《Seeking the Lost Relic: An Interactive Litrpg》 Part 1: The Quest Begins Theric leaned against the banister of the Wave Skimmer as it pulled steadily into the Stormcrest Port. He had been a passenger aboard the ship for the last two weeks and had regretted every second of it. Phelom¡¯s ocean may have looked closer to Dragon Realm Stratus on the world map, but it might have as well been on the other side of the world to Theric. Theric adjusted his wind goggles over his dirty blonde hair and moved his red scarf over his mouth. His armor still bore the insignia of a Guardian of the Frost, but he was now far from that title. He gestured for his dragon whelp to follow him as both stepped off the ship. ¡°Scion, this Uzufrey said we would be meeting her in the Dirty Goat tavern,¡± he said to his familiar. He expected no response from the whelpling as he often spoke to her, and as usually, it just shrieked a response. Theric scrunched his nose from the sharp smell of chopped fish and squid basking in the sun. An old fishmonger wiped away a layer of guts with a rag as the Guardian hailed him, ¡°You, fishmonger, where might I find the Dirty Goat Tavern?¡± The Old Man pointed to a row of run down fishing shacks. ¡°Two streets down and to the left, you¡¯ll find the Leaky Goat Tavern.¡± ¡°You mean the Dirty Goat?¡± asked Theric, hoping to confirm the location of where he needed to go. ¡°Storm¡¯s coming in soon, you¡¯ll see why we call it the Leaky Goat.¡± the fishmonger chuckled. Theric looked up to the sky, dark clouds rolled into the bay and rumbled over head. ¡°We better get moving, Scion¡± muttered Theric. *** The tavern was true to both names. The filth of mud tracked in by patrons caked the rotting floor planks of the establishment and rain dripped from holes in the ceiling. A goose waddled in the corner honking and preening its feathers. Theric walked up to the bar and slapped the counter with a copper coin. ¡°Mead,¡± he said. The bartender slid over a wooden stein tipping froth over its rim. Theric took a sip and frowned, it had a bitter, salty taste like the sweat of a smelly sock. ¡°Your beer tastes like it''s your socks soaking in the keg,¡± gagged Theric. The bartender shrugged. ¡°Where else am I supposed to clean my laundry?¡± Theric glanced at his mead and raised a brow. ¡°Point taken.¡± He settled the stein back on the counter. He turned and saw only two others sitting at a round table. One was an elven maiden. She wore a silver long coat with a large claymore strapped to her back. The sword shimmered with intricate runes. Her eyes glowed with a faint pink light from her irises. Across from her sat a young man, in his twenties¡ª slightly younger than himself. He was clad in black and forest green leather, a wide dark scaled hood veiled part of his face. His fingers fiddled with a knife of a translucent blue aura around it. The elf looked up at Theric and gestured to him to sit down. ¡°Take a seat, friend, we are still waiting for the old Draconian.¡± ¡°You await Uzufrey too?¡± asked Theric as he took a seat besides the sword wielding maiden. ¡°We were all chosen by her,¡± she said, ¡°Each one of us was approached by her to accept a quest in exchange for our greatest desire.¡± Theric nodded. ¡°Uzufrey promised me my honor back.¡± ¡°Honor?¡± scoffed the hooded figure. ¡°It¡¯s a long story¡­¡± Theric trailed off. ¡°We all have long stories. Long, pathetic stories,¡± sneered the hooded man. ¡°It¡¯s how we were hand picked.¡± he turned to the elf. ¡°Aeslin is a Silver Mage in the Long Whisper¡¯s Magical Investigation Corps. Tell him, girl.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Aeslin nodded. ¡°My unit was sent to Phelom to study a magical anomaly, a rift in time and space. It leaked¡­a strange wolf-like creature. We were attacked and it was strong. He pulled my friends into the portal. I-I never saw them again¡ª lost in the aether.¡± ¡°Uzufrey promised her that she could bring her people back,¡± finished the hooded man. ¡°And you?¡± asked Theric. The man pulled back his hood, revealing his ghostly, white face and dark golden eyes. He gave a thin smile, only slight enough to show off his fangs. ¡°A vampire!?¡± exclaimed Theric. ¡°Yes, half vampire. My mother fell in love with a charming vampiric man named Athari. He decided not to turn her, but she died in childbirth all the same. He took me into his court, and raised me to take pity on the mortals, but his court had other plans.¡± he took a long breath and grazed his cheek with a slender finger. ¡°The court was of the Wintertide. They wished to bring forth their insane god, Dahlemar, back into this world and cause havok like they had in the past. My father and I fled, but they eventually found us and killed him, leaving me for dead.¡± Theric shook his head. ¡°You wish to have your vengeance?¡± ¡°No, there are other vampires that are too afraid to speak out against the leader of the court. I want Uzufrey¡¯s influence to raise an army to free them.¡± ¡°Xaveon has a noble wish, but what of you, stranger?¡± Aeslin asked Theric. Theric looked at his white dragon whelp, as if asking her permission to tell his story. ¡°I am not ready to tell you all yet, just know that I was once a Guardian of the Frost, but since then have been banished. I want to go back into the Guard.¡± ¡°And your name?¡± asked Xaveon. ¡°Theric, Theric Kelv, and this my familiar, Scion.¡± Scion squawked a delighted chirp. ¡°Now that you are all acquainted, perhaps it is time I tell you why I have brought you to Phelom?¡± a gravely, aging voice croaked from behind the three. Shuffling into the tavern came an old dragon person. Her wings were ragged with holes and missing scales. Her horns twisted from her crest and she hobbled with a long gnarled staff. A medicine pouch hung loosely from the crook. Like her wings, she wore brown and gray shredded robes. One eye was crusted over and blind. ¡°Uzufrey, you made it.¡± Xaveon rose from his chair. ¡°Rest, ancient one.¡± The old dragon shook her head and playfully tickled Scion¡¯s chin. ¡°There is much to discuss, so allow me to begin.¡± She waited for the three of them to give her their full attention before continuing. ¡°Long before the Guardians of the Frost protected Stratus, my great grandfather served as a knight in the Dragonborne army. For his long tenure as a captain, he was given a lance called the Irethorn. It was a beautifully crafted ceremonial lance that my family kept for centuries. However, in that time, my family entered a civil war, and many of our artifacts were lost, including the lance.¡± ¡°I was promised my family¡¯s fortune if I gathered the artifacts. I have found them all, save for the Irethorn,¡± sighed Uzufrey. ¡°But the Irethorn is on this island?¡± asked Aeslin. ¡°Yes, somewhere on the island of Phelom is a dungeon where the Irethorn is kept. I have learned of a key to unlock this dungeon, but the key is too, lost somewhere on this island.¡± She lowered her head. ¡°I mean you no harm, but this will be a dangerous quest, for Phelom is a treacherous place.¡± ¡°If we find the Irethorn and bring it back to you¡­¡± Theric started. ¡°Then I shall use my fortune to grant you your wishes,¡± finished Uzufrey. ¡°I have been to Phelom for my studies, but I know little of its lore,¡± said Aelisn, ¡°Where can we start?¡± ¡°Phelom is a large island, but not without its secrets and paths to follow.¡± Uzufrey unraveled a large parchment. ¡°I give this map, and I shall point where you may choose to start.¡± The Capital is New Star City to the east. It is as good as any place to find information about Phelom''s history. The Misty Monastery to the far northwest is an old building, they may have a library to do research. Gypsies are known to have tall tales of lores and legends. Their camp is near here, to the west. Surely they know where an ancient Lance is kept. The Oakenhiem Fortress to the north gets many travelers, so they would be a crossroads for rumors and lore. The Druids of Oakenhiem know these lands like no other, they are in the northeast. ¡°Beware of the dangerous beasts and traps of this place. Most wilds are filled to the brim with malevolent creatures¡ª Aeslin can attest to,¡± finished Uzufrey. They had their map, their party, and their quest. However, only you can decide where they will go next! Leave a comment with your choice! Part 2: The Druid Circle The three party members weighed theiri options carefully. Xeveon then spoke up, ¡°I vote we go seek the Druids of Oakenhiem. I¡¯ve heard many stories of the warden of the wilds knowing secrets that no other history recorder could dream to pen. Surely they could assist us.¡± Theric nodded his head in agreement and then looked towards Aeslin. ¡°I think it is worth checking out,¡± she said. ¡°But first might we find a general shop that sells camping gear. I¡¯ve learned from my experience in Phelom, that it has a habit of raining.¡± Xaveon checked his coin purse. He counted his twenty-seven silver. ¡°I think we would be able to manage a tent and some flint. Come, let us go.¡± The rain still pounded upon Stormcrest as the three walked out of the Dirty Goat. Theric threw up his parka hood and looked around the sizable fishing town. Scion rested on his shoulder and covered its head with one of its tiny wings. Aeslin pulled aside a villager trudging through the thick mud, his hands stuffed into his pockets. ¡°Yeah whaddya want, elf?¡± spat the villager, in no mood to stay out in the rain any longer. ¡°Forgive me, sir, but do you know which way to go to a general store?¡± asked Aeslin. ¡°There is a bazaar in the center of town. Traders that come into the port go there to sell any wares that they might have.¡± he laughed. ¡°But you¡¯d be hard pressed to find them stil set up in this weather.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll take our chances,¡± said Theric. The rain poured harder, so Theric needed to speak up to be heard. The bazaar in the town square did seem sparse when the three arrived. Each trader sold their own niche products and the three listened to their cries. Umbrellas! Get your umbrellas! Naonis, please don¡¯t stop raining. I need to sell these damn things! Ducks! No rainstorm is complete without a duck! They quack, they waddle, they fit in your pack! No pet is like a duck! Get you mud pies, here! Hand crafted and fresh. Can¡¯t eat it, but it sure makes you dirty! Theric shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll find a tent he-¡± ¡°Look, a tent vendor!¡± Aeslin pointed to a small stall nestled between the mud merchant and the duck merchant. The stall stood as a wooden stand, a large rug was splayed over the top, sheltering the merchant from the heavy rains. He looked slyly at Aeslin and smiled, ¡°You wish for a tent? I have one.¡± ¡°Just one?¡± asked Xaveon as he approached closer. ¡°Yes, but a fine one, made of the finest material that you could want for a tent!¡± ¡°Well, that sounds good enough for me, how much?¡± asked Aeslin as she reached for her coin purse. ¡°Would you like it with or without holes?¡± the vendor patted down on the folded tent on top of the counter. ¡°With?¡± a puzzled Theric asked. ¡°With! A fine choice, my good sir! Is there a better way to look at the stars than to have a tent with holes?¡± the merchant sounded convincing enough. ¡°That will be twelve silver!¡± Aeslin handed over twelve silver. ¡°My surname is Starkeeper, this will be perfect!¡± Xaveon swiped away the money. ¡°Do you have a tent without holes?¡± Aeslin¡¯s ears drooped. ¡°Yes, but it will cost you double¡­¡± Xaven pulled out a handful of silver and handed the merchant twenty-four of it. ¡°Come, come, we¡¯ve wasted enough time!¡± He strapped the tent to his rucksack. ¡°We don¡¯t want to be on the roads when Phelom grows dark.¡± *** The three adventurers trekked to the northeast, following a dirty path that winded into the Oakenhiem forest. Aeslin gathered herbs when they passed by lush fields, and Trek used his time to feed Scion a large piece of deer jerky. Xaveon took point, keeping his sharpened vampiric senses ready for any trouble.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Aeslin scraped a mound of moss off a nearby tree with her knife before turning to her companions. ¡°So we should learn an important thing or two from each other.¡± ¡°What would you like to know?¡± asked Theric ¡°I am classed as a Silver Mage. I can channel any spells I know through my sword, as well as I can fight on the front lines if I so wish to.¡± She hefted her sword off her back and rested it on her shoulder. ¡°What of you two?¡± Xaveon smirked and clapped his hands before widening them, forging a sword of pink arcanic magic. He then vanished into the shadows before reappearing behind a startled Aeslin. ¡°I am a Spell Shroud. An assassin trained in the art of the arcane. I have many mysterious abilities that would come in handy in a fight!¡± ¡°Noted.¡± Aeslin huffed as she gathered her composure from the scare. ¡°What of you dragon boy?¡± Theric plucked a leaf from an overhanging tree branch and whispered an incantation. With that, a flash of frost enveloped and froze the leaf. Aeslin nodded. ¡°A Blue Mage, proficient in frost and water magic. It is good to have an mage wit-¡± ¡°No, not quite,¡± corrected Theric. He placed a hand of his whelpling familiar and it transformed into a glowing blue blade in his hand. He swung it back and forth, with each swing it sounded like a roar of the dragons he grew up revering. ¡°I am a Guardian of the Frost. Trained in the ways of ice magic and combat with a Dragon Edge.¡± ¡°Hm..¡± Aeslin rubbed her chin. ¡°What, not good enough for a Blade Channeler?¡± scoffed Theric. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that¡­¡± Xaveon looked at the two of them, dismissing his magic sword. ¡°We have no healing,¡± he finally said. ¡°Or a protector to taunt our enemies away from us,¡± stated Aeslin. ¡°Well.¡± Theric spotted the druid grove coming into sight. ¡°We¡¯ll need to mow down our enemies faster than they can kill us.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I suppose that is our only option,¡± said Aeslin. *** Xaveon entered the grove first, sticking close to the ground with a spell dagger in his hand. He scouted the grove, finding no one in the vancity, save for a young wood elf sitting between the roots of a large tree. Flanked by either side of her were two sleeping, black-coated foxes. She looked up to where Xaveon crouched. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± asked the elf. She quickly stood, alerting her foxes, and brandished a quarterstaff. Theric and Aeslin slowly walked out of the shadows. Showing they were unarmed. ¡°We mean no harm,¡± said Theric, ¡°We seek the Druids of Oakenhiem.¡± The elven girl wiped away tears that stained her face. ¡°They¡¯re gone,¡± she sniffled. ¡°Gone?¡± asked Theric, ¡°When will they return?¡± The elf¡¯s hands shivered as she started to cry once more. She plopped down next to the tree and her foxes brushed against her. ¡°T-they have been gone for days. I-I am all that is left,¡± she explained. Xaveon moved from his hiding spot, dismissing his dagger. ¡°Who are you, what happened to them?¡± ¡°I am Iedra,¡± she said, introducing herself, ¡°My people went to investigate the sighting of nagas in our spirit cave to the far north. However, they did not return. I suspect they are either captured or dead.¡± ¡°Where is your arch druid? Did he go with them?¡± asked Aeslin. She knelt down to Iedra¡¯s eye level and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. Iedra looked up. ¡°Yes, my arch druid, Loredyn, went with them.¡± ¡°If we were to help find them, would you be able to lead us to the cave?¡± asked Xaveon. Iedra pointed to a circle of trees. Each tree shimmered with a hue of teal and purple. ¡°The wyrd circle may take us to the spirit cave and back, but only a druid may activate them.¡± Aeslin studied the trees. ¡°And you are a druid, yes?¡± Iedra frowned. ¡°I am only an apprentice. I have been taught to use the trees, but I am too young and inexperienced to help you in the cave.¡± Theric, Xaveon, and Aeslin nodded to each other. ¡°If we find the druids and save them, could they help us in our quest? We seek info about Phelom; information that may not be found in books.¡± asked Xaveon. ¡°Yes, we would be in your debt and I will help as well.¡± She walked over to the center of the grove and kissed a tall standing rose. The flower wilted two rose petals. One white, the other black.¡± She presented each in a separate hand. ¡°You may only choose one.¡± ¡°Flower petals?¡± snorted Xaveon. Aeslin took a closer look. She found small glowing veins pulsing faintly within the petals¡¯ flesh. ¡°These are magical?¡± Alexandra smiled. ¡°They will grant one of you a power, but, again, I can only part with one.¡± ¡°Which powers can they grant?¡± asked Aeslin, ¡°Now I''m more curious than before.¡± Alexandra raised her right hand, which had the white petal. ¡°This will grant you healing magic. Not anything great or powerful, but enough to stave off death.¡± She lifted her left hand. ¡°This one can grant the ability to transform you into a bear. It will give you health and armor as such and allow you to taunt creatures into attacking you.¡± ¡°Hm, those are indeed helpful. We could use the bear spell as a way to protect us,¡± said Xaveon. ¡°Or the healing magic could keep us alive,¡± finished Aeslin, ¡°Which to choose?¡± Will the party take the Tanking spell or the Healing spell? Use the poll for your vote below! Part 3: The Spirit Cave Aeslin pointed to the white petal. ¡°We shall take the healing spell.¡± Iedra closed her hand with the white petal and crushed it into a golden dust. She blew it into Aeslin¡¯s face. The Silver Mage giggled as the magic tickled her skin. An emerald aura enveloped her and then her sword flashed white. >Nurture: Touch a wounded ally, healing them for 1d.10 +2 hp Aeslin inspected herself Lv: 3 HP: 30/ 30 Natural: 5 Wisdom: 8 Agility: 10 Test of Mettle: 15 Ether: 15 Flare Fire: Fire damage. High critical chance Flare Wind: Wind damage. High Crowd Control 2 Hander Proficiency: Can attack with 2 handed weapons Nurture: Touch a wounded ally, healing them for 1d.10 +2 hp The elf grinned. ¡°I have the healing spell, what¡¯s next?¡± Iedra looked at Aeslin with a meek smile. ¡°Now I bring you to the Spirit Cave and you save my friends.¡± *** The Spirit Cave reeked of stale water and musk. A strange fog bellowed from the cave¡¯s mouth. ¡°In there you will find 3 druids and Loredyn. But beware, The cave is cursed with fiendish magic. Whoever captured them might still be there. Make haste and godspeed, friends.¡± Iedra said. She stepped away from the cave, shivering with fear. Theric drew his Dragon Edge and stepped forth. ¡°I shall take the lead.¡± Theric¡¯s chest froze over and shimmered in the soft glow of the cave¡¯s magic Ice Armor: +3 Magic Armor Xaveon followed, forming a large arcane sword with his Mage Hand Weapon. Aelsin trailed behind with her claymore at the ready The three trekked cautiously through the cavern. The mist gathered around their feet with each step. Growling and hissing could be heard in the near distance. Xaveon vanished into the shadows and made his way further down the tunnel. He reappeared moments later to report his findings. ¡°A group of large snakes are up ahead. They guard the crossroads of two tunnels. I could not pass them to scout the tunnels. We must slay them to move on,¡± Xeveon said. Theric nodded and sprinted to the snakes down the path. Xaveon spoke true, for three snakes, the size of wolves coiled and slithered before two paths. One heading north, the other continuing forward towards the east. Xaveon and Aeslin caught up to Theric.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I say we split the work. Each to their own serpent,¡± Theric said. Xaveon smiled. ¡°Fine with me.¡± With that he dashed forward and sent his arcane sword to slash at the middle snake. (7 dmg). He spun his sword and slashed once more.Cutting the snake¡¯s head clean off (11 dmg). ¡°Ha! Too easy!¡± he cried in victory. Theric stepped forth, but was taken by surprise as the snake slid around him and sunk its fangs into his shoulder (-4 dmg). He winced and grabbed the serpent by the head. A surge of frost froze the snake solid. Theric ripped the jaws from him and slammed the snake onto the ground. The ice broke apart, but the snake remained. (8 dmg) Theric lunged at the snake and thrusted down his Dragon¡¯s Edge (11 dmg) slaying the beast. Aeslin parried a strike from her snake, and countered with a slash of her own. A blaze of fire struck down the snake and as it hissed in anguish. (13 dmg). Before the snake could recover, Aeslin swung her sword in a heavy upper cut, slicing the snake¡¯s head clear in half (8 dmg). Aelsin turned to Theric. ¡°Are you hurt? Do you need mending?¡± Theric rotated his shoulder and inspected himself Lv: 3 HP: 31/ 35 Natural: 8 Wisdom: 15 Agility: 5 Test of Mettle: 10 Ether: 10 Freeze: Can temporarily freeze enemies and objects in place Ice Guard: Can grant self Ice Armor Dragon Edge: Can use special dragon sword ¡°No, I am fine. Preserve your mana,¡± he said. Xeveon vanished into the shadows once more. Theric and Aeslin waited patiently for him to return. However, instead, the Spell Shroud called to them from the northern tunnel. Together the two rushed over to Xaveon. There he stood before the body of a druid. He was an elf, much like Aeslin. A glowing shackle chained him to the wall. Aeslin used Nurture on the druid¡¯s form. (+9 HP). The druid groggily woke from his stupor. ¡°I thank you young elf. Please, can any of you break my bounds?¡± Theric raised his Dragon¡¯s Edge. ¡°The blade of Scion is made of no mere metal. It can slice through all types of magic.¡± With a hefty strike, the blade cut through the chain and destroyed the spell. The druid thanked the three graciously. ¡°I must return to my druidic circle at once.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Xaveon tried, but the druid had already transformed into a mouse and escaped into the mists. ¡°He was helpful,¡± Theric muttered sarcastically. ¡°Could have at least granted us a boon,¡± Aeslin said with disappointment written on her face. ¡°Come, there are still two more druids and Loredyn to save,¡± Xaveon said walking away. The three continued to explore the large Spirit Cave until they came to a large opening that turned into a bend on the other end. However, what caught their attention was a large body of water. A trail curved around the water, although small. They would need to follow it single file. However at the end lay another wounded druid. The large pound bubbled and growled as if something slumbered within it. Xaveon swiped his thumb across his nose. ¡°I could try to sneak my way to the druid and hopefully my Mage Blade can break his enchanted bounds¡± Theric rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°Should we take the chance? Maybe We should fight the beast in the water?¡± What should our heroes do? Stealth to the druid or fight the monster? Tell me your choice in the comments below!!! Part 4: Exploring the Tunnels Theric brandished his Dragon¡¯s Edge. ¡°I say we slay the bea¡ª¡± Xaveon placed his hand on Theric¡¯s chest. ¡°No, it would be safer for all of us for me to sneak to the imprisoned druid. I¡¯ll signal for you all to follow when he is rescued.¡± ¡°Good luck, Xeveon,¡± Aeslin offered. Xeveon nodded to the two and crept along the small path that led behind the bubbling pond. The foul odor of the stagnant water and the sludgy green algae that rested on its surface ran up Xaveon¡¯s nostrils. He held his mouth tight not to gag and kept away from the water¡¯s edge. The druid was held bound by the strange golden chains to the cavern wall. He rolled his eyes to meet Xaveon¡¯s gaze. ¡°Hurry, hero, the beast will wake!¡± ¡°Keep your voice low,¡± hissed Xaveon. He snapped his head to the sounds of stirring in the water. He slid out a dagger and pushed himself up against the wall. However the beast continued to slumber. Xaveon let out a long sigh of relief. ¡°Forgive me, hero,¡± whispered the druid. ¡°I was sent here by Iedra to rescue you and the others. Where is Loredyn?¡± asked Xaveon. He was sure to mind his volume as he conjured his Mage Hand Sword. ¡°I know not where Loredyn lies, but I am sure as the moon rises each night, the Serpent Witch has him. Follow the path further to the bottom of the cavern, at the Naonis shrine, you will find her.¡± Xaveon commanded his arcane blade to chop the chains in half and within an instant the druid was free. Xaveon thanked him for the information and watched as he transformed into a salamander and dashed away. Xaveon double checked the pond for any raising concerns before signaling for his two companions to hug the outside wall to the next corridor. *** Theric led the way down the long and narrow pathway. He had his Ice Armor active and his enchanted blade ready. Behind him Xaveon reported what the freed druid told him. ¡°Aeslin, you study magic,¡± Theric started, ¡°What might you know of this Serpent Witch?¡± Aeslin hefted her large sword onto her shoulder. ¡°Not much, I¡¯m afraid. As you can see, she commands the snakes of the Spirit Cave. I assume she may be fluent in verdant magic such as poisons. She is a witch, perhaps she can afflict curses. I can only guess, but sadly I do not have the information you seek.¡± Theric turned to Xaveon. ¡°What about you? You are related to the vampire¡ª¡± Xaveon shot Theric an angry glare. ¡°You assume that I invite werewolves and witches to large balls and dance with black cats underneath the blood moon?¡± ¡°I-I am sorry, forgive my ignorance.¡± Theric focused back to the path and lowered his head in embarrassment.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. The party held silent until the path opened into a dead end. Xaveon inspected the walls. Rocks and boulders jutted along the walls forming footholds to climb leading to an opening in the ceiling. ¡°What have you found, Xaveon,¡± asked Aeslin. Xaveon stared at the new obstacle checking how much Agility and Test of Mettle would be needed to pass on. ¡°A hole in the ceiling. We will need to climb the wall and shimmy up the hole. A tight fit, I¡¯d imagine. He looked at his hand and two stats apporatied in his sight Agility: 15 Test of Mettle: 10 Xaveon looked at the wall 8 Test of Mettle Required He then looked at the hole 10 Agility Required Xaveon nodded with a smirk and grabbed the rocks and climbed to the hole and wriggled himself through until he reached a ledged and lugged himself up. Aelsin followed and grunted as Xaveon pulled her over the high ledge. Theric looked at his stats and frowned Agility: 5 Test of Mettle: 10 He called up to the two. ¡°I can climb the wall, that is not the problem, but I¡¯ll get stuck in the hole. Xaveon dropped back down. ¡°Try. I''ll push you from the bottom and Aeslin will pull you from the top.¡± Aeslin popped her head over the ledge and flashed a wide grin. ¡°I am very strong.¡± Theric nodded and climbed up the wall to the hole and promptly got himself jammed. He growled and clenched his teeth as he scraped his arm along the wall and grabbed Aeslin¡¯s hand. Below Xaveon grunted as he shoved Theric through the tight tunnel. With their concerted effort the trio finally reached the new cavern above. Although wider than the past tunnels, the new cavern had less headroom and led to an immediate decline. Theric adjusted his tunic and rubbed the fresh scratches on his arm. ¡°She caved in the tunnel,¡± he said. Xaveon looked back to Theric. ¡°Come again?¡± ¡°That dead end wasn¡¯t supposed to be there, I¡¯m sure of it!¡± Theric exclaimed. ¡°I think you¡¯re right, Theric. And I think she is close,¡± added Aeslin. Xaveon gingerly made his way down the loose gravel path. ¡°There is only one druid left. If the witch is close, then Loredyn might be as well.¡± Theric and Aeslin followed Xaveon down the tunnel until they came to another body of water. Although the cavern was lit by bioluminescent fungus and creatures, a dim golden light pulsed far down in the depths of the water. Theric carefully trekked ahead to find a cliff and a gaping chasm below it. A treacherous rope bridge connected the two cliffs. On the far end Theric spotted the familiar glow of a chained druid who was guarded by two snake-like naga warriors. Theric ran back to his party members. ¡°The druid is this way.¡± he pointed down the path he scouted out. Aelsin brushed her lip. ¡°Then what hides in the water?¡± "It could be a treasure? Something that could help us against the Serpent Witch," said Xaveon ¡°It could be a trap. We don¡¯t know what lurks down there,¡± argued Theric. Aeslin looked at both of them. ¡°All the more reason it may be a treasure if something guards it.¡± ¡°Then what is the plan of action?¡± asked Theric. Continue onwards to the druid? Explore the water? Which should our heroes do? Answer the poll or put your answer in the comments! Part 5: A Strange New Treasure ¡°I vote we explore the water,¡± piped up Xaveon, eagerness written in his eyes. ¡°As do I,¡± agreed Aeslin. Theric peered into the water. A large shadow swooped past his vision. ¡°I¡¯ll stand guard on the surface,¡± grumbled the guardian. Xaveon slid a dirk from his belt and dove in. Aeslin jumped in after him, her sword poised to strike any large creature. Together they swam into the murky depths, all sight was lost save for the strange soft glow within a large crack in the wall Aeslin pointed at the large crack and flared her fire magic around her sword. Immediately a swarm of hot bubbles blurred from her blade. She swam her way into the cave-like hole. There she found a mysterious globe nestled between a set of green stones. She palmed it and a rush of comfort overcame her. She couldn¡¯t help but smile. Xaveon rubbed the orb and he as well felt at peace. He pointed to the surface and watched as Aeslin made her way back to Theric, who waited for them at the water¡¯s edge. On instinct Xaveon took a passing glance back to the cave. His eye widened in terror as the gaping maw of a giant eel crushed its teeth down into his arm. (-11 dam) Xaveon screamed as loud as he could, but he was alone. He jerked his arm side to side, desperately trying to loosen the eel¡¯s grip, but its spiny fangs sunk deeper in his flesh (-3 dam) Xaveon¡¯s trapped hand went numb as his dirk drifted to the pool floor. He concentrated his mind away from the agonizing pain and focused on his magic to forge an Arcane Weapon in his good hand. With a well aimed strike he drove his newly formed dagger through the eel¡¯s body (18 dam, CRIT!) The eel¡¯s jaw slacked as it vaporized into dust and bone. Xaveon grabbed his wounded wrist. It throbbed and continued to bleed.(-4 dam) He looked towards the surface as his vision darkened and blacked out. *** ¡°He¡¯s lost a lot of blood and I don¡¯t know if Nurture can heal him fully before I run out of mana.¡± ¡°You need to try!¡± +7 hp +9 hp +5 hp ¡°That will have to¡ªLOOK! He is waking up!¡± Xaveon stirred and groaned as he slowly awoke from his stupor. His forearm was swathed in bandages. Although the bleeding had stopped and his Hit Points were full, he still felt at a weakened state. He checked his status. 25/25 Hp Diseased: Take +3 damage until cured. Xaveon struggled to stand, his knees wobbled and he used the cave wall to steady himself. ¡°Can you walk, Xaveon?¡± asked Theric with concern in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll¡ªI¡¯ll be fine,¡± Xaveon said with a dry wheeze. He collapsed to the ground. ¡°I just need some rest.¡± Theric squatted and examined Xaveon¡¯s sickly form. ¡°I don¡¯t think rest will do you any good. You need a proper healer. Perhaps the druid can assist you when we rescue her.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Aeslin took out the orb once more.¡°I wish we knew what this was.¡± It was the size of a large stone and pulsed a warm, golden light. Despite its size, it seemed lightweight. ¡°Touch it, Theric.¡± Theric obliged and placed a hefty hand on the smooth surface. A wave of cozy warmth enveloped him. ¡°How peculiar.¡± he looked at Xaveon who continued to lay on the ground. ¡°May I?¡± he asked Aeslin. Aeslin nodded and Theric placed it next to the vampire. The orb let off a magnificent glow and then shrunk one size smaller. Xaveon snapped open his eyes and leapt to his feet, as spry as ever. He checked his status and found that the disease had disappeared. ¡°It cures status effects?¡± Xaveon pondered out loud. ¡°It would seem so, but it has a limited amount of uses. We should be careful how we use this.¡± ¡°How many do you think we have, Theric?¡± asked Aeslin. ¡°I would wager¡­¡± Theric measured the orb size and compared it to its former self. Finally he came to an educated guess. ¡°...three.¡± ¡°So then it has two left,¡± concluded Aeslin. ¡°I¡¯ll hold onto it, since I seemed to be designated as the healer of our merry band.¡± Theric refreshed his Ice Armor and reformed Scion into his Dragon Edge. ¡°Let us continue.¡± *** The party crossed the threshold of the creaky rope bridge and rushed headlong into battle against the pair of nagas. Theric dashed forward and drove his fire-forged sword into the first enemy. (5 dam) Xaveon jumped off of Theric¡¯s shoulder and while in mid-air fired a brilliant array of Arcane Daggers at the second. (4 dam) Aeslin snaked her way to the center of the melee and with her Wind Flare weapon, slashed at the first naga (7 dam) and cleaved the other. (8 dam, CRIT!) The force of the wind sent both naga flying clear off the cliff. They shrieked all the way down to their shadowy doom. Theric lifted his blade on his shoulder and gave a long whistle. ¡°Not going to give us even a little fun, eh Aeslin?¡± Aeslin peered off the edge, there was no sound or sign of the naga. ¡°I think they still may be falling.¡± Xaveon slid to the druid¡¯s side and broke the enchanted bind with his arcane dagger. ¡°You are free.¡± The druid rubbed her wrists. ¡°I thank you, kind warriors, but what of my siblings?¡± Aeslin walked over and helped the druid to her feet. ¡°You are the last, save for Loredyn. Alandra awaits all of you at the Spirit Cave¡¯s entrance.¡± ¡°The Serpent Witch has Loredyn imprisoned in the next chamber, but be weary, adventurers. She is a crafty hag and will not allow you to take Loredyn back without a fight!¡± the druid explained. Theric looked at the others. They nodded and he turned back to the druid. ¡°We are ready for anything the witch throws our way!¡± The druid smiled in glee. ¡°I wish you all the luck then.¡± With that she transformed into a bat and flapped away. Xaveon took point and crept stealthy to the neighboring cavern. Inside he found the naga witch. Larger than her underlings and colored with turquoise scales. She wore a ragged shawl of baubles and trinkets. They jingled as she swayed back and forth. In her hand she raised a long bone staff, inscribed with ancient naga runes. The room itself was wide and round. Along each of the four walls were fetish totems stuck into the ground. They hummed and seeped green, gassy clouds. Xaveon spotted Loredyn trapped in a cage of flowing acid bars. ¡°You are not prepared to die, Vampire! Leave while you still can!¡± cackled the witch in a low hiss. Xaveon ignored her and ran back to Theric and Aeslin, who waited outside the mouth of the cavern. He relayed what he scouted. ¡°It is clear that we can not free Loredyn without slaying the witch,¡± surmised Theric. ¡°Do you suppose her staff is the source of her magic?¡± ¡°It is possible, perhaps we can all charge her in hopes to wretch the staff away from her?¡± gathered Aeslin. ¡°I am more concerned with her totems. I think we should spend time investigating them.¡± ¡°Can you do that while we keep her busy?¡± asked Theric. ¡°No, my stealth is useless in there and I would require you two help me. There are four of them and three of us,¡± Xaveon responded. ¡°Then we can only do one or the other, but not both. If we attack her, sooner or later those totems will come into play,¡± said Aeslin. ¡°But if we don¡¯t investigate them, they may spell trouble for us,¡± added Xaveon. ¡°And ignoring the witch can¡¯t be the best strategy either,¡± finished Theric. ¡°Then what do we do?¡± asked Aeslin. Attack the Serpent Witch head on? Investigate the totems before attacking? Answer with the poll below or leave a comment! Part 6: Alandra the Naga Witch ¡°I say we take our chances with Alandra and investigate the totems,¡± Aeslin finally said. ¡°Theric, try to hold her off with, hmm. What can you do?¡± ¡°I have ice magic, My Freeze should do the trick,¡± answered Theric. The guardian adjusted his gloves. A cold mist wafted off his fingertips. ¡°Will you be okay by yourself?¡± asked Xaveon. ¡°I don¡¯t doubt your prowess with magic or a blade, but Alandra shouldn¡¯t be trifled all alone.¡± Theric placed an assuring hand on the vampire¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have the most hit points of the three of us. You two do what needs to be done, I¡¯ll be fine by myself.¡± Xaveon nodded and generated a slender Arcane Sword. Aelslin likewise prepared herself by crouching down and digging her right foot into the dirt. Theric glanced at the two and then called Scion to his hand. The dragon whelp warped into a long burning blade. It shined like the sun. ¡°Ready,¡± Theric said between long breaths. ¡°Steady.¡± Xaveon licked his lips and Aeslin arched her spine. ¡°GO!¡± Theric shouted and made for a mad dash toward Alandra. As he entered the wide cave, the naga witch stuck out her bone wand and fired a set of crackling lightning bolts at the rushing Theric. Theric dodge to one side and leaped forward over the second bolt. He outstretched his hand, his glove now shimmering an icy blue. ¡°Fool!¡± hissed the witch. An invisible force blasted Theric away before he could make even the slightest contact with his spell. The guardian tumbled head over heels before dragging his hand to a full stop. (-2 damage) Theric shook off the daze buzzing through his head just in time to dive past another bolt of lightning. ¡°I couldn¡¯t freeze you, but my Dragon Edge can cut through anything!¡± Theric reared around the naga, faster than she could cast her spells at him. As Theric came behind Alandra, he reeled back his sword and slashed with a powerful cut, however the sword bounced off the witch¡¯s mysterious shield, sending Theric into a the nearby wall (-4 damage) Theric slid to the ground. He groggily looked at Xaveon and Aeslin. ¡°Tell me you two made progress?¡± The fetish totems appeared to be made of bone and hovered slightly off the ground. As Xaveon observed earlier, they emitted a hum and a small cloud of noxious gas. Aeslin widened her eyes as the totems sparked with electricity, not once, but twice. ¡°How peculiar.¡± She gave Alandra a hard stare before turning to frustrated Theric. ¡°I think I¡¯ve discovered something but I need you to attack her once more.¡± Theric let out a long sigh. ¡°It¡¯s no use, Aeslin. Her shield is impenetrable.¡± ¡°Just do it!¡± Xaveon barked. Theric growled and charged Alandra and delivered a heavy, overhand strike, but like clockwork, the attack did nothing and threw Theric backwards. (-2 damage) Theric inspected his health pool HP: 27/35 Theric activated his Ice Armor giving himself some much needed damage reduction.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Aeslin watched Theric strike the shield, and once more the totem lit up. She came to the conclusion that the totems were tied directly to the naga witch¡¯s shield. ¡°Destroy the totems, destroy the shield?¡± Xaveon matched Aeslin¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s try that.¡± Aeslin drew her sword and activated Flare Fire. With a hefty swing, her claymore came crashing down on the totem, easily destroying it. However a large gas cloud popped up around her. (-4 damage) Aeslin collapsed, choking on the poison. She looked up to Xaveon. ¡°C-Careful, they are trapped.¡± (-6 damage) Aeslin hacked and wheezed, her throat swelled up and pain jolted through her body (-7 damage) ¡°T-the poison grows more p-powerful with e-every tick!¡± the elf gasped with every agonizing word. She reached for the status curing orb but fumbled with it. The golden sphere rolled to Xaveon¡¯s feet. The Spellblade hurried to scoop the orb and bring it to his dying friend. Already her eyes began to fade as the damage grew exponentially. (-12 damage) Xaveon quickly inspected Aeslin. HP 1/30 Poisoned: Take extra damage with each tick ¡°No, not yet!¡± Xaveon whispered. He clammored the orb into her hands. ¡°Please work!¡± A soft golden glow rippled around the orb and it shrunk a size smaller. Aeslin¡¯s poison status was cleansed, but she found herself too weak to move any further. ¡°X-Xaveon¡­t-the totems¡­¡± She struggled with each letter. Her face turned as pale as Xaveon¡¯s skin. Her eyes glazed over and she passed out from the pain. ¡°Theric!¡± Xaveon cried. ¡°We are on our own!¡± ¡°Find a way to take down this shield and I¡¯ll handle the rest!¡± shouted back the guardian. Xaveon stepped several paces back and shot an Arcane Dagger at each of the bone totems. Plumes of toxic gas puffed from the shattered objects. Alandra let out a high pitched shriek. ¡°How dare you!¡± she cried in a shrill voice. ¡°I shall peel the skin from your bones and use them for my new totems!¡± Xaven smirked at Xaveon. The vampire returned the expression. Together they dashed forward and sliced left and right, filling the air with violence and splattering emerald blood across the ground. (7 damage) (4 damage) (10 damage, CRIT!) (5 damage) ¡°ENOUGH!¡± cried Alandra. With a flick of her wand she sent forth a set of twin lighting bolts that struck the chests of Xaveon and Theric. Xaveon sailed through the air as the electricity shocked his frame. (-7 damage). The attack left him paralyzed. Theric¡¯s Ice Armor absorbed the brunt of the electric damage. (-2 damage). Xaveon¡¯s stiff body kept him from recovering as a numbing sensation shot down his limbs. ¡°Theric, the orb!¡± Theric refreshed his Ice Armor, knowing full well that it would only absorb 5 damage before breaking and he could only cast Ice Armor and Freeze once each with the current state of his mana pool. Fighting Alandra alone now seemed like a tall order with her wand able to paralyze and do a considerable amount of shock damage. He could use the orb¡¯s last cure to cleanse Xaveon¡¯s status effect, but then they wouldn¡¯t have the orb anymore after that. Aeslin was still out of commission. It was true that Theric could handle Alandra on her own, but with the bone wand and any other tricks that Alandra had in store, finding victory without Xaveon¡¯s help slimmed Theric¡¯s chances. What would he do? Use the orb to cure Xaveon¡¯s status condition Save the orb¡¯s final use and take Alandra by himself Vote in the poll below or in the comment section!!! Part 7: Alandras End Alandra flicked her wand once more and lightning zapped toward Theric. The Guardian jumped backwards and dashed to the golden orb, now no bigger than a juggling ball. He snatched it in his hand and pressed it into Xaveon¡¯s chest. ¡°A-Are you sure?¡± Xaveon gasped through his locked teeth. ¡°I could use your help, vampire. Let¡¯s finish this.¡± The orb crumbled to golden dust as Xaveon¡¯s body was cleansed by its magic. Immediately he leapt to his feet and sunk into the shadows of the cavern. Before Alandra could blink, Xaveon apparated with Shadow Port and drove an Arcane Blade into the naga¡¯s back (16 damage, CRIT!) Theric wasted no more time slashed his Dragon¡¯s Edge across his enemy¡¯s stomach. (7 damage) Theric looked up to meet Alandra¡¯s cruel gaze and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s over now, snake witch!¡± ¡°For you maybe,¡± she spat. With every last drop of her magic, Alandra radiated an electric field. Streaks of red lighting crackled in all directions, striking Xaveon and Theric. The magic nullified the Guardian of Frost¡¯s Ice Armor and dealt (-12 Damage) Xavion crashed into the wall behind him, however safe from any status effects. (-10 Damage) Both of them examined their remaining Hp. Xaveon: 8/25 HP Theric: 13/35 HP Xaveon struggled to stand. His feet wobbled in place before he fell to a knee. ¡°I think she¡¯s down to her final hit point. It must be why she is using this spell.¡± Theric wiped crimson blood from his lip. He watched as glowing cracks broke apart down her scales. Xaveon was right, Alandra was dying. Theric¡¯s eyes followed the line of cracks to its source, a sparking globe peeking from her chest. ¡°Xave, If i let her hit me again, like focus the remainder of her magic¡­¡± The vampire readied an Arcane Javelin in his hand and sunk into the shadows once more. Theric shook his head with a smirk. ¡°Rogues,¡± he muttered under his breath. He turned back to Alandra who was now seething with rage and flaring with red electricity. Theric took a large gulp and waved his hands at her. ¡°Give me all you got, your ragged, snaggle-toothed, sorry sack of slime!¡± Alandra focused all of her magic she could muster into her wand and fired the most devastating lightning bolt at Theric. (-15 Damage) Waves of agony jolted through his body, boiling his blood and blistering his skin until he was no more. He fell lifelessly to the ground, taking a finally smokey breath of air. An arcane streak flew like a falcon into Alandra¡¯s chest driving her into the rocky wall (20 damage, CRIT!) The spark within the naga witch exploded into a violent array of lights until Alandra fell into a pile of ash. Xaveon¡¯s excitement was fleeting as he ran to Theric¡¯s fallen body. ¡°No! Please, no!¡± He flashed his sight on the now freed druid who slowly walked to Aeslin. He placed a gentle hand on the elf and a soft verdant glow covered her frail body. (+30 Hp) Aeslin slowly opened her eyes, before they completely snapped open. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°What!?¡± she gasped. ¡°You will be fine, my child,¡± said the archdruid. Xaveon bowed his head. ¡°I am relieved we were able to save you, Loredyn¡­¡± The aging druid knelt by Theric¡¯s side. ¡°You saved me, and I assume the others,¡± said Loredyn, ¡°You have slain Alandra and purged the cursed serpents from this cave. I am in your debt.¡± Aeslin rolled to her knees and shuffled to Theric¡¯s body. ¡°Can you bring him back to life?¡± Loredyn placed his hand over Theric¡¯s heart and trickled a stream of magic from his palm. ¡°He is not far gone, my Circle will be able to mend his wounds and usher life back into his lungs.¡± He lifted Theric into his arms and gestured for Xaveon and Aeslin to come closer to him. Then he whisked the heroes into a whirlwind of leaves and magic. *** Loredyn and the rest of the druids stood in a large circle of trees and wildflowers. At the center was Theric¡¯s motionless body. Together the druids chanted a long incantation and sprites and balls of light swirled around him. Aeslin closed her eyes, unable to watch, but Xaveon pressed his hand on her shoulder. ¡°Look,¡± he whispered in awe. Aeslin watched as Theric rose through the air. His eyes opened and he gasped with a chest full of air. His skin smoothed out and any scars caused by Alandra¡¯s magic had fully healed. Theric dropped to his feet. ¡°Incredible. I feel like ten years younger!¡± Aeslin rushed to hug Theric and Xaveon nodded with a smile. Theric returned the embrace and at once, all of them flashed golden and a resounding chime filled the air. Theric, Xaveon, and Aeslin inspected their newly obtained levels
Aeslin Starkeeper Now Level 4 Gain 5 Hp (current 35/35) +3 to all stats
New Ability: Cross-Cut: Cleave up to 3 nearby enemies at once dealing 1d.10 +3 damage
Xaveon Penumbra Now Level 4 Gain 5 Hp (current 30/30) +3 to all stats
New Ability: Star Edge: +25% critical hit to all attacks with an Arcane Weapon
Theric Kelv Now Level 5 Gain 5 Hp (current 40/40) + 3 to all stats
New Ability: Ice Shard: Can fire a bolt of ice to damage enemies for 1d.8 +3
Loredyn approached the three heroes. ¡°You were here to rescue us by chance. What brought you to us, friends?¡± ¡°We seek knowledge on a lost Dragonborne artifact called the Irethorn. Your people have been a part of Phelom for centuries, surely you can provide us a location?¡± asked Theric. Loredyn stroked his long green beard. ¡°It is true, I myself have lived in this land for at least one hundred years, but an Irethorn, I do not know.¡± Theric lowered his head and cursed. ¡°Do not be troubled, child. If it is indeed Dragonborne, know that dragons have never graced our lands, not as long as my Circle has resided here. This Irethorn, is a foreign artifact, foreign as the humans that settled here. It would be in your best interest to inquire about it in New Star City. The Church of the Iron Star has a collection of many artifacts of war, and may likely keep the one you seek.¡± Theric rubbed his chin. ¡°And may the Misty Monastery have information on the artifact if the Irethorn hasn¡¯t been here as long as you say?¡± ¡°Aye, the Misty Monastery contains a vast collection of records, books, and studies on all things that presided in Phelom. Although the monks there are not keen on Vampires, nor is the Church.¡± Xaveon threw up his hood and shifted his eyes. ¡°I can look after myself.¡± Aeslin put her hands on her hips. ¡°We could seek out the Church of the Iron Star for their vast artifact collection. Even if they don¡¯t have it, they may know more about it.¡± ¡°Or we can head to the Monastery and research the Irethorn¡¯s history.¡± Will our heroes seek the Church? Will our heroes head to the Monastery? Answer in the comments or the poll below! Part 8: Blessing at Erinton Theric tossed the potion lightly in the air. Snatching it and then shaking the small vial of red, bubbly liquid. ¡°I wish we had the materials and money to get more of these. Healing 20 health and granting increased speed could do all of us a lot of good, not just myself,¡± he said with a sigh. He shrugged his shoulders and tucked the potion away in a pouch. ¡°If we had the money we could have done well to get the bandage also, but my healing spell will have to suffice until we can stock up on items,¡± said Aeslin. Xeveon brushed his fingers over the many dents and scratches that covered his leather chest piece. ¡°We should keep our eyes open for spare leather too.¡± The scattered sunshine peeked through the canopy of leaves as the party strolled through the Oakenheim forest. They traveled onward to the Misty Monastary to research more information on the Irethorn¡¯s location when they happened across a tall road sign at the split of the road. Aelsin reared her head to read it. ¡°It says, South: Erinton, North East: Oakenheim Fortress.¡± Theric stroked his chin. ¡°Erinton? The druids told us the monastery was beyond the forest, well east of the village.¡± Xeveon removed his hood, revealing his dark, golden eyes. ¡°You are from Phelom, Aeslin. Is the village the druids speak of Erinton?¡± A distorted howl echoed in the distance. Aeslin¡¯s face curdled as pale as Xeveon¡¯s vampiric flesh. ¡°Aeslin?¡± Xeveon asked again. Aeslin remained still, frozen in a trance of fear. Theric placed a calm hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Are you alright, Aeslin?¡± Aeslin swallowed a lump in her throat. ¡°I-I¡­ will be.¡± ¡°Alanna¡¯s black wings,¡± Xeveon whispered. ¡°You have Death herself running through your eyes.¡± ¡°And my soul¡­¡± Aeslin muttered. She shook away the stiff emotions in her thoughts. ¡°Yes, Erinton is the village the druids spoke of. Come there¡¯s a tavern there that fries a good breakfast.¡± A moment of worry passed silently between Theric and Xeveon, but they followed their elven friend all the same. The tiny village of Erinton served as both a logging camp and safehaven for wayward travelers lost in the Oakenheim forest. Situated several miles south of the Oakenheim Fortess and just shy of fifteen miles north of Wavecrest Bay, it was the ideal rest stop for any wanderer looking for a quick bite to eat and a place to restock supplies. Led by Aeslin, the three adventurers pulled a seat at the bar inside the Sleepy Elm Tavern. The barkeep put aside a glass and washcloth and pulled out a small notepad and stick of charcoal. ¡°What¡¯ll be, friends?¡± Theric looked at Aeslin. ¡°What¡¯s good here?¡± Aeslin held up a set of fingers. ¡°Three Heavy Haulers and some apple cider. We have a long road ahead of us.¡± ¡°Eggs, ham, and pancakes, comin¡¯ up.¡± Xeveon tapped his finger on a wine bottle stowed in his bag. ¡°Make that two, I brought my own meal. Aeslin¡¯s eyes sank. ¡°Is that blood?¡± she whispered.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Xeveon pulled the cork with his teeth and gulped down a quarter of the bottle. A thick crimson liquid ran down the side of his lips. He let out a satisfying sigh, before answering Aeslin¡¯s question. ¡°Would you prefer me to hunt Erinton¡¯s villagers?¡± She quickly shook her head. ¡°No it¡¯s just¡­ I just didn¡¯t¡­ ¡° ¡°Know how I fed,¡± the vampire finished Aeslin¡¯s response. ¡°I don¡¯t like feed on the living unless I have to.¡± He stuffed the cork back into his bottle. Aeslin turned her attention to her steaming breakfast passed to her and dug in. ¡°I saw an altar in town before coming in here. ¡°Theric said through mouthfuls of runny yolk and morsels of ham. ¡°We should pay our respects.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t take you are the religious type, Theric,¡± Xeveon said with a thin smile. ¡°I may worship the dragon gods, but in a journey to the unkown, we could use any help we can get.¡± Aeslin held silent before speaking quietly. ¡°We lost you once, Theric. Alanna let your soul return to us.¡± Theric glanced at the elf. ¡°A blessing from the local deities could be the least we could ask for,¡± she finished. *** ¡°Angels above, bless us for whom we face Evil below and denizens of the Night In our prayers we ask for grace So that we may survive our fight¡± Theric lit an incense at the small wooden effigy of an angel and kissed his Agaas medallion. ¡°May Erinth bless your soul, traveler.¡± Theric turned around to find an old monk sweeping the stone steps of the shrine. ¡°Erinth?¡± Aeslin said. ¡°I never heard of any angel called Erinth.¡± The monk rested his broom against a tree and stepped forward. ¡°There are five villages in Phelom. Each worship a captain of Thorton¡¯s flight.¡± ¡°Thorton I¡¯ve heard of. Angel of luck and chaos,¡± Xeveon said. The monk nodded. ¡°Wielder of Thell Yol¡¯Roth O¡¯blivis.¡± Xeveon narrowed his eyes. Theric scratched his head ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t speak angelic.¡± ¡°Weapon of the Sky Destroyer,¡± Xeveon translated. ¡°The Skyripple,¡± said the monk. ¡°A most terrible weapon, for a most terrible war.¡± ¡°But who is Erinth?¡± asked Aeslin. The monk held his hands in contrition. ¡°Erinth was Thorton¡¯s enforcer. He wasn¡¯t afraid of anything¡ªthe mightiest of the five angel captains. Which made it even more mysterious when he disappeared during the battle of Phelom¡­¡± ¡°Phelom was a battlefield?¡± Aeslin pressed further. ¡°Phelom was the final battle that Thorton¡¯s five angels were together, after Kayla fell, they split up.¡± Theric stroked his chin. ¡°Who was Kayla?¡± ¡°A story for another village, my son,¡± the monk answered. He turned to a young man running to the shrine. ¡°Help! I need help!¡± the young man collapsed at Aeslin¡¯s feet. She reached down to pick up the villager. ¡°What troubles you, sir?¡± Please,¡± sobbed the man. ¡°My brother Armon, he hasn¡¯t returned from the Spiderweb Forest.¡± ¡°Spiderweb Forest?¡± Xeveon folded his arms. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°A forest east of the fortress. It has the best trees for lumber but¡­¡± ¡°Crawling with giant spiders. I know the place,¡± explained Aeslin. ¡°Please. You¡¯re a soldier, I¡¯ve seen you here with your patrol when I was younger,¡± the man continued. ¡°That was a long time ago¡­¡± Aeslin trailed off. ¡°Can¡¯t Oakenheim Fortress send aid?¡± offered Xaveon. ¡°They are preoccupied with the crisis at the anomaly,¡± answered the man. Aeslin sighed and gripped the man¡¯s shoulders tightly. ¡°Aeslin, this man needs your help,¡± said Theric. ¡°We must continue our quest to the Misty Monastery.¡± Aeslin¡¯s voice turned stern. ¡°We can not abandon Armon.¡± Theric argued. ¡°He isn''t our problem!¡± Aeslin snapped. ¡°Why do these woods haunt you so?¡± Xeveon prodded. Aeslin stepped backwards and lowered her head. ¡°It is a story that I wish not to tread on again¡­¡± ¡°Xeveon. You make the decision. Do we continue to the Misty Monastery? Or do we rescue Armon in the Spiderweb Forest?¡± Choose in the poll or comments below! Story Update with a Vengence! Dudes...Dudes....DUDES! I am sooo sorry you''ve had to put up with this BS, you guys deserve better, and so after much deliberation and convincing from friends, I want to finish this Litrpg! Last we left off, Inkwell Otter, formally Inkwell Rabbit, formally Fancy Otter had our heroes enter a village and learn parts of the traumatic background of Aislin, who is clearly hiding something from her past =3 Not only that but a soldier has gone lost in the Spiderweb Forest. You, the readers, have opted to rescue that soldier instead of powering onto the Misty Monastery which may hold unfathomable secrets about this mysterious island and the lost relic our heroes search for!!!! This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. So here''s the skinny guys. As you may or may not know, I''ve been writing this book series, "The Dragon Realms Saga" for the last decade of my life. I''m 4/5 books in and I outright refused to work on any other project before its done, but that has hurt me, as a writer, to provide other stories to you guys, the readers. So lemme make a deal with you guys. If you continue to read and interact with this little Litrpg that could, I promise to keep writing! I will release a chapter at the very least once a month and at the most twice a week. Consider it our little D&D session. How''s that sound? Savy? As a show of goodwill, I will release a new chapter by tonight! (its 3am on the 30th here) Stay frosty, guys! -Otter Part 9: The Spiderweb Forest ¡°We should save Armon,¡± Xaveon finally said. ¡°It¡¯s the right thing to do.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± huffed Aeslin, sourly. ¡°Before we go we should get gathering tools,¡± Theric suggested. ¡°Xaveon, you mentioned that you wanted leather? We¡¯ll need a skinning knife.¡± Xaveon handed Theric a pouch of coins. ¡°Skinning knife, herbalism spade, and a mining pick. Make sure they are well crafted!¡± ¡°Anything else?¡± asked Theric. ¡°Maybe a material bag,¡± offered Aeslin. ¡°We¡¯re going to fill up on inventory space if we carry around all these crafting materials.¡± Theric nodded. ¡°Meet me at the village gates, I shouldn¡¯t be too long.¡± *** Theric strolled through the isles of the village general store, inspecting the lines of various tools, each made with different metal qualities, and each offering a different Efficiency Bonus. Theric picked up a Copper Spade. Copper Spade (Rank 2) Gathers Herbs, Poisons, and inks +20% Efficiency Bonus ¡°Alchemy, Toxicology, and Tattoo Artistry,¡± muttered to himself. ¡°+20%, that seems a bit too low to try to gain extra material yield.¡± Theric examined the price tag. 2 silver pieces ¡°Xaveon gave me 10 silver pieces for a spade, skinning knife, mining pick, and material bag,¡± Theric continued thinking out loud. ¡°I think this is a fair price and will have to do.¡± Inventory Updated: 1x Copper Spade (Rank 2) Gathers Herbs, Poisons, and inks +20% Efficiency Bonus 1x Copper Skinning Knife (rank 2) Gathers Hide +20% Efficiency Bonus 1x Copper Mining Pick (rank 2) Gathers Ore, Gems, and Stone +20% Efficiency Bonus 1x Material Bag Adds +20 Inventory Slots for Crafting Materials Theric paid the shopkeeper 10 silver and joined his companions at the edge of town. *** ¡°There! It¡¯s wounded!¡± Xaveon rushed through the thick bushes, tracking a heavy blood trail that a deer left behind. Xaveon''s eyes flooded with red mist as the blood¡¯s scent filled his nostrils. Warm; fresh¡­blood. He spent most of his cursed eternity on Draak¡¯Terra satisfied with wine bottles full of the crimson vitality that he needed to survive. He had forgotten what the thrill of the hunt felt like. It was just as intoxicating as puncturing a trembling throat.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. He chased the deer for its hide, as his armor was in a desperate need of upgrading, but¡­maybe he could use¡­a taste¡ªjust a taste of¡­ Xaveon caught a glimpse of a white tail passing a tree. He quickly sunk into a nearby shadow and within a moment leaped out of another to tackle the fearful beast. Without thinking he took a vicious bite into its neck. ¡°Here,¡± Theric called out from the brush. ¡°I see Xaveon!¡± Xaveon wiped the smear of blood from his lips. ¡°Pass me the skinning knife.¡± Theric rummaged through his bag and tossed the Copper Skinning Knife to his vampiric friend. Xaveon knelt beside the deer and flicked knife Skinning - 3/12 Extraction - 4/12 Needed Successes - 2 20% Efficiency Bonus ¡°I didn¡¯t realize how little gathering I¡¯ve done as of late,¡± Xaveon mumbled. ¡°Better use an Effort Point.¡± Skinning - (4)/12 Extraction - 4/12 Needed Successes - 2 20% Efficiency Bonus Rolls: 4,4,10,11 Success! Efficiency Roll: 49 Failure! Xaveon smirked. ¡°I Succeeded on the skinning, so at least I got that.¡± Added to the Reader Inventory: 5x Shoddy Leather (rank 2) 5x Dust (enchanting additive) 1x Flawed Guard Orb (enchanting additive) Aeslin pointed to the east. ¡°The Spiderweb Forest is nearby,¡± *** As our heroes entered the murky woods of the Spiderweb Forest, it became abundantly clear how the name was coined. From root to canopy, trees laid thick with a white webbing. Cocoons, both large and small plastered trunks and boulders. Tiny spiders crawled over the ground, creating an ebbing film of arachnids. However the eerie stillness within the air is what caused the atmosphere to be truly terrifying. Theric rattled his foot with a brief shake, freeing him from a patch of spiders. ¡°I think I prefer the Spirit Cave.¡± Xaveon nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s find Armon and get out of here.¡± Aeslin unsheathed his sword and carefully sliced open one of the person-sized cocoons. She recoiled in horror as the withered form of an elven female slumped out. Gathering her composure, Aeslin pushed the corpse against a stone. She examined its sunken eyes and its flesh stretching over its cheek bones. The hideous turned Aeslin¡¯s stomach upside down. ¡°Something drained the life force from this person,¡± Theric sliced open a smaller cocoon revealing the husk of a rabbit. He placed his hand on the animal. ¡°Still warm. Whatever is feeding, is still around.¡± A shrill muffle broke across the bleak silence. Xaveon leaped to a cocooned person thrashing against its binds and sliced it open with his skinning knife. ¡°Thank you!¡± cried a man dressed in a soldier''s jacket.¡± Aelsin dashed to the man and used Nuture, healing him for 6 hp. ¡°We¡¯re here to help. What is your name, soldier?¡± ¡°Corporal Koren, 2nd Range Patrol Division, Ma¡¯am!¡± Koren paused after ripping the rest of the sticky webbing from his legs. ¡°Aren¡¯t you Master Sergeant Aeslin Starkeeper? Survivor of the 1st Recon?¡± Aeslin didn¡¯t answer. ¡°Survivor?¡± Xaveon asked. ¡°Survivor of what?¡± Aeslin curled her fists and flushed red. ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here, Koren.¡± ¡°What about Armon?¡± asked Theric. ¡°Armon?¡± Koren blinked. ¡°How do you know Private Barksmith?¡± ¡°Wait, Armon was a soldier?¡± Aeslin pulled Koren to his feet. ¡°Is he part of your patrol?¡± ¡°Yes. We heard reports of villagers from Erinton going missing in this part of the forest. My squad was sent to investigate.¡± explained Koren. ¡°Armon is a new recruit from Erinton. He was our guide.¡± ¡°ARMON!!!¡± Theric called out at the top of his lungs. Koren tugged on the dragon knight¡¯s arm. ¡°Quiet, she¡¯ll hear you!¡± ¡°Who?¡± Aeslin asked. The sounds of skittering and broken branches resonated within the canopy. ¡°Armon called her The Webspinner.¡± Koren whispered. The three heroes drew their weapons. ¡°Please,¡± Koren whined. ¡°I¡¯m the only one left alive, we must flee.¡± ¡°This Webspinner can not go unpunished,¡± Xaveon hissed. ¡°Master Sergeant, please talk sense into your friends,¡± begged Koren. The branches bent with the weight of a large monster crawling through the trees. ¡°Theric looked at Aeslin, ¡°Your call.¡± Do we escape from The Spiderweb Forest? Do we slay the Webspinner? Vote in the poll below!!!!