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Chapter 320 Aftermath
🕑 Added 2019-10-05 15:07:40 +0000 UTCAuthor's note October 5th: Hey all, I hope you like the chapters :). More hopefully again on Tuesday!
For those who missed it, there's a discord now: https://discord.gg/c4YK6Tj
Have a good weekend.
Chapter 320 Aftermath
The throne room was in shambles, two big craters digging nearly fifteen meters into the white stone, revealing the ordinary rock starting further down. Not even rubble was left behind, most of it simply turned to dust. The gates had been bent and mangled, allowing the Guardians from outside to enter. It seemed though that after the initial wave, those waiting farther back in the great hall didnt rush towards the throne room anymore.
Now that the Praetorians are dead. Maybe theyll return to their normal positions. An explosion resounded, the shock wave traveling towards the group of waiting people, Ileas black hair moving back, settling again a moment later. Heranuur had downed his Centurion first, the blast sending him flying. He rolled a couple times before crashing into the wall with a wet thud. Still moving, Ilea noted. The laughter was indication enough, Seviir and his Centurion battling each other the only noise remaining in the hall now that most of the machines had been cleared out.
Some of Maros skeletons had rushed out of the hall to push them back even more. Can your summons fight the Guardians? She asked after a while. Ilea was in high spirits, both knowing she had successfully saved the lives of all present but mostly because she had helped in the killing of two Praetorians. Her contribution had been significant. It would have been interesting to know if herself or Maro had dealt more damage. Probably him damn range.
Elfie gasped behind them, Terok looking over from his impromptu workbench provided by Neiphato. The elf had formed himself a chair of wood, sitting down with a sigh as he started meditating. Ilea nearly asked for one too before she remembered her own ability to make one out of ash. She was just about to make one when the elf woke, the purple veins showing on his pale white skin. He was already slim but the toll this experience and entering the dungeon had taken on him definitely showed. His cheeks looked a little sunken in and his eyes only opened halfway before he groaned in pain.
He scratched his head before shooting up into a sitting position, eyes wide open as he stuttered something to himself. Is that normal Neiphato? Ilea asked. The wood mage opened his eyes and smiled.
Oh yes it is. Very painful. Hes going to feel that for the next couple weeks. I think its a good experience in the end, one to make us stronger in the long term. Freeing too. Finally rid of the horrors of our kind. He spit on the floor, his blue eyes fierce.
I betrayed everything. All of it.. gone. Elfie said, holding a hand to his face. Ilea wasnt sure if he would rip off his face or start to cry. What she certainly didnt expect was the manic cackling that followed. Even Maro looked away from the fight happening near the gates, glancing at the elf.
See? Freeing. Neiphato added, self satisfied as he closed his eyes again and continued his meditation. Terok looked a little annoyed, forming armor pieces with the steel provided by Maro.
As quickly as his manic state had come, the elf calmed down again, his eyes focusing on Ilea. You.
Ilea pointed at herself and looked around in a questioning manner. Hey, your choice mate.
Niivalyr Olanis. For many years I believe, I have known the way. I had not expected a human as annoying as you, to finally bring me here. His expression was sincere, his eyes showing more emotion than she had seen out of him so far. Other than his fear of the oracles and their laws he had sometimes shown.
Hey Im not that annoying! She retorted, pointing a fork at him as she sat in her newly formed ashen chair, much more comfortable than she had expected. It moved to her will after all. Keylas cooking couldnt be topped by anything right now. Maybe a shower but it was close.
Terok lifted his one eyebrow and shook his head, continuing his work. Niivalyr smiled softly, Annoying, yes. Also reckless, naive and young. Yet brave and powerful, in spirit and heart. You are truly exceptional, Ilea.
She lifted her fork and took a bite, noodles in an egg and cream sauce with pieces of bacon. Garlic and cheese were present too as well as some other flavors she couldnt place. Definitely some sort of Carbonara. Half of that was negative. She commented after swallowing.
Of course. I wouldnt want you to think too highly of yourself, warrior. It is too easy to think oneself infallible, especially at such a young age. He said and quickly glanced towards the fighting Seviir. We all learn in time. Some faster than others. His tone was bitter before he gulped, his eyes turning a little glassy as he seemed to look past her.
You took the step Niivalyr nice name by the way but I need a nickname. Too many elves around now for Elfie. Ilea commented and thought about it, Niivalyr the Ni elf? The elf who says ni? Val? I dont know.
I defied the oracles broke the unbreakable law. He looked at her again and shook his head, This is no time to think on nicknames , The words spoken not to her but the general vicinity.
Calm down, they broke the laws too. I broke a bunch of laws as well. Terok said and laughed, molding a robotic head. Youre old as fuck, high time for a teenage rebellion. He added.
Neiphato opened his eyes and stood up, his face serious as he approached the sitting elf before him. Master Olanis. You knew the truth, knew that the laws were restricting, shackles binding our people in suffering. Now you are free. Think on the possibilities, the power you have gained through this understanding. Ilea stopped chewing as he stepped next to Niivalyr and held out a hand, Now stand, noble warrior. For all the domains, those alive, those long dead and those yet to come.
Niivalyrs expression turned serious, a glint of fear remaining but he grasped the hand with a determined grip, standing up before he hissed at the other elf, a broad grin showing his sharp teeth. Neiphato followed suit, hissing too. Ilea looked at Terok, the two of them a little lost. Maro on the other hand was smiling ear to ear. Are you crying? Ilea asked him in a whisper.
He kept staring at them, I think theres onion in your food. He said, This is great. I wish I was an elf.
Thats not how this works. Ilea thought but just shook her head, smiling at the two elves before a boom resounded behind them, the shock wave traveling past. Moans of pain followed, the clattering of metal falling to the stone floor audible throughout. My cue. She said and stood up, taking another bite as she blinked twice to reach the deformed body of Seviir, her healing mana immediately reaching him through her limbs. That was one centurion. She said in a low volume, taking another bite and chewing.
Ilea realized most of his injuries hadnt come from the battle just now, especially his left side being mostly mangled. Heranuur cackled from the side as he stumbled towards them. I win. He said and collapsed, an ashen limb landing on him softly before the healing commenced.
Is this what its like to have children?
Their injuries were taken care of, the others except for Terok joining her at the front of the hall. Niivalyr spoke up, glancing at the two elves sitting up and finally the wood mage, Neiphato, now that this is done with. Could you please explain to me why in the name of all domains you chose to face Praetorians?
The confidence on the wood mages face waned quickly, his gaze averted as he started stammering out a response, Seviir saving him the trouble, It was a test. To see if we could conquer the dungeon. Once we were inside I suppose me and Hera got a little overexcited. You know how it is. He hissed, Heranuur hissing his affirmation.
Ilea was surprised she could tell some differences by now, the hissing just a part of their language. Yes. Well I will add Pain Tolerance training back into the routine for a while. Just in case you get halved like Ilea here. Soon enough we will be able to face Praetorians, dont rush things. I am nearly seven hundred years old, there is plenty of time. Learn something from these humans. Steady progression will lead you to greater strength.
Seviir hissed in annoyance, looking at Ilea and Maro, They are outliers humans do not ,
He was interrupted by a barrier slamming his back, Ilea overtook you, quickly. She knows how to calculate risks, knows when to retreat despite her pride as a warrior. Her healing gives her an advantage but you have two classes as well, its your own fault if you cant keep up. Most humans live a more secure life, with values and goals hard to understand but we can learn from them, as we can learn from any race or people.
Niivalyr bowed to the humans as he continued, I havent heard of a Praetorian killing in a long time. Though news from the Cerithil hunters is scarce, what elves have failed to do reliably in centuries was accomplished by the people present here. Most of the work I assume was done by the two of you. I doubt someone below three hundred can reliably damage the shields. As you should know. The last sentence he dedicated to his students. Now that I can stay in mana dense places I will guide you more strictly, alongside Neiphato who has finally accepted his second class. Congratulations.
He sighed and looked up to the heavily damaged ceiling. Neiphato stepped next to him and put a hand on his shoulder, You will find your way my friend. In time. For now, let us focus on this dungeon.
Theyre childish and mature at the same time. Ilea smirked, watching the ancient beings talk about finally being rid of the abusive relationship of all powerful oracles. The idiots rushing in wasnt a completely stupid thing to do after all. She glanced at Neiphato, questioning if he had anything to do with it. Especially with how supportive he was acting now. The other two didnt seem to care much, more annoyed about the Pain Tolerance training which was just a fancier word for torture.
Emotional lot. Come on, Im sure theres treasure abound here. Terok joined, a new machine suit on him that looked much less complex. He had still managed to get one done in less than half an hour, impressive work Ilea thought. The metal was dark gray and somewhat matte. He had added small forward facing horns to his helmet but Ilea refrained from calling him a copy cat. She had gotten that from the original Juggernaut armor in the first place.
There should be treasure. Ilea said, Ive been inside of a great hall before. Dont underestimate the traps, nearly killed me back then. When I was just a wee lass, unable to tank a Praetorians scythe.
Good. Terok said, pointing behind him towards the shattered throne, only bits and pieces remaining, Then we can start with the hidden room behind this one.
Maro laughed at that, Had to get your armor done first?
The dwarf chuckled and started walking towards the wall, Of course, wouldnt want to get left behind. Although you two deserve most of everything here. Anybody disagree?
Neiphato waved him off, Of course not. We would all be dead without them.
I do ask to see what we find at least, if it has great relevance to me I would like to offer a trade. Niivalyr suggested, neither Ilea nor Maro replying in any way.
Theyre taking this way too seriously. Theres plenty more dungeons with loot around. She looked at Maro who didnt seem to care much either. They still had the treasury and armory in Tremor left to open, likely holding quite a bit of stuff as well.
They stopped in front of the wall, Ilea not sensing anything wrong with it. She didnt know if her old Hunters Sphere would have let her sense anything. Considering her arcane sight didnt reveal the secret either, she doubted it. Theres enchantments here. Illusion, strong skill disruption, shielding and a bunch more, all defensive in nature. Maro what do you think?
I dont see half the things you mentioned. The man said, surprising the dwarf as he cocked his head to the side, shrugging a moment later.
Terok turned to the elves waiting behind the group, Heranuur and Seviir punching each other every couple seconds, giddy and apparently highly uninterested. You two can go clear out more of the Taleen. Niivalyr suggested, both of them grinning before Ilea interrupted.
Dont enter any of the side paths from the main hall. I dont want to clean off your corpses from a bunch of spikes. They nodded and vanished, bickering amongst themselves as they left the throne room. Ilea rolled her eyes, Maro watching her with a grin.
Youre a good mother you know. He said, crossing his arms as Ilea pondered about punching him. It would only add fuel to the fire so she refrained.
Still didnt have our bout.
As I was about to ask. Terok said, Do you have runic knowledge or experience with enchantments?
Neiphato shook his head and Niivalyr spoke, Only elven. Though I can read the Taleen language if that is any help.
Seven hundred years and he doesnt know his runes. The dwarf murmured, getting to work.
Niivalyr. I have something for you that Id like to have translated and transcribed. Ilea said, looking at the elf who looked back with interest. She hadnt trusted him enough but their actions today ranked at least him and Neiphato quite a lot higher than before. She summoned her big crate of stuff and rummaged through, her sphere allowing her to find what she was looking for quickly.
A little leather bound diary, worn by age, any color gone from it. Yet it had survived and now she had found someone that claimed to know the language. Its something I found on a dwarven skeleton, Taleen likely. The gear on him was named Legate Guardian Armor. Also where I got this. She tapped the necklace with the Guardian like head.
Niivalyr smiled brightly, And yet again I fall deeper into your debt, Ilea. I had been wondering about that necklace but deemed it inappropriate to pry. May I? He held out a hand before she handed over the small book.
Did you find that in a Taleen dungeon too? Neiphato asked, looking at her necklace. She nodded, Niivalyr summoning a table and chair before he carefully opened the book. Carefully moving through it, he grumbled and hissed time and time again.
Most of it is faded. It is a diary. He said. Ilea felt like he was missing glasses to top off his look.
Any of the most recent entries remaining? Maro was the one to ask.
Yes. Lets see 3rd cycle, the year eight hundred and sixteen Some of the numbers are faded, it might not be exactly that. Still I am afraid. Questioning every day if it was the right decision to make, even if it had meant our doom. Surrendering control, long theorized yet hardly tested. I fear for my brothers and sisters, their children and those to come after. Still, we must fight, must prevail. My duty will soon be irrelevant, replaced by the Guardians assigned. Either that or the enemy will hunt us down, slaughter each and everyone of us.
May the One without form prevail. I will guard the Tungsten key with my life.
He looked up, That is one of the later ones. Some more entries talk about hunger, sleep and death. I suppose survival priorities had sneaked up on the dwarf. Yet still, he had remained at his post. Niivalyr concluded. He looked at Ilea with sharp eyes, turning on his chair a little, Did you find the Tungsten key?
When she didnt reply he continued, Supposedly Cerithil hunters have found several such keys, each pertaining to a specific metal. The runework and complexity surpasses anything they had ever seen. Yet these stories are mere legends I suppose. The Cerithil hunters lack resources as well as mages to even start to study such a thing. Yet it was deemed important enough for this dwarf to guard with his very life.
Ilea nodded, Well let me know if you find out more about it. She didnt mention the key itself but everyone present could guess at the location. Especially her not denying the possession.
Niivalyr nodded, moving back to the book. It is safer with you to be sure. If it is in fact in your possession. I will let you know once I have found their purpose. He hesitated, tapping the wooden table with one sharp nail, You dont suppose we could see it?
She sighed, You said your understanding of runes is bad? Lets go with this, once you all hit three hundred Ill think about it. Sound interesting?
He grinned, Well I thought more about paying you your human currency. Or perhaps offering anything else you would be interested in. Yet once again you surprise me. Do come back here at some point, we will be sure to meet your requirement in a reasonable time. Likely not as fast as you have but we cannot take the same risks. He looked over his shoulder towards the entrance, They dont count.
Of course they dont. Ilea said and chuckled, Terok cursing near the wall as a sizzling noise resounded. You plan to stay then? Clean out the whole place?
Niivalyr looked at Neiphato then her, I dont know yet. There is much to be learned in this place and the Centurions will be enough to let us advance to the next evolutions. You have laid the groundwork.
Comments
Atlas Dwarf
She already has 3rd tier reversal which added (or boosted) Absolute Destruction and Sentinel Construction by 25% of her lowest stat (100%). That boost in turn works on the reversal forms. It's still not enough cause of how many Storm of Cinders she can use at once and being able to dump massive amounts of mana at a time into 3rd tier Sentinel Construction and Absolute Destruction.
D. Hymas
Hopefully 3rd Tier Reversal with help with Mana Sustain.
G. Harthane
Might invest the time. Thanks, definitely felt better to write these.
sharkattack
If he hits it big, he might be willing to take a trip back home with Ilea and we'd get to see a dwarven city.
I am a little torn here because I think the dwarf would be really well served by staying here for several months trying to hit lvl 270+. Logically if he gets significant treasure as in 500+ gold from here then he can quickly gather power here with much lower risk than following Ilea. On the other hand I don’t want him to ‘get on the buss’ this early, and trying for the big score is kind of his thing.
tibbish
If she can run and hide long enough to regen then she can probably take 1 at a time right now. Of course most of the Praetorians seem to be located in sealed chambers along with another Praetorian buddy to put the kibosh on that sort of thing in the first place tho..... Without running and regen'ing for a while she'll have to lvl a whole bunch to solo one non stop. Maybe lvl400? Certainly lots higher than she is now. Maybe this'll be the motivation she needs to clear out the poison/plant dungeion + kill all those Miststalkers and SoulRippers to lvl up
Yaksher
Judging by this, Ilea might soon be able to handle a single Praetorian on her own, especially if it's not one of the scythe ones. She just needs some better sustain.
Baba Vader
Thanks for the chapters!
J H
Poor Ilea needs a nap after all this.
Alexander Belousov
Emotionally satisfying, but societally not impactful. There was a famous quote by General Sherman (of American Civil War against slavery), details of which I do not recall, but it goes like this: "South has 180 thousands young men, who in their hearts hope to benefit from slavery, as they grow up. The Civil War will continue until they are all dead." The meaning of the phrase: slavery has huge cultural depth in societies that have slavery --> people who are not slaveholders are *hoping to become* slaveholders --> killing slavery groups is useless-ish, without also killing the "180,000" hopefuls. ... So, emotionally satisfying, but societally meaningless-ish.
Rip Woodham
I thought the writing of the fight was much better in this release than in the last. Clearer, easier to follow, just more logical or better outlined. Pulled me into it and was enjoyable. The elves were fine. I wish you'd go back and retouch the last release some. Namely specify Ilea's attacks more so we know what's draining her mana and feel it, and make the elves not quite so annoying there. Give Ilea a little more adrenaline, more about facing the Praetorians at last. Maybe look at the transition between this chapter and the last too. It wouldn't take much. Just my two cents! Looking forward to the treasuries now. *dwarven grin* :-)
Rip Woodham
Goldie coming around is alright; developing a smidge of character. Her loverboy, Herawhatever though, nothing defining about him. Maybe his hair, pft.
Corwin Amber
thanks for the chapters
Michael C
Elves are not bad, just too suicidal. They are so weak in the north, yet insist on fighting everything to yhe death (and losing).
Michael C
I would like to see her go back soon and dismantle the golden lilly. Maybe stop some slavery groups?
Chopper
Elf who says ni... hahaha... fantastic!
Chopper
I could be wrong, but I had thought the levels were not all the same, sort of randomized for guardians and centurions? It felt un-natural for both praetorians to be exactly 600, despite the fact that they are created and not born.
Honestly, the only elves that I care about are Neiph and Niiv. The other 2 just dont seem as interesting. They seem to be very one dimensional characters.
sharkattack
Ditto. Gamer senses tingling *twitch* Maybe there'll be more green fire.
Knyko
I was really hoping she would bring some elves with her back to the hand, would be kinda funny to see that play out but in this chap it looks like they will part ways(at least temporarily)
Alex K
The way this chapter wrapped up feels like Ilea is about to just leave the dungeon all to the elves without even checking out the treasury first. I know she's all about fighting and not about the loot, but come on... that makes no sense when she did at least half the work. What if there's another key or another storage item?
Error25
Interesting groundwork for future use of the key in a plot arc. Good to see elfie starting to be fleshed out as a character
searchnresqtoo
I was thinking: I do like the symetry of the talene levels. The guardians are 150, centurians are 305, and the praetorians are 600. (barring levels ups from killing things) Does it look/feel better to have the praetorians as 600 or 610? (exactly 2x centurian)
G. Harthane
Also thanks for the feedback. I understand that the elves annoy a lot of you and that I didn't give them enough depth so far. I hope some of those feelings are alleviated in these and coming chapters. Regarding the Praetorian fight being thrust upon her, I think to me it was more important for Ilea to make the decision to help. She will have plenty of chances to face more of them on her own.
