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Chapter 368 Blissful Edge
🕑 Added 2019-11-30 15:58:54 +0000 UTCAuthor's note November 30th: Hey all, I hope you're having a good weekend :). New chapters are up and more hopefully next Tuesday. Let me know what you think.
Cheers and a good day to you!
Chapter 368 Blissful Edge
Mauro woke up with a massive headache. What the fuck happened? He felt like he was mauled by three bears, healed back to health and mauled again. It felt like he was floating.
Ash I feel ash. He remembered then. Lilith, she was the Shadow. His eyes opened wide as he turned his head and looked around. They were still in the tunnels of their hideout and he was being, carried?
He looked down on his own body and saw the thick ashen ropes around him. Limbs? He asked himself as he followed them, finding their origin to be none other than Lilith.
She was walking in silence, glancing his way when she realized he was awake.
No words were spoken, neither by him nor her. The situation was clear. He had lost and would face the guard. She didnt kill me yet. Did I injure her? He had activated all his skills, had pushed himself further than he ever had. No memory remained from what happened after but he knew he had tasted blood.
Maybe she realized Im of more use alive. Or , He stopped himself from smirking, the thought flashing through his mind. There was a chance but first he would wait and see.
Mauro could bide his time, he knew how to talk, if anything and he knew there were things she wanted. His storage ring was gone of course but she had no access to it, not until he was dead or gave her access.
Waiting for his ownership to fade was likely not an option for the impulsive woman. He heard steps, dozens of people walking through the corridor, led by himself and Lilith.
Zair was there too, looking his way with a frightful expression.
That rat. I knew it. Mauro wasnt too surprised or annoyed about it. If cooperation had secured his life he would have sold out his own mother. His crimes were too severe however, the evidence damning. No reasonable guard would let him loose, nor was there much leverage he had with the city. Nolan perhaps could convince Alistair but himself, not likely.
They were walking up now, to the exit that led into the warehouse. Shes taking us out first. He was getting a little nervous but stayed focused. Every word he now uttered, every action could be fatal.
Lilith stepped up to the exit, a closed off section of wall. Some of her ashen limbs moved and cracked through the stone as if it was paper. A couple strikes later and the passage was open.
Where are the guards? She asked, looking at the empty table.
Those fucking lazy bastards. Maybe they heard it an ambush? No, unlikely. If anything, they fled already.
Come on. Careful with the barrels, theres poison and acid inside. Lilith said and looked at him. Dont do something stupid now, or youre dead.
Dont worry, healer girl. Im not about to risk my life. Mauro thought.
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Dale gripped his sword once more, forcing himself to ignore the pain. His health was dwindling, the poison taking a toll on him.
Come on old man, are you really giving up already? Kevan asked as he chuckled and vanished, cutting through the steel armor of one of the smugglers with a scraping noise.
Hold out a little longer. Kevan said when he appeared once more next to him.
You two will die here. The gray haired spear master said, ignoring the four dead smugglers in the hall around them. Dont dare fleeing now Kevan. We worked so hard to set all of this up.
Kevan spat and whispered to Dale, I wont accept flight. Not now. Kill a couple more and Ill take care of him.
I can hear you Kevan. Your body next to his, killing the last honorable guard that came to investigate this mysterious case. The spear master said as he twirled his two weapons, one of them vanishing before he threw it towards them.
Dale jumped to the side and rolled to avoid the ice magic from one of the mages as well as the spear. He sped up and dashed forward, using his rush skill to close the distance to the nearby warrior. A feint got him an opening before he activated another skill. A quick slash bit into his oponents neck and ripped through his spine.
He grabbed the body and turned it to block another ice spell coming his way. Coughing up blood, he felt his arms cool down, nearly freezing before he threw the body towards the mage.
The woman vanished and appeared on top of a bunch of massive crates. Dale ignored her and focused on the rogue that rushed him.
Kevan appeared behind the rogue, his clawed hand slashing into his back before he vanished again in a red smoke.
The spear master followed Kevan, appearing and disappearing after each other.
I should get a skill like that too. Dale thought as his blade slammed into the dazed rogues skull. A heavy strike, going through and killing the man instantly.
He had to rip out the blade with quite a bit of force, jumping to the side again when a barrage of ice bolts bit into the stone floor. A crackling noise of ice crystals breaking resounded, some of them biting into his thick leather armor.
A few drew blood but it was nothing compared to the injury on his side. The wound was getting worse, the pain would inhibit him soon. His body enhancement skills could only take him so far.
The guard knows Im here! He shouted, another effort to stop the fight.
You are near dead, captain! The spearmaster shouted, his weapons appearing and disappearing as he blocked the clawed strikes from the angered Kevan.
He jumped back and twirled his weapons, cutting through the blood spikes Kevan had sent his way.
If he kills Kevan and I die too, they will pin it on him. Dale thought about leaving but that would mean the ice mage and the remaining warrior would all focus on Kevan. He was struggling against the spear master as it was.
The spearmaster might go for me too if I try to flee. He held his side now, switching his short sword to his left hand. Kevan, the ice mage! Dale shouted and jumped back, avoiding the heavy axe strike from the remaining warrior.
At least the warriors had been slow, allowing Dale and Kevan to cleave through them early on. With fewer targets, the ice mage could rain her magic down freely and Dales injury was getting worse.
I never liked them. The warrior said in a deep voice, a wicked smile on his face. He was tall, two meters at least and broader than most men Dale had known.
He jumped back once more but found his feet losing purchase. Ice. Dale slipped and fell, rolling before he came up again. The massive two handed ax was coming for his head.
His blade moved up and deflected the heavy blow, jumping to the side once more. Theyre focusing on me. He noted, his sight blurring as he ground his teeth at the pain. Already at half health, Dale decided to distract them.
The man moved behind the crates, running and checking behind him from time to time to make sure at least the warrior was following.
Ice spells occasionally flew his way, confirming his hopes. Theyre sure that the spearmaster will win. Where the hell is Ilea. He moved through the halls before he found some stairs leading down.
Found you. A deep voice said as the warrior walked out from behind a set of crates. You can go down there if you like. Death awaits you either way.
The ice mage appeared next to the warrior, her short hair revealing a scar on her skull. She had yet to speak a word.
Dale glanced back towards Kevan and the spearmaster but saw nothing, only hearing distant noises of a high level battle.
He didnt have to think twice, quickly rushing down the stairs and opening the door.
His blade flashed as his eyes opened wide in surprise. Too many. Finally his brain recognized the familiar armor of bone. Oh thank the gods , He whispered and collapsed onto Ilea, trusting her unnatural strength and power. Abby would have killed me if I had died.
Instantly he felt healing magic flow through him, the wound closing nearly as quickly as it had formed.
Why the fuck are you here? I told you two to wait. Ilea said and held him up.
No time, hes fighting a powerful warrior, above two hundred. There is a warrior and mage coming for me too. Dale quickly spoke, getting as much info to her as possible. There was not time for questioning.
Protect the people here. These four worked for the smugglers but they surrendered. She said, ashen armor forming on her before she walked up the stairs, a man held by ashen limbs to her side.
Dale felt his strength returning and grasped his blade once more. He turned to the group and recognized a face. Eli, you survived! He exclaimed.
Dale so it was you. The man said, a tired smile on his face. Do you have another sword?
He didnt change. You fucking moron. Dale replied and laughed.
That the friend you told me about? Eli asked as he pushed forward through the scantily clad people.
The four indicated smugglers stepped aside.
Dale just nodded, a big grin on his face.
You didnt exaggerate. Shes fucking crazy. Eli said and chuckled.
He moved closer and whispered to Dale, Is she alright?
Dale nodded again. How we found you. He looked at the smugglers but they tried hard not to get any attention to themselves. Nor was there much chance of them hearing anything with the sounds of battle above. Not with any related skills at least. A friend of hers is protecting them.
Good. Should we help? He asked.
And leave you lot unprotected. I think I underestimated her again, let her handle it. Dale said and focused on the entrance. I should really stop thinking of her as the lost level twenty healer. Shes a Shadow an exceptional one at that.
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Ilea simply stood there as the axe slammed into her side, barely biting into her ashen armor. Is that all?
Ice magic slammed into her but it was some of the weakest spell power she had experienced. She just glared at the woman. Drop it or Im going to kill you two.
The mage took a couple steps back and lowered her hands.
The warrior however shouted loudly, his axe shining in a deep red glow as he collected his strength. His muscles bulged, veins showing on his forehead and hands before he moved the weapon down on her.
An ashen limb punched through his face and skull, splattering blood and brain matter onto the floor and crates behind.
The mage staggered back a little farther, droplets of blood splashing on her face.
ding You have defeated [Axe Raider lvl 133 / Blood Enhancer lvl 128]
Boring. Ilea thought. Go down and join the survivors. If you attack any of them, I will find you and I will rip you to shreds. Understand?
The mage nodded quickly and ran towards the stairs, stumbling before she caught herself.
Black wings spread before Ilea flew through the halls, led by the sounds of battle.
She found Kevan facing off against a spear wielder.
The noble was injured, bleeding from several cuts and wounds. His teeth were elongated as were his claws.
His opponent jumped down from one of the crates, landing casually. He looked middle aged but certainly not weak. Even in his light metal armor he looked strong.
Another opponent? He asked, looking towards Ilea.
She dropped Mauro on the floor and extended an ashen limb to Kevan, taking care of his wounds. Wow, he fucked you up vampire boy. How are you alive?
Kevan groaned and hissed at her, blood splattering onto her ashen armor. Dont call me that!
Ok, calm down. Ilea said and glanced at the spear wielder.
Nolan dont underestimate her. Mauro said as he crawled to the side.
Pathetic. You should have died like a man. Look at you. Nolan spat before he focused on Ilea. And you, a healer no. Youre more than that. A Shadow perhaps? Alistair is no fool then. And neither are you. Seeing through our little game with Kevan. You lot are usually more thick headed.
Kill Kevan and get out of here, get paid and dont return. We can end this without suffering. Nolan suggested in a casual tone.
Ilea shrugged and appeared in front of him, his spears crashing into her armor as her ashen limbs grabbed around his arms and legs.
He smiled, a powerful thrust suddenly pushing his spears forward.
His smile vanished when nothing happened.
Thats it? Ilea asked.
[Warrior lvl 230]
I would have destroyed this punk even when my level was that low. She punched his head but found it surprisingly sturdy.
Thats it? He spat, blood landing on her armor.
Oh now you did it. Ilea murmured, Destruction and Storm of Cinders slamming into his head.
The mana surged into him, his head exploding out behind him.
His limp body sagged down, held up by her ashen limbs.
Ilea let him fall and took a step back. Ah, fuck.
Dont fret it. Kevan said and appeared above the corpse, kicking his side with enough force to sent the body flying into a nearby crate. The cunt deserved it. He spit on the floor. Fucking would be noble.
Cant you drain health? Ilea asked Kevan as they walked back to the underground entrance.
I would have been dead five times over without that. Kevan replied. He was pretty strong.
ding You have defeated [Prodigy of the Spear lvl 230 / Child of Lightning lvl 224]
Now I feel bad for killing such a rare specimen.
Its clear, you can come out. She said down into the stairwell.
You killed the spear wielder? Dale asked as he stepped out.
A man was following close behind, one of the officers who had been in a separate cell. Told you shes crazy.
Not the first to suggest that. Ilea said, once again dragging Mauro behind her.
Dale nodded. I will notify the guard, we will dig through this place.
Plenty of traps. Make sure to ask the surviving smugglers for help. Im sure theyd prefer to not die today. The one with the burnt face has interesting classes. Might be useful for your hunters. Ilea suggested.
I will do so. Dale said, speaking loudly to make sure they heard him. Perhaps Alistair will consider their sentence to be less than death if they cooperate. He glared hard at the ice mage.
The woman gulped and looked to the floor.
What about that one, hes one of the leaders. Eli said and pointed at Mauro.
He still owes me something. Ilea said with a smile.
Dale nodded. Ill let you handle him then.
The other man chuckled. Doesnt sound like you. He clasped Dales shoulder. Thanks for saving us.
Of course. Ilea said and looked at Dale. A word.
The captain nodded and walked a little farther away with her.
She formed a dome of ash around Mauro before she talked, Theres a healer down there. Corinth order. She was hired by the Gray Company.
Dale frowned. I see. He thought about it, Alistair wouldnt want to offend them, neither would anybody in the guard. She will be let go with a warning.
I wouldnt like that at all. Ilea said in a menacing tone.
Dale sighed. I understand. Me neither to be honest but it would spell trouble to antagonize a big healing order. Some of our own best healers are hired.
What if you pin it on me? I could do it. Ilea suggested.
Murder her in cold blood? Dale shook his head. Without a trial?
She worked for slavers. Ilea hissed. I dont want to know what else they used her for.
Dale glanced back to the survivors. Can you make her vanish? Leave no trace?
Ilea nodded.
They will investigate. Will ask questions. Will ask me questions. He said.
Dont lie. Tell them it was the smugglers or Lilith, the Shadow you had hired. She acted on her own, as Shadows do. Ilea suggested.
Dale gulped, That might work.
You have witnesses. Ilea said and stepped past him, stopping next to the man. We will not talk of this again. Unless you feel like youre in danger. In that case, seek out Claire, head administrator of Ravenhall or go find Walter in the Calys mine. Either will give you and your family shelter until you manage to contact me. She paused. If they come for you, Ill have a little talk.
The hairs on Dales neck stood up as he nodded. Good. Now go.
Ill see you later, for the report. Captain.
Ilea moved past the group of people, leaving the rest to Kevan and Dale as well as the other officer. Her eyes were focused forwards as she walked down the stairs, straining her nose. Poison and acid flowed onto the floor after she ripped through the barrels with her ashen limbs. It would make sure the guards who came to investigate knew about the dangers as well as provide some more time for her to snoop around herself.
When she reached the lowest step behind the destroyed wall, she turned her head and focused.
You do want to meet the elves still? Mauro asked, his face a mask that revealed nothing.
Ilea could imagine the hopes he held. Hopes of survival, of turning them against her. A part of her hoped they would. An interesting fight perhaps after all this boring slaughter.
Visiting Ravenhall had been fine but now she longed to go back north. Tired of playing the exterminator, finding filth and vermin under every bit of stone. The last thing she would do was crush his head, even if it turned out the elves were hostile towards her, would overwhelm and trap her. She would make sure he wouldnt get away.
Ilea smelled it then. Perfume.
Comments
Jonathan Walker
I fucking love HER!!!!!
Cadastral
Pan was the Corinth Healer's name.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Rip Woodham
It won't be quick, right? Ilea, play with your food!!
Rip Woodham
Looking forward to the elf meeting! Though I hope they are not like Goldie before his balls dropped. Maybe an outcast oracle? And Ilea falls in love?? Haha, probably not. Ridiculous. *mutter* outcast oracle outcast oracle!* I'm curious about what Mauro (mauro, really?) said before he passed out. Pan? Someone he cares about that we'll come to know? Something to do with the elves?!
Kris
Thanks for tge chapter.. awesome as always
Todd Kloos
Also it might be a good idea to have Maro stay with the Vultures on a more permanent basis rather than dragging him around to each new city that Ilea goes to. With his backing the Vultures would be able to operate a little more openly without worrying that they would be attacked by other human groups and they could trade with the Cerithil Hunter elves without fear that they might be destroyed if the elves turn hostile. Maro could also help protect Riverguard and Dawntree from elves and monsters, helping those cities become safe and prosperous and improving the reputation of necromancers as he does so.
Todd Kloos
This would be a good chance to destroy her enemies in Dawntree since there is apparently a rebellion going on there already. It sounds like Ilea plans to just go back North after this though and ignore the situation in Dawntree for now.
FrostyFeet
Fuck slavers .... let Ilea be the Sheriff in town
FrostyFeet
Really liking this chapter. Kinda grim, but i dig the Corinth order as the next enemy
Alexander Dupree
Nice thanks for the chapter
Christian Gaarddahl Korsbæk
nah dont pull her arms out that is just mean. she should do every other thing that does not mean lossing a lim, then do the decapitation test, to see if the classes are any good or not, any healing class should be able to heal the loss of your own head ofc. I would find it a hell lot more funny seeing the Corinth order come knocking and demand justice for their healer and then meet Ilea and then just turn around and say ok our mistake we will watch out more next time(after at least half or more of the order lies dead or worse)
Garend
Looking forward to the Elf meeting.
Oh man I wanted to read about that bitch getting murdered
Straven
I see what they meant about cliffhanger but barely at that, a full story with the clear hunt to come! Thank you very much for the chapter, loving them all.
Tommy Littlefield
I mean you can’t really cliffhang where we are at she literally is almost unbeatable in the human kingdom golden lily is really the only currently known organization that stands any kind of chance in a serious fight she’s literally been killing most of the people and monsters without even using skills other than passives and defense
Tommy Littlefield
Llea is such a badass I love this book so much literally a perfectly done MC
Michael C
Ohhhh damnit. Perfume cliffhanger.... Damn you
L Pedersen
yissssssssssssssssss... Find that little corinth shit.... Pull her arms off! Seriously though, it would be interesting to learn the limits of corinth healers, can they regrow limbs quickly for instance? wink wink. It's not torture, it for science!
Seadrake
Thanks, great work.
Baba Vader
Thanks for the chapters!
FrozenFingers
Now i just have to wait 3 days until i get my next fix
FrozenFingers
Thanks for the chapter.
