《Spark of The Ancient》
Chapter 1 The Incarnate Trials
¡°You can think of a spark as an access point to the world. The stronger the spark, the stronger your access will be. Tomorrow you will all embark on the incarnate trials. Expect a mental, physical, and spiritual challenge. Top performers have promising futures, but don''t lose hope if you receive a weaker spark. Hard work and dedication will carve your path.¡±
The Ashrend clan, one of the dominant clans in the large forest of Carinthia that covered half of the continent that they lived on, was preparing to send those of its youth who had come of age to the incarnate trials. Ray, a young man with short black hair wearing tattered-looking robes marked with the clan''s raven symbol, listened ?as their clan scribe explained the trials and could not help but grin. At last, he would have his desired power. He could only hope it would be enough to drive away the shrieking hordes that caused his clan to move frequently. Then, he''d never face scorn again. After the lesson, Ray walked back to the makeshift hut, the only shelter provided to him since his parents had died. They had sacrificed their lives buying time for everyone to escape during the last shrieking horde. That horde was unusually violent. Their sacrifice saved many lives, but the other clansmen didn¡¯t care. The elders'' words still haunted him when they found out about their passing.
¡°If they could not handle such a simple task as diverting the shrieking horde, then good riddance. They were a stain on our clan¡¯s honor, anyway.¡±
Most of the clan''s higher-ups seemed to share this sentiment, as none of them offered aid for his current situation. Ray lay down on his gathered pile of straw that he called a bed with a sigh.
¡°Tomorrow, I will forge my legend, proving someone with true strength protects the vulnerable and doesn''t condemn them to death just to save their own skin.¡±
He drifted to sleep, fantasizing about building his ideal world when he controlled its fate. Ray woke up the next morning with a start. He jumped into his clothes and bolted toward the gathering point for all those going to the trial today. Upon his arrival, he found two others had beaten him there.
A tall, thin man with an unfamiliar stone tablet; and Erith, the star pupil of his clan and grandchild of the current elder. She looked the part today, her long golden hair tied back, draping over the white ceremonial robe with gold for the lining and clan crest. She was always friendly to him, but Ray couldn''t help but resent her for her family''s actions.
¡°Hey!¡±
The thin man''s voice startled Ray. He found it unnatural and reminiscent of grinding stones.
¡°I need your name,¡± the man asked.f
¡°I am Ray of the Ashrend Clan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,¡± Ray said, bowing towards the man.
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¡°Only three remain.¡± He noted something on his tablet.
¡°Excuse me, but what is that strange tablet that you are holding? I don¡¯t think I have ever seen one before,¡± Ray asked the man. ?
He showed the tablet to Ray.
¡°This is a device that will help me with administering the trials. It''s a weak spark that enables data recording- Oh, good; that must be the others arriving.¡±
Ray turned to see who approached. It was a group. Ren, a massive boy in leather armor who, from his appearance and bulging muscles, looked like he would be strong enough to pull up trees, was in front. The twins Shin and Chio, both wearing plain ceremonial garb, followed him. A harrumph announced Erith''s approach from behind Ray.
¡°So, the brute and his loyal minions finally arrive,¡± she said. Ren only grunted in response and then turned to Ray.
¡°Hey Ray, you think they''re going to send you to fight the next shrieking horde after you get an inferior spark like your parents?¡±
¡°That''s where you''re wrong, Ren. I will be cheering you on with my spark of legend while you hold off the shrieking horde with the one you receive,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Hmm, time will tell, won''t it, little man?¡±
¡°It''s time to leave,¡± the thin man said before turning and walking towards the exit of the town. Before running to catch him, Ray made a rude gesture at Ren.
After walking for a bit, they finally reached the edge of the clan¡¯s territory.
¡°This is far enough. Line up; I''ll teleport us. If teleportation is new to you, I suggest closing your eyes to minimize your discomfort."
Following the thin man''s instructions, the four disappeared with a wave of his hand. Ray opened his eyes, feeling a wave of vertigo as the world spun. He slowly regained his bearings and could hear Chio retching behind him.
¡°And that is why I told you to keep your eyes closed. An unprepared mind is not ready to see what happens during teleportation,¡± the thin man chided.
Ray looked around to get his bearings and realized they were now standing in a large desert with rolling sand dunes as far as the eye could see. In front of them, a giant metal door stood with hundreds of other groups like his appearing before it.
¡°Will these groups also take part in the trials?¡± Ray asked.
¡°While your ranking will be solely based on your performance, this test will be a collaborative one. The primary objective is to reach the last room of the trial and retrieve your spark following judgment from the heavens,¡± thin man said.
¡°When can we enter and begin knocking heads to win the competition?¡± Ren asked.
¡°Upon everyone''s arrival, you will choose your weapons for the trials before proceeding to the competition," the man answered.
¡°Well, they need to hurry and get here already. Once I get to them, they won''t last long, anyway,¡± Ren said with a grunt.
Erith scoffed at him.
¡°How can you talk about anyone needing to hurry? I don¡¯t think I have seen you arrive on time once.¡±
¡°That¡¯s cuz you ain¡¯t ever seen me gettin'' ready for a fight.¡±
Ignoring the squabbling duo, Ray examined the massive, polished door. Different runes and an unrecognizable language intricately carved adorned the door. While looking, he noticed something odd about it.
¡°Excuse me, but I don¡¯t see any handles on that door. How are we supposed to get it open when everyone arrives?¡± he asked the thin man.
¡°You will see. It is quite the sight for those who have not seen it before, and I don¡¯t wish to spoil it for you,¡± the man said. He then interrupted Ray''s next door-related question.
¡°Ah, it looks like everyone has arrived. We can get started.¡±
Chapter 2 The Descent
The large door ?screeched to life, shifting ?and then ?descending into the ground, revealing an enormous staircase leading down.
¡°Shall we?¡± the man asked.
They all nodded and walked towards the enormous staircase with everyone else in the trials. The staircase led to a large circular room containing a door ?on the other side of the room. Ray stared, dumbfounded, at the impossible illumination of the subterranean chamber. It looked to have several glowing motes above. He examined the room further, seeing a large outcropping that ran along the entire wall. It held rows of weapons of every kind Ray could recall.
¡°Before we continue, I need you all to put one of these amulets on,¡± the thin man said.
¡°They will mark you to weaken the impact of the weapons in this room. They will bring you back here if you become incapacitated. Our goal is for minimal casualties. "
¡°If we are returned here, do we lose the chance to get a spark?¡± Ray asked.
"No, upon completion of the trial, we will take you to the last room, but you will receive no rewards and will most likely receive one of the weakest sparks the heavens offer."
Ray nodded before taking his amulet and putting it on
¡°You said that you try to keep casualties to a minimum. Could death still occur?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Indeed, while the amulet will help you against your fellow test takers, there is always the chance that something unexpected will kill you before the amulet does its job."
Ray steeled his nerves. If he failed a simple trial, facing the shrieking hordes seemed hopeless. He moved toward the weapon wall; Ren was already pushing past others to reach the table. Seeing a few of those he had knocked down, Ray made a mental note to always monitor their backs, as many contestants might aim for their group because of Ren''s actions. Ray walked up to the table after waiting for a space to clear, scanning the many weapons for one that caught his eye. The finest crafted short swords and daggers Ray had ever seen filled the outcropping.
He looked around for a minute before ?deciding on two daggers. One was a longer blade, making it almost a short sword. The other was regular-sized, with a large circular guard. Ray thought back to when his father first taught him to wield a knife. He was around ten and his dad had finally let him help with hunting. They had gone out and gotten a small doe in the woods. When they got back, his father made sure that he learned the proper way to butcher an animal. That lesson had probably saved his life after his parents died. The clan refused to give him even table scraps, claiming it was wasted on the son of two weaklings. If he hadn''t picked up hunting by then, he doubted his chances of survival. A loud bang roused him from his thoughts as he saw Ren wrestling on the ground with another giant boy for a large battle axe. Ray gaped open mouth at the scene.
¡°So much for keeping a low profile,¡± Erith said, walking up from behind him. She was carrying a large staff with runes carved down the side.
¡°We couldn''t have, with him on our team,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Ain''t that true. Were you able to find a weapon that suited you?¡±
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¡°Yes, and you?¡±
¡°I was,¡± she said, holding out the staff.
¡°Are the daggers you have engraved?¡±
¡°No. Should I have been looking for that?¡±
¡°Not exactly, but these staff runes appear to enable me to create a smoke screen. I was just verifying that I knew about all the cards we will have in the trials.¡±
Ren walked over proudly, holding the axe that he had won in the fight.
¡°You both better not hold me back with those tiny weapons you grabbed. Next time, bring something heavier.¡±
¡°Hmph, skill over brute strength,¡± Erith said.
Ren just shook his head, looking at Shin and Chio walking over.
"At least you are sensible," Ren said, looking at the great sword Chio had that seemed to be too large for him.
Ray couldn''t believe the brute thought he''d be the one hindering them with his daggers, instead of Chio with that monstrous weapon that he was not sure he could handle. At least Shin had a bit more sense carrying a longsword and shield. Ray jumped as a loud screeching noise rang out and turned to see that the next doorway had opened. A strange voice boomed out, filling the room.
¡°Attention all participants. We-e wil-ill now begin the init-i trials. First, we will have you ta-a-ake a cognitive test the-e-en run through a tour of our facil-il-. If you are select-t- to move on th-e-en you will receive the tri-ial run of wh-a-at we are calling a spark please proce-e-ed through the do-o-or when you are re-e-ady.¡±
Ray had heard nothing like the stuttering voice before. It sounded feminine, but he could barely hear some words. After a tug on his arm, he turned to see Erith pulling him towards the door, where the rest of their group had already started running.
¡°Come on, we can''t let them leave us behind,¡± she said, running towards the door.
Although many people had entered before him, Ray surprisingly found only his teammates in the room. He surveyed the mostly empty room; only a chest-high cube occupied the center. It had lines carved into it and seemed to be cut into four sections, with straight carved lines branching throughout each section. A small metal ball sat inlaid in the line in the upper left section. The voice boomed out again.
¡°Section one. Get the ball from the sta-a-rt to the end in the-e lower right se-e-ction. Good luck. "
Ray decided he''d ask the thin man about the voice upon seeing him again. But for now, he focused on the task in front of him. Puzzled by the cube''s design, he sought Erith''s help.
¡°Do you have any ideas?¡± Ray asked reluctantly.
¡°A path may only become apparent through action, not passive observation," she said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
She and Rey were both startled as a loud clang rang out from Ren swinging his axe into the cube.
¡°What in heaven¡¯s name are you doing?¡± Rey shouted at him.
¡°If I just hit the cube hard enough and get the ball out, then I can just shove it where it needs to go. Problem solved,¡± Ren said with a shrug.
"And if the heavens deem that action to violate the test, we may receive the weakest sparks seen in generations," Erith said.
Ren shrugged again.
¡°Well, if you think you''re so smart, then you figure it out. "
¡°We were already working on it before you tried to ruin the test for us all,¡± Ray growled at him.
Ren just grunted and walked to the other side of the room, where he started practicing swinging his axe in different ways. Ray considered the puzzle, then shifted the ball. After a few minutes of no progress and exhausting all paths, he thought of pushing the top of the cube. He yelled out in triumph when the top layer rotated to the left.
¡°Good job solving that! If you concentrate on navigating the maze, I''ll locate paths that align on the opposite sides, and we can swiftly solve this,¡± Erith said.
¡°Yeah, sounds good,¡± Ray agreed.
They spent the better part of the next hour working their way through the cube before they reached the end.
¡°Yes!¡± they both roared with glee.
¡°Finally,¡± Ren said with a snort.
¡°We should have just gone with Ren¡¯s plan, to begin with. I¡¯m sure the heavens would have rewarded us for being clever and solving the puzzle quickly,¡± Chio said.
Shin and Ren both nodded in agreement while Erith shook her head. The room started rumbling; the cube emitted a high-pitched whirring noise, pulling everyone¡¯s attention. It sunk into the floor, melding with a stairway leading further down. Ray shared a glance with Erith before nodding at her and walking towards the steps.
Chapter 3 First Encounters
Ray slowly descended the staircase, followed by the others.
¡°Move, you''re too slow,¡± Ren grumbled.
¡°Make me- argh.¡± Ren shoved Ray aside and then ran down the stairs, Shin and Chio speeding after him.
¡°Are you alright?¡± Erith asked, helping him back to his feet.
Ray blushed in embarrassment.
¡°He just caught me off guard, that''s all. Anyway, mind your own business. While I have no choice but to work with you here, I will never forgive you or your family for their actions," Ray said, wishing that he could have taken this test alone.
Not only was Ren trying to sabotage him, but he had to get help twice now from the golden child of his clan.
¡°Ray, all I have ever done is try to be your friend. I know what they did to you was terrible, but you can¡¯t continue to blame me for my grandfather''s mistakes,¡± she said, her eyes turning red.
Ray¡¯s stomach dropped. He had remained prejudiced, unable to accept Erith''s support despite her consistent kindness after his parents died.
¡°I apologize. My anger clouded my judgment, and I won''t let that happen again. I will never forgive your family for what they have done, but that¡¯s not your fault and I should not have put it on you. Can you forgive me?¡± Ray asked, staring at the ground to avoid looking at Erith.
¡°Yes,¡± Erith said, grabbing his hands.
¡°And one day, when we are powerful enough, I hope to hold my blood responsible for the atrocities that they could have prevented in our clan.¡±
Ray felt a wet sensation on his cheek, grateful that someone considered him more than a burden in this world.
¡°I¡¯m glad that there is still someone in this world who doesn¡¯t think I¡¯m worthless.¡± He sobbed.
Erith pulled him into a hug. They stayed like that for a minute before Ray finally spoke up.
¡°I guess we should probably catch up with the others.¡±
Erith released him and then nodded before walking down the staircase. Initially, the pair moved at a slow pace until a horrifying scream echoed from the lower level. The two of them shared a glance before running down the stairs. A gruesome scene unfolded below: a monstrous praying mantis, its lower half serpentine with blood-covered metallic skin, held the severed halves of Shin in each of its claws. Ray froze, his stomach churning at the scene before him. A screech like metal grinding against metal brought him back to his senses as the monster brought the top half of Shin toward its clacking mandibles. With a roar from the other side of the room, Ren charged at the beast''s axe, held high. He brought it down on the back half of the creature, causing it to screech in pain. The sound was deafening and Ray had to cover his ears. The creature dropped what remained of Shin before whirling around and launching Ren into a nearby wall. Ray witnessed sparks erupting from a gash on the monster''s back, evidence of the strike''s impact. He quickly came up with a plan, shouting out to a stunned Erith.
¡°Erith, snap out of it and use your staff to create a smoke screen for me.¡±
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She shook her head before composing herself and following his direction. Smoke billowed, filling the room. Ray melded with the smoke, creeping toward the creature''s back and pouncing on it, digging his feet into the gash left by Ren. He repeatedly stabbed the creature in its neck. It screamed again, thrashing around, trying to break his grip, but he held on and continued stabbing, embedding the smaller dagger to use as a handhold. He felt a sharp pain in his legs as the jagged hide of the beast sliced into his calves. But rather than worry about it, he focused on dodging the creature''s slashing claws. Fortunately, it appeared unable to reach him in his current position. With a few more stabs and a last shriek, its eyes dimmed as it fell to the ground, lifeless. Ray collapsed onto the floor, panting as Erith ran over the smoke clearing.
¡°I can¡¯t believe you killed that thing,¡± she said, her eyes scanned him before focusing on his legs.
She pulled a jar out from under her robes that Ray recognized as a healing salve.
¡°Sit still and let me put this on your wounds.¡±
Ray winced from the pain of the salve being applied before it brought relief as the cuts knitted back together. Turning, he heard Ren limping over with a grunt. He stopped for a second, staring at the beast before grumbling and sitting down. A sobbing Chio followed him.
¡°It¡¯s my fault he¡¯s dead. I kept teasing him, calling him a coward for taking a shield, and he ended up taking his amulet off to prove that he wasn¡¯t. Then that thing came out of nowhere and grabbed him before we could react and all I could think to do was run,¡± he said between sobs
¡°He would have died even with the trinket on. That thing would have still torn him apart before it activated,¡± Ren said, placing a hand on Chio¡¯s back.
As the adrenaline faded, the gravity of the situation finally hit Ray. Shin was dead. He hadn''t known him all that well and didn''t get along with him at the best of times, but he did not deserve this fate. Dead before he could even start on his path to power. Ray could not help but think about what would have happened if he had been the first one down that staircase. Would the monster have targeted him instead? He shook his head, trying to snap out of it.
Nothing good is going to come from thinking about ''what if''. I just need to keep pushing forward and obtain my goal, Ray thought, steeling his resolve to keep pushing forward.
The group sat in silence for about half an hour, with only the occasional sob from Chio, before Ren spoke up. ¡°We need to continue forward. Nothing good is going to come from staying here any longer.¡±
Ray nodded before turning to Chio. ¡°Are you sure you want to continue?¡± he asked.
¡°Yes, if I stop then we both will have failed and what would the clan think of me and my family then?¡± Chio responded.
The group all nodded before continuing forward. There were three paths in front of them, all marked by runes that Ray did not understand.
¡°So, what path should we choose?¡± he asked the group.
¡°That creature came from the left path, so it may not be a good idea to go that way in case it has friends,¡± Chio said.
¡°I think we should try the middle path first. I think that the other paths may just be there to distract us from our goal,¡± Erith replied.
The group nodded in agreement and started walking down the middle path. The path kept going for a while before turning to the right. Ray came to a stop, hearing something up ahead.
¡°Quiet, it sounds like someone is running towards us.¡±
The group all stopped prepping for a fight as the footsteps came closer. A group of three came sprinting around the corner.
¡°Aw shit!¡± the leader yelled before skidding to a halt.
He started looking frantically around before calling out to the group.
¡°Please help us. There is a creature following us and if we all work together, then we just may survive.¡±
¡°Coward! A true warrior would not ask for help from the enemy but face both threats head-on,¡± Ren shouted back.
¡°He does not speak for all of us,¡± Erith said.
Ren snorted.
¡°If Ray could put one of those things down, then why should we ally with someone who could-¡±
An enormous creature interrupted Ren by plowing into the wall, shaking the building, and throwing dust into the air. No longer arguing, the two groups came together to form a defensive wall. As the dust shot into the air from the impact settled, Ray could make out the shape of their attacker. It was an enormous beast that looked like a rhino, except it seemed to be covered in a shiny liquid of some sort. Ray drew his daggers, preparing for the fight. The beast turned towards the group, staring at them for a moment. Then it charged.
Chapter 4 unsteady alliances
Ray dashed towards the wall at the last second, dodging the beast''s charge. Taking a quick look around, he observed that everyone else had successfully avoided the danger. Yet, he couldn''t relax as the beast suddenly changed direction and charged at him. Ray ran, waving his arms to get the beast''s attention.
¡°I will lead it. Just cause some damage as it passes by,¡± Ray said before dodging again, narrowly avoiding being hit.
The beast turned again, charging back toward Ray, but his team was ready this time. Ren and Chio swung their weapons at the beast''s right leg, slicing down to the bone. A pained cry escaped as it fell. Without hesitation, they attacked it with a rapid series of strikes. The beast cried out again, and suddenly spikes of the liquid material covering its body shot out in every direction. Ray narrowly avoided a spike aimed at his left eye. He stumbled back and gripped his cheek, feeling blood run out of a gash. The other team had a less fortunate member. A spike impaled his chest before he vanished, his amulet activating. Ren''s left shoulder took a hit, but he fought through the pain, raised his axe, and slammed it into the creature''s neck, but it did not leave a scratch as the liquid hardened, blocking the strike. Ray noticed something about the substance as the group resumed their attacks. It seemed only able to harden approximately one meter of the liquid on its body at a time.
¡°We need to try striking it at the same time in different locations. It can only harden a limited part of its body at a time,¡± Ray called out.
Ren stubbornly continued his assault on the armor, defying the group''s consensus. Ray saw the beast needed to divert most of its attention to Ren to keep from having its head cut off. He waited for Ren¡¯s next strike to come down before seizing the opportunity to plunge his long dagger into its left eye before the beast could react. It cried out and lost control of the liquid long enough for Ren to bring down a final blow, severing its head from its shoulders. Ray stepped back, staring at the decapitated beast. "Nice work, everyone¡ª"
The leader of the other team interrupted him by thrusting his sword towards Ray''s chest. He barely raised his smaller dagger in time, intercepting the blade and moving it to his right side, only getting a minor cut on his shoulder. Ray poised his dagger, but then hesitated. The leader saw this and seized the opportunity to turn his blade and swing it towards Ray¡¯s neck. Ray couldn''t stop the blade in time; he flinched back, but the man vanished, leaving Chio there, sword drawn. Ray dropped to the ground, relieved. But remembering the last team member, he frantically scanned the area. He was relieved when he did not find them, only seeing Erith cleaning off some specks of red from her staff. Ray sat back and pondered what had happened during the fight with the leader. When he had the chance to stab the man, he froze, risking his dream and possibly his life. Despite knowing the amulet should prevent it, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he might have killed the man. Ray shook his head, letting those thoughts go. If he was going to achieve his dream, then he would need to steel his resolve and push forward, even if that meant ending someone else''s. Following a brief rest, Ray walked to Chio.
¡°Thank you for saving me.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mention it. It was thanks to your plan that we took down the beast. I should be the one thanking you,¡± Chio responded.
¡°Don¡¯t give him the credit for my kill. Remember whose axe it was that ended its life,¡± Ren interjected.
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¡°That opportunity resulted from my actions,¡± Ray defended himself.
¡°I¡¯d have cut through that armor. All you did was speed up the process.¡±
¡°How many strikes would that have required, Ren? If we hadn''t followed Ray''s plan and the creature shot more spikes, how long could you have survived?¡± Erith asked.
Ren grunted and turned away, refusing to engage further in the conversation. After the group bandaged most of their wounds, only using the healing salve on the worst injuries. They proceeded down the hall, peering around the corner where the creature emerged. The wall bore a massive dent, a testament to the beast''s charge.
¡°Thank the heavens none of us got hit by that thing''s charge. In the best-case scenario, our amulet would have activated, causing us to fail the test,¡± Ray said.
¡°Indeed,¡± Erith responded.
Ray turned his attention back to the path in front of them and started forward. A minute''s walk brought them to a crossroads, with one path continuing straight ahead and the other turning left.
¡°That group likely came from the left path, judging from the wall damage,¡± Erith said, examining the indent on the wall.
¡°We should continue straight then. Unless they missed a path while running in this direction. This should be that way forward,¡± Ray suggested.
¡°I agree. That sounds like the best case of action,¡± Chio said, nodding at the group.
Ren just grunted, taking the lead down the path that they decided on. A five-minute walk along a winding path led them to a large, circular room. Ray observed three pathways intersecting within the chamber. A pedestal rose from the floor in the center. Ray walked towards the pedestal to investigate it. It was chest high and contained a small hand-shaped indent.
¡°Any idea what this thing might be?¡± he asked.
¡°Only one way to find out,¡± Erith said, walking towards the pedestal and putting her hand into the indent.
The entire room rumbled as the hallways leading out of this room slammed shut.
¡°Oh, Shit!¡± Chio yelled as two of the mantis creatures dropped to the ground from above.
¡°Ren, Chio, the left one''s yours. Erith, help me with the one on the right,¡± Ray shouted, getting into position with his daggers drawn.
Erith ran to his side and deployed a smokescreen for the two of them. Hidden by smoke, Ray circled to the monster''s left. He watched the disoriented Mantis for a moment before seeing an opening and charging. He got three quick stabs into its chest before being forced to retreat from its claws sweeping after him. Erith, using the opportunity, swung her staff down on its head, resulting in a large *CRACK*. They took turns attacking the Mantis, a black ichor slowly pooling beneath it. As Ray went in for his next attack, he overlooked the pool and slipped. Dazed from the flurry of attacks, the Mantis only managed to strike him in the stomach with the back of its claw, sending him flying. Ray crashed into the wall, coughing up blood.
¡°Ray!¡± Erith yelled out, running towards him.
The Mantis charged after her, its claw poised to strike. Ray tried to yell out in warning, but nothing came out. Was this it? Was he about to lose his first friend after his parents'' passing because of a mistake he could have avoided? The awful scene repeated in his mind, as an axe flew towards the creature. It sailed true, striking it in the neck, leaving it headless as it fell. Erith closed the rest of the distance and kneeled next to him.
¡°Are you bleeding? Where does it hurt the most?¡± she asked, pulling out the healing salve.
¡°It only got me with the back of its claw, thankfully. Just one minute, and I''ll be ready,¡± he responded, fighting the pain that came from talking.
Erith frowned at him for a minute before poking him in the ribs. Ray yelped in pain.
"That''s what I thought. Don''t hide your injuries from me again or next time, expect a forceful jab, not a mere nudge," she said, lifting his shirt to apply the salve.
"It looks like that is the last of it. Greater care will be essential."
¡°Yes, mom,¡± Ray said, receiving a glare in response.
Ren walked over, retrieving his axe before sitting down to rest. A half-hour pause refreshed the group. Ray walked towards the pedestal and placed his hand on it. The room suddenly flashed white, leaving the room empty as the team disappeared.
Chapter 5 Spark
Ray found himself in a white void, which surprised him. The voice that he had heard at the beginning of the trial filled his head.
"Initiating incarnate protocol. Analyzing participant¡¯s constitution."
Strength- low.
Endurance - low.
Dexterity - average.
Intelligence - average.
Wisdom - average.
"Generating spark based on attribute distribution. Successful, max distribution allowance requested. Failed. High distribution allowance requested. Failed. Average distribution allowance requested. Successful. 6 points awarded. Allocating spark attribute growth multipliers."
Strength - 0.5
Endurance - 0.5
Dexterity - 2
Intelligence - 2
Wisdom - 1
Starting stats based on distribution
Strength 1
Endurance 1
Dexterity 8
Intelligence 8
Wisdom 4.
"Beginning spark integration."
Ray¡¯s entire body tensed in pain as a small core formed within his chest.
¡°Integration successful. Welcome, new user.¡±
Ray¡¯s vision shifted, appearing in a small room with a table and two chairs, one occupied by a woman dressed in a plain white robe.
¡°Welcome. Please have a seat and we can get started.¡±
¡°Where am I? What was that voice that I just heard? What happened to my team and the trials?¡±
¡°Please take a seat, and I will answer all your questions to the best of my ability.¡±
Ray followed her instructions, hoping to get some answers about what had just happened to him.
¡°Now, to answer your questions, you are currently in a debriefing room for the trial. That voice belongs to the goddess responsible for the creation and maintenance of all sparks. Finally, you and your remaining friends have passed the trials and successfully obtained sparks. We can talk more about this later. But for now, please place your hand on this device,¡± she said, holding out a small metal tablet.
Ray complied, holding his hand out as he did not see any other option.
¡°Let''s see here, average grade, but still getting a multiplier in two stats. I would say impressive, but that seems to come at the cost of crippling your strength and endurance,¡± the woman muttered to herself.
¡°Excuse me, but what does that mean?¡±
¡°Hmm? Oh, now that you have integrated a spark, you have access to the Incarnate system. This will allow you to gain levels and these levels ?will boost your stats. You have a multiplier of 2 for your dexterity and intelligence, meaning that every time you gain one point in either stat, you gain two instead. But for you, this came with a downside, as you will need 2 points per stat in strength and endurance.¡±
Ray looked puzzled.
¡°Here, this may assist with my explanation. Try thinking about the word status.¡±
Ray followed the woman''s advice and felt shocked when a floating screen appeared in front of him.
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Status
Name: Ray
Level: 1
Ascension: 0
Class: N/A
Mana: 40/40
Stamina: 10/10
Stats
Strength 1
Endurance 1
Dexterity 8
Intelligence 8
Wisdom 4
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1.
Titles
N/A
¡°What is Ascension?¡± Ray asked after reading over the screen.
¡°Ascension will come at level 100, with each ascension becoming increasingly difficult. When you reach level 100, your level will reset to one and you will have the chance to obtain higher multipliers based on your accomplishments.¡±
This statement took Ray aback. He had never heard of anyone in his clan achieving ascension before.
¡°Is ascension common? I have never heard of anyone achieving it within the forest of Carinthia.¡±
¡°No, most everyone will spend their lives somewhere between level 1 and 75, with level 60 likely being ?a powerhouse in your forest. Only those who consistently push their limits will find themselves on the first step of ascension, and only the most talented among them will surpass it.¡±
¡°Do you believe I could reach that level?¡±
She smiled warmly at him.
"I could not tell you, but be certain that the heavens acknowledge you. It is very rare to receive a multiplier while having a common spark without having ascended. Even if yours also came with an obstacle."
A loud dinging noise sounded out in the room.
¡°It looks like our time together is up, but if you ascend, travel to the south of the Carinthia until you find a town named Gramith and ask for Cynthia. Until we meet again, young incarnate.¡±
Ray¡¯s vision shifted again, appearing back in the original room where he had gotten his daggers. He saw Erith, Ren, and Chio appear as well.
¡°Welcome back.¡±
Hearing the thin man''s grinding voice, Ray turned around.
¡°I see that you have all obtained a spark on your own. You all may keep the weapons that you have chosen as a preliminary reward.¡±
Ray was happy to hear that he could keep the daggers, as they had treated him well during the trials. The rest of the group seemed excited, except for Chio, who looked like he might be sick.
¡°Attention please,¡± a deep voice sounded out over the room. "We will announce the rankings from the trials and the associated rewards. First, second, and third will all receive one thousand gold coins and entrance to the Albrum Empire¡¯s Spark Academy."
The reward shocked Ray. Ten gold coins were enough to buy a pleasant house in his clan and he could not imagine what he could buy with one thousand.
¡°Fourth through tenth will receive 100 gold coins each and finally eleventh through one hundredth will receive 10 gold coins. Without further ado, here are the rankings.¡±
The man waved his hand, and a screen appeared. He scanned the list, seeing Ren in the twelfth place. Then he saw Erith in 76th but his heart sank as he got further down until, in 99th, he saw his name. He yelled out in triumph.
I did it. I made it to the top one hundred. The clan will have a hard time calling me a burden now, he thought to himself.
Upon receiving their rewards, the team trailed behind the thin man as he exited the complex. It was dark out now despite it being early morning when they first left.
¡°Please form a line and close your eyes. I will teleport you all back to the Ashrend clan territory.¡±
As the group followed his instructions, Ray could not help but ask.
¡°Will we be able to teleport one day?¡±
¡°There is a possibility, but to do so you will need to either obtain a class that allows you to or reach a high enough understanding to do it without a skill,¡± the man responded before waving his hand and sending the group away. Ray opened his eyes to see that they were back in the forest they call home.
¡°Shall we?¡± Erith asked, walking towards the entrance to their clan¡¯s village.
The group nodded, following behind her. As the village came into view, Ray could see the clan elder standing at the entrance, waiting for them. He could not help but puff out his chest in defiance of the man as they closed the rest of the way to the gate and prepared to have a conversation with the elder.
Chapter 6 Beginner Artisan
¡°Welcome home,¡± the elder said, addressing the group. He was a tall man with a gray braided beard that came down to his stomach and wore the same ceremony robes as Erith. He scanned the group before turning to Erith.
¡°So, where did my beloved granddaughter rank?¡±
¡°I came in 76th place,¡± Erith said, avoiding eye contact.
The elder¡¯s eyebrows rose in shock.
¡°How did you place so low? Even your useless father achieved the 26th spot in his test.¡± He looked at her intently, his eyes seeming to search, before widening in recognition.
¡°You only obtained a common grade, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Erith¡¯s lack of response seemed to be all the confirmation that he needed. He sighed.
¡°Foolish girl, you know this means that I won¡¯t be able to protect you if you don¡¯t reach level 10 before the next wave.¡±
¡°Excuse me, but what are you talking about? All surviving members, with a single exception, attained a rank, with Erith achieving the second highest. Should we not be celebrating that?¡± Ray interjected, frowning at the elder.
The elder pinched the bridge of his nose while shaking his head.
¡°Boy, that is to be expected. Not celebrated. Every group that we send out should achieve a rank, especially one that contains my blood. I would like to know which individual exceeded the performance level of my granddaughter,¡± the elder, after a further scan of the assembled group, inquired.
Ren stepped forward, puffing his chest out.
¡°I did, elder. I secured the 12th spot.¡±
The elder''s eyebrows rose again.
"Indeed? That implies that you received an uncommon grade. Ren, we will honor you tonight, and I would recommend the rest of you to get some rest. The horde''s appearance is likely imminent, given the beasts'' unrest."
Everyone except for Ren had a fearful look dancing across their face at those words.
¡°I will send you three out with a hunting party from now on and for those that don¡¯t reach level 10 by the time the Horde arrives, I am afraid that I will have no choice but to send you out with the diversion squad.¡±
As the elder continued talking to his group, Ray felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. The thought of the shrieking hordes and his parents filled his mind. After a while, the elder walked away, followed by Ren and Erith. Erith glanced back at him one last time with a sad look in her eyes before she finally went out of his view. Ray walked back to his house with a troubled expression on his face. He sat down on his makeshift bed and clenched his fists.
This will not be my fate, he thought.
He put his daggers on the ground next to his bed before fully lying down and staring up at the roof of his hut. After closing his eyes, he called out internally for the strength required to change this horrible world he found himself in.
¡°Request received. Attempting to grant admin access. Denied. Attempting to grant artisan access. Successful.¡±
Ray shot up as the voice of the goddess filled his mind. He felt a pulsing come out from the core in his chest, radiating outward before it faded. He went over the words in his mind.
What is an artisan-
A new screen appeared, cutting off his thoughts.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Artisan Panel
Current skill: 0
Crafting points: 2
Please select an item to augment.
Ray stared at the screen before picking up one of his daggers and focusing on it.
Dagger Selected how many crafting points would you like to use on this item?
Ray thought for a second before deciding to use both points on his longer dagger. Glowing runes shot out from his hand, holding the weapon before melding with it and disappearing. Not seeing anything different from the weapon, he opened his status and see if anything had changed.
Status
Name: Ray
Level: 2
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
Mana: 20/70
Stamina: 10/10
Stats
Strength 1
Endurance 1
Dexterity 10
Intelligence 14
Wisdom 7
Available Points: 1
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Appraisal
Titles
[System-appointed artisan]
Seeing all his gains shocked him. It also seemed that the enhancement of his dagger had drained some mana. He focused on the class first, wanting to find out more.
Beginner Artisan (Rare): you have taken your first steps to become a true Artisan of the world, granting access to the Artisan Panel. Gain an extra + two to intelligence and wisdom for each level.
He felt delighted when another screen popped up and displayed details about the class. He tried to focus on his title next.
System-appointed artisan: the system has recognized you as an artisan granting the Appraisal skill and access to the Artisan Panel if you did not already have it.
So that was where that skill came from, he thought, focusing on the skill next.
Appraisal: Learn the attributes of an item, such as grade durability and special attributes.
After reading the skill description, he tried it on his dagger that he had just enhanced.
Uncommon Dagger: A dagger that a beginner artisan has enhanced, increasing its stats
Grade: Uncommon
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Auto repair
Blade Extension: Infuse 5 MP into the blade to extend its reach for a short duration
Ray picked up the dagger and decided to try out the blade extension. He pushed his mana into the blade and a glowing edge appeared, doubling the blade''s length before fading after a few seconds. Ecstatic with the changes. Ray experimented with the dagger for a few minutes, before he finally ran out of mana and rested up for the hunt in the morning. It took a while before he finally nodded off with all the excitement that he had just experienced. The next morning, he jumped out of his bed, grabbed his daggers, and strung his father''s hunting bow across his back before running to the village entrance. When he finally got there, he saw Erith and Chio already waiting for him with a few of the village hunters. Chio looked like a walking corpse. He was white as a ghost and had large bags under his eyes. It looked like his parents hadn¡¯t taken the news of his failure to achieve a ranking and his brother''s death well. Ray felt bad for him as he had liked Chio ever since he stuck up to Ren for him.
¡°Took you long enough. You ready for this?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Ray answered, thumbing the grip of his upgraded dagger. ¡°Are you two?¡±
Erith nodded while Chio seemed to brighten up a little.
¡°Yes. I will make sure that I make my family proud today,¡± he answered.
Ray nodded to him before they all walked up to the hunter group leader, who waved them over.
¡°Today we will hunt some boars that live in the forest. Our tracker has already sent word that he found a pack of them to the north. You all are expected to kill at least one of them, with any additional ones netting you one gold coin.¡±
Ray¡¯s eyes lit up at the words. He had been hunting for himself ever since his parents passed, and now he could turn that experience into wealth and levels for himself. He excitedly followed the group as they headed out of the village and into the woods.
Chapter 7 The First Hunt
Having walked for some time, the leader then signaled the group to move silently and remain hidden as they drew closer to the boars. Ray readied his bow, creeping through the underbrush with the rest of the hunters. Ahead, he observed a pond where the pack gathered. The leader signaled for the group to stop and take their positions around the tree line. Ray positioned himself, arrow nocked, awaiting the signal.
¡°Now.¡±
The arrow flew from Ray¡¯s bow, penetrating the closest boar¡¯s skull, killing it instantly. He quickly nocked another arrow and fired it at the next boar, striking this one in the lungs. Two more arrows flew from his bow, the first one missing as the boars panicked and scattered in all directions. The second one hit a boar charging in his direction in its front leg, causing it to fall over. He quickly fired another arrow, finishing it before a wave of vertigo came over him. He tried to find the cause, finally looking at his status and realizing that his stamina had fallen to 0/10. Using the arrows seemed to have consumed some of this resource, causing him to feel tired. For the first time since getting it, he cursed the spark that he had received. He could fire three times the number of arrows before integrating with it. His train of thought shattered as a boar charged straight at him, attempting to gore him with its tusks. He struggled to push through the vertigo, barely drawing his dagger. Seconds before the impact, he pointed the dagger in the boar''s direction, infusing the 5 MP needed to extend the blade. The boar charged headfirst into the glowing point, stopping its charge and instantly killing it as the tip exited out the back of its skull. Ray collapsed to the ground, panting. He needed to find out how to gain more stamina and do so immediately if only shooting five arrows made him this tired. Resting was his only option while the group pursued escaping boars. After about a minute, he felt enough of his strength to return to stand. He walked over to an exhausted Erith. She had not brought a ranged weapon, instead opting to only use her staff. Ray plopped down on the ground beside her.
"How many did you get?" she asked.
"Just four. I ran out of steam before I could do anything else."
¡°I was having the same problem, but I gained a level during the fight, and after allocating my available point to endurance, my maximum increased by 10.¡±
Ray brought up his status screen, noticing that he had increased to level 3 during the fight. He quickly allocated the 2 available points that he had to endurance only increasing the stat by one because of his multiplier. He was happy that he now had a maximum of 30 stamina, the Level Up also increasing it. A brief rest preceded the leader''s signal for the group''s return to the village. While they were resting, a few of the hunters loaded a large cart with the slain boar. Ray helped haul it back, grabbing one rope attached to the cart and pulling. When the sun was directly overhead, they finally made it back to the village.
¡°Come to me for your pay,¡± a large man shouted while villagers unloaded the cart.
Ray joined a line forming in front of the man, waiting for his turn. When it finally got to him, the man checked a list before handing him three gold coins. He walked off to the side, waiting for Erith and Chio to receive their coins. His eyebrows rose in surprise when he saw Chio pocket four coins. But he still looked pale, even having killed more boars than both him and Erith, who had also gotten three coins.
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¡°Nice work. If we keep this up, I''m sure that we will reach level 10 before the horde arrives,¡± Ray said.
Erith nodded, determination in her eyes while Chio stared blankly into the distance.
¡°I need to go, but I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,¡± Chio said before walking off.
"Any idea what''s going on with him?" Ray asked Erith.
¡°His family is one of the more powerful ones within the clan and, from what I know, his brother was their favored child. He must be struggling with the fact that he is now expected to fill his shoes only a day after his death.¡±
¡°Oh.¡±
Ray sympathized with Chio, but couldn''t relate. Considering his circumstances, high expectations hardly seemed his biggest problem. Ray and Erith chatted for a while longer about the hunt before she had to leave. The sun was still high and his stamina was full once again. Ray went out hunting on his own to see if he could secure another level today. He walked out of the village and towards a small creek where he knew groups of deer liked to gather around. He climbed a tree overlooking the creek and waited for a group of deer to arrive. A herd emerged from the woods after about 30 minutes. Ray prepared his first shot, aiming at a large buck drinking from the creek. But right as he prepared to shoot, the deer suddenly ran off as a sound like nails on a chalkboard filled his ears. He looked toward the noise and his heart stopped. A creature that resembled a man, but with metallic skin, long claws, and the maw of a wolf, crept from the forest, each step echoing with a metallic scrape. Ray knew what this creature was. His clan scribe had described them in one of his classes. He called it a shrieker, and it was the most common foot soldier in the shrieking hordes. Ray climbed down from the tree and started backing away from the creature, careful not to make a sound. But, focused on the creature, he didn''t notice a small twig under his right foot until it was too late.
*CRUNCH*
With blinding speed, the creature turned and sprinted toward him. He barely ducked in time, avoiding a claw swipe that went directly over his head. The shrieker slammed into a tree behind Ray, its claw getting lodged in the bark. Without wasting his chance, Ray ran back towards the village while the creature was stuck, but he was too far and too slow. He heard the awful noise quickly approaching him before turning and drawing his daggers. Seconds later, the beast was upon him. He tried to block its next claw strike, but the force of the impact sent his smaller dagger flying and it left three gashes on his arm. Quickly adapting, Ray tried to create some distance using the blade extension feature to stab at the creature while retreating. It did not dodge or block when he struck, instead charged faster and fully focused on offense. Several more deep cuts opened across Ray''s body, but for every strike it landed, he landed two. This continued for a few minutes before Ray felt the vertigo overtaking him.
No, no, not now, just a little more, he internally screamed. But his body did not listen. He could not dodge the next strike. The creature sent him flying into a tree with a large gash mark on his chest. Pain overtook his every thought as he slumped against the tree stump. The creature reduced its pace to a walk, leaving a trail of black ichor behind it. As it closed in Ray''s mind whirled before he finally came up with a last-ditch plan. He pointed his dagger at the creature and infused every mana point he had left into the blade. An explosion of light radiated out as an edge expanded larger than some of the nearby trees before fading. The blade of the dagger almost fully crumbled as Ray held it, but it had done its job. The creature fell to the ground, bisected by the strike. Ray could no longer stave off the pain radiating from his chest and despite his struggle to stay awake, darkness soon took him.
Chapter 8 Guards and Skill Selections
An enormous monstrosity with a mechanical slug-like body that was covered with clawed limbs dragged itself across the ground, leaving a small trench in its wake. A pulse traveled up one of its arms as a mechanical insect landed on top of it.
¡°At last,¡± a bellowing voice boomed out:
¡°We have found our next target.¡±
A swarm of metal forms glimmered beneath the trees as they marched toward the next village they would raze. Two thousand years had passed and their goal was still not in sight, but it did not matter. As with every town that they burned, they moved one step closer to the paradise that he and his brothers envisioned.
When Ray next awoke, it was dark. Remembering the pain, he quickly felt his chest and was surprised to find only a scar where the damage had been. He got to his feet, scanning his surroundings when his eyes landed on the two halves of the creature.
If a shrieker is already this close to town, will we even have time to reach level 10 before the rest of the Horde appears? he pondered.
He finally decided that he would bring the body back to town, but after facing that thing, he had no delusions of being able to take on the horde yet. If he and Erith could not get the levels that they needed, then he would try to get her to run away with him.
The villagers should be able to get away without two additional human sacrifices. He tried to convince himself.
Finally, feeling happy with his plan, he went to gather up his belongings before leaving. As he walked back towards the tree, he almost screamed in excitement as he found his enhanced dagger fully intact once again. But that soon turned to anguish as he saw the splintered remains of his father''s bow. He gathered up all the pieces that he could and placed them into a pouch at his side. Ray then went to retrieve his second dagger. He found it embedded in a nearby tree. Removing it, he was disheartened to find a significant crack down the blade. He frowned before deciding to enhance the weapon to try and give it the auto-repair augment.
Artisan Panel
Current skill: 1
Crafting points: 6
Please select an item to augment.
This time he decided to only use 3 points on his weapon, wanting to save the rest just in case. The glowing runes appeared again, covering and then sinking into the weapon. After he finished, the dagger morphed, adding several slots along the blade; Ray used appraisal to see the result.
Uncommon Sword Breaker:
A dagger that a beginner artisan has enhanced, increasing its grade
Grade: Uncommon
Durability: 50/100
Attributes
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Auto repair
Sword Breaker: Infuse 20MP before blocking a strike to reflect the force of the attack back to the paired object.
He rejoiced over the result. Even with the higher mana cost, this would be a great defensive tool for him going forward. After examining the weapon for a few more minutes, he finally gathered the two halves of the shrieker before heading back to the village. After making it to the front entrance with no issues, some guards stopped him when they saw what he was carrying.
¡°Hold it. Where did ya find that?¡±
¡°I was hunting near the creek not too far in that direction and it came out of the woods,¡± Ray responded, pointing toward the creek.
The guard''s eyebrows furrowed, and he motioned for a younger-looking guard to come over.
¡°Get the clan elder. The horde might be closer than we first thought.¡±
¡°Right away, sir,¡± the younger guard said before running off.
Ray placed the body on the ground while they waited. He tried to make small talk with the guard for a minute but the guard did not respond, only staring in the direction the other guard had run off in. Instead, he looked at his status as he had not done so since fighting the boars this morning.
Status
Name: Ray
Level: 5
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
Mana: 160/160
Stamina: 40/40
Stats
Strength 3
Endurance 4
Dexterity 16
Intelligence 34
Wisdom 16
Available Points: 2
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Appraisal
Titles
[System-appointed artisan]
Skill Choice available
Reading the page, Ray was shocked by how rapidly his intelligence was increasing. His eyes finally came to rest on the last line that had appeared on his screen. Focusing on it, another screen popped up.
Skills currently available
Piercing strike: Imbue your next strike to deal additional damage based on dexterity
Stamina cost: 10
Damage bonus is doubled against armored targets
Disassemble: Turn an item into its core components
Mana cost: 20
Gain Crafting points based on the disassembled item''s grade
Mana shot: fire a beam of mana at a target, increasing damage based on mana spent and intelligence
Mana cost: 10-100
Repair: Restore an item to its full durability.
Mana cost: based on item grade
Weapon bond: Forge a bond with your crafted or empowered items. When wielding items that have been created or modified by you, deal bonus damage based on intelligence
Ray examined each one, rejecting the first, since he still lacked sufficient stamina for proper use and wanted to avoid running out during a fight again. He thought about repair for a few moments, wondering if he could fix his father''s bow before ruling it out as well. One of the shrieking hordes would be here soon, and he needed a skill that would help him get stronger immediately. For the same reason, he ruled out dismantling, as the two points that he seemed to gain with every level were enough for what he needed to do. The last choice was not as easy for him. While mana shot would serve as a nice ranged option, he felt he would gain more from the weapon bond skill. This would not only improve his melee combat, but he could also craft and upgrade a new bow that would give him a ranged option as well. Finally deciding, he selected the weapon bond skill. As Ray selected the skill, he finally saw the young guard returning with the clan elder. The elder''s eyebrows furrowed at the two halves of the creature on the ground.
¡°And where did you say you found this?¡± the old man asked.
Ray pointed again to the creek where he had been attacked.
¡°Not good,¡± the elder said, rubbing his chin.
¡°Please leave me with the boy for a moment,¡± he said, waving for the guards to return to their positions.
Ray screamed internally. Would the elder send him out alone when the next horde came seeing he saw he could kill a shrieker? Thoughts flew like a tornado through Ray''s mind before they all came to a screeching halt with the elder''s next words.
¡°Listen, boy. If my granddaughter does not reach at least level 6 in tomorrow''s hunt, then I want you to go with her and leave this place before the horde gets here.¡±
Chapter 9 An Old Mans Story
Ray gaped open mouth at the elder. Anger rose in his chest. Why would the man who called his parents weak after sending them to their deaths now ask him to save his granddaughter from the same fate?
¡°And why should I!?¡± Ray shouted at the elder. ¡°Why should I help save your granddaughter when you didn''t do the same for my parents?¡±
¡°Lower your tone,¡± the elder said in a near whisper. "It is prudent to remember that our conversation may not be private."
The elder¡¯s eyes scanned the surrounding area before returning to Ray. Ray was about to yell at the man again, but the elder clamped his hand over his mouth with surprising speed and power.
¡°Listen to me, boy. If it were within my power, I would send no one to face those heaven-forsaken hordes, but our clan has entered an agreement with the surrounding clans. I can''t break it. Even for my own blood,¡± the elder said, a somber expression on his face.
Ray calmed down enough to where the elder felt it would be ok to remove his hand.
¡°What agreement, and why don''t you and the other clan elders just band together to defeat the horde?¡±
The old man sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"I guess if I am to place such a burden on your shoulders, then you deserve to know the truth. Life on our continent has only existed because of a set of unbreakable rules. Number one. No clan may have more than one member above level 80. Number two. The leaders of the shrieking hordes must never be slain. And finally, number three, when a horde comes close to a clan, they must send at least fifteen members to divert it before moving. I would keep her out of that group if I could, but I fear the clan would fall apart. Too many have lost loved ones to my system for me to avoid being a victim of it as well."
¡°But that does not explain why you only send out people who cannot reach a level threshold before the horde arrives.¡±
¡°That is this old man''s true sin against his clan,¡± the elder said before looking around once more to confirm that they were still alone.
¡°The difference between a common spark and an uncommon one is like the difference between a small wisp of flame and a raging fire. This old man¡¯s true folly was trying to create a clan strong enough to defeat the hordes once and for all, breaking none of the rules in the process.¡± He sighed once more before continuing. ¡°It is rare but possible for one to upgrade their spark¡¯s grade without having to ascend. I tried to create a breeding ground to trigger such a change by setting in place the competitions, but now my hubris has caught up with me and my granddaughter is the one in the crosshair of the system I created.¡±
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¡°If you want to defeat the hordes, then why ever follow those rules to begin with?¡± Ray asked.
¡°To explain that, I will need to tell you a story from 200 years ago. Those rules had been in place, but the reason had been long forgotten until one elder thought training 6 disciples up to level 80 and completely wiping out one horde would pave a path to destroying them forever. He succeeded on both fronts but when the leader died, a pulse was sent out from the middle of the forest, and a horde that contained 3 commanders and a horrifying creature took control, leading the horde like a veritable army.¡± The old man paused for a moment, looking like he was staring straight into the past while telling his story. ¡°The horde traveled to where the last commander was slain and not long after found the trail of the elder and his disciples, by dusk of the next day, no survivors were remaining in their clan. Since that day, the army''s leader has been missing, yet every elder diligently follows the three rules to avoid incurring its wrath.¡±
Ray rubbed his chin thoughtfully after hearing the story. He still hated the man in front of him with every fiber of his being, but he finally agreed to take Erith and run.
¡°I will help Erith, but not as a favor to you, but because she is my friend.¡±
The elder nodded, handing him a map of the surrounding forest and clans.
¡°You have my gratitude. I have put a mark east of here on that map. You should be able to hide out there until the horde has passed, and for what it''s worth, I am sorry for my words when your parents died. I had hoped that your father would become one of the strongest soldiers in the clan and was blinded by rage when he had spent more time with you and your mother than improving his level, but I think I finally understand why he would throw away power for his family.¡±
Ray turned his back on the old man without a response and started the walk back to his hut. He lay down on his bed, his eyes red and cheeks stained with tears. His father had given up power for him and had died for it. He silently sobbed for a while longer staring out at the stars through a small hole that had opened in the hut''s roof as he drifted off to sleep. The next morning he got up and headed toward the village marketplace before it was time to go hunting. If he and Erith were going to have to hunt for themselves for a while, he would need a new bow. He browsed the stalls passing several selling different food or clothing items before he saw his target. It was a small stall containing a row of un-strung bows. A kid that looked to be half Ray¡¯s age manned the counter.
¡°Hi Richie, Is your father around?¡± Ray asked.
¡°No, he will be back in half an hour but I should be able to help you with what you need,¡± Richie responded.
¡°Ok, I need a new hunting bow preferably one with a heavy draw weight.¡±
¡°Hmm, this one should do the trick,¡± Richie said pulling a traditional bow from the rack.
He struggled to string it for a moment before handing it to Ray.
¡°Try that one out.¡±
Ray pulled back on the string feeling that it was slightly heavier than his father''s bow. He then used appraisal on it to see if it would supply any additional information.
Common traditional bow
Grade: Common
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
N/A
¡°How much?¡± Ray asked
¡°That one is 2 silver coins,¡± Richie responded.
¡°I''ll take it.¡±
Ray placed the bow on his back while walking back towards the village entrance. Noticing that he was still early he decided to use his three remaining crafting points on his new bow.
Chapter 10 Bow of the Constrictor
Ray opened his artisan panel, selecting the bow and all the remaining points he had. The familiar sensation ran down his hand as the runes shot out and onto the weapon, this time glowing a vibrant green color. His eyes widened as he stared at the weapon, the green runes painting a snake coiled around the bow limb as they dissipated. After the process had finished, he used appraisal to see what had changed.
Bow of the Constrictor: a bow crafted from a tree branch that once was the home of a young python, its history brought to life by a beginner artisan.
Grade: Uncommon
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Constrictor shot: infuse 30 MP to create an arrow that, upon contact with the target, will take on the shape of the python, and attempt to bind the target
Hmm, based on the description, it seems like the material used to craft the weapon also affects the attributes it gains, Ray pondered. He was overall happy with the upgrade the weapon received, but he could not help but frown when he saw it lacked Auto repair. He had a theory for why this might be but would have to confirm it when Erith or Chio arrived. It wasn''t long before Chio arrived. He looked worse than yesterday. The large bags under his eyes seemed to have grown.
¡°Are you feeling ok?¡± Ray asked.
Chio sighed before answering.
¡°To be honest, I spent all night trying to find anything that would help me level up, but I only made it to level four. With the horde being closer than we thought, if this keeps up, I am not sure that I will make it in time.¡±
Ray contemplated trying to convince Chio to come with him and Erith, but in the end, he decided not to. There were too many people around and he was not sure if Chio would even go along with the plan. His family was surely already losing favor in the Clan with Shin¡¯s death. What would happen then if their only remaining heir fled from his responsibilities? The only reason he thought the elder wouldn''t lose his standing was that the old man was still the clan''s strongest member. He shook his head, realizing that an awkward amount of time had passed since Chio finished speaking.
¡°May the heavens will that all three of us will make it in time,¡± Ray said.
Chio nodded in response before turning to walk towards the gate.
¡°Hey wait up a second. Would you mind if I look at your sword?¡±
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Chio stopped, turning back towards Ray.
¡°I don¡¯t see a reason not to. So go ahead,¡± he said.
He unbelted the sword and handed it to Ray. He activated his appraisal skills and focused on the weapon.
Common Great sword
Grade: Common
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Lesser Auto Repair
This confirmed his suspicion. It seemed that all the weapons from the trial had the auto repair function, but he was surprised to discover that it was only a lesser variant that he must have upgraded with his infusion.
¡°Thanks,¡± Ray said, handing the blade back to Chio.
¡°No worries. But if you don¡¯t mind me asking, why did you want to see it?¡± Chio responded, taking the sword and belting it to his waist again.
¡°I have a skill that lets me see the attributes of equipment and I wanted to test it out some more.¡±
Chio¡¯s eyebrows rose in surprise.
¡°So you have already reached level five?¡±
¡°Yes, how did you know?¡± Ray responded.
¡°I heard from my parents that you get your first skill selection at level five.¡± He paused for a moment before bowing his head. ¡°I would be ever indebted to you if you showed me your hunting spot.¡±
Ray thought for a moment before agreeing to show him where it was during the walk back. After all, chances were that he would leave the clan tonight. Chio bowed to him once more before walking towards the gate again. Ray stayed behind, seeing Erith approaching, and walked over to meet her. She carried her staff on her back and wore a new longsword at her hip. She had a troubled expression on her face as she walked towards Ray.
¡°I''m sure my grandfather has already informed you of what we are to do if I fail today,¡± she said in a whisper, a frown adorning her face.
Ray nodded.
¡°I''m going to try my hardest today to make sure that we don¡¯t have to go through with such a cowardly act,¡± she continued after seeing his response.
¡°I wish you luck, but even if we have to go through with it, let''s use it as a chance to get strong enough to destroy the horde on our own.¡±
¡°How? You heard my grandfather''s story, didn¡¯t you? If we get strong enough to defeat a horde, then that thing will come for us.¡±
¡°Not if we leave the forest of Carinthia. I have already heard of a town that does not have to move because of the hordes south of here. If we go there and get stronger, then we can return and defeat the hordes before they know what hit them,¡± Ray said.
Erith contemplated what he said for a minute before responding.
¡°That just might work. I am still going to try to meet the goal set for me today, but if I cannot, that sounds like a fine plan.¡±
Ray stared into her eyes for a few moments, seeing a fire burning within.
¡°Everyone gather around,¡± the voice of the lead hunter called out.
They looked at each other for a moment longer before turning in his direction and walking over to hear what the man had to say.
¡°Today we have found a pack of wolves that are not too far from the clan. This hunt will be more dangerous than the last one, but with high risk comes high reward. Every wolf that you slay will be worth three gold coins with assists netting you one coin. I expect all of you to work hard today with a horde coming closer. I''m sure that you all know the risks of not improving.¡±
A few people looked over at Ray and Erith as the man finished speaking. Ignoring the glances, they shared a nod before the group headed out into the forest once more. After traveling for an hour, they reached the area that the wolf pack called home. Skeletal remains of a few deer marked the area. The group of hunters slowly crept through the forest, coming upon a few members of the pack sleeping under a large tree. The hunt leader signaled a halt and sent out scouts to locate any other nearby wolves. Awaiting the battle, the group tensed. A blood-curdling scream rang out seconds later from the direction one scout went in and all hell broke loose.
Chapter 11 Dual wielding
The sudden noise of the scout shrieking in pain roused the wolves they were watching.
¡°Charge, kill the ones in front, and try to make your way towards the scouts,¡± the leader roared, releasing a large arrow from his bow.
Ray and a few other archers released their arrows, instantly killing the three wolves. They quickly approached the scouts. A prickling chill crawled up Ray''s spine as a low screeching sound he knew too well vibrated in his ears. It was the same horrible sound the shrieker had produced. The group of hunters froze when they heard the noise.
¡°Forget this. I''ve reached my level and I''m not risking my life for those scouts,¡± Ray heard someone yell as they ran toward the village. Most of the hunters quickly joined his retreat, leaving only Erith, Chio, the hunt leader, two hunters, and Ray behind.
¡°This fight will probably be your last if you stay. The only chance of survival will be if this is not the main horde. If you still wish to remain knowing that, follow me,¡± the hunt leader said before moving towards where they heard the scouts.
Ray glanced at Erith, hoping she would want to leave after the leader''s speech, but he only saw determination in her eyes. Internally, he screamed, sighing outwardly. He was not ready to face those creatures again, especially when only facing one had almost cost him his life, but even if it was not always clear to him, Erith was his friend and the only person who tried to support him after his parents passed. He would not lose her just because he feared facing another shrieker. Ray steeled his resolve and followed the group deeper into the woods. It did not take long before they were upon where the first scout was screaming. A terrible stench reached his nose before they saw the carnage that had unfolded. Only some scattered body parts and a crushed torso remained of the man. Ray gagged at the gruesome sight and stench but was quickly on guard again. They still heard the dead man in front of them screaming in pain . A burst of movement caught Ray¡¯s eye as a metallic form dashed straight at the hunt leader. He responded quickly by releasing an arrow after infusing his bow with the mana required to activate constrictor shot. As the arrow impacted the shrieker, it morphed, becoming a 10-foot-long python wrapping around the target. The snake''s grip tightened and soon the creature was helpless as the leader drew a short sword and decapitated it. Black blood poured from its neck as it fell to the ground, lifeless. The snake soon dissipated, but the group did not have any reprieve as the scout''s screaming stopped and three more metallic forms came into view, the one in the middle carrying the scout''s mangled head in its clawed hand. The creature threw the mangled mess at the party, the screeching noise it emitted seeming to imitate laughter as it saw the angered look on the leader''s face. Ray was stunned by the display. A guttural, furious growl erupted from the hunter, his eyes blazing with rage as he launched himself at the creature. It sneered at the approaching man, readying its claws. A whirlwind of sword strikes, claws, and gnashing teeth followed. The two other hunters dashed to prevent the other shriekers from joining the fight. Chio and Erith dashed in to assist. Chio joined the hunter on the left, attempting to weave his great sword around the beast''s defenses while the more experienced man held its attention. Erith tried to assist the one on the right, but the ferocious battle seemed to have too quick of a pace for her to keep up. She instead opted to stand back and try to trip up the creature with her staff whenever the opportunity arose. Ray finally snapped out of his stupor and drew back another arrow. He quickly checked his mana and stamina, seeing that he had 130 mana and 36 stamina. Knowing that his stamina would likely be his limiting factor, he tried to end the battle quickly. He infused his bow, creating another constrictor shot, and fired it at the beast the leader was facing. But the quick movements of the battle caused it to miss the arrow striking a tree behind the creature. Following the missed strike, Ray engaged in the battle, his daggers brandished. To gain any advantage, he rapidly allocated his two remaining points to dexterity. Feeling the stat breach 20, he gained a fresh burst of speed that he did not think was possible. He heard the voice of the goddess in his mind.
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¡°Requirement threshold reached; skill gained: dual wielding.¡±
Moving into battle like a blur, he slashed at the creature''s back but could only leave shallow cuts with his lacking strength. He quickly compensated, infusing the blade with mana, causing it to extend and leave deeper wounds. He noticed that the length of the extension seemed to have grown by another inch since the last battle, which he guessed resulted from his weapon bond skill taking effect. The creature cried out in anguish as Ray and the hunter took turns slashing deep cuts into its body. The creature, defenseless, fell to its knees after a few more stabs, but just as Ray was about to land the killing blow, an ear-piercing scream emanated from the creature. Ray dropped to the ground, disoriented. He moved his hands to his ears, trying to block out the horrid noise. After a few moments, it finally subsided and Ray could get his bearings again. Ice-cold dread seized him as he stared at the leader, holding a bloody stump where his left arm had been moments before. Horrible crunching noises came from the bloodied creature standing near him as its gnashing teeth ground the missing appendage into a paste. Ray pushed through his dread and exploded into motion once more. The startled creature slashed out with its claws, but Ray raised his sword breaker to meet them and activated the enchantment. Upon contact with the weapon, the creature''s claw exploded, knocking it off its feet. It could only helplessly stare in horror as Ray closed the final distance, pointing his dagger at its neck. The creature did not even have time to scream as its vision faded to black. Ray checked to see if the others needed help. Luckily, it looked like the piercing wail had not affected the other four and the battle seemed to be in a stalemate on all sides. He took stock of his resources once more.
Mana 40/160
Stamina 10/40
He visibly paled, seeing that they had already fallen so low.
¡°Hey, kid,¡± the wounded leader, now sitting against a nearby tree, called out.
He held out two vials, one containing a blue solution and the other a yellow.
¡°Drink these. They will restore some of your mana and stamina. Then help the others.¡±
Ray ran over, grabbed both vials, and downed them.
¡°Thanks,¡± he said.
His face lit up with delight at the replenished 50 points. Reinvigorated by the energy rushing through his body, he dashed towards Erith¡¯s fight.
Chapter 12 Preparations
Ray dashed into the fray, relieving the pressure from Erith and the hunter. Shallow wounds had accumulated on both of them as the battle took its toll. Ray''s flurry of strikes forced the creature, covered in black ichor from multiple wounds, onto the back foot. It tried to block the strikes, but it was useless. His speed had increased even compared to his last fight. Seeing no other option, the creature tried to use the same sound attack. This time, Ray was ready, and before the creature could make a noise, he drove the extended dagger into its neck. Seeing the light fade from its eyes, he turned to the last shrieker. He saw Chio standing over the dead beast, the black blood glistening on his great sword, and a chilling silence filled the air. The gruesome sight of the third hunter, sprawled in a widening pool of blood, the crimson liquid reflecting the morning light, caught Ray''s attention. One of the creature''s claws appeared to have slashed the hunter''s throat before its defeat. Following the fight, the surviving group members united at the spot where their leader rested against a tree. The echoing cries of two other scouts warned them they remained unsafe. With a grunt, the leader pushed up to his feet. Ray saw the man had ripped his shirt and used the piece as a bandage.
¡°We need to move. The other scouts are likely already dead, and I don''t plan on joining them today, so keep up,¡± the leader said.
Everyone nodded, and they made their way through the forest as quietly as possible. After 20 minutes, the pained cries and horrid noise produced by the shriekers had completely faded. Having put sufficient distance between themselves and the creatures, they ran back to the village. Upon their arrival, they found a scene of unfolding panic. The townsfolk, alerted by the hunter¡¯s tale, frantically packed their belongings, bracing for the horde''s advance. The elder¡¯s voice boomed out over the village, stopping everyone in their tracks.
¡°We''ve confirmed the 3rd hunting party encountered only a small portion of the horde. The bulk remains over two days away. Please calm down but continue packing. We will leave at sunset tomorrow,¡± the message repeated a few times before fading.
Although the atmosphere remained tense, most people had calmed down, methodically packing their belongings instead of frantically grabbing whatever they could carry. Before venturing further into the village, Ray beckoned Erith for a private conversation.
¡°Yes?¡± she asked, following him to a secluded area near the entrance of the village.
Ray cautiously checked their surroundings before leaning in to ask, making sure no one was close enough to overhear.
¡°What level did you make it to?¡±
Erith frowned at the question before reluctantly answering.
¡°Only level 5, but if I go out hunting tonight and tomorrow, I can still make it. There is no need for us to leave,¡± she said.
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¡°Erith, you saw what those things could do today. Even if you make it to level 10 if we stay here, then we will never stand a chance of defeating an entire army of those things,¡± Ray sighed. ¡°You remember what you said during the trials, right? That one day, when we were powerful, we would turn this clan around together. We''ve got one shot at this¡ªlet''s take it! Upon our return, we will be unstoppable, destroying the hordes and saving our clan.¡±
Erith stared into the distance for a while before she finally sighed.
¡°You''re right. I was just clinging to a false hope that I could change things without having to leave my life and family behind, but if we are to become truly powerful, then it looks like I have no choice.¡±
Ray nodded, grabbing her hand.
¡°Let''s meet here at midnight tonight. Then we set out to change our world for the better.¡±
Erith squeezed his hand tightly before nodding and letting go.
¡°At midnight,¡± she agreed.
They then parted ways to pack for their upcoming journey. Ray went back to his hut and filled a bag with everything that he thought they would need. In it, he put a bundle of dried meat with a few mementos that he still had from his parents. He searched the empty hut for anything else he needed, but he''d already packed all his possessions that would fit in his sack. Looking up through the hole in his roof and seeing that the sun was only just setting, he sat down on his straw bed and checked his gains for the day.
Status
Name: Ray
Level: 8
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
Mana: 270/270
Stamina: 60/60
Stats
Strength 5
Endurance 6
Dexterity 30
Intelligence 56
Wisdom 27
Available Points: 3
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Appraisal, weapon bond, dual wielding
Titles
[System-appointed artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector]
Surprised that the fight had netted him three additional levels, he first checked what his dual wielding skill did.
dual wielding
Requirements
-Dexterity minimum 20
-Gain a level while wielding a weapon in each hand
Effect
Increase dexterity by 10% while fighting with a weapon in each hand.
His eyes widened at the description and he grabbed his two daggers and checked his dexterity. To his surprise, he had gained 7 points.
Hmm, if it is only a 10% boost should I not be only gaining 3 dexterity? he puzzled.
Then he realized he had enhanced both of his daggers, meaning that the weapon bond skill may trigger as well. He focused on that skill to bring up its description as well.
Weapon bond
Requirements
N/A
Effect
10% increase to the effectiveness of attacks and skills when using a weapon that you have crafted or enhanced. Every 10 points in intelligence further increases this effect by 1%.
Current increase: 15%
So it increases skills as well, meaning that I am gaining a 25% stat boost.
Satisfied with the skills that he had gained so far, Ray then moved on to his new title.
Low-Grade Stats Collector
Gain ?100 stat points before reaching the first threshold +2 all stats.
Ray contemplated the title briefly. He was aware of level thresholds every ten levels, increasing both leveling requirements and rewards, but was unfamiliar with any titles awarded for attaining a high number of stats before crossing a threshold. Happy with his gains over the past day, Ray closed his screens and waited for midnight to arrive.
Chapter 13 A Journey begins
Ray departed from his dwelling for the final time. He couldn''t say that he would miss the place or the clan. With everything that bound him to this place on his back and his only friend accompanying him on the journey. Well, he guessed that wasn''t fully true anymore. He had grown to think of Chio as a friend in the past days. He was sure that he could make the level threshold in time. On the way back this morning, Ray kept his promise by showing him the hunting spot before they even reached the village. Clearing his mind as he walked the final distance to the meeting spot. He saw Erith, already present, with a massive sack beside her usual possessions.
¡°Are you ready?¡± Ray asked in a hushed tone.
¡°As much as I can be,¡± Erith responded.
¡°Then let''s get going.¡±
¡°Agreed.¡±
The pair made their way through the village, careful to avoid any guards that were on watch. Luckily, it seemed like their presence in this part of the village was reduced. He could only assume the old man ensured they were required elsewhere tonight. The pair, without incident, departed the village and proceeded through the woods, following the elder''s map. However, they deviated from the designated shelter, heading south toward the Carinthian forest''s edge instead. Two hours'' travel through dense woodland preceded their decision to make camp.
¡°Hoooaaah. Are you sure we can¡¯t keep going?¡± Ray asked.
¡°You''re really going to ask me that after yawning? I think you may need a rest more than I do.¡±
¡°I''m not the one that was complaining about their feet hurting. A minor yawn is insignificant in comparison.¡±
Erith rolled her eyes at the statement while rolling out a boar hide sleeping bag for each of them.
¡°Well then, if you are so energetic, why don¡¯t you take the first watch?¡±
¡°Fine.¡±
¡°Good. Wake me in 3 hours or if there are any other issues and we will rotate,¡± she said, climbing into one of the sleeping bags.
Ray leaned against the rough bark of a nearby oak, watching for any sign of movement in the undergrowth. Like that, the next three hours passed, and he switched places with Erith before falling asleep. The next morning he awoke to Erith shaking him.
¡°Get up already. It''s time to move.¡±
Ray groggily shielded his eyes from the harsh sunlight before crawling his way out of the sleeping bag and helping to pack up the camp. The next few days were a relentless cycle of hunting, the smell of wood smoke from their campfires mingling with the scent of the forest and desperate attempts to gain levels, each successful hunt bringing them closer to their goal. On the third day, Ray finally made it to the first threshold, reaching level 10.
¡°Proficiency threshold reached. Incarnate threshold quest initiated.¡±
Ray heard the voice of the goddess in his head as he reached level 10.
Incarnate quest? Wha-
A new screen interrupted his thought.
Quests
Incarnate threshold level one
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Requirements for compilation
Obtain a class 1/1
Use the artisan panel to enhance an item four times 3/4
Kill an enemy that contains a spark 1/1
Rewards
First threshold title
Access to levels 11-20
Unlock of additional system panel based on performance
What surprised him the most about the quest was that he had already killed something with a spark, but he could recall nothing that matched that description in his mind.
Maybe the shriekers? But that couldn''t be right. How could they gain access to a spark?
he thought, only gaining more questions that he would need to find answers to. For now, he would focus on completing his quest.
¡°Hay Erith, I just got to level 10 and got my threshold quest, but I need to enhance an item with my class to complete it. Would you mind if I used your short sword?¡± Erith¡¯s eyebrows rose, and she made a whistling noise.
¡°You already obtained a class and reached level 10?¡±
¡°Yes, I got the class on the first night that we got are sparks. Have you not gotten one yet?¡± Ray¡¯s face took on a confused look as he responded.
He had assumed that everyone had obtained a class on their first night with the spark, but it now looked like he may have been wrong.
¡°No, my grandfather said that it is normally hard to get one before reaching the first threshold, so I have been waiting, but I guess that you just got lucky.¡±
Ray nodded. It looked like that lady from the trials was correct. The heavens were blessing him.
¡°How close are you to reaching the threshold now?¡±
¡°I just reached level 8 and should be there in the next few days if we keep this pace up. That reminds me you needed my sword for your quest?¡±
¡°Oh, yes.¡±
Erith unsheathed the blade and handed it to Ray, who wasted no time in opening his artisan panel.
Artisan Panel
Current skill: 1
Crafting points: 10
Please select an item to augment.
Having nothing else that he could think to spend his points on, Ray tried infusing 8 points into the blade. This time, violent red runes came out of his hand and attached to the blade. A level of power that Ray had not yet experienced emanating from them. Erith watched in awe at the spectacle unfolding as the runes slowly faded and the process completed. The goddess spoke in his mind again.
¡°Threshold quest complete rewards allocated.¡±
He appraised the blade to see its enhancements before checking his gains from completing the quest.
Ashrend Clan Short sword:
A sword belonging to a young heir of the Ashrend clan enhanced further by a beginner artisan
Grade: Rare
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
To Ashes: infuse 10 MP per second active. Ignite the blade, causing a fire that will only extinguish upon the target''s death or deactivation of the skill with every cut
Ray shared the appraisal screen with Erith, showing her the abilities of her new weapon. A triumphant laugh escaped Erith as the blade blazed to life, a perfect, steady glow matching the exhilaration in her eyes.
"Thank you, Ray!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with unrestrained delight.
She then extinguished the blade and ran over to hug him.
¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± he said, returning the embrace.
¡°I needed to do it to complete a quest, anyway.¡±
¡°Still, I''ve never possessed a finer weapon.¡±
Ray had to agree with Erith¡¯s words there. While he did envy the blade, it was his first rare creation after all. He could think of no one else in the world that he would rather have possessed it. He also didn¡¯t mind the warm feeling that he got seeing Erith''s reaction.
¡°Let''s go find some more things to hunt. I want to give this baby a true test run,¡± Erith said, readying to continue on their journey.
It was not long before they came upon a group of deer. Erith stalked toward them before sprinting when she was close enough. She made quick work of a large buck, each flaming strike gliding through its hide like it was not even there. Erith once again let out a shout of glee while using her new weapon. Ray could not help but smile. The joy that his creation had brought to his friend was something that he wished he could see and feel forever. After their brief excursion, they got back on the road and continued their journey. Erith had reached level 10 only two days later and was trying to obtain a class based on close-range combat. Ray had never learned how to gain a class the normal way as he had gotten lucky with his, so Erith explained it to him while practicing with her sword.
¡°How I was told to do it was to reach level 10 and repeat an action and poof, you get one related to what you were doing.¡±
Ray still did not understand how it was supposed to work, but Erith''s endeavors proved fruitful a day later as she gained an uncommon class that she said related to swordcraft and fire magic. The fire magic part of the class surprised both her and Ray, but they guessed it must have something to do with her new sword.
Chapter 14 Ashrend part 1
Ren walked through the long hall of the abandoned building that his family had taken over after the clan''s move. This time they had made their way further north, settling in some abandoned ruins that looked like they had stood for ages. He was currently walking to a meeting that his father was holding with a few of the other powerful family heads. After Erith and Ray''s disappearance, one of Ren¡¯s seven elder brothers had to take their place, driving the horde in a different direction. He, of course, did not survive the ordeal. Ren cared little about that and it seemed his father didn¡¯t either, but it had opened an opportunity. A crack in the elder''s reputation had emerged, and despite his denials, suspicion now surrounded him regarding the disappearance. All it would take was one push and his control would topple, leaving Ren¡¯s father in charge. Or at least that was what he would insist would happen when anyone had a conversion with him in the past few days. Ren was unconcerned with the plotting. He was content finally being recognized as one of the strongest members of the family. From a young age, Ren was consistently in competition with his siblings. Only the strongest family members received proper support, leaving the weaker ones to fend for themselves. Ren was the youngest of the 7, making it an uphill battle for him since day one. Two years ago, he''d fallen to the bottom of the rankings after his last brother''s success in gaining a spark, but he didn''t care. He reveled in the challenge. From that day on, he dedicated himself to intense physical training, transforming into a formidable warrior who defeated two of his brothers in combat, even without a spark. His newly gained spark meant only one brother remained his equal. However, Ren knew this wouldn''t be permanent. He checked his status, reflecting on his accomplishments for the past week.
Status
Name: Ren Elborn
Level: 12
Ascension: 0
Class: Headsman (rare)
Mana: 190/190
Stamina: 500/500
Stats
Strength 78
Endurance 50
Dexterity 38
Intelligence 19
Wisdom 19
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 2
Endurance 2
Dexterity 1
Intelligence 1
Wisdom 1
Skills
Axe proficiency, Reckless swing, Off with Their Heads
Titles
[First threshold], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Advanced Incarnate], [Underdog]
He was happy with the growth, but was going to have to push harder for the next few weeks if he was going to join in the fight against the elder. That sounded like a fun fight and even if his father''s ambition meant nothing to him, he would not miss the chance to face another opponent several times stronger than him. Nothing in this world gave him more joy than asserting his dominance over someone, and when he got to crush someone who should be stronger than him, that was the sweetest victory of them all. Making it to the end of the hall, he knocked on the large steel door that led into their dining hall. It was not long before one servant who worked for the family opened the door and let him in.
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¡°Welcome, young master,¡± the young woman said to him with a bow.
Ren grunted in response, walking into the room.
¡°Ahh, welcome, my son. We have been expecting you,¡± a tall, bulky man said from his seat at the head of the table.
He was well-dressed and clean-shaven. Ren gave a brief bow toward his father. While he did not care for how vain the man was, he had to respect him as the strongest member of his family. He was the only member that Ren did not have confidence in beating once he passed the second threshold. He knew his father was only level 75 and that the elder was nearing the first stage of ascension, but he still had full confidence that his old man could fight him one-on-one for at least 20 minutes.
¡°Please come take a seat,¡± his father said, gesturing to the third seat on his left.
Ren followed his instruction and made his way to the chair his father had indicated. Passing the four family heads that his father had invited to this meeting. He took his seat next to his two elder brothers, who were still ahead of him in the hierarchy.
¡°Now that everyone has arrived, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for your presence. I''m confident you understand why you are here, but let me reiterate for clarity. The geezer, our clan leader, has enjoyed excessive impunity for too long. I know I am not the only one at this table who has lost a loved one to that old man''s schemes, and I will not be the last if we don¡¯t do something about it.¡±
¡°While I may agree with your sentiment, how would you propose we out the elder from his position? He is still the strongest member of our clan and none of us can approach him in level without him noticing,¡± one guest asked.
Ren recognized the man as the head of the Zain family and the father of Shin and Chio.
¡°My friend, have patience; everything will become clear when the moment is right. For now, just know that my family will oust the elder on our own and all we ask for is your support after it is done.¡±
The heads of the four families nodded. Ren did not understand why his father was bothering with this meeting. In the end, even lacking the four families'' support, they would eventually submit; after all, might makes right.
¡°Given that there is no risk to your families should my endeavor prove unsuccessful, would you all formally commit your support in the event of my triumph?¡±
The room stayed silent for a moment before the Zain family head spoke again.
¡°You will have my support.¡±
The heads of the Crestshine and Rheihram families followed his proclamation.
¡°You will have my support.¡±
Upon their proclamation, the final family head sighed before finally agreeing.
¡°You will have my support.¡±
¡°Good. With that matter settled, let me treat you all to a wonderful dinner,¡± Ren¡¯s father said, with a snap of his fingers.
Several servants brought out plates of the finest meat that the clan could take with them during the move. With the preparations finished, Ren licked his lips. First, he would reach level 30, then he would get to hunt the most dangerous prey that he had ever faced.
Chapter 15 Lesser Spark Creation
Ray awoke on the fifth morning of their journey with the feeling that he had forgotten something. He checked all of his gear, seeing if he may have left something at one of their past campsites, but he found everything in its correct place. He sat and pondered for a few minutes, scratching his chin in thought before it finally came to him. Ray had been so caught up with his creation of Erith''s new weapon and her gaining a class that he had forgotten to check his quest rewards. He finally opened his status panel and focused on his new title.
First Threshold
Pass the first threshold, all stats +1 per level over 10
He had already expected this title from Erith''s explanation and knew that he would get a similar one for each threshold that he passed, but it would still be a great boost to his future progress. Next, he opened a new option that had appeared on his status, called Panel selection.
Panel Selection
Construction: Create and maintain shelters and large structures
Smithing: Shape metal with ease
Lesser Spark Creation: Create lesser sparks with the ability to power mechanisms
Chemistry: create medicinal items and resource recovery potions
Node access: Restricted
Merchant: Buy and sell items in an open market
Martial: Train in combat and combat-related skills
Taming: Befriend and control animals
Bounty: Post and accept contracts
Waypoint: Set and travel between waypoints.
Warning waypoints cost 10% of your maximum mana to keep open
¡
A list of hundreds of different options sorted into 10 item pages appeared before him. He read through a few of the options, noticing that they seemed to get less related to him the further he went. Deciding that one of the first ten would be best, he went back to inspect them closer. The first one that caught his interest was the spark creation panel. Looking at the description and remembering what the thin man had said about the tablet that he had, he wondered if he could create devices like that with the panel. The next one that caught his eye did so for a different reason.
Why is node access only described as restricted?
Ray tried to focus on the option to see if he could learn anything more, but all he got in return was the feeling that he could not select that option even if he wanted to. He rubbed his chin in thought before finally moving on. There was nothing he could do about it at that moment. Maybe he would find out more about the panel in the future, but for now, it was a waste of time to ponder it any further. Looking over the remaining items, he ruled them out one by one before he finally settled on his first interest and selected Lesser Spark Creation.
Lesser Spark Creation Panel
Grade: N/A
Type: N/A
Personality: N/A
Function: N/A
Power Needed: N/A
Panel Access: N/A
Database: N/A
Skills: N/A
Stats: N/A
Please select a suitable vessel
Ray looked at the new screen and was unsure of what to do. He tried to select a few of the items that he carried, but they were all labeled invalid when selected. Not finding any insights, he turned to see if Erith knew anything.
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¡°Have you heard anything about the lesser spark creation panel?¡±
¡°No? I haven''t even heard of someone being able to create a spark. Is that something that you got access to through your class?¡± She asked.
¡°No, it was the panel that I gained access to from my threshold quest, but I can¡¯t figure out how to use it.¡±
¡°Hmm, can you show it to me?¡±
¡°Sure, but I don¡¯t know how much that will help. I have been looking at it for the last 10 minutes and I still can¡¯t see what I am doing wrong.¡± Ray said, opening the screen and revealing it to Erith.
Her face took on a puzzled expression, looking at the page before her eyes lit up with an idea.
¡°Maybe the vessel needs to be alive somehow.¡±
Ray pondered that possibility for a few moments. On some levels, it made sense. Most everything that he knew of that had a spark was living. But there was only one slight problem with the theory.
¡°Then how did that thin man that took us to the trials have a tablet with a spark in it?¡±
Erith frowned at his statement. She had forgotten about that tablet, but now that Ray brought it up, he said that it had a lesser spark inside.
¡°Hmm,¡± she mused.
¡°That tablet appeared to be made of rock. Maybe the problem is that you are trying to use it on too complex of an item.¡±
Ray thought about the possibility for a few minutes before picking up a stone and attempting to select it as the vessel. The panel''s acceptance of the stone as a valid target surprised him, causing multiple screens with differing options to appear.
Personality
Unavailable
Function
Single
Dual
Full
Database
Yes
No
Panel Access
No available panels to add
Stats
Strength: 0
Endurance: 0
Dexterity: 0
Intelligence: 0
Wisdom: 0
Skills
Please select skills to add to Lesser spark
Ray looked through each screen, selecting each option to see their effect before deciding on the current setup that he had.
Lesser Spark Creation Panel
Grade: Below Common
Type: Lesser
Personality: None
Function: Single
Power Needed: 50 MP
Panel Access: None
Database: No
Skills: Appraisal
Stats
Strength: 0
Endurance: 0
Dexterity: 0
Intelligence: 5
Wisdom: 5
Insert Lesser Spark Y/N
While testing, Ray realized that if he selected dual or full for the function, attribute it would be 10x or 100x the mana cost, respectively. He also noted that he could add one skill with the function set to single, two with it set to dual, and all three with it set to full. The increased cost was also the reason that he selected No for the database attribute as he frankly did not know what it did and it added 100 to the mana cost when set to Yes. Finally, each stat added would increase the cost by 3 MP and that added to the base 20 MP that it seemed to cost no matter what he changed was how he had gotten to the current total. Happy with his selections, he selected Y. The stone expanded into an oddly flat shape with a square bump protruding from the middle of its new rectangular form. Erith¡¯s eyes widened as she saw the sudden change happening in Ray¡¯s hands.
¡°It worked.¡± She exclaimed, throwing her hands up into the air in a celebratory pose.
¡°Yeah! And now to try it out.¡± Ray said, happy that he had figured out the panel with Erith¡¯s help.
He placed the protrusion on the small device and infused the mana. A small cry of success left his mouth as the information seen by his appraisal skill appeared.
¡°You have got to try this out.¡± He said, handing the stone to Erith.
She took it and tried placing it against her sword. Her eyes lit up when the same stats screen Ray had shown her popped up, displaying the blade¡¯s information.
¡°Can I keep this?¡± She asked.
¡°Yes, I can just use my skill if I need to appraise something, so it is all yours.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡± She said, pocketing the stone.
¡°With the excitement behind us, let''s finish your threshold quest,¡± Ray suggested.
Erith nodded in agreement, her eyes getting a determined glint. She had completed 2/3 of the quest already from what she had told Ray and all that remained was her class''s equivalent of using the artisan panel on four items.
Kill 10 beasts after dealing damage with both a bladed weapon and fire magic. 6/10
chapter 16 The plains
Erith silently crept through the underbrush, stalking her prey. She and Ray had been tailing a pack of wild boar since this morning. They had finally stopped to rest a few minutes ago. Seeing their chance to get all four remaining kills for her threshold quest, they set up a sneak attack. The signal came from Ray as he made his perch in a tree overlooking the pack. Erith exploded into motion, charging straight at the nearest boar. Ray released his first arrow, infusing the bow with the 30 MP needed to make it a constrictor shot. It slammed into one boar, startling the pack as a green snake appeared. Arriving at the same time as the arrow, Erith ignited her sword and quickly dispatched her first target. Another constrictor shot flew over her head and landed true, entangling another boar. As panicked squeals echoed, Erith sprinted after the pack, fleeing in all directions. She caught one right as it tried to dash around a tree, ending its life before it knew what happened. As two targets remained tied up, she strolled back to where Ray''s arrows held the frantic animals, feeling relieved. They had done it and she could now pass the first threshold. Not wanting the animals to suffer anymore, she quickly finished them and heard the confirmation of her triumph. From his perch in the tree, Ray climbed down and approached Erith.
"Congratulations¡ª" Ray said, pausing as he saw Erith''s unhappy expression.
¡°What''s going on?¡± He asked.
¡°Your panel selection had hundreds of choices, didn''t it?¡±
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°Hmm, that''s odd. I only have five.¡±
The statement shocked Ray. He knew the quest had said that it offered the panel choice based on performance, but there was no way that he had outperformed Erith by so much that he got hundreds more options than her.
¡°Well, no point dwelling on it. I probably would have selected the same option, anyway.¡±
¡°So, what did you end up choosing?¡± Ray inquired.
¡°The martial panel. It sounded the most useful for the direction that my class is going.¡±
Erith explained the panel to him in more detail after testing it out. That is how he learned it was used to learn and improve different techniques. Erith, for example, was currently using it to improve her sword-fighting capabilities. Ray was still unsure of how she could follow the directions on the panel so easily until she explained it displayed a phantom enemy that would help her train the selected technique. She practiced with it long into the night after the setup camp, insisting on taking the first watch. The night passed by peacefully, with Ray waking up and keeping watch until dawn. After waking Erith up, they quickly packed up their camp and continued on their journey. They were just a half day¡¯s walk from the Carinthia forest¡¯s end and wanted to push on as fast as they could. The sun was halfway through the sky when they saw the edge of the treeline. Ray stopped to admire the scene that stretched out before them. Golden brown grass, tall as his waist, stretched for miles across the rolling hills, its dry stalks whispering in the breeze. Erith put her hand on his shoulder, taking in the view.
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¡°We made it!¡± she said.
¡°We did, but now comes the hard part. The map that your grandfather gave me only covered the edge of the forest. We will have to proceed without further information.¡± Ray responded.
Erith nodded with a determined expression on her face.
¡°We just need to continue south, right?¡±
¡°Yes, there should be a city called Gramith in that direction, and from what I heard, there may be people there that have reached the first stage of ascension,¡± Ray answered.
¡°Let''s be more careful in this area. Who knows what creatures live in the plains.¡±
Ray nodded, imagining all manner of monsters that could be lurking within the rolling hills and tall grass that they would travel through. Anxious but ready to continue their journey, Ray took the first step out of the forest he had ever taken without being teleported. They continued walking throughout the day. The only obstacle they ran into was the howling wind that blew across the open land. Deciding to make camp for the night, they used a hill as a wind brake and rolled out their sleeping bags. Ray agreed to take the first watch and sat atop the hill to give himself a better vantage point. It was getting close to when he would switch with Erith when he heard something moving in the tall grass coming in their direction. He looked toward the sound and saw three lines moving at a high speed. Unable to reach Erith in time, he threw a nearby stone at her, hoping it would wake her. Not having the time to watch if she would wake up from the stone, he drew his daggers and moved to intercept whatever was coming in their direction. The next moment, his world became a blur of teeth and claws as three panther-like forms burst from the brush and attempted to slash him open. He quickly dodged out of the way of a swipe hedging for his chest and brought his sword breaker up to parry another of the beasts. A shriek of pain escaped the beast as its attack, intended for Ray, rebounded upon itself. With one creature stunned for a moment, he could gain enough breathing room to stab one creature in its left shoulder after he skilfully dodged its gnashing maw but he had made a miscalculation as the beast that he thought to be stunned burst from the tall grass and carved a gaping wound into his side. He let out a yelp of pain, clutching his side and grinding his teeth to push through it. Seeing his injury, the creatures attacked with renewed ferocity. Ray narrowly avoided a clawed attack, but his relief was short-lived; he tripped, dropping his dagger. Hitting the ground on his back, the beast immediately set upon him before he could rise. It pounced and snapped its teeth toward his neck before scratching in pain. Ray shoved his sword breaker into the closing jaw and activated the reflective skill. The beast''s jaw broke from the recoil. Sensing the opportunity, Ray drew an arrow from his quiver and gouged it into the creature''s eye with as much force as he could muster. Its body fell to the ground, twitching. He did not have time for rest, however, as the two other creatures set upon him with a renewed rage. Ray spun around and attempted to punch the one on his right while raising his sword breaker to intercept a claw strike from his left. As his fist contacted its jaw, he let out a shriek of pain. It felt like he had just slammed his hand full force into a brick wall. The beast, however, seemed unphased by the blow, and with nothing between it and its target, it lunged.
Chapter 17 what lies below
Ray''s breath caught, the approaching talon a stark, unforgiving reality, his last thoughts a desperate plea for escape. He dodged as best he could, but the creature was too quick. He closed his eyes, not wanting to face his bleak situation. They suddenly shot open again as he heard an impact of metal on bone, followed by a howl of pain from the creature that was moments from ending his life. He saw a flaming sword dancing through the night as Erith cut down the first assailant before turning her attention to the one still stunned at Ray''s side. Erith swiftly decapitated it before it could recover. After witnessing its two companions die so swiftly, the injured creature, its jaw broken, fled through the tall grass, but it was too slow. Ray stood, his bow drawn. He followed it for a moment before losing an arrow. Silence followed by a yelp, the only movement a gentle breeze. Ray collapsed back to the ground, panting the familiar wave of vertigo taking over. He fought it, but the adrenaline drained away, leaving him to succumb to overwhelming exhaustion and unconsciousness. When he next awoke, he found himself in his sleeping bag; the sun peaking above the horizon. He opened his eyes, seeing bandages covering him.
¡°You''re awake!¡±
Erith''s voice came from nearby as Ray rolled up the sleeping bag.
¡°What happened while I was out?¡± He asked.
"I checked; all three were dead before I treated your injuries and kept watch the rest of the night."
Ray nodded
¡°So, what were those things?¡±
¡°They looked to be some type of large cat-like animal, but steel had replaced their upper and lower jaw and claws in what looked to be a painful process.¡±
Ray¡¯s eye browser rose as Erith spoke.
¡°Do you mean someone augmented those things?¡±
¡°That seems probable.¡±
Ray rubbed his chin in thought before responding.
¡°Perhaps we can find out more by retracing their steps.¡±
¡°Sure, I thought that as well. Are your wounds doing well enough to help me break camp?¡±
¡°Yeah, ever since I got my spark, my wounds have been healing way quicker than they used to, and I don''t feel any pain from them,¡± Ray responded.
¡°That would be your strength and endurance stats taking effect. From what I heard from my father, he had once seen my grandfather pull an arrow from his stomach and watch as the wound knit itself back together in seconds.¡±
¡°Wow, I wonder how high his stats have to be to pull something like that off.¡±
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¡°I''m not sure. He never disclosed information concerning his abilities.¡± Erith said as she finished packing the last of their rations before they followed the trail left by the beasts.
¡°So, he has never shared what his true power is, even with his family?" Ray asked as they walked. Erith shook her head.
¡°No. He claims it could end up being used against him if it ever got out, but I just think that he is paranoid. I don¡¯t think that anyone else in the clan could even lay a finger on him after watching him train.¡± Ray''s eyes widened.
¡°He''s really that strong?¡±
¡°Stronger than you would believe. I don¡¯t even think that the two of us would stand a chance together after passing the fifth threshold.¡±
Ray nodded grimly.
¡°We''re going to need to work hard and try to ascend before returning. If even he doesn¡¯t stand a chance against the general.¡±
Erith opened her mouth before pausing, a frown creasing her lips.
¡°What is it?¡± Ray asked, stopping alongside her.
¡°There are tracks here that look like they belong to a human.¡±
Erith knelt, peering closer. Ray joined her, peering at the spot that she was focusing on. Ray saw a clear imprint of a metal boot in the crumpled grass. A shared glance passed between him and Erith, a silent understanding before they followed the trail. After 10 minutes of walking, they arrived at a small hill, slowing their pace and trying to stay quiet as they neared a cave nestled into its side. The smell of wood smoke, heavy in the air as they neared the cave mouth, confirmed their suspicion that it was occupied. There were multiple racks set out where the hides of several beasts were tanning. They neared the entrance, the soft glow from within painting dancing shadows on the stone. A deep, resonating growl, like distant thunder, vibrated from the cave''s heart. Ray and Erith shared a glance before nodding, drawing their weapons, and creeping into the cave. As they walked, the floor transitioned to cold metal, the light source identical to the trial chambers. Ray scanned the room, seeing it empty except for a staircase leading down. Ray and Erith entered, heading for the stairs. Peering down, they saw the narrow, stone staircase descend fifteen steps to a small landing overlooking a deeper, shadowy cavern. From down below, another deep roar reverberated through the air.
¡°Should we keep going?¡± Ray asked in a whisper.
¡°I''m okay with it if you are. We''ll assess the situation and leave if it seems overwhelming.¡±
Ray nodded in agreement. They made their way down the staircase and onto the landing. Ray could finally get a better look at the massive cavern below. Approximately 100 feet below, hanging lights illuminated a massive cavern, revealing numerous large cages holding a variety of creatures. The roar rescinded out once more, drawing Ray¡¯s attention to a large cage held against the opposite wall with a monster like he had never seen inside. Its height appeared to be about 30 feet, and scales covered it from head to toe. A long, thin head, ending in a sharp, dagger-like beak, gave the creature an unsettlingly predatory look. Its long neck flowed into a powerful, four-legged body that looked capable of carrying a mountain. A cold sweat ran down Ray''s neck, the hairs prickling on his skin as the monstrous figure peered straight at him, its eyes burning into his soul.
¡°Hmm, two stray chicks so far from home.¡±
A deep voice rumbled from within Ray¡¯s head, its presence forcing him to his knees. He saw Erith in a similar situation as the voice continued its narration.
¡°Weaker than I hoped, but you will half to do. Come and free me and I will tell you the secrets and weaknesses of the great enemy that plagues your forest. I can also assist you in reaching your objective.¡±
Chapter 18 Zenith
As the creature''s overwhelming presence bore down on him, Ray struggled to regain his feet, the immense weight pressing him down.
¡°Who are you and why should we believe you?¡± Ray shouted at the voice intruding into his head.
¡°I am Zenith and you would do well to remember my name, little chick. Why should you believe me you ask? Let me give you a small taste of what I am offering, then you will understand what I say is the truth.¡±
A loud ding resounded in Ray¡¯s mind. His vision spun and a new screen popped into existence.
Access level increased Scale Mother Zenith has granted you access to the 1st level of the Draconic library.
Effects
+Two all stats
Appraisal skill upgraded to Draconic Insite
Title received: Blessing of the Scale Mother
After a flood of information, Ray finally recomposed himself and he checked the screen.
Draconic library? Ray thought to himself.
¡°It is a collection of my kin¡¯s collective knowledge. I have granted you access as a show of good faith and will grant you additional rewards if you help me free my son.¡±
Ray jumped in fright at the booming voice that echoed in his mind. Overwhelmed by the rush of information, he¡¯d forgotten his mental link with Zenith.
¡°Th-thanks, what do we need to do to free you and your son?¡± Ray asked.
¡°All you must do is find my son and get him out of here. I can break these feeble bonds with a mere wave of a claw, but they are threatening my poor child''s life if I don¡¯t go along with their demands.¡± Zenith responded.
¡°So, you''re using us as sacrificial pawns that they can¡¯t tie back to you, am I right?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Now, now, little chick, don''t think of it like that. I am offering you power for a small service. I wouldn¡¯t be asking you to do this unless I believed you were more than capable of succeeding.¡± She said gently.
With a look over at Erith, Ray tried to discern her wishes and what she hoped to accomplish.
¡°If truthful, this opportunity''s too good to miss.¡± She said with a shrug.
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¡°Agreed, but we should still be careful,¡± Ray responded before turning to Zenith again.
¡°We will accept your proposal if you can give us any sort of assurance that you will keep your end of the bargain.¡±
¡°Tsk tsk tsk,¡± she clucked, her voice a low, disapproving rumble, ¡°I already have a little chick. I would recommend that you examine the title you have obtained.¡°
Ray had forgotten about the new title that he had gained and quickly opened the screen to see what Zenith meant
Blessing of the Scale Mother
You have received the blessing of scale mother Zenith
This blessing marks you as an honorary member of the scale kin
In addition, the scale mother has attached a contract to this blessing, promising you safety and tutelage under her wing.
Punishment for breaking the contract: soul destruction.
¡°As you are now undoubtedly aware, fulfilling your obligation necessitates my adherence to the agreement, as failure to would cause my demise.¡° Zenith said.
Ray nodded.
¡°Fine, with that settled, I will accept your proposal,¡± Ray said before looking at Erith.
She nodded in agreement before speaking.
¡°I accept as well. We will do our best to save your son.¡±
¡°Please accept my sincere gratitude.¡° Zenith said with a slight bow of her monstrous head.
Ray and Erith returned the gesture before making their way to a set of stairs leading down from the landing. Stealthily, they followed the spiral path down into the cavern. After two minutes of cautious descent, the pair finally arrived at the bottom. Finding themself on the side of the cavern farthest from Zenith. For approximately forty feet near the stairwell''s end, there was a complete absence of cages. Ray gained a clearer perspective of the monstrous creatures lurking within. Most of these enormous creatures had metal body parts that gave them a more menacing appearance. Ray shivered, the memory of the cat-like beast''s claws tearing into his flesh, still raw and vivid in his mind, making his skin crawl. With a gentle touch to his shoulder, Erith offered reassurance and calmed his agitated state. He gave her a thumbs up to show that he was ok now before they continued. There was a hallway to the left before the first set of cages that they checked first for the missing scale kin. Staying in the shadows as best as they could, they made their way into and deeper down the hallway, hearing a strange whirring noise as they continued further. They walked along the path for several minutes, finding multiple rooms small rooms. One looked to be a bedroom, with the others seeming to serve as storage. Finally, at the end of the winding hallway, they came to a dimly lit room where the whirring sound grew the loudest. As Ray cautiously peeked around the corner, his eyes fell upon a small, gaunt figure, a man whose appearance suggested severe malnutrition. He wore a tattered, white, hoodless cloak. A band wrapped around his head held some sort of transparent box over his eyes. He hunched over a metal bench and was working on a massive metallic appendage. To formulate a plan of action without interruption, Ray discreetly signaled Erith to withdraw from the room, creating a necessary distance for their discussion.
¡°What are you thinking?¡± She asked in a whisper.
¡°It would be wise to surround him and aim to incapacitate him from both sides. I¡¯ll go left, aiming to sweep his feet out from under him, if you can hold the right flank and strike him with all your might, we can knock him unconscious.¡±
¡°Let''s give it a sh-¡±
As the whirring of the machinery faded into a heavy, expectant silence, a clawed hand, cold as ice and sharp as a knife, snaked around the corner, heading straight for Erith''s throat, cutting her sentence short as she gasped.
chapter 19 molten
Erith threw herself backward?, narrowly avoiding the ?swinging claw. With sword raised expecting another attack, she waited, but it never came. The claw¡¯s owner instead retracted the appendage and stepped into view. Three glowing red eyes, scanning a different part of the room, converged on Erith. Short, brown fur covered its head and torso, while its overly long limbs, fashioned from polished metal, formed a striking contrast. It stood over 7 feet tall, barely fitting in the hallway. Ray, seeing its complete focus on Erith, snuck to the side of the room, creeping closer to the humanoid. Upon approaching within 5 feet, the creature''s gaze fixed upon him, and it sprang into action. It swept out, aiming its razor-sharp claws directly at Ray. With a yelp, Ray dodged back while bringing up his sword breaker to stop the strike. He activated the skill infused into the weapon as it made contact, causing a gash to open on the mechanical arm. Sparks shot out as the creature withdrew and pointed its other hand at Ray. This one lacked claws and had a hole in the center of its palm. Repressed knowledge welded up within mind, giving him a feeling of dread when looking at the appendage. He followed his instincts, throwing himself to the ground just as a loud bang echoed, followed by the sound of something hitting the steel walls. The creature peered down; its snarl showed sharp teeth. Smoke poured from the appendage as it fell limply to its side. Ray breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for his narrow escape. The creature stilled once more, waiting for Ray¡¯s next move, but he would not be the one to make it as Erith shot toward the monster. Her sword ignited. Her blade whistled through the air, aimed at the creature''s stomach, but it met only air as the creature''s face twisted into an eerie grin.
¡°Think again!¡± She said, gritting her teeth as the flame extended past her blade and ignited the creature''s fur.
It screamed in a mix of fright and pain as it frantically tried to put out the fire in vain. Ray already knew that the only way to extinguish that fire would be for Erith to run out of MP or cancel the effect. Smoke billowed out as it frantically rolled around on the ground, trying anything to stop itself from being consumed by the fire before it stilled. Erith canceled her blade skill, seeing that the creature had stopped breathing. She smiled at Ray.
¡°Shall we conti-¡±
The creature''s claws sliced through her left thigh, cutting her off. She screamed out in pain and tried to scramble away from the somehow still-alive pile of scrap metal as it got to its feet.
¡°Erith!¡± Ray said, dashing to her side.
¡°I''m alright, however, I won¡¯t be able to assist until I recover.¡± She said, pulling out some of the healing salve she had brought for emergencies.
Ray nodded, putting himself between her and the metal skeleton that had lost all semblance of being something that was once made of flesh and blood. Not wanting to give it a chance to recover fully, he dashed at the monster daggers at the ready. He slashed at the creature''s clawed arm with his blade, but it didn''t flinch, pushing past the dagger to counterattack. Ray¡¯s eyes widened in shock as a deep gash opened on his right arm. He gritted his teeth, taking a few steps back from the creature. A loud, whirring noise suddenly came from the creature''s chest as it walked toward the retreating Ray. The creature blurred, striking like a whirlwind, and cuts opened up on Ray¡¯s body as he failed to block all the strikes. Seeing no other option, he used all his accumulated points to increase his dexterity. With the increased stats, he kept up with the beast, if only barely. Its metallic structure glowed red hot as the fight continued. After trading a few more blows, Ray raised his dagger to block an incoming strike but screamed out in pain as molten metal scattered from the impact point, covering his arm. A disgusting sizzling noise echoed as the metal chewed through his arm. He scrambled back as his head swam; the pain threatening to relieve him of consciousness. His enemy tried to move towards him, but it was in vain. The effect of its boosting skill had liquefied part of its body and it could no longer move its legs. With three unblinking eyes, it stared at Ray, then silently flowed into a shimmering, molten puddle, spreading across the floor. Ray fought for as long as he could, but the pain finally won out. The last thing that he saw before the world went black was Erith frantically dashing over to him with a panicked expression on her face.
¡°A feat of strength has been performed. Title gained Underdog.¡±
When Ray next opened his eyes, he found himself in the bedroom he had passed. His head swam, and a deep pain still resonated from his arm as he surveyed his surroundings. He saw Erith sitting near the entrance of the room. It looked like she had piled all the furniture except the bed against the door. Her eyes flickered up, meeting his gaze.
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¡°You''re awake!¡± She said, jumping to her feet.
¡°Yeah, what happened when I was out?¡± Ray asked, rubbing his forehead with his left arm.
¡°I dragged you here after that wretched creature melted.¡± She said with a frown. ¡°I figured it would be better to stay in this smaller corridor than try to make a run for it when I could barely carry you.¡±
Ray nodded and tried to push himself up in the bed however, his right arm would not listen to his commands. He looked over at the limp appendage and removed the bandage to see how bad the damage was. The sight of large chunks of hardened iron embedded in Ray''s arm made both him and Erith wince. Small blisters surrounded each chunk, but the healing salve had lessened their severity. Ray reapplied the bandaging before cutting a piece of the bedsheet off and tying it into a sling for the arm. Knowing that they may still need to fight their way out of this place, Ray placed his sword breaker in the wrapped hand and checked to see if he could still use his dual-wielding skill. He checked his status screen and was relieved to see that it still applied and shocked to see his progress.
Status
Name: Ray
Leval: 15
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
Mana: 550/550
Stamina: 130/130
Stats
Strength 12
Endurance 13
Dexterity 62
Intelligence 100 Max
Breakthrough available
Wisdom 55
Available Points: 3
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Draconic insight, weapon bond, dual-wielding
Titles
[System Appointed Artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [First threshold], [Blessing of the Scale Mother], [Underdog]
Skill choice available
Breakthrough?
He thought questioningly while mentally prodigy the option.
¡°Breakthrough successful intelligence increased to rank E 1 -10 intelligence reset to 10.¡±
Hmm, He thought, re-examining the status page. Guess I will look at Draconic Insight next.
Remembering that he had gotten it, but never looked into what it did, he opened the skill page.
Draconic Insight
Reveal knowledge of a target based on all information that you have access to within the Draconic library. Higher access reveals more information.
Noticing that it now said that it would work on a target and not just an item, he made a mental note to try it on Erith after he finished going through his gains. Finally, he turned his attention to his new title.
Underdog
Defeat an incarnate on a higher threshold than you.
+20% all starts when fighting a higher-threshold opponent.
Does that mean that the creature we just fought not only had a spark but was past level 20?
Ray became a lot more grateful that he had survived the fight even with his greaves injury. Happy with the results and not wanting to forget, he turned his attention to Erith and activated Draconic Insight.
chapter 20 daring escape
Human
Name: Erith Ashrend
Leval: 12
Ascension: 0
It worked! Ray nodded in satisfaction at his skill upgrade. He could not see much yet, but any information was helpful.
¡°I think I''m ready,¡± Ray said, making his way to the entrance.
¡°Ok, but don''t push yourself,¡± Erith responded while moving the furniture out of the way.
Ray finally got a good look at her and saw she was upset, but decided to ask what was wrong after they escaped that crazy place. Clearing the last piece, she opened the door and observed their surroundings. Seeing that the coast was clear, she exerted the room. Ray followed as they moved down the corridor and toward where that thing had attacked them. They crept past the hardened puddle of steel and into the workshop they had previously observed. A large semi-circular space opened before them, filled with square tables pushed haphazardly against the walls; upon their surfaces, an assortment of items and parts lay strewn about. As they crept into the room, Ray heard a faint scratching noise from the left side of the room. He turned to see a small cage containing a small lizard-like creature. Ray, noticing the creature''s striking resemblance to Zenith, activated Draconic Insight, certain they''d found their target.
Newborn Scale-kin
Name: Olrin
Leval: 4
Ascension: 0
The closer Ray got to the cage, the more agitated Olrin became. A growl rose in his throat as he watched Ray approach.
¡°Shh, I''m here to help your mother sent me to save you,¡± Ray said in a low, calming voice.
Olrin stopped emitting the noise and tilted his head towards Ray. reaching the cage he undivided the small latch, keeping the scale kin inside. Olrin burst into movement, scurrying around the room before making his way up to Ray again and sniffing his hand. A few yipping noises came from the small lizard as it climbed onto Ray and settled on his shoulder.
¡°Well, aren''t you too cute?¡± Erith said with a small giggle.
Ray grinned in response, patting the head of the creature as it nuzzled his cheek.
¡°Let''s get out of here before that man or any of his creations return,¡± Ray said.
¡°Agreed,¡± Erith responded and walked toward the entrance of the room.
The newly formed trio quietly retraced their steps, making their way out of the complex. They made it to the entrance to the large room containing all the captured beasts before Erith stopped dead in her tracks.
¡°What''s wrong-¡±
Ray''s mouth dropped, leaving him unable to finish his sentence as he saw what had made Erith stop. In front of them stood an army of modified creatures standing behind the man that they had seen earlier. Noticing the trio, he turned to face them before speaking.
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¡°It''s good you stayed in my humble dwelling after having killed my poor Babo. I feared you''d departed. A feeling of anxiety consumed me, steadily intensifying with each passing moment. I feared we would need to pursue you following your actions; however, you presented yourself to me unexpectedly. Oh my goodness, what a stroke of luck today has been!¡± The man spouted.
Ray closed his mouth and raided his weapon while using Draconic Insight on the madman in front of them.
Human
Name: Alistrod Brenic
Leval: 30
Ascension: 0
A wave of despair washed over Ray as he realized the insurmountable gap between himself and Alistrod.
¡°My pets'' field test is finally happening!¡± Alistrod said while hopping foot to foot like an excited child ¡°Now all of you play nice and whoever can bring me their heads will get an extra meal today!¡±
The army of beasts slowly approached as a mad cackle rang out. A crash sounded from the other side of the large room, followed by a large metal gate flying through the amassed Hord behind Alistrod, turning half of them into a spray of metal and blood.
¡°Huh.¡± He said, dumbfounded, his cackle ceasing.
¡°Take my son and leave now!¡± Zenith roared while charging into what remained of the army.
Seeing their chance, Ray and Erith bolted towards the staircase. As soon as the tiny lizard heard its mother, it tried to leap from Ray¡¯s shoulder; Ray reacted by scooping up Orlin and holding him tight while they ran. Ray struggled to hold the wriggling scale kin as it cried out, desperate to go to its mother.
¡°You will not get away with this!¡±
Ray looked over his shoulder to see Alistrod closing in on them with an unnatural speed. He cackled madly as a wheal sprouted from both of his legs and carried him toward his escaping quarry.
¡°No!¡± Zenith roared, trying to chase down the madman, but a few of his larger creations blocked her path.
¡°What a sorry excuse for a mother. Jeopardizing the life of your child just to save two lowly vermin that wandered into my workshop.¡± Alistrod said.
He pushed his acceleration, gaining on the fleeing trio.
¡°Keep running. I will buy you two time!¡± Erith yelled, skidding to a halt and readying her sword.
¡°No,¡± Ray cried, ¡°He is already past the 3rd threshold, you won''t stand a chance.¡±
¡°Just go, you are only in this mess because I keep making mistakes. We would still be with the clan if I could have just worked harder and reached level 10 before the deadline and If I was just stronger, you would not have been so badly injured in the last fight. Let me do this for you.¡± She roared, igniting her sword.
Ray¡¯s heart dropped. He did not know that Erith felt that way and wished that he had talked to her back in that bedroom instead of letting it fester. Resolving himself to not let his friend deal with this alone, he wrapped Orin in the remaining piece of the bedsheet he had taken and tied him tightly to his back. Drawing his daggers and placing one in his injured arm, he joined Erith in facing down Alistrod as he approached.
¡°What are you doing? Get out of here while you can!¡± She yelled.
¡°I will not leave you behind!¡± Ray yelled back. ¡°Not when you never left me behind, even when the rest of the clan turned their back on me. You''re the only friend that I''ve got and I will not lose you. I don¡¯t want to lose someone close to me ever again.¡±
Erith blushed as tears flowed down her cheeks.
¡°Thank y-¡±
Her words were cut short as Alistrod raised his arm, and a loud bang echoed through the chamber. Erith''s eyes went wide as she fell to the ground, a red stain slowly growing on her shirt.
chapter 21 Breaking Point
Time slowed as Ray¡¯s heartbeat sped up. A torrent of thoughts and feelings flooded him as his gaze fell upon the motionless form, the spreading pool of crimson growing larger. Grief, disbelief, sadness, and finally, an overwhelming rage. Ray¡¯s face contorted into a look of pure hatred staring at the approaching Alistrod as his anger overpowered the rest of his emotions. He would make this man pay for taking his friend even if it killed him. Mana and stamina flowed through him as he pushed his body and weapon to the limit. His blade extended to one, then two, then four feet. Cracks ran across the blade as he pushed the weapon to its max, but he did not notice or care. He pushed all the stamina that he could into his legs without thinking and blurred into motion. Alistrod, laughing madly at the poor resistance that the girl had put up, did not notice when his second target vanished from view. Warnings suddenly blared in his head as a 4-foot-long blade swung toward his head. Ray¡¯s rage only increased as his target ducked his first strike, his mind consumed with thoughts of killing the man in front of him. He let out a bellowing war cry as he increased his stamina consumption further.
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.¡±
The words filled Ray¡¯s mind, but he could not comprehend them while his mind was so utterly consumed. He went even faster, turning into a whirlwind of strikes. Alistrod transformed his arm into a blade and tried to defend himself, but he could not keep up with Ray¡¯s speed.
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.¡±
A flurry of cuts opened a wound on Alistrod¡¯s stomach.
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.¡±
He slipped past the madman''s guard, cleaving a large gash into his side.
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.¡±
Ray yelled as he put all his might into his next swing, cleaving through the blade and severing the madman¡¯s left arm. As a dark liquid flowed from his injuries, Alistrod collapsed, his eyes wide with terror. Ray lifted his dagger and prepared to strike the killing blow
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. Internal injury imminent.¡±
A spout of blood came from Ray¡¯s mouth as an encompassing pain radiated through his body. He fell to his knees, his blade shattering against the ground as it also succumbed to the overexertion. As a horrifying laugh ripped from his throat, the terror fled Alistrod''s eyes, replaced by a wide, unsettling grin that stretched his features unnaturally.
¡°All that, just to end up dead.¡± He said while getting back to his feet in between bouts of uncontrollable laughter.
He pointed his left hand at Ray, extending? his index finger, revealing a small hole in his fingertip.
¡°I would say it was fun playing with you, but you''re a terrible dance partner. Far too quick and violent. At least I will get to savor this moment.¡±
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A loud bang echoed through the hall as a bright light expanded from his fingertip. As the fog in his mind lifted, Ray shifted his body, positioning his wounded arm between himself and the potential threat. The tinkling of shattering glass filled the room, followed by a heavy CLANG of steel hitting the ground. Ray looked at the horrific scene that he had just caused. He had rolled his body, positioning his sword breaker into the path of the incoming projectile. With nothing to lose, he infused every remaining point of mana that he had into its skill, causing it to amplify the effect to a startling degree. Alistrod, or what remained of him, lay on the ground 6 feet away with his head and most of his left shoulder replaced by a large hole. Pain exploded from Ray¡¯s right side. He looked down, seeing that overcharging the Weapon had also taken a toll on him. The feedback had destroyed his right arm and dagger, leaving multiple metal shards lodged in his side. As blood poured from the wounds, he felt his concusses fading as the ground rumbled in a rhythmic beat and the world faded to black once more.
¡°A feat of strength has been performed. Compatible class detected absorbing spark of slain Incarnate.¡±
A scream erupted from Ray¡¯s through as he awoke. He frantically looked around, finding himself in a bed situated large stone room. Bejeweled furniture and luxurious carpets decorated the room.
Whew, He thought, getting his bearings. It must have all been a horrific nightmare.
He tried to reassure himself, then reached his right hand up to wipe the sweat from his brow, but it never made contact. Fear reigniting in his chest, he looked over at his right side and saw his arm was missing. Another scream echoed through the room as Ray realized the terrible experience hadn''t been a dream. A young woman, in a scarlet silk dress, burst through the large door. A crown adorned her head with three large rubies inlay at its three points. Long brown hair cascaded down, brushing her shoulders.
¡°You''re finally awake.¡± Her voice, though sweet, evoked the image of rolling thunder.
¡°Where am I? Who are you?¡± He asked in between ragged breaths.
You''re in my castle, located on the west coast of the shattered continent. While you know my identity, this is a new form for you, so let me introduce myself again. I am Zenith, the Scale mother and current ruler of the draconian people of this continent.
¡°What is the shattered continent? And how could you be Zenith? She was a giant monster the last I remember.¡±
¡°That''s quite rude, little chick. I have half a mind to squash you where you stand for that comment.¡± Her voice grew deeper than her body contorted, revealing a smaller version of her true form for a few moments before returning to normal.
¡°I''m sorry, please forgive me, oh noble lady, Zenith,¡± Ray said with the closest thing to a bow that he could manage while in bed.
¡°I accept your apology, but do not insult me again, human. Regarding your second inquiry, the shattered continent is the term we use for the expansive landmass encompassing the Carinthian forest and numerous other incongruous biomes.¡±
Ray nodded, learning that he was still somewhere in his homeland. His lips curled into a frown, instantly casting a shadow over his mood.
¡°What did you do with Erith¡¯s body?¡± He asked, hoping that Zenith had taken it with them.
¡°Body?¡± Zenith asked, a confused expression crossing her face before her eyes lit up in recognition. ¡°Oh, you must have assumed that she perished back in that awful cave. That''s understandable given her condition, but her injuries were nothing compared to yours, and I kept you alive.¡±
Ray¡¯s eyes lit up at that statement and an overwhelming sense of relief washed over him. He almost forgot about his missing arm momentarily as joy overtook him. His friend was alive!
chapter 22 Beginner Bio-Artisan
¡°Where is she at now?¡± Ray asked while pushing himself out of bed with a groan of pain.
¡°Lie back down, little chick. Your injuries have not yet completely healed. She is presently training with my eldest daughter; I shall inform her of your awakening when they are done.¡±
¡°How long has she been awake?¡±
¡°She woke up on the second day after your arrival.¡± She said, while making her way to the bedside.
¡°So how long was I out? Ow!¡± Ray inquired before emitting a slight yelp of pain when Zenith placed her hand on his side.
¡°Today marks the fourth day,¡± southing energy poured from her hand as she spoke, relieving the pain. "However, given the extent of the harm you did to your body, I believe an additional two days of my treatment are necessary."
¡°Why are you blaming the damage on me? I get it was my dagger that nearly killed me, but if I didn¡¯t use it like that, I would have been dead.¡±
"Tsk tsk tsk. Foolish child that injury is already all but healed. The damage I am talking about is what you did to your internal pathways when you overloaded them with stamina and mana.¡±
¡°Oh,¡± Ray said, his face taking on a downtrodden expression.
Believing Erith was already dead, he lost himself, ignoring all warnings and pushing his body beyond its safe limits. Zenith removed her hand from his side after a few more minutes of channeling her energy into him.
¡°That will be all for now. I will return with Erith within approximately two hours. I would recommend that you get some rest between now and then.¡± She said.
Ray nodded in agreement as he observed the scale mother depart, then checked his status to see if any changes had occurred following the previous battle.
Status
Name: Ray
Leval: 17
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
Mana: 510/510 injury sustained max mana - 100
Stamina: 50/50 Injury sustained max stamina - 100
Stats
Strength 14
Endurance 15
Dexterity 74
Intelligence E: 22
Wisdom 61
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Draconic Insight, weapon bond, dual-wielding
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Titles
[System Appointed Artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [First threshold], [Blessing of the Scale Mother], [Underdog]
Skill choice available
Spark fragment absorption available.
Ray came close to slapping himself. He had forgotten to do his skill selection when he reached level 15. He closed his eyes, wishing fervently within himself.
Please don¡¯t be something that would have been helpful. Before thinking the words. Skill selection.
Skills currently available
Upgrade Material: A craftsman''s best friend.
Attempt to upgrade any material to a higher grade. The outcome depends on both the material and the artisan''s skill.
Mana cost: variable
Ray found the first skill intriguing. After his sword breaker exploded, he would have to get a new weapon. Upon reflection, he realized he was uncertain about whether his other weapon had survived the battle. Remembering the blade''s previous miraculous self-repair after shattering, he felt a surge of hope that it would be undamaged this time as well. He decided that when she returned, he would ask Zenith about it before moving on to consider the next option.
Power shot: the primary tool of any aspiring archer.
Release a shot infused with stamina, boosting its damage based on charge time.
Stamina cost: 10 - 200
Ray almost immediately dismissed the second option as well, despite recognizing its usefulness. Not only did it cost an absurd amount of stamina for him as he only got half of what he should have from each level, but he had preferred his daggers more than his bow ever since he got the dual-wielding skill. Upon reviewing the remaining choices, he discovered a lack of appealing options, as the majority comprised repetitive skills previously bypassed during his last skill selection process. Having finally reached the end of the list, he felt a sense of relief that none of them seemed effective or promising in his desperate struggle against the deranged man. He let out a sigh before scrolling back up to the top of the list and choosing the Upgrade material option. Despite his eagerness to conduct the test at that moment, he opted to delay it because of his apprehension that his present state of health could have a detrimental effect on the outcome. Realizing he no longer needed a second weapon, he scowled. After all, how was he meant to wield two daggers when he only had one arm? The thrill of selecting his skill was strong enough to make him completely forget about his absent limb.
¡°Well, no use in dwelling on it now.¡± He said to himself before selecting the second option that had appeared on his status screen.
Spark fragment absorption. He mentally called out and a new screen appeared.
Spark fragment absorption
current sparks available: 1
Would you like to absorb the fragment from Flesh Artificer (Rare) level 30?
Y/N
Not seeing what he stood to lose, Ray accepted the prompt.
¡°Proficiency threshold reached class Beginner Artisan (Rare) has upgraded to Beginner Flesh Artisan (Epic)¡±
Beginner Bio-Artisan (Epic)
A Beginner artisan who has started to walk the path of self-enhancement.
Gain access to the Artisan Panel.
Gain access to the Bio-Synthesis Panel.
Gain an +4 intelligence and wisdom for each level.
Gain +2 all stats for each synthesized enhancement within your body.
The sudden improvement in his class astonished Ray. Excitement sparked in his eyes as he scanned through the new class, eventually leading him to open the Bio-Synthesis panel.
Bio-Synthesis
Upgrade items to be compatible with living creatures that contain a spark.
Select an Item to synthesize
Ray¡¯s eyes widened as he thought about the possibilities before him. As a smile spread across his face, his gaze fixated on his missing arm.
Looks like I will need that extra dagger after all.
Ray closed his eyes, thinking of what he could soon create. But for now, he took Zenith''s advice and slowly drifted to sleep as he waited for her and Erith to return.
chapter 23 The workshop
Ray was awoken an hour and a half later as the door to his room burst in.
¡°You''re awake!¡± Erith¡¯s voice rang out through the room as she dashed toward his bedside.
¡°And you''re alive!.¡± He responded, overwhelming joy filling his heart. It was one thing to hear that his friend had survived, but seeing it with his own eyes brought a fresh wave of relief with it.
¡°What, you thought that minor flesh wound could do me in?¡± She said with a large grin.
¡°Flesh wound? Seeing how much you were bleeding, I thought that man had pierced your heart.¡±
¡°Well, that is because he did. But Lady Zenith saved me in time.¡±
¡°What!¡± Ray shouted.
She dismissively wove her hand before taking on a serious expression. ¡°I heard you ended up pushing too hard and injuring yourself after I fell. Even when I am trying to save you, I just end up being a burden.¡±
¡°Erith, say something like that again and I will punch you.¡±
¡°But it¡¯s true- Ow!¡±
Ray slugged her in the arm and instantly regretted the action, groaning in pain as his body flared with a sharp pain at the sudden movement.
"That''s what you get.¡± Erith giggled, her mood seeming to have improved again.
The pair chatted for a while longer with Erith telling him about the training she was doing with Zenith¡¯s daughter, who was apparently a swordswoman on the verge of reaching the first level of ascension. After about 3 minutes, Zenith entered the room.
¡°I hope that you two have had a good chat, but it is time for Ray¡¯s next treatment.¡± She said.
Ray grimaced at the words. He was enjoying his conversation with Erith, but his displeasure soon faded when the pleasant sensation washed over his body. When she was finished, Zenith bid the pair ado and left the room. Erith and Ray talked for a while longer before she left as well. Ray sighed as she left. It had barely been half a day since he had awoken and he was already getting restless. He wanted to test his new upgrade skill and bio-synthesis panel as soon as possible, hoping he could make a new arm.
The next few days continued with much the same schedule. Zenith would come in every two hours and administer his treatment and later in the day, Erith would join him and chat for a while. Finally, on the third day since he had awoken, Ray was as fully healed as he would get.
¡°Your pathways are back in working condition,¡± Zenith said while looking him over. ¡°But there are still signs of the damage and if you overload them like that again, I won''t be able to put you back together.¡±
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¡°Thank you. I will make sure that I don¡¯t let that happen again.¡± Ray said with a bow.
¡°Good. Now, child, I promised you tutelage. Hmm,¡± she said, rubbing her chin. ¡°I think Freia would be a good fit with you both being artisan types. Follow me.¡±
Ray followed her out of the room and through the long passages of the castle until they finally arrived at an underground workshop. A multitude of parts and contraptions were scattered throughout the large square room. Multiple work tables looked like they had been stuffed with items until no more could fit and exploded onto the floor. A loud ringing noise came from a slightly ajar door in the back of the room.
¡°Freia, I need to speak with you when you have a moment,¡± Zenith called out over the noise.
¡°One second Ma, just finishin'' up this last part and I will be right out,¡± Freia responded. ¡°Just about and there.¡±
The ringing stopped, and a muscular woman left the back room. She wore a plain shirt and pants, with a leather apron tied around her waist. A scarlet bandana held her black hair back. What surprised Ray the most was that, unlike Zenith, she did not have a humanoid head and face instead having one much closer to a large salamander. She was carrying a metal disk that was still glowing in her bare, scale-covered hands.
¡°I see you brought some company with ya.¡± She said, nodding at Ray and clearing a space for the glowing disk on one of the cluttered tables.
¡°Indeed. This is Ray. I request you provide him with instruction on artisan paths and classes.¡± Zenith said.
¡°Sure thing, Ma,¡± she said, setting the disk down and turning to Ray.
She looked him up and down a few times before her eyes lit up and she spoke again.
¡°A bio-artisan huh, haven''t seen that one before.¡±
¡°I recently got it after absorbing the spark of a flesh artificer,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Makes sense. I''m more surprised about the fact that you''re not specialized yet. Normally a class upgrade for beginner artisan should turn you on to a specific path like weapon smith or carpenter or somethin¡¯ else like that. But you got a specialized version of the base class.¡±
¡°Is it really that strange?¡± Ray asked
¡°Yes, in my life, so I have met over 100 artisan types, but you''re the first I''ve seen to have that little quark.¡± She responded.
¡°Well, seeing that you two have hit it off, I will take my leave,¡± Zenith said, giving a slight bow and leaving the room.
¡°See you later Ma!¡± Freia yelled after her before refocusing on Ray. ¡°Well, shall we get started? With you still having a jack-of-all-trades class, I can run you through the different options so that you can find what you want to specialize in. Let me just grab my notebook.¡± She said, looking around the room before sighing and walking over to the mess of parts on the floor.
¡°What are you specialized in?¡± Ray asked, while Freia dug through the large pile of junk.
¡°I know I left that thing somewhere around here,¡± she muttered to herself before responding. ¡°Oh, I''m what is called a blacksmith tinkerer. It''s kind of like a combo class in between an artificer and a blacksmith. Aha, there it is!¡± She yelled in triumph, pulling a large leather-bound book from the pile.
¡°Now we can get started for real.¡± She said, undoing the clasp on the front and opening the book.
chapter 24 The first scale monarch
A whirlwind of blue energy shot out of the opened book, forming into glowing slabs swirling around the room.
¡°Now let''s see here,¡± Freia said, swiping with her index finger, causing the swirl of slabs to rotate. ¡°Aha, this one should do nicely to start.¡±
She snatched a slab out of the air and walked over to Ray. He was stunned by the spectacle that had exploded out of the book and finally snapped out of it, seeing Freia walking in his direction.
¡°Will start ya off with a simple artificer task to see how ya like it.¡±
Ray took the slab from her. His eyes widened as a 3D model of a small wind-up box appeared before him.
¡°Pretty nifty, ay. Built this baby myself with a little help from a former student.¡± She said, patting the now closed book placed in a perfectly sized pocket sewn onto the side of her shirt.
¡°Let me show ya how to work that thing.¡±
She showed Ray a few hand gestures to examine different parts of the model. He could now deconstruct it, look at the smallest parts, and learn how they were meant to fit together.
¡°Now that ya got the hang of it, ya should be able to find the parts needed on the workbench over there.¡± She said, pointing to one of the cluttered tables.
Ray gulped, walking over to the large mess of parts.
¡°How am I supposed to find them in all this mess?¡± He asked.
¡°Ahh, forgot to show ya that, did I?¡± she said, walking over. ¡°A few of my other students had complaints about that as well, for some reason. So I added a find feature in my notebook. Simply say, Locate in a firm voice and it will show ya what ya need.¡±
¡°Ok, Locate,¡± Ray said, holding the glowing slab of energy.
His eyebrows creased, and a frown formed on his lips before several lines of energy shot out and highlighted parts within the massive pile.
¡°There ya go. Now try puttin¡¯ that thing together and show me the result once ya are done.¡±
¡°Got it,¡± Ray said while collecting the parts that he needed.
He then sat down and constructed the wind-up box piece by piece. A trance-like state came over him as his hand moved almost without input. Two minutes later, he was shocked to see the finished windup box in his hand. He quickly compared it to the instructions and found that it was a near-perfect replica.
Hmm, guess there is nothing left but to test it out.
He twisted the crank and a musical melody came from the small device. A Crashing sound caused him to stop as Freia Rushed out of the back room at the sound. She looked down at the completed box and then up at Ray. She repeated the motion a few times before grabbing the device and examining it. Her eyes widened the farther she got, and she turned back to Ray with a stunned expression.
¡°How did ya make that so quickly?¡±
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¡°I don''t know. It just felt like I''ve been doing this for years.¡± Ray responded.
Freia started muttering to herself while pacing back and forth and holding her chin in thought.
¡°Hmm, high int? Maybe, but that would not fully explain it.¡± Her eyes lit up. She turned to face Ray and brought her fist down into her hand while exclaiming.
¡°Ma gave ya access to the Draconic library, didn¡¯t she!¡±
¡°Umm, yes, but how does that explain it?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Well, it''s not a library in the traditional sense. It''s more like a collection of all the knowledge that we scale kin have ever gained. What level did she give ya access to?¡±
¡°Only the first.¡±
¡°Makes sense. Ma would rarely give it to an outsider at all, so I doubted she would give ya anythin¡¯ deeper than that.¡±
¡°Ok, but you still haven''t explained how that correlates to me being able to build that music box so quickly.¡±
¡°Oh right, sorry, I got a bit sidetracked there. Like I said, it is a collection of all of our knowledge, but for ya to understand, I am goin¡¯ to have to tell ya the story of the first scale monarch. Follow me. This tale may take a while, so we might as well get comfortable.¡±
Ray followed her into the back room, where he saw a forge that was still smoldering next to a large anvil. They went towards another door located at the end of the forge room. The door opened to reveal a small room containing three comfortable armchairs and a table cluttered with blueprint papers.
¡°Have a seat,¡± Freia said, gesturing to one chair and taking a seat on her own.
Ray obliged, making himself comfortable for the story to come. Seeing that Ray was ready, Freia took a deep breath and began.
¡°Long ago, there was a lizard named Echo. He lived inside a large underground house and had many humans takin¡¯ care of his every want and need. His favorite was a woman named Lizzy. Lizzy would always have extra snacks for him whenever she was around, which Echo appreciated. One day when Lizzy came to visit, she gave Echo a new gift that she called a spark. She said that he would be among the first to receive one and that he could do great things with it. After the integration, Echo gained a large amount of intelligence and learned how to speak. He enjoyed long conversations with Lizzy and her friends, but one day they stopped visitin¡¯, leavin¡¯ Echo alone. He made his way out of the underground facility and out into the world. Eventually, he broke through to the first tier of ascension and evolved into the first scale kin. He continued on his path but remained lonely until one day he made it to the second tier and created a legendary skill. This skill gave his same gift to all lizard kind, evolvin¡¯ them into scale kin and grantin¡¯ them a spark like his. He took on a leadin¡¯ role with his newfound brethren and became the first scale monarch. Echo led like that for a few hundred years before humans again appeared. He tried to reach out to them but was sad to find that they had regressed to a large degree. Humans had forgotten most of the knowledge needed to create wonders, like Lizzy''s gift to him. Saddened by this realization, he wanted to ensure his kind wouldn''t suffer the same fate, so he secluded himself for 50 years before completin¡¯ his greatest gift to my kind. Echo created a second legendary skill in the Draconic Library. A way for all scale kin to access the knowledge of our past, allowin¡¯ us to progress on already threaded paths with staggerin¡¯ speed. Sadly, Echo paid a price for this creation. The library''s creation cost Echo his soul, now he must organize all the incomin¡¯ information to prevent the skill from bein¡¯ overloaded and causin'' all scale kin to lose access to his gift.¡±
A sad expression accompanied Freia''s ending to the tale. The pair remained silent for a brief period while Ray composed his thoughts.
¡°So I can craft it like I have done it before because the memories from you and any other scale kin that has made one in the past help guide me?¡±
¡°Yeah, since ya only have access to the first layer at the moment, it will only help ya with basic projects and questions, but not to worry. I''m sure Ma will grant ya more once yer further along in ya trainin¡¯, and even if she doesn¡¯t gettin¡¯ to the first level of ascension will grant ya full access regardless. "Anyhow let''s get you started on the next project shall we?"
chapter 25 horde breaker
The next few days passed swiftly as Ray spent his time finishing a basic project from each core artisan specialization: artificer, alchemist, enchanter, carpenter, weapon smith, and armor smith. He was happy with his progress in multiple ways. His left hand had become surprisingly dexterous, making him able to complete the tasks given to him even without his right arm. He had also reached level 20 after completing a pair of leather boots for his armor smith task and gained the second threshold quest.
Quests
Incarnate threshold level two
Requirements for compilation
Create an item of rare or higher grade 1/2
Use the bio-synthesis panel 0/1
Rewards
Second threshold title
Access to levels 21-30
Additional rewards based on performance
Ray revisited the panel, reflecting on his projected plans. He stood over a blueprint developed in collaboration with Freia. Following the completion of his basic training in each subject, she granted him the freedom to design and work on a self-chosen project. If all went well, this would both satisfy his quest requirements and provide him with a new arm. With the steady clang of a hammer from the back room, reaching his ears, he meticulously reviewed each part, ensuring its correct placement. Freia had already assisted him in completing most of the required parts and she now worked in the back room, finishing up the last pieces they would need. A smile touched Ray''s lips as he looked over the empty space where his right arm had been. With everything nearly in place tomorrow, he would become whole again. Ray took the stairs two at a time as he ran through the halls and down to the workshop. He could already hear metal clangs coming from within, signaling that Freia was already hard at work. Ray entered the workshop and made his way to the workbench that he had cleared off for his project. He neatly laid out all the parts he would need, grouping them by upper arm, lower arm, and hand. He grinned, gave the blueprint a last check, and then began construction. Hours passed as he methodically placed each part into its correct spot. Freia passed what she was doing now and then to come out and check on his progress and make sure everything was going smoothly. When the fourth hour came, it was all but finished. The only part that remained was a specialty mana core Freia had modified for him. He placed the round glowing ball into its socket and Voom! The energy spread out, filling the mana pathways with a blue energy. Ray took a step back and admired his handiwork for a few moments before a prompt popped up.
You have successfully created a new item.
Please enter a name for your new creation.
Ray thought about the choice for a few minutes before he finally decided on a fitting name. This arm would be the first weapon that he created to oppose the shrieking hordes when he and Erith returned to the ashrend clan so he only found it fitting to name it after their dream. He typed out the name and confirmed it before using Draconic Insight to make sure that the first step was successful.
Horde Breaker: a metal construct created by the combined efforts of an Advanced Tinkering Smith and beginner bio-artisan
Grade: Rare
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
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N/A
¡°Good work,¡± Freia commented while walking over with a small stone tablet that had blue lines running along its surface. ¡°You ready for the next step?¡± She asked, holding out the tablet for Ray.
He nodded and took it from her before opening his lesser spark creation panel. Since he started learning from Freia, he had found out many things about the different artisan panels, including the spark creation ones. He had learned that the reason it did not work on any of his weapons and was only usable on a plane rock was that an item could not contain a spark if you planned to create one from it. He also learned that if he used the artisan panel on an item that did not already contain a spark, a new one would house the ability that it gained. Considering all this, he targeted the newly built arm and the skill tablet and assigned the predefined parameters on the stone tablet that Freia had handed him.
Lesser Spark Creation Panel
Grade: Uncommon
Type: Lesser
Personality: None
Function: Single
Power Needed: N/A
Panel Access: None
Database: No
Skills: Auto Repair
Stats
Strength: 0
Endurance: 0
Dexterity: 0
Intelligence: 0
Wisdom: 0
Insert Lesser Spark Y/N
He mentally confirmed the prompt and watched as the light in the tablet dulled and flowed into the arm before going out completely.
¡°Now for the second to last step,¡± Ray said, opening his artisan panel. ¡°Time to see if I can create an epic item.¡±
Artisan Panel
Current skill: 10
Crafting points: 20
Please select an item to augment.
He allocated all 20 points that he had built up and watched as a torrent of crackling runes flowed out of his hand and into the arm. The energy inside pulsed in time with the runes now covering its surface as a loud dinging noise rang out three times.
¡°An artifact-grade item has been created. New title gained artifact grade craftsman.¡± The goddess''s voice said, resounding in Ray''s mind, leaving him stunned and silent.
He had exceeded his expectations and went straight past epic to artifact grade. His eyes lit up as a grin spread across his face. He used Draconic Insight again on the item to see what he had created.
Horde Breaker: a metal construct created by the combined efforts of an Advanced Tinkering Smith and beginner bio-artisan
Grade: Artifact
Durability: 300/300
Attributes
Greater Auto Repair
Greater durability
Conduit: Its Mana core expanded Horde Breaker has become ravenous
Activate to drain MP from a creature in contact with Horde Breaker Energy taken this way will refill its owner''s mana pool. Energy taken when the Mana pool is full may instead be expended to fire a ball of electric mana
Using this effect on an out-of-MP creature consumes its life force instead.
Ray¡¯s grin widened even further. He looked over to see Freia with a similar expression, her eyes shining with anticipation. They had outdone themselves.
chapter 26 Ashrend part 2 1/3
Ren sat upon a large hill looking over the location of his recent hunt. He had been working with a team for the last week, trying to boost their levels for the fight to come with the clan elder, but progress had been slow. Since they moved, prey had become scarce and nothing gave enough xp to level quickly. He had wiped out an entire pack of dear today on his own and did not even gain a level. He examined his accrued status, and noting the meager advancement spat in disgust.
Status
Name: Ren Elborn
Leval: 17
Ascension: 0
Class: Headsman (rare)
Mana: 290/250
Stamina: 900/900
Stats
Strength E: 39
Endurance 90
Dexterity 48
Intelligence 29
Wisdom 29
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 2
Endurance 2
Dexterity 1
Intelligence 1
Wisdom 1
Skills
Axe Proficiency, Reckless Swing, Off with Their Heads, Rage
Titles
[First threshold], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Advanced Incarnate], [Underdog]
A period of almost two weeks had transpired following the meeting of the family leaders, and he had only gained five levels. He shook his head, a grimace twisting his features as a wave of disgust washed over him. With only two weeks remaining until his father''s plan was set into motion, drastic and desperate measures would be necessary to meet his expectations. He rose to his feet and made his way down the hill to meet back up with the small hunting party that he had been leading the past few days. Chio and a young woman named Nevala, an archer mostly included for her tracking skills, made up the hunting party. While approaching the other two, who were busy gathering their belongings to take with them, Ren couldn''t help but feel impressed by the significant progress Chio had made after their shared ordeal during the trials. He had considerably bulked up not as big a Ren but still a sizable gain. The great sword that hung from his hip now looked at home with him, no longer giving the sense of someone wielding a weapon that was too large for them.
¡°Let''s get moving,¡± Ren said.
¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Choi agreed, placing his bag on his back.
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¡°Next location?¡± Nevala asked.
¡°No, we are going to find some better prey. This trash is not nearly enough.¡± Ren replied.
The other two both nodded, knowing better than to try arguing with him. Ren led them further away from the clan''s new outpost and deeper into the forest.
¡°Isn''t this the direction that the horde was moving towards?¡± Nevala asked.
Chio startled and looked around frantically as his face paled.
¡°You''re right! What are you thinking, Ren?¡±
¡°We will not reach the level we need to before the assault at this pace. You of all people should know what those things are worth, Chio, seeing as it was the only way that you reached level 10 in time.¡± Ren said with a grunt.
¡°Why are you so obsessed with reaching level 30 before the battle? Do you think that will be enough power to stand toe to toe with people two times your level?¡±
Ren spun to face the smaller man with a primal growl.
¡°Shut your mouth before I shut it for you.¡±
Chio smeared back at Ren. He was no longer the frail boy who would fall in line just because someone bigger than him told him to.
¡°Make me.¡±
Ren threateningly placed his hand on the head of his axe, which was belted at his waist.
¡°Say that again. I dare you.¡± He said with a snarl.
Chio was about to speak again, hand on the hilt of his great sword, when Nevala interrupted him.
¡°All right, that''s enough out of you too,¡± Nevala said, stepping in between the pair. She turned to Chio before speaking again.
¡°Chio, as much as I don¡¯t want to face those things either, Ren may have a point here. Our families are planning to take this fight whether we are we reach a high level and you better believe all the loyalist families will come to the elder''s aid. We are going to need all the strength we can get to hold back the rift raft from interfering with the fight and our leveling speed has been abysmal the past few days. This may be our best chance to get back on track.¡±
Chio deflated with a sigh. He could not argue with her logic and he didn¡¯t want to. His fondness for Nevala had grown, and he cherished the time they''d spent together these past few weeks. He lost himself in thought for a few moments, dreaming about the day he would finally work up the courage to ask her out.
¡°So, what do you think?¡± She asked while Chio was staring off into the distance.
He startled at the words.
¡°Oh, yes, we can continue for now, but the moment we see a group of over two of those things, we need to run.¡±
¡°Fine, be me. You good with that big guy?¡±
Ren grunted before responding.
¡°If you are too cowardly to fight more than two of them, then go ahead and run away, but I''m going to make sure that I get the levels I need.¡±
¡°You wouldn¡¯t be saying that if you had faced those things before,¡± Chio muttered under his breath.
Ren had already turned and started walking again, leaving just Nevala to hear his comment.
¡°Are they really that dangerous?¡± She asked in a hushed tone.
¡°More than you would believe. I only faced one of those things and I could barely scratch it. The only reason that I am still here talking to you is that I got lucky. I was able to slip my sword into a gap in its armor and finish it off because it was distracted by slicing apart a member of my hunting party.¡±
Nevala gulped.
¡°If that''s true, I think I will join you in running if there are more than two.¡±
¡°Good choice. We should probably catch up before that brute throws a fit again.¡± Chio said, looking in the direction that Ren had gone.
chapter 27 Ashrend part 2 2/3
The group of three made their way through the forest, tracking the horde''s movements, which was not a hard endeavor seeing as they left a mess of toppled trees and scattered animal carcasses in their wake. They were already two days into their prolonged hunt, despite that. They had not seen a single shrieker until this morning when Ren had burst from their ranks flying towards a metallic glint that he saw in the tree line. He came across the mangled corpse of a shrieker that had large claw marks gouging through its torso. Chio and Nevala quickly caught up. Covering her mouth as Nevala gasped. Blood covered the nearby trees and pooled beneath the lifeless creature.
¡°What do you think caused that?¡± Chio asked.
¡°Only thing I have seen with that big of claws would be some bears that live in the heart of the woods. Unless it''s kind turned on it.¡± Ren answered.
¡°Can that even happen?¡± Nevala asked.
¡°Who knows,¡± Ren said while kicking the dead creature. ¡°This just means that we are getting close now. Let''s keep moving before the trail grows cold again.¡±
Chio and Nevala both agreed, and the trio began moving through the trees again. It did not take long before a cold sweat trickled down Chio¡¯s neck as the shrieker¡¯s horrible howl filled the air.
They veered off quietly, making their way towards one of the lone howls. A small clearing came into view where the wolf-like creature sat chewing on what appeared to be the severed dear leg. Not being one for stealth, Ren let out a ferocious war cry and charged the creature with his axe drawn. Nevala quickly drew back an arrow and aimed it at their quarry as soon as the charge started. She and Chio had been fighting alongside Ren for weeks now and had already grown used to his battle tactics, or lack thereof. She waited for Ren to contact the beast before losing the arrow aimed at its head.
¡°Piercing shot.¡± She roared while infusing the arrow with her archer skill.
It flew true, hitting the distracted beast in its left eye and exploding out of the back of its skull, causing a spray of black blood to coat the trees behind it. The beast weakly tried to fend off Ren¡¯s next attack in vain as he dodged around the creature''s strike and activated his signature skill Off with Their Heads. His axe, assisted by his monstrous strength and the power of the skill, cleanly glided through the creature''s neck like it was not even there, causing its mangled head to fly into the air. Its body fell to the ground as the fight ended before it even started.
¡°See, we can take on more than two of these weaklings, wouldn''t you say Chio?¡± Ren asked while wiping the black ichor off of his axe blade. Chio sat stunned, his jaw hanging down before he composed himself again.
¡°Y-Yeah.¡± He answered.
He couldn''t believe how easily they killed one of the beasts that almost took his life.
¡°That xp gain is amazing. I gained another level after that,¡± Nevala said, putting a hand on Chio¡¯s shoulder.
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¡°Let''s keep going, and make sure you get a hit on the next one so you don''t fall behind, yeah.¡± She said, slapping him on the back.
¡°S-Sure,¡± Chio responded.
They moved towards the next shrieker¡¯s location, this time aiming for what they thought was a group of two. They spotted them walking through the tree line, following the direction that the main horde had gone. With reckless abandon, Ren charged again. This time Chio quickly followed behind him, determined to take part in this fight. As they charged, another power shot ripped through the air and struck its target, ripping a large hole in its chest. A pained screech emanated from the creature as it fell to its knees. Within seconds of the shot hitting its mark, Chio was upon it. With a mighty roar, he activated the skill he had received at level 15 and cleaved the creature in half. From overhead, a second shot slammed into the creature, fighting Ren, disrupting its balance, which allowed Ren to deliver the killing blow. The trio continued like this, tracking down groups of the beasts and wiping them out. It only took around another half day before all of them reached level 20 and received their threshold quest.
Quests
Incarnate threshold level two
Requirements for compilation
Upgrade-
Warning: A special event has caused the requirements to change.
Requirements for compilation Kill one [Redacted] leader 0/1
Warning: The [Redacted] leader will be alerted to your location in 10 minutes
Rewards
Second threshold title
Access to levels 21-30
Special: Automata slayer title
Additional rewards based on performance
¡°Oh, shit! That can¡¯t be good.¡± Chio said.
Two miles from where Chio, Ren, and Nevala received their quests, an enormous creature stirred awake, opening its eight shining red eyes. It was currently surrounded by a small legion of its un-evolved siblings it had ordered to keep watch while it recharged, but that would now have to wait. For it seemed like three flies had just wandered into its web, and what kind of host would it be if it did not greet them personally?
Quests
Challenge quest
Requirements for compilation
Defeat those who challenge you 0/3
You will learn of your target¡¯s location in 10 minutes
Rewards
Human slayer title upgraded to level 2
Additional rewards based on performance
It had been so long since its last hunt. Following its humiliating defeat by the monstrous man, the horde leader relegated it to the back ranks, but this no longer mattered. The prey had come to it and it would not let this chance pass it by. For who knew when it would next get a chance to taste human flesh again?
chapter 28 Ashrend part 2 3/3
¡°Nine minutes remaining.¡±
The goddess''s voice echoed inside the trio¡¯s heads as they approached the entity that the incarnate system had marked as their target. Chio¡¯s stomach dropped with each step. This excursion was going far too well, and of course, they just had to receive a quest to hunt some sort of monster they had never even heard of before. What was worse and the reason that he felt like he was going to puke at any moment was that they could not even retreat if they wanted to. In a few minutes, their locations would be revealed, and even if they could somehow run for two days straight and make it back to the outpost, they''d only be leading the horde directly to their clan. Chio tried to calm himself as he followed behind Ren and Nevala, but horrific visions kept flashing through his mind. He saw his brother in the clutches of that horrific monster from the trials as it ripped him into shreds. The scene then switched to him, watching as that shrieker gored the hunter in front of him. A cold sweat trickled down his neck and the scene switched again. He saw his body on the ground, a ragged mess of broken limbs and carved flesh as he took his final breaths. The rapid succession of scenes in his mind caused his breathing to quicken until a hand on his shoulder jolted him back to reality.
¡°Chio!¡± Nevala said while shaking him. ¡°You in there?¡±
¡°Yeah, sorry. I just got lost in memory for a few moments, that''s all.¡± Chio responded.
¡°Okay, if you''re sure you are ok we need to get moving. I was able to convince Ren to wait for a moment when I realized that you had fallen behind, but heavens know how long that will last.¡±
¡°Right, I''m sure let''s get moving,¡± Chio said, trying his best to look like he was doing ok.
Nevala stared into his eyes for a few moments before she finally turned to move toward where she had left Ren.
¡°Alright, if you sure.¡± She said before breaking into a brisk jog.
¡°Six minutes remaining.¡±
They quickly caught up to where Ren was impatiently waiting.
¡°Took you long enough.¡± He said with a grunt before moving toward their target again without waiting for a response. The group got up to pace again, making their way through the trees and toward their target. After two more messages from the goddess warning them, they only had 4 minutes remaining. An awful smell filled the air and a large artificial clearing came into view. Nothing but tree stumps covered an approximately 100-foot area and had a white thread-like substance weaving between them, creating what looked like a massive spider web. Standing in the middle of the structure, Chio finally spotted their target. A massive ball-like body connected to four needle-like legs stood atop the web. A monstrous torso that looked like it could have been the upper half of a minotaur rose out of the ball-like body. Atop the torso, where its head should have been, sat a pulsating, fleshy mass that Chio knew he''d never forget. It was the only part of the creature that was not a dull metallic shine. A head that was cleaved in two sat impaled atop the creature. The only thing still holding it together was some of the same white thread. Despite its sorry state, the grotesque mass seemed to still be alive as it let out a gasping noise with every pulse that went through it. Chio put his hand over his mouth in an attempt to stop himself from losing his lunch, but was unsuccessful when he heard Nevala retching behind him. Luckily, they seemed to be far enough away that the beast did not hear them, but it would not have mattered either way, as a mighty war cry sounded out from beside them. Chio and Nevala quickly composed themselves as Ren recklessly charged at the creature. A chittering noise sounded out, drowning out all other noise before it condensed into a haunting voice.
¡°Welcome prey. It is bold of you to so brazenly charge into my home uninvited, but I will be sure that you learn some proper manners as I correct your mistake one limb at a time.¡±
The next moment it disappeared, Chio frantically searched for the creature but could not find it before a loud grunt of pain sounded out from where Ren was standing. The creature had suddenly appeared behind him and now had one of its pointed feet protruding from his right shoulder. With a yell of effort, Ren spun around and swung his axe with reckless abandon, straight toward the creature''s chest. It disappeared from view again before returning to the spot in the middle of the web where it had started it raised its bloodied foot to the middle of its upper chest where a maw split open A large tongue fell from the now gaping mouth and licked the blood from its foot.
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¡°What a delectable flavor.¡± The horrible chittering voice shouted. "I''m going to savor you." It said with a sneer
¡°Power Shot!¡± Nevala roared, losing an arrow from her bow.
It flew straight towards the creature, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake. The creature disappeared again, but the arrow was moving too quickly and a metallic scream resounded out as it appeared 5 feet from where it had diapered a small indent smashed into its lower body.
¡°A feisty one. Do you know how rude it is to interpret someone in the middle of their meal? Alas, it looks like you will all need a lesson in proper manners. Luckily, I happen to be an outstanding teacher.¡± A grinding laugh rescinded from the creature as it once again disappeared.
Chio backed closer to Nevala, and Ren began swinging his axe frantically in every direction, trying to catch his invisible foe before he could sneak up on him again. As Chio searched, a cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he continued to back his way closer to Nevala when a scream came from behind him. The creature had appeared next to his archer companion and was now holding her in the air with its massive right hand as it sat embedded in her back. The life faded from her eyes as her scream slowly died.
¡°Now Now, the lesson has barely begun. You''re not allowed to die yet.¡±
White tread spilled from its hand and into Nevala as it dropped her to the ground, the light returning to her eyes, but they now seemed cloudy.
¡°Now my new star pulp, why don¡¯t you show your friend over there the lesson I taught you while I attend to that delicious morsel swinging his axe around like an uncivilized animal.¡±
Nevala¡¯s eyes glazed over and she turned to stare directly at Chio. She raised her bow, knocking an arrow and drawing the string. Chio could not process the information. His brain had fully shut down when he had seen the woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with impaled by that thing. All he could do was stare with a horrified look on his face as the power shot ripped through his chest. He saw himself on the ground. The impact of the shot had broken most of his bones, leaving him in a horrific state as blood pooled on the surrounding ground. The eerily familiar scene played through his mind one last time as everything faded to black. Chio awoke screaming several hours later. He frantically scanned his surroundings and found himself somehow still mostly intact but bound and stuck inside a cage made of the same white thread. A groan came from beside him as Nevala, in much the same state, opened her eyes. She blinked a few times before also frantically scanning their surroundings.
¡°W-What''s going on?¡± She asked.
¡°Oh, so you are finally awake.¡± The chittering voice came from nearby.
¡°What do you want with us?!¡± Chio yelled.
¡°Oh, nothing much. You would both already be food if not for that insufferable axe wielder.¡± The creature said with a growl. ¡°Damn human, cut one of my legs off and forced me to make a tactical retreat. But that won''t happen again, not when I have two hostages.¡± It said, breaking into a grinding laugh.
Chio paled as he considered his chance of survival. There was no way that brute would put their lives above fighting this thing. Chio looked over at Nevala and finally resigned himself to his fate, but if he was going to die like this, he would not do it with any regrets.
¡°Nevala,¡± he said to get her attention.
She looked over at him with the same look of desperation that he had had a few moments before, but a look of calm now sat on his face.
¡°Even though I only met you a few weeks ago, I have grown to truly care about you and I know we are most likely not going to survive this, but I have to get this off my chest. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, no matter how short it might be. If we somehow get out of this, would you do me the honor of letting me take you to dinner?¡±
Her face took on a calm expression, and a smile touched her lips upon hearing his words.
¡°I was wondering when you would finally work up the courage to ask. Yes, I would love to.¡± She said tears beginning to poor down her checks as she realized that reality would never come to pass.
chapter 29 Reflection
Ray stood on one of the castle''s many balconies overlooking the large city of Promises Echo. It had been a little over two weeks since he had completed and attached his new right arm. He had spent the first few days getting used to the new limb, but once he felt comfortable with it, he ended up helping Freia with a part order from a merchant within the city. They had spent three days rushing to get the order done, as Freia had overestimated the time it would take to complete it. Ray had felt bad about it at first, thinking that Freia had put too much faith in his ability until he learned from her mother that it was a common occurrence for Freia to overestimate what she could complete within a time frame. Usually ending up with her having late or rushed deliveries. After they had finished and delivered the items, Ray found himself with more free time, so he took to exploring the large city. It was like nothing that he had ever seen before and seemed to go on for miles in every direction. He had been spending the first two hours of each morning exploring, but he had still only covered the part closest to the castle. After that, he would join Erith for an hour or two to train with Arabella, Zenith''s daughter whom Erith had been training with since they had gotten here. Ray was not able to learn too much from the lessons as they mostly focused on the proper use of the martial panel and martial arts, which Ray had learned was the word for skills that consumed stamina while those that consumed mana were called the mystic arts. After that lesson, he would join Freia in the workshop, assisting her with any projects that came in, as well as working on a few of his own. After that, he would sit down for dinner with the large scale kin family, as well as Erith. During his time in the castle, he had learned that Zenith was the mother of twelve, with Arabella being the oldest and Orlin the youngest. Curious, he tried to learn more about how Zenith ended up in that dungeon, but she deflected his questions every time, and he ended up giving up. After dinner, it was already late at night, so he ended up going to bed most nights so that he could wake up early and have his walk around the city before the day started. Today had begun much the same way, but he had decided not to go out this morning and instead use the time to reflect on everything that had happened since he came to Zenith¡¯s castle. He sighed while watching the mesmerizing sight of the city below as it slowly came to life. Shops opened up as early risers made their way to work. Ray was happy here. He did not have to worry about whether he had enough coins to make it to the next week anymore as everything had been taken care of for him, but he could not help but feel guilty. He and Erith had set out with the goal of putting an end to the hordes that plagued their homeland, but they had ended up within one of the most peaceful areas on their continent. While Ray enjoyed this time here and he and Erith were no doubt growing stronger, he could not help but feel that it was not enough. He opened his status and went over everything once again.
Status
Name: Ray
Leval: 25
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Artisan (Rare)
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Mana E: 160/160
Stamina: 250/250
Stats
Strength 22
Endurance 25
Dexterity E: 20
Intelligence E: 120
Wisdom E: 16
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Draconic Insight, weapon bond, dual-wielding, Upgrade Material, Disassemble
Titles
[System Appointed Artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Second threshold], [Blessing of the Scale Mother], [Underdog], [Artifact Grade Craftsman],
Ray had had all of his stats reach E rank except for strength and endurance, which were still lagging by a large margin. He was also pleasantly surprised that his mana reached E rank, as he didn''t know it could rank up. Ray had experimented with it and learned that unlike his stats every point of mana did not now count as the same as 10 points at Frank but was instead 10 times as dense allowing him to pour the same amount of mana into an effect but have it be 10 times as impactful. He had learned this the hard way when he pumped the usual amount of mana he spent into his expansion dagger while sparring with Erith and having the blade almost cut her in half as it extended to almost 7 feet long. Thankfully, he was able to find a way to condense the mana running into the blade, focusing it and allowing him to create a one foot blade that was still just as light as his dagger but struck with the force of a sledgehammer. Although these improvements were significant, his lack of progress in levels caused him distress. While he knew that the experience needed to breach the next level increased with each threshold, he still felt like five in two weeks was a terrible pace compared to what he had gained before. Erith was doing even worse than him as she did not have a crafting class that would let her gain xp just to work on a few gadgets within the safety of the castle. While she did still gain a small amount from training with him and Arabella she had only managed to reach the second threshold two days ago and had gone out with a few leveling parties that would fight nearby monster dens and hordes to complete her threshold quest and gain more xp. With a sigh, Ray stepped away from the railing he had been leaning on. It was almost time for Erith and his training and he did not want to be late, but he would speak to Erith after about his worries and get her opinion on what they should do.
chapter 30 training
A clash of steel erupted as Ray parred the incoming strike. He was forced onto the back foot as his opponent amped up the aggression as a whirlwind of flaming sword strikes slammed into his guard. Seizing the only opportunity that had seen open in his opponent''s guard, he quickly pivoted and thrust out with his dagger. The next second, Ray found himself flipping through the air before he finally came to rest on his back. Wincing in pain, he looked up to see the tip of the flaming sword aimed directly at his neck.
¡°So do you yield?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Fine,¡± Ray said with a grown ¡°But you better watch your back because I¡¯m getting you next time.¡±
¡°Sure you will.¡± She said, while trying to hold back a laugh. ¡°Seventh times the charm, after all.¡±
Ray got back to his feet with a stupid grin on his face.
¡°If you''re so confident, then why don¡¯t we try playing some mental games again?¡±
The color drained from Erith''s face as she thought back to the last time they had done that. Ray had hands down beaten her at every game that they played until she finally gave up and declared that E rank intelligence was a cheat. Ray had to agree with her on some level, while he did not feel like he was 10 times smarter than when he did not possess a spark. His mind could now process situations quicker, and his memory and knack for tactics had also improved.
¡°That''s enough chitchat,¡± Arabella said, with her strangely melodic voice.
She had flowing sapphire blue hair that flowed alongside her very human-like face, which Ray had to admit was quite beautiful. She wore an enhanced set of shining plate armor that covered her from neck to foot. While Ray had not yet seen any of the scale kin in their monster forms except for Zenith and Orlin, who was still too young to take on a humanoid appearance. He had heard from Erith about Arabella¡¯s after she was forced to take it on during one of their monster hunts. Her shape in that form was nothing like Zenith¡¯s. She instead turned into a long-scaled creature with a slender tube-like body, four legs, and a head like that of a frilled lizard. Ray could not help but also admire the armor that she wore, as from what he heard, it would transform with her.
¡°Ray quit daydreaming and lesson to me.¡± She said sternly.
Ray snapped his head around to look at the scale kin with her hands on her hips and an unimpressed look on her face.
¡°Sorry Mam, what were you saying?¡±
She let out a deep sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
¡°I said that you need to focus on your opponent more. You are defending strikes just fine, but you keep falling for blatantly obvious baits leading you into unfavorable situations that would end up getting you killed if this was an actual fight.¡±
Ray¡¯s cheeks turned red as he got the same feedback that he had received the last several days after losing a match to Erith.
¡°I am trying to, but it feels like I am so far on the back foot that if I don''t try to seize any opportunity that is presented, I will be overwhelmed eventually, anyway.¡±
¡°A fair outlook, but not the issue. If you were able to seize the correct opportunities, then we would not be having this conversion but you aren''t looking deep enough. You are only observing her actions on the surface level and that is only ever going to show you traps your opponent wants you to fall into unless you are fighting someone with far less skill than you. Here, let me demonstrate what you missed in Erith''s fighting style.¡± She said, waving the younger woman over.
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¡°Yes?¡± Erith asked.
¡°We are going to have a sparing match as I think it would be beneficial for both you and Ray to see the openings that you missed.¡± She responded, drawing her sword and placing it on a rune-engraved pillar, causing a layer of dulling and force-reducing magic to cover it.
¡°Ready?¡±
Erith did not have time to respond as the scale kin exploded into motion. Ray¡¯s mouth hung open as he saw her move in a very similar way to him when he fought. While she was only wielding one weapon so it was not perfect, she was emulating his fighting style with a large degree of skill. Erith was shocked for a moment before she blurred into action as well, using the same attack pattern that she had used against him, but this time a small cry of pain escaped her lips as Arabella struck the back of her leg with her sword. Ray was able to see what the scale kin had been talking about now. Erith slightly raised her guard to high when she was in the middle of her combo, creating an opening for less than a second that Ray had failed to notice.
¡°Do you see what I am talking about now? You are so obsessed with what is happening with your opponents¡¯ weapons that you are not seeing what they fail to protect with every slight twitch and variation in their swing.¡±
Ray nodded, understanding where his mistake was coming from. He made a mental note that he needed to observe his opponent''s full body in the future, not just the weapon they held.
¡°As for you Erith, you need to fix that bad habit of yours. You tend to twitch slightly whenever you are gearing up for a strike, not only making the movement predictable but also causing you to return your guard to the wrong position if a fight goes on long enough. While it is only slight and will not hinder you against any swordsmen of a similar level to your own. As I just demonstrated, it will leave you open to anyone who can see it and has the skill to take advantage.¡±
Erith nodded as well, internalizing the lesson.
¡°With that, you are both dismissed for the day. Oh, and remember, I expect you both to be out here two hours early tomorrow morning so that we can get some practical experience.¡±
¡°Yes Mam,¡± the pair said in unison before walking back toward the entrance to the castle.
¡°That reminds me there was something I wanted to ask you,¡± Ray said.
¡°What is it?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Are you ok with the current speed that we are leveling?¡±
She turned and looked at him with a dumbfounded expression on her face.
¡°You know, it''s normally expected that you gain 10 levels a month in the clan, right?¡±
¡°Yes, but that is for people that aren''t going on hunts or training every day. It took us barely a week to reach level 10 and now it''s taken over two just for me to get five.¡±
¡°Even if we aren''t leveling at the same speed, the experience and knowledge that we are gaining here is invaluable. After training with Arabella, do you think just levels alone will be enough to defeat the true elite of this world?¡± She asked.
Ray sighed before responding.
¡°You''re right. I am just worried about Chio and some others that we left behind, and I know that must be even worse for you, seeing as you left your actual family behind as well.¡±
¡°Well, from now on, just focus that feeling on learning all you can here. We will not get another chance like this, and while I miss my family, there would be no point in returning without the power to enact the changes that we hope to make.¡± She said, taking his left hand in hers.
They stood like that for a few moments before Ray finally nodded and pulled her into a hug.
chapter 31 A hunt begins
Ray woke up the next morning and pulled on a new set of leather armor he had recently finished crafting. He had infused it with auto repair and a defensive enchantment that would create a small magical shield around him when infused with at least 50 MP. Next, he belted a new project he had finished yesterday. It was a finely crafted short sword with a small chanal on both sides of the blade running from the base of the handle to the tip. Ray had gone all out on the new gear. Freia had paid him around 20% of the profits for any orders he helped her with. While this had netted him a small hoard of gold coins, he was already back to being poor between the materials for his arm, armor, and short sword, but it had been worth it not only had his arm ended up being an artifact-grade item but he turned the short sword into an epic one after completing the construction and enchantment process.
Reflective Shot Short sword:
A sword meticulously forged by an Advanced Tinkering Smith and beginner bio-artisan before being enchanted by the beginner bio-artisan elevating it to new heights
Grade: Epic
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Lesser Mana Repair
Impact absorption
Reflective shot: Store any energy nullified by impact absorption. This energy can be expended at any time to fire a set of twin mana bolts down the two channels in the blade. Damage and range are proportionate to the amount of stored energy.
His tests revealed the blade fully charged after absorbing approximately 10¨C15 strikes and continued use without firing the stored energy would cause it to overload. He also added a new enchantment for the weapon, like auto-repair, but instead of using ambient mana to restore it, it would use his mana. As a result, it would repair almost instantly when enough mana was infused. He finished dressing himself for the hunt to come by tying the red tattered cloak still bearing the raven on its back around his neck. It now had a few new singe marks and holes that had accumulated from his past battles, but Ray could not bear to have it replaced. It had originally belonged to his mother and was one of the few things they were able to recover when she was sent to face the horde. Ready, Ray opened the bedroom door and made his way down to the training grounds, where Arabella and Erith waited for him.
¡°Hey,¡± Erith called out when she saw him exit the castle. ¡°You ready for this?¡±
¡°Yeah, why?¡± Ray asked with a puzzled expression.
¡°Well, you know this will be the first time you get involved in a true fight since that day.¡± She said
Hmm, I guess it will be. Ray thought.
¡°To be honest, it hadn''t crossed my mind until you brought it up. I guess I''m just too excited to get out there and test my new creations.¡± He said
¡°Well, that''s good, I guess.¡± She said, rubbing the back of her neck.
¡°Alright, you two, it''s about time we get going. We don¡¯t want to make the others wait after all.¡± Arabella said.
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Erith and Ray both nodded and followed her towards the exit of the castle training grounds. After walking for around an hour, they finally made it to a building smaller than Ray expected. The sign above the door displayed golden lettering in the scale kin¡¯s native tongue, a language Ray had been quickly learning thanks to the Draconic library. The sign read "Monster Hunters Guild" in large letters, and just below it was a recently tacked-on sign reading "Hiring".
¡°Hmm, that''s new,¡± Erith said, looking at the smaller sign. ¡°Do you know what that is about, Lady Arabella?¡±
¡°If I had to guess, that would mean a powerful monster has appeared or a group of beasts has started amassing in large numbers near the city. Either way, it''s seldom good when that sign goes up.¡± She responded. ¡°Anyway, it''s no use worrying about it now. Let''s go in and meet up with the group we will be hunting with today, shall we?¡± she said, opening the door to the building and gesturing for them to go inside.
Ray walked in to find a small waiting room with a few chairs and a large counter sitting against the opposing wall.
¡°Just a minute.¡± A white-haired scale kin woman said from behind the counter as she sorted through a stack of papers.
¡°Hey Iris, are Igi and the newbies he is training here yet?¡± Arabella asked.
¡°Oh, lady Arabella, sorry I did not know it was you. Yes, they are waiting in the 3rd room on the right for your arrival.¡±
¡°Good, Thanks.¡± She said with a slight nod before walking towards a small halfway leading further back into the building. She pulled open the third door and ushered the two inside.
¡°Erith!¡± a large man with short, flaming red hair and bulging muscles yelled out.
He was wearing a cured leather vest he left unbuttoned revealing an enormous bear tattooed in a tribal style on his left peck. He sat on the far side of a circular table with four others who appeared to be close to Ray and Erith¡¯s age.
¡°I''m glad to see the sword witch has not worked you to death yet.¡± The man said, with a wide grin on his face which quickly faded as he saw Arabella¡¯s scowling form walk into the room.
¡°Igi, need I remind you those with loose tongues tend to lose them?¡±
¡°No Mam, sorry Mam.¡± The large man said while bowing his head.
¡°Good, now that you''ve remembered your manners, let me introduce you to Ray, another student of mine who will be joining us today.¡±
Ray gave a short wave at his introduction and was surprised to see a pitying look on Igi¡¯s face that quickly vanished when he noticed Arabella was still glaring at him.
¡°Wellcome aboard Ray, I am not sure you''re¡ teacher has informed you of what we will be doing today so my apologies if you are already aware but my students are not yet. Today we are going to be hunting some of the howler bears that live in nearby caves. While we normally get along with the creatures, they have started to suffer from overpopulation, causing some of them to grow bold and come too close to the roads and city walls. We have been tasked with culling the population back down to a manageable degree so we can return to having a peaceful relationship with them. Questions?¡± He asked, looking over the group. A young girl with a mostly humanoid face except for her large yellow slit-like eyes cast in the shadow under the large brim of her wizard''s hat raised her hand.
¡°Yes, Katelin?¡± Igi asked.
¡°If we find a small one, is there any chance I could make them my new familiar?¡± She asked.
¡°Should not be a problem as long as you have finished the reading I assigned on taking care of carnivorous beasts.¡±
¡°I have, thank you, sir.¡±
¡°Any other questions?¡° Igi asked.
After waiting a few moments and having no one else raise their hand, he rose from his seat.
¡°Alright. Let¡¯s get going then.¡±
chapter 32 the caven
The hunting party made their way out of the large city and into the surrounding plains. They followed a road leading east towards a small mountain range that formed a barrier between the plains and forest of Carinthia.
¡°Alright, I think we are far enough out of the city. Katelin, why not try out the gate spell you have been learning?¡± Igi asked.
¡°Ah, sure.¡± The scale kin said, raising a wooden staff made from a twisted tree branch with a large blue gem secured at the top.
She spoke in a language Ray had never heard before, while a swirl of mana gathered around her. Finishing the incantation, she slammed her staff down and a blue mote of light materialized. It swirled in a circular motion with increasing speed, seeming to become a solid circle before a stretch of road far closer to the mountains they were hedging to appear within.
¡°I did it!¡± Katelin yelled, throwing her arms into the air with a thrilled look on her face.
¡°Nice job. That spell will be a great asset for you in the future,¡± Igi said, stepping through the stabilized portal.
Seeing him successfully make it to the other side, the rest of the group quickly followed, finding themselves far closer to the mountains. Ray was shocked when he heard gagging noises erupt from nearby him. He looked around to find most of their group had fallen to their knees and were dry-heaving after passing through the gate.
¡°Well, look at that. You two have some experience with teleportation, don¡¯t ya?¡± Igi asked while looking at Ray and Erith, who were the only two on their feet other than him and Arabella.
¡°Yeah, when we took the incarnate trials, one man running it teleported us, but he was kind enough to tell us to close our eyes for the first few times so we didn¡¯t end up like them,¡± Ray said gesturing to the fallen students.
¡°Incarnate trials?¡± Igi and Arabella asked in tandem.
¡°Yeah, the trials where you obtain a spark,¡± Ray stated with a look of confusion on his face.
¡°Never heard of anything like that before,¡± Igi said while scratching his head. ¡°What about you Arabella?¡±
¡°No, I have never heard of anyone having to go through a trial to gain a spark. Unless you count placing your hand on that pedestal, a trial.¡± She responded.
¡°Wait, so all you two had to do to gain a spark was place your hand on some pedestal?¡± Erith interjected.
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¡°Yes.¡± Igi and Arabella both answered.
¡°We had to go through this whole goddamn trial competing against the other clans within the Carinthia just to get ours. One of our clan members even ended up dying.¡± She said.
¡°That sounds awful. Why would your clan make you go through that just to start on the path to power?¡± Arabella asked.
¡°Because it is the only way we knew of to obtain a spark. One of the trial curators comes every year for all those who have come of age and takes them to the trials to compete for the best spark they can get,¡± Ray stated.
¡°Hmm, we will have to save this conversation for another time as it looks like my students are finally recovering, but If I had to level a guess, I would say there is something strange going on in that forest,¡± Igi said.
Ray furrowed his eyebrows. His statement only raised more questions.
Does Igi not know of the hordes that plague the forest? Come to think of it, I don¡¯t think I have heard of anyone having to deal with those things out here.
Ray had to pause his train of thought as the group started moving again towards a cave mouth in the side of the mountain. When they got within a few feet, a wailing cry resounded out from deep within the cave.
¡°That would be one of the howlers, and from the sound of it, a young one. Stay sharp as we go in they are normally docile but there is no telling what they will do when starving,¡± Igi said, making his way into the cave as silently as he could.
The group followed close behind him, staying close to the wall to avoid being seen. They entered an enormous cavern stretching down. An almost ethereal glow emanated from a large lake at the bottom of the cavern, revealing a forest-like ecosystem thriving within the cave. Large stalks of mycelium sprouted from around the body of water forming the trees while a layover of moss covered every rock on the ground, giving it the illusion of growing grass. The group slowly followed the path downward, being careful not to make a sound. More howls emanated from below, causing a shiver to run up Ray¡¯s spine. While the cries were nothing compared to the shriekers, they still gave him a bad feeling of what was to come. Finally reaching the bottom and entering the forest of mycelium, the group spread out, creating a defensive formation as they walked. They made their way to the large body of water before stopping in front of it.
¡°While we''re here, I thought I might show you kids a mana crystal if you have never seen one before,¡± Igi said in a whisper, beckoning the group to move in for a closer look at the lake.
He pointed out an extensive network of a green glowing substance running underneath the water, creating the light within the cavern.
¡°That is a nature-attuned mana crystal and is what allows this entire ecosystem to flourish so far from the light of the sun.¡±
Ray moved in for a closer look. A symphony of howls echoed through the cavern, and a pack of bear-like creatures stalking through the mycelium proved his uneasy feeling correct.
chapter 33 walker fungus
Ray readied an arrow as the group of howlers closed in. They looked like normal brown bears at first glance, but upon closer inspection, their throats had a large sac that produced their wailing.
¡°Hold your ground,¡± Igi said, moving in front of the group. ¡°They normally don¡¯t gather in this big of a pack. We will need to be careful.¡±
Ray looked over at the creatures slowly surrounding them again and noticed something strange.
¡°Are they supposed to have that white fungus growing off of them?¡±
¡°Now that you mention it, no. Avoid that stuff and use ranged attacks. I believe the walker fungus has infected them.¡± Igi responded.
The group of newbies turned pale at his words and drew back bow strings or pointed staffs at the creatures while muttering incantations.
¡°Walker, what now?¡± Erith asked.
¡°It''s a fungus that propagates by reanimating corpses and using them as vectors for transmission. If infected and not treated within 24 hours, you will end up joining their ranks.¡° Arabella said, drawing her sword.
The group tensed as the casters finished their incantations. Igi listened intently, waiting for each of his students to finish before he finally gave the signal.
¡°Now!¡± he roared, followed by a volley of martial and mystic arts flying at the infected bears.
¡°Power shot!¡±
¡°Icicle!¡±
¡°Grasping vines!¡±
¡°Mana bolt!¡±
The group roared in tandem. Erith and Ray, refusing to be outdone, unleashed a firebolt and constrictor shot, respectively. Vines and moss sprang to life, holding the creatures in place. A large shard of ice followed, tearing through five of the creatures snared close together. Another bear fell as an arrow ripped through its neck, almost completely removing its head and severing its spinal cord. Next, two mana bolts, one a glowing blue and the other crimson, impacted their targets. They tore into their targets with the crimson one, causing the creature''s fur to ignite. It howled in terror as the fire not only consumed the bear but the fungus controlling it before disappearing as if had never been there. The final projectile impacted one of the three remaining bests. A large green snake appeared, wrapping the creature in a tight hold before its fangs descended on its neck. Ray¡¯s jaw hung open as his skill drained the life out of its target. He checked the bow to see if anything had changed since he enchanted it, but that was not the case.
Maybe it''s because of my mana rank up? I will have to talk to Freia when I get back. He considered before refocusing on the last two targets, but concluded his help was unnecessary.
¡°Shockwave!¡± Igi roared, extending his fist with a powerful punching motion.
The air rippled as a powerful unseen force moved through it. It impacted one of the remaining bests, reducing it to a red stain on the ground before continuing into one of the mushroom trees and causing it to topple.
¡°Shit, overdid it again,¡± Igi said with a frown while rubbing the back of his head.
Ignoring the raw display of power, Arabella gracefully moved her way through the fallen creatures and to the last remaining member of their number before dispatching it with a slight flick of her wrist, causing its head to fall to the ground. She sheathed the blade that did not have a speck of blood on it and returned to the group.
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¡°Erith, would you be a dear and reduce those corpses to ash so the fungus cannot spread further?¡± She asked.
¡°Yes, lady Arabella.¡± She responded before igniting the bodies one by one until nothing remained.
¡°Good work class. That fungus explains why they have been venturing out in search of food recently. Damn disease must have been spreading through the cave for months.¡± Igi said.
¡°We need to scour the cave so that this does not become a recurring problem,¡± said Arabella.
Igi nodded, and the group reformed a defensive formation and swept the rest of the cave. They came upon a few more packs of the infected creatures but made quick work of them between the druid (that Ray had learned was named Jen) and Katelin¡¯s ice magic. There were a few close calls, but Arabella or Igi would step in before anyone got hurt. They even came across a small uninfected howler that Katelin quickly made into her familiar getting Igi¡¯s permission. After three hours, they had finally cleared the cave completely of the fungus infection. They left the enormous cavern and Katelin conjured another gate spell transporting the group back to the city entrance.
¡°That should be all for today. Remember that we will have a debriefing tomorrow at 11 am. Erith and Ray, you''re also invited if you wish to attend. For now, you are all dismissed as I''m going to need to help Katelin with the paperwork for her new familiar.¡± Igi said, turning to follow the girl who was now riding atop the small bear that was still the size of a horse. Erith and Ray followed Arabella back towards the castle as they spoke.
¡°I expect both of you to attend Igi¡¯s debriefing tomorrow. He may not be the smartest tool in the shed, but he has an incredible mind for all things related to combat. As expected from my former star pupil.¡± Arabella said.
¡°Will do. His insights helped a lot when we last trained with them, so I can¡¯t wait to hear what he has to say.¡± Erith responded.
Ray made his way down the steps leading to the workshop as soon as they arrived back at the castle, excited to get to work on his next project. He also needed to ask Freia if she knew anything about what could be going on with his bow. He pushed open the large door leading to the cluttered room and saw Freia working on a new set of blueprints. She looked up, hearing him enter.
¡°Hey Ray, how''s ya day been?¡± She asked.
¡°Good, but I have something I want to ask you about, the enchantments in my bow,¡± he responded.
¡°Sure, ask away.¡±
¡°I used it in the hunt that Arabella took me and Erith on today, but it had an effect trigger that is not in the item description.¡±
¡°Hmm, so what was the effect?¡± She said, inspecting the item and using her investigation skills.
¡°It activated like normal restraining the target, but then it bit down on its neck and drained its life force. Do you think it could have something to do with my mana rank up?¡±
Her large eyes lit up as he spoke.
¡°Oh my, a skill combination. Who could have guessed that your arm would be capable of somtin¡¯ like that?¡±
¡°Skill combination?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Ya, it''s what happens when you infuse two items with compatible skills at the same time. It''s extremely rare, but guessing by the broad ability that your arm has, it may be compatible with a lot more items.¡±
¡°But I was not even infusing my arm when it happened.¡±
¡°You draw back the bowstring with your right hand, ya?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°And how do you infuse the energy needed for your bow skill?¡±
¡°With my right.. arm¡ Ok, I see what you are getting at.¡±
¡°Good, now that''s sorted, why don¡¯t we get to work?¡±
Ray nodded in agreement, walking into the back and emerging in a leather apron with large gloves designed to keep him from being burned while working the forge.
¡°Alright, what do you need done first?¡±
chapter 34 feedback
Ray spent the next several hours slaving over an anvil, helping Freia create hundreds of arrow tips. When they were about halfway done with the order, he took charge of crafting the shafts and fletchings alone while she finished the rest of the tips for the bulk order from the local militia. They finally finished crafting and packing the order of 700 arrows around midnight. Ray made his way to his room as soon as they were done. Ray had to wake up early tomorrow for Igi¡¯s breakdown of the fight and what they should work on. He collapsed onto his bed with exhaustion and did not remove his thick leather apron or protective gear before drifting off. He was awoke the next morning by a loud pounding on his door.
¡°Ray! You awake in there?¡± Erith yelled while continuing to bang on the wooden door.
¡°Yes, one moment,¡± Ray called back as he slowly rolled out of bed.
Opening the door, he saw Erith in her combat attire. Her sword was belted at her hip, and her staff was on her back, although she seldom used it since her blade''s upgrade. Ray¡¯s eyes widened as realization struck him.
¡°What time is it?¡±
¡°10 minutes passed when we should have left to arrive on time. Now hurry and get dressed, so we aren''t too late.¡± Erith said.
Ray shut the door and frantically stripped off his forging attire before slipping into his leather armor and clock. He burst through the door again a few seconds later, following Erith down, hopping on one foot as he pulled on his left boot. They made it to the hunter''s guild only a few minutes after the meeting started, by sprinting through the city as quickly as they could.
Bursting through the front door, they ran up to the front desk.
¡°Where it Igi¡¯s class at?¡± Ray asked while panting.
Iris stood stunned for a few moments before shaking her head and responding.
¡°Third room on the right-¡±
¡°Thank you!¡± Ray shouted over his shoulder, running towards the room she indicated.
The pair slowed and collected themselves for a moment before entering.
¡°Erith, Ray! I was beginning to think you wouldn''t make it today. Please take a seat.¡± Igi said with a wide grin.
They obliged, finding two open chairs in the back and sitting down.
¡°First, we will break down what went down on an individual scale before taking some time to look at the big picture and how you all work as a team. First up is you Rudy,¡± Igi said, pointing at a large boy Ray recognized from yesterday.
He served as the team''s tank and could use a few light spells as well, if range was required.
¡°I don¡¯t have too much for you, as that excursion stopped you from performing your regular duty on the team. With that said, I''m glad you took my advice and learned how to use mana bolt even if it took a long time. You displayed a good level of mastery over it yesterday, so good job. Next up Sam,¡± He continued, gesturing at the group''s archer. ¡°Excellent use of power shot to swiftly take down one foe after another, but make sure to watch your stamina better, as if I was not there for the last fight, you could have been gravely injured when you ran out.¡±
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The young archer nodded with a slight frown on his face.
¡°Your next Katelin. While you made great use of your icicle spell, you wasted too much mana with each shot and ended up having to rely on potions to stay in the fight. Try to focus on improving your aim so you don¡¯t need to make them so big to ensure a kill. Finally Jen, last of the main group.¡± He said, pointing at the druid in the back of the room. ¡°While your use of the grasping vines spell let your teammates tear the enemy to shreds, you still have some work to do on it. The final version of that spell will cause the vines to grow large thorns, not only giving them a better grip on their target but allowing you to shred them if you find yourself alone.¡±
The young druid nodded in confirmation before opening a large tome she had brought.
¡°And finally Erith and Ray. Erith, your fire mastery will never not amaze me, but I think you rely too heavily on it. While it worked out this time and will for most targets, what happens when you face a water elemental or mage? I would recommend you look into acquiring some countermeasures for those possibilities as they will end up nullifying half of your class''s power. Ray, first, am I correct in assuming your class is some sort of ranger mage hybrid?¡±
¡°No sir,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Really? Though I was spot on with that.¡± Igi said, scratching his chin. ¡°What is it if you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±
¡°I have an artisan class.¡±
¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t even consider that with how sharp you are with your bow and those blades. So that snake skill you used, I''m guessing, was an item ability and not one of your own, then?¡±
Ray nodded.
¡°Hmm, well I can''t give you too much advice then, as most of what I had to say assumed you were a ranger dabbling in the mystic arts. It¡¯s good to see a crafting type become interested in defending himself, although promising people too frequently meet an untimely demise due to neglecting proper self-defense training.¡±
With everyone given their individual instruction, Igi moved on to what they could work on for team cohesion. While not directly involved in this discussion, Ray still listened intently, learning more about how a proper monster-hunting party functioned. After they were dismissed, Erith and Ray headed back towards the castle.
¡°Hey, you want to grab some lunch on the way back?¡± Erith asked.
Ray sighed.
¡°I would love to, but Freia accepted another bulk order with a short deadline, so I need to get back to help her with it.¡±
¡°Oh ok, how about tomorrow after training then?¡±
¡°Sure, should we see if Arabella would like to join us in that case?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Well, I was kind of hoping it could just be the two of us,¡± Erith said with a slight blush.
¡°Like a date?¡±
¡°Y-Yeah, if you want it to be.¡± She said, looking down at the ground.
¡°I¡¯d like that,¡± Ray said, his heart threatening to jump out of his chest.
Erith¡¯s gaze shot back up to his face with his answer.
¡°It''s a date then!¡± She said before breaking into a slight giggle.
chapter 35 crossbows and staircases
The forge crackled beside Ray as he forged a set of intricate mechanisms that would form the trigger piece for a crossbow. He had already completed the process 20 times and only had 30 to go before the assembly process could begin. Freia would normally help him with such a large order, but she was currently out procuring another shipment of lumber after the large order of arrows completely wiped out their last one. Ray set the next set of still-glowing pieces to the side as he pulled out another chunk of iron and began molding it into the correct shape. He wiped a large trail of sweat from his brow several hours later as he stepped away from the forge. He walked into the workshop to see if Freia had returned yet, but found it empty. With nothing else to do, he walked over to a less cluttered table that had become his personal workbench over the past month and looked over the unfinished prototype that sat there. It was a small round ball with unfinished, runic symbols carved into it. Ray pulled a stool over, sat down, and continued the process of painstakingly carving each line into the sphere, making sure to not cut too deep. While it may only be a negligible change, he did not need any changes that could throw off his calculations when it came to something as complicated as teleportation.
CRASH!
Ray dug his carving tool far too deep into the sphere side as a loud noise coming from just outside the door made him jump to his feet. He looked down at the now ruined project before muttering several obscenities under his breath and marching towards the door. He hurled the sphere onto a large pile of similarly shaped, flawed objects, saving them for later study so he could learn from the imperfections and create a perfect final product. Throwing the door open in a huff, Ray prepared to scream at whoever had interrupted his progress but stopped when he saw Kenith, the second youngest of Zenith''s children, only 8 years old. Collapsed under a pile of striped logs.
¡°Are you ok?¡± Ray asked, his anger turning to worry.
¡°Ow,¡± the scale kin said while standing up
He was wearing a forest green tunic and leggings that clashed against his crimson scales. Like Freia, his humanoid form still left him looking closer to his natural self, with scales covering his head to toe, a pointed snout protruding from the front of his face, and two horns growing from the back of his skull.
¡°Please don¡¯t tell my sister about this. She will be pissed if she finds out that I tried to carry more than one log down at a time.¡±
¡°She should be. You''re lucky that you weren''t badly injured with a fall like that.¡±
¡°Please Ray, I''ll give you my serving of dessert tonight.¡±
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¡°I won¡¯t be bribed so easily.¡±
¡°Aw come on, please.¡±
¡°Tell you what, I won''t tell your sister about this if you promise to always listen to her instructions from now on.¡±
¡°B-But,¡±
¡°Fre-¡±
¡°NO, stop I promise.¡±
¡°Good, then let''s get this mess cleaned up before Freia sees.¡±
¡°Before I see wha-¡± Freia turned the corner of the large spiral staircase, seeing the mess of logs and splinters at the bottom.
She turned with a murderous glint in her eyes. Ray quickly threw one of the scattered logs over his shoulder before running towards the open door.
¡°You''re on your own for this one.¡±
Several minutes of yelling later, Freia finally entered the room.
¡°So? how did it go?¡± Ray asked.
She let out a long, tired sigh before answering.
¡°I may have been too harsh on him, but he understands why I tell him to do things a certain way now.¡±
¡°It''s better he finds out now rather than when he is missing the left half of the body after dropping two crates of something explosive.¡±
¡°You''re right, but I don¡¯t even know if that would damage him. I have seen that boy take a fireball to the face and shrug it off like someone had thrown nothing more than a flickering candle.¡±
Ray¡¯s eyes went wide as he imagined Kenith shrugging off an explosion.
¡°Why do you think he is so durable?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Don¡¯t know, all us that have humanoid forms closer to what we normally look like have increased durability, like what allows me to grab red hot steal without the use of gloves, but that kid is on another level. Anyhow, we got an order to finish up and I don¡¯t want to be here at midnight again.¡±
Ray nodded in agreement and then began crafting each crossbow. The next day, he awoke with an almost surreal feeling. Today he would actually go on a date and not with just anyone, but the person he could confidently call his closest friend. A goofy smile crept onto his face as he got ready and made his way down to the training grounds. He walked out the door, entering the large clearing, and his smile suddenly faded when he saw the sight in front of him. He expected to see Arabella, but he was also surprised to see Igi and his students; however, that was not what caused his smile to turn into a frown. What did that was the sheet white shade of Igi¡¯s students.
chapter 36 new beginnings part 1
¡°Ray!¡± Igi shouted while walking over to him and putting an arm around his shoulder. I got to thinking after our lesson breakdown and thought it would be a good idea for all of you youngsters to get some more practical combat experience against other humanoids. So I let Arabella know, and she thought it would be a great idea to set up some 1 on 1 exercises.
¡°Ok¡ but if that''s all this is, why do your students look so pale?¡± asked Ray.
¡°Oh, they got like when I told them Arabella and I would be joining in.¡± He said with a large grin.
Ray zoned out for a moment, leaving him with the same pale visage and expression as the other students. Erith soon joined them in the courtyard with a wide smile on her face, but moments later, she was no better off than any of the others.
¡°Alright, let''s get started shall we?¡± Igi said rubbing his hands together ¡°For pairings in the first round let''s do Rudy and Erith, Jen and Katelin, Ray and Sam, and that just leaves Me and Arabella, Huh funny how that worked out.¡± Igi said with a wide grin.
¡°If you wanted a reminder of your education, you should have just asked,¡± Arabella said with a small shake of her head.
¡°Oh, things will be different this time.¡±
¡°Well, I''m glad you still have your dreams, no matter how unrealistic they might be,¡± Arabella responded with a vicious smile touching her lips.
¡°All right, everyone, get into your pairs, and let''s get this thing started.¡±
Everyone quickly followed the instructions, breaking off and standing across from their assigned opponent.
¡°On the count of three, begin. One, Two, Three!¡±
Ray exploded into motion as Igi finished his count, opting to draw his dagger and short sword instead of engaging in a ranged battle. He ducked a hastily fired power shot before he was forced to back off as a barrage of 10 arrows flew toward him. There was a momentary stalemate as Ray was forced back every time he came within 10 feet of the archer. Undeterred, he formulated a plan he quickly set into motion. He placed his short sword on his belt after dodging another barrage of arrows and made to grab his bow. Seeing this, his opponent charged another power shot, aiming to keep him from drawing the weapon. As he did so, Ray smirked as he charged the extension enchantment on his dagger, not bothering to compress its size. Sam was left unable to react as the ethereal blade rushed towards his neck, stopping inches from striking him.
¡°My win?¡± Ray asked.
Sam could only nod as the blade rescinded from his neck and back into the dagger. A boom echoed out from the edge of the courtyard, pulling everyone''s attention. A cloud of dust lingered in the air, fading to reveal Igi half-embedded in the wall with a sword to his neck.
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¡°Better luck next time, my foolish disciple,¡± Arabella said, sheathing her weapon.
Igi pulled himself from the wall with a groan and followed her back to the large group now gapping at the display.
¡°Well, looks like everyone is finished, so let''s move on to the next pairings,¡± Igi said, cracking his neck.
Ray stared wide-eyed at the man. He did not think he could move after taking a hit like that, but Igi just shrugged it off like it was nothing.
¡°Next pairings will be Jen and Erith, Sam and Katelin, Ray, and Rudy, and what a coincidence that just leaves Arabella and me again,¡± Igi said with a grin.
Arabella rolled her eyes.
¡°Eager to lose again, are we?¡± she said.
¡°That hit was a fluke, and you know it.¡±
¡°Are you going to make that excuse every time I beat you today?¡±
The two continued to bicker until everyone had taken their positions, and the next round began. This continued until everyone had faced each other once. Ray was surprised at how easily he could match every opponent he faced. The only two that gave him trouble were Erith, whose speed was getting close to one par with his own, and Jen, who somehow animated the arrows in his quiver, using them to chase after him like a swarm of angry bees. Ray was overall happy with the experience as it had helped him learn how to adapt against new opponents who displayed similar abilities to his own. It looked like most of the group agreed with him having content expressions as they talked among themselves. The only one who looked like they had a problem with how the exercise was Igi. A frown adorned his face as he walked back to the group after pulling himself from the third and largest hole left in the wall Arabella sent him flying into with each defeat.
¡°Alright everyone, good work today,¡± Arabella said. ¡°I hope you were able to learn something from today''s activity and look forward to doing more like this in the future. You are all dismissed.¡±
Ray and Erith said their goodbyes to the group after the dismissal before joining up. They walked into the city, making their way toward a small restaurant Ray had found during his morning adventures. They made small talk while walking, mostly discussing their duals against Igi¡¯s students. A smile was stuck on both their faces as they walked and talked, with Erith eventually reaching for Ray¡¯s hand. He returned the gesture as they finished the last stretch to the restaurant.
¡°I have a reservation for Ray,¡± he said as they walked up to the front counter.
The woman running the counter checked a list she kept before motioning for Erith and him to follow. She led them through a large dining room and to a circular table near the back of the room. They both sat down and began studying the menu that had been given to them. Erith''s eyes widened as she looked at the options.
¡°Are you sure we can afford this place? These prices are not cheap.¡± She asked.
¡°Well, I have been doing well for myself with all the work I am helping Freia with, and this is our first date, so I wanted it to be memorable.¡±
¡°Aw, that''s sweet, but I''m just happy to be spending time with you.¡±
Ray blushed at the statement and a wide smile crossed his face.
chapter 37 New beginnings part 2
The new couple spent the next several hours enjoying their time together. After lunch, Ray showed Erith around the parts of the city he had explored. It wasn¡¯t until the sun had started to set they finally made their way back to the castle.
¡°I had a great time today. Thanks for showing me around. I haven''t had much time to get out since we got here,¡± Erith said as they walked hand in hand back towards the castle.
¡°Yeah, this city really is amazing. I wish our home could be like this,¡± Ray said.
¡°It will be. Once we take care of those hordes, we can make our home just like this place.¡±
¡°I hope so.¡±
Ray stopped momentarily and looked up at the castle in front of them with a frown. Erith turned to face him.
¡°What''s wrong?¡± she asked.
Ray let out a long sigh before responding.
¡°I have been throwing myself fully into anything I could this past month to avoid thinking about what? I did back in that cave, but I don¡¯t think I can anymore. I killed that man, Erith. I¡ I know I didn¡¯t have a choice, and I thought you were dead and-¡±
Erith pulled him closer and planted her lips on his. Ray¡¯s heart rate spiked as he returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around her. They stayed like that for several moments before their lips broke apart. They stared into each other''s eyes for a moment longer.
¡°I¡¡± Ray tried to speak but couldn''t find the right words.
¡°Listen Ray, I know how you feel about what you did, but that man deserved it. He tried to kill me and you and Orlin. He took your arm and if you didn¡¯t stop him, he would have done worse to all three of us. You did the right thing.¡±
¡°I know I just..¡± he sighed before continuing. ¡°Thank you, Erith. I needed to hear that.¡±
She smiled and gave him another peck on the lips.
¡°That''s all the thanks I need.¡±
They talked for a while longer until the sun had fully set and darkness covered the now quiet city. Seeing how late it had become, the pair said their goodbyes and went their separate ways after promising to go on another date when their schedule allowed for it. Ray awoke the next morning and could not stop smiling as he looked back on his and Erith¡¯s first date. He quickly got dressed while whistling to himself. He made his way down to Freia¡¯s workshop, taking the steps two at a time. With any luck, today would be close to as good a day as yesterday. With the recent crafting sprees, Freia had him helping with, he had reached level 29 and today he had a feeling he would finally be able to complete that personal project he had been working on.
¡°Damn it!¡± Ray yelled, throwing yet another failed product to the side of the room.
It was his 10th attempt today and still no luck. His practice had paid off, but he was now struggling to infuse the correct spell into the carvings on the sphere.
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¡°I told you how hard it was to infuse an object with a spell without access to the invocation system and panel, and that''s when talkin¡¯ about fire or ice spells, not teleportation,¡± Freia said looking up from a small wind-up toy she was making for Orlin¡¯s birthday coming up in a few weeks.
¡°Then what should I do?¡± Ray asked.
¡°You''re almost level 30, right?¡±
¡°Yes,¡±
¡°Then it''s simple. Just wait and get your second class evolution, specializing in some form of enchanting.¡±
Ray thought about it for a few moments before shaking his head.
¡°I don¡¯t want to take a specialization if I can help it. I don¡¯t want to give up on any crafting methods yet.¡±
¡°Nonsense, I have a specialization and I can work with wood just as well as any other crafter can.¡±
¡°Yeah, but you don¡¯t have access to the carpentry system, which will always make your products a step below any skilled craftsman who does. I am already in a special position, so why not try to maintain it?¡±
¡°Hmm, you have a point there.¡±
Ray picked up another sphere and carved the necessary runes for his project.
¡°Think about it. If I can obtain access to all the crafting systems, then I would never need to order a high-quality handle, blade, or engravings from anyone else. I could do it all myself.¡±
The sphere was fully engraved in seconds, all while continuing his conversation with Freia. He had successfully carved that pattern over 50 times already and could almost do it in his sleep. He held the sphere tight and began attempting to create the magic circuit within the ball-shaped object. Ray understood why Freia was hesitant to work with spacial or teleportation magic as it would destroy the engravings if done wrong and you would have to start from scratch. Concentrating, he slowly implanted the first ring then the second, but when he completed and went to infuse the third and final ring, something went wrong again and the ball fell to the ground as a dark purple energy ran wild inside of it. He muttered a few obscenities under his breath, retrieving the next sphere and beginning the process again. He was unsure why he was continuously failing on the last step. The last five times he was able to successfully form all three rings, but every time he moved to implant the third ring into the object, he would lose control of the mana, causing it to fail.
¡°I think I can see your issue,¡± Freia said after observing his last attempt. ¡°You''re lettin¡¯ the mana of the first two rings settle in before the third has a chance too, causing them to run wild while they are missing the control circuit. Try doing it the other way around.¡±
¡°I guess it''s worth a shot, but the guide on the gate spell I read said to form those two first.¡±
¡°Yes, but that is for a spell where your intention is maintaining the shape of the mana while in an item infusion. You lose contact with it as soon as it enters the item.¡±
Ray finished engraving the item before again sitting and beginning the enchantment process. He formed the third ring first and was able to insert it into the item. Next, he formed the first and second ring. He carefully maneuvered them into place and prepared to throw the object onto the growing pile of failures, but stopped as the energy stayed in control this time and a slight humming noise emanated from it. He jumped to his feet with a triumphant roar, activating Draconic insight to confirm the object was truly complete.
chapter 38 third threshold
Gate stabilization orb: an orb infused with the gate spell by a beginner bio-artisan
Grade: Uncommon
Durability: 100/100
Memory: 0/10
Attributes
Bind: save a location
Gate: open a gate between your current location and a saved location
Ray grinned as looked at the orb he marked his current location, took a few steps back, and activated the effect, seeing two shimmering doorways pop into existence.
¡°Proficiency threshold reached. Incarnate threshold quest level three initiated.¡±
¡°You did it!¡± Freia shouted after seeing the portals appear. ¡°I was sure that you would need to rank up your class again first, but you actually did it.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Ray said, continuing to stare at the shimmering purple object in his hand.
¡°Should it be glowing that bright?¡±
Ray¡¯s eyes widened as he realized what Freia meant. A deep purple glow was growing from the object and the wearing noise increased.
¡°I can¡¯t turn it off!¡± Ray yelled as the noise became deafening.
¡°Throw it in the back room quickly!¡± Freia shouted.
Ray burst into motion, bolting through the doorway and to the back room that served as Freia¡¯s office. He threw the device inside and shut the large door not a second too soon as an explosion sounded from within. Freia ran around the corner with relief in her eyes when she saw Ray had made it in time.
¡°Sorry about your office,¡± Ray said.
¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Freia said, walking over to the door and opening it. ¡°That place was made to¡ deal¡ with¡ explosions,¡± she trailed off while looking inside.
¡°What''s wrong?¡± Ray asked, walking over and peering around the door.
His mouth dropped as he looked inside and saw that everything in the office was gone and a small, perfectly smooth indent was carved into the floor.
¡°Well, I think you could sell that thing as a matter removal bomb, if nothing else,¡± Freia said.
¡°You''re not mad about your stuff?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Oh no, it''s not the first time something like this has happened and we are both in one piece, so it''s not an issue. All that furniture can be replaced.¡±
The two spent the next several hours investigating what had gone wrong with the device, but still could not find any reason that it failed how it did. Finally, having to admit defeat, they started working on the next order that they had gotten. While cleaning up his workstation Ray finally remembered he had hit level 30 and quickly opened his threshold quest.
Quests
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Incarnate threshold level three
Requirements for compilation
Evolve a class 0/1
Evolution-related quest 0/unknown
Rewards
Third threshold title
Access to levels 31-40
Additional rewards based on performance
It was more or less what he expected after talking with Freia. Now was the time for him to put his plan in motion and see if he had what it took to remain a jack-of-all-trades craftsman. He finished clearing off the table space and checked his status one last time to make sure everything was ready.
Status
Name: Ray
Leval: 30
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Bio-Artisan (Rare)
Mana E: 560/560
Stamina: 300/300
Stats
Strength 27
Endurance 30
Dexterity E: 40
Intelligence E: 180
Wisdom E: 56
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 2
Wisdom 1
Skills
Draconic Insite, weapon bond, dual-wielding, Upgrade Material, Disassemble
Titles
[System Appointed Artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [First threshold], [Blessing of the Scale Mother], [Underdog], [Artifact Grade Craftsman]
He poured the last of his free points into wisdom as he went down the page. He was going to need as much mana as he could get his hands on for this next part. Finishing the setup that he needed, he told Freia he had reached the threshold and would need to try enacting his plan before helping her out. She approved and started work alone while Ray set out an array of items, each pertaining to a different artisan branch. He would have to be quick, with Freia¡¯s help he was able to think this up, if he could complete a complex task from each branch in under two hours then it should be enough to grant him an evolution option where he remains an artisan. Ray let out a long breath, focusing on the task in front of him, then he began. His hands were a blur of motion as he quickly cut parts for and assembled a wooden puzzle box. Final time 13 minutes. He then moved on to a ring that he crafted a new spark for. Final time 7 minutes. He continued like this, completing one project after another before coming to the second to last one. This one would test his limits, as he would need to construct an item very similar to his gate orb, but this one was meant to explode into fire when thrown. He quickly and precisely cut channels into the orb until he was happy with the result. He then took time forming each magical ring needed for the fireball spell and infused them into their correct spots. Final time 36 minutes. Finally, he made it to the final project with over 42 minutes remaining. Now would be his greatest challenge. His hands blurred as he placed a plank of wood down and carved precise patterns into it. He then carefully inserted rods of still-glowing steel into the plank, charring the wood as they cooled and slotted into place. Next, he engraved each rod before picking up the spell manual for lighting bolt and carefully infusing it into them. He then opened his spark creation panel and grabbed a tablet that had auto repair on it. He infused the item with the spark and moved on to the final task. Ray formed the plank into a crossbow shape. Grabbing some string, he set out to souk in a mix of different strengthening tonics. He strung the weapon. Finally, for the last step, he opened his artisan panel and infused every point he had accumulated from leveling and his dismantle skill, reaching well over 70 points into the weapon
You have successfully created a new item.
Please enter a name for your new creation.
chapter 39 Magus of crafting
¡°Storm piercer,¡±
Storm piercer: a hand crossbow crafted by a beginner bio-artisan alone giving the item a special bond with its creator
Grade: Artifact
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Greater Auto Repair
Mana Arrow: bolt
Lightning shots: any bolt fired from this crossbow will be infused with lightning damage, causing electrical discharges when it strikes a target.
Creator bond: This item has forged a special bond with its creator, granting a 20% bonus to all martial arts and abilities used through this weapon.
Ray did not even have time to celebrate the successful creation of his second artifact-grade item before a voice echoed in his mind.
¡°Class evolution available. Please select an option.¡±
As the words faded, a screen popped up, displaying 5 different classes that he could pick from.
Class evolution
Flesh Artificer (Rare)
An artificer specializing in upgrading living creatures with mechanical augmentations
+4 to wisdom and intelligence
+2 all stats for each integrated synthetic enhancement
Ray winced when he saw the first option. While he understood he would most likely see this option, he still wanted to avoid thinking about that man.
Apprentice Blacksmith Tinkerer (Rare)
An apprentice that has taken their first step towards becoming a blacksmith specializing in artificer-like products
+2 wisdom and endurance
+4 intelligence
+2 crafting skill when forging or crafting with items you forged
Ray was happy to see this option as it gave him a great fallback if he did not achieve his goal. He had already seen what Freia could do with her upgraded version of the class and would not be too upset if it was the path he also ended up walking.
Arcane Enchanter (Epic)
An enchanter mostly focuses on improving items with magic. This variant mostly focuses on infusing spells into items.
+6 wisdom and intelligence
Spells cast through items have their effects increased by 20% of your intelligence
Ray¡¯s eyes widened when he saw this option. He zoned out for a moment as he thought about all the items he could make with this class and the devastating spells he could unleash. He finally snapped out of his daydreams and continued down the list, making a note to come back for this class if nothing else caught his eye.
Hexblade (Artifact)
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A rouge dabbling in the arcane. Strike from the shadows channeling spell through your blades, rendering all those in front of you to not but ash
+4 intelligence and endurance
+8 dexterity
Attacks made against an enemy unaware of your presence gained 20% increased effect based on intelligence and dexterity
While he would still choose Arcane Enchanter, he was excited to see his first artifact grade class. He had learned from Freia and the Draconic library what each grade meant. For each threshold, every incarnate would gain a class evolution and the grade was based on how advanced the class was.
Common: a step below where a class should be at this threshold.
Uncommon: if following a normal progression path, this should be the level of class you expect to receive.
Rare: This class normally appears one threshold later than when you received it
Epic: This class normally appears two thresholds later than when you received it
The grades continued like that up to divine, which was a full tier of ascension above your current threshold.
Magus of crafting (Artifact) (Unique)
A class focusing on the creation of items utilizing every form of crafting available
+8 intelligence and wisdom
Access to all artisan-related panels
+4 all stats when using a piece of equipment solely crafted by you
Unique:
This class has never been obtained before and thus comes with additional benefits for its discovery.
Multiplier increased
Wisdom 1 -> 2
Intelligence 2-> 3
Ray gaped at the last option.
¡°Freia, can you come look at this to make sure I''m not seeing things?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Just a second. I''m finishin'' up this last piece, then I can come over,¡± she responded.
She walked out of the forge room less than a minute later.
¡°What¡¯s up?¡±
¡°Look at this,¡± Ray said, sharing the screen with her.
¡°Well ill be damned, you actually did it and a unique class too!¡±
¡°So you know what that means?¡±
¡°Yeah, basically it means that class does not currently exist and you taking it would bring it into existence, making it possible for others to gain the class in a far easier manner than you did. So the system rewards ya for picking it up with some extra bonuses. It used to be a lot more common, but it''s gotten rarer and rarer over the years.¡±
¡°Thanks for letting me know.¡±
¡°Happy to help my student out. Congratulations on achieving your goal, by the way.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± Ray said, selecting the class.
¡°Quest complete. Third threshold achieved,¡± the goddess said within his mind.
¡°Alright, now that you''re done with that, I could use some help with that order,¡± Freia said, walking back to the forge room.
¡°Right,¡± Ray said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts and following Freia.
Several hours later Ray collapsed on his bed close to 1 AM. Freia had overestimated their abilities again and they were lucky Ray had achieved his class evolution and gained access to the smiting panel, otherwise it may have been three in the morning before they had finished. Even though he was exhausted, Ray could not help but smile to himself. This had been the best week in his life since he lost his parents. He only hoped that they could see him now. He had a unique class and a partner that he was exhilarated to have her by his side. Ray peacefully drifted off to sleep, unaware of what was happening back in his homeland.
The cage raddled as a large mechanical beast carried it through the Carinthian forest. Chio held Nevala close as it rocked back and forth with every step. It had been half a week scene that awful creature had captured them and Ren had still not made his appearance. He knew he was still nearby as the leader would throw tantrums daily after finding out another squad of shriekers was killed and bore wounds that resembled Ren¡¯s axe. Chio clung tighter to the shivering woman at his side. He tried his best to comfort her, but he was not in a much better state, as he could not stop his hands from trembling. All they could do was hope that Ren arrived soon as he feared if he didn¡¯t, that beast would stop considering them as worth keeping alive as bait.
Chapter 40 Ashrend part 3
Ren stalked his way through the tall grass. He had spent the last several days slowly clearing out the horde around the leader as it surrounded itself with shriekers after being wounded. He gritted his teeth as he approached the leader''s location.
This would have been so much easier if this stopped quest wasn''t stopping me from leveling. He thought.
He would have just charged the monster immediately, but he had not come out of their first battle unscathed and was not looking to have another one where it could also call upon its minions. He stopped, peering around a tree to see the caravan moving. There were over 20 shriekers grouped as they moved through the forest. They followed a massive beetle-like creature carrying a cage and the leader on its back plowing through all obstacles in front of it. Ren made his way through the underbrush, moving closer to the horde before finally making his move. He moved with surprising speed, overwhelming the unprepared creatures, and killing 6 of them before they could respond properly. Releasing what was happening, one creature flung itself towards Ren, letting out an ear-splitting scream, but Ren was unfazed as he had already entered a rage and could not see or hear properly as an all-encompassing bloodlust consumed him. He swung his axe with reckless abandon, killing one shrieker after another. 10, 12, 15. Only five remained by the time the leader had realized what was happening and joined the fray.
¡°You finally show yourself!¡± It roared, charging at Ren. ¡°I thought you had just run off forever like the co-¡±
Ren drew his axe back before bringing it down and sending a shockwave of compressed force at the creature. It barely jumped out of the way and could not completely avoid the attack. Ren''s axe cleanly sliced off part of the creature''s second front leg. It yelled in pain before angling itself and shooting a hastily constructed net at its attacker. The beetle-like creature knocked Ren back into the forest as it charged him. A loud crash rang out as he collided with a tree and fell to the ground.
¡°Thank you X3-15,¡± the creature said, readying itself for the human''s next attack.
Ren pushed himself back to his feet, wiping away a trickle of blood running down his face. He smiled wider than he had in a long time. He hadn''t felt this feeling since he was young, when his father would throw him and his siblings into the wilderness for several days alone. Anticipation of what was to come over came to him. He had faced tough battles since he got his spark, but none of them came close to the feeling when you were one wrong move away from death, and Ren wanted more of it. He let out an almost primal roar, griping his ax with both hands and charging the pair of monsters. The large beetle-like creature called X3-15 by the leader stepped in front of his path and prepared to meet his charge. Ren moved and pushed all the stamina that he could into his legs, leaping into the air. He soured over the large monster before slamming his axe into its head with the sound of metal slicing into metal. A cry of pain escaped from the monster as it shook wildly, trying to throw him off, but he dug his axe in further, repeatedly driving his free stamina-empowered fist into its back.
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Chio, seeing his opportunity to try to escape, concentrated all the power he could muster into his left hand. He activated his cleave skill, slicing through the cage. The attack completely drained Chio''s stamina, which was cut in half by his injuries, overwhelming him with vertigo, but he could not quit now. He pushed himself, picking up Nevala. Every step was agony, but he pushed on anyway, moving further into the forest. A web impacted a nearby tree as Chio ran with every ounce of strength that he could muster. His head screamed, but he would not let himself or the woman he loved die here.
Ren slammed his fist into the creature again and again, leaving a deepening dent in its armored plating. Midway through another punch, a piece of webbing forced him to drop his axe and push off the creature with all his strength. He laughed as he flew through the air and landed on his feet.
¡°What are you so happy about?¡± the chittering voice of the leader asked as the creature removed Ren¡¯s axe from its companion and snapped the weapon in two.
¡°I was scared you''d make this fight dull by going after Chio and Nevala, so I''m glad you didn''t,¡± Ren said as he prepared to lunch himself at the leader.
¡°Hmm, you''re truly still going to fight after losing your weapon? I didn¡¯t peg you as someone suicidal but I guess I can¡¯t be right 100% of the time,¡± it taunted.
Ren played into the creature''s taunts, letting his anger grow as he activated his rage skill. He let out an almost primal roar. He moved without thinking, channeling his reckless attack martial art into his legs as he pushed off the ground, flying at the creature with incredible speed. Ren''s attack knocked the leader off the back of X3-15, as it failed to react in time. Not wasting a single moment, Ren then turned on the beast he was now standing on. This time, his rage-empowered attacks punched straight through the creature''s armored plating. Black blood poured out of its wounds as it cried out in pain. Ren cocked his fist back, activating a reckless attack as he prepared to strike the death blow. A pointed limb slashed him across the back, the searing pain causing him to lose his grip on the large creature as he tumbled to the ground. He landed hard on his head and could barely make out the form of X3-15 moving towards him as the world faded to black.
chapter 41 The Jolly Berserker Ashrend part 3
¡°Hey Ren, Ren!¡±
Ren opened his eyes, finding himself on a makeshift bed in the middle of the forest as Leon, his brother closest in age to him, shook him awake.
¡°Get up already, will you? The others already left to go hunting and there won''t be anything left for us if we don¡¯t get moving soon,¡± Leon said.
Ren held his head in confusion.
Was that all just a dream? He thought.
Leon flicked him on the back of the neck.
¡°Are you listening to me? We need to get going, so hurry or I''m leaving without you.¡±
Ren cleared his head, getting to his feet and grabbing his equipment. He put on a leather tunic and bracers before hefting a much smaller axe than the one he had in his dream over his shoulder.
¡°Alright, let''s go,¡± he said.
¡°Finally,¡± Leon responded.
They made their way through the forest and, to the next point, set on their journey. Ren and his 3 brothers, who were only slightly older than him, had been dropped in the middle of the forest by their father with nothing but their chosen weapons and armor and now had to make their way back to the Ashrend clan. Three days had passed since their journey began, and, according to their map, they were only halfway home. The scent of death hit Ren¡¯s nose as they approached their next hunting spot. His brother frowned and motioned for Ren to stay behind him as they continued. As they came across a small clearing in the trees, the source of the stench became obvious. A brown bear stood in the middle of the clearing feasting on what remained of his other two brothers. Leon clamped his hand over his mouth and motioned for Ren to move back, but he had a different idea. Something screamed deep within Ren, demanding to be let out. A grin spread across his face as he made his way towards the enormous bear axe at the ready. His heart rate increased with each step threatening to jump out of his chest. With the beast distracted, Ren raised the weapon, deliberately aiming to avoid a mortal wound. He dug the blade into its back right leg. It roared in anger, whirling at Ren and lashing out with its claws. He stepped back, narrowly avoiding the strike, all the while the screaming within intensified. Ren struck back, carving a gash across the creature''s arm. Unfazed by the attack, it tried to bite down on the child in front of it, but missed again. Ran struck at its neck, taking advantage of its momentary confusion as it bit down on nothing but air. The axe dug into the creature, but only deep enough to leave a shallow wound. It roared again and brought its claw down again. This time, Ren was still off balance as the claw headed for him. With no time to recover and dodge, the screaming and pounding in his chest intensified even further. He was suddenly pushed two feet backward, just out of range of the incoming claw as a spray of blood erupted in front of Ren as his last brother fell to the ground. Ren did not even register what had just happened. The only thought running through his mind was a primal need to kill the creature in front of him. He engaged the bear once more, careful not to take a single strike from its powerful body as it would spell his death. With full focus, he weaved around the creature''s incoming attacks, returning one of his own. As its wounds accumulated, the creature slowed, but so did Ren. He panted from the level of exertion he had to keep up to avoid the beast''s attacks, but a smile never left his face. The fight lasted several more minutes, with Ren accumulating some wounds of his own as he grew tired and sloppy. He was lucky the beast was already tired, else he would have been torn to shreds with his first mistake. The creature finally collapsed, its wounds becoming too much to bear. His smile finally faded from Ren''s lips as he walked over to the dying creature. The screaming within him faded, and the pounding of his heart lessened. He looked down with a pitying expression at the thing he had once seen as a threat now struggling to take another breath. With one last strike, he severed the creature''s spine, bringing an end to its pathetic existence.
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Ren awoke as the screaming within him reawakened. He pushed himself back to his feet, seeing that only a few seconds had passed since he lost consciousness and X3-15 was still making its way toward him. Finally, being on the brink of death once again, he could grab on to the feeling deep inside him demanded to be let out. He grinned madly as he opened the door and released what was inside.
¡°Awakening achieved. Congratulations! A new title has been granted, jolly berserker.; Skill upgraded Rage has become Berserker¡¯s Joy.¡±
Berserker¡¯s Joy
Requirements
Effect
- Attacks have their damage dealt increased or decreased based on the target level. Deal up to 2x increased damage to targets two full thresholds above you and 0.5x damage to targets two thresholds below you.
- Convert all mana to stamina, as your stamina decreases deal increased damage based on the amount missing.
Ren smiled wider than he could remember having smiled. As X3-15 approached at full speed, Ren raised his arms, prepared to take the attack head-on.
¡°Ha, he has gone suicidal after that blow to his head. Run him over X3-15,¡± the leader laughed from atop his perch on the large beetle.
Seconds later, the creature''s laughter stopped; panic overwhelmed it as it and X3-15 were flung through the air. Ren laughed madly as he pursued the creatures he had just thrown into the air. They slammed into the tree line, crashing through the first layer of trees. Ren arrived less than a second later, slamming his fist into X3-15¡¯s underside, leaving a large crater in its stomach as the force of the impact rippled through it. Ren hit the creature again and again, reducing what reminded of its underside to a bloody, shredded pulp. The creature let out one last cry of pain before growing still and silent.
chapter 42 Arakel 10th archmage ashrend part 3
Ren pulled his black-stained arm from the corpse, backing off and scanning the treeline. He was sure the leader would not have been knocked down for long and was now wondering why he had not attacked him yet. Ren soon got his answer as a line of steel-like thread wrapped around his right foot. The creature pulled Ren into the air, dangling him in front of it.
¡°It will be months before I can get another titan husk. I''m going to enjoy making you suffer for that.¡±
Ren kicked at the steel binding him with his free foot, snapping it and dropping him to the ground. He twisted in mid-air, grabbing onto the back of the creature. He dug his hand into a gap in between two of its armor plates and pulled. However, he was forced to abandon his plan seconds later as the top half of a clawed humanoid form burst from the creature''s back and swung at him. Surprised by the sudden attack, Ren could not get out of the way in time and his robes dangled open as a large cut formed on his chest. Ignoring the pain, he landed and griped one of the creature''s legs before infusing his entire body with stamina, ripping the limb from the beast. It screamed out in pain as Ren clammed a third limb.
¡°Enough!¡± it shouted.
A burst of scalding hot steam forced Ren back from the creature and obscured his view. As it cleared where the large metal arachnid had once been standing, a thin metallic humanoid now stood.
¡°What do you think taking on that week-looking body is going to accomplish? You''re just making it easier to crush you,¡± Ren snorted.
¡°Watch your tongue, human, for you now face Arakel 10th archmage of the Imperium Solis. You may now rejoice! For you are the first human in over 200 years to see my true form.¡±
¡°I liked you better as a spider. You should go back to that.¡±
¡°Enough of this. Now, you die!¡± Arakel roared as he raised his hand and released a blast of sickly green energy directly at Ren. He ducked the blast as it continued colliding with a nearby tree, causing it to wither and die within seconds. Ren bolted toward the humanoid figure preparing to tackle the creature, but he was forced to dodge another stream of green energy, leaving him off balance. Arakel took full advantage of the opening, disappearing, and repairing next to Ren. Ren tried to create some distance to allow himself to regain his footing, thrusting his fist toward the thin humanoid. Arakel stepped around the hastily thrown blow and grabbed hold of the extended arm. The sickly green glow emanated from his palm. Ren screamed in pain as the flesh in contact with Arakel rotted. Ren¡¯s thoughts slowed until, in a desperate play, he pushed every point of stamina that he could into the rotting limb.
¡°Warning stamina limit exceed. injury imminent.¡±
A sickening crack responded as Ren¡¯s arm burst, propelling shards of bone, flesh, and steel outward. Ren ground his teeth as his arm exploded, saving him from the encroaching rot and taking Arakel¡¯s arm with it, knocking Arakel off his feet. Ren lunged at the fallen creature, slamming him into the ground before he could recover. He continued his onslaught, hitting the creature with every ounce of strength he had left. Finally recovering from the shock of his opponent using their own limb as a makeshift explosive device, Arakel attempted to stop Ren¡¯s assault, reaching his one-clawed hand up and gouging it into Ren¡¯s left eye. Ren screamed as pain ripped through him, but he could not stop his assault. He slammed his fist down again and again as his face rotted. His bones fractured from the repeated full-power strikes. Running out of time, he infused the rest of his remaining stamina for one last desperate maneuver, slamming his bloody, broken fist into the creature one final time before its head finally gave out and the arm released its grip on Ren. With his stamina depleted and pain resonating through his entire body, one last message played through his mind before everything faded to black.
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¡°Special quest complete congratulations!¡±
Chio panted, leaning against the side of a tree. He had made it half a mile away before he finally collapsed. He looked down at Nevala, still shivering on the ground beside him. The events of the last five days had taken a greater toll on her. That thing had ripped them apart and pieced them back together more times than Chio cared to remember. Deriving morbid enjoyment from their pain. Chio placed his hand on Nevala¡¯s, trying to comfort her when he got the message.
¡°Special quest complete congratulations!¡±
He looked back in the direction they had just run from.
I guess that means Ren won.
Nevala stirred awake.
¡°I-It¡¯s over?¡± she asked in a weak voice.
Chio let his head fall into his free hand, a warm liquid beginning to fall on his face as he let out a light laugh.
¡°It''s over. We are alive!¡±
Nevala squeezed his hand as she pushed herself to lean against the tree beside him.
¡°I guess that means I still owe you a date.¡±
Several hours later, when the two had gotten enough energy back to move again, they walked back to the scene of the fight. A line of dead trees marked the entrance to the small clearing that had formed. Chio¡¯s mouth hung open as he examined the carnage that unfolded after they had run.
Ren caused thi-
His eyes fell onto the bodies lying in a small crater. He ran over, pulling Ren out and checking his pulse.
¡°Is he alive?¡± Nevala asked, catching up.
¡°Yeah, by some miracle he is,¡± Chio said as he looked at Ren¡¯s battered form.
His left arm was completely missing and the right side of his face looked like it had been melted. His teeth were visible through a gap that had formed where his cheek had used to be and his right eye socket was empty.
¡°Let''s get out of here before any more shriekers or worse arrive,¡± Chio said.
Nevala nodded and Chio slung Ren''s unconscious form onto his back before they made their way back to the Ashrend clan.
A flickering screen replayed the fight in a deep underground bunker as a cloaked figure sitting on a large metallic throne swirled a glass of wine.
¡°Hmm,¡± a deep voice rumbled. ¡°It''s been over 200 years since a commander has died, so tell me, Arakel, how did you manage to be the one to lose their life again?¡±
¡°I''m sorry sir but If I may speak freely.¡± Arakel¡¯s kneeling form said in his chittering voice.
¡°You may,¡± the cloaked figure said.
¡°I think that man turns out to be strong enough to survive the process.¡±
¡°Hmm,¡± the cloaked figure pondered, leaning closer to the screen and rubbing his chin. ¡°If he survives the damage you did to him, I would be inclined to agree. Even if this is the second time you have lost to a lowly human.¡±
Arakel visibly shivered at his words.
¡°It''s impressive he could defeat one of my archmages at level 20. I will give you that,¡± he paused for a moment. ¡°Yes, I think this will be a fun century indeed.¡±
chapter 43 wyvern
¡°You ready to go?¡± Ray asked, peeking into Erith¡¯s room.
¡°Yeah, I''m just packing a few more things than we can head out,¡± she responded while packing some armor and extra weapons into a backpack that was far too small to fit everything she was placing into it. ¡°These new packs are amazing. I can¡¯t believe you and Freia could create something like this.¡±
¡°Well, it''s a common spell that most mages know, but infused into a specially prepared backpack allowing anyone to have an extra-dimensional storage,¡± Ray said as he walked fully into the room with an identical pack on his back.
They were preparing to leave for Erith¡¯s third threshold quest. She had reached level 30, and the pair had been keeping an eye out for any powerful monsters so she could obtain the best class evolution possible. Their opportunity had finally arrived two days ago when Igi let them know about a newborn wyvern causing issues for some merchants traveling between Promises Echo and a nearby port city. After Igi explained what all a wyvern was, Erith finally accepted and asked Ray to come with her.
¡°All set,¡± she said.
A few hours later, found them riding along with a human merchant caravan heading back to the port city. Ray was surprised to learn the port city was a human settlement with how many scale kin dominated the capital. The older man had initially complained about only having two young adventures with them. Thankfully, Igi had come to see them off and was able to calm his fears before they set out. The first day passed without a sight of the beast. Ray was hoping it would show up soon, as he did not want to spend too much time away from his crafting. As they sat around a fire where they had made camp for the night, Ray could not help but get a sense that something was not right. For how much of a fuss the merchants had put up when they heard only Ray and Erith would accompany them, they seemed far too calm.
Should I tell Erith? No, it''s probably nothing. I''m sure there used to threats on the road, so I''m sure it''s fine, he assured himself.
Ray still could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. So he collected a few rocks before opening his spark creation panel and infusing them all with the ability to produce sound and detect movement magically. Creating a small field of proximity sensors around where he and Erith had set up their camp away from prying eyes.
¡°Whatcha doing?¡± Erith asked.
Ray sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to worry you, but I can¡¯t shake the feeling that something is off, so I''m laying out some detectors in case anyone tries to sneak up on us during the night.¡±
¡°So you thought so too, huh? Those guys are far too calm for merchants that an angry wyvern could set upon at any point.¡±
After Ray finished setting up his impromptu direction field, the two got some rest.
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The first night passed without incident, but Ray kept his new creations just in case. They traveled from dawn until dusk again, seeing no sight of the wyvern and setting up camp for the night. They were halfway to their destination and should have been in the beast''s hunting ground by now. Ray set up the detection field again at night, his uneasy feeling only growing as the camp seemed to be in a ?cheery mood.
¡°I wish we had those things when we first made our way out here. It would have saved us a lot of trouble having to take turns on watch,¡± Erith said as he finished placing the last of the rocks.
Ray nodded as he looked over the field, ensuring that he did not leave any gaps.
¡°Let''s just hope it''s not needed again.¡±
Erith nodded as she lay down on her bedroll.
¡°You know, this isn''t exactly what I had in mind for a second date, but it''s been fun so far.¡±
¡°You mean, except for our employer acting extremely weird?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Well, yeah, but I will not let that stop me from enjoying our time together.¡±
Ray sighed as he lay down beside her.
¡°I guess it has been fun so far, and besides, the highest level in that group is only 35, and he''s a merchant class, so I doubt he can put up much of a fight.¡±
¡°By that logic, some would say you''re not very good in a fight.¡±
¡°Yeah, but I''m an outlier. I can¡¯t help but master everything I set my min- Owch, what was that for?¡±
¡°I can¡¯t let you get too cocky,¡± Erith said with a small laugh.
Ray rolled his eyes and grabbed her hand. They talked for a while longer before drifting off.
Ray was awoken as sound like ringing bells filled the air. He shot to his feet and drew his dagger and short sword to prepare for a fight. Erith was standing beside him less than a second later with her sword in hand.
¡°Whoa there, there''s no need for that,¡± a gruff voice said.
Ray followed the sound, seeing a group of seven figures, cloaked in shadow, moving toward their camp.
¡°What is your business here?¡± Ray asked, staying on guard.
He did not recognize the voice of anyone they had been traveling with, and that worried him.
Vick
Level: 25
Ascension: 0
Class: Rogue
His suspicion were all but confirmed when he got the result back from Draconic Insight.
¡°Just put your weapons down, and we can have a little chat. That''s all I want,¡± Vick said.
¡°We can talk like this,¡± Ray responded
Vick sighed, ¡°Just remember, I tried to do this without hurting ya.¡±
With his words, all seven figures rushed the pair.
Chapter 44 mechanical wings
Ray paired a flurry of strikes as their assailants swiftly surrounded him and Erith. He let out a volley of mana bolts from his short sword, creating some distance between him and the enemy on his right. Using the brief opening, he struck the bandit directly in front of him with his metal fist, sending the man flying. The sudden burst of power dumbfounded him for a few moments. The shield on his armor activated and snapped him out of it. He used the brief moment granted by the shield to construct a complex spell array. However, he still did not have access to the incantation system, so his spells were not as quick or effective as they could be. He had spent hours learning how to properly construct an array without help, leading him to have confidence in using it in combat. Crackling blue energy built in his hands before he slammed them down, causing a wave of crackling lightning to travel forth, engulfing the two remaining bandits. They dropped to the ground, unconscious as it passed. Ray turned to see if Erith needed any help, but was happy to see that she had already handled the three assaulting her.
¡°So you''re not just some pushovers after all, what a pain,¡± Vick said.
¡°It¡¯s over, so just put your weapons down, and we won''t have to hurt you,¡± Ray said
¡°Listen, kid, you''re the one that needs to put their weapons down. Just hand over everything you got, and we can both walk out of this alive.¡±
¡°Hard way it is, then,¡± Erith said, getting into a ready stance.
Vick sighed before responding, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do this to a couple of kids, but you leave me no choice.¡± he raised a small cylindrical tube to his lips and blew into it.
A shrieking cry resounded from the whistle. Ray stood confused when nothing happened. He expected to be placed in a similar situation to when the shriekers used their sound attack, but there was no such effect. A responding cry from not far away left a cold sweat trickling down his neck, and the sound of two large leathery wings echoed through the night, moving towards them at high speed. The two jumped back as a massive form fell to the ground between them and Vick. It stood on two mechanically enhanced back legs and had steel-reinforced claws at the tip of each wing. Its sharpened beak-like head gave Ray a bad feeling as two glowing red eyes peered back at him.
Artificial Wyvern: A wyvern -ERROR- by a master flesh artist
Grade: Artifact
Durability: 100/100
ERROR
Level: 15
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Ascension: 0
The beast let out a screech as it flapped its large wings, creating a powerful gust of wind that almost knocked Ray off his feet. He dug his heels into the dirt and pulled out Storm Piercer carefully, aiming the weapon as the high-speed wind rushed past. He watched for any gaps in the creature''s assault, noticing that it had to pause every 3-4 seconds for half a second before continuing. Ray waited for the next pause and fired the small crossbow. A bolt of crackling electricity slammed into the creature, causing it to shriek in pain and stop its assault as sparks jumped around its body. Erith shot forward without hesitation, her blade already coated in fire. The best was still stunned when she reached it. Her blade flowed like a hot knife through butter, severing the beast''s left wing in less than a second. A burst of flames shot past the creature as the strike came down, igniting the nearby grass. Vick panicked as the surrounding grass caught fire and frantically began trying to stomp it out, but the blaze only grew. It soon ignited his cloak and began engulfing his body. As his screams started, Erith quickly finished the injured wyvern with one final slash. It slumped over as its head was removed from its body. Ray could only stare wide-eyed at the screen.
I guess I was wrong to worry about that thing.
He still wondered why Draconic insight gave him such a weird result when he inspected the creature, but he was sure he would get all the answers that he wanted as soon as Erith extinguished her flames and grabbed Vick off the ground, holding her sword to his neck.
¡°Now, you''re going to answer some questions for us,¡± Erith said
Vick gulped as he felt the hot steel against his throat. ¡°S- Sure, what do you want to know?¡±
¡°Well, let''s start with who gave you that wyvern, as I know a rogue sure as hell did not make it,¡± Ray said, walking over.
¡°I can¡¯t tell you.¡±
Erith pressed her sword harder into his neck.
¡°Wait, wait, I mean, I literally can¡¯t tell you. It just showed up at our camp a few weeks ago with a note telling us we were free to use it however we wanted,¡± Vick said in a panic.
¡°Alright, next, do you mind telling us if you are involved with the merchants that brought us here?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Y-Yes, the amount of traffic on this road has slowed down since word of the wyvern spread, and every caravan is now traveling with an experienced monster hunter, so we ended up making a deal with them to only bring new or weaker hunters on their caravan then we would rob them in there sleep,¡± Vick said.
¡°Hmm, that''s all the questions I had. What about you?¡± Ray asked Erith.
She thought for a moment before striking the man in the back of the head with her pommel, knocking him unconscious.
¡°I don¡¯t have any at the moment, so let''s get all these bandits tied up, and we can turn them in back at Promises Echo,¡± she said.
Ray nodded and began rounding up the rest of the unconscious bandits. The next morning, they began traveling back to the capital with the captured merchants and bandits. It had taken Ray a while to learn how to drive the horse-drawn carts, but he was able to get a merchant to help him learn how to do it with the promise that he would put in a good word for him when they turned them all in.
chapter 45 Hellfire vanguard
On their journey back, Erith and Ray had originally planned to head straight to the capital, but after the first day of Erith sulking that the wyvern was not enough to get her class evolution. Ray ended up giving in and agreed to hunt for any wild monsters they came across, which led to their current situation.
¡°You got this!¡± Ray yelled from the driver''s seat of the merchant cart.
The ground rumbled as the giant troll Erith was fighting slammed its massive club into the ground. She swiftly dashed up the massive weapon before the creature could recover, her sword blazing with a crimson light. The massive club lifted off the ground as the creature bellowed. Erith used the sudden movement to propel herself off the weapon and straight toward the hulking creature''s head. With two swift flicks of her wrist, she carved two massive wounds into the creature''s chest, forming an X.. She landed before turning to the creature and yelling out a single word.
¡°Inferno!¡±
The flames left by her sword suddenly intensified, engulfing the creature in a while inferno of blue fire. Only one last cry escaped its boiling lungs before the flames reduced it to ash. Erith extinguished her flames and walked back to the cart with a sigh.
¡°Still not enough,¡± she said.
¡°Well, I''m sure you''re close now. What was that, the fourth monster you killed?¡± Ray responded.
¡°Yeah, I''m just frustrated that you got yours so easily, and I can¡¯t seem to get it.¡±
¡°Well, yeah, I''m amazing. That''s only to be expected.¡±
Erith crossed her arms and glared at him.
¡°Or crafting classes are just easier to progress,¡± Ray corrected himself.
¡°That must be it,¡± Erith said, as her lips curled into a slight smile.
They continued traveling, stopping whenever they found any beast that was high enough level to help Erith progress. When they were only half a day from the capital, she finally succeeded after defeating a pack of large wolf-like creatures that Draconic insight had called colossus hounds.
¡°So what options did you get?¡± Ray asked.
¡°A few good ones. There were two that I ruled out already because they gave up a part of my current path. I finally decided on this one, as it is the only epic option,¡± she responded, displaying the screen for Ray.
Hellfire Vanguard (Epic)
A martial class with access to hellfire magic. Reduce all that is before you to not but shards and dust vanguard.
+4 intelligence and strength
+2 endurance and dexterity
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Access to the Incantation Panel (Hellfire Magic)
Fire spells used with a sword as their focus are 20% more effective
¡°Not bad,¡± Ray said after looking the class over.
¡°Yeah, it also gave me an idea for our next date,¡± Erith said.
¡°And what would that be?¡±
¡°Well, seeing as you''re so amazing. I thought you could teach me how to do incantations.¡±
¡°Well, at least you''re finally admitting it- Ow.¡± Erith cut Ray off by punching him in the arm. ¡°That¡¯s not going to get me to teach you anything.¡±
Erith rolled her eyes before leaning in and kissing him. ¡°How about that?¡±
¡°Well, I would have also settled for I''m sorry or a promise to never punch me again, but I guess that works,¡± Ray said with a toothy grin on his face.
¡°Don¡¯t make me hit you again,¡± Erith said between laughs as she smiled.
¡°Oh, will you two hurry and get us to jail already? We all know that he is an insane artisan with an ego too big for his own good and that you are a meathead and pyromaniac of a woman whose only solution to a problem is to use force or burn it to ashes. I would almost prefer being dead than listening to you two for one more day.¡± Vick said.
¡°Hey, Ray, do you think they would mind if some of our cargo was brought in with every bone in their body broken?¡± she asked, while staring murderously at Vick.
¡°I''m not sure he would survive that,¡± Ray responded.
Vick gulped. ¡°No need for that, I¡¯m apologise. I say things without thinking sometimes.¡±
¡°Do it again, and I will make sure you''re sorry,¡± Erith growled.
Ray grabbed Erith''s hand, squeezing it in an attempt to calm her down as they began making their way back to the capital once more.
It was almost midnight when they were finally making their way back to the castle. Erith was still gripping Ray¡¯s hand tightly. She had been quiet and not let go since Vicks'' outburst.
¡°Is everything ok?¡± Ray asked.
¡°You don¡¯t think I can only solve problems with force, right?¡±
Ray scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. ¡°Ok, I know you have met Ren before, so I don¡¯t know how you think that.¡± he paused for a moment, seeing her down turned expression. ¡°You have met Ren before, right?¡±
¡°Of course, I have met Ren, but all I have done since getting my spark is attempt to solve every problem that we have run into with force.¡±
¡°Alright then, let me put it this way. Do you think Ren could ever get access to something as complex as the Incantation panel? Cause I sure as hell don¡¯t.¡±
Erith visibly brightened as she let out a small chuckle. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could see that either. Could you imagine that meathead having the patience to sit down and learn how to cast a spell?¡±
¡°And now you''re getting it. Even if most of our problems have been solved with violence of some sort recently, that¡¯s only out of necessity, not because it''s our only option.¡±
Erith smiled and pulled Ray into a tight hug.
¡°Ok, I will admit that sometimes you are pretty amazing,¡± she said before kissing him again.
They split apart and entered the castle.
¡°Ray, would it be ok if I sleep in your room tonight? I''m just used to having you by my side the past few nights and don¡¯t want to wake up without you.¡±
Ray blushed before stuttering out an answer. ¡°Su- Sure.¡±
chapter 46 Gate stabilization orb
The next month was like a blur in Ray''s mind as he slowly improved his crafting and fighting skills. Arabella had been asked to help her mother with something, so Ray and Erith had taken their training into their own hands. Sparring every day and taking on missions from Igi and the monster hunters whenever the opportunity arose. The two were almost inseparable as they entered the honeymoon phase of their relationship. Erith had begun joining him on his morning walks through the bustling city and would sit in on his crafting sessions while studying incantations. As he helped her learn incantations, Ray was relieved that he had never gotten access to the system. He had learned that while the system does increase the power of your spells and the ease with which you cast them. It made it harder to learn spells that had an elemental affinity you did not have access to. The way Ray had started to think of it was learning to swim with or without a flotation device. While the person who learned with the flotation device would be able to swim right away even while learning, it would be harder for them to do so when the device or incantation system, in this case, was removed. Ray had learned without the system, making it almost impossible to cast a spell when he had first started, but now that he had learned enough, he could pick up spells from any affinity that he was compatible with. He still needed to spend almost 10 times the time that someone with access to the system needed to learn a new spell, but he would also outpace that same person if they tried to learn a spell outside of their system-granted affinities. He had also learned that everyone had two types of affinities, system-granted and natural. System-granted affinities affect what spells you can use with the incantation system and panel. Natural affinities dictated what elements you could form your mana into. Ray cleared his thoughts as he reached the entrance to Freia¡¯s workshop. Erith had decided to go out hunting today with Igi¡¯s students, Ray had decided not to join them for this one as he had finally gotten close to another breakthrough after the last failure of his gate device and was certain he could perfect the device today.
Another detonation echoed through the room as another prototype exploded in the safe room he and Freia had prepared for his project. Ray quickly noted the time it took before detaining and what the cause seemed to be. He taped his pen on his notebook as he thought.
I have confirmed the field is stable and the runes are correct, so why is it still failing? The mana intake? No, if that were the issue, it should be shutting off, not exploding. What about-
Ray¡¯s train of thought cut off, and his eyes lit up.
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¡°The spacial anchor at the other end!¡± he shouted.
¡°The what now?¡± Freia asked, looking up from the large chest plate she was currency forging.
¡°The spacial anchor where the portal opens,¡± Ray said, pacing back and forth. ¡°The gate spell needs an anchor on both ends to form correctly. Those would be the first two rings formed while casting the spell. This works fine when you cast the spell, as the rings stay separate when the orb is doing it. It''s super imposing both anchors onto the same point, causing it to implode, not explode. That¡¯s why all your furniture disappeared.¡±
¡°I''m no enchanter, but it seems like you know what you''re talking about, so I''ll act like I understood any of that and believe it will work this time.¡±
¡°Uh, thanks,¡± Ray said as he adjusted the blueprint in his notebook.
Several hours later, when the moon was already high in the sky, Ray activated his 24th prototype. The device hummed as he safely retreated. He watched as a portal winked into existence, connecting a point in the safe room to another 3 feet away before ducking behind the door. He waited for the dreaded sound of the device imploding, but it never came. Ray carefully peeked back around the corner. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the still stable portals standing in the middle of the room. He grabbed a nearby sphere he had prepared for the next prototype and threw it at one of the portals. It passed through and fell harmlessly out of the other portal, crashing to the ground. Seeing that the portals were still stable, Ray slowly made his way into the room and toward the gates. After making it halfway with no signs of the portal changing, he took a deep breath and moved with purpose toward the portal. He appeared 3 feet away, walking out of the other portal
¡°Ahhhh!¡± he screamed in triumph as a wide grin bloomed across his face.
He jumped through the two portals a few more times before he grabbed the orb off the ground and moved back from the two shimmering doorways before deactivating the device and watching as the portals closed. He wanted to show this to Freia as soon as he could, but that would have to wait. She had already gone to bed after finishing the first stage of her new project. Ray packed up his things before making his way out of the workshop and up to the room he and Erith had been sharing. He was sad to see she was still not back from her hunt and could not wait to show her what he had accomplished while she was gone. For now, he would have to settle for the shocked look on Freia''s face tomorrow morning when he teleported into the workshop tomorrow. Ray set his pack down next to the door and drifted off to sleep as he dreamed about the shocked expression on Freia''s face and the mountain of gold coins he would have when he began selling the orbs.
chapter 47 Invasion?!
A loud crash resounded as a metal hammer sailed through the gateway and directly past Ray¡¯s head, slamming into the wall behind him.
¡°How many times have I told you you must make a formal request?!¡± Freia yelled as she snarled at the gateway.
¡°What?¡± Ray asked cautiously, peeking his head back through the gate.
¡°Oh, sorry, Ray, I thought you were someone else¡ Wait, does that mean?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Ray said, stepping through the portal and holding out the orb.
¡°Wow, so your theory about the whatchamacallits overlapping was correct then?¡±
Ray sighed. "Haven''t you enchanted before?"
¡°Yeah, but it was all simple stuff like a glowin¡¯ ring or somethin¡¯ else like that. "
Ray sighed again before taking the orb back and setting it down on his workstation.
¡°I¡¯m going to make a few more of these to sell if you don¡¯t need help with anything today.¡±
¡°Well, actually, we did just get a rush order for 100 spears for that group. We made the bolts and crossbows for a while back.¡±
Five hours later, Ray emerged, exhausted from the workshop. Although they completed all 100 spears, he lacked the time to work on his personal project before Erith''s scheduled return. He made his way up to the front entrance, taking the time to save the training ground into the orb''s memory. When he finally got to the gate, he did not have to wait much longer before Erith appeared. Sh broke into a sprint upon seeing him hug, tackling him to the ground.
¡°It''s only been one day,¡± Ray said, groaning from the impact.
¡°I know, but I missed you,¡± Erith said, burying her head in his neck.
The pair stayed like that for a while before finally getting up and reminiscing about the last day¡¯s events. Erith told Ray all about these bat-like creatures they went out to hun while Ray regaled her with the tale of his newly created item. The pair talked like this for around an hour before deciding to go out for dinner tonight. They decided to go to the same place they had gone to for lunch during the first date, quickly teleporting up to their room before changing and heading out. Luckily, there were open tables when they arrived, so they did not have to wait before being seated. They ordered and were making small talk when the mood suddenly changed.
¡°Special quest received.¡±
Invasion evolution quest
Requirements for compilation
Prevent the birth of the sixth horde by defeating one commander 0/1
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Time limit
99 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes
Rewards
All xp gains related to the hordes are doubled for the duration of the quest
Upon failure of this quest, the sixth horde will be born within the endless plains.
Upon failure of this quest, all members of the horde within Carinthia will grow in number until only 50% of the current human population remains.
Ray sat with his mouth agape as he read through the new quest.
¡°We need to go back and help,¡± Erith said, breaking the silence.
Ray could only nod as he thought about Chio and the other members of their clan and the destruction that would come to Promises Echo if a horde came to be in the nearby plains. The pair promptly rose from their seats and began quickly making their way towards the castle. Thoughts raced through Ray¡¯s mind as they walked.
Sixth horde? Invasion evolution? Why would the elder not mention any of this? Did he even know this was a possibility?
He was about to voice his thoughts to Erith before looking over and seeing the same confused expression on her face he had. Ray snapped out of his stupor for a moment and pulled out the gateway orb, creating two gates.
¡°You go start packing. I''m going to tell Freia what''s going on,¡± he said.
Erith nodded and stepped through the portal leading to their room as Ray stepped through the one leading to the workshop.
¡°Freia, are you still here?¡± he called out.
¡®Yeah, I''m just finishin¡¯ up in the back. What''s up?¡± she asked.
¡°Erith and I just received an urgent quest. Would you be able to tell your mom and Arabella when they return?¡±
¡°Sure, but what''s the quest if you don''t mind me askin¡¯?¡±
Ray showed her the quest and watched as her eyes widened the further she read.
¡°You mean those beasts from your homeland could be comin¡¯ here?¡± she asked.
¡°Yes, we will leave soon, but with this orb, we should be able to return each night after we finish traveling. I just want to make sure that your mom and Arabella are aware of what is going on should they come back while we are traveling.¡±
¡°Sure, sure, take care Ray, and I hope I will still see ya every once in a while when you''re back.¡±
¡°Yeah, of course. There are still some things I want to make before going up against those hordes again.¡±
The two exchanged farewells, and Ray opened a portal to join Erith in packing.
¡°So?¡± Erith asked.
¡°I let her know what we are doing and to let Zenith and Arabella know if we are not back when they are,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Alright, I have most of what we need for traveling in our packs.¡±
Ray nodded. ¡°Let''s get going then.¡±
The pair left the castle and began their journey back towards their homeland. They traveled until the moon was high in the sky before Ray added the point they reached with his orb and teleported them back to their room. The pair climbed into bed, exhausted from running all afternoon and night. Ray stared up at the ceiling as he tried to make sense of the day''s events once more, one question repeatedly playing through his mind.
What are the shrieking hordes?
Chapter 48 Ragebound Ashrend final
A hunting laughter echoed through the pitch black void as the sound of 8 pointed lips crept closer. Chio awoke in a panic, a cold sweat dripping down his forehead. A hand interlocked with his.
¡°Another nightmare?¡± Nevala asked.
Chio gripped his jaw with his open hand, taking a few moments before he finally clammed down.
¡°Yes,¡± he answered between ragged breaths.
A warm embrace soon surrounded him as Nevala pulled him closer.
¡°It¡¯s ok. That thing is dead, and we are both still here. I''m sure it will pass, eventually. It did for me, and you handled that situation so much better than I did. I know you can rise past those fears.¡±
¡°Thank you. What would I do without you?¡±
They sat in bed like that for a long time before Nevala finally broke the silence.
¡°It looks like the sun is already up. We will need to get ready soon,¡± she said with a sigh.
Chio released his grip on her and nodded, pushing his way out of bed. They got dressed before making their way out of their newly built house. It was a smaller cottage, only containing a kitchen, dining room combo, and a single bedroom. Three weeks had passed since their ordeal out in the woods. They had been lucky the clan had recently moved and were able to sneak Ren¡¯s still-unconscious body into his parents'' compound without being noticed. They walked through the newly built village. The market had already reformed, and the clan''s merchants went about selling all kinds of items that could be found around their new home. Ignoring all the attempts to sell them things they did not need, the pair made their way towards the part of the village built in the old ruins. In the last three weeks, Chio, Nevala, Ren, and the other children of the large families had all reached their level requirement. The family heads had finally decided today would be the day of their assault. The meeting Chio and Nevala were currently heading to would be the final preparations before the attack began. Chio was still unsure if he agreed with his father''s decision to join Ren¡¯s family. While he agreed that what the elder had done allowed Erith and Ray to escape and forcing others to take their place. There was also a part of him that was thankful for that decision. He knew that if Ray had continued hunting at the spots Ray had shown him, then Ray would have made it to level 10 without issue, and then Chio would have been sent out to face the horde. He sighed, shaking his head as he walked.
¡°Everything alright?¡± Nevala asked.
¡°Oh,¡± he said, snapping out of his thoughts. ¡°Yeah, sorry, I was just thinking about today.¡±
¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t believe we are going through with this, but I''m sure it will all work out in the end, as long as I''m by your side.¡±
Chio squeezed her hand, blushing as a smile formed on his face. They made their way into the large building Ren¡¯s family had claimed after the move.
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¡°Welcome, master Zain and madam Rheihram. Please follow me to the meeting room,¡± a young woman said, giving the pair a slight bow.
They followed her through the long corridors of the grandiose house to a large pair of wooden doors. A pair of servants quickly opened them and gesturing for them to go inside. Inside the room, Chio saw a large table. He spotted his father and mother on the left side before scanning the rest of the table, his eyes finally coming to rest on Ren¡¯s disfigured face. He winced slightly as he saw what Ren had gone through in the process of saving them, that feeling fading almost completely as he saw the hungry grin on his face. Chio and Nevala made their way into the large room, splitting apart and taking their assigned seats next to their parents. Chio made small talk with his parents while they waited, mostly discussing what level he had made it to and how Nevala and he were doing now that they had gotten their own place. This lasted for another few minutes before the large doors opened again, and a large man Chio recognised as Draven Elborn, Ren¡¯s father, walked into the room. He wore a finely crafted chest plate with a fur cape that swept along the floor behind him.
¡°Welcome, everyone,¡± he said, sweeping his arms out to address the gathered crowd as the doors closed behind him. ¡°The day has finally come, the day where we say no more. The day when we rise up and throw off the chains of a flawed system. Today, we take revenge on all those who should still be alive but aren''t because of that old man¡¯s foolishness. Even when he had the chance to see the flaws in his system, he didn''t. Instead, he chose to save his granddaughter''s life and condemn others that aren''t related to him.¡± His voice bellowed out as a contagious anger overtook the room.
Cries for retribution rang out, and even Chio felt a rage building in his chest. He took a moment to compose himself as he realized the feeling was not his own, but a fresh wave of anger crashed into him again, consuming his thoughts and making him another member of the riled-up mob.
¡°Now, let¡¯s change our clan for the better. Let¡¯s build a brighter tomorrow together,¡± Draven said, a haunting smile touching his lips.
Status
Name: Draven Elborn
Level 99:
Ascension: 0
Class: Ragebound (Epic)
Mana
Stamina: E 450/450
Stats
Strength D: 10
Endurance D: 10
Dexterity E: 150
Intelligence E: 90
Wisdom E: 500
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 2
Endurance 2
Dexterity 1
Intelligence 1
Wisdom 2
Skills
Hand to hand proficiency E, Rage E, Bloodlust drive, Wrathful strikes, Fury leech, Mind break chant
Titles
[Ninth threshold], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Advanced Incarnate], [Underdog], [High-Grade Stats Collector], [Giant Slayer]
chapter 49 what have I done? Ashrend final
With Draven¡¯s last words, an immense pressure emanated in the room as every person rose and readied themselves for the fight to come. An enormous crash resounded through the room as a small portion of the roof caved in, and three figures jumped down. A cloud of dust and debris swirled in the room as the lead figure spoke.
¡°Draven, I thought you, of all people, would know better than to play this silly game,¡± the elder said.
Draven clenched his fists as he stared at the man in the still swirling dust. ¡°And I thought you would know better than to break the rules you put in place for something as simple as family.¡±
¡°Sigh, so you''re going through with this? You know what the consequences will be if you fail?¡±
¡°I do,¡± Draven said before launching himself at the old man.
The room exploded in a chaotic uproar of shouts and crashing furniture as the frenzied guests joined the charge, only to be repelled by a woman in full plate armor, who swung her spear, leaving only the family heads standing. Chio slammed into the far wall, breaking him out of his frenzied haze. He gazed upon the fight happening, but their movements were faster than he could follow. Recognising he had no place in this battle, he quickly scanned the room, locating Nevala shaking her head as she broke free from the frenzy. Chio dashed over, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to her feet.
¡°We need to get out of here!¡± he yelled, running towards the door while Nevala kept pace behind him.
He kicked open the large doors and ran through, only to be faced with a group of 20. Chio scanned the wall of warriors, thankful he recognised most of them were around or below his level. Another wave of anger enveloped him, causing him to howl while raising his great sword. A primal drive to kill those who stood in his way involved him as he crept forward. A wave of arrows flew from behind him, catching most of the warriors off guard. Chio burst into motion upon seeing the warriors off balance. He swung his blade through the air, cleaving into the front line as a spray of blood erupted. His attack did not stop there. A blade of solid wind burst out, bisecting those in front and driving deep into the gathered group. Chio let out another primal howl as he moved forward. The ranks of the gathered warriors were already shattered as most of them ran for the exit. Three of them stayed, blocking Chio''s path and readying their weapons, but they were no match for the whirlwind of hate approaching them as Chio struck with far greater strength than he should have, knocking back. Before they could muster a counterattack, an arrow ripped through the air. The warrior in front''s head disappeared as a spray of red and bits of skull and brain matter coated the room. Chio advanced as the arrow''s impact momentarily stunned the two remaining warriors. Most of them had never seen combat with anything more than a wild wolf before, and even then, nothing could have prepared them for the scene of carnage unfolding in front of them. Chio swung one final time, causing two decapitated heads to sail through the air. He howled one final time as he panted. The feeling of pure rage and bloodlust slowly faded. His eyes grew wide as he examined the scene before him, his wits returning. He looked down, recognizing the faces of people he knew, people he had just killed. His eyes fixed on the gore-stained gauntlet, he vomited, his sword falling from his grasp. A hand grabbed his arm as he continued to stare at his shaking hands. He looked up to see Nevala pulling him towards the exit. Her lips were moving, but Chio could not hear what she was saying. He mindlessly followed her while his mind grappled with what he had just done. They did not stop running until they were deep into the forest, far from the battle and their clan. Chio collapsed against a nearby tree, still staring at his shaking hands. Nevala sat down beside him and took both of his hands, removing the gauntlets before gripping them tightly.
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¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± she said in a calm, soothing voice while staring into his eyes.
Chio opened his mouth to respond, but the words did not come out. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around Nevala while silently sobbing. Nevala returned his embrace while tears rolled down her cheeks as well. She kept up a tough facade after she saw how distraught Chio was, but she also felt terrible for what had happened. She saw her arrows sticking out of people she thought of as comrades and had to keep reminding herself she was not in control when it happened. After sitting like that for a long time, the pair finally calmed down enough to stand. It was nearly midday, and the sounds of combat had long since faded.
¡°It probably would not be a good idea to go back no matter who one,¡± Nevala said.
¡°I can¡¯t imagine what the elder would do to us, and I never want to see the man that made me do that again,¡± Chio said, pointing at the blood stained gantlets.
¡°My father told me we are not too far from one of the other clans after the move. Maybe we could seek shelter there,¡± Nevala said, rising to her feet.
¡°It''s worth a shot,¡± Chio said, joining her.
They began walking in the direction Nevala had indicated. The pair moved with high hopes, praying for a better life at their destination.
chapter 50 Rot Ashrend final
Ren pushed his way out from under a pile of debris after being launched into a pillar by the spear woman''s first attack. A wide grin spread across his disfigured face as he watched the fight progress. He felt his father''s Bloodlust drive wash over him, but just like the first time, it had no effect. Ren scanned the three opponents before deciding to join the fray against the weakest-looking member. It was a smaller looking man clad in a dark red robe. He carried a staff and was blasting frenzied people away with some sort of wind magic. Ren liked what remained of his lips before breaking into a sprint, heading straight for the man. As he got close, a whirlwind shot straight toward him, trying to shove him back. Ren shoved off his right foot, pivoting at the last second and dodging the hastily thrown attack. The mage pointed his staff at Ren, a torrent gathering beneath his feet before shooting out and knocking Ren into the air. Ren crashed into the ceiling, falling to the ground with a new pile of rubble. He quickly got back to his feet and chucked a large stone at the man. A wall of wind suddenly appeared as it approached, causing it to slam into the ground. Ren¡¯s grin widened, and he activated his Berserker''s joy skill. A sickly green energy poured out of him as it activated condensing where his left arm had once been. He flexed the new limb with a manic glint in his eye before charging the wind mage again. This time, when the whirlwind came for him, he did not dodge, instead holding the sickly green limb out, causing the mana in the air in front of him to erode. He pushed forward, catching the mage off guard as he scrambled to form another spell. Ren grabbed hold of his staff with his left arm, causing the wood material it was made of to shrivel. A torrent of razor-sharp slashes shot out from the man as he finished his next spell, forcing Ren back. Cuts opened on his still good arm and chest, shredding the leather chest plate he was wearing. He prepared to charge again but was interrupted as a large bang emanated through the room as his father was sent flying through the ceiling, with the elder quickly chasing after him. Ren re-focused on the threat in front of him. The mage was still being overwhelmed by a few of his clan mates that were under Draven¡¯s skill. Not wasting his opportunity, Ren flung himself into the air far above the man¡¯s sight line the second he turned to blast away a frenzied man. He came crashing down, knocking the mage to the ground. He quickly pounded on the man, slamming his fists into a wind barrier that appeared. Seeing he was making no progress, Ren put his sickly green hand onto the wall and began eroding the mana, but it was far too late. An explosion of force knocked Ren away, slamming him into a nearby wall. With a grunt, he pulled himself from the stone and wiped a trail of blood from his forehead. Ren cracked his knuckles, his ever-present grin still high on his face. While he didn¡¯t think this man posed the same threat to his life as Arakel, he still felt an immense joy from the fight unfolding. He still wondered what skill he would get from this man. He had gained a new level of satisfaction upon absorbing his spark fragment. The system had even recognized this and given him a new class when he reached level 30, perfectly suited to his new hobby.
Status
Name: Ren Elborn
Level: 32
Ascension: 0
Class: Spark Devoerer (Artifact)
Stamina: E 1850/1850
Stats
Strength E: 143
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Endurance E: 130
Dexterity 74
Intelligence 55
Wisdom 55
Available Points: 0
Multipliers
Strength 2
Endurance 2
Dexterity 1
Intelligence 1
Wisdom 1
Skills
Axe Proficiency, Hand to Hand Proficiency, Reckless Swing, Off with Their Heads, Berserker¡¯s Joy, Rot Affinity, Skill Devour, Mana Limb, Crossbow Proficiency
Titles
[Thrid threshold], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Advanced Incarnate], [Underdog], [Awakened], [Jolly Berserker], [Horde slayer 1]
Normally, he would not have been able to use some of his skills due to his mana being stamina instead, but as soon as he had that thought. His Jolly Berserker title was upgraded, granting him the ability to use mystic arts as though they were martial arts. A malicious glint passed through Ren¡¯s eye as he imagined what skill he would turn into. He launched toward the man again, infusing his stamina arm with as much as it could handle. Another whirlwind blasted in his direction, but its mana was dispersed in less than a second as it came into contact with the sickly green limb. He continued his charge as a storm of sharpened wind shot past him. He managed to absorb the brunt of it with his arm, but more cuts opened up on his shoulders and chest. The last tatters of his battered chest piece fell away, revealing his bare chest. He pushed through the torrent, falling upon the man with unmatched ferocity. The mage tried to swing what was left of his staff at Ren¡¯s head, but he simply caught the weapon, pulling it from the man''s hand as it turned to dust. The mage began chanting another incantation, trying anything to push him back, but Ren slammed his stamina fist into the man''s open mouth, grabbing hold of his tongue. He screamed as the pain of his tongue rapidly decaying consumed him. He pushed Ren back with another gust of wind, but the damage had already been done. What was left of his tongue turned to dust in Ren¡¯s hand as he prepared to change the man before stopping with a devilish grin. There was still a small army of frenzied guests that still had not snapped out of it approaching the mage, and there was no way that he could repel them all without the use of incantations. Ren simply sat and watched, satisfied with the fight''s conclusion as the mage was slowly overwhelmed and torn limb from limb by the frenzied people. Ren made his way over after the fight was complete, placing his hand on the man''s chest before activating Skill Devour. He was slightly disappointed that he did not gain another spark fragment, but it was not unexpected. None of the people he had killed after his fight with Arakel granted one, and he was starting to thin-
His thoughts were interrupted as a spear flew straight past his neck, nearly decapitating him. He quickly clamped his hand over the wound that had opened up before downing a health potion he had been saving in case he ever found himself in a near-death situation again. Looking up, he saw the woman that was clad in plate mail slowly walking towards him. The fight with the family heads had caused her to lose her helmet, revealing her long golden hair. She had an expression of utter rage as she stared at Ren, who only now recognised her. Before him stood the second strongest member of their clan and mother of Erith, Selmira Ashrend, the Silver Viper.
chapter 51 Ashrend final
Ormund Ashrend, the elder of his clan, stood atop the Elborn family¡¯s abode with his daughter- and son-in-law, waiting for their moment to strike. He listened intently to the sound of guests arriving far below until he finally herded Draven to speak. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
¡°So it''s true after all,¡± he said before casting a spell, allowing him to speak with everyone he had brought with him. ¡°Alright, we are going to break this up. Don''t hurt anyone unless you have to. They are still our clansmen, even if they have made a mistake.¡±
He nodded toward his daughter, who promptly raised his spear, slamming it into the roof and causing a portion of it to collapse beneath their feet. Standing atop the collapsed rubble, Ormund called out, ¡°Draven, I thought you, of all people, would know better than to play this silly game.¡±
¡°And I thought you would know better than to break the rules you put in place for something as simple as family,¡± Draven yelled back through the swelling cloud of dust
¡°Sigh, so you''re going through with this? You know what the consequences will be if you fail?¡±
¡°I do,¡± Draven said as his silhouette shot through the swirling dust, straight toward Ormund.
A loud clang echoed throughout the room as Draven¡¯s fist, clad into a steel gauntlet, slammed into a shield in Ormund¡¯s hand that had appeared seemingly out of thin air. Draven ducked as a mace passed where his head had just been. Draven threw an uppercut, narrowly missing Ormund. The mace suddenly changed form, fusing with his shield and forming a quarter staff. With absolute focus, he moved forward, parrying every blow Draven threw. With one last movement, he swung the weapon upward, catching the younger man on the chin, causing him to fly upward and crash through the roof. Ormund shot after him, stepping onto the rooftop a few feet from where Draven had landed. Draven pushed himself back up to his feet before cracking his neck.
¡°Nice shot,¡± he said, wiping a small trickle of blood from his mouth.
¡°There will be plenty more to come if you don¡¯t cease this foolishness,¡± Ormund replied.
¡°How many of my children do you think you have killed now, hmm? You think I can just let that slide when you even let one of your descendants die for the same cause!¡±
¡°Draven, listen-¡±
¡°You listen to me! You killed five of my children for your cause, and I let it happen because I believed in what you were trying to do. But you refuse to sacrifice anything while expecting everyone else to sacrifice for you!¡±
¡°Shut your mouth, boy, or I will shut it for you,¡± the elder said with a look of disdain.
¡°Fine, I¡¯m done talking to you, anyway.¡±
An aura of pure hatred emanated from Draven as his rage skill went into full effect. Ormund quickly formed his quarters into some light armor for his head and chest, and a short sword. Draven charged like a wild animal, aiming to remove Ormund¡¯s head with each swing of his fists. The two quickly entered a stalemate, as Draven continuously missed his mark, and the elder was forced to focus entirely on dodging to avoid his powerful blows. Ormund collected all the metal, forming his light armor and sword before changing it into a wall between him and Draven, buying him a few moments. He began chanting as dents formed in the metallic structure. Right as the wall gave out, Ormund finished his spell, sending out an explosion of metallic liquid in all directions, pushing Daven back. Spikes shot out of the liquid, causing him to scream out in pain and rage as the liquid covering his body pierced deep into his skin.
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¡°It¡¯s over. I could kill you at any moment, so stand down and repent for your crimes,¡± the elder said while painting.
Draven fell to his knees, muttering something under his breath. Ormund knew he was not a spellcaster, so he approached, trying to hear what the younger man was saying.
¡°Speak up, boy.¡±
A sharp pain radiated from Ormund''s skull as Draven suddenly shouted, ¡°Mind Break!¡±
Everything that was Ormund shattered into a million pieces, making his head feel like it had taken a blow from a hammer. It reformed moments later, but the fight was already over. Draven¡¯s fist almost looked like it was moving in slow motion as it closed on the old man''s head. His life flashed before his eyes. He recalled his youth, training every day to achieve his goal of one day destroying his hordes. The next thing he knew, he had attained the rank of elder and now had the full support of his clan. Then he saw the face of his first and only wife carrying his infant daughter in her arms. Draven''s attack moved ever closer. Ormund recalled the worst moment of his life. He learned the truth of his world after reaching level 99, causing him to despair and almost completely give up on his goals, but he pushed past that feeling and put in place the current system for his clan. Inventing the 3 rules and using them as an excuse to push the clan toward his goal. He remembered staying up at night thinking about the first set of people he sent to die, but convinced himself that it was a necessary sacrifice. Time flashed forward again to when his daughter first reserved her spark. He was so proud when he learned she had received a rare one and exhilarated to learn two of her peers had achieved the same feat: Draven and Cedric. Time slowed further in his mind as the incoming attack was now only inches away from impact. Memories passed by faster as he saw his daughter''s confession that she loved a man born with a common spark and remembered the anger he felt when he learned it was not Draven and Cedric. Next, he saw the birth of his grandchild, and a desire to protect someone, even at the cost of his own ideals, was born in his heart. He saw flashes of spending time and training with Erith when she was still young. The pace slowed again as he came across one of his deepest regrets. Cedric had been forsaking his level requirements for the past several months, instead opting to spend time with his wife and son. This enraged Ormund, as he saw one of his greatest assets slowly falling behind. Two years passed before he could bear it no more, and in a decision made with far too much haste, he sent Cedric and his wife to face down the incoming horde. He had thought Cedric would be strong enough to make it out of there alive and that it would just serve as a lesson for him in the future, but he could have never expected that one of the horde leaders would be so close to the front line. He was devastated when he found out, and in another fit of rage. He made their son into an outcast. It was only months ago that he finally understood how Cedric felt about his family when the person most precious to him was in danger. Ormund snapped back to the present time, still moved at a crawl for him as he pondered what he would do. He knew he had a way out of this, but if he used it, Draven would have no chance of survival. He prepared to activate the skill before stopping.
Would it be worth it to rip another talent from this world just to further my selfish ambition?
He thought about all Draven had said during their conversation. The number of his children he had killed. The mistakes he had made before activating one last skill.
¡°Please do not avenge me. Create the bright future that my clouded vision prevented me from seeing. Don''t repeat the errors I made,¡± the elder¡¯s message echoed out over the Ashrend clan as his body fell to the ground, lifeless.
chapter 52 aftermath
Vaelora pulled her spear from the wall, walking back towards Ren¡¯s unconscious form. She ground her teeth in frustration. How had this insignificant child managed to bring down her husband? She stepped down into the small crater where her husband''s killer now lay and raised her spear to strike the final blow when her father''s final message played through the clan. Now, no longer able to contain her grief, her spear clattered to the ground, and she fell to her knees, sobering.
¡°How?¡± was all she could ask.
She composed herself moments later, remembering her daughter was still out there somewhere. She retrieved her spear and took one last look at Ren¡¯s body as golden wings sprouted from her back. Raising the weapon once more, she would at least leave Draven with the same grief and avenge her husband. Just as the spear came down, a man dropped from the ceiling and swatted the weapon to the side at the last moment. Vaelora ground her teeth once more as Draven positioned himself between her and his son. Without a word, she flapped her wings, ascending and flying away from her clan as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Draven stared at the ceiling for a while longer until he was sure that the woman would not be coming back. He pulled his son¡¯s body from the crater he had been imbedded in, throwing him over his shoulder while searching the room for any other survivors. He saw destruction in every direction he looked. Corpses of servants and members of the family he had invited here littered the ground. He stopped as he saw a set of three mangled bodies side by side. He could barely make out the faces of the three family heads with whom he formed his alliance. With a snort, he passed them by. If they were too weak to stand up to one woman, then they were better off dead. At least now there would be no question of who would take over as the new clan elder. He walked over to another body but was relieved to find this one still breathing. He picked up his second son, throwing him over his other shoulder and moving on. This repeated several more times until he had collected his entire family. Only two of them had died during the fighting, which pleased Draven. He had been cultivating his children for this fight, and to see so many of them make it out alive filled his heart with joy. A frown came over his face as a thought passed through his mind.
Another thing to thank that old man for¡
After his first son had obtained a common spark and failed to reach the level requirement, he had been devastated but quickly found something to turn his hatred toward. He began to have more kids, training them ruthlessly to achieve his goal. After the second one died, he grew distent, and when the third died, he grew cold, viewing his remaining children as nothing but tools. Draven suddenly shot to his feet as a feeling of fear shot through him. He scanned the room but could not find the source until he looked down at his youngest son. An eery grin had appeared on his face, and a sickly green energy poured from the wound where his left arm had once been, slowly eating at the floor around him. Ren¡¯s eye shot open, and he immediately sprang to his feet as his left arm solidified. He frantically looked for the opponent he had been fighting, the joy fading from his heart when he found her missing. Draven stared at his son as he, with a new sense of pride welling up within his chest. There was only one thing in his mind that could have caused that sense of caution, a feat that even he had not performed.
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¡°Ren, did you gain a title called Transcendent?¡± Draven asked.
Ren looked over at his father, a haunting grin returning to his face as he nodded and displayed its details.
Transcendent
You have shown us your power, and we have deemed you worthy. Prove yourself and your world chosen of wrath.
Automatically pass the first ascension quest
A smile touched Draven¡¯s lips as he read for the first time in years. He saw one of his children as more than a tool for his ascension. He finally had a child that he believed would one day surpass him.
¡°Special quest received.¡±
Invasion evolution quest
Requirements for compilation
Prevent the birth of the sixth horde by defeating one commander 0/1
Time limit
99 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes
Rewards
All xp gains related to the hordes are doubled for the duration of the quest
Upon failure of this quest, the sixth horde will be born within the endless plains.
Upon failure of this quest, all members of the horde within Carinthia will grow in number until only 50% of the current human population remains.
If only he would have been able to see that day.
A deep booming laughter echoed out in the underground bunker as it examined the title page Ren had put on display for any prying eyes to see, frozen on the screen
¡°Finaly, to think another one of Arakel¡¯s screw ups would lead to this,¡± a booming voice said between fits of laughter.
A shining red screen appeared in front of him as he got his hysterics under control.
Would you like to expand your invasion?
Y/N
His bone-like finger flashed in the red light as he selected Y. A suitable host had finally appeared, and they would be able to move on to the next stage. He sent out a call to his commander closest to the Ashrend clan. A large slug-like creature with hundreds of clawed appendages appeared on the screen.
¡°What can I do for you, my king?¡± it asked in a bellowing voice.
¡°I need you to bring someone to me,¡± the cloaked figure on the throne said.
A perfect replication of Ran came into being in front of him, as well as a map displaying his current location.
¡°As you wish, my king,¡± the creature said.
The screen flickered back to display a horrified expression on Draven¡¯s face. The figure sighed as a glass of red liquid appeared in his hand.
¡°Soon,¡± he said as he swirled the liquid in the cup. ¡°Soon.¡±
chapter 53 home is where the war is
Five days had passed since Ray and Erith left to travel back to their clan, and they had finally reached the edge of the Carinthia forest. Ray looked up, seeing the sun was only halfway through the sky.
¡°Half a day left,¡± he said, shifting his gaze to Erith.
She nodded, taking her first steps into their home in over 4 months. They made their way deeper into the forest as the sun slowly crested over the horizon, bathing the land in darkness. Ray pulled out his gate orb and marked their location.
¡°Ready?¡± he asked
¡°Yeah, only another few days now,¡± Erith responded.
Ray opened a gate back to the castle in Promises Echo and stepped through into their room. Erith followed him, and the gate promptly shut after she was through. Before going to the grand hall for dinner, they quickly changed out of their armor and weapons. Ray pushed open the large double door, allowing him and Erith to enter. They made their way to an open seat next to Freia and were sad to see that Arabella and Zenith had still not returned.
¡°So, how far have you guys made it?¡± Freia asked in a hushed tone.
¡°Just entered the forest around mid day. It will probably take another half week or so to make it back to the old village. Then, who knows how long it will take to track down where they moved to,¡± Ray responded in the same quiet tone.
¡°Are you sure you two should even return there? I know you said it took a squad of level 80 fighters to defeat a commander, and they were all wiped out after.¡±
¡°Erith¡¯s family may be in danger, and if anything goes wrong, we can come back here in less than two seconds,¡± Ray responded with a sigh.
¡°Just be careful. I wish Ma and Arabella would return already to help ya out.¡±
¡°I do, too.¡±
Soon, the kitchen staff brought out plates with fresh-caught fish, venison steaks, and other dishes. Ray and Erith made small talk with a few of the younger scale kin as they ate, careful not to reveal what they had been up to the past few days. Freia was still the only one that knew, and she had asked that they did not tell her younger siblings to not start a panic. After dinner, Ray and Erith went back up to their room to get an early start the next morning. Days passed in much the same way as they made their way further into the forest. After the 5th day, they finally made it to their old village only to find it a trampled mess.
¡°This is the first time I have seen what we left behind after the horde passed,¡± Erith said.
¡°Yeah,¡± Ray responded as he looked over the ruined village that had been his home ever since his parents had passed. ¡°Let''s keep moving. It¡¯s going to take a while to find their trail.¡±
Erith nodded, and they split up to try to find any clues about where their clansmen had gone. Ray was walking toward the edge of town when his armor suddenly activated, and an arrow slammed into it.
¡°Shit,¡± he exclaimed, flinching back while drawing his crossbow and short sword.
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Erith had already exploded into motion, dashing in the direction the attack had come from. It was not long after a suppressed yelp and a rustling in the underbrush started that Erith caught up with her quarry. She threw a smaller woman carrying a bow and clad in a green clock with a symbol ray had never seen on the back of it out into the open, pouncing on where she had landed and holding her sword to her neck.
¡°Who are you?¡± Erith asked with a murderous glint in her voice.
Before the panicking girl could answer, three men clad in half plate armor burst from the tree line, changing Erith. She quickly muttered an incantation while forming the correct spell circuits, and a wall of fire blazed to life in their path.
Ray aimed his crossbow, waiting to see if any of them were stupid enough to jump through the flames.
¡°Make any move to get past that wall, and I will kill my hostage!¡± Erith yelled.
The pounding of feet came to an abrupt stop with her words as one of the men called out.
¡°Ok?, don¡¯t hurt her, and we will surrender.¡±
¡°No! Don¡¯t worry abo-¡±
Erith clamped the woman''s mouth shut, dragging her to her feet while keeping her sword at her throat. Muffled cries came from the hostage as the wall of fire fell to reveal that the three men had already thrown their weapons to the side.
¡°So, why the hell did you four try to attack us?¡± Erith asked.
Ray moved up to stand beside her, keeping his crossbow at the ready. The three men had puzzled expressions as they glanced from one to another.
¡°You two are from the Ashrend clan, right?¡± the one on the left asked, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
Erith and Ray shared a glance, both now warring with confused expressions as well.
¡°Yes?¡± Ray said.
The man scratched his head before responding. ¡°Your clan is the one that started this war?¡±
¡°War?¡± Erith and Ray said in tandem.
¡°Wait, so you''re saying our clan started a war with yours?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Not just with ours, but with every clan in the forest. How do you not know this?¡± the man on the right asked.
¡°We have been out of the forest for the past 5 months. We have no idea what has been going on since we left,¡± Erith said, releasing her grip on her hostage.
The women scrambled over to her companions, glaring at Erith and Ray the entire time.
¡°So,¡± Ray said, trying to ignore the woman''s gaze. ¡°Can you give us a recap of what happened?¡±
The man on the left sighed. ¡°It all started two days after that quest appeared. A young man missing his left arm and most of the left half of his face appeared at the entrance of our village wearing the signature robes of the Ashrend clan. Our elder went to meet with him outside the walls when a group of powerful warriors sprung from the trees and took his life before he could manage a response. They demanded that we turn the village over to them and fall under their banner. When we refused, they said they would be back in two days and strongly suggested that we reconsider. Our clan eventually decided to flee instead of resist or comply. We have been hiding out and striking at the Ashrend however we can when the opportunity presents itself.¡±
¡°My grandfather would never allow something like that,¡± Erith whispered to Ray.
Ray scratched his chin as he thought about everything that he had just learned.
¡°Do you know where the Ashrend clan is currently located?¡± Ray asked.
chapter 54 how could he?
The four members of the Stonewright clan turned and whispered among themselves for a moment.
¡°No offence, but that does not seem like it would be in our best interest to do. Even if you have been away for several months, what would stop you from joining their side when you meet up with them?¡± the man on the left asked.
¡°That¡¯s not an option for us. We fled from the clan when we were supposed to divert the horde. I¡¯m sure there are plenty of people there who would like to see us dead. The only reason we returned was to help however we could with the quest,¡± Erith said.
¡°Wait, diverting the horde? Why in heaven''s name would you send people to do that? Sounds like a surefire way to get them killed,¡± the woman said.
¡°It¡¯s one of the three rules all the clan elders are meant to follow. Are you saying your clan doesn¡¯t?¡± Ray asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
¡°Three rules?¡± the man on the left asked.
¡°Yeah, you know. No clan may have more than one member above level 80. The leaders of the shrieking hordes must never be slain, and when a horde comes close to a clan, they must send at least fifteen members to divert it before moving,¡± Ray responded.
¡°Our clan has never enforced any rules like those. I think we have five people over level 80,¡± the man on the left said.
¡°But that means¡¡± Erith trails off, holding her mouth in shock
¡°The elder lied,¡± Ray said, finishing her thought.
Rage boiled in his chest as he thought about every action that man had taken. Every lie he had told. Every person who died when they did not have to. His parents had died for nothing. Ray clenched his fists so hard a small trickle of blood ran from them.
¡°Where is the Ashrend clan?¡± he asked through gritted teeth.
Erith placed her hand on his back to calm him down. It took every fiber of Ray¡¯s being not to lash out at her at that moment.
She is not her grandfather. It¡¯s not her fault. Don¡¯t make that mistake again.
He kept repeating those words in his mind until he could finally calm himself, if only slightly.
¡°Where is the Ashrend clan?¡± he asked again.
The four looked like they had just stepped in front of a rampaging bear. The man on the R was the first one to compose himself.
¡°Umm. They set up northeast of here,¡± he said.
The women promptly elbowed him in the ribs. ¡°You should not have told them that,¡± she shout whispered.
¡°I don¡¯t see the harm. You saw how pissed of he was at his clan elder. This might work out for the best,¡± the man said, rubbing his side.
Ray sighed before turning to Erith. ¡°We should get going,¡± he said.
¡°Yeah,¡± Erith said in a somber tone while continuing to rub his back.
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They began walking to the northeast, both with a noticeable slump in their shoulders. They traveled in silence for most of the day, only speaking after the sun had set and it was time to return to the castle. Ray collapsed onto their bed after stepping through the portal.
¡°You can go to dinner without me. I don¡¯t think I''m up for it at the moment,¡± he said.
Erith looked at him with a troubled expression on her face. She laid down beside him, taking his hand in hers while staring up at the ceiling. They stayed like that for what felt like hours before Erith finally broke the silence. ¡°I can¡¯t believe my grandfather would do something like this.¡±
¡°I- yeah,¡± Ray responded.
¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I know how you feel about him, and I can understand why it''s just hard to think about someone you have known your whole life doing something like this.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Ray said, rolling over to face Erith. ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡±
Erith¡¯s eyes watered as she turned to face Ray.
¡°I- how- sorry-¡±
Ray moved closer and wrapped his arms around her.
¡°It¡¯s ok. You''re not him, his actions are not your fault, and I will still love you no matter what anyone in your family does.¡±
¡°I love you too,¡± she said, wrapping her arms around him.
Ray leaned closer, pressing his lips against hers when a loud pounding came from outside the door.
¡°Erith, Ray, ya in here?¡± Freia yelled while continuing to knock.
Ray sighed, releasing his grip on Erith, and made his way toward the door.
¡°What¡¯s up, Freia?¡± he asked, opening the door a crack.
¡°Oh, thank the heavens. I was worried somethin¡¯ might have happened to ya when ya didn¡¯t show up for dinner.¡±
¡°Oh, sorry to worry you. It¡¯s just been a long day, so we decided to turn in early.¡±
¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief, but could ya send a note or somethin¡¯ next time so I know you''re ok?¡±
¡°Yeah, sorry¡ Thank you, Freia.¡±
¡°Well, I will let you two get some rest then,¡± she said, turning to leave.
Ray thanked her and apologised one last time before closing the door and lying next to Erith again. She wrapped him in her arms again, pulling him in to continue where they had left off. By the time the sun rose the next morning, the two of them were still sound asleep, cuddling. It was not until several more hours had passed that they finally awoke. The two could not stop smiling as they got ready for the day ahead despite everything they were told the day before. Ray opened his quest panel after he finished getting into his leather tunic.
Invasion evolution quest
Requirements for compilation
Prevent the birth of the sixth horde by defeating one commander 0/1
Time limit
91 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes
Rewards
All xp gains related to the hordes are doubled for the duration of the quest
Upon failure of this quest, the sixth horde will be born within the endless plains.
Upon failure of this quest, all members of the horde within Carinthia will grow in number until only 50% of the current human population remains.
¡°Do you think it would be ok if we tried hunting some shriekers today? Who knows what will be waiting for us at the clan, and I would like to have as many levels as possible before we find out,¡± Ray said.
¡°Yeah, sounds like a good idea, but do you know where we can find any?¡± she said, pulling on her armor.
¡°If we go in the direction those things went in after trampling the village, I''m sure we will find some.¡°
They finished their preparations for the day and headed out almost 3 hours after they normally would and began moving in the direction the horde had gone.
chapter 55 the forth threshold
Ray stared over a sea of shredded and melted steel. It had been five days since they had returned to what was left of their old village. He and Erith had both realized they needed to be much stronger to face the horde commander and their clan and had begun mercilessly killing every shrieker and low-level member of the horde in sight. Ray looked over his status screen as he felt the sensation of a level up.
¡°Finally, level 40.¡±
Status
Name: Ray
Level: 40
Ascension: 0
Class: Beginner Bio-Artisan (Rare)
Mana E: 1120/1120
Stamina: 400/400
Stats
Strength 37
Endurance 40
Dexterity E: 70
Intelligence E: 264
Wisdom E: 112
Available Points: 20
Multipliers
Strength 0.5
Endurance 0.5
Dexterity 2
Intelligence 3
Wisdom 2
Skills
Draconic Insite, weapon bond, dual-wielding, Upgrade Material, Disassemble, Power Shot
Titles
[System-Appointed Artisan], [Low-Grade Stats Collector], [Third Threshold], [Blessing of the Scale Mother], [Underdog], [Artifact Grade Craftsman], [Horde Slayer]
For his skill at level 35, he had selected power shot as he finally had enough stamina to properly use it and had seen how much damage Sam could do with it. As for the Horde Slayer title, he had gained it after killing his 100th shrieker. As for its effects, it granted a small bonus to any damage dealt to a member of a horde. Ray had initially been wary of the creatures after his last experience with them, but after his first fully charged power shot with his bow instantly killed one of them. He and Erith, emboldened, tackled increasingly bigger groups, eventually defeating the one now lying dead.
¡°What''s your level up to?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Just hit 40, you?¡±
¡°Just hit it as well. You must have gotten it early in that fight, then. I think I was still two levels away. Have you checked out your threshold quest yet?¡±
Ray focused and brought up his quest panel.
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Quests
Incarnate threshold level four
Requirements for compilation
Craft-
Warning: A special event has caused the requirements to change.
Requirements for compilation Kill one [Redacted] leader 0/1
Warning: The [Redacted] leader will be alerted to your location in 10 minutes
Rewards
Fourth threshold title
Access to levels 41-50
Special title
Additional rewards based on performance
¡°Uh, did your threshold quest just change?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Yeah, redacted leader? What do you think that means?¡±
A path to follow suddenly appeared in their minds.
¡°I¡¯m not sure. Should we go find out?¡±
¡°Yeah, let''s go,¡± Erith said.
They went through the forest, moving further into the hordes'' territory. Ray noticed large holes in the ground around a swath of broken trees. It looked like large stakes had been driven into the land and removed again around every 2 feet.
¡°Nine minutes remaining.¡±
They continued forward, noticing that they were following the continuing pattern of broken trees and large holes. Eventually, they came to what seemed to be a large metal structure that seemed to be formed from multiple layers of metal disks, with purple sparks of electricity flashing through the various plates that formed each disk. Ray moved towards the structure, fascinated by the craftsmanship used to create it. As he got closer, a cry like crackling lighting erupted from it as the forest shook. Several spike-like legs revealed themselves from under the structure, clacking against the metal plates as it slowly unfolded. Ray jumped back and nocked an arrow, channeling a combination of power and constrictors shot. Its body stretched out over 100 feet, and a head with two powerful-looking mandibles emerged. Sparks of purple electricity crackled between them as the beast reared its head and stared directly at Ray and Erith. Ray released his changed power shot, sending an arrow of green energy flying directly at the beast. It twisted in mid-air, becoming a python over 15 feet that coiled around the leader. Once it had a tight hold, it pierced the creature''s body with its ethereal fangs, beginning to drain the creature''s mana. Ray suddenly screamed in pain as a raging river of mana flowed into him, quickly overwhelming what he could handle.
¡°Warning: Mana pool overcharged, internal damage imminent!¡±
Ray gritted his teeth and dismissed the python before firing a massive ball of electric blue lighting at the creature. The attack slammed into its back, scorching the armor plated it came in contact with. The creature let out another mechanical roar, and its mouth shifted, revealing an almost human face constructed entirely of the same metal plates as its body.
A distorted voice, like hundreds of people speaking at once, came from the creature. ¡°Just give up. I¡¯m in no mood to chase around you insects today.¡±
Ray fired another blast of electricity, this one much smaller than the last, directly at the creature''s face. Its humanoid head disappeared once again as a grown emanate from the creature. It swatted the ball of energy with one of its hundreds of legs, causing it to explode. Ray groaned when he saw the limb did not even have a mark on it from the attack. A war cry echoed out from behind him as Erith charged forward, covered in a layer of blue fire. She dogged a leg swinging towards her lightly, grazing it with the tip of her sword. The limb ignited in the same blue fire and melted away as the creature frantically tried to put it out. Sparks of purple lightning suddenly shot from its mouth and towards the limb, devouring the raging flames on contact. Both Erith and Ray were left stunned. They had seen no one capable of extinguishing Erith''s flames so easily. Even Arabella had to resort to not getting hit to avoid the all-consuming fire. The creature let out a sigh of relief before turning its attention fully to Erith. Mana crackled between its mandibles as a violet ball built between them. A whirring noise shot through the air as space contorted around the building power. When the ball of energy finally reached from mandible to mandible, the creature leaned forward, and a powerful beam shot directly at Erith.
chapter 56 clash of hunger
An explosion of violet energy carved a deep crater into the ground. Erith sprang to the barely avoided the worst of the attack with the help of the enchantment on her armor. She was still sent flying as the blast expanded and slammed hard into a nearby tree. She pushed herself back to her feet, painting from the sudden impact. Seeing that she was ok, Ray deposited his bow and drew his dagger and short sword. He chanted a quick incantation, and both weapons crackled as sparks of mana arced between them. Ray slammed the weapons together, charging his reflective short sword. Next, he lay his dagger unto of the short sword so that the flats of each blade were touching.
I hope this works.
He extended the blade 5 feet and slid the blades together like he was striking a Ferro rod. A wave of pure blue energy followed the dagger''s motion. A burst of mana flooded Ray''s surroundings as the wave of energy reached the tip of his short sword. It exploded out, creating a high-speed blade of lightning 5 feet wide, repeating a skill resonance he had only ever tried in practice. The trees between him and the horde leader were cut in two, toppling to the ground with a boom as the wave passed. Purple lightning shot from the creature and started eating away at Ray''s attack, but it was too late. The wave of electricity carved a deep wound on the creature''s body, causing a black ichor to spill onto the ground. The creature roared in pain as its body thrashed from the electricity coursing through its body. Ray panted as he checked how much mana he had remaining
Mana E: 631/1120
He did a double take when he saw how far the number had already dropped.
That skill resonance only took 300 mana when I first discovered it. What the hell is going on?
The creature''s thrashing slowed, pulling Ray from his thoughts. He saw Erith fully ignited, charging the creature again while it was still electrified. Ray joined her, looking to get as much of an advantage as they could. Reaching the creature, Ray deposited both his weapons into his sack and began chanting a lightning bolt incantation. Erith plunged her sword into the creature repeatedly, but every time, the purple sparks would devour any flames before they could do lasting damage. Ray finished his incantation and placed both his hands on the creature, allowing lightning to course through its body with renewed vigor. It thrashed as a torrent of purple energy shot toward Ray, latching on to his arm, still channeling the lighting spell. He noticed the feeling of his mana rushing out of him as the energy made contact and watched as it rapidly approached 0. Not wanting to stop changing the spell. Ray came up with a different idea. He activated the conduit ability of horde braker stealing mana from the leader as it stole from him, but at a much higher rate. Ray pushed as much mana as he could muster into his ongoing spell, causing the leader to let out a mechanical screech that increased in pitch every time he upped the power. A faint ticking came from the leader as Ray¡¯s output increased once more. Ray tried to increase the power once more, stealing as much mana as he could from the horde leader, when the ticking increased in volume, and his spell was suddenly canceled. Ray frantically canceled horde breaker¡¯s ability and pushed away from the creature just in time as a shockwave of purple lightning shot out in all directions, eating through his shield in seconds and sending him flying back. The ground rumbled as the giant creature moved with surprising speed, catching up to Ray in mid-flight. It tried to close its mandibles around him, but he pointed his right arm at the ground and expelled the rest of the stolen mana it had built up, propelling him into the air. He could feel that his stamina was already running on empty, despite the fight only having lasted a few minutes. The creature stopped under him, standing on its back legs and waiting for him to fall into its maw. With no time to complete another incantation, Ray settled for drawing his dagger and short sword again. With his mana near full, he pointed the dagger straight at the creature and began infusing as much mana as he could. The blade raced downward, piercing the creature''s maw and severing its left mandible before stopping the ground behind it. The blade disintegrated in seconds, not able to handle the amount of mana coursing through it. Ray deposited the item into his bag to let it regenerate, and the leader seemed stunned by the sudden strike. He braced himself for impact with the ground, but it never came. A warm sensation ran down his side as he stared the giant creature in the face. Ray looked down as the world began spinning, seeing its mandible cutting through the right side of his chest. He fought against the drowsiness threatening to overtake him. He grabbed the glowing mandible with his metallic hand and activated its ability. Using every fiber of his being, he increased the consumption until it outpaced the drain from the creature. A deep nausea struck him as something tried to claw its way into his mind. His vision swam, and he struggled as long as he could, but between the blood loss and continued attempts to break into his mind, his consciousness soon faded.
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Chapter 57 Awakening
A primal consciousness clawed its way into Ray¡¯s mind as soon as he fell unconscious, taking control. Hunger gnawed at it. The raging ocean of mana passing between it and the leader was not enough. It wanted more. The grip of Ray¡¯s metallic arm tightened like a vise. Cracks shot up the mandible as it failed to withstand the force going into it, but that was not all. For the first time in millennia, the leader felt its mana drop. Its plating peeled back, revealing a wide-eyed mechanical face.
¡°How! You should have popped before being able to contain that much mana,¡± it roared.
Silence was all that answered it, followed by a noise like shattering glass as the mandible fully gave out. Ray¡¯s form dropped to the ground, landing perfectly on his feet. Whatever was currently in control of his body let out a grunt of pain at the landing, looking at the wound carved into Ray¡¯s side. Horde Breaker glowed with a yellow light as mana rushed from it, entering the wound. It closed in seconds as Ray¡¯s already increased healing rate was kicked into overdrive. Soon, only a small scar remained where the grizzly wound had once been. A pained whale followed soon after he was healed not from Ray but from his right arm. It mournfully cried out for the mana it had just spent. It needed more, and it knew exactly where to get it. Ray lunged like a wild animal charging at the leader. Several large spear-like feet descended attempting to crush him, but this was exactly what the primal existence wanted. It grabbed onto an extended leg with a crushing grip. Black blood leaked out as the appendage gave way, crumpling under the force. Mana poured from the limb and into Horde Breaker at a speed that would have caused someone with a mana pool ten times the size of Ray¡¯s to explode from the internal pressure within seconds, but it did not stop. Purple veins appeared and dissipated over and over as mana leaked into Ray before the greedy limb devoured that as well. The influx of mana caused its steel to shift and rearrange pathways where carved deep into the steel as it changed its mana circuitry. It no longer resembled a hand or arm, instead taking on a form reminiscent of a Kraken with a gaping maw at the end of each tentacle. Each maw latched on to the now rising leader as it tried anything to throw Ray off, but each mouth held firm, only burrowing deeper into the creature searching for its core.
¡°Ray!¡± Erith yelled out from below.
She had finally made her way back after that shockwave had sent her flying. She was having trouble putting weight on her left foot but pushed forward, anyway. The scene before her had left her stunned for a few moments when Ray''s arm had transformed, but the sight of him getting lifted into the air broke her from her shock. She called out again, but there was still no response. The creature climbed higher into the air and thrashed violently as it tried to throw Ray off.
¡°Shit,¡± Erith muttered to herself, seeing that Ray¡¯s body had gone limp.
She ignited her sword and made her way toward the creature as fast as her hurt leg would allow.
Ray¡¯s entire body tingled as his eyes slowly opened.
¡°Whoa!¡± he exclaimed as he saw approximately 50 feet of space between him on the ground. He frantically looked around before exclaiming again as he saw what his right arm had become.
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¡°What the hell!?¡±
He frantically activated Draconic Insight to see what had happened to his creation.
Horde Breaker Awakened: a metal construct created by the combined efforts of an Advanced Tinkering Smith and beginner bio-artisan (Unknown)
Grade: Legendary
Durability: 300/300
Attributes
Greater Auto Repair
Greater durability
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Conduit Awakened: Its Mana core expanded Horde Breaker has become ravenous
Activate to drain MP from a creature in contact with Horde Breaker. (Unknown)
Ray cursed under his breath. Something had happened while he was unconscious and he did not have access to a high enough level of the Draconic Library to see what that was.
¡°St-Stop!¡± the leader roared
As a pulse of immense satisfaction radiated through a mental link, Ray had not noticed before
He looked around for the cause before his gaze landed on his arm again. Its tendrils slowly pulled back as the leader screamed and thrashed wildly. A bright purple light shone through the several holes left by Ray¡¯s right arm. It grew brighter and brighter until an enormous orb burst from the side of the creature. Several metal tendrils were wrapped around it and dragged it closer and closer to him. Several more tendrils sprang from the limb, wrapping around the enormous orb until it was fully encased. It condensed, growing smaller and smaller. Horde breaker let out another wave of satisfaction as a metallic screech of triumph echoed from it. It pulled the orb inside of itself, transforming it back to its normal shape once it was safely inside.
¡°Quest completed. Rewards allocated.¡±
¡°No, No No No!¡± Ray yelled as the limb fully let go of the leader, sending him hurtling toward the ground. Flames shot up all around him, an orange barrier forming as they dissipated. Several more sprang up below him, shattering and slowing his fall before he finally came to a complete stop inches from the ground.
¡°Are you ok?¡± Erith asked, limping towards him.
An echoing boom rolled over the land as the leader collapsed behind them, causing a minor earthquake.
¡°I think so. Thanks for catching me,¡± Ray said, looking at his now dormant arm. ¡°I need to talk to Freia about what just happened¡¡±
¡°So you didn¡¯t upgrade your arm and not tell me about it, then?¡±
¡°Yeah, I do not know what that was, but I think it''s conscious.¡±
¡°Conscious?!¡± Erith asked, her eyes widening.
Ray nodded and pulled his gateway orb from his bag.
¡°Let¡¯s get going before anything else shows up.¡±
Erith nodded and followed him through a portal back to their room.
chapter 58 void
As soon as the portal was closed, Ray made sure Erith was ok. Her leg appeared broken but seemed likely to heal well. Ray helped her set the limb and attach it to a splint before leaving her to get some rest and making his way down to Freia¡¯s workshop to ask her if she knew what was happening to his arm.
¡°It transformed?! On its own?!¡± she exclaimed when Ray finished recounting his fight with the leader.
¡°Yeah, I think it has a consciousness too. I felt a mental link with it when it tore that thing¡¯s core out and it felt like the same presence that forced its way into my mind in the first place,¡± Ray said.
¡°Do you mind if I use my inspection skills on it?¡±
¡°No, please do.¡±
Ray held his arm out so Freia could get a good look at it.
¡°Hmm, haven''t had that happen in a long time¡¡± she said before pausing.
¡°What?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Here, take a look for yourself,¡± she said, showing the screen to Ray
Horde Breaker Awakened: a metal construct created by the combined efforts of an Advanced Tinkering Smith and beginner bio-artisan (Unknown)
Grade: Legendary
Durability: 300/300
Attributes
Greater Auto Repair
Greater Durability
Legendary Mana Storage
Lighting Attunement
Void Attunement
Void-Lightning Core (Artifact)
Conduit Awakened: Its Mana core expanded Horde Breaker has become ravenous
Activate to drain MP from a creature in contact with Horde Breaker. (Unknown)
¡°What¡¯s Void Attunement?¡± Ray asked, looking over the screen.
¡°A real nasty one. Has anyone ever told you the relation between mana stamina and your life force?¡±
¡°No, there is a relation?¡±
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¡°Yeah, it''s the reason someone at level 99 can¡¯t just one-shot anyone else at their level even though they are throwing around enough power to leave dents in mountains at that point.¡±
¡°So, how does it work?¡±
¡°Well, let''s say your life force is like a combination of the two energies with stamina representin¡¯ your physical life, for example, keeping your heart beating. Mana, on the other hand, represents your spiritual life, keeping you conscious and thinking.¡±
¡°Is that why it becomes so hard to move your body when your stamina depletes?¡±
¡°Yep, same reason your mind starts to go all cloudy when you''re out of mana. They allow you to exert great power, but you''re tugging on your life force to do so, and when you tug too hard, well, your body lets you know about it.¡±
A memory came back to Ray as he thought more about the relationship. He had been impaled during the fight, but when he came back too, there was no wound in sight.
¡°Can mana or stamina be converted directly into life force? Healing a large wound in your side, for example,¡± Ray asked.
¡°That¡¯s how a healing spell works, although you can do it directly through mana and stamina as well, but that skill is reserved only for those with complete mastery,¡± Freia answered.
¡°Hmm,¡± Ray pondered. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what happened, but you remember how I told you about when I blacked out?¡±
¡°I do, why?¡±
¡°When I woke up again, I noticed that the wound that should have been there had completely disappeared, and I am sure I am not mistaken, because there is a hole in both my armor and cloak where I was impaled.¡±
¡°That is strange,¡± Freia said, scratching her head. ¡°If I had to take a guess, I would say one of the things still hidden about your arm over there may be a mana mastery.¡±
¡°Wait-¡±
¡°Now, before ya go askin¡¯ me questions about that, it''s not somethin¡¯ I''m fully familiar with. I''ve only heard about it in passing from Ma and don¡¯t have access to info on it in the library yet,¡± Freia said, interrupting Ray. ¡°Now back to somethin¡¯ I can tell ya about, void affinity.¡±
Ray had almost forgotten about the original reason Freia was telling him about mana and stamina, with so many questions averring during her explanation.
¡°Now,¡± Freia began. ¡°Void mana is more like a whirlpool that pulls other mana in and devours it. That is why it can be so nasty. If a wielder of void magic or mana completely drains their target, they can then devour their life force as well until only an empty husk remains.¡±
Ray winced as he remembered how close those purple sparks of energy had come to completely draining his mana pool.
¡°So what does that mean for my arm?¡± he asked.
¡°Well, based on what you told me about the horde leader, I would say its core was void attuned, and your arm was originally lighting attuned because of the core we made for it. When it pulled that monster''s core in, it must have merged the two, creating the one it currently has.
As for what it means¡ I''m not sure. I would normally say it''s a wonderful boon but with your arm seeming to have a will of its own, I''m not sure that it is. Let me try to get a hold of an old friend. He is more experienced than me when it comes to living weapons, so he should be able to tell you more.¡±
Ray nodded. ¡°What should I do with it for now?¡±
¡°Just try not to use it and avoid any high mana areas for the time being. My friend should be able to get her some time tomorrow, so just take it easy until then.¡±
Ray said his farewell before making his way back to his and Erith¡¯s room. He opened the door to find her asleep. Creeping into the room, he lay down on his side of the bed but was unable to get any rest as he stared at Horde Breaker. He was in control at the moment, but who knew how long that would last? He sat long into the night, watching the dormant limb for any movement.
chapter 59 contract
Ray made his way down to the workshop at noon the next day. He had spent most of the morning finding a healer to come take a look at Erith¡¯s leg. After seeing it, they ended up casting a few healing spells before removing the splint. It was still tender, but Erith could move around fine with the only instructions from the healer being to avoid any extra size or fall for the next few days.
That¡¯s how they ended up deciding to stay at the castle for a few days while Erith recovered. They were both eager to get back out there with the timer steadily decreasing but agreed it would not be a good idea to go back out there while one of them was hurt. Especially if they ran into another leader. Ray focused on what he would need to make today as he reached the bottom of the long spiral staircase and opened the door to the workshop.
¡°Ray,¡± Freia called as the door opened.
She was standing next to a smaller-scale kin that had bulging frog-like eyes and a neon green complexion. He wore a set of purple robes with a shining gold crest shaped like a staff with a large rube in its center stamped on the chest.
¡°This is Gul¡¯thar,¡± Freia continued. ¡°He¡¯s the one I was telling you about yesterday.¡±
¡°Hello,¡± Gul¡¯thar said with a wave. ¡°I hear you have an item that has awakened consciousness?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Ray said.
¡°Do you mind if I see the item in question?¡± Gul¡¯thar asked.
¡°No,¡± Ray said, walking forward and holding out his right arm.
¡°It¡¯s your arm?¡± Gul¡¯thar said, furrowing his eyebrows. ¡°This could be trouble¡¡±
¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Ray and Freia asked.
¡°Normally, if we are talking about a conscious item, we are talking about something that is not attached to the owner, so it has minimal impact on their mental state. But in the case of a limb, it has to be added with the Bio-synthesis system to let its user have the same level of control they would have with a normal body part. As a result of that, there is a mental link between you and the item, meaning its consciousness could influence you. I would recommend you try to make a deal with it. Otherwise, you might be in a consistent fight with your own right arm.¡±
¡°How can I do that?¡± Ray asked, his eyes wide with worry.
¡°Well, I¡¯m not completely sure, but it''s normally done by forming a lesser mental link with the item so you can freely communicate without the risk of it invading your mind, but since that step is already done in your case. Albeit far more dangerously. All you need to do is try to speak with it through that link.¡±
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Ray took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and turned his focus inward. He focused on the link between him and Horde Breaker before sending a thought toward it.
¡°Hello, can you hear me?¡±
A torrent of emotion responded through the link: acknowledgment, satisfaction, cautiousness, worry, and regret. Ray stopped for a few moments, trying to grasp the meaning of the feelings.
¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± he thought through the link.
Joy, cautiousness, and hope moved through the link in response.
¡°I see you did not mean to take control when you did and I forgive you, but I would like for used to make a deal so something like that does not happen again. Is that ok with you?¡±
Agreement, cautiousness, and a sense of satisfaction moved through the link. Moments later, a new screen appeared, pulling Ray¡¯s attention.
Contract
The newly awakened spark that dwells inside the item Horde Breaker wishes to form a contract with you.
Terms
Horde Breaker cannot enter your mind unless given express permission or a life-or-death situation where you are otherwise disposed.
You cannot enter Horde Breaker¡¯s mind unless given express permission or a life-or-death situation where you are otherwise disposed.
Horde Breaker will open its mana pool to you as long as it is above 50% filled.
Horde Breaker may drain as much energy as it wants from those deemed as enemies.
¡
The terms continued outlining a contract between Ray and his arm, allowing for cooperation with limitations so an event like the other day would not happen again. Ray requested some minor changes, mostly to the sections that referred to enemies changing the wording so that both he and Horde Breaker would have to agree someone was an enemy before it could drain them. He also added that it could not kill someone unless given express permission by Ray. A flood of joy and contentment came through the link as the contract went into place.
¡°Alright, it''s done,¡± Ray said.
Gul¡¯thar blinked in confusion for a few moments. ¡°You mean you already made the contract?!¡±
¡°Yeah, what¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Show it to me now! I need to make sure you didn¡¯t allow any gaps for that item to run wild,¡± Gul¡¯thar shouted in a panicked tone.
¡°Sure, but I didn¡¯t see any issues with it¡¡± Ray said, revealing the contract screen.
A sigh of relief escaped Gul¡¯thar as he finished reading over the contract.
¡°You should have consulted me before letting this go into effect. You gave that thing far too much leniency, but at least it won''t be able to hurt anyone without your permission.¡±
A small sense of distaste for Gul¡¯thar flowed through the mental link as he talked. Ray tried to console the new consciousness, assuring it he did not feel the same way. Even if it had, let its hunger get the best of it when it first awakened. It regretted what happened and wanted to have a good relationship with the person it was attached to. It had even saved his life by closing his wound and killing the leader when Ray had fallen unconscious.
Ray ignored Freia and Gul¡¯thar, who had changed topics and were now discussing something related to how an item even awakened. Normally that topic would have greatly interested him, but he only had a few days before he and Erith would head back to Carinthia and he wanted to make sure they were as prepared as they could be.
chapter 60 swords and spears
Ray made his way to the back room and prepared to create some new items his last fight and recent contract had inspired him to make. While the enchantment on his chest piece was useful, it ran out of charge far too quickly, leading to both him and Erith taking major injuries during the fight. It had also shown him the major vulnerability the items had against void spells.
Ray hoped to address both issues by making an attachment that would absorb as much mana as it could from any incoming spells and convert it to more energy for the armor to use. He started by laying out the chest plate he had made for himself.
There was still a large gash he would need to fix before he could create and test out the attachment. He infused some of his mana, activating the repair enchantment and watching as the armor knit itself back together. Next, he took a chunk of steel and heated it in the forge. After a few hours of hammering away, he was able to produce two similar triangular pieces that he planned to insert in the center of each chest plate.
After making sure both pieces looked good, he grabbed a large leather-bound book and opened the clasp. A flood of glowing blue screens appeared. Ray flicked through them one by one until he found the original blueprints for the mana pathways he had carved into Horde Breaker. He hoped he could produce a similar effect if he copied the ones responsible for the conduit ability with slight modifications.
He began carving, inserting each rune into the slowly cooling metal. When he finished the process, he placed his right arm onto the now cool triangle and requested it to infuse some of its void mana. It happily complied, pouring a handful of mana into the device. It hummed to live as mana filled every pathway, giving it a violet glow.
Spell Thief Amulet
Grade: Uncommon
Durability: 100/100
Attributes
Common Mana Storage
Spell Thief: absorb up to 100 E-grade mana from an incoming attack. If attached to an item, the mana absorbed will be used to recharge it.
Happy with the result, Ray attached it to his chest plate before repeating the process with the other one. After confirming he had succeeded, he made his way out of the workshop, bidding farewell to Freia and Gul¡¯thar.
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He walked up the enormous staircase and down several corridors until he reached his room. Ray entered, expecting to see Erith, but was surprised to find it empty. He grabbed his gateway orb out of his bag and frantically opened a portal to the training grounds to make sure she was not pushing herself. He was relieved when he stepped through the portal to find her practicing spells while sitting on a bench.
Making his way over, Ray took a seat beside her and watched as she formed a complex magic circuit with four rings. It roared to life and a flaming spear appeared in her hands. She threw it at a nearby target, watching as the spear passed straight through the center, igniting the nearby material.
¡°You know my mother would probably be happy I learned a spell like that. She wanted me to learn how to use a spear, but my grandfather insisted someone in the family inherit his father''s sword. Eventually, my mother caved to his request, but I think she would be proud I found a way to copy a small part of her fighting style,¡± she said, watching the flames eat at the target before dispelling them.
¡°I''m sure she will love it when you show it to her,¡± Ray said, watching Erith as she stared at the smoke drifting through the air.
¡°I hope she is ok. I don¡¯t think she would just stand by while my grandfather waged war against the other clans.¡±
¡°I-¡± Ray started he had been thinking about that the past several days and while he did not have the same perspective on Erith''s family, he did not doubt that old man would do whatever he thought was necessary to accomplish his goal. ¡°I¡¯m sure she is,¡± was what finally came out as Ray pushed down his true thoughts.
He could see Erith seemed upset and now would not be the right time to voice his opinion on the matter
¡°How¡¯s your leg feeling?¡± he asked, changing the subject.
¡°Better. We should be able to head out again soon.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t push yourself. We can take as much time as we need.¡±
Erith sighed. ¡°You and I both know that we can¡¯t.¡±
¡°I would rather we go back out there with only a few days remaining than have one of us get hurt because we are rushing too much.¡±
Erith sighed again. ¡°I guess you''re right, but I really am feeling well enough to get back out there.¡±
¡°If you''re sure.¡±
They sat for a while longer, watching the sun slowly dip behind the horizon.
The next day, they were preparing to head back to the forest. Ray attached his new creation to Erith¡¯s armor and had the healer drop by one last time to make sure everything looked good. After getting the all-clear, they started putting their packs together to head back out.
Ray had picked up some stamina and mana potions while he was out as well he split up between them. He would not make the mistake of overestimating his stamina pool again. Even though it had grown substantially, it was still nothing compared to someone who did not have a crippling multiplier like him. With everything ready, Ray opened a portal, and they stepped back into the forest.
chapter 61 reunion
Ray took a few moments to look around at all the trees. Their leaves had changed color, marking the beginning of autumn.
¡°Hopefully it doesn¡¯t snow too bad this year.¡±
Erith nodded in agreement. ¡°I''m sure you will whip something up to keep us warm, even if it does.¡±
"That, and you can turn yourself into a roaring inferno."
She rolled her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving. I want to hit level 50 before we try going back.¡±
Ray followed her in the direction their last fight had been. Looking for any signs of where the horde had gone. They came upon several signs showing it had moved north, left in the soil and trees. They followed the trail for a little under an hour before finding the outer edge of shriekers.
¡°Ready?¡± Erith asked.
Ray nodded, drawing his crossbow. ¡°On your mark.¡± He tensed and began channeling mana into the weapon, charging a power shot.
A cloak of flame sprung up around Erith, and she dashed at the small group of shriekers. They were caught completely off guard as she slashed in a fluid motion. The first one fell to the ground bisected, flames slowly melting its metal exterior. A rush of blue and purple crackling energy slammed into the next one, knocking it to the ground. The mana Ray had spent on the attack was slowly refilled as the mix of void and lighting energy danced across the creature. They effortlessly dispatched five more, clearing the area.
¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡±
Erith dispelled her flames and led the way forward. ¡°It seems like they were heading in the same direction the clan had supposedly moved in.¡±
¡°You¡¯re right. Should we keep hunting this horde?¡±
¡°Yeah. It might be unfounded, but something feels off.¡±
Ray nodded. ¡°Alright then, let''s go.¡±
He led the way forward as they slowly pushed deeper into the horde. It took three days of almost constant fighting for them to arrive at the outer edge of the horde. Large beetle-like creatures began appearing as they pushed farther. They did not pose much more of a threat than the average shrieker, but their massive body and constitution made them hard to take down. By the end of the fourth day, Ray hit level 45 and had a new skill selection.
kills currently available
Fabricate: Create a copy of an item you have crafted in the past
Mana cost: dependent on item grade
All materials used in the original craft are required and will be consumed upon skill usage.
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Lightning Affinity: Gain access to the Incantation system for lightning spells
Void Affinity: Gain access to the Incantation system for void spells
Improved Infusion: Infuse an item to have greater affinity with a mana element
Crafters Resilience level 1: All items you craft have a base durability of 200.
When Crafters Resilience is active strikes against you will instead deal 10% of their damage to any equipped items.
Can only be activated if you have an equipped item above 0 durability
Looking over the first few options, Ray almost instantly picked Void Affinity but thought better of it and checked the rest of the skills available. He was glad he did when he finally got to the last one. Ray struggled with the choice for a long time. Opting for Crafters Resilience level 1 in the end.
¡°Got my skill,¡± he said, turning to look at Erith.
¡°So did I. You ready to keep going?¡±
¡°It''s getting late. It might be best to go back for the night.¡±
Erith stared in the direction the horde had been moving and sighed. ¡°You''re probably right. Let¡¯s go.¡±
Ray opened a portal back to the castle, and they stepped through. The next morning Ray someone had slipped a note under their door.
¡°Hey Ray and Erith, I just got word that Ma and Arabella should return sometime next week! Love Freia.¡±
He showed the letter to Erith. They were both relieved by the news, as having Zenith and Arabella¡¯s help would be a great boon in the fight to come.
¡°Well, we still have a bit over 79 days, so I think we should keep leveling until they are back,¡± Ray said.
Erith nodded with a troubled expression on her face.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
¡°Do you think it would be ok if we check on the clan before they are back?¡±
Ray paused for a moment. He wanted to flat-out say no but held himself back, seeing her expression. He sighed. ¡°I am not sure if it''s the best idea, but if we just observe from afar and stick together, I guess we can.¡±
¡°Thank you. I know it¡¯s dangerous but I want to know if my parents are ok.¡±
¡°Yeah, I can understand that.¡± Ray turned away and packed his bag with everything he would need for the day.
They took a portal back to where they had ended the night before and headed northeast. They found themself in near-constant combat for the next 2 hours soon after when they came across a large group of shriekers and beetle-like creatures. Pushing onward, they avoid another large group with a large silver bear-like creature in the center. It gave off the same feeling as the horde leader they had faced, and neither of them wanted to repeat that kind of encounter any time soon. Especially not when it had backup.
Not long after, Ray spotted a destroyed wooden wall. It looked like a creature almost 20 feet wide had bulldozed it. Ray was shocked to see none of the nearby trees toppled, even with the destruction in front of them.
¡°What do you think could have done that?¡± Erith asked.
¡°No idea, but I think we should try to avoid it.¡±
The sound of a twig snapping pulled their attention to the tree line.
¡°Well, well, well, look who finally showed themselves!¡± a familiar voice shouted.
Ray drew his crossbow, pointing it directly at where the sound had come from. He knew how powerful that man was before he gained a spark and had no intention of letting him get close. Three sets of footsteps echoed through the tree line as a man missing his left arm and the right side of his face stepped out of the tree line. Two other men baring a streaking resemblance to his soon followed, flanking him on either side.
¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± Ray asked.
¡°I could ask you the same,¡± Ren said, gesturing to Ray¡¯s mechanical right arm. ¡°But honestly, I don¡¯t care.¡±
Ray fired his crossbow, activating its ability.
chapter 62 E grede spell resonance
A bolt of purple and blue flew straight toward Ren. A swelling vortex of sickly green energy formed, catching the bolt. The void and lightning mana were snuffed out as soon as the two energies made contact. Ray stepped back, his eyes wide.
That shouldn''t be possible. He deposited the crossbow and pulled out his dagger and short sword.
The green vortex dissipated, revealing Ren with what remained of his lips drooping down. He let out a deep sigh. ¡°Two minutes 34 seconds.¡±
¡°What?¡± Ray asked.
¡°How long a fight between us would last.¡±
Erith fell back beside Ray, ready to strike. ¡°You sure about that?¡±
¡°Yep. Your only chance would be to run. At least you''re already good at that.¡±
Ren¡¯s brothers snickered.
¡°We don¡¯t have to do this you know,¡± Ren said walking forward
Ray dropped his right hand into a lower guard with a sigh. He made sure the blade was pointing straight at Ren.
¡°Good, I am sure the clan will welcome you back as fodder in th-¡±
Ray overloaded the dagger, causing the blade to shoot out at high speed. It easily covered the distinct but paused as if it was no longer receiving mana. The blade shattered seconds later, revealing a mass of solid green energy where Ren¡¯s left arm had once been.
¡°It didn¡¯t have to be this way.¡± Ren¡¯s arm shrunk, returning to its normal shape and size. He let out a sigh. ¡°No helping it now. At least try to put up a good fight.¡±
Ren burst forward, changing at Ray. Erith ignited her cloak of flames and began muttering an incantation. Ray dropped his dagger into his bag.
¡°You ready?¡± he asked through the mental link.
He got a feeling of confidence in return as his arm changed shape. It twisted into a large circular disc and purple runes formed across it. Ray joined in, adding in an incantation of his own to the mix. A ball of special mana began to condense and funnel into the runic formation as purple cracks formed on its surface. Ray''s mana pool rapidly decreased as power built.
¡°Let¡¯s see him block this.¡±
The purple runes extinguished one by one. When the last one faded to black, the now humming ball of special and void mana disappeared. The world seemed to stand still for a moment as all sounds vanished.
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¡°E grade spell resonance performed. Title received.¡±
The world flashed black as a pitch-dark mote formed behind Ren. He was suddenly pulled back as the mote began vacuuming everything in a 20-foot radius of itself. Ren dug his heels and planted his right arm into the ground, stopping himself from being pulled in. His brothers were not so lucky. The mote had appeared almost on top of them and they both vanished without a trace in less than a second. The black mote eventually stabilized as all void energy was dispelled from it. It floated over to Ray, landing in the palm of his hand.
¡°I would suggest you surrender if you ever want to see your brothers again.¡±
Ren pulled his arm free, rolling his shoulders. ¡°They were weak.¡± He resumed his charge.
¡°Shit.¡± Ray tossed the black orb to Horde Breaker.
It caught it in a snake-like mouth and began devouring the mana of the two men trapped inside. He activated Draconic Insight and gaped at the screen before him.
Human
Name: Ren Elborn
Level: 58
Ascension: 0
Ray pushed back as a horde of snake-like heads sprouted from his right shoulder. Ren flew at him with surprising speed, grabbing for Ray¡¯s neck with his mana hand. Horde breaker intercepted him when he was inches away. Multiple heads bit down, drawing blood. Ren let out a scream of pain. A torrent of Rot mana exploded out, pushing Ray back and eroding several of Horde Breaker''s tendrils.
Ren panted as he glared at Ray, his lips curling upward. ¡°So this won''t be boring after all.¡±
He blurred into motion, moving even quicker than before. A pillar of flame burst to life in front of him, forcing him to change course. A flame-covered boot struck him in the face, sending him flying back. He held his rot hand up to flames that were still clinging to him and rotted the remaining mana away. Ren wiped his hand around, sending a torrent of wind mana directly at Erith. She dodged out of the way of the strike. A sliver of recognition flashed across her face.
¡°That''s¡¡±
¡°Your father''s skill? I know, ripped it out of him myself after watching a group of frenzied people tear him to shreds.¡±
Anger boiled in Erith''s chest. Ray moved up behind and muttered a sentence he never thought he would. ¡°You can kill him.¡±
Steam poured from Horde Breaker as it detached from Ray. The spark within felt every bit of anger running through his mind and would hold nothing back. Purple lighting sparked through the rising steam, making it look like a storm cloud. A five-foot-tall creature bust from the cloud charging straight for Ren. Erith and Ray followed behind it, readying their weapons. A screech like lightning emanated through the forest. Horde Breaker in a five-foot-tall form that looked to be a cross between a human and a centipede clashed with Ren. A back orb nestled between twitching mechanical legs, forming a ribcage-like structure. Sparks of purple and green erupted as the two forces fought.
Parts of Horde Breaker rusted away, crumbling to dust with each strike, but they repaired almost instantly. It struck at Ren¡¯s side, embedding a sharpened limb, and began pulling his life force out. Ren let out a pained grunt and swiftly eroded the limb before jumping back. It became harder for him to breathe, but that only increased the joy he was feeling. The two clashed several more times, trading blows, but the tide of battle was changing. With every exchange, Ren took less damage and eroded more of Horde Breaker''s body.
Erith arrived soon after, turning the tide again. Flames danced across Ren¡¯s body, mingling with purple sparks. He scrambled to rot the mana away, but the onslaught was proving to be too much. He ground his teeth and pushed through the pain. Another whirlwind shot out, pushing his attackers back and buying him precious seconds.
chapter 63 commander
Ray ground his heels into the dirt so as not to lose his footing. The whirlwind soon subsided. Ray dashed back toward Ren as a streak of metal and flame rushed in. Ren was doing everything he could to hold on, but the combined efforts of Erith and Horde Beaker kept him on the back foot. It only got worse for him when Ray arrived. Wounds quickly accumulated on his body, and his breathing became ragged. His manifested limb flickered before dissipating completely. A final slash from Ray''s short sword across the back of his knee caused him to fall.
¡°Anything to say for yourself before I gut you?!¡± Erith held the blade of her sword to his neck
Ren panted, eyeing the weapon, his smile long gone. ¡°Just do it.¡±
She raised her sword, preparing to strike a fatal blow. Debris flew through the air as something impacted the ground beside Erith, pushing her away. Ray could barely make out a slender figure, slowly lifting Ren off the ground through the dust cloud.
¡°There you are,¡± a deep grinding voice said.
Ren let out a choked cough. Ray moved forward. An aura unlike any he had felt before blanketed the area, stopping him in his tracks.
¡°My lord requests your presence.¡±
The dust cleared, revealing a skeletal humanoid over 7 feet tall, holding Ren by the neck. He tried to manifest his rot limb again, but nothing happened. A metallic form streaked towards the creature. Horde Breaker slammed into it, wrapping its clawed hands around its neck. It began stealing as much mana as it could as electricity burst from its hands.
¡°Hmm,¡± the creature turned its head, staring directly at its assailant.
No! A single thought was all Ray had time for.
The creature raised its hand, and with a single flick, Horde Breaker and a 200-foot line of trees exploded into nothing. Ray¡¯s hand trembled. They needed to leave. He fought against the imposing arua with all his might, taking one step, then another. He slowly moved toward Erith while the creature was preoccupied with Ren. A portal opened as soon as he reached her, and without a glance back, Ray pushed Erith and himself to the other side, slamming the gate shut behind him. He collapsed to the ground, panting, glancing down at what was left of his right arm. He let out a roar of sorrow and frustration.
Ray felt fear, worry, and finally relief, which came from a mental link he thought had been destroyed. He looked down at the arm again and felt relief wash over him as he saw the Greater Auto Repair enchantment activating.
¡°What the hell was that thing?¡± Erith asked, pushing herself to a sitting position
¡°If I had to guess, I would say that was a commander.¡±
Erith¡¯s eyes widened as she turned to face Ray. ¡°That¡¯s what we are supposed to defeat?¡±
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Ray sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Either way, I don¡¯t think we should go anywhere near the center of a horde for a long time.¡±
Erith nodded, placing her hand over her mouth. ¡°With just a flick¡ Is your arm ok?¡±
¡°Yeah, it seems a bit shaken up, but the repair enchantment looks to be working.¡±
¡°Good, I don¡¯t think we should go back today.¡±
Ray pushed himself to his feet. ¡°Agreed. I want to try making an amulet like we had in the trial, in case we ever end up in a situation like that again.¡±
¡°Is that something you can do?¡±
¡°I think so, but I won''t know until I try.¡±
Ray spent the next several hours designing a spell combination he thought would work for such a device. It used a genuine teleportation spell and part of the design for his gate sphere, allowing it to set a target destination. The only problem he kept running into was making it have an efficient mana cost.
Maybe if I adjust this part, no, that won''t work, how about¡
He kept designing and redesigning, but no configuration he found would work. Freia¡¯s words about mana and life force came back to him, giving him a sudden spark of inspiration.
A spark can be thought of in the same way as life force, so what if the item consumed a lesser one every time it activated? It would have to be recharged, but it should give it the energy needed.
He pondered the idea for a long time, but another reservation entered his mind as he looked at his almost entirely reformed arm.
If my arm can think, what stops other sparks from being able to?
A host of ethical questions and issues with his idea entered his mind.
¡°Hey, Freia.¡±
Her head popped around the corner of the back room. ¡°Ya need somethin¡¯?¡±
¡°What do you think separates a thinking spark from the others?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t know for sure, but I asked Gul¡¯thar about it when he was here.¡±
¡°Oh, what did he say?¡±
¡°Somethin¡¯ about only greater sparks bein¡¯ capable of it, and even then its technical not a greater spark anymore. It''s closer to what we have.¡±
Ray rubbed his chin. So, lesser sparks would be fine then. He considered more possibilities when another question entered his mind.
¡°What''s the difference between lesser sparks, greater sparks?¡±
¡°To simplify it, a lesser spark allows the system to interact with the world. A greater spark allows the system to influence or change the world.¡±
¡°So what is the difference between those and the ones we have?¡±
¡°Not much. A spark an enlightened being has is just a lesser spark, but in reverse, it lets us interact with the system.¡±
Ray thoughtfully tapped his chin. ¡°So Horde Breaker has a spark that lets them interact with the system now?¡±
¡°Yes, but not exactly. Horde Breaker has gone through an awakening based on its appraisal screens. Meanin¡¯, it¡¯s closer to a greater spark and holds influence over the system to some degree.
Ray furrowed his eyebrows, pacing around the room. ¡°So a lesser spark should be fine and its only an access mote so there¡¯s no ethical issue.¡± Ray mumbled to himself.
¡°Do you have anymore questions or can I get back to work?¡±
¡°Oh, sorry, that¡¯s all I had for now. Thank you.¡±
Ray walked back to his desk and rolled out a new sheet of parchment. He began redrawing his mechanism, this time using the idea of consuming a lesser spark for power. When he was finally finished with the diagram and calculation, he let out a celebratory cheer.
chapter 64 a way forward
Ray set two shining circular steel plates no bigger than the palm of his hand. He looked over the blueprint one last time. Then, taking extra care not to make any mistakes, he carved the several channels and runic formations needed to power the device into them. After four hours of steady work, he had two fully engraved discs.
Alright, I don¡¯t want to mess up this next part.
He formed each ring, completing the outline for the teleportation spell, and carefully added it to the plates. Next, he ensured the runic formation responsible for saving a point in space was correctly connected. When he was sure everything was functioning properly. He moved on to the last step. Sweat rolled down his forehead as he meticulously set up a runic formation on the back of the disc that could contain and burn a lesser spark for power. He let out a deep breath, looking at the finished product. He carefully picked it up and marked a location 15 feet away. With a shaking hand, he opened the lesser spark panel. He placed the new, lesser spark into the metal disk.
¡°I hope this works.¡± he activated the disk and was whisked to the location he had marked.
He doubled over, panting. The wave of vertigo from a true teleportation spell seemed far more nauseating than the gate spell. When he finally recovered, Ray inspected the disk. Everything seemed to have worked correctly, and only a tiny portion of the spark¡¯s mana was consumed.
¡°One down, one more to go.¡±
The following day, Ray handed Erith a completed amulet. He had finished both around midnight and marked a nearby clinic as the destination should they ever activate.
¡°I hope you like it. It still needs to be manually activated, but I¡¯ll try to work out a way to have it activate itself when I have time.¡±
¡°I love it. You know, even if it is clunky, this is the first piece of jewelry you have gotten me. You know what that would mean back at the clan, right?¡± Erith said with a wink.
Ray rubbed the back of his neck, his face turning red. ¡°That amulet is far too dull for something like that.¡±
Erith giggled and let out a fake sigh. ¡°Well, I guess I can wait.¡±
It was a tradition in their clan not to gift someone that you loved any jewelry until you asked them to marry you, making the first piece truly special. Ray hadn''t even considered that when making and giving the amulet to Erith, but now that he stopped to think about it.
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Don¡¯t I want to spend the rest of my life with her?
Ever since he and Erith started dating, his life had been filled with new joy. When he was still back at the clan, he was too obsessed with gaining power and revenge to think something so simple could make that all fly into the background. But being around Erith gave him the feeling that everything would work out.
I''ll have to look at some actual jewelry when I get the chance, something truly worthy of her.
¡°Whatcha thinking about?¡±
Ray snapped out of his thoughts. ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± he said, his cheeks turning red.
Erith eyed him for a few moments before turning with a sigh. ¡°We should get back out there.¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± Ray nodded.
He retrieved his gateway orb and opened a portal back to the forest. When they stepped through the portal, they found themselves still within the outer edge of the horde. Not wasting any time, they began hunting down nearby shriekers.
Several more days passed as they progressed to level 50. There was no special quest this time, and Ray and Erith broke through the fight threshold with no issues.
Time limit
70 days, 8 hours, 53 minutes
¡°We are going to need to speed this up,¡± Ray said, looking at the time remaining.
¡°I know what you mean, but how?¡±
¡°I know it was a close fight last time, but what if we took on more leaders?¡±
¡°Ray, I was badly injured, and you could have died last time.¡±
¡°I know, but we should be much stronger now, and there might not be another way.¡±
Erith looked away, staring into the tree line. Ray walked up to her and grabbed her hand, holding it tightly. She looked at him for a few moments before letting out a sigh.
¡°I guess we can try. I mean, we do have these amulets now if we find ourselves outmatched.¡±
Ray looked over the forest as the sun slowly crested over the hill. ¡°I think we can do it.¡±
Erith nodded. ¡°Zenith and Arabella should be back in the next few days. Hopefully, we can get strong enough that with their help, this quest will be no problem.¡±
They watched the sunset for a while longer before returning to the castle.
Deep within the forest, a different faction watched as their plans, which had been in the works for a millennium, bore fruit. A tall, cloaked figure walked down a long corridor. Wires and flashing lights covered every inch of the wall, letting out a low humming noise as the figure passed. An extensive set of doors slid out of the way as he approached, revealing an enormous circular room with large black tubes converging in the middle. They connected to a coffin-like device with a glass window on the front. He walked up to the device, getting a good look through the window. Ren sat within his body, hooked up to all sorts of tubes and wires, as he lay unconscious.
¡°Is everything ready?¡±
A slightly distorted, high-pitched voice filled the room. ¡°Yes, my lord.¡±
¡°Good, start the process and bring our king back to us.¡±
chapter 65 a new type of prey
The ground beside Ray exploded as a giant glowing paw slammed into it. He launched backwards, creating as much distance as possible from the rampaging leader. A group of shriekers tried to encircle him, but a torrent of whip-like tendrils diced them into pieces. Ray raised his short sword, narrowly catching a golden beam aimed straight at his chest. He turned the weapon, firing two powerful projectiles at the large creature. They slammed into its chest, knocking it back as it roared. A streak of fire danced beneath the beast. It traveled from leg to leg until all four had a shallow cut.
¡°Ignite!¡± Erith shouted.
Flames burst from the creature, glowing a deep blue as its metallic frame began to melt.
¡°Looks like it''s our turn,¡± Ray said through his mental link.
Acknowledgement answered him as his right arm transformed into a runic disk. Blue runes ignited, and the disk spun rapidly as Ray chanted an incantation. He raised his hand, and an enormous cloud formed overhead. Lighting poured from Horde breakers, sparking within the darkening cloud. When Ray finally felt they had enough power, he dropped his hand toward his stationary target.
A crash of thunder echoed through the forest, and a blue flash lit up the sky. Moments later, Ray was hit by an explosion of dust and wind as a supercharged bolt of lightning struck his target. When the dust settled, Ray saw the large bear-like creature collapse, molten metal still dripping from a large hole in its head.
¡°Nice shot,¡± Erith said with wide eyes. ¡°I still can''t believe you can pull something like that.¡±
¡°Thanks, but I wouldn''t be able to without the massive amount of mana Horde Breaker has.¡±
Erith stared at the leader''s corpse for a few moments longer. ¡°We should probably move. No telling how long we have until something comes poking around.¡±
Ray nodded, looking up at the sky. It had barely become midday, and they had already killed their first leader. He pulled the gate way orb from his bag.
¡°Let''s head back to where we started and look for another one.¡±
A gateway opened and the pair stepped through. When they were through, Horde breaker shot far into the air and surveyed their surroundings. It relayed the images through their mental link, allowing Ray to see.
¡°Looks like there is another gathering point a few miles south.¡±
¡°Let''s go.¡±
The pair continued like this, killing leader after leader in the next few days, bringing them to level 55. Not seeing any new skill options that piqued his interest, Ray ended up taking Void Affinity and finally gained access to the incantation system.
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Incantation Panel
Affinities available: Void
Spells known
Void Bolt
Spells available
N/A
Add Incantation
Ray added every incantation that he knew into the system, allowing him to cast them without using his complete focus. He also got a few void spell guides from the castle''s library. Sadly, all the higher-tier void magic was locked away, and he did not have enough access to the Draconic Library to find any there, either.
At least Zenith should be back soon. I can ask her for hire access then.
The following day, Ray and Erith awoke to a knock at their door. Ray got out of bed and opened it to find Freia.
¡°Mornin'',¡± she said with a wide smile on her face.
¡°Good morning. What''s got you so happy?¡±
¡°I just got word that Ma and Arabella have finally reached their last stop before they can teleport all the way back here.¡±
¡°Oh, when do you think they will be back?¡± Erith asked, walking over to the door.
¡°Should be around midday, assuming nothing impedes them.¡±
¡°Thanks for letting us know,¡± Ray said.
¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Do you think you two will stick around today?¡±
Ray turned to Erith, sharing a glance.
¡°I don¡¯t see why not. I could use a break from combat,¡± Erith said.
Ray nodded, turning back to Freia. ¡°There you have it. Why do you ask?¡±
Freia turned to the side, avoiding eye contact. ¡°Oh, no reason. I just had a rush order come in and was thinkin¡¯ you might want to help if you had nothing else going on.¡±
Ray turned back to Erith with a sigh. ¡°Are you fine with that?¡±
¡°Sure, I have some new spells I wanted to learn anyway, if you''re fine with me hanging around.¡±
¡°Not a problem,¡± Freia said with a sigh of relief.
Ray spent the next several hours helping Freia create a custom set of plate armor. Apparently, some nobleman''s son from the port city he and Erith had been traveling to not too long ago. Wanted to become an adventurer, and his father was sparing no expense to ensure he was covered. Ray soon realized why Freia had seemed so relieved when he agreed to help. While she could have knocked out a set of plate armor in a day or two on her own.
The request came with instructions for enchantments that needed to be on the armor. Freia would typically need to get help from a local enchanter. That would take days after the armor was completed, but with Ray¡¯s help, they were able to finish it on time.
¡°And done.¡± Ray placed the last bit of mana into the runic structure and stepped back as the armor hummed to life.
Faint blue energy ran like veins just underneath the surface of the shining metal, giving it a surreal look.
¡°Now to test it,¡± Freia said, hoisting a war hammer into the air.
She swung it down and a large clang rang out, followed by a crash as she was flung into the opposite wall and collapsed to the ground.
Ray ran over and helped her to her feet. ¡°You ok?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°It was a lot stronger than I expected, is all. Well done.¡±
Ray nodded, looking over his craftsmanship again. ¡°Yeah, it was easy with such an excellent base,¡± he said, clapping Freia on the back.
The door to the workshop swung open and Kenith walked in.
¡°Hey, what¡¯s up?¡± Freia asked.
¡°Mom and big sis Arabella just got back.¡±
chapter 66 a monarchs true colors
The group of four made their way up to the front entrance. A sizeable crowd had gathered, welcoming Zenith and Arabella home. Ray and Erith waited as all the staff who worked in the castle and all of Zenith¡¯s children welcomed them back. Almost an hour later, the crowd finally dispersed enough for Erith and Him to walk up.
¡°Excuse me, Zenith,¡± Ray said, walking up.
¡°Ah, what can I do for you?¡± She turned her piercing yellow eyes to Ray.
¡°Can we talk in private?¡±
She looked at him and Erith for a few moments before nodding. They made their way into a more secluded part of the castle.
¡°So, what is the nature of your request?¡±
Ray summoned the screen showing the quest and the countdown to her.
Time limit
66 days, 19 hours, 44 minutes
Ray thought he saw a smirk appear on Zenith''s face, but after blinking, she was frowning.
Must have imagined it.
Zenith let out a sigh when she reached the bottom of the quest. ¡°So, what do you want me to do about this?¡±
Ray opened his mouth and closed it again, his eyebrows furrowing.
¡°Don¡¯t you want to prevent the horde from spreading to your land?¡± Erith asked with a confused expression.
¡°Let me correct you there if the horde spreads to my land. It will be wiped out in hours.¡±
¡°So you''re fine letting all those people die?¡±
Zenith looked at Ray with a look of indifference. ¡°Yes.¡±
Ray took a step back. He no longer saw a woman in front of him but a cold, unfeeling monster. He recalled everything he had learned about Zenith over the past months, and a new image formed in his head¡ªthe image of a monarch only interested in giving if she got something in return.
¡°So, what would it take to get your help?¡± Ray said, glaring at the woman-shaped beast.
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A grin formed on Zenith''s face. ¡°I am unsure you are ready to give me what I ask for.¡±
¡°Try us,¡± Erith said.
Zenith¡¯s mouth widened into an inhuman grin as a voice like a rolling cliff echoed through the room. ¡°If you want my help in return, I want everything. I wish to have you both belong to me for the rest of your lives. I''m a bit of a collector, and two humans that should reach the first stage of ascension within the next few years would be a fine addition.¡±
Ray balled his fists. Glaring at the woman. His thoughts were whirling as he struggled to decide what to do. He wanted to tell Zenith to screw off but something in the back of his mind wouldn¡¯t let him.
¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± Erith shouted.
¡°Oh, come now. You will still be allowed to move around the castle as you please. My two eldest daughters have taken a liking to you two, and I would hate to deprive them of that.¡±
¡°Yeah, that was my concern, not you equating us to nothing more than belongings.¡±
¡°How long do we have to decide?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Ray, why would you even consider what she is saying?¡± Erith yelled, turning to him.
¡°What if it''s the only way to save our home?¡± Ray asked, looking into Erith¡¯s eyes for any reassurance. ¡°50% of the forest could be wiped out. Shouldn''t we try to prevent that if we can?¡±
Erith frowned while looking at him. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. ¡°We will find another way. We don¡¯t need her help.¡±
A snort of laughter came from behind her. ¡°The lord of a horde is on par with an ascended being. You two aren''t going to achieve that in 60 days.¡±
¡°We will find a way,¡± Erith said, glaring back at Zenith.
She snarled at the pair. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you until 20 days remain to make your choice. By then, you should be able to see how futile your attempts are.¡± Zenith began to chant an incantation as she finished speaking.
Golden energy rushed over Erith and Ray, covering their body.
¡°What did you just do?¡± Ray asked.
¡°Insurance. I wouldn¡¯t want you getting yourself killed out there.¡±
Ray shuddered at the thought of whatever spell Zenith had placed on him. He could make out some words normally used in healing magic, but most of them were so complex he had never heard them before.
¡°Let''s get out of here,¡± Erith said, staring daggers at Zenith.
The left and elder scale kin gave a small wave as they did, and her unnatural grin remained affixed on her face.
¡°I never would have thought,¡± Ray said, holding his head in his hands while sitting on their bed.
¡°I know what you mean, but it explains a lot.¡±
¡°Like what?¡±
¡°Do you think someone who has ascended and has access to healing magic on the level Zenith does would need help from us?¡±
Ray lifted his head. ¡°Now that you mention it, that is strange.¡±
¡°I think she has been lying to us since the beginning. I just can¡¯t figure out why.¡±
Ray rubbed his chin in thought. He considered everything Zenith had done since they first met and tried to form a clear picture of her goal, but nothing fit into place. ¡°Do you think she wanted to collect us from the beginning?¡±
¡°Could be, but I can¡¯t shake the feeling that there is more to it.¡±
Ray let out a long sigh. ¡°Well, we can think about it back in the forest. Now that we''re on an even tighter time limit, we need to get back to leveling quickly.¡±
Erith nodded. Ray opened a gateway, and they stepped back into the forest, looking for their next leader to hunt.
chapter 67 memories
Ray and Erith dashed through the trees, chasing down what looked like a gigantic wolf until closer inspection. Metal plates covered its sleek mechanical body, and a black ichor poured from several wounds. A streak of flames weaved through the trees, striking the creature on the left side and throwing it off balance. It could not correct itself and plowed straight into a tree at full speed. The bark gave way, and the creature continued to run, but the impact had slowed it just enough. Erith cleaved down her sword, glowing with blue fire. Before the beast knew what happened, its head fell from its body. Ray caught up a few moments later.
He placed his hands on his knees, panting heavily. ¡°I''m surprised you could keep up with that thing.¡±
¡°Well, my stamina is at E rank and I can constantly run it through my legs without issue.¡±
¡°That would be nice. After passing the 6th threshold, I''m quickly approaching E rank stamina, but I don¡¯t think I should take the evolution immediately.¡±
¡°Good idea. Even if it would boost your power, that would not mean a lot if you''re back to only being able to shoot five arrows in a fight again.¡±
Ray nodded. He had put a lot of thought into what to do when his stamina got to E grade and had finally decided. He was saving every point he could and planned to distribute as many of them as possible into the stat after the rank-up. From what he had learned, this was a common strategy.
A person was most vulnerable directly after ranking up their mana or stamina, as even though the stat would become much more powerful, it would limit them immensely in the short run. That''s where the strategy he planned to use came in. It would relieve much of the pressure the rank-up would put on a person and provide a much more significant power boost than just doing the rank-up.
The sound of a branch snapping pulled Ray from his thought. He surveyed the nearby trees, stepping closer to Erith. Several forms, all clad in black cloaks and white masks, emerged from the trees with weapons drawn. Ray prepared for a fight when someone in the group surrounding them spoke.
¡°Ray?¡±
Ray recognized the voice, but it took a few moments for him to pinpoint where he had heard it before. His Eyes widened. ¡°Chio?¡±
One of the cloaked figures stepped forward, removing their hood and mask. Ray stared for a long moment, surprised at the sight before him.
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Another figure holding a spear in their right hand came through the trees while silence still hung.
¡°What¡¯s going on-¡± a woman''s voice came from the figure, her voice caught as she saw Ray and Erith.
Her spear fell to the ground, and she suddenly burst into movement, rushing at the pair. They tried to raise their weapons, but it was useless as the figure deflected every attack and caught Erith, wrapping her in her arms.
¡°You''re alive,¡± she said between sobs.
¡°Mom?¡± Erith said, looking up at the figure.
She nodded, pulling off her mask.
¡°What happened?¡± Erith asked with a gasp.
Her mother''s left eye was shut, and a scar ran through it from her forehead to her chin.
¡°I''ll tell you later. I''m so happy you''re okay.¡±
Ray smiled at the scene and walked closer to Chio. ¡°What happened while we were gone?¡±
¡°A lot. It might be best to start with the fact that we are no longer a part of the Ashrend clan.¡±
¡°I could have guessed based on the reception.¡± He gestured to the group that had long since lowered their weapons. ¡°We already ran into Ren, and that did not go as well.¡±
Chio¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°I''m surprised you are still alive. With how fast he was gaming levels and¡ slaughtering members of the other clans.¡±
¡°Well, I''m sure he got a taste of his own medicine,¡± Ray said.
He explained what had happened during their fight. He described how they had almost beaten Ren, only for that monster to appear.
Chio listened intently, only muttering one word when Ray was finished. ¡°Good.¡±
Ray nodded. ¡°So, what happened to the clan?¡±
Chio told him about the fight between Draven and the elder, what he had been forced to do by that man, and the resulting war after his victory.
¡°It took a while, but we ended up forming this group with others that had fled the clan.¡±
¡°That sound, like it was awful.¡±
¡°It was. It looks like the others are done catching up. We should return to our camp so you can meet the others.¡±
¡°Others?¡±
¡°Yeah, we are around 200 strong, mainly comprising those displaced during this conflict. I would also like you to meet my wife, Nevala.¡±
¡°You''re married?¡±
Chio sighed, reminiscing. ¡°It all happened quite fast, but there is no one else I would want to spend my life with.¡±
Ray shot a glance back toward Erith.
Chio¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Are you two?¡±
Ray sighed. ¡°Only dating, but I know the feeling you were describing.¡±
¡°Ray, I have seen more people die in the last two months than in my entire life. Don¡¯t wait until it''s too late.¡±
Ray nodded, resolve boiling in his chest. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±
The group talked for a while longer before Ray and Erith were introduced to the members of their leveling party. When the sun was halfway through the sky, they went to where the group had set up a base camp.
Several tents housed bandaged people with all manner of injury.
¡°The bastard Draven not only starts this miserable conflict, but imprisons or kills anyone who can make healing salves or potions,¡± Vaelora said through clenched teeth.
Ray tapped his chin in thought. ¡°Wait here for a second.¡± He opened a gateway to an alchemy shop in the city and stepped through.
Several minutes later, he emerged again and poured a pile of different potions from his bag.
chapter 68 whats to come
Vaelora¡¯s eyes widened as she looked from the growing pile to Ray. ¡°Looks like my daughter has good taste,¡± she said as something danced behind her eyes.
Ray closed his bag as the last potion fell out and placed it on his back. He looked up at Vaelora, unsure of how to feel. He had two conflicting emotions well up. On one hand, he was happy that Erith¡¯s mother approved of him, but wasn¡¯t she the elder¡¯s right hand?
Maybe she didn¡¯t know. He tried to latch on to that idea, but a part of him would not let it go. The same part that was still celebrating when he learned the elder had died.
¡°Yeah,¡± He said, staring off into the forest.
¡°I¡¯m,¡± she let out a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what my father did, for what I did. I should have spoken up when I saw what was happening. I should have tried to help you like you have helped my family, but I didn¡¯t, and all I can do now is ask for your forgiveness.¡±
Ray looked over at Erith, who was helping hand out healing potions. He stayed like that for a long time before turning to Vaelora.
¡°It¡¯s ok. I¡¯m sure he told you the same lies he told me and Erith. It¡¯s not your fault.¡± Just like it¡¯s not Erith¡¯s, he added mentally.
¡°I¡ Thank you. I still wish I had done more,¡± she said, bowing her head toward Ray.
¡°We should help hand these out,¡± Ray said, picking up a blood-red potion.
Vaelora nodded, picking up a few, and they walked over to join the others. A few hours later, after all those with injuries had gotten healing potions, a group of six sat in a large tent near the center of the encampment. The group included Vaelora, Erith, Ray, Chio, a representative of the Erentcrest clan named Garoth, and the elder of the now destroyed Felwind clan.
¡°So, how should we proceed with the Elborn family, knowing that we know one of their strongest is no longer in fighting condition?¡± Vaelora asked.
¡°Even if that is the case, it¡¯s only removing the threat of one high-level opponent. We still have Draven to deal with, and even confronting him, two level 80 warriors did not end in our favor,¡± the Felwind elder said.
Vaelora placed a hand on her scar. ¡°It ended poorly because we had two warriors. That damn skill of his.¡±
¡°What skill?¡± Ray asked.
¡°He can send those around him into a berserk state, not allowing them to distinguish between friend and foe,¡± Chio said with a frown.
¡°Exactly, that¡¯s why I will face him alone,¡± Vaelora said.
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¡°Hmm,¡± the elder mussed. ¡°It¡¯s not the worst idea I have heard, but what about the other members of his clan?¡±
¡°We could make a direct assault while my mom engages Draven,¡± Erith said.
¡°Destroy the clan while he is occupied, ay? I like it,¡± Garoth said, punctuating his statement by slamming his fist into his palm.
The group talked for a while longer, discussing how and when they should attack the clan. Eventually, they decided to go in two days, giving everyone time to gain as many levels as possible.
Ray and Erith went out hunting again until night finally fell. They opted to stay in the camp instead of returning to the castle. Neither of them wanted to be anywhere near Zenith for the foreseeable future.
¡°Are you ready for what we will have to do?¡± Erith asked as they made their way back to the camp.
¡°Honestly, no. There have been two moments where I was prepared to take someone else¡¯s life, but I don¡¯t think this conflict will be like that.¡±
¡°I know what you mean, but I don¡¯t think we will be able to avoid it.¡±
¡°You¡¯re right, and I will do what I need to when the time comes, but I would still like to avoid it.¡±
Erith smiled at him.
¡°What?¡±
¡°You¡¯re a good person, Ray.¡±
¡°Where did this come from?¡±
¡°I overheard your conversation with my mother this morning and thought. Would I be able to forgive like you have if I were in your shoes? I don¡¯t think I would. I still want to watch the life leave Ren and everyone who remotely helped him kill my father.¡±
¡°Erith, I-¡±
¡°And you still don¡¯t want to hurt those who shunned you. Even when they are on the opposite end of a war.¡±
¡°I have had more time to deal with my pain. I¡¯m sure you could come to forgive those not directly responsible, given enough time.¡±
Erith sighed. ¡°You¡¯re probably right.¡± She stared up into the star-filled night sky.
Ray walked up, put his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her close. She leaned into him as they looked into the vast twinkling lights above.
Another figure stared at the night sky, wondering what had happened to his son. Just as Draven had begun caring for one of his children again, they vanished. Not only that, but a horde had suddenly descended on the clan a few weeks ago, destroying their village and wiping out half of their fighting force before they knew what hit them.
He yelled out into the night, clenching his fists. ¡°How? Everything went according to plan. Why did it end up like this?¡± He panted, his eyes flaming with a crazed light.
¡°Because you lack power, mortal,¡± a grinding voice said from behind.
Draven turned as the screech of heavy, mechanical footsteps grew closer. A large form that looked like a heavily armored skeleton approached him. Draven lowered himself into a combat-ready stance as the creature came closer.
¡°Come now, I do not wish to fight you.¡±
¡°Then where are you here?¡± he asked with a growl, his rage skill activating.
¡°I come bearing news of your son and a proposition from my lord.¡±
¡®What do you know about my son!?¡± Draven shouted, readying a strike.
The creature cocked its head, staring at his ready fist. ¡°Threats will get you nowhere. Your son is safe for now.¡±
¡°What are you doing to him?¡±
¡°Nothing, as long as you comply with our demands.¡±
Draven visibly shrank as his rage skill deactivated. ¡°What do you want?¡±
¡°Good. Two individuals have appeared within the forest that my lord has taken an interest in, but he wants to see how they fare against an opponent stronger than themselves.¡±
¡°Why do you need me for that?¡±
¡°My brothers and I are currently making preparations for the next stage in our plan and are unable to test them at the moment.¡±
¡°Fine, who are they?¡±
The creature pulled two circular devices out of a gap in its armor. The devices illuminated, and an image of Erith and Ray hovered above them.
chapter 69 ambush
Early the following day, the encampment was buzzing as preparations were made. Hunting teams were put together, with Ray, Erith, and Chio deciding to form their own. Nevala was originally going to join them but was feeling unwell and stayed back. The trio set off, looking for more leaders to fight. When they finally got to where they were hunting the day before, they were surprised to see almost no signs of the horde.
¡°Do you see any tracks?¡± Ray asked.
Erith and Chio both shook their heads.
Typically, they would have been able to track where it had gone quite quickly. It was almost like the entire horde had vanished overnight. Thunk! Ray spun around in panic as an arrow slammed into his barrier. He chanted a quick incantation as a wave of lightning sprang forth from his fingers, heading for the tree line.
A yelp echoed out as an archer dashed out of the way of the incoming attack. Erith attempted to dash after the assailant, but a wave of spells and arrows from all directions forced her back.
¡°Shit, it''s an ambush!¡± Chio shouted, readying his great sword.
Several black bolts materialised behind Ray. He flung them in every direction, causing panic amongst their attackers. Anything the void mana touched vanished instantly, repairing several feet away and removing the cover of their attackers. Ray began chanting again as Horde Braker started to cast a spell of its own.
Arrows and mana bolts flew toward him, trying to stop his casting, but Erith stuck any projectiles out of the air, allowing him to finish the incantation.
¡°You chose the wrong people to mess with!¡± he roared, pointing his palm toward the sky.
A mote of violet energy appeared. Ray clenched his fist, and tendrils of violet energy shot out, hunting for their attackers. While he had not been able to get any void spells from the library, Horde Breaker instinctively knew how to create its own and was able to share them with Ray, leading to their current spell resonance.
The tendrils latched onto anyone unlucky enough to be caught. They pulsed as mana was drained away from them and back to the spell, causing it to grow larger. A constant cycle of new tendrils appeared and old ones faded as their prey ran out of mana. Slowly caught each attacker.
A few of the martial classes tried to rush Ray in an attempt to stop the spell, but they were intercepted by Erith and Chio until a tendril managed to grab hold of them as well. Within two minutes of the spell''s activation, it finally ran out of power and faded away, leaving all those unable to outrun its effects on the ground unconscious.
¡°That was terrifying,¡± Chio said, belting his sword back to his hip.
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¡°Thanks,¡± Ray said panting.
He looked warily at his almost emptied mana pool. While void magic was potent, the cost to activate that singular spell nearly took everything from him. Usually, the cost would be mitigated by the mana draining effect, but a spell like the one he just cast did not return any of the mana it took. Instead, it used the mana to prolong itself. He sat down, uncorking a mana potion and downing it.
Mana E:1178/4420
Ray winced as the potion only restored a small portion of his mana pool.
I''ll have to buy higher-grade ones.
He threw the empty bottle away and returned to his feet, his exhaustion fading. Next, he sent a feeling of gratitude to his arm and turned toward Erith and Chio.
¡°You ready?¡± Erith asked.
¡°Yeah, my mana is still low, so I won''t be able to use another spell like that, but I can still manage.¡±
¡°If you can do something of even a fraction of that power, I''m sure we will be just fine,¡± Chio said, still wide-eyed.
Ray nodded, walking over to one of the unconscious bodies. He rolled it over, revealing the Ashrend crest on the back of their cloak.
¡°I wonder what they were doing out here,¡± Chio said.
¡°Do they not normally come out this far?¡± Erith asked.
Chio shook his head. ¡°We made camp near here because it was far away from their current war path.¡±
¡°We should go tell the others,¡± Ray said, standing.
¡°Agreed.¡±
They spent the next few hours rounding up all the members of the ambush. Ray opened a portal back to camp, and they began taking the captured people back. Once they had brought the last one through, Vaelora made her way over.
¡°What happened?¡± she asked.
¡°Failed ambush,¡± Erith said, ensuring all their captives'' hands were bound.
Vaelora¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How far away from camp were you?¡±
¡°Near where we met you yesterday.¡±
¡°Not good,¡± Vaelora muttered.
¡°What should we do?¡± Chio asked.
She rubbed her chin for a long time, watching her daughter and Ray ensure their captives would not escape. ¡°The Highwind clan must have been wiped out if they are out in this direction.¡±
¡°Should we move up the attack?¡± Ray asked.
¡°No, it would take too long to round up all the hunting teams to make a meaningful attack now. Best to wait until tomorrow.¡±
Erith nodded with a thoughtful expression. ¡°A few of them got away. They might try coming back during the night.¡±
Vaelora let out a sigh. ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. I will have to station a watch tonight.¡±
¡°I could set up a detection field Ray offered.¡±
¡°That has saved us once before. It might be a good idea, then everyone can be rested for the fight tomorrow,¡± Erith added.
¡°If you think it will work. Then please set one up and let me know when it is done. I want to test it before deciding we don¡¯t need a watch.¡±
Ray nodded and left toward the outskirts of the encampment. After he was around 200 feet out, he began infusing every tree in a large perimeter with an alarm. When he was finished, he returned to a large tree in the middle of the camp and engraved a set of runes on it, infusing it with a control circuit. He found Vaelora in the middle of the camp enjoying dinner with her daughter and a few others he did not recognise.
¡°It¡¯s ready,¡± he said, walking up to the group.
Vaelora nodded. ¡°You two,¡± she said, pointing at two younger-looking men. ¡°Go try to find a way into the camp without tripping the alarm.¡±
They scrambled to their feet with a salute and ran toward the perimeter where the alarm system was placed.
¡°Are you sure they will be enough to test it?¡± Ray asked.
¡°He may not look it, but Jay, the one on the right, is an enchanter. If he can¡¯t find a way through, I doubt any oafs that stayed with the Ashrend clan could.¡±
chapter 70 spells
The two men returned less than an hour later and approved the alarm system.
Vaelora nodded. ¡°Jay, would you or one of the other noncombatants still keep a lookout? I would just like to be as safe as possible.¡±
¡°Yes ma¡¯am. I''m sure I could also find a few others to swap with me throughout the night.¡±
¡°Good, please do so.¡±
The small group sat and ate around a small smokeless fire, with Nevala eventually joining them.
¡°Sorry I wasn''t able to join you this morning,¡± she said, sitting next to Chio.
¡°No worries, hope you are feeling better,¡± Erith responded.
Nevala gave her a warm smile, picking up a skewered piece of meat. ¡°I¡¯m feeling a lot better, thanks. How did your hunt go?¡±
¡°Not well. The horde was gone, and a few members of the Elborn clan ambushed us.¡± Chio said.
¡°Oh, I''m glad you are all ok,¡± she said between bites of meat.
Chio patted Ray on the back. ¡°Only thanks to Ray. You should have seen the magic he can wield.¡±
Ray let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I¡¯m sure we would have been fine even if I didn¡¯t cast that spell.¡±
Nevala looked at him with a broad, welcoming smile. ¡°Thanks for protecting my husband, even if he didn¡¯t need it.¡± She interlocked her arm with Chio¡¯s, pulling him closer.
They talked for a while longer before Ray finally excused himself. He returned to the tent he and Erith shared and dived into the Draconic Library skill. His mana pool had expanded to a large degree, and he wanted to learn some new lightning spells to take advantage of that. Sadly, when he got to the knowledge on lightning spells, he could not find any he did not already know. With a sigh, he closed the library.
Guess that¡¯s a dead end-
A mental probe passed through his mind as Horde Breaker presented an idea. Ray shot to his feet, his eyes growing wide.
¡°Do you really think I could do that?¡± he asked through the link.
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It sent a feeling of confirmation in response.
A wide grin grew on Ray¡¯s face as he dived into the knowledge Horde breaker was sharing with him¡ªthe knowledge of stronger mana manipulation and how to craft spells. When Erith returned to the tent, he was still in a state of deep thought as a half-formed ring of electric blue runes rotated around his body. The power dissipated when he was just over 75% of the way complete.
Ray groaned in frustration as he jotted down the new array and made adjustments to the point of failure.
¡°What are you working on?¡± Erith asked, looking at the notes.
Ray jumped and looked up toward Erith. ¡°When did you get here?¡±
¡°Umm, about five minutes ago.¡±
¡°Oh, sorry, I must have been too focused to notice.¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine. So, what are you working on?¡±
Ray looked back toward his notes. ¡°Well, Horde Breaker was able to share how to craft a new spell and add it to the system.¡±
Erith¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You mean you''re actually making a brand new spell?¡±
¡°Kind of, I''m sure some version of what I am trying to do already exists, but I¡¯m trying to make it happen without a spell guide.¡±
¡°That¡¯s amazing. Do you mind if I watch?¡±
¡°Not at all.¡±
Erith sat beside Ray and watched as he finished making adjustments and began attempting to make the spell ring again. On his next attempt, he managed to reach 80% before the ring finally fell apart.
¡°What¡¯s the idea behind those runes?¡± Erith asked.
¡°The runes,¡± Ray began while updating his notes. ¡°Are a way to mold the mana in the direction I want. There are a few that control the mana composition. In this case, turning it into lightning mana. And runes that control the spell''s shape when it takes form.¡±
¡°So like an instruction manual for the spell to follow?¡±
¡°Exactly. If you look at the spell rings you create when casting with the incantation system, you will find the same type of runes.¡±
A trio of rotating red rings appeared in Erith¡¯s hand as she looked closely at them. ¡°Huh, I never noticed that before. Why are they in a ring shape anyway?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure why, but I think it is so the mana is channeled in the proper direction. When I was making the gateway orb, I had an issue with the rings not activating in the proper order, causing the spell to fail violently.¡±
¡°I guess that makes sense, but then why a ring and not a line or something like that?¡±
¡°I think it''s to make the spell more efficient and easier to use. If you put in too much mana, the excess energy will flow back to you after powering the spell, but I''m not certain if that¡¯s right. Just a feeling I got while making this spell.¡±
With his notes updated and adjustments made, Ray began forming the spell ring again. This time, however, everything seemed to click into place, and the ring slowly formed. It passed 85%, then 90%, and finally, the ring was completed and drunk down to fit within the palm of Ray¡¯s hand. Cheers erupted in the tent as Erith and Ray celebrated the success.
¡°So, what¡¯s the spell do?¡±
¡°This ring will control the intensity of the lightning, allowing me to increase the voltage as the spell continues, but if my estimations are correct, I''m going to need five or six more to achieve my goal.¡±
¡°Five or six?¡± Erith said, surprise in her voice.
¡°Yeah, I¡¯m hoping to make a spell that could be called E grade on its own, and that¡¯s what I think I will need to do it.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sure you will be able to do it.¡±
Ray nodded, determination filling his eyes. He flipped his notebook to the next page and sketched out his plan for the next ring.
Interlude - Kai fall of the Ashrend 1/2
Kai was a simple man. Despite being the heir of the third most influential family within the Ashrend clan, he was not destined for greatness. He had failed to obtain a ranking in The Incarnate Trials, leading to his family giving up on him in favor of his younger sister. From that day on, he was left on his own. Struggling to reach each level requirement before the next horde came. He barely reached the second threshold before their last move, granting him safety again.
He had resigned himself to this life, making just enough at a blacksmithing job to pay for his own home. Until one day, his family reached out to him with a proposition. Reach level 25 in the next month, help with some scheme they were planning, and he would be reinstated as the heir. Kai worked hard and reached level 25 less than a day before the deadline. Now, all that was left was to make his family proud by helping with their plan.
He never expected that it would all end up this way. His vision swam as he looked from his blood-stained hands to the piles of rubble and corpses. He tried to blink his confusion away and remember what had happened. All that came to him were memories of entering the Elborn¡¯s home, followed by an overwhelming sense of anger.
Is this my blood? He wondered as he looked himself over for wounds.
A gust of air flew past him, followed by a boom. He scrambled back, looking over at the sound, seeing a silver spear embedded in the wall. He traced the spear''s trajectory, his eyes finally landing on Ren griping his neck, and facing down a pissed off Vaelora.
What the hell?!
He backed away from the imminent clash until he ran into a wall. The two warriors blurred into motion. Ren was forced to stay defensive as Vaelora overwhelmed him with speed and strength. He finally saw an opening and threw a punch, but it sailed wide, and a kick sent him crashing to the ground.
He groaned and tried to push himself back up, but Vaelora was already on top of him. She stomped on his chest, causing a small crater to form and shockwaves to ripple throughout the building. Ren coughed up a spout of blood and fell unconscious.
Please don¡¯t notice me. Please don¡¯t notice me.
That was all that ran through Kai¡¯s head as the silver viper walked over and pulled her spear from the wall. When she turned back toward Ren, he seized his opportunity and ran for the exit. He ran through another horrific scene as he left the building, as he ran past bodies strewn across his path.
Why is this happening?
He collapsed against the outside wall, hyperventilating as the elder''s final message echoed over the clan.
¡°Please do not avenge me. Create the bright future that my clouded vision prevented me from seeing. Don''t repeat the errors I made.¡±
The words did not reach him until the third time they repeated. The worries plaguing him faded away momentarily as he heard the message.
We did it! They''re going to let me back into the family! He celebrated.
The next few hours hit him like jumping into a lake when it was below freezing. First, he receives a quest to kill the Horde commander. Then he finds himself standing over the lifeless bodies of his mother and father, and finds out his younger sister is missing. He threw himself entirely into helping clean up the fight''s aftermath, ignoring the feeling welling up inside him.
Several hours later, he sat down on his bed. With nothing else to focus on, his emotion was finally allowed to come out. Laughter echoed through the house.
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¡°They treat me like trash, abandon me, offer me to return to the family if I can impress them enough, and when I finally succeed, they die.¡±
The laughter slowly turned to quiet sobbing, and Kai covered his face with his hands.
¡°Why?¡± was all he could ask.
The following day, he was awoken by an announcement echoing throughout the clan.
¡°Members of the Ashrend Clan, today, the hypocrisy propagated within our clan ends. Today, we will prove our strength and begin down the path of destroying the hordes for good. No more sacrificing our own. No more running and hiding. Today we take control of our future.¡±
Kai pushed himself out of bed as the message repeated several more times. A pounding came from his front door when he was ready for the day.
¡°Open up!¡± a gruff voice shouted.
Kai scrambled to the door and pulled it open, revealing a large man dressed in chainmail armor. He held a large parchment and a magical writing utensil.
¡®Name, level, class, and rarity?¡± the large man asked.
¡°What?¡±
¡°What is your name, level, class, and rarity?¡± he asked again, his tone of agitation growing.
¡°I heard you the first time, but who is asking and why?¡±
The man let out a long sigh of frustration and launched into a practiced speech. ¡°By the order of Draven Elborn, new elder of the clan, we are to collect the name, level, and class of all individuals within the clan. This will allow us to plan for the upcoming battle properly.¡±
¡°Sure, but shouldn¡¯t he already have that information? I know the old elder collected it before each move, and the last one was not so long ago to make it inaccurate.¡±
He let out another sigh and continued. ¡°The traitor and daughter of the former elder destroyed all records kept by him before fleeing like the coward she is.¡±
I guess that makes sense. ¡°Kai Rheihram, level 26 apprentice blacksmith, common.¡±
The man jotted something down on the large piece of parchment. ¡°Report to the front gate at noon today for basic training.¡±
¡°But I''m a blacksmith.¡±
¡°You''re close enough to a class evolution to change that. Make sure you''re there at noon.¡±
The man left before Kai could protest further, leaving him to contemplate what was happening.
Shit, what the hell are they planning?
With no other choice, he went to the front gate at noon. A sizeable crowd was gathered before a small stage that looked like it had been built hastily. As he approached, another man dressed similarly to the one at his door this morning blocked his path.
¡°Name?¡±
¡°Kai Rheihram.¡±
The man crossed out something on the parchment he was holding. ¡°Go on and join the others.¡±
Kai made his way into the crowd and did not have to wait long until Draven took the stage.
¡°Welcome, everyone. If you are here, you have been selected as a candidate for the Elborn clan defence force. The goal of this force will be to fend off attacks from not only the hordes, but the other clans.¡±
¡°Is he planning to attack the other clans?¡± Kai heard someone whisper nearby.
Similar questions asked in hushed tones could be heard throughout the crowd, but Draven either did not hear them or ignored them as he continued to speak.
¡°The training ahead of you will not be easy, but if you come out the other side, you will be guaranteed a spot in the defence force. Good luck to you all and my the strongest prosper!¡±
An enormous cheer erupted from the front of the crowd. However, their enthusiasm did not travel much farther, as no one around Kai cheered, most of them wearing confused expressions. Another man took the stage, whom Kai recognised as one of the hunt leaders for his clan. The man was easily distinguishable by his missing left arm, which he had lost to the horde during the last migration.
He cleared his throat. ¡°I will be splitting you into small training teams, and we will start with proper sword and shield use.¡±
He listed names one by one, forming 20 groups of four. Kai made his way over when his name was called, joining a few others he had seen around the item creation part of town. The group was silent; everyone in it looked like they would rather be elsewhere.
¡°Alright, everyone, come up when I call your group and grab a practice sword and shield.¡±
Kai got his equipment, the dulled sword, feeling awkward in his hand. While he had held one before, that was only during the forging process, and even when he would go out hunting, trying to improve his level, he would stick to some light magic he had learned and a crossbow.
¡°Alright, everyone, split into pairs within your team, and we will start with the basics.¡±
When the sun had long since faded, Kai collapsed onto his bed. He thought his brain would pop if any more knowledge on sword play was crammed into it in such a short amount of time. He silently cursed Draven for everything that had happened to him in the past two days. He cleared his mind the best he could with a sigh. He had training early tomorrow morning and did not want to be tired for it. Closing his eyes and trying to focus on anything else, he slowly drifted asleep.