《The Great End Priest Starts Over in Another World》 Chapter 1 – Prison Realm Two friends crying, two men dead, one fianc¨¦¡¯s head full of bullet holes. *Gasp* Her eyes open wide. Veins pops, teeth grinds, glare as she looks around. ¡°Where¡­¡± Rocks wall, cold hard stone she slept on. It¡¯s dark, and the only source of light comes from the metal door which function both as the entry and exit. One good eye of hers narrowed down to a sudden realization. ¡®The hell is this?¡¯ She is not in heaven. Stood as she grabs her hair, ¡®I died. I shot that piece of shit, but I died!¡¯ ¡®Rakuri¡­ Kurira¡­¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± As tears taking form, her mind snapped, ¡®I clearly died. I can feel that moment of peace, but what is this?¡¯ She gently touches her face, gaze upon her own hands, her delicate fingertips as she rubs them thumb together. Water dripping from the rocks in the wall, she can see the reflection of her face. Slightly different than what she used to. ¡°Freckles?¡± ¡°This old face.¡± ¡®It¡¯s been 4 years.¡¯ Seeing the ceiling and then the surrounding. ¡®This is¡­¡¯ ¡®Tutorial Zone.¡¯ ¡°Ekolia.¡± She quickly raised her hand and concentrated on her will; a blue menu shows up. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 1} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank E | SP: Rank F} {Class: Priest | Ability: None} {STR: Rank E | DEX: Rank D | FTH: Rank S | INT: Rank S} ¡®L-Log out. Log out!¡¯ ¡°Where¡­ Where is it?¡± ¡®The marketplace, the forum, the main menu. Where are they?!¡¯ ¡®Wh-What¡¯s going on?¡¯ It is only that single menu that shows up. No matter where she looks, no matter what she tried. ¡°No, no, no. NO!¡± She started hyperventilating. Resting her back against the wall. Her panicked expression instantly turned into rage. ¡®What the hell is happening? All the menus are gone, and I¡¯m back to level one. My Inventory tab is missing, and I¡¯m back to my old self.¡¯ ¡®I just wanna go back to see them. Tell them that I¡¯m alive.¡¯ Fuming, she stood. ¡°I need to get out of here.¡± ¡®What do I remember here in Tutorial Zone? It¡¯s been a while.¡¯ ¡°Door is locked. But, shouldn¡¯t it be lively here? Someone was supposed to open it for me, I think.¡± She then notices something wedged between gaps in the wall, it¡¯s a key. ¡°No way, right?¡± *Clack *Clack It opens. The floor is damped. ¡°Where is everyone?¡± Prison Realm, an enormously spacious world and it host prisoners from different realms. There are 4 different gates that leads to a portal that can teleport one who passed through it to the surface world that is Ekolia. The North gate, the East, West, and the South. One of them is destroyed, one is closed, one is guarded. Which leaves only the North. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡®Empty, even here by the gate.¡¯ But then, magical circles drawn on the floors, undead skeletons crawling out of them. It takes time for them to stand and wield their weapons, so Siola has already passed through. ¡®It feels so weird to walk alone in this wide-open space.¡¯ After walking past the enormous gate, she now has options to choose from 8 different mini gates and without hesitation, she just walks straight ahead. Upon entering, she heard something. ¡°Hm?¡± It was faint. Not a laughter, not her footsteps. The place is dark and the gate behind her has gone. Suddenly, fog appears. Mist started to gather and it lit the path forward, but only after she has taken a few steps, a few undead skeletons slowly ascend from the mist. Its eyes shining red but suddenly, a foot in its sight, crashes into its head. Staggering it to its knees. And not a moment after, two hands grasp its head and twisted it. *Cracked* {+50 Exp} ¡°Guess I have to do this, huh.¡± The other two undead coming at her slowly. She hurried on to the left and smash its knee, staggering it before twisting its head too. {+50 Exp} Leaving her back open, the other skeleton swing its arm, smashing her with its bony hand. ¡°Guhk, ouch. That hurt.¡± ¡®Wait, huh? Why did it hurt?¡¯ She snapped back and kicked its chest before smashing its knee and twist its head. {+50 Exp} Her back itchy, ¡°Damn.¡± ¡®Undead really is my nemesis.¡¯ ¡®Had it been any living creature, they would get stunned by what I did. Or maybe I should start paying more attention. I don¡¯t have infinite health like I used to.¡¯ ¡®But why did it hurt so bad?¡¯ She marches on. More and more skeletons come her way, and she breeze through them by doing the same strategy, that is until swordman and archers appear. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Dashing onward, keeping distance from the swordman skeleton and head towards one of the archers. Her eyes locked onto their fingers, until they both shoots in synchrony, she quickly prone to the ground and when the arrow passed through, she dashes and deliver a kick. Staggering the archer. Grabbing onto the bow, she kicked the forearm of the skeleton, detaching it. An arrow from the quiver of the staggered skeleton, she aimed to the other, ¡°Got you.¡± It hit its head and she has enough time to finish the archer in the melee proximity. She has acquired the bow and quickly shots her shot repeatedly to the archer skeleton and the swordman before the bow and arrow turns into ashes alongside the body of the skeleton. {+80} She doesn¡¯t have enough time to finish the swordman with the bow and arrow, but with the several arrows on its body, it¡¯s but one twist away for it to die. {+150} ! {Level UP} ! {HP, MP, SP has been improved} Sweating profusely, ¡°Huff¡­ Okay. Okay¡­¡± ¡°Hm?¡± The swordman left her a parting gift. {Rusted Iron Greatsword / Common / Rank F} ¡°Hnngh, oh boy, it¡¯s heavy.¡± ¡®Why doesn¡¯t it have a sheathe like it used to?¡¯ ¡°Guess I¡¯ll just bring it like this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± There it is again, a faint sound. It¡¯s mild, crackling noise. She didn¡¯t in fact imagine it. Her eyes narrowed down to suspicion, but it was never heard again. She marches onward, fighting armed skeletons. Gathering Experience Points as each corpse fueled her strength. However, she notices something odd. And it is made apparent when a skinned skeleton appears, a Draugr. ¡°The hell?¡± ¡®I should have gotten to the other end by now. No, I should¡¯ve already reached the portal.¡¯ ¡®There shouldn¡¯t be an endless gate, or is there?¡¯ ¡®The mist moves with me.¡¯ There¡¯s only darkness behind her. ¡°Well, all right, come on then.¡± The Draugr is empty handed, and it only took a stab to the eye to neutralize it. More and more follows, Draugr with bows and arrows, Draugr with swords, axes, maces. *Pant *Pant ¡°Huff¡­¡± She holds onto a rusted mace and the shield she obtained. Exhausted by the fight she has gone through, she lost count on how many she has slayed. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 8} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank E | SP: Rank E} ¡®Why hasn¡¯t my HP increases at all? So much for improvement.¡¯ ¡®No wait, I¡¯m still a Priest Class. Even if it mention it being improved, it wouldn¡¯t rank up.¡¯ ¡®Still, I¡¯m already Level 8. This is getting suspicious, or is it generally has always been like this? I can¡¯t remember. And why do I keep running out of breath like this?¡¯ Once her heart stabilizes, she marches onward yet again, and there appears to be yet another monster. They walk in group. Skeletons not, Draugrs not. No. Humanoid, yet not human at the same time. Thin arms, thin legs, skinny yet has fangs in place of teeth. Eyes so small, they have a hard time seeing, yet it matters not for they are mindless creatures that attacks anything in its path. ¡®Ghouls.¡¯ However, not only that they are in a group. There¡¯s a sight of another creature among them. Pale skin, walking like a human, looks like a human if not for its pointy ears, and fangs. A drop of nervous sweat when she gazes upon¡­ a red eyed vampire. ¡°A lost lamb¡­ in my domain?¡± Mild laughter. ¡°And a paladin no less¡­ hmm¡­ or is it a priest? Matters not, for you are MINE!¡± He lunges at her, mouth wide open, baring his fangs. She lowered her shield out of its sight, he saw the opportunity and takes it! Only to be met with a mace bludgeoning its eye. The momentum of its lunge allows Siola to grab onto him as he falls to the ground. When he came to his senses, he found himself on a chokehold with a rusted blade grinding against his neck. ¡°N-No, NO!¡± The ghouls heard its voice and they ran towards him. ¡°KILL HER, YOU FOOLS! KILL HER!¡± Siola, grimaced, grinding the blade back and forth. Deeper and deeper. ¡°Hngaaaaaaaargh¡ªhonnmph?!¡± A knife straight into its mouth, confusing the Ghouls now that their master¡¯s voice has gone quieter. But they can still know where it comes from. Siola grinding her teeth, she pulls as hard as she can and twist, pulling one more time and stab the vampire¡¯s eye until¡­ it cracks. {+12000 Exp} ! {Level UP} ! {Level UP} She quickly grabs the vampire by the chest and hide beneath its body. Once the ghouls came to its rescue, it was already too late. Little by little, she squeezes down to his feet, passing the ghouls that are standing besides its master. *Huff *Huff ¡®Wh-Why¡¯s my hands sore?¡¯ She looks back to see the eight Ghouls behind her. Her fists clenched in rage. Instead of leaving now that she is in a safe distance, she turns back to finish them all. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 11} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank E | SP: Rank D} {Class: Priest | Ability: None} Covered in her own blood, coughing up putrid gasses. It was the first fight where she didn¡¯t come out unscathed. ¡®It huuuuurts¡­ why¡­¡¯ Tears formed. ¡®It can¡¯t be, please¡­ it can¡¯t be¡­¡¯ She can then hear it again. The faint sound. It is not a crackling sound of a skull, nor was it her imagination. No, it is the rustling sound of an armor. Siola has exhausted herself enough. Unable to do anything as the sound approaches closer. Amidst the cloud of mist, a silhouette of a tall humanoid. Its blade unsheathed. *STAB* Chapter 2 – Ekolia Her hands gone limb, her eyes open, but they see nothing. A large blade pierces through her head and it continues to go deeper and deeper until her forehead meet its hilt. The rustling sound of the gauntlets gone by the time it is left on the ground. *Bang *Clank *Clank A large hand that can cover her entire face, its long sharp nails open her mouth, and there a shape-shifting gem was put on her tongue, its oozing black goo. *Gasp* Her eyes widened as she glances left and right. The mist has gone. Only a narrow path with an extremely tall walls made of stone. She inspects her body, and it is fine. The gasses she inhaled when she fought the ghouls have come out of her system also. Quickly she stood, ¡°What the hell was that?¡± ¡®I swear I saw something coming at me. I know it wasn¡¯t a dream either, I literally blanked out as if I just died. That feeling¡­¡¯ ¡®I gotta get out of here.¡¯ She still has her mace with her. There are only a few skeletons guarding the portal and they were swiftly dealt with. Approaching the portal. Slowly, she touches it. Her entire body then consumed by the portal. But far behind her, the mist is still there alongside the silhouette of the humanoid. An armored tail rested on the ground as it faces the portal. A gush of unpolluted air, fresh as it can ever be. Lush green forest with trees as tall as mountains. Little creatures from snake hissing, insect buzzing, and rabbits jumping on a tree trunk. ¡°This place is¡­¡± ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been to the surface, but this is no doubt, a place I shouldn¡¯t be anywhere near with my current level.¡¯ Walking through the wilderness. Her stomach began to growl as her throat dried. She passes a river, and her stomach has become excruciatingly hard to bear any longer. On her knees, she grasps the ground, a tear fallen to the stone beneath. *Hic* Deeply, she let it all out. Silently. Stillness, her feet in the water. Waiting for a prey to appear. Once it did, her eyes widened as her body moves in synchrony, pummeling a fish out of the water. ¡°Phew, all right.¡± She has caught three so far and has already made the fire to cook them. After bleeding the fishes dry, she skewered them by the fire. Drooling at the sight of the water boiling, she drank once it cools down. As she eats the tasteless fish, a tired smile was formed. ¡°This is no Ekolia.¡± ¡®This is not the game I was playing.¡¯ ¡®This¡­ is not even a game.¡¯ Upon finishing her meal, she looks at the sky. ¡°The sun is high.¡± ¡°I better hurry.¡± *Rustle *Rustle Rustling In the bushes. Growling, their white fur brushing against the leaves. Blue eyes, scaly limbs, and their long ears. ¡®Rabbit Wolf. There is only one place where the weakest beast type wolves exist here in Ekolia, and that is the Great Forest of Sylph. Home of the Fairies.¡¯ ¡®Six of them.¡¯ Glancing at the meal she had eaten. ¡°Sorry, I ate them.¡± Upon kicking the campfire, the wolves growl as they come at her at the same time. Siola stretches her leg and duck as she puts on some distance before running straight into the forest. The wolves make chase, their limbs and stamina give them the advantage to catch up. But she wasn¡¯t trying to flee. Abruptly stopping in time to swing her weapon, smashing the wolf¡¯s head. It flipped over and stunned but before it can even regain its senses, Siola smashed its head two times against a stone beneath and quickly made another dash with 5 more wolves following. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. They became closer and closer, but then, she sees a cliff up ahead. A massive tree working as the bridge to the other side. ¡°Heh, I¡¯m not dying here.¡± She continues on, the cliff is massive and although there is water beneath, the jump is long and the level of water is shallow enough that it might as well be a solid ground. The wolves chase after her, but the narrow and slippery path made one fell. That didn¡¯t stop them, but Siola has abruptly stopped once again. This time facing them directly. ¡°Have faith, Siola.¡± Approaching closer. ¡°Have faith in yourself!¡± With a mace in hand, she charges toward them as one lunges towards. Sliding underneath and swinging her mace to the second one. It flipped to the side and almost fell. Siola acrobatically back flip through the third and drop kick the fourth one. Pushing it to the edge, and it falls as it could not hold onto the leaves, but the momentum also sends Siola to the edge. But she succeeded to recover her footing. ¡°Heh, what¡¯s that? Am I seeing it right?¡± Approaching the three wolves, ¡°You¡¯re shaking and trembling?¡± ¡°Come on now. There¡¯s only one me.¡± The wolves recognize her plan as she walks on the edges of the tree. ¡°Awww, little wolfie is scared of a little ol¡¯ me?¡± *Grraawgrh* As it launches itself at her, Siola gritted her teeth in rage as she swings her mace upward and crushes its lower jaw. It falls away to its death. She then swings her mace down on the second wolf, crushing its head before kicking it off the tree. Her eyes look down on the only wolf left. Trembling as it backs away. It turns and quickly run to the other side only for it to slipped and fall to its own demise. Siola turns around to see the wolf she attacked before, returning to the forest. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!¡± *Pant *Pant She walks to the other end as if she is not walking with death on both sides. Walking and walking, she began to notice her beautiful feet has been roughened up by the terrain and they caught all kinds of dirt. The sun is no longer at its peak, but her tired eyes and fatigue were washed away by the sight of a beautiful town. ¡°Heh, heheh.¡± ¡°Finally.¡± There are carriages coming in and out of town, people are lining up to enter the town. Siola also patiently waits for her turn, even with others staring at her. Everyone avoids her. ¡®Oh boy, that¡¯s a familiar feeling all right.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m dirty.¡¯ In literal sense of the word. She had to wait close to half an hour, before it¡¯s finally her turn. ¡°Hold,¡± says the guard. ¡°No chains, no mark. What¡¯s your business here, where you came from?¡± ¡®Telling them where I come from¡­ hunh, how about if I just say¡­¡¯ ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± The guards look at each other. ¡°Oi, hurry this up!¡± ¡°What¡¯s taking so long?!¡± ¡°Tsk, impatient bastards.¡± ¡°Molin, come here and check these guys.¡± ¡°You come with me.¡± She followed the two to the back of the wall inside. From there she sees all kinds of races that she is familiar with going about their day. ¡°Hey, look here.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°The name¡¯s Oklam, a soldier of Lorkhan. I¡¯m in charge of today¡¯s inspection.¡± ¡°And this here is Colon, one of the best guards you¡¯ll ever see around here.¡± Nervously, ¡°Ahaha, you¡¯re too much, Captain.¡± ¡°So, do you have a name?¡± ¡°Siola¡­ Siola Mithra.¡± The two shudders. ¡°T-Two names. Captain, she¡¯s a¡­¡± Oklam raised his palm to hold his comrade¡¯s tongue. ¡°Then, miss Siola Mithra, can you tell us what happened to you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± She feels down but then suddenly, her mood swing to stern. The two can feel it and notice the subtle change to her expression. ¡°When I came to, I woke up in a cell.¡± ¡°A cell?¡± ¡°The place is wide and spacious. Grandiose. Yet, empty.¡± ¡°I was walking and walking. Skeletons blocked my path, and then Draugr, Ghouls, and a vampire tries to bite me so I snapped its neck.¡± Sweat dripping from listening to her story. ¡°I came across a portal and it brought me to that forest. Wolves were chasing me thereafter, but they died in their chase.¡± ¡°It was morning when I came to the forest. I thought my memories would return to me by now but it clearly hasn¡¯t.¡± ¡°I thought I could take shelter here, and if worse comes to be¡­¡± ¡°¡­ maybe this place can be my new home.¡± The two glanced at each other with grimace. Oklam says, ¡°Prison Realm. That was the place you came from.¡± ¡°Clearly I was in a prison.¡± ¡°No, the Prison Realm is a world of its own. Only convicts responsible of the most heinous and gruesome crimes were sent there.¡± ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m a criminal?¡± taken aback, she looks at her hands, ¡°Me?¡± Hesitant and unsure. Colon then says, ¡°We¡¯re not saying that you are, it¡¯s just a possibility. And our job is to protect the people from harm. We cannot let potentially dangerous people to be¡ª¡± ¡°¡­¡± Siola wasn¡¯t listening as she is seemingly shocked by the revelation. At least, to their eyes. Oklam taps Colon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Miss Siola, can you do one thing for me?¡± ¡°Y-Yes?¡± ¡°Can you show me your status screen?¡± Nodding, she shows it to him. He confirms the name matched, but he also took notice of her class. ¡°You have a Priest Class?¡± The menu disappears. ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡®Hmm, hold on¡­ which one was it?¡¯ ¡®Ah, that one yes.¡¯ ¡°I believe in the graces of the brilliant light, one day soon, she will bring her order to save the world and her servants.¡± Her eyes widened. Caressing her head, ¡®No, I shouldn¡¯t lie about my faith¡­ but¡­¡¯ ¡°Yes¡­ the Divine Order. I¡¯m¡­ was¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Is everything okay?¡± asked Colon. ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just a little lightheaded.¡± He looks at his captain and they both nodding in relief. Oklam then says, ¡°Miss Siola, I know it¡¯s rude of me to say this, but even if we were to grant you entry, we¡¯re not sure if you could live properly.¡± Looking at the ragged clothes she has, ¡°Right¡­¡± Colon then says, ¡°If I might suggest, why don¡¯t we take her in, captain? We could use someone who can slay a vampire.¡± ¡°She¡¯s only level 11, Colon. It was probably luck that she managed to do it in the first place.¡± ¡°But captain¡ª¡± ¡°No, he was right. Even when I were fighting his minions, I took advantage of the opportunity that was given to me.¡± Oklam looks down and consider his options. ¡°How about this. We¡¯re currently training newcomers to join the guards. Pass that, and you will have a place among us guards. You¡¯ll be paid well and we¡¯ll provide shelter for you. Do enough, and I¡¯ll grant you Lorkhan¡¯s citizenship.¡± Her eyes widened. She doesn¡¯t know what else to say but to smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet.¡± ¡°Colon, take her to the others. You¡¯ll be the one in charge of her.¡± ¡°Yes, captain.¡± He felt relief and Siola as well. Though, behind her smile, she has a thought, ¡®I¡¯m just too good at this.¡¯ Chapter 3 – Guard Duty Among the men running for a jog around town, there is one woman falling behind. Colon was surprised at her weak performance. The others have begun to mock her even without that context. At the end of their run, they¡¯re rested at the barrack¡¯s training ground. *Pant *Pant ¡°Heh, women.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t get why she¡¯s with us though.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been training for years to be a solider, and they wouldn¡¯t even let me be a guard til I¡¯m fourteen!¡± *Pant *Pant Veins pops out of her forehead, ¡®Shut the fuck up, you damn kids!¡¯ Colon knelt to match her sitting, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, miss Siola? Last night too. You did great on matching orders, but you were lagging way behind the others in physical activities.¡± ¡°Huff, I just¡­ don¡¯t have much stamina.¡± ¡°Hah, see that, Colon, sir? She can¡¯t even run that far, so why is she even here? Isn¡¯t a guard supposed to run to someone in danger? Can she even do that?¡± ¡°Alright, stop. The next assessment is combat, so choose your weapon and line up.¡± Colon thoughts, ¡®I can¡¯t bring this kind of result to the captain, but¡­¡¯ looking at Siola who is aware of her performance to have such a calm expression, ¡®Or maybe I don¡¯t have to worry.¡¯ ¡°Okay, hold on to your wooden sword properly, I don¡¯t want any loose hand.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be fighting me, and I¡¯ll be the judge if you are fit enough to be a guard, so don¡¯t hold back. Ken, you¡¯re first.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The two stands against each other. ¡°Haaaaah!¡± With determination, he charged at Colon and swings his sword. The exchange slashes against each¡¯s wooden blade, but Colon was not impressed by what he¡¯s seeing. ¡®Amateurish, as expected of his age.¡¯ But then he pulls over a maneuver that even surprises him. Though it was met with him losing his sword, ¡°Good attempts. Next.¡± More up-and-coming guards continues on, and then, it¡¯s Siola¡¯s turn. ¡°I saw you were using mace, are you fine with a sword?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± They went into a stance, but Colon was shocked to see the odd stance that Siola has and she is wielding her sword with her left hand. ¡°Bwahahaha, what is that?¡± the young up-and-coming guards laughing. ¡°She can¡¯t even hold a sword properly.¡± ¡°Show her how it¡¯s done, sir Colon!¡± ¡°Sir Colon! Sir Colon!¡± Colon on the other hand notices that Siola is unfazed by them. They¡¯re waiting for the other to make the first move. And Siola decided to go first. Quickly dashing with a swing. ¡®Hm, an amateur I see.¡¯ When Colon moves to block it, Siola pulls her sword and thrust it straight in between her sword as it aims to Colon¡¯s eye. He dodged it mere moment before it hits. Unknowingly, his teeth clenched as he looks at Siola now with a widened eye. ¡®Th-That was¡ª.¡¯ Siola slowly moving sideways, closing in on him swiftly as the kids suddenly gone quiet. Stolen story; please report. Colon tries to keep his distance. He noticed that she hasn¡¯t blink, and when he does, another thrust in his line of sight. He dodges once again. ¡°Hrmmph.¡± His heart racing. What they are holding is mere wooden blade, but a thrust to the eye would still prove fatal. ¡°Impressive, I forgot to ask, but do you remember how old you are, miss Siola?¡± Switching the sword to her right hand, ¡°I¡¯m 21.¡± ¡°Oh? That¡¯s unexpected, you are older than me.¡± She smiles, ¡°Preparing an excuse for when you lose?¡± ¡°Ahaha.¡± Although he tries to brush it off, he¡¯s a nervous wreck. Especially now that Siola has changed her stance. ¡°Go, sir Colon! Go!¡± Hearing the kids shouted his name, he grows confidence. He decided to take his chance. Advancing at Siola while swinging her sword high, but she effortlessly dodges it alongside the following attack. They exchange clashes upon clashes, reminiscing of previous battle. But none of his attacks are close to even hit her, when he swings as hard as he could. *Bam* A sword flies away. He was surprised by it himself, the fact that he won the duel. ¡°Yeeeeaaaaaah!¡± ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s done!¡± ¡°Sir Colon! Sir Colon!¡± It felt different than the previous battles with the kids, it felt like he achieved something, but upon looking back at his opponent. Siola is there with a satisfied expression. He realized that the win he had may not be something he accomplished but one he was given. Oklam sits in the office, writing his report on a piece of parchment. *Knock *Knock *Knock ¡°Sir, it¡¯s Colon.¡± ¡°Colon. Come in.¡± ¡°So, how was the new recruits?¡± ¡°¡­¡± He noticed the silence. Looking at Colon, his mood seems to be down. ¡°Well?¡± ¡°They¡¯re fine sir. Promising young guards.¡± ¡°Mm, and what of that one?¡± ¡°Um, she¡¯s struggling with endurance assessment. Lagging behind others, but today we held a combat assessment afterwards.¡± ¡°As expected from what we¡¯ve seen of her. You didn¡¯t say she failed though.¡± ¡°No, sir. She managed to reach the barrack at the end and conduct the combat assessment.¡± ¡°Mm, and what of the result of that?¡± ¡°She has this¡­ weird technique where she uses her left hand and thrusts instead slashing.¡± ¡°Fencing? Only nobles use it, but it¡¯s rare for one to use their left hand.¡± ¡°There has been no record of a Mithra family so she must¡¯ve come from a foreign land.¡± ¡°But the question is, did she pass, Colon?¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­ ashamed to admit it but it felt like she gave me the win, sir.¡± ¡°You, Colon? Haha.¡± ¡°Okay, you did say that she was struggling in the endurance test.¡± ¡°Yes, she mentioned that she doesn¡¯t have much stamina, sir.¡± ¡°Hmm, not suitable for long range expedition then. No wait, hold on. If she can still pass, which means¡­¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll assign her a stationary position for now. Go and gather the recruits.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± All ten of them shows up. Oklam assess them and announced that they all have become passed to the tests to become a guard. When the noon comes, they are all outfitted with the color and badge of Lorkhan. Red accent, black drawing of a wolf. Siola was given an iron sword and has been stationed alone in the market close the canal. It is not as crowded as the other part of town. ¡®Finally. A moment of peace to myself.¡¯ ¡®One, two, ¡­ 14 stalls selling goods and they send only me here without a supervisor. I guess it¡¯s because I told Colon my age, they assumed that I know what to do when something happens.¡¯ ¡®Yet the security was tight on the gate, I wonder what¡¯s up.¡¯ She notices a large statue with an old man tending to it, ¡°Magnificent, isn¡¯t it?¡± Angelic being with an incredible bust. ¡°The first goddess, Armalia.¡± ¡®The goddess ruling the Divine Order.¡¯ ¡®Although in the past I started out with worshipping her as part of the Priest Class beginner guide. I¡¯ve grown attached to her big personalities. Her compassion, her idea of love and order.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s unfortunate that I¡¯ve been won over by one of the End Kings. No matter how skillful I am, absolute powers rule all when this was a game. I wonder if it¡¯s the same now.¡¯ ¡°I thought a statue like this is only kept in churches.¡± ¡°Yes, but none cares to maintain such an old statue full of moss.¡± ¡°None, but you, sir. You¡¯ve done her a good service.¡± He chuckles, ¡°How I wish I could do more.¡± ¡°Back when I was a lad, I was in a dark place. And the lady pulled me out of it. I saw her in a dream, how she showed me the path forward.¡± ¡°I will never forget.¡± He starts praying. ¡®I don¡¯t know how I come to this world. The death of me was certain, and I was at peace.¡¯ ¡®But now that I¡¯m here. After all that happened, and with what may yet to come. It might not be so wrong to have faith in something.¡¯ She holds her palm together. ¡°O Brilliant Light, I beseech thee, forgive thy servant, for she hath sinned against thee. From this moment forth, she shall strive to carry thy name with grace.¡± Light shines through the hand of the statue. Golden light particles descend, swirling her. ! {Faith Restored} As if time bends, the world turns black and white. The sky turns golden. ¡°I recognized you, child. Go forth. You have my blessing.¡± The world¡¯s color shifts back to normal and time marches on. ! {Blessing Received} Her eyes opened, ¡®It really does lift quite a heavy load off my shoulder.¡¯ ¡°I didn¡¯t know that I was in a presence of another servant of the Order. Good day to you.¡± A slight bow and Siola returns it before he left. She returns to her station, and the day was slow to her. But the safety of the walls and the weapon she wields alongside her new abilities have further reassured her of the upcoming days. Chapter 4 – Thug Life ¡®There are 33 gods and goddess in Ekolia. Some are ancient beings, some are mystical creatures, and some of which have achieved divinity before history was even recorded. Many notable ones reside in the realm they rule. But none walks the plain of the surface that is Ekolia itself.¡¯ ¡®The End Kings are not included in that list.¡¯ ¡®Back then, I took my role seriously. It was the only way for me to have fun amidst all the farming and grinding. It ended up becoming a part of me.¡¯ ¡®But one day, I encountered an anomaly no one has ever seen.¡¯ ¡®It led me to a familiar term that was never explored, the End King in the Transcendental Realms of the End Kings. Ever since that expansion, people only aware of the realms but has never truly found anything about the End Kings themselves. But I did.¡¯ ¡®I shared the existence of it to others in hope for the pioneers to lay out the groundwork for me to go through, but nobody cares about a shrine that might as well be a decoration to their guild hall. It was until I started praying to it.¡¯ ¡®It tempted me. Saying that I would gain an insurmountable power in exchange for my loyalty and faith. I didn¡¯t think much of it and switched side, turning my back on the Divine Order.¡¯ ¡®But it did fulfill its promise, and I was the only Priest¡ª no, the only player that has obtained Chronomancy magic, it¡¯s powerful enough that it bends time itself inside the game. I never knew it was even possible, but it was.¡¯ ¡®Maybe I ought to revisit that place.¡¯ Glancing to the market stall. She sees someone acting suspicious, seemingly trying to pickpocket the witch-like lady at the stall. Siola approaches them. ¡®I don¡¯t have to switch side since all the knowledge from my previous life is here with me.¡¯ The moment he snatches the lady¡¯s purse, he turned to dash right away. Siola kicked his shin and he fell flat on the ground. ¡°Gahk!¡± The lady turns to see what happened. The vendors and her sees the young guard Siola stomping the man¡¯s hand. Gasping. ¡°Gyaaaaaahk! You fucker, I¡¯ll ki¡ª¡± *Stomp *Stomp *Stomp ¡°Gaahhhaa aark? Aaak, stop, STOP! Haaaa¡­ haaa¡­¡± Wrist snapped and broken. Caught a glance at the woman that did it to him. ¡°You bitch!¡± He quickly pulled out a dagger and when he turned, sharp blades cut the bridge of his nose, mere inches from his eyes. ¡°Aaaa, aaaah.¡± Siola kicked him by the side of his face, pushing him away. ¡°Gahahk.¡± ¡°Run along, thief.¡± ¡°If I see you again trying the same thing, you won¡¯t be able to run next time.¡± ¡°Uuuh, hnngh.¡± Leaving whimpered. Siola grabs the coins that fell out of the purse and put it back in. Handing it over to the witch-like lady, ¡°Here you go, Ma¡¯am. Sorry you had to see that. The man was trying to steal your purse.¡± ¡°Oh my, thank you.¡± The lady is tall and mature, under that hat is a beautiful woman with silver eyes. ¡°My pleasure. Good day to you, Ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°W-Wait, here let me repay you.¡± Brows raised, ¡°You needn¡¯t to, Ma¡¯am. I was just doing my job.¡± ¡°No, no. I would¡¯ve lost all of this had the thief ran away with it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it is not right for me to receive money simply by doing something I have already been paid for.¡± ¡®Even though I haven¡¯t been paid yet¡­¡¯ This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°Goodness, alright, if you insist. But do visit my place if you have the time, it¡¯s called Poilteyre Goods, a merchant always has to return a favor at least.¡± ¡°An appreciation would suffice, but I shall keep the name in mind. Thank you.¡± ¡°No, no. Thank you.¡± Smiles and Siola return it with a nod before returning to her post. The lady looks at the blood where the thief was and narrowed her eyes down as she glances one more time to the woman guard. Noon passed by quickly. On a certain alley, there are 4 men with their forehead on the ground. Two other crossing their arms, one laughing at the sight of the poor men, and a bulky man who is counting coins. ¡°You¡¯re short quite a bit, Dek.¡± ¡°Get it? Cause he¡¯s short? Pfft bwahahahaha.¡± ¡°Ahahaha, yes, boss.¡± Whimpered the other men as they thought, ¡®You¡¯re short too, boss.¡¯ ¡°Yeah. So unlike you, Dekky. And what happened to your hand?¡± ¡°A-A guard caught me, boss.¡± ¡°Haaah? Our Dekky got caught?! Who would¡¯ve guessed.¡± ¡°I-I just didn¡¯t see her. She suddenly pops out of nowhere.¡± ¡°Woah, woah, woah, wait. Our Dekky got beat up by a woman?!¡± The boss¡¯ eyes narrowed to a slit, ¡°So, you didn¡¯t kill her?¡± ¡°Sh-She was¡­ skilled, boss, I couldn¡¯t¡ª¡± Rolling his eyes as he stood, ¡°You can¡¯t be serious, Dek.¡± ¡°You want us to take you seriously, but you can¡¯t even kill a single guard, and a woman at that too. Can you believe it?!¡± ¡°And because of that, you couldn¡¯t get enough money to pay now!¡± ¡°B-But, Boss¡ª¡± ¡°Buhbuhuhbuh, shut the fuck up when I¡¯m talking.¡± ¡°Goddamn it. Probably just a new patch¡ª¡± ¡°Want me to take care of it, Bossu?¡± ¡°No, I need you elsewhere, Garan.¡± ¡°Mel, Sem. Go fetch the guard he¡¯s on about, I want her tied in that barrel by tomorrow morn. Fuck her, cut her, I don¡¯t care. Just make sure she¡¯s alive by the time I get to see her.¡± ¡°Got to teach that bitch a lesson.¡± The two buffed men nodded with a slight bow, ¡°Yes, boss.¡± When the evening comes, Siola switched station with another soldier. However, her order this time is patrolling the town. ¡°Hunh, a canal this big is quite refreshing to see.¡± Ships and such arrived to trades. ¡°Must¡¯ve come from the sea.¡± Walking as she ponder to her thoughts. ¡®Clearwater Creek.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m on the western part of Lorkhan.¡¯ ¡®Lorkhan¡­¡¯ ¡®Heh, being a soldier to a tyrannical empire makes me wanna puke. Not that I have any choice if I want to have both the safety of the wall, and a seasoned food to fill my wlebby belly.¡¯ Siola didn¡¯t notice it, but in front of a magic store, three men hiding in its shade. Two long ears hopping, its fur is snow white. But red color tainted its color, two of its front feet are gone and they are bleeding. ¡®Rabbit?¡¯ It goes into an alley. ¡®How rare.¡¯ She followed it into the alley until it couldn¡¯t run any longer. Kneeling towards it, ¡°Hm, did it get caught on a hunter¡¯s trap?¡± ¡°If it did, why would there even be one here in town?¡± Its tired big black eyes hazed; its breath slowed. ¡°¡­¡± She clasp her hands, ¡°O Lady of Light, grant thy servant the power to aid the poor.¡± ¡°Heal.¡± Golden particle of light swirl towards the wound of the rabbit. Its bleeding stopped. ¡°Had I had your feet, I might¡¯ve been able to put them back together. But alas¡­¡± The rabbit quickly notices that its wound has been healed. It started hopping as it twirls. It made Siola¡¯s tired expression changes form to a smile. ¡°Oi, you bitch!¡± Siola raised one of her brows. She stood to see the entrance of the alley. Three men arrives. ¡°Her?¡± ¡°Yeah! She¡¯s the one that made my hand like this!¡± ¡°I swear you¡¯ll regret letting me go that time, you bitch.¡± The two men looked at each other. ¡°You got beat up by her?¡± ¡°Bwahahaha.¡± ¡°Dek, I know you¡¯re not much, but this is just a little too much. Gyahahaha.¡± His face flushed, ¡°N-No, you guys. Don¡¯t underestimate her, she¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Step aside, damn you. Wasting our time for this. Come on, bro.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hurry this up.¡± ¡°Ouh!¡± The bunny quickly run to hide as Siola face the two hunks. Her eyes grew tired. Raising her hand, ¡°Illuminate.¡± *Bwoosh* A ball of light in the palm of her hand. ¡°Bwahahaha, what the hell is even that?¡± ¡°Did she just light a candle to see better how she gonna die?¡± ¡°Hurmph!¡± The two dashes onward and Siola charges at them in this narrow alley. In mere moments, the two pulls out their swords and swings at her in sync. Siola¡¯s blade met theirs in a slash but their strength wins over the clash. However, she was close enough to flash their eyes with the light ball that their eyes twitched. She thrust her sword to an eye, and slashes their body and arms as they return the favor, but the light ball hindered their aim. Thrusts to the gaps in their armor, slashes to their unarmored parts, dozens. ¡°Hraaaaaaaaagh!¡± *BOOM* Cracking the ground as he smashed to it. Siola backed away before impact. Panting, the two men realizes that each has lost an eye. Though, it is worse than that. What they haven¡¯t noticed is that the wounds that Siola has inflicted, is a deep one. ¡°You¡­¡± Behind her, ¡°Got you b¡ª.¡± Right between the gap of his teeth, Siola¡¯s sword divided his tongue as the tip kisses the back of his throat. His eyes widened. ¡°Stab first, talk second.¡± He backs away in disbelief, trembling as he sees deep red. His blood dripping. Siola turns to the two hunks to see them mumbling something as air gather around them. ¡°Limit Unleashed.¡± Siola¡¯s eyes widened. In mere seconds, the two charges onward with their arm pushing the wind afar. Siola, stabbed the sword to the ground and uses it as a footing to heightened her jump. As the two hunks passes, the one thief stands in their path. ¡°Wai¡ª¡± The impact from their fists blew him away upon impact. Crashing the wall outside. *Boom* *Pant *Pant The two turned around but they don¡¯t see Siola. ¡°Wh-Where?!¡± ¡°Brother, up there!¡± ¡°Hurrh?¡± Siola climbed the building and reached the top. Looking down on them. ¡°You¡­ I¡¯ll fuckin¡¯¡ª.¡± The two brothers went to climb the wall only to fall over and over. Siola on one knee, see their attempt in reaching her. The blood leaking out of their body. ¡°How pathetic.¡± ¡°Hrrnngh aaaargh!¡± ¡°B-Brother, wait¡­¡± ¡°What. What¡¯re you waiting for?! She don¡¯t have a weapon!¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­¡± lightheaded, ¡°I think I¡¯m¡­¡± The brother sees his better half falls on his back. ¡°Sem?¡± Sweat forming. Seeing his brother out cold, reduced his adrenaline. He notices a sudden sting of pain both from his eye and his body. Blood leaking as he began to feel lightheaded as well. He¡¯s aware of what is about to happen. Looking at Siola once more, even her started to look at him with pity. He falls soon after. And their blood continues to leak out. {+4000 Exp} {+4200 Exp} ! {Level UP} Chapter 5 – Disturbance The sword is picked up by the owner but the blood has yet to be clean. More was shed. *Stab* *Stab* Both the head and the heart. Siola went to check on the skinny man who got blown away. His body is shattered and twisted beyond limits. Soon, two guards arrive to check the scene. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± ¡°You, guard. State your name.¡± ¡°Siola, sir.¡± ¡°Tell us what happened.¡± ¡°I was ambushed, sir. In that alley. This man brought two of his friends, but he ended caught in between their attacks.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to kill them, but they were dangerous. I had no choice but to make sure that they¡¯re dead¡­ for my safety.¡± ¡°Are you hurt yourself?¡± ¡°No, sir.¡± ¡°Good. Then sit down and rest. Mal, report to the captain.¡± And Siola did just that. Catching her breath with a sigh. She then notices the white rabbit that has lost its front feet came out of the alley and approaches her. ¡°Heheh, what you want to come with me, little guy?¡± She picked it up and notices something. ¡°Heh, or should I say, lil boo?¡± The sun is about to set and captain of the guard, Oklam, has arrived to a scene. A shock at the sight of the two dead men lying in the alley. Colon gets a good look at them too, ¡°Sir, aren¡¯t they¡­¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Melop and Semot, D-Rank Adventures¡­ or used to be anyway.¡± Colon takes a closer look at the body. Under the armor, deep stab wounds, a lot of cuts and the eye sends a slight jolt to his body as he recalled the one piece of memory with his combat assessment not too long ago. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Get them out of here.¡± He went to approach the perpetrator. Sees another dead man who is being put into sack. ¡®I can¡¯t believe a slippery thief and two problematic goons of that guy got done in like this.¡¯ ¡°You okay?¡± Siola stood, ¡°Yes sir.¡± ¡°Any idea why they were on to you?¡± ¡°Probably because of earlier in the day, I caught that one pickpocketing.¡± ¡°I gave him a stern warning but it seems that he holds a grudge because of that.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring him in?¡± ¡°I deemed it unnecessary, sir. The purse was retrieved and as it was my first time seeing him, I thought a warning was suffice.¡± ¡°Mm, well except that guy is notorious around this part. It would be ideal if he were to be locked up and sentenced properly than¡­ this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Siola glances down, ¡°My apologies sir, I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s your first day. It¡¯s an easy pardon this time especially with those two.¡± ¡°Them?¡± Nodding, ¡°You just offed two of Boram¡¯s goons, he¡¯s kind of the thieves¡¯ king pin in this town. He kept getting away whenever we got too close. Probably hiding in a hole somewhere.¡± ¡°Those two are ex-adventurers themselves and a D-Rank one at that. I¡¯m both surprised and relieved that you came out unscathed.¡± This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Siola looks at the two men who died by her hands. Yet, it doesn¡¯t bother her in the slightest. At the brink of the night, within a certain pub, a glass full of wine shattered. ¡°Hmmph! What did you just SAY?!¡± ¡°M-Mel, and S-Sem is¡­ dead.¡± His head burns with ache, ¡°Dead? Deaaaad?!¡± Going back and forth, smashing the counter table, ¡°Aaaaaaaaargh!¡± ¡°Dek! What happened to that piece of shit?!¡± ¡°H-He, he¡¯s dead too, boss.¡± ¡°Aaaaaaargh! Useless!¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t they kill one fucking guard.¡± ¡°Hooooow?! Did! They! FUCKING! DIE?!¡± ¡°Calm down, Bossu.¡± ¡°Garan! We got a fucking shipment tomorrow and those bastards died before they can deliver that shit! That woman¡¯s gonna kills us if we fail!¡± ¡°Fuck!¡± ¡°¡­¡± she sighs, ¡°Then why don¡¯t I take care of that guard, Bossu?¡± ¡°Not you too, Garan! If you die too, then who else gonna¡ª¡± ¡°Ah-aa-aa, bossu,¡± from sitting on the table, to suddenly appear in front of him within an instant, ¡°Did you just doubt me?¡± Breath filled with anger, but her words suppress it, ¡°You know, I don¡¯t, Garan. Why do a life of a single guard even matter anyway?¡± ¡°You sent those two to their deaths. Might as well finish it, don¡¯t you think? Bossu.¡± ¡°¡­¡± sighing, ¡°Be quick about it.¡± She chuckles, ¡°Don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± ¡°She won¡¯t even see it coming.¡± Poilteyre Goods. A store full of different assortment of items, potions, even weapons. Siola walks behind the lady she met earlier in the day. ¡°Thank you for letting me stay, Ma¡¯am.¡± Said Siola. ¡°Aww, again. I¡¯m supposed to be the one saying thank you.¡± ¡°And what did I say? I have a name you know, so call me Vanya.¡± ¡°Then, Madam Vanya, thank you for letting me stay.¡± ¡°Goodness, you¡­¡± Chuckles, ¡®You don¡¯t know it, Madam Vanya. The guard¡¯s barracks beds are less than one meter from another, and the fact that those men didn¡¯t wash their body before they go to bed, the stink of sweat made me wants to go sleep in the forest than that cursed place.¡¯ ¡°Here it is.¡± A small room with a bed and a window. ¡°It¡¯s a little empty. I myself haven¡¯t found a use for it, so you can stay as long as you like.¡± ¡°Ahh, I shouldn¡¯t. I mean, tomorrow I should be able to afford to stay in an inn.¡± ¡°And what about food and other expenses? It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t have to feel bad about it. Besides, it¡¯s not good for a guard to stay at an inn, you know.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± She smiles, ¡°You protect people like me from bad people, but those bad people might come back and you don¡¯t want them to have an easy time to get to you now, do you?¡± ¡°Ohh¡­¡± ¡®Well, I can¡¯t just say that it already happened.¡¯ ¡°Now, give me that ball of fur. You need to sleep.¡± ¡°Oh, poor thing. Where did your feet go?¡± she then notices something peculiar about the healed wounds, ¡°This is¡­ the work of a Heal miracle.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Glancing at Siola, ¡°Oh, did you do it? I mean, are you a Priest?¡± She nods. ¡°I seeee,¡± looking at the rabbit, ¡°You are so lucky you little soft ball.¡± Smooching it so eagerly. Siola smiles seeing them. Resting on the bed she did. Doors closed. She looks at the moon in the sky through the window and slowly closing her eyes. Sigh, ¡°Finally¡­¡± Dark cloud gathers, it¡¯s a downpour. The window slides up by a hand, and then in an instant, a masked woman suddenly appears right beside her. She takes a closer look at the armor on the ground before looking back to Siola. Blade unsheathed. *Slash* Blood splattered. The woman grabbed the black hair and lifted it under the light of the moon. Thunder clashing. ¡°Hmph, three men died just for this.¡± But then, she notices something. When the light bounces and shine the decapitated head. Siola¡¯s eyes are opened, they¡¯re blackened completely. No irises, no whites. Eyes narrowed down as she witnesses Siola¡¯s mouth moves. ¡°¡­ of the Abyss¡­¡± She inspects it closer. ¡°Hemotether.¡± Shudder as she pulled herself back, but then her line of sight rolled up all the way down, crashing on the floor. From there, she sees her headless body holding the decapitated head. Eyes twitch, she witnesses Siola¡¯s body rise to grab her decapitated head and reattach it. She made a sign with her finger, ¡°Art of the Mad Dead, Sanguine Harvest.¡± Grasping the air towards the headless body, its blood gathered into one. Soon, the flesh follows, and then the bone. And then¡­ nothing. ! {Requirement has been met} ! {Ability Unlocked} *Chirp *Chirp Siola opened her eyes, blinking at the sight of her profile status. She shifts her attention into the window outside, to clear morning skies. Glancing once again at her profile menu. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 18} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank E | SP: Rank E} {Class: Priest | Ability: [Illuminate], [Restore Vitality], [Heal], [Turn Undead], [Sacred Flame], [Mage Shift] | Passive: [Dark Protection]} {STR: Rank E | DEX: Rank D | FTH: Rank S | INT: Rank S} ¡®The hell is that?¡¯ ¡°A class change spell?¡± ¡®How the hell did I got it?¡¯ ¡®No, it¡¯s¡­ is it a bug?¡¯ ¡®Can¡¯t be. This is no longer a game. So, why is it saying Tier 11 here? I¡¯ve known ways to change class but I don¡¯t know any abilities that can just¡­ change it.¡¯ ¡®Not that I want to do it anyway. That¡¯ll just infringe on my friend¡¯s path who was a wizard.¡¯ ¡®And it looks mad suspicious too. And the fact that I surged to Level 18 all of a sudden.¡¯ ¡®Certainly, not from those guys I killed.¡¯ ¡°Hrmm, I¡¯m about to be late and I haven¡¯t even bathe yet.¡± *Clank *Clank ¡°Hm? What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°Holy¡ª Ahem, wait¡­¡± ¡®I know I started worshipping Armalia but a god would never give their graces like this. I¡¯m thankful that she did grant me a blessing yesterday, but this¡­¡¯ Eyes glancing to the door, ¡®Madam Vanya is possible, but I doubt her kindness would extend to giving me such precious items.¡¯ ¡®And I woke up with a new ability and few more levels to my status.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s¡­ worrying.¡¯ She picks up a blade beside the items. ¡°What, a dagger for chopping wood?¡± ¡°But it doesn¡¯t even have a serrated blade.¡± Chapter 6 – Dola and Golds Gloves tightened as she donned her new items. Walking down the stairs, ¡®Something happened to me for sure.¡¯ ¡®But there was no evidence exactly on what. Is someone tailing me?¡¯ ¡®Did I actually have a stalker?¡¯ ¡®Hmph, I would¡¯ve thought so had it been my past life when I got that new face.¡¯ ¡®But with old one such as this, I better keep an eye out.¡¯ The white rabbit being fed vegetables by hand. ¡°Oh my, you look astonishing. Come here, eat. I made breakfast.¡± ¡°Thank you, Madam Vanya.¡± ¡°What is that you have?¡± ¡®Not from her, huh.¡¯ She laid it on the counter. ¡°My oh my, a rare cape I see. What, do you not want it? Would you sell this to me?¡± ¡°You can have it, Madam. Deduct the cost as payment for my stay.¡± ¡°This again, Siola, you¡ª¡± ¡°I insist, Madam.¡± She smiles, leaving her no option to refuse. Sighing, ¡°Alright¡­,¡± seeing the cape once more, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Oh, one more thing. May I ask you to take care of this one while I¡¯m out and about?¡± ¡°That shouldn¡¯t go without saying. Of course, I will.¡± Siola went about her new day with a reenergized spirit. Patrolling part of town before heading to the barracks. Opening the door to the Oklam¡¯s office. ¡°You wished to see me, sir?¡± ¡°Yes. Have a seat.¡± ¡°You see, I was planning to keep you as a guard for a time until you earn your citizenship here in Lorkhan. After all, you didn¡¯t swear an oath like us soldiers and guards.¡± She nods. ¡°Now, what you did yesterday may not be ideal but thanks to that, your time here serving Lorkhan has been greatly reduced.¡± ¡°You only need to do one last assignment before we grant you citizenship.¡± ¡°Three days from now, some soldiers and a few select guards will go on an expedition. And you will join them.¡± ¡°An expedition, sir?¡± ¡°May I know the purpose of it?¡± ¡°You may not. However, I can tell you that it will be dangerous. You can expect fighting some monsters here and there, and the destination is quite far.¡± He pulls his drawer to grab two purses full of coins. ¡°Here is your reward for handling those criminals, and the other is your budget for the expedition.¡± Noticing the new equipment on Siola, ¡°I see that you have gotten yourself on some, but be sure that you will be absolutely ready.¡± ¡°You will keep on patrolling until the days before the expedition.¡± ¡°Remember, three days from now on, at dawn.¡± ¡°Yes sir.¡± When she left the door, Oklam rested his back and sighed. ¡°Someone who can follow orders without barking is sooo nice. Haa¡­ if only we¡¯re not tied down by covenant, I really could¡¯ve used someone like her here in this town.¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Two purse full of coins. The currency in Ekolia is called Golds, and each coin is engraved with a highly detailed number of 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10.000, 100.000, and 1.000.000. ¡®Let¡¯s see¡­¡¯ ¡®82.000 and 20.000 Golds. So, a $1020.¡¯ ¡®Well, looking at the budget alone tells me that the guards are not doing well financially.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s good that I can ditch it soon. But the point of me getting in town is so that I can live here safely until I can plan what to do and where to go.¡¯ ¡®Expeditions, huh.¡¯ As she walks, she notices a particularly darker shadow caused by the sun. ¡®Let¡¯s see this shadow step skill.¡¯ Upon focusing on it and willing for it to happening, she teleported to the area only to fumble to the wall as she appears. ¡°Hnnngh?!¡± Her head started spinning as pain stings. ¡°Oh, hnngh, god¡­¡± ¡®This is¡­¡¯ *Pant *Pant ¡°Shit.¡± ¡®Took way too much MP.¡¯ ¡®And the fact that it emptied mine while I was full. I have to refrain from using it until I at least reach Rank C, but ideally, Rank B in MP.¡¯ ¡®Different from Mage class, Level UP benefits are not solely invested to improve MP but is shared with Faith. Even though mine is S rank by default.¡¯ ¡®I would need to rank up my status before I can see letter beyond S.¡¯ ¡®Though, there would be other complication by doing that.¡¯ Deep breath, she let it out slowly. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go shopping for now.¡± Although she says that, she makes a stop at the statue of Armalia and pray. Warmth envelops her as she can feel sparkles glistening through her body. ¡®How nostalgic.¡¯ ¡®Back then, everything was bright.¡¯ ¡®I used to pray day and night eagerly awaiting to see if I will get a blessing on the next one.¡¯ ¡®Now that I¡¯m at a point where the knowledge of powerful spells and enemies is at the back of my head¡­ I can¡¯t get excited over small blessings even if I wanted to.¡¯ ¡®Still, this is nice.¡¯ Her MP replenished completely. She went looking around, visiting multiple weapon shop. An agitated shopkeeper tapping his finger as Siola peruse his items. She brought a mace, ¡°This, do you have a sharper one? Possibly a more grippy handle too?¡± ¡°Tsk, if you¡¯re not gonna buy it, you shouldn¡¯t even touch it in the first place.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°But I do, I just want a variant of this that¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°Stop wasting my time, you¡¯re not looking to buy. I¡¯ve seen you going about the stores there and there. And you got nothing to show from them.¡± Looking her up and down, paying attention to the outfit and sword she has, he snatches the mace, ¡°Go bother somebody else.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®Hmm, I could show him my purse, but he looks determined not to sell me anything.¡¯ So, she went to the last store. It¡¯s empty and rundown, but the fire from the furnace in the other room heats up the place inside. ¡°Hm? Customer?¡± ¡°What can I do you for?¡± Tilting her head, ¡®A dwarf?¡¯ ¡°What, you look like you haven¡¯t seen my own kind.¡± ¡°Beastkin and Lizards seem to be more common here than your kind.¡± ¡°Yeah, mine own don¡¯t do lot of adventuring.¡± ¡°So, what can I help you with?¡± She takes a look around, although the walls and floors are rundown not because of aesthetic choices, the place is not full of dust. ¡°I¡¯m looking for a mace. Grippy handle, sharp edges. You know the kind?¡± ¡°Not a lot looking for that, but¡­¡± He went to a basket full of different weapons and pull out an iron mace, ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s nice. Could be better.¡± ¡°Can sharpen it up a bit for ya.¡± ¡°Do it then. I need a bow too, or maybe¡­ a crossbow would do nicely. Something I can use without getting tired and sore.¡± ¡°Mm, you lookin¡¯ for either a light bow or a hand crossbow. They don¡¯t got a lot of firepower but they do easy to carry around.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s what my mace is for. I need¡­ well, firepower first foremost.¡± ¡°Well, a bow is outta question then. Your shape looks quite light, can¡¯t have you bringing any iron while you have Mace on. But since you don¡¯t got a plate for armor, I might have some.¡± He went to get a stool and reach the crossbow in the middle. ¡°Here. Top notch bolt this one. See how fast the string pulled to the back? It got the firepower, the speed, just a tad heavy with all the iron.¡± ¡°Hm, I¡¯d definitely get tired walking with this, but it looks like what I need.¡± ¡°How much am I looking at for this, the mace, and the 3 stacks of bolts for that one.¡± ¡°22.000 Golds for the lot.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°¡­¡± the dwarf nervous. ¡°I know what you think. This little midget tryna ripped you off when you can buy magic stuff close to the same price.¡± ¡°Hm, I wasn¡¯t thinking that but give me the reason why yours are¡­ at such price.¡± ¡°Thing you most folks don¡¯t care about it seems, quality. You buy things from other stores, they don¡¯t last you a week, but mine, months.¡± ¡°With such quality though, shouldn¡¯t you be getting more customers?¡± ¡°When was the last time you even have one?¡± ¡°Ye new here.¡± ¡°Figures why you¡¯d even come in the first place.¡± Shrugging her shoulders, ¡°So?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Used to have a lad comin¡¯ about, was dealing with woods then. He likes stuff I made, then it got fancier and fancier. Fore I knew it, got weapons made and all that.¡± ¡°He be handling all the talking and the selling while I make the goods. But when the lad grown, he kinda grew tired of it and went off and be an adventurer.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you hire someone else?¡± ¡°Did.¡± ¡°One didn¡¯t even last a day, another was rowdy making mess of things, and the last boy I got stole three crates full of em weapons and made dealings with thieves.¡± ¡°New faces always comin¡¯ about, but none of em can tell¡­ or want good steel and iron when the shop next to it can give em magic.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hm.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Siola put the money on the counter, ¡°How long¡¯s the sharpen gonna take?¡± The dwarf¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Just about an hour¡ª two.¡± ¡°Okay, get to it then. I might not be back in two hours, so don¡¯t wait for me.¡± Siola left with the crossbow and the iron bolts without seeing the dwarf bowing. Readjusting the ring inside her gauntlets as she holsters her new weapon. ¡®Provisions can be planned later. For now, I should get some magic spell to use. Ideally something that won¡¯t make me faint in one cast.¡¯ She walks back to the road and the previous shopkeeper saw her with the new crossbow and grinds his teeth with a face flush red. Chapter 7 – Spells ¡®I could go to a magic shop, but maybe I should check if Madam Vanya has something for me.¡¯¡¯ And thus, she decided to go home. And was greeted by the door. ¡°S-Siola, you¡¯re here. Good.¡± ¡°?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Madam? You look exhausted.¡± ¡°Here, look at this.¡± The white rabbit on the counter. But she doesn¡¯t know where to look exactly. ¡°What am I looking for?¡± ¡°This.¡± Some sort of marking under its fur. Vanya took a piece parchment with a drawing on it. ¡°This is what the poor rabbit has behind under that fur.¡± Rough lines, it portrays some sort of rocks¡­ or not. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± She turns the parchment around. ¡°What do you think?¡± ¡®A vanilla animal like that is already rare enough and for them to have birthmark is even rarer, but is it really that? What exactly is this thing?¡¯ ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Well, keep it for now. I will make another copy and see what I can come up with.¡± ¡°More importantly, Madam Vanya, I¡¯m looking for good magic spells. Ones that don¡¯t require a lot of Mana to use.¡± ¡°Spells? But aren¡¯t you a Priest?¡± ¡°Yeah, what of it?¡± ¡°Um, shouldn¡¯t Priest be using their Miracles instead?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to have my options.¡± ¡°Sure, but I mean, even if you want to um¡­ in order to learn a spell, your intelligence, I mean INT status has to match or exceed the spell¡¯s requirement you¡¯re trying to learn.¡± ¡®Works the same way as it did back then.¡¯ ¡°What books do you have for me, Madam Vanya?¡± ¡°¡­¡± sighing, ¡°Well, a couple.¡± She went to look for all the books she has in her possession. ¡°These are all I have.¡± ¡°Quite the collection.¡± ¡°You will find more in a magic shop. Do you know what these tiers entail?¡± ¡°Remind me.¡± ¡°There are 11 Tiers of Arcane that has been recorded throughout history.¡± (1) Basic > (2) Intermediate > (3) Advanced > (4) Expert > (5) Master > (6) Extreme > (7) Supreme > (8) Mega > (9) Ultimate > (10) Maxima > (11) Overdrive ¡°You might have noticed that tiers are differentiated in numbers instead of letters, like our profile status. This doesn¡¯t translate well to what extend we can actually learn a spell. I have heard that there some who can learn Advanced tier while having an E-Rank intelligence, such cases are few and far between though.¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°The rule of thumb is the spell you want to learn has to have an equal tier to your INT. This is of course, before we factor in one¡¯s capability to comprehend the spell they¡¯re trying to learn.¡± ¡°I understand. Is there anyone out there who can use Tier 11?¡± ¡°Of course, silly. Though, we¡¯re talking about the realm of the gods here. But before she became a god, the witch Selene, was an extremely talented individual.¡± ¡°Moment¡¯s prior she ascends, she cast a Transcendental Law, bringing an end to an erupting volcano as she turns the entire landscape into a frozen land. Although her brilliant spell has saved the land itself, it cursed the living caught in its touch. Forever frozen under the freezing mist, waiting to be rescued before it¡¯s tipped over.¡± ¡°Think you ever heard of the story before?¡± ¡°The Witch Mountain Path.¡± Vanya nodded. ¡°Arts and Laws are ones created by people, even the gods themselves have some. By casting it as such, the spell would transform into something much more.¡± ¡°And a Transcendental Law is a realm beyond us human can achieve.¡± ¡°But you said Selene casted it.¡± ¡°Yes. Because she abandoned her humanity.¡± ¡°¡­¡± In her thoughts, ¡®There were people who have been fortunate enough to meet the gods back in my past life, but I wasn¡¯t one of them.¡¯ ¡°Well, it¡¯s a fascinating story. But which one are these spells requiring little mana to cast?¡± ¡°You have [Firebolt], [Spectral Darts], and [Shock Last]. All are easy-to-learn spells and they don¡¯t cost as much. Among the Tier 2, you have [Ignis Shard] and [Glimmer Veil]. Providing both offense and defense at a somewhat reasonable cost. [Fuming Bolt] is very handy too as it only requires one cast to hurl multiple small firebolts.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take these three. How much?¡± ¡°Oh, just take them.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°For the cape¡ª¡± ¡°No, no. That¡¯s different thing, okay¡ªI mean, ahem.¡± ¡°Madam Vanya, like I said, that one is a fee for my stay here. So, please. Let the exchange be what it supposed to be from now on. You and I, no longer have favor owed to each other.¡± ¡°Well, except for the Rabbit.¡± ¡°Pfft, fine. If you keep insisting.¡± ¡°But do you have enough for them? All three costs 37.000 Golds.¡± ¡°I do. I would like some potions too. Ones that replenish mana and stamina, I need two of them and another bottle to cure fatigue.¡± ¡°Okay, that would be another 14.000 Golds.¡± ¡°Do you also have a bag to holster them? And a backpack too?¡± ¡°Of course. I can give the holster for free but the backpack will cost you 4000 Golds. It¡¯s enough to hold the books and more.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± ¡°Here¡ª,¡± bringing them to the counter, ¡°¡­ you go.¡± After wearing with them with the crossbow, it becomes somewhat uncomfortable. ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s quite¡­ heavy. And I still have an order for Mace too.¡± ¡°You have too much load indeed. Ah, wait here.¡± Vanya went to look on multiple drawers and found a box. There are several magic rings inside all neatly organized. ¡°Here, try wearing this.¡± Upon wearing it, Siola feels light on her feet. ¡°Ohh, this is exactly what I need. How much is it, Madam Vanya?¡± ¡°This one¡­ well, it¡¯s 45.000 Golds.¡± After spending her money on weapons, she has exactly 80.000 Golds and she has already spent 55.000 Golds to the items prior. She is just short of 10.000 Golds. ¡°Uhh, would you accept trades? I have this ring.¡± ¡°Oh, an Echoing Shadows Ring. Hmm, it is indeed of similar rarity with the Ogre Ring, but I cannot accept it as is.¡± ¡°Th-Then, how much do I have to add in Golds?¡± ¡°Sadly, it is not as precious as the Ogre Ring, but for you, I only ask for half the price.¡± ¡°That is fine. Thank you.¡± There she saw something different with Siola, after flustered emotion, there is now an expression of joy. It made her heart beat. Now, with only 2500 Golds left in her purse. She is now more determined than ever to find and hunt another criminal. Though, she didn¡¯t bring the items she has bought with her. 48 hours after the death of the three men coming after her. Including the missing person that is unknown to her. The guards have noticed lower crime rate. At least, on the forefront. At night, people are missing. They have gone unnoticed, until they were found dead. ¡°What the hell?¡± Her eyes shocked to find a wall painted in red, detailed intricacies of decapitated corpse. Siola narrowed her eyes down, ¡®This is no work of an amateur.¡¯ ¡°Guard, we¡¯re h¡ª Eeeeek?!¡± ¡°Hnnghmph?!¡± One vomited, the other shocked to its core. *Ptui* *Pant *Pant ¡°Wh-What happened here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a murder no doubt, but I don¡¯t know sir.¡± Siola helps them clean up, and one of them is in charge of transporting the corpse. As Siola and the guard scrub the blood off the wall, he says, ¡°Who could¡¯ve done something so cruel.¡± ¡°Heartless monster, sir.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t call me sir, I¡¯m 19. I¡¯ve heard about you though. Your achievement. Done in three stubborn ass thieves all in one day.¡± She chuckles, ¡°I was just lucky.¡± ¡°Still, luck can sometime be a skill too. Just like how you killed Garan.¡± Her eyes widened in confusion, ¡°Garan, who?¡± When she turned, there was no guard in the direction she¡¯s looking at. A sweat dripping from her forehead as her hand reaches to her sword and dagger. ¡°¡­¡± Scanning the surrounding. Her eyes narrowed down to a slit. ¡®Son of a bitch, where the fuck¡­¡¯ ¡®Garan, Garan, Garan¡­ I don¡¯t remember¡­ I don¡¯t¡ª¡¯ Her eyes widened once more. ¡®Those items.¡¯ She looks at her profile status, and there is one particular ability that is out of place. ¡°Mage Shift.¡± Weapons dropped as her head stretched backwards. Fists grasping the air as she groans. ¡°Hrmmm¡­¡± Tilting her head onward, her eyes opened. No irises, and it¡¯s black as night. Chapter 8 – Expedition She formed a sign, ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Grunting as she grabbed the weapons she just dropped. Sheathed them. In a blink of an eye, her eyes returned to normal. *Gasp* *Pant *Pant ¡®Wh-What the hell?¡¯ ¡®Did I just¡­¡¯ ¡®Passed out?¡¯ ¡°Hey, guard. Are you done yet?¡± The other guard in charge of transport return alongside the man she was just talking with. Siola slowly and calmly reach towards her dagger. ¡°No, sir. Not yet.¡± ¡°Well, leave that for now. Captain Oklam wants to see you.¡± Looking intensely at the man she was talking before, but he seems to be clueless. ¡°At once.¡± Slamming a table, ¡°Goddamn it!¡± Oklam shouted. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°One day. Just one more day, and it had to show up now of all times!¡± Siola can¡¯t help but to asks, ¡°This seems to be a matter of grave importance, will tomorrow¡¯s expedition be suspended, sir?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­ damn it. No.¡± ¡°I may have to transfer some of the participants to handle this matter, but your participation will remain. As for this one¡­ shit, what a mess.¡± Nervously, she says, ¡°That symbol from the wall, how the corpse was placed so intricately¡­¡± ¡°Surprised to see you¡¯re fine after seeing that. Even after seeing the corpse myself.¡± Shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°I don¡¯t know who did it, if it was just a madman or do, we have real a bloodthirsty killer on our hands. Or maybe both.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen it once when I was serving in the capital, but even then.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Glancing at the troubled caption, she ponders, ¡®Should I tell him about the doppelganger?¡¯ ¡®No, what if he is one too?¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s no way I could tell, and if I tell him, the whole place will be on alert. He might even cancel the expedition.¡¯ ¡®I need that citizenship no matter what.¡¯ ¡°What¡¯s wrong, miss Siola?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°You look pale. You sure you¡¯re alright?¡± ¡°Y-Yes sir, I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Just rest for the day. You¡¯ll be needed tomorrow, so I need you to be ready yesterday.¡± ¡°Yes sir.¡± Leaving the man to his own devices. Siola left rushing towards the blacksmith. Disrupting the dwarf while he¡¯s napping. ¡°Dwarf! Where¡¯s my weapon?!¡± ¡°Hurnh? Oh, it¡¯s you, lass.¡± ¡°The weapon!¡± ¡°Ah, here. What got you so¡ª¡± She takes it, ¡°Later. Be safe, dwarf.¡± Waving goodbye, ¡°You too¡­ and I have a name, you know.¡± Siola went back home in a hurry. She sees someone is trading with Vanya. ¡°Ah, Siola. You¡¯re back so early.¡± ¡°Y-Yeah.¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on? You look tired.¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°No time to explain. Sorry, Madam Vanya, but I will have to sleep outside today.¡± ¡°Huh? Wait!¡± Siola hurries to get her backpack and leave. ¡°Siola, tell me what¡¯s¡­ goodness, that girl.¡± The hooded customer laid some gold coins on the counter as she shifts her head. Sharp eyes, dark skinned, and muscular. Siola went to buy provisions with all the money she had left, and then, disappear from everyone¡¯s sight until night passes. Come dawn, when the sun lighting up the dark, Siola walks as her fatigued relief by the potion she drank. Her eyes twitching. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 18} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank D | SP: Rank E} {Class: Priest | Ability: [Illuminate], [Restore Vitality], [Heal], [Turn Undead], [Sacred Flame], [Mage Shift], [Shock Lash], [Glimmer Veil], [Ignis Shard] | Passive: [Dark Protection]} {STR: Rank D | DEX: Rank B | FTH: Rank S | INT: Rank S} ¡°Siola, not a moment too soon, eh.¡± ¡°Colon?¡± ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll be leading the party today.¡± ¡°Though, I didn¡¯t expect our forces gets cut by two thirds.¡± ¡°Anyway, how have you been holding up?¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yeah. Captain told me you weren¡¯t feeling so well after what happened yesterday.¡± ¡°¡­¡± shaking her head, ¡°No I¡¯m fine, but¡­¡± ¡°Did he find anything?¡± ¡°No, not as far as I¡¯m aware of.¡± ¡°But he¡¯ll be busy for a while. Let¡¯s hope he can handle it by the time we get back.¡± ¡®Mad freak who paint walls with corpses? I don¡¯t mind, but a damn doppelganger? I wouldn¡¯t think much of it if this was a game, but I don¡¯t wanna live in a damn horror movie.¡¯ ¡°All right, gear up, people! We¡¯re heading out!¡± ¡°Ou!¡± They head out. Siola looks at the safe haven she desperately tries to be in one last time. From dawn to morning to noon. Siola, struggling to keep up with the others but still within range. ¡°!¡± Colon notices it. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s rest here.¡± Four out of 6 soldiers instantly dropped their backpack. ¡°Unload, catch your breath and eat. Pent, come with me.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Siola drank a massive amount of water from her bag. Even the other soldiers started paying attention to it. ¡°Hey, you should save some. In case you need it later on.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Right. You¡¯re right.¡± The other asks, ¡°Where did Colon go?¡± ¡°Scouting, probably.¡± ¡°Uhuh.¡± ¡°Hey, why¡¯d you join up?¡± ¡°You mean, being a soldier or¡­¡± ¡°That too.¡± ¡°Well, my parents wanted me to go and make a name for myself. Thought the expedition would be the fastest way.¡± ¡°I get you. My parents couldn¡¯t shut up about it too. But I¡¯ve always wanted to be a soldier myself. Being in the front line, you know.¡± ¡°Ahh. Well, I myself don¡¯t got a parent, but serving the empire has always been my dream.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And what about you?¡± Siola munching on the bread she brought, glancing to the man. ¡°You¡¯re the only girl in the whole barrack far as I¡¯ve seen.¡± ¡°Yeah, what made you join?¡± ¡°Citizenship.¡± ¡°Sir Oklam said I would get one after completing this expedition.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re not from around here?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t really remember where I¡¯m from either.¡± ¡°Ooo, that sucks.¡± ¡°But I heard you doing well though. Killing three most wanted criminals in town, it¡¯s not all bad, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Oh wait, really? She¡¯s the one who did it?¡± ¡°I mean there¡¯s no one else who¡¯s a girl in the barracks, are there?¡± A conversation in the woods on their way towards the unknown. It felt familiar, a flash of scenery of which both of her hands are sitting beside a campfire, all laughter and smiles. ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡± ¡°Yeah, when I heard that our party gets reduced, I thought we¡¯re doomed, but it¡¯s kind of relieving to know that you¡¯re with us now.¡± ¡°¡­¡± she nods, ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad to have all of you too.¡± Colon returns with the other soldier, ¡°Alright, y¡¯all. We¡¯re safe for now, so let¡¯s hope that last. How¡¯re you guys doing?¡± ¡°Not bad, Colon.¡± ¡°So, you gonna tell us what this all about?¡± ¡°Yeah, where we heading?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell you all soon enough. For now, let¡¯s just¡­¡± sitting down, ¡°Ahh, focus on recovering.¡± The men shrugs but Siola eyed Colon with suspicion. Continuing on their journey, it is not long before night came. But they keep on marching against the cold wind while slashing through the thick skin of wolves. *Slice *Slice ¡°Pent! Backside!¡± The wolf lunges only to be stopped midair when CRUNCH, its head punctured by an iron bolt. ¡°Siola!¡± Pulling the string back, she takes aim towards another wolf and fire. *Crunch* A bullseye. ¡°Together! Watch each other¡¯s backs!¡± Siola rejoins them, mace wielded. Night to morn, they continue on walking. Colon and Pent, carrying Siola until she wakes up. She finds herself close to a campfire. ¡°Urgh, what happened?¡± The man called Pent comes rummaging her backpack, ¡°You fainted.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ Really now¡­¡± He found the water flask and gives it to Siola. *Gulp *Gulp ¡°Ahh¡­ my goodness! Are we there yet?¡± ¡°Colon said it¡¯s just a day left from here.¡± ¡°A day left to what?¡± ¡°Dungeon.¡± Her eyes widened, ¡°Hunh.¡± ¡°A dungeon?¡± ¡°Yes. Colon says we¡¯re out to find a new dungeon. Setting up an encampment so that it can flourish and support Clearwater he said.¡± Nodding, ¡°Right. Well, you shouldn¡¯t be cutting a search party for that.¡± ¡°Heheh, definitely, yeah.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hey, thanks for saving me back there.¡± ¡°No worries.¡± ¡°Thank God, we have you. Those wolves were relentless.¡± ¡°Heheh, not me. This thing.¡± ¡°The crossbow?¡± ¡°Mhm, I got it from the dwarf back in town.¡± ¡°Oh, that place. Haven¡¯t heard good things about him, but I never seen his crafts in action. Not until now anyway, he should expect a visit when we get back.¡± ¡°Heheh, he should indeed. I heard your name is Pent. Mine is Siola.¡± ¡°Pleasure to meet you, miss Siola.¡± Gesturing her to follow, ¡°Come on, the boys got a boar. We eating fresh meat today.¡± ¡°Please tell me you all have salts.¡± They chatter all night long while feasting on a whole boar. When the sun is up, they continue on their journey. Fighting harsh weather and monsters. Hard stopping after two days. Colon, eyes nervously looking at the scroll he¡¯s reading. ¡°Hey hey hey, I thought we should¡¯ve arrived by now.¡± ¡°No, we should¡¯ve already be heading back home.¡± ¡°Where is this dungeon?¡± ¡°Colon,¡± Siola approaches, ¡°You alright?¡± He quickly closes the scroll, but Siola ignores it. Closely, she holds Colon¡¯s eyes, twitching on every single movement he made. ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­¡± Colon knows that Siola is looking at him differently. Her eyes are investigating him. Brows squeezed. He hands over Siola the scroll. There, Siola can see the entirety of the mission details and the destination. Something¡¯s amiss, it is true that they are set out to find a dungeon and set encampment. But the exact whereabouts of the dungeon is based on rumors. ¡°This is the first expedition on this.¡± Chapter 9 – Blessing ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡± gripping the scroll tightly as Siola follow his eyes. Colon couldn¡¯t even look at her anymore, ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You know why. It¡¯s a new dungeon, miss Siola. Something very precious that can transform the whole town that is Clearwater into a landmark of trades.¡± ¡°Is that what you think or is that just what sir Oklam told you about this expedition?¡± ¡°D-Does it matter? Surely you can see it, y-you¡¯re smart and¡­¡± ¡°Colon,¡± Siola started getting a headache. She shook her head in disbelief and went to inform the others. Colon grinding his teeth, his brows frowned as he looks to the ground. A moment after, his back was on it when Pent storm to punch him, ¡°Bastard!¡± mounting him, ¡°Fuck! Fuck! Fuuuck!¡± Despite being attacked, Colon only guarded with a pained look on his face. ¡°Pent, stop.¡± ¡°Why, you¡¯re going to take his side after all of that?! He knew, miss Siola. He knew!¡± ¡°I know. But like it or not, we¡¯re together on this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Seeing the grimace on Colon¡¯s face, his eyes has shown him enough, but Pent punches him for one last time. ¡°Damn it!¡± ¡°What do we do now?¡± ¡°I thought we¡¯re going somewhere, but we don¡¯t even know where it is?!¡± ¡°Yeah! This¡­ this is¡­ BAD!¡± ¡°Alright, alright! Calm down, all of you. Let me think.¡± Passing the scroll to Pent but he threw it at Colon. He grabs it, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just that captain Oklam said the source was strong.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how strong the source is when rumors in general is fundamentally unreliable, Colon.¡± ¡°If we have a battalion worth of soldiers marching towards this dungeon based on those rumors alone, I wouldn¡¯t be against it, but we¡¯re not.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Sighing, ¡°Still, we can¡¯t just go back home after coming this far.¡± One of the men jolted, ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡± ¡°Yeah, what if we¡¯re stranded and can¡¯t go back?¡± ¡°We¡¯re already stranded.¡± Their eyes widened after the sudden realization that none of them including Colon knows the way back home. One fallen on their butt while Pent started to shed a tear. Siola move away further from them. ¡®Now where the fuck am I?¡¯ Looking at the sky, she locates the sun. Her heart started beating uncontrollably. The vision of the doppelganger back home and the vision of the unknown. Not to mention, the people that are now with her. Her mind race, imagining bitter possibilities. Deep breath. She started praying. ¡°O Lady of Light, forgive thy servant, for I may have been impudent. I beseech thee, aid thy servant and these poor souls, and guide us toward our destination.¡± ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s gone unnoticed, as long as I can calm myself down.¡¯ ¡®People¡¯s lives are at stake.¡¯ ¡°¡­¡± ¡®I can¡¯t make any more mistake.¡¯ When Colon tries to pat the crying Pent, his hand was slapped away. He can see the hatred in his eye. Even the others, despaired. As men, all of them are young. Too young for such journey. Then, light comes their way. Golden particles shining towards one of their comrades. Pent¡¯s eyes stopped moving midway as the world turns black and white. God rays descend upon the Priest, Siola. ¡°I recognize you, child.¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As if the light is talking to her still body. ¡°You have done commendable actions most would turn their sight away.¡± ¡°You have saved the poor [Guide] with the power I bestowed you. And you have not misused that same power for misdeed.¡± ¡°You brought a light to man who has lost it all.¡± ¡°You have prayed, day and night. The courtesy and faith you have shown has moved me.¡± ¡°And now we¡¯re here, with you asking for my guidance. My favor.¡± ¡°A favor I shall grant.¡± ¡°However, this land you have stepped into is outside my reach. Seek the temple in the west. There you shall receive my blessing, and the first step to becoming my champion.¡± The black white world turns to normal as Pent¡¯s tear continue to shed. Siola¡¯s eyes widened, ¡®What just happened?¡¯ ¡®Did I hear that right?¡¯ ¡®It happened the first time I was praying at that shrine too. I thought it was just my stress playing games on me.¡¯ ¡®Armalia¡­ the goddess herself¡­ actually talked to me?¡¯ ¡®Heading west, huh.¡¯ She looked up to the sun, facing it. ¡°It¡¯s setting.¡± Siola came back to the group and to her surprise, everyone is looking at her full of life. ¡°Pack up, we¡¯re going.¡± ¡°Y-Yeah, wait! You, ahh uhhh¡­¡± One of her brows raised, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Siola, just now, you looked um¡­¡± Pent fidgeting, ¡°You look like a Saintess.¡± ¡°Huh? You mean praying. Yes. Although I¡¯m a Priest, I¡¯m not a Saint.¡± ¡°Eh? You¡¯re a Priest?¡± ¡°Yeah! I thought you were a Rogue or something.¡± ¡°Shut up, you.¡± ¡°Miss Siola,¡± everyone went quiet when Colon talks, agitated, ¡°We saw light. Golden light with you just now. That¡¯s why¡­¡± ¡°Golden light?¡± ¡®No wonder it feels so bright even though I closed my eyes.¡¯ Shaking her head, ¡°Enough of this. We¡¯re heading west. So, again. Pack up.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± She rolls her eyes when all three men calls her that. But unbeknownst to her, thanks to that light, and under her new leadership, all of her comrades including Colon rejuvenated their hope. The path towards the temple leads them to a jungle full of dangerous creatures, but Siola¡¯s quick-wittedness allowed them to pass through with ease, even at a cost of one soiling their pants when an enormous panther-like creature almost as tall as a hill passes through. Although night comes, Siola determined to continue the journey. Silently sneaking away from dark shadowy creatures and stays out of herd path. ¡°Night-consumed beasts.¡± The wolves show up with red eyes and scattered around the area, are shadowy figures. ¡°S-Shouldn¡¯t we set up a camp?¡± ¡°Hrmm, this is not a place you want to close your eyes in.¡± ¡°Come on.¡± They followed her footsteps, no matter how tired they area. Siola ration her Stamina Potion with the rest and they continue to march onward. Soon, they arrived to a river with a small hill of which lies a shrine. ¡°Haa¡­ Haa¡­ W-Water, it¡¯s water!¡± Pent tries to reach them, ¡°Wait, you fool!¡± He looks at Siola, seeking reassurance, and she urge him to join them. Siola looks at Colon, ¡°You go, too. I¡¯ll join you guys in a sec.¡± He looks at her walking towards the shrine, couldn¡¯t even have a word out before she left. As the men replenish their energy and hygiene, Siola remove her backpack. Kneeling before the shrine, and pray to the entity behind the statue. The world turns black and white once more. ¡°Well done, child.¡± ¡°I shall grant you the favor you seek and my blessing.¡± ¡°However, I now have a task for you. A task for you to become my champion.¡± ¡°Seek the location shown by the [Guide]. Save the poor soul trapped within.¡± ¡°Do that, and you shall be granted an even greater miracle. By my blessing, as the Ruler of the Divine Order! I command you, become my champion!¡± The world turns to normal. ! {Blessing Received} ¡®A one-time use Clairvoyance?¡¯ ¡®I never had the chance to use it because only a handful of players reaches far enough for Armalia to grant this kind of blessing.¡¯ ¡®The chant is quite a lot.¡¯ ¡°But a sign, huh.¡± Pent the others scrub each other¡¯s back with rough stones. And then, he caught a sight of Siola once again doing something weird. Entrance, he stopped scrubbing. ¡°Oi, it¡¯s a bit itchy down at the bottom.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Colon turns to see Siola as well. She gestures with a sign to her head, and after mumbling something, she has gone limp as if she just passed out. All of them shudder and rush towards her, but before they can even take a step. Siola¡¯s body floats to the air as golden light particles created an intricate circle of magic as multiple concentrated rays sending something to her forehead it to her forehead. Her eyes glow up in a bright golden color before she¡¯s gently dropped to ground. They rushed to assist her. ¡°Urgh.¡± ¡°Siola, ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yeah! You¡¯re just suddenly woosh and then pomf.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡± ¡°Miss Siola.¡± She feels discombobulated but not because of the sight of the men¡¯s exposed body, ¡°I have good news and bad news. Which one do you all want to hear first?¡± ¡°U-uhh, good news please.¡± ¡°Yeah! Good news please!¡± ¡°Okay, bad news first then.¡± ¡°Nooooo¡­¡± Siola stood and they all assisted her. ¡°It¡¯s related to our destination, so let¡¯s get it out of the way. The dungeon is a bit¡­ hard.¡± Their eyes widened, ¡°What?¡± Siola scatter them to move as she walks forward and points to the south, ¡°There is a cliff in that direction over there, and the dungeon¡¯s gate is right at the bottom of it. And worse, it is buried under a massive rubble.¡± Pent massage his head as he sits. The men started to mumbling among themselves. ¡°Miss Siola, are you certain that the dungeon is there?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Um, ma¡¯am. May I ask, wh-why are you so confident that it¡¯s there?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Looking at Pent with a stern confident look, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it.¡± Shook to the core, ¡°Y-You¡¯ve¡­ seen it? Colon, shocked about what he just heard, ¡®She¡­ did she just said¡­¡¯ To his thoughts, ¡®If that¡¯s true. She¡¯s ordinary Priest. She holds the power of sight. Which truly makes her¡­¡¯ Colon kneels down with his forehead on the ground, crying, ¡°Please, guide us.¡± The other men were confused by his act, but after glancing back and forth, they look at Siola and see they see hope. Dropping to Colon¡¯s level, they shouted, ¡°Please, guide us!¡± ¡°¡­¡± As she turns to Pent, he quickly fixes his posture to do the same but Siola gestured him to stop, ¡°Raise your head.¡± Siola lowered down and pat Colon, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get you all back home.¡± ¡°I promise.¡± A tear in their eye. A relief after an excruciating journey. Hearing those words fill them with a sense of reassurance they desperately need. Chapter 10 – Lurks Within Come dawn, everyone is sleeping on leaves. Except Siola who is awake still, listening to the current of the river while looking at a parchment of the drawing that Vanya gave ¡®I just needed a way to get to the dungeon and a way to get home.¡¯ ¡®Didn¡¯t expect that I¡¯ll be shown a way to get to this place. Except not.¡¯ ¡®I didn¡¯t know this was a map. The path that the Clairvoyance shown me was questionable on this because the destination it shows is a place I used to spent my time on grinding.¡¯ ¡®Krilla Dungeon.¡¯ ¡®Place of excruciatingly difficult monsters. The longer one stays, the stronger they become.¡¯ ¡®But Arma¡ª ahem, Lady Armalia says that I have to save someone trapped in it. I¡¯ve never seen an NPC there before. But maybe I might¡¯ve missed something then or the fact that I started out so late, others might¡¯ve already beaten me to it.¡¯ ¡®No matter what, that¡¯s the only path Clairvoyance got wrong and I don¡¯t know why though. It¡¯s close to the beach, far north of a big town called Hikanda.¡¯ ¡®Wait, maybe it¡¯s not wrong.¡¯ ¡®Yeah, it was too fast for me to process it. It¡¯s unfortunate that I can¡¯t use it again. But it doesn¡¯t matter when I already know of the destination.¡¯ She stood, ¡°Alright, y¡¯all. Wake up! We got to move now!¡± ¡°Come on, wake up, people! We don¡¯t have all day!¡± ¡°Hnnghr¡­¡± ¡°Hrmmuh¡­ wuh¡­¡± Soon the expedition party embark once more towards their original destination. Upon a land split in two, lies a certain death if one were to fall. They did not expect that the dungeon is faraway still, vertically at least. ¡°Any of you brought a rope?¡± Colon asked. ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Siola walks to the edge. ¡°W-Wait, ma¡¯am!¡± ¡°Miss Siola!¡± Small black mist replaces her as she disappears in an instant. Their eyes widened. All five of them rushed to see while also planking their body by the edge. They see Siola, down at the bottom, moving towards a rubble. ¡°M-Ma¡¯am! A-Are you OKAY!¡± Siola look at them and put her thumbs up. She nods, ¡°O-Okay.¡± ¡°D-Did she just teleport?¡± ¡°Since when can she do that?¡± ¡°Yeahhh, that doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± ¡°Shut up, all three of you.¡± They shift their attention back at Siola who is pulling out stones from the rubble one by one. Slowly she works on it until, the gate of the dungeon is visible. ¡°I-I can¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°My god, she¡¯s actually a saint.¡± ¡°We found it.¡± ¡°Ahahahah, Pent, we found it!¡± Seeing Colon¡¯s excited face, and the cheer of the others, he can¡¯t help but smile widely as they celebrate their success. Even Siola can see them as she rests on the rubble. Smiling. Stolen novel; please report. ¡°Goodness me.¡± Shaking her head, her eye caught something in the small waterway. It¡¯s bubbling. ¡°Hm?¡± Something emerged from it, a small tentacle with a ring attached to its shaft. It extending more and more, and it took a moment for Siola to realize it. Her eyes widened. Within an instant, the small singular tentacle became gigantic as it swings towards her. *BOOM* Siola managed to roll in time as the rubble was cleared by the gigantic tentacle, but she knows that it is no mere tentacles. Quickly, she took the Mana Potion but before she can even drink it, her feet were quickly dragged by another smaller tentacle. The men above witness it, ¡°Wh-What is that¡­¡± ¡°That tentacle!¡± ¡°No, in the water!¡± A large lump, as it emerged from the waterway. Creature with indescribable trait. Like a flesh being torn all over. Uncountable number of small tentacles screaming all over it. Something emerged from the lump. A humanoid full of blood. It¡¯s the first time Siola sees something in the like ever since she came to this world, but even upside down, she remembers what it is. A creature that she never had the chance of killing. One tentacle aiming to pierce her stomach. Reaching to her crossbow, ¡°I beseech thee, O brilliant light, bestow thy blessing upon this servant, that I may smite thine enemies.¡± ¡°Sacred Flame!¡± Crashing onto her crossbow, a golden light. At the same time, the tentacle charged, and miss. Upon dodging it, Siola grabs her fiery golden white crossbow and shoot the imbued bolt straight to the head of the humanoid drenched in blood. ¡°Greeewuhwuhuhwuh!¡± It let her go as she rolled away and started running as she reloads. The men up top sees the horrifying monstrosity and snapped back when Siola escapes. ¡°W-We have to help her.¡± ¡°Yeahh! We have to help the saint!¡± ¡°Men, grab your bows and arrows!¡± ¡°Colon! That boulder!¡± He sees it, and nod. Siola dodges the flailing tentacles. Only stopping to shoot the head of the humanoid with unparallel accuracy. As she was about to get hit, the creature was shot by multiple arrows, but it didn¡¯t slow it down at all. ¡°Glimmer Veil!¡± Angled magical spectral shield appears, redirecting the attack of the tentacle upwards. *BOOM* It started chasing her as she loads another bolt onto her crossbow. *BOOM* ¡®Damn it. It knows my bolts are bad news.¡¯ ¡®I can¡¯t keep this up. I only have one vial of potion left, if I use it to escape, it might chase the others too.¡¯ ¡®What can I do, what can I do!¡¯ ¡®What can you do, Siola?! Think!¡¯ *BOOM* *BOOM* ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡± Suddenly, a boulder hits the creature and submerging it down the water way. *Pant *Pant ¡°Miss Siola!¡± ¡°MA¡¯AM!¡± She looks up to see them, and for the first time, she was relieved to have them. ¡°Can you come back up?!¡± ¡°Y-YEAH!¡± She took the last vial from its holster but before she can take it, a tentacle rapidly emerged from the water and pierced her chest. ¡°???¡± ¡°¡­¡± Her eyes widened as stinging pain from her chest surged to her brain. The creature emerged once more to greet her, and the men saw horror. ¡°Nngh??¡± She was lifted to the air. ¡°Ngeh¡­¡± in pure disbelief, she started laughing, ¡°Ehh¡­ Eheheheh¡­¡± The humanoid creature which has had half of his head melted. His hand becomes a sharp tentacle, reaching towards her face. ¡°Aha, guess I¡¯m just¡­ nope! I¡¯ll take the faster way out.¡± ¡°Mage shift.¡± *STAB* The tentacle pierces her brain¡­ Except not. It only passes through her head as if it¡¯s stabbing a smoke. Siola lifts her hand, grasping the air from the back and pushes it forward. The wind split, like a fast current, pushes away the monstrosity and back. ¡°Greweuweuuuurrrr?!¡± It holds on to the platform as it regains its footing. It sees Siola still floating in the air, but her eyes are even darker than the skin it has. Deep breath. ¡°Mmm,¡± her grin reaches her ears, ¡°Yes.¡± Suddenly, the creature shudder. Reluctant to attack as it sees something others can¡¯t see. Something dark, something empty. Siola took her mace, ¡°Heheheh¡­¡± ¡°I beseech thee, O brilliant light, bestow thy blessing upon this servant, that I may smite thine enemies.¡± ¡°Sacred Flame.¡± Once more, her weapon radiates fiery golden light. Upon seeing the flash of light, the creature notices the weapon she¡¯s carrying and choose to charge at her with all its might. ¡°Heheh, just a mindless beast.¡± ¡°They cry for thee, Dead One, grant me thy blessing for I will wield them in thine name.¡± She cast a sign, ¡°Transcendental Law of the Dead God.¡± The creature screech, ¡°Greeeeeeeewawwaaaaaaaarh!¡± On the ground, the platform shatter as her mace touches it. ¡°Shattered Soul.¡± The platform cracks. ¡°Grrrrrraaaaaaaaawwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeergh!¡± In just an instant, Siola appears before the creature with the mace swinging in the air. Faintly imbued with a cracked dimensional shield. She plunged. *CRASH* Like a glass, the core of the creature shattered alongside its body. It floats on the water right after, lifelessly. ! {Level UP} ! {Level UP} ! {Level¡­ Standing on top of its corpse, Siola, as if cupping the air towards its body and yank it. A giant magical core, it¡¯s dark and moving in rotation. ¡°Good enough.¡± She cast a sign, ¡°True Art of Arcane, Terraform.¡± The core swirled smaller and smaller until eventually disappear. Siola grasp the air and slap it onto her forehead. ! {Dimensional Storage has been created} She steps on the platform and let the corpse of the creature flows to the ocean. Looking up, she notices the panicked men screaming at her. A grin is formed. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 100 (88 Pending)} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank A | SP: Rank B} {Class: Priest | Ability: [Illuminate], [Restore Vitality], [Heal], [Turn Undead], [Turn Lesser Undead], [Turn Greater Undead], [Holy Light], [Holy Light (Weapon)], [Sacred Flame], [Sacred Flame (Weapon), [Mage Shift], [Shock Lash], [Glimmer Veil], [Ignis Shard], [Dimensional Space] | Passive: [Dark Protection III], [Dimensional Storage]} {STR: Rank D | DEX: Rank B | FTH: Rank S | INT: Rank S} Chapter 11 – Shapeshifter Using the [Boots of Shadow Step], she teleported just by the edge where her hand was caught by Pent. ¡°Heheh, next time.¡± ¡°What?¡± But suddenly, he noticed her went limp. ¡°W-Wha¡­ You guys, hurry!¡± ¡°Get her up, get her up!¡± ¡°Ouuu!¡± *Bam* Her dark brown eyes look up to see the forest in front. Head spinning as she tries to get up. ¡°Hnngh, wh-what just¡­¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± Her eyes widened, ¡°Right, you guys!¡± She turned, ¡°Y-You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re all right.¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡­¡± losing her balance. Colon lends his shoulder. ¡°Th-That thing, where¡­¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s okay. You, you¡¯ve defeat it.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Siola, struggling to even walk, approaches the edge of the cliff while Pent and Colon assisted her and there she can see the corpse of the monster floating towards the ocean. ¡®H-How?¡¯ She pulls up her profile status, shocked to see it. ¡®What? I¡¯m maxed out?¡¯ ¡®Dimensional Storage. First time I¡¯ve seen it. A Tier 0.¡¯ ¡°Remember, Ma¡¯am. You used that golden light power with your mace and¡ª¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡®Mage Shift. I passed out after muttering a cast on that spell.¡¯ ¡®It is no class change spell.¡¯ ¡®My body¡­ something¡­ or someone¡­ was using my body.¡¯ Sweat runs through her forehead as she turns around, massaging her head. ¡®Am I cursed? Was it a hex?¡¯ ¡®If so, I need a purification spell asap. Maybe, to the capital¡¯s church. Maybe a pope can help me but what if they won¡¯t?¡¯ ¡®Stop, stop, stop!¡¯ ¡°Priority.¡± Panting, she tries to stabilize her breathing. ¡°Miss Siola?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Mark this place. Scribe it on a piece of parchment. And¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± Nodding, the two was relieved and slightly form a smile. Though, they can¡¯t help but to look at each other, worrying about their savior. As they start their journey on returning back to Clearwater Creek, all the men including Pent and Colon can¡¯t help but notice a change in Siola¡¯s expression. Her anxiety is showing. ¡°Um, Ma¡¯am, is everything alright?¡± ¡°Of course. Worry not, it¡¯s only two-three-days walk.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not¡ª¡± Colon grabbed Pent¡¯s shoulder, he shakes his head. Troubled, Pent looked at Siola one more time and let the in his mind matter rest for now. They march onward and although they were ambushed multiple times by monsters, something ha changed to the way they battle. ¡°Ignis shard! Ignis shard!¡± ¡°Shock Lash!¡± ¡°Glimmer Veil!¡± Siola who has always been supporting in the back with her crossbow now gallantly fight her way through, killing monsters with magic, and healing allies with miracles. Despite the many battles they have gone through, the many stops they had to take, they eventually see Clearwater Creek in the distance. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Finally,¡± said one of the soldiers. ¡°Pent, we¡¯re actually here!¡± ¡°Almost¡­ but yeah.¡± He glances at Colon and he smiles, with him returning it. Although their faces are full of Joy, their leader had grimace on her face. ¡®The doppelganger mention someone named Garan, a person that they told me I¡¯ve killed.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s possible that Mage Shift was casted before, and it killed this Garan.¡¯ ¡®But how did I obtain it actually? This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯ ¡®No matter. I¡¯ve reached enough level to ascend to Master Rank. And I have good enough pending levels to noticeably improve my stats further when I rank up.¡¯ Soon they arrived by the gate. The men reunite with their friends, even Colon as well. ¡°Miss Siola.¡± ¡°Colon.¡± ¡°I¡¯m truly¡­ sorry. For everything. Without you, I¡¯m not sure we will even survive let alone completing the mission. So, truly, I¡¯m grateful. Thank you.¡± He bowed. She pats his head and smiled. Although it is his duty to report back, Colon strongly insists for her to do it instead. Thus, she knocks on the door of Oklam¡¯s office. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, sir. Siola. We have returned from the expedition.¡± ¡°Oh, come in.¡± ¡°So, what¡¯s the good news am I looking at.¡± Siola¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°It¡¯s wonderful, sir. Although there has been some¡­ issues, we have managed to find the new dungeon. We have yet to set up the encampment because we thought that we ought to return as we are behind schedule. And the men wouldn¡¯t last another day.¡± ¡°Hmm, is that right?¡± Taken aback, ¡°We also have very good news that the area around the dungeon is safe, sir. Although, the dungeon location itself is in between hard places and rocks, encampment is very doable if you would send another expedition.¡± ¡°Ohh, now that¡¯s we¡¯re talking about, ahaaaa¡­ Yes, good job, Siola.¡± Siola with her eyes opened, glistening as she gazes upon the captain. Swiftly, she reaches to her crossbow and shoot him in the head but it was stopped mid-air. Her eyes widened. ¡°Clever little¡ª¡± ¡°Shock Lash!¡± Her electric whip was grabbed by him. ¡°Ignis Shard!¡± The fiery bolt of fire gazes his cheek, yet he¡¯s unharmed. ¡°Fufu, fufwahahahaha.¡± ¡°This is all you got?¡± ¡°How can Garan died to an incompetent girl like you.¡± ¡°Though you did surprise me. I thought you were a Priest, yet you¡¯re able to cast those spells like a natural born mage. Must¡¯ve had quite the intelligence, aren¡¯t you?¡± Veins pops, ¡°Who¡­ the hell are you? Where¡¯s Oklam?¡± ¡°In the basement, the boy never leaves his desk. I thought maybe he had a curse preventing him to leave this cheap wooden chair, heheh.¡± Air swirl around, taking of his skin as his body transformed to that of a dark-skinned muscular woman. Silver sharp eyes, tied long black hair, and an agile outfit revealing parts of her muscles, abs, and thighs. ¡°Why are you doing this? Who are you, and what do you want with me?!¡± ¡°Oooh, feisty.¡± Siola notices her peculiarly long ears. ¡°Dark Elf.¡± She giggles, ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Returning back to Oklam¡¯s seat even after seeing Siola¡¯s started chanting her miracle. ¡°Sacred Flame!¡± Golden light crashed onto her mace, imbuing it with its fiery light. ¡°Ooh, to think a Priest could receive the same blessing as a Paladin.¡± ¡°Enough! Just¡­ just tell me what¡¯re you doing here, or I¡¯ll¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯ll what? Kill me? Even after those attack, what makes the next one different?¡± ¡°The next one will make sure that you¡¯re dead. Straight up.¡± Despite her confident words, her eyes tremble in fear, and the dark elf notices it and grinned. ¡°How cute.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you can put that mace away. I just wanted to talk with someone who killed our initiate. Since she is strong enough to kill her, that means, she can replace her.¡± ¡°Huhh?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious? About who exactly you¡¯ve killed?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t, and I¡¯m not interested.¡± ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t matter whether you¡¯re interested or not because you see. You will be her replacement. So, don¡¯t make this harder on yourself.¡± ¡°There is a door right under the dock, you¡¯ll have to swim a little to get to it. And tonight, I expect you to come.¡± ¡°And if you started blabber about this passage. Well, you won¡¯t even have to wait till night.¡± She disappears into thin air. ¡°¡­¡± Grinding her teeth as she squats, ¡°Damn it¡­¡± As the stress and anxiety kept piling up and up, something within snapped. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± She smiles. ¡°I don¡¯t give a ploof anymore.¡± ¡°Oh but first though, Oklam.¡± Her expression returns to normal as she descends down the stairs. There she sees Oklam and Pent enjoying ales. They saw Siola. ¡°Ma¡¯am, how¡¯s it going with the captain?¡± Colon looks at Pent and Siola talking, and both of their expression is not cheery. When his eyes met hers, Siola tilts her head, telling him to come. All three walks towards the basement. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Something bad. Very bad.¡± ¡°Yeah, what?¡± ¡°The captain.¡± The basement is dark but visible enough for Siola to start searching. ¡°The captain? What about him?¡± Siola started tearing down boxes and crates, until eventually, she found him. All tied up depraved with only his loin. ¡°Captain?¡± Pent and Colon quickly got him and begin cutting the rope tying his wrists. ¡°Sir Oklam.¡± His eyes widened at the sound of her voice. She appeared before him, grabbing his shoulder with a look of concern. ¡°Are you alright, sir? Are you hurt any¡ª¡± *Bam* As soon as the rope loosened. He punches Siola, sending her straight to the side of the stairs. ¡°Gahk?!¡± ¡°C-Captain?!¡± ¡°You, the fucking nerve! You fucker!¡± Siola, with her face bleeding, ¡°Wh-wha?¡± *BAM* Oklam kicked her by the stomach without any restrain, the velocity crushes the stairs behind. ¡°Sir!¡± ¡°Captain!¡± They wrestle him. ¡°Stop! Please!¡± ¡°Come to your senses, captain!¡± ¡°Come to my senses?!¡± ¡°Why the fuck are you two on her side! She¡¯s the one who puts me in there!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Came to my office and snuck up on me! Threatening me, saying she¡¯s going to destroy the town and kill everyone in it! She¡¯s a demon!¡± ¡°Sir! Sir! Please, calm down!¡± ¡°Captain, we just returned from our expedition. There¡¯s no way that could¡¯ve been true.¡± ¡°What, you¡¯re telling me I¡¯m a liar, Colon?!¡± ¡°Get your hands off me or I¡¯m gonna kill you, you son of a bitch.¡± Colon, shocked by the grimace of their Captain. ¡°Sir, please,¡± Pent tries one more time, ¡°Listen to reason. We¡¯ve been with the ma¡¯am for the past week. We found the new dungeon thanks to her. You couldn¡¯t have possibly been trapped in there for that long, right?¡± ¡°Captain, please. We just came back. It¡¯s true.¡± *Pant *Pant His adrenaline lowered as soon as he saw Siola, struggling to get up. Tears fallen off her eyes as she tries to pick up the tooth that fell out of her mouth. His expression hardened. With Oklam and Colon back in the office, Pent left to deliver a purse of golds and an iron tag. It has Siola Mithra engraved alongside an emblem of Lorkhan. At the back of it listed her achievements of which resulting in the making of this tag. Her citizenship. Siola looks at it, yet, no joy can be seen in her face. She wears armor no longer. ¡°Ma¡¯am. I¡¯m truly sorry about¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, Pent. Besides, I¡¯m already healed.¡± Nodding as she tries to smile. ¡°And thanks for giving me these clothes. They¡¯re quite comfortable.¡± ¡°O-Of course, I owed you in so many ways. This is not enough for what you did, but I hope I can repay this debt in the future.¡± She smiles. Tapping his arm, ¡°Good luck, Pent.¡± ¡°You too, Ma¡¯am. Thank you.¡± Bowing as she leaves. Chapter 12 - Broken Madam Vanya had her hand full of vegetables. All to feed the white rabbit. Gently grazing its head as it munches on them. A bell ringing, a customer¡­ not. ¡°Siola? You¡¯re back.¡± Though she notices her gloomy expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Hey, you okay?¡± ¡°Mm. I got my citizenship. I was thinking about leaving town, Madam Vanya. There is this place I¡¯d like to visit called Hikanda Town.¡± ¡°Oh, then, what about Ms. Rabbit over here?¡± ¡°You can keep it.¡± Shudder. ¡°Sorry, but I need to lie down.¡± Nodding as she looks back to the white rabbit. Siola returns to her room and rested. ¡®I¡¯m weak.¡¯ The memory of her magic spells not doing anything against the doppelganger, the memory of her being stabbed to death by the dark creature in the cliff, her face disfigured after once punch. *Sob* ¡°Rakuri¡­¡± ¡°Kurira¡­¡± *Hic *Hic She turns to the side, curling. It doesn¡¯t take long for the sun to set. For one Priest to walk under the moonlight, gazing upon her reflection in the water of the canal. She dives in. No movement for whole minute. She then swims across, towards the docks. Following the split current, lies a pathway, and there is a door, unlocked. A torch lighting up her path. ¡°Welcome, child of man.¡± Red hooded woman with horns. ¡°This way.¡± She guided her towards the other red hoods. They¡¯re praying upon a mark, larger but the very same symbol of which she found with the corpse on the wall. On the platform lies the woman she met before, crossing her leg as a chubby man licks her foot with fear in his eyes. The man previously sent three of his subordinates to subjugate Siola, but she isn¡¯t aware of it yet. She stood, ¡°You¡¯re here. Good.¡± ¡°Brothers, sisters. Welcome our newest member, she is a proud noble who has earned her citizenship here in the city after acting as a guard. She has killed three of Boram¡¯s men, four if we include Garan. God rests her bloody soul.¡± ¡°As part of our initiation, Siola Mithra will perform the Rite of Mad Dead.¡± ¡°Now. Little lady, step on to platform and remove your clothes.¡± Siola, her eyes dilate. Lifelessly, she steps onto the platform. ¡°Now, remove your clothes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The redhooded people look at themselves unsure. ¡°I said, OFF WITH YOUR CLOTHES!¡± Violent burst of wind gushes over the d¨¦cor making mess of things, but Siola stood there. Still unmoving, until she looks up. ¡°Just kill them, me.¡± ¡°Huh? Bwahahahaha! What did you just say? Kill us? You, Siola Mithra?¡± Lifelessly she mumbled, ¡°Mage Shift.¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Her irises dilate completely, and the color of her eyes disappears completely. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking to you!¡± The lady looks at the crowd being rowdy, agitated. She teleported right to Siola and choke her neck as she lifts her up, ¡°You dare.¡± ¡°You think I¡¯m messing around, huh?¡± But then Siola looks up to her, and she sees the new color of Siola¡¯s eye. Siola grips the wrist of the hand that is choking her and suddenly, violent wind push her as Siola shoves her hand straight to the woman¡¯s body. *BOOM* Crashing into wall. ¡°Gahk?!¡± Struggling to stand as she looks at Siola, but notices that she has a decapitated arm with her. The woman looks at her own arm and it¡¯s missing. Her eyes widened in shock. ¡°That¡¯s the third one.¡± Turning her attention back to Siola, she tosses the arm aside. The crowd witness it and they started to scatter. Some fell on their back. ¡°Heheh, how fun will it have with that thing.¡± ¡°M-Magic Arrow!¡± Spectral bolt of light flying towards her only to passed through her. Like dust, yet it reformed to its original look. She looks at the man who cast the spell, and then sees the others preparing theirs. ¡°Magic Javelin!¡± ¡°Ignis Shard!¡± ¡°Fuming Bolt!¡± ¡°Dark Aura!¡± ¡°Ice Storm!¡± ¡°Wind Cutter!¡± All kinds of spell were thrown at her, but none hits. Although her body transform like dust when it made contact, it does not follow the same rule as dust itself where it would be swept away. Her body returns to normal. The woman teleported to her missing arm, but before she teleports again, she looks at Siola casting a sign that the woman is familiar with, ¡°Law of the Mad Dead.¡± ¡°Plague.¡± Her fingers coated with drenched blood as the skin peels, she raised it at the crowd and black substance disperse and solidified into black nails, piercing every single person¡¯s head she sees. Soon, it turns into mist as every single person fell. ¡°Y-You, who are you?¡± Siola notices a voice, and she turned to see the woman holding her decapitated arm. ¡°Hrmm¡­¡± glancing at the marking in the wall, ¡°I see now.¡± ¡°You wanted this one join your little gathering, becoming your¡­¡± breathing in, ¡°Hmm.¡± She starts giggling to herself with the woman looking distraught. ¡°To worship such pathetic being. How amusing.¡± Eyes peeled burning with rage, she drew her dagger and threw it at her. Though, it ends the same way as the projectiles that came before it. ¡°Tsk.¡± She backs away and cast a sign herself, ¡°Art of the Mad Dead, Cru¡ª¡± her eyes widened when she notices that the people Siola whom she just killed went back up. But now, mindlessly walking in random directions. ¡°You¡­ what did you do?¡± ¡°What, you didn¡¯t know of this? Plague. One of the few bright ideas of your pathetic lord.¡± ¡°Just tell me what happened to them!¡± ¡°I turned them immortal.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you all followed the Mad Dead? To defy death.¡± She looks at them, but the crowd clearly has a hole in their head. ¡°Soon, they will seek the comfort of flesh.¡± Siola teleported in front of her. ¡°With a little bite,¡± Siola aims her hand at the woman¡¯s arm, reattaching it, ¡°They too will join the parade.¡± The unnerving smile of Siola, quickly, she decided to teleport. But she remains in place. ¡°Huh?¡± A kick to the face. *BOOM* Crashing the wall behind. A knee to the stomach. ¡°Bwofghk?!¡± A punch to the chest, three times. *BOOM *BOOM *BOOM ¡°Gahahk?!¡± A kick to her side. Eyes popped as blood and saliva came out of her mouth. Siola stomps her again and again and again again again again. Grabbing her by the hair, eyes rolling up full of pain. ¡°How sturdy. But that¡¯s good, I can¡¯t have you die yet.¡± ¡°Hoghhkoghf¡­¡± Leaning to her ears, ¡°I want to pummel every part of your muscle, I want to twist every limb you have, and I want to crush every single one of your bones.¡± Trembling, shaking, the ground wet as yellow water mixed with blood dripping. In the pitch dark, there lies Siola standing lifelessly. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± And then light. Shining her in a cone. Black things, creatures, scatter when the light shows up and one small dark creature tries to enter the light. It¡¯s the shape of that of a fish. A koi fish. It tries its best to stuck onto her toe. Soon, more coming until every single part of light disappears and only darkness remains. {Deessspaaaaaiiiiiir} Light shines once again. The koi fishes scattered further and further, more and more light brightened her surroundings. The sound she heard opened her eyes, as she looks up. She sees the wonderful sky full of cosmic colors but enormously large silhouette of mountain forest blocked her view. But then, those trees silhouette started moving oddly, and at the top of the mountain, large and terrifying eye appear. It¡¯s not a mountain, but a creature. ¡°What a beautiful vessel.¡± From behind her. Turning around, she sees an everchanging head, sometime a woman, a man, a human, a beast, even trees and other indescribable things. Its body is like a flying dragon swimming in the water except without the majestic shape of that of a dragon. No, it is like an insect, a larva. It has two sticks of arm, sharps and has similar anatomy to that of a finger. ¡°Lost another, yet here comes another.¡± ¡°More beautiful, more ehehehehe¡­ perfect.¡± ¡°But you are weak.¡± The echoing sound of its ear-shattering voice, like a mix of many creatures talking at the same time right beside her ears. ¡°Heheheheh, so young¡­ so¡­ full of potential¡­ My potential¡­ Eheheheheh.¡± ¡°Go now¡­ become stronger¡­ I will wait.¡± All turns to black. ! {Blessing Received} Siola opens her eyes, only to see the doppelganger face. She quickly retracted but her back is blocked by a wall. Panting excessively, she looks around to see that it¡¯s a familiar room. It¡¯s hers. Back in the Poilteyre Goods. Vanya¡¯s store. Shifting back her attention, she sees the doppelganger is in her undies. But her body is torn and damaged in all sorts of ways. ¡°H¡­ H¡­ elp¡­ m¡­¡± Siola, frightened by her voices turned towards the door in a hurry. ¡°P¡­ pw¡­ ee¡­. ell¡­ s¡­¡± Her heart racing, her legs tremble, she grinds her teeth. Face, grimace as she cries once more. The broken woman on her bed, suddenly feel warmth as golden light shines her face. Chapter 13 – Companions Tightened her armor as she eyes the dark elf¡¯s muscular body now partially enclosed. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen someone so weak to suddenly become such a terror at a flip of a coin.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°From someone who can barely cast their miracles to someone who flail their hands with Mad Dead¡¯s sorceries. And I know you are not of his highness¡¯s follower.¡± ¡°So, who are you?¡± ¡°Mad Dead?¡± ¡®Someone actually worship that loser? Even though I liked his spells, he¡¯s not much.¡¯ ¡°My name¡¯s Lyra.¡± Looking at her in the eye, ¡°Is that right, Lyra. Show me your status.¡± ¡°What? Why would I¡ª¡± gritted her teeth as she saw Siola¡¯s piercing glare. ¡°Tsk. Here.¡± {Lyra - Level 258} {HP: Rank B | MP: Rank D | SP: Rank S} {Class: Spellcaster Rogue | Abilities: [Shadow Strike], [Silent Death], [Dark Arrow], [Nightshade Poison], [Dark Vision], [Smoke Bomb], [Invisibility], [Caltrop Trap], [Art of the Mad Dead, Crucible Black], [Shapeshift], [Teleportation] | Passive: [Black Blood], [Blade Dance I], [Dagger Mastery], [Stealth III], [Night Stalker I], [Dragon Skin]} {STR: Rank B | DEX: Rank S | FTH: Rank E | INT: Rank A} ¡®So few abilities for someone at that level. Possibly sacrificed a few to obtain the other. She even has Art Spells and Dragon Skin.¡¯ ¡°You¡¯re strong.¡± ¡°Of course, I am. But clearly, not enough to beat a kid.¡± ¡°I¡¯m 21.¡± ¡°What, your level?¡± ¡°Age.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m 344 years old.¡± ¡°Uhuh, so what¡¯re you going to do now, Lyra?¡± ¡°What else? The other you, put this on me,¡± a strange rune on the back of her hip, ¡°I can¡¯t go anywhere even if I wanted to. When she pops up, she¡¯d just summon me back.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®The other me, huh. I need to determine whether it is Hex or something else.¡¯ ¡®Putting that aside for now though, Mad Dead¡¯s Plague is troublesome.¡¯ ¡®Not only that it turns its victim into zombies, but it also turns them immortal. The initial victims can never die unless they¡¯re blown to smithereens or better yet, a Tier 6 miracle called Divine Cascade or something similar is needed.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll need it fast.¡¯ ¡°Hey¡­ Hey!¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°My point is, I¡¯m stuck with you now. So, you tell me. What¡¯re we going to do now?¡± ¡°Pilgrimage.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Siola walks out of her room, scratching her linen shirt as she walks down the stairs. Lyra follows in her shade. ¡°Ah, you woke up. Listen, about¡ª Gyaaaaah?!¡± ¡°D-D-Dark Elf?!!¡± She went to the back. ¡°Madam Vanya, calm down.¡± And returns with a rapier, ¡°H-How did you get in my house?!¡± ¡°You weakling dares to point that thing at me?¡± ¡°Lyra.¡± Sharp glares. Clicking her tongue as she backs away. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°She¡¯s with me, Madam Vanya. Please calm down. And listen.¡± ¡°The town is in danger. Mad Dead followers have become an undead. I¡¯m off to find a way to put them to rest but before I can do that, you have to be careful.¡± Lowering her rapier. ¡°Mad Dead? Those lunatics who kidnap children for sacrifice?!¡± Turning her head to Lyra, ¡°You kidnapped children?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Liar, I know you people. You¡¯d do anything, anything! To get your hands on them.¡± ¡°You, humans and your wild imagination.¡± ¡°Alright, enough! Please.¡± ¡°Madam Vanya, I have to go.¡± ¡°Wait, Siola. I¡¯m coming with you.¡± ¡°?¡± ¡°I was planning to tell you just now, but if that dark elf is going to follow you, I just¡­ I can¡¯t leave you alone with her.¡± ¡°Madam Vanya¡­¡± lowering her gaze, ¡°I¡¯m weak.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not strong enough to protect myself, I wouldn¡¯t be able to¡­¡± Her head down, Vanya can see it for the second time. Siola¡¯s vulnerable state. Very different than her usual nonchalant and prideful stature. She pats her head, ¡°I promise you, Siola. There will never be an instance where you have to protect me. I promise.¡± For the first time, she can feel Siola¡¯s cheek, it¡¯s soft and cold. She nods. Waiting outside in the breezing morn. Lyra rested her back against the wall as she glances at Siola who is patting a white rabbit with no front feet. She also notices that Siola is also staring, but not at her eyes, but rather, something below. Her muscular arm. ¡°What¡¯s with that rabbit?¡± ¡°Found it bleeding when I was on patrol. After healing it, it just started following me. Maybe it knows where it can find a safe haven. Something as such seems to be too much to ask.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t be sorry for it. You¡¯ve damaged me enough.¡± Siola closes in on her eyes glued to her underarm, ¡°Are you saying we¡¯re even now? After last night?¡± Grimace on her face, ¡°¡­¡± Leaning close to her side breast, her cheek rubbing on Lyra¡¯s arm. *Sniff *Sniff ¡°Urgh, what¡¯re you doing, can¡¯t you see people walking around.¡± *Snifffffff* Inhaling Lyra¡¯s scent deep to her lungs. The scent of a warrior, one who has yet to partake in a gentle touch of water. ¡°Open it.¡± ¡°You,,,?!¡± Reluctantly she lifts her arm slightly, revealing the stubble of hair that has been cut roughly. Steam gushing out of it, as it washes over Siola¡¯s face. She drawn closer to it, more and more until¡­ shoving her face deep in it. *Sniffffffffff* Retracting her head slowly, Lyra closes her arm in respond. No flush, no blush, only disgust at Siola¡¯s odd behavior. Bell ring as a door opens. ¡°Siola, I¡¯m ready.¡± She handed the rabbit over. Now her, Lyra, and Vanya starts off their journey in a carriage. ¡°Seriously, why would someone who earns a living for transporting people forget to maintain their method of transport. Just look at this carriage, it¡¯s so dirty.¡± Vanya groaned. ¡°Clearwater rarely ever has people moving out. And those who got in are merchants and they already have their own way to get around. We¡¯re lucky to even found one that would take us.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me, elf. I still don¡¯t trust you.¡± ¡°Hunh?!¡± ¡°You should be grateful that I even let you be here, human.¡± ¡°Well too bad, I don¡¯t need your permission, do I?¡± As they argue, Siola¡¯s focus is on Lyra¡¯s bosom, or rather Siola¡¯s own profile status hovering over it. ¡®Black Nova, a Cast blast spell that releases hex flame to the surrounding. It already sounds nice until I read it again. Hex. It is its own category of spell. Different to that of Dark, Hex is pure curses. It becomes more potent the higher the tier.¡¯ ¡®A Hex Flame is an ever-burning dark flame with a twist being is that it has long-lasting pain. It will continue to burn even after it¡¯s being put out. A spell of pure heresy.¡¯ ¡®Although it¡¯s only a Tier 4 spell, this one in particular does not require a chant.¡¯ ¡®But Abyssal Touch, that¡¯s new to me. A Tier 5 Touch spell that can sap all three primary stats from the target. It sounds good, but when will I ever need to do if I can just kill them. Not that I wanna be in close proximity range of a sword since I only have too low of an HP.¡¯ ¡®Maybe I should work on that first.¡¯ ¡®Buying equipment would be the fastest way to do it if I don¡¯t want to change class. Enchanted accessories would be a boon to me. But there¡¯s a bit of a problem.¡¯ ¡®I never expected to ride a carriage. Because I don¡¯t have any money.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s going to be weird if I go to Hikanda Town now with such empty pockets.¡¯ ¡®Not to mention, maybe there¡¯ll be another weirdo like Lyra whom I don¡¯t mind to have around, but I¡¯d like to avoid dying. And I¡¯d like to avoid using Mage Shift.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ve reached max level. I can go up to Master rank now.¡¯ ¡®A few ways to do it. In my case, a large sum of donation to the capital¡¯s church would suffice. But without money, forget donation, I¡¯d be surprised if I can even buy a bread without trading my stuff. No, I have to consider the alternates.¡¯ ¡®Dungeon conquest. Although Armalia wanted me to visit Krilla dungeon so I can be her champion, when it comes to reaching master rank of a class, I don¡¯t have to beat that specific dungeon and instead¡­¡¯ ¡®I need to do some prerequisites suitable for my class, meet certain conditions, and then I can rank up to Master. Just like these two.¡¯ ¡°I have the ideal body a woman should have. Unlike you with all that¡­ muscles.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not fat.¡± ¡°F-Fa¡­ you,,,¡± Siola stood, startling them, she went to the driver and asks him, ¡°A change of plan, sir. Is there any dungeon nearby?¡± ¡°Oh? A dungeon, miss? Why yes, of course.¡± ¡°The adventurers guild from Hikanda have set up encampment on the lot of them here. There are three nearby. Voidspire, Shattered Realms, and Starlit.¡± ¡®Hmm, I remember both Shattered Realms and Starlit, but they don¡¯t have what I¡¯m looking for.¡¯ ¡®Waiting for Hikanda and going to Krilla dungeon is a safe bet, if I didn¡¯t know how dangerous it is, so I could try my luck with Voidspire.¡¯ ¡°¡­¡± ¡°How about it, miss?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go for Voidspire. Is it far?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be there before sunset.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± The driver speeds up the horses as she returns to be seated. Although she expected for both Lyra and Vanya to be at each other again, surprisingly, they¡¯re not. ¡°A dungeon?¡± Lyra asked. ¡°Yes. You know anything about Voidspire?¡± ¡°Never been.¡± ¡°Oh, I know that one.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a vibrant place where new adventurers started their journey on dungeon delving.¡± ¡°You know what¡¯s inside it though?¡± Shaking her head, ¡°I¡¯ve only trade outside.¡± Lyra clicked her tongue, ¡°Useless.¡± ¡°Huh?! Well, at least I know something about it unlike a certain uncultured, and less knowledgeable person here in this cart.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Wait, I don¡¯t mean you, Siola. I mean her. You know, it¡¯s¡ª¡± Chapter 14 – Mad Priest The sun is setting and her party has arrived at Voidspire Dungeon¡¯s encampment. A vibrant place filled with crates, caged animals, all sorts of people from different walks of life, be it adventurers, merchants, and people who seek to conquer the dungeon. ¡°Well, it¡¯s livelier than I thought.¡± ¡°Look, Siola, someone is selling another white rabbit.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re not entering right away, can I look around for a sec?¡± She nods to Lyra and went to check out the white rabbit that Vanya has pointed out. The merchant behind them wears formal attire, a lady with sharp eyes. ¡°Well, I think our little companion is due for a companion.¡± ¡°Mm, though it¡¯s going to be troublesome once we¡¯re inside the dungeon though.¡± Siola tilts her head, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Raising her brows, ¡°I mean, both of them are ordinary animals. They can¡¯t help us in a fight and we will have to watch out for them.¡± ¡°No, I mean, what do you mean, we?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going there alone.¡± ¡°Ehhhhhhh?!¡± ¡°B-But it¡¯s dangerous! It¡¯s a dungeon, you know. You¡¯ll normally have to be in a party to be conquering dungeons, like, no matter how strong you are, we¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s necessary for me to enter alone, Madam Vanya.¡± ¡°Goodness me, stop calling me Madam already. What do you mean you have to enter alone?¡¯¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s a topic that I can¡¯t give an answer to right now, but I have to.¡± Grimace, she sighs, ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡± ¡°Oh, I forgot to say that I don¡¯t have money to buy the little one¡¯s companion. May I trouble you this time? I promise I will return the favor.¡± Vanya looks at her in a pleasant surprise, ¡°Of course.¡± Siola stood to ask the merchant, ¡°Excuse me, how much for this rabbit?¡± ¡°Just that one? There¡¯s not a lot of meat in it, so you can have it for 300 golds.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll take it!¡± says Vanya, eagerly. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go ahead to the dungeon.¡± ¡°Oh wait, you have to get an entry from the adventurer¡¯s guild. Here. This should be enough for the fee.¡± ¡°You need to pay to enter?¡± ¡°Well, of course?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Then¡­ Thank you.¡± Vanya smiles, and pats her head. And so, she heads to the shed where three receptionists of the Adventurers Guilds are serving the adventurers their entries and tasks. Only one is currently available, and that¡¯s the one she approaches. Bubbly personality and a curly bun for a hair, talking with her hand gestures. ¡°Hey hey hey, that¡¯s a new face, and I can tell you¡¯re not an adventurer. But you do have the equipment to and maybe, hmm, I can feel it! I can feel that you have the experience!¡± ¡°Want to enter the dungeon, yeah? How about joining our guild too while you¡¯re at it?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is there a benefit to becoming a member? If I just had to pay to enter.¡± ¡°Well, there is that, but this is different. See, you can do with and without us, but Adventurers Guild offers more than just a FREE entry to our dungeons, but you can also use our services too. Found anything interesting in the dungeon you can¡¯t use? Well, 99% of the time, we¡¯re willing to take it off your hand even if it¡¯s just a fur of a rabbit.¡± ¡°We have Quests you can partake in. You know, earn even more golds, fame, and prestige. The higher your rank, the more meaning your name will have. Not mentioning that this affiliation with the Adventurers Guilds will allow you access all dungeons and information we have obtained and established. Even, beyond dungeons. All for the low low price of filling this registration form!¡± ¡®Hmm¡­ I wouldn¡¯t forget an NPC like this even when this whole thing was a game.¡¯ ¡°Can I ask your name?¡± ¡°Me? It¡¯s Valysha!¡± She smiles confidently. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll join your guild.¡± ¡°Sweet. You know how to read and write? Do you want me to fill it out for you?¡± ¡°I can, but sure.¡± ¡°Okay, now, starts with your name, and then¡­¡± ¡°Ohh, this is amazing. A Priest with some of paladin¡¯s abilities. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have no trouble finding a party. Or do you already have one?¡± ¡°I do. But I¡¯d like to enter the dungeon alone.¡± ¡°Hmmmmm, it¡¯s not recommended, but since you have a high aptitude for Miracles and the fact that you have reached Level 100 despite being so young¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m 21.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Since you have a very good status all round, I will not be denying your entry! Wait just one moment, I¡¯ll have your tag ready.¡± Nodding, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡®Showing my profile status is something I¡¯d like to avoid in the future.¡¯ There¡¯s a little argument between a receptionist, but Valysha soon returns. ¡°Here you are. Oh, and I truly appreciate that you are being so understanding. Thank you.¡± ¡°Although you are starting as a Rank F Adventurer, with this, you are now a fully-fledged member of our guild! And here is the information on this particular dungeon.¡± She smiles but with a slight nervousness in her voice, a slightly forced expression. ¡®Hm?¡¯ ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡®Maybe just my imagination.¡¯ She then went ahead to the gate of the dungeon. So, enormously wide, and it is opened with several buffed guards standing in the way. Siola presented the guild copper tag and enter dungeon. Most part of the dungeon are already illuminated with torches and natural light. It¡¯s dark still. ¡°Illuminate.¡± ¡°Now, let¡¯s see.¡± The scroll contains the information of the dungeon. There are 8 floors that have been explored and the things that Siola wanted to know the most is listed there. ¡°Undead.¡± ¡°Floor 2 for weak undead. Floor 5 for moderately strong undead. And lastly, Floor 8 which is the roadblock.¡± ¡°Well let¡¯s get to it then.¡± Siola heads onward and sees other people are already battling against a swarm of giant bats, slimes, and others. ¡®Hmm, even though it¡¯s the first floor, the variety is insane.¡¯ ¡®In order to ascend to Master Rank, I need to use my miracles to vanquish undead. But not just any miracles. Sacred Flames don¡¯t count towards the progression of the requirements.¡¯ She saw a group of young ones fighting several giant bats at once. ¡°Haaaaaaa!¡± ¡°Hap Hap Hiyaaa!¡± Swinging their swords wildly. They were scratched by the bats and was quickly overwhelmed. ¡°Gyaaaaaaah,¡± even the two girls behind them are being chase. But then, one by one, all fell after their head and body are punctured with an iron bolt. The boys are confused but they quickly take their chances to turn the tides of the battle. ¡°Now!¡± Siola reloaded her crossbow and proceed to the second floor of the dungeon. And there she found so many undead skeletons. 16 of them in a group approaching her. ¡°Yess! This is it!¡± Extending her arms forward, ¡°By the grace of the Lady of Light, I banish thee back to the abyss from whence you came.¡± Her palms opened, ¡°Turn Undead!¡± Golden light struck them all at the same. Setting them on fire and their eyes filled with the light, blinding them. They scatter as they groand. ¡°Turn Undead!¡± *Bwooosh* ¡°Turn Undead!¡± All 16 of the undead were struck one last time, the flame in their body turns bright white as their bones burning into ashes. {+100 Exp} {+100 Exp} {+100¡­ ¡°Burn fiends, BURN!¡± A rush of adrenaline, her face forms an excited and joy blends into a satisfying expression. ¡°Oh, the Brilliant Light, thy servant shall purify these abominations in your name!¡± Like a dedicated follower, through every inch at every corner, she burns every undead she sees while chanting the title of her god. Even when her head spinning, she continues to marches on deeper into the dungeon. Crushing any monster that stands in her path towards the dead. The bystander who saw her only sees a madwoman, but all of them do not exist in her mind. On the fifth floor, she encounters large undead lizard, Draugrs, and even ghost. ¡°By the power of the Lady of Light, I banish thee back to the abyss from whence you came!¡± ¡°Turn Lesser Undead!¡± *Bwoosh* ¡°Turn Lesser Undead!¡± *Bwoosh* She caught the aggression of many more undead including what many consider Mini Boss while the other people are watching. ¡°Wh-What the hell is going on here?!¡± ¡°Gyaaaaaaaah!¡± ¡°Run! RUUUUN!¡± Scatter as they saw the incredible number of the dead beings chasing this one full life. It all ends when she meets a dead end, but only a grin falls on her face. She raised her arm with a tightened posture, ¡°By the unfaltering power of the Lady of Light!¡± her hand glowing in the golden light, ¡°May your undead form meet its end in death.¡± Swinging it down, ¡°Turn Greater Undead!¡± Chapter 15 – Abyssal Saint {+2000 Exp} {+2500 Exp} {+55000 Exp} Her fiery mace lowered as sweat dripping down her forehead. *Pant *Pant No enemies in sight. ¡°Phew, purification complete!¡± ¡°Thank god it didn¡¯t die first or all that effort would¡¯ve gone to waste.¡± ¡®Still not enough to meet the requirements though. I might have to go deeper if I don¡¯t want to wait for another day¡­¡¯ ¡°Ehh, why not.¡± She cast a sign, ¡°Restore Vitality.¡± Regaining her lost stamina. She¡¯s rejuvenated once more. Upon descending into the lower floors, there are less and less people as she goes further, and stronger enemies started to show up. Including minotaur, giant snake, and black slimes. She ignores all of them, keeping distance as she snuck deeper into lower levels. Until she reaches the 8th floor. A relatively small floor in comparison to other levels. It¡¯s like the size of a football field. Just as flat and wide. But at the other end of it lies a giant skeleton with only its upper body. It carries an enormously large sword. And it is not alone. ¡°That¡¯s a¡­ troublesome one.¡± Now she sees why there is nobody in here. ¡®Two giant skeletons. And those skeleton warriors, are not the same as I¡¯ve encountered.¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t have enough MP to do it, and considering what it takes to take down a giant.¡¯ ¡®Mage shift is out of the question.¡¯ ¡®I wonder if¡­ I can receive help again.¡¯ She rested on both knees, ¡°Please.¡± ¡°O Brilliant Light, thy servant has vanquished a great deal of dead in thine name.¡± ¡°I beseech thee, replenish thy servant so that she may purify them once more.¡± The giant skeletons stopped moving, the world¡¯s color turns black and white, and then a voice from the heavens. ¡°Not one day has passed, and yet, you have already purified many tainted creatures. And yet, it is not the end of it yet for you, it seems. You wish for more.¡± ¡°Child, the determination you have shown me, the strong will you have, and the act of loyalty of which you yourself have proven to me once again. It has moved me.¡± ¡°I can see the reason of your pivot from the destination of which I have set for you. The journey you have set out for yourself.¡± ¡°To prepare. To fight.¡± ¡°I shall make that journey lighter for you.¡± The world returns to normal as shining golden light rouse her to stand. ! {Blessing Received} She walks toward the two giant skeletons and the many warriors around them. They took notices and started to come at her. Her eyes open brightly, ¡°O Lady of Light, turn thy gaze upon those who defy thee.¡± ¡°Let thy wrath descend upon the unworthy.¡± ¡°As I call upon thy name, let thine enemies tremble and fall!¡± ¡°Burn them to ash in thy searing light.¡± Siola opens her arms as golden light envelopes her, turning her irises into its color. Her body and arms burning in the fiery golden light flame. ¡°Holy Judgment.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Powerful energy forms in the air like a turbulent wind, shining ever so brightly as it sends out wave to her entire surrounding. Purifying all the dead away, turning them into ashes. ! {+120.000 Exp} ! {+120.000 Exp} ! {+60.000¡­} Her eyes shining still. ! {Requirement has been met} ! {Progression unlocked} ~ {Level UP} ~ {Level UP} ~ {Level UP} ! {Requirement has been met} ! {Class Upgraded} ! {Class Upgraded} ! {Requirement for Class Upgrade has exceeded the normal amount} ! {Evolving Class} ! {Blessing Received} Burning in the warmth of the golden light, a sigil appears on her forehead as her eyes radiating in the new color of flame. {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 225} {HP: Rank F | MP: Rank S+ | SP: Rank A} {Class: Saint | Ability: [Illuminate], [Restore Vitality], [Heal], [Turn Undead], [Turn Lesser Undead], [Turn Greater Undead], [Holy Light], [Holy Light (Weapon)], [Sacred Flame], [Sacred Flame (Weapon)], [Mage Shift], [Shock Lash], [Glimmer Veil], [Ignis Shard], [Dimensional Space], [Abyssal Touch], [Black Nova], [Smite], [Divine Smite], [Purification], [Greater Heal], [Mass Heal], [Sanctuary], [Sacred Wrath], [Divine Exorcism] | Passive: [Dark Immunity], [Dimensional Storage], [Hex Protection], [Divine Power], [Defy Death]} {STR: Rank D | DEX: Rank B | FTH: Rank S+++ | INT: Rank S+} ¡°Amazing.¡± ¡®So, this is what Armalia¡¯s worshipper get after a rank up. It¡¯s much weaker than what I¡¯ve received when I turn to the End Kings, but it¡¯s not so bad. It feels amazing too.¡¯ ¡®No, hold on now. Think I might¡¯ve missed something from the rank up.¡¯ ¡°Saint?¡± ¡°What a title, but I know my place.¡± ¡®I know what saints do. How I have always wanted to be them. In any other game, I¡¯ve achieved it but it never felt the same to the image of saint in my head.¡¯ ¡®Never have I bothered to do a class change or upgrades back then. I already know my worth, my place, but now that I can¡¯t even refuse this.¡¯ ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Brimming with her newfound power, she marches onward to the deeper levels. And there she found nothing but undead. A lot stronger than any she has ever fought in this world. Deeper and deeper into the underground until she reaches a large gate full of bones as its decor. Opening the giant gate with her thin hands, it groans. Her eyes widened to see an enormous dragon. ¡°You have come, Saintess.¡± Its voice, powerful, shattering. The dragon lifts its body to stand, ¡°Just as prophesied.¡± Its body is all torn and decayed. When Siola approaches, her insight notices something odd about the decayed dragon. Not of the fact it can speak human tongue, but its body is unusual for a dead dragon to have. And that¡¯s when she sees the sigil on its forehead. Although she can¡¯t see it on herself, it is different than the one she has. ¡°Hellblade.¡± The dragon¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°So, you know.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not an undead.¡± Looking around, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t even be here.¡± ¡°Does it matter? Were you not looking for me, Saintess?¡± ¡°No,¡± raising her palm at it, the dragon startled until it heard, ¡°Purification.¡± Powerful light appears as it shines toward the dragon, it looks to the source and began to feel warmth in his body. It stops the decay. ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡®A dragon that can speak human tongue. There¡¯s no doubt about it that that thing is of a higher ranked dragon. And a Hellblade Follower too.¡¯ ¡®Ranked second as a deity.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m already exhausted after fighting those undead, best to avoid unnecessary fight.¡¯ ¡°You mentioned a prophecy.¡± ¡°!¡± ¡°Yes, I was once told that a Saintess and her companions will appear and slay me. You do not have companions, yet you have¡­ helped me. Why?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t I? Besides, I don¡¯t have anything against¡ª¡± her eyes shifted to her hand suddenly aiming to the dragon once more, ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Saintess?¡± ¡®What¡¯s happening?¡¯ ¡®I feel¡­¡¯ Her head slightly twisted and twitching, ¡°Hnngh?!¡± ¡°Saintess?!¡± Suddenly, her bright golden eyes turn black including her sclera. Her head lifts to greet the dragon and grinned. Chills coming down to his spine. ¡°You?! Impossible.¡± ¡°Heheheheh.¡± She teleported to the top of its head and sit on it. ¡°Things that weren¡¯t possible can now be a reality, Maradonma.¡± ¡°H-How?! You, you shouldn¡¯t be able to walk on the surface.¡± ¡°And yet, here I am. Aren¡¯t you happy to see me? Look, I even healed you.¡± ¡°Possessing a follower of Armalia shouldn¡¯t be possible. And it shouldn¡¯t be allowed!¡± ¡°Says who? Your god? Lehdrith? Replica?¡± lowering her head, ¡°Ludwig?¡± ¡°Why are you here?!¡± ¡°Why? I don¡¯t know. Whatever this vessel does, I do, wherever she goes I go, but since we¡¯re here. Can I ask for your help, Maradonma?¡± ¡°Help? You?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± caressing its head, ¡°See. It took quite a toll on me to have this vessel, and the Abyss is approaching closer and closer. I really need your help to make this vessel stronger. I can feel it when she gains power, my strength replenishes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You want me to assist her in getting stronger?¡± ¡°Yes, and I need you stay still for a sec.¡± She cast a sign, ¡°Transcendental Law of the Omega¡­¡± The dragon¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°You BASTARD!¡± Roaring, shattering the surrounding walls as its wings expand. Falling rocks stuck in place as the world becomes black and white. Swirling energy swept everything inside in a turbulent spiral. *Gasp* ¡°Haa¡­ Haa¡­¡± Siola found herself on the ground, black orb containing magical particles flowing within. When she stood to look around, the dragon is no longer there. Not even a trace of it left. *Huff *Huff ¡°Did it do something to me or what¡­¡± ¡°And what is this thing?¡± {Orb / Ancient / Contains Protection of Dragon} Chapter 16 – Siola and Her Magical orb said to be containing the protection of dragon. ¡°Did it leave this for me? How sweet.¡± ¡®Back when it was a game, it¡¯d give me a prompt if I wish to consume something like this.¡¯ Siola put her palm on its surface, and it¡¯s burning. ¡°Mmm¡­¡± It continuously does so until she felt somewhat uncomfortable by it and by then, she couldn¡¯t even retract her hand from it. ¡°Gahahk¡­¡± ! {Power Obtained} The orb dropped to the ground disappear into thin air, leaving red palm ¡°Ouchie.¡± ¡®Let¡¯s see¡­ new abilities I haven¡¯t seen before.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s a bit odd that a Priest¡ª Saint, can conjure an undead, but since it¡¯s summoned, it¡¯s probably okay. Probably just a spectral or something. Considering it¡¯s special¡ª¡± ¡°Oww, it burns.¡± Oddly shaped runes are carved on her palm. It¡¯s oddly, eerie. ¡°Let¡¯s see it.¡± ¡°Shock Lash.¡± Electric whip appears and wielded in the palm of her hand but soon, a fiery red flame imbued into the whip, blending into it in fusion. ¡°Hohh, amazing.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to thank the dragon the next time I see it. Or maybe not considering this is its way of gratitude. Anyway, are there any treasures in here?¡± Further at the back, she found a single well-ornated chest. ¡°Ohohoho.¡± ¡®Reminds me of my past.¡¯ Expecting to see golds and treasures, she found only one of them. ¡°Heresy!¡± ¡°These vile items shall be disposed!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Except for the fact that I don¡¯t know how to dispose of them. And I shall not let anyone touch them either!¡± Making her smiles, ¡°Back then, I used to have someone who would take it from me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Oh wait.¡± ¡®I remember that I have that thing.¡¯ Upon willing it, a mini portal opens up and she stores every time in the chest to that. ¡°There. It is now¡­ disposed!¡± ¡®It¡¯s basically Inventory now that I think of it. I should use it more often.¡¯ ¡°Alright then. Onto the fun part of dungeon conquest.¡± ¡°BACKTRACKING!¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!¡± And thus, the second round of undead turning into ashes began once again. Like blinding flashes upon flashes as a shout of ¡°Sacred Wrath¡± and ¡°Divine Smite¡± were heard by the undead. Eventually, she starts seeing other adventurers of which she pays no mind to. Although, there are only a few of them at this time. ¡®Hmm¡­ I entered sometime in the afternoon. I wonder how long I¡¯ve been in.¡¯ ¡°There you are,¡± a dagger to her neck, ¡°You little piece of shit.¡± A familiar voice. Siola smiles as turned to see the furious Lyra. ¡°Oh hey, fancy meeting you here.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t fancy me. You¡¯ve been in the dungeon for too long, that woman Vanya starts pressing me to find you even though she could¡¯ve just gone by herself!¡± ¡°But still,¡± Lyra retracted her dagger, ¡°Somehow, you look¡­ different.¡± Siola looking at her sincerely, ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get back. Boy I¡¯m hungry.¡± Lyra follows without questioning her any further. Upon leaving floor 7 and the dungeon itself, Siola found out how long she has been in the dungeon. ¡°Huh, it¡¯s¡­ morning already.¡± ¡°Over here.¡± Siola guides her to a tent where two bunny rabbits reside with their mother feeding them. She then sees Siola and Lyra returning. ¡°Siola, you¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re okay.¡± Lowering her body to pet the rabbits, ¡°Yes, sorry it took quite a while.¡± ¡°Mm. I¡¯m glad nothing happened¡­ or is it? What¡¯s that on your forehead?¡± Brows raised, ¡°What?¡± feeling it, ¡°My forehead?¡± ¡°Some sort of marking¡­¡± ¡®Marking?¡¯ ¡®Ahh.¡¯ ¡°It¡¯s a sigil. What does it look like.¡± ¡°Hmm, it looks like a bird. It has its wings sort of closed together. And there¡¯s a¡­ sun?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the sigil of the Divine Order, you fool.¡± ¡°Shut it, elf, I know! I¡¯m just describing it to her. Wait, doesn¡¯t that mean, you¡¯re Armalia¡¯s champion?¡± She stood, ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°Eh, not¡­ yet?¡± ¡°Like I said, I¡¯m on a pilgrimage. We¡¯re done here. So, let¡¯s get to Hikanda town.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Said Lyra. ¡°Before we resume, there¡¯s someone you have to meet.¡± With a brow raised from both Siola and Vanya, they went to follow Lyra in the other part of the encampment where a wooden building resides. It¡¯s guarded by a few what seems to be thugs. ¡°Oi oi oi, dark elf lady bringing in some fresh meat and a cow.¡± ¡°Kekekekeke, welcome back, Lady Lyra.¡± ¡°Scrounger inside?¡± ¡°Why, yes. Of course, my Lady. But what about those two?¡± Approaching Siola with his face close, ¡°Yeeeah, lookin¡¯ tasty.¡± Eyes at the delicate part of her as he started to drool. Vanya was ready to snapped but then Siola open her palm at him. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Purification.¡± All eyes widened at the sign of light descending from the sky, cleansing the man. ¡°What a beautiful sunlight. What is this. Ahh, I feel blessed.¡± ¡°Wha? Brother?! Hey, what did you to im?¡± ¡°S-Siola, was that really¡­ purification?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The man suddenly becomes lucid, ¡°Oh, right. Lady Lyra, let me guide you to the boss.¡± She nods. The gang follows while the brother of the purified man stands outside with his jaw dropped, shocked at how polite his brother has become. ¡°Still, I can¡¯t believe you can use such miracle.¡± ¡°Why, is it that strong? It looks like she just made him sober.¡± ¡°You elves lives so much longer than us humans and you¡¯re still ignorant enough to not know that Purification is an incredibly important miracle that can cure both curses and anomalies. Poisons, illness, even wounds that have been purified will heal at a much faster rate.¡± ¡°And you probably don¡¯t know that only Arch Priest can use it.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s a heal and cure spell combined, got it.¡± ¡°You,,,¡± The two soon arrive at a double door. Despite the questionable guards standing outside, the space inside is relatively clean albeit somewhat minimalistic. Two women, one is standing. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s the merchant we got the rabbit from.¡± ¡°Right.¡± The one seated is different in stature. Similar to Lyra, a dark-skinned woman who is muscular. Except for the fact that she is a human. Body is full of scars and a missing eye. ¡°Yo, Lyra, that the girl you talked about?¡± ¡°A bit different than what you told me though.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the one, Scrounger.¡± ¡°Well, have a seat for now. Siola, right?¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Both Lyra and Vanya were shocked at Siola¡¯s energetic and questionably respectful tone. ¡°So, you got Lyra beat and is about to turn Clearwater upside down.¡± Vanya raises her brows, ¡°Clearwater upside¡­ what did she mean, Siola?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Ooo, that¡¯s bad.¡± ¡°Secrecy between party members often lead to their downfall. I know that all too well.¡± ¡°Siola?¡± There is no change on her joyful expression, ¡°It¡¯s complicated, Madam Vanya. Though it is indeed possible that I will be the one responsible for it. Hench why¡­¡± ¡°We have to make haste to Hikanda Town.¡± ¡°Stop with the Madam. Just¡­ what happened exactly?¡± ¡°Well, your friend here turned some people into very problematic undead. Soon, every single person in clearwater would be eating each other out mindlessly.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible. Siola is a Priest. How can she¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s the neat part. The reason why I wanted to talk to her.¡± All eyes looking at Siola. Sighing, ¡°Conveniently leaving out the fact that I was surrounded by Mad Dead fanatics and had to defend myself somewhat. Nonetheless, I¡¯m here on Lyra¡¯s request. So, why am I here?¡± ¡°Well first, my name¡¯s Ragna. This here is Elara Windsong. I think it¡¯s best if she explains it herself.¡± The woman bows slightly at Siola, and she returns it. ¡°The Windsong family is looking for promising warriors to join its military ranks. Your friend Lyra is exactly the person we need.¡± ¡°However, she told us that she is unable to join us due to a curse that was put on her. Presumably by you.¡± ¡°Ohh, right, you did say that before.¡± ¡°Yes, and I want it removed.¡± ¡°So, you brought me here to what? Relinquish control over my body?¡± ¡°The last time I did, immortal undead shows up and Lyra got beat up so bad, I had to spent all night healing her.¡± Ragna says, ¡°Should be different now. No one¡¯s here gonna harm you.¡± ¡°That is correct. We simply want to convince the other you to lift her curse.¡± ¡°W-Wait wait wait,¡± Vanya¡¯s head spinning, ¡°What do you mean the other her?¡± ¡°You shall see soon enough, Madam.¡± ¡°That is, if she is willing to.¡± Chapter 17 – Noble ¡°Hmm, I can try Purification on her.¡± ¡°Then, by all means.¡± Said Elara. Siola shrugs and cast a sign aiming at Lyra, ¡°Purification.¡± Light shines across her. And then sparks from the upper right of her chest. Dark as it looks like it¡¯s about to explode before Siola lower her arm. ¡°Hnngh!¡± ¡°Ohh, that¡¯s bad.¡± ¡°A high tier curses no doubt, as expected from the intricate markings.¡± Said Elara. ¡°Well, that is unfortunate.¡± ¡°You could change and lift her curse the other way.¡± ¡°Can we stop with this farce?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Siola looks at Ragna, ¡°A Mad Dead worshipper, a dark elf, being recruited by a noble to join its military rank. Do you know just how stupid this whole premise is?¡± ¡°You all just wanted to see the other me, plain and simple.¡± Elara sways, ¡°After hearing about it, you can¡¯t help but wanting to see it for yourself, no?¡± ¡°There is a limit to curiosity, and that is knowing and considering what lies beyond it, the answer might even lead to your death.¡± ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Sharp daggers were exchanged, until Ragna laid a key on the table. Siola¡¯s attention shifted as she looks at it, raising her brow as she glances at Ragna with interest. ¡°You know about this key, Siola?¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s unordinary, ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°This key holds a gate to summon countless monsters from another realm. You simply turn it in the air and a portal will appear alongside the monstrosities.¡± ¡°A summoning crystal in the shape of a key.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Elara and by extension, the Windsong family tries to find the source of this unique crystal, and they found it to be related to something¡­ troublesome.¡± Siola shifted her attention at Elara. ¡°Heroes.¡± Eyes narrowed down to a slit. ¡°Summoned Travelers from another world. Different from our realm, different from everything we ever know about. They have unique knowledge and blessing from the outer gods.¡± ¡°Travelers, huh.¡± ¡°We thought you were one of em,¡± says Ragna, ¡°It¡¯s easy to mistake nobles and travelers with their name. So, we gotta ask, are you a Traveler?¡¯ ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡­¡± All eyes on her. Vanya and Lyra waiting in anticipation. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t¡­ know?¡± asked Elara. ¡°Only memory I had was a prison. It was dark¡­ cold. Water splashing me downstream.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Ragna voiced her to stop. Heart beating as sweat started to form, ¡°Did you come from a portal?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Shudder, her eyes widened. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ragna.¡± ¡°She¡¯s no Traveler if she came from that place.¡±Stolen novel; please report. ¡°What place?¡± ¡°Prison Realm.¡± Shocked. Lyra eyes the woman she¡¯s been following while Vanya looks at Siola with pity. ¡°And that¡¯s not all of it either. The longer I look at it, that mark on her forehead is not even a warpaint. That¡¯s Armalia¡¯s sigil. You¡¯re a Divine Order¡¯s dog.¡± Vein pops on her forehead, ¡°Huh?!¡± ¡°What did you just say¡­ you brutish uncultured boar?!!¡± ¡°I am her Lady¡¯s proud and loyal servant. The brilliant lady of¡ª.¡± ¡°S-Siola, calm down.¡± ¡°Well, there you have it.¡± ¡°She could still be useful. Let¡¯s take her with us.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± And so, they went on carriage together. With Vanya and Elara on one carriage and Siola sandwiched in between two dark skinned muscular. ¡°Since when did I agree to this?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you want to restore your nobility and stop owing that merchant lady? I tell you this, Elara is the best chance you got.¡± Sighing, ¡°What¡¯s her story anyway? Obsessing over Travelers.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t always.¡± ¡°Windsong family used to be one of the most prestigious nobles there is. It was only a barony a few short years ago, now it¡¯s a viscount. A family of merchant that steadily grows and become wealthier every year until they become involved with Travelers.¡± ¡°Missing shipments, extortion, the girl¡¯s own pops got involved in a scandal.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound all too reliable, how can she help me if she can¡¯t help herself?¡± ¡°She will. There¡¯s nobody I¡¯ve seen be so determined as her.¡± Glancing at her confidently looking at Siola with expectation. Siola glances at Lyra, wondering why she¡¯s so quiet only to find her already fast asleep. ¡°Wuh, you¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡± Siola storm at her, ¡°We¡¯re in the middle of talking something very important here.¡± ¡°Haha, calm down. Let the old hag get her beauty sleep, I got something to ask.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Soon, they arrived at a mansion. It¡¯s large and spacious with gate separating the road to the house, two guards and another patrolling. Siola looks at them with weary eyes. ¡°Missed your life as a guard?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°She really told you everything, huh.¡± Shifting her attention to Ragna, ¡°So, why did she call you Scrounger?¡± Chuckles, ¡°Back when I was just a kid, I got nothing. No clothes, no food, nothing. But I was never one to beg. Whether its rotten veg people toss aside, clothes full of excrement, I¡¯ll take anything I can get my hands on. Clean, wash, use, eat.¡± ¡°She showed up on my tent. Thought I was done for sure. Least until she passed out on me. Hungry, haven¡¯t got a single bread in her for days I bet.¡± Siola snickered. ¡°Fed her, gave her shelter. Though, she was fed up eating bugs and mushrooms, so whenever she left, she always brought back some meat with her.¡± ¡°Scrounger, do away with that disgusting pot and start eating this, she said.¡± ¡°How old were you then?¡± ¡°Never counted my years. Was about your height though.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°?¡± ¡°Hah?! You¡¯re saying I¡¯m a kid?!¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s just that you¡¯re too skinny and small for your age.¡± ¡°What do you mean my age! Look at Elara! She¡¯s a bit taller, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯s in her twenties too.¡± ¡°She¡¯s 19.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Elara then guides all of them inside. Maids and a butler welcome them. ¡°My lady, you have returned.¡± ¡°Sorry that I left so suddenly, Faseth.¡± ¡°Please, do not apologize, my lady. Your letter has told us enough. We understand.¡± Shifting her attention to the others, ¡°Feel free to pick a room, and rest. You can stay as long as you need. We¡¯ll discuss how to proceed over dinner.¡± Siola looks at the mansion, and after looking closely, ¡®Although it¡¯s clean, it doesn¡¯t look to be all that grandiose. An old mansion like this, heh. Kind of reminds of back in the day.¡¯ They separated and look for their own room as Siola simply pick the closest one from the main hall. Staring at a golem statue gushing water to the stone bathtub. She has the view of the moon rise, but then, the door is opened and Elara walked in alongside two maids. ¡°Would you mind if I join you, miss Siola?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you wait after dinner?¡± ¡°Unfortunately.¡± Siola rolled her eyes and shakes her head in disbelief. The maid assisted them and Elara glance at Siola like a mirror. So used to being helped by the maid, in her eyes, she sees the aura of a nobility coming from Siola. Even after they dipped in the bath. ¡°Hnn, haa¡­ one does need a warm bath like this to keep going.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad it¡¯s to your liking.¡± She¡¯s too disinterested in seeing Elara¡¯s small breasts that she doesn¡¯t notice that Elara also has something that shouldn¡¯t be there in between her legs. ¡°Ahh¡­ it¡¯s just so nice,¡± Siola crossing her legs, ¡°It would be even better if your maid can get me some milk too.¡± The maid looks at her lady and she eye her to leave. Looking back to Siola who is admiring the view of the moon rise. ¡°From a guard to an adventurer, may I ask why you would go to such length to stay here in Lorkhan instead of proving your nobility, miss Siola.¡± Flashes of her fighting wolves on a trunk of a dead tree. ¡°I came so close to dying.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether I live everyday bathing under the moon or live unkempt without it for days. As long as I can live without ever feeling so¡­ threatened.¡± Turning her head to Elara. ¡°It¡¯s enough for me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Elara hugging her legs, ¡°What was it like? Before you were in prison realm.¡± ¡°It was beautiful.¡± Nodding as her eyes become teary, ¡°I had two friends. Commoners, unlike us. At that point, I might as well be one too but regardless, they were the most wonderful people I¡¯ve ever met. They brought life to me. Only for that life to be robbed by this¡­ fool.¡± Sighing, ¡°My past caught up to me.¡± Elara looks up to her. ¡°Mithra family. I was born and become their jewel. Their future.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Chuckles, ¡°My friends said I got cold feet. Maybe they¡¯re right.¡± ¡°I had it all. A mansion by the sea, a loving family, I have this maid called Sadrin who might as well be my mother at that point. She¡¯s so¡­ she was everything to me.¡± ¡°And then I got engaged to this fool and it all went spiraling down from there.¡± Elara clenches her fists, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Tilting her face down as she looks at her in the eye, ¡°I¡¯ve heard of your circumstances, miss Elara. Your goal, your ambition. I expect to hear your plan after dinner, but if you¡¯re expecting me to relinquish control to the other me, you should give up on that.¡± Chapter 18 – Elara Windsong Taken aback, ¡°B-But we¡¯re dealing with Travelers. Wouldn¡¯t it be wiser for us to understand and measure our capabilities for the worst case scenario? The other you can overwhelm even Lyra herself, if we have that power with her and Ragna¡­¡± Siola groaned, ¡°There is no we in that.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The moment I turned; I lose control until the other me is done with whatever she¡¯s doing. It has been short, but you wouldn¡¯t want to find out if it can go a second longer or not.¡± Grimaced, ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°You better be.¡± Siola turns to see the moon once again. ¡°How¡­ How did it come to be, if I may ask?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Flashes of equipment and items of the person she has never met, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± With the help of the maids, Siola donned the casual attire of a noble. Which has the same style to what Elara is wearing. ¡°Hrmm¡­ it¡¯s unsettling to know that I¡¯m fit in this.¡± ¡°We could order a new one if you¡¯d like. One that suits your liking more.¡¯ ¡°I¡¯d like it if I can owe people less, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± The two then went to the dining hall where Siola met the others in their casual attire. Vanya with her eyes widened is full of joy after seeing her. ¡°You make that look great, Siola.¡± ¡°Thank you, Madam¡ª Ahem, thanks, Vanya.¡± She smiles. Siola went to her seat but after she caresses Lyra¡¯s arm muscle. And the elf was disgusted by it. The dinner is a freshly cooked assortment of seafood. Giant crabs, lobster, even fish. ¡°How lavish.¡± ¡°Please, eat as much as you like. We have so many things to discuss.¡± Said Elara. Siola clasp her hands together, ¡°O¡¯ my Lady of Light, bless this table full of nourishment, that thy servant and people may dine in joy and harmony.¡± The sigil on her forehead glows slightly as golden light particles scatters. Elara gaze upon her in awe while on the other end, Lyra is already munching down on the food. Vanya looks at her with disdain, ¡°Hell of a worshipper you are.¡± ¡°Hmph, my lord doesn¡¯t need such theatrics.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the people of Divine Order does that when they pray.¡± Says Elara. As Siola doesn¡¯t bother to explain it, Ragna answer, ¡°That¡¯s because she¡¯s their champion. That sigil is the proof of it.¡± ¡°Champion of the Divine Order? But if even Lyra doesn¡¯t have the sigil¡­¡± ¡°Right, that¡¯s the one thing that¡¯s amiss in your story, Lyra.¡± She stops shoving crab meat on her mouth, ¡°Well, that¡¯s one thing I wanna know too.¡± Glancing at Siola, ¡°After disappearing into the dungeon, she came back like that.¡± Vanya looks at Siola, prompting her to respond, ¡°Mm, just what happened in there, Siola?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Brows raised as she munches on the succulent meat of the lobster. ¡°What, I simply carry on the task as my Lady¡¯s blade. Purifying undead to the afterlife. I just happened to get carried away and lost track of time doing it, as I should.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t explain the thing on your forehead though.¡± Says Ragna. ¡°You¡¯re being too nosy.¡± Raising hands, pressuring the topic no further. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about your plan instead, Elara. If it¡¯s even called that anyway.¡± Setting down her cutlery, ¡°Faseth, fetch me the item.¡± The butler came and handed her a key, the same one that Ragna shows. ¡°Travelers are ingenious people. They have knowledge that can far surpass our own. Although some prefers to slay monsters and become legends, some prefers to lay low. Starting a business and the idea of Travelers becoming merchant is one I admire.¡± ¡°But I did not expect that they would go as far as to change the landscape of trade entirely. Producing goods that used to be available only for nobles and sold them to commoners with a price that is impossible for others to meet.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it a good thing though,¡± said Vanya, ¡°A lot more people can afford them now.¡± ¡°If you view of them that way, yes, but as a merchant yourself Madam Vanya, I¡¯m sure you can guess what would happen if competition is stifled.¡± ¡°Before this, you can find so many merchants, all from different family be it nobles or merchant groups. A vast array of system, trades from the local fish farm, to the mine, to the adventurer¡¯s guild. Competition is thriving and healthy. Until one day, a traveler came to the picture with a small stall, and selling swords that can cut trees like it¡¯s butter.¡± ¡°Obviously, such items are desirable, yet it only costs 5000 Golds.¡± *Cough *Cough *Cough Siola choking on her milk, ¡°5000 Golds.¡± ¡°Yes. It might as well cost a copper coin (1 Golds) if a weapon of such caliber is sold at that price. And that is not the end of it either.¡± ¡°Soon, magic swords of unparallel abilities were created. With that kind of sword coming into the market, local blacksmith has given up and set up shop somewhere else. Throwing a stick to the wheel of a cart that is steadily growing over the years.¡± ¡°Other travelers see the opportunity and they began to use their powers to gain wealth. Items such as medicines, tools resembling nothing in our world, soon the world of trades were flipped upside down and almost the entirety of the top merchants have now been replaced by these travelers. And Windsong, my family, is included in that list.¡± ¡°We couldn¡¯t keep up as we are far behind. We cannot source our materials like they do, our workers cannot create items like they do, and we couldn¡¯t sell the items at a price that they have. Materials, labor, logistics. We would be lucky if we can make a copper in profits, but no.¡± ¡°Each and every day, we lose customers. Each week, we lose our partners. With the situation getting worse and worse, we had to lay off so many of our workers, but they have nowhere to go. Those travelers prefer to employ beast kin and demons as their workers instead of the people they harmed. And why would they? Demons and beast kin can do more than us humans after all.¡± Her chest boils, she takes a sip of a drink to refresh her throat. ¡°I-It sounds like you¡¯re struggling so why did you serve this expensive dinner for us?¡± asked Vanya. ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± turning to Siola, ¡°A fellow noble, one with a promising power that can tip the scale of our fortune. I need to make a good impression.¡± ¡°And you largely succeeded,¡± said Siola, ¡°But you haven¡¯t told us what are you going to do to solve this problem of yours.¡± ¡°There are a few ways to deal with this issue,¡± glancing at Ragna, ¡°But I would like to avoid the wrath of a Traveler and go with a less grave approach.¡± ¡°As I mentioned before, Heroes have been summoned in the capital. Which indicates that the royal family has indeed aware of these problematic travelers, or if the rumor is true, Lorkhan is preparing for another war with Sonata. Although heroes themselves are not participating in the war, they are still dispatched to certain areas where monsters reside.¡± ¡°We need to turn the royal family¡¯s attention to these Travelers instead. Ideally, to implement a law that allows for fair trade.¡± ¡°Though, the problem is even the royal family is also the recipient of these Travelers. And if not for the fact that our family is shunned by the high society, I would¡¯ve been able to bring this matter to his majesty, but as we currently are. It¡¯s not possible.¡± She stood, ¡°But what if we become too much for them to ignore?¡± ¡°As the acting lord of Windsong, I want to improve the lives on Hikanda Town and Wagoner¡¯s Waycross. We¡¯re steadily making our way by collaborating with the adventurer¡¯s guild and allow their adventurers to settle on our dungeon.¡± ¡°I could use some help with trades and that¡¯s where I think Madam Vanya could assist. And as for the three of you, if you would, I and by extension the Windsong family wish to sponsor you. Be it funds for your journey or the services we provide, you will have our full support.¡± Lyra put her foot down, ¡°Royals, huh. I don¡¯t feel like going even if I can.¡± Ragna chuckles, ¡°What, you got other places to be?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± tilting her head toward Siola, ¡°I go where she goes whether I wanted to or not.¡± Attentively listened to her story, Siola¡¯s eyes twitched, ¡°Sponsorship.¡± ¡°Do you have any idea what that means, Elara?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°Unlike partnership¡­ or employment¡­ you will not have the right to tell us what to do. We would promote your family, but that will be the extend of it unless we are kind enough to do more, but we will never be your subordinates under that condition.¡± ¡°Is that truly what you want from us?¡± Chapter 19 - Well Rested ¡°No,¡± says Elara, ¡°I believe there is more to gain and enough of it if you were to be sponsored by us instead of being employed. I know Ragna for quite some time, and I believe she will become much more in the future. Same as Lyra.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Sweats slightly formed, ¡°But I do have a request if you would like to hear it.¡± ¡°Well, there you go. What is it?¡± Siola asked. ¡°A Traveler has been spotted in Hikanda town and has recently registered as an adventurer. I do not wish for another repeat of what happened to my father, so if you would be so kind to keep a watch for me. If possible, establish a friendly relation and have them work for us instead.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see to it, but after I dealt with another matter I have to attend to.¡± ¡°Right, Lyra mentioned that you were heading to Hikanda Town.¡± ¡°The dungeon by the coast to be exact.¡± ¡°Ahh, that one. We have yet established an encampment there because the threat of monsters surrounding it. But I¡¯m sure the three of you would be able to clear it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going there alone. It¡¯s what I have to do.¡± ¡°Wait, what about me?¡± asked Lyra. ¡°Stay here? You were fine despite the distance I went from the dungeon. Clearly, the curse does not have the effect you actually think it has.¡± Ragna¡¯s brows raised, ¡°How far did you went? The eight floor? There are those two giant skeletons blocking the entry to the next floor if I remember.¡± ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re not much. I found a few items when I reach the bottom.¡± Elara tilts her head, ¡°Eh, the bottom?¡± Siola suddenly summons a mini portal that consumed her arm which startled everyone. And she takes out an ominous necklace from within it, ¡°This is one of them.¡± Lyra choked on her crab, Vanya and Elara shocked to their core and Ragna was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re saying you¡¯ve conquered the dungeon?¡± ¡°What¡¯re you saying, the creatures inside will forever show up no matter how many I¡¯ve killed¡­¡± *Cough *Cough ¡°Stop being so disgusting, elf!¡± Vanya helps her regardless, ¡°Good lord!¡± Elara then says, ¡°W-Wait, please. Was that¡­ dimensional storage? You have a dimensional storage?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°H-How. That¡¯s extremely rare. I¡¯ve only known few mages in the capital who have it. Not counting those magic bags that the Travelers make.¡± ¡°Well, I guess I have to thank the other me for it. I was on expedition where I had to relinquish control over my body. And that¡¯s when I got it.¡± Still shocked, Elara sits down in understanding, ¡°I¡­ I see. I um, I apologize for bringing that up.¡± ¡°No, you couldn¡¯t have known.¡± Lyra drank all the water in her glass, ¡°Gahaaa¡­ huff.. huff¡­ That¡¯s¡­ a profane item that my people have sought out for years. One that can conjure a dragon priest.¡± ¡°Heresy. It¡¯s an undead!¡± Summoning the portal again and the throw the item to it, ¡°And it must be destroyed.¡± ¡°Hah?! What do you mean destroyed?! Do you know how precious that item is?!¡± ¡°So what?! I will not allow anyone to use such a malign object. Especially you, heretic!¡± ¡°S-Siola, calm down. Isn¡¯t that a legendary item? You won¡¯t find it all that often, we could even sell and that way, you¡ª.¡± Crossing her arms, ¡°No!¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Hnnngh, you stubborn kid!¡± ¡°Shout all you want but I won¡¯t change my mind!¡± Pouting with her cheeks puffed. ¡°Guh!¡± smashing the table although gently, Vanya stuff Lyra¡¯s mouth with the seafood once more, ¡°What a waste!¡± ¡°U-Um, what about the other items you¡¯ve gotten, miss Siola?¡± ¡°A book to create undead and the weapon to wield them.¡± Lyra turns to Siola but only for her to say, ¡°No.¡± ¡°B-But, Siola. Simply destroying them would really be a waste to your effort, wouldn¡¯t it? How about extracting the essence? Although it is still a waste, it would be more useful to you than just simply destroying them if it¡¯s even possible.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve got my hands on an enchanting table. Do you have one, Elara?¡± ¡°Not at the moment, but we can certainly procure one¡± ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Um, does that mean, you accept our sponsorship?¡± Siola raised her brows and smiles, ¡°Of course.¡± She can feel it washing over her, the weight she has been carrying, ¡°Thank you.¡± They all continue and finish their meal. Each leaving to their own room right after, except for the dark elf who is sneaking into Siola¡¯s room. Although she is already on her bed when Lyra came to her, Siola¡¯s eyes shine brightly in the dark. And her smile is simply¡­ beautiful. When the moon sets, dawn came. Bringing with the glorious light of the sun, shining through the windows of Siola who is fast asleep. Though, it takes time for her to wake up. ¡°Mmmph.¡± Her eyes opened. She turns to grasp empty air from the other side of her bed. ¡°Mmph¡­ tiddy¡­¡± ¡°Tiddy¡­¡± Her eyes widened, ¡°Where¡¯s my tiddies?!¡± ¡°Urgh, it¡¯s morning already?¡± Taking a look at the window, she sees Elara is setting out with two carriages full of crates. After changing into her usual attire, she fastened her belt and left the room. She takes time to explore the mansion, and she found Lyra in the basement, setting up alchemy tables and have already made herself comfortable with marking the place with Mad Dead¡¯s sigil painted on the walls. ¡°By Armalia¡¯s grace, what are you doing?¡± ¡°Huh? What does it look like?¡± Sweating in a very much revealing outfit to a point that Siola can¡¯t help but glance at her cleavage before she went to cover it. ¡°You need something or what?!¡± ¡°Heh, why are you still so shy after all the bonding we did.¡± ¡°Sh-Shut up, just¡­ what do you want?¡± ¡°This. Despite being Mad Dead¡¯s worshipper, agile like an assassin, and also a spellcaster. I just didn¡¯t expect you were the type to brew together plants.¡± ¡°Alchemy don¡¯t just exist to make potions, and any assassin can use blades.¡± ¡°So, you differentiate yourself by utilizing poisons.¡± ¡°Poisons, traps, you can cut someone¡¯s neck all day long but there are chances that they can walk around still. A little wet glands from Mostricus Toad, wheat seeds, and crystalized excrement of Komodo, and you got yourself a potent little helper that can guarantee the kill.¡± ¡°Mm, impressive.¡± Siola looking at the potion intently made her flush slightly. She sees Siola going around the table and approaches her. Slightly blushing as she comes closer, her eyes look at her expecting something. Lyra with gritted teeth opens her arm, revealing her muscular armpit. Siola have her face close to her waist, sniffing as she goes up and up, to her side breasts, and onto her armpit. *Sniffff* Hearing her breathing, Lyra continue to blush, but then, her eyes widened after feeling a soft lip on her cheek. Siola had to climb her a bit to reach her, but Siola smiles afterward. She drops down, ¡°You smell great as always.¡± ¡°Uhuh.¡± ¡°You sure you¡¯ll be fine on your own? Not going to miss me or anything are you?¡± ¡°As if.¡± ¡°Alright, well, stay safe then. Lyra.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You too.¡± Siola continues exploring and she finds Ragna at the back, exercising. She observes her muscle grows and expand with each push up. Biting her lips but Ragna has noticed it. ¡°You¡¯re an odd one.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ragna stood, ¡°When someone look at me, they don¡¯t often bite their lips. They usually tremble, scared seeing someone as big as an orc. Not you, huh.¡± ¡°Heheh, I just admire the good in people. Especially their hard work.¡± ¡°Hard work? Not many can see that.¡± ¡°Can I touch it? Your stomach?¡± ¡°You ask for permissions now? Sure, go ahead.¡± Touching her abs, Siola caressing it as her face comes closer to it. ¡°I¡¯m a little sweaty there. Don¡¯t get too close.¡± Siola unfortunately, ignores her words and proceed to sniff her navel. Even Ragna started blushing a little at the weird act that she is doing, and when she kisses it. ¡°Okay stop,¡± lifting her like a doll, ¡°It¡¯s a little early for that, don¡¯t you think? Besides, don¡¯t you already have one lady for each arm? There even a room for me?¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t there be?¡± ¡°Ooh, it¡¯s never enough for you, huh. We¡¯re more alike than I thought.¡± After putting her down, Ragna asks, ¡°You¡¯re heading to the dungeon, right? I won¡¯t stop you for going alone, but you should at least prepare properly.¡± ¡°There¡¯s some business I gotta do in Hikanda, how about taking me with you? I can introduce you to someone for the equipment.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have any money, Ragna. Good equipment cost a lot you know. And I will not be selling those heretical items.¡± ¡°Heheh, don¡¯t you forget? Elara is sponsoring you now. Here.¡± A golden medal with an engraving of wind drawing. ¡°She¡¯ll foot the bill, don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Okay, then. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Lead the way.¡± She also found Vanya at a cabin close to the front gate. She¡¯s writing notes while several guards are moving large number of crates. ¡°Oh, Siola. You woke up.¡± Noticing the formal attire of a noble that Vanya is wearing, ¡°Huh, that suits you.¡± Blushing, ¡°R-Really? Elara gave it to me before she left.¡± ¡°Oh, right. What¡¯re you doing here? Need any help or are you looking for something?¡± Shaking her head as she smiles, ¡°No. I¡¯m actually about to leave. You and the little rabbits will be fine, right?¡± Brows raised and a smile formed, gently she pats her head, ¡°Like I said, you have nothing to worry about.¡± ¡°I wish we can talk more. About what happened yesterday, what happened to you that day. I want to hear it from you.¡± Nodding as she smiles, ¡°Next time. I promise.¡± Vanya wave her goodbye as she walks out of the gate in a carriage with Ragna, heading towards Hikanda Town. Chapter 20 – Hikanda Town A large town encompassing several grain fields, a sprawling urban center nestled in the heart of a lush valley, surrounded by towering walls that stretch for miles. It can be called a city of its own. Several long lines of people trying to gain entry and exit to and from gate. With Siola¡¯s citizenship tag, she easily gains entry to the town while Ragna managed to get in thanks to the emblem. ¡°Lorkhan¡¯s citizenship, how did you get that?¡± ¡°Worked for it.¡± An impressed facial expression. Carts being pulled, vendors outside of their house selling fruit. A bustling town full of different race. Lizardmen, beastmen, even all sorts of demi-humans co-exist here in Hikanda Town. ¡°How lively.¡± ¡°Wait till you get to the pubs, lots of crazy folks in there.¡± ¡°Is that where we¡¯re going?¡± ¡°I might after this, but for you, it¡¯s over there.¡± Through a narrow alley, they came out to a small road. Single floor houses are in this part and one of the buildings there is a shop called Vivi Magic Store. Ragna walked in, ¡°Oi Squirt, you here?¡± The place is tight but very well sorted. Every item is organized and have their own rack and display, whoever the shopkeeper is, they do have their way with assortment. ¡°That voice. Still alive, huh, you brute.¡± ¡°Same goes for you.¡± A woman in a robe, slightly taller than Siola. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re here for a friendly visit, who is this?¡± ¡°Siola Mithra, a very powerful priest. Here to get an upgrade to her equipment. Elara sponsored her, so just give the best you got.¡± ¡°A Priest?¡± her eyes twitching as she looks at Siola, particularly, her forehead, ¡°Um, I do have something but um¡­ may I know what you require specifically, ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°Pwahahaha, why are you talking like that, Vivi? Relax, Siola is not any more noble than you and me, at least right now anyway.¡± Sweat form as the woman glance at her, ¡°You idiot, it¡¯s not about her being a noble.¡± ¡°Huh? Then what is?¡± ¡°Let me check what I have in the back.¡± Ragna turns to Siola, ¡°What¡¯s up with her?¡± Siola shrugs. Vivi then came back with a widely long box, ¡°It has been a long time since a priest and people with similar class ordered an outfit. Although it has been sitting around for a while, it¡¯s still work wonders if I may be so bold.¡± ¡°What¡¯s up with Supreme tag and your name on them? That¡¯s shameless, Vivi.¡± Said Ragna. ¡°Nuh?! How else people would know where they¡¯re outfits are from?! And it¡¯s not like I weave my name on the materials themselves!¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°It¡¯s good enough.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, ma¡¯am?!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take them.¡± ¡°Hold on, what about weapons? That thing you have don¡¯t look like they¡¯re enchanted.¡± ¡°Oh this? I bought it from a dwarf. Such a fine craftmanship like this is second to none, and besides, I can enchant it with the grace of my lady¡¯s blessing any time. It¡¯s nice to smite with it too.¡± ¡°Smite? I thought you¡¯re a Priest though?¡± ¡°So what? My lady has grant me the power to vanquish her enemies.¡± ¡°U-Um, ma¡¯am, if I may ask. You are with the Divine Order, yes? If that¡¯s the case, would you be willing to look at this item I have?¡± Vivi took a small box and within it contains a ring that releases a miasma. ¡°A cursed ring?¡± ¡°Y-Yes, if it¡¯s possible, can I request for you to¡ª¡± Siola cast a sign, ¡°Purification.¡± Light shines across the ring, removing its last effect, its curse. ¡°Wha¡ª¡± ¡°There, now it¡¯s shining brightly as it should be.¡± ¡°Awawawa. That¡¯s wow, th-thank you so much. Um, you can have those items for free and h-here, take this, although it¡¯s not a legendary item. I¡¯m sure it would prove useful for you.¡± ¡°Such precious book, are you sure you¡¯re willing to part with it?¡± ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am. This is nothing compares to what you just did.¡± ¡°Hunh, can¡¯t you just have the priest in the church purify it?¡± asked Ragna. ¡°Fool! No one can do that except for the ones in the capital, and they wouldn¡¯t just take anyone¡¯s request even if you have money to pay for them.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m just glad I could help.¡± ¡°You did, ma¡¯am. Thank you so much.¡± ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be setting out¡­¡± Siola grabs her new item and summoned a mini portal which shocked Vivi to her core, but Siola¡¯s attention is on Ragna. ¡°How do I find you when I get back?¡± ¡°Be at the pub called Tipsy Goblin. You be careful now. I heard some nasty things about that dungeon.¡± ¡°Sure thing. Well then.¡± Siola left the magic store and head straight to the gate. She also took the chance to change into her new clothes. A white themed outfit fitting to her old class, but in heart, it¡¯s close to home. Heading northeast, she returns to being all alone again. But this time, her heart brimming full of wonders. Ready to challenge every obstacle in their path. At least, when the obstacle is not a mountain-sized monster. ¡®A B-Behemoth, here?!¡¯ An enormous golem, Siola couldn¡¯t even see its body. It crushes every tree it passes. ¡®You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me.¡¯ ¡®For it to be this close to town. Where is it even going?¡¯ ¡®Shit, I wanna¡ª ahem, I want to follow it, but I can¡¯t keep getting sidetracked all the damn time. My lady¡¯s task must take priority!¡¯ She marches on, through the wilderness, she found many smaller monsters but none seem to be interested in attacking her. Even slimes are nudging her ankles. ¡°Hunh,¡± lowering her posture, ¡°What is it, you guys? You want something?¡± asking as she pet them. They went through a bush and they urge her to follow. ¡°Hmm, okay why not.¡± Following through, she heard a whimper. A beastly whimper. Her smiles turned upside down as she sees a wolf being pierced by a large branch straight to the ground. ¡°Wolf, huh.¡± Flashes of memories of her fighting them at the edge of death, but now she has the power to kill them with just a word. And yet, she chose to pluck the tree branch from the wolf. ¡°O Lady of Light, grant thy servant the power to aid the poor.¡± ¡°Heal.¡± The bleeding stops as its organ and body regenerate completely. ¡°Awuuoh¡­ wuooh¡­¡± Whimpering as it stands, wary of the human despite her being its savior. Not that Siola wanted anything from it either, her eyes are pained seeing such creature. It left to the bushes. ¡°Well, there you have it, everyone. Stay safe alright?¡± They emit odd noises, almost as if they¡¯re purring at her. It forms a smile on her face. It doesn¡¯t take long for her to reach her destination, a beach full of debris. The deep blue sees in the distance and the bright blue skies. ¡°Should be around here somewhere.¡± ¡®Hm? Is that¡­¡± Small green creatures walking around the coast. ¡®Goblins?¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s odd, this place used to be filled with powerful monstrosities but I guess I shouldn¡¯t expect things to be the same as in my previous life.¡¯ ¡®Some things don¡¯t change though.¡¯ A large hole at the top of the hill, and there lies the door to the dungeon beneath it. But then that¡¯s when she heard it, buzzing noises of an insect. ¡®This is.¡¯ Siola quickly backs away as she took out her crossbow from the mini portal. The buzzing sounds kept getting louder and louder as the ground itself trembles. Antennae pops up from the hole, soon the its head revealed. Large insect creature with translucent wings flapping rapidly, and most unnerving of all, is that it has four limbs. Standing like a human, and there¡¯s not just one of them. More and more started to gather, some circling Siola in the air but her eyes remain stern. Oddly, Siola noticed that they have yet to attack. Prompting her to lower her weapons. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, human?¡± ¡°!¡± ¡°Can¡¯t muster up the courage to fight?¡± Chapter 21 – Krilla Dungeon ¡®A humanoid insect that can speak human tongue. Where have heard of it before?¡¯ ¡°It can¡¯t be that you are afraid, human?¡± It walks towards her, ¡°Then how about this. Only you and I. If you win, you can leave alive, but if you don¡¯t¡­ well, there won¡¯t be a you when we¡¯re done.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a native here,¡± Siola approaches, ¡°Are you?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been told that monsters roam this place, but your kind is not one I¡¯d picture to be.¡± Standing against the creature, face to face in very close distance. ¡°Those mindless creatures? They were a good source of food. Kekekekek, you won¡¯t be nowhere near enough to feed us, but at least you¡ª.¡± As soon as it points its claw at her, Siola kicks its face in a shattering impact to its exoskeleton, cracking what¡¯s underneath it. ¡°Guhk?!¡± Siola grabs its arm, clenching her fist tightly and smash its chest, once again, the impact was loud enough even the furthest of away can hear it clear. The power of a dragon courses through her body. ¡°Going limp already? I haven¡¯t cast anything yet.¡± ¡°Sanak!¡± ¡°You tiny human!¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± Siola raises her arms as they came at her, casting a sign, ¡°Sanctuary.¡± Golden light barrier with hexagonal pattern appears protecting the inside from harm. Claws upon claws scratching against it but none ever damages it, not even one. ¡°Grrggh, haa¡­ haa¡­¡± ¡°Back already? You recover just as fast as you fall.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good, you¡¯re about to witness the massacre of your own kind.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Siola cast a sign, ¡°Maradonma.¡± Black arcane circle conjured, covering the entire battlefield if not more. The humanoid insects felt chills coming to their chitin as they bear witness, a gigantic creature made of bones. An ancient dragon skeleton, roaring its crackling bones. ¡°Undead!¡± ¡°Kill it!¡± ¡°No, no.¡± ¡°For Sanak!¡± *Rooooooooooooar* The undead dragon spew black flame, reducing their numbers rapidly as it gnaws and shatter the humanoid insect¡¯s bones with its tail. Siola doesn¡¯t even need to lift a finger. When her Sanctuary disappears, the defeated insect, Sanak took the opportunity to stab her only for its forearm to be grabbed by her. It sees her picking up the iron mace on her hip. ¡°Divine Smite.¡± The remainder of the humanoid insect have fled, and although Siola did not notice it, the one she just smite also has gotten away either. Carried by its subordinate. ¡°What just¡­ happened?¡± ¡°Silence Sanak, your wound is grave.¡± ¡°How many¡­ were left?¡± ¡°Some.¡± ¡°Hurr¡­ the general and his majesty won¡¯t be happy.¡± ¡°Worry about it after we find them, Sanak. Close your eyes, and rest.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Hurrnh¡­ just who was that.¡± Siola looks at the dungeon door. It¡¯s massive and cannot be opened. Her eyes narrowed down to inspect the door and she sense a light miasma coming from it. She cast a sign, ¡°Purification.¡± *Clack* Unlocked, it opens on its own. Bats flew out from the pitch-black darkness. Sounding like the inside is groaning in terror. Siola descend. ¡°Illuminate.¡± Light revealing her path forward. ¡®Krilla Dungeon.¡¯ ¡®One of the more infamous dungeons in the beginning stages of Ekolia. Accessible from the surface world, it is the top dungeon that yield so many experience points. A cut above the rest.¡¯ As the space grew wider and wider, there she comes across an open space full of giant rocks. ¡®There is a reason why it¡¯s not a famous one though.¡¯ One of the giant rock moves, and as it rotates, it turns out to be a hard-shelled lizard. It stretched and whip its hardened tail at Siola and she teleported above it. ¡°Divine Smite!¡± *BOOM* The lizard staggered as its rock-hard shells shatter, but it is still alive. ¡®It¡¯s that this place is so fucking annoying!¡¯ Hearing the noise, the others large rocks turned into lizards as some are rolling at her. She clicked her tongue and teleported away. ¡®Should I summon the dragon again?¡¯ Landing safely, ¡®No, it¡¯s physical attacks and flames are not effective against these things.¡¯ Siola sees one coming her way fast, she cast a sign, ¡°Sanctuary.¡± *Bam* It crashes and rolled over her barrier, but the other lizards soon follow. Rolling at her barrier repeatedly and tail whipping it more and more. *Crack* ¡°?!¡± As her head formed veins, the barrier is destroyed. *BOOM* But once again, Siola has already teleported to the other side of the area. ¡®Smiting them works, if I can get to their front¡­ no wait. I can use that spell.¡¯ ¡®No, it¡¯s heresy. For me to use Hexes.¡± One rolling at her, and she teleported again. Trying to get to the other side and as it turns out there is nothing on there. No door leading to the second floor, no portal, nothing. ¡®You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡¯ ¡®No one have been to this dungeon before?!¡¯ Rolling and bumping sound of rocks and the ground. ¡°Tch.¡± ¡®I can get in the middle and use hex. I could easily kill them if I do, but¡­¡¯ Something within her snapped. Her mind clears up and the sigil on her forehead glows, with a clenched jaw. She wields her mace once more, and cast a sign. ¡°Glimmer Veil.¡± Small shield barrier appeared at a perfect angle that makes the rolling lizard passed by and hit the wall. Stunning it as it hits the ground, Siola¡¯s eyes widened as her rage grew. ¡°Divine Smite!¡± Its head shatter by a clasp of thundering sound. Siola eyed the furthest back of the incoming horde and teleports with her mace swinging up, ¡°Divine Smite!¡± Clasp of thundering sound, shattering its jaw as Siola jump and take the plunge. *BOOM* The other lizards turn and started rolling. ¡°Sanctuary!¡± Holy barrier is conjured. Siola catch up with her breath and closed her eyes, stabilizing her breathing while sensing the health of her barrier. Cracks upon cracks, the one lizard that is about to shatter it rolled and crashed onto the barrier as her eyes opened wide and her hand casting a sign. ¡°Glimmer Veil.¡± It crashed upward, hitting its comrades. Siola stretches her mace as another one is coming at her, she shouted, ¡°Divine Smite!¡± *BOOM* Thundering sounds was heard again and again. The earth quakes, the ceiling falling, blood pools on fire. Corpse upon corpse were laid onto one another. Shattered shells, crushed bones, and mostly, disfigured head of the giant rock-shelled lizard. Siola was sent to the wall, crashing into before landing to the ground. Head bleeding, missing arm, and teeth gritted with eyes radiating extreme bloodlust. Only one lizard remains. Its appearance is different than the other, it¡¯s much larger, its head has horns unlike the other, and its shell is spiked. Siola¡¯s arm, crunched in that jaw. Siola let go of her mace, ¡°Shock Lash.¡± Whip of electricity imbued by flame energy. Lashing the air as she gritted her teeth. The rock lizard, instead of rolling, it flips flop towards her with its tail swinging wildly. Unfazed by it, Siola¡¯s eyes locked onto its head and when it jumps, Siola¡¯s shock lash grabbed its neck and she pulls it, making it lands on its back, puncturing the ground with no way to turn. Flailing, the lizard sees her approaching and extend its neck to gnaw at her feet only to see one of them is lifted. She stomps. *BOOM* Its spinning and quickly retract it but Siola teleported to it and stomps it again. *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOOOM* There is not a notification that indicates experience points gained, but the lizard has gone limp. Siola took out a knife, the first time she has a use for it. Siola started to cutting, cracking opens the lizard¡¯s throat all the way to its stomach and there she finds her arm with half of it is showing bones. Its stomach acid leaking as Siola backs away. ¡°Hnngh.¡± ¡°O my Lady of Light, grant thy servant the power to recuperate.¡± ¡°Greater Heal.¡± Shining golden light shines as the particles infused, her arm reattached, her flesh restored and her skin is patched. However, she started to feel lightheaded. ¡°Hnngh, not enough MP.¡± Looking into the lizard which is alive still. She walks up to it with eyes ready to kill. Touching it its rock-hard skin with her bony hand. ¡°Abyssal Touch.¡± Black goo was formed on her palm, it¡¯s dripping and bubbling as it touches the ground, soon it becomes black mist. The lizard skin turns paler as the mist gushes towards her hand, giving back her flesh and skin as she reeled from the rejuvenating sensation. Her health, mana, and stamina restored completely. {+288.000 Exp} ! {Level UP} ! {Level UP} She looks down to see that the lizard has been disfigured entirely. It¡¯s steaming as the black goo is melting scattered all over its body, melting it. *Pant *Pant ¡°That doesn¡¯t look right.¡± ¡°Have I¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not hex, it shouldn¡¯t be. Something that can make that effect would be¡­ Water¡­ and¡­ is it arcane? It¡¯s impossible for both fire and water to be together.¡± ¡°What a weird spell.¡± She then remembers something, ¡°Right, the second floor.¡± She sees the wall behind her now has a hole. Chapter 22 – Luosa She thought she could breeze through everything after her experience in Voidspire, but with each and every floor of Krilla Dungeon, she comes closer and closer to death. From man eating snake with poisonous glands that melt her to bone, to axe-wielding minotaur, to two full-fledged dragons that even her ancient summoned undead dragon is having trouble against. ¡°Gol¡­ Bah Sil!¡± the dragon shouted. Spheres of light formed into large javelin and flew straight at her. Siola cast a sign, ¡°Sanctuary.¡± Upon impact, explosion. *BOOM* Her holy barrier is intact but full of cracks. The undead dragon gnaws at its neck as it clasps on to it, and then a burst of powerful black flame exploded right at its throat. ¡°Graaaaaaaaaaargh!¡± It claws and tail whipped its body as the other dragon hold it and spew fiery flame. ¡°Wretched beings, your unholy bodies shall burn to ashes.¡± It tilts its head upward, creating a singularity of energy as it turns into a miniature red sun. Siola panting in her weary form. ¡°S-Sanctuary.¡± Her barrier hardened but as soon as it did her head pinned. ¡°Hnnngh!¡± The miniature sun becomes smaller and smaller, enough for the dragon to gnaw at it and blast Siola completely with the concentrated power of the sun. When it¡¯s all done, amidst the dust, Siola completely turned into skeleton. ¡°Fool.¡± But then the two dragons noticed the air and dust becomes static as the world itself is turning black and white. ¡°Th-This is.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡± ¡°Gol Bah¡ª¡± The dragon stopped moving completely and a golden light shine through the ceiling onto the skeleton that is the form of Siola. ¡°Rise, child. Overcome your adversaries, and become my champion.¡± ¡°RISE!¡± ! {Defy Death} ~ {Equipment Abilities is now temporarily Accessible} Her flesh returning, her organs forming, her skin appears as her sigil grows and her eyes burns brightest. Colors returning to life as the dragon about to shout its last word. Siola teleported above its head with her fists clenched, plunging the dragon into the ground. ¡°Si¡ª¡± *BOOOOM* As the dust settling, the other dragon came with a gnawing jaw. She cast a sign, ¡°Sacred Wrath!¡± Golden fiery flame filled the dragon¡¯s mouth as it clenches its jaw after Siola had teleported and plunged her foot down to its head. *BOOM* Teleporting once again, and another plunge. *BOOM* Again, again and again. *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* {+15.000.000 Exp} ! {Level UP}If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ! {Level UP} ! {Level¡­ Soon the dust settles, but the battle is yet to be over. The first dragon she brought down is alive still. It¡¯s having a hard time lifting its head to be moving its body. ¡°You vile¡ª *cough* thing¡­¡± Trying to back its head away. ¡°Protected by the gods, yet *cough* you¡­ turned one of us into unholy being.¡± Siola looks down at him with fiery eyes. ¡°Turned? I was given this power by an ancient dragon I saved.¡± ¡°Saved?!¡± ¡°From what? His flesh? His mortality?!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Maradonma is loyal servant of the gods, and you, you *cough cough*¡­¡± *Cough* Blood spills out of its mouth. ¡°You stole *Cough*¡­ its every being¡­¡± Its head soon falls and the sound of level up notification rings greatly beside her ears. Yet, it didn¡¯t make her happy as she contemplate the words of the dead dragon. ¡°¡­¡± As the image of the Voidspire dragon appears, her eyes widened. She remembers how her hand moves on its own, her cracking neck, and how she lost consciousness only to find the orb that was Maradonma. Her head tilts up as fear settles in. ! {Requirement has been met} ! {Class Upgrade} ! {Class Upgrade} ! {Class Evolution ¨C Incompatible} ! {Class Adjustment} ! {Abilities Obtained} Siola sits and rest her back on the dragon. Looking at the ground with a grimace. ¡°What¡¯s the point with all these powers if I don¡¯t even own my own body.¡± ¡°I want to live.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m here, but I want to live.¡± The bright golden sigil on her head stopped glowing. Tears fall. ¡°Who are you¡­¡± ¡°What do you want from me¡­¡± ¡°Are you going to do it again? Will you just going to take over my body again?¡± ¡°Please¡­¡± ¡°Tell me¡­¡± Sitting naked and cold, all alone in between two corpses of the twin dragons. Tears continue to fall as she remains unmoving but then water appears at the surface of the ground, bubbling before it¡¯s turning completely black and evaporated. ¡°Huh? W-wait, what are you, what are you trying to tell me?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Siola¡¯s eyes widened as she turned, seeing a woman sitting on the top of the dragon with a black robe. Black hair just above her shoulders, freckles, and a calm brown eye. The same face and body just like how she used to before becoming a Saint. ¡°Isn¡¯t it cool?¡± Siola stood to see her clearly. It is indeed herself. ¡°Heheheh, it took quite some time for me to peek a little bit into your memories, but as I expected of you being the perfect you, I can¡¯t even last a whole minute before dying a dozen times.¡± ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± ¡°Yes. My name is Luosa. They called me Mage of the Abyss.¡± ¡°You killed that dragon I purified.¡± ¡°Just like how I killed all those before him. I¡¯m here to protect you.¡± ¡°And why is that?¡± ¡°Because I need you to save me.¡± The woman that looks like Siola, Luosa, dropped off the dragon and approach her. Yet Siola remain stern and hold her ground. ¡°Because of my father¡¯s pledge, for centuries I¡¯m bound to the Abyss. I want to be rid of it, but I cannot do it myself. That¡¯s why I need you. I need you alive, no matter what.¡± ¡°But just being alive is not enough. I need you to be stronger than me.¡± ¡°So, you killed that dragon I saved to make me stronger.¡± ¡°Without it you wouldn¡¯t even be here. You wouldn¡¯t even survive without me.¡± Slowly, Siola reaches out to Luosa¡¯s cheek only for it to turn into black sand, floating and retracted after she pulled her hand. ¡°I¡¯m in your mind, Siola. You are me, and by extension, I am you.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t judge, or dictate, or tell you what and what not to do, who you serve and worship. Armalia is a great choice, this task not only proves your worth to her but also put my mind at ease.¡± ¡°Are you¡­ the End King?¡± One brow raised, ¡°End King? No.¡± ¡°Although I just said that I won¡¯t tell you what and what not to do, stay away from them. They reside in the abyss world of the surface, and I wouldn¡¯t go near it.¡± ¡°Then who are you exactly?¡± ¡°Already said it didn¡¯t I? Is that even something you really want to ask? I¡¯m running out of time here. Your mind is a mess.¡± ¡°I want boundaries.¡± ¡°From me?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t take over my body like last time.¡± ¡°After going this far without me, I don¡¯t feel like you¡¯re going to let me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t. This is my body. I¡¯m only going to call you only when I want you to, and that¡¯s going to be our agreement.¡± ¡°Then let me repeat it. Promise me that you will get stronger, strong enough to save me, and eventually does so. In return, I will not take control over your body without your permission.¡± She nods, ¡°I promise.¡± ¡°Good. Now go become the champion of the golden order.¡± ¡°Divine Order.¡± ¡°Yes that. Heheheh.¡± ¡°Wait, are you the one¡­ who brought me to this world?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°But whoever did have my thanks.¡± Luosa disappear into dust and the dust itself disappear completely. Siola glancing left and right processing the interaction she just had. After outfitting to her old linen clothes. She looks at the two corpses of the dragon and took out her knife. She starts cutting. ¡°Their cores are what I need to rid of these cursed things in my storage.¡± They¡¯re just as big as an ostrich egg. And so, she¡¯s able to put them inside the mini portal. ¡°Quite small in comparison to their size.¡± Her eyes forward and stern. She reaches the door that the two dragons are guarding. Chapter 23 – Apostle of the Divine Order Opening the large gate, inside is a woman tied in place by chains wrapped around her wrists. Voluptuous body and a somewhat muscular feature. She donned sleeveless armor and one can see from her biceps and thighs, that she is a warrior. Her skin is just as light as the wings on her back. Sensing Siola¡¯s presence, she awoke and gaze upon her. ¡°Child of the Order, you have come.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve really¡­ come.¡± ¡°Hurry. Release me. Use her lady¡¯s sacred flame on these chains.¡± Siola grabbed her mace, ¡°I beseech thee, O brilliant light, bestow thy blessing upon this servant, that I may free thy servant.¡± ¡°Sacred Flame.¡± ¡°Ahhh¡­ Bless her lady of light.¡± *Smash* *Smash* The woman staggered but Siola caught her before she fell. ¡°Thank you, Child of the Order.¡± ¡°You have done well to make it this far. Let me conclude my lady¡¯s task¡­ and yours.¡± She stood firmly and took Siola¡¯s hand. ¡°O my Lady of Light, thy servant hast succeeded her duty. Bring forth thine light, for this soul whom forever serve thee.¡± The world turns black and white, however this time, Siola can move and sees it happening. The woman¡¯s wing retracted into her back, the radiant glow from her arms reaching Siola¡¯s hand. Eyes turned golden as the sigil on her forehead evolved. Light comes through the ceiling. ¡°Child. You have proven yourself to me once more.¡± ¡°You have saved my apostle.¡± ¡°The journey of which had taken you to succeed, have moved my heart once again.¡± ¡°Move forward, child. For you are now my champion.¡± ¡°Go forth. You have my blessing.¡± The world returning to life as glitter of sparkles left surrounds. ! {Evolving Class} ! {Blessing Received} Siola brimming with power, her mind now at ease.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Congratulation, child of the order. You are now her lady¡¯s champion. May your path fill by her grace, guided by her blessing.¡± ¡°Thank you. My name is Siola. Siola Mithra.¡± ¡°Krilla Xania at your service.¡± ¡°Now, let us leave this place at once.¡± Siola nods. Ascending to upper floors are much easier in comparison to her descends. Especially now that she has a companion by her side and she¡¯s almost just as strong with her miracles. She can cast the same Sacred Wrath, Divine Smite, and even arts of the divine order. As they walk after the rampage on those poor creatures. ¡°You¡¯re powerful, Madam Krilla. I wonder why you were kept here.¡± ¡°I failed in my duty to subdue the twin dragons. Their lord appears and imprison me.¡± ¡°Dragon lord?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It created this dungeon solely because they could not find a way to shatter the protection of her lady. Thus, I was sealed away.¡± ¡°Our lady has given me a task, to assist you in your journey. Thus, you may simply address me as Krilla or Xania. Whichever you prefer.¡± ¡°And you are powerful yourself, lady Siola.¡± She smiles, slightly blushing, ¡°Thank you.¡± Xania smiles. Upon reaching the first floor and sees that the giant rock lizards have recovered completely. Siola took a step forward and gather the arcane in the surrounding and condense it in between her palms, more and more gathers as she infused her own MP into it as it turns into flame. Now becomes radiant, it condensed even more as she closes her hands together. ¡°Solar Incineration.¡± Fiery light blast through everything in its path, every rock lizard turns into bones as the fire burns brightly. Siola aimed it at every lizard she sees and even the unique one couldn¡¯t do anything. ¡°Maybe¡­ quite more powerful than I expected.¡± Xania catches up to her, ¡°That is the very same power of the twin dragons.¡± ¡°Yes, I obtained it after killing them.¡± ¡°Is that so? How marvelous. Were you not just a paladin before you became her champion?¡± ¡°No, I was a Priest, but I did become a Saint thanks to our lady. And now, I truly am walking with her blessing.¡± {Siola Mithra ¨C Level 384} {HP: Rank D | MP: Rank S++ | SP: Rank S} {Class: Saint of the Divine Order | Ability: [Illuminate], [Restore Vitality], [Heal], [Turn Undead], [Turn Lesser Undead], [Turn Greater Undead], [Holy Light], [Holy Light (Weapon)], [Sacred Flame], [Sacred Flame (Weapon), [Mage Shift], [Shock Lash], [Glimmer Veil], [Ignis Shard], [Dimensional Space], [Abyssal Touch], [Black Nova], [Smite], [Divine Smite], [Purification], [Divine Purification], [Absolution], [Greater Heal], [Mass Heal], [Sanctuary], [Divine Sanctuary], [Sacred Wrath], [Divine Exorcism], [Maradonma], [Light Javelin], [Radiant Javelin], [Blazing Radiance], [Infernal Dawn], [Solar Incineration], [Clairvoyance], [Holy Judgement], [Art of the Divine Order, Holy Spear], [Art of the Divine Order, Sanctified Armor], [Art of the Divine Order, Winged Sanctity], [True Art of the Divine Order, Feathered Guardian], [Law of the Divine Order, Retribution] | Passive: [Dark Immunity], [Dimensional Storage], [Hex Protection], [Divine Power], [Defy Death], [Maradonma], [Light Divinity], [Fire Divinity], [Fire Immunity], [Light Immunity], [Ancient Power], [Champion of the Divine Order], [Death Prevention], [Divine Intervention]} {STR: Rank A | DEX: Rank C | FTH: Rank S+++ | INT: Rank S+} ¡°Becoming her champion is the greatest blessing of all. You must carry it with proud.¡± ¡°No doubt.¡± She smiles. ¡°Still, are there any other like you, Xania?¡± ¡°One who failed from my lady¡¯s task? Not as far as I¡¯m aware.¡± ¡°As the Divine Apostle, I carry the burden of my people alone. Leaving the Divine¡¯s Realm in pursuit of cleansing the wicked beings here on the surface. Until I fell for its wickedness.¡± ¡°I hope that I¡­ will be able to redeem myself, for her lady to receive me once again.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you will, Xania.¡± She smiles, ¡°Thank you.¡± They soon arrive to the surface. Wind blows Xania¡¯s golden white hair. The cold breeze of the morn, the sensation, and the putrid smell of humanoid insect corpses all around her. ¡°These vile abominations.¡± ¡°Ah, my apologies. They guarded this place, so I had no choice but to remove them. Some have fled into the forest.¡± ¡°I see. Hm? Where are your compatriots? Did the church of the order did not accompany you here?¡± ¡°Church of the Order? I¡¯ve never been. Our lady has given me the sight of your whereabouts that was drawn on white rabbits.¡± ¡°Huh? So you¡­ came here alone?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Shocked to her nonchalant answer, ¡°Without the church¡¯s support. Just¡­ how long have I been sealed away.¡± ¡°In my years, ones who are recognized by her lady must be guided and supported for they will become the beacon of hope to our society.¡± ¡°It may still the same, Xania. It just so happens that the blessings granted by our lady was enough for me to complete her task. Anyone can do it.¡± ¡°No, not just anyone. Our lady truly has such a keen sight.¡± She grabbed Siola¡¯s hand and kissed it, ¡°Once again, thank you, lady Siola.¡± Chapter 24 – Hidden Obsession With a smile formed, Siola and Xania walks through the vast landscape and forest to reach Hikanda Town. The latter sees everything and feel somewhat at home. ¡°Not many things have changed through the years.¡± ¡°Just like how you remember?¡± ¡°Different. This place should not exist, yet it feels familiar.¡± ¡°Are we going to the church? We must report the existence of our lady¡¯s champion to the world.¡± ¡°No, we¡¯re going to fetch my¡­ associate, and return home. Speaking of which, are there any other champion of our lady?¡± ¡°Of course, our lady has the power to sustain many. But it doesn¡¯t make one less important than the other.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s good. Means we¡¯re not in a hurry then.¡± ¡°But, Lady Siola. It would be beneficial if the church knows of your status. The vast resource of the Divine Order will be available for you to make use of.¡± ¡°I already have too many resources for me to handle. It¡¯s okay. We can do it at a later time.¡± ¡°Very well, if you insist.¡± The two soon arrives at a pub called Tipsy Goblin. ¡°Tipsy Goblin? What a queer name.¡± ¡°Charming if I say so myself.¡± Upon entering, the place is somewhat empty with a few is having some early lunch. But the woman she¡¯s looking for is not around. So, she heads to the counter. ¡°Excuse me, do you happen to know of Ragna? I was told that she¡¯d be waiting here for me.¡± The man says, ¡°Oh, probably in her room. It¡¯s just the third door right after the stairs.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°You got it.¡± As the two walks upstairs. ¡°This Ragna, why did she not come with you?¡± ¡°Heheh, I insisted on going alone. I can¡¯t have anyone endangered because of my selfish reason.¡± ¡°Hmph, they should be eager to assist in our lady¡¯s task, her champion.¡± ¡°Not everyone would do so simply for the sake of it.¡± Siola knocks on the door, but was given no answer. After three times, she went ahead and open it only to find Ragna with her face on the bed and body on the floor. ¡°Not even bothering to lock it.¡± ¡°Quite a careless one, she is.¡± ¡°Ragna, hello.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Siola want to squeeze underneath her underarm, inhaling the scent of her armpit as she whispers, ¡°Ragna, we got to go home.¡± *Snifffff* ¡°Huh? Ah?¡± ¡°Oh, Siola, you¡¯re back. I was gonna get you cause you took so long, but I guess, I couldn¡¯t help it. Sorry.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, come on. Let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°Urgh, alright. Who¡¯s this?¡± ¡°A friend, come on. Let¡¯s go already.¡± ¡°Okay, okay. Goodness me, since when you¡¯re being so chatty.¡± The trio went to hire a carriage to drive them back to Elara¡¯s mansion. On the road, Siola and Xania stares at the poor sight of Ragna getting a hangover.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Siola cast a sign at her, ¡°Purification.¡± ¡°Ahhh!¡± Her mind clears, ¡°Holy shit.¡± ¡°Mind your words. You are in the presence of her lady¡¯s champion.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, Siola, who is this?!¡± ¡°Xania. Our latest member. She¡¯s the Divine Apostle of the Order.¡± ¡°Indeed, and I am tasked to accompany the champion of the order that is Lady Siola. So, you best behave yourself, you savage.¡± ¡°Champion? Urgh, Vivi told me about this but I forgot what she said.¡± The two continue to chatter despite their aggression to one another. Soon, they arrived at the mansion and Siola sees Elara talking to with Vanya. Both seems to have lively conversation. With Ragna returning to her room, Siola guides Xania to pick a room in the mansion. ¡°You can ask the maid and Faseth the butler if you need something.¡± ¡°This shall suffice for now. Thank you, lady Siola.¡± She nods and suddenly hugs her. Shocked by her action, and yet, Xania remains smiling. Siola returns to her room and change into a more appropriate attire and rest. ¡°Haaahhh¡­ finally.¡± It didn¡¯t take long for her rest to be interrupted by a dream. There she sees familiar faces from her past lives. Families, lovers, acquaintances. But the two who stood out the most to her, is the image of a wild girl with blue eyes and black sclera, the other is a voluptuous woman with sharp eyes and fierce look. Both of their pale skins, Siola in their caress. Her eyes opened with a tear shed. She looks at the window, and it¡¯s bright outside. Yet it¡¯s not from the sun, but the moon. Sighing, she gets off her bed and left her room without changing. Out the front door, she takes a better look at the night sky. Something she has never paid any attention to ever since she came to this world. ¡°Heh, you don¡¯t need a lantern when it¡¯s bright out like this.¡± But there is a lantern lit. It¡¯s Vanya still writing something on a piece of parchment outside of her cabin. She notices Siola approaching and smiles as she prepares a seat next to her. ¡°Thanks, Madam.¡± ¡°Nuh uh.¡± ¡°Ah, I mean, Vanya. Thank you.¡± She smiles as Siola sits, ¡°So, what is it keeping you awake so late?¡± Chuckles, ¡°Just something for Elara, the poor girl has been working way too much. She has that enchanting table you were asking for. It¡¯s there by the basement just besides Lyra.¡± ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll check it out soon.¡± Vanya smiles. ¡°So, how was it? Did you get what you came here for?¡± Siola nods, ¡°I will set out to Clearwater soon and¡­ fix everything.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it. The other you. Elara told me everything about it, but it¡¯s hard for me to believe her words even if it was true.¡± ¡°Why not? She seems like a nice person.¡± ¡°She is.¡± ¡°But I want to hear it from you.¡± ¡°How did it¡­ became like that?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°She first showed up the night I stayed at your house. The next day I just found equipment and items on the side of my bed, and my level rose suddenly.¡± ¡°I believe it¡¯s the belonging of the one called Garan.¡± ¡°That woman. She¡¯s an ex-adventurer, Rank C, I believe. An excellent rogue far as I¡¯ve known but if she came to you. That means¡­¡± ¡°She tried to kill me, and died in the process. I didn¡¯t even get to see her face.¡± ¡°Then, what happened to those people you mentioned in the Clearwater, it¡¯s outside of your control then.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Ever since that night, I have the ability to¡­ switch. Relinquishing control over my body. It helped me in getting out of grave circumstances. I wouldn¡¯t have survived without it.¡± ¡°Siola.¡± ¡°What happened to Clearwater was my fault. It was my choice to let the other me take over. I was tired¡­ afraid.¡± Vanya grabbed on to her hands. ¡°Do not go so hard on yourself. You¡¯ve been working hard the day you knew about it. Delving into dungeons, fight powerful monsters.¡± ¡°Now that you have the power to right your wrong. Don¡¯t let your mistakes drag you down when you can fix it.¡± Nodding as she holds her hand, ¡°Thank you, Ma¡ª Vanya.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯t force you anymore. You can call me however you like.¡± Their eyes locked on to another, their face grew closer and closer, until Siola move hers onward and kiss Vanya¡¯s lips. As their lips part, Vanya was surprised by the taste of it. ¡°Goodness, even though you just brought another woman here.¡± ¡°Ehehe.¡± Siola gaze upon her eyes, ¡°I love you, Madam Vanya.¡± They share each other¡¯s gaze, comfort, and warmth before kissing once more. After her night outing, she went to visit Lyra in the basement. And there, she sees her and Elara talking joyfully. She instinctively hides. ¡°Bwahahaha, you brought that stick into a fight?¡± Elara then says, ¡°W-Well, I thought it had magical properties. When I swing it, I saw leaves blown so it had to be, I thought.¡± ¡°Hahaa, how foolish.¡± The two doesn¡¯t seem to be discussing anything important but that¡¯s the first time Siola hears Lyra laughing while making such joyful expression. She walks in. ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°Hm? Oh, miss Siola. You¡¯re awake.¡± ¡°Look, I managed to obtain the enchanting table you were looking for.¡± ¡°Thank you, I appreciate it.¡± She nods enthusiastically. Holding Lyra¡¯s gaze, ¡°Well then, I shall leave you to it. Until next time then, Madam Lyra.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± After seeing her leaving, Lyra gets back to her alchemy table. ¡°Been busy, are you?¡± ¡°As you can see.¡± Said Lyra coldly. Siola walks up behind her, catching the scent of her back. Caressing the waist gently as she rubs her cheek on Lyra¡¯s back muscles. ¡°I got what we¡¯re looking for. I¡¯m setting out to Clearwater soon, want to come with?¡± Tilting her head, ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°An immortal undead no matter how weak they are, they must be rid of. But considering how many there are¡­¡± Lyra notices Siola¡¯s hands are reaching into her abdomen, ¡°I see you¡¯ve gotten bold.¡± ¡°Heheh, you don¡¯t like it?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Aww. Ever since I healed you that night, no, ever since you showed up in that office and starts threatening me. I feel like you¡¯re exactly the woman I need.¡± Fondling every part of her muscular tummy. She caresses Lyra¡¯s belly button as she inhales the scent of her muscular shoulder. ¡°Empty words.¡± She chuckles, tapping her abdomen once, ¡°See you at the gate.¡± Chapter 25 – Formidable Companions Under the light of the moon, Xania finds Siola by the gate grinning to herself. ¡°It seems that you have well rested. What might have brought you such¡­ satisfaction?¡± ¡°Ah, Xania. What are you doing out here?¡± ¡°The kind lady who called herself Vanya has told me that you are about to venture in expedition of vanquishing undead abomination. As your aid, it is my duty to assist you.¡± ¡°Heheh, a duty I shall not hinder.¡± Xania smiles. ¡°Right, I¡¯ve been curious about something, Xania. If you wouldn¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°Pray tell, my lady.¡± ¡°Before you come to this realm. Do you not have attachment from¡­ home?¡± ¡°Home, my lady? Such a queer concept.¡± ¡°Everywhere I set my foots on, under the guidance of the Lady of Light, it is my home.¡± ¡°What about friends? Family? Lovers?¡± Xania thinks about it for a bit only to smile as she shook her head. ¡°Ever since I came to be, I have always been on our lady¡¯s watchful gaze. Serving under the order and I have never been dissatisfied. Not even once.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The world of the surface was¡­ quite different than what I had imagined. Chaos brewed everywhere. Demons, darkness.¡± ¡°Love.¡± Approaching Siola¡¯s close, ¡°I have received graces of our lady. I can feel her love.¡± ¡°Yet, when human speaks of love. Why does it feel so different?¡± ¡°Why have I never received it?¡± her eyes narrowed down, ¡°Properly.¡± ¡°¡­¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Siola grabbed her hand and enclose it to her palms. Xania tilts her head up to see Siola who is shorter than her. Those hands, caressing hers. She simply smiles, and Xania feels like something washes over her. ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡± Lyra approaches them as she tidies up her armor, ¡°That annoying woman is coming too, huh.¡± ¡°Elf, you will address me as Madame Krilla, nothing more, nothing less.¡± ¡°Heh, yeah right.¡± Xania¡¯s eyes glare fiercely, as if she¡¯s ready to strike any moment. ¡°Huh?!¡± Veins pops on Lyra¡¯s forehead, ¡°What¡¯re you looking at?! You wanna go?!¡± Siola thoughts, ¡®Wish I could¡¯ve gotten a more graceful elf.¡¯ ¡°Go? Well, I might just¡ª.¡± Siola grabbed her muscular arm. ¡°Let¡¯s set out. The faster we get there, the better.¡± She looks at Siola and sigh, ¡°As you say, my lady.¡± Lyra, ¡°We¡¯re going on foot?¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s one carriage left but I figured Elara is going to need it.¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Xania scoffs, ¡°Too lazy to walk a distance? Heh, as expected of you dark elves.¡± ¡°Huh?! What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t your kind love to live under a rock? Or was a it a boulder?¡± Siola puffs her cheek as she thought, ¡®Xania is not what I think she is, right?¡¯ After adjusting her formal attire, she walked out of the gate amidst their heated argument and they soon follow after realizing she has gone. The path towards Clearwater Creek is clear in visibility, but not without danger. Shadowy creatures roam around, they take variety forms and sizes such as canine, reptiles, husk of turbulent wind, and many more scattered through the forests. ¡°Night Terrors.¡± Said Lyra. Xania lowers her gaze to one near, ¡°Lost souls created by the miasma of the demon kin.¡± ¡°Despite their king have been long gone, they still roam the surface.¡± ¡°Pity. They need to be put down, so they can rest eternal.¡± ¡°Heh, at least we can agree on that.¡± Lyra walks onward, ¡°Dark Vision,¡± her blue eyes glows brightly, ¡°Invisibility,¡± her body disappears entirely, ¡°Art of the Mad Dead.¡± ¡°Crucible Black.¡± It took a moment, but then. *BOOOOM* Clashes of trees falling and destroyed. The Night Terrors were slashed and crushed at the same time, more than a hundred disappears within less than 5 seconds. ¡°Impressive.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to know that you have made a formidable ally, my lady.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is something bothering you, my lady?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the name of those creatures. Reminds me of my dream.¡± She glances at her before walking onwards. ¡°I asked you before if you had any Lasting Connections prior to your previous world. I do.¡± ¡°It kept haunting me. Passing time. The more I spent it by walking, the higher the chances of me losing all those memories.¡± ¡°My lady. I believe you shall not worry about such things. Naturally precious memories such as ones that you have will not be easily forgotten. I¡¯m sure of it.¡± ¡°Is that right?¡± Nodding as she smiles. ¡°Speaking of precious memories, you have yet to tell me why you were in such a joyful mood earlier.¡± ¡°Heheh.¡± Siola and Xania soon catches up to Lyra, but she¡¯s there standing still. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°That.¡± ¡°What¡­ is that?¡± In the distance lies a mist. Stillness as it covers a small area. Siola takes a step closer, her eyes narrowed until it is widened. Within the mist lies a humanoid shadow, but then, she heard an oddly familiar faint sound. Chapter 26 – Monster ¡°Get back!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Silhouette of a humanoid creature with a large tail. Faint sound follows whenever it moves. Siola clasp her hands together, and pray, ¡°O Lady of Light, turn thy gaze upon those who defy thee. Let thy wrath descend upon the unworthy¡­¡± Both Lyra and Xania felt sudden chills running down their spine. Lyra took a step to grab Siola¡¯s shoulder but Xania quickly tackles her, but as she saw Xania¡¯s panicked expression, only she knows what is going to happen. ¡°¡­ As I call upon thy name, let thine enemies tremble and fall. Burn them to ash in thy searing light.¡± Xania quickly muttered, ¡°Greater Teleportation.¡± ¡°Holy Judgement.¡± Xania took Lyra further away up in the sky as her golden white wings spread. Her eyes widened as she sees the ground, ¡°Hey!¡± Noticing the wings, ¡°What the hell are you¡ª.¡± But then, searing light appears at the edge of her eye, and as she turns to see it. She sees Siola emitting golden light, so far and wide yet the light reached so close to Lyra¡¯s still. She looks up to the sky, and the unbridled wrath of the heaven descent into the ground. Burning everything in sight in its fiery golden flame. ¡°H-How, no. Why?¡± ¡°Something frightened her.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Xania eyes Siola¡¯s closer despite the distance. Although the miracle Siola has cast covers so much ground. Only the Night Terrors were affected as they were cleansed completely. But the primary target of her miracle, the reason why Siola uses it. It didn¡¯t even graze it. Its mist is completely intact, even when its surrounding is burning. Trembling, her head spinning as sweats started to form. She cast a sign, ¡°L-Law of the Divine¡ª.¡± As she was about to cast her spell, the silhouette of the humanoid figure disappears, and soon, the mist follows. Siola¡¯s eyes look around rapidly, anticipating its next move, but no. It¡¯s gone. ¡°My lady.¡± ¡°Siola.¡± *Pant *Pant Siola struggles to stand, both Lyra and Xania quickly catch her. ¡°Hnngh. Haa¡­ don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t leave me.¡± ¡°We would never.¡± ¡°We¡¯re here, Siola.¡± The two look at each other as they support Siola. Letting her rest by the tree. Left hugging her legs, she¡¯s not as responsive as they are used to. ¡°Well?¡± ¡°We cannot resume our journey without the lady.¡± ¡°Uhuh.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re an angel or something?¡± ¡°No. Although I have been granted the wings of flight, I am a mere servant of the order. Unlike the champion of which can stand beside an angel.¡± ¡°Hunh, champion, huh.¡± ¡°Her growth is unnaturally fast. To think she can use that kind of magic.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Miracles. But yes. It is a power granted by our lady only to select few. Though, it does not come without a cost.¡± ¡°We gotta get your lady get back to her feet soon.¡± ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lyra nudge close to Siola and opens her arm. Letting the scent of her muscular armpit flies. ¡°What a disgraceful sight. Forcing my lady to smell your musk?¡± ¡°Hey, she¡¯s the one who kept asking for it. She likes this kind of thing for some reason.¡± ¡°Lies.¡± Siola took notice of that scent and begins shove her face into Lyra¡¯s underarm. ¡°Wha¡ª.¡± ¡°Okay, just get on with it. We gotta hurry to Clearwater remember?¡± Inhaling her scent deeply. ¡°Wait, my lady! Instead of that musky pit of that dark elf, here. Have mine instead.¡± Xania sits close to her with an arm opens. The buffed muscular feature is similar to Lyra albeit slightly tamer as she has slimmer body. But Siola doesn¡¯t turn it down as she beings to rub her face on the pale white skin of Xania. *Sniffffffff* It¡¯s calmer, fresher, and has more of a sweet scent in comparison. Though, Siola can¡¯t get herself excited enough to let her mind wander. ¡°Thank you, you two.¡± ¡°I just ran out of MP, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Bullshit, but here.¡± Lyra gives her a blue potion. ¡°What was that exactly? Who were you fighting?¡± Siola drank the potion until not a drop left. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But¡­ I saw that thing back when I was escaping Prison Realm. It came out of nowhere before I blanked out.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s trying to kill me¡­ or maybe¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡± Lyra looks at her with concern, ¡°Well, whatever it was. I guess we should avoid it, huh.¡± ¡°Indeed, only Eternals or possibly an Ethereal can survive such miracle. But if that is the case, then you might not have to worry, my lady.¡± ¡°Those who have achieved Eternal or an Ethereal will not be able to harm you.¡± ¡°What¡¯re you talking about Xania?¡± ¡°A being is ranked in order, from Common soul to Gods. You have free reign in the surface world until you reach a Transcendental soul. But beyond it that is an Eternal, its path is a walk towards godhood. One cannot simply do whatever it wants here after reaching it.¡± ¡°And an Ethereal is only a step away from a Demigod. When one reaches that point, they¡¯re in the realm of the gods. And is not allowed to step into the surface world, less the mighty five interfere and punish those souls.¡± ¡°The miracle couldn¡¯t even disperse its clouds.¡± ¡°Eternal and an Ethereal is a being beyond human comprehension. Do not stay in their mist, and you shall not be disturbed by them, for they will not be able to do anything to you then.¡± She nods. Lyra grabs her hand and caresses Siola¡¯s hand and she smiles because of it. Seeing the apparent affection, Xania decided to also hold her hand also. ¡°Heheh, thank you.¡± Siola kisses Xania by the cheek and then Lyra. Both of them shows different expression, but they¡¯re both a pleasant one. Siola hugs them close, feeling their warmth and she blushes in response. They resumed their journey afterwards, reaching Clearwater Creek by dawn. However, they did not expect what they would fine when they get there. Behind the walls, there are smoke. Burned buildings, fire scattered all around. Refugees fleeing for their lives but there are some that have not made it out. The image seared into Xania¡¯s eyes as the scream of the people were heard. ¡°Xania, can you put out the fire?¡± She snapped out of it. Clenching her fist, ¡°Leave it to me, my lady.¡± Wings appeared, she took off into the sky and begin casting water magic to dissipate all the surrounding fire in town. ¡°Lyra watch my back.¡± Nodded. Clasping her hand together, ¡°O¡¯ my Lady of Light, shine your divine light upon me, Grant the gift of vision, that my path may be clear to see. Bless my sight with understanding, and guide me on my way, That I may stay steadfast in purpose, come what may. By your radiant power, may my will remain unwavering and true, may our goal be revealed as we journey through the trials anew. Grant thy servant the courage to persevere, and the wisdom to discern, and when the darkness surrounds us, may your light forever burn.¡± ¡°Clairvoyance.¡± As she tilts her head upward, concentrated beam of light descends from the sky. Hitting the sigil on her forehead and soon, the many visions of those who are in danger, appears. ¡°Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!¡± Her eyes widened to see further ahead. ¡°Art of the Divine Order, Winged Sanctity.¡± Golden particles gather around her back and formed a pair of wings. Siola dashes onward with her feet off the ground. She went in the burning house and flew upwards before descending with a child in her hand. ¡°M-My son!¡± The two reunites, but before she can even take a glance at the savior, she has already left and move on to the next one. Rapidly going from house to houses, Siola fighting against time once more. Saving tens of people from their deaths. It¡¯s like two angels have descended from the heavens. Eventually, she arrives to the last one. A building near the gate, a place she¡¯s familiar with. The barracks. Xania have extinguished the fire, and Siola looks for survivors. Even without her wings, she continues to make haste, and there lies the shoulders on the first floor. The second floor is empty, but there she sees someone familiar coming from the basement. ¡°You,¡± the young guard who have mocked her before, ¡°Quick, sir Pent is¡ª.¡± Hearing that, Siola quickly get over to the basement and she sees Pent stuck in a rubble. ¡°Pent.¡± ¡°Pent!¡± Siola hurries to remove it. With one eye opens, ¡°Ma¡­ Ma¡¯am?¡± Getting him out of it, ¡°Hang in there, Pent!¡± Soon, the flames throughout the entire town have been extinguished. The survivors mourn the death of their relatives, their friends, their families. Cries of fear, cries of sorrow. Panting heavily, Pent looks at his surroundings. The guards groaning in pain from a variety of injuries, to the ones who are gone, and the ones being laid by someone he knows. She approaches him, ¡°Pent.¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­¡± panting, ¡°Thank you. For¡ª.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see Colon or¡­ Oklam. Where are they and what happened here?¡± Panting, he shook his head, ¡°They left for the expedition on the new dungeon, but I don¡¯t know¡ª it¡¯s¡­ it happened so fast.¡± ¡°It was a monster.¡±