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Chapter 288 Lunchtime
🕑 Added 2019-08-29 15:36:32 +0000 UTCAuthor's note August 29th: Hey all, I hope you like the new chapters :). More likely coming on Saturday.
Cheers and a good day to you all.
Chapter 288 Lunchtime
Cracking her neck, Ilea appeared outside of the dungeon. The others were already around, two of the elves sleeping on their bedrolls, the fabric looking more luxurious than any sleeping bags she had ever seen, even on earth. Each had chosen a dark color, either because of their status as Cerithil hunters or to be a little camouflaged. Ilea noted it wasnt night, Terok and the brown haired elf called Neiphato adding ingredients to a black metal pot hanging over a small fire. It smelled, like food. Nothing particularly good but she doubted any of them had an assortment of spices with them.
Thought you guys just eat human meat. She said, walking towards the two. Elfie wasnt around but she assumed he was somewhat close by. Perhaps he was still exhausted from their conversation a week ago.
Neiphato looked at her, realizing she was talking to him and not the dwarf. He gulped, Some do like human flesh. Yes. Especially lower leveled ones with little muscle are considered a delicacy. We do eat other things as well. Some have even sworn off meat.
Any of them actually go through with that? Ilea asked, crouching down over the pot and sniffing the broth.
The elf looked at her and nodded, I believe so. The ones I knew countered their lust for meat with more hunting and killing. I do not think it makes sense.
She chuckled, Hows the map Terok? The dwarf hadnt talked yet but even in his armor she thought he looked tired and worn. He had risen to level one ninety three at least. Not yet at two hundred but close enough.
Ilea that city is bigger than you think. A month was not nearly enough time.
His voice was soft, careful, You can have another then or two. She simply replied.
Terok stumbled backwards, nearly falling on his ass, What? I thought our partnership ended if I didnt manage and you you just tack on another month or two? Do you have any idea how stressed Ive been the past weeks I tried buying a map of those Saurians but they hadnt even started working on one, confused at the very concept.
And you didnt think I was joking? I just thought to give you a bit of a push. She said, honestly confused at his interpretation of her comment from a month ago.
Terok just shook his head and walked off, I need a little time.
She didnt know if she should feel bad for stressing him out that much or if he was apparently too stupid to gauge her interest in the map and his work. Partnership. She chuckled, finding the elf looking at her, blue eyes reflecting some of the light coming from the fire. Neiphato right? Elfie told me you might be stronger than you let on.
He looked away, I can see how he thinks so.
Youre not going to elaborate? Ilea looked at him, no answer coming any time soon, Hidden talent? Can turn into a hideous tentacle monster? You get stronger when you eat people vampire maybe? Literal big dick energy?
Looking at her with annoyance, he finally reacted, How can you be so casual about all this? Havent you been fighting Centurions for weeks now? How often have you brushed death?
Ilea smiled, Against the Centurions? Not often they barely get any hits in anymore. The Miststalkers are another story Im constantly close to death there. She sighed, Not what you wanted to hear I know. I like this, love it even. To fight and challenge myself. I dont take it all that seriously, otherwise Id be as dark and gloomy as Elfie.
Neiphato seemed to have calmed down again, Elfie? You do not wish to speak his name?
I dont know his name. Why are you out here then? Cerithil hunter, cursed one why cursed? Because you went into a dungeon? Forbidden by your government or religion?
Neiphato sighed and checked to see if the two other elves were asleep, or out of earshot, Cursed because that is the status bestowed upon those ignoring the oracles orders. One of their most ancient rules is to steer clear of dungeons. The overwhelming mana density and resulting damage helps painting a convincing picture.
Ilea nodded, trying not to show her surprise at all the information he was willingly giving away. Perhaps she had found an elf not quite as secretive as Elfie, Giving me this information wouldnt you think the oracles arent happy with it?
Neiphato snorted, a grin revealing the sharp teeth in his mouth, Human trust me, they couldnt care less about me, you or anything but magic itself. That is why I am here. You have saved our lives, spared us when they were yours to take and even found us a wise teacher. Something we sorely needed , He was quiet for a moment, May I ask why? I believe our kind has not been benevolent towards yours, or any creature for that matter.
Magic itself. Are they like really high level mages? To answer your question, Elfie was around and I didnt want to deal with you. As to why I saved you your sorry asses were getting handled by monsters. I would have done as much for any sapient being. She said.
Neiphato opened his eyes a little wider, Terok in the meantime joining them again, continuing his cooking in silence, They are of magic itself. I know little of it and they are secretive. It is forbidden to even ask such questions, not that I havent tried. It is their inaction that led us to today after all. He paused for a moment, looking at Terok, To think you would save a being just for the sake of it. Is that what all humans do?
Terok laughed at that, answering the question for her, No. Most of them would sell you to a monster if they could. Shes different one that one. Soft and naive or perhaps thinking herself a saint.
I see youre back Terok. Im glad. Ilea said, a vicious grin on her face.
The dwarf shook his head, At this point I wont believe you will murder me for anything less than betrayal. Know that dwarves are similarly greedy, its just metal we want compared to your gold.
How terribly cliched.
Is gold not a metal dwarf? Neiphato asked with a smile.
He pointed at the elf with the wooden ladle he had gotten out of nowhere. Ilea wondered if he had carved it himself. Exactly, it is. Not a very hard one at that. Other than gold mages its difficult to guide mana through it as well. Now how would you compete in the ring with such a machine?
Maybe not that cliched. Ilea thought, So youre obsessed with forging because youre all into wrestling?
Not wrestling human such a mundane activity. A battle between two dwarves clad in steel armor, steam rising as the crowds cheer them on to destroy each other. A marvelous sight, one I could only dream of joining.
Ileas eyebrows rose, You wanted to become a boxer? I did kick-boxing once. Been a while though, now Im something else I guess. Is the leader of the dwarves the champion of the biggest tournament or something? She imagined a tiny Terry Crews.
Dont be ridiculous Ilea. Being a good warrior doesnt make a good administrator or king. It helps, certainly but only to get rid of competition. He said and chuckled. I was more interested in tinkering with my machine than actually fighting in it. Not that I dislike it but I lack a certain vigor about it. You know what I mean. Getting out of his metal suit, he tasted the soup and coughed.
I know exactly what you mean. Ilea said with a smile, grabbing the ladle and trying a bit of the stew as well. Fatty and too much spices. Surprised my poison resistance isnt reacting. She was pretty sure she wouldve lost health if her self from two years ago would have tasted it. Also Im neither naive nor soft. Power allows for a certain freedom.
He snorted, Aye, I would still not save an angry child from a dangerous monster.
Yes you would. Ilea thought and just smiled at him. She would too. If the monster was weaker than her then why not give the child another chance at life. If the monster was stronger, that was reason enough to face it.
Terok looked at the brown haired elf and huffed, Dont look at me like that, you would probably kill the beast and eat both.
She couldnt help but laugh, especially how the elf didnt really deny any of it. Dont eat kids. She said after calming down, Or I will murder you.
Noted. Neiphato said, It is interesting. To learn about humans and dwarves. He commented.
Were not exactly showpieces. Terok chuckled.
Neither am I. Neiphato said, his voice silent.
That food is rank by the way. Ilea commented after a while. Are you trying to become a poison maker?
Terok pointed at her, Young lady I will not have you talk to the cook that way. He smiled but somehow the joke struck something else in Ilea. She nodded and looked to the ground with a smile on her face.
I am young am I not? She wondered, Feels like Ive been here for a decade already.
Why do you fight the Taleen machines? Neiphato asked, steering the conversation back to the initial topic. Your race has no stake in this battle or is it the same reason why you saved me and the others?
Ilea thought about it and then shook her head, I intervene when something is happening in front of me. I dont think Ill go hunt down every single Taleen machine because they attack a bunch of elves far away. Elves that would attack me on sight.
She likes the levels shes getting. Plus theyre a challenge. Her mind is simple like that. Terok whispered to the elf, quite obviously audible to Ilea.
Maybe try not to offend someone as simple as me dwarf. Especially not because I saved your ass too, and I gave you new steel and places to explore and an opportunity to evolve to two hundred. Also possible treasure from the Taleen and Rhyvor. Hey is there anything youve done to repay me? Hows that map looking?
The dwarf pointed the ladle her way, metal eye zooming in on her as he squinted his other eye. He opened his mouth but didnt say anything, speaking a moment later, Alright you basically own me and saved my life a couple times but at least you have my glorious company. Also you cant be left alone giving away expensive and rare steel for free to someone youve barely known for a couple days. Ridiculous.
Ilea chuckled and looked at Neiphato, the elf lost as he tried to make sense of their conversation, Hey do I have to remind you that that someone is you? Plus I just cant help it being a saint and all.
I bet youve murdered people and youve stolen things. The very armor you have you ripped from some poor undead just trying to do their jobs. Terok said, again cutting deeper than he probably intended.
Ilea found herself not caring much either way. I did murder people. Some arguably innocent too or at least not more guilty than myself. Ive raided some places yes and the undead well Im sure theyre happy to have a day off after thousands of years of working. She smiled, locking eyes with the dwarf who didnt seem quite prepared for the answer, What can I say? Even a saint isnt perfect.
It is true then? You fight the machines for personal growth? Neiphato asked, Arent there less dangerous enemies out there? Of the beasts I fought the Taleen are fast and efficient for their level. Few weaknesses and a formidable defense. Centurions can learn too, unlike most mindless beasts. He commented but Ilea waved him off.
Levels arent the only thing. Theyre fun to fight plus if I always try to find the easiest monster to level up, how will I face the strongest?
Terok laughed out loud, spilling some of the stew before he calmed down, See simple minded.
Thank you. Neiphato said and bowed to her, Ilea looking to Terok for help but the dwarf just smirked, Your reasons do not matter to me. Every destroyed Centurion will help in the unending tide destroying our people. For every elf not acknowledging this I apologize and thank you instead.
Its fine. Calm down mate. I didnt actually mean the saint talk. Youll be able to fight them yourself soon enough. Ilea said, her ash moving to stop him from bowing. Now why are you stronger than you seem? Come on we shared plenty about ourselves.
He looked around again and then sighed, his eyes closing before he spoke, My domain my clan. Some few are born with a gift. He paused and than waved them off, It does not matter. As soon as I reach the requirements I will change my class.
What? No what the fuck what gift? Come on Neiph, show me. Whatever it might be Ill survive it Im pretty sure.
He was obviously uncomfortable but she didnt let up. He would be fighting to the death after all, had been already and his choice to go against the so called oracles wouldnt make for an easy life. I am a wood creator. He finally said, Ilea literally standing in front of him, her eyes leveled with his before she moved back and sat down again.
Thats it? She asked, confused why he would make it such a big deal, I know a wood creator too. Young human. Fought one too at some point. Pretty powerful. Why not keep it and train the class? Your group could use a more ranged combatant.
He looked at her, eyes going to Terok and then back to her, What my clan did. With their powers but specifically wood magic. It is a cruel gift. Not one of life and creation, one of torture and death.
The way he squirmed when he said those words made her think he didnt just imagine or hear about it, he remembered it. She shrugged, That is what they did with it. Im an ash creator do you think I just torture and kill with it?
Terok weighed in, You do kill a lot.
Fair enough. Well the point stands. You are you, not your clan or anybody else. Do what the fuck you want and if you have a good class you shouldnt give a fuck about what they did with it. Shake off the control they still have over you, doesnt seem like you had the healthiest of relationships to your family. Just my two cents. Ilea ranted and noted Elfie landing a couple meters behind her.
Terok held up the ladle, Look whos back. You look fucked up, fell into a Shredder?
She laughed at the frown coming from the elf as he walked towards them, No Shredders so far north. Havent seen one at least.
Ilea extended an ashen limb to check on him but the elf had a barrier around himself to prevent her intrusion. Suit yourself old man. Old elf doesnt have the same ring does it?
What is this vile sludge youre cooking up dwarf? He asked, stepping next to the pot and taking a sip. Summoning different spices, he added more and more before finally taking out what looked like a dead rabbit, already skinned and gutted. Barriers appeared and it was sliced into small pieces, all of them lowered and joining the stew. The smell changed immediately, still spicy and strong but interesting now instead of just strong.
Cooking one of your hobbies too? Ilea asked.
I have dabbled with it human. Though I dislike the time it takes , He took another sip and handed the ladle back to Terok.
And he never really commented on the food I gave him. Ilea thought and looked at Neiphato, the elf apparently not sure what to do with his hands as soon as he realized her stare on him. Youre not like that, beautiful wood mage, are you? Convinced and open. Curious and smart. Her arm shot up to block the barrier that suddenly appeared and moved towards her head.
Youre here for the evaluation, are you not? Elfie asked, looking at her. Terok appeared increasingly busy stirring the stew.
A month has passed. Ilea said, As Terok says, the city is bigger than expected. Do you still want to do it?
Elfie nodded, It will be good to have someone evaluate their growth that hasnt guided them all this time. The dwarf at least has levels showing his change but for them, the Guardians are not high enough to gain any experience worth to mention. Skill levels however ,
Well Im happy to smash them into the dirt. Food first though and it seems the other two are noticing the change in fragrance. She said, hearing them stir in their bedrolls. Elves just thinking about food. My kind of people.
After lunch. Terok commented, taking a sip of the stew, nodding in approval at the taste. Handing the ladle to Neiphato, he tried as well. Stopping the elf from taking another sip, the dwarf took back the ladle. Meats not through yet.
Doesnt have to be we talked about this Terok. Neiphato sighed, You already demand we drain the blood, at least dont cook it through all the time.
You drink the blood so nothing is lost. Not like you care, the way you slurp it all up all the time. Terok said.
Ilea looked at Elfie, the elf sighing before he stepped to the side, After lunch. He agreed and sat down, summoning a book Ilea hadnt seen before.
Comments
Bobby B.
Dang, just loving this dynamic
He can eat what he cuts off :P
Jonathan
Am I the only one who sees a chance to level Wood Magic Resistance? To be fair, I'm only posting this well over a day since G. posted the chapter, lol. I wonder what she'll offer the elf for the training.
Jonathan
The health sacrifice is from Hunter, and the enhanced strike is from Inheritor. I suppose she could use them both at the same time, but I think they would add, not multiply.
Lomie0
just imagine if she sacrificed 5k hp to enhance the strike further if the base attack could do that.
j0ntsa
that sound so hilarious and i can see that happening.. xD
Yes, she can one-shot, but only after fighting for 15 minutes (in order to let Form of Ash and Ember reach maximum charge), and after use, the skill bonuses reset; so she gets much weaker - which could be dangerous in the middle of a fight.
Benjamin
So she can one shot a centurion with her new ash and ember ability? How much DMG are we talking here, and will this allow her to take on glass cannons like the blue reapers with now a decent one shot ability along with massive speed healing? Please expand G.Harth.
Zerith
I still love the idea of her becoming what amounts to a human sized dragon, hording Tasty ingredients in storage devices and Then demanding level 200+ cooks be sacrificed to her kitchens so that she may dine as she pleases. All excess food gifted to the needy, who turn around, sell the food to the wealthy and are then set for a year. Woe be unto the not poor soul who defies her wishes and gets a hit below the belt for Taking the food from the needy. We all know that is the end game once she hits level "Higher then yours(????? perhaps?)" and runs out of things to fight while becoming effectively immortality along with her still early/mid twenties body making people who fail to identify her first baffled as she out right ignores all attempts to harm her when they think, 'lil girl in normal clothing, easy mark!' likely? no. Funny? yes. It is worth mentioning that there would then be a soft level cap as people able to challenge her outright Vanish: she needs to have some exercise and they need real training. mmmhhhhmmmmmm! Yep. Totally morale and not the petty actions of a clinically bored immortal who needs their combat junky fix after the last one aged out five hundred and sixty nine years ago. Never grow-up Ilea, Never grow-up. Head cannon is fun :3
Seb
an entire dungeon? more like 3
Han Pol
280 in both fist hunter and IoeA would be nice. so that she can learn and maybe test new class skills. afterwards maybe fighting some more interesting enemies and maybe also getting the second tier of mist resistance But i guess first is her test.
Jonathan Walker
Hmmm good chapter lots of infor and glad she did a leveling binge we needed that hopefully the next one is for 2 months instead and she hits 290 at the least in First Hunter
j0ntsa
i kinda hope she uses it for the sphere
Thaabit Rivertree
No mention of her using her third tier stat point... I hope this actually gets mentioned instead of just assuming she put it into Azarinth Fighting
BookDragonling
I'm excited for when she goes back and is so OP that people just fall over from being near her.
ArturScott
thanks, for the chapters! love it.
Matthias
I swear, by the time ilea returns to the human plains, she'll have befriended or helped found and entire clan of elves, helped a kingdom rise back to power and destroyed an entire dungeon
Corwin Amber
thanks for the chapters
Alexander Dupree
thanks
