too! The statue barely had any energy stored for her to absorb. But I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll awaken soon¡­¡± He smiled fondly, his gaze drawn to the statue¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, brother, I hope you come back sometime, too.¡± He spoke with a tender voice, a few pleasant memories flashing on his mind. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m getting emotional, fuck! I¡¯m out of here.¡± He groaned as he shook his head, taking a last look around the room. ¡°I better go check on the other hidden vaults¡­¡± He mentioned as he turned around and strolled off, his carefree swagger carrying him into the darkness.
Safe travels, master.
After navigating the corridors back the way they came, Ascalon and Lilithra rejoined the rest of the group. After a brief conversation, and making sure everyone was ready, they all left the dungeon with the handy escape spell. Once outside, Selorien was the first one to talk. ¡°Ugh! I almost forgot¡­¡± He began, as the incandescent rays of the sun descended upon him, forcing him to shield his eyes. ¡°So hot!¡± He groaned, hurrying to a nearby building¡¯s shade. Lilithra and Lyra giggled in amusement, while Ascalon chuckled as he walked over, carrying Levi on his back. ¡°Sorry about this¡­ Uhm¡­¡± The small felinae began, stammering over his words. ¡°Ascalon, sir Levi.¡± The knight answered with a reassuring voice. ¡°Yes¡­ thanks, Ascalon.¡± Levi replied, his tone filled with gratitude. Lyra gazed at them with a warm stare, her eyes sparkling with such happiness that it could be sensed even from a distance. No one could fault her¡ªthey had succeeded in their mission, after all. Escarlata herself, as per usual, maintained a proper distance as she scanned the surroundings. They appeared to be in the lower districts, and she doubted there would be any kind of reputable hospital nearby. ¡°We should move to the upper districts.¡± She suggested, her voice carrying her usual respectfulness. Everyone nodded in agreement, while Ascalon decided something on his own. ¡°I shall go ahead, then. Hold on tight, sir Levi.¡± He suddenly blurted out, confusing the Felinae for a moment. Suddenly, Ascalon burst out with a dash, quickly leaving the rest of the group behind. Levi was completely taken aback by the knight¡¯s speed, wondering if he had somehow been put into a sports car. The wind rushed past him like never before, his grip tightening around Ascalon¡¯s neck as he feared he would fall. But just as abruptly as the knight had rushed forth, he came to a halt, cushioning the cat boy¡¯s momentum with his back. ¡°I think this is it.¡± Ascalon mentioned, his sole eye focused on a big, white building. ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± Levi answered, his mind struggling to catch up. Promptly, Ascalon headed in and explained the situation to the staff, who hurriedly checked Levi in. The fact that the cat boy was a Guild leader seemed to facilitate things, which was surely a good fortune. With that taken care of, and having nothing else to do, Ascalon decided to head outside. He leaned against the building and sat down, a tired sigh escaping his lips. He enjoyed a moment of brief respite, the desert wind caressing his hair as he watched passersby with curiosity, reflecting on the day¡¯s events. They sure had been involved in quite the ordeal, and although they had rescued Levi, the mystery of his emblem¡¯s origins remained unsolved. He brought it out, placing it on his open palm while poking it lightly with a finger. ¡°Is it¡­ asleep?¡± Ascalon spoke his thoughts aloud, seeing as there was no response coming from the trinket. Perhaps what drove the emblem to ¡®life¡¯ had been spent, or maybe it was dormant after straining itself¡­ somehow. Whatever the case, he had no idea how to proceed. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Ascalon muttered, remembering Claude¡¯s message. The emblem had been sent from Starugnia, supposedly, so perhaps there was a similar shop to Claude¡¯s where he could ask about the amulet. It was an optimistic thought, and since he had no better ideas in mind, he decided it was worth a try. For now, he would wait for his friends, basking on the silent, peaceful moment. He closed his eye for a moment, and thanks to the tranquil atmosphere, dozed off. ¡°-lon¡­¡± Ascalon heard a¡­ ¡®voice¡¯ amidst his drowsy thoughts. ¡°-calon, my beloved knight¡­¡± A warm, soothing feeling enveloped him, feeling familiar yet so distant. ¡°No! Unhand me!¡± The blissful feeling gradually faded, replaced by a growing sense of urgency, but was abruptly cut off. ¡°Ascalon!¡± The voice changed to a more animated one, causing him to awaken, his eye opening wide in surprise. Before him was Lilithra, staring at him with a gentle grin, while Selorien smirked in mischievousness at her side. ¡°You with us?¡± The elf asked in a teasing tone, while Lyra¡¯s head peeked from behind Lilithra¡¯s shoulder. Ascalon shook his head slightly, trying to shake away the drowsiness. He felt as if he had been dreaming about something, but couldn¡¯t quite recall what it was. ¡°Good morning.¡± He said in a joking manner as he stood up and stretched his arms high. The rest giggled at his actions, while he wondered just for how long he had been asleep. It couldn¡¯t have been more than thirty minutes, seeing the sun was still up. But still, he felt it was careless of him to have let his guard down, having fallen asleep in the middle of the street. At the very least, it showed the difference in safety between the upper and lower districts¡ªor so he thought, until he noticed his chest pocket felt unnaturally empty. The rest looked at him with curiosity as he patted his torso, his brows furrowing in concern. The realization slowly dawned on him¡ªthe emblem was missing. Chapter 64 - Not a Date The air turned hotter around Ascalon, either due to Starugnia¡¯s weather or because of his own rising indignation. Either way, he was fuming. He clenched his fist, his thoughts racing with both concern and agitation. ¡°Ho.¡± He muttered, his tone deep and ominous. The rest were taken aback, sensing the sudden tension in the air. Someone dared rob him during his brief moment of reprieve! Even if he had let his guard down, he was burning with righteous vengeance, as stealing was a crime nonetheless. To make matters worse, they had stolen his emblem, out of all things. Perhaps if they had robbed him of food or water he would''ve let it slide, but the amulet was far too important for him to remain calm. But noticing his friends¡¯ worried stares, Ascalon tried his best to regain his composure, taking slow, deep breaths. With the most natural smile he could muster, he spoke to them. ¡°Ehem¡­ Please, go ahead and rest. I shall rejoin you later.¡± He suggested, earning both suspicious and uneasy gazes from them due to the abruptness of his words. ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Lilihra asked with clear concern in her tone, her frowning expression causing Ascalon''s chest to sting. He didn''t want to worry her further, and he knew she would want to help¡ªbut in her current state she would not only fall behind, but also worsen her condition. With those Thoughts in mind, he replied. ¡°Do not worry. I simply need to take care of some matters.¡± Ascalon said with half a smile. At his words, Lilithra perked up with palpable interest. ¡°Oh! In that case, I''ll go wi-¡± She began with a cheery tone, just as Ascalon had predicted, so he cut her short by placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair gently. ¡°Huh?¡± Lilithra protested sheepishly under Ascalon¡¯s sudden display of affection. He beamed at her, as she had somehow managed to lift his spirits. "I appreciate it, but you must rest. And this is an order from your master.¡± Ascalon ordered mischievously, using a handy excuse to try and convince her. Lilithra looked down and nodded, clearly crest-fallen and not entirely convinced, but at least seemingly willing to comply. Lyra and Selorien, on the other hand, had their own reasons to not press Ascalon further, even if slightly curious about his matters. Lyra wanted to be at her brother''s side, which was to be expected, especially after the whole ordeal with Ian. Selorien too had an important matter to attend to, like resting under the safety of a fresh, air conditioned room. Seeing that his friends were reluctant to take action, Ascalon decided to encourage them. ¡°Go on, have a good rest in my stead.¡± He smiled with gentleness, his earlier anger nearly gone. Lilithra sighed in resignation and nodded. ¡°Alright¡­ just be careful!¡± She replied, while Selorien chuckled. It was amusing that she would keep saying things like that to Ascalon, the one person they didn¡¯t have to worry about. ¡°Don¡¯t get lost!¡± Selorien exclaimed as he turned around, a teasing smile on his face. Ascalon raised a hand and waved, while Lyra bowed slightly before following the elf. Lilithra hesitated but quickly relented, joining her friends. As soon as he saw them enter the white building, Ascalon spoke once more. ¡°Escarlata, could I ask for another favor?¡± He asked with a firm voice, his sole eye focusing on a nearby shadow. The maid slowly emerged from the dark, her body blending with the light until her form regained her visage. She was blushing slightly, her impassive face showing a hint of anticipation. ¡°Could you help me track down a thief?¡± Ascalon requested, and Escarlata twitched. She felt a surge of happiness at being asked for help, but a lingering hesitation gnawed at the back of her mind. ¡°I-I am sorry, but I must see to the young master¡¯s safety.¡± She replied, her words ringing with regret. Ascalon understood her position, but believed Selorien was going to be safe for a while, so he insisted. ¡°Please, I shall be in your debt.¡± He spoke again, his choice of words making the maid shiver. ¡°But the young master¡¯s¡­¡± Escarlata began to mutter, her emotions conflicting with each other. ¡°The young master¡¯s¡­¡± She repeated, her eyes locked onto Ascalon, who looked at her with an intense stare. ¡°The young¡­ a-alright, I will help.¡± She finally accepted, feeling her heartbeat at an alarming rate. Ascalon was truly a dangerous man, she thought to herself. Ascalon exhaled with relief, as he knew just how reliable Escarlata could be. Clearing his throat, Ascalon proceeded to explain himself. ¡°Someone stole my emblem. They should be close.¡± He declared, his gaze examining the surrounding area. There were a few passersby, but none of them had the demeanor of a thief. It was obvious the robber had fled, most likely to an alleyway, their destination either the lower districts, a place to sell the stolen goods, or to their own hideout. Or at least, these were the possibilities that ran through his mind, thanks to his own experience with thieves back in Excadia. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Escarlata muttered, deep in thought. She was mulling over how to begin the search, when Ascalon suddenly perked up with realization. ¡°Oh! We could ask Rahmu, a spymaster we met a while ago¡ªI am sure he would know.¡± He suggested, his expression showing a glimmer of hope. Escarlata twitched, breaking into a cold sweat. She knew Rahmu wouldn¡¯t be of help¡ªespecially not after having lost his head. But how could she explain this to Ascalon without angering or disappointing him? Before she could gather her thoughts, the words were already spilling out from her lips. ¡°Rahmu is dead.¡± Escarlata blurted, her cheeks blushing once again. Just why did she have to say that?! She wondered. Perhaps she too was in need of rest. ¡°Dead?¡± Ascalon questioned with a concerned frown, his expression making her whimper internally in regret. ¡°Yes¡­ I disposed of him¡­¡± She answered with reluctance, and Ascalon took a step back, his eye wide in shock. ¡°Why?!¡± He asked as he leaned forward, invading her personal space and causing her blush to deepen. ¡°H-he was the one who told Loreno about you, and I deemed him a threat to the young master¡­¡± She stammered, quickly explained herself while averting her eyes. Ascalon covered his face with a hand, sighing as he processed the revelation. He had his suspicions about Rahmu and Loreno, and in a way, her actions were justified¡ªto an extent. Still, Ascalon rubbed his temple with resignation before speaking again. ¡°I see¡­ well, perhaps sir Ryan could help, then¡­¡± He wondered aloud, and Escarlata sighed quietly. ¡°Yes, I think he would be of help.¡± Escarlata agreed, stepping back while she contacted Ryan. Ascalon looked around once more as he waited, his thoughts shifting back to the emblem. It was likely that it would remain in the city, so at least time seemed to be on his side¡ªor so he hoped.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. After a couple of minutes, Escarlata approached Ascalon once more, her brows furrowed in irritation. Something probably hadn¡¯t gone as planned. ¡°Lieutenant Ryan is unavailable.¡± She began, her courteous tone mixed with regret. ¡°But I was given some information regarding a place known for their shady dealings.¡± She added, and Ascalon sighed with relief. At least, they had a clue to follow. ¡°Lead the way, if you please!¡± Ascalon exclaimed, and Escarlata nodded sheepishly. Then, she suddenly burst into a dash, her regal figure quickly vanishing from sight. Ascalon was slightly taken aback by the suddenness, but smiled with boldness as he followed after her, darting through the streets and immediately catching up. Escarlata flashed a slight smile, her red eyes narrowing slightly at the prospect of a challenge. Focusing her strength, she stomped on the ground and jumped high, landing gracefully on a rooftop before racing across the city''s heights. Ascalon needed no words to realize he was being tested, and a spark of amusement flickered within him. Though he was a bit tired after everything that had happened, it was not enough to deter him¡ªhe was never one to back down from a challenge! Ascalon wasted no time, and, in an instant, increased his speed to a remarkable point, his legs powered by a surging determination. His figure flickered across the stone path, his boots barely touching the ground as he glided effortlessly through the streets. Passersby, unaware of his swift advance, were startled by the sudden gust of wind that followed in his wake. Ascalon chuckled to himself as he avoided people left and right. He was feeling rather joyous for a moment, and had almost forgotten about his predicament! He then looked up, catching sight of Escarlata high above, and smirked with confidence since he was evenly matching her. His powerful strides had closed the distance between them, even when he had to avoid citizens and vault over obstacles. The maid was utterly impressed, though she couldn¡¯t allow herself to lose her concentration, or would be quickly left in the dust. As she focused, Ascalon kicked off the ground and soared through the air, his feet tapping the top of a wall to propel himself further. He took the chance to admire the cityscape, particularly the towering, giant skull that loomed in the distance. Ascalon wondered what kind of creature it belonged to, but his thoughts were halted by the sight of Escarlata stopping atop a windcatcher. Without missing a beat, he descended smoothly on a nearby rooftop, and climbed toward Escarlata with a controlled jump. As he arrived at her side, he wiped off some sweat from his forehead. ¡°That was quite the workout.¡± He exclaimed, a bold smile spreading across his face. The maid looked slightly agitated, with her breath a bit uneven, and her face flushed. Glancing at the knight beside her, she couldn¡¯t help but feel overcome with varying emotions. His glistening skin, his towering presence, and the sudden closeness with each other¡ªit was too much for her, almost overwhelming. Her thoughts wandered far, suddenly recalling a conversation she¡¯d had with her sisters a long time ago. ¡°Is this¡­ a date?¡± She whispered to herself, barely containing her confusing excitement. It was, in fact, not a date, but she didn¡¯t have any experience regarding these matters. Her sisters didn¡¯t either, so they all made up their own definitions of a date. Anastasia, the oldest sister, would say she¡¯d prefer a date of stealth and infiltration, while the youngest, Serafina, would favor a date spent on safeguarding duty. They were all a bunch of sheltered maids, Escarlata thought, as she was the first to ever have a date! Though, once again, it wasn¡¯t a date¡ªbut she didn¡¯t know any better. ¡°Yeah.¡± She awkwardly replied to the knight¡¯s earlier comment, fidgeting. Not only had she been deep in thought for a while and answered rather late, but Ascalon wasn¡¯t paying much attention to her right either, as his senses had picked up on something below. From the windcatcher they stood on, he could feel a lingering, soothing sensation emanating from across the street. His eye rested on a sandstone building, a plaque on its front reading ¡®Souvenirs and Curiosities¡¯, which caused him to sigh. His esteemed emblem likely sat once again on a dusty shelf. ¡°Is that the place?¡± Ascalon asked, glancing at the maid, who twitched slightly in response. She was still fidgeting, her feet shifting in place. ¡°Y-yes.¡± She replied bashfully, her courteous tone faltering. Ascalon narrowed his eye in confusion, but decided to let her be. Escarlata was a peculiar person, after all. Without further ado, Ascalon stepped forward, plunging into the streets with a fast descent. Escarlata snapped back to her senses and jumped behind him, not wanting to be separated from him. They both landed gracefully at the door of the establishment, earning a few curious stares before Ascalon led the way inside. The interior was as grandiose as Claude¡¯s place, but evoked quite a different vibe. Shelves lined the walls and pathways, filled to the brim with neatly organized trinkets, scrolls, and different materials. It was a stark contrast with Claude¡¯s store, which was a messy, cluttered sight. Just as he was about to make his way to the counter, he witnessed a kid arguing with who seemed to be the shopkeeper. ¡°Come on!¡± The child, around ten or twelve years old, complained as he pushed something onto the older man. ¡°I told you, I won¡¯t buy it!¡± An individual with the face of a crocodile growled back, clearly irritated. ¡°Why?!¡± The kid reproached again, a pair of mouse-like ears twitching atop his head. ¡°It has to be expensive!¡± He added, pushing the object further. Ascalon then noticed that it was his emblem. Still, the scene made him hesitate; he just couldn¡¯t get mad at such a small kid. His appearance was unkempt and dirty, his clothing torn with holes¡ªThe child was clearly in dire need of help. While Ascalon pondered, the crocodile storekeeper crossed his scaled arms. ¡°I know you stole it, Audun, and I don¡¯t want any trouble while Lieutenant Ryan is in the city!¡± The man explained, as his eyes spotted Ascalon. ¡°Oh! A customer! I¡¯m so sorry you had to see this¡­¡± He quickly changed his tune, bowing toward the newcomers. Then, he made a hand gesture to the kid, as if to wave him away. Audun, as he was called by the Crocodilian, clenched his tiny fists and furrowed his brow before storming out¡­ or so he planned, as he was caught midway by Ascalon, who picked him up by the collar of his ragged clothes. ¡°Wha?!¡± The child protested as his body rose from the floor, lifted effortlessly by the knight. Ascalon turned the kid around, and smiled at him. Audun¡¯s face went pale with realization, recognizing the knight immediately. ¡°W-what do you want?!¡± He exclaimed with a mix of irritation and fear, flailing around to try and break free, and hiding the emblem behind his back. ¡°Hey, what are you doing?!¡± The Crocodilian suddenly growled, quickly jumping the counter with a dangerous glare in his eye. Ascalon was slightly surprised by his actions, realizing that the man did care for the kid to some extent. Before he could explain, Escarlata stepped in between them, her imposing, cold eyes making the Crocodilian hesitate. ¡°I am deeply sorry, shopkeeper.¡± Ascalon began, placing his free hand on Escarlata¡¯s shoulder to gently push her away. She squeaked slightly at his touch, but Ascalon ignored it. ¡°This Audun here has stolen something from me¡­¡± He explained, and the Crocodilian dropped his guard as he sighed in exasperation. ¡°You little runt, see what I keep warning you about?!¡± the man reprimanded the child, who simply turned his face away in defiance, his body trembling slightly. ¡°I hope you can forgive him¡­ he¡¯s an orphan, you see¡­¡± The Crocodilian continued, his gaze softening. Ascalon listened intently, while Escarlata eyed the kid. ¡°Many kids from the lower districts end up like him, with their parents running off to escape their debts¡ªor worse.¡± The shopkeeper sighed, glancing at Audun. ¡°I¡¯ll take the punishment in his place, please.¡± He bowed deeply, and the kid sniffled, still averting his gaze. He did his best to appear proud, but clearly cherished the Crocodilian. Ascalon smiled gently as he placed the child on the ground, who looked at him with a suspicious, teary stare. ¡°There is no need for punishment¡ªI just want my emblem back.¡± Ascalon stated, and the Crocodilian lifted his face, clearly intrigued by his words. He was likely used to people getting violent or demanding compensation, Ascalon thought. ¡°No!¡± Audun suddenly blurted out. ¡°I found it, so it¡¯s mine! You want it back, you pay for it!¡± He declared, clutching the emblem tightly and dashing away. ¡°Audun!¡± The Crocodilian shouted, but the boy¡¯s small figure didn¡¯t stop, disappearing through the door frame. Ascalon promptly trotted after him, sighing with resignation as he glanced back. ¡°Go back without me¡ªI can track him on my own now.¡± He declared to Escarlata, who nodded reluctantly, her expression a mix of disappointment and understanding. And there ends the date, she thought¡ªthough it was not a date. Chapter 65 - Arm Wrestling? Ascalon strolled leisurely behind Audun, who glanced over his shoulder continuously as he tried his best to shake off his pursuer. It was slightly amusing for the knight, and at the same time, an intriguing sight. Audun was resourceful and cunning, clearly aware of his surroundings and the city¡¯s layout. He squeezed through small passages, slid down benches, and even darted between the legs of passersby. Sometimes he¡¯d attempt to lose Ascalon by blending with the crowd or retracing his steps. It was unfortunate for Audun that Ascalon had him pinned down, tracking him by his presence as one would follow a beacon. After a couple of minutes, the boy stopped at a running fountain, clearly exhausted and dehydrated. His thirst must have been quite strong, as he submerged his entire head in the water for a couple seconds before pulling it out, splashing droplets around as he gasped. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ascalon asked, standing beside him with a gentle smile. The boy clenched his teeth in frustration, and took a step back. His eyes were defiant, but they also betrayed a glimmer of curiosity. ¡°Unless you want to buy it, leave me alone!¡± Audun exclaimed, doing his best to appear brave and tough. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, seeing the kid puff his chest and curl his fists into balls, as if preparing for a fight. But even if the situation was amusing, Ascalon had to think of something to recover his emblem without hurting the boy in the process. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Ascalon pondered as he stroked his chin, while Audun gazed at him warily. The child seemed quite intent on getting compensation for the emblem, so perhaps that was the most efficient approach. If only Ascalon had any money on him! Glancing around, as if searching for inspiration amidst the scenery, an idea flashed across his mind as his eye rested on a traveling vendor. ¡°I do not have any money on me, but perhaps I could offer you a favor. What say I offer my services in exchange?¡± Ascalon suggested with a huge, bold smile. The boy was taken aback by his suggestion, clearly confused by his words and likely unaccustomed to being taken seriously. Audun looked pensive, his eyes shifting from Ascalon to the emblem in his hand, before letting out a proud ¡®hmph¡¯ and speaking up. ¡°Okay! You work for me now!¡± He declared with a determined tone, his eyes burning with conviction. A while later, Ascalon found himself seated behind a wooden box, his right arm propped on its surface. ¡°How did it come to this¡­?¡± He asked himself, as he pushed another man¡¯s arm down onto the box. The moment the stranger¡¯s hand hit the wood, the crowd around them erupted in cheers. ¡°And there you have it! Forty to zero!¡± Audun proclaimed in triumph, swiftly collecting bills and coins from the animated onlookers. ¡°Whoa, he¡¯s been at it for so long and still undefeated!¡± An spectator marveled aloud, earning a few murmurs of agreement and excitement. ¡°Must be cheating! I¡¯ll prove it to you all!¡± A tough-looking, beefy man exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at the makeshift arm-wrestling stand. Audun flashed a confident smirk, counting his earnings as he replied. ¡°Go ahead and see for yourself! Place your bets, everyone!¡± The kid giggled with mischievousness, causing the coins in his pocket to jingle. Ascalon felt ashamed, a feeling of guilt weighing heavily on his conscience. He was pretty much robbing these people blind¡­ but he had agreed to help the runt, so he would have to atone later in some other way. Just as Ascalon thought about that, the burly man sat down in front of him, shooting a most angry stare at him. ¡°May the best one win.¡± Ascalon stated respectfully, while the man simply scoffed and placed his elbow on the table. As Ascalon interlocked hands with him, Audun hurried to place his palm above their fists. The crowd began to fidget with anticipation as Audun''s cheerful voice rang out. ¡°Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­ go!¡± The kid gave the starting signal, and the man started to push against Ascalon¡¯s hand with all his might. Ascalon sighed in resignation, as his own arm didn¡¯t budge an inch. Another poor sod swindled, he thought, as the stranger¡¯s face turned red, his eyes bulging out partly due to exertion and shock. Without wanting to humiliate the man further, Ascalon gently pushed the hand onto the box, winning yet another bout. The onlookers gasped and cheered, while the challenger stood in silence for a few seconds, his mouth agape. ¡°Heh, a strong fella.¡± He said in a nervous voice, placing a bill on the table as he got up and left, clearly trying to save face. Ascalon smiled with relief, knowing that at least the stranger¡¯s pride remained somewhat intact¡­ perhaps only slightly. As he wondered about that, Audun spoke up with clear excitement. ¡°Forty one to zero!¡± He declared, relishing the victorious feeling. Ascalon gazed at him gently, thinking that he looked like any other child his age¡ªit was a shame he had resorted to stealing to survive. At that moment, a voice rang out from behind the crowd. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on over there?!¡± A familiar tone reached Ascalon¡¯s ears, making him perk up. ¡°Sir Ryan?¡± The knight murmured to himself, sensing the presence of the lieutenant. But just as he was about to raise his hand and wave past the crowd, Audun pulled on his clothes. ¡°Crap, run!¡± He stated as he tried his best to pull Ascalon along. Slightly confused, but utterly amused, Ascalon let himself be dragged by the kid and ran after him, leaving the perplexed onlookers and the lieutenant behind. Audun laughed cheerfully as he skipped across the streets, and Ascalon chuckled in response. ¡°You¡¯re not that bad¡ªfor a tourist!¡± Audun commented as he ran. ¡°I¡¯ll show you our secret base!¡± He added, picking Ascalon¡¯s curiosity. The knight smiled, feeling Audun¡¯s trust, and nodded as he followed without complaint. After a while, they arrived at a run-down building, a strange sight in the upper districts. Audun led the way while humming a cheery tune and occasionally glancing back to make sure Ascalon was following. ¡°Over here!¡± He exclaimed as he walked past the building and into the adjacent alley. From there, Audun advanced toward a nearby wall, and pulled aside a wooden sheet that concealed a small hole behind it. Without missing a beat, the child crawled into the opening, leaving a dumbfounded Ascalon behind. ¡°I doubt I can fit there¡­¡± The knight said with a mix of amusement and worry. Assessing his surroundings, Ascalon saw a boarded-up window, sparking an idea in his mind.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I am sorry about this¡­¡± Ascalon apologized to no one in particular as he effortlessly pried the wood from the window, creating an opening large enough for him to fit. He could hear a few curious voices from within, probably concerned about the window suddenly being opened. With a swift leap over the window¡¯s sill, he entered the building, and the sight before his eye made him gasp in amazement. The inside was filled with old furniture covered with crayon drawings, the floor littered with an assortment of toys and dirty blankets. Amidst the chaotic surroundings stood a multitude of kids, all around the age of Audun, watching him with wariness and intrigue. ¡°Don¡¯t worry guys, he¡¯s cool!¡± Audun spoke on Ascalon¡¯s behalf, puffing out his chest with pride. Ascalon bowed slightly to the children, still a bit perplexed. In the next moment, he was swarmed by them from all sides, the many kids bombarding him with so many words that he struggled to keep up. ¡°He¡¯s so tall!¡± A small girl said as she looked up, as if gazing upon an unending tower. ¡°And looks strong.¡± Commented another child, his arms crossed in a sign of pride. ¡°And has a cool scar!¡± Another kid chimed in, her voice brimming with excitement. The following minutes were spent with Ascalon answering questions or prying off kids that would climb onto his back, until he relented and gave some of them piggyback rides and such. They were all enjoying themselves, so much that most of the kids started to nap after growing tired. Among the remaining ones was Audun, who approached Ascalon sheepishly, his ears twitching slightly. ¡°Thanks for playing with them¡­ I can''t do it much anymore.¡± He said with a low, sad tone, but his eyes burned with conviction. ¡°As the oldest, I have to take care of them!¡± He proclaimed, his tiny fists clenched. Ascalon was hit with a wave of mixed feelings¡ªfrom admiration at the small child¡¯s bravery, to a deep sorrow because of their circumstances. ¡®Children of war¡¯ were a common sight back in Excadia, both then and now, he had always firmly believed that kids should not bear the burden of adults. They deserved a proper childhood, one much like the one he couldn¡¯t have. ¡°You are really strong, Audun.¡± Ascalon stated, earning a warm smile from the boy. ¡°But stealing is¡­¡± He continued, pausing as he saw the kid¡¯s downcast expression. ¡°I know¡­¡± Audun replied in a regretful tone. ¡±But no one will take care of us... most of our parents were taken by Loreno, a really bad guy¡­¡± He explained, and Ascalon clicked his tongue in disgust. Loreno had truly been a despicable man. Still, a glimmer of hope shone for these kids. ¡°You do not have to worry about Loreno anymore¡ªhe has been dealt with.¡± Ascalon revealed with a firm voice, causing both Audun and some of the other awake kids to perk up. ¡°What?! Really?!¡± Audun questioned with an excited voice, though a bit of suspiciousness could be seen in his eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± Ascalon replied, smiling gently, and the children celebrated among themselves. ¡°But you cannot go on like this¡­¡± He continued, looking around the room. They had likely been surviving on their own for a while, but, how long could they continue this way? Ascalon wondered, as he mulled over a possible solution. Audun looked down, his excitement easing up as he realized the knight was right. ¡°I get it, I¡¯m not a child¡­ but what else can we do?¡± He asked the knight, his eyes shining with a plea for help. ¡°Let us talk with sir Ryan!¡± Ascalon suggested, earning some dubious stares from some of the kids. They probably didn¡¯t like authoritative figures, and understandably so. ¡°Ryan¡­¡± Audun repeated the name, a mix of hesitation and fear in his voice. As if on cue, a voice replied from outside the window. ¡°You called?¡± Ryan said as he peeked in, alerting some of the kids and even surprising Ascalon. The knight had been so focused on the kids that he hadn¡¯t even noticed the lieutenant! Ascalon was probably far more tired than he thought. As the military man jumped in, a few of the kids scrambled toward Audun, hiding behind him. Audun himself stretched his arms as if to protect them, shooting a defiant store to the newcomer. Ryan smiled awkwardly, and then bowed to Ascalon. ¡°Sir!¡± He exclaimed a single word, packed with pure joy. Ascalon sighed as he nodded back, relieved that he didn¡¯t have to go and search for him on his own. He had almost regretted having sent Escarlata back! ¡°Sir Ryan, did you perhaps overhear?¡± Ascalon asked, a knowing smile forming on his face. Ryan scratched the back of his head, nodding slightly. ¡°Ah¡­ you caught me, haha.¡± The military man replied shyly, while Ascalon chuckled. ¡°That saves time. Can I count on you¡­?¡± Ascalon pleaded, his sole eye showing his sincerity. By the confident look on his face, Ryan had understood what Ascalon meant. ¡°Leave it to me! There are many shelters for orphans in the upper district, and I¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t get separated either.¡± Ryan puffed his chest as he smiled with boldness, while some of the kids murmured among themselves. Ascalon¡¯s face softened with relief, as he exhaled loudly. ¡°I am once again in your debt.¡± Ascalon stated as he bowed deeply, but Ryan quickly waved his arms as if to stop him. ¡°No, no, no! You don¡¯t owe me anything! Not now, nor ever!¡± Ryan proclaimed with utmost sincerity, earning a few ¡®wow¡¯ from the kids. His admiration for Ascalon was earning him good points among the children, it seemed. ¡°S-so¡­ what does all this mean!¡± Audun suddenly blurted out, a look of both anxiety and anticipation taking over his expression. ¡°You will no longer have to live like this¡ªthey will take proper care of you.¡± The kids exchanged glances, their eyes glistening with a mix of hope and disbelief. ¡°Really?¡± Audun asked in a whisper, clearly reluctant. Ascalon nodded firmly, and the children filled the room with joyous murmur, waking up some of the others. ¡°You promise¡­?¡± Audun questioned with a desperate look on his face as he glanced over to Ryan. The military man gave him an exaggerated thumbs-up before speaking up. ¡°Of course, I promise! Don¡¯t be fooled by my rank as a lieutenant.¡± Ryan began, smiling with confidence. ¡°I¡¯m kind of a big deal here in Starugnia!¡± He declared in triumph, the kids gazing upon him with amazement. ¡°And I¡¯ll turn a blind eye to your swindling shenanigans¡­ this time only!¡± Ryan added with a mischievous grin, while Ascalon felt both ashamed and apologetic. Audun simply giggled, a bashful smirk on his face. Still, Ascalon wondered just what kind of circumstances surrounded Ryan, as he did seem to have quite the authority over the city¡ªthough that wasn¡¯t important at the moment. The kids were talking excitedly among themselves, while Ryan stepped back as he produced a black contraption from his pocket¡ªlikely going to contact his men. At the same time, Audun approached Ascalon with a mix of shyness and regret on his expression, and presented both hands to him. In his palms rested Ascalon¡¯s emblem. ¡°Here¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Audun apologized, looking down, his mouse-like ears drooping. Ascalon placed a hand on his head and ruffled his hair gently. ¡°Just do not do it again!¡± Ascalon exclaimed, smiling gently. Audun nodded, and raised his hands higher, urging the knight. Without further ado, Ascalon reclaimed his emblem, a familiar, tingling feeling enveloping him with the touch. Suddenly, he felt a surge of emotions spreading across his chest, and the emblem shone briefly. Audun and some of the other kids gasped in surprise, while Ascalon peered at his emblem with great interest. A foreboding feeling enveloped him, as if something were about to happen¡ªbut as moments passed, he realized it was probably a product of this tiredness. From there, he spent a bit more with the children, waiting until Ryan¡¯s men arrived to lend a helping hand. ¡°Come visit sometime!¡± Were Audun¡¯s parting words, as Ascalon waved at both Ryan and the kids. It had been quite the peculiar detour, but one he would remember fondly. With conviction guiding him, he retraced his steps, intent on returning to the store. He had some questions to ask the shopkeeper¡ªafter all, the emblem¡¯s mystery remained unsolved, and the man could perhaps be of help. Chapter 66 - She Descends The day was slowly coming to an end, with the wind picking up as the harsh desert heat gradually diminished. Ascalon strolled leisurely until he reached the ¡®souvenir¡¯ store, feeling rather enthusiastic. After having recovered his emblem, and properly remembering the way back, he felt as though he had accomplished two huge feats. They felt so significant to him, that he had momentarily forgotten about the whole dungeon event. Despite that, an uncertainty gnawed at him while he walked the streets. With the orange, afternoon light looming around him, he wondered if the establishment would even be open. Fortunately, his concerns were unfounded, and the place was actually buzzing with visitors. Ascalon could even recognize a few passengers from the train, once more; they were certainly making the most out of their trip. After going in, he decided to wait until things calmed down. Nodding politely at people that noticed him, and trying to act inconspicuous¡ªas hard as that was due to his towering figure¡ªhe navigated through the shelves and killed some time appraising the objects for sale. Much like in Claude¡¯s shop, Ascalon could barely recognize any of the items, and most of them were so strangely shaped that he couldn¡¯t even begin to guess what they could be used for. He timidly picked up a few, feeling their weight, turning them around to examine all of their sides, and even being tempted to press some buttons¡ªthough he refrained, afraid of causing a ruckus! As time passed, the customers began to dwindle, and soon, only Ascalon and the Crocodilian remained. The knight smiled with relief as he approached the counter, feeling that he would finally be able to talk about the emblem with the shopkeeper¡ªand, perhaps, find some clues in regard to its origins. The Crocodilian noticed him and twitched with surprise. ¡°You¡¯re back! What happened?¡± He asked with clear concern, likely being worried about Audun. Ascalon explained to him the events that had transpired, earning a mixed reaction from the man. ¡°I see¡­ so he¡¯s going to a shelter, huh?¡± The Crocodilian said with a smile, though his tone had a shred of sadness. It was clear he was going to miss the child. Still, from one moment to the other, he seemed to cheer up. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I won¡¯t see him again!¡± He added with a chuckle, earning a smile from the knight. After exchanging some other pleasantries, the Crocodilian thanked him. ¡°I¡¯m in your debt!¡± He declared as he bowed to the knight. It was then that Ascalon thought it was a good time to broach the main subject. Producing the emblem from his pocket, he placed it on the counter, and spoke up while the shopkeeper eyed it curiously. ¡°I would like to know any information you have regarding this object.¡± Ascalon asked his favor with a respectful tone, and the shopkeeper nodded decidedly. He then picked up the emblem, appraising it from all sides as he let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯. ¡°I didn¡¯t notice before but¡­ yeah, it¡¯s this one.¡± He mentioned, his words sounding kind of cryptic to the knight. ¡°Wait a moment, please!¡± The Crocodilian added before turning around and leaving through a door behind him. Ascalon tapped his fingers against the wooden counter as minutes passed, feeling a bit impatient under the anticipation as he waited for the man¡¯s eventual return. Soon after, the storekeeper returned, carrying a huge wooden box in his arms. He placed it on the surface of the counter with a slight thud, and rummaged through its contents. ¡°Here!¡± He chirped, producing from the container nothing more and nothing less than another emblem. Ascalon was immediately surprised, so much he took a step back due to the shock. Not one, but two of his emblems existed in this world?! He couldn¡¯t help but think that witnessing such a coincidence twice was a bit strange. ¡°You¡¯re in luck! I only remembered because I sorted my inventory last week!¡± The Crocodilian explained, earning a dumbfounded look from the knight. Yet again, a coincidence he could only chalk up to fate. He picked up the other emblem, feeling it in his hand and clutching it with a cherishing touch. His original amulet didn¡¯t stir or show any other sign of liveliness, but he was certain that they were both genuine. ¡°How did you come to have this?¡± Ascalon asked, locking an inquisitive stare onto the Crocodilian. ¡°Let me see¡­¡± He began as he manipulated an invisible interface in the air. Unlike Claude, this one seemed to be part of the network. ¡°Hmmm... I didn''t register from where? Odd... but they came in a batch¡ªthree of them, alongside¡­¡± The shopkeeper paused, rummaging through the box once more. Ascalon waited with bated breath, processing what he had just heard. Three of them, not two. His mind raced with possibilities, wondering if three of his knights had ended up in this new world, or if someone else had brought them here. He felt lightheaded, his thought swirling with uncertainty, until the Crocodilian¡¯s voice brought him back to reality. ¡°This!¡± He said with a triumphant voice, placing a small, iron lockbox on the counter. Ascalon peered at it with curiosity, as the Crocodilian made a gesture with his hands, inviting him to open it. The knight nodded, and reached out¡ªonly for his original emblem to suddenly stir to life. Ascalon hesitated for a moment, his eye focusing on the amulet. It was jumping slightly on the counter, inching closer to the lockbox. The shopkeeper let out a surprised gasp as he leaned in, understandably interested in the sudden development. ¡°Whoa! Did you see that?¡± He asked with a mix of intrigue and excitement in his voice, to which Ascalon simply nodded. He was so accustomed to his emblem¡¯s shenanigans that he had almost forgotten it wasn¡¯t normal behavior for an object. Feeling a strange sense of anticipation, he reached out once again and opened the box. He gazed at its contents, finding a small, round object inside. With care and eagerness, he picked it up, appraising it closely. It was an ancient coin, its engraving having faded so much that it even appeared polished. The emblem jumped slightly again, as if following behind the coin. Ascalon raised an eyebrow, and examined the trinket more closely. Upon further inspection, he finally realized¡ªit was one of the currencies of Excadia. He almost dropped it at the revelation, placing it on the counter as he rubbed his temples with his other hand. ¡°What¡­ just what is happening?¡± Ascalon asked himself, clearly conflicted. Why were there now four items from his world in here? His mind felt hot, as if his brain power were at maximum capacity, and yet he couldn¡¯t produce any answer that would make sense regarding the matter.Stolen story; please report. Just as he struggled to regain his composure, his emblem slowly inched closer to the coin, until it finally touched it. Ascalon observed how the amulet stirred for a moment, remembering that something similar had happened before, when it came in contact with the statue of Arkssol¡¯el. ? ¡°This shall be enough!¡± ? Suddenly, an otherworldly tone resounded throughout the store, catching both Ascalon and the shopkeeper off-guard. The knight opened his eye wide, the feminine voice feeling both familiar and nostalgic. Then, the emblem began to shine with a radiant light, its contour expanding slowly and bathing the surroundings in blissful, pure energy. ¡°Wha-¡± The shopkeeper blurted out, quickly crouching behind the counter to shield his eyes, a sense of wariness guiding his actions. Ascalon, on the other hand, stood in silence and shock, witnessing how the white glow intensified, his chest filling with warmth. Gradually, the expanding light began to swirl and shift, coalescing into a figure¡ªa round, floating halo that evoked a divine, regal image. Ascalon felt a rush of emotions as he promptly dropped to one knee, bowing with solemnity, his sudden motions guided solely by instinct. He raised his head slowly, still bewildered, and continued to observe the unfolding event. After the halo took its righteous form, the brightness expanded below. A soft silhouette began to take shape from the light; at first ethereal, transparent, and almost frail, but quickly manifesting its presence. Ascalon felt as if he were basking in the first rays of morning, a gentle sensation overcoming him. Then, the shining radiance flickered and expanded, strands of long, voluminous golden hair being woven into existence, sparkling with an unnatural luminescence. In the center formed a small, delicate frame, its short limbs extending outward as if stretching after a nap. The white glow relented slightly, and the body of a little girl emerged. As she was brought into being, a delicate, silken white dress materialized around her, complemented by a huge yellow ribbon. At its center rested a golden orb, reflecting the radiant light that enveloped her figure. On her wrists appeared two gleaming bracelets, and on her tiny feet a pair of blue sandals. Her entire image radiated a feel of both divinity and cuteness. Gently, her entire visage was formed, her face now visible as the heavenly brilliance faded away, sparkling in all directions. Ascalon peered at her features with both curiosity and admiration, observing a round, adorable face. She had her eyes completely closed, her lashes twitching slightly as she slowly descended. The knight noticed her fall quickening, and rapidly stepped forward to catch her before she could touch the ground. Her long hair bounced softly as he cushioned her in his arms, her petite complexion causing her to appear weak and floaty. She was breathing slowly, clearly in deep slumber. The warmth from her body spread to him, and his eye began to shimmer as a profound realization cemented itself. ¡°My lady of the light¡­¡± He whispered, his voice slightly shaky. He held her gently, cradling it in his arms as the Crocodilian emerged from behind the counter, his eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°What in the world¡­?¡± He asked with a mix of awe and concern as he slapped himself across the cheek, likely making sure he wasn¡¯t dreaming. Ascalon was at a loss of words. The small girl in his embrace was undoubtedly his goddess¡ªAthanya¡¯el, Goddess of light and the third throne of the great Gods, in the flesh. It was unprecedented, to say the least. But more importantly, why had she taken such a form? Her childlike body radiated only a hint of her divinity, the most significant sign of her true nature being the halo that hovered over her head¡ªthough, as if on cue, even that detail started to slowly vanish, hiding from view. It was as if she were weakened, her godlike might somehow suppressed. ¡°Wait¡­¡± He suddenly muttered. So she was the one who dwelled within his emblem! It all made sense now. All the times he had felt that strange, tingling feeling, it had probably been her¡ªcalling out to him. It wasn¡¯t just fate that had guided him toward the emblem in the first place; it had been divine intervention. Ascalon smiled awkwardly, his expression still one of bewilderment. He was unsure of what to do, with this small girl in his arms. ¡°Ehem¡­ what the heck happened?¡± The shopkeeper suddenly asked, causing Ascalon to snap back to reality. ¡°Oh, this is¡­ hmm¡­¡± The knight stammered, clearly at a loss. What could he say? That a Goddess emerged from his emblem? As if it happened every other tuesday? The knight shuffled through his options, feeling no answer would come out as anything but absurd. As if sensing Ascalon¡¯s inner turmoil, the Crocodilian exhaled deeply before speaking up. ¡°I¡¯ve seen strange things in my life, so I won¡¯t ask anymore¡­ but this is a first, let me tell you that, at least.¡± He commented as he examined the girl from a distance. ¡°Also, uh¡­ it¡¯s not like I want to kick you out, but I¡¯m closing down soon¡­¡± The man explained, carefully picking his words. It was clear he didn¡¯t want to have a part in whatever ensued from now on. Ascalon felt a bit guilty, having put the man in such an awkward position, and bowed deeply to him¡ªthough gently, taking care of the little one in his arms. The Crocodilian smiled in response, before perking up with a sudden realization. ¡°Oh, right! Keep this!¡± He stated as he put the emblems and the coin inside the lockbox, pushing it toward Ascalon. The knight hesitated for a moment, knowing he had no way of paying for these items, but was clearly conflicted since he really wanted to have them. ¡°I cannot pay¡­¡± He began, but the Crocodilian quickly shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that! The emblems are old and unappealing, and whatever value the coin had was shaved off along its engraving!¡± The man explained in a joking manner, and Ascalon finally relented. Making sure to hold the girl properly, he picked up the box and saved it in his network inventory. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Ascalon said as he bowed once again, and the Crocodilian beamed at him. ¡°Haha! You¡¯re so polite. It¡¯s a rare sight these days. But you¡¯re doing me a favor, actually!¡± He exclaimed with a cheery voice. ¡°No one would actually buy these, anyway, so they¡¯re just a waste of space¡­ no offense!¡± He quickly added, knowing the items held some significance to Ascalon. ¡°Or¡­ well, almost no one. That third one¡­¡± The Crocodilian suddenly brought up an interesting notion, bringing a hand to his long chin as he pondered. ¡°The third emblem was bought by a Tharkodanian noble, I believe. Though I wouldn¡¯t recommend visiting that place at all¡­¡± The shopkeeper explained in an ominous manner. Tharkodania? The name sounded familiar, but Ascalon couldn¡¯t quite recall why. Still, it was good to know the location of the third emblem. ¡°I am in your debt, shopkeeper.¡± Ascalon said with a respectful tone, and the other man laughed. ¡°Hey, those were my words earlier, haha!¡± He replied with cheerfulness, and both shared a chuckle. With pleasantries almost done, both him and the Crocodilian nodded at each other. ¡°Farewell!¡± Ascalon exclaimed enthusiastically before turning around, the shopkeeper waving at his back. With decided steps, Ascalon left the store and began his slow walk back to where his friends were. The night sky greeted him with sparkling stars, and his thoughts drifted toward the emblems. ¡°So there might be even more than three¡­¡± He muttered to himself, a spark of conviction coating his words. ¡°I shall find them all.¡± He declared with the utmost resolution, determined to find every single remaining item from his old world. Though, for now, he had more important and immediate matters to focus on¡ªlike the small child he was carrying. What was he supposed to do now? He wondered as he sighed softly. With no signs of waking up, Athanya¡¯el nestled peacefully in his arms, while the knight navigated through the nearly empty streets. ¡°Well, at least matters are concluded here¡­¡± Ascalon whispered, motivated by his own words. Levi had been rescued, and he had found more than a clue to his emblem origins¡ªall in all, Starugnia¡¯s visit had proven highly worthwhile. Perhaps he and his friends could finally rest easy for a while¡ªthis time for real, he hoped. Chapter 67 - Those Who Scheme, and Those Who Shall Oppose Them Back in the hidden depths of New Lumingard, a most malevolent group of people gathered once more in the shadows of their bastion. This time, however, only four members had answered the call, leaving the recently deceased Greed aside, that is. Wrath stood impassively in the center of the room, waiting for the rest to arrive. To his right was Pride, donning her wolf mask and continuously tapping the floor with her shoe. At the limits of her patience, she clicked her tongue and spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s been like an hour¡ªno one else will come today, Wrath.¡± She began, her tone coated with annoyance. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with, ugh!¡± Pride complained, shaking her head in frustration. While Wrath ignored Pride, seemingly deep in thought, another man chuckled just a few steps behind her. She glanced at him¡ªthe member that wore the mask of a cat¡ªand though her face was hidden, one could picture her brows furrowing in anger. ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Sloth?¡± Pride asked with clear irritation in her voice, as the man chuckled once more. ¡°I just don¡¯t see the need to rush. We should take it easy and keep waiting for our friends.¡± Sloth replied, his soft, melodic voice grating on Pride¡¯s nerves. ¡°Friends¡­?¡± She echoed, shaking her head as if she¡¯d just heard some of the most absurd things ever. ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± She muttered, her exasperation steadily growing. It was then that another voice chimed in¡ªthe last and farthest member of the few that had reunited. ¡°I agree with Pride, though¡­¡± Said a timid voice, coming from behind a serpent mask. Pride extended a hand toward them¡ªit was hard to tell whether they were ¡®he¡¯ or ¡®she¡¯¡ªand replied. ¡°See, Envy values their time too.¡± The proud girl scoffed, while Sloth shook his head and shrugged. Just then, Wrath finally left his trance, and clearing up his throat he addressed the group. ¡°I thank you for your patience, and for coming on such short notice.¡± He began, as the rest listened intently. ¡°Let¡¯s forgo our usual greeting for today, as we¡¯re two people short.¡± He added with an ominous tone, his raspy voice heightening the effect. At his words, Pride tilted her head and interjected. ¡°Two? Didn¡¯t you already fill Greed¡¯s seat?¡± She asked with palpable suspicion in her voice, while the rest remained silent but curious. ¡°Yes, I did.¡± Wrath answered straightforwardly, his falcon mask hiding a frustrated expression. The rest picked up on the implication quickly, a wary feeling spreading among them. ¡°Who has fallen¡­? And why¡ªhow?¡± Pride questioned in disbelief, shocked by the unexpected notion. They had been operating fine for a long time, proliferating and hidden in plain view. But all of a sudden, they had lost not just one but two of their members. ¡°Coincidentally, it was Greed again.¡± Wrath answered, his tone full with irritation. ¡°Already?!¡± Pride exclaimed in disbelief, though her demeanor quickly changed into visible anger. ¡°Did you invite some random fool just to fill the seat?! was that it?!¡± She demanded an explanation, furious at the prospect of any old nobody joining their ranks. ¡°No.¡± Wrath didn¡¯t hesitate to answer, quelling some of Pride¡¯s growing anger. ¡°Even though he was newly initiated, he showed such incredible potential.¡± He added, earning a soft, curious ¡®hmm¡¯ from Envy. ¡°I wish we could simply blame it as him being a novice¡ªbut no, we have a more serious problem on our hands.¡± Wrath declared, causing the rest shift in place. ¡°Remember the wanderer that was involved in the prior Greed¡¯s death? He was the one who took down the new seat of Greed.¡± Wrath explained, and while Envy and Sloth seemed slightly surprised, Pride simply scoffed. ¡°Hah! Is he gunning for us or something? Can¡¯t be a coincidence.¡± She retorted, crossing her arms. Wrath sighed at her words before speaking up. ¡°It did seem like a coincidence at first¡ªbut it no longer matters. He¡¯s intent on defeating us now.¡± He stated with a tense, serious tone, his words carrying a hint of agitation. Envy cowered a bit, while Sloth mulled over the matter in silence. The one to break the eerie atmosphere was Pride, whose body trembled in anger. ¡°He¡¯s gonna regret biting more than he can chew, then! I''ll deal with him personally!¡± Pride declared, her words reverberating through the room. Her presence expanded and the walls shivered, while the few torches that lighted the room flickered, as if they too were unsettled by her resolve. ¡°No.¡± Wrath suddenly commanded, his voice booming and overpowering. Even Pride, who embodied her sin well, took a step back. ¡°He¡¯s far too powerful¡ªyou cannot even begin to imagine it!¡± Wrath continued, his tone perturbed by the fresh memory of Ascalon¡¯s might, his fists tightly clenched. He could still feel it on his throat¡ªthe unshakable grip of the knight. ¡°He radiates light, as if blessed by divine intervention.¡± He finally revealed, causing the three others to gasp in both amazement and doubt. Pride stepped forward, her arm sweeping to the side as if to disparage Wrath¡¯s claim. ¡°Hah! As if Gods would deem to bless anyone!¡± She started, her tone brimming with confidence. ¡°There are no Gods here! Not yet, at least!¡± She proclaimed, while Envy and Sloth perked up with renewed energy, motivated by her defiance. Wrath sighed in resignation, basking on her arrogance. ¡°We¡¯ll bring our Lords back¡ªthe fateful night cannot be stopped!¡± Pride declared, chuckling as she extended her arms wide. ¡°Yes, it cannot be stopped.¡± Wrath echoed, producing his hideous amulet and raising it high. ¡°We shall make sure of it.¡± He added, while the rest nodded in agreement. ¡°But still, we cannot take the wanderer lightly.¡± Wrath added, his excitement calming down.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°We must not engage with him until we are prepared¡­ so I propose the following.¡± Wrath fiddled with his network interface, sending the rest a new course of action. Both Envy and Pride let out thoughtful ¡®hmms¡¯ while Sloth read the information in silence. Then, Wrath spoke up again. ¡°I will see to it that the absent members learn of this meeting. For now, I will tell you your roles and destinations¡­¡± Wrath began explaining, his voice resonating through the room, as the shadows around them twisted and the air warped with malice. Evil machinations were being set into motion, unbeknownst to Ascalon and his friends, who remained unaware of the darkness that lurked below their city.
A while after leaving the store, Ascalon kept walking the streets with a pensive expression. His sole eye was focused on the girl that slept soundly in his arms, his thoughts revolving around her. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± He muttered as he examined her soft, bouncy hair, which hovered at mere inches from the ground. He¡¯d never seen someone with such long hair in his entire life¡ªnot even after coming to New Lumingard, where people had far more fashion sense and varied, distinctive personal features. He couldn¡¯t help but be curious, especially when her frame was so tiny in comparison, further enhancing the contrast. Still, he had zero experience dealing with young girls, so perhaps it was a normal occurrence, even if he hadn¡¯t personally witnessed it before. He sighed as he shook his head, realizing he was dwelling on inconsequential matters. They just had to cut her hair! A simple yet efficient solution. As those dangerous thoughts crossed his mind, he sensed a few familiar presences, and realized he had finally reached the big, white building where he had left Levi earlier. At the well-lit entrance stood Lilithra and Selorien, chatting with each other as both sipped on what appeared to be canned drinks. Ascalon smiled with relief, both because he hadn¡¯t gotten lost, and happy to see friends once more. The first to notice him was Selorien, who waved lazily at him, his expression gradually shifting to one of concern. Seeing the elf¡¯s action, Lilithra turned and beamed at Ascalon, raising her hand to wave but stopping abruptly at the sight before her. It was just as Ascalon had imagined would happen. Lilithra¡¯s mouth opened wide in disbelief and confusion, while Selorien narrowed his eyes in suspicion. ¡°I have returned.¡± Ascalon casually greeted them as he strolled to their side, a gentle smile on his face. The girl on his arms whimpered in her sleep, her long, cascading hair sparkling in the hospital¡¯s light. ¡°Uhm¡­ uh?¡± Lilithra stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. Selorien sipped on his drink, then opened his mouth to speak, but soon closed it, tilting his head. Ascalon was amused by their reactions, seeing the befuddlement on their faces. Just then, Lilithra gathered her courage and finally asked. ¡°Uhm! Is¡­ is that your daughter?!¡± She exclaimed with both nervousness and shock, pointing an accusatory, trembling finger at the knight. Ascalon was taken by surprise by the sudden outburst, and immediately burst into laughing. ¡°Uh? Uh?¡± Lilithra muttered some confused sounds, while Selorien joined Ascalon with an awkward giggle. ¡°Ah¡­ I apologize¡­¡± Ascalon said as he smiled, his breath uneven after all that laughing. ¡°No, she is not my daughter.¡± He answered plainly, his eye resting on the sleeping girl. At his words, however, Lilithra blushed with a mix of anger and wariness. ¡°Then whose daughter is it?! And why are you carrying her around?!¡± She interrogated the knight, inching closer with every word. Ascalon felt guilty for some reason, and quickly tried to explain himself. ¡°Well, I am unsure who their parents are, but, ahem, I am quite certain that she is my Goddess.¡± He replied with unwavering conviction, while both his friends stepped back. ¡°Uh¡­ are you, like, okay Ascalon¡­?¡± Selorien asked with clear concern in his voice, his brows furrowed skeptically. Lilithra closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, as if unsure of what to make of his words. She took a few breaths in order to calm herself, and then cleared her throat before speaking up. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Lilithra said with a smile¡ªthough it looked quite menacing, and her eyes reflected a dangerous glare. Ascalon was slightly confused, but decided to further explain what he meant. ¡°My Goddess, the one I follow¡ªone of the Gods that blessed me.¡± He said matter-of-factly, hoping to get his point across. Before his friends could fully absorb his words, Ascalon recalled a detail that might help clear up their doubts, so he decided to bring it up. ¡°Ah! She emerged from my emblem.¡± He added, smiling with triumph. But even then, both Lilithra and Selorien looked flabbergasted. ¡°Are you¡­ are you serious?¡± Lilithra asked, slowly stepping closer and peeking at the girl in Ascalon¡¯s arms. Athanya¡¯el smiled softly in her sleep, and Lilithra suddenly gasped. ¡°She¡¯s so cute!¡± She blurted out, squealing in excitement. Her earlier shock had been completely overridden by the small Goddess¡¯s adorable features. Ascalon smiled gently, and then extended his arms, offering the sleeping child to Lilithra. She looked up at the knight with sparkling eyes, anticipation building up within her. ¡°C-can I?¡± She asked sheepishly, and Ascalon nodded in response. Carefully, Ascalon passed the sleeping child to Lilithra, who received it in her arms with an elated expression. Sadly, the moment she was separated from Ascalon, Athanya¡¯el began to let out muffled complaints while thrashing around. ¡°Huh?¡± Lilithra muttered in surprise as the kid relentlessly struggled on her arms, causing her to hesitate and give her back to Ascalon. The moment the knight picked her up again, the tiny Goddess showed a pleasant smile and returned to peacefulness. ¡°No fair¡­¡± Lilithra pouted with clear dissatisfaction, jealousy toward Ascalon burning in her eyes. All the while, Selorien watched over them while sipping his drink, completely amused and, at the same time, speechless. With an awkward smile, Ascalon bowed to Lilithra in a sign of apology. She simply nodded, still pouting. ¡°It¡¯s fine! I¡¯ll pamper her once she wakes up¡­¡± Lilithra declared with anticipation, a mischievous grin on her face. Her words made Ascalon ponder for a moment, before bringing up something he had been concerned about. ¡°Hmm¡­ I wonder when that will happen.¡± He began, earning curious glances from his friends. ¡°She has shown no signs of waking up.¡± Ascalon explained with worry in his voice, and Lilithra tilted her head as she replied. ¡°Well¡­ you can have her checked out here.¡± She pointed toward the white hospital, a soft smile spreading across her face. ¡°Ah, you are right!¡± Ascalon replied, finding her proposal to be really convenient. Afterward, they all went inside and explained the situation to the building¡¯s staff¡ªthough omitting the part of the child manifesting from an emblem and being a Goddess. Ascalon had to carry her through every test, as she would start thrashing about the moment they separated her from him. In the end, the doctors said she had nothing wrong¡ªjust that she wasn¡¯t waking up. They didn¡¯t seem particularly surprised, as they had likely seen many strange cases due to skills and the network¡¯s influence. Still, the conclusion was that they just had to wait until Athanya¡¯el awakened on her own. ¡°Oh, well¡­ we should rest for today.¡± Lilithra suggested, seeing Selorien yawn. ¡°I second that!¡± He quickly chimed in, eager for a bit of sleep after the exhausting day. Ascalon nodded in agreement, but another matter lingered in his mind. Leaving aside Escarlata, who was probably skulking about, he had the siblings in mind. ¡°What about sir Levi?¡± He asked, wondering about Lyra and her brother. Though he felt their presence in the building, he hadn¡¯t seen them after his return. ¡°Ah! He seems fine. Lyra said she¡¯ll stay with him from now on, and that we should just do our thing in the meantime¡­¡± Lilithra began with a sheepish, sad tone. ¡°I offered to keep them company but she declined, haha¡­¡± She mentioned, while Ascalon nodded, listening intently. ¡°I mean, I understand! They need some time, so I shouldn¡¯t be pushy!¡± Lilithra beamed in high spirits, seemingly more animated. She had grown, even if only slightly, and it filled Ascalon¡¯s chest with warmth. ¡°I see.¡± The knight replied, while Selorien leaned on him. ¡°Cooome ooon, guuuuys.¡± The elf complained, dragging his words to enhance his tired voice, trying to get them to move so he could finally rest. Ascalon and Lilithra shared a chuckle, and the group finally set out toward the hotel. It wasn¡¯t long before they arrived. The atmosphere inside the lodgings was as animated as the other day, with many travelers still bustling about, some recognizing them, others curious about Athanya¡¯el¡¯s presence. Amidst pleasantries and greetings, the group separated and went to their respective rooms, though Ascalon felt a bit conflicted at first¡ªafter all, he had a tiny child clinging to him. As he had mulled over before, the knight wasn¡¯t accustomed to caring for a kid, so he feared he would crush her in his sleep or something along these lines¡ªtherefore, he didn¡¯t sleep a wink, sitting on the bed as he cradled her gently. Ah, the next day was surely going to be tiring, too. Chapter 68 - Tourism Time! A new day, a new set of shenanigans to go through¡ªthese were Ascalon¡¯s thoughts as he descended the stairs to the main hall of their lodgings. The place was silent and empty, contrasting with the prior night, but it was to be expected since it was still pretty early in the morning. Yawning with the Goddess still asleep in his arms, Ascalon moved toward a nearby table, sitting carefully and settling himself by a window. The harsh desert sun greeted him from the outside, and he narrowed his eye slightly as he observed the streets. As expected, not many people were around out there either¡ªmostly vendors preparing to open their shops and attend their business. At the very least, the hotel¡¯s staff was awake and ready, allowing Ascalon to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while he waited for his friends. As minutes passed, he reflected on his time in Starugnia. His meeting with Ryan, dealing with Loreno, even awakening a long-sleeping Goddess, who was¡­ still asleep. ¡°I am at a loss.¡± Ascalon whispered to himself, pondering about what he could do to help his Goddess wake up. He had an entire night to mull over her sudden arrival, and also about her current appearance. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He let out a thoughtful mutter as he caressed the child¡¯s long, soft hair. ¡°Perhaps she is conserving energy.¡± Ascalon guessed, tilting his head. If she had been residing in the emblem, but was unable to leave it, it was possible that she was in a ¡®weakened¡¯ state, as strange as that sounded. There were also other plausible reasons, like her being trapped there against her will, though one had to wonder who could hold such power to confine a God into an object¡ªperhaps, another God? He remembered his last battle in Excadia, the brief confrontation between Athanya¡¯el and¡­ whatever that other being was, the one that commanded the darkness and stood in defiance against his Goddess¡¯ actions. Could it have been them? They did seem to hold immeasurable power, backing the Goddess into a corner, but still. ¡°Something tells me you went in there willingly, my lady.¡± Ascalon murmured to the girl, who shifted slightly in his arms but remained asleep. The knight sighed and brought the cup of coffee to his lips, trying to drown his doubts with the drink. ¡°Ah, if only it were master Raphael¡¯s¡­¡± He lamented, shaking his head. Once again, he found himself comparing it to The Chalice¡¯s coffee¡ªan habit he didn¡¯t quite enjoy, to be honest. ¡°It is unfair to compare it¡­¡± Ascalon chastised himself, just as a familiar presence entered the room. His gaze wandered to the stairs, catching sight of Lilithra, who yawned as she descended. The moment she saw him, her face sparkled with excitement, a huge smile spreading across her lips. Ascalon gave a gentle smile in response, warmth spreading through his chest. Lilithra quickly hurried to him, waving awkwardly. ¡°Morning!¡± She exclaimed as she took a seat next to him, her curious, big eyes resting on Athanya¡¯el. ¡°How is she¡­?¡± Lilithra asked both with concern and intrigue in her voice. Ascalon sighed in frustration before replying. ¡°I am unsure¡­ she looks just like yesterday.¡± He explained, raising the child slightly for Lilithra to see her better. ¡°So cute!¡± Lilithra responded with a completely unrelated comment, causing Ascalon to chuckle in response. ¡°So, uhm, can you tell me the details? About what happened yesterday?¡± Lilithra asked with curiosity. Ascalon nodded and recounted the events, trying to keep it short and concise, and Lilithra listened intently the whole time. ¡°So you even helped out some orphans¡­? Amazing¡­¡± She said in clear disbelief, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Ascalon felt slightly embarrassed, but enjoyed seeing Lilithra in good spirits. As she wondered about Ascalon¡¯s feats, her gaze drifted toward his coffee. ¡°Can I take a sip?¡± She pleaded with an awkward smile, perhaps feeling slightly hungry. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Ascalon replied while straightening his posture, looking past Lilithra to see if the hotel staff was around. He only had a few sips left of his coffee, which was clearly not enough for Lilithra¡¯s breakfast. Meanwhile, Lilithra picked up the cup and sipped from it, her cheeks reddening slightly as she fantasized about an indirect kiss. She giggled at her own thoughts, and the tiny Goddess suddenly pouted, thrashing about in Ascalon¡¯s arms. ¡°Oh?¡± Ascalon let out a surprised sound as he looked at the child¡¯s behavior. Her tantrum was short and puzzling, but Lilithra felt a bit suspicious. ¡°I wonder¡­¡± She said in a whisper, her eyes narrowed as she examined the Goddess. Ascalon tilted his head in confusion, just as the hotel staff arrived. Pushing the thought aside, they ordered a more filling breakfast, making sure to ask for Selorien¡¯s share too. As if on cue, the elf sluggishly descended the stairs, his face a mix of discomfort and tiredness. ¡°I¡¯ll never get used to this heat.¡± Selorien remarked as he sat down on the opposite side of the table, and as far from the window as he could. He was obviously avoiding the sun. After exchanging greetings, Ascalon decided to recount what he talked about with Lilithra, and Selorien nodded as he absorbed the information and munched on a croissant. ¡°You sure were busy, huh.¡± The elf said with a mischievous tone, sipping on his juice. ¡°Ascalon just can¡¯t sit still!¡± Lilithra added, giggling to herself. The knight couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly embarrassed once more, and sighed with resignation. It was true that he had barely rested the past few days, though he felt energetic enough. Perhaps the mere presence of his Goddess was boosting his vitality! It was an interesting notion, at least. ¡°Still¡­¡± Selorien began, his eyes fixed on the child. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna doubt you, Ascalon, but is she really a Goddess?¡± He asked with understandable concern. The knight nodded in acknowledgment, as it was to be expected that they would question the matter. He had rarely heard them talking about Gods in New Lumingard, after all. ¡°I assure you¡­ I can feel it, somehow.¡± Ascalon replied, caressing the Goddess¡¯s forehead with his thumb. The tiny kid smiled in her sleep, and Lilithra squealed in her seat. ¡°O.M.G! She¡¯s so cuuuuuuuuuute!¡± She rejoiced at the sight, quickly producing her phone and promptly taking some pictures of Athanya¡¯el.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Showing the photos to both Ascalon and Selorien, Lilithra giggled with clear amusement. The knight smiled at her cheerfulness, and enjoyed the atmosphere as he finished his breakfast. Soon, their stomachs were satisfied, and they all felt wide awake¡ªexcept for Athanya¡¯el of course. Stretching his arms high, Selorien spoke up from his seat. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today?¡± He asked with a mischievous smile, shooting a glance toward Lilithra. ¡°Tourism!¡± The girl answered with enthusiasm, raising both fists in the air in a pumped-up manner. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, and nodded in confirmation. ¡°We have earned some rest!¡± The knight replied, earning approving nods from his friends. ¡°Alright then! Let¡¯s grab Lyra along the way!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as she got up, her friends following suit. That¡¯s right, Lyra was still with her brother. Ascalon felt a bit concerned about them, so he felt Lilithra¡¯s suggestion was perfect¡ªas expected of her! ¡°Let us go, then.¡± Ascalon declared, and everyone set out to the hot streets. With Selorien complaining every few steps, they tried to traverse the shade as much as they could. It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach the hospital, and Lilithra went in by herself. After a couple of minutes, she emerged with Lyra, who looked more animated, though her face showed a bit of reluctance. ¡°Relax, Lyra! Your brother told you to enjoy yourself a little!¡± Lilithra reassured the cat girl, who shrank slightly in embarrassment. But Lyra¡¯s demeanor changed the moment her eyes caught sight of the knight¡ªspecifically the child in his arms. ¡°Huh?¡± She muttered as she shyly approached, bowing slightly and peering at the sleeping Goddess. ¡°Huh?¡± She repeated, still clearly confused. It was to be expected, since she had no idea of what had happened after Ascalon left the group. Selorien chuckled in amusement, while Lilithra stepped up and extended an arm toward Athanya¡¯el, as if presenting it to Lyra. ¡°Lyra, meet Ascalon¡¯s daughter!¡± Lilithra declared with a mischievous grin, taking everyone by surprise. Lyra¡¯s ears twitched furiously as her eyes darted from the sleeping kid to Ascalon¡¯s face multiple times, frantically. ¡°Huuuuh?¡± Lyra said in astonishment, just as Selorien burst out laughing. ¡°Lilithra!¡± Ascalon exclaimed, as if reprimanding her, but Lilithra was already laughing loudly along the elf. ¡°You people¡­¡± Ascalon added, sighing with resignation but smiling softly, feeling slightly amused too. Sensing Lyra¡¯s confusion, Ascalon decided to explain to her the situation, recounting the previous day¡¯s events once more. It was the third time he explained it so he managed to make it even more concise, at the very least! Lyra sighed with relief at his words, placing a hand on her chest as if to ease her beating heart. ¡°That was surprising¡­¡± She said with a shy smile, watching over the child. ¡°A Goddess¡­!¡± Lyra remarked, her brown eyes sparkling with amazement, her soft tail sweeping the air in clear excitement. ¡°I wonder why she doesn¡¯t wake up¡­¡± She added, tilting her head. At this point, Lilithra and Selorien had recovered from their laughing fit, and shrugged as they shared the cat girl¡¯s sentiment. ¡°I am sure she will wake up in due time.¡± Ascalon said with a smile, trying to reassure them¡ªbut mostly himself. It was then that Lilithra stepped forward, pointing to nowhere in particular as she spoke up. ¡°Anyway! Let¡¯s go act like proper tourists!¡± She exclaimed energetically, though her choice of words was slightly odd. Ascalon chuckled, while Selorien smiled mischievously as they set out. While Lilithra led the way with the elf close behind, Lyra stood at Ascalon¡¯s side, her warm gaze peeking at the child. Ascalon could imagine what was going through her head¡ªthe word ¡®cute¡¯ being repeated in a loop, most likely. The thought was slightly funny, though he agreed that the tiny Goddess was adorable, as unbecoming as that was. From then on, they navigated the sunny streets of Starugnia, visiting a variety of different shops and establishments. The girls tried on many outfits at every clothing store they passed, and even used the guys as mannequins to dress them up. But, without a question, the one who bore the brunt of the storm was Athanya¡¯el. In her sleep, she was adorned with dresses, accessories, and hats by Lilithra and Lyra, completely unable to resist. Ascalon simply watched with a warm smile, though at the back of his head, a lingering fear of divine retribution gnawed at him. ¡°Haha¡­¡± He would mutter in nervousness each time the girls placed something new on the Goddess¡ªthough perhaps, just perhaps, she was enjoying herself, too? A deluded notion, but one he desperately clung to nonetheless! Aside from shopping, they also explored some other sites, like monuments, fountains, and even stopped at some street food vendors. As time passed, they found themselves in front of the giant skull that dominated the center of the upper districts. Both Lilithra and Lyra gazed high up while munching on small pieces of skewered meat. As soon as Lilithra gulped down a bite, she spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ve been curious about this for so long¡­¡± She said as she looked at Ascalon. ¡°Do you know what kinda creature that was?¡± Lilithra asked with sparkling eyes, and Ascalon smiled in response. Lyra and Selorien gathered close, clearly curious as well, while the tiny Goddess simply continued snoozing, to no one¡¯s surprise. Bringing a hand to his chin, Ascalon pondered. ¡°I am unsure.¡± He remarked, examining the humongous skull. ¡°I have witnessed giant creatures such as this before, but I cannot be certain.¡± Ascalon explained, tilting his head thoughtfully. Even if he thought it could¡¯ve been a giant, he had no knowledge about their bones and skulls, so it was just a guess after all. Lilithra and the rest let out intrigued ¡®hmms¡¯ as they continued to examine the giant object, captivated by its air of mystery. Ascalon thought their curiosity was warranted, as even he felt intrigued by it. It was especially interesting to see the makeshift stairs and doors built into the skull, leading into it, something he had noted from the very first day. Once more, he thought it had to be some sort of headquarters for the city, seeing that many people went in and out constantly. Afterward, they marched on for a couple of more hours, taking in the sights and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the bustling streets. Eventually, Lilithra proposed taking a rest, and they all stopped at a quiet, secluded restaurant, with an abundance of shade welcoming them in. ¡°Yes!¡± Selorien celebrated in triumph, settling into a chair right next to a contraption that spun and offered a nice, fresh breeze. Ascalon had seen some of those back in New Lumingard¡ªpowered fans, or some sort! He admired their utility as he sat next to Selorien, ensuring some of the cool air reached the Goddess. She was slightly sweaty, so this was a perfect opportunity to help her cool down. He wondered if parents had to deal with these kinds of situations often, something he had no experience in since he hadn¡¯t even had a proper childhood. He pushed the thoughts away with a sigh, while Lilithra ordered some food. Just then, Lyra peeked at him from the side, speaking up with shyness. ¡°So¡­ what do you think will happen when she wakes up?¡± She asked with curiosity in her voice, her cat ears twitching slightly as she peered at the tiny child. Ascalon remained pensive for a moment, realizing he hadn¡¯t thought much about that. ¡°I wonder¡­¡± He muttered, thinking about the matter. He wanted to ask Athanya¡¯el so many things; like, what had occurred with his old world? How did she end up inside the emblem? What was the reason for her sudden awakening, and why did she fall asleep immediately after? These and many other questions bounced around in his mind. He sighed in resignation, as his thoughts swirled without a sign of stopping¡ªthough they were indeed cut short as Lyra leaned against him, her chest pressing onto his arm as she tried to take a better look at the Goddess. It was then that the small child stirred, and her eyelids burst open, revealing a pair of golden, gleaming eyes. Suddenly, her halo flickered into existence, very briefly, before vanishing again. As her brows furrowed into an irritated frown, she exclaimed in a childish voice. ¡°Cease that, you impudent minx!¡± Her voice echoed around the room, earning a dumbfounded look from everyone present. Amidst the confusion, she slowly and clumsily got up from Ascalon¡¯s lap, climbing onto the table, her long, flowing hair and pretty dress dancing in the breeze produced by the fan. She crossed her arms, her frown still in place, and looked down on them with the pride and smugness only a Goddess could muster. She had finally awakened. Chapter 69 - The Tiny Goddess The group admired the newly-awakened Goddess with mixed feelings swirling within them¡ªranging from awe and surprise to a sense of glee and bliss. The girl stood tall¡ªpretty much tip-toeing¡ªand proud, her intense gaze set on those who had been clinging to her beloved knight for so long: Lyra and Lilithra. Though before she could even begin to chastise them, a more important thought crossed her mind. Her expression softened into a joyful smile as she leapt forward, landing in Ascalon¡¯s arms once again. ¡°Ascalooon!¡± She exclaimed as she landed, the knight cushioning her gently. ¡°My beloved knight, at long last!¡± She added while hugging him tight, rubbing her cheeks on his torso. Ascalon was still in shock, and her current display of affection toward him did nothing but further add to his confusion. Still, he forced himself to snap out of his bewilderment, and spoke up with a respectful, gentle tone. ¡°My Goddess, you are awake!¡± He said with a shred of relief in his voice, as the tiny girl let out a giggle, muffled due to her face being buried in his chest. The rest watched in stunned silence, wondering when would be a good time to interject. Lilithra felt increasingly jealous¡ªshe wanted to hug the small Goddess too! Lyra, on the other hand, was covering her mouth with both hands, finding the scene before her absolutely adorable. Selorien, to no one¡¯s surprise, was doing his best to stifle his laughter at the sudden development. ¡°Yes! I have waited for so long, my dear Ascalon!¡± Athanya¡¯el rejoiced as she pried her face away from Ascalon¡¯s torso, taking a moment to peer at his face. ¡°Ah, to feel your gentle touch¡ªhow much I have dreamed of this!¡± She declared as she raised a hand and softly caressed Ascalon¡¯s cheek. Ascalon was at a loss of words. On one hand, he was overcome with happiness. His Goddess had woken up at last, and seemed to be fine and in high-spirits, for the most part. But the affectionate treatment was escalating into something awkward the more time passed, especially given her divine status¡ªand her current childlike form. Clearing his throat slightly, Ascalon spoke. ¡°My Goddess, what happened to you?¡± Ascalon mustered one of the many questions that preoccupied his mind, and the tiny girl tilted her head in curiosity. ¡°Hmm?¡± She muttered, her smile turning a bit shy. Then, realization started to dawn on her. Amidst her excitement she had overlooked something quite important. ¡°Huh?¡± Athanya¡¯el blinked a few times as she looked around, a sense of unease washing over her. ¡°Wha¡­?!¡± She jolted suddenly, jumping off Ascalon¡¯s lap and landing on the floor. Then, she extended her arms and started appraising them, her eyes darting to each of his limbs before her own body. ¡°Nooo!¡± She suddenly screamed in anguish, her eyes tearing up. Seeing her panic, Ascalon stood up from his chair and knelt in front of her, in order to be at her eye level. ¡°What is wrong, my Goddess?!¡± He asked with clear concern, as the rest gathered around him, their expressions a mix of worry and curiosity. The tiny Goddess looked up as she patted her dress, then her face, and finally her chest. ¡°Wh-why is my form so tiny?!¡± She questioned with a whimper, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Everyone stared at her with affectionate eyes, completely charmed by her adorable display¡ªthough it was not the appropriate time for that! ¡°I too was wondering about that¡­ was it not your decision?¡± Ascalon responded with another question, and the small Athanya¡¯el shook her head frantically, her absurdly long hair bouncing around her. ¡°No! Why would I choose an infant appearance!¡± The Goddess complained in frustration, small, shimmering beads slowly descending across her cheeks. Ascalon frowned in sadness, unsure of what to do, and simply placed a hand on her head. As he gently caressed her hair, she seemed to calm down a little. ¡°Oww¡­¡± The Goddess whimpered with a sniffle, then rubbed her eyes with her small hands. ¡°I may have hurried things along too quickly¡­¡± She added cryptically, earning intriguing stares from the rest. Ascalon hesitated for a moment, but steeled his resolve and extended his arms, gently picking her up. Athanya¡¯el didn¡¯t complain nor show any discomfort, so he raised her high and brought her back to the table. The group followed suit, and everyone sat down once more. Athanya¡¯el looked up with confusion in her eyes, as Ascalon spoke up again. ¡°Could you tell me what happened?¡± He asked with a reassuring smile, and the tiny Goddess nodded shyly. ¡°Well¡­ where do I begin¡­?¡± She asked with some reluctance, gauging Ascalon¡¯s reaction. The knight wanted to ask so many things¡ªespecially from his last battle in Excadia¡ªbut he realized there would be a better time for that. For now, he had a more proper question in mind. ¡°How did you end up in the emblem, my Goddess?¡± Ascalon asked with a firm voice, and the rest perked up in anticipation. The tiny Athanya¡¯el pondered for a moment, averting her eyes from Ascalon. She seemed hesitant, deep in thought, but eventually relented. ¡°I¡­ I am not sure.¡± She began, clasping her hands together and fiddling with her fingers. ¡°I only know that I had been inside for a long time, waiting.¡± The child continued, raising her gaze to meet Ascalon¡¯s. ¡°Waiting?¡± The knight echoed, and she nodded. ¡°Yes, waiting for you, my knight!¡± Athanya¡¯el stated with a mix of confidence and affection in her voice. ¡°I knew you would find me eventually, so I waited.¡± She explained, smiling shyly. Ascalon was taken aback, wondering how she could have had so much faith in him, especially after having failed her. But before he could delve deeper into those thoughts, another question crossed his mind. ¡°Then, why did you not come out earlier?¡± Ascalon said with a pensive expression, and the Goddess whimpered once more. ¡°Oww¡­ I really wanted to, but¡­¡± She replied with a mix of frustration in her voice, looking down at the floor. ¡°I was weakened. I have been gathering energy for a long, long time¡­¡± Athanya¡¯el commented, a palpable sense of curiosity exuding from the rest of the group.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°But it would have taken even longer if it were not for you, my knight!¡± She suddenly stated with joy, while Ascalon raised an eyebrow in doubt. ¡°You provided me with so much energy in such a short time!¡± The girl said as she swung her legs, her tiny body brimming with enthusiasm. ¡°And you also brought me to my brother¡¯s statue¡­¡± Her tone shifted slightly, her brows furrowing. ¡°Though his monument had barely any energy left in it!¡± The child complained, puffing her cheeks in indignation. Lilithra gasped at the adorable sight, resisting the urge to join in and even hug her¡ªafter all, even if she looked tiny and cute, she was still a Goddess. Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯, realizing some of his theories were partly correct. Athanya¡¯el had indeed been weakened, and was dormant while gathering power. His own existence, along with the objects from Excadia, seemed to hold within the energy she needed to regain her divine strength. It was fate at work once more. Ascalon had already resolved himself to seek out all the other emblems and related artifacts from his world¡ªbut now he had another, even greater reason to do so: for his Goddess to reclaim her powers. He felt a surge of motivation, as if his goals had been validated somehow, strengthened by a clearer purpose. As he was pondering about that, a voice cut through the air abruptly. ¡°Ahhh! I can¡¯t wait anymore!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, surprising everyone¡ªespecially Athanya¡¯el who jumped slightly in Ascalon¡¯s lap. ¡°Introduce us already, Ascalon!¡± Lilithra demanded as she frowned and puffed her cheeks, her impatience evident. But before Ascalon could even process the situation, the child spoke up. ¡°You¡­!¡± She hissed, taking refuge in Ascalon¡¯s arms. ¡°You demon girl!¡± The Goddess added with a growl, and Lilithra shrank back, her heart clearly wounded. An awkward silence filled the table, though Athanya¡¯el made sure to break it once more. ¡°Do not think I was asleep the whole time! I saw your s-s-s-shameful behavior many times!¡± The girl protested, pointing a tiny finger toward Lilithra, and then to Lyra. ¡°And you, too! I will not let you two corrupt my Ascalon any longer!¡± She declared as she puffed out her chest, despite still hiding in her knight¡¯s arms. Lyra gasped with sparkling eyes, and Lilithra¡¯s sadness was melted away by a warm feeling as she watched over the adorable, tiny, cute, animal-like, endearing, charming, and utterly enchanting Goddess. ¡°She¡¯s so cute, I can¡¯t even get mad¡­¡± Lilithra whispered as she clasped her hands together and rested them against her cheek, her eyes sparkling with adoration. Lyra nodded frantically, and Selorien finally burst out laughing, catching everyone off guard. ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m¡­ hahaha¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ hehe¡­¡± The elf excused himself as he hid his face, his whole body shivering as he tried to suppress his giggling. Athanya¡¯el was completely confused, while Ascalon chuckled slightly, amazed by his friend¡¯s reactions. Despite the Goddess¡¯ aggressive attitude toward them, Lilithra and Lyra seemed to adore her. Clearing his throat, he smiled softly and caressed the child¡¯s head. ¡°My Goddess, these are my friends¡ªwould you please treat them with respect?¡± He pleaded, his sole eye reflecting a deep gentleness. Athanya¡¯el looked at him for a moment, and then pouted once again. ¡°Not fair, my knight¡­¡± She said as she blushed slightly, nodding with reluctance, and Ascalon took it as a sign of acknowledgment. ¡°Allow me to formally introduce you¡­¡± Ascalon began, raising a hand and gesturing toward Lilithra. ¡°She is Lilithra, my proud pupil.¡± The knight explained, and Lilihtra smiled with glee, waving at the Goddess. Athanya¡¯el turned her face to the side, letting out a soft ¡®hmph!¡¯, which caused Lilithra to squeal with excitement in response. Pointing toward Lyra, Ascalon continued. ¡°This is Lyra, our newest friend¡ªit is thanks to her that we came here.¡± He continued, as the cat girl fidgeted in her seat, clearly bashful. The tiny Goddess glanced at her, and then looked away, her pride still quite palpable. And yet, just like Lilithra, Lyra melted at Athanya¡¯el¡¯s adorable defiance. ¡°And this is Selorien, he is a mischievous elf.¡± Ascalon said with a smug grin, while Selorien recomposed himself slightly and waved at Athanya¡¯el. She nodded slightly, seemingly partial to elfs, and both Lilithra and Lyra puffed their cheeks with jealousy. ¡°And this, everyone, is Athanya¡¯el, Goddess of light and the third throne of the great Gods!¡± Ascalon declared with a grandiose tone, proud to announce his Goddess. She crossed her arms and smiled boldly, while everyone suddenly clapped. Their reactions were expected, since she was a Goddess! But still, Athanya¡¯el felt a bit bashful. After the greetings were over, Ascalon felt a bit awkward. He had been introducing his friends quite briefly, as if presenting them to a child¡­ he hoped the Goddess wouldn¡¯t take offense at that. As if to clear up his doubts, Athanya¡¯el spoke without any sign of discomfort. ¡°Hmph! I have known them for a while. But I suppose it is better to have a proper introduction¡­¡± The Goddess exclaimed, her tone ringing with shyness. ¡°Thanks for assisting my knight¡­¡± She added, causing the rest to gaze at her with warmth. ¡°But do not think I will forgive your indecorous behavior so easily!¡± Athanya¡¯el declared, her eyes darting from Lyra to Lilithra. The girls simply smiled at her with sparkling eyes, still enchanted by her demeanor. The Goddess felt like she was talking to a wall, and somehow, began to feel very tired. As she yawned, her eyelids began to waver slightly. ¡°Oh¡­ seems like I have spent my¡­ energy¡­¡± The girl commented, earning a few concerned gazes. ¡°Are you okay¡­?¡± Lilithra asked with a pained expression, and Athanya¡¯el studied her for a moment, as if gauging her expression. Despite seeming reluctant, she replied. ¡°Yes¡­ I just need¡­ some more rest¡­¡± And as she spoke, her eyes gradually closed, and her breath steadied. She had fallen asleep once more. Ascalon pondered for a moment, observing the slumbering child. ¡°I suppose this is normal, since she is still in the process of recovering her power¡­¡± He said with a smile, though he felt a bit guilty. She had been meaning to awaken and reveal her existence to him, yet he felt as if he had forced her into a stressful situation. Perhaps introducing her to his friends so abruptly had drained her, especially after the shock she received from her own current appearance. Sighing with a mix of resignation and relief, he caressed the Goddess¡¯ head. Dwelling on the matter wouldn¡¯t be of any help right now, so he decided to push those thoughts aside. As he glanced around, he noticed the restaurant¡¯s staff and some of the other clients were all staring at the group, and finally realized what a commotion they had made. ¡°Ah¡­ I apologize for the ruckus¡­¡± Ascalon suddenly blurted out, causing the rest of the group to also notice the current mood in the establishment. Lilithra and Lyra blushed with embarrassment, while Selorien smiled mischievously. As if prompted by their reactions, the strangers in the room awkwardly resumed their own meals and tasks. Soon, Ascalon and his friends received their food, and enjoyed a proper rest after the hectic, divine event. As they ate, they couldn¡¯t help but converse about it, obviously. ¡°I love her so, so much.¡± Lilithra declared with utmost seriousness, her yellow eyes fixed intently at the sleeping child. ¡°If something were to happen to her, I would-¡± She began to explain a most dangerous train of thought, but was cut short by Selorien, who waved a piece of chicken in front of her. ¡°Yes, yes. We get it!¡± He said while giggling, with Lyra mimicking his laugh. ¡°She is so adorable¡­ it must be a Goddess¡¯ charm¡­!¡± Lyra chimed in with clear excitement, her smile radiating happiness. It was such a relief to see Lyra in high-spirits, taking into account her brother¡¯s current condition. Levi had done the right thing by prompting her to accompany the group and take a break! ¡°She is¡­ quite something.¡± Ascalon added, sighing softly. It was the first time he saw her ¡®childlike¡¯ form, as her depictions back in Excadia had always been of a grown woman. Still, it didn¡¯t matter what kind of form she took: she was his Goddess, and he would do anything and everything in his power to help her regain her former glory. With these thoughts in mind, his resolve was strengthened! Though for now, he wanted to keep eating some of that spongy, and delicious, chocolate cake. Perhaps the other matters could wait for a bit longer, after all. Chapter 70 - Back Home The day went on as the group visited different parts of Starugnia, finding a new and exciting view at every corner. With no pressing matters guiding their steps, they took their time fully exploring the upper districts and their wonders. Even Selorien had grown slightly more accustomed to the heat, complaining less and less as they marched on¡ªthough the looming coolness of the night did play a part in his change of tune. Along the way, they noted some other restaurants and food vendors to visit the next day, as their stomachs were already full and satisfied. Lilithra also took the chance to grab herself a new plushie! This time, one resembling a cute desert mouse. As the sun receded and the streets emptied themselves, the group escorted Lyra back to the hospital, who was eager to see how her brother was faring. After exchanging goodnights with her, the others headed to the hotel to rest for the night. Thankfully, Ascalon managed to get some sleep without disturbing the slumbering Goddess in his arms, and the next few days were cheerful and uneventful. They repeated the same routine each time: having a filling breakfast, joining up with Lyra, and setting out to discover more of the city. At some point, they met with Ryan once more, and exchanged a more relaxed and friendly conversation. He also told them about the lower districts'' strange conflicts suddenly stopping, which Ascalon linked to Greed¡¯s demise¡ªthough he decided to not share it and let the matter rest. It was on their third day that the group decided it was time to return to New Lumingard, as their funds¡ªmostly Selorien¡¯s¡ªwere dwindling and they felt they¡¯d had their fill of the desert for a while. It was around the time they left Lyra at the hospital that she shyly spoke up. ¡°Uhm, thank you for everything¡­ really!¡± She said with heartfelt gratitude, her ears twitching as she bowed deeply. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with Levi for a few more days¡­ so this is goodbye¡­¡± Lyra added with teary eyes, her voice cracking slightly under the sad feeling of separation. Lilithra didn¡¯t hesitate before hugging her tight, and Lyra reciprocated while Ascalon and Selorien watched over them with warm gazes. ¡°Not goodbye¡­ see you later!¡± Lilithra declared, relenting her embrace to look at Lyra¡¯s face. ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting for you in New Lumingard!¡± She added with enthusiasm, making it clear that Lyra was welcome to hang out with them whenever she pleased. Lyra¡¯s smile brightened with joy at Lilithra¡¯s words, and her sadness was replaced with a sense of anticipation. When things were finally over, she had to repay her new friends somehow. With these thoughts in mind, she bowed once more, and the group decided to collectively pat her head. She was surprised and felt increasingly bashful, but enjoyed their affection nonetheless. As they parted, the group wished Levi a speedy recovery and peaceful travels, and they eventually left the hospital behind. The next day was their last day in Starugnia. They boarded the train once more, this time being sent off by Ryan, Audun, Lyra, and even some of the hotel staff and city''s vendors. Many veiled girls lamented Selorien¡¯s departure, but the elf felt no regrets as he settled into the soft seats of the train. ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯ll miss this place.¡± Selorien remarked with a mischievous grin, relishing the cool air conditioning in their cabin. Sitting across from him, Ascalon chuckled heartily, knowing the elf was really only talking about the harsh desert weather. Lilithra, sitting at Ascalon¡¯s side, peeked at the tiny sleeping Goddess with a huge smile on her face, clearly content about both their travels and their findings. ¡°Setting the creepy events aside, our first mission¡ªand traveling¡ªwas a success!¡± She declared while raising her arms in triumph, before leaning onto her seat and sighing deeply. Ascalon and Selorien nodded, while the latter spoke up. ¡°It wasn¡¯t bad.¡± He said with a gentle smile, reminiscing on their adventure. Ascalon shared the sentiment, since the voyage had been not only fun and successful, but had also blessed him with a small Goddess to take back home! Athanya¡¯el had woken up a few times during their last few days in the city, though only for a couple of minutes¡ªjust long enough to complain about Lilithra and Lyra¡¯s attitudes. It was actually quite amusing for the knight, though he did his best to not show it. As the train departed, his thoughts drifted toward a presence in the same carriage, located at the end of the vehicle. It was Escarlata, who probably deemed it unnecessary to take a different train this time, since they had already found her out and even joined forces with her for the dungeon. Ascalon felt a bit relieved, having not seen her at all over the past few days, but wondered if she would get in trouble when she reported her involvement to Selorien¡¯s grandfather. With these thoughts in mind, he admired the view outside the window as they made their way back to New Lumingard. The ride home was much smoother this time around¡ªno kaiju threatening the integrity of the passengers, and no scavengers riddling the vehicle with holes. Their animated conversations made time fly by, and before they knew it, they had arrived. Afterward, Selorien bid them goodbye and headed home, while Ascalon and Lilithra continued on to their own place. With cheerful steps and a sense of longing, they finally set foot in The Chalice. ¡°We¡¯re home!¡± Lilithra proclaimed as she beelined to the counter, where Raphael awaited with open arms. Without missing a beat, they exchanged an affectionate hug, the older man greeting her back. ¡°Welcome back, Lil!¡± He exclaimed with clear glee in his voice, patting Lilithra on the head while she giggled happily. Ascalon approached the counter and sat down, as Raphael gazed at him. For a moment, the man¡¯s smile faltered, and he had to do a double take. ¡°Am I seeing things¡­?¡± The gentleman doubted his eyes, squinting as he gazed upon the tiny Goddess in Ascalon¡¯s arms. Lilithra realized the cause of his confusion, and quickly let go of his embrace to gesture toward the child, presenting it to Raphael. ¡°Uncle, this is Ascalon¡¯s dau-¡± She began with a mischievous tone, ready to joke again about Athanya¡¯el being Ascalon¡¯s daughter. This time though, the knight was quicker, and interjected before she could even finish. ¡°This is my Goddess, not my daughter!¡± He declared with utmost confidence, a proud smile on his face. He didn¡¯t want Raphael to get confused, though he didn¡¯t realize that his words might still lead to misunderstandings.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The following hour was spent between Raphael coming and going from the kitchen to serve them some food, while recounting the events that had transpired in Starugnia. From their brief stop midway, to the Goddess awakening, they made sure to tell the gentleman all of the fine details. ¡°Hmm¡­ fascinating!¡± Raphael said as he sipped from a cup of wine, his gaze resting on the slumbering child. ¡°So she¡¯s recovering as we speak, huh?¡± He added, tilting his head. ¡°But you might have to ask her to behave next time she wakes up.¡± Raphael concluded, nodding to himself. Both Ascalon and Lilithra were slightly confused, and seeing their puzzled expressions, the gentleman decided to explain further. ¡°Well, you can¡¯t go around carrying a child everywhere¡ªshe needs to stop throwing tantrums when you leave her side.¡± He started, watching the child with a stern expression. ¡°How will you serve customers, clean, or even go to the bathroom? Wait¡­ does she even need to go to the bathroom?¡± Raphael questioned, while Ascalon absorbed his words. Lilithra, on the other hand, munched on her food while listening intently¡ªprobably quite amused. Ascalon thought Raphael was right, since having Athanya¡¯el in his arms all day was very inconvenient¡ªnot because she was heavy, but because it was difficult to keep her in mind at all times. Raphael had also touched a subject that had preoccupied Ascalon the most: the bathroom issue. He had to make sure to keep the tiny Goddess at arm¡¯s length when going about his own things; otherwise, she would thrash about and cry, just like a child. It was quite concerning, taking into account he hadn¡¯t even taken a proper shower yet. As for the last point, Ascalon was uncertain. ¡°She has not soiled herself in my arms, but that might change once she becomes more active¡­ although, she is a Goddess¡­ so I am not sure.¡± Ascalon replied with a concerned voice, gently brushing Athanya¡¯el¡¯s hair. She smiled softly in her sleep, nestling comfortably in his arms. Raphael contemplated the matter with a pensive expression, softly stroking his beard. ¡°Hmm¡­ guess we¡¯ll have to wait and see! Ah, also¡­¡± He began, narrowing his eyes and tapping the counter a few times with his finger. ¡°Don¡¯t go around saying she¡¯s a Goddess, understand?¡± Raphael asked with a serious tone, his gray stare revealing a deep concern. While Lilithra stopped eating for a moment, trying to piece together her uncle¡¯s worries, Ascalon nodded knowingly. He knew better than to go around spreading that information carelessly, but was grateful for the gentleman¡¯s insight nonetheless. ¡°Yes, I shall be careful.¡± Ascalon declared with a smile, and Raphael sighed in response, his gaze shifting toward Lilithra. ¡°You too¡­¡± The older man added, causing her to shrink slightly. ¡°Ugh, I know!¡± She responded in embarrassment, likely aware she had a tendency to get excited and overshare things. She would have to keep her mouth in check for the time being! The rest of the meal went on without a hitch as they chatted about various things, and soon it was time to rest once more. As both Ascalon and Lilithra bid each other good night, Ascalon headed to his room with the tiny Goddess in his arms. ¡°This is my room, my lady¡ªmy new home.¡± He said to the sleeping child, a soft smile on his face¡ªthough there was no response from her, aside from a soft yawn. Carefully, he lay down with her on his bed, and mulled over the past few days for a bit before finally drifting off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Raphael stood by The Chalice¡¯s main entrance, the sign outside being turned to ¡®closed¡¯. His expression was thoughtful as he watched the streets in silence, his mind racing with a few concerning thoughts. He closed the door, making sure he was out of sight from the outside, and raised his hand while frowning. Gradually, a long, silver revolver materialized on his palm, its polished surface shining faintly under the interior lights. He gripped it tight, feeling the familiar cold steel and its weight. The weapon was a magnum model, and it had a bulky barrel with a golden cross engraved on its edge, its handle made of dark, waxed wood. He twirled it in his index finger, the weapon spinning swiftly under his trained motions. With deliberate precision, he stopped it and quickly pointed it at a random lamp, the barrel¡¯s sight firmly aligned with the center of the target, his hand steady and unwavering. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint, as he twirled it a few more times, letting his body recall the motions he had ingrained over the years. He then stopped and brought it closer to his face, inspecting the cylinder and ensuring it was loaded with its powerful .44 caliber rounds. He nodded in satisfaction, appraising his own reflection on the long barrel. ¡°Cardinal sins, huh?¡± Raphael muttered, his tone coated with anger. ¡°These people are treading dangerous waters.¡± He continued, twirling the weapon once more. In an instant, he shifted his posture and extended his other arm, causing an almost identical revolver to appear in his grasp. This one, instead of a cross, bore the symbol of a golden chalice. He executed the same motions with the newly appeared weapon, twirling it, inspecting it, and finally sending both of them back into his inventory. ¡°Guess retirement isn¡¯t as final as I thought.¡± Raphael joked to himself, walking back to the counter as he chuckled softly. Still, a lingering feeling of worry gnawed at him, causing him to sigh deeply. Perilous things loomed on the horizon, and he was feeling determined to run wild once more if it meant protecting his family. Smiling at his own thoughts, he busied himself arranging leftover plates and glasses as time went on.
¡°Wake up!¡± A familiar voice called out, prompting Ascalon to slowly open his eye. He shook his head slightly as his blurry vision regained focus. Atop his chest was Athanya¡¯el, her tiny hands pushing against him as she did her best to shake him awake. ¡°Wa-ke-up!¡± She repeated, frowning in frustration until she noticed the knight staring at her. Smiling with glee, she buried her face into his chest and squealed in happiness. ¡°Ascalon!¡± She exclaimed, giggling to herself. ¡°My lady?¡± The knight asked, still drowsy and a bit confused. He started to get up gradually, gently picking her up and sitting her beside him. Athanya¡¯el looked a bit reluctant but let herself be carried, and then grabbed onto his arm and rubbed her cheek on him. She seemed really happy and affectionate once more. ¡°How are you faring?¡± Ascalon asked, glancing at the tiny Goddess rejoicing at his side. The child stopped her actions and looked up, her big, golden eyes sparkling with clear excitement. ¡°I feel great!¡± She replied, quickly jumping off the bed, with her small feet making a slight thud as they landed. ¡°There is so much energy here¡ªwhere are we?!¡± She asked with palpable interest, her eyes darting around the many features of the room. ¡°We are back where I first found you¡ªthe city of New Lumingard. And this¡­¡± Ascalon explained as he extended his arms. ¡°This is my room, my new home!¡± He exclaimed with triumph, repeating the words he had shared with her when she was asleep. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± She muttered with curiosity as she tottered around, her small body bobbing with each step as she explored her surroundings. ¡°Whoa¡­!¡± She said as she examined various things, from the desk lamp to the big wardrobe nearby. ¡°So many interesting things!¡± She remarked, while Ascalon smiled gently. She really looked just like a curious child. Athanya¡¯el then pushed the door open, skipping outside while she marveled over every little thing. ¡°Ooh~!¡± Her voice trailed off as she disappeared, and Ascalon quickly got up to follow after her. A few moments later, he found the tiny Goddess in the main hall, trying to climb the counter with some difficulty. ¡°My knight, help me!¡± She exclaimed as she looked around, expecting Ascalon to assist her. Without hesitation, he scooped her up and sat her on one of the stools, her long dress cascading down around her. ¡°What is that smell? It is enchanting!¡± She declared with enthusiasm, swinging her legs back and forth. The next moment, her small stomach suddenly rumbled, causing her to panic and pat herself. ¡°What was that?¡± She asked in confusion, likely unaware of the mundane feeling of hunger. But that made Ascalon realize: she felt hungry; and that probably meant that she needed more than divine energy to sustain herself. Just as he pondered about that, the kitchen door swung open, and Raphael emerged with an intrigued expression on his face, likely having heard the commotion. ¡°Well, well, hello there.¡± The older man said with a gentle smile as his eyes gazed upon the Goddess, causing her to shrink a bit in her seat, surprised by the new face. ¡°Ah¡­ you are¡­!¡± She said in realization as she pointed at him, probably recalling some memory from when she was still inside the emblem. ¡°You are the one that prepares the fancy meals Ascalon eats¡­! I require sustenance!¡± She declared with a bold smile, while Raphael blinked a few times. Ascalon sighed with resignation, an awkward smile on his face, his eye pleading to Raphael. The older man chuckled and bowed with respect as he spoke up. ¡°As you wish, my lady.¡± He stated as he walked back to the kitchen, leaving behind a very impressed tiny Goddess. ¡°Those are some proper manners!¡± She exclaimed, still swinging her legs with glee. Ascalon felt grateful to Raphael as he took a seat next to the tiny child. She seemed really energetic, and eager to partake in the mundane act of eating! He knew she would be delighted, as he too was enraptured by Raphael¡¯s cooking. Seeing her so animated, he thought that, perhaps, things were going to get a bit hectic from now on. Chapter 71 - Mundane Inconveniences & Spark of Ambition Anticipation filled the whole main hall as the tiny Goddess appraised the breakfast Raphael had prepared. The large display of food was a completely new sight for a divine being like her, as one such as she had never needed to indulge in mundane necessities like eating. But now, things were different. Her physical body seemed to have come with the same disadvantages as everyone else; though she would soon learn that eating was indeed quite a privilege, especially when it came to Raphael¡¯s cooking! She grabbed a crispy yet fluffy piece of toast and examined it from every angle, when a surprised voice cut through the room. ¡°Ah! She¡¯s awake!¡± Lilithra exclaimed from the stairs, causing everyone but the Goddess to glance at her. ¡°Morning, Lil¡± Raphael greeted as Lilithra hurriedly approached them. ¡°So, Uncle¡¯s gonna tame her with food!¡± She declared with sparkling eyes, admiring the child. Lilithra thought Athanya¡¯el looked adorable sitting on the high stool, with her legs swinging cheerfully! The tiny Goddess didn¡¯t pay any heed to her, though, completely enraptured by the feast before her. There was not only toast and a cup filled with a hot, brown liquid, but also all kinds of colorful delicacies. ¡°If I remember correctly¡­ I have to ¡®eat it¡¯!¡± Athanya¡¯el suddenly spoke aloud, prompting evertone to gaze at her with anticipation. With a bit of hesitation, she brought the piece of bread to her mouth, and nibbled cutely on it, causing Lilithra to squeal in delight. For a moment, Athanya¡¯el paused, her eyes opening wide as she savored the flavor. Then she began to munch faster and faster! ¡°W-what is this?!¡± She questioned with a sliver of admiration in her voice, her bread slowly but steadily disappearing as she consumed it without pausing. Raphael puffed out his chest with pride, knowing that even a God found his cooking worthy, while Ascalon picked up the cup and offered it to the child. ¡°Here, my lady.¡± He said as the small Goddess grabbed the cup with both hands, gulping down the last piece of bread before asking. ¡°What is this¡­? It fills my nose with a nice sensation!¡± Athanya¡¯el stated with a smile, likely smelling the sweet aroma of the cocoa. ¡°It¡¯s cocoa! It¡¯s yummy!¡± Lilithra replied instead of Ascalon, earning a curious side-glance from the Goddess. Normally, Athanya¡¯el would¡¯ve probably shot her an irritated look, but she was too captivated by the food to even think about acting prideful. With eagerness, she brought the cup to her lips and sipped slowly. ¡°Wooh!¡± She suddenly blurted out, her eyes gleaming with glee. Forgetting any sense of decorum, she leaned back and drank the whole cup in one go, before slamming it down on the counter and gasping for air. ¡°Ah! You need to be patient, or you¡¯ll choke!¡± Lilithra reproached as she patted the Goddess¡¯ back, who whimpered and coughed a little. ¡°Ugh¡­ why is this body so delicate?!¡± She complained as she quickly reached for another piece of food, this time a cute pastry with a strawberry on top. ¡°This¡­!¡± Athanya¡¯el muttered as she observed the delicacy, almost drooling. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, while Lilithra took the chance to caress her hair. ¡°It¡¯s so soft¡­¡± She said to herself as she combed the silky strands with her hand. At the same time, the Goddess took a bite off the pastry, and squealed in delight. ¡°Whoa!¡± The child gasped before devouring the baked treat, ravenously! ¡°How have I been missing out on this?!¡± She questioned with a pained expression, and Ascalon nodded a few times in agreement. He too had thought the same thing the first day he tried Raphael¡¯s food. ¡°How can I describe these sensations¡­?¡± Athanya¡¯el asked aloud as she picked up another pastry. ¡°You can say they¡¯re ¡®good¡¯, ¡®tasty¡¯, or ¡®great¡¯!¡± Lilithra chimed in, and Athanya¡¯el looked up at Raphael. ¡°Tasty!¡± She proclaimed as she munched on the new treat, relishing the flavor. Raphael simply bowed courteously before chuckling. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll prepare some more for later, then!¡± He said with enthusiasm as he headed toward the kitchen, eager to please a new guest! Ascalon watched him go with admiration in his gaze, while Lilithra was now combing Athanya¡¯el¡¯s hair with a brush, likely produced from her own inventory. The sight was actually quite heartwarming, the knight thought, witnessing the Goddess being more relaxed around his friend, and Lilithra having a good time too. He couldn¡¯t help but smile gently, a joyful sensation spreading within his chest. It was then that another grumble escaped Athanya¡¯el¡¯s stomach, catching everyone by surprise. ¡°Uh¡­? Wh-what is this¡­?¡± She said with a frown, patting her abdomen. ¡°Ugh¡­ It feels¡­ weird¡­¡± She added, prompting Lilithra to hurriedly pick her up. ¡°Uh?¡± Athanya¡¯el muttered as she was abducted. ¡°To the bathroom!¡± Lilithra declared as she left with the Goddess in her arms. ¡°Ah! Of course¡­¡± Ascalon mused as he saw them go, nodding to himself. If her physical body felt hungry and tired, it was likely that all the related¡­ inconveniences were bound to appear, too. As if on cue, Raphael brought him a coffee, which Ascalon enjoyed while waiting for the girls to come back. A couple of minutes later, Lilithra and Athanya¡¯el returned, though this time the tiny Goddess was walking ahead on her own, her face completely red. ¡°Ascalon¡­!¡± She approached the knight with teary eyes. ¡°It was horrible!¡± She added as she hugged his leg. ¡°What happened, my lady?¡± Ascalon asked with a worried tone, placing a hand on her head while Lilithra giggled awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ she just got acquainted with bodily functions!¡± Lilithra replied, scratching her head. Athanya¡¯el looked up, sniffling. ¡°I cannot believe such tasty food can turn into¡­ that! Surely there must be better ways to cleanse the body of impurities¡­!¡± She said as she buried her head onto Ascalon¡¯s leg, muffling a few whimpering sounds.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ascalon sighed gently and caressed her head, knowing there were many trials ahead for the tiny Goddess. At least, they were there to guide her in every step of the way! As they all finished up breakfast, Athanya¡¯el gradually recovered her spirits and began to ask many questions about the things that caught her attention. Ascalon felt a sense of nostalgia, knowing he had been in her shoes not long ago, and pondered about how many things had changed since he had arrived in New Lumingard. However, he couldn¡¯t really delve too deep into these thoughts, as Athanya¡¯el yawned with her head resting on the counter. ¡°Ah! My lady, you should sleep in my bed.¡± Ascalon said as he quickly scooped her up. ¡°Ah¡­ I do need some rest¡­¡± She replied, nestling in his arms. ¡°But not in bed¡­ Ascalon¡¯s arms¡­¡± She added in a whisper, but Ascalon reminded himself about Raphael¡¯s words. On one hand, it was his Goddess, and he was indebted to her¡­ but he also needed to repay Raphael¡¯s kindness, and it was going to be difficult with her occupying his arms all day. It was a conflicting situation, but he had resolved himself to let Athanya¡¯el rest in a proper place. Under Raphael and Lilithra¡¯s gazes, he made his way to his room. Once there, he carefully placed the Goddess onto his bed, and felt a wave of relief wash over him when she didn¡¯t show any signs of complaint. Perhaps his own lingering presence on the sheets and pillow was enough to soothe her! With a relieved sigh, he went back, and was greeted by a soft but enthusiastic clapping. ¡°You did it!¡± Lilithra celebrated, beaming from ear to ear. Ascalon smiled back and nodded at her, while Raphael chuckled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to open up. Want to help out today?¡± The gentleman asked, causing Ascalon to feel a bit of reluctance and anticipation. ¡°Of course!¡± Ascalon declared, earning a bold smile from Raphael. ¡°But first, a quick shower!¡± He added, scurrying away to the bathroom. He finally had some time to properly cleanse his body! Soon, The Chalice would fill up with customers, and he would properly serve them! It wasn¡¯t enough to repay Raphael, but it was a good start. __________________________________________________________________________ Meanwhile, another group of people had gathered in L¡¯adariel¡¯s manor. Theoldorien, head of the family, sat alongside his sole heir, Selorien. The room was guarded by a multitude of Caretakers, their solemn but eerie gazes placed intently on a guest: Ron, the headquarter¡¯s representative. He felt a bit suffocated, being under watch by the most dangerous maid squad of the L¡¯adariels, but was also eager to learn about Ascalon¡¯s monitoring. Still, it was surprising to see them there. Selorien¡¯s presence was also intriguing, knowing he was a friend of the knight¡­ and that could be an issue. But if the L¡¯adariels head saw no problems with it, Ron of course had no room to complain. As he thought about that, Escarlata, who had been assigned with the tailing mission, stood in the center of the room. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Theoldorien commanded, and the maid bowed deeply before methodically recounting the events she had witnessed. From the kaiju battle to the very last day of their visit to Starugnia, she made sure to not leave any details out. Selorien watched in silence, his narrowed eyes a sign of both boredom and tiredness¡ªthough learning about the monitoring had been quite interesting. Theoldorien stroked his beard thoughtfully as he listened, absorbing the information. After Escarlata finished, both Theoldorien and Ron exchanged a knowing look, and the old elf spoke up. ¡°So, what¡¯s your verdict, Escarlata?¡± He asked, his stare boring into the maid¡¯s eyes. She hesitated for a moment, but answered shortly after. ¡°I deem him not a threat to New Lumingard.¡± She declared in a firm tone, and Ron sighed in relief. ¡°Although¡­¡± She continued, earning curious looks. ¡°I may be biased, as I seem to be infatuated by him.¡± Escarlata revealed, blushing slightly. The Caretakers collectively gasped, and murmur quickly filled the room, surprising Theoldorien greatly. ¡°Silence!¡± He growled, taken aback by the maids¡¯ sudden attitude¡ªseemed like they weren¡¯t expecting one of her sisters to blurt out something like that. At his command, the surrounding servants bowed in apology, and the room quieted. Ron rubbed his mustache with an arched brow, his intrigue and worry evident. On the other hand, Selorien simply smiled gently. Theoldorien gazed at him, then at the maid. ¡°What do you make of this, Selorien?¡± The elf asked, while Ron looked at Selorien with curiosity. ¡°Well, he¡¯s my friend, so I¡¯ll vouch for him¡­ but you know Escarlata too, don¡¯t you?¡± Selorien replied, his smile turning bold. Ron was a bit confused, but Theoldorien nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Even if she¡¯s ¡®infatuated¡¯, I will personally attest to her judgment!¡± The old elf proclaimed, and Escarlata bowed respectfully. Still, she knew she was going to be reprimanded about some things later. Ron clasped his hands together and leaned forward in his seat, pondering over the matter briefly. ¡°I see. If both the L¡¯adariel¡¯s head and his heir agree, I can¡¯t doubt her words, then.¡± He said with a smile, relieved once more. It seemed Ascalon was, indeed, not a threat to the city, which was incredibly reassuring. ¡°Are you satisfied?¡± Theoldorien asked, and Ron nodded in response. ¡°Yes. Allow me to thank you for your assistance on behalf of headquarters.¡± He began, standing up and bowing courteously. ¡°Arrangements have been made already, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find them quite beneficial.¡± He added with a sly smile, before excusing himself and leaving. Selorien yawned in his seat, stretching his arms above his head, and Theoldorien sighed at his actions. ¡°You¡¯re excused.¡± The old elf mused aloud, and all of the maids nodded before promptly vanishing, including Escarlata. Selorien whistled, marveling at the servants¡¯ skills as always. Then, he gazed at his grandfather with a curious look. ¡°Why did you ask me to come? I know you didn¡¯t need my opinion¡­¡± Selorien questioned as he lazily stood up, and Theoldorien shook his head in disapproval. ¡°You need to get used to these kinds of meetings¡ªyou¡¯re going to replace me sooner or later, after all¡­ sooner rather than later, too.¡± The old elf exclaimed, his impassive expression making it hard for Selorien to read into it. ¡°Hah! As if you were going to let the grim reaper take you.¡± Selorien joked, and his grandfather chuckled. ¡°Hmmph! Perhaps I¡¯ll make a deal with it.¡± The old elf replied, and Selorien giggled. Even if Theoldorien had changed much, Selorien was glad to catch a glimpse of his beloved, doting grandfather from time to time. ¡°Now then, go on. I know you¡¯re eager to leave.¡± Theoldorien said as he prepared some paperwork, meaning he would be busy from then on. Selorien nodded in understanding, though he felt a bit of regret at the sight. It was hard to let go, but the fun, whimsical times with his grandfather weren¡¯t probably going to return. With heavy steps, Selorien left the room, heading to his friends¡¯ side. ____________________________________________________________________________ Ascalon did his best helping in The Chalice as the day went on, taking customers¡¯ orders, helping Lilithra with cleaning and taking out the trash, and even complying with some guests¡¯ requests like taking pictures with them. However, Lilithra would always shoot him an irritated stare when he did so! Still, she too had garnered quite the attention, as many recognized her thanks to her fight in the colosseum. At some point, Selorien arrived, greeting his friends and indulging in some coffee as he watched the knight ¡®work¡¯, utterly amused. ¡°You have a knack for this, Ascalon!¡± He exclaimed from his seat, leaning onto the garden table. The re-opening of the outdoor caf¨¦ had been quite a success, though Ascalon¡¯s presence had likely played a huge part in it. Lilithra, taking a short rest beside Selorien, pouted as he watched the knight. So many girls would approach him with ulterior motives! Though she knew it was just jealousy. ¡°Ugh~.¡± She complained to herself, while Selorien giggled at her side. ¡°Don¡¯t let your chance slip by, Lil!¡± The elf cheered as he patted her head, and she buried her face in the table, likely embarrassed. Selorien sighed and looked around, his thoughts drifting into other matters. Frowning with determination, he decided to bring up an important topic. ¡°Sorry to bring the mood down, but¡­¡± He began, as Lilithra raised her head in curiosity. ¡°What are we gonna do about¡­ you know, the Guild?¡± He asked, causing his friend to gasp in surprise. ¡°The Guild!¡± Lilithra echoed, grabbing her head with both hands. She had completely forgotten about that! They had been kicked out from Casanova, and were now lowly guild-less! ¡°S-should we look for another Guild, or¡­?¡± Lilithra asked with a bit of reluctance, though her eyes showed a spark of anticipation. ¡°Well¡­ do you feel ready?¡± Selorien questioned, a bold smile on his face. ¡°Ready for what?¡± Ascalon suddenly chimed in, appearing behind Lilithra with a gentle smile. Lilithra blushed slightly, and opened her mouth. ¡°Ready to¡­ make my own Guild¡­¡± She explained, looking down and fiddling with her fingers. Ascalon was slightly surprised, but then placed a reassuring hand on her head. ¡°I may not know what making a Guild entails, but¡­ I have full confidence over your capabilities, Lilithra.¡± He declared, and she looked up with sparkling eyes. At her side, Selorien lazily raised a clenched fist. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m in!¡± He added, exchanging nods with Ascalon. Feeling her friends¡¯ support, she stood up, her eyes burning with determination. ¡°Ugh if you go that far to hype me up then I¡¯ll have to do it!¡± Lilithra pouted, though her friends could feel her enthusiasm. Emboldened by their support, she felt it was time to finally give one of her dreams a go: to become a Guildmaster! Chapter 72 - The Guilds Name The hours flew by as the group continued helping out in The Chalice, motivated not just by their desire to aid Raphael but also their new, immediate goal: to make Lilithra a Guild leader. But even if they knew what their next step was, there were still some hurdles to overcome¡ªsomething Ascalon was unaware of. ¡°So what does one need to create a Guild? I assume it is not as simple as it was in my world, where you simply agreed with your fellows to band together.¡± Ascalon asked as he cleaned one of the outdoor tables, taking advantage of the quieter time as customers dwindled past noon. Lilithra let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯ as she approached him with a silver tray, carrying with her three different drinks. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a bit more complicated here¡­¡± She replied with a pensive expression, setting one of the beverages in front of Ascalon. At the same time, a sneaky hand emerged from behind, snatching one of the remaining glasses from the tray. ¡°Yeah, wish it was as simple as in your world.¡± Selorien chimed in, now standing at Lilithra¡¯s side, sipping from his drink. Lilithra placed the tray down and mimicked him, gulping her own refreshment, while Ascalon nodded in acknowledgment and joined them. As they all sat around the table, Lilithra cleared her throat and proceeded to explain further. ¡°First of all, we need to go to headquarters.¡± She began, setting the now empty glass on the table. ¡°Can you open your profile for a second?¡± Lilithra asked, her yellow eyes set on Ascalon. He nodded once more and did as told, materializing a blue screen in front of him. ¡°See the ¡®locked¡¯ symbol next to ¡®network¡¯? That¡¯s where the ¡®Guild¡¯ interface should be¡­ but it¡¯s locked out for Guild-less like us.¡± Lilithra explained with a sad tone, frowning slightly. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see¡­¡± Ascalon muttered as he examined his profile. A curious notion flashed across his mind, so he decided to ask about it. ¡°But if it is part of the network system, why do we need to visit headquarters?¡± He questioned as he tilted his head, trying to understand why they would need someone from headquarters to deal with matters pertaining to the network. Lilithra shifted in her seat, crossing her arms. ¡°Well¡­ for things like inviting someone to the network, you don¡¯t need any special privileges¡­ but it¡¯s different for Guild creation, and some other things.¡± Lilithra replied, with Ascalon listening intently. ¡°Every city has their own ¡®headquarters¡¯, so to say, and specific people there have the ability to enable the Guild interface for you! I don¡¯t know what qualifies someone for that but¡­ yeah¡­ they do it somehow.¡± She explained, though her choice of words made it clear that she wasn¡¯t completely sure about the matter. Ascalon raised an eyebrow in confusion, wondering just how that worked, when Selorien interjected. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t think too much about it¡­ the network is hella strange, and powerful.¡± The elf started, scratching the back of his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you then, but back in the dungeon¡ªwhen I received the advanced class notification¡ªtime seemed to stop around me.¡± He explained with a doubtful expression, while Lilithra gasped in awe and Ascalon leaned in with curiosity. That was a surprising reveal! The network had that much hold over the world? Over reality? Ascalon had no experience regarding ¡®time stops¡¯¡ªnot even the most powerful wizards back in Excadia had ever wielded such an insane amount of power. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it was just me, or if time actually slowed down for everyone¡­ but I can assure you that we¡¯d be here all day if we tried to figure out how it damn works.¡± Selorien declared with a bit of exasperation in his voice, gulping down the rest of his drink. Ascalon pondered for a moment, admiring the mysteriousness and efficiency of the network. ¡°So it just¡­ knows what people to confer the Guild creation to? That is indeed strange¡­ but yet again, the network has proved to be quite complex so far.¡± Ascalon mused, and Selorien shrugged. ¡°Anyway!¡± Lilithra chimed in, snapping back from her awestruck moment, and prepared to continue her explanation. ¡°Ehem! As I was saying, we need to go to headquarters to get the process started! But¡­ we need to meet some requisites, too.¡± She started, placing her elbows on the table to prop her chin on her hands. ¡°They don¡¯t just allow anyone to open a Guild! After all, being in one comes with certain benefits.¡± Lilithra said with a spark of excitement in her voice. ¡°Oh?¡± Ascalon perked up with clear interest, wondering about these ¡®benefits¡¯. Lilithra giggled, expecting that kind of response, and continued. ¡°For example, Guilds can request entry to unaffiliated cities¡ªlike¡­ Starugnia!¡± Her voice cracked a bit, likely remembering how they were rejected from entering at first. It had been truly fortunate for them to have met Ryan. ¡°Also, they receive compensation for being affiliated with a city¡ªin our case, with New Lumingard.¡± Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled, a smile spreading across her face. So they received some kind of monetary compensation just for being in a Guild? That was convenient! ¡°There are other nice perks like trading items with them and such, but that¡¯s not important right now!¡± Lilithra suddenly complained, realizing she had been drifting off the original topic. ¡°The thing is, they¡¯ll test us to see if we¡¯re worthy of these benefits!¡± She finally broached the topic she was trying to get at, and let out an exhausted sigh at the prospect. ¡°What kind of test? Like a trial?¡± Ascalon questioned with intrigue, while Selorien stretched in his chair. ¡°I heard the test changes depending on the group taking them, so we¡¯re going blind~!¡± The elf spoke with a mischievous tone, and Lilithra groaned slightly. ¡°Yeah¡­ that¡¯s the scary part!¡± Lilithra whimpered, before resting her head onto the table. ¡°Ugh~ It¡¯s already sad enough that you have to pay a fee just to try¡­¡± She groaned once more, and Selorien giggled. ¡°I told you many times already, but I¡¯ll pay the fee. No biggie.¡± He said with a cheerful tone, and Ascalon smiled gently. Selorien truly was a good friend. ¡°No need! I¡¯ve been slowly saving up for this¡­!¡± Lilithra blurted out, suddenly straightening her posture and clenching her fists with determination. ¡°I already owe you so much, too, and you even splurged in Starugnia¡­¡± She continued, her enthusiasm dwindling. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, but could relate to her feelings. ¡°Yes, I owe you a lot, too.¡± Ascalon added, while Selorien clicked his tongue in annoyance. ¡°Don¡¯t go thinking you have to pay me back!¡± He exclaimed with clear irritation, causing Ascalon to reel back in surprise, though Lilithra seemed more bashful rather than shocked. Noticing Ascalon¡¯s expression, she smiled and chimed in. ¡°Get used to it¡­ Selly doesn¡¯t like it when you try to pay your debts to him¡­ even when he tells you ¡®you can pay me back later¡¯, hah!¡± She sighed in resignation, a small smile on her lips. Ascalon raised an eyebrow in slight confusion, while Selorien crossed his arms. ¡°I use my money however I want, and I don¡¯t do it expecting anything in return!¡± The elf stated, puffing out his chest with pride. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m strapped for cash, anyway.¡± He scoffed, a conflicted grin spreading across his face. So he was just a charitable soul, then? Ascalon wondered, his smile returning. Selorien did seem to enjoy helping out his friends, and it was true that he had never asked to be repaid after the fact¡ªperhaps he really didn¡¯t need to, due to his wealthy heritage. Still, Ascalon wasn¡¯t one to forget about his debts, so he was going to find a way to repay him¡ªwhether it involved money or not.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Enough about that¡­¡± Selorien said with a bit of exasperation in his voice. ¡°When are we going?¡± He asked with a bold grin, his gaze set on Lilithra. She tilted her head and pondered for a moment, while Ascalon waited, anticipation slowly building within him. ¡°Sooner rather than later¡­ I guess? I¡¯m still worried!¡± She admitted while shifting on her seat, clearly reluctant. It was to be expected, since they didn¡¯t know what kind of trials awaited ahead. Ascalon crossed his arms, his sole eye wandering around the now-empty outdoor caf¨¦. With no customers in sight, there weren¡¯t any pressing matters at hand, at least. A light breeze blew by, ruffling Lilithra¡¯s hair slightly, and a relaxed silence settled over their table. They all basked in the serenity, quietly mulling about different things, though they were all related to the creation of their Guild, without a doubt. It was then that a sudden notion struck Ascalon, who excitedly brought it up. ¡°Oh! By what name shall the Guild be known?¡± He asked with palpable interest, an amused smile forming on his face. He was really eager to know that! But Lilithra¡¯s face caused his excitement to dwindle, as she looked pale and horrified. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t think about that¡­!¡± She exclaimed as she grabbed her head with both hands, groaning to herself. Ah, so she was that unprepared, huh? Ascalon sighed in resignation, but couldn¡¯t help laughing softly afterward. Selorien, on the other hand, shook his head with a slight grin on his face. ¡°Oh Lil, you never cease to amaze me.¡± He declared with a hint of pride¡ªthough that wasn¡¯t exactly the best thing to be proud of! ¡°Shut up, Selly!¡± She retorted, her eyes tearing up slightly. It was an adorable sight, somehow, to see her all flustered. ¡°Calm down, Lilithra.¡± Ascalon stated, and she looked up at him. ¡°Think. What do you want your Guild to stand for?¡± He asked in a serious tone, his eye locked onto her. She felt her panic ceasing, a soothing feeling spreading across her whole being. Under his steady gaze, she felt reassured. Selorien leaned in, placing his elbows on the table, intrigued by what Lilithra would say in response. Lilithra looked down, frowning with determination, as she took her time to dwell on the matter. Minutes passed with her deep in thought, her friends patiently waiting for her decision¡ªa quiet support that utterly comforted her. She knew they could chime in and propose names, but they were letting her decide for herself, a sign of their trust in her. Lilithra thought long and hard about what she wanted her Guild to be known for. She reminisced about the time she shared her aspirations with Ascalon, feeling as though it were such a distant memory, even when it hadn¡¯t been that long ago. What did she want to do? To help people, to offer her a place to belong, and to protect them with a watchful eye. ¡°Knights of the Braveheart Vigil¡­¡± She pondered aloud, her quiet words carrying a solemn weight. Ascalon and Selorien exchanged glances. It was a peculiar name¡ªespecially the ¡®knights¡¯ part¡ªbut it felt fitting. It conveyed a sense of courage, and encompassed traits that suited Lilithra perfectly¡ªfrom the ¡®brave¡¯ in her skill to the purity of her heart, with the addition of a protective connotation under ¡®vigil¡¯. Somehow, all of them quietly shared a sense of agreement, though Ascalon wanted to make it more official, so to say. ¡°I quite like the name; it has a nice ring to it¡­ but, why ¡®knights¡¯?¡± He asked with curiosity, causing Lilithra to blush under his gaze. ¡°I just think it sounds cooler¡­¡± She admitted, and Selorien giggled. Ascalon let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯, wondering if ¡®sounding cool¡¯ was enough of a reason. After all, it was going to be the name of her Guild¡ªsomething that would echo across the land as her feats piled up. Still, it was her decision, so he wasn¡¯t about to complain; it did sound nice, too. ¡°It sounds damn cool.¡± Selorien declared as he crossed his arms and nodded, clearly confident in his opinion. Lilithra smiled with joy, seeing that her friends weren¡¯t against it, and the realization finally dawned on her: her Guild was going to be the Knights of the Braveheart Vigil! It was a bit long and maybe slightly embarrassing, but it filled her with hope and happiness. ¡°Alright! I¡¯m all hyped up again!¡± Lilithra proclaimed as she jumped to her feet, causing her chair to fall backward. ¡°Oops!¡± She muttered with a bashful expression, quickly propping the seat back to its place. Ascalon and Selorien shared a chuckle, and stood up to join her. ¡°So how about¡­ we go today!¡± Lilithra suggested, smiling with boldness. ¡°Before my excitement fades and I get scared again!¡± She added in a joking manner, though her friends knew it was likely to happen. ¡°I¡¯ll let Uncle know first!¡± She exclaimed as she darted out, leaving both Ascalon and Selorien behind. It was a perfect moment for the elf to ask something he had been curious about. ¡°Ascalon, are you going to¡­?¡± He began to ask, a soft smile on his face. Ascalon knew what he meant without needing further explanation, so he nodded with determination, his stare unwavering. ¡°Yes. It has been my intention from the very beginning.¡± He proclaimed with utmost certainty, causing Selorien¡¯s eyes to open wide in both amazement and admiration. ¡°You really are the coolest.¡± The elf responded, smiling mischievously. Ascalon simply sighed at his words, wondering if he was truly worthy of such praise. With these thoughts in mind, both friends went after Lilithra. When they arrived, they found the uncle and niece conversing happily. ¡°Yes! Would you¡­ would you like to join, even as an honorary member?¡± Lilithra asked with shyness, though her anticipation was clear. Raphael smiled awkwardly, a hint of sadness in his eyes. ¡°I have my own matters to attend to, and I don¡¯t want people to think you¡¯re just filling numbers with this old man!¡± He replied, causing Lilithra to shrink slightly. Still, she seemed to half-expect that answer since she recovered quite quickly! ¡°It¡¯s alright, Uncle. Thank you!¡± Lilithra exclaimed, beaming at her doting Uncle. Then, she looked back at her friends. ¡°Ready to go?¡± She asked with excitement, her yellow eyes sparkling with her usual enthusiasm. Both Ascalon and Selorien nodded, and so they set out for headquarters! On the way, Lilithra tried to distract herself with idle chatter, as if trying to not think much about the matter. As they walked, Ascalon noticed a quite suspicious individual wearing a long, hooded cloak that covered the entirety of their body. While they weren¡¯t sending off an aura of bloodlust or hostility, the knight could see through their actions, as they were walking toward him deliberately. Trying to pay no mind to them, just in case he were to be wrong, Ascalon kept talking to his friends animatedly. But suddenly, the person bumped into him, even though Ascalon was prepared to dodge out of the way. Frowning as the warning signals rang in his mind, Ascalon prepared for a confrontation, under the confused stares of his friends. ¡°Oh, sorry about that!¡± The hooded figure spoke in a womanly voice, a sly grin shining beneath her hood. Without further words, she kept walking past him, leaving Ascalon confused and slightly embarrassed. For a moment, he thought that person was looking for a fight, having shoved him on purpose. Sighing at his silly thoughts, he reassured his friends, and then continued their journey. In the distance, the grinning, hooded stranger muttered. ¡°I see, so that¡¯s him.¡± Her tone was dripping with disdain. ¡°You just wait, asshole...¡± She continued, her voice trailing off as she scurried into an alleyway, disappearing into the darkness. After that random occurrence, the group found themselves at the huge doors leading into the headquarters¡¯ interior. ¡°Well¡­ we¡¯re here¡­!¡± Lilithra remarked as she looked at the humongous building, an audible ¡®gulp¡¯ escaping her throat. Both her friends placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and she felt fueled by their support. Without further ado, they all entered the bustling headquarters, and Lilithra shyly approached a receptionist. ¡°H-hello¡­¡± Lilithra muttered as a staff lady smiled at her. ¡°Welcome! What can we help you with today?¡± The girl replied, watching over Lilithra with a gentle gaze. ¡°I-uhm-we, no, I would like to create a Guild, please!¡± The horned girl voiced her request, and a few murmurs could be heard around them. ¡°A new Guild? Been a while¡± Said someone. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Chimed in another stranger. The receptionist looked intently at the three of them, before turning around and calling out. ¡°Mr. Kain, if you would!¡± She exclaimed before turning toward them again. ¡°Just a moment, please.¡± The girl added, causing Lilithra to feel a bit impatient and hesitant. After a couple of seconds¡ªwhich felt like an eternity to her¡ªa tall, suited man appeared behind the receptionist. He had the face of a black wolf, his right eye covered by a red eye patch. His sharp fangs glistened under the interior lights, and his orange eyes felt both dangerous and wary. He inspected them with evident scorn, before opening his jaw and speaking up. ¡°So you want to create a new Guild, huh?¡± His hoarse voice resounded over the bustling room¡ªrather, it was more of a growl¡ªcausing Lilithra to shrink in surprise. ¡°Hmph! Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re made of, then.¡± He added with a frown, his nose wrinkling with apparent irritation. It seemed that he wasn¡¯t going to be easily convinced. Chapter 73 - The Knights Oath After meeting the Canidae known as Kain and paying the fee at the reception, the group was escorted to a small room inside the headquarters, similar to the one Ascalon had been in the last time he visited the place. They sat in the middle, in front of an average white desk, where the wolf-like man resided. He looked at them with an intense gaze, as if scrutinizing their very existence, before finally breaking the awkward silence. ¡°Let¡¯s get the formalities out of the way¡ªmy name is Kain, and I¡¯m one of the few in charge of Guild-related matters.¡± He presented himself, his tone still coated with irritation. ¡°And I hate wasting my time with newbies who think they¡¯re ready to become Guild leaders.¡± Kain added, narrowing his eye at Lilithra. The girl hesitated for a moment, but her friend¡¯s presence allowed her to stare right back, her gaze one of defiance. The Canidae raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised, and continued. ¡°First of all, applicants have to pay the fee¡ªyou¡¯ve already done that, so we can move on.¡± Kain explained as he traced the air with his sharp claws, opening up a network interface. ¡°As you may know, only those we deem worthy can create a Guild.¡± He began, reading from something on his end. ¡°Since just by being in an affiliated Guild, you¡¯ll have access to city-controlled dungeons, monetary compensation, permission to trade with the headquarters¡­¡± He started listing the benefits, though it was all something Lilithra had already explained to Ascalon. After making sure the rest understood, Kain continued. ¡°Now, I need you¡ªthe leader¡ªto share your profile with me.¡± He remarked with a bored expression, and Lilithra promptly followed his instructions. ¡°There!¡± She exclaimed with eagerness, while Kain examined her parameters. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He muttered, before sighing in resignation. ¡°Alright, you meet the level requirement for a D-Rank Guild.¡± Kain declared, causing both Lilithra and Selorien to show a conflicted expression. Ascalon, unaware of what had shifted the mood, decided to voice his thoughts. ¡°Is there a problem¡­?¡± He asked with curiosity, and Lilithra quickly waved her hands at him to reassure him. ¡°No, no. There¡¯s no problem! It¡¯s just a bit disappointing¡­¡± She said with an awkward smile, her brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Disappointing? If it were for me, I would have denied the application based on your level alone¡ªyou¡¯re lucky they lowered the entry threshold.¡± Kain suddenly interjected, his rude remark causing Lilithra to cower slightly. Ascalon and Selorien shoot angry stares at the Canidae, but the wolf-man simply shrugged. ¡°Be happy with your D-Rank or leave.¡± Kain coldly declared. Lilithra quickly perked up as she nodded. ¡°N-no, please, let¡¯s continue!¡± She said with a shred of panic in her voice, and Kain sighed once more. He seemed really annoyed by the situation, for some reason. ¡°Very well. You also need to have accomplished a significant feat, like clearing a dungeon¡ªthat¡¯s also covered since you were one of the winning participants in the latest Guild war.¡± Kain explained, catching the rest by surprise. Even Lilithra seemed unaware of that prerequisite, though it was fortunate she had already earned some fame thanks to the colosseum. ¡°Let me tell you, though¡ªLucio Cormante has already submitted a recommendation against you.¡± Kain abruptly revealed, a wave of confusion washing over the group. ¡°Huh?¡± Selorien and Lilithra blurted out in unison, seemingly taken aback by the unexpected news. It was a reasonable reaction, since even Ascalon was completely caught off-guard by the revelation. Why would Lucio go out of his way to do that? Wasn¡¯t kicking them off the guild enough for him? Ascalon wondered as irritation welled up inside him, though Kain¡¯s next words helped to calm him down. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t matter if I believe you can be of help to the city, and not a detriment¡ªso you¡¯ll have to prove your worth.¡± The Canidae growled. Despite his tone, his words were surprisingly reassuring after hearing about Lucio¡¯s antagonism. That meant they only needed to convince Kain, as tough as that sounded! ¡°Now then¡­¡± Kain began, while manipulating his network interface with precise motions, clearly accustomed to the process. ¡°We¡¯ll prepare three tasks for you to complete, based on your Guild¡¯s¡­ purpose, so to say.¡± The Canidae explained, shifting his gaze from his invisible screen to the group. ¡°First, you¡¯ll need to tell me¡ªwhat kind of Guild are you going to establish? A combat Guild, specialized in dungeons, for example? An information Guild? An Alchemy Guild? What can you offer to our city?¡± Kain asked, posing a question that Lilithra already had the answer for. ¡°I want to create a Guild that offers protection services! Like escorting, bodyguarding! Though we can clear dungeons too!¡± Lilithra chirped excitedly, her eyes sparkling. Her enthusiasm was so sudden that even Kain seemed taken aback. Ascalon was slightly surprised by her words, too. A service much like mercenaries, huh? He liked the idea! It also fit perfectly with Lilithra¡¯s personality, so he was completely on board. Selorien, on the other hand, was smiling boldly, likely already aware of Lilithra¡¯s plans from way before¡ªjust as expected of her best friend! ¡°I see¡­ hmmm¡­¡± Kain muttered as he kept fiddling with his interface for a few, but seemingly eternal minutes. Eventually, he smiled with confidence, his canine ears twitching. ¡°There. I will now send you the first task you have to complete.¡± He explained with unexpected cheerfulness, tracing the air with his long claws, as a blue screen appeared in front of the trio.
A new quest has been created! Quest title: ¡®Dungeon Race¡¯ Objective: Compete against the examinator¡¯s team in a race to finish the Derelict Station dungeon. Time to complete the quest: One week after both teams enter the dungeon. Conditions to complete the quest: Defeat the boss monster before the other team. After one week has passed, or if the other team defeats the boss monster, the quest will be considered a failure. Do you accept the quest?
Confirm / Deny
Ascalon appraised the quest information with clear interest, finding it surprising that the very first task could present such a curious challenge. ¡°A dungeon race against another team, huh?¡± He mused aloud, smiling with confidence. From his experience, he assumed the quest was designed to test their cooperation and strength. The sense of urgency with the time limit, and the looming threat of another team stealing the boss, provided a solid way to gauge their reactions under pressure. It was evident that Kain knew what he was doing! Lilithra, on the other hand, stared at the screen with awe. After a few seconds, she eagerly pressed the confirm button, accepting the quest. ¡°That¡¯s so exciting!¡± She exclaimed with glee, earning a surprised look from the Canidae. He was probably not expecting that kind of reaction from her¡ªthough she was likely feeling a bit nervous underneath her enthusiasm. As for Selorien, he seemed content with the quest too, a bold smile spreading across his face. ¡°Neat.¡± He remarked, looking at Kain. ¡°When do we start and stuff?¡± He asked casually, causing the Wolf-like man to shake his head. He was likely not used to such carefree behavior, either. ¡°You start as soon as I gather the team¡ªmeaning, tomorrow morning at the latest. You better arrive on time or I¡¯ll cancel the whole thing!¡± Kain growled, showing his irritation once more. Ascalon wondered just what was annoying him so much, but decided to simply remain silent. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Lilithra nodded with clear determination, her fists tightly clenched as she spoke. ¡°Yes, sir!¡± She exclaimed with a bit of anticipation in her voice, while Selorien chuckled at her choice of words. The Canidae sighed deeply and promptly showed them to the exit, eager to rid himself of them, apparently. Once outside, the trio huddled up near the entrance, and Lilithra spoke up. ¡°Alright, so. Tomorrow it is!¡± She said as she raised her arms with enthusiasm. ¡°But I can¡¯t say I¡¯m not nervous!¡± She added, a shy smile on her face. Ascalon smiled gently and carefully placed a hand on her head, softly ruffling her hair. It was quite convenient that she was getting used to not wearing her hood all the time, as it made it easier for him to shower her with affection. Lilithra blushed slightly under his touch, while Selorien smiled at her side. At that moment, a flash of realization spread across her face, and she perked up with a conflicted expression. ¡°Uhm, Selly is a given, but¡­ are you fine with tagging along?¡± Lilithra suddenly asked, gazing up at Ascalon with anticipation in her eyes. Ascalon tilted his head in response, slightly confused, so she decided to explain further. ¡°Well, Selly is going to be part of my Guild¡ªwe decided on that a long time ago.¡± She explained, looking over at her friend. Selorien nodded, raising his hand and making a peace sign with his fingers, so Lilithra continued. ¡°But you, uh, well, I never asked if you were fine with accompanying us or anything¡­ I just dragged you along! So I understand if you want to spend the time with your Goddess or helping Uncle instead!¡± She said with an awkward smile on her face, a little crestfallen. Ascalon finally understood what she meant, and felt a bit relieved that it wasn¡¯t anything serious. So, after all this time, she still hadn¡¯t realized, huh? With these thoughts in mind, Ascalon chuckled, causing Lilithra to frown in confusion. ¡°Oh, Lilithra¡­ I want to join your Guild. Or am I not allowed¡­?¡± Ascalon said with a soft voice, his sole eye locked onto her. Lilithra took a step back, her face showing an expression of complete shock. ¡°Eh? My Guild? What?¡± She stammered, her thoughts swirling furiously. ¡°But why?! J-joining my Guild would be such a w-waste!¡± She explained with a conflicted smile, her voice cracking slightly. It was clear that she thought her Guild wouldn¡¯t be worthy of Ascalon, though he could see a glimmer of hope and longing behind her gaze. ¡°Tell me, Lilithra. Would you like me to join?¡± Ascalon asked in a solemn voice, while Lilithra looked up at him. ¡°If you do not want me to, I shall not push any further¡­ but I want you to tell me.¡± He added, his voice turning serious and firm. Lilithra was at a loss of words, her whole body fidgeting as she struggled inwardly. Just what did she want? She thought for a moment, and the answer was not only obvious, but a given. Lilithra really wanted him to join! He was her master, somehow, and even if he was leagues ahead of both her and Selorien, she longed for them to be all together. She stared right at him, and extended her hand forward. ¡°W-would¡­ would you join my Guild, Ascalon¡­?¡± She asked with shyness, her cheeks reddened and her heartbeat almost audible. Selorien chuckled at her side, while Ascalon beamed with both happiness and relief. Even he had thought for a moment that she would decline! ¡°Very well, then. I shall gladly join you.¡± Ascalon replied as she shook her hand, causing Lilithra to jump in place, her excitement contagious. Selorien already knew the answer, so he only smiled at the sight. But Ascalon wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°I know the Guild is not official yet, but¡­¡± He started, causing both his friends to look at him with curiosity. ¡°Allow me to pledge my allegiance to you.¡± He declared, taking a step back. Under his friends'' confused stares, Ascalon summoned his knightly armor, each piece appearing one by one on his body. Exemplaris slowly materialized in his right hand, while on his left, the impenetrable Aegis made its presence known. Lilithra and Selorien watched in stunned silence. As the knight kneeled in front of her, his whole frame radiated a soothing, gentle glow. ¡°I, Ascalon Rendland, head knight of Wyrmland¡¯s Citadel and commander of the Golden Alliance of Excadia, hereby swear upon my honor. I swear on my Goddess, and before my friends as witness.¡± Ascalon began, his words echoing with an otherworldly resonance, causing bystanders to stop and witness the scene in complete awe. ¡°From this day forth, I pledge my lance, the mighty Exemplaris. I pledge my shield, the unyielding Aegis. And I pledge my very life to your cause. I vow to stand by your side, to protect you from harm, and to be a guiding light when your way darkens.¡± Ascalon continued, his voice causing the air around him to tremble, the weight of his oath being acknowledged by the very world. Lilithra and Selorien blinked in unison, as the crowd around them increased by the second. ¡°Let my oath be heard. No enemy, no monster, no evil shall stand between us. I shall serve you in battle as a steadfast spear, and will offer my counsel when your mind is clouded by doubt. Know that I shall claim victory in your name, and bring glory and honor to your Guild!¡± Ascalon recited as he raised his head, his sole eye focusing on Lilithra¡¯s dumbfounded stare. His radiance spread, and the figure of the kneeling knight evoked a majestic feel, with whispers and chatter serving as the background. ¡°I am yours to command, and my loyalty shall not be questioned, bound by this sacred oath and in the name of Athanya¡¯el, Goddess of light and the Third Throne of the great Gods.¡± Ascalon finished with a gentle voice, lowering his head once more in an honorable gesture. After a brief pause, Ascalon smiled. It was interesting that he, who had once been wary of Lilithra¡¯s demonic heritage, would end up pledging such an oath to her. Fate was quite ironic, he thought. As the bustle of the crowd reached his ears, Ascalon glanced around, noticing the amount of people surrounding them, some of them even taking pictures. ¡°Is there an event?¡± A voice asked. ¡°That was¡­ something.¡± Another chimed in, followed by various other curious onlookers. But the one voice that Ascalon wanted to hear wasn¡¯t among them. Lilithra was still taken aback, her mind racing to process what had just happened. Ascalon¡¯s grandiose vow had been too sudden, and somewhat embarrassing! To add to her confusion, a blue screen had materialized in front of her, and its contents were quite unexpected.
Do you accept the knight¡¯s oath?
Confirm / Deny
¡°Huh?¡± Lilithra muttered as she hesitated, though she relented quickly, as the crowd around them made her feel anxious. With a conflicted expression, she pressed on the confirm button.
Once sworn to his Goddess, now sworn to you as well. The knight walks your path.
As soon as these words echoed in her mind, the screen disappeared. ¡°That¡¯s it?!¡± Lilithra blurted out in exasperation, expecting something more, somehow¡ªthough the brief, solemn message had been impactful enough. While Ascalon tilted his head in curiosity after Lilithra¡¯s words, a few headquarters¡¯ officials seemed to have arrived, and were trying to disperse the crowd. ¡°Hey! Could you please not cause a scene right by the door? There¡¯s people working here!¡± A stern-looking woman reprimanded them, and Ascalon got up to his feet to bow courteously at her. ¡°My apologies.¡± He said with genuine regret in his voice, realizing that he had indeed caused quite the scene. Perhaps that hadn¡¯t been the best time and place to swear an oath¡­ but what was done, was done! With these thoughts in mind, he sent both his armor and weapons to his inventory, returning to his everyday look. Selorien, having somewhat recovered from the scene, took the chance to grab Lilithra and pull her away from the commotion, with Ascalon following closely behind. They made their way outside the headquarters area, and Lilithra finally let out a deep, tired sigh as she sat on a bench. It was the park they had visited before, and Ascalon felt somewhat nostalgic. Still, Lilithra hadn¡¯t answered him yet. Under the knight¡¯s intense gaze, she whimpered slightly and covered her face. ¡°W-what was that?¡± She questioned Ascalon while Selorien sat at her side, his expression a mix of intrigue and amusement. Ascalon noticed her flustered demeanor and felt a bit sorry about his actions, having suddenly put her on the spot like that. But even so, he didn¡¯t regret making the oath¡ªnot even in the slightest. ¡°It was an oath, from me to you. I apologize if it seemed too grandiose¡­¡± Ascalon admitted, his tone a bit bashful. ¡°But I assure you, it shall not change our friendship¡ªit is more of a pledge to myself.¡± He reassured her, smiling gently. At his words, Lilithra finally peeked out from behind her hands, looking up at him. Even if she was surprised and felt somewhat awkward about the whole ordeal, the magnitude of what had just happened dawned on her. It had been quite overwhelming, yet her chest was bursting with bliss¡ªAscalon had shown her his deep conviction, and she had to answer! ¡°O-okay! I, uh, accept or¡­ something!¡± She blurted out, slightly panicked, before smiling softly. ¡°Welcome to the Guild, then¡­! Even though it¡¯s not official yet¡­ you know!¡± She exclaimed, her face blushing but her mind calming down. ¡°But please, next time¡­ tell me in advance before doing something¡­ like that!¡± She pleaded in awkwardness. Selorien eased up and started giggling, and the atmosphere finally shifted back to a more normal mood. ¡°Where¡¯s my oath though?¡± The elf asked, pouting with clear mischievousness. This time Lilithra giggled, and Ascalon shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Well, you are not the leader¡ªbut I shall extend my oath to the entire Guild!¡± Ascalon declared, ready to kneel once more. At the sight, Selorien frantically waved his hands, gesturing to him to stop. ¡°It was a joke, a joke! No more lengthy vows today!¡± The elf quickly explained in a panic, causing Lilithra to burst out laughing. Soon, they all laughed, enjoying a merry moment after what had been a profoundly solemn event. Unbeknownst to them, far, far away, a certain group stirred in response to Ascalon¡¯s oath¡­ Chapter 74 - Foreshadowing On a distant island far from New Lumingard, an armored man stood at the edge of a cliff. He had gray, short hair, and his face was wrinkled and rough, a product of the passage of time, and a sign of his advanced age. His protective attire was coated in gold, shining under the various lights from far above. Wielded by his right hand, and resting on his shoulder, was a humongous greatsword, nearly twice his size. The edge of the gray blade was stained with blackened blood, and engraved along its surface were a variety of words, its meaning known only to its wielder. He looked down the heights with an impassive stare, his blue eyes fixed on the distance. ¡°Sir Gilliam.¡± A voice called from behind him, prompting him to turn around. ¡°Did you feel it too?¡± Another armored man asked, his gaze one of concern. This one was far younger than Gilliam in appearance, his long, blonde hair matching with the golden armor that covered his body. The biggest difference was that he had long, pointy ears, a clear tell of his elven heritage. ¡°I felt it, yes.¡± Gilliam replied, frowning slightly and closing his eyes. ¡°But I can scarcely believe it.¡± He added, letting out a long, conflicted sigh. The younger man nodded as he raised his weapon¡ªa long, silver sword with a dented blade in a wavy pattern, commonly known as a flamberge. In a split second, and with immaculate skill, he slashed the air, cleaning its blade off the same black blood that stained Gilliam¡¯s sword. The liquid sizzled as it splashed on the ground, and the man looked at it briefly with disgust. ¡°What do you make of it, sir Aldorien?¡± Gilliam asked, causing the one known as Aldorien to raise a hand to his chin, pondering for a brief moment. ¡°I am honestly at a loss of words, sir Gilliam.¡± He started, his gaze set on the horizon. ¡°For someone to make such a holy oath in this day and age¡ªone so powerful it resonated with the world¡­ I just don¡¯t know¡­¡± Aldorien admitted, frowning in frustration. ¡°I understand your confusion.¡± Gilliam said as a smile spread across his lips. ¡°I¡¯ve been alive for almost four centuries, and this is the first time I¡¯ve felt a vow like this¡ªespecially from such a long distance.¡± The man explained, earning a nod from Aldorien. ¡°I thought I had seen it all in my old age, and so close to retirement. It just goes to show that life is full of surprises!¡± Gilliam laughed heartily, while Aldorien smiled and bowed slightly. ¡°Sir Gilliam, please, you¡¯re still far from retiring! Few of your race would live this long¡­¡± He began, trailing off as his green eyes inspected the chasm below the cliff. ¡°And even fewer would have your energy¡­¡± The sight below made him chuckle, and Gilliam simply shook his head. Far below, countless bodies littered the ground. Their grotesque appearances could be described as nothing but monstrosities; with huge wings, horned faces, sharp fangs and claws. The multitude of cadavers varied in form and size, some of them almost as large as the mountain itself. From their lifeless forms emanated a dark, poisonous goo, seeping into the ground and corrupting everything it touched, as evidenced by the withering vegetation around it. It was almost unbelievable that only two knights had vanquished such a horde of abominations¡ªeven more so when sir Gilliam, old and weakened, had been the one to handle most of them. ¡°Oh sir Aldorien, I can¡¯t keep outrunning death. Sooner or later, my blade will be a second too slow.¡± Gilliam mused as he looked at his humongous blade, his most trusty squire. ¡°But dying on the battlefield would be an honor! Far more helpful to the world than simply retiring to rot away in a confined room.¡± The man raised the enormous sword effortlessly, smiling boldly. In the next moment, he swung down. The sheer weight of the armament, combined with his precise strike, sent forth a wave of cutting wind toward the many bodies below. Suddenly, a screech echoed in the distance¡ªone of the many ¡®dead¡¯ creatures had been simply feigning its death, but it was not good enough to fool the knight. As the wind reached the ground, a huge explosion followed, with a most powerful shockwave spreading in all directions. The countless, hideous forms in the chasm were torn apart by the intense attack, its remains scattered across a newly-formed crater. Aldorien watched in awe, mesmerized by the old knight''s strength. As weakened by age as he was, Sir Gilliam still stood as one of the strongest blades of the Order, and it was an honor to witness him in action. ¡°Still¡­¡± Gilliam suddenly spoke. ¡°We should find whoever made the oath¡ªa being so sacred and pure belongs in the Order!¡± He exclaimed with excitement, causing Aldorien to open his eyes in surprise. It was the first time he had seen Sir Gilliam so enthusiastic about a potential recruit for the Order. ¡°I¡¯ll contact sir Sieghart, then.¡± Aldorien replied, bowing slightly. ¡°Thank you, sir Aldorien. I¡¯m certain every member of the Order felt it¡ªthat holy, pure bliss¡ªso he¡¯s likely thinking the same thing.¡± The knight looked down the chasm once more, his intense gaze ensuring no monster had survived his attack. After confirming there were no living presences, he smiled in relief. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m so very intrigued¡­¡± Gilliam chuckled as he turned around, a spark of eagerness igniting in his blue eyes. Aldorien nodded in agreement, and stared at the distance, his eyes slowly drifting to the lights above. There they remained, high in the sky¡ªthe Twelve Swords of Brilliance, their holy radiance keeping the darkness at bay and confined to the island. He wondered if they would soon be thirteen, a content smile spreading across his lips.
Back in New Lumingard, the usual group had decided to split, urged by Selorien who had ¡®something to discuss with Ascalon¡¯. Reluctant at first, Lilithra relented and went ahead, while the other two stayed behind in the park. Ascalon was really curious about what Selorien needed of him, and waited patiently as he sat on a bench. It was a rare occurrence for them to ¡®hang out¡¯ by themselves, as Lilithra was usually hovering around them¡ªwhich wasn¡¯t a bad thing! The elf had gone to buy some refreshments from a nearby vending machine, which only added to the knight¡¯s impatience. After a brief moment, Selorien returned and tossed a bottle of water at him. Ascalon caught it mid-air, unscrewed it, and took a few sips while Selorien finally spoke up. ¡°Hey. So¡­ I want to give Lil a surprise.¡± The elf explained with a mischievous expression on his face, half-smiling with a smugly raised eyebrow. Ascalon perked up with interest, and nodded for him to continue.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°I¡¯m going to bring the chimera materials to a blacksmith, and order a weapon for her!¡± Selorien declared, his smile shifting to a more prideful one. ¡°Ooh!¡± Ascalon exclaimed in surprise, as he had completely forgotten about the remains from the beast. They had fought bravely against the monster, and Lilithra deserved a nice gift after all she had been through¡­ however, Ascalon felt a bit concerned about a related matter. ¡°Hmm¡­ I know you do not mind, and neither do I¡­ but what about the rest?¡± Ascalon asked with a conflicted expression, his brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Lyra and Escarlata deserve some of the credit, too¡­¡± He voiced his thoughts, and Selorien nodded in agreement¡ªthough he wanted to broach a certain detail first. ¡°No ¡®lady¡¯ for either of them, huh?¡± The elf asked with a smug tone, his mischievous smile causing Ascalon to fiddle with his thumbs. ¡°Is it too impudent of me¡­?¡± The knight questioned sheepishly. Selorien was surprised by the knight¡¯s meek demeanor, and simply sighed. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s fine. I know you¡¯re used to a different¡­ culture, I guess? But you don¡¯t need to be so formal with your friends.¡± Selorien reassured Ascalon, who smiled gently at him. ¡°Anyway, back on track! I talked with Lyra beforehand, and she gave me the thumbs up!¡± Selorien revealed, causing Ascalon to nod in acknowledgment, impressed by the elf¡¯s foresight. ¡°And Escarlata didn¡¯t give a damn.¡± The elf added, shrugging. As expected of the maid¡­? ¡°Lyra also said it wasn¡¯t enough to repay us, but I feel Lil will disagree, heh.¡± Selorien took a few sips from his water, while Ascalon wondered about that. It was likely that Lilithra would tell Lyra that there was no need for compensation, but that might also put the cat girl in a tough position. Either way, it wasn¡¯t the time for that. With curiosity guiding his words, Ascalon spoke up. ¡°What kind of weapon do you have in mind?¡± He questioned with an inquisitive gaze. Selorien tilted his head and tapped his chin with the water bottle. ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ I want to give the blacksmith as much freedom as I can¡ªthat¡¯s how they come up with the best stuff!¡± Selorien explained as he kept tapping his chin. ¡°But maybe like a¡­¡± He leaned in and whispered the armament¡¯s name. ¡°Would be like a direct upgrade for her banner, no?¡± He asked the knight, who likely had more experience regarding these matters. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ascalon pondered, closing his eye to imagine the weapon in Lilithra¡¯s hands. ¡°Yes, I think that would be fitting!¡± The knight declared, standing up from the bench with a bold smile. Selorien beamed in return, clearly relieved about his choice of weapon, and then patted Ascalon on the shoulder. ¡°Great! I¡¯ll go deal with that, then!¡± The elf said as he prepared to leave, causing Ascalon to interject. ¡°Shall I accompany you?¡± He felt curious about the blacksmith, after all. But Selorien shook his head as he winked at him. ¡°I got this! You should go keep an eye on Lil.¡± Selorien began as he turned around. ¡°She¡¯s probably going crazy with nervousness for tomorrow¡¯s test.¡± The elf waved as he left, and Ascalon sighed in understanding. Left alone in the middle of the park, Ascalon wondered. ¡°Hmm. Which way was it¡­?¡± As he mused aloud, a dreadful feeling creeped up his spine. With the lingering sensation, he set out for The Chalice. Thankfully, the way back wasn¡¯t as hard as Ascalon had initially thought. He was beginning to remember certain streets, and used specific shops and houses as landmarks, so at least he wouldn¡¯t get lost anymore in that area of the city. The rest of the New Lumingard, however, was another matter altogether. As he pushed open the door to the tavern, he was greeted by the familiar and pleasant smell of Raphael¡¯s cooking¡ªand also by a thunderous, childish voice brimming with frustration. ¡°Ascalon!¡± The tiny Goddess exclaimed from atop a stool, her brows furrowed in irritation, her hands clutching onto delicious pastries. ¡°How could you?!¡± She added, causing Ascalon to sigh deeply. He kind of expected that reaction, to be honest. While approaching the counter, he took a peek at Lilithra, who was sitting beside Athanya¡¯el, looking slightly troubled. ¡°My Goddess, I-¡± Ascalon began, but the child raised her hand, gesturing with a croissant for him to stop. ¡°I am greatly disappointed¡ªGreatly!¡± She repeated, puffing out her cheeks, her halo flickering briefly into existence. ¡°To think you would invoke the right of a sacred oath so recklessly!¡± Athanya¡¯el chastised him, nibbling furiously on the croissant as she let out small whimpers of complaint. ¡°You know it binds both fates and souls! It demands unwavering commitment, discipline, and utmost dedication!¡± The Goddess rambled, her big eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Lilithra felt a tingle on her chest, realizing just how significant the oath had been. ¡°It is not fair! I was the one you vowed to!¡± She added, sniffling. Ascalon sighed and smiled gently, approaching her and kneeling in front of her tiny frame. ¡°My lady, this does not change my unbreakable oath to you.¡± He explained with a solemn voice, both the Goddess and Lilithra staring at him intently. ¡°I shall never turn my back on you¡ªI simply swore another vow, to the one I shall call ¡®leader¡¯ from now on.¡± He lifted his head, his soft expression calming the Goddess a bit. ¡°Ugh¡­ I heard! She is creating a group of sorts! You should have been the leader, my knight!¡± Athanya¡¯el reproached, nibbling on another pastry as she groaned. Lilithra smiled awkwardly, since she too agreed that Ascalon was likely a better option for a Guild leader. ¡°No, I am content with providing my services to her instead. You must have realized¡ªLilithra¡¯s pure, radiant heart.¡± His words were cryptic for Lilithra, but the Goddess looked down, seemingly dejected. ¡°I-I¡­ I know. I have witnessed it¡­ it is very surprising, and vexing¡­!¡± Athanya¡¯el commented, casting a glance toward Lilithra, who tilted her head in confusion. ¡°Ah~ I shall allow it¡­ but I demand compensation.¡± The tiny Goddess proclaimed, causing Ascalon to frown with intrigue. ¡°I want to be held!¡± Athanya¡¯el ordered, taking both Lilithra and Ascalon by surprise. He blinked a few times, and then stood up. Extending his arms, he scooped up the tiny child, and held her gently. ¡°Hehe~!¡± The Goddess rejoiced, her expression one of pure bliss. Lilithra squealed, her heart melting at the sight. ¡°How can Thany be so adorable!?¡± She said as she clasped both hands to her cheek, in a gesture of delight. Ascalon raised an eyebrow, while Athanya¡¯el looked at her with a suspicious frown. ¡°Thany?¡± Both the knight and his Goddess said in unison, causing Lilithra to blush slightly. ¡°Uhm, yes¡­ At-Athanya¡¯el is too long, and Thany rhymes with¡­¡± Tiny, she thought, but stopped herself from saying it aloud, fearing divine wrath. ¡°Ehem, anyway! I want to call her Thany, if¡­ if that¡¯s alright with you.¡± Lilithra added, looking at the child with a pout. Even the Goddess felt swayed by Lilithra¡¯s charm. ¡°Hmph! Call¡­ call me how you see fit.¡± ¡¯Thany¡¯ replied, averting her gaze and burying her face on Ascalon¡¯s torso. Ascalon felt a warm sensation filling his chest, witnessing Lilithra and Athanya¡¯el getting along. It was an incredibly happy moment for him! While Lilithra smiled with pure glee, another voice chimed in. ¡°Hey, here¡¯s some juice!¡± Raphael suddenly chimed in, appearing from the kitchen with a glass of orange juice. He raised an eyebrow as he observed the scene, and simply shrugged as he placed a straw on the glass, finally putting it down on the counter. ¡°Ah! My refreshment!¡± Thany exclaimed, prying her face from Ascalon and wiggling her arms toward the juice. Ascalon chuckled and placed the Goddess on her stool. With no hesitation, she started sipping on her beverage, a content expression taking over her visage. ¡®Awww¡¯, everyone thought as they watched, relishing the moment. After a few minutes, Ascalon took a seat next to his Goddess, and Lilithra leaned onto the counter as she brought up a question. ¡°Where did Selly go?¡± She asked, tilting her head. With Thany between them, Ascalon too leaned onto the counter to answer her. ¡°He is¡­ uh¡­ busy!¡± He declared with a smile, proud of himself for not revealing Selorien¡¯s plan. He wasn¡¯t the best at deceiving his friends. Lilithra eyed him with suspicion, but shrugged and simply watched the Goddess eat. The sight of the tiny Thany distracted her from her nervousness, at least! Lilithra needed to keep her wits about her, as the next day was surely going to be challenging. Chapter 75 - The Derelict Station Lilithra focused intently on the ceiling above her bed, having barely slept because of her nerves. As much as she wanted to appear and feel confident, the weight of the whole ordeal caused her to doubt herself. What if she wasn¡¯t ready? What if she had underestimated the responsibility of leading a whole Guild? Though it was going to be just three people for the foreseeable future¡ªa thought that eased her up a bit. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but waver. Rolling on her bed from side to side, she scooped up a few plushies in her arms, including the one she had acquired in Starugnia. As she hugged them, she felt a soothing comfort wash over her, and sighed heavily. ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be fine!¡± Lilithra reassured herself, carefully placing the stuffed animals to the side as she sat up on the bed. ¡°They believe in me¡ªin me of all people.¡± She said with a gentle smile, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks. ¡°I have to believe in myself, too.¡± After all, if such amazing people like Selorien, Ascalon, and even Raphael, had faith in her, how could she waver? The thought fueled her determination, as she clenched her fists. ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡± She hyped herself up, raising her arms high. Afterward, she checked the current time on her phone, and nodded decisively as she prepared herself for the incoming test.
The group met up in their usual spot outside The Chalice, and set out with unwavering confidence. The night before, they had received a message from headquarters, informing them of the meeting time, and also the dungeon¡¯s location. On the way, they conversed about what kind of approach they could take, planning some strategies and motivating each other. Selorien seemed especially cheerful, so Ascalon suspected that his visit to the blacksmith had gone well. As if reading his mind, the elf gave him a thumbs up. Ascalon smiled in relief, though Lilithra eyed them both suspiciously. After a short train ride, they navigated their way to the dungeon¡¯s location. Contrary to the Howling Chasm, with its portal located inside a makeshift tent, this one was underground¡ªfittingly located within a closed train station, which gave the entire place a thematic feel. It also reminded them of their time in Starugnia, as the desert dungeon was also hidden beneath the city. Fortunately, the ¡®Derelict Station¡¯ seemed to be beyond a ¡®normal¡¯ portal, so they didn¡¯t have to worry about any network issues this time¡ªor so they hoped, at least. Unsurprisingly, Kain and his team were already waiting for them. Aside from the Canidae, there were around eight people in total, scattered around the unkempt station¡¯s lobby. The moment Ascalon¡¯s group stepped inside, the atmosphere grew tense as Kain¡¯s party shifted their entire attention toward them. They eyed them with inquisitive, intense stares, causing Lilithra to gulp loudly. Selorien patted her back as if to reassure her, while Ascalon examined the strangers. Aside from Kain, he could only recognize one more¡ªUrvan, the man-bear Ascalon had met back at the colosseum. His presence there made him feel uneasy, as he remembered they had a bit of a verbal clash at the time. As Urvan sneered, his sharp teeth glistened under the dim lights of the room. At the same time, a voice cut through the silence. ¡°You arrived on time¡ªgood.¡± Kain exclaimed as he approached them. Lilithra nodded nervously, while Ascalon bowed slightly. Selorien simply yawned as he stretched his arms above his head, which earned him a raised eyebrow from the Canidae. ¡°I see you¡¯re motivated¡­ anyway.¡± Kain sighed, unamused by Selorien¡¯s carefreeness. It was then that the elf noticed Urvan¡¯s stare and frowned as he spoke up. ¡°Didn¡¯t know Guild leaders took part in this.¡± Selorien remarked, eyeing Kain suspiciously. The Canidae sighed before responding. ¡°I had a slight issue with one of the examiners¡ªhe¡¯s actually out on a mission.¡± He explained, clearly dejected. ¡°I had little time, so I asked previous examiners for help¡ªUrvan being one of them, fortunately accepted.¡± Kain concluded, glazing at the huge bear in the room. ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­ a bit unfair?¡± Lilithra asked sheepishly, shrinking slightly as she appraised not only the rival Guild leader, but also the difference in numbers. Ascalon wondered about that too. Wouldn¡¯t a Guild leader be a handicap in their favor? They were supposedly testing a new Guild, not seasoned veterans, and there were only three of them in comparison to their eight. As if expecting these words, Kain replied almost instantly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; we agreed that he¡¯ll hold back for your sake, so there shouldn¡¯t be any issues.¡± Kain reassured them, while Urvan sneered in the distance. Somehow, Ascalon had an odd feeling about the matter. ¡°Also, only four of them will go in¡ªthe rest will remain with me in case anything happens and we need to intervene.¡± Kain added, as a few of the examiners waved at them. Selorien didn¡¯t seem entirely convinced either, but Lilithra, on the other hand, sighed in relief. ¡°Okay!¡± She replied, causing her friends to ease up a bit. Kain nodded in acknowledgment, perhaps thankful for her understanding. ¡°Ehem. I know you received the quest, but let me explain some things just in case.¡± Kain began, clearing his throat. ¡°First of all, this is just a test¡ªno killing.¡± He declared, his gaze turning serious. ¡°I know some might think that¡¯s a given, but we had issues in the past with people that got a little ¡®too excited¡¯¡­¡± The Canidae growled, as if remembering an unpleasant memory. Lilithra nodded assertively, as she knew neither she nor her friends would do something like that for no reason. Seeing her reaction, Kain continued. ¡°You¡¯ll enter at the same time as the examiners, but will only begin when everyone confirms they¡¯re ready, okay?¡± Kain asked, and the rest nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Also, you¡¯ll have to wear this.¡± He rummaged through his chest pocket and produced three slim, black bracelets. The group received them with curiosity, while the Canidae continued his explanation. ¡°These will track your location, so we can assess your progress adequately.¡± Kain then paused, urging them with a gesture to put on the bracelets. After patiently waiting for them, he continued. ¡°If any issues arise or you need to evacuate, hold the bracelet tight and it will activate a call for help. In such a case, we¡¯ll put a stop to the test, and depending on the situation, we¡¯ll decide if you can continue it afterward, or if you¡¯ve failed.¡± Kain explained with utmost seriousness, causing the rest to exchange glances. ¡°Any questions?¡± He asked, but Ascalon and his friends all shook their heads. ¡°Good. Join us when you¡¯re ready.¡± Kain then walked toward his team, and began talking to them. Seeing him go, Lilithra took a deep, long breath, before slowly exhaling. Ascalon watched over her with a gentle smile, while Selorien gazed at the examiners intently.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°I don¡¯t like that guy¡­ he keeps sneering at us.¡± Selorien remarked, prompting Ascalon to follow his gaze. Sure enough, there was Urvan, his jaw opened into a confident grin that revealed his sharp teeth. ¡°I have a bad feeling about him, too¡ªwe had a¡­ slight disagreement in the colosseum.¡± Ascalon explained, causing Lilithra to perk up with evident uneasiness. ¡°Well, if he weren¡¯t smiling like that he wouldn¡¯t look so scary¡­¡± Lilithra chimed in. ¡°I have a plushie that looks kinda like him.¡± She crossed her arms, nodding assuredly. Both Ascalon and Selorien exchanged confused glances, before chuckling heartily at the comparison, causing Lilithra to puff her cheeks in a mix of indignation and amusement. ¡°Anyway! L-let¡¯s go!¡± She stammered, but her conviction was palpable as she was the first to step forward. Ascalon and Selorien nodded, and followed after her with relieved smiles. Seeing them approach, Kain spoke up. ¡°Alright. In you go, everyone.¡± He declared, prompting the examiners to advance deeper into the station, with Urvan¡¯s massive frame leading the way. Lilithra and her companions hurried after them, and soon arrived at the boarding room, where the portal resided right on the railway, where the train would usually run through¡ªno wonder the station had been closed, then. As they stepped closer to the gateway, they could feel its mysterious, arcane force swirling around them. Ascalon wondered just who, or what, kept those portals powered¡ªan enigma that he knew would remain unanswered. With knowing glances, the examiners ventured forth, while Lilithra looked at her friends for confirmation. With resolute nods from both Selorien and Ascalon, they too crossed the threshold into the dungeon. Once more, the sensation of the world spinning assailed them. Colors stretched and shifted around them, while their bodies flew through an impossible state of existence. Soon, they felt the ground beneath their feets, and the relocation concluded. As they opened their eyes, they were greeted by a gloomy, yet eerily familiar view. They found themselves in the middle of the railway, a tunnel stretching far into the darkness. At their sides rested two massive walls, their paint completely faded, with many of their once shiny tiles now scattered in pieces on the floor. The railway itself was in a state of complete obsolescence, its wooden boards entirely withered, and the steel tracks corroded and uneven¡ªa testament to many, many years of neglect. The ground itself was littered with debris and broken glass, which made for an uneasy view. As they inspected their surroundings, the lights flickering across the tunnel¡¯s ceiling provided unreliable illumination at best. The silence around them was oppressive, broken only by Lilithra¡¯s nervous fidgeting. ¡°This is creepy!¡± She declared with distress, her yellow eyes darting around. Unsurprisingly, she seemed to find the place to be quite unpleasant. Selorien let out a curious ¡®hmm¡¯ at her side, crouching to inspect the terrain. ¡°This is a first.¡± He said as he picked up a stone and threw it far into the darkness. The sound of it clashing against the ground echoed faintly in the distance. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a dungeon so¡­ modern?¡± The elf continued, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. Ascalon was also surprised by their immediate surroundings. The dungeons he had visited were few¡ªonly two in fact¡ªbut they had been quite different from this place. The abandoned train station suggested it was located in a world similar to Lilithra¡¯s, and it was somewhat concerning, somehow. ¡°Yeah¡­ kinda cool, though?¡± Lilithra chimed in, blurting out an unexpected comment. ¡°I mean¡­ it just makes me think, about what kinda other dungeons are out there, you know?¡± She explained herself sheepishly, smiling softly. Ascalon and Selorien pondered over her words, finding them actually intriguing. The prospect of adventuring into different, fantastic places didn¡¯t sound half-bad. Just as they were about to continue exchanging thoughts, a voice suddenly caught them by surprise, emanating from their bracelets. ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Kain stated, making himself be heard from within the small accessory. Ascalon blinked in surprise, while Lilithra and Selorien inspected their own trinkets. ¡°Uhm, yes?¡± Lilithra replied into the bracelet, wondering if that would work. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ve received confirmation from the examiners¡¯ team, too. The race will start in ten seconds.¡± Kain proclaimed, causing Lilithra to panic at his words. ¡°Ten seconds?!¡± She exclaimed as her eyes darted around in urgency. Ascalon quickly placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed tightly, prompting her to look at him. ¡°Do not fear; we are here with you.¡± Ascalon declared with a reassuring voice, his gentle smile causing her to calm down. Selorien peeked from behind the knight¡¯s shoulder, smiling mischievously and adding to her relief. ¡°That¡¯s right¡­!¡± She muttered to herself, just as a whistling sound came from the bracelets. ¡°Begin!¡± The Canidae¡¯s voice resounded through the tunnel, and the group sprang into action, with Lilithra leading the way¡ªhesitation cast aside, her eyes burning with fiery resolve. But even with their motivation, they had to be mindful of their step. The broken glass littered on the ground served as a warning, and the occasional hole in the ground threatened to trip them up. Still, their advance didn¡¯t falter as they pressed on through seemingly unending tracks. After a few minutes of continuous running, Lilithra spoke up. ¡°Oof¡­ it feels¡­ eternal¡­¡± She stammered amidst catching her breath, her eyes focused on the path ahead. Ascalon agreed with a nod, feeling they were indeed coursing through a tunnel of colossal length. It was then that Selorien raised his voice with a confident, cheerful tone. ¡°I can see a fork ahead~!¡± He said excitedly, happy to have noticed something before Ascalon, who was too focused on the tracks ahead of Lilithra to notice. The knight was worried she might step on something dangerous or fall, so he was taking extra care of looking over her. ¡°Nicely spotted, Selorien!¡± Ascalon replied, a bold smile spreading across his face. Selorien giggled in response, while Lilithra grinned with joy at their interaction. But then, it was Ascalon who noticed something else. ¡°There are creatures ahead.¡± He declared, narrowing his eye and causing his friends to shift into alertness. As they approached the fork, they spotted them: a group of¡­ humans? No, they weren¡¯t entirely humans¡ªnot anymore, at least. The strange beings shuffled randomly, stumbling with unnatural, twitching steps. Tattered remnants of clothing clung to their rotten bodies, and their eyes, dull and lifeless, stared aimlessly into the dark. Their decaying skin dangled loosely from their inhumane forms, revealing deep wounds, missing organs, and exposed bones. Their limbs were coated with dried blood, and their stench¡ªa mix of metal and musty air¡ªmade Lilithra gag in disgust. Ascalon immediately recognized the creatures, as he had seen similar ones back in Excadia. ¡°Undeads¡­¡± He declared as he came to a stop, prompting his companions to join him. The living dead¡ªabominations brought forth by the darkest acts of heretic necromancy. Ascalon frowned, for he deeply hated this unholy act of desecration. ¡°Zombies, huh?¡± Selorien suddenly commented, with Lilithra nodding in understanding. Ascalon tilted his head in curiosity, as it seemed that his friends knew about the creatures¡ªthough by another name. ¡°This is gonna be a pain¡­¡± Selorien spoke up, grimacing. ¡°I heard they¡¯re hella resilient, and their hunger makes them frenzy relentlessly!¡± He said with a conflicted expression, his dual daggers slowly materializing on his hands. Lilithra nodded as her battle banner appeared, her eyes locked onto the enemies. ¡°And they¡¯re disgusting and stinky, too!¡± She added, complaining more about their appearance rather than their danger. Ascalon chuckled at her words, while Selorien shook his head as he sighed. Still, Ascalon wasn¡¯t worried in the slightest, a daring smile forming on his face. ¡°We are truly fortunate!¡± He declared, earning confused glances from his friends. ¡°Allow this humble knight to dispose of the unholy, my leader.¡± He asked Lilithra, his intense gaze causing her to flinch. ¡°Uhm, well, I¡¯ll allow it?¡± She said sheepishly, her cheeks slightly reddened. Selorien sighed in relief, his grin turning mischievous. For a moment, he had forgotten that Ascalon was there with them. With the knight on their side, there were absolutely no threats in the way! Still, the elf was curious to see what Ascalon would show them this time. With resolute, heavy steps, Ascalon advanced. The undead grew aware of his presence and started shuffling toward him, some of them beginning to screech as they rushed him. But Ascalon met them head-on, unwavering. Chapter 76 - Holy Sanctification The undead horde rushed toward Ascalon and his companions, but the knight remained unfazed. His steps echoed amidst the screeches and moans of otherworldly nature, as both Lilithra and Selorien watched with bated breath, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. ¡°Heed my words, you who have been denied eternal rest.¡± Ascalon spoke, his voice resounding through the tunnel with a mythical reverberation. The creatures, in fact, did not heed his words, continuing their relentless charge. ¡°In the name of my Goddess, Athanya¡¯el, Third Throne of the Great Gods, I decree.¡± Ascalon continued, his figure emanating a soft, golden light. Each step he took caused the ground beneath to glow slightly, tiny sparkles rising in his wake. ¡°Let your woes and regrets be buried¡ªreturn to your rightful slumber, oh anguished ones!¡± His voice boomed with the power of a sacred prayer, a chant he had uttered many times in the past. But this time, before he could muster his holy will, a blue screen appeared in front of him. Slightly taken aback, he quickly read the contents.
Holy Sanctification.
Poor souls, lost and shackled to earth¡ªbe rid of this burden.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ascalon Rendland¡¯s unique skill. Rank: S - Level 99. Potential: S. Attribute: Holy.
Effects: Channeling divinity from within, Ascalon Rendland radiates holy energy to expel undead abominations from the living world.
Additional effects: * Has a 99% chance to instantly vanquish lesser undead. * Has 83% chance to instantly vanquish mid-level undead. * Has 42% chance to instantly vanquish boss-level undead. * Undead vanquished by this skill cannot be reanimated.
He raised an eyebrow in curiosity, seeing his chant integrated into the Gifted network. The mystery behind the network and its immense power gnawed at him once again, but there were more pressing matters at hand. ¡°Holy Sanctification.¡± He muttered, feeling a bit sheepish. It was kind of awkward having to chant the name of something he had never actually named himself! It was also interesting that some of the ¡®skills¡¯ required a verbal intonation, while others didn¡¯t. As soon as the words left his lips, an aura of holy light radiated from him¡ªa sphere of pure goodness, spreading in all directions and encompassing the whole tunnel. The creatures rushing at him met the brilliance head-on, oblivious to their impending doom. In an instant, their rotten bodies began to disintegrate, their screeching intensifying as their forms were consumed by holy fire. Smoke and ash ascended, their screams slowly fading as they vanished into the afterlife. The scene was brief¡ªperhaps only a couple of seconds long¡ªyet it left both Lilithra and Selorien standing there, with their mouths agape, astonished by the knight¡¯s readiness for any and all situations. With Ascalon basking in the middle of the soothing, dissipating light, Lilithra raised her banner in the air. ¡°Amazing!¡± She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling and her body slightly trembling with excitement. ¡°To think you can even take the role of a cleric¡­¡± Selorien added, approaching Ascalon with a confident grin. Ascalon looked at them over his shoulder, an awkward smile on his face. ¡°Oh no, I could never replace a proper Cleric.¡± He began, bowing slightly. ¡°Some of the most powerful priests can dispel undead with a mere gaze!¡± His voice showed his admiration, reminiscing about some of his old friends. ¡°Ooh, wow!¡± Lilithra chimed in as she skipped forward. ¡°But you¡¯re amazing either way!¡± She said with a cheeky smile, continuing on ahead and pointing the way with her banner. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Her voice prompted her friends back into action as they resumed their advance through the tunnel. Ascalon ran as he looked back one more time. ¡°Be at peace.¡± He whispered to the now-vanished undead. With his gaze set in the path before them, he wondered if the dungeon¡¯s boss was a necromancer¡ªit would explain the ¡®zombie¡¯s, after all. Afterward, the scene of Ascalon vanquishing the undead repeated itself a couple of more times, the advantage of his holy skill allowing them to maintain a steady pace. ¡°At this rate we¡¯ll be done in a flash!¡± Selorien stated with a mischievous grin, his figure darting behind Lilithra. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ right!¡± The girl panted, catching her breath. It was clear she was the ¡®weakest¡¯ when it came to long-distance running, though she was keeping up the pace anyway! Her determination and effort made Ascalon smile tenderly. ¡°If things keep going as smoothly we shall-¡± Ascalon began to comment in a cheerful voice, but suddenly, he felt a powerful presence approaching them at high speed. ¡°Be on your guard!¡± Ascalon exclaimed, causing his friends to abruptly stop and exchange confused looks. Standing firm in the middle of the railway, Ascalon focused on the presence, his gaze set on one of the tunnel¡¯s walls. ¡°Step back!¡± He commanded, and both Lilithra and Selorien promptly complied, rushing behind him without the slightest hesitation. In the next moments, they could feel the ground tremble slightly, a rhythmic pounding of heavy steps shortening the distance between them. The sound echoed and grew louder as it drew closer, causing the air to thicken with tension, anticipation weighing on them. In a flash, the wall before them crumbled as a humongous, brown bear burst through. ¡°Found you, little wanderer!¡± Urvan roared as he emerged from the crumbling pieces of wall and debris, his eyes glistening with savage intensity. Lilithra gasped with a mix of fear and surprise, while Selorien narrowed his eyes in confusion. Ascalon, on the other hand, stepped forward to meet Urvan¡¯s relentless charge head-on. Raising his left arm, Aegis materialized in his grasp. With a powerful stomp, Ascalon anchored himself to the ground just as a huge, glowing claw slammed against the shield. The force of the impact was immense, causing the ground beneath Ascalon to crack. The railway itself warped, rippling under the sheer force of their clash as if made of rubber. Many of the corroded parts simply crumbled, the jarring sound of breaking metal adding to the intense scene. ¡°Haha!¡± The bear laughed, his terrifying jaw drawing dangerously close to Ascalon¡¯s head. The knight frowned, clearly not sharing the same amusement as the bear. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Ascalon questioned with an irritated tone. He could guess at the bear¡¯s intentions, but wanted to confirm it anyway. The bear pounded with his other claw against the shield. ¡°Hah! You know already!¡± Urvan growled, trying to slip past the knight¡¯s defenses with quick, precise strikes¡ªto no avail.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°You would disrupt this test over our brief squabble?¡± Ascalon mocked, his gaze full of contempt. The bear roared, causing Lilithra to cover her ears and Selorien to recoil. Then, Urvan unleashed a barrage of sweeping strikes, his huge claws tracing the air with a red light.
Ursurian Rampage.
¡ªSkill info¡ª Ursurian race skill. Rank: A - Level 81. Potential: A. Attribute: None.
Effects: An Ursurian base skill. The user unleashes a relentless barrage of sweeping strikes, greatly boosted by the Strength and Agility stats.
Additional effects: * Has a 70% chance to leave open wounds, causing bleeding on the target. * Has a 67% chance to quadruple the strike¡¯s speed. * Has 22% chance to briefly stun the target, depending on the target¡¯s resistance. * The stun effect can be stacked.
¡°Go ahead, I shall join you shortly!¡± Ascalon exclaimed with utmost confidence as he defended against the rampaging bear. His friends hesitated for a moment, but then resumed running through the tunnel, while Urvan¡¯s head began to redden with anger. ¡°Heh, that confident, are you?!¡± He growled, his paws slashing the air with such force that the walls around them became riddled with claw marks. Ascalon observed Urvan¡¯s attack with keen interest, gauging the bear¡¯s strength. ¡°Not quite as strong as the ¡®kaiju¡¯.¡± He compared them, tilting his head. Urvan, although unaware of what Ascalon meant, realized he was being underestimated. Clenching his huge teeth, Urvan began to shift his weight from side to side in a rhythmic motion. His figure started to flicker, leaving afterimages in his wake as his relentless attack increased in speed. Ascalon braced himself as he felt the weight of multiple claws collide against his shield, the enormous bear appearing to split into four due to his rapid movements. Still, Ascalon blocked every attack with unparalleled skill, causing Urvan to shudder. The bear was one of the strongest beings in New Lumingard, and as much as he disliked the knight, he had enough sense to realize what was happening. His powerful assault was met with barely any effort¡ªthis wanderer was no mere joke. But even so, powerful individuals often had very inflated egos, and Urvan¡¯s pride wouldn¡¯t allow him to stop. Either way, Ascalon was displeased by the situation. ¡°To think a Guild leader would behave like this!¡± Ascalon chastised as he stepped forward, bashing the huge bear with his shield and causing Urvan to recoil back. ¡°Wha-¡± Urvan muttered as he stumbled backwards, spinning his arms in the opposite direction to regain his balance. Slightly frustrated and taking a moment to rest, he replied. ¡°There¡¯s no rule against sabotaging the other team! It¡¯s actually encouraged, to see if they can adapt quickly to the situation. Still, I only did it to mess with you, hah!¡± Urvan revealed, while Ascalon sighed in frustration. In the next moment, the bear prepared to pounce once again, but the knight was done with his nonsense. In the blink of an eye, Ascalon¡¯s figure darted forward, his fist clenched into an ominous fist. Urvan opened his eyes wide in shock as he felt a powerful impact on his chest before being launched fiercely through the air. As Urvan gasped in pain, Ascalon followed with another burst of speed, his arm sweeping forward in a second strike aimed at the Bear¡¯s humongous torso. The force of both attacks created an unstoppable momentum, sending the bewildered Urvan back from whence he came, his body disappearing into the distant darkness. Ascalon could hear a ¡®what the fu-¡¯ trail off far ahead, but paid it no heed as he rushed to his friends¡¯ side. In a couple of minutes, he caught up, prompting his companions to act shocked. ¡°That was too fucking fast!¡± Selorien reproached, his expression a mix of awe and confusion. Lilithra, on the other hand, started giggling out of nowhere. ¡°Haha! Not even a Guild leader¡­!¡± She said to herself, her cheeks reddening at the fact that Ascalon was so utterly strong. Ascalon himself couldn¡¯t help but chuckle before replying. ¡°I would have shown him more respect had he behaved.¡± He declared, nodding as he ran along his friends. Lilithra and Selorien glanced at each other, shrugging with resignation as they had no idea what had happened between Ascalon and Urvan before the test. ¡°Also, I must follow my leader¡¯s orders!¡± Ascalon added, causing Lilithra to stumble in surprise. She quickly regained her balance and kept running, her cheeks reddening further as she shook her head in disbelief. She wondered just what had she unleashed to the world by ¡®allowing¡¯ Ascalon to act on her behalf. With the cheerful atmosphere around them, they pressed on, vanquishing multiple undeads with the slightest effort as they navigated the dilapidated tunnels. No other examiner stood in their way¡ªperhaps Urvan was the only one who wanted to impede their advance, or he had warned the others of Ascalon¡¯s might. Maybe they simply weren¡¯t lucky¡ªor unlucky¡ªenough to cross paths with Lilithra¡¯s group. Whatever the case, they soon found themselves in a concourse where a huge set of pillars adorned the way to the stairs that ascended to the outside of the station. ¡°Phew, maybe¡­ we can rest¡­ for a bit!¡± Lilithra panted as she leaned against a pillar, catching her breath. Selorien agreed in silence, mimicking her actions and producing a water bottle from his inventory. After sipping a few times, he passed it to Lilithra, who gratefully accepted the refreshment. But to their dismay, Ascalon was staring intently at the stairs ahead, his gaze unwavering and cautious. ¡°Is¡­ is something wrong?¡± Lilithra asked, already anticipating his answer. She was really accustomed to Ascalon¡¯s uncanny perception. ¡°Brace yourselves¡ªit comes.¡± He declared, prompting his friends to stand by his side. From atop the stairs descended a most unnatural darkness, warping the surroundings with an unquestionable might. The air grew heavy and musty, and a feeling of feebleness suddenly assailed their bodies. ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± Lilithra whimpered as her knees quivered, while Selorien stood against the pillar, struggling to resist the oppressive force. Whatever was coming, its presence was overwhelming and supreme. Slowly, a figure emerged from the dark, hovering toward them solemnly: a huge, robed skeleton, evoking a profound sense of doom. On its bony hands rested a humongous, dreadful scythe, reminiscent of Roco¡¯s but with a more intricate decorative pattern, and an even more dangerous feel to it. The blade was forged from a deep black material, its abnormal darkness seemingly consuming the light around it. The rod that held such blade was slightly bent in some places, its dark surface carved with elaborate depictions of bones. At the top, holding the blade and rod together, rested a skull made of what seemed like obsidian, and the handle at the bottom resembled a cold, skeletal hand. The creature¡¯s hooded visage, coupled with the ominous weapon and the eerie air surrounding it, created a truly horrific scene¡ªit was as if the grim reaper had descended upon the dungeon. Lilithra raised her banner with nervousness, clearly frightened by the unknown enemy, while Selorien prepared himself for the battle ahead. The tension grew as their breath quickened¡ªthat monster was beyond any of their previous encounters, that much was clear. The skeleton, feeling their readiness, looked directly at them with its empty sockets. It raised one of its bony fingers and pointed at them, as a hollow, spectral cackle escaped its decayed jaw. The otherworldly sound sent shivers down their backs. Then, malice seeped out of the reaper as skeletal hands began to burst forth from the ground. At the sight, Ascalon began to mutter something to himself, his soft voice drowned by the sound of the cracking floor tiles. Steadily, a multitude of undead bones emerged around the area, awakened from their slumber and called forth by their master. So, that was the cause of the necromancy¡ªa wraith of the highest tier, also known as a lich by Ascalon. Even if it evoked the feel of a God of death, it was nothing more than a skeleton with an air of grandeur. ¡°Holy sanctification!¡± Ascalon suddenly exclaimed, the space around him brightening with the holiest radiance. As the light expanded, the recently raised undead rapidly disintegrated, while the pseudo-grim reaper screeched in agony. ¡°Gyaaah!!!¡± The creature wailed, its form swallowed by the sacred luminance. Slowly, its frame burned away, the scythe clattering against the ground with a metallic thud, its robes falling onto a pile of ashes. Lilithra and Selorien were at a loss of words, while Ascalon turned to face them with a wide, proud grin. At the same time, a notification window appeared in front of everyone in the dungeon.
The boss monster - The Undead Sovereign - has been defeated. The dungeon will close in one hour. Reopening in: twelve hours.
And just like that, the first test was over! Chapter 77 - Rankings? The room fell silent after the reaper¡¯s sudden demise, the awkwardness of the situation adding to the hesitation to speak. Both Lilithra and Selorien stared at what had been a frightening opponent, wondering just how much more they had to experience before they could finally get accustomed to Ascalon¡¯s strength. Just as they recomposed themselves, a voice from beyond their bracelets caught their attention. ¡°You can¡­ you can come out when you¡¯re ready¡­¡± Said Kain with clear confusion, probably just as surprised as they were. Ascalon, unaware of everyone¡¯s feelings, was crouching down and inspecting the skeleton¡¯s remains. ¡°A robe and a scythe¡­ could they be of any use?¡± He pondered aloud, causing Selorien to approach with curiosity. With each step, Selorien¡¯s mind grew clearer, and soon, he jolted in realization. ¡°No way!¡± Selorien exclaimed with evident excitement, earning a curious ¡®huh?¡¯ from the still-recovering Lilithra. ¡°Lil! The boss¡­ the boss dropped a weapon!¡± His voice echoed with unbridled enthusiasm, and Lilithra opened her eyes wide. ¡°O.M.G! Are you serious?!¡± She questioned as she skipped toward them, her yellow eyes shining as she gazed upon the scythe. Ascalon glanced at them and tilted his head, wondering what was so special about this event. Sensing his inquisitive stare, Lilithra addressed him. ¡°Uhm! Boss weapons are, like, the rarest drop ever!¡± She explained with elation, her whole body quivering. Ascalon let out a curious ¡®oh¡¯ as he absorbed the information. If it was such a rare occurrence, then their excitement was understandable. ¡°It also dropped its ¡®armor¡¯, which ain¡¯t bad at all either!¡± Selorien added, a wide grin adorning his face. He carefully picked up both items and promptly vanished them to his inventory. ¡°Let¡¯s keep them safe for now¡­¡± The elf said as he sighed, trying to calm himself down a bit. His friends nodded in unison, agreeing with his words. Then, Lilithra sighed deeply, following Selorien¡¯s lead to try and get a grip over her racing heart. Ascalon, on the other hand, watched over them with a warm gaze, proud of having been helpful. After a few more minutes of calming themselves down, Lilithra used the dungeon escape skill and everyone returned to New Lumingard. As soon as they gathered their bearings, they were swarmed by examiners. ¡°How did you complete it so fast?!¡± One of them asked in pure disbelief. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re D-rank?!¡± Questioned another staring at Kain. The Canidae looked visibly troubled, his gaze fixed on the recently arrived. ¡°Get your act together, people.¡± He growled as he rubbed his furry temples, causing the examiners to shyly step away, clearly embarrassed by their actions. The only one that hadn¡¯t approached was Urvan, who stood silently against a wall, his intense gaze focused onto Ascalon¡ªthough the knight ignored him blatantly. Before the awkward silence could settle, Lilithra raised her voice with a bit of nervousness in her tone. ¡°Uhm, so, h-how did we do?¡± She asked as she fidgeted in place. Even if she thought they had completed the dungeon at an incredible rate, she wasn¡¯t sure if Kain was pleased by the results. The Canidae looked at them for a moment, pondering briefly before replying. ¡°It was the fastest dungeon clear we¡¯ve ever seen.¡± He began, his tone serious. ¡°You even had to deal with one of our examiner¡¯s rude behavior¡­ allow me to apologize for that.¡± Kain bowed deeply, causing Ascalon to raise an eyebrow in suspicion. ¡°But I was told it was normal to impede the other team¡¯s advance.¡± Ascalon stated with clear confidence, earning a curious glance from Lilithra. Kain sighed once more, his expression growing in dejection every time. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s normal to do so¡­ but not for D-rank applicants.¡± He shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s especially not normal to antagonize D-ranks with a Guild leader¡­ and this one acted on his own, too.¡± Kain concluded, shooting a sharp gaze toward Urvan, who simply shrugged and rolled his eyes. Both Lilithra and Selorien were surprised by the revelation, and felt relieved for Ascalon¡¯s presence. They didn¡¯t mind as much now, but what if they had gone in by themselves? Could they have dealt with a Guild leader? Then again, Urvan¡¯s actions seemed to have been triggered by Ascalon¡¯s presence in the first place. It was a complicated situation, though at the end of the day, they had been victorious. Ascalon, on the other hand, sighed in disappointment, wondering if all the Guild leaders were as egocentric as the ones he¡¯d encountered so far. Lucio, Urvan, and the leader of the Flaming Fists¡ªwhose name he had already forgotten¡ªall shared similar, unpleasant attitudes, to say the least. Jay and Calista didn¡¯t seem as prideful¡ªbut he didn¡¯t know them that well, either. As Ascalon mulled over his thoughts, Kain¡¯s voice was heard again. ¡°That aside, I have to ask¡ªwhat¡¯s your deal?¡± The Canidae stared at Lilithra with a firm gaze, his brows furrowed in doubt. ¡°Did you bring him to have an easier time¡ªto ¡®cheat¡¯ the tests?¡± Kain questioned with an accusatory tone, causing Lilithra to shrink in place. Selorien furrowed his brows in indignation, ready to retort, but the one to answer was Ascalon. ¡°How dare you?¡± He dragged his words, angered. ¡°She would never do such a thing! I follow her willingly, and I shall not allow anyone to slander her further.¡± Ascalon declared, his voice echoing with a thunderous conviction. Every examiner was taken aback, specially Urvan and Kain, who eyed Ascalon with both wariness and suspicion. Clearing his throat, the Canidae replied. ¡°I apologize if I upset you, but you have to understand this is a strange situation.¡± He began, casting a glance toward Lilithra. ¡°Anyone can see you don¡¯t belong in a D-rank Guild at all¡ªthere¡¯s a huge gap between you and your ¡®leader¡¯s¡¯ skill.¡± Kain explained, his eyes narrowing further. ¡°It¡¯s just too convenient for them.¡± His words carried some truth, even if Ascalon didn¡¯t want to accept it. ¡°That is irrelevant.¡± Ascalon replied with a confident tone. ¡°Does a king need to be stronger than his knights?¡± He questioned with authority in his voice, his words causing the examiner¡¯s thoughts to waver slightly. ¡°I am her knight¡ªand I shall make sure she gets to accomplish her dream.¡± Ascalon proclaimed, crossing his arms and letting out a proud ¡®hmph!¡¯ After that declaration, Lilithra beamed at him with a gentle gaze, her heart pounding in a soft, delightful rhythm. Selorien, standing beside her, looked proudly at his friend. Everyone was left speechless by Ascalon¡¯s palpable sincerity, making it hard to doubt his words. Kain pondered over the matter, when suddenly, a small device inside of his ear rang. While Lilithra and Selorien were aware of that kind of communication technology, Ascalon was taken in by curiosity. Raising his hand to activate the gadget, Kain spoke.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Mr. Ron, finally! I wanted to ask¡ª¡± He began, but was cut off by the voice on the other end, presumably Mr. Ron. Kain listened intently, nodding a few times as he absorbed the incoming message, though the rest could only hear faint, indistinct chatter coming from the earpiece. ¡°I see. Very well. Thank you.¡± Kain suddenly replied, bowing slightly. It was amusing to see him behave like that, when Mr. Ron wasn¡¯t even present in the room with them, or so Ascalon thought to himself. Just then, Kain cleared his throat, speaking up. ¡°Ehem. I sent a message to Mr. Ron when Urvan acted on his own¡ªbut mostly because of you, Mr. Ascalon.¡± Kain exclaimed, his tone a bit more respectful. It was the first time he addressed Ascalon by name, probably due to Mr. Ron¡¯s intervention. While the knight wondered about that, the Canidae continued. ¡°But Mr. Ron has vouched in your favor, and explained your situation briefly.¡± He added, a bit more content. ¡°You¡¯re clear to proceed with the rest of the tests.¡± Kain concluded with a softened expression, likely feeling more at ease. It seemed that Mr. Ron had taken proper care to keep Ascalon¡¯s presence concealed from even headquarter¡¯s employees¡ªthough that was likely going to change from now. Lilithra slumped her shoulders in relief, a small smile on her lips, while Selorien gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Ascalon bowed slightly to Kain, showing his appreciation, though the Canidae still seemed a bit troubled. ¡°That aside¡­ your dungeon clear will be displayed at headquarters, under one of the ¡®records¡¯ boards¡­ so I hope you¡¯re ready for that.¡± Kain said as he glanced away. Ascalon was, once again, confused by the words, and looked over at his friends. Lilithra looked worried, while Selorien stretched his arms above his head, always the carefree one. Since no one was continuing the topic, Ascalon had to be the one to ask! ¡°What does that mean?¡± His curious words earned him a few dubious looks, and Kain took it upon himself to answer. ¡°Well, to motivate Guilds to do ¡®better¡¯, there¡¯s various ranking categories for them to ¡®compete¡¯ with each other. From something as basic as popularity, to dungeon clearing times, for example.¡± Kain briefly explained. ¡°You¡¯ve broken the record of the fastest clearing time for this dungeon, by a long shot, so it will garner some attention¡­¡± With these final words, Kain turned toward the exit. ¡°Ehem. We¡¯re done for today, good work.¡± Kain smiled, surprisingly. ¡°Come meet me at headquarters tomorrow for your next test.¡± He waved at them and proceeded toward the exit, with some of the other examiner¡¯s following behind. A few of them bid them goodbye, one even asked to shake hands with Ascalon for some reason. Soon, the group was left alone¡­ with Urvan. The massive bear remained leaning against a wall, acting all tough, his gaze intently set on Ascalon. While Lilithra gulped and Selorien eyed him with irritation, the knight approached the Ursurian. ¡°What is it?¡± He asked straightforwardly, the tension in the room growing by the second. ¡°Wanna join my Guild?¡± Urvan replied without hesitation, a spark of anticipation in his eyes. The words took everyone by surprise, and, as unlikely as it sounded, Lilithra was the first to protest. ¡°No!¡± She retorted before promptly covering her mouth with both hands in a panic. It seemed her mouth had been faster than her brain. The bear shot her an angry stare, growling slightly and showing his huge teeth, while Ascalon chuckled heartily. ¡°You have your answer. Lilithra, Selorien, let us go back.¡± Ascalon declared without an ounce of hesitation, and the huge man-bear seethed in place. After a few seconds, Urvan sighed, clicked his tongue, and left. As his colossal figure disappeared, the sound of his footsteps vanishing into the distance, Lilithra let out a deep, relieved breath. ¡°I thought he was gonna eat me!¡± She exclaimed with teary eyes, and Selorien burst out laughing. Ascalon approached her and patted her head gently. ¡°I would not have let him!¡± He responded with confidence, causing Lilithra to blush slightly. ¡°Ah, that was a funny one.¡± Selorien stated as he stopped laughing, a mischievous grin adorning his face. Ascalon shook his head at his friend¡¯s words, while Lilithra pouted in irritation. ¡°It wasn¡¯t funny, it was scary!¡± She protested cutely. ¡°Anyway¡­ let¡¯s go home!¡± She commanded, and her friends nodded in acknowledgement. They proceeded to leave the abandoned train station, emerging onto the sunny streets of New Lumingard. On the way back, Lilithra raised her voice again. ¡°So, we completed the first task thanks to Ascalon¡ªtwo more to go!¡± She clenched her fists tight as she skipped ahead, her excitement contagious. Selorien, walking carefreely behind Ascalon, chimed in. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s gonna be next.¡± He commented with his arms crossed behind his head. ¡°I doubt it¡¯s gonna be another dungeon.¡± The elf added, eyeing his surroundings absentmindedly. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ascalon pondered. ¡°We shall see tomorrow. For now, let us prepare.¡± He said thoughtfully, prompting Lilithra to slow her footsteps, waiting for them to catch up. ¡°Ascalon¡­¡± She called out to him, her voice ringing with shyness. ¡°Thanks for today.¡± She thanked with a huge grin, her cheeks reddened. Ascalon simply bowed slightly. ¡°There is no need for that.¡± He stated plainly, letting her know there was no need for further formalities. It was natural that he would lead her to victory¡ªhe was her knight, after all. Tomorrow, and the day after, and hopefully forever¡ªhe would keep helping both her and Selorien. With these thoughts in mind, and some idle conversation to pass the time, they navigated the streets until they finally reached The Chalice. Once inside, they were greeted by a rather peculiar scene. ¡°...I see, that is quite convenient!¡± Thany chirped cheerfully, sitting on a stool while swinging her legs in rhythm. Across the counter stood Raphael, showing her a phone. ¡°Yeah, and pretty much everyone has one.¡± Raphael explained, setting the device on the table as he saw the rest come in. ¡°Oh, welcome back! Congratulations on passing your first test.¡± The steward said as he bowed slightly, with Thany completely absorbed by the phone. Lilithra eyed him suspiciously as she walked toward the counter, her friends following close behind. ¡°How did you know we passed?¡± She asked while narrowing her eyes. Raphael chuckled and puffed out his chest. ¡°It was obvious! How could my niece fail? Especially with Ascalon and Selorien backing you up, haha!¡± He laughed joyfully, clearly joking. Even so, it was evident that he wholeheartedly believed in them. Both Ascalon and Selorien chuckled alongside him, while Lilithra sighed and shook her head, sitting beside the tiny Goddess. ¡°What¡¯s up with this?¡± Lilithra asked, a shy smile on her face. Thany turned to her and hesitated for a moment. ¡°Raphael has been teaching me about different things¡­ I am now learning about this ¡®phone¡¯!¡± She exclaimed, her wariness completely replaced by excitement. Everyone felt a sense of D¨¦j¨¤ vu, recalling the time they had explained the same topic to Ascalon. With a cheerful atmosphere, they huddled around Athanya¡¯el and continued teaching her about various subjects, with hours passing in the blink of an eye. At some point, the tiny Goddess had spent her energy, so Ascalon decided it was time for her rest. This time, however, Lilithra stopped him. ¡°Let me handle this!¡± She exclaimed with confidence, scooping Thany into her arms and hurriedly fleeing. Though the Goddess complained, she was too tired to break free, allowing Lilithra to do what she pleased! With curiosity guiding their steps, everyone else followed. Lilithra then took the child to her own bed, placing her carefully among the army of plushies that guarded her resting place. As if by instinct, Athanya¡¯el grasped one of the plushies and hugged it tight, quickly falling asleep. Watching her peaceful slumber, Lilithra squealed with delight. ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve been waiting for this!¡± She said excitedly, trying to not raise her voice too much. With uncanny speed, she produced her phone and started taking pictures of the sleeping Goddess and the stuffed animals that protected her dreams. Ascalon was taken aback, bewildered by Lilithra¡¯s actions, but he quickly realized the sight was indeed quite adorable, so he couldn''t complain. Everyone else silently agreed with this sentiment, and soon scattered. Selorien went back home as per usual, while Raphael headed to the kitchen in order to prepare dinner. Ascalon remained with Lilithra for a while longer, watching the Goddess rest. Lilithra leaned onto his shoulder, a satisfied, blushing grin on her face. Basking on the calm atmosphere, Ascalon wondered what tomorrow would bring, taking into account how ¡®easy¡¯ the dungeon had been. Still, no matter what challenge presented itself, Ascalon was determined to make Lilithra¡¯s Guild a reality. Chapter 78 - Delivery! Once more, Ascalon and his friends visited the headquarters¡¯ building, resolved to take on their second task. On the way, Lilithra proposed to check out the rankings¡ªsince their curiosity regarding the topic had been piqued the day before¡ªbut ultimately decided to leave it for later! It didn¡¯t take long for them to meet with Kain, and, as they sat across his desk, they were filled with uncertainty. The question of what their second quest could be made the air thick with anticipation, with Lilithra leaning slightly forward, eager and ready for anything! Kain let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯ as he traced the air with his fingers, likely reading some information in his network interface. After a few minutes, he glanced at them with a confident gaze, prompting a blue window to appear in front of them.
A new quest has been created! Quest title: ¡®Delivery.¡¯ Objective: Deliver the ¡®Black Box¡¯ to the specified target. Time to complete the quest: Five days. Conditions to complete the quest: Safely deliver the ¡®Black Box¡¯. If not delivered within the time limit, or if the ¡®Black Box¡¯ is opened, lost, stored in the Gifted network, or damaged, the quest will be considered a failure. Do you accept the quest?
Confirm / Deny
As the group read their next task, they all shared the same surprised expression, as it was a completely different quest from the last one. Ascalon found the information quite intriguing, and narrowed his eye as he pondered. The wording was a bit suspicious, especially the multiple ways they could fail the mission¡ªthe part about losing the box particularly gnawed at him. Lilithra let out an audible gasp, her wide smile and shiny eyes making it clear she was incredibly excited about the quest. On the other hand, Selorien simply crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, more curious than enthusiastic. Without hesitation, Lilithra pressed the ¡®confirm¡¯ button. Kain nodded in acknowledgment and raised his hand to his ear, activating the earpiece as he spoke into it. ¡°Bring in the box.¡± The Canidae commanded before resting his hand on the desk once more. Lilithra glanced at her friends and beamed with palpable anticipation in her eyes. Ascalon let out a soft sigh at the sight, feeling her excitement from the distance, just as the door to their room slowly opened. The group turned in their seats and watched as a staff member came in, carrying with them a moderately sized black box in their arms. Their eyes immediately focused on the object, admiring the strange crate with awe. It was unlike anything they had imagined at first. It was the size of a small chest, with a smooth surface made from a similar material to that of the scythe¡¯s blade, but not quite the same. The resemblance was due to its black, void-like color, seemingly unable to reflect any light. It had no visible handles, locks, or openings, which made for a confusing sight, as they wondered how it could even be opened. It had no other redeeming features, and looked like a squarely-shaped stain of ink, causing their curiosity to increase further. The staff member walked toward the desk, carefully setting the box down, and bowed slightly before leaving the room. Kain examined the box with mild curiosity, then looked at Lilithra with a firm stare. ¡°Now then. You have to deliver it to this person.¡± Kain began, fiddling with his interface and causing another window to appear in front of them. This time, it was the picture of an elderly man, his long gray hair tied up in a top-knot above his head. Countless wrinkles marked his face, causing the impression of his eyes appearing to be completely closed, and his bushy, voluminous brows added to his aged appearance. The bottom-half of his face was adorned with a neatly trimmed, lengthy beard that matched his long mustache. The photo only showed his upper half, but they could see some kind of white uniform covering his torso. Just by the picture alone, the group could feel an air of importance coming from him. While Lilithra saved the picture, Kain spoke up again. ¡°You¡¯ll find him¡ªMr. Litak¡ªin the Musashi Academy in the Southern district, but¡ª¡± Kain commented, causing Lilithra to jolt in her seat. ¡°Musashi Academy? Wow!¡± She interjected, earning a raised eyebrow from the Canidae. ¡°S-sorry.¡± Lilithra apologized with a dejected voice, and Kain sighed in resignation as he continued. ¡°As I was saying¡­ you¡¯ll have to go to the Southern district, but just so you know, the box is highly sensitive to motion.¡± He explained, causing the group to exchange confused looks. ¡°This means that if you move too fast, it will start to destabilize.¡± Kain added, prompting a surprised gasp from Lilithra. ¡°So no running too fast, no vehicles, no flying, or any other form of quick travel¡ªor the box will collapse onto itself, and its contents will be lost.¡± Kain stared intently at them, his serious gaze emphasizing the weight of these repercussions. There had to be something important inside, so they needed to take proper care of the box. Lilithra was clenching her fists with a mix of determination and excitement in her face, a gleeful grin spreading across her cheeks. Selorien looked amused, his hands tightly clasped behind his head, giving off an air of confidence. The only one considering the possible dangers was Ascalon, who had a strange, foreboding feeling still gnawing at him. ¡°That cannot be all¡­¡± Ascalon voiced his thoughts aloud, garnering everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°A simple delivery feels too easy for a test.¡± He added, regretfully sowing a seed of doubt in his friends. Kain, however, flashed a smug smile for a moment. ¡°He, you¡¯ll see.¡± He said ominously, shoving the box slightly forward on the table, urging them to take it. ¡°The test will start once you pick it up.¡± His words prompted the group to exchange looks, and Lilithra looked at Ascalon with clear resolution. ¡°You carry it, Ascalon!¡± She commanded in a cheerful voice, her train of thoughts aligning with those of a leader. Ascalon nodded enthusiastically, proud of her decision. While he was the obvious choice to carry the box¡ªfor various reasons¡ªAscalon feared Lilithra would have taken it upon herself to shoulder the burden. Fortunately, she had done what any sensible leader would do!Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°As you command, leader!¡± Ascalon replied with a gleeful tone, causing Selorien to chuckle in his seat. As the knight picked up the box, Lilithra raised both arms in a show of enthusiasm. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± She proclaimed, leading the way. Selorien followed with a mischievous grin on his face, and Ascalon promptly joined them. Watching them go, Kain bowed slightly. ¡°Good luck.¡± The Canidae said in a confident tone as the group slowly made their way out of the headquarters. Once outside, Ascalon inspected the box in his arms. It wasn¡¯t particularly heavy, but it did occupy both his hands, making it hard for him to utilize one of them without risking the object¡¯s integrity. He also didn''t feel like it had something inside, though that was clearly not the case. Watching him ponder, Lilithra tapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be your hands!¡± She chirped half-jokingly, and Selorien took the chance to chime in with a teasing remark. ¡°Even if he has to go to the bathroom?¡± He squinted his eyes, a huge grin on his face. Lilithra blushed and puffed out her cheeks as she hit him in the shoulder. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll just carry the box for a while, dummy!¡± Lilithra retorted with irritation, causing Selorien to chuckle heartily while Ascalon shook his head. It was then that the knight felt a strange sensation, as if someone were watching them¡ªno, not someone, multiple people, from different places. He narrowed his eye as he scanned the surroundings in wariness. ¡°I assume it is just part of the test, to confirm the box¡¯s integrity¡­¡± Ascalon began, prompting his friends to focus their attention on him. As they realized the change in his demeanor, Ascalon continued. ¡°But just in case, be on your guard¡ªwe are being watched.¡± He declared, prompting Lilithra and Selorien to observe the surroundings carefully. A few minutes passed and nothing happened, so they eased up a bit. Lilithra slumped her shoulders as she spoke up. ¡°Ugh, we just started and I¡¯m already feeling tense!¡± She said with a shy smile, trying to lift the mood. Selorien patted her shoulder reassuringly, and Ascalon smiled gently at her. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s focus!¡± Lilithra began walking, urging her friends to follow. ¡°We gotta go to the Southern district on foot¡­ hmm¡­¡± She commented thoughtfully, with Selorien nodding behind her. ¡°Yeah. Gonna take a while¡­¡± The elf added, prompting Lilithra to agree with another nod. ¡°From here to the Musashi Academy¡­ it will take a few hours!¡± She exclaimed confidently, while Selorien shook his head. ¡°No, more like an entire day if we keep up the pace.¡± He replied, causing Lilithra to stop walking and turn around, her face one of utter shock. ¡°What?!¡± She stepped back, blinking a few times. ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re too accustomed to trains, Lil.¡± Selorien shrugged with an accompanying sigh, his smile a mocking one. Ascalon chuckled slightly at the revelation, while Lilithra blushed. ¡°Come on, let us not waste time then!¡± Ascalon stated, his authoritative tone feeling truly reassuring. Lilithra nodded with confidence and turned around, leading them once more, with Selorien smiling gently at Ascalon¡¯s side. The next hour or two were completely uneventful. Lilithra was using her phone to find the shortest and most convenient route, with one of its ¡®applications¡¯ serving as a guide. Once more, Ascalon marveled over the many uses of these tiny contraptions, and wondered just how many other handy tools remained to be seen. At some point, Lilithra had repeated again the name of the ¡®Musashi Academy¡¯ excitedly, causing Ascalon¡¯s curiosity to urge a question. ¡°What is this Musashi Academy?¡± Ascalon questioned, and Lilithra beamed at him, clearly happy to explain. ¡°It¡¯s a renowned academy of martial arts!¡± She began, skipping with joy. ¡°Some of the strongest Gifted ¡®graduated¡¯ from there! Like Dario, the guy that fought Richard in the colosseum. Remember?¡± She tilted her head, wondering if Ascalon recalled the battle. The knight pondered for a brief moment. ¡°Oh!¡± He blurted in realization, finally remembering the event. ¡°I see¡­ so it is like a training facility?¡± He asked, turning his attention to the box for a moment. It seemed to be holding up well enough! ¡°Yeah, something like that!¡± Lilithra replied with glee. ¡°I used to dream about joining them¡­ but I gave up on that.¡± She commented awkwardly, while Selorien sighed, and Ascalon wondered. ¡°Why did you give up?¡± The knight asked, causing Lilithra to shuffle slightly in place. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I had what it took¡­ and now I kinda strayed off that dream.¡± She smiled confidently. ¡°I have other goals in mind!¡± Lilithra clenched her fists and raised them enthusiastically, letting them know that she clearly had no regrets. Ascalon grinned with relief, glad that she didn¡¯t seem to be too dejected about the topic. Selorien, on the other hand, was wiping a non-existent tear from his eye. ¡°They grow so fast¡­¡± The elf joked, causing his friends to giggle in response. Out of nowhere, the cheerful atmosphere was interrupted by a sharp, whistling sound, causing Ascalon to turn in its direction. His sole eye caught a glimpse of a fast-moving object¡ªa long, silver javelin aimed directly at him. With a fluid motion, he shifted his weight to the right side of his body and crouched slightly, while tilting his head just enough to get out of the way. He observed the object curiously as it zoomed past, narrowly but safely avoiding him, before it struck the ground with a thunderous echo. Lilithra jolted in surprise, the fierce impact generating a commotion among the street¡¯s passersby, who rushed in all directions, panicking. Amidst the chaos, Selorien shot an intense stare toward the origin of the throw. There, above one of the many houses in the area, stood a multitude of shady figures. They all wore long, slightly tight robes, fastened at the side with decorative black knots that extended diagonally across the upper part of the chest. The clothing featured high, notorious collars, and overall looked both extravagant and graceful. Each of them was clad in a dark violet color, except for the one who had thrown the javelin¡ªhis robe was black, which implied some kind of distinction from the others. Aside from their clothing, they all shared another thing in common: the lower half of their faces were obscured by masks of the same color of their robes, leaving only their eyes and hair exposed. As the unknown men stood high above, their clothing danced ominously in the wind, silver weapons gleaming dangerously in some of their hands. It was clear they were some sort of group aiming for them¡ªmost likely, for the box. Ascalon¡¯s suspicions were then confirmed: this was no simple delivery mission. As he mulled over the thought, Selorien¡¯s voice caught his attention. ¡°Of course it wasn¡¯t gonna be that easy!¡± He complained as his daggers slowly materialized in his hands, prompting Lilithra to recall her banner from her own inventory. ¡°We were too carefree¡­¡± Lilithra whispered in regret, realizing they were taking things far too leisurely. But soon enough, she quickly recomposed herself, knowing the source of their confidence stood resolute beside them¡ªAscalon, with his unwavering gaze set onto the strangers. The knight took a step forward, the weight of his presence causing the unknown attackers to raise their guard. Ascalon felt both impressed and surprised at the sight, since it was clear these people recognized him as a threat. Up until now, most of his encounters had started with people underestimating him¡ªor more like, overestimating themselves, so this was like a breath of fresh air. As Ascalon smiled boldly, the black-robed man arched his right arm back, a new javelin appearing in his grasp. The silver weapon sparkled in the light as the man drew it further back, his whole body leaning backward to gain as much momentum as he could. With a swift, fluid motion, he launched his arm forward, propelling the javelin with a fierce, whip-like flick of his wrist. The projectile cut through the distance with utmost intensity, parting the air with a sharp whistle as it made its way toward Ascalon. It traveled at such speed that it reached the knight in the blink of an eye, but Ascalon was already moving in response. This time, instead of dodging, he carefully placed the whole weight of the box to his right hand, while Aegis manifested in his left. In that moment¡ªwhich was perhaps not the best time¡ªhe marveled over the Gifted network. The inventory function in particular, had become pretty much second nature to him, and without him even realizing it. As he shook away the distracting thoughts, he met the javelin head on, striking it with the shield canted. The impact caused it to skid over Aegis¡¯ surface, redirecting it toward the ground at his side. Once again, the earth shook slightly under the power of the javelin, cracks spreading from the center of the clash. While Lilithra and Selorien jolted in surprise, Ascalon locked his sole eye into his opponent, who met his gaze with an intense, intrigued stare. The delivery quest was going to be quite interesting, after all. Chapter 79 - Ambush The streets went silent as the last of the panicked passersby finished evacuating, leaving both groups alone, sizing each other up. The air between them seemed to crackle with tension, and the wind howling between the buildings did nothing but add to the ominous atmosphere. While Ascalon observed his opponents, he wondered about the immediate surroundings. He found it strange that after such a commotion¡ªand relatively close to headquarters¡ªno guards or anything of the sort had arrived to see what was going on. The weight of the box in his grasp prompted him to guess that this sudden event likely had something to do with the mission. Perhaps they had to protect the box from the unknown assailants? Ascalon pondered, as his friends fidgeted in place, probably feeling under pressure. It was then that Lilithra decided to speak up. ¡°Why are they just standing there¡­ menacingly?!¡± She complained in a nervous tone, causing Ascalon to chuckle involuntarily. They did seem kind of strange, with oddly similar presences. Meanwhile, Selorien whispered to Lilithra. ¡°This is probably part of the test¡­¡± The elf said in a low voice, eyeing the banner on her hands. Lilithra realized then what he was implying. They both shared the same unspoken thought as Ascalon about this being, perhaps, part of the test, and silently agreed to not use lethal force against their opponents¡ªjust in case! Without letting them voice their thoughts, the multiple figures suddenly moved, scattering in all directions at an incredible speed. Both Lilithra and Selorien sprang into action, prepared for the incoming assault. Lilithra raised her banner high to cast her usual skill. ¡°Be Brave!¡± She chanted, while Selorien vanished into the shadows. It was the classic opener for the duo, and one that perhaps was becoming a tad bit predictable, in Ascalon¡¯s opinion. Still, against unknown enemies, it would probably suffice! Not wanting to be left behind, he extended his aura, providing the [Under his Watchful Gaze] buff to his friends. In the next moment, a javelin cut through the air once more, this time approaching rapidly from behind. With minimal movement, Ascalon shifted his weight onto his left foot, spinning on his heel toward the direction of the attack. As he repositioned, he extended his left arm and bashed his shield against the incoming projectile, deflecting it toward the direction it came from. Unfortunately, the thrower had already moved, and was now perched on a street pole, preparing to launch another attack. At the same time, one of the strangers approached Lilithra with a curved blade in hand. He ran leaning forward, making his body as small as possible in order to be a harder target, his silver weapon tracing the air with a downward sweep directed at Lilithra¡¯s torso. Motivated by Ascalon¡¯s passive skill and her own desire to complete the quest, she frowned in readiness as she activated the ability she had only used once before: [Battlefield Cadence], the Gift that had allowed her to overcome Rosco! Feeling her stats increase considerably, she spun the weapon in her hands to put the blade away, positioning the blunt end of the banner forward. Then, with a burst of speed, she launched herself ahead, charging at the incoming enemy with such swiftness that he was caught off guard. The rear end of her banner struck the enemy cleanly on the chin before he could even finish his swing, causing him to recoil backward from the impact. The man groaned as he stomped on the ground with his right foot, using the momentum from Lilithra¡¯s hit to initiate a backward somersault¡ªthough she was too fast and focused to let him escape! With another burst of speed from her short legs, she propelled herself toward him, carefully timing her next thrust to strike at his back mid-spin. The hit connected cleanly, and painfully, launching the man through the air as he wailed in agony. Then, in a shocking turn of events, his body exploded in a cloud of white smoke the moment he hit the ground. ¡°Wha¡ª?!¡± Lilithra exclaimed in surprise, while Ascalon avoided yet another javelin, his eye focused on the spot where the man¡¯s presence had suddenly vanished. ¡°What happened?¡± The knight asked in confusion, watching the smoke slowly dissipate. Lilithra raised her shoulders in a shrug as she prepared to answer, just as another enemy quickly rushed in from her flank¡ªthis time, catching her off-guard! His own curved sword gleamed dangerously as it split the air in a precise thrust, aimed at her stomach. Fortunately, Selorien emerged from the shadows just at the right moment, delivering a clean hit to the attacker¡¯s nape with the blunt edge of his daggers. The man fell face-first into the ground, a small grunt escaping his lips before his body, too, exploded into smoke. ¡°Okay so it¡¯s definitely not because of Lil¡¯s dark magic!¡± Selorien joked, though his tone couldn¡¯t fully hide his surprise. Lilithra puffed her cheeks in irritation as she huddled together with him, inspecting her surroundings with a sharp stare. ¡°What dark magic, you dummy?!¡± She complained as two other men darted in their direction¡ªcontrary to the rest, they were bare-handed. Lilithra prepared to meet their attack head on, but something gnawed at her. Guided by instinct, she raised the banner in front of her body, just as one of the attackers blinked across the distance and delivered a powerful flying kick to her chest. The banner blocked the brunt of the attack, but her body was sent backward, her boots sliding across the uneven ground until she finally stumbled a few steps. Regaining her balance, she looked up in surprise, her arms feeling slightly numb as she met the enemy¡¯s impressed stare head-on. Selorien, on the other hand, focused on the remaining enemy. As the assailant approached, the elf vanished into the shadows and crouched before launching himself to the side, repositioning while out of view. As soon as his feet touched the floor, he recomposed his balance and jumped right back, his arm extending forward into an awkward, straight punch. But before it could connect, the man rapidly ducked and avoided the hit, twisting his body to counterattack with a fierce uppercut. Selorien barely stopped himself from being hit by arching his neck back, the enemy¡¯s fist missing him by a hair¡¯s breadth. Moving decisively, the masked stranger pursued Selorien, unleashing a fierce variety of punches one after another. The elf did his best to duck and weave as he retreated, his steps exuding finesse and agitation at the same time, somehow.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. As the hits grazed his body and face, Selorien jumped back with all his might, finally gaining some distance from his attacker as he sighed in frustration, clearly bothered by the constant action. Just then, around four more opponents joined the fray, split between him and Lilithra, causing him to grimace. All the while, Ascalon kept blocking and deflecting a seemingly endless barrage of javelins, sensing the thrower¡¯s frustration growing steadily by the second. Still, Ascalon had to commend the masked man for launching these projectiles and relocating so swiftly¡ªa tactic that would confuse and frustrate most opponents! While Ascalon contemplated this, three opponents engaged in combat with Lilithra, launching an oppressive offensive against her. The first one swept the air with a horizontal kick aimed at her neck, which she quickly blocked with the top end of her spear, leaning slightly into it to anchor herself to the ground. The next attack came in the form of two consecutive jabs, a left and a right hook. She avoided the first by ducking and stepping back at the same time, while positioning her banner in the way of the second punch to block it. The third and final strike came from the one who had sent her flying, who jumped into the air and pounced at her with a guillotine kick. She defended by, once again, blocking with her banner¡¯s length, but the force of the descending attack was too great and made her knees buckle, with one being forced to the ground. Still, she was riding on a wave of confidence, originating from her [Battlefield Cadence], and quickly used the situation to her advantage. She quickly extended her bent leg and sprang up like a released spring, thrusting with the blunt edge of her banner in an upward stab and striking one of the enemies cleanly on the chest. Seizing the chance, she drew back her arms, took a deep breath, and unleashed a variety of forward, consecutive thrusts, battering the enemy until he dissipated in a cloud of smoke, just like the rest. In the aftermath, she stood breathing heavily, leaning onto her banner and clearly tired from her onslaught. Ascalon was taken aback and smiled proudly at Lilithra¡¯s masterful display of skill. Not only had she taken on three enemies and defended nearly perfectly by herself, but she had also defeated one more, too! Still, while something was slightly strange, the looming threat of the remaining opponents surrounding both Lilithra and Selorien grew as the masked men prepared to attack once more. Seeing the situation turn more dire for his friends, and fueled by Lilithra¡¯s actions, the knight decided to be a bit more proactive. Taking a deep breath, he shouted. ¡°Come at me!¡± His voice echoed through the street as he activated [Heroic Challenge], taunting some of the surrounding enemies and allowing his friends a bit more breathing room¡ªthough the javelin thrower was unsurprisingly unaffected. The ones facing Lilithra turned around, urged by the knight¡¯s skill, and she didn¡¯t let the chance slip away. Without hesitation, she charged against the enemies, striking them from the back with powerful, precise thrusts. Their bodies transformed into smoke once more, and their numbers finally began to dwindle. As Selorien was about to get hit by his own enemies, a mischievous idea flashed on his mind, and he wasted no time springing into action. His body turned momentarily shadowy, his form warping until it took the appearance of the javelin thrower, who looked around in astonishment. Having switched places with [Shadow Swap], the elf emerged at the man¡¯s previous location while the rest of the enemies pummeled him with various, merciless attacks. Struck by his own companions, the man fell to the ground, groaning. However, instead of vanishing into a cloud of smoke, all of the other attackers did instead! Ascalon watched in awe as the presences faded away, likely fabricated by a skill of some sort¡ªit was quite interesting and impressive, he thought. ¡°Damn it!¡± The masked man spoke for the first time in the entire bout, producing a small ball from thin air and promptly putting it in his mouth. Everyone watched him warily as he munched on the strange item, and in the next moment, the stranger disappeared. Though more precisely, he had blinked through the air with some kind of relocation skill, followed by Ascalon¡¯s eye alone. As the man¡¯s presence retreated into the distance, the knight inspected the box and sighed in relief¡ªit seemed completely undamaged! ¡°He ran?!¡± Selorien suddenly questioned as he squatted, catching his breath. Lilithra approached them tiredly, wiping off some sweat from her forehead as she replied. ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± Lilithra asked with concern as she leaned forward and placed both hands on her knees, her banner now returned to her inventory. Ascalon smiled at her words and nodded, while Selorien simply raised his hand and waved. ¡°Are you okay?¡± The elf repeated as he narrowed his left eye. ¡°You dealt with a lot of them!¡± He added, his voice ringing with both pride and surprise. Lilithra grinned shyly, her cheeks flushing a bit, while Ascalon chimed in. ¡°You did great, Lilithra. It was truly impressive!¡± The knight declared, causing her blush to further deepen. ¡°You guys¡­¡± She muttered as she shook her head. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for your help they would¡¯ve kicked my butt!¡± Lilithra sighed, though her smile was still present. Then, she glanced over at the box, and jolted in realization. ¡°Oh! I completely forgot about the box!¡± She admitted with a regretful voice, standing up and walking toward Ascalon. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s fine, though.¡± Selorien said, getting up to join them as well, and both of them looked up at Ascalon. ¡°As expected of Ascalon!¡± The elf added with a mischievous smile, while Ascalon chuckled. ¡°It was actually quite troublesome.¡± Ascalon began, raising the box for them to see. ¡°It is hard to control my speed with the box in mind! I kept wondering if I would move too fast and break it.¡± He laughed heartily, and his friends giggled at his side. ¡°Ah, on that note, we should move!¡± Lilithra suddenly blurted out. ¡°Tell us if you want us to carry it for a while, okay?¡± She asked the knight, grinning sheepishly. Ascalon nodded in acknowledgment, while Selorien looked away as he groaned. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna~ I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be attacked again!¡± The elf complained, skipping ahead. Ascalon and Lilithra glanced at each other before exhaling deeply, their friend¡¯s attitude expected but still kind of unbelievable! With those thoughts in mind, the group resumed their advance through the streets, slowly reaching intersections that were populated by people as per usual. At this point they had no more doubts about why their earlier fight had been so isolated¡ªmost likely, headquarters had made sure that passersby wouldn¡¯t interrupt them. The rest of the day proved to be more relaxed and peaceful as they took short breaks to get some refreshments and rest their feet. Still, Ascalon kept a wary hold on their surroundings. His experience led him to believe that they were allowed some reprieve only to lower their guard¡ªattacking while the enemy was eating and resting was a highly successful strategy, after all. At least, he could now recognize the presence of the masked man. With that reassuring fact in mind, he enjoyed a well-earned cup of coffee, savoring the delightful aroma and rich, bitter taste. ¡°How does he do it¡­?¡± Ascalon wondered to himself, thinking about Raphael¡¯s masterful brewing skills. There simply was no worthy rival for that man when it came to cooking and making beverages! Both Lilithra and Selorien giggled as they understood his words, and the cheerful atmosphere carried on until they set out again. Now more energized and in the lookout for sudden ambushes, they continued their long journey to the Southern district. On the way, Ascalon peeked around curiously. Aside from the mission, It was also a nice opportunity for him to get more accustomed to New Lumingard. He observed the various, different shops and establishments as they passed them, asking some questions about mundane things, and even wondering about how some of his old acquaintances would react to this mysterious yet marvelous world. Little by little, the sun set beyond the horizon, and the shadows cast by the now lit street poles created an eerie atmosphere. Adding to that, the thought that they could be attacked at any given moment lingered in their minds. And they were correct. Chapter 80 - Man From Across the Sea Just a while before Ascalon and his friends had been attacked for the first time, the javelin thrower had received his orders. ¡°So you want us to go all out, even when they¡¯re doing the test for a D-rank Guild?¡± He asked through his communication device, his voice ringing with unease and doubt, and Kain¡¯s voice replied from within. ¡°Yes, you better not underestimate this group.¡± The Canidae replied in a serious tone, causing the masked man to raise an eyebrow with both interest and surprise. ¡°I see. We¡¯ll see to it, then.¡± The man assured, and Kain disconnected the call. ¡°Weird.¡± The javelin thrower said to the group around him. ¡°But orders are orders¡­¡± He added, shugging. Just then, another voice chimed in. ¡°Are you going by yourself?¡± A taller, bulkier man asked. ¡°Of course.¡± No matter what Mr. Kain said, they¡¯re D-Rank.¡± The masked man stated confidently, and left amidst knowing chuckles. Back in the present, the same man watched from above in confusion. He had attacked the group before, alongside a multitude of distinctive clones created by his [Shinobi Army] skill. Though reluctant, he had gone all out as instructed, and was left speechless by the examinees¡¯ response. How could they be applying for a D-Rank Guild? The man wondered as he witnessed his clones being defeated once more. The blonde man alone could probably go toe-to-toe with an A-Rank Guild leader, and the other two, while not as powerful, were holding their own with remarkable skill. ¡°It makes no sense¡­! Ugh, I¡¯ll need help after all¡­¡± He muttered as he fled, his clones vanquished once more. It was time for him to get assistance from the Academy.
Ascalon and his friends continued traveling through the dimly-lit streets, slightly more tired but alert and ready. They had battled again with the masked ambushers, defeating them with a bit more ease than the first time as they had learned about their strategies. While the men aimed to overwhelm them with numbers, Lilithra and Selorien had made sure to fight side by side, covering each other and alternating their attacks. When Selorien went into Stealth, Lilithra defended herself, and when he reemerged, she would join him in a joint assault. Ascalon simply protected the box and avoided both javelins and sword slashes, his trusty shield always ready¡ªnot only for blocking, but also for bashing! Simultaneously, he admired how much his friends were growing, a familiar sense of pride surging from within. They had even leveled up, which added to their own confidence! After another short rest and a bathroom stop at a nearby gas station, the group had now crossed the outskirts of the Southern District. Lilithra, leading the way, raised a fist in the air as she spoke. ¡°We¡¯re getting closer!¡± She smiled with relief, with Selorien chuckling at her side. ¡°Still a bit more to go, but yeah.¡± He replied before yawning, his eyes narrowing in tiredness. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to finish this quest and go to sleep.¡± He added with a half-smile, causing Lilithra to yawn too. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± She muttered, while Ascalon chuckled. Perhaps he should train them to stay awake for longer, he thought¡ªthough they had no real need for that, since they weren¡¯t heading into a war or a crusade anytime soon. Sighing at his own battlefield memories, Ascalon perked up as a presence approached. After the sun had set, it had become easier to predict incoming attacks, since most people were already in their homes¡ªbut it was impossible to mistake this one for a mere passersby. Ascalon looked straight ahead, as a tall, lean man emerged from the shadows. Both Lilithra and Selorien raised their guards, while Ascalon carefully examined the newcomer. He was wearing the same clothes as the earlier attackers, his silky black robe fluttering slightly as he walked. His stride exuded confidence, with his hands clasped behind his back, standing tall and proud. His short, white hair shimmered faintly under the street lights, and his red eyes reminded Ascalon of Escarlata. But the most striking part about him, aside from his partly-masked face, was his arms¡ªadorned with golden scales that covered him from wrists to shoulders. As soon as Lilithra caught sight of that, her eyes widened as she blurted out. ¡°No way¡­! A Draconidean!¡± Lilithra gasped as she squirmed, clearly excited about the sight. Selorien too was taken aback, his mouth slightly agape as he chimed in. ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­ Farkael?!¡± The elf let out a most astonished voice, his earlier sleepiness completely gone. Ascalon raised an eyebrow in curiosity at their words, casting a side glance toward Lilithra to urge her to explain what they knew. But she was too enraptured by the sight to notice his pleading eye, so he sighed in resignation. Just then, the stranger stopped his advance at an adequate distance. ¡°Greetings.¡± He said in a calm, respectful voice, bowing slightly. With that gesture, Ascalon noticed that the man had a set of small protuberances amidst his hair¡ªfour dark horns, to be exact. The sight reminded him of the dragons from Excadia, and the term ¡®Draconidean¡¯ suddenly made more sense. He wondered if they shared any similarities. After all, in his world, the more horns a dragon had, the stronger they tended to be¡ªand this one¡¯s presence was certainly imposing. ¡°H-Hello!¡± Lilithra replied, nodding awkwardly, while Selorien mimicked her nod but didn¡¯t speak, likely wary. Ascalon, as the paragon of politeness, spoke up. ¡°Well met, stranger. My name is Ascalon Rendland¡ªto whom am I speaking?¡± Ascalon introduced himself with a clear voice, garnering a stare from the man. The knight noticed the mask wrinkling on the so-called ¡®Farkael¡¯s face, likely a smile forming beneath it. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure, Mr. Ascalon. I go by Farkael in these lands.¡± Farkael replied, his eyes drifting to Lilithra and Selorien, urging them to join the introductions. Meanwhile, Ascalon mulled over the man¡¯s words. ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m Lilithra!¡± She exclaimed shyly, still fascinated by the rare sight. At her side, Selorien narrowed his eyes slightly and replied with a slightly bothered tone. ¡°Selorien.¡± The elf stated his name straightforwardly, though Farkael seemed pleased nonetheless.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°In these lands?¡± Ascalon questioned with curiosity. ¡°Do you have a true name?¡± He added, and the supposed ¡®dragon¡¯ blinked in surprise before nodding. ¡°What a slip-up¡­ But yes, I do.¡± Farkael replied with a bit of wariness in his voice. ¡°But I¡¯m surprised¡ªnot many from across the sea know about this. Was certainly not expecting it right now.¡± He mused as he tilted his head in clear intrigue. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± Ascalon answered, pondering about the matter while his friends looked at him with clear confusion. Back in Excadia, dragons also concealed their true names, as they held an otherworldly power over them. Knowing their true name meant they could strike at their weakness, control them, or even bring them eternal death. But that wasn¡¯t important at the moment. ¡°Are you here to test us, too?¡± Ascalon questioned, and the man promptly nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been asked for help.¡± He began, the air around him growing heavier. ¡°But I will not focus on the box¡ªrather, I simply want to fight.¡± Farkael stated, his mask wrinkling again as he smiled underneath. Lilithra and Selorien exchanged glances, and their weapons slowly materialized in their hands. At their readiness, the Draconidean spoke up. ¡°Hmm, not bad.¡± Farkael said in an impressed tone. ¡°You can come at me all at once if you¡¯d like.¡± He added with clear confidence, causing Selorien to chuckle as he glanced at Ascalon¡ªtheir opponent would likely regret those words! As the elf considered the thought, the knight spoke. ¡°Pardon me for being wary, but I shall stay back to protect the box.¡± Ascalon explained with a half-smile, and his friends nodded in understanding. Ascalon couldn¡¯t simply trust the stranger¡¯s words¡ªabout not targeting the box¡ªso he wanted to see how things would develop from afar. Farkael, sensing his intentions, nodded in the distance, as if acknowledging his choice. Just then, Selorien took the initiative, vanishing into the shadows with his usual skill. Urged by her friend, Lilithra exclaimed. ¡°Be brave!¡± After activating her skill, she held her weapon with both hands, pointing the blunt end toward her opponent. Farkael raised an eyebrow in suspicion, likely wondering why she wasn¡¯t using the spear end of her banner¡ªbut he had no time to ponder the matter. Suddenly, Lilithra burst in a dash, charging toward Farkael with her [Charge Forth] skill. As her figure darted rapidly through the street, Selorien emerged from stealth right behind Farkael, aiming both of his daggers at him. It still felt awkward for the elf not to use the blade to strike, but he had no other choice if he meant to avoid harming the examiner. However, his worries were proved unfounded with what happened next. Farkael gracefully side-stepped to the right, his gentle motions making it seem as if he were moving in a slow, time defying manner. As he dodged, a trace of flickering afterimages followed in his wake¡ªa clear testament to his uncanny speed and mastery over his body. Selorien helplessly struck at the air and stumbled forward, unable to stop his momentum now that his target had vanished. He quickly regained his balance and fixed his gaze on the Draconidean, just as he felt a powerful blow on his stomach. ¡°Huh?!¡± He groaned as he was sent backward, landing painfully on the ground at a good distance. Selorien felt utterly shocked as he clutched his pulsating stomach, realizing he hadn¡¯t even noticed the man move to attack. Alert signals rang in his mind, but it was too late to warn Lilithra. She charged at Farkael with hesitant thoughts, having witnessed what had happened to Selorien. The Draconidean had dodged, and then hit the elf with a kick so fast she had barely perceived it as a blur. But even if she wanted to reconsider her attack, stopping her momentum was nearly impossible¡ªthe only choice was to go all out! With a surge of determination, she activated [Battlefield Cadence], boosting her stats and focus. Her speed suddenly increased as she leapt in the air, and, drawing her arms forward with all her strength, she thrusted her banner with Farkael¡¯s torso as the objective. But even then, it wasn¡¯t enough. Farkael stepped in and leaned to the side, his motions precise, flowing like water. In that split moment, he raised his right hand and caught the side of the banner with the palm, striking it and diverting its course. Lilithra gasped as her attack was redirected, and planned on to stop gradually, and then turn around and strike once more. But even before her thoughts had finished, she felt a fierce blow land on her stomach, raising her in the air effortlessly. She felt the force rippling through her muscles, the air being forced out of her lungs due to the shockwave that encompassed her entire frame. She finally landed on the floor with a loud thud. Her banner clattered in the ground at her side, and she winced in pain ¡°Augh!¡± She clutched her stomach just like Selorien, her blurry sight focused on Farkael, who towered over her. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He muttered, reflecting on the brief encounter. ¡°Well, not as bad as I expected.¡± Farkael claimed, nodding to himself. Both Selorien and Lilithra wondered if they should feel good or bad about the comment while the Draconidean spoke again. ¡°Would you like to join now?¡± Farkael asked toward Ascalon, who had witnessed the entire thing with an impressed stare. ¡°Hmm¡­ very well.¡± Ascalon answered, frowning with resolution. He then approached Selorien, and carefully placed the box at his side. ¡°Please, protect it for a moment.¡± The knight pleaded, and Selorien sighed in resignation as he nodded. At the same time, Lilithra sat on the floor, recomposing herself. ¡°Ow.¡± She whined as she rubbed her stomach, while Ascalon walked past her. ¡°Be careful!¡± Lilithra warned, her ever-caring attitude causing Ascalon to smile confidently. ¡°No worries.¡± He declared, standing in front of Farkael as both sized each other up from close range. In the next moment, a thunderous sound echoed through the empty streets, followed by a powerful shockwave that made the very ground rumble. Lilithra was pushed back, while Selorien was forced to clutch the box just before it was sent flying. Both friends watched as Farkael struggled, with one of his legs firmly pressed against Ascalon¡¯s arms, who had blocked successfully. The Draconidean had struck with a sweeping, horizontal kick, with a speed that had left even Ascalon in awe. Yet the knight had managed to block, causing Farkael to narrow his eyes in seriousness. ¡°I see¡­ it all makes sense now, yes.¡± The Draconidean pondered aloud as he withdrew his leg¡ªbut in the next moment, he kicked again, this time unleashing a barrage of blows that reverberated furiously through the air. Ascalon met every attack head-on, blocking with his left arm as he drew the other back. While under the unrelenting attack of precise, methodical kicks, he unleashed a straight punch toward his opponent, aiming at his face. Surprisingly, Farkael turned and ducked with lightning-fast reflexes, his whole body twisting into a spin and ending with a roundhouse-kick targeted toward Ascalon¡¯s head. The knight raised his arm just in time to block the powerful attack, the intense impact pushing him back slightly. The air around them crackled as the ground rumbled, as if protesting under the immense pressure that emanated from their exchange. Ascalon smiled with both confidence and eagerness as he prepared to continue, feeling a rush of excitement wash over him. Without missing a beat, the knight stepped in with a burst of speed, arching his head forward in a powerful headbutt. Farkael placed both palms in the way and leaned to the side, aiming to redirect the hit¡¯s momentum. However, the moment their moves connected, Farkael immediately realized the incoming attack was too strong to fully redirect. With astonishing adaptability, Farkael quickly bent his legs to anchor himself to the ground, bracing for the brunt of the attack. The impact forced him back, his feet dragging across the ground and leaving a notable mark in their wake¡ªyet his composure remained unshaken. ¡°You have great potential for martial arts.¡± Farkael declared as he brushed off some dust from his clothes. Then, he crouched slightly, lowering his body onto a proper stance, one fist pointed straight at Ascalon while the other rested at his side. Ascalon admired the strange posture, and nodded at what he interpreted as a compliment from Farkael. He raised his arms into a guard position, at the sides of his head. He had never learned any particular fighting style¡ªonly how to block and punch. After all, he relied on his armament¡ªspear and shield¡ªto fight, not his fists. Basically, when unarmed, he was just a brawler! As they sized each other up once again, the air between them grew tense. Their fighting spirit was unleashed, warping the space around them under the strain of their might made manifest. Chapter 81 - Getting Carried Away The street lamps quivered under the relentless force emanating from both fighters, shockwaves and bursts of wind flying in all directions each time they clashed. The ground was quickly becoming an uneven, hole-ridden street, prompting Ascalon to silently apologize to those in charge of fixing the damage left in his wake. Lilithra and Selorien watched in their usual awe, exchanging surprised glances from time to time but uttering not even a word. The battle was not only fiercely intense, but also mesmerizing and incredibly impressive¡ªespecially Farkael, who was actually managing to keep up with the monstrous strength of Ascalon. Still, the Draconidean held a slight advantage. His movements were graceful and fluid, his mastery over the martial arts he was disciplined in shining through. Ascalon, a mere brawler, was relying only on brute strength and what little he had picked up over the years when it came to hand-to-hand combat. Even then, both of them were holding back, a fact that was becoming even more apparent for them with each blow they traded. As Ascalon landed a powerful punch on Farkael¡¯s cross-guard, the latter was sent backward, his feet dragging across the ground once more. He inspected his arms briefly, and then looked at Ascalon as he spoke. ¡°I was certainly not expecting such a workout today¡ªit¡¯s a breath of fresh air.¡± Farkael said in a cheerful tone, his enjoyment of the battle more than evident. Ascalon chuckled a bit, a confident smile spreading across his face as he replied. ¡°I too am surprised! You are truly a mighty warrior.¡± Ascalon complimented, and Farkael bowed slightly. In the next moment, the Draconidean burst forth, lunging at the knight as he raised his right leg into an ascending kick aimed at Ascalon¡¯s chin. Ascalon placed both hands in the path, catching Farkael¡¯s foot with his palm as the impact echoed around them, straining the immediate surroundings. Without wasting any time, Ascalon grabbed Farkael¡¯s ankle and quickly twisted his body into a spin, using the momentum to throw his opponent in the air. Farkael was momentarily disoriented, but quickly regained control, turning mid-air. Suddenly, his momentum stopped, both his feet planted firmly against what seemed to be an invisible surface! It was as if he were crouching against a wall, defying both common sense and gravity. Ascalon watched with his eye wide open, marveling at the Draconidean skill. In a flash, his opponent launched himself toward him, with a speed so swift neither Lilithra nor Selorien could follow. Ascalon, on the other hand, braced himself by raising both arms in front of his face, blocking a powerful stomping kick just at the right moment. The powerful impact sent wind howling in all directions, effortlessly bending a nearby street lamp bent as it was caught in the shockwave. Yet another thing to apologize for, Ascalon thought as he lowered his right arm toward his torso, blocking another incoming kick. It was then that Farkael started to dance through the air, his feet gliding with ease across the vast space, his momentum increasing steadily until he became a blurry set of afterimages. Kicks rained from all directions as Farkael circled the knight. But Ascalon focused intently, his senses heightened, and blocked each and every attack with fast, precise movements, not letting even one slip past! Yet, the more strikes he deflected, the more cornered he felt, and a rush of excitement washed over him¡ªhe was done playing on Farkael¡¯s terms. Ascalon¡¯s body began to glow, its intensity gradually increasing, and causing Farkael to relent on his attack and gain some distance, clearly wary of the change within the knight. The Draconidean¡¯s instincts screamed from deep inside¡ªgo all out, they urged in unison. Meanwhile, Ascalon summoned Exemplaris to his right hand, his lips forming a bold smile as he was bathed in [Blessed be the Knight]. As the divine blessing spread, their surroundings lit up as if the sun had emerged just for them. Both Lilithra and Selorien felt a mix of excitement and dread¡ªelated because it was a most incredible sight, concerned because they feared for Farkael. Farkael, however, was clearly smiling beneath his mask. His eyes sparkled with eagerness as his own body became enveloped in a shimmering, green aura. The energy swirled around him, its shape appearing like a curling dragon ascending around his body. He hovered mid-air, one of his legs perfectly upright, the other raised and bent, while his right fist was pointed straight at Ascalon and the other rested at his side. With his stance ready, an ominous energy radiated from him, causing the wind around him to circle erratically. His red eyes gleamed with the intensity of a dragon staring down its prey. Ascalon drew Exemplaris back, his entire form encompassed by the vibrant, heavenly incandescence of the blessing. The great lance quivered as it charged power, ready to unleash a devastating, earth-shattering beam of pure divinity. As both opponents sized each other up, their auras intensified. The air around them parted under pressure, and even reality itself seemed to tremble under the escalation of their bout, as if fearing the incoming clash. But before the wave of destruction could be unleashed, a most powerful voice cut through the air. ¡°Stop, you fools!¡± A fierce tone rang, causing everyone to perk up in surprise. Both Ascalon and Farkael looked up at the sky, witnessing an elderly man standing atop a tall building, accompanied by a familiar guy¡ªthe javelin thrower. ¡°Are you planning to destroy the city?!¡± The man screeched at the top of his lungs, and both combatants realized how far they had gotten carried away. Ascalon took a deep breath as his radiance diminished, until it was completely gone, and exhaled to calm himself down.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. He had been lost in the fight, perhaps enjoying a bit too much the fact that he had found someone strong enough to compete with. Farkael too had managed to cool down, the shimmering aura that surrounded him now completely gone. He descended from the air and quickly prostrated himself in a gesture of deep respect, aimed toward the elderly man high above. Just then, Lilithra and Selorien approached his friend. Their relieved faces caused Ascalon¡¯s chest to fill with regret, as he vanished Exemplaris back to his inventory. ¡°That was scary!¡± Lilithra¡¯s voice rang with a bit of anger as she pouted at Ascalon, slightly disappointed in him, but glad things hadn¡¯t escalated further. Ascalon bowed, promptly apologizing. ¡°I am deeply sorry¡­¡± He replied straightforwardly, unable to offer any excuses. He had none, after all. Selorien patted his shoulder a few times, smiling as he spoke up. ¡°It happens¡­ I guess!¡± The elf said mischievously, prompting Lilithra to him on the shoulder. It was clear Selorien wanted to cheer him up, and Ascalon smiled gently at them. Still, he had some self-reflecting to do, as he couldn¡¯t simply keep letting his emotions get the best of him. While he thought about that, the elderly man descended gracefully at his side. Upon closer inspection, Ascalon realized he was the one they needed to deliver the box to! Litak, as Kain had called him, looked really old, and wore a set of clothes very similar to both the javelin thrower and Farkael, but in white. Ascalon also noticed that the man had around ten small horns hiding amidst his hair! If his theory about them being similar to the dragons in Excadia was correct, it meant this seemingly feeble-looking man was, in fact, a truly terrifying dragon in disguise. Litak looked up at the knight, though his eyes seemed to be closed, and a slight ¡®hmm¡¯ escaped his lips before he spoke. ¡°I believe this test is over¡ªyou pass.¡± The man said as he held the box in his hands, causing Selorien to jolt in place. ¡°Huh?!¡± The elf muttered in astonishment as he looked at his now empty hands. ¡°How?!¡± He questioned, his eyes narrowing in doubt. Ascalon realized that not even he had noticed the elderly man take the box from Selorien¡¯s hands, which was both incredible and impressive. ¡°Ho ho, young ones are always so easily surprised.¡± Litak replied in a cheerful tone, extending his arm and hiding the box into his deep, long sleeves. ¡°We passed¡­? Just like that?¡± Lilithra suddenly chimed in, her words coated in a bit of suspicion. The elderly man looked at her and smiled gently, radiating a distinctly grandpa-like aura. ¡°You had to deliver it to me¡ªso yes, that is all.¡± The elder declared with confidence. Then he turned to Farkael, his brows furrowing. ¡°I am disappointed, Farkael! To let your emotions run wild like that¡ªyou will walk all the way back using only your hands, and no skills.¡± Litak said as he turned around, causing Lilithra and Selorien to be taken aback by his unreasonable demand. But Farkael simply nodded, still prostrating himself, and quickly got up into a handstand posture. Under baffled stares, he started ¡®walking¡¯ ahead, while Litak looked at the group with a gentle smile. ¡°Come! The least I could do is show you some hospitality after my disciple showed you such a disgraceful sight.¡± He spoke with cheerfulness, before glancing at Ascalon with his closed eyes. ¡°You should join Farkael too, hmph!¡± He suggested, and the knight shrank slightly under his words. He pondered over the matter briefly, while his friends watched him with curiosity. In a moment, he, too, stood on his hands, and quickly ¡®ran¡¯ after Farkael. Both Lilithra and Selorien watched in silent amusement, with the latter chuckling a bit at the sight. It was evident that Ascalon felt regretful about his actions, to nobody¡¯s surprise. Afterward, they followed the elderly man and his other disciple, and were brought to a nearby car, parked a good distance away from the fight. From there, they were driven to the Musashi Academy. The establishment was just as Lilithra remembered from the many pictures she had seen before. The building rose high into the sky, resembling a grand temple and exuding a majestic yet solemn aura. It was surrounded by a high, stone wall that encompassed both courtyard and main-building alike. The walls of the academy itself were made of solid, brown wooden planks, and the pillars were straight tree trunks, polished to perfection and painted in red. Standing stone lamps decorated the pathway into the building, illuminating the way across a huge open-area that led to two different outdoor places. To the left was a beautiful garden, meticulously cared-for and filled with different flora and trees. To the right, a big training ground with an arena in the middle, and various training equipment neatly lined at the back. A couple of what seemed like academy disciples greeted them with a respectful bow as they passed a huge, red archway. Even though its surface was weathered and slightly grainy, it stood tall and firm, radiating a most powerful presence. The way inside was also decorated by many carved stones, wooden statues of creatures resembling dragons, and a huge, intricate doorway. As they entered, they were welcomed into a vast main-hall, with many doors adorning the sides. The floor consisted of tatami mats, a kind of flooring incredibly uncommon in New Lumingard, but supposedly normal in the lands across the sea. As Lilithra marveled over that, Selorien gazed at the rest of the room, taking in the details. Various oil lamps hung from the tall ceiling, shining on wooden beams. In the very center of the room rested a circle made of sand, where one of the disciples carefully traced a swirling, enchanting pattern into it. For the couple of friends, it was like witnessing a scene out of a movie! Just as both shared that similar thought, another pair of people arrived: Ascalon and Farkael, who had taken a bit longer than the car to arrive. Farkael stopped at the doorway and fell onto his back, panting as he spoke up. ¡°I won!¡± He declared with a confident smile, while Ascalon halted at his side and lowered his legs onto the ground. Sitting as he wiped off some sweat from his brow, he replied. ¡°Well done!¡± The knight exclaimed cheerfully, a gentle smile on his face. Even if he meant to compete with Farkael, he didn¡¯t know the way to the academy anyway! Lilithra approached him and sighed in relief, glad to be reunited with him, and eager to show her excitement about the current situation. ¡°We¡¯re here! In the Musashi Academy!¡± She chirped energetically, just as an echo of multiple voices reached their ears¡ªlikely students undergoing training in some of the other rooms, even that late into the night. Selorien joined them with a mischievous grin, watching over Ascalon as he spoke. ¡°Hey, congrats on completing your punishment!¡± He said jokingly, earning a chuckle from Ascalon, though Lilithra smiled awkwardly¡ªnot completely on board with seeing Ascalon face ¡®punishment¡¯, perhaps. Then, Litak¡¯s voice caught everyone¡¯s attention as he walked toward them with a few disciples accompanying him. ¡°Come now, we are about to prepare dinner, and you are welcome to join us.¡± The elder said with a gentle grin, and the group of friends humbly thanked him. After enjoying a variety of food that was a novelty for them, they were led to individual rooms where they could rest, as the elder promised to give them a tour and answer some questions in the morning. Ascalon and his friends bid each other goodnight and finally lay their faces against soft pillows, enjoying a well-deserved rest after all the walking they had done¡ªthough it was far less than they had initially expected, fortunately. The knight pondered over the day¡¯s events, his gaze filled with sorrow as he remembered his earlier actions. His emotions were usually calm, yet sometimes he was unable to get a hold over them. It wasn¡¯t the first time it had happened, and it worried him. He needed to steel himself, to go back to his old, disciplined self! With that thought in mind, he slowly drifted off to sleep, wondering what the next test would entail. At the very least, he was comforted by the fact they were nearly done with the creation of Lilithra¡¯s Guild. Chapter 82 - Musashi Academy The sun shined on the academy¡¯s walls as it rose high into the sky, marking the start of a new day in New Lumingard. Just a bit after sunrise, the group was awoken by the sound of shouting and training, prompting them to meet in the main hall. There, they were greeted by an already busy Farkael. The Draconidean stood on one leg, with the other bent, his palms pressed together in an almost praying gesture. ¡°Good morning. I hope you managed to get some rest.¡± Farkael said as soon as they arrived, smiling gently¡ªthis time, his face not hidden behind a mask. Ascalon and his friends were slightly surprised to see his whole visage for the first time, noticing a few scales on his chin and a set of pointy teeth in his mouth. ¡°Good morning!¡± Lilithra exclaimed excitedly, raising a hand and waving. Selorien nodded at Farkael, while Ascalon bowed slightly. As they exchanged pleasantries, another voice chimed in from behind them. ¡°I see you are awake, good! Those who rise early are the first ones to seize the day!¡± Litak commented in a proud voice, his closed eyes and half-smile giving off a really amicable aura. ¡°Follow me, please.¡± The elder added as he headed toward one of the many doors in the main hall. Farkael nodded at them, his meditative stance unwavering. A bit hesitant, the group exchanged looks before following after Litak. They were guided into a smaller room, likely an office of sorts. The walls were decorated with red wallpapers that depicted golden dragons, alongside many shelves full of books and scrolls. In the center rested a simple round desk, low in height, surrounded by cushions for sitting. The light entered the room from a big, tall window behind the desk, offering a gorgeous view of the Southern district even from across the room. Litak sat with his back facing the window and urged them with a gesture to sit down, and the rest complied. Once they were all accommodated, the elderly man grabbed a kettle from behind the desk, alongside some small cups and an assortment of floral herbs. Ascalon and his companions remained silent, unwilling to break the calm atmosphere as Litak prepared tea and slowly served them. ¡°Please, enjoy.¡± The man said with a smile, while the rest took their respective cups and drank the freshly-made beverage. It had a soothing, sweet flavor, and their bodies felt immediately relaxed. ¡°Wow¡­!¡± Lilithra blurted out with a content smile, causing Litak to chuckle. Ascalon let out a satisfied sigh, while Selorien sipped quietly. As he watched over them, the man spoke up once more. ¡°I do not mean to rush you, but a busy day lies ahead.¡± The man began with a conflicted tone. ¡°As I declared yesterday, you passed the test! Congratulations!¡± Litak exclaimed, his voice ringing with cheerfulness. The group beamed at him, with Lilithra swaying in place animatedly. The elder chuckled at the sight, and continued. ¡°Usually, you have to get here to complete the test. But your group is really unusual¡ªespecially for a D-rank application.¡± He commented, causing Lilithra¡¯s smile to turn awkward, likely feeling sheepish. Then, Litak produced the black box from his sleeves, causing the group to perk up with interest. He traced the surface of the object carefully, before raising his hand and extending his middle and index finger, pressing them together. In a flash, he struck the item with a series of quick pokes, and the box suddenly opened! ¡°Whoa!¡± Lilithra exclaimed in surprise, leaning in with curiosity. Ascalon smiled at her childlike wonder, while Selorien giggled¡ªthough he also leaned forward, as eager as his friend. ¡°Hmm¡­ very nice!¡± Litak chirped as he inspected the box. He then put his hand inside, and pulled out a variety of colorful flowers. ¡°Huh?!¡± Both Lilithra and Selorien exclaimed in unison, shocked by the revelation. Even Ascalon looked dumbfounded, realizing that what they had been protecting this whole time was just some flowers. ¡°Ho ho ho!¡± Litak suddenly laughed, probably amused by their reactions. ¡°It is always fun to see people¡¯s reactions when they discover the contents of the box!¡± He added cheerfully, carefully handling the flowers. ¡°Augh¡­¡± Lilithra groaned, and Selorien sighed in disappointment. They were certainly not expecting that. The elder smiled gently at them as he spoke. ¡°It may seem like a joke at first¡ªbut these flowers are very important!¡± Litak declared, garnering the group''s interest. ¡°They are used to make Recovery Pills!¡± He revealed, causing both Lilithra and Selorien to gasp in astonishment. Ascalon raised an eyebrow in confusion, turning to Lilithra for aid. ¡°Oh, uhm. Remember the javelin guy? When he ate a round thingie?¡± Lilithra asked, and Ascalon pondered for a moment. He faintly recalled something like that, so he nodded. ¡°At the time I didn¡¯t realize¡­ but it makes sense now! He ate a Recovery Pill!¡± She declared proudly, though Ascalon was still unaware of what that meant¡ªthough the name was sort of a giveaway. ¡°Oh, right. They¡¯re like potions but in the form of pills, and are incredibly powerful!¡± Lilithra finally added, and Ascalon let out a soft ¡®oh¡¯ in understanding. The elder chuckled at the sight, taking the chance to interject. ¡°Yes, that is right. We make our own Recovery Pills, and they are some of the highest quality ones.¡± Litak explained, the group''s attention back to him. ¡°We trade them with headquarters, and they sometimes include delivering the ingredients in the tests.¡± He giggled cheerfully, while Lilithra frowned in concern. ¡°But aren¡¯t those valuable? Why risk losing them just for a test!¡± She complained, causing her friends to nod in agreement. Litak looked confused for a moment before realizing what she meant. ¡°Ah! You mean the box part, I assume! That is just to scare applicants, haha!¡± He laughed, as Lilithra opened her mouth wide in shock. Selorien frowned at the revelation, while Ascalon narrowed his eyes as he pondered over the matter. Perhaps the box collapsing onto itself, or the contents being lost, was just a fabrication. As he wondered about that, Litak spoke again. ¡°They scare people like that to test their resolve, to see how well they manage under stress, and if they can follow instructions!¡± The elder explained as he nodded thoughtfully, with the rest absorbing the information. ¡°Some get impatient and run! Others don¡¯t take it too seriously and fail when it gets taken from them. You guys did very well, even if the test was cut short!¡± Litak chuckled once more, while Ascalon hung his head down in slight regret. ¡°But do not worry about that, I deemed it complete so it is fine.¡± He declared confidently, inspecting their reactions.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Lilithra sighed in relief, while Selorien simply drank his tea. Ascalon was feeling a bit conflicted, but was happy that the elder didn¡¯t seem to be angry at him. ¡°Either way, another test remains! I was told by Kain to send you to headquarters when you are done here, so I have a vehicle ready to take you once we finish the tour.¡± Litak spoke with a smile, and Lilithra¡¯s visage immediately brightened with a huge smile. ¡°The tour!¡± She raised her arms enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling at the prospect of being guided through the academy. Both her friends watched over her with warm smiles, though they did end up chuckling at her energetic reaction. ¡°Thought I would forget? No! Let us begin at once, hehe!¡± The man said with an energy unfit for his age, quickly getting up and heading for the exit. The rest promptly followed, as they were guided through the vast academy. The place was even larger than it looked from the outside, with way more rooms than they expected, tailored for different kinds of training: climbing, running, weapon fighting¡ªanything they imagined and more. The decorations were also incredibly stunning, and the dragon motif was present throughout the whole place¡ªclearly holding a significant meaning for them. All the while, Lilithra chirped with questions, and the elder happily answered¡ªit was as if she had gotten a new grandpa out of nowhere, and Selorien most of all could relate with her excitement. Though the academy was quite expansive, the tour didn¡¯t take longer than an hour, and they were guided to the exit once they were done. But before finally bidding goodbye, Litak pulled Ascalon aside under the curious stares of his friends. Once a good distance away, the elder spoke. ¡°I am going to use a skill on you.¡± He blurted out suddenly, confusing Ascalon. ¡°Do not worry, it is nothing bad, and it will not take long! Just accept it, please.¡± Litak added with a reassuring smile. The knight was understandably suspicious, but he sensed no ill intent from the man, who had been nothing but respectful to them. With a resolute nod, Ascalon decided to trust Litak, and a blue screen materialized in front of him.
You are being invited into the - Serene Mindscape - by Litak. Do you wish to enter?
Confirm / Deny
Ascalon read the text with utmost curiosity, and didn¡¯t hesitate before pressing confirm. Just then, he felt his consciousness leaving his body, ascending rapidly into the sky, high above the clouds. ¡°What¡­?¡± Ascalon muttered in disbelief, his sole eye wide open. He felt somewhat disconnected from the world, and could even sense his own body down below, somehow. In front of him was Litak, hovering over the clouds as he approached. ¡°Ho ho, not a bad reaction!¡± He chuckled as he put both hands behind his back, straightening his posture. ¡°This is my [Serene Mindscape], a separate space from the reality you are used to¡ªborn from my own consciousness!¡± He revealed triumphantly, causing Ascalon to gasp in fascination. That sounded like an incredible skill! But what could be its purpose? Ascalon wondered, just as the man spoke again. ¡°Anything that happens here will not affect our real bodies, but¡ª!¡± Litak began, smiling mischievously. ¡°If you train here, your real body will improve, too!¡± He declared with confidence. That sounded incredibly convenient! But, once more, Ascalon wondered. ¡°Excuse me, but why are we here¡­?¡± Ascalon asked, still confused about the whole ordeal. Litak shook his head and exhaled deeply, clearly disappointed. ¡°So impatient!¡± The elder complained, causing Ascalon to frown in regret. ¡°I want you to hit me with all you have got!¡± Litak added, further astonishing Ascalon. ¡°Huh?¡± Ascalon muttered, and Litak chuckled heartily at his reaction. ¡°Ho ho! Just do it, hit me without holding back. I want to witness your strength first hand.¡± Litak commented, his voice gradually turning serious. Ascalon could feel an intense pressure envelop him as the elder slightly opened his eyes, revealing a pair of golden orbs. Ascalon¡¯s instincts awakened immediately at the sight, Exemplaris materializing on his hand almost out of reflex. His thoughts raced back in time, to a war-torn battlefield¡ªthe smell of burnt flesh and smoke assailed his nose, the clamor of battle echoing in his ears. Before him stood a massive red dragon, his spear pointed right at him as the creature laughed in mockery. In the next moment, he was brought back to the present by the elder¡¯s voice, his grip over Exemplaris quivering with both anticipation and doubt. ¡°Come now.¡± Litak spoke in a commanding tone, his mere presence causing the air to warp around them, and Ascalon steeled himself. He didn¡¯t want to hurt the elder, but something gnawed at him, and urged him to unleash his might¡ªperhaps the influence of the man¡¯s ¡®mindscape¡¯. Without further hesitation, the knight lunged forward, his arm drawing back as he prepared to strike. His whole body began to glow as [Blessed be the Knight] encompassed his body with divine might, his heart racing rapidly as he focused on the monstrous elder. ¡°Oooh~!¡± Litak exclaimed as the radiance expanded and grew closer to him, his figure unwavering in the face of the incoming storm. As soon as he closed the distance, Ascalon stepped in with a powerful stomp, his whole body twisting forward as he struck ahead with a powerful piercing strike. Exemplaris unleashed its might, a barrage of incandescent light enveloping Litak¡¯s entire figure as it ravaged through the fabricated mindscape. The ¡®walls¡¯ separating the space from reality trembled, with Litak being caught right in the middle of the onslaught. Slowly, the attack subsided, the divine light fading and revealing a completely unscathed Litak in its wake. Ascalon was taken aback¡ªone of his most powerful moves had been taken head-on by the elderly man¡ªand yet it had done nothing! ¡°Impressive¡­!¡± Litak said in astonishment. ¡°If we were in the real world¡­ I would not have walked away unscathed!¡± He added with a chuckle, though his words were ringing with disbelief. Ascalon sighed in relief, understanding now why his attack had been unsuccessful, and reassured the man was completely fine. This ¡®mindscape¡¯ of his was beyond incredible. As he recovered from the shock, Litak spoke. ¡°Hmm¡­ no, he really does not need to learn any martial arts.¡± The man pondered aloud as he stroked his chin. ¡°Though you are welcome to join us anytime.¡± He added with a smile. ¡°I apologize for bringing you here just to satisfy this old man¡¯s curiosity!¡± Litak bowed while giggling, his child-like attitude causing Ascalon to relax. ¡°It is alright. I thank you for showing me such an amazing skill!¡± Ascalon replied, beaming confidently, and Litak nodded as he closed his eyes fully. Then, the knight felt himself being pulled back to his body once more, stumbling awkwardly as he regained hold of his existence. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Ascalon muttered as he shook his head, feeling a strange sense of belonging now that he had returned to his body. The elder watched him with an amused grin, and quickly urged him back to his friends. ¡°You alright?¡± Selorien asked as soon as Ascalon returned to them. ¡°What did you guys talk about?¡± Lilithra chimed in, her big eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°We, uh¡­ what did we talk about?¡± Ascalon questioned, unsure of what to say. ¡°Uhm, yeah? You were just standing there with the elder, and we couldn¡¯t overhear anything!¡± Lilithra reproached, as if her words weren¡¯t unreasonable! Ascalon sighed as his shoulders slumped, a soft smile forming on his face. Her usual attitude was a refreshing break after the tense experience in the mindscape. Before he could reply, the elder¡¯s voice cut through the air. ¡°Alright then, you should go!¡± He declared with a cheery voice. ¡°But do visit us sometime! We would be glad to have you.¡± Litak smiled as Farkael and the javelin thrower¡ªwhose name was still a mystery!¡ªjoined him, and they all bowed respectfully toward them. Lilithra beamed with unbridled happiness as they bid goodbye to the Musashi Academy, hitching a ride back to headquarters. On the way, they talked about their impressions of the academy, agreeing that they would love to visit again sometime¡ªperhaps this time, in the capacity of students! Once they were properly escorted, the group once again entered the headquarter¡¯s building, feeling like they had been frequenting the place quite a lot lately. It was then that an almost forgotten thought flashed through Lilithra¡¯s mind. ¡°Wait! Before going to Mr. Kain¡­ let¡¯s check the rankings!¡± She said excitedly, a wide grin spreading across her face. ¡°Oh, yeah!¡± Selorien chimed in with curiosity, while Ascalon recalled they had been meaning to check on that! After a bit of looking around, they found a set of large, floating screens in the distance, the words ¡®rankings¡¯ conveniently displayed above them. With decisive steps, they approached the already bustling area. Just then, Lilithra froze, as they all stared at one of the screens in disbelief. What they saw left them utterly speechless! Chapter 83 - Onward to the Last Quest! The surroundings filled up with murmurs and curious stares as the group gazed upon the multiple floating displays. There were various ranking categories, with some named more straightforwardly than others. For instance, ¡®most popular Guild¡¯ was clear and to the point, while ¡®Rising Stars¡¯ felt a bit more vague. In the middle of ¡®most members¡¯ and ¡®most missions successfully completed¡¯ rested the ¡®most popular members¡¯¡ªbut what had surprised the group were the top three people listed in it. Claiming the first spot was Lucretia, from the Casanova Guild. Her goth-punk vibe and gorgeous looks, coupled with her amazing skills, seemed to make her a great hit among the public. In second place was Zarya, from the Flaming Fists¡¯ Guild. Her innocent act, cutesy appearance, and the contrast between her and her rougher Guildmates was likely a big factor in her popularity. In the third position, and the cause of their astonishment, was Lilithra Vexeria, though she didn¡¯t have a Guild alongside her name. The girl herself was looking at her name with an incredulous look, probably the most confused of the group by far. Ascalon, on the other hand, felt a surge of glee as he realized Lilithra was being appreciated by a lot of people! It was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Selorien, whose name rested at fifth place, let out a pleased gasp as he patted Lilithra¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Nice going, Lil!¡± He said in a half-joking manner, a mix of both happiness and teasing. Lilithra was the only one that looked entirely conflicted, her brows furrowed into a concerned expression. ¡°How? and why?!¡± She blurted out with a panicked voice, her gaze darting around. ¡°I¡¯m not even in a Guild!¡± She added as a matter of fact. Ascalon titled his head at her words, pondering over their significance. If he understood correctly, these rankings were meant for Guilds and their members. If so, why was Lilithra there? Was it because she was creating her own Guild? Or perhaps because she had been part of one before? Ascalon wondered about these things, as Lilithra grabbed his arm and abruptly pulled him forward. ¡°L-let¡¯s go meet Mr. Kain!¡± She exclaimed as she quickly fled from the rankings, with Selorien hurrying to catch up with them. ¡°Relax, Lil.¡± The elf spoke as he joined them. Lilithra glanced at him over her shoulder, shooting him an irritated stare. ¡°How can I relax?! That¡¯s too high up for someone like me!¡± Her words cut the air with self-deprecation, and that didn¡¯t sit well with Ascalon. ¡°You are not a nobody!¡± He retorted, his tone upset. Lilithra blushed slightly, shook her head, and replied. ¡°But still! It makes no sense!¡± She was intent on denying her popularity, and Selorien was thoroughly amused. ¡°Well¡­ after what you did in the colosseum¡­¡± Selorien began contemplating, his voice ringing with a bit of mischievousness. ¡°It¡¯s not that surprising!¡± He giggled to himself. Ascalon, still being dragged away by Lilithra, nodded in agreement at the elf¡¯s words. ¡°I agree. You showed everyone present a glorious fight! I am sure they were all moved by your kindness and fighting spirit alike.¡± The knight¡¯s compliment made her already flushed face redden even further as tightened her grip on him. ¡°Augh.¡± Lilithra whimpered with conflictive thoughts swirling in her mind, and then gasped in realization. ¡°Ah! We didn¡¯t even check the dungeon clearing rankings!¡± She groaned as she navigated the hallways, with Ascalon chuckling as he let himself be guided. A bit later, they found themselves once again in Kain¡¯s company, who looked at them with an inquisitive gaze. His demeanor toward them had noticeably changed over the days, from his early irritation and grumpiness to a calmer, more respectful attitude. Ascalon wondered if it was because they had shown themselves worthy, though he wasn¡¯t about to voice his doubts. Just as they settled in their respective seats, the Canidae spoke up. ¡°Congratulations on successfully completing the second test.¡± Kain said as he flicked his fingers in the air, manipulating his network interface. Lilithra beamed with happiness at the Canidae¡¯s words, just as he continued. ¡°But don¡¯t drop your guard just yet¡ªyou can still be denied the Guild creation if you fail the third test.¡± Kain warned as he narrowed his eyes, not allowing even a moment of relaxation for the group. Selorien sighed as he rolled his eyes, while Lilithra shrank in her seat, slightly dejected. Ascalon, on the other hand, smiled boldly, as he was sure they would succeed no matter what stood in their way! ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Kain murmured, glancing at Ascalon, as if he were sensing his determination. ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡± He claimed as a blue screen appeared in front of the group, drawing their attention to the text displayed on it. As the group examined the information, Lilithra absentmindedly pressed on the ¡®confirm¡¯ button. There was no way she would deny a quest so far into the tests, so she didn¡¯t even have to think about it. The name of the place was familiar, as it was somewhere they had briefly ¡®visited¡¯ on their way to Starugnia, but it was another detail that preoccupied her mind. ¡°No time limit?¡± Lilithra asked curiously, a finger gently pressed on her chin. Both Ascalon and Selorien silently pondered her question, while Kain responded. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s no limit this time. You have to escort the researchers until they¡¯re satisfied¡­¡± Kain paused, a deep sigh escaping his lips. ¡°However long that takes, as they¡¯re an eccentric bunch.¡± He declared, garnering the group¡¯s intrigue. It seemed like a pretty straightforward, yet flexible quest, though the researchers appeared to be the uncertainty factor. ¡°Alright! When do we begin?¡± Lilithra chirped excitedly, and Ascalon smiled warmly at her. He thought she was likely eager to embark on their first escorting quest¡ªas that was exactly the kind of mission she had decided her Guild would focus on!Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°You¡¯ll depart in two days, around eight in the morning.¡± Kain replied as he stood up from his seat. ¡°I know you¡¯re punctual and eager, but let me remind you anyway¡ªarrive on time.¡± The Canidae warned, narrowing his wolven eyes. Ascalon nodded at the strict examiner, while Lilithra made an exaggerated salute and Selorien giggled at her. Not one for shenanigans, Kain showed the group to the exit, and they found themselves approaching the ranking displays once again. ¡°Ah¡­ I could¡¯ve asked Kain about my ranking, maybe¡­¡± Lilithra muttered as she looked up at the screens, where her name still held third place for ¡®most popular¡¯. She couldn¡¯t deny she felt a sense of joy and excitement at being noticed by the world, yet she was too shy to fully embrace it. As she blushed slightly, Ascalon gently placed a hand on her head, while pointing with his other hand toward another screen. There, under the ¡®fastest dungeon clears¡¯ rankings, was a text that read ¡®upcoming Guild¡¯ right at the top. ¡°That must be us!¡± The knight declared with a smile, while Lilithra clenched her fists in a pumped up motion. ¡°Nice!¡± She exclaimed as she raised her arms enthusiastically, her happiness contagious. It was endearing to see how much more elated she felt for their collective success rather than her own, so Ascalon softly caressed her hair. Lilithra stood still, relishing the affection as her blush deepened. After a few seconds, Selorien cleared his throat with a fake cough. ¡°Ehem. When you guys are ready we could go chill somewhere.¡± The elf suggested with a smirk, causing Lilithra to fidget as she awkwardly, and reluctantly, pried away from Ascalon¡¯s grasp. The knight chuckled as he closed his hand, the lingering sensation of Lilithra¡¯s touch causing his heart to flutter with a strange feeling of longing. ¡°Huh.¡± He muttered, unsure of what that was, before shrugging and turning back to his friends. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Uncle¡¯s, then!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as she led the way, casting a glance toward the rankings. Many familiar names still ruled the top of most categories, like Lucio for instance. As they left, Lilithra silently vowed to make her Guild members'' names populate these rankings in the future. The rest of the day was spent in an uneventful, cheery way. Lilithra recounted the prior events and their visit to the Musashi Academy to a highly interested Raphael, while the tiny Goddess indulged in a variety of tasty treats¡ªas per usual. She seemed to recover enough energy to be up and about for longer periods as the time passed, though she would still inevitably fall asleep once said energy was spent. At the very least, she had gotten used to sleeping at Lilithra¡¯s room, and Raphael had even placed a smaller, child-sized bed for her there¡ªsomething that, unsurprisingly, thrilled Lilithra. The next day, the group of friends met at The Chalice to discuss their upcoming quest. They sat at one of the outdoor tables, even though the weather was cloudy and it seemed that it could start raining at any moment. But they couldn¡¯t help themselves, as there was a slight, refreshing breeze that felt quite pleasant outside! While they conversed about various topics, Lilithra broached one of the quest¡¯s details. ¡°So, remember the ruined land we came across when traveling to Starugnia?¡± She asked, causing Ascalon to ponder briefly. ¡°Around where you defeated the kaiju!¡± Lilithra added with flushed cheeks, recalling Ascalon¡¯s feat of power. ¡°Oh! So that is The Scorched¡­ uh of¡­ what was it?¡± Ascalon replied with an awkward smile, as he hadn¡¯t properly memorized the name of the place from the quest window. Lilithra had accepted the quest rather quickly, after all. ¡°The Scorched Streets of Hedistrung.¡± Selorien chimed in, though his attention was divided between them and his phone. He had been playing with it non-stop since the moment they had met, and Ascalon was feeling slightly curious about it. ¡°Yeah, that!¡± Lilithra said as she eyed the elf suspiciously, likely sharing Ascalon¡¯s interest. ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. But how did it acquire such a name¡­?¡± The knight questioned with an inquisitive tone, his eye focused on Lilithra, who was usually the one to explain these kinds of things. She smiled sheepishly and cleared her throat, ready to live up to his expectations. ¡°Well¡­ remember the catastrophes?¡± Lilithra asked, and Ascalon tilted his head as he tried to remember. It was how they called the aftermath of beasts roaming out of dungeons¡ªor something along those lines, he recalled. He nodded resolutely, and Lilithra took it as a cue to continue. ¡°There was a dungeon in Hedistrung, and monsters broke free. The scale of the, uh, invasion so to speak, was so big they weren¡¯t prepared at all¡­ and the city was destroyed in a matter of days!¡± Her words carried excitement for the retelling, though her expression showed sadness about the event itself. Then, she jolted in her seat, realization spreading across her face. ¡°Oh, right! Both New Lumingard and Hedistrung were affected by the same catastrophe!¡± She revealed, causing Ascalon to gasp in surprise. There was a considerable distance between these ruins and New Lumingard, which raised many questions to Ascalon¡¯s mind¡ªthough Lilithra continued before he could even voice them aloud. ¡°There were so many beasts that they roamed in all directions, and many of the biggest ones¡ªkaiju level, supposedly¡ªreached New¡­ well, only Lumingard at the time!¡± She continued, while Selorien sighed and placed down his phone with a contented smile. It seemed he had finished his game, or whatever he was doing on his phone. ¡°That thing is done, Ascalon.¡± Selorien suddenly spoke with a smug grin on his face, confusing Ascalon momentarily. Was it perhaps Lilithra¡¯s surprise¡­? Under her utterly curious stare, he decided to try and divert the conversation back on topic. ¡°Ehem¡­ how did this ¡®catastrophe¡¯ come to an end?¡± He asked with clear interest, as he thought that such a large-scale event couldn¡¯t simply have stopped by itself. If these creatures could race entire cities in mere days, something had to have put an end to their advance. Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled with emotion as she answered with a vibrant voice. ¡°The Order of the Virtuous!¡± Lilithra proclaimed, a sense of admiration exuding from her words, with Selorien chuckling at her side. Ascalon didn¡¯t even have the time to ponder over the information before she continued. ¡°They¡¯re a group shrouded in mystery! Known for having helped those in need for a long time, way before the Gifted network was even a thing!¡± Lilithra closed her eyes, sighing with melancholy. ¡°Before you arrived, I thought they were the coolest¡ªlike living legends!¡± In her excitement, she unknowingly complimented Ascalon, who smiled feeling a bit bashful. Lilithra, completely unaware, kept going. ¡°They supposedly helped oversee New Lumingard¡¯s rebuilding efforts, but not much is really known about them other than the rumors¡­ and people tend to exaggerate those.¡± She said in a dejected voice, dropping her shoulders. Just then, Selorien chimed in. ¡°As far as we know, they could just be a fairytale.¡± Selorien broke the illusion nonchalantly, stretching his arms above his head. Lilithra narrowed her eyes, casting an irritated gaze on the mischievous elf. ¡°I believe the Order is real! Especially the rumor that they¡¯re the Sanguine Island¡¯s sealers!¡± She blurted out, fighting for her dreams! The knight raised an eyebrow with interest, yet once more, before he could even ask, she continued. ¡°Ah, the ¡®Sanguine Island¡¯ is a place filled with evil monsters and stuff¡­ supposedly! It¡¯s sealed with¡ªand listen to this¡ªgiant, floating swords of light! Doesn¡¯t that just sound incredibly awesome?!¡± She explained as she fidgeted in place, unable to contain her enthusiasm. Ascalon blinked a few times as he absorbed the information. Giant swords of light serving as a seal? He had heard about similar things back in Excadia, though not in the form of giant weapons. Seals used to imprison demons and evil beings were a collaborative effort between the most powerful paladins and priests¡ªthough he hadn¡¯t had the honor to participate in such an event. ¡°The Order of the Virtuous, huh?¡± Ascalon mused aloud, wondering if they were truly real, and if so, what kind of people they could be. Surely, they had to be of the holy alignment, so to speak, if they were in charge of keeping evil at bay¡ªa most respectable sort, no doubt. It was amusing that while he pondered about their existence, that same Order was already trying to meet with him¡ªthough that was an event still far ahead. For now, they had their last test to attend to the next day! Chapter 84 - Heading Out The weather had turned for the worse, with a storm that had been going strong for the whole night. Fortunately, by the time of their departure, the tempestuous winds had ceased, leaving only a steady rain¡ªthough the gloomy atmosphere felt somewhat foreboding. The group arrived at headquarters with enough time to properly dry themselves and steel their nerves. It was finally time for their last quest! With that collective thought, they all waited patiently for Kain¡¯s arrival. It didn¡¯t take long before the Canidae arrived, his wolf-like fur glistening with water droplets. He paused for a moment as their eyes met¡ªperhaps surprised they had arrived before him¡ªand then approached them. ¡°Good morning. You¡¯re probably the most punctual team I¡¯ve had to test.¡± He declared as he shook his head, like a dog shaking off its wet fur. Ascalon briefly considered petting him, but quickly realized that it would have been one of the biggest mistakes in the history of bad decisions, so he vanished the thought. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Kain!¡± Lilithra responded with clear excitement, always the bundle of energy, while Selorien nodded as he yawned, tired as usual. Ascalon bowed respectfully, as Kain spoke up again. ¡°Since you¡¯re here so early, let¡¯s speed things along. Follow me.¡± Kain commanded as he suddenly headed to the hallways, without waiting for a reply. The group hurried after him and navigated the headquarters innards, taking some unfamiliar turns, until they finally arrived at an enormous indoor garage. The spacious area was filled with different vehicles, from military models like the ones Ascalon had seen a couple of times, to ordinary yet luxurious cars. Kain ignored most of them and headed to a specific point in the garage, where a large white truck awaited. Around the vehicle, multiple people were moving equipment and chatting animatedly. One of them noticed the group approach, and quickly got closer to meet them halfway. Ascalon opened his eye wide in surprise as another familiar race came into view. It was a lineage of small, yet sturdy beings. Their long beards and resilient nature were some of their defining traits, though they were mostly known for their mining endeavors and their unmatched skills at the anvil! In his world, they were known as dwarfs. ¡°Good morning Kain! Are these the ones?¡± The dwarf asked with a curious gaze, his amber eyes shining as he inspected the group. He began stroking his long, brown bear just as Kain replied. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re the ones that will escort you. Miss Lilithra, Mr. Selorien, and Mr. Ascalon.¡± Kain introduced, while Lilithra waved happily. Selorien nodded disinterestedly, and Ascalon bowed as expected. ¡°Nice to meet you, kids! I¡¯m Ragna, Senior Researcher with the Interdimensional Fauna Researchers!¡± Ragna presented himself as he puffed out his chest, a content smile beneath his beard. ¡°Nice to meet you as well!¡± Lilithra said with enthusiasm, causing the dwarf¡¯s smile to widen. ¡°Nice! Proper people for once!¡± Ragna laughed at his own words, the meaning behind them lost to the group. While they pondered about what he could mean, the dwarf gestured for them to follow. ¡°Come, let¡¯s get you acquainted with the team!¡± Ragna chirped, while Kain interjected. ¡°They¡¯re in your hands.¡± The Canidae stated before turning around and leaving. His choice of words left the group wondering whether he was referring to the researcher team or themselves. Perhaps both? Ascalon pondered as he followed after Ragna. As they grew closer to the truck they could make out the rest of the team. There were about five more researchers, and four military men¡ªeasily distinguished because of their uniforms. The soldiers were armed with guns, and a military vehicle was parked alongside the truck, suggesting they would be assisting with the escort mission. As for the researchers, they all wore long white coats. One of them was a tall, lean Leporian. This one¡¯s ¡®animal¡¯ side was more pronounced, as his entire face was covered in black fur, with a small, pink nose in the center. His gray eyes caught a glimpse of them, and he smiled awkwardly. At his side walked a blonde girl around Lilithra¡¯s age, her bob haircut bouncing with each step she took. A pair of thick glasses framed her green eyes, and her face was adorned with a wide smile as she waved enthusiastically at them. Not far behind her walked a taller middle-aged man, his graying brown hair tied back in a ponytail. He was carrying a box with the label ¡®fragile¡¯ written all around it, his brown eyes firmly fixed in the path ahead. The bags below his eyes were a clear sign of exhaustion, suggesting he slept poorly, while his frown added to his weary appearance. Struggling to carry another box was a smaller figure¡ªnot quite a dwarf, as she sported no beard, but clearly not an average human either. She had brown hair long to her waist, voluminous and very fluffy-looking, and her big, blue eyes looked panicked as she tried to keep her balance. Her form resembled Athanya¡¯el quite a bit, though her hair was way shorter! Lilithra gasped at the sight and quickly approached her. ¡°Can I help you?¡± She asked with clear concern, startling the small girl. ¡°Please!¡± The small one pleaded, pretty much shoving the box onto Lilithra. She took it and smiled, as another man interjected. ¡°Sorry about that, let me carry it.¡± A tall, bulky guy exclaimed as he grabbed the box from Lilithra, who looked slightly dejected. The newcomer had a pair of bull-like horns on his head, his muscular body contrasting with the rest of the researchers¡ª though the long coat made it clear he was part of the group as well. He had blue eyes just like the smaller girl, and his expression was stern with a frown. ¡°Ehem! Everyone, please gather around!¡± Ragna¡¯s voice suddenly cut through the air, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. The researchers gathered as per his request, eyeing Ascalon and his friends with inquisitive stares. ¡°These are our escorts for this trip! Ascalon, Lilithra, and Selorien!¡± Ragna presented them with a smile. ¡°Now, this is Lidia, our Junior Researcher.¡± The dwarf stated as he pointed at the blonde girl, who waved energetically. ¡°At her side is Julian, our biome expert.¡± Ragna continued, this time gesturing toward the Leporian, who nodded slightly. ¡°Those two are Lilly and Damian. She¡¯s our catastrophe specialist, and he¡¯s our veterinary scientist.¡± He nodded toward the muscular man and the smaller person. Damian nodded as he crossed his arms, while Lilly waved shyly.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°And here¡¯s our head researcher: Dr. Irwin!¡± Ragna finished presenting them all, showing particular respect toward the last member. Everyone exchanged a polite ¡®pleased to meet you¡¯, and then Irwin took the chance to speak. ¡°I appreciate you coming to help us with our research, even if you¡¯re only doing it to complete your quest.¡± The man said in a tired tone, though his words sounded sincere. ¡°We¡¯re happy to help!¡± Lilithra replied with resounding enthusiasm, earning a mix of suspicious and warm looks. Irwin flashed a slight smile before continuing. ¡°Please follow either Ragna¡¯s or my instructions carefully, since our research can get dangerous.¡± He explained as he raised a finger, his eyes narrowing slightly with exhaustion. ¡°We focus on studying dungeon fauna, both inside and outside their ¡®habitats¡¯. As you probably know, this time we¡¯re heading back to Hedistrung¡¯s remains.¡± Irwin sighed and fixed his glasses, which had begun to slip. ¡°We could run into monsters and other issues¡­ so please, stick to our instructions.¡± Irwin exhaled once again, likely worried. From Ragna¡¯s earlier remark about them being ¡®proper people¡¯, and Irwin¡¯s attitude, Ascalon guessed that they were used to dealing with more uncooperative teams¡ªthough that was just a hunch. ¡°Don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll do our best!¡± Lilithra assured with a cheerful tone, while Ascalon and Selorien nodded in acknowledgment. Irwin smiled slightly and turned around, addressing the rest of his team. ¡°Alright everyone, finish packing up so we can head out. Remember it¡¯s rainy outside so we¡¯ll have to drive carefully.¡± Irwin clapped his hands and the researchers continued loading boxes and equipment into the truck, under the vigilant stare of the silent soldiers. Lilithra offered to help, and her friends quickly joined her to assist the scientists, speeding up their preparations. Once everything was packed, Irwin spoke up again. ¡°Now then, I need someone to go with Damian in the cab. The rest of us will ride in the back.¡± He said as he eyed Lilithra¡¯s group. She responded without the slightest hesitation. ¡°Could you go, Selly?¡± She pleaded to her friend, who exhaled deeply and slumped his shoulders. It was likely she had chosen him due to his exceptional eyesight, Ascalon thought. ¡°I guess.¡± He replied unenthusiastically, though he would¡¯ve likely preferred going in the cab anyway¡ªless people to mingle with, after all. Lilithra beamed at him, while Irwin acknowledged their decision. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s set out.¡± The head researcher declared, as Damian and Selorien headed for the cab, while the rest climbed into the vehicle through the back. While helping them carry their luggage earlier, they had witnessed the interior of the truck was actually quite spacious, with several seats for the team¡¯s comfort. Ascalon and Lilithra sat on the right side, alongside Lilly and Julian, while the rest took the opposite side. Not long after, the truck hummed to life, its interior vibrating slightly as it started moving. At the same time, the soldiers boarded their own vehicle, and the large doors to the garage opened, allowing them to head out. Soon, they found themselves traveling through the soaked streets of New Lumingard, crossing the city until they reached the outside world. All the while, they could hear the pitter patter of raindrops against the vehicle, which coupled with the soothing rhythm of the truck made for quite the cozy atmosphere inside. As they traveled, the scientists conversed animatedly, occasionally including both Ascalon and Lilithra in the conversation with curious questions. At some point, Lilly had asked Lilithra what kind of Guild she planned to lead. Lilithra cheerfully explained her goals to the researchers, who showered her with warm stares. It didn¡¯t take much for her to gain her trust, as she was simply a lovable sort, and Ascalon felt incredibly happy about it. They asked some things about him too, having heard the rumor that he was a wanderer, though they were mostly mundane questions guided by intrigue rather than anything in specific. After a long journey, the rain began to recede and some sunlight started to peek out from behind the clouds. The landscape surrounding their convoy began to shift to more inhospitable lands, letting them know they were quickly approaching their destination. It was then that Irwin cleared his throat and clapped once, causing everyone to focus. ¡°We¡¯re nearing the ruins.¡± He declared with a serious tone. ¡°I will be counting on you to do some reconnaissance before we unload the truck¡ªjust in case.¡± Irwing explained, making a lot of sense. Ascalon nodded thoughtfully, while Lilithra raised a clenched fist in the air. ¡°Leave it to us!¡± She spoke in a reassuring tone, her words earning a few smiles around her. ¡°Thank you girlie! The soldiers aren¡¯t allowed to leave our immediate area, so they can¡¯t scout ahead for us.¡± Ragna chimed in from his seat, stroking his beard as he smiled cheerfully. Ascalon pondered about the matter, thinking that at the very least the researchers would be protected by the soldiers. Still, he was determined to see them back safe and sound, just like Lilithra! As Ascalon¡¯s conviction flared, Irwin peeked outside the window while producing a black device from his pocket and speaking into it. ¡°Damian? Around here is good.¡± He said aloud and the truck slowly came to a halt. ¡°Here.¡± Irwin extended his hand and offered Lilithra another communication device. ¡°Use this to let us know how it looks out there. And please, be careful.¡± He added, as Lilithra carefully picked up the gadget. ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± She chirped excitedly, her head turning toward Ascalon. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She commanded with a smile, and Ascalon nodded. Then, they both left the vehicle.
Inside the truck, Lilly spoke in a hushed voice. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯ll be fine¡­? Even if there are some rumors around them, they¡¯re applying for a D-rank¡­ isn¡¯t that like the lowest?!¡± She questioned in a concerned voice, her gaze following Lilithra and Ascalon through the window. ¡°I too was surprised when Kain told me D-rank applicants would accompany us¡­¡± Irwin began, sighing. ¡°But he assured me they¡¯re reliable, and I trust that grumpy dog¡¯s judgment.¡± He smiled, and Lilly sighed in relief. ¡°Alright¡­ I just don¡¯t want to see them get hurt. They seem like nice people!¡± The small one smiled sheepishly, and everyone nodded in agreement. Still, their doubts were understandable.
Outside, Ascalon and Lilithra walked past the cabin, where Selorien waved at them lazily. They waved back and continued, treading through the highway as they examined the eerie surroundings. ¡°It¡¯s really creepy¡­ don¡¯t you think?¡± Lilithra spoke to break the silence, her eyes darting around the remains of what used to be a normal city. ¡°Indeed.¡± Ascalon replied, smiling gently to try and reassure her. ¡°I can feel some critters around¡ªthough they seem to be wary of us, perhaps due to your amulet.¡± He added, causing Lilithra to beam with excitement as she produced her ominous, tear-shaped necklace. ¡°I¡¯m happy it¡¯s been working properly! But I wanted Lyra to appraise it¡­¡± She sighed in dejection, concealing the amulet down her hoodie¡¯s collar. ¡°I miss Lyra¡­ I have the urge to pet her head¡­!¡± She pouted, and Ascalon placed a hand on her head, causing her to blush. ¡°I can understand the feeling.¡± He said with a chuckle, with Lilithra giggling beside him. ¡°Still, we should be on our guard.¡± Ascalon declared, prompting Lilithra to frown and focus. ¡°You¡¯re right! I wonder how far we should scout ahead, though¡­¡± She wondered with a finger pressed to her chin, her gaze traveling far into the ruined landscape. Ascalon silently pondered at her side, and their footsteps carried them far from the truck. Fortunately, Ascalon couldn¡¯t sense anything truly dangerous hiding in the ruins, other than lowly beasts that didn¡¯t even dare approach them. After about half-an hour of scouting, their communication device rang with Irwin¡¯s voice. ¡°I believe that¡¯s far enough. How is the situation out there?¡± The man asked from beyond the gadget, and Lilithra raised it to her face to reply. ¡°All clear! Though it might rain again!¡± She warned cheerfully, and Irwin chuckled. ¡°Alright, wait for us there. We¡¯ll arrive shortly.¡± The scientist assured, and the device went silent. Lilithra and Ascalon exchanged content looks, and waited patiently until the truck, accompanied by the soldier¡¯s vehicle, slowly arrived. ¡°Great job!¡± Ragna complimented them as he jumped out the truck, carrying a box in his hands. The rest of the researchers promptly followed. Lilly looked particularly enthusiastic, accompanying Julian with carrying some equipment. Ragna and Irwin were discussing where to set up a makeshift camp, while Lidia and Damian studied the immediate area. Selorien popped up shortly after, looking as tired and carefree as usual, and the group was whole once again! Now, alongside the soldiers, they just needed to guard the researchers while they worked, however long that would take. Surely, things would go without a hitch, and they would be back in New Lumingard in no time¡­ probably. Chapter 85 - Idle Time The researchers steadily unpacked their belongings from the truck, setting up a proper working area with large mats covering the weathered ground, tables for their equipment, and even some foldable chairs to presumably take short rests. It seemed their studying of the surroundings was going to take longer than Ascalon and his companions expected, though they didn¡¯t particularly mind. As the various scholars worked together, Ascalon peered at the distance while chatting with his friends. The ruined landscape reminded him of old battlefields, a solemn yet unnatural feeling taking hold of the destroyed city. Lowly beasts roamed at the edge of an imaginary perimeter set by both his aura and Lilithra¡¯s emblem, studying them from afar, being understandably wary of their presence. Just as the knight pondered about the creatures, the conversation shifted to the Gifted network, eventually touching on their recent encounters and their growth. Just then, Lilithra nudged his side with her elbow, with Selorien peeking from behind her. ¡°Here!¡± She chirped as a blue screen appeared in front of Ascalon, showing Lilithra¡¯s stats. ¡°I forgot to share my progress¡ªwith everything that¡¯s been going on lately!¡± She added shyly, an awkward smile on her face. They had indeed been quite busy for a while, and also, hadn¡¯t really found the right moment to talk about it while enjoying the quieter, restful times. ¡°Splendid!¡± Ascalon replied after absorbing the information, noting Lilithra¡¯s growth. She puffed out her chest as a smug grin adorned her face. Then, another window appeared¡ªthis time, Selorien¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m kinda envious of her stats!¡± Selorien said in a joking manner, though there was some truth behind his words. Lilithra¡¯s growth was indeed impressive, after all. Ascalon nodded in satisfaction at both of his friends, a warm smile spreading across his face as he replied. ¡°You both are doing great! But do not falter¡ªstrive to become even better!¡± Ascalon declared with a triumphant voice, his words fueling both Lilithra and Selorien¡¯s ambition. They nodded in acknowledgment, exchanging knowing looks just as Ragna approached them, looking tired but satisfied. ¡°Whew! We¡¯re done setting up the base!¡± He exclaimed animatedly, garnering the group¡¯s attention. ¡°Since everything¡¯s going without a hitch, why don¡¯t you check up on what everyone¡¯s doing? Hehe!¡± Ragna suggested in an enthusiastic voice, gesturing toward the other researchers. ¡°Alrighty!¡± Lilithra beamed with a mix of curiosity and glee, and looked at her companions for confirmation. While Selorien didn¡¯t seem that interested, he nodded alongside Ascalon, and both encouraged Lilithra to take the lead. After a brief look around, Lilithra decided to check on Lilly first¡ªmostly because she was the closest to them. Lilly stood atop a portable platform, about as tall as Ascalon, equipped with a small set of stairs and a handrail for easy climbing. Ascalon admired the equipment with interest, as it reminded him of siege towers¡­ just in a very miniaturized and modernized version! The small girl noticed their presence and waved at them from above. ¡°Hey. How are you guys doing?¡± She asked with a warm smile. Lilithra beamed back at her as she looked up. ¡°Doing alright! How is, uhm, research going?¡± Lilithra wondered with intrigue, noticing that Lilly had a pair of binoculars on her neck. The tiny one traced the air with her fingers, likely manipulating a network interface. ¡°Oh! It¡¯s going slow¡­ but that¡¯s just how it is!¡± Lilly replied shyly, her gaze set in the distance. ¡°I¡¯m surveying the area and taking notes, to check if there are any noticeable changes since the last time we studied the place!¡± She added enthusiastically, putting on her binoculars. Ascalon remembered she was the one that specialized in ¡®catastrophes¡¯, and it was intriguing to see what kind of work she was doing, even if it seemed simple. As she grew engrossed with her work, Lilithra urged the group to move on to the next researcher. Nearby, Damian stood by idly, his brows furrowed as he watched Lidia collect soil samples in small, translucent tubes. Since Damian was a veterinarian, he didn''t seem to have much to do for the time being. Ascalon wondered just how much information they could discern from just a handful of dirt, though he was completely oblivious to their science. Lilithra decided not to interrupt them¡ªespecially because Damian looked intimidating¡ªand moved along, casting inquisitive glances at her surroundings. It was interesting to see how quickly they had set up their base of operations, even if it consisted of makeshift spaces. One of such spaces was a tent, where Julian and Irwin were busy fiddling with some equipment¡ªlikely conducting tests that Ascalon couldn''t even begin to comprehend. Once again, Lilithra felt like intruding would be inappropriate and simply watched from a distance¡ªalthough that was still fun in its own way. Time passed in silence¡ªwith the occasional Selorien yawn¡ªuntil Irwin rose his voice from within the tent. ¡°Incredible! It really is changing.¡± He proclaimed, earning the group¡¯s curiosity. Then, Julian¡¯s voice followed. ¡°But it¡¯s too early to really tell¡­¡± Julian sounded more skeptik, though he couldn¡¯t fully conceal his excitement. Lilithra peeked at the tent while fidgeting, clearly holding herself back from just barging in and asking what they were doing¡ªit was so easy to read her. Ascalon wanted to fulfill Lilithra¡¯s wishes, but thought it would be too rude to just go and interrupt them, so he made a mental note to ask about it later. For the time being, it was better to simply distract her. His gaze traced the contour of the tent, and an idea flashed across his mind, prompting him to voice his thoughts aloud.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Lilithra, what are your plans for our Guild stronghold?¡± Ascalon smiled at his own words, imagining themselves in a grandiose castle, overlooking the city of New Lumingard with chivalrous vigilance! Though Lilithra tilted her head in confusion before replying. ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t The Chalice our base?¡± She asked, trying to remember if they¡¯d ever touched the topic before. Selorien sighed at her side, while Ascalon spoke up. ¡°Yes, The Chalice is our current meeting place¡ªbut what about a more proper, grandiose establishment?!¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice was brimming with enthusiasm, causing Lilithra and Selorien to be slightly taken aback by his words. Selorien crossed his arms, thinking briefly about the matter before replying. ¡°Yeah, it would be cool¡­ plus, you gotta think about the future, Lil.¡± Selorien chimed in, garnering the group¡¯s attention. ¡°If we grow in numbers, it¡¯s gonna be a hassle for Raphael, too.¡± The elf added, his words ringing with truth. If they were to increase their Guildmembers, it would be harder to accommodate them within The Chalice, since the main hall had to be used for proper customers rather than Guild meetings. Lilithra was likely aware of this too as she frowned, deep in thought. She looked conflicted, which was to be expected. ¡°But¡­ I like that Uncle joins in on our conversations¡­ He always has good ideas and stuff¡­¡± She replied in a dejected tone, her gaze dropping to the ground. Ascalon let out a thoughftull ¡®hmm¡¯ as he pondered over her words. Fun chatting aside, Raphael¡¯s counsel proved to be quite good, so it would indeed be beneficial for him to join their future Guild meetings¡ªif time allowed him. ¡°I know he would be glad to offer his advice¡ªbut having him travel to meet us would indeed be an inconvenience for him.¡± Ascalon stated as he nodded, acknowledging the predicament. Then, Selorien jolted in place, his face flashing a grin of realization. ¡°Oh wait! I have a solution for that!¡± He declared proudly as he raised both his arms with enthusiasm, his excessive energy causing both Ascalon and Lilithra to look at him in astonishment. ¡°Let me present to you¡­ my second advanced class skill!¡± The elf continued, tracing the air with his fingers in an exaggerated manner and prompting a blue screen to appear before his friends. Lilithra gasped in awe while Ascalon narrowed his eye as both read the skill description. That was an incredibly powerful skill, even if it didn¡¯t help in combat situations. Ascalon was especially struck with disbelief, as even the most powerful mages back in Excadia couldn¡¯t maintain a permanent portal without actively channeling their magic into it. But that wasn¡¯t all that impressed him, as his military mind raced with strategic thoughts. A rogue that could infiltrate enemy lines and set a gateway right at the heart of their camp could result in a devastating offensive. It could also be used to place an instantaneous escape route for allies by being just at the edge of the battlefield. And the fact that the rogue would only need to not engage in combat for the skill to work¡ªaside from the limitation of having to visit both places¡ªwas just too powerful for a ¡®class¡¯ that could simply vanish into the shadows at will. Ascalon was just completely mesmerized by the ¡®Nocturnus Crossing¡¯ and its potential usage. ¡°I am at a loss for words.¡± The knight said in a soft voice, followed by a deep sigh and a content smile. ¡°You may envy Lilithra¡¯s stats¡ªbut you are by no means lagging behind!¡± Ascalon added cheerfully, causing Selorien¡¯s expression to soften. He was visibly moved by the knight¡¯s words¡ªperhaps he had needed to hear that. ¡°It¡¯s amazing! bonkers! Incredible!¡± Lilithra suddenly blurted out a myriad of words, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and her tone brimming with sincere glee. ¡°How come you get the bestest, coolest skills ever?!¡± She added as she looked over at the screen again, her enthusiasm radiating wildly. Selorien chuckled as he recomposed himself, his cheerful but carefree attitude returning. ¡°Imagine when I complete the damn promotion quest!¡± The elf declared, puffing out his chest. Lilithra jumped in place, likely picturing some other amazing skills Selorien could unlock next. Just then, Ragna passed by, a conflicted smile on his face. ¡°I see you guys are having fun, eh?! Glad to see it, glad to see it!¡± He began with a cheery voice. ¡°But please don¡¯t neglect your duties!¡± Ragna added playfully, but sternly, causing Lilithra to calm herself down, her cheeks reddening. ¡°S-sorry, I got too excited about something¡­ we¡¯ll do a better job, I promise!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with confidence, though her blushing made it less convincing. Still, Ragna chuckled as he waved with his hand. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry! Sorry if that came out too harsh¡ªwe¡¯ve had terrible luck with escorts before, so I¡¯m just too on edge!¡± He admitted, sighing as he walked away, his small but robust frame disappearing into Irwin¡¯s tent. Selorien rested a hand on his waist, the other on his chin, and spoke up. ¡°They sure have been putting us under pressure with these remarks, huh?¡± The elf pondered, closing his eyes and letting out an irritated ¡®hmm¡¯. Ascalon nodded in silence, his gaze set on the tent, while Lilithra replied. ¡°I mean, if they¡¯ve had terrible guards we can¡¯t really blame them.¡± She said with a half-smile, shrugging. ¡°Also! He¡¯s right! We shouldn¡¯t be getting distracted or carried away by shiny, astoundingly exciting skills!¡± Lilithra giggled, and her friends joined her. Then, she looked pensive for a moment, her eyes flashing with mischief. ¡°Say¡­ why not use it now?¡± Lilithra suggested with a bold smile, her mind concocting a plan. ¡°Like, set up an escape route just in case!¡± She clenched her fists and raised them below her chin in a pumped-up manner, causing Selorien to raise an eyebrow at her proposal. ¡°Hey¡­ that¡¯s a great idea¡­¡± The elf considered as he grinned, though it was short-lived. ¡°I should¡¯ve used it back at New Lumingard¡­ damn it!¡± He complained as he realized. ¡°Ah, but three hours¡­ yeah, no.¡± Selorien mumbled to himself, likely considering the time limit on his skill. ¡°Anyway! I¡¯ll set it around¡­ here!¡± The elf declared as he walked over to the side of Irwin¡¯s tent. He then crouched and placed a hand on the ground, whispering the skill¡¯s name because it was the cool thing to do. ¡°Nocturnus Crossing." He mused under his friends admiring stares. The ground beneath his hand began to take a black color, as if it were being surrounded by deep, dark shadows. The mass of void-like appearance swirled slightly as he stood up. ¡°Alright! I¡¯m going for a stroll¡­!¡± Selorien joked as he walked away, waving back at his friends. ¡°Be careful!¡± Lilithra exclaimed behind him, her lips curling up into a soft grin. ¡°Selorien is really cool, isn¡¯t he?¡± She asked the knight, who nodded firmly. ¡°Yes, he is remarkable.¡± Ascalon added as he beamed at the elf¡¯s leaving figure. Though he was biased, and Selorien certainly had his ups and downs, Ascalon truly believed he was an astounding ally, and a great friend. Lilithra looked up at the knight with a warm gaze, her cheeks still flushed. ¡°You¡¯re way cooler though¡­¡± She whispered quietly, shifting shyly in place. Most likely, she thought Ascalon wouldn¡¯t hear her. But he did, and was feeling a bit bashful. It wasn¡¯t the first time he had heard her praise him, but somehow his chest felt hot. He could feel his heartbeat quicken, but tried to calm it down by exhaling deeply. It was no time to be flustered by his friend¡¯s compliments! Clearing his throat, he looked down at her. ¡°Shall we scout the area once more?¡± He suggested, causing Lilithra to beam at him. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s make sure no critters are prowling about!¡± She giggled, rubbing her hands together. The sight of her mischievous face made Ascalon¡¯s chest feel tight, and both strolled the area surrounding the camp once more, making sure not to stray too far. Everything was being really calm and uneventful¡ªperhaps, the researching expedition would continue on without a hitch! Chapter 86 - Charge! A resounding boom echoed across the desolated landscape as one of the ruined buildings crashed to the ground, its weakened but massive frame giving rise to a wave of dust, dirt, and debris in all directions. The ground trembled under the weight of the collapsed structure, causing the surrounding creatures to scatter and run in frenzied circles. At the center of the aftermath lay a gory trail of what used to be several four-limbed beasts¡ªmuch like to the ones now speeding through the ruins¡ªtheir remains dispersed around the debris. The now collapsed structure had been toppled by a relentless advance, yet the perpetrators were surprisingly unscathed. Amidst the abrupt chaos, Ascalon and Lilithra stood side-by-side, the latter panting as she recovered her breath. Roars and monstrous cries reverberated through the air, yet they remained unfazed and with their weapons at the ready, their hearts beating in a coordinated rhythm. Ascalon in particular, wondered just how this event had come to pass.
Just a while earlier, the pair had begun strolling around the edge of the makeshift camp, inspecting the area and idly chatting away the time. But at some point, the knight had felt something. ¡°Hmm?¡± Ascalon muttered as he narrowed his sole eye, focusing on the distance and prompting Lilithra to perk up in wariness. A strange creature approached curiously, its yellow eyes scanning the duo as its scaly paws carefully navigated the uneven path. It resembled a large feline and looked slim and agile, with its body covered in black scales. Its eyes were small and furtive, and its back end ended in a long tail that gleamed under the fading sunlight¡ªlikely sharp and lethal. Ascalon and Lilithra quickly understood the implications of such a creature approaching¡ªit had to be strong enough to resist the effects of both his presence and her amulet. Just as they were getting ready for combat, a surprised voice startled them from behind. ¡°They really grew!¡± Damian exclaimed in astonishment, with both Irwin and Lilly at his side. ¡°Incredible¡­! Our theories¡­ they¡¯re true!¡± Irwin added, his tired eyes sparkling with newfound life. Lilly looked impressed, yet a flash of concern crossed her face before she too spoke up. ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that the worst-case scenario?¡± She asked with slight reluctance, causing the other two researchers to nod. ¡°Yes¡­ yes it is.¡± Irwin declared, causing the air to tense up. Just then, the creature stopped its advance at a good distance and raised its head, revealing its neck to them. A set of what appeared to be gills or scaled flaps of some sort started vibrating, just as a high-pitched screech escaped the beast¡¯s mouth. It wasn¡¯t much of a roar, but rather a loud, uncomfortable whistling. The researchers covered their ears, while Lilithra and Ascalon exchanged glances. ¡°Go!¡± Lilithra commanded without hesitation, and Ascalon acknowledged the order. In a split second, the knight burst forth as his armor started to form, his spear materializing in his right hand. Crossing the land with ease, he drew back his arm momentarily before thrusting forward with a quick, precise strike. The sound of Exemplaris parting the air caused the surrounding ruins to shake slightly under the ensuing shockwave. The creature couldn¡¯t react at all as the lance pierced clean through its body, cutting off its screech as its remains dispersed from to the sheer force of Ascalon¡¯s charge. Ascalon studied what was left of its corpse as the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears. ¡°Hey!¡± Lilithra called out as she arrived. ¡°S-sorry for ordering you around!¡± She apologized, blushing slightly. ¡°I kinda panicked when it cried and the researchers were nearby¡­¡± Lilithra explained as she sighed, but Ascalon simply listened intently with a smile on his lips. ¡°Do not apologize for exercising your right as the leader.¡± The knight responded with utmost confidence. ¡°Especially when I am your knight¡ªyours to command!¡± He added as his smile turned bolder, and Lilithra¡¯s cheeks reddened further. As she fidgeted in place, her gaze locked onto his eye, a new screech could be heard from far away. ¡°Huh?¡± Lilithra was taken by surprise, her banner materializing in her hands out of instinct. ¡°Oh no¡­¡± She murmured as realization struck, her gaze shifting toward the distance. Ascalon frowned at her side, and both witnessed how the blurry horizon became uneven¡ªa mass of creatures rapidly approached. Their frames bobbed up and down as they inched closer, answering what seemed to have been a call for action by the deceased beast. Amidst the incoming horde, Lilithra¡¯s thoughts raced. She glanced back at the researchers, who looked at her in astonishment, and quickly produced the communication device. Lifting it to her mouth, she spoke into it. ¡°Everyone! Beasts are coming!¡± She warned, concentrating on passing on a clear and concise message. ¡°We¡¯ll try to hold them back while you retreat¡ªSelorien should¡¯ve placed a¡­ gateway near the tent!¡± Lilithra stammered as she was about to explain the elf¡¯s skill in a more roundabout way, but decided to simply call it a ¡®gateway¡¯ and shorten her explanation. ¡°W-we see it!¡± Ragna¡¯s voice suddenly crackled from the device, and Lilithra smiled in both relief and excitement. For one, Selorien¡¯s skill had worked! But then, where was he? ¡°But, is it safe?¡± Lidia cut through Lilithra¡¯s thoughts with a question from beyond the gadget, her tone wary, and understandably so. ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry!¡± Lilithra replied straightforwardly, smiling to herself as she glanced over to the horizon once more. The creatures were now even closer, so much she could even distinguish them apart from each other. ¡°Let us grab their attention, Lilithra.¡± Ascalon suddenly addressed her, causing her to jump slightly. She considered his words for a brief moment, and then nodded resolutely. Seeing her acknowledgment, Ascalon beamed with confidence and dashed forth. His stance shifted lower as he leaned forward, gripping the lance¡¯s shaft with both hands to further boost a ruthless, piercing charge. Lilithra mimicked his actions, bursting into a dash and using her own similar skill to try and keep up. She charged behind the knight with her banner¡¯s bladed edge thrusting through the air, and both advanced in unison to meet the oncoming threat. Lilithra felt a rush of adrenaline and a surge of joy flare within, moved by the fact that they were both in harmonious synchrony¡ªeven if she was no match for his speed, and despite the dangerous situation. But this moment, fueled by her emotions, coupled with Ascalon¡¯s passive skills, and by the tight bond they had forged, gave birth to a most unexpected event.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Little by little, their steps began to match, and Lilithra felt as if her speed had suddenly increased beyond what she was used to. A strange sensation overcame her, as if her essence were reaching out toward Ascalon. The knight noticed a change as well, as his movements aligned with Lilithra¡¯s, sensing a deep connection blossoming between them. Breathing, rhythm, motion, heartbeat¡ªtheir whole beings synchronized, and their charge became unstoppable! Both Ascalon and Lilithra were momentarily taken aback by the abrupt appearance of the blue screen, yet their bodies surged forward without missing a beat¡ªlike a fine-tuned machine racing through the lands! Around them, the wind lashed wildly due to their combined spears cutting through the air, and their footsteps echoed so strongly they created the illusion of an army marching across the ruins. The creatures stood no chance as the duo¡¯s advance obliterated everything in their path. Debris flew in all directions as their charge warped the once-solemn ruins into a chaotic maelstrom of destruction. Despite their courageous, unrelenting strides, their minds raced with a mix of confusion and elation, not allowing for them to even think about stopping. Just then, their rush was met with a towering structure, and Lilithra slightly closed her eyes as she braced for the imminent collision. But instead of crashing against the building, they pierced cleanly through, generating a massive hole in their wake. The powerful impact sent shockwaves rippling through the structure, causing the entire edifice to wobble and begin to topple. The creatures not caught in their offensive ran amok around them, mostly confused and alerted. While Lilithra caught her breath, Ascalon pondered about the recent event. He felt the rush of emotions slowly dwindle, his gaze fixed on Lilithra, who looked completely dumbfounded. It seemed they had unlocked some kind of unique skill¡ªan amazing one at that! It wasn¡¯t only powerful and peculiar, but it had also connected him with Lilithra in a way he had never felt before¡ªnot even when standing shoulder to shoulder with his most trusted knights, nor when he swore his oath to his Goddess and received the Gods¡¯ blessings. The emotions that had gradually subsided gave way to a surging, profound joy, intertwined with a desire to further explore this newfound connection. But his curiosity had to be set aside for the time being, as he noticed some of the beasts roaming toward the direction of the makeshift base. ¡°Lilithra!¡± Ascalon suddenly exclaimed, causing the girl to jolt in place. ¡°W-what?!¡± She asked in a panic, her cheeks as red as her hair. Most likely, she too was pondering about their unusual skill, but there was no time for that! ¡°Fall back to defend the camp¡ªI shall take care of matters here!¡± Ascalon commanded, his authoritative voice prompting Lilithra to snap back to focus. She nodded resolutely, a confident smile forming amidst her blushing cheeks, and burst forth back to the camp. ¡°Be brave!¡± She chanted as she ran, charging with her banner once again. As her momentum and speed increased, she pierced through a few of the beasts in her path while Ascalon gazed at her from afar. His chest was overflowing with a sense of pride and longing as his voice surged through the chaos. ¡°Come and face me, creatures!¡± He ordered as his [Heroic Challenge] skill activated, taunting the remaining beasts and forcing them to attack him. The scaled, feline-like beasts pounced on him¡ªclaws, fangs, and sharp tail ends raining down from all directions. With an assured smile on his lips, Aegis materialized in his left hand, and he quickly began to block the assault, turning and ducking to meet every single attack. Meanwhile, his right hand maintained the mighty Exemplaris, ready for anything. As the creatures cried in confusion, Ascalon unleashed a barrage of consecutive thrusts, his deft movements claiming the lives of such beasts in quick succession. It took no longer than a couple of minutes before the last of the monsters fell, allowing Ascalon to let out a deep sigh of relief. Yet just as he thought the danger was over, his senses picked up something else fast approaching. His gaze shifted toward the distance, where a humongous beast charged at him. Its features were akin to the corpses resting at his feet, only bigger, sharper, and more violent. The ground trembled beneath the beast''s heavy paws, sending dust and debris into the air as it closed the distance with terrifying speed. Ascalon shook his head in disbelief as he ran to meet it midway, his spear moving through the air in an ascending, piercing strike. Taken aback by Ascalon¡¯s bravery, the large creature hesitated before pouncing toward him, falling pretty much onto the knight¡¯s attack. Exemplaris perforated the monster with ease, cleaving through as Ascalon moved with precision in order to not be bathed in crimson. The lance drove deep into the beast¡¯s massive chest, sending a shockwave rippling through its insides and causing it to screech in pain as its life faded. Ascalon removed the spear with a swift movement, watching as the monster crumpled to the ground, now an unmoving, bloody lump of muscles and fur. He sighed as his gaze parted from the corpse, inspecting the surroundings one last time, only to find the silent aftermath of the battle. If that had been the strongest beast¡ªperhaps even the leader of the pack, even if utterly weak in comparison to prior enemies¡ªthen the camp was probably spared from further complications, he thought. With that in mind, he crouched slightly, flexing his legs, before leaping with a controlled yet powerful jump aimed back at the makeshift base. From above, he could see the camp was empty, at least. His eye darted from one spot to the other, noticing there was no damage to the facilities. As he landed with an echoing thud, he recomposed himself and expanded his senses. ¡°Hmm¡­ I cannot find them.¡± Ascalon muttered to himself while he looked around. Then, he caught sight of an interesting detail. Right where Selorien had used his skill stood now a mass of black, swirling shadows, its form resembling a rectangular portal. Its dark surface shimmered slightly, resembling distant stars twinkling in the night sky, giving it a mystical allure. Urged by curiosity and longing for his friends, he approached it. ¡°Hmm¡­ shall I just¡­ touch it?¡± Ascalon pondered as he extended his hand toward the gateway. It felt like a veil¡ªsoft and fluid, similar to sand but without the coarse texture¡ªand produced no discomfort at his touch. Without further ado, he bravely crossed the threshold. The sensation was different from the portals he had used to travel to and from dungeons, as it was more like he had simply blinked in a more instantaneous, seamless way. ¡°Whoa.¡± Ascalon muttered as he emerged, gathering his surroundings just as a familiar voice greeted him. ¡°Ascalon!¡± Lilithra chirped, standing at his side with her banner at the ready. She seemed to have been guarding the gateway. Commendable! From behind her shoulder peeked Selorien, yawning with his usual carefreeness. ¡°Hey~!¡± The elf waved at him, and Ascalon sighed in relief. It seemed everyone was fine! To further solidify his thoughts, the other researchers approached, with Irwin and Ragna leading the group. ¡°Is it safe now?¡± The older man asked, his eyes set in the distance. Ascalon followed his gaze and noticed they were quite the distance away from the base¡ªSelorien had really taken a lengthy ¡®stroll¡¯! ¡°I believe it is. But I suggest we wait here for a while¡ªjust in case.¡± Ascalon replied with a reassuring voice and a soft smile on his lips. The researchers sighed collectively in relief, while Lilithra giggled smugly at his side. ¡°Nicely done!¡± She exclaimed as she beamed at him, and Ascalon placed a hand on her head. ¡°You too, Lilithra, Selorien.¡± Ascalon said as he gazed upon his friends, who had done a remarkable job. Even if the situation could¡¯ve been handled by him alone, it was gratifying to see his companions in action. For now, things had calmed down, and all they could do was wait and see how things would develop next. Chapter 87 - Theories The group remained away from the camp for a while, alert and ready in case anything happened. After some time, Ascalon decided to cross the gateway again and scout the base¡¯s surroundings. As his presence expanded, the few lowly beasts in the area scrambled to flee, and the knight deemed it safe enough for everyone to return. He tried to gesture to them by sticking his hand in the portal, but that didn¡¯t seem to work, unfortunately¡ªit seemed a limb wasn¡¯t enough, and he had to cross entirely. After another back-and-forth, Ascalon and the rest regrouped at the makeshift camp, a sigh of relief collectively escaping some of the researcher¡¯s lips. Ragna, most of all, seemed incredibly pleased. ¡°Nicely done, everyone! No injuries, no damaged equipment¡ªthis is by far the best visit to the ruins we¡¯ve had so far!¡± The dwarf exclaimed excitedly, earning a few nods from his comrades, and causing Lilithra to beam with glee. Ascalon shared her joy, as it seemed they were doing a great job as the researchers¡¯ guards, unlike whoever had accompanied them in prior expeditions. Now that the danger seemed to have passed, the scientists quickly resumed their tasks, and Lilithra took the chance to join her friends. She was clenching her fists tight, a mix of shyness and excitement clear in her expression as she spoke up. ¡°I can¡¯t hold it in anymore!¡± Lilithra suddenly blurted out, causing Selorien to arch an eyebrow in suspicion as he replied. ¡°Need to pee?¡± The elf asked carefreely, earning a fast punch to his shoulder from Lilithra. ¡°Ow!¡± He complained, a mischievous grin on his face. Lilithra shook her head, her entire body trembling slightly as she traced the air with her fingers. Then, a screen appeared before Selorien, showing him the skill both she and Ascalon had unlocked. ¡°Wha¡ª¡­ are you for real?¡± The elf gasped in amazement as he began reading, surprised by the very beginning of the skill. As he read further, his expression gradually shifted to shock, his mouth slightly agape under the revelation of a skill for the Guild as a whole. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ I¡¯ve actually never heard of this¡­¡± Selorien mumbled, his current behavior making it clear for Ascalon that a ¡®cooperative¡¯ skill was indeed a rare occurrence. The knight had his suspicions of course, knowing that if his friends didn¡¯t have one already, it had to be hard to get¡ªthough it seemed to go far beyond ¡®hard¡¯. ¡°He-he!¡± Lilithra laughed with pride, puffing out her chest dramatically. ¡°Isn¡¯t it amazing?!¡± She replaced her prideful act with pure elation, her eyes sparkling as she placed her clenched fists below her chin. Ascalon chuckled at her reaction, finding her excitement endearing, though he too felt a profound sense of joy. ¡°It¡¯s not fair!¡± Selorien retorted abruptly, furrowing his brows and narrowing his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t join you guys with my daggers¡ªthat¡¯s discrimination!¡± The elf groaned, half-joking, half-dejected. It was to be expected that he would feel left out, and both Ascalon and Lilithra felt a bit sorry¡ªeven though it was not their fault, and was beyond their control. ¡°We might get a new one if we try hard enough!¡± Ascalon encouraged with a confident tone, raising his fist in the air in a resolute gesture. Selorien sighed in resignation and grinned before replying. ¡°I dunno¡­ oh, well¡ªit is what it is.¡± The elf said in a matter of fact fashion, though Lilithra didn¡¯t seem to agree with him. ¡°No! Bad!¡± She chastised Selorien while punching his shoulder playfully. ¡°You should say ¡®yes, let¡¯s do our best!¡¯, not that ¡®it is what it is¡¯ crap!¡± Lilithra complained, while both her friends burst out laughing at her words. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do our best! Yay, yippee!¡± Selorien mocked her words, his tone ringing with mischievousness, and Lilithra kept punching his shoulder. Ascalon smiled warmly while watching over them, and time passed slowly as they basked on the peaceful moment. Eventually, the researchers decided to take a brief rest from their work, and invited the group to join them for dinner. The menu consisted of various sandwiches, juice boxes, and even some sweet pastries. The sight reminded Ascalon of wizards he had met back in Excadia¡ªso absorbed in their magic research they would go entire days munching on bread alone instead of having a proper meal. While most researchers sat around a table on their foldable chairs, the group decided to remain standing just in case they had to move quickly¡ªthough Selorien looked like he really wanted to just plop himself onto a seat, or even the ground, really. The only scientist standing was Damian, a few steps away from them and nibbling on a sandwich in aloof silence. Everyone chatted about various things, like how their individual researches were progressing, until Irwin breached an interesting topic. ¡°So yes, basically, they are ¡®natural¡¯ living beings¡ªeven outside their confinement.¡± He revealed to his companions, causing Lilly and Lidia to gasp in surprise. ¡°Wow¡­ to think we would actually confirm that theory!¡± Lidia chimed in, her voice a mix of astonishment and excitement. Ascalon and his friends exchanged confused glances, and Irwin seemed to take note of that. ¡°Ehem¡­ let me do a quick recap for our escorts!¡± The older man exclaimed, garnering everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°You know that dungeon¡¯s ¡®reset¡¯, yes?¡± He began with a question, to which Ascalon and his friends nodded. Satisfied with their agreement, Irwin continued. ¡°Due to the fact they reset, there are many different theories about dungeons and their dwellers, and some of them agree on the point that they¡¯re ¡®artificial¡¯ environments.¡± The man adjusted his glasses, pausing for a moment to let everyone absorb the thought. ¡°It¡¯s no surprise, since it¡¯s a strange notion to think these places to be natural, especially when they defy the concept of life and death.¡± Irwin explained, folding his arms with a thoughtful look on his face. ¡°The bosses ¡®respawn¡¯ just like in ¡®video games¡¯¡ªand so far none of these monsters has failed to reappear. It seems impossible that they would be replaced by exact copies or resurrected every time¡ªor so I believed.¡± He continued as the group¡¯s curiosity increased. ¡°The general consensus among scientists is that these creatures aren¡¯t ¡®real¡¯¡ªthough I¡¯m sure you would disagree, having fought them and likely been hurt by them, haha.¡± Irwin addressed Ascalon and his friends, earning agreeing nods. ¡°If these beings were merely illusions or entities fabricated by the ¡®network¡¯, that would make more sense, yes.¡± He concluded, clearing his throat before proceeding.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°But here¡¯s the thing. We¡¯ve been observing the monsters from Hedistrung¡¯s ruins for a while now, and while doing so we¡¯ve come to learn about these creatures'' behavior.¡± Irwin smiled, looking more excited. ¡°And they act just like normal, living beings. They have their own territories, hierarchies, habits¡­ but the most notable thing is they grow, and breed.¡± He revealed, his words ringing with pride. Ascalon pondered over his words, though he failed to see the significance behind it. He let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯, trying to think about it more deeply, his friends likely on the same boat as him. Then, Lilithra spoke up, her words guided by curiosity. ¡°Uhm, what does that mean¡­? S-sorry¡­¡± She asked shyly, embarrassed by her lack of knowledge, but earning knowing grins from the scientists. Irwin looked at Julian, and the Leporian nodded as he responded. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely confirmed of course, but it would suggest the other theories, like ours, are right¡ªthat every dungeon originates from another world, along with its inhabitants.¡± Julian explained, a concept more familiar to Ascalon and his friends. ¡°What we¡¯ve been studying also shows that the beasts can adapt to other environments, grow, and even reproduce under the right circumstances.¡± His bunny ears twitched as he grinned, clearly excited about his research. ¡°We¡¯ve seen the creatures here have been growing and changing¡ªwe¡¯ve even found samples that show they¡¯re mating regularly, and their newest generations are steadily evolving to adapt to our world!¡± Julian exclaimed with enthusiasm, earning a collective ¡®ooh¡¯ from Ascalon and his friends. Still, even if it was an interesting reveal, Ascalon couldn¡¯t really share the same level of excitement. He had always guessed these dungeons were from other worlds, and despite the ¡®resets¡¯ and all the mystery behind the Gifted network, he thought it was the most likely answer. Just then, Selorien surprisingly raised his voice. ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that like, a really common theory, too?¡± The elf asked with a dubious stare, and the researchers smiled awkwardly. Ragna chuckled heartily as he replied. ¡°Yes, of course! It¡¯s probably one of the most common theories out there. But that¡¯s the point¡ªwe turn theories and ¡®what ifs¡¯ into proven facts! That¡¯s what we researchers do, haha!¡± The dwarf laughed, with his companions nodding in agreement, and Lilly continued his train of thoughts. ¡°It might seem like we¡¯re stating the sky is blue or that water is cold¡ªbut for us, it¡¯s not enough to just guess. Our work is about confirming the truth ourselves, with proof! To explore the unknown and dispel uncertainties. That¡¯s what drives science!¡± She exclaimed with energy, standing up and raising her hands high. Her tiny frame mixed with her prideful expression made for an adorable sight. Ascalon then finally understood what they meant. It wasn¡¯t about how obvious or common the theories seemed to be¡ªit was about proving them, about confirming their beliefs with their own eyes, and for the sake of the world¡¯s science as a whole. These researchers probably felt a similar sense of purpose and joy by seeking the truth behind these mysteries just as he did by fighting powerful foes on the battlefield. ¡°I see¡­¡± Ascalon murmured to himself, his mind traveling back to Excadia. He felt he understood some of his old wizard friends a bit more now¡ªthey had surely been doing their best to push magic forward, and for the benefit of mankind. If only he had realized back then, perhaps he could¡¯ve aided them better¡­ but it wasn¡¯t like he could do anything about it now. At the very least, he would honor them by remembering. Just as he was starting to get nostalgic, Lilithra¡¯s cheerful voice brought him back to the present. ¡°Amazing! Your research is so admirable!¡± She exclaimed with conviction, her eyes glowing with pure appreciation. Her words made the researchers smile warmly, along with Ascalon. He knew the importance of feeling validated¡ªespecially for people that worked quietly behind the scenes, overshadowed by Guilds, dungeon conquerors, and whatnot. Encouraging them to continue was simply the right thing to do! ¡°I agree. You are doing marvelous work.¡± Ascalon chimed in with a gentle voice, adding to the joyful atmosphere, while Selorien sighed and nodded in reluctant agreement. ¡°Thank you guys¡­¡± Lilly replied, her voice full of emotion as her eyes glimmered, slightly teary. ¡°It¡¯s hard work, very scary at times, for little to no reward other than proving something true or wrong¡­ It''s lovely to hear our little team is appreciated!¡± She sniffled, clearly moved by the situation. Lidia grabbed Lilly gently and pulled her into a hug, squeezing her as if she were a cherished stuffed animal. ¡°It does feel nice!¡± Lidia declared while Lilly complained cutely in her arms. ¡°But we love our job either way, hehe.¡± She added, a proud, confident grin adorning her face. Ascalon nodded in appreciation, beginning to see just how determined they all were. Facing against dangerous beasts just for the sake of studying them¡ªwithout being fighters themselves¡ªthey were a remarkably strong bunch, in their own way! With the harmonious mood enveloping them, they kept chatting about various things, eventually moving away from the research theme and touching on more mundane topics. It was then that Lilly suddenly blurted out a question. ¡°So, are you guys going out?¡± She asked, glancing between Lilithra and Ascalon, her cheeks reddening slightly. The first to react was Selorien, who smirked mischievously as he stifled a laugh, clearly amused. Ascalon tilted his head in confusion, as the words seemed somewhat familiar¡ªhe had likely heard them somewhere before, but couldn¡¯t quite recall their meaning. Meanwhile, the remaining girl seemed the most taken aback. ¡°Huh?!¡± Lilithra muttered with a panicked expression, her yellow eyes widening as her face brightened with a deep crimson. ¡°W¡ªwhat?! G¡ªgo¡ªgoing out?! W¡ªwho?¡± She stammered, her thoughts and heart racing furiously. It was the first time someone had addressed their nonexistent romantic situation so straightforwardly, so she was completely off-guard¡ªeven though she could have simply said no! ¡°Oh, uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡ªI just thought¡­¡± Lilly apologized after seeing their reactions, causing Lilithra to calm down slightly. But to add fuel to the fire, Ascalon spoke up. ¡°What does that mean?¡± He questioned with curiosity, and Lilithra looked at him with a nervous expression just as Lidia chimed in. ¡°Well, you know, we were curious if you two were in a relationship, hehe~!¡± She giggled heartily, with Lilly nodding shyly. The rest of the researchers seemed awkward, perhaps not as interested or accustomed to these kinds of topics. For a moment, Ascalon was going to reply that they were indeed in a relationship¡ªyet their inquisitive stares, shy smiles, and blushed cheeks made him realize what they were actually implying: a relationship beyond friendship, most likely. ¡°Well, no¡­ not in ¡®that¡¯ way¡­¡± The knight answered in a steady voice, with Lilithra fidgeting in place at his side. Somehow, he felt a pit on his stomach, and at the same time, a strange sense of bashfulness. The thought of Lilithra being cute and all had crossed his mind, of course. But the researchers¡¯ words had struck at a wall in his mind, chipping away at it slightly and allowing a glimpse of something new to shine through. Could he and Lilithra¡­? He started to think, glancing over at her. She was shyly playing with her long, silky red hair, almost as if hiding behind it. She looked just like always, yet it seemed like there was something different about her¡ªshe radiated a mysterious, enchanting allure. Ascalon gulped and shook his head, dissipating the intrusive, rude thoughts under the watchful stares of Lilly and Lidia. They exchanged knowing glances, and smirked knowingly, but decided to let the matter rest. After all, the seed had been planted. As the tension dissipated, the mood shifted once more with the researchers gradually starting to converse again, easing the awkwardness between Ascalon and Lilithra. Meanwhile, Selorien concocted many mischievous plans for them in the future¡ªa mix of teasing, and perhaps, matchmaking¡­? It was time for him to step up¡ªfor the sake of his own amusement! Chapter 88 - The Guild is Created! The night went on peacefully as the stars shone bright above, with barely any clouds getting in the way of their light. After dinner time ended, the researchers continued their work without the slightest bit of hesitation, aided by the lighting set around the area. Irwin roamed the camp with a tired demeanor, his sleep deprivation growing clearer the more time passed¡ªyet his eyes sparked with energy from time to time, showing his excitement for his progress. The rest of the researchers were gradually and visibly getting more tired, but were also maintaining their focus. It was admirable to see them so absorbed by their job, pushing themselves to their limits in the pursuit of their goals. Their motivation also seemed to have increased after collecting ¡®fresh samples¡¯¡ªthe corpses of the beasts Ascalon and Lilithra had dealt with. Ascalon watched over the camp with a warm smile, allowing himself a moment of quiet reflection. Despite the few roaming beasts in the distance, and the occasional eerie noise coming from afar, the atmosphere around the area remained incredibly calm amid the scientist¡¯s busy activity. The knight wondered about their studies on the dungeon beasts, and asked himself if there might be a way to contain the creatures or close their ¡®entrance¡¯ into the world somehow. The catastrophe was supposedly caused by the monsters leaving their dungeon, so perhaps sealing the gateway could be a solution. Still, these were simply fleeting thoughts in his mind, and nothing he could just go and decide to do by himself. Just as he was mulling over his ideas, Selorien and Lilithra approached him. The elf yawned as he raised his hands high, stretching before speaking up. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Selorien asked mid-yawn, his voice slightly muffled. Lilithra mimicked his actions and straightened her back, a small groan escaping her lips as her joints cracked softly. The content smile on her lips showed just how satisfying that must¡¯ve been! ¡°There seem to be no threats at the moment.¡± The knight replied, smiling softly at his friends. Selorien let out a small sigh, perhaps relieved he didn¡¯t have to exert himself for the time being, while Lilithra took the chance to chime in. ¡°Nice! Ragna just told us they¡¯re about done, so we¡¯ll be heading out in a bit.¡± She revealed with an eager grin, pleased about the situation without a doubt. It meant they were almost done with their third quest! ¡°Excellent, but let us not drop our guard!¡± Ascalon added in a bold voice, his eye flaring with conviction. Even if the mission was almost over, they couldn¡¯t simply relax and slack off¡ªthey needed to stay focused in case anything unexpected occurred. His friends nodded at his words, though Selorien didn¡¯t look as enthusiastic, as per usual. After a short while of silent vigilance, Ragna¡¯s voice echoed around the camp. ¡°Alright guys, great work! Let¡¯s pack it up!¡± The dwarf¡¯s words were met with multiple cheers, and the scientists quickly began dismantling their equipment to bring it back to the truck. The group helped them out, loading the vehicle carefully and steadily, and soon, the makeshift camp had been packed away. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we got so much done today!¡± Lilly¡¯s voice cut through the air, garnering everyone¡¯s attention as they prepared to board the truck. ¡°We really outdid ourselves. I believe we¡¯ll be back for sunrise¡ªmeaning we spent less than a day here.¡± Irwin replied with a tired voice, yet his expression was adorned with a pleasant smile. ¡°We deserve a raise!¡± Ragna joked as he climbed onto the truck, with the rest of the researchers giggling around him. ¡°We¡¯ll be lucky if we get some recognition for our work¡­ but anyway, we can keep chatting inside¡ªcome on, everyone.¡± Irwin gestured to the group to get on the truck, and the rest quickly complied. While the military personnel boarded their own vehicles, the rest finished getting into the truck, with Selorien joining Damian in the front cabin once again. Soon, the convoy parted, leaving the desolate ruins behind. As time passed, a peaceful silence filled the truck. The researchers had slowly fallen asleep on their seats, their steady breathing creating a relaxing atmosphere. After all their hard work, they had certainly earned their rest! Amidst slumbering colleagues, Ascalon and Lilithra remained awake, watching the night sky across the window. After a few moments, Lilithra leaned closer to Ascalon and spoke in a hushed whisper, her gentle voice reaching only his ears. ¡°Do you want to sleep? I can keep watch.¡± She stated with a smile, causing Ascalon¡¯s chest to tingle. She was so kind and selfless it filled him with emotion. He shook his head slightly, a small grin on his face as he responded. ¡°I am fine, do not worry¡ªrather, you should rest.¡± Ascalon whispered with a worried tone, wondering if Lilithra might feel tired. Contrary to his belief, she denied with her head, her bangs bouncing a bit from side to side. ¡°I¡¯m good, hehe.¡± She giggled softly, her eyes drifting toward the sky once more. The vast, dark firmament was sparkling ever so faintly, offering a gorgeous and pleasant view. A sigh escaped the knight¡¯s lips, thinking that no matter where he went, the sky always remained the same¡ªunchanging, steadfast. In an unfamiliar world filled with uncertainties and surprises¡ªsome more pleasant than others¡ªit was reassuring to know some things didn¡¯t change. With these deep, arbitrary thoughts occupying his mind, the night passed in the blink of an eye. Soon, the vehicles were welcomed into New Lumingard just as the sun rose in the horizon, paving the way to a new dawn. The researchers slowly woke up, and the peaceful ambience changed into a more animated one as they began chatting. Lilithra looked tired but cheerful, and Ascalon could even picture Selorien sleeping soundly in the cabin¡ªthe research trip had been quite calm overall! It didn¡¯t take long until they reached headquarters, stopping inside the garage before everyone got out of their vehicles. The military men saluted them and left first, while everyone else gathered for a friendly farewell. ¡°I¡¯m glad to say you three did an amazing job¡ªit has been the smoothest field research we¡¯ve ever done.¡± Irwin declared with a warm smile, watching over Ascalon, Lilithra, and a still-sleepy Selorien. ¡°Absolutely! It was like most beasts were too afraid to even approach!¡± Ragna chimed in excitedly, his long beard swaying as he chuckled to himself. It was indeed thanks to Ascalon¡¯s presence, and Lilithra¡¯s charm, that many of the roaming monsters had been compelled to retreat before even getting close! ¡°I hope you¡¯ll join us again sometime.¡± Lilly spoke shyly, fidgeting in place as she looked up to the trio. The sight was endearing, and the three of them smiled warmly. For a brief moment, their thoughts drifted to Athanya¡¯el, each of them wondering how she might be faring under Raphael¡¯s care. ¡°I¡¯m happy to have met you, guys!¡± Lilithra spoke once she gathered her thoughts, beaming with joy. ¡°And I hope you make it big with your research!¡± She added playfully, yet her firm gaze showed her words were sincere. The researchers smiled back at her, even the usually aloof Damian, and waved at the group before busying themselves with the truck¡¯s contents. Ascalon and his friends decided to not bother them and headed out, navigating the maze-like corridors until they finally reached the headquarters¡¯ main hall. As they checked the time, Lilithra¡¯s gaze caught a glimpse of the popularity rankings. She was about to groan, remembering the whole thing, when she saw her name wasn¡¯t in third place anymore. ¡°Look! I did it!¡± She exclaimed in joy, seeing her popularity had dropped to the ninth spot. Selorien looked utterly baffled by her reaction. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone happy about something like that, hah.¡± He scoffed, causing Lilithra to grin mischievously.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand how nerve-wracking that was, Mr. popular guy!¡± She replied, sighing softly in relief, likely more content with being less notorious¡ªat least, for the time being. Ascalon watched from the sidelines, curious about why she had suddenly dropped off. Was it perhaps because it had been a while since the colosseum fights? Even Lucretia and the Flaming Fists¡¯ girl, Zarya, had fallen to third and fourth place, replaced by some unfamiliar names¡ªthough the interesting thing was that Selorien still held his fifth spot! At this point, it was to be expected, Ascalon thought. As his friends bickered about the rankings, Ascalon sensed Kain approaching, his voice snapping Lilithra and Selorien to attention. ¡°Morning, everyone. Let¡¯s not waste any time.¡± The Canidae spoke as he walked past them, leading the way to, most likely, the same room as usual. The group exchanged brief glances before following, expectation and eagerness guiding their steps. A short while after, they all sat in front of Kain¡¯s desk, while he rubbed his long chin as he read something on his network interface. The silence in the room felt oppressive and caused Lilithra to gulp, the sound echoing against the walls and prompting Kain to sigh in resignation. ¡°First of all, I was told you all did an amazing job, so let me congratulate you on that.¡± Kain said in an almost proud tone, earning a beaming smile from Lilithra. ¡°Irwin and his team were incredibly pleased by your presence, and even asked for you to be their regular escorts¡­ though that might be problematic for future tests.¡± He declared, rubbing his temples. Ascalon couldn¡¯t help but agree. As much as he would like to accompany Irwin and his group again, it would be beneficial for other Guild applicants to participate in these escorting missions. There was much experience to be gained from these opportunities, after all! At his side, Lilithra seemed dejected, though that was to be expected of her. Sensing their silence, Kain continued. ¡°That aside, and without further ado¡ªcongratulations, you¡¯ve successfully completed all tasks, and earned the right to create your Guild.¡± He proclaimed with a cheerful voice, displaying the most animated expression they had ever seen from him. Lilithra jumped in her chair, her fists tightly clenched as she repeated ¡®yes¡¯ under her breath. Just then, a blue window appeared before her, startling her slightly before she leaned in to read it intently.
[Congratulations on fulfilling the prerequisites for [Guild Creation]] Please carefully fill the following boxes with your data.
Guild Leader: Lilithra Vexeria.
Guild Name: [___________]
Guild Type: Select Type¨‹¨‹¨‹ Guild Type is merely an informative tag for better Guild sorting.
Combat Alchemy Crafting Adventure Mercenary Miscellaneous
Security Research Trade Exploration Information
Guild''s Associated Territory: New Lumingard.
Guild Crest: Select Crest / Upload Crest Leave blank if you do not have a Crest ready.
Guild Description: [___________] (Max. 350 characters).
Guild''s Goals. [___________] (Max. 350 characters).
Guild Base''s name: [___________] Leave blank if the Guild does not have a base.
Founding Members:
Confirm Guild Creation.
¡°Ooh!¡± Lilithra blurted out in excitement as she read the contents, while her friends exchanged curious glances. Noticing they weren¡¯t seeing the screen, Lilithra recited the contents out loud. Ascalon listened intently and absorbed every detail with keen interest, fascinated by how thorough the network was. He felt a surge of elation overcome him, realizing their Guild was about to finally become a reality. Selorien also seemed enthusiastic, swaying on his seat as he smiled mischievously, evoking a playful air around him. Lilithra herself was busy filling in the details, and after a few moments, she seemed to have finished. Taking a bit more to re-read what she wrote, she let out a proud ¡®hmph!¡¯ and proceeded to recite the contents aloud once more.
Guild Leader: Lilithra Vexeria.
Guild Name: Knights of the Braveheart Vigil.
Guild Type: Select Type¨‹¨‹¨‹ Guild Type is merely an informative tag for better Guild sorting.
Combat Exploration
Security Adventure
Guild''s Associated Territory: New Lumingard.
Guild Crest: Select Crest / Upload Crest Leave blank if you do not have a Crest ready.
Guild Description: A Guild dedicated to helping those in need and standing against evil and injustice! Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of background, lineage, race, or anything! We¡¯re a tight group of friends, hoping to meet more kindred spirits! If that sounds interesting to you, send us your application!
Guild''s Goals. We can help with dungeon clears and collect materials. We offer guarding services for short or long voyages, and we¡¯re willing to explore anywhere! As for inside goals, we aim to create a safe space for members so no one will feel left out! We¡¯ll do our best to support your own objectives and help your growth!
Guild Base''s name: [___________] Leave blank if the Guild does not have a base.
Founding Members: Lilithra Vexeria.
Selorien L''Adariel.
Ascalon Rendland.
Confirm Guild Creation.
As she finished reading, she looked shyly at them for confirmation, her heart racing with anticipation. Both Selorien and Ascalon nodded resolutely, with zero hesitation. Lilithra beamed at them with utmost happiness, and dramatically raised her finger to finally press the confirmation button. In the next moment, a new window appeared before all of them, though they were slightly different for Selorien and Ascalon.
Congratulations! The C Rank Guild [Knights of the Braveheart Vigil] has been created successfully. You now have administrator privileges under the [Guild] tab on your profile! A tutorial will show up the first time you access this feature. Go now?
Confirm / Deny
Lilithra tilted her head as she read her window, while the others saw their own version.
You have been included as founding members for the Guild [Knights of the Braveheart Vigil] and need to confirm its validity. Upon confirmation, you will be added as Guild members and will unlock the [Guild] tab on your profile. Note: If you are already in a Guild, you have to abandon it first.
Confirm / Deny
Ascalon and Selorien didn¡¯t think twice before confirming, both their expressions showing a bold smile, and were greeted with a new window instead.
Congratulations! You are now a founding member of the Guild [Knights of the Braveheart Vigil]! You now have moderator privileges under the [Guild] tab on your profile! A tutorial will show up the first time you access this feature. Go now?
Confirm / Deny
While Selorien seemed accustomed to this and manipulated the network with confident movements, Ascalon took a deep breath before pressing confirm, bracing himself for whatever this ¡®tutorial¡¯ might bring! Chapter 89 - Congratulations are in Order! After pressing the ¡®confirm¡¯ button, Ascalon stared intently at the screen that materialized before him. As he scanned the contents, his eye settled on the very top, where the Guild¡¯s name was prominently displayed. He smiled with joy at the sight, happy about finally seeing the creation of the Guild, and to have helped fulfill one of Lilithra¡¯s goals. But the elation was brief, as he soon felt overwhelmed by the amount of text boxes and layers of information below¡ªthough, fortunately, there was a ¡®tutorial¡¯ to help him navigate the options! The network explained in detail what each thing meant, ranging from the basics like the Guild¡¯s rank and ¡®members list¡¯, to the more advanced ¡®moderator¡¯ privileges. It seemed like being a founding member gave him the right to ¡®kick¡¯ members off the Guild, though Ascalon was pretty certain he wasn¡¯t going to be using that option anytime soon¡ªor ever, actually, as he believed that kind of decision should be made by the leader! The most interesting points were the Guild rank, listed as C instead of D as Kain had originally let them know, and the members list, which showed his friends and himself with little icons that seemed to represent their status. Lilithra had a crown, fitting for a leader, while both Selorien and him had small swords. He would¡¯ve preferred a spear, but that was just him being picky. There were other intriguing options to explore, like Guild territory, Guild vault, Guild notices, and Guild ranks¡ªbut Ascalon kind of zoned out while the network explained their meanings, as he needed a pause from the information overload. Perhaps he could ask Lilithra about it later! Just as he thought about her, she raised her voice. ¡°Uhm, Mr. Kain, why does it say Rank C?¡± Lilithra asked with curiosity, her yellow eyes fixed on the Canidae. She seemed to be suspicious of the sudden rank increase, but Ascalon could notice she was actually quite excited about it, fidgeting in her seat. ¡°Apparently, the network rewarded your efforts.¡± Kain replied as he nodded thoughtfully. ¡°It happens sometimes, when applicants show utmost dedication and go above and beyond to complete the tests.¡± He continued, his long lips curling into a small smile. ¡°If you ask me, I would¡¯ve boosted you to at least rank B due to your choice of companions.¡± Kain revealed as he glanced at the others, chuckling to himself. It made sense that the Guild should be ranked higher, considering both Selorien and Ascalon were higher level than Lilithra. But even if they were there to support her, it was her Guild, and he found it fitting that the rank was aligned to her. Also, he was looking forward to witnessing what kind of leader she would become, and how she would strive to increase their rank. ¡°Awesome! Thank you, Mr. Kain!¡± Lilithra responded, beaming cheerfully. Her whole body was shaking with excitement, prompting both her friends to smile warmly at her. Kain, on the other hand, let out a small sigh. ¡°I must say, you were a true headache.¡± He began in a serious tone, causing Lilithra¡¯s excitement to falter. ¡°But I¡¯m glad you made it. Congratulations!¡± Kain commended them, crossing his arms in satisfaction. His words made Lilithra clench her fists tight, clearly proud to have earned the man¡¯s recognition. ¡°Now then, let¡¯s finish up some formalities so you can go home and celebrate.¡± The Canidae continued, and Lilithra nodded resolutely. Afterward, they went over some agreements over the network¡ªsupposedly about their ¡®deals¡¯ with headquarters. Things like accepting to aid the city when in need, completing quests, trading for artifacts¡ªmostly details that had been already talked about. Ascalon fiddled with his interface clunkily as he waited for Lilithra to finish, while Selorien approached him, leaning in to whisper. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m gonna bounce after this¡­ gotta get Lil¡¯s you-know-what.¡± The elf smiled mischievously at his own words, and Ascalon quickly realized what he meant. ¡°Oh! Very well, I shall keep her distracted.¡± Ascalon replied in a low voice, a similar playful grin spreading across his face. Both friends nodded in understanding, just as Lilithra came into view with a satisfied look. ¡°It¡¯s done!¡± She proclaimed cheerfully, causing both Selorien and Ascalon to nod in confirmation. ¡°Take care, everyone, and don¡¯t go too wild when celebrating.¡± Kain suddenly spoke, walking past them and gesturing for them to leave. Right to the end, he was really eager to get rid of them! Selorien smirked as he left, while Lilithra and Ascalon bowed slightly at the man. ¡°Thank you for everything.¡± They said in unison, exchanging glances and chuckling. Then, they followed after Selorien, and soon found themselves outside headquarters. Lilithra looked tired yet radiated energy, while Selorien yawned and stretched his arms high. ¡°Whew¡­ I¡¯m beat.¡± The elf complained as he slouched and narrowed his eyes, causing Lilithra to look at him with a concerned expression. ¡°We could use some sleep, haha¡­ but first!¡± She raised her fist in the air triumphantly. ¡°Let¡¯s celebrate!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with pure elation in her voice, her cheerfulness palpable in the air. To her dismay, Selorien shook his head. ¡°Sorry, Lil. I gotta head home¡­ but I¡¯ll go later, okay?¡± He reassured her before she could feel too dejected, and Lilithra nodded shyly, a bit disappointed. ¡°Alright, later!¡± Selorien bid them goodbye, and promptly left their sight. Ascalon glanced at Lilithra and placed a hand on her head to comfort her. ¡°Do not worry, he said he will come later!¡± Ascalon smiled, ruffling her hair. Lilithra looked up at him with flushed cheeks and a shy smile. ¡°Yeah¡­ alright, let¡¯s go back!¡± She replied with newfound energy, and both set out to the good old tavern. On the way, they talked about various things, like the researchers, the Guild creation, and some other mundane things, and it helped them remain cheerful amidst their tiredness. When they reached The Chalice, Lilithra led the way inside, and surprisingly, a loud sound and a shower of colorful sparkles greeted them. It was a confetti popper, in the hands of an older gentleman. ¡°Congratulations, Lil!¡± Raphael exclaimed in a loud and cheerful voice, startling Lilithra and causing Ascalon to stare curiously at the sight. The inside of the establishment was decorated very slightly with ribbons and flowers, and Raphael had a huge smile on his face. It was evident he had no doubt in his mind that Lilithra would prevail in all her tests.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Uncle!¡± She chirped enthusiastically, throwing herself onto his arms. Raphael hugged her tightly, and chuckled without further need for words. The sight was incredibly heartwarming, and Ascalon smiled in pure satisfaction. Just then, his eye caught a glimpse of golden hair moving about. It was Athanya¡¯el, who waddled to them cutely with a sweet pastry on her hand. ¡°Here, for your efforts.¡± She declared smugly as she offered the treat to Lilithra, presumably as a reward. Lilithra beamed in excitement as she let go of her uncle and boldly hugged the tiny Goddess instead, catching her off guard. ¡°Huh?¡± Athanya¡¯el muttered, but didn¡¯t complain nor show any discomfort. It seemed she was growing fond of being doted on, which was actually quite curious for Ascalon. He wondered just what kind of ¡®life¡¯ Gods had that they would relish simple things such as a hug. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s celebrate! But¡­ where¡¯s Selly?¡± Raphael tilted his head as he glanced at the entrance over Ascalon¡¯s shoulder, arching one of his brows with intrigue. ¡°Oh, he is coming later.¡± The knight replied, smiling reassuringly. Raphael sighed and shook his head. ¡°That boy is so whimsical.¡± He smiled fondly, and guided everyone toward the bar counter. There, a neatly arranged variety of dishes was waiting for them. Some already had missing pieces, and the small crumbs around Thany¡¯s mouth hinted at the very culprit! Everyone sat at their usual stools except Raphael, who took his place behind the counter. While Lilithra and her uncle chatted animatedly about the Guild¡¯s creation and its challenges, Ascalon glanced over at his Goddess. She seemed to be doing well, which was relieving. He had been neglecting her a bit, after all, so he felt somewhat guilty¡ªthough she looked at him with a suspicious stare as she ate cheerfully, causing Ascalon to think that maybe he was worrying too much. As Lilithra showed Raphael her Guild interface, the older man let out a surprised ¡®ooh¡¯ and nodded thoughtfully while reading the contents. With a hand on his chin, he smiled proudly as he spoke up. ¡°Very nice! Good job, Lil, Ascalon¡­ and Selly, too!¡± He exclaimed just as the elf opened the entrance door, catching everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Selly!¡± Lilithra waved at him cheerfully as he made his way to the counter with a carefree stride. Ascalon grinned with joy to see everyone reunited, while the tiny Goddess paid little attention to the newcomer, more preoccupied about filling her belly. ¡°Yo~.¡± Selorien responded as he sat with everyone, nodding at Raphael and stealing a glance at Athanya¡¯el before giggling to himself. ¡°So, what did I miss?¡± He asked, placing an elbow on the table as he yawned. ¡°I was just showing Uncle our Guild stuff!¡± Lilithra proclaimed with clear smugness, puffing out her chest and smiling boldly. Raphael nodded as he grinned, while Selorien let out a small chuckle. Time passed as the group exchanged words and munched on the different snacks, with even Thany chiming in whenever her interest was piqued by their recounting. Eventually, Raphael brought up a quite interesting topic. ¡°So, you¡¯ve established your Guild. What¡¯s the next step?¡± The gentleman asked after sipping from a glass of beer, his inquisitive stare making Lilithra fidget in her seat. ¡°Well¡­ getting new members would be cool! But I don¡¯t really know anyone to invite, so¡­ we¡¯ll focus on completing quests!¡± Lilithra explained with a mix of shyness and enthusiasm, fiddling with her thumbs. Raphael nodded thoughtfully as he placed the now empty glass on the table before speaking up again. ¡°I see, I see. What else?¡± He urged with a grin, his genuine interest making Lilithra smile fondly. ¡°We also need a Guild base¡­ I know we¡¯re just a small bunch, but we don¡¯t want to bother you more than needed, after all!¡± Lilithra remarked, prompting Raphael to narrow his eyes. He seemed to ponder over her words for a moment, and eventually showed a contented expression. ¡°Ah, I get it. I wouldn¡¯t mind, really, but I appreciate you taking me into consideration.¡± The gentleman placed a hand on Lilithra¡¯s head and ruffled her hair gently, under the warm stares of both Ascalon and Selorien. It seemed he had understood they didn¡¯t want to be in the way of his work, or something along these lines at least. But that brought up another question. ¡°If we need a place for our base¡­ how can we acquire a piece of land?¡± Ascalon questioned as he leaned into the counter, propping his elbows on it to rest his chin on his hands. The rest let out thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯s as they thought about his question, and Raphael was the one to chime in first. ¡°Well, you can always buy it¡­ but I believe there¡¯s also some sort of competition for Guilds sometimes? I¡¯m not entirely sure¡­¡± Raphael closed his eyes, deep in thought, while the rest exchanged glances. Both Selorien and Lilithra quickly produced their phones and began fiddling with them, likely investigating. After a few moments, Lilithra jolted in her seat. ¡°Aha!¡± She exclaimed in realization. ¡°Here, look!¡± Lilithra showed the screen to everyone, where the words ¡®Loraine¡¯s Real Estate Monthly Competition¡¯ were displayed. It was slightly awkward for them to appraise all of the information on her tiny device, so she started musing aloud. ¡°It looks like some kind of monthly event where Guilds can apply to participate in a competition for properties! I remember hearing about this somewhere before, perhaps from, ugh, Lucio¡­¡± She spat the words with disgust, clearly not fond of the name anymore. ¡°Ehem, and, it seems there¡¯s many locations for the prizes! Let¡¯s see¡­¡± Lilithra murmured as she fiddled with her phone, while the rest waited patiently. ¡°Uhm¡­ it¡¯s happening in almost two weeks. Let me apply real quick, just in case!¡± She panicked slightly and quickly tapped on her phone, perhaps worried she would miss a deadline or something like that. Ascalon nibbled on a potato chip as he watched over her, with Thany leaning onto him and yawning, seemingly running out of battery. He scooped her up and held her in his arms, deciding to let her sleep there for a bit before taking her to Lilithra¡¯s room. Unsurprisingly, Selorien yawned at the sight, appearing to resist the urge to just plop his head onto the counter to nap. Just then, Lilithra¡¯s voice drew their attention. ¡°Done! We¡¯re registered, hehe!¡± She said animatedly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°It says the theme changes every month, and some of the prior competitions were dungeon races, like in the test! Also fights, nothing too fancy, and¡­ puzzle solving? How would that work? Haha!¡± She laughed heartily, visibly enjoying herself. ¡°Hmm, finding hidden items, searching for clues¡­ wow they really put effort into the ¡®event¡¯ part, huh? Seems like it¡¯s televised, too¡­¡± Lilithra narrowed her eyes as she recalled the colosseum, which was also a big show for an audience, and it brought back both good and unpleasant memories. Seeing her shoulders drop slightly, Ascalon decided to chime in. ¡°So we can acquire a location for free if we win the competition? Let us do our best, then!¡± The knight declared with enthusiasm, and Lilithra beamed with joy. ¡°Yes! But! There are various prizes, so we might have a chance even if we don¡¯t win!¡± She added, though Ascalon quickly replied. ¡°But we shall win!¡± He assured, and everyone exchanged knowing glances. Raphael nodded resolutely, while Selorien chuckled, and Lilithra clenched her fists in determination. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s decided! Our new goal is set!¡± Lilithra proclaimed with glee and a radiant smile, raising a glass of juice high before taking a few sips. Just then, Selorien cleared up his throat and spoke. ¡°Ehem¡­ before we wrap things up¡­ we got something for you, Lil.¡± Selorien said with a slightly tired but cheerful tone, causing Raphael and Lilithra to look at him with curiosity. ¡°I got Lyra and Ascalon¡¯s permission to use the chimera materials.¡± He started, prompting Lilithra to perk up with utmost interest. ¡°And we decided to make you a new weapon, to congratulate the start of your¡ªour, new Guild!¡± Selorien revealed as he got up and started manipulating his interface. ¡°Huh? R-really?¡± Lilithra murmured as she fidgeted in her seat, taken aback by the sudden event. ¡°Y-you guys shouldn¡¯t have!¡± She added, perhaps feeling a bit conflicted. Acquiring these materials had been a group effort, after all¡ªbut there was no doubt in anyone¡¯s minds that she deserved a reward! ¡°There!¡± Selorien remarked as something began taking form in the air¡ªthe weapon Lilithra would wield from now on! Chapter 90 - A New Weapon & A Dream Everyone but Selorien watched in anticipation as the object took form before their eyes. Lilithra¡ªbeing the most eager for obvious reasons¡ªheld her breath and clenched her fists tight in an attempt to contain her excitement, with sparkly eyes and a shy grin adorning her expression. The weapon began appearing from its base, materializing first as a long, golden rod. Then, a set of three different blades emerged at the top: The first was the main cutting edge, in the form of a big, crescent-shaped glaive; the second was a pointy end at the top, resembling the dangerous end of a spear, and perfect for piercing; and the third was a smaller blade that looked like a hatchet, at the opposite side of the main one, which enabled the weapon to attack in various directions. The armament was marked with fine engraving along the pole, its golden surface reflecting the light with ease. Near the top end, a set of slots could be seen, and Ascalon noticed they were likely intended for attaching a banner! As the armament finished appearing, Lilithra extended her hands to pick it up, feeling the unfamiliar weight on her limbs. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± She murmured as her eyes traced the weapon¡¯s entire frame. Raphael whistled in admiration as he gazed upon her, while Ascalon nodded in satisfaction. The armament looked polished and masterfully crafted, and made the knight wish to meet the blacksmith that had created such an imposing halberd. Selorien, of course, looked incredibly smug and proud! ¡°I-is it alright for me to keep this?¡± Lilithra asked in disbelief, tracing the main blade of the weapon with her fingers. It was a polearm far larger than her banner, and she seemed to be reluctant to accept it for various reasons. ¡°Just accept it, dummy.¡± Selorien replied with a content smirk, and Ascalon nodded in agreement. Lilithra blushed slightly and hugged the weapon tight, her elation more than evident. ¡°Thank you, guys¡­¡± She shyly responded, her lips curling into a most gleeful smile. The sight was endearing, especially when the weapon itself was almost twice as big as her, yet she seemed incredibly pleased by both its appearance and the fact that it had been a gift from her friends. ¡°Oh, right! Summon your banner, Lil!¡± Selorien suddenly blurted out, confusing Lilithra momentarily. She eyed him suspiciously as she focused, her trusty weapon materializing in the air. The elf quickly grabbed it and carefully removed the red clothing that characterized it, presenting it to Lilithra. ¡°Put it on the halberd!¡± He exclaimed in an eager tone, his smile widening. Lilithra quickly caught on and grabbed the cloth, turning around to set the large weapon on the bar counter. As the rod moved a plate with various pastries, Athanya¡¯el stirred in her slumber, perhaps enticed by the sound¡ªshe seemed to have taken quite a liking to the mundane act of eating, for her to react even in her sleep! Meanwhile, Lilithra took her time to properly attach the clothing to the halberd, making sure it was wrapped up tight before taking a step back and raising the armament high. Everyone smiled at the sight, as her distinctive banner fluttered slightly under her fluid motions. ¡°Hehe¡­!¡± Lilithra giggled in pure bliss, though her movements seemed a bit sluggish. The weapon had to be far weightier than what she was accustomed to, but that only meant she would gradually grow stronger by simply wielding it! ¡°Congratulations, Lilithra.¡± Ascalon commended her with a soft grin, happy to see her receive a proper reward for her efforts. Raphael crossed his arms and nodded in agreement, while Selorien giggled in place. Lilithra beamed at them, and then inspected her weapon once more. She looked mesmerized, and would probably stay glued to the weapon for the rest of the day. It was the perfect opportunity for Ascalon to bring the sleeping Goddess to her bed, so he excused himself and left the main hall, navigating his way to Lilithra¡¯s room. After a few minutes of tucking her in, he rejoined his friends once more, though this time, Selorien was already at the front door. ¡°I¡¯m beat, so I¡¯m gonna go¡­ Ascalon, you¡¯re in charge of keeping Lil from losing a finger!¡± Selorien joked as he waved, promptly leaving The Chalice. He was probably the most tired of the group, simply because of his usual nature. Ascalon nodded with a sigh, while Lilithra simply waved back, letting the comment slide under her current elation. Raphael was already cleaning everything up, so the only two in the hall were Ascalon and Lilithra. She looked nothing like before, having found renewed energy due to her excitement. She glanced at him, a huge smile on her lips as she spoke. ¡°Whose idea was it?¡± She asked shyly, her eyes darting from Ascalon to the halberd. Ascalon chuckled at the sight, taking a seat by the counter before responding. ¡°It was Selorien! He made sure to talk with Lyra and Escarlata before deciding, and was the one that took the materials to the blacksmith. It was all him, honestly!¡± Ascalon admitted with a proud grin, feeling grateful toward the elf for all his efforts! Lilithra beamed with pure glee as she waved the halberd high, the red cloth swaying softly in the air. ¡°We need to get him a gift too¡ªand you, and Lyra! And even Escarlata, haha¡­¡± Lilithra suggested with eagerness in her voice, causing Ascalon to consider her kind words. It wasn¡¯t a bad idea for everyone to receive a reward after all they had been through! Especially Selorien for being such a good friend, and Lyra for having endured so much pain. Escarlata¡­. well, she had been of great help too, even when she had been reluctant at first. Their voyage to Starugnia would¡¯ve been way different if it were not for her. But at the end, he wondered, why would he need a gift? That aside, Ascalon cleared his throat as he spoke to her. ¡°I think that is a marvelous and admirable idea.¡± He said with a grin, his chest full of delight. Lilithra nodded shyly, and then let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯ as she gazed upon her weapon. Then, the large halberd started to slowly disappear, likely being sent to her network inventory. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± She muttered as her fingers traced the air, manipulating her interface with ease. In the next moment, a screen appeared before both Ascalon and her.
Chimereon¡¯s Baneful Blade.
Unruly and prideful, a beast that cannot be tamed, forged into death itself.
Crafted High Quality Weapon(unappraised). Rank: (unappraised). Attribute: (unappraised).
Effects:
(unappraised).Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Additional Effects:
(unappraised)
Ascalon peered at the contents with intrigue, curious about the possible effects and details of the weapon. At the same time, Lilithra sighed loudly, her shoulders dropping in clear dejection. ¡°Aw, come on¡­! Can¡¯t we see even one of its effects?¡± She complained slightly, sitting on a stool at Ascalon¡¯s side. ¡°At least the name sounds really cool!¡± Lilithra added with a smile, glancing at him. ¡°I agree, it has quite an imposing name. Are you going to¡­ Claude for appraisal?¡± Ascalon asked with a brief stammer, recalling the shopkeeper''s name. Lilithra let out a ¡®hmm¡¯ as she considered the idea, a finger gently pressed on her chin. ¡°Maybe¡­ no, wait!¡± She jolted in her seat, her grin widening. ¡°I¡¯ll have Lyra appraise it alongside my amulet! The perfect excuse for us to meet with her again!¡± She revealed her idea with utmost happiness, clearly eager to see Lyra again. Ascalon nodded in complete agreement, as he thought it was a pleasant proposition. Just then, Lilithra giggled to herself, casting a glance at him. ¡°Do you know what Selly told me?¡± She asked with a mischievous look on her face, and Ascalon tilted his head with curiosity. ¡°He wants to give Lyra the scythe we got the other day¡ªremember?¡± Lilithra revealed as her lips curled up further. Ascalon narrowed his eye in confusion, not really understanding why Selorien would suggest that. Lyra didn¡¯t seem one to use such weapons, after all. ¡°Why?¡± Ascalon voiced his thoughts, and Lilithra giggled once more. ¡°He said it¡¯s because he wants to see a short, shy girl wielding a huge scythe!¡± She revealed, her giggling turning into hearty laughter. Ascalon was taken aback for a moment, but then began to picture Lyra in his mind. The short, yet well-endowed girl, fidgeting nervously with a comically large weapon in her hands made for a surprisingly amusing contrast. ¡°I see¡­¡± Ascalon mused, stroking his chin. It was a genius idea! Aside from it being slightly funny, Ascalon thought that Lyra could benefit from using a weapon. Perhaps the scythe was a bit of an exaggeration, but it might work! ¡°I think we should talk with her about it. I for one do not use such weapons, and if Selorien wanted it he would not have suggested giving it to Lyra.¡± Ascalon explained his reasoning, as Lilithra stopped laughing, clutching her stomach. ¡°Ah¡­ yeah, I guess. I wouldn¡¯t mind! I¡¯m also on board with seeing her fight with a huge weapon, hehe!¡± Lilithra admitted, giggling. ¡°That aside¡­ I do want to give her a gift, and that scythe looks really high quality too! We gotta take a look at it tomorrow, when Selly drops by.¡± She suggested, stretching her arms high and letting out a soft moan. She seemed tired, and he too could use some rest, so Ascalon decided it was a good time to call it a day. ¡°You should head to bed early today.¡± Ascalon said with a gentle voice, and Lilithra groaned slightly. ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯m really tired¡­¡± She got up from her stool, sighing. ¡°Thanks for everything, Ascalon.¡± Lilithra suddenly thanked him, causing Ascalon to tilt his head in confusion. ¡°Hehe¡­ see you later!¡± She giggled as she quickly left, heading to her room. Ascalon remained alone in the hall, slightly confused, hearing only the sound of her footsteps in the distance and Raphael washing the dishes in the kitchen. Shrugging in resignation, Ascalon stood up and made his way to his own room. With sluggish steps, he reached his bed and let himself fall into it, enjoying the soft sensation of the sheets. Oh how he loved that feeling, one that eased him into sleep so easily! With the fluffy pillow under his head, he quickly drifted into a peaceful slumber.
As soon as Lilithra reached her room she beelined to her bed, pushing aside some of her plushies to plop her body onto the bouncy mattress. She looked at the side, a corner of the room were Athanya¡¯el slept. She smiled warmly at the sight, happy to have a little sister of sorts in her life now¡ªthough Thany was still a Goddess at the end of the day, so Lilithra couldn¡¯t simply indulge in doting on her all the time. She had to respect the divine boundaries! As she sighed into her pillow, her thoughts drifted to the day¡¯s events. She had finally created her Guild¡ªit didn¡¯t feel real yet, and it was all thanks to her friends, who had also thoughtfully prepared a gift for her! She had the support of so many incredible individuals, and she felt so deeply grateful for their existence. Her uncle, always protective and supportive; Selly, the best friend she could ask for; and Ascalon, the dreamy knight that had pushed her to do her very best ever since he had arrived. She was not stagnant anymore, and she could even show her horns in public now. ¡°I¡¯ve grown¡­¡± Lilithra whispered to herself, a sense of both pride and joy filling her chest at hearing her own words. That¡¯s right, she had grown, and she would keep doing so. It was a promise to herself and her friends¡ªto her newly formed Guild! The path ahead of her looked ever so distant, yet on the way she could easily picture all sorts of adventures, new encounters, and challenging trials¡ªand she would face them all, accompanied by her comrades. With these endearing thoughts in mind, she smiled gleefully as tiredness overtook her, and soon drifted off to sleep. Some time later, she woke up, a sensation of drowsiness still lingering on her. She sat up in bed and stretched her arms high, yawning slightly as she blinked a few times, trying to focus on her surroundings. The room was dark, and she slowly realized it was slightly strange¡ªsomething felt unnatural. Lilithra looked around, yet she couldn¡¯t make out any of her room''s features in the darkness. ¡°Huh?¡± She muttered in confusion, reaching out to her nightstand to try and turn on her desk lamp. But there was nothing there. Instead, she felt something grasp her hand. ¡°Huh?!¡± Lilithra gasped, recoiling in shock, and took a step back. But wait, a step? Where was her bed? She glanced around in a panic, the black void around her now feeling oppressive and ominous. Just then, a rustling sound came from where she had reached out to, and she tried summoning her new weapon just in case. But to her dismay, nothing happened. The rustling turned into a giggle¡ªa most familiar voice reaching her ears. But that was not possible, as that voice belonged to her! Slowly, a figure emerged from the darkness. A pair of dark horns came into view first, followed by long, cascading red hair that covered a bare chest. Lilithra froze in place, as the body¡¯s features were easily recognizable by her¡ªafter all, it was her own form standing in front of her. ¡°Wha¡ª?¡± She muttered as she locked eyes with the doppelganger, a profound sense of dread erupting from within. The other Lilithra stared back at her, a most wicked smile forming on her lips, her yellow, demonic eyes firmly focused on her. The girl raised a finger and pointed at her, and Lilithra felt an overpowering urge to look away¡ªsomething told her¡ªscreamed at her¡ªthat she had to escape from that demon¡¯s gaze immediately! Just as the word ¡®demon¡¯ echoed in her mind, the other Lilithra¡¯s grin widened, and soon darkness encompassed them both. Lilithra jolted awake, sitting up so quickly that she was hit by a wave of dizziness. She was gasping, almost panicking, but slowly regained her bearings. She felt her clothes cling onto her, drenched in sweat, and soon her instincts forced her to glance to her side. Athanya¡¯el watched her from her own bed, with narrowed eyes and her head tilted slightly. ¡°You¡­¡± The Goddess muttered, but then shook her head. ¡°Hmm¡­ I cannot feel anything. Was it my imagination?¡± Thany continued, monologuing to herself. She then shrugged and turned around, resting her body on her bed. Her steady breathing let Lilithra know she had quickly fallen asleep again. Lilithra raised both her hands and inspected them, then she felt her face, her horns, and chest. Nothing was amiss¡ªshe was not naked, nor was she grinning wickedly. She took in a big breath before exhaling slowly, realizing she simply had experienced a disturbing nightmare. It had been a long time since she had a nightmare, and she couldn¡¯t remember if she had ever seen that kind of scene develop in her dreams, but she felt relieved that it had been just that¡ªa dream. She could still recall the dread she felt, staring back at herself, yet thinking she was gazing upon a demon. Her whole body shivered at the thought, and she smiled thinking how silly that was. She rubbed her own cheeks and then stretched, preparing herself for yet another day in New Lumingard, eager to put that strange nightmare behind her! But just as she was getting ready, she noticed a screen floating in the air and gazed at it with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
You have (1) new Guild member application.
Chapter 91 - Surprising Name It was a new, peaceful day in New Lumingard. Ascalon had woken up early, as per usual, and was seated at the bar¡¯s counter, enjoying an expertly made cup of coffee while chatting about various things with Raphael. They were mostly catching up after the Guild tests, though their talk was animated and pleasant, until the steward brought up one of the more worrying topics. ¡°So, none of those masked weirdos have shown up so far?¡± The older man asked, his gaze turning a bit concerned. Ascalon knew he was referring to the ones such as Wrath, who had antagonized them in Starugnia. ¡°Not as of yet. Though I believe it is unlikely they would act in the open¡ªcowards do not dare step into the light often.¡± Ascalon replied with a disgusted tone, feeling his coffee would get soured by thinking about these villains. Raphael sighed in relief as a small smile formed on his lips. ¡°I see, that¡¯s good.¡± The steward rubbed his temples. ¡°Sorry for bringing that up and ruining the mood.¡± He apologized, grinning awkwardly. Ascalon nodded with a confident expression, as if to reassure him. ¡°Do not worry. It is wise to keep such threats in mind in order to not let our guard down too much.¡± The knight responded with utmost firmness, his words that of a honed warrior who, perhaps, needed to relax a little more. Raphael chuckled, when a ¡®ding¡¯ sound came from the kitchen. ¡°One moment.¡± The older man chirped, raising a hand and signaling Ascalon to wait as he disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, Raphael came back with a variety of pastries and a cup of what looked like hot cocoa. Ascalon raised an eyebrow as he inspected the grand breakfast, and soon realized a presence had stirred in the second floor. ¡°I am once again in awe¡ªyour foresight and preparedness is unmatched, Raphael.¡± He commended the steward¡ªwho, for a while now, he had been calling without the ¡®sir¡¯ nor ¡®master¡¯ titles¡ªimpressed as always by the man¡¯s service skills. The gentleman smiled proudly, and did a brief but elegant reverence. ¡°My, your kind words are wasted in one such as I! Nonetheless, I appreciate them.¡± Raphael acted grandiose, showcasing his more professional side with utmost dedication. Ascalon smiled in admiration, as the presence he had felt before quickly descended the stairs and bounced rhythmically toward the counter. ¡°Ooh!¡± A childish voice chirped, garnering both Ascalon and Raphael¡¯s attention. It was of course Athanya¡¯el, trotting as fast as her little legs allowed, with her cascading, long hair flowing behind her like a golden streak. With trained movements, she climbed onto a stool and sat beside Ascalon, beaming happily at him. ¡°Good morning, my Goddess.¡± Ascalon greeted her, bowing slightly. ¡°Morning, Thany.¡± Raphael chimed in, more affectionately. The child let out a shy ¡®hehe¡¯ as her hands grabbed onto the cocoa cup and a strawberry pastry. ¡°Good morning, both of you. Thank you for the meal!¡± Thany exclaimed as she prepared to nibble on her meal, her expression showing nothing but pure bliss. At that moment, Raphael decided to vanish into the kitchen, perhaps to prepare more treats for Thany. Ascalon felt at ease seeing her so animated and talkative. She seemed to have grown fond of Raphael, and was learning a lot about ¡®mortal¡¯ culture! As she indulged on her cocoa, Ascalon decided to strike a conversation¡ªsomething they had barely done since her awakening. ¡°How are you faring, my lady?¡± He asked in a soft voice, trying to not sound too worried. Athanya¡¯el tilted her head for a moment as she placed down her cup. ¡°I am fine, as you can see, my knight! My energy is growing slowly but steadily.¡± She reassured him with a big grin, a small cocoa mustache adorning her lips. ¡°But I wish I could recover faster¡ªI yearn to explore the outside world! Alas, I cannot be bothered to do so when I might fall asleep out of nowhere.¡± She complained as she furrowed her brows, clearly annoyed. Ascalon nodded at her words, agreeing that her situation posed quite the dilemma. He too wanted to take her out and show her the city¡ªhis new home¡ªbut that had to wait until she had recovered enough to function as a ¡®normal¡¯ person, as in, having a normal sleeping schedule! Trying to reassure her, he spoke up in a cheerful voice. ¡°I am sure you shall recover quickly enough¡ªafter all, you are none other than Athanya¡¯el, Goddess of Light!¡± He proclaimed triumphantly, raising a fist in excitement. Thany beamed from ear to ear, her eyes glimmering with eagerness and glee. ¡°Indeed, for that I am!¡± She replied with confidence before nibbling on another pastry, completely mesmerized by the treats. The sight was always endearing, no matter how many times Ascalon had seen it. Just then, another presence descended the stairs, accompanied by merry humming. ¡°Morning!¡± Lilithra chirped animatedly as she quickly approached the counter. Athanya¡¯el nodded a few times in greeting, her mouth stuffed with pastry, and Ascalon spoke up. ¡°Good morning, Lilithra. You seem happy¡ªeven more than usual.¡± The knight remarked with a grin. Lilithra smiled excitedly, hurrying to a stool beside him and quickly leaning closer. ¡°I¡¯m so excited! I have great news¡ªbut we gotta wait for Selly, okay?!¡± Lilithra blurted out the words in a rush, her enthusiasm more than evident. Ascalon raised an eyebrow in intrigue, wondering what had made her so cheerful so early in the morning, just as Raphael appeared behind the counter again. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Morning, Lil!¡± The gentleman greeted as he placed a cup of coffee in front of Lilithra, accompanied by a small plate with toast and a pastry. ¡°Morning, Uncle!¡± She chirped excitedly in response, quickly grabbing the coffee cup and gulping it down, surprising Raphael momentarily. ¡°Oh? Seems like someone is in a great mood.¡± The older man flashed a knowing smile, while Lilithra giggled as she munched on her pastry. Ascalon smiled gently, and then noticed Athanya¡¯el staring at her intently, her eyes burning with suspicion. ¡°Is something wrong, my Goddess?¡± He asked, somewhat unsettled by her gaze. Lilithra caught on and looked at Thany too, who simply shook her head as she let out a soft sigh. ¡°It is nothing¡­ fortunately.¡± The child replied, a hint of relief in her voice. Ascalon and Lilithra exchanged confused glances, while Raphael scratched his chin¡ªperhaps he too was wondering what Athyana¡¯el meant. Still, the awkward mood didn¡¯t last long, as the last rascal made his appearance at the front door. ¡°Morning~.¡± Selorien¡¯s carefree voice reached their ears as he made his way toward them at a leisure pace. ¡°Selly! Perfect timing! Come, quick!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as she gestured with her hands frantically for Selorien to hurry. The elf narrowed his eyes and quickened his pace, taking a seat beside her. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Selorien asked with a mix of curiosity and annoyance after having been forced to hurry up. ¡°Listen to this!¡± Lilithra began, exuding cheerfulness. ¡°We¡­ we already have¡­ a new member application for our Guild!¡± She revealed excitedly, clapping her hands in clear elation. Both Ascalon and Selorien were taken aback by her words, surprised by her declaration. ¡°Wha¡ªthat¡¯s crazy! How?!¡± The elf questioned with palpable confusion. ¡°It¡¯s only been a day!¡± He added, baffled by the situation. Ascalon nodded, sharing the sentiment. It was really surprising to know someone was already eager to join them, yet it also felt a bit exciting. ¡°I dunno, haha!¡± Lilithra blurted out, giggling. ¡°I got the notification when I woke up!¡± She continued, swaying in place with unbridled enthusiasm. ¡°But I haven¡¯t opened it yet! I wanted everyone to be present for our first Guild member application!¡± Lilithra revealed with a mix of glee and shyness, her cheeks blushing slightly. As expected of her! The kind and sweet Lilithra who always thought of her friends. Ascalon smiled fondly at her words, while Selorien¡¯s expression brightened with a gentle grin. ¡°Alright then, go on!¡± The elf urged, sharing her enthusiasm. Ascalon nodded in agreement, while Raphael and Athanya¡¯el watched from the sidelines with curiosity. Lilithra took in a deep breath to prepare herself, and then fiddled with her fingers in the air. ¡°Here it goes!¡± She exclaimed as she opened the notification, eager and happy. But then, her cheerful expression gradually shifted to surprise, followed by what seemed like a mix of disappointment and worry. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Selorien asked, taken off-guard by her reaction. Lilithra glanced at them with a conflicted expression. ¡°Uhm¡­ well, look at it for yourselves¡­¡± Lilithra said as she manipulated her interface, prompting a screen to appear before her friends.
You have (1) new Guild member application?.
Name: Lyra Summers. Class/Role: Magician, appraiser, healer! Reason for applying. I wanna join! Let¡¯s meet up when you have time, please!
Ascalon widened his eye in surprise as he read the name, just as Selorien raised his voice in realization. ¡°Oh! I see¡­ I, uh, that¡¯s on me.¡± The elf revealed, catching everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°I told her yesterday you received your gift, and that the Guild tests were finally over¡­¡± He explained with a bit of hesitation, his expression a dubious one. ¡°I¡ªI see¡­¡± Lilithra replied, clearly conflicted. Ascalon was a bit confused by their reactions. Though surprising, Lyra was a dear friend of theirs, so why the reluctance? Weren¡¯t they happy that she wanted to join their Guild? It was then that the most important detail dawned on him¡ªfor Lyra to join them, she had to leave her old Guild. ¡°Ah¡­ I see. We should meet with her.¡± Ascalon voiced his thoughts aloud, and both his friends nodded. Athanya¡¯el and Raphael were curious but didn¡¯t interject, waiting for them to finish their talk. ¡°Yeah¡­ we should.¡± Lilithra agreed with firmness, staring intently at the screen with her shoulders drooped. It wasn¡¯t that she was disappointed it was Lyra¡ªshe was just concerned for her friend. Ascalon placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair softly. ¡°Do not worry too much. She must have her reasons!¡± Ascalon tried to reassure her, and she nodded shyly. Then, Selorien chimed in. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s just meet with her and hear her out.¡± The elf nodded, nibbling on a pastry he had stealthily acquired. ¡°But hey, doesn¡¯t it sound fun?¡± He added with a smirk, prompting Lilithra to perk up. Slowly, her expression brightened. ¡°Well, I mean¡­ yeah, I¡¯m actually happy she would want to join us¡­¡± She began with a shy smile, her dejection easing up. ¡°It would be so cool!¡± Lilithra declared excitedly, though a bit of worry lingered behind her tone. It was natural for Lilithra to wonder why Lyra would leave her Guild and join them¡ªespecially since her own brother was the leader¡ªbut Ascalon knew she would be delighted to spend more time with the cat girl. Even he had grown fond of Lyra, and Selorien seemed to enjoy her presence, so likely they all shared the same sentiment. With that thought in their minds, Lilithra quickly produced her phone from her hoodie and began tapping on it decisively. She seemed to be contacting Lyra to meet up, her resolution palpable. Meanwhile, Selorien explained the situation to Raphael, with Thany listening in. ¡°Oh¡­ that one!¡± Athanya¡¯el exclaimed as she remembered Lyra. It had been a while since the last time she had seen her, after all. She then narrowed her eyes, and sent Ascalon an accusatory stare. ¡°Do not be tempted!¡± She commanded, confusing Ascalon greatly. Selorien giggled mischievously, with Raphael chuckling along, just as Lilithra spoke up. ¡°There! She says she¡¯ll come by today! I tried to convince her to meet midway but she insisted on coming here.¡± Lilithra explained, an awkward smile on her face. Lyra seemed to be quite resolute when she wanted to, and perhaps she wanted to pay a visit to The Chalice either way. The important thing to focus on was that they would finally meet her again, and hear her reasons for wanting to join their Guild. Ascalon hoped everything was okay with her brother and wondered about what could¡¯ve prompted this sudden decision. Chapter 92 - Her reasons As time passed, Lilithra urged Raphael to open The Chalice as usual, reassuring him not to mind them as much and to stick to his routine. Both she and Ascalon helped out as customers poured in for late breakfasts or early lunches, while Selorien entertained Athanya¡¯el at the counter. The little Goddess had her own phone now¡ªthanks to Raphael¡ªwhich caused Ascalon to feel conflicted. On one hand, he was happy to see her adapting more to this new world, delving into its technology and customs; but on the other hand, he couldn¡¯t help but think he was being overtaken! He had been in New Lumingard for longer, yet he still hadn¡¯t learned how to use a phone properly, nor did he have one. Meanwhile, there was Athanya¡¯el, who seemed like a natural fiddling with the little contraption. It was a mundane feeling of jealousy, though it was mostly amusing rather than worrying! Ascalon chuckled at the thought, earning a giggle from the two girls seated at the table he was serving. He found it a bit embarrassing that he would show himself distracted in front of the customers, so he quickly set down their plates, bowed politely, and moved on. While they worked leisurely, the front door chime signaled the arrival of a new customer, and both Ascalon and Lilithra prepared themselves to greet them. But instead, they found Lyra had finally arrived! She was wearing the same cute dress she had brought the first time they had met in The Chalice¡ªthe day she had asked them for help. As soon as she realized who it was, Lilithra skipped ahead joyfully and embraced Lyra with a tight, abrupt hug. The Felinae whimpered in surprise and blushed, but quickly reciprocated the hug. ¡°Lyra! We¡¯ve missed you!¡± Lilithra exclaimed as she rubbed her cheeks against Lyra¡¯s hair in an affectionate, yet overly enthusiastic gesture. Lyra, whose blush deepened slightly at Lilithra¡¯s actions, smiled with glee as she replied. ¡°I¡ªI-ve missed you guys too!¡± The Felinae revealed with a slight stammer, a product of her usual shyness. Lilithra then pried away from the hug, and grabbed her hand to guide her further into the establishment. As they passed, Ascalon nodded at her in greeting, and Lyra waved at him, just as Lilithra raised her voice. ¡°Uncle! We¡¯re taking a break!¡± She declared as she headed for the stairs, her voice attracting both Selorien and Athanya¡¯el. The elf got up and stretched as he followed behind his friends, and the tiny Goddess, guided by curiosity, joined him. ¡°Got it.¡± Raphael replied as he placed a glass on a table, casting a glance toward Ascalon. ¡°Go ahead, I can handle it from here.¡± He said with unmatched confidence, letting the knight know he could indeed take care of the whole tavern by himself. ¡°I shall help out afterward.¡± Ascalon responded with a deep bow, before hurrying behind Lilithra and the rest. After heading up the stairs, the group found themselves in Lilithra¡¯s room, which was as chaotic and full of plushies as always. ¡°T¡ªthis is my room, Lyra!¡± Lilithra explained, blushing slightly as she pushed the pile of stuffed animals to the side of her bed. ¡°Sorry, since the main hall is full, I thought it would be more private here¡­ uhm, take a seat wherever!¡± She urged everyone, and Lyra timidly sat on her bed. Athanya¡¯el headed for her own resting place, climbing on it and sitting with phone still in hand, but with her eyes eagerly fixed on the group. Selorien yawned and plopped himself in a corner where a few cushions were stacked, while Ascalon simply remained standing by the door. As soon as everyone was ready, Lilithra sat at Lyra¡¯s side and spoke up again. ¡°Alright, so, uh¡­ how have you been?¡± The girl asked awkwardly, clearly feeling conscious about the meeting being in her room. Still, it was her idea, so she had to put up with it. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve been fine, t¡ªthanks for asking. How about you, guys? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve been busy¡­!¡± Lyra exclaimed as she fiddled with her thumbs and smiled shyly, perhaps referring to their whole Guild creation ordeal. ¡°Everything¡¯s been fine and dandy!¡± Lilithra replied with a cheerful voice. ¡°When did you get back?¡± She asked curiously, tilting her head. ¡°Oh, uhm, a few days ago¡­¡± Lyra responded with a slight downcast expression, but brightened up as she seemed to recall something. ¡°Oh, right! Congratulations!¡± The Felinae beamed with glee, her cat ears twitching cutely as she produced a plushie from her network inventory. It was a small, green dragon with a smug expression and a pair of tiny wings on its back. She placed it tenderly in the bed, between her and Lilithra, whose eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°For me?!¡± Lilithra questioned as she quickly grabbed the stuffed dragon, hugging it tightly. ¡°Yes, hehe! S¨Csorry it¡¯s not much¡­¡± Lyra said as she fidgeted, yet it was clear that Lilithra was delighted by the gift. ¡°Thank you so much!¡± She responded, and then placed the plushie alongside the others, her collection growing again. Ascalon and Selorien watched with warm stares, while Thany eyed the stuffed animals curiously. Just then, Lyra¡¯s voice garnered everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Uhm¡­ so¡­ about your Guild!¡± She stammered, her cheeks blushing a bit. ¡°I would like¡ªI would love to join, please!¡± Lyra bowed, her hair and other features bouncing slightly. Everyone but Thany smiled with glee, yet their earlier worries lingered, and Lilithra was the one to voice them. ¡°Uhm, we would love for you to join us, of course! But¡­ what about the Fluffy Warriors¡­?¡± Lilithra asked reluctantly, and Lyra¡¯s ears dropped slightly. The room fell silent for a couple of minutes as the Felinae readied herself to answer. ¡°Well¡­ my brother disbanded it.¡± Lyra stated plainly, causing the rest to feel both confused and surprised. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Why?¡± Ascalon blurted out, voicing the question in everyone¡¯s minds. Lyra sighed as she looked up to the knight, and then began recounting a talk she had with Levi a few days prior.
Both Lyra and her brother were finally back in New Lumingard, at their spacious house and Guild base. Their arrival was met by dubious stares by the few Fluffy Warriors that still lingered in there, seeing that Levi had arrived on a wheelchair, pushed by Lyra. ¡°What happened to you?¡± They asked with shocked expressions. ¡°Now you worry?¡± Levi replied with a deep frown, scoffing as he urged Lyra to guide him further inside. ¡°W¡ªwait, tell us what the hell happened, Levi!¡± One of the Guild members spoke up with a loud voice, causing Lyra to tense up. Levi gripped the wheelchair¡¯s handles tightly, trembling slightly and visibly angered. ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to ask that!¡± He growled, causing the other Fluffy Warriors to step back. ¡°Everyone, get the hell out!¡± Levi commanded with a strident voice, and the rest complied reluctantly. ¡°Levi¡­¡± Lyra whispered as she saw everyone leave, their dumbfounded and offended stares prompting her to shrink slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them¡ªnone of them helped you out, did they?¡± Levi stated in a calm voice, sighing softly. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you I¡¯d be dead, Lyra, remember that¡ªand forget about them.¡± He declared proudly, and Lyra nodded with teary eyes. Afterward, Levi rested for a bit, while Lyra cleaned up the mess left behind by their Guild members. With Levi out of the picture, it seemed they had all grown lazy and indifferent, which was simply baffling. The next few days were troubling for Lyra, since Levi turned away every Guild member that decided to visit, and in a most unfriendly manner. It seemed like her brother didn¡¯t care for them anymore¡ªthough, who could blame him? No one had cared enough to go and save him either, aside from her. And as such, time went on. ¡°Wow! They did it, Levi!¡± Lyra suddenly exclaimed one day, showing her phone to Levi. It was Selorien¡¯s text, letting her know Lilithra¡¯s Guild had been established. She looked so incredibly happy, and Levi took notice of that. It was around then that he made a decision. ¡°Lyra, I¡¯m going to disband the Guild.¡± He declared, causing Lyra to drop the broom she was holding at the time. ¡°Eh?! W¡ªwhy?¡± She questioned with clear confusion, though she kind of knew deep down. ¡°Look at me, Lyra.¡± Levi said in a low voice, gesturing with his hands to his motionless legs. ¡°I can¡¯t lead a Guild like this¡ªnot the way I want¡­¡± He admitted in a dejected tone, showing a weak smile. ¡°Oh, Levi¡­¡± Lyra whispered as her eyes teared up, her hands clenching the hem of her dress. ¡°But, honestly? I don¡¯t even feel that bad.¡± Levi added, causing her to tilt her head. ¡°It¡¯s actually freeing¡­¡± He continued, his smile widening. ¡°I want to start over from scratch!¡± The small Felinae declared, and Lyra opened her eyes wide. She wasn¡¯t expecting him to say that at all. ¡°I know there are healers that can fix me easily, but it won¡¯t be easy to find them.¡± Levi leaned forward, his expression turning more serious. ¡°So how about I wait until you can heal me yourself? In the meantime I want to just¡­ rest.¡± He sighed deeply, a content smile appearing again on his lips. Lyra was perplexed by his words, as she hadn¡¯t considered the possibility of her being the one that could heal him. But thinking more deeply, it made sense! She just had to develop her healing skills more! ¡°Okay¡­! I¡¯ll do my best, Levi! In the meantime, I¡¯ll help you as much as I can, too!¡± Lyra proclaimed as she clenched her fists tight, resolve burning fiercely in her eyes. ¡°No. You¡¯ve already done enough, Lyra¡­ you know, you should think more about yourself.¡± Levi stated, with Lyra arching an eyebrow in doubt. ¡°You should join their Guild, you know? It would help us both.¡± He suggested with a bold smile, and Lyra opened her eyes wide in surprise. While she wanted to remain by Levi¡¯s side, the idea of joining Lilithra and the rest tugged at her heart¡­
¡°...and so, I would like to join you! I was reluctant at first, but¡­ Levi managed to convince me!¡± Lyra declared as she furrowed her brows, showing a resolute expression. ¡°I want to grow stronger¡ªstrong enough so I can heal my brother! And I¡ªwe think you can help us with that!¡± She paused, taking a big breath after talking for so long. Everyone waited patiently until she was ready to continue. ¡°I¡ªI know it¡¯s a selfish reason, but! I really, really want to join you guys¡­!¡± Lyra continued, her eyes tearing up slightly. ¡°I¡¯m such a bad sister¡­!¡± She whimpered, feeling conflicted, and Lilithra placed a hand on her shoulder. Ascalon pondered about her feelings, as his chest stung at the sight. She wanted to be there for her brother, but also wanted to be with them, her interests clashing against each other. But, wasn¡¯t there an easy solution for that? ¡°How about inviting Levi, too?¡± Ascalon suggested, and everyone perked up with surprise, with Lyra looking as if he had just revealed the solution to an impossible problem. ¡°B¡ªbut what about his own Guild¡­?¡± Lyra asked with beady eyes, and Lilithra let out a thoughtful ¡®hmm¡¯ at her side. ¡°What if he joins temporarily? Until he¡¯s healed!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with cheerfulness, causing Lyra to consider her words. ¡°We¡¯re also going to get a Guild base soon! So you guys could move there together!¡± She declared, completely sure that they would get their own place soon. Ascalon nodded at her words, backing up her declaration, while Selorien smiled from his corner. The one that had been silent all along decided to finally chime in, too. ¡°You mortals worry about such little things!¡± Athanya¡¯el stated, garnering everyone¡¯s attention. Then, her stomach growled, and the rest couldn¡¯t help but giggle, the tension around them easing up immediately. The tiny Goddess blushed slightly and smiled as she jumped out the bed, rushing to the exit and likely going to ask Raphael for food. Ascalon was a bit worried about her, thinking that perhaps she might get tired soon, but found her actions endearing so he let her go without complaint. Meanwhile, Lyra was silently but steadily readying herself to speak up. ¡°Alright¡­! I¡¯ll try to convince him!¡± The cat girl exclaimed with energy, her ears twitching above her head. ¡°But for now¡­ can I join?!¡± She leaned closer to Lilithra, pressuring her with her overwhelming presence. Lilithra was slightly taken aback by Lyra¡¯s boldness, but smiled happily as she fiddled with her interface. ¡°Ah!¡± Lyra jolted in place, raising her finger slowly in the air. With a bit of hesitation, she pressed on something, and a notification window appeared before everyone.
Lyra Summers has joined the Guild!
Everyone watched the screen with a mix of elation and warmth, while Lilithra squealed with joy alongside Lyra. ¡°Welcome, Lyra!¡± They all exclaimed in unison, and Lyra beamed as her cheeks reddened. ¡°Thank you, everyone¡­ I¡¯ll do my best!¡± She declared with utmost confidence, ready to live up to her brother and her new Guild¡¯s expectations! Chapter 93 - Lyras Welcome Gift With Lyra having joined the Guild, the group basked in a cheerful atmosphere for the next few hours, gathering in the main hall to properly celebrate. Raphael, as a true professional, quickly grasped the situation and prepared a feast in their honor, all without neglecting even a single patron! They sat in a circle at one of the empty tables, with Athanya¡¯el watching them curiously from the counter while she stuffed herself with tasty, sweet pastries. The sight prompted a chuckle from the group, and even from some of the customers, who seemed to have already grown accustomed to the tiny Goddess¡¯ presence. While Raphael served a distinctive array of delicacies on their table, Lilithra shared with Lyra the details about their recent adventures and the tests they had to overcome to create the Guild¡ªFrom Kain¡¯s initial irritation toward them to the moment where their Guild was finally established. ¡°Whoa! Rank C with only three members is amazing¡­! W¡ªwith the Fluffy Warriors, we barely made it to C thanks to our numbers!¡± Lyra exclaimed as Lilithra broached the subject of the Guild¡¯s rank, excitement clear in her big, brown eyes. ¡°Well, one of these members is beyond amazing¡­¡± Selorien chimed in with a playful tone, glancing over at Ascalon, who was busying himself with gulping down a glass of orange juice. Ascalon looked at the elf with a resigned smile, letting out a relieved sigh as he placed the glass on the table. ¡°Everyone is amazing.¡± The knight declared with undeniable confidence, garnering a giggle from his friends. As Lyra began cutting on a piece of chicken with a fork and a silver knife at hand, a question popped up in her mind. ¡°So, uhm, do you have any plans for us? Until Loraine¡¯s event, I mean?¡± Lyra asked with curiosity, her ears twitching as she nibbled on the chicken. Lilithra, whose mouth was full of pasta, paused to ponder for a moment, and swallowed before replying. ¡°Well, I was thinking we could check if headquarters has any quests available for us!¡± Lilithra responded animatedly, her fork spinning in place as it gathered pasta around it. Ascalon listened intently as he admired her technique, and Selorien then raised his voice to cut in, grinning mischievously. ¡°Nice. I hope they have some easy ones, hehe.¡± The elf joked as he bit down a sandwich, the contents threatening to spill onto the table¡ªthough having been prepared by Raphael, it was unlikely! ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t mind a break after all we¡¯ve done lately!¡± Lilithra stated with a content grin, appraising the big ball of pasta she had managed to gather around her fork. Ascalon nodded thoughtfully at her words, acknowledging once again that the last few days had been quite eventful, so a more relaxed quest would do them good. ¡°I would prefer something simple too, to get back into the swing of things¡­¡± Lyra spoke with shyness, her cheeks slightly reddening as she looked at them, fidgeting with her fork and the half-eaten chicken. The rest hadn¡¯t considered that, after Starugnia¡¯s whole ordeal, Lyra had been out of action for a while. Perhaps she felt a bit out of practice, making a straightforward mission sound all the more appealing! They just had to hope there was a quest available that suited their needs, but, for the moment, they would keep enjoying the meal Raphael had prepared for them. As they kept chatting about various things and their bellies began to fill, Lyra mentioned she wanted to go check on her brother. It was understandable, since Levi was probably still getting used to being on a wheelchair. Lilithra looked a bit dejected at first, but quickly perked up as an idea flashed across her mind. ¡°Let¡¯s walk Lyra to the station, guys!¡± She proposed with a bright smile, earning an affectionate stare from Lyra. The Felinae glanced at the others, and both Ascalon and Selorien nodded in agreement. ¡°Thanks!¡± Lyra exclaimed with glee, perhaps sharing on Lilithra¡¯s feelings about parting. But still, they would get many chances from now on to enjoy each other¡¯s company, as they were now all part of the same Guild. With a brief wave to Raphael, everyone set out to escort Lyra toward the train station. It was late afternoon, so many people were going back to their homes or preparing for their night shifts¡ªthough it wasn¡¯t as bustling as peak hour so the station was actually quite calm. As they stood around waiting for the vehicle to arrive, they kept the conversation going, until Selorien brought up a topic that had been almost forgotten! ¡°Oh, right! Should we give it to her now?¡± The elf questioned cryptically, a playful grin spreading across his face. Lyra tilted her head with curiosity, while Lilithra and Ascalon exchanged confused glances. It didn¡¯t take long for Lilithra to figure out what Selorien might have been talking about. ¡°Oh, yeah! Before the train arrives!¡± She declared with excitement, causing Lyra to perk up with a mix of suspicion and eagerness on her face. Selorien chuckled confidently as he fiddled with his network interface, causing Ascalon to realize what they meant. Soon, a huge, black scythe emerged from thin air, its macabre appearance prompting Lyra to take a step back in surprise. ¡°Whoa!¡± She muttered in awe, yet confusion was still clear in her visage. ¡°Here, for you.¡± Selorien said straightforwardly as he pushed the huge armament toward Lyra, who recoiled slightly. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Huh? F¡ªfor me?¡± She questioned with evident reluctance, arching an eyebrow and leaning back. ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a gift for you!¡± Lilithra chimed in as she stood behind her, pushing her shoulders softly to urge her forward. ¡°B¡ªbut why? I don¡¯t even know how to use weapons¡ªespecially a scary scythe like this!¡± The Felinae complained, starting to panic as she tried her best to back away from the weapon. ¡°I¡ªis this the newbie ¡®hazing¡¯ I¡¯ve been hearing about?!¡± Lyra added with a worried tone, her expression darkening. Ascalon felt bad for her, and the rest didn¡¯t take long to share his sentiment. Lilithra placed a hand on Lyra¡¯s head and gently patted her, while Selorien sighed with a remorseful look in his eyes. It was then that Ascalon decided to explain things more properly. ¡°We found that weapon in a dungeon, but none of us can take advantage of it. We thought that maybe you could learn to use it, to have a means to defend yourself in close quarters.¡± The knight spoke with calmness, a reassuring smile on his face. ¡°There may be times your magic alone will not be enough, or that you might be stopped from using it¡ªin such cases, a physical, reliable weapon would be best!¡± He finished with confidence, puffing out his chest. Lyra looked up at him, and then at the weapon, her eyes still shining with hesitation. But Ascalon words encouraged her a bit¡ªafter all, she had told them she wanted to be stronger, hadn¡¯t she? Nodding as if to motivate herself, she extended her hands and grabbed the huge scythe. Her shoulders sank slightly under the weight of the armament, her expression shifting to one of surprise. ¡°Whoa¡­!¡± She whispered in wonder, her lips curling up into a small smile. ¡°T¡ªthanks¡­¡± Lyra said, accompanying her word with a slight bow. Everyone watched warmly over her, while Lilithra clapped a few times in excitement. ¡°Yay! I hope you like it! I¡¯m sorry it¡¯s so creepy-looking, but it¡¯s probably a really rare weapon¡ªit dropped from a boss!¡± Lilithra revealed, causing Lyra to open her eyes wide and fidget in place, completely flustered. ¡°W¡ªwhy would you give me such an amazing thing?!¡± She questioned with a chastising voice, actually angry. It was unexpected to see her behave like that! But unexpectedly, Selorien giggled at her words. ¡°Because we wanted to~ you better learn how to use it!¡± The elf declared mischievously, a content smirk on his face. Lilithra stood at Lyra¡¯s side and nodded enthusiastically, while Ascalon simply showed a gentle smile. Under their resolute stares, Lyra couldn¡¯t complain anymore, and saved the scythe into her inventory as she sighed deeply. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best! Thank you, everyone.¡± She finally relented, a shy grin adorning her expression. ¡°Ah! You have to appraise it later!¡± Lilithra commented, remembering an important detail. ¡°And if you don¡¯t mind¡­ could you appraise a few things for me, too?¡± She asked shyly, fidgeting at her side. ¡°Of course, leader!¡± Lyra nodded cheerfully, her smile widening. Lilithra¡¯s eyes sparkled at her words, perhaps relishing on being called a leader, and abruptly hugged the cat girl. Lyra twitched for a moment, and then hugged her back, while Ascalon and Selorien simply watched from the sidelines. They then talked for a couple more minutes, until the train finally arrived and Lyra boarded it in a hurry. Just before the doors closed, she bowed to them. ¡°See you tomorrow, everyone!¡± She exclaimed excitedly, standing up straight and causing her fluffy hair to bounce slightly. Everyone waved as Lyra¡¯s train set out to another district, basking in the warm afterglow of a pleasant moment. After a few seconds of silence, Lilithra spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡± She commanded playfully, and her friends nodded in agreement. They made their way back to The Chalice uneventfully, talking about how their Guild had now earned a really amazing new member¡ªnot only because Lyra was both an appraiser and a healer, but also because she was simply a really sweet girl. No one could retort to that! As soon as they reached The Chalice, Selorien bid the other two goodbye, and left for the day. Ascalon and Lilithra headed inside and were met by a bustling ambience, so they quickly decided to lend Raphael a hand. A few hours later, the masterful steward set the sign outside the door to ¡®closed¡¯, letting out a relieved sigh as he marked the end of another day of splendidly-done work. Lilithra and Ascalon were seated at the counter, alongside a really drowsy Athanya¡¯el. Seeing his Goddess in this state, the knight remembered one of his goals. He had to be on the lookout for the other items from his world, like the emblems, to see if they contained any remaining ¡®energy¡¯ that Thany could absorb. Perhaps, now that their Guild was official, they could explore other cities and ask about them! But for now, he wanted to follow Lilithra¡¯s lead¡ªthere would be a time and place to ask her for help in his search for the emblems. As he was lost in thought, Lilithra poked his cheek with a finger, attracting his attention. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± She asked with a content grin, her cheeks slightly reddened. Ascalon sighed and smiled back, placing a hand on her head to caress her hair. ¡°I was just thinking about something.¡± Ascalon answered, not deeming it necessary to burden her with his troubles¡ªfor now, at least. She closed her eyes and relished his touch, and then his hand brushed against her horns, causing her to twitch slightly. Ascalon chuckled as he brought his hand back, pondering about how much he had changed. He had grown fond of patting this ¡®demon¡¯ on the head, while his old self would¡¯ve probably chastised him or even challenged him to a duel over it¡ªthough that made no sense, of course. Ascalon was but a mere man, whose feelings and beliefs could change¡ªit was in the very nature of people to grow and develop, after all. Seeing his thoughts were going into a philosophical spiral, he shook his head and glanced over at Thany, who was now sleeping against the counter. He then looked at Lilithra, whose hazy eyes were locked onto him, which caused him to hesitate for a moment. ¡°Uh, Lilithra¡­ could I ask you to take her to your room?¡± Ascalon pleaded as he looked away, feeling slightly flustered. Lilithra twitched to attention, startled from her own thoughts, and stood up to walk over to Athanya¡¯el. ¡°Leave it to me!¡± She declared cheerfully as she scooped up the tiny Goddess and walked away, her long, red hair swaying in rhythm with the child¡¯s golden locks. ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± She said as she looked over her shoulder, and Ascalon waved at her. As he saw them go up the stairs, he sighed in relief and stood up, making sure to bid goodnight to Raphael before heading to his own room to clear up his thoughts. Tomorrow they would probably head out to find a quest, so he wanted to be up and ready as early as he could! Chapter 94 - Public Quest Board The next day, the group met up again to set out to headquarters, reuniting at the usual spot in front of The Chalice. Surprisingly, the first one to arrive was Lyra¡ªeven though both Ascalon and Lilithra only needed to step outside to be there! Perhaps now that Starugnia¡¯s matters were settled and she had officially joined their Guild, Lyra was feeling more eager and motivated¡ªthat or she had luck with her train! Either way, Selorien appeared shortly after, and with cheerful greetings exchanged, they all headed out to headquarters. Along the way, Lyra and Lilithra talked about various things, and eventually touched on the subject of Levi¡¯s invitation to the Guild. ¡°He said he¡¯s grateful and would think about it.¡± Lyra told them with a wide smile. ¡°But I know him well¡ªhe¡¯s just too prideful to accept right away, but I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll come around eventually, hehe.¡± She chirped as her ears twitched cutely, earning a gentle head pat from Lilithra. ¡°Alright! We won¡¯t push him¡ªwe¡¯ll be patient!¡± Lilithra declared with an assured tone, nodding a few times to herself. Lyra blushed slightly under the physical affection, but seemed quite content nonetheless. The calm atmosphere lingered until they finally reached their destination. Once inside, they immediately made their way to the counter, making sure to not bump into anyone in the bustling crowd. It was as hectic and lively as ever, but they managed to navigate just fine. Lilithra, as the proud leader, stepped forward and addressed one of the staff members behind the counter. ¡°Hello! We would like to take on a quest!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with excitement, her big eyes sparkling with cheerful anxiousness. The receptionist smiled at her and glanced at the group before responding. ¡°Welcome!¡± She greeted with a small bow. ¡°A quest? Certainly.¡± She added, pressing on invisible keys before her. ¡°Guild name?¡± The receptionist asked, and Lilithra didn¡¯t hesitate to answer. ¡°The Knights of the Braveheart Vigil!¡± She replied confidently, her voice ringing with pride. Her response drew a few murmurs from around her. ¡°Wha¡ªwhat a long name.¡± One voice could be heard from the crowd, complaining about their Guild name. ¡°Kinda awkward to say¡­¡± Another chimed in with a sigh. Ascalon frowned as he listened, his expression showing clear irritation at the rude remarks. While he thought he should ignore them, he couldn¡¯t help but think these people should mind their own business. Meanwhile, the receptionist smiled nervously as she worked, likely trying to maintain her professionalism. After a few, silent moments, she raised her voice again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there¡¯s no official quests available for your current rank.¡± She began, causing Lilithra and the rest to falter, their motivation plummeting. ¡°But you can check the public quest board! I¡¯m pretty sure there are some quests more fitting to your rank there.¡± She explained in a cheerful tone, pointing toward another counter in the room. Everyone followed the staff member¡¯s gaze and saw a floating screen in the distance, similar to the ones that displayed the rankings but clearly serving another purpose. Lilithra showed the staff member a gentle grin and bowed slightly in appreciation. ¡°Thank you!¡± She exclaimed as she led the way toward the other counter, with the rest following close behind. Ascalon made sure to nod at the receptionist before continuing, to show his appreciation for her help, but she was already busy taking care of another guest. It seemed like tough work! Once the group stood in front of the hovering screen, they took a moment to scan the contents displayed in it. The words ¡®Public Quest Board¡¯ were displayed prominently at the top, while the rest of the screen was filled with boxes that appeared to resemble sheets of paper. The sight reminded Ascalon of the old bounties and requests he used to find when visiting taverns or town halls with his knights, but in a far more digitized way. Perhaps the design was meant to evoke that kind of nostalgic image, he thought. ¡°Oh, neat!¡± Selorien suddenly exclaimed as he joined Lilithra¡¯s side, earning curious gazes from the rest. He then reached out, pressing on a button that read ¡®Sort by Ranking.¡¯ The group watched in awe as the boxes shifted and rearranged, with many of them quickly disappearing from the display. After the sorting was finished, the screen showed the words ¡®rank C and below¡¯, accompanied by a total of four quests. Lilithra¡¯s excitement surged as she bounced slightly in place, her joy more than evident. Her motivation garnered warm, gentle stares from her friends. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s see¡­¡± She murmured with an eager grin on her face as she started pinching on the quests, enlarging their boxes one by one. The group huddled closer, carefully inspecting the contents of each quest with curiosity.
Maid¡¯s needed! - Rank F - We need someone to cover one of our girl¡¯s shifts this weekend at our maid caf¨¦, Lovely Cuties! Girls from every race are welcome! We¡¯ll provide the maid uniform and serve you tasty desserts after your shift! Location provided >here.<
Lost my flute. - Rank E - Hello, I would like to request help to find my flute, an heirloom left by my late father. Let¡¯s discuss details in person, please. >Contact me here.<
Looking for herbs. - Rank C - Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. We¡¯re from the alchemist¡¯s Guild Perfummer¡¯s Dream, and we¡¯re looking for someone to go and gather some Snow Lurian herbs from the Howling Chasm. The herbs grow in the snowy part. We¡¯ll tell you more details once you contact us. We don¡¯t take responsibility for injuries or whatnot, so only experienced dungeoneers, please. >Guild contact.<
I want a girlfriend. - Rank F - This is embarrassing but my parents are coming to visit from Caldenoire, and I kind of lied to them about having a girlfriend so they wouldn¡¯t worry much about me. I don¡¯t want them to be disappointed so I would like to rent a girlfriend for the entire next week. We¡¯ll shop, eat, and show my parents around. No indecent stuff. Unless? Haha, just kidding. Only black haired girls if possible. >Contact.<
Ascalon nodded thoughtfully at the information, thinking most of these looked more like simple errands rather than quests, and sighed deeply as he finished reading the last one. ¡°That one¡­ kinda irks me for some reason.¡± Lilithra said in a worried tone, grimacing as she gestured toward the last quest. Lyra nodded a few times at her side, clearly sharing her thoughts, while Selorien smiled mischievously. ¡°Poor guy, cut him some slack¡­ but yeah, that ¡®just kidding hehe¡¯ part? Creepy as hell.¡± The elf replied with a mocking tone, with Ascalon agreeing in his mind. That did sound weird and inappropriate, but well, it was none of their business. The rest of the quests were quite normal, at least. The maid request had piqued Ascalon¡¯s curiosity, and he wondered if Escarlata would accept that kind of mission if she were there. The one about the missing heirloom made him feel a bit sad for the quest giver, thinking that losing such a precious item was indeed a tragedy. But the one that managed to grab most of Ascalon¡¯s attention was the herb-gathering quest at the Howling Chasm, without a doubt. The familiar name made some memories of their last visit resurface, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips just as Selorien spoke up again. ¡°Hey, pick the maid one!¡± Selorien suggested with cheerfulness, his tone trying¡ªto no avail¡ªto mask the pure mischievousness behind his wide grin. Lilithra narrowed her eyes and shot him an irritated stare, and then glanced over at Lyra, who looked distraught. Lilithra and Ascalon followed the Felinae¡¯s gaze, worried about her downcast expression. She was looking at the rank C quest, and they both soon realized¡ªit was the dungeon where Ian had betrayed her Guild. How could they forget? Lilithra frowned with concern, and Ascalon lamented thinking about that quest so carelessly, but was thankful for not having voiced his thoughts aloud. Amidst the heavy mood, Lilithra¡¯s face lit up as an idea flashed across her mind. Puffing out her chest with confidence, she grabbed onto Lyra and squished her cheeks against hers. ¡°I mean, we would probably look the most adorable as maids!¡± She exclaimed out of nowhere, bringing Lyra back to reality. The cat girl looked flustered, her cheeks rapidly reddening at Lilithra¡¯s words. Ascalon sighed and shook his head, reprimanding Selorien¡¯s antics in his mind¡­ just as he began picturing the girls in elegant maid attire, like the one that Escarlata usually donned. The always energetic Lilithra would make for a cheerful and playful maid, and would perhaps adorn her outfit with cute characters or symbols for a unique flair. Lyra, on the other hand, would probably attract a lot of attention too, both because of her small yet plump figure and her timid demeanor. He could picture her in a more cute, pastel-colored attire, with frills and ribbons carefully embroidered into the clothing. Ascalon then let out a worried sigh, rubbing his face with his palm and wondering just where those kinds of thoughts had come from. It was most likely Selorien¡¯s influence, so he would silently blame him! Just then, Lyra nervously spoke up, interrupting his train of thoughts. ¡°Uhm, c¡ªcan we take the herb-gathering quest?¡± She asked shyly, yet her clenched fists and resolute stare showed a burning conviction. Lilithra pried away from her, slightly surprised, but soon smiled gently. ¡°Okay.¡± She replied in a soft tone, causing Selorien and Ascalon to exchange glances, grinning to each other. Time and time again, Lyra would show them she wasn¡¯t as fragile as they thought, even if she exuded the image of a small, cute animal. She didn¡¯t seem to want to be held back by bad memories, and perhaps going to the Howling Chasm would help her put a closure to Ian''s ordeal. ¡°I was interested in that quest, too. Thank you for proposing it, Lyra.¡± Ascalon chimed in with tenderness in his voice, and Lyra nodded at him, smiling. Lilithra giggled as she fiddled with her interface, while Selorien let out a contented sigh and let his gaze drift around the room. ¡°I¡¯ll contact their Guild. Give me a second, everyone!¡± Lilithra announced as she walked to a less crowded corner of the room, producing her phone on the way. Ascalon watched her go, and then mimicked Selorien, glancing around the room to keep himself entertained. The amount of people coming and going was always a sight to behold, yet it looked even busier than other times they had visited. ¡°Hmm¡­ I wonder if something is going on.¡± The knight murmured to himself as he stroked his chin, his sole eye scanning his surroundings with eagerness. He had become quite the curious one too, and he, once again, blamed Selorien¡ªand his other friends, just to be fair! Just before his gaze wandered further, Lilithra came back, skipping joyfully with a wide grin on her face. ¡°They, or, well, we accepted the quest!¡± She stammered with slight nervousness, her excitement clear. It was the first quest they would do for a complete stranger¡ªand that it didn¡¯t involve a friend or headquarters¡ªso it was to be expected that Lilithra would feel so happy about it! Everyone smiled at her, sharing in her joy, as she spoke up again. ¡°Alright, so. We have to find these!¡± Lilithra showed them a picture on her phone: a white flower with small petals, surrounded by a bushy grass of the same color. ¡°They¡¯re rare to find because of their color, duh!¡± She added, chuckling at the thought. Ascalon nodded at her words, listening intently, while Lyra admired the beautiful flower with a longing look. Selorien, uninterested as usual, yawned as he waited for Lilithra to continue. ¡°They need the grass-looking thing, not the flower itself! But they said they don¡¯t mind if we bring them whole¡ªbecause they¡¯re cute!¡± Lilithra explained with a playful grin, earning chuckles from her friends. ¡°There¡¯s no time limit or anything, but they won¡¯t pay us if we don¡¯t deliver, ¡®even if we spend days looking for them¡¯ haha.¡± She laughed awkwardly, and Ascalon raised an eyebrow before replying. ¡°That sounds quite unreasonable!¡± He complained in a stern tone, with Lyra shyly agreeing and Selorien smirking. ¡°Time is valuable, is it not? If not, they should gather the herbs themselves!¡± Ascalon finished with a resounding ¡®hmph!¡¯, causing Lilithra to giggle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we just have to find them! It¡¯s our first quest so I want us to do it! And we might find some loot in the dungeon itself!¡± She exclaimed with utmost confidence, puffing out her chest. Ascalon wanted to retort but soon realized she was right. He sighed and smiled gently, thinking that they should enjoy their first quest rather than complain. ¡°You are right, let us do our best!¡± He chirped with cheerfulness, his earlier irritation completely gone. Lyra clapped a few times, clearly animated, and Selorien raised his hands in a lazy attempt at excitement. With her friends in agreement, Lilithra nodded resolutely and stepped forward, heading toward the exit. ¡°Let¡¯s go, everyone!¡± She commanded with a joyful grin, and the group promptly followed. It was time to revisit one of their earliest adventures¡ªthe Howling Chasm! Chapter 95 - Weapon Appraisal! Upon arriving at the big tent that covered the portal to the dungeon, Lilithra stopped on her tracks and faced the group. She scanned everyone inquisitively, and nodded a few times to herself while the rest simply exchanged curious looks. Soon, her gaze focused on Lyra, causing the Felinae to twitch slightly. ¡°Ehem! Before we go in¡­¡± Lilithra started with an excited glint in her eyes, clasping her hands together and pressing them against her chin. ¡°Can you appraise my items?!¡± She asked with utmost energy, leaning in closer to Lyra. ¡°Oh! Sure!¡± The cat girl replied with an enthusiastic smile, and Lilithra raised her arms high in a gesture of triumph. ¡°Yay! Here you go¡­¡± Lilithra said as she fiddled with her interface, causing her new, imposing halberd to materialize in the air. Lyra admired the armament with gleaming eyes, clearly impressed by the sight. She carefully grabbed it, and her arms suddenly sank down to her hips. ¡°Whoa!¡± Lyra exclaimed in a mix of surprise and nervousness, doing her best to raise the weapon higher. Seeing her struggle, both Ascalon and Lilithra grabbed onto the weapon, helping relieve some of the weight. They exchanged smiles as Lyra bowed in appreciation. ¡°T¡ªthanks! I¡¯m surprised you can lift something so heavy, Lilithra!¡± Lyra stated with admiration as she started to trace the air with her fingers. Lilithra blushed slightly and let out a giggle, but remained silent to not interrupt the cat girl¡¯s appraisal. Lyra looked focused, and the halberd emitted a soft hum before a window appeared in front of her. She gasped as her eyes opened wide, moving frantically as she read the weapon¡¯s description. ¡°Amazing¡­!¡± Lyra murmured in awe, causing the rest to look at her with curiosity and eagerness. Their gazes made her ears twitch. ¡°Oh, right!¡± She blurted in embarrassment, her cheeks reddening as she shared the window¡¯s contents with everyone.
Chimereon¡¯s Baneful Blade -of Bravery-
Unruly and prideful, a beast that cannot be tamed, forged into death itself¡ªyet as the banner cloth dances high, its new purpose shines upon life!
Crafted -Epic- Weapon. Rank: S. Attribute: Fire.
Effects: The Chimereon¡¯s defiance is at its highest¡ªearn its recognition by proving yourself. Increases strength and agility by 10% (untamed).
Additional Effects (locked until tamed): Lion¡¯s Prideful Roar: Striking with the blunt side of the Chimereon generates a powerful, sonic shockwave from the point of impact, which causes enemies to be momentarily intimidated or staggered depending on their level and stats. Dragon¡¯s Solemn Awakening: The Chimereon¡¯s blade ignites with the power of a dragon¡¯s flame, increasing its fire attack by 50% and granting fire immunity to the wearer during the duration of the effect. Enemies struck with this flame will receive damage over time. Duration: 20 minutes. Can only be used once per combat. Serpent¡¯s Deceitful Gaze: The Chimereon¡¯s shaft can momentarily extend and bend slightly beyond normal, acting like a serpent¡¯s body and allowing for attacks from unexpected angles. While it gains flexibility, it decreases the attack¡¯s strength by 20%. Banner¡¯s Inheritance: Boosts support skill effects by 30%.
The weapon¡¯s description left everyone speechless, and rightfully so. For one, none of them had ever seen an armament of epic quality¡ªor at least, not its effects directly. To add to that, the skills not only looked amazing, but the weapon itself had a condition attached to it: Lilithra had to ¡®prove¡¯ herself¡ªshe had to ¡®tame¡¯ the beast! But the most interesting detail was the ¡®banner¡¯s inheritance¡¯, without a doubt. It likely meant the cloth she had attached to it had conferred it a new ability, which was incredible. The network, once again, showed just how meticulous it was. Ascalon was awestruck, a half-smile curling his lips upward. He couldn¡¯t help but think the effects were simply astounding, and couldn¡¯t wait until Lilithra could properly wield them! Surely, she would benefit greatly from these effects. Selorien, on the other hand, was simply baffled. He was the one that had the idea to forge the weapon, and he trusted the blacksmith he had chosen¡ªbut this result was beyond his wildest dreams. He felt a mix of jealousy and elatement, thinking he wanted an upgrade to his daggers as well¡ªbut, he did have his unique, advanced class skills after all, so his happiness for Lilithra was drowning his envy! As for the girl itself, she just didn¡¯t know how to react. All kinds of amazing skills, situations, and meetings had been taking place one after the other¡ªafter years of stagnation and hesitation, it was just too sudden of a change. Lilithra breathed in and out and calmed herself. Excitement replaced her surprise as she grabbed the weapon tightier, a wide grin adorning her face. ¡°Thanks, Lyra.¡± She murmured as her big, yellow eyes traced the armament from one end to the other. ¡°But, uh¡­ how do I tame a weapon?¡± She asked nervously, clearly embarrassed. The tension was instantly broken as Selorien started giggling, followed by Lyra. Ascalon let out a resigned sigh at the sight, speaking up. ¡°I assume you have to wield it in combat to prove yourself!¡± He declared with utmost confidence, causing Lilithra to nod in eager agreement. ¡°I see¡­! Maybe?!¡± She replied with an energetic tone. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, then!¡± Lilithra declared as she puffed out her chest, earning a proud grin from Ascalon. Then, Lyra nudged her on the side. Surprised, Lilithra tilted her head and looked at her with intrigue. ¡°Uh, you had an amulet to appraise too, right?¡± The Felinae said in a sweet voice, rejoicing that she had appraised such an incredible armament, and excited for being useful to her friends! Lilithra jolted in realization and rested the weapon against her shoulder, wincing slightly under the weight. Then, freeing one of her hands, she rummaged under her collar and produced her tear-shaped amulet, presenting it to Lyra. Meanwhile, both Ascalon and Selorien observed in curious silence. ¡°Here it is! Hehe, finally!¡± Lilithra exclaimed with joy, evidently happy about her amulet finally being appraised. After all, she had acquired it after her battle in the colosseum, and had waited all this time to know the full extent of its effects. Surely, she could¡¯ve taken it to other appraisers, but it was obvious she wanted her friend to do it. Lyra grabbed the purple accessory with slight hesitation¡ªperhaps due to its gloomy appearance¡ªand then focused on it, frowning with a determined look on her face. After a brief moment, she let out a contented sigh and shared a blue screen with her friends.
Teardrop of Fear.
Fear not the dark, but what dwells within¡­
Rare Accessory. Rank: B. Attribute: Darkness.
Effects: Continuously exudes -Aura of Dread-, instilling fear in creatures below the user¡¯s level.
Additional Effects: Aura of Dread: Hostile creatures below the user¡¯s level get inflicted with the fear debuff, causing them to flee or preventing them from approaching. * The intensity and duration of the effect depends on the creature¡¯s level and race, with humanoids having increased resistance to the effect. * The more difference in levels between the user and the creature, the easier to inflict the fear debuff on them. Current guaranteed range: 25 levels below the user. Intimidation: Once per day, the user can focus the effects of -Aura of Dread- on a single entity, increasing the current guaranteed range to 15 levels below the user.
While the pendant wasn¡¯t as marvelous as the weapon, Ascalon thought it still had some impressive effects, and it was reassuring to properly learn about its uses at last. Just the fact that she could choose to focus on frightening a single creature could come in handy in many situations! Overall, another solid piece of equipment for the cheerful girl. ¡°Yay! Thank you, Lyra¡ªagain, haha!¡± Lilithra chirped as she received her amulet, storing it inside her collar. As she grabbed her weapon to save it in her inventory, Lyra nodded enthusiastically at her. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Hehe, anytime, leader!¡± She replied with slight shyness, causing Lilithra¡¯s eyes to gleam with emotion. After storing the halberd away, she hugged the cat girl tight under the warm stares of her friends. ¡°You¡¯ve been so lucky with your items, Lil!¡± Selorien said mischievously, prompting the girls to end their hug and glance at him. ¡°I¡ªI feel kinda bad, honestly¡­¡± Lilithra responded in a dejected tone, garnering everyone¡¯s concern. ¡°It¡¯s like I¡¯m the only one getting cool stuff, you know?¡± She continued, her cheeks reddening as she traced circles in the ground with her foot. Selorien ruffled her hair and beamed at her before raising his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly! I got my advanced class and stuff, too.¡± He exclaimed proudly, making Lilithra feel slightly better, a small grin on her face. ¡°And Lyra¡­¡± The elf continued, pointing at the cat girl and startling her. ¡°...also has a new weapon to appraise!¡± He concluded with a mischievous tone, prompting Lilithra to look at Lyra with anticipation in her eyes. ¡°Haha¡­ alright!¡± Lyra fidgeted nervously under the pressure, producing her huge, macabre scythe from her inventory. She whimpered slightly as she grabbed it, still not accustomed to the weight, though this time her friends didn¡¯t help her. Ascalon thought she had to get used to wielding it, while Lilithra was too preoccupied with seeing the stats of a boss weapon to even realize. Lyra breathed in and out, her excitement showing in her twitching tail, and focused onto the grim-looking weapon. After a brief moment, she muttered a ¡®whoa¡¯, visibly overwhelmed by what she was seeing. Composing herself, she shared her appraised item with the rest.
The Reaper¡¯s Final Sigh
Even in the darkest night, the void blade shimmers¡ªinescapable death, resting grounds perturbed, it awakens them.
Legendary Weapon. The weapon hums with eerie eagerness, awaiting to unleash its full potential (partly appraised). Rank: SSS. Attribute: Death/Spectral.
Effects: Increases the wielder¡¯s intelligence by 100. Requires 300 intelligence to wield. Grants -Spectral Sight- while being wielded. -Appraisal level too low- x2
Additional Effects: Spectral Sight: The user can gaze upon the spectral world, locating ghost-type enemies and hidden entities. Can see through invisibility depending on the objective¡¯s skill, stats, and level. Awaken to the Mortal Coil: Raises a random number of undead minions from their eternal slumber, depending on the stamina used for the skill. * The maximum number of undead is half the user¡¯s level until -Appraisal level too low- and -Appraisal level too low- * While normal corpses can be used, the skill can create artificial remains to replace the need for them in areas where no bodies or bones can be found. * The undead minions scale with the user¡¯s intelligence. * The undead minions can be some of the following types: Zombie - 80% chance. Ghoul - 15% chance. Ghost - 10% chance, doesn¡¯t need a corpse. -Appraisal level too low- x2 Skeletal archer - 35% chance. Skeletal Warrior - 35% chance. -Appraisal level too low- x6 Netherworld Sweep: Whenever the user swings the scythe, there¡¯s a 10% chance to send an aerial spectral slash, cutting through physical defenses. There¡¯s a 40% chance to cut through magical enchantments, depending on the defensive skill being used. -Appraisal level too low- x3
The group finished reading the description in complete silence, with Lilithra and Selorien standing dumbfounded, with mouths agape and eyes wide. Ascalon admired the weapon¡¯s versatility, though he didn¡¯t quite like the way it toyed with corpses and ghosts, even if they could be replaced with ¡®artificial¡¯ ones. Still, it was a powerful weapon, and he could see the benefits of having such power on their side, even if reluctant about it. To break the silence, he cleared his throat and addressed Lyra, who nervously awaited their reaction. ¡°It is indeed quite the astounding weapon, Lyra! Though it seems you need to increase your appraisal skills to unlock its full potential¡­¡± Ascalon pondered as he stroked his chin, while Lyra beamed with happiness. Perhaps she felt a bit awkward about the armament¡¯s description, since it did exude creepiness! Urged by Ascalon¡¯s words, Lilithra chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s amazing! Kinda dark, but amazing!¡± She chirped excitedly, easing up the tension around them. Lyra sighed in relief, while Selorien nodded in agreement. Then, he jolted in place, and quickly began to fiddle with his network interface. ¡°Wait, I got something too!¡± He exclaimed out of nowhere, garnering everyone¡¯s attention. Then, a ragged cloak materialized in the air, descending swiftly upon his arms. ¡°I completely forgot about this!¡± Selorien admitted with an enthusiastic tone, presenting the clothes to Lyra. ¡°Oh! The boss¡¯ cloak!¡± Lilithra stated in a surprised voice, having completely forgotten about the second item dropped by the boss monster. Ascalon let out a curious ¡®oh¡¯ as Selorien gave the clothing to Lyra, who received it with a conflicted expression¡ªafter all, it looked old, and dirty! ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s see¡­!¡± She said aloud to strengthen her resolve, and focused on the ragged, ugly cloak. After a brief moment, the familiar blue screen appeared in front of everyone once again.
Veil of the Ether
Shifting through the crossing planes, it protects its wearer from the spectral, mournful hands¡ªit won¡¯t let them take their master, ever again.
Legendary Armor. The cloak hums with eerie anticipation, awaiting to unleash its full potential (partly appraised). Rank: S. Attribute: Death/Spectral.
Effects: Increases the wielder¡¯s dexterity by 50. Requires 150 dexterity and 50 intelligence to be worn. Grants -Spectral Step- while being worn. -Appraisal level too low- x2
Additional Effects: Spectral Step: The user can turn incorporeal by standing still, consuming massive amounts of stamina per each second the effect is in use, until -Appraisal level too low- Unearthly Shroud: The user can shroud his surroundings in a dark, ghostly mist, conferring partial invisibility to allies and reducing visibility for enemies. * Enemies in the mist get afflicted with a weakening effect, losing 10% of their stats for each minute spent in the mist, and depending on their resistances, stats, and levels. Leaving the mist clears the weakening debuff immediately. Displacer Wail: Twice per combat, the user can absorb an incoming attack with the cloak, unleashing it back to the enemy afterward. -Appraisal level too low- * Can only absorb projectile-like attacks. -Appraisal level too low- x3
Following the trend, everyone stood in awe at the item¡¯s reveal once more. It was like they had opened a box full of surprises, one after the other¡ªthough it was the culmination of their latest adventures taking the shape of a well-earned reward! As Ascalon thought about that, Lyra sighed in relief, visibly tired from using her skill, a wide, satisfied grin on her face. She presented the cloak to Selorien, eager to give it back, while he looked at the clothes in disbelief. Slowly, a confident smile formed on his face, and he received the item just as Lilithra raised her voice. ¡°Congrats, Selly!¡± She beamed with clear emotion in her voice, her eyes sparkling with joy. There was not even a hint of sadness or jealousy over her friends getting legendary weapons, and her genuine, unbridled happiness made Ascalon¡¯s heart melt with tenderness. Selorien giggled with a bit of embarrassment, happy to have acquired a powerful item just like his friends. Everyone shared the gleeful moment, until Lilithra gasped and looked at Ascalon with a concerned expression. The knight tilted his head in confusion, curious about her stare. ¡°Oh¡­ uhm! W¡ªwe¡¯ll get you one too, Ascalon!¡± She stammered, clearly shaken. Ascalon realized she was probably feeling bad about him, since everyone had gotten new equipment except for him! While his friends looked dejected and regretful, Ascalon burst laughing, amused by their caring camaraderie. ¡°Do not worry, I am more than happy to see you strengthen yourselves!¡± Ascalon declared with pride, earning warm and admiring stares from his friends. ¡°Still! We¡¯ll get you one, I promise! You deserve it!¡± Lilithra insisted, puffing her reddened cheeks. Selorien nodded resolutely, with Lyra bobbing her head up and down frantically. Ascalon sighed in resignation, yet smiled with appreciation at his friends. Aside from his old knight comrades, he couldn¡¯t ask for better companionship right now. With an overflowing, blissful feeling on his chest, the group basked on the gentle atmosphere for a while. Eventually, they decided it was finally time to enter the dungeon¡ªnow more equipped, and ready to gather some herbs! Chapter 96 - The Crumbling Path After crossing the portal to the Howling Chasm and being greeted by the welcome message, Ascalon and his friends quickly noticed that they had arrived at a different place than the last time¡ªexcept for Lyra, who wasn¡¯t with them at the time. They were now in a dark, damp cave, with a single exit letting the light in. While Lilithra and Selorien eyed the surroundings curiously, Lyra fiddled with her network interface, and Ascalon pondered thoughtfully. He recalled what Lilithra had once taught him: about portals connecting to seemingly ¡®random¡¯ places inside the dungeons. It seemed that this time they would¡¯ve to navigate another path, and he couldn¡¯t help but think it was a bit exciting! Just as a daring smile appeared on his face, Lilithra¡¯s voice garnered everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take it easy!¡± She chirped with excitement, her small fangs shining in the dark cave. Ascalon nodded in agreement, while Lyra raised a fist in a gesture of enthusiasm. Selorien, on the other hand, seemed the most content about Lilithra¡¯s idea, yawning with his usual carefreeness. ¡°Let¡¯s head out when everyone¡¯s ready!¡± Lilithra added, eyeing the exit with curiosity. Ascalon took a step forward and glanced at her with a confident grin, letting her know he was prepared. Selorien joined in shortly after, and Lyra skipped to them as she spoke. ¡°I¡¯m ready!¡± She exclaimed as she clenched her fists below her chin, anticipation clear on her expression. Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Lilithra puffed out her chest and started walking to the exit, leading the way. She looked really proud of herself, perhaps basking in the fact she was playing her role as a leader. As soon as they crossed the cave opening, they were greeted by a powerful gust of wind and an incandescent light shining down from above. After their eyes grew accustomed to the sudden change in brightness, they observed their surroundings with keen interest and wariness. They were now in the middle of a rocky pathway, with one side leading up the mountains, while the other headed down into the smaller peaks below. The wind howled as it passed through small openings in the towering, natural walls, and the sun bathed the area with ease from above. Ascalon pondered as he glanced toward the rising path, thinking they were probably halfway to the snowy part, going by the altitude they seemed to be at. It was hard to tell, since stones and old, withered trees were the only thing around them, with no other recognizable landmark to help him navigate. As he wondered about his assumptions, Lilithra raised her voice. ¡°Hmm I see! Looks like we have to climb a bit more.¡± She said as she glanced below, knowing there was no chance they were above the snowy cliffs. Selorien looked around inquisitively, while Lyra nodded as she listened. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She declared with energy, smiling brightly and leading the way. Everyone followed the enthusiastic girl with small grins on their faces, but paying attention to their surroundings just in case. The climbing proved to be way more challenging than when they had visited the dungeon the last time, with the path starting to get more vertical and smaller. This prompted everyone to focus on their balance as they walked in a single line, keeping a bit of distance from each other. Lilithra led the way, followed by Selorien, then Lyra, and with Ascalon at the rear. Ascalon looked down the edge as he walked, admiring the dark chasm below, and wondering how long it would take him to reach the bottom if he jumped down. While he vanished the intrusive thoughts, Lyra whimpered as a small chunk of the path¡¯s border gave out and fell into the abyss. ¡°Whew¡­ that was scary¡­¡± She admitted shyly, walking slowly and trying to keep herself to the center of the trail. Ascalon and Selorien shared a chuckle, while Lilithra glanced at her over her shoulder and gave her a reassuring thumbs up. Still, the knight wondered what would happen if the pathway crumbled? Would it ¡®reset¡¯ like the boss monsters and other creatures? It was an interesting question for the scientists they had met before¡ªperhaps they would have an answer to that, even if they were specializing in the monsters rather than the dungeons itselves. But it was better not to think too much about scary things like that happening, or he would probably jinx them. Just as he thought about that, Lyra¡¯s voice caught his attention. ¡°Uh?¡± A small, confused whisper escaped her lips, followed by the loud sound of the pathway crumbling, her petite figure quickly vanishing as gravity pulled on her. Lilithra jolted in place, panicking at the sudden event, while Selorien pushed her with hurried steps, trying to get away from the falling ground. Ascalon took a moment to think, and raised his voice before plunging into the abyss. ¡°Go!¡± He commanded, his frame plummeting down the chasm. Hearing his words, Lilithra felt reassured. Frowning with determination, she grabbed onto Selorien¡¯s hand and began running through the path ahead, escaping the crumbling path as fast as they could. Meanwhile, Lyra fell as her mind raced with a chaotic mix of fear and confusion. ¡°Ahhhhhhh!¡± She screamed in terror, unable to think of a way to stop her descent amidst her scattered thoughts¡ªunderstandable, given the abruptness of the situation. ¡°Lyra!¡± Ascalon¡¯s voice boomed through the chasm, cutting through her panic and causing her to snap back from her thoughts. She looked up, seeing a yellow streak following in her wake, fast and like a bolt of lightning¡ªa beacon of hope amidst her desperation. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°I am going to catch you. Get ready!¡± The knight reassured, smiling as the wind blew past him. Lyra tried to nod but it was actually quite difficult to do so while free-falling, so she simply clenched her fists and braced herself. Noticing her readiness, Ascalon angled himself toward one of the walls of the chasm, extending his right leg until he managed to make contact. His boot scraped against the jagged surface momentarily, before he used it as a foothold to propel himself down. With the added momentum, he crossed the distance between them in a blink, quickly scooping her up in his arms as he deftly twisted midair. The surroundings blurred as they both fell, wind screeching around them fiercely. Ascalon¡¯s eye darted as he adjusted his stance, their momentum guiding them toward another wall. As soon as they reached it, he planted his feet into it, and with a strong thrust¡ªand a surge of resolve¡ªhe started to bounce upward on the vertical surfaces, steadily climbing with powerful but meticulous jumps. Lyra grabbed onto him tightly, closing her eyes in relief¡ªtrusting him wholeheartedly¡ªas the wind roared around her and chunks of stone splintered and fell past¡ªall caused by the shockwaves emitted by Ascalon¡¯s ascent. Each of Ascalon¡¯s leaps caused the stone walls to rattle, as he had to maintain a rhythmic momentum to be able to climb with ease. It was fortunate that the rocky surfaces were uneven, with protruding stones that helped him immensely. In a feat of heroic conviction, he managed to close the gap between them and safety in under a minute, their figures rising from the chasm with one last, overpowering jump. He glanced around as the air parted around him, focusing onto his friends¡¯ presences to guide his momentum toward them. Both Lilithra and Selorien had reached a clearing, the path behind them having finally ceased its collapse. As they wiped some sweat off their foreheads, Ascalon landed with a resounding boom, a small distance away from them. ¡°Whoa!¡± Lilithra jumped in place, startled by the sudden, thunderous arrival, while Selorien twitched slightly before letting out a deep, weary sigh. Ascalon slowly recomposed himself from the impact, dust and debris cascading around them, and examined the trembling girl in his arms before carefully setting her down on the floor. Even so, she didn¡¯t let go of him, clinging onto him tightly as she trembled slightly. ¡°We are back to safety, Lyra.¡± Ascalon reassured her, a gentle smile on his face. Lilithra and Selorien approached and patted Ascalon on the back, their relieved expressions making Ascalon feel proud of his actions. ¡°T¡ªthank you¡­ I¡­ I was so scared¡­!¡± Lyra let out a muffled voice, her face firmly pressed against Ascalon¡¯s chest. He could feel the dampness of her tears soaking through his shirt, so, without hesitation, he hugged her caringly. She twitched in surprise under his warm gesture, being the first time he had actually embraced her, and relished on the sensation. ¡°Ah! Me too!¡± Lilithra suddenly whined, breaking the quiet, gentle moment. She darted forward, playfully wrapping her arms around Lyra from behind and hugging her firmly. Lyra was briefly startled, while Ascalon chuckled at Lilithra¡¯s fond gesture. Not one to miss a chance for mischievousness, Selorien joined in, throwing his arms around the group to hug them all. Despite the awkwardness, they enjoyed a brief respite, basking on the tender atmosphere. After a few moments, Selorien parted from them, satisfied, while Lyra slowly pried her face away from Ascalon¡¯s chest. ¡°Ah¡­ t¡ªthanks, everyone. I¡¯m fine now.¡± She revealed with a shy grin, her cat ears twitching cutely as her arms loosened around Ascalon. He felt the lingering warmth as he nodded at her, relieved. Lilithra let go of her embrace and took a step back, letting Lyra some breathing room. With her smile widening, the Felinae sighed as she brushed her clothes, now all dusty and crumpled. ¡°Ow¡­ o¡ªone second¡­¡± She said as she fiddled with her interface, her dress suddenly disappearing and being replaced with a white shirt and a pair of blue shorts. Soon, a small, blue jacket appeared over her shirt, unbuttoned as it wasn¡¯t big enough to cover her chest. After a brief silence, she giggled awkwardly, prompting Lilithra to pat her head. ¡°Whew, that was quite something¡­¡± Lilithra admitted, her cheeks reddening slightly in embarrassment. ¡°We need to be more careful from now on!¡± She exclaimed with eagerness, her eyes burning with conviction. She glanced at Ascalon, and then clenched her fists. She didn¡¯t want to imagine what would¡¯ve happened if Ascalon wasn¡¯t there with them. While it wasn¡¯t a bad thing, they relied too much on his presence¡ªit wasn¡¯t fair to him, nor to their growth as a Guild. They needed to get stronger! A sentiment that she had been repeating often. She sighed at her own thoughts, feeling slightly dejected, but soon composed herself. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s move on once you¡¯re ready, okay?¡± Lilithra addressed Lyra, who had produced a bottle of water from her inventory. Lyra nodded as she took a few sips, refreshing herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll be more careful!¡± Lyra stated enthusiastically, vanishing the bottle into her inventory. Even though she knew no one was blaming her, she felt the need to apologize somehow. But before anyone could say anything, a sharp screeching sound cut through the air. Ascalon was the first one to notice, glancing upward to see a familiar sight¡ªwings flapping in the air, half-human aberrations circling the sky above. Harpies had arrived, most likely due to the loud crumbling of the pathway and Ascalon¡¯s thunderous leaps. The rest tensed up as memories flashed in their minds, with Lilithra frowning as she recalled how helpless she had felt during their first encounter with such beasts. Selorien smirked as he produced his daggers from thin air, with his ragged reaper¡¯s cloak adorning his chest and wavering under the strong winds. At the sight, Lyra timidly fiddled with her own interface, causing the grim, huge scythe to appear into her arms. She whimpered slightly under the weight and clutched the handle to her chest, but looked resolute and ready. The last one to prepare was Lilithra, her massive chimera halberd materializing in front of her. She grabbed it tight, wincing slightly as she raised it high, the banner¡¯s cloth unfurling fiercely in the wind as her Guildmates frames glowed momentarily. ¡°Be brave!¡± She commanded with a firm voice, before thrusting the blunt side of the weapon against the ground. The impact echoed with a resounding thud, reverberating through the cliffs and startling the screeching monsters above. With a proud, confident smile, Ascalon summoned his armament, patiently awaiting the leader¡¯s command! The harpies'' shadows stretched and warped across the jagged peaks, the impending danger of their arrival fueling their resolve¡ªit was time to fight some old enemies.