Magic_Smithing
patreon
Ch: 84
🕑 Added 2021-02-23 06:53:08 +0000 UTCIf this old man weren't wearing an invisible helmet right now, I'd try socking him in his creepy face.
I knew the old man and lady would be trouble the second I saw them, but things are turning out for the worst. Being the second strongest person in the village, I was responsible for standing front and center when Scholl arrived. And if Scholl sent anybody else to our village, I would've gone unnoticed.
I would’ve liked nothing more than to remain back at the front of the village with everybody else, but master and I are the only ones capable of standing up to these two monsters.
And as my luck would have it, the lady and old man haven't taken their eyes off me since we started walking them through the village together. The quiet lady is unnerving, but the old man is relentless.
I'm guessing the lady isn't dangerous until she unseals her power, meaning I'll aim for her first if a fight breaks out. The old man, on the other hand, is a different story. The more I scan him, the more I'm convinced I'd be unable to scratch the cocky geezer.
I only have a general sense of the runes inscribed on his armor, but I can tell it isn't just invisibility. His armor is not only the most robust alloy I've ever seen, but it's also enchanted to reduce the impact of magic as well. And that isn't even including the fact that it's fuckin invisible!
His armor alone is enough to make me want to run rather than fight, and I haven't had the chance to scratch the other magic items he has spread all over his body. The sword on his hip is at least ten times better than my scimitar.
My original plan was to have master grab Camden and run away while I overpowered my flame spell again as I did with the bandits. However, the more I look at the old man, the more I realize my plan won’t work.
The only way I'll be able to hurt him is if I can freeform my own spell as I did against the soul eater, and I doubt he'd stand still for me.
I tried lying about the spears, but judging by the old man’s growing smile, he isn’t falling for it.
“I’m curious, why stay out here? With your talent, you could’ve walked into Olebert’s capitol and demanded the best master accept you as his disciple. Why limit yourself?” The old man drills me again.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I try to deflect again with my skills active, but it doesn’t work.
“I think you know what I mean,” he confidently smiles at me.
Shit, playing dumb is getting me nowhere. The old man is just pushing me further back into a corner.
I glance away from the old man for a moment and see we’ve become everyone’s focus. Camden and master are nervously watching me while the aid, which I think was called Jason by the old man, scampers over to the woman who's also nervously watching us.
I harden my resolve and look the old man in the eye. "You're asking a lot of personal questions for someone who has yet to introduce himself."
The old man throws his head back and starts laughing. “You’re right, I haven't given you my name yet, have I? You can call me Pacore. In my homeland, I'm known as Master Pacore the deathless, one of the pillars of Scholl."
As the old man gives me his name, his aura changes. The pressure radiating off Pacore becomes a physical weight on my shoulders. Out of the corner of my eye, I see master readying to strike while Camden and Jason have dropped to their knees.
I look Pacore in the eyes and flatly ask him, “are you done yet?”
The pressure vanishes, and Pacore laughs at my defiant look. "Good, very good. Not even my commanders can stand up to me when I release my pressure. You know how strong I am, and yet you aren't afraid; that's commendable."
It's my turn to snicker. It's not that I don't fear him; it's just that I've come face to face with a monster scarier than he is, and no matter how intimidating Pacore is, his presence is nothing compared to literal gods. Even if he's high leveled, he's only a man.
Pacore’s smile slips momentarily when I start giggling. “I have to say that’s not the reaction I was expecting,” he notes my seemingly weird behavior.
This is the first time the old geezer has lost his footing, so I capitalize on the opening. I confidently step closer to him. "I have seen much scarier than you. What is one man compared to the monsters in this world?"
Everything turns silent after my question. Pacore and the unnamed lady are taken back by my sudden change in demeanor.
Pacore's expression hardens, and we stare at each other. There isn't a trace of anger in his eyes. I get the feeling he knows all too well where he stands in this world. He’s seen a monster just as I have and lived to tell the tale.
“And what monster has a level 74 child seen?” Pacore asks me in a curious tone.
Like I'll let you retake the lead.
I activate Sense Soul and zero in on Pacore’s and the woman’s soul. Both of them twitch under my gaze and look at me in wide-eyed wonder.
“Why don’t you tell me about the beast that haunts your dreams first?” I challenge Pacore. “I’m curious what beast someone at level 152 and 127 finds dangerous?”
The tension in the air becomes palpable after I reveal their levels. Pacore turns and looks at the woman behind him, and the two of them share a silent conversation with their eyes. It almost looks like they didn't know each other's levels.
Master Pacore eventually turns back to me and asks me in a cold voice, "my level is one of my kingdom’s greatest secrets. How are you going to compensate me for revealing it?"
I can’t back down now. “I guess we’ll have to keep each other’s secrets then,” I respond using the same tone.
Tightening my grip on my axe, I ready myself for his attack.
Pacore snorts and closes his eyes; bringing his hand up, he starts stroking his beard. "This is quite the predicament I put myself in, isn't it?" The fact he's willing to close his eyes in front of me shows how little of a threat he considers me. "You just had to go and say my level in front of the general, didn't you?"
What?
I don't understand what he's talking about. I know I should keep quiet, but my curiosity gets the better of me. "Why does it matter if I say your level in front of your companion?" I ask Pacore.
Pacore lets out a tired sigh. "I guess It's my fault for bringing her with me in the first place," he mumbles before opening his eyes, looking straight at me. Pacore points over his shoulder at the woman standing next to Jason, "she's my prisoner. You gave my level to one of Olebert’s top generals.”
Camden, master, and I look past Pacore and stare at the woman standing behind him.
She's a prisoner?! Those magic bands she's wearing are not to hide her power but seal it completely.
A high-ranking general captured by Scholl. That means she can only be her, "you're General Pitz!" I exclaim in shock.
“I am,” the general admits in a defeated voice.
“So, you see why this is a problem,” Pacore cuts in. “I can only see one solution to this problem.”
Does he think he can silence all of us!? If that's really General Pitz, then we only have to worry about Pacore. He may have a high level, but if master and I work together, we might be able to take him.
“You’ll have to take responsibility…,” he tells me.
With my life, I know where this is going. As soon as he moves to draw his sword, I’ll attack. As soon as Pacore starts his next sentence, I rush forward.
“By becoming my student,” Pacore boldly proclaims.
Axe raised over my head; I stumble forward after hearing Pacore’s demand.
“You want me to what?” I ask in disbelief.
Pacore, unperturbed by my raised weapon, grins at me. “I need to bring back something just as valuable as my level when I return to Scholl. And I can’t think of anything more valuable than taking you as my newest student.” Pacore starts laughing with all the confidence in the world.
Mouth open, I stare at him dumbfounded.
***********
Master Pacore the Deathless’ Point of View:
It's excellent seeing Aaliyah's shocked reaction. She was ready to charge me just now, but it looks like she's forgotten all about that.
That look of confidence in her eyes as she raised her axe was beautiful. She honestly thought she and that stone kin could defeat me. Her courage is commendable. Stupid, but commendable.
She makes such beautiful weapons.
She can see through my strength and accurately determine my level, a feat that hasn't been done since I passed level 110.
And she has the courage of a cornered beast, with the level to back it up.
I shudder, thinking about what other talents she might be hiding. If I make her my student, I'm sure she'll pass me one day and take my place as Scholl's pillar.
Resources, money, expertise, I can give her everything she needs to become a paragon in this world.
In a few years, she might even grow strong enough to help us defeat the dragon!
The knowledge of my level leaking is nothing in comparison to what this young girl represents. She will be my greatest…!
“I refuse!”
Did the world just stop turning? I stand frozen in place, not comprehending what I just heard. “What was that?” I ask Aaliyah, not sure if I heard her correctly.
“I said, I refuse,” she calmly repeats herself.
Are the gods themselves playing a joke on me?
"I already have a great master," Aaliyah tells me before looking at the stone kin and smiling. The stone kin shakes his head in a reproaching manner, but the smile on his face contradicts himself.
Everyone else is just as surprised as I am; even the village's headman looks shocked she turned down my offer.
I…
I’m at a loss for words!
"What happens now?" She asks me like she didn't just turn down a once-in-a-lifetime offer.
Everyone looks to me for my answer, and I'm still stunned in place. I fearlessly faced down a dragon, one of the most feared creatures in this world, without pause. And here I am, rendered speechless by a village girl, a mere fraction of my age.
“Master Pacore?” Young Jason calls out to me.
“I think you killed him,” I hear General Pitz snicker behind me.
I should be mad. A commoner turned me down. I have the right to be furious.
“Why?” I calmly ask her. “Do you know what you’re turning down?”
Aaliyah gives me an awkward smile. "I can roughly guess," she responds.
“You would receive anything you need,” I point out to her. “Scholl would give you training, materials, anything you asked for, it would be given to you. You would stand above thousands, hundreds of thousands! My majesty would give you land, a title!”
Aaliyah's smile becomes more strained like I'm an ordinary merchant trying to force his wares onto her.
"Tell me what you desire, and it will be yours," I hold out my hand. "Become my apprentice, no, my successor."
Everyone but Aaliyah gasps at my offer. I don't care about anyone else right now; I keep my eyes focused on Aaliyah.
When she lets out a tired sigh, my heart drops.
“And what if I ask for freedom?” Her voice rings in my ears. “If I took your offer, would I be allowed to travel the world? You see me and are impressed with my strength, but the two of us use our strength for different purposes. You asked me why I’m out here? The answer is the same reason I’m turning you down right now.”
The more she speaks, the more resolve I hear in her voice.
"You want me to take over your position eventually, to lead Scholl's armies to victory?" She asks me, shaking her head. "That is not who I am. I have fought monsters, both beasts from the forest and those who look like you and me. I may enjoy the challenge, but I don't enjoy killing. You'd ask me to swear allegiance to your king and help win your wars. It's the same thing as being shackled to any other noble. That’s why I haven’t left my village yet. I’m not strong enough to stand on my own.”
“I can help you gain that strength,” I offer Aaliyah.
"I can gain strength by myself," she says stubbornly. “Through blacksmithing and hard work, I’ll reach your level with my own two hands.”
Preposterous! Does she think she can reach my level through sheer hard work and willpower?! It's only thanks to his majesty's backing and the wealth of a country that I've made it to where I am today.
I want to grab the infuriating child and shake some sense into her, but her eyes…
Her eyes have no uncertainty in them. She has the look of someone who has no doubt she’ll reach her goals.
Such passion!
Such Drive!
Why did she have to refuse me?!
A heavy silence hangs over all of us. Now that Aaliyah has thoroughly turned me down, a choice needs to be made.
If I leave her be, she could become a threat to Scholl in the future. General Pitz knows about her, and once she's ransomed back to Olebert, the general would be a fool if she didn't send people to secure her. The weapons Aaliyah makes are already reason enough to fight over her. In the future, she might even rival stone kin masters.
If I try to drag her back with me, she and her master will fight to the death, that I'm sure of.
Do I kill her now, or leave her and hope Aaliyah doesn’t turn on Scholl in the future?
I glance over my shoulder at General Pitz to gauge her reaction and see she's gritting her teeth and clenching her fists. So, she's ready to attack me, too, even though she's sealed.
Things continue to become more complicated by the minute.
I take a deep breath and let out a long sigh. Decisions like this shouldn’t be made lightly. I’ll need time to think things through.
I turn my attention to the village's headman. The man flinches backward, seeing my emotionless face. "What's your name?" I flatly question him.
“Camden Downs, my lord,” he bows his head, unable to hold my gaze.
"Headman Downs, my people will camp in front of your village." I leave no room for him to negotiate or argue. Looking back at Aaliyah, I see her spirit has remained strong and that she hasn't changed her mind in the slightest. "We both need time to think. I'll be back to talk with you tomorrow."
Aliyah's eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn't say anything as I start to walk back towards my men. "Jason, hurry along, and don't forget to bring General Pitz with you," I call out behind me.
“Yes, sir!” I hear him shout. I keep my pace slow until I hear his and General Pitz's footsteps catch up to me. Neither of them says anything as we make our way back through the village.
When we approach the villagers, still ready to defend their village, the headman's son watches our lone approach with worry in his eyes. "Where is my father?" He points his sword at me. The level 50 archer stands next to him, but I'm too mentally exhausted to answer him.
The young man's face becomes strained as I walk past him without saying a word. He looks ready to order an attack when young Jason answers for me. "Your headman is back in the village, unharmed."
The boy motions for someone to go check on his father, but I don't care about that. I release a bit of pressure and the villagers part in front of me.
“Master Pacore, sir?” My commander walks up to me, seeing the complicated look on my face.
“We’re camping here for the day. Have the men set up the tents a little way away from the village,” I curtly issue my orders.
The commander must realize I'm not in the mood to talk. He salutes me and takes off, issuing my orders. My tent is prioritized first, and I soon have a quiet place to retreat to.
Leaving my armor on, I collapse on my bedroll, going over every option I can think of regarding Aaliyah.
“Do I really need to kill such talent?” I question the gods.
Silence is my only answer.
**********
Aaliyah’s Point of View:
My heart pounds in my chest as we watch Pacore walk away.
When Pacore and his group are out of sight, all the tension leaves my body, and I collapse to the ground. For a second there, all my instincts screamed at me to run. I was sure he was going to attack after I turned him down. Is he going to attack the village because of me? I start trembling, thinking about all the repercussions everyone might face because of me.
Master walks over to me and bends down. He starts rubbing his hands in circles on my back, trying to help me calm down.
“I can’t believe you did that,” Camden mumbles, clearly shaken up just as much as I am.
Hearing Camden makes me second guess myself even more. Should I rush after Pacore and take him up on his offer? The last thing I want to do is get the village caught up in my own problems.
“What do you think I should’ve done?” I ask master.
"You should've taken the deal," master bluntly tells me. My heart drops; even master thinks I was wrong. "But I'm happy you didn't."
I look to master with tears in my eyes, “really?”
Master Del firmly nods. “You stuck to your beliefs. I can’t fault you for that.”
“What do we do now?” I ask.
Master and I look at Camden, who has his head buried in his hands, lightly groaning. Everything has become a lot more complicated for everyone involved.
This is why I didn't want to leave the village. I knew something like this would eventually happen, but I never thought it would happen so soon.
“Headman Downs!” Our brooding is interrupted by someone running over to us. “Are you all ok!? We didn’t see you return with Scholl’s people.”
Camden jolts up, realizing we let that monster walk through our village by himself. It's understandable how everyone must be reacting, seeing how we didn't return with Pacore.
Camden quickly straightens himself up and puts on a brave front. "Everything's fine," he lies to the messenger. "Go back and tell my son to leave Scholl alone for now. Tell him, we'll set up a watch and that everyone is to hold on to their weapons for now."
The villager nods and takes off back through the village.
“We’ll need to have a meeting to discuss what happened,” Camden walks over to me. “I’ll grab my children while you find your family. Come to my house when you’re ready,” he tells me. “I need to organize the village,” Camden briefly explains before walking off, an invisible weight added to his shoulders.
“Come on then,” master helps me to my feet. The two of us walk together back to my house.
When we get there, I knock on the door. “Mom! It’s me,” I call out.
There are heavy steps on the other side of the door as mom rushes to let me in. She flings the door open and launches herself at me, wrapping me in her arms. "Are you ok?" She asks, sniffling.
“I think so,” I tell her.
“I’ll go find your dad,” master leaves the two of us alone.
Mother pulls back and looks me over, searching for the slightest scratch. “Did everything go according to plan?” She asks me, noticing I don’t have a single smudge on my armor.
I briefly think about lying to mom to make her feel better, but that will only make what comes next that much harder. “No,” I hang my head. “Things didn’t go according to plan.”
Concerned, mom asks me, “what happened?”
"I'll explain in a little bit. Can you just keep hugging me for a little while longer?"
Mom wraps her arms around me again, no questions asked. We stay like that until Master Del returns with Dad.
Dad moves in and joins our hug, while master awkwardly stands to the side. After a minute, I tell them, “we need to head to Camden’s house.”
It’s a somber walk for us. Armed villagers are returning to their families, unsure of what’s happening to the village. Scholl is camped right outside the village, and the tension in the air has only increased.
A few scared people are standing outside Camden's house when we get there, but Sarette, who's standing outside, shoos them away when she sees us coming. "I'm happy you're all ok," she rushes over and hugs mother. "My boys are inside; they said Camden will be back soon." Sarette leads us into her house.
We all shuffle into the drawing room. Sarette places some tea on the table, but no one takes any. Dad and mom sit on either side of me while master stands nearby.
We wait like that for nearly twenty minutes before we hear the front door open.
Camden walks into the room, followed by Ronald, Anastasia, Markus, Ezekiel, brother, and Sandra. The drawing room is packed with people nervously glancing at one another.
“What is happening, Camden?” Markus is the first to speak up.
Camden looks at me, seeing if I want to explain. I shake my head no. Mother and father put their arms around me for support.
Camden lets out what has to be his 100th sigh of the day and starts explaining what happened with Pacore. Everyone but those who were there during the meeting pales in fright when they hear his level. The fact that the woman with him is the captured General Pitz doesn't do much for morale either.
The room explodes when Camden explains how Pacore asked me to become his student and my subsequent refusal.
“You killed us all!” Markus yells at me. Normally, I'd have something snappy to say back, but I'm afraid he's right this time.
“We aren’t dead yet,” Camden tries to calm the room.
“Yet!” Ezekiel exclaims. “The monster is probably deciding how to burn down our village this very moment!”
“Say that again!” Dad stands up, towering over Ezekiel.
But Ezekiel is obviously panicking. "We're screwed! We can't stand up to someone like Pacore, not even if the whole village tried to kill him! And it's all her fault!" Ezekiel points an accusing finger at me.
That finger is all it takes to push father over the edge. He reaches and grabs Ezekiel by his vest and hoists him into the air. Markus, Ronald, and Nicolas try to pry Ezekiel out of dad's grip, but they can't match his strength. It isn't until Del moves across the room and punches dad in the gut that he drops Ezekiel.
Mom yells as dad drops to the floor, clutching his chest.
“It’s your fault!” Ezekiel continues to rant now that he’s free.
Master, who just freed Ezekiel, turns around and slaps him upside the head. Ezekiel drops to the floor, unmoving. If his chest weren't barely moving, I'd swear that slap had killed him.
“Why did you do that?” Markus stares at his unconscious friend. “You just saved him.”
Master snorts at Markus. "I stopped Darrius from killing him; that doesn't mean I'm going to stand here and listen to you badmouthing my apprentice."
Markus looks at master like he just grew another head. “Your voice!”
Master was so worked up he forgot to use his broken speech around Anastasia and Markus.
“We’re getting off track,” Camden tries to reel everyone back in. “Arguing won’t solve anything.”
“You’re not going to do anything about him!” Markus points at master while yelling at Camden.
“I won’t,” Camden calmly responds to Markus.
“And why not!?” He continues to shout.
"Because I was about to do the same thing," Camden's response causes Markus to take a wary step back. "You can't blame Aaliyah for not wanting to join Scholl's army. If you’re going to continue to yell, you can take Ezekiel and leave.” That finally gets Markus to shut his mouth. “We need options for tomorrow.”
The room goes quiet.
“Are the two of you able to beat him?” Anastasia asks master and me.
Master hangs his head while I shake mine. "I'm not even sure we can get past his armor," I honestly reply.
"Armor?" Camden looks at me, confused.
Oh, yeah. I'm the only one who could see it. "He's wearing a set of invisible armor," I explain to the stunned room. "It makes my stuff look like paper."
"Then fighting isn't an option," Camden grumbles. "Any more ideas?" He asks everybody.
“We could run,” mom says in a quiet voice.
“Silvia!” Sarette gasps at her friend.
"If it keeps our family and the village safe, it might be our only option," mom points out to her friend.
"Even if your family leaves, that doesn't mean the village will be spared," Camden shakes his head. “Fighting may be our only option.”
“But you just said!” Markus whines.
“Do you have a better idea?” Camden challenges him.
I feel tears welling up in my eyes. Whether it’s my parents, master, or Camden and his family, all of them are trying to think of a way to save me from Pacore. I’m not sure if I deserve this.
Mother notices my tears and pulls me against her. There is only one way I can guarantee everyone will be safe.
“I’ll take his offer.”
The room goes silent again.
“What was that, sweety?” Mom asks me.
“I said I’ll take Pacore’s offer,” I repeat through my tears.
"You don't have to…" Camden starts, but I shake my head.
"This is the only way that guarantees nobody gets hurt. Besides, he said I'll get anything I want," I try to smile to prove I'm ok with the decision.
Everyone but Markus frowns. Mom pulls me even closer and holds me tightly.
To save the village and the people I care about, I can do anything. This is my second life, after all; I'm playing with extra time on the clock.
When I meet Pacore tomorrow, I'll take him up on his deal; I'll join Scholl's army.
**********
Master Pacore the Deathless’ Point of View:
“Master Pacore, I brought you dinner.” Young Jason calls out to me from the other side of my tent flap.
"You can bring it in," I permit him to enter.
Young Jason enters my tent, followed by General Pitz. I forgot I told him to watch her.
"Here you go," Jason hands me a bowl of hot soup. I wordlessly reach out and take the piping bowl, unaffected by the heat.
Removing my helmet, I start shoveling the stew into my mouth.
"What a day," young Jason pretends to be tired and sits across from me. General Pitz joins him, and they both watch me eat.
“If you have something to say, spit it out,” I snap at the boy.
“I just,” Jason stammers, unsure how to ask his question.
"He's wondering what your plans are for tomorrow," General Pitz finishes Jason's thought.
I look the captured general in the eyes. "You're wondering if I'll destroy the village." Young Jason is horrified by my bluntness, but General Pitz just nods.
“You would really do that!?” Jason asks me, looking afraid of me for the first time since I met him on Drey’s walls.
“If I must,” I coldly answer, in between bites of my soup. I ignore my shocked aide and turn my full attention to General Pitz. “You knew she was out here, didn’t you?”
General Pitz's expression turns downcast. "I did. I planned to come out here after the war was over and recruit her to my house,” she honestly tells me.
“And were you aware of her skills?”
"Do you think I would've waited if I was fully aware of her abilities!?" The general sneers at me. "I knew she was a talented blacksmith, but I had no idea her level was so high. I was just as shocked as you were."
I need a drink. Reaching over, I pop the lid off my canteen and drink a mouthful of alcohol. The fumes from my drink are so strong, young Jason coughs until I close the canteen. "Then what would you do?" I level General Pitz with a challenging look. "How would you deal with the most talented individual you've ever met in your life?"
General Pitz bites her lower lip and doesn’t answer my question. I don’t blame the general for her silence; I’ve been sitting here for hours, and I'm no closer to answering the question than when I was when I first stepped into my tent.
“She made that arrow you used against me?” I offer the general my canteen.
"Yeah," She takes the drink. General Pitz uses the cap to measure out a small shot before throwing it back.
“Gods,” I remark.
"I know, right," General Pitz notes with her face scrunched up. She hands me back my alcohol.
I take another drink and ask her, “what are you going to do after Olebert pays for your ransom?”
General Pitz shrugs her shoulders. “Probably try to kill you again.”
“I mean before that,” I chuckle.
"You mean, what am I going to do with everything I've learned so far?" She inquires.
“Let’s go with that,” I tell her.
“It’s hard to say,” General Pitz glances at young Jason. “It’s clear Olebert has paid too little attention to this corner of the kingdom, and certain people will need to be held responsible for what's happened here. The issue with the dragon will fall on the king to decide, but it's too early to speculate on that."
“And the issue of young Aaliyah?” I press the general.
General Pitz narrows her eyes. "If you harm that child, I'll see to it that you die the most excruciating death possible.”
She doesn't mince her words, does she?
"That's good to know." I take another sip from my canteen. If I could drink the whole thing and get drunk, I would. Heck, I would take a hangover right now if I didn't have to deal with this situation.
At this rate, I doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight.
No matter how I look at it, my decision tomorrow will change everything.
"Gods help me," I silently plead as I tilt my head back and continue drinking, hoping I make the right decision.
**********
Author’s Notes:
5,250 words.
A few people called me evil after I finished the last chapter, and I guess I have to agree with them. The more I write these scenes, the more I feel I need to include in them.
The next chapter will decide Aaliyah’s fate along with the fate of Spotted Creek Village.
The last chapter had some of the most comments I've ever gotten on a single chapter. It was a pleasure scrolling through them until I reached the corrections section. Please continue telling me what you think of the story; it helps me a lot.
On another note, I'll be taking a small break after the next chapter. Nothing major; I'm just skipping the chapter next weekend. Many people have been asking for a Discord server, and even though I'm horrible with sites like that, I plan to try and make one. I also want to try and write a chapter ahead of schedule for a change, hoping to give myself a little wiggle room in the future.
Thanks for the understanding, and as always, stay safe.
Comments
lenkite
Well..this is what you get for not hiding yourself when Invaders come. When one doesn't have the strength to fight, one must hide.
Svish
pancore is only a fighter. he cannot teach her anything more than the art of death. which she does not want. she wants to continue her studies in alchemy and enchanting- none of which she can do with him.
Jan Jakubcik
I just got here, and I can tell, that I hate where the novel is going.
Lythyc M
She doesn’t want to kill I get that but I think being his apprentice isn’t a bad option. Dell already said he doesn’t have anything to teacher her. If she talked to Pecore normally and not yell at him she probably could’ve got him to where she’s doesn’t have to kill or be in the army(considering how much Pecore already said she has the most talent he’s ever seen). Unless the stone kin come down and ask her to come apprentice at their homeland she not going to get a better offer then this. I hope she takes it cause I’d also like to see more of the world and magic.
Crackafilenight
I do think Pacore should be afraid of Pitz, 1. Pitz wasn't at 100% she was pretty weakened, 2. She wasn't wearing her optimal gear like Mr Deathless was. 3. While Aaliyah's arrow was great Pitz herself said it's not as good as the ones she gets from the Stone Kin yet 4. Pitz was still able to deal pretty heavy damage if not severe to him despite not being 100% and caught in the dark. i.e Pacore and Scholl prepared for her, she didn't. 5. Right now Pitz is pissed she lost but if he touches Aaliyah she's going to go all out in finding a way to kill em in optimal conditions which means Scholl would have to go through protracted war likely and Scholl cannot afford that. Also I would say anticipation/lead up to the fight that stress, she likely knew that they were going to lose the fort because they are outnumbered by an enemy that seems to have far superior forces and Deathless himself, while Deathless more or less was focused on the fight she was worried about her forces, the repercussions of losing i.e Scholl can just waltz right through, looking for ways to kill some of their high leveled individuals very very different mindsets going into a fight. Plus shes fucking over lvl 100 and mad strong I'm sure she could put Pacore in some deeply sticky situations if she put her mind to it.
Quintuscus
That is some bull. Aaliyah is human, humans make mistakes. Humans have values that often interfere with logical behaviour. It was great writing, if not a little gut-wrenching.
Roman
Aaliyah did a lot of really stupid things this chapter. Keeping up the stubborn act even after she found his level was dumb but can be somewhat justified if she's just betting that he respects courage. However, there's no excuse for scanning his soul, stating his level, and especially refusing his offer. Anyone at level 150 could reasonably be expected to slaughter the entire village after doing any one of those things. Is her freedom worth the lives of everyone she's ever cared about? I just can't see anyone realistically acting this way, much less Aaliyah who has shown to be somewhat reasonable and to value her life and her family. She can break contracts so it's not even guaranteed enslavement, and that's ignoring how good of a deal becoming his apprentice actually is.
Carl Mason
Friendship can't save her from a level 150 politician.
Michael Weis
It will all be resolved with the power of friendship.
Black Unicorn
Well given how close lvl and skills and stats are linked then 14 lvls heck even only 8 lvls might mean A LOT. just think about it if a man with 100 str. is roughly twice as strong as a heavy wight bodybuilder then what is 200 or even 300?? at lvl 154 that means he has at-least 770 extra stat points. and it was said that a large man with 100 str. will be stronger then a small man with the same str. that can be a game changer as that would mean EVEY stat point can mean the difference between life then death.
An_Amazing_Username
I was just rereading this and thought, I really wouldn't mind her just accelerating her original plan and going into the deep woods. It might actually be fun just to see her go primitive hermit blacksmith for a couple of chapters. Maybe some quick power leveling then a trip to the stone-kin?
Space Cadet
Dont really see what the big deal of knowing Pacores exact level is. Pitz knew that he was considerably higher lvl than her, so he knew that he was 140+. Can you honestly say that the plan to attack/recruit/disable a lvl 140 would be different to that used for a lvl 154. The closely guarded secret should be his skills and his invisible armour. "drats, we could have got him if we had known he had a aura of invincibility that lasted 9 seconds!"
Rui Lourenço
Alaiyah just needs to accept the proposal. It was inevitable that she would be snatched up. Either way, she really should stop just reading people’s levels out loud for effect. It neve ends well.
Banana banana whos the best The banana king he said
That would be fun if they can pull it off
Steven Palmer
Is that like having something similar to a ghost body. If so that would be funny as hell to make soldiers scared of ghosts
TaylorTot
Now that she is learning more external mana manipulation, I wonder if she will learn to astral project?
Sondadir
Sense soul did not kill the Spider. They cut off more than half of its legs, before Aaliyah used her skill. The spider died by bleeding.
WanderingPB
Aaliyah can't just kill Pacore b/c even if she did the Scholl army would retaliate against the whole village. Olebert's army isn't coming to the rescue. I am curious as to how Aaliyah can weaponize sense soul as she did on the camo spider.
Stylemys
That just delays the problem. Scholl would be spending resources to empowering her for 5 years only to let her leave and be an even greater potential threat that’s even harder to remove.
Starfall20
I think that she should split the difference. She should be his apprentice and give him a decade to prove Scholl is worthy of her Loyalty or at least her expertise.
Timo Immig
Please let her have her 16th Birthday in her village.
yawn
When will the next chapter drops.. I cant wait, and also I hope that the next chapter wont be a cliffhanger
Dikfor
MC needs to add a ballgag and gimp suit to her equipment. Would help keep her out of trouble.
Stylemys
The problem is that while slaughtering the village might be out of character, taking her family hostage to prevent her from acting against Scholl wouldn’t be. She represents way too much potential danger to simply let go free.
RPD
No one in Pacore's group could even catch her if she decided to just leave. It would also go against the character the author has built to just slaughter The village in retaliation. Something like that would also of course guarantee that she would get strong enough and destroy his country which seems to be the only thing that general cares about is his country. He also seems intelligent enough to know that trying to slaughter The village will massively backfire. yeah of course if he tried I'm sure she'd use that ability to instantly kill him that would then take away her humanity or her ability for her soul to move on.
Bookman
You have to take the view of a faction or nation into consideration. As was said: If he leaves her alone, then she will become a threat to the kingdom. The reaction of the female general was the same. She only said not to kill her. I belive every major faction would capture her just to make sure she cant do anything against them. Thats how real live worked too in the midle ages and does still work to some extent. Or do you honestly believe that if you were some super hacker and it was found out, that you would be left in peace? You would get taken and laws be damed. There is a reason why Guantanamo still exists. Dangerous people will always either join a powerfull faction or die trying to stay free. Or Alternativ keep underground, constantly on the run. ------ All in all im only disappointed that non of them tried to negotiate. Our dear MC could agree under certain conditions. For exmaple no active combat. Only if She wants too. Freedom to travel, maybe with some guards. Personally i want her to agree and get out of the village. There is a world to see and Other Master Smiths to meet. And Between Olbert who worships old nobility and Scholl who worships level, i think she will be a not happier in scholl.
Dantalia
The next chapter will be the most amazing one yet!
Serran
Very nice chapter. It is sometimes easy to tell that Aaliyah never got older than 18 in her (his) last life. Rash decisions are still a thing. To be fair her reaction was rather reasonable all things considered. Lets remember the other guy who is most likely older than Aaliyah in total who had a total panic attack. The fact that Pacore can enforce his will doesn't make him right. Though he does come from a Country that seems to be medival Klingons (Strenght above everything, murder for advancement as a matter of course) Now for Aaliyah, if she remember Anime at all, this is the time for a training montage. She has two Tier 5 and One Tier 6 skill. Not even mentionioning the incredible list of Tier 4s. Sense Soul can't incapacitate Pacore, but can she, in combination with Soul Manipulation do it or stop him from using his Skills? Some of the things Aaliyah pulled of are more unlikely than killing Pacore. It would go a long way of establishing her freedom to travel: "A level 152 tried something bad when I was only level 74. He did not survive the attempt" If all of that doesn't work she has a number of arguments to make it inconvinient at least. The first is of course that she isn't of age yet. I don't know when exactly the official drinking for being of age happens, but it didn't happen yet. All the goodwill Pacore got with his handling of the people? It is not likely to remain nearly as large when it comes out that Pacore took an incredible beautyfull child from her parents because he was enarmored with her "talent". It won't change anything shortterm but might be a spark that can foster resentment for years or generations to come. Mor practical is the contract she has with Grey. This quite neatly ties her either to the village or Grey. If she can convince Pacore and Pitz that she will not do anything to default the contract then they can control who gets what she creates by controlling Grey. And they can't get anything from her without Grey. Would kind off suck to be him, no? She only has to deliver the Arrows to not default and she can only do that reliably in her village. Honestly everyone baring SIlver Herd Boss and to a lesser extent Kervin act as if Aaliyah's desires are meaningless and she should be crushed unless she bows to their whims. Ok, we haven't heard how Pitz would handle this situation if she was free here, so I am inclined to give her a chance. Pacore also seems to think he is the first to try and enslave her. I hope Aaliyah either crushes Pacore or playes him against Grey.
Blackmoon11
Great chapter, with so many amazing moments. Her passionate speech, his dumbfounded reaction and the heartwarming moment with her family soon after. As much as I love spotted creek and its cast of lovable characters, I do believe a change in scenery would do the story some good. I honestly wouldn't mind if there was another 5 year time skip at some point with the story picking up with her coming back to her village after evading the nobles/completing her training.
Andar
I think one possible compromise is a temporary relocation - A agrees to help P for five years or so, after which everyone can go either way. P could see this as a chance to convince her and deny Olebert her weapons for several years, A would not be bound longer that she probably planned to stay before traveling anyway
Sheeprat
At the end when you say ahead of schedule are you saying we might get a chap on wednesday
Chris
This is quite possibly my favorite chapter out of all of them
Nobody
That's exactly what they already implied...
Nobody
This could be a chance to get A out into the world, but it's the kind of event that's very easy to do badly. I could kind of see it if P took her family and master as "hostages" as much to keep Olbert from getting a handle on her as much as to strengthen his own grip.
Death2Shrimp
I like Pacore's character so much I wish there was some way to have him to get what he wants and what A wants as well. General Pitz too. Dang it why do you have to make this sooooo good. Also the chapter was just as great as I knew it would be
Jachin Nelson
Soul Devourer doesn't allow her to remove souls from the living. Only the dead. MAYBE if her Soul Manipulation skill was higher level she could do that, but it's far from being high enough level
Jachin Nelson
Pacore said they both need time to think. He'll return in the morning wanting to talk and see if the situation has changed. Only after that will he take action.
Jachin Nelson
In her current world she's 15. That worlds years are longer, here she'd be 19 almost 20
Pltergeist
I hope she will not join him. Even is she decides this by herself to "save" the village, it is the same as joining him against her will.
olyver
I wonder if she can rip his soul out of him without eating it, which would kill him without degenerating her into a monster. His armor didn't stop her ability to see his soul, so I assume it wouldn't be able to stop her soul attack either.
Michael Weis
Shouldn't they send a message to Pacore that she's willing to talk in the morning and perhaps join him based on what they negotiate.
Sondadir
"Using the skill, you can absorb souls of the nearly departed for their experience and life force if you so choose " This skill is not made for an offensive role. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't kill a mouse with her Tier 6 Skill. In front of the General, there is not much that Aaliyah's Parents can do. Either Aaliyah leaves and everyone lives, or she refuses and everyone dies. Pacore has the initiative now. As for Silver Heard, it is above all a regional company, they are growing OK, but that's all.
Stylemys
I imagine Soul Manipulation could accomplish something like that. Change the shape of her soul so that Skills can’t tell or read it incorrectly.
Scyfe
I just don't see the parents/del letting A sell herself off for their freedom. If that happens will seem pretty forced. Interested to see how it plays out though, wonder if Silver Herd will do anything as she can tell them and there's always the option of going full monster with soul devoured as if she doesn't use it to protect her village when would she ever.
Ollie
Skill wise, I wonder if she manages to gain something like "soul defence". Manage to hide her levels from others and such. On the other hand, I wonder how people would react to that even.
Kelan
I don't think she wants either, she just wants to stay with Del and her family and not be tethered to any noble, neither Scholl nor Olebert. This is why she mentioned the reason for not leaving her village until she was strong enough. Though remember Scholl is an invading army, although I'm ignorant on the reason as to why they didn't just import food(might have missed it in the story or it wasn't said) maybe a casus beli for conquering
Alex C
Oh yes, when faced with life and death decisions everyone makes calm and rational choices. They've fully planned through every scenario and are ready with measured ripostes to every situation
Kelan
honestly, people can say whatever they want even if they are correct in saying so, saying she was too cocky or dumb making such a bad mistake but damn was it satisfying even I consider it a mistake but banter innit
Vesperius sage
pacore is probably my favorite character so far. Fierce, wise, not rash , the only guy with an actual goal trying to save his people. unlike pitz and the company who are the ones actually using people and ayliah thinks they are the better choice somehow.
PlagueRunner
Another cliff hanger you bastard, good as always just wish you wouldn't blue ball us so much
Cryda J
thank you
Straven
Thank you for the chapter, looking foreword to what comes next.
Kyle Polkinghorne
Gah there's the cliff again though you are right these scenes are needed, the level gaffe is an oops though overall Noone told her not say it out loud that often the other thing some ppl don't seem to remember is that she is only 16/17 I think
Zarik0
Sight i keep facepalm at our MC action, at some point that begin to become pathetic And its begin to be to much dissonance with the previous aspect she have show (her history/etc like acting like a kid when she is 30+ years old, dissonance fact) some are okay but we keep getting more and more on it and she not really learning when she already have done some similar blunder, that begin to frustrate me, and can she fucking think for 2 sec too Well she can try to wriggle a contract between them (she stay free but take order of item from them and with a clause of secrecy and neutrality in the contract, to the general and peacore both) She say she dont care about the shitty politic (country or etc) and want stay away, free of any control (she gonna travel and learn)(any attempt to get her is stupid because she going to do nothing for them if forced, so neutral to both and beneficial to both is the best or she dead and no one get a benefice) in exchange she take order of item they want if they pay no matter the side She need to be placed in a neutral position and they gonna begin to curry favor and bid to her for some extra benefice (favor to favor or less cost for item)
Imspinnennetz
Ideally the best place for Aaliyah to keep learning in line with her wishes is probably with the Stone Kin in Truset. It would also be a moment of pride and accomplishment for Del to have his apprentice return and succeed.
Sondadir
One of my absolute favorite thing to do, is to tell someone who think he's strong " No" !
Axathero
I feel somewhat the same way. If Aaliyah isn't forced to take the deal (or some sort of deal) then she is getting away with murder (metaphorically speaking). She knows he has crazy armour and he is over twice her level. She knew she had zero chance against him and the soldiers at the front of the village. It's like she's taking every chance she can get to get everyone she knows killed.
tj oram
Common troops and most people do not have a way to measuring level and they were expecting a escort and some low level representative to tell the village what is going on she just got really unlucky that one of the few guys that can guess levels showed up and also if it got down to a fight to protect themselves they stand a much better chance with her there she also couldn't just hang back as that would paint her as a coward and not caring about the villagers probably as they know she is know of the strongest people there
Scruffleupagas
I'm still confused as to why she was even out in the open to confront the army. I get she's one of the strongest in the village but she's supposed to be a secret basically.
Todd Kloos
Most skills that give a person's level only give an approximate level rather than an exact level, and it is more difficult to get the level of high level people than it is for low level people. Pacore and Pitz are at such high levels that it is nearly impossible to determine their levels without a 5th tier observation skill.
Shan Malviya
Why both of them didn't know each others level. Don't they have Noble skills ?
Sial28
Love the chapter and your story is one of the best I've read so far on RR. Nevertheless, a remark: before her reincarnation, Aaliyah was a man. But, except for the first chapters, and your remarks between chapter 13 and 14, you didn't really tackle that aspect of your story.
Andrew Goudie
If you don't want to manage a discord server you could ask for volunteers to manage one for you, there are lots of people who enjoy doing things like that. I'm not one, but there definitely are people who do!
IJustWannaRead
Agreed. Makes a bunch of dumb decisions in all her defiance only to realize how dumb she is, do a 180, and decide maybe she’s rather be a glorified slave instead. Cant say I like the direction this is going. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Melting Sky
Pacore is actually a reasonable man so I think Aaliyah may be able to strike a somewhat favorable bargain with him. The fact she outed Pacore on his level was a huge gaffe though.
closeded
I don't really get why she's so hostile. Her behavior is overtly stupid, and made all the worse because she knew the entire time that she was endangering her family and the village. Like a terrified animal lashing out, which might be believable, if we weren't riding along inside her head, seeing none of those emotions. On second thought, maybe more spoiled child throwing a tantrum, but that doesn't work either, because we know she isn't actually a child, and through the internet and the news and history should know exactly how bad things should go for her and the village due to her behavior. I'm not saying she should be bowing and scraping, but there is a large number of things between bending the knee and going out of your way to try to piss off people you know could, and for all you know would, kill you and everyone you love, who have also been nothing, but polite to you.
White Neko Knight
I'll be very very surprised if she doesn't learn from this blunder. Then again making this blunder was very inline with how Aaliyah acts.
Todd Kloos
Will Aaliyah ever realize that constantly telling people their levels is a terrible idea? She has already done this a bunch of times, but it never accomplishes much except for calling the attention of people that she doesn't trust to a skill that she has been told repeatedly to keep secret. Especially in a situation like this where people who definitely are not going to be intimidated by her are giving her unwanted attention because of how exceptional she is, show them that she is even more exceptional than they think is counterproductive.
Kelan
Damn
Ryan Naquin
I could see Pacore and Pitz comming to a compromise to leave her neutral. On the other hand I dont see how she can grow as a blacksmith without leaving the village. Leveling in the forrest would have benefits but fighting is secondary in this story. Even if she could work her way to be a master blacksmith silver heard just doesnt have the resourses to supply her, those sorts of materials woild be monopolized by countries too important and too powerful to let the public have access.
Sondadir
Scholl possesses blacksmiths capable of crafting an entire set of invisible armor. If defeating a dragon was so easy, they already would have done it. Aaliyah is certainly talented,but she's not the best blacksmith available.
Sky
I've got a tip that I've found for writing. When u edit your writing, watch out for when you write the same words/phrases/ideas near each other. The guy who wrote one of my favourite stories 'Mother of Learning' was terrible for that, and it always bothered me. Thanks for the chapter, I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Red Viking
Make a deal to forge someting to kill the dragon, get left alone!
Imspinnennetz
I hope that Pacore compromises with her now that he knows what she wants. In other words, set up a contract for her service after she comes to majority (and escapes the contract with Grey) for a set period of time. This will allow her to work with Pacore and possible Emily to defeat the dragon by creating the improved weapons necessary. This would also help achieve a semi-peaceful resolution to the war and tie up the loose ends.
Black Unicorn
I'm so hoping for the middle ground bit best would be if all three of them agreed to some form of contract like Pitz will not talk about Pacore's level Aaliyah won't become Scholl's enemy and Pacore won't attack the village and bind it by the gods so even Aaliyah can't brake it.
bob barker
"Concerned, mom asks me, “what happened?” "I'll explain in a little bit. Can you just keep hugging me for a little while longer?"" Damn. That brought me to tears. I really could have used a mother growing up. That would have healed so many injuries.
Carl Mason
That is kind of the point of a cliff. Personally I need to learn not to read these chapters at night , the feeling of vertigo from this horrible cliff is going to keep me up all night.
HardhatDoozer
Next chapter Pacore breaks character, burns down the village, leaving Aalayih start her hero’s journey. Just kidding. The people in the comments urge her to leave the village and explore the world now. I can see how she has deep forest plans this summer and is exclusively contracted to Grey to sell her goods. But Grey is happy to supply Pacore.
Sondadir
Silver Herd is only present in Teeburn, Drey, Blaiton, and Yleles. It's a regional company for now..
Carl Mason
Nnoo~oo~oo! (Shakes author by proxy.) Why! Would! You! Do! This! To! Us! This is not okay. On the other hand, damn that was a good chapter! I can hardly wait to see how this is all resolved. I really hope she doesn't go to Scholl, that would so rain on the parade. I love her whole "I will not be owned!" thing she has going on in this chapter.
Justin
I can't wait to see the reaction when they find out her magic skills and levels. I can see your armor and tools.
Dave
And the world and characters expand nice one. I would love to see her in some sort of college what a great character age for it.
Bob
Adventure! I can't see a long path in continuing a standard blacksmith story. Maybe a blacksmith based adventurer story.
Kapelteta
Kinda annoyed that aliyah said she would go with him after all that buildup to her saying no. Then again I find most of the villagers sort of meh at best (excluding a few), and actively dislike the mother so that is probably my bias talking.
Andrew
Thank you!
Erriballon
😭I want more
Katherine
Thank you for the chapter!.. though with the cliffhangers, I may just need to take a break reading for a few weeks so I can binge read these chapters later.
Ryan Naquin
"So, you see why this a problem,” Pacore cuts in" should be "why this is a problem"
Ungrave
Advice regarding the discord: keep it at arms length at most if you do make it. For smaller authors, it makes sense to have a close nit connection with their community. For your situation though? It reminds me of a few names that got torn apart by making a discord. Basically what I'm saying is be careful. I love your story and want to see it continue on this path. (Although I'm shaking in my boots as to what will happen next. I hope she goes for somewhat of a wait and see approach rather than just hitting him with everything. I want her to be free, maybe aim for a compromise or a contract?) Thanks for the chapter!
Roethan
So Silver Herd is a trade company through several kingdoms, right? Any chance she could reveal her ties to them to leave her open to trade with both while maintaining a little freedom? Or is Silver Herd to small to offer the protection she needs?
ZCochraine!%
He could still change his deal, instead offering to make weapons for a price and materials. She can them make a fair contract, shes at least good enough to ofer something fair.
IJustWannaRead
In fact, If she continues the trend of making shit contracts just because she can break them, I’d be disappointed as well. It works as a growth point, but using it as a narrative device to move the mc around multiple times is...uninspired and very lacking on the story telling front IMO. Come up with other ways to make your mc move and struggle. Not saying it’s gonna happen, but it seems a contract is about the only way out now, and I have a feeling I’m gonna be disappointed with what happens.
Brad
Man cant wait to see what happens. I kinda want her to go with Pacore as she can’t be bound be contracts. The only issue she would have would be getting her family safe. Hell she could even be like I want to travel the world if you give me that I will become your apprentice.
The other DB
Thanks for the chapter. Maybe she'll find a way to get out of her other the contract without destroying it. Maybe make a new one with Pacore and maybe Pitz.
Gaaaaahhh the cliffs your basically throwing me off of are killing me. Thank you for the chapter.
IJustWannaRead
Really really hope she forced a deal out of him where she doesn’t become a slave to them. Freedom has always been a big thing for mcs I read about, and it seems it is for her as well. If she just drops and eagerly swears fealty to save the village I’m gonna be pretty disappointed. Surprised she didn’t even think about consuming his soul, that is something she can do, right? Didn’t even think of it as a last resort.
TaylorTot
That would work for a basic server. But if you start adding integrations (like patreon), then you need to start worring about api keys and such. You should really either do it yourself, use someone you trust, or get it professionally managed.
Brandon Bailey
thanks for the release! <3
Vyktor
Heavy chapter... We will have to wait the next chapter to see how it will be resolved, and the turn the story will take (Going to Skool? Continue working as a blacksmith (in Skool or in the village)? Find an middle ground?)... Can't wait! 😭😭😭 Someone whip the author to be sure he deliver the chapter in time! (I'm not sure I can survive another "Chapter tomorrow" with a cliffhanger like this...)
That One Guy
There are some good YouTube videos on the basics of how to set up a discord server. It is easier than you are expecting, and you don't have to finish it all at once. Launch a basic one and see what works and what people like. <3
Justin
You sure like cliffs! Good chapter! I liked how it played out and that they got to directly talk in a standoffish way. I think the leadup to the next chapter is good. You mentioned that you plan to tidy up a few items next chapter, don't try to cram. If it fits it fits, if it doesn't then we wait to see where the story goes. Great chapter, thanks!
Adrien Busnel
Very good work on this chapter.
Michael Draper
Thanks for the chapter!
Thundermike00
What a great chapter. Once again fantastic job.
Stephen Pearson
Thanks for the chapter, and the string of cliffhangers:-p
guipe
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Nikita Becker
Fuck me, that was the most intence chapter and nothing happened yet. Great writing and that cliffhanger is indeed evil
White Neko Knight
This was a good chapter. Thank you for writing it, and thank you for taking the time to make it amazing.
Pawaidan
Rather then making a discord server just ask one of your many fans to make one and transfer it to you. Will save you time to write and everyone wins. :D
Cobbly
Until then... she's kinda cute in a dumbass way
Cobbly
Aaliyah's character traits, while I used to find them a bit annoying, are slowly becoming endearing. She never does anything halfway. Not just training or smithing. When she's cautious she's fully paranoid. When she's boasting she slaps down every card she has on the table in one go. When she puts her foot in her mouth she shoves her whole leg in there. One day, she is going to learn to keep secrets, think before she acts, and generally just keep her cards closer to her chest. One day, she's going to get over this slowly festering inferiorty complex, too.
M maharshi venkat
Just f***ing time 🤓
WalkingPark
Omg I knew staying up till 2am would be worth it
Kosnik4
Corrections
