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Chapter 336 Revelations
🕑 Added 2019-10-24 18:47:46 +0000 UTCAuthor's note October 24th: Hey all! Sorry for the late post, was in the train most of the day. Let me know what you think! I couldn't check out the comments yet to the last chapters but will do so tomorrow :). More hopefully on Saturday.
Thanks and a good day to you all!
Chapter 336 Revelations
The reactions were different, Dagon giving her a knowing smirk when she entered his library. Elise rushed in for a hug, overjoyed that she had survived. I thought you were lost for sure. Even Verena showed up before you. The woman said.
Level three hundred? Dagon asked, Ilea nodding with a smirk of her own, the man making a fist as he rejoiced. You have to share everything with me. He said, Finally, someone who doesnt want to hoard everything they find has come to such power.
Sulivhaan appeared a moment later, glancing at Ilea. He wore his black robe and mask as always, clasping his hands together in front of him, And so she surpasses the masters. Marvelous. He bowed lightly, Ilea copying the gesture as she walked over to Dagons chair and sat down. The leadership of the Hand answers to you, it seems. He added, looking over at Claire who just entered and closed the door behind her. The woman had brought Cless to her class beforehand.
Enchantments are in place, the door is locked. Claire said right after Trian had appeared near her. She summoned herself a comfortable arm chair before sitting down. A small table, bottle of wine and a glass appeared as well.
Ilea ignored it, looking at Trian instead, the lightning mage having cut down on his over designed clothing, wearing a black vest over a doublet of the same color. Embroideries in red had been weaved into parts of the doublet, a black leather belt holding up his pants. He was shaved, his brown hair styled and a little longer than he had worn it a year ago. All in all, a good look. You look good. She said, the man bowing lightly.
Thank you. Fierce and powerful, more so than ever before. He replied, Ilea pretty sure it was her he was talking about. He appeared in front of her and grabbed her hand before letting go and hugging her, patting her back, Im glad youre alive. The paintings sometimes made it hard to tell.
He let go and smiled, Welcome back.
Ilea insisted that nobody interrupt her, Dagon and Elise to write down what she shared. Her revelations about Niivalyr and the elven hunters as well as their war against the machines was the first topic, already too many interruptions for her to continue. She simply stopped talking, waiting for them to calm down, their discussions shelved until the continued, insisting that they should hear everything before coming to conclusions.
She went on to talk about the north itself, the storms, the Dark Ones as well as the Feynor and their war. The possible danger of them coming south and preying upon humans. Her leveling process and three hundred evolution was next. Not much that would help out others but Dagon was bombarding her with questions, gleeful at every little bit she shared. The last part she talked about was the supposed third sun and the implications that came with it.
When she finally stopped talking, she handed the transcribed notebook of the Legate Guardian to Dagon. With all the questions they had during her talk, a heavy silence fell upon the group when Ilea was finally open for questions.
Elise was the first to talk, There was a woman working in the library of souls she constantly looked for records on the stars, their alignment as well as folklore about their shifts. I remember she talked about a missing sun, how many old stories talked about it but nothing official, just obscure tales from villages, never written down or shared with outsiders until her employed agents specifically asked for them.
Its impossible to hide something like that. Dagon commented, shaking his head as he looked at the woman. Such a massive event, to even transform the lands of whole kingdoms into the chaotic north.
Sulivhaan spoke up, It is hard to believe such an event would be lost throughout time, not without help.
You believe the records were destroyed on purpose? Dagon asked.
We all know Ilea is trustworthy, to a degree where I would believe her if she told me I was an undead dragon. Sulivhaan said, Ilea a little confused as to how she inspired such trust, Combined with the records, Elises friend in the library of souls, the north we must assume someone wanted that knowledge to be gone. If they even managed to infiltrate the Hands records ,
I would still like to hear the necromancer kings testimony. Dagon said, I trust you, Ilea but it has been a year. There is no telling if you have changed or if youre influenced by something or someone.
She nodded, A valid assumption. We already have some theories but nothing reasonable. The problem we have with a natural occurrence is that the human plains were somehow unaffected by it all.
Who says it was? We dont know about the event, perhaps records of how the lands here were before were changes or destroyed as well. Trian said, Do we have a clue when this happened?
Ilea shook her head, No, likely at least two thousand years ago but it could just as much be ten thousand or a million. I just deliver the information I have, you lot can think it over.
Sulivhaan nodded, If there was a force trying to remove the records, then we have to assume they are still around. This is sensitive information were dealing with here, even if all of it is a theory still.
Dagon laughed and rubbed his hands, Finally, something more interesting than this bloody war.
As to the revelations about the Elves. Sulivhaan said and paced through the room, They confirm some of our theories. It is good to hear there was no outright war, despite the numbers and their efforts. Until we know the goals of the oracles we cannot prepare accordingly but at least with them dealing with the Taleen, they will be too busy to look our way.
I dont think the oracles consider the machines a threat at all. Trian said, If what this Niivalyr said is true then the whole splinter force of the Cerithil Hunters formed and operates precisely because the oracles are not doing anything about the problem.
Elise nodded, Either there is a bigger goal or threat around or they simply dont consider the death of their population to be an issue at all.
Ilea weighed in with her opinion, Its possible their goals arent based on any human interests. The way they talked about them, the oracles are quite different from the elven males. Even with every female being an oracle automatically, Id have to meet one to find out more.
Sulivhaan chuckled, Truly, a mission worthy of the Shadows Hand. He mused, The plans to reclaim the western cities can likely be approved then. Probably the coordinated plans of an overzealous elven youth compared to the war efforts of their leadership we assumed it to be initially.
It could still have been a goal of the oracles. Dagon said.
Then Riverwatch and Dawntree would be destroyed by now too but their aggression stopped. Elise suggested, the man nodding as he reconsidered.
I suppose we should worry about the Feynor more than the elves, their claim of superiority and aggressive invasion and extermination will surely apply to humans as well. Sulivhaan said.
Or we lead them to attack the elves. Claire suggested.
Ilea shook her head and looked at her, One of them will win eventually if that happens. It makes more sense to side with one. If war truly is inevitable.
You suggest siding with elves? Sulivhaan hissed, magical pressure felt from him. The rest of the people sat up, ready to defend themselves. The man was by far the highest leveled mage in the room, except for Ilea of course, who remained casual. They slaughtered thousands!
How many humans have you slaughtered, Sulivhaan? Ilea asked, Trian glancing at her and then the mage, How many have I killed? How many humans have died in the war raging over the empire right now? She stood up and walked towards him, ash forming around her, writhing as she felt the gravity increase around her, Ilea unbothered by the thrumming magic, How many suffer and die because we enslave our own people? She tapped his chest with a finger, her ash vanishing as she turned around and walked back, his magic pressure gone as well.
She could feel the tense atmosphere in the room, not only through her sphere, I dont know what the fuck the oracles are doing and the elves attacking humans are obviously our enemy. Yet there are those capable of thoughts beyond a murdering psychopaths. The Dark Ones as well as the Cerithil hunters could be valuable allies, against our elven enemies but just as much against our human ones.
The man ground his teeth behind his mask but didnt reply. I understand that you fought them for decades and that isnt going to stop. If the oracles are the cause or some upstart male from the southern domains, perhaps helping the Cerithil Hunters gain influence would win the possibly coming war before it even starts. Instead of reacting only, watching them slaughter whole cities. The elves or the Taleen machines will prevail at one point or another and then they will look elsewhere. We can either wait for that to happen or try to join the game. Ilea expanded.
I cant. Sulivhaan said simply. I wont associate with them, never.
Then dont. As far as I could tell, in their society fighting and killing each other is not only encouraged but glorified. While you slaughter each other, more reasonable people and elves could work on possible deals. Ilea said.
We are all your friends, Ilea. Indebted to you in different ways, sure but you are not the queen of Ravenhall, or the Hand. Dagon said. Even if you were, you overestimate the influence we have on the empire, let alone the kingdoms surrounding it or the independent cities of the west.
She smiled, Im not, nor do I want to be, Dagon. Im just a fast-food worker from Earth, I take orders and work the cash register. Some of them raised their eyebrows at that, Im a realm traveler that found herself in this fucked up land. Yet here I could gain power, enough to bring together the leaders of the most feared order humanity has to offer. I dont want to force anything on you Sulivhaan, Dagon. I guess Im a little old fashioned but if I can use this power to make peoples lives less shit, I will. She paused, hoping that everyone was on the same page by now, Economic growth, more powerful adventurers, research and knowledge. Ravenhall is already miles ahead of others and I dont think any of you will want to just stop there. While everyone else slaughters each other, holding on to whatever wealth they acquired, whatever views they fostered in the decades of their lives, She paused, Maybe we can try to learn from the ancient Dark Ones, Elves, Dwarfs and Demons. I already have some ideas from Earth that could be implemented and Im sure there are people from other realms around that could offer insights as well.
Claire started laughing, standing up before she clapped Sulivhaans back, Dagon, maybe you shouldnt underestimate the influence we already have on the empire. Sulivhaan, didnt you push a favorable contract on them, making us mostly independent? Our members are valuable assets of humanity, we crushed the demons that took over the city, thousands of them. I think the least we can do is try. If we can make Ravenhall and the Hand more powerful, whats the harm in considering other species as allies?
Sulivhaan shook his head, Even if we considered it, trying to establish contact is impossible. Ilea went to the north but even I wouldnt consider it. The elves kill on sight, Ive seen it too many times.
Claire smiled, We should focus on Ravenhall first, see where the war will go as we grow. Ilea knows an elf personally, as well as Dark Ones in the north. The distance is a problem and I have to inform you Ilea, that Christopher hasnt had a breakthrough either.
Ilea raised an eyebrow and smirked but didnt say anything, Claire squinting her eyes but not saying anything either. We knew the forces of the world wouldnt play with us in consideration. Sulivhaan said, You brought us valuable information and for that I thank you. More than trying to make Ravenhall and the Hand more efficient and powerful, I cant promise anything else.
I dont want anything else. Ilea said, Youre all people I trust and youre all capable in your own fields and abilities. Ill provide what I can and you do what you can. All I ask is that you keep an open mind, the world is bigger than the human plains.
It certainly is. Trian said and chuckled, Ill help where I can, to make peoples lives less shitty, as you so eloquently put.
You pretty much own me anyway. Claire said and sat back down, summoning another bottle of wine, I will defend Ravenhall with my life and the people within it too. Perhaps it really was time for the Shadows Hand to have a more active leadership.
Elise smiled, We are all already doing what we can. I guess some aspects will have to be reworked thanks to the new insights our healer has brought to the table. I will try to get in contact with Jasmine again should the capital breaks out finally.
It is reassuring to hear that Elder Lucas approves of us as well. Sulivhaan said, his voice much warmer than before, I suppose with Verenas and his trust, we can continue work on the broader plans.
And what are those exactly? Ilea asked.
Sulivhaan looked at Claire, the woman raising her glass. Dagon nodded as well when he looked his way, We plan to take over Ravenhall completely, declare independence upon the wars end. Contracts and deals are already drafted for each of the possible winners. Either had massive losses both in people and resources, it is likely they will agree to our terms.
He looked at her, We plan to expand over the southern mountains and use the geography as a deterrent to possible enemies. Access to the ocean, the southern desert and of course Eregars Haven will provide all we will ever need. Ravenhall itself is mostly owned by the Hand at this point, only one unknown private investor holding around forty percent of the citys assets remains but we will buy whatever we can back from them as soon as Claire has found them. He looked towards Claire who poured herself another glass.
Ive found them actually. She calls herself Lilith. Claire said, the man taking a step closer.
Finally. Did you initiate contact? He asked.
Ilea shook her head and chuckled, Claire pointing at her, I wanted to keep it a secret until the end of the war but I guess now is just as well. You can ask her if shes willing to sell.
Sulivhaan turned, Dagon getting up and nearly toppling his desk, You , He said, the librarian laughing before Sulivhaan too at least chuckled.
I suppose we could offer her a seat in the council. Claire suggested. Trian gave a nod, as did Elise.
Dagon smiled, Well, if I know her at all, shes going to be gone most of the time anyway.
Know that we all have a veto on decisions. Elven cooperation included. Sulivhaan warned.
Ilea shrugged, I doubt anything will come up in the next decade. I will keep my investments privately and have no obligations.
Your obligation is to get powerful enough to be a deterrent to possible enemies. Claire said, already drafting a contract on her lap, Scout of Ravenhall? Sulivhaan is already responsible for foreign affairs.
Not for other species. The gravity mage said. I refuse to deal with elves.
How about Sentinel of Ravenhall? Ilea asked with a smile, musing with the idea of becoming the nuclear bomb to bring peace.
A bit much. Trian said while chuckling.
Claire scribbled some more, Sure, we all get to chose our titles I guess. Sentinel seems fitting too, with your newly found power. We will have to find a way to call for you if we need help. Ill try to figure something out.
Ilea took the paper Claire handed to her and read through it. She would become part of the council, the governing and pretty much all powerful leaders of Ravenhall. An autocracy basically. She would have to suggest some changes once they had independence. It certainly was a step in the right direction to separate from the empire. Not because they did anything inherently wrong but like this she had much more influence on decisions and knew as well as trusted the people in charge. She had no idea who led the empire. There were some general laws and goals listed, all more or less aligning with her own world view.
She signed it with her mana and a pen before handing it back to Claire, the woman making the paper vanish, Is it too early to suggest some changes? Ilea asked.
The others looked around, There is a whole book full of laws that we worked out already. Whats the general gist of your ideas? Claire asked, her pen ready on a new sheet of paper.
Education for everyone, provided by the city. Basic gear for everyone who wants to become an adventurer. No slavery but I hope thats in there already. Health care for everyone as well as a place to live for those unable to afford it. She quickly listed the things coming to her mind.
Claire tapped her pen on the armchair, Education is provided, as is lodging. Im not sure what you mean by Health Care. No healing order is currently represented in Ravenhall, mostly due to the demon connection. Slavery is not allowed obviously. As for the gear the guard as well as the shadow guard provides recruits but it would take quite a lot of gold and time to have the gear for what you ask.
Ilea smiled, touching the bracelet on her arm, I possibly have some solutions to offer.
Comments
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Describing the grind gives a more tangible feel for growth in power. The enemies become a benchmark for progress where higher stats and skills are rather meaningless on their own. That one hit KO on a level 300 knight shows a huge difference, but fighting them over time showed more gradual changes. Slower growth is important to avoid DBZ style escalation.
Lomie0
Ilea is more like a twitch viewer who likes watching RTS, she funds Claire to support her as she plays XD
L Pedersen
Lucas can't know for sure? The sun and the change might not be connected? They're got more questions than answers and it'll all conjecture at this point.
Todd Kloos
Elder Lucas said that the changr in the north happened between 2000 and 4000 years ago. Why is Ilea now saying that it might be 10,000 or 1 million?
ShadeByTheSea
not yet as far as i can tell
tibbish
Delcisiouso succullent COMMUNISM *omomnomnom*
tibbish
Oh they know the empire won't react well. The thing is the empire will have shot its wad saving itself from invasion so it can't really do anything about it. At least not in the short term. Given a decade or 2 to recover the empire might decide to wage war to pull Ravenhall back into the fold. Ravenhall will be stronger by then though too.
Songy
We'll learn of it eventually. Most likely after the two of them destroyed a mountain or two during their inevitable bout.
Todd Kloos
Her suggestions are pretty reasonable, providing housing and healthcare to everyone is a lot easier when you can use magic. Giving away free gear might not be sustainable, but lending cheap gear (or even providing training) to new adventurers isn't that difficult. If the mortality rate isn't too high and you are powerful enough to collect on debts it might even make a profit.
Todd Kloos
It seems like becoming an actual country instead of an independent mercenary group might cause a lot of problems for their mercenary business. It also seems like declaring independence from the Empire might start a war with said empire. I'm surprised that no one seems too concerned about these potential problems, especially since I don't think any of them understand imperial politics well enough to know how the Empire of Lys will react.
Todd Kloos
So did she give Clair the Taleen gate key or show her the runes for the Fountain of Clarity?
tibbish
The table would probably break with just the weight of the gold but yeah would be fun to see their reactions
Arnon Parenti
Yay looking forward to loot chapter
carebear90
I think, the reaction to her being a "Realm Traveler" is a bit lacking...
carebear90
Does it really matter as long as it's pure enough?
Lomie0
They had 0 reason to think Ilea would have had enough gold to fund such a thing. Trian of course knew she used that alias, but the joke was just too good to blow early.
Manamaw
More reactions to diffrent events and details would have been nice, mabye you could work into a conversation they have later about all of this. On the other hand more time spent on recapping what happend would have not been good either
Silver Beard
One detail- minor; but how is all the gold from Rhydor stamped? Size, shape, etc... still the same piece of gold after 3K years or whatever?
Grond (James)
How did the council not notice that the owner of all of those establishments was named Lilith, when in the previous chapter they said that establishments owned by Lilith were well known as fair and reputable.
Rip Woodham
I could wish for more reactions and specific telling, but really enjoyed this release. I will say about the Elves though..... c'mon, she's right but it's not the same. They were eating women and children. And Ilea's suggestions would be absolutely laughable without her money dumps, and even with, but whatever, it's fantasy. ;-) Other than that her arguments were good and it will be nice to see humanity moving in the direction she laid out under the hand of the Hand!
Bobby B.
*sniff sniff* Smells.... like COMMUNISM to me
Rip Woodham
It was good overall, but people like reactions..... I wish it was broken up more, so we could see how things were told or at least what kind of responses they got.
agentjongon
So nobody else is wondering how Verana got back from the demon realm?!!
Tommy Littlefield
Thanks dope chapters
sharkattack
I honestly wouldn't mind a part 2 from another character's POV
L Pedersen
We're in no position to make demands. We have nothing to negotiate with.
searchnresqtoo
You were Two (2) hours late today... So I expect 200!!! extra chapters on Saturday to make up for it. ~,o Hmmm... perhaps you should be late with releases more often.
Kris
Thank for the chapters. Would love my character building with cless.. that hint with the painting was a nice touch. Spin off book anyone😁😁.
Yaksher
It’s a bit annoying that all the reactions were totally glossed over. No shock at Ilea’s realm traveller revelation, for example. The best one was probably her being Lilith.
Bunny Waffles
I love how she thinks of her impending role in terms of Nuclear deterrence, with her taking the role of the unkillable "nuke"
Bunny Waffles
Good old Bluemoon Grass with its 10 points of vitality at the cost of a 35% mortality rate among people who take it!
Torbjørn Nilsen
Thank you soo much for the chapter! As a reader I would love to hear more of their reactions, and theories and reasoning in this chapter. However, I understand that it could be difficult to balance and might be tedious for you to write. Anyways, can't wait for saturday, you're the best!
Alan McBrayer
Agreed. The chapter was kind of a disappointment with how little we saw them react. 3 whole paragraphs for her telling her story makes me wonder why you even bothered to include it. At least give us the interruptions and snipits of the wild theories.
opunk
Huzzah! 1st official step towards global domination. MUHAHAHA
Deinos
Would be hilarious if she simply dumped everything right then and there.
Thorlol
"I’m just a fast-food worker from Earth, I take orders and work the cash register" Did she forget that she was a medicine student shortly before her transmigration? Well, in a way she already became a doctor :P
Atlas Dwarf
It sounds like she only told them about the basics of her evolution (there is a lvl 300 evolution, 3rd tier points affecting evolution, and 3rd tier points after lvl 300) and possibly the rumours she heard from Terok/Maro. She didn't seem to imply mentioning anything Azarinth related or the specifics of her Classes. After all they didn't get the meaning of her Sentinel title and it's unlikely she mentioned the 'The' part of her Azarinth Class. Honestly surprised she didn't ask about it, although it's unlikely they know anything about it either.
Knyko
I hope you dont fade to black this conversation :((
sharkattack
Glorious kingdom building. Huzzah! Wonder how the healthcare conundrum will be solved. Bluegrass? Or that Fountain of Clarity.
Garend
Kinda sad you just info dumped without reactions. I get that it could run on a bit, but it's enough info that it's worth it to spend time on. As is, it just feels rushed.
L Pedersen
Saturday cannot come soon enough. Thank you so much for the chapters! It's so nice to be back in Ravenhall and hearing about their plans, really big for future Ilea to have the backing of a powerful nation of her own. Also yay! Kyrian! Lets hope we can go get him soon. And with the information provided by Ilea it wouldn't surprise me if an experienced team (maybe Ilea's former sparring partners) were sent to Hallowfort to represent the hand, take petitions and operate on their behalf. I would have liked to have a little more detail about what she told them. Did she tell them about her classes or just that lvl 300 was an evolution and that she gets 3rd tier points every 10 lvls now? Or was it just general information on what to work on for better options and evolutions? I only ask because while I think they're all trustworthy Ilea has told many people about her Azarinth origins and telling other people your class names and abilites just seem to come with drawbacks. And much as I love him, Dagon does sell information. I'm actually surprised that Ilea didn't make telling him about the north conditional on him sharing the info with anyone planning to go there. Maybe she did and it just wasn't elborated on or maybe it was just understood. Gahh I want saturday so bad....
Corwin Amber
thanks for the chapters
Russell Todd
Aw yiss. Hope Ilea gets to do some flexing.
tibbish
Not content enough with the solo stuff it looks like Ilea is getting into the RTS/simcity side of the game! Looks like she'll only dabble but still a nice change of pace, thanks for the chapter.
Dembed
Aghhhhhhh, you evil genius I am so glued to your regular updates. Have to seriously take a break from this, from my addiction. Really like how the story came back to the old place. I would like to offer my insight into what I liked until now or how I think it would be better. In general, I think when she explores new places and new enemies your pace until now was good, maybe a tad faster would improve it. Pls don't describe when she is grinding or fighting the same enemy in too much detail/the choreography. If she is grinding, then just give us the short explanation like you did in the last few times with Miststalkers, short and crisp. Found the fight vs the Faynor very awesome or all the new fight scenes until now except how you tried to show us how she improved vs the Rose Knights(too many scenes of the samy) I do like to see her grow stronger, but the interactions are very important. I dare to say 10% Grind, 30-40% fight scenes, 50% banter/story whatever This is my insight until now and maybe my biased wish
Thanks for the chapter :)
Cadastral
I'm pretty sure they would have to be 270-280 with a high leveled Percecption skill, which is apparently rare
Thanks for the chapter.
Grond (James)
Now these two chapters sound like the old Ilea we love!!!
here were before were changes or destroyed as well -> here were before were changed or destroyed as well, should the capital breaks out finally -> should the capital break out finally
Arkeus
Ilea is Dagon's new religion. I do think it's sad we didn't get to see any of their levels. Also, any of them that are close to 250 should be able to see her level, I think.
Athena Alexandria
Oooo, this is getting interesting. A different kind of interesting than the last adventures, but still good.
Alexander Dupree
thanks
LilSaint001
BLAH
