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Chapter 450 Steady Climb
🕑 Added 2020-03-10 21:03:21 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all :). Tuesday chapter. Let me know what you think!
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Chapter 450 Steady Climb
Ilea returned to Ravenhall the following morning. This time a little earlier to allow for a nice and extended breakfast as the suns rose over the mountains.
The luxury of a buffet served solely for her on a beautiful terrace certainly made up for the rancid smells and blight in the Karheim dungeon. A quick bath in the lake near the city helped clean off most of the dirt and blood. The ice was gone but the water hadnt been exactly warm. To Ilea, it hardly mattered.
She looked through the steady advancements in her skills with a smile, biting into a croissant.
ding Sentinel Sphere reaches 3rd lvl 13
ding Sentinel Core reaches 3rd lvl 23
ding Azarinth Fighting reaches 3rd lvl 26
ding Azarinth Perception reaches 3rd lvl 12
ding Ashen Wings reaches 3rd lvl 14
ding Eyes of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 7
ding Avatar of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 21
ding Keeper of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 22
Ilea was very much happy with the quick progress in her class skills. The undead was dangerous and quick, his fighting prowess nothing against her healing, defense and regeneration but if she simply let him come and attack, it was enough.
She didnt know how long this would work so well. Even with the high level of the creature, which she estimated to be in the late five hundreds or early six hundreds, at some point her skills would slow down. For now, she could benefit from the obvious experience the creature still retained.
The Vampire she had killed in the Descent really would have been a prime candidate for leveling. That thing could even take all of her attack skills without dying. She could have just returned whenever she had time. That option was gone now.
Ilea didnt regret it exactly, knowing that at the time the class levels had been beneficial. She just had to find an equivalent. The undead was a start but not a replacement.
Could inquire about Vampires. Might be able to find one or the other. Or that Werewolf thing I fought with Edwin and co. Hmm, might not be enough at this point.
She continued eating and read the rest of her notifications.
ding Monster Hunter reaches 2nd lvl 4
ding Arcane Magic Resistance reaches 3rd lvl 12
ding Blight Resistance reaches lvl 7
...
ding Blight Resistance reaches lvl 10
ding Diamond Magic Resistance reaches lvl 10
ding Diamond Magic Resistance reaches lvl 13
ding Emerald Magic Resistance reaches lvl 6
ding Emerald Magic Resistance reaches lvl 9
ding Ruby Magic Resistance reaches lvl 5
ding Ruby Magic Resistance reaches lvl 6
ding Sapphire Magic Resistance reaches lvl 7
ding Sapphire Magic Resistance reaches lvl 9
ding Topaz Magic Resistance reaches lvl 7
ding Topaz Magic Resistance reaches lvl 12
ding Vine Magic Resistance reaches lvl 3
ding Vine Magic Resistance reaches lvl 5
ding Water Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 5
Ilea nodded to herself, happy with the improvements. I hope the Descent repopulates with non corrupted creatures. That would be great for resistance leveling.
She wondered how long she should reasonably stay away from the place. The Ascended might not care to hunt her down but the dungeon itself was something it had considered its territory. Might not be the case anymore with what it did to the metal in the end.
Ilea thought a couple of months would be necessary at the very least. Then she could visit Hallowfort again and get some information from Catelyn. She trusted the Fae to inform the fox of her survival.
She finished the hot chocolate with closed eyes, uncaring of the scathing heat pouring down her throat. Some of it was absorbed by her third tier Heat Resistance to provide some warmth. Heart of Cinder could certainly be used for such a result but Ilea currently didnt have a way to safely get rid of the spell once activated. Sending a beacon of bright energy up into the sky wasnt something on her list. Especially with the flying guards and birds. Killing humans on accident wasnt something out of the question anymore.
She left several gold pieces in exchange for two hundred and ninety silver pieces. The waitress reassured her that payment wasnt necessary but Ilea had already vanished.
Once youre rich and influential, you apparently dont have to pay for anything anymore, she thought with a smirk. As if it was an affront to ask the famous Lilith to pay for services or goods provided. Ridiculous.
Jerry looked relieved when Ilea finally showed up, his expression quickly turning to fear as he approached her.
Whats the matter, Jerry? she asked with a smile, ignoring the looks from dozens of people hanging around in the arena.
Some of them were trailing the attendant but their questions died down as soon as they spotted Ilea.
Ah yes. Greetings, my lady. Erm it seems the session from yesterday has made its round. I am nearly done with categorizing. Claire informed me to lower the rewards from five silver to two per hour. Nobody left at the announcement so I suggest we lower it further tomorrow. Would that be agreeable to you? the attendant explained.
Sure. I trust you two on that so just do what seems appropriate. If possible I suggest we massively increase the reward for new magic provided. Enough to attract Shadows as well, Ilea explained.
By now she had covered herself with ash. The Healer tag was one thing but she didnt exactly want every adventurer in the area to know her face.
Of course. I will discuss the changes. I have listed the main elements for today. Please mark those you do not wish to include, Jerry added and handed her the book he was carrying.
Ilea glanced through, happy to find a few rarer schools. She scratched the ones she already had at the end of the second tier and added a plus to the rare schools. Pay the ones I marked with pluses a little better.
He nodded and took the book back. I will. If I may add another suggestion, he said and waited for her to nod. I suggest we pay those of a higher level with an increased rate. It would both potentially entice some of them to increase their personal power and might attract stronger adventurers.
Sure. We can introduce all that gradually. Its only the second day. Let me know if you have any other suggestions. Discuss them with Claire as well, Ilea said and stepped to the center of the arena, people stepping aside.
One rather large and heavily armored warrior didnt step away.
[Warrior lvl 128]
Excuse me. Thats my spot. Youre here for the magic training? Ilea said.
And you are the one offering it? To level your resistances for sure I cant believe a rogue healer would be involved in such a scam. Oh well when is the noble coming that we will attack? he asked with disinterest, looking past her.
Some of the people cringed back, others just shook their heads.
Ilea noted that most of them didnt care either way. She sighed and casually grabbed the mans arm. She twirled and threw him to the spectator stands, his form crushing several benches in the process.
Shall we begin then? she said and clasped her hands together.
Several hours later, she bid farewell to the large group of adventurers.
The undesirables hasnt been terribly offended when Jerry informed them, merely disappointed that they were not allowed to participate in the lucrative endeavor.
The reduction of the reward proved if anything that the initial sum had been ludicrously high. Only those that had participated on the day prior reacted with more than minor disappointment. Smug more than anything, to have found this gold mine before everybody else.
Ilea questioned their capabilities as adventurers or whatever else they considered themselves to be. There were many ways to increase ones monetary funds, especially if one could hunt and kill monsters.
There were reasons of course, that Shadows were considered the best of the best. Most everyone else would prefer a safe environment to earn gold, pushed to their adventuring ways by lacking opportunities or a youthful spirit that has waned a long time ago.
If only they had more healers to go with them.
She did note that there were few participants younger than herself or even close to her age.
Ilea checked through her messages as she strolled through the city, towards the headquarters of the Sentinels.
ding Blood Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 16
ding Crystal Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 2
ding Crystal Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 3
ding Dark Magic Resistance reaches lvl 16
ding Dark Magic Resistance reaches lvl 17
ding Earth Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 6
ding Heat Resistance reaches 3rd lvl 5
ding Mist Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 11
ding Pain Tolerance reaches 3rd lvl 3
ding Water Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 6
None of her class skills leveled but at least she found Pain Tolerance to be manageable here compared to the blight dungeon.
She didnt turn it off, nor removed the resistance altogether but instead let it help her focus. It was still a painful experience but it let her see the spells move within her sphere, let her try and trace the magic. To understand how it formed, how the projectiles impacted her and how her body regenerated.
Her face had been covered by ash but as soon as the attacks started, it was hardly a necessary precaution. The various explosions of elements both prevented her face from being seen, nor from it actually being present most of the time. The combined effort of around seventy mages of various levels proved enough to at least injure her with her resistances and armor deactivated.
So far it kind of came as a surprise that none of them had any new magic to show her. Ilea hoped the increasing rewards for special abilities would be fruitful. She doubted her current skill set already protected her from every adventurer out there.
She reached the headquarters and opened the door, feeling the magic of several enchantments dissipate as soon as she channeled her mana into the entrance. It fell back into place behind her, the defensive magic activating once more.
Fascinating, she thought, once more joyous to have employed the smiths daughter into her organization. Her potential would have been wasted most everywhere else.
Swords and armor when she can work on teleportation and defensive structures, she thought and smirked.
Ilea waved at Aki who sped out from one of the entrances, checking on the commotion he had either felt or had been informed of by one of the enchantments.
Greetings, she sent through the mind magic she had gotten from her third tier resistance.
What? How did you do that?! the dagger turned Taleen machine asked in confusion.
Secret, she sent.
You defy logic, Ilea. Welcome back. You are early, he said as his eyes glowed a bright green.
Ilea smiled, thinking of the Praetorians and the danger they had posed. By now she was eager to fight some of them alone. Not that it would prove to be lucrative for her but after the Ascended, she was definitely interested in smashing her old nemesis. Just to feel a little better a little more in control perhaps.
Says the sentient dagger controlling a Taleen war machine. I am neither early nor am I late. Lilith always arrives on time or something like that, she said and remembered her light staff too late. Not that Aki would get the reference anyway.
Still clinging to your otherworldly references, I see. It is good to know that at least your mind has not changed too much, Aki said and turned back to the stairwells.
Whats the point of life if you are not having fun? she asked and followed the machine. Im here to see Orthan and Iana. Do you know where I can find the former?
Aki nearly glided down the stairs with lethal precision, his six legs in perfect control. He is teaching a class at the moment. I shall take over if you wish.
You have improved considerably, even though your level remains the same. I hope my display didnt dishearten you too much, she said.
The machine turned its head to look at her. I appreciate that you worry about me but remember, I have been a dagger for millennia. It still fills me with joy to finally have a body to move around in, especially one so powerful. My debt to you is immense and while it is disappointing to see that the gap between us has increased instead of lessened, if anything it makes me proud. To have been owned by you. And to serve you now, in this new form I have taken.
Ilea tilted her head to the side. Feels like you changed your tone as well. Wheres the snark? she laughed.
The machine laughed as well, the sound unnerving and unnatural. This body provides me with ambient mana I have found my mind is more stable than before less inclined to shift to better suit my wielder. I appreciate the sarcasm you have bestowed on me but find it rarely useful when teaching inexperienced students, he said.
I see. Its good to know youre finding yourself. Maybe you could write a biography about your life at some point. Coming of age of a Taleen war machine. Bet it would sell. Also yes to your earlier question, Id appreciate talking to Orthan now, she said.
My sword arms arent particularly suitable for writing. Perhaps I could find a large rock to carve my story into? he asked in a dry tone, confirming that the Aki she knew was still somewhere in there.
He led her to the fourth floor down where several training halls were located.
She stopped him before he entered. Aki, just to make sure. You dont have to serve me and just because you have this body now, I dont think of it as a debt. Just a favor for a friend. If you wish to pursue your own adventures or endeavors, you are free to do so.
His eyes glowed a little brighter. As always. Too kind for your own good. As I said, I like it here. Very much so. Should I ever wish for something else, I shall talk to Trian about it. I consider myself a Sentinel as much as everybody else here. Do not mistake my devotion for obligation. I have seen and judged you with my own mind. I choose to serve you, Ilea.
She sighed and nodded.
The machine laughed again. Still that uncomfortable with praise and loyalty? You should get used to it. The way your students think of you will soon be revealed, when their fear and respect is overcome with sheer reverence.
Oh god, please no, she whispered and watched him enter the hall.
There is no god, he whispered back in a menacing voice.
Orthan joined her a minute later, closing the large wooden double doors behind him.
She could see some of the students trying to glance out.
More rumors to the pile, she thought, unsure if Maro would remain the only one to form a cult in Ravenhall. Too much familiarity and I will be expected to stay too much mystery and I will become a myth.
You seem in turmoil. Greetings, Ilea. Or should I say Lilith? the old man said. His age didnt show in his movements or the way he held himself. A dangerous senior for sure.
Whatever you prefer, Orthan. I have been thinking but that is a battle for myself alone, she said with a chuckle and walked back to the stairwells, sitting down on them.
The man surprisingly followed suit, sitting down next to her with a sigh. What can I do for you then?
She felt the distress slowly grow within him through her sphere and wasnt exactly sure where it came from.
I can feel your fear, she said in a voice as deep as she could manage before she laughed. Sorry, that was weird. Seriously, theres no reason to be distressed.
His eyes opened wide as his heart rate accelerated. He calmed down again in a few seconds. You can peer into the mind? Or have my abilities to hide my emotions truly deteriorated that much?
I can perceive a general feeling of distress. This concerns your abilities and a few suggestions and requests I have, she replied.
He nodded. I had feared you wished me removed from the Sentinels, he said and smiled.
Trian trusts you and I have no reason to doubt him, Ilea said.
I see. He is a good man. I truly enjoy being a teacher, especially in an organization as prominent as this one. I assure you that my experience is worth your while, he said. So what is it that I can help you with?
Ilea nodded and leaned back. Im sure youre doing a great job. There are two main things youre a bone mage, right?
He nodded. Bone and blood magic are my main tools, yes.
Thats good. I thought about potentially supplying the students with bone armor. Maybe mixed with metal but Im not entirely sure yet. Can you shape bone? she asked.
His eyebrows quirked up as he considered. It is unusual. Bone is rather sturdy just not easy to come by. Its various uses in alchemy and other sectors often make it less profitable to sell to the few armorers that are interested.
I doubt my capabilities are enough to produce full fledged armor but perhaps if I work together with a smith or leatherworker, we could figure something out. Metal is easier to come by however, especially if you are looking for a uniform design, he explained.
I see, Ilea nodded. I can regrow my bones so I thought mine might be suitable. They lose a lot of resilience once removed from my body but I suppose theyre still much stronger than much of the nearby wildlife could provide.
The man looked at her before he started cackling, turning into a cough before he calmed himself. To think I challenged you on our first meeting I thank you for your mercy. It may be possible. With enough bone we could outfit everyone, he said and nodded.
Comments
Thaabit Rivertree
Bone armor made out of Ilea's actual bones? That actually truly creeps me out. A pretty wild calling card to the other healing orders though. Ilea protects her sentinels in spirit and in bone, and if you piss her off enough the rest of her might show up, too. I wouldn't want to f*** with that lady.
Like i said before its not that i do not agree with you but be real men, she is a fighting junkie not insane. She just survived the fight when she was ready to die, she do not want to go north, it was not said to face but it is clear she needs some time to herself. And as for the requirement for next class by qouting you ".. lets be real" : how many good classes have you saw that had only the killing of ONE strong enemy as a requirement?? Getting a lot of other skills is clearly one of her best strengths. And you forget she right now have a very important purpose: Getting void and blood magic resistance to 3rd lvl. She is just waiting for nobles to take a bite for her training. It will be much simpler then going exploring and looking for void and blood enemies. They arent so numerous. As for saying the third class is soo close be real, she even said time magic hunds from descend started to give her low exp. Imagine how many miststalkers or crows she would need to kill to get these last few lvl. The only good place would be descent, or maybe tremor with soul rippers IF she could kill them, otherwise these only few lvl would be veeery long grind.
Mr. Bigglesworth
@Todd: Third class is a crapshoot, would you rather grind hopefully, or with purpose? Without knowing what the third class she gets is, or what it gives here, her current methodology is a contradiction to the entire previous method she's employed in the storyline. @Tytus: Not as strong isn't the same as weak, please don't confuse the 2. Her current 2 primary classes synchronize to insane levels, and taking them as a measure of 'strong' is ludicrous. As already evidenced by the conversation with Clair and Trian, a third class is a crapshoot. Yes, I understand the constant "she's doing it to get a better shot at a third class"...but let's be real. If killing an Elemental wasn't enough for a 'good' third class no amount of playing with legos, eg. ??? Gem Sorcerers or Golems is going to do diddly. Any argument to 'train' with the current piddling enemies can be applied to doing the same with Miststalkers, there is quite literally no excuse not to level to 350, get her third class, and plan from there. Right now she is essentially gambling instead of doing what she has done constantly, planning a route to success with information and killing everything in the way of it.
MountainFox
Her current goal is to get as many skill levels up before hitting 350 as possible. Fighting strong monsters from the start runs counter to that goal. Combined with her trauma from the Ascended, she's taking a break leveling her minions in her free time.
Mr. Bigglesworth
Safe and stable leveling does not match the image of Ilea I have developed in the last 450 chapters to be honest...
Tsaimath
I have a feeling she'll supply ecerything but her skull to them. And now I have the mental image of her, in a warehouse, decapitating herself again and again, stacking her own bodies, while her students watch.
Beeees!
She should just go for the femurs, densest/biggest bone we got. Plus the other leg bones add a good bit
Tim Deral
Great chapter!
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
just_a_potato
The children of Lilith, wearing her bones and healing the masses. Sounds like a legend and a class/classes in the making.
Arnon Parenti
Founder's Bones should become their most common expletive. Founder's Bones what have we done? founder's Bones this cannot be. do you swear on your founder's Bones? by founder's Bones this is horrible...
Chopper
Should be [Glorious Bones of the Ashen Healer - Relic, Divine Quality]
Chopper
In the past she often cleaned herself with ash, but I suspect its like wiping your ass with toilet paper. Cleaning something properly without water is hard.
Chopper
Ilea could surely survive in space for several minutes, but I doubt she'll be going warp 9 anytime soon.
David Cohen
I thought I remember her thing of making armor out of her own bones......but not for everyone....ouch
Stephen Weinberg
+1 this was the line where I started to get disturbed. I ignored her donating he body to *ahem* science. But this is just creepy to me. Wait, how many times has she donated her body? It is either once or twice. I am not counting the time she gave a couple arms to the blood monster thing. That was cool.
Stephen Weinberg
It became tier 3 when she survived days of torture at the hands of Baron Violence (used up the mana in the dungeon by having the Fae damage her body and soul).
Albedo's Ahoge
Is it really necessary to have self mutilation for the benefit of others? I understand the need to self harm for resistance training but don't see this as necessary. Going in this direction, it is likely to result in a cult worshipping Ilea.
Phaeth
Where's this Lillith I keep hearing about? - We're wearing her.
Robert Mullins
Hell, it could be considered their "formal Wear" since the armor from ileas bones should be much better than theors. Unless their classes provide bonuses for wearing armor made from yourself, which might be an option and would actually probably fit in well with the theme she's going for here.
Robert Mullins
I suspect ileas bone armor will start a trend one day among the students as they progress their training and enhance their survivability and healing capabilities. I could easily see armor made from your own corpse being a status symbol in the group. A natural ranking system among members coming about as members grow stronger. Sample rank names to set the point Novice, no self made armor Apprentice, own limbs for grieves/vambraces/gloves Expert, own torso for chest piece Master, own head for helmet
Solarlancer
read the comment before
When did Pain Tolerance reach 3rd tier?
Alexander Dupree
She should just drape her skin over them to wear. She would make good armor.
Robert Mullins
Yup. Go back to when the fae drained the magic into her. Due to the achievement of going through that process she earned pain tier 3 without requiring a skill point.
Samuel Johansson
There might be a mistake with pain tolerance, it hasnt become Tier 3 yet, right?
Robert Mullins
I suspect that once you hit tier 3 even with the resistances turned off the sheer amount of total damage required to bump you up a level makes it difficult for the mostly/entirely sub 200 groups she was training with.
Robert Mullins
There was an update a while back that made it so certain aspects of her resistances actually stick after the bones are removed from her body. Things like heat tier 2 not melting as easy, Earth tier 2 being sturdier, ice tier 2 resistant to freezing, etc. Frankly I was hoping for something like this ever since the update was put out. I just assumed the bone armor would be for her. I actually like this better.
SoggyBiscuit
Eh, I'm guessing her stay in the south wouldn't probably take more than two months, maybe two and a half, so she should be able to meet the deadline. I mean, if she gets a couple of levels in each resistance each and every day most of them would reach the end of second tier fairly quickly, and getting a few more general skills probably wouldn't be too much of a hassle with her high stats. IMO, when she shows up to the next meeting with the elves she will have her third class.
she's going to bring down the economy haha
M. Gunnarsson
HAH. FINALLY, THE DAY HAS COME WHEN ILEA OUTFITS THE KIDDOS IN THE PIECES OF HER STILL-LIVING CORPSE
Michael C
Training. She uses her ash arms to slice off her arms and legs. They are given to 4 students to use skills to remove bones.. 4 students try to heal a different missing limb on her body. Bones are turned into armor and weapins, they are enchanted. I imagine an assembly line while Ilea uses as limbs to eat or while she meditates or reads. Lol
Michael C
Shut the fuuuk.up and take my money. Take it. Take all my monies. God I love this story.
自由
Nice. the chapter seemed pretty long. Considering that she has the new skill which increases resistance leveling speed her session in the arena seems to have been ineffective, but maybe the attackers were just too weak.
Max Scherer
Ahh i love these chaoters. These are the reason i love this story, because she mingles with other people and it is everytime fun to read how they react to her insanity XD And Ilea is becoming a fae with her one words mental answers^^
Dax
[Ilea Bone Sentinel Armour - Rare Timeless Quality]
Bobby B.
*Nathan explosion* FKN BRUTAL
Garend
Wait, what? Most of her resilience is provided by magic enhancement that wouldn't be active when in a dead form. Magical beast bones would still be much better- a level 600 hundred Wyvern would make for some great bone armour.
Michael C
Start of the chapter talks about her being dirty and needing a bath in the river. I would thi k her ash skills are good enough to clean her up. You could even remind readers she lets the attacks hit skin so thats why she needed water to get clean. But i would.think ash could do it.
Atlas Dwarf
Given the kind of people the Sentinels will attract it'll probably become a fashion trend to wear gear made from each others flesh and bone.
opunk
yay! infinite resources.
Nodlehs
Can't wait for her to supply her Sentinels with armor made from her own bones :)
Solyom
Yeah, I found it:
Solyom
Wait a minute... Didn't the second tier of Death Magic Resistance make her bones unusable by bone mages? I seem to recall something like that
Johannes Sauer
There is one thing i dislike about Harthane. He makes it hard to find author that are his equal. And destroys my reading experience of other series. Im realy happy with the balance of teaching and grinding that is being held.
Another wild chapter appears and I'm so glad that patreon send me an email Hahahaha! Thank you very much for the chapter!
Sean Ulrich
Woot!
Caanbo
Do you guy thing Ilea might go to space at some point . travel through the stars without spaceship 🚀. Since aliens have visited this planet you know.
Dominic French
Awesome chapter, but regarding her the north didn't she tell Elfie that she would introduce him to the elves she found in less than three months
Nibbles
Thank you very much that was an enjoyable read.
Tron
You made my day. Thanks for the chapter G. 👍
Han Pol
Thanks for the interesting chapter, this gives me the hopefully not unreasonable hope that we get maybe slightly more chapters after the training week. Not that you need to push yourself, you are the most reliable author for web novels I ever followed.
Kris
Thanks for the chapter. Was a nice unexpected surprise
Azareck
Giving them armor made of your bones is totally not going to start a cult.
The end got me 😂 didn't think of the posibility before, i wait for the rection people will have if they know from where the bones come
Ryan Frank
Holy shit that is fucking METAL Ilea. Love it!
Davvy chappie
Thanks
Sebastian Prue
Thank you for the chapter!
Caanbo
Wow I did not expect chapter today
Yay!
