Magic_Smithing
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Ch: 73
🕑 Added 2021-01-12 22:41:02 +0000 UTCQuick Update:
I forgot that Aaliyah used her magic to clean her parents at the end of Ch 62, so I went back and rewarded the last chapter to reflect that.
**********
RUN AWAY!
My highly trained instincts scream at me to flee as soon as possible. I know better than to turn around and glance back at the monster behind me. Digging my boots into the ground, I prepare to launch myself into the distance with everything I have.
Just as I’m about to execute my escape, the gods see fit to throw a wrench at me in the form of a smiling Nicolas. “Aaliyah! Good to see you back. Morning Mis Silvia.”
Nicolas happily walks up to me without noticing my tensed posture, greeting me and my mother, who I’m assuming is standing in our doorway.
“Father heard you were back already. If you’re free, could I ask you to join us at our house? The whole family is interested to hear about your journey to Drey. Oh, where are my manners? Would you like to…?”
"Perfect timing, Nicolas; let's go see your dad." I interrupt the fool before he invites mother to join us. I spin Nicolas around and start pushing him towards his house before he accidentally gets me killed.
“But I was just about to...?” Nicolas stumbles over himself as I push him harder into the distance.
I don’t hear anyone following us, so I look over my shoulder to see if we’re in the clear, hoping the dragon retreated to its den.
I'm forced to swallow a lump in my throat when I see that mother is still standing in our doorway, smiling at my retreating figure.
I almost pick Nicolas up in a bid to run away faster.
My body finally untenses and I quit pushing Nicolas as soon as we round the closest building, putting us out of sight from mother.
"What was that all about?" Nicolas asks, confused about the situation.
“Don’t ask,” I flatly tell Nicolas as I start walking towards his house.
“But?”
I turn on the future leader of our village. “D-O-N-T A-S-K,” I slowly spell it out for him with fire in my eyes.
Nicolas rapidly nods his head and doesn’t say anything further during the short trek to the headman’s house. Pushing Camden's front door in and walking over to the drawing-room almost feels second nature at this point.
"Aaliyah, dear!" Sarette springs from her seat and swiftly moves in to hug me as soon as I walk into the room.
“Welcome back,” Camden offers me a greeting from his seat, content to let his wife be the hands-on one.
“It’s good to be back,” I say half-heartily, still not having emotionally recovered from my last encounter with mom.
Sarette pulls back from me and looks me over. "Is everything ok?" Crap, I forgot she's just as perceptive as mom. Sarette looks over to Nicolas, who walks past us and joins a spot next to his brother before frowning. “Did your mother not come with you?”
It's hard keeping my body from shivering at the mention of my mother.
“I tried inviting her, but…”
"I already discussed everything with my parents earlier," I cut off Nicolas before he can throw me under the cart.
Nicolas looks like he’s ready to say something else but stops when I give him a death glare.
Sarette looks between her son and me before a sly look of realization crosses her face. "That's ok; I'm sure your mother will stop by later." Sarette gestures for me to take a seat.
Camden doesn’t waste much time, only waiting to start asking me questions until my butt touches the seat. “If you’re back early and uninjured, I assume your run went well?”
I lean back into my seat and wait a few seconds to answer. "Yes, and no," I tell everyone in the room.
Camden leans forward, “did something happen?”
"I have good news and bad news. Which would you like first?"
Camden turns to his wife, and they share a silent moment between the two of them before turning back to me. "The good news first, please."
A smile crosses my face. “The good news is that Sandra and Richard are doing fine. I ran into them on my way to Drey. They left Drey before the news about Scholl taking the fort reached the city.”
“They’re on their way here!? My baby’s almost home!” Sarette shouts with joy.
I know it's terrible of me, but I giggle at Sarette's antics, knowing Richard and Sandra aren't exactly going to be home soon.
"What?" Sarette quickly notices me, trying to hold back my laughter.
"It might be longer than you think before the two of them make it home," I tell her.
I go into detail explaining how Richard and Sandra are traveling with the slowest bivol I’ve ever seen and that it could take them days before they make it back to the village.
Camden and Sarette stare at me with mouths open in shock when I finish telling them everything while Sandra’s brothers are trying not to fall over laughing at their sister’s misfortune. Being a good friend, I make a mental note to tell Sandra how her brothers laughed upon hearing her dismay. I mean, we younger sisters have to stick together.
Camden and Sarette slowly come out of their stupor and share a small laugh at the situation.
After a few minutes of everyone enjoying the news of our family members' inevitable return, Camden asks me with a hopeful voice, "I don't suppose that was the bad news?"
The laughter fades when I don't say anything.
"That's unfortunate," Camden anxiously rubs the back of his neck. "Well, don't keep me waiting; what's the bad news?"
I make eye contact with Camden and decide to rip the band-aid off. "Scholl started their march on Drey two days ago."
"Already?" Camden asks in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
I nod, confirming his fears. “I got the information from Mr. Grey, a branch manager from Silver Herd, so I'm sure the intel is accurate."
“Is there any chance Drey will be able to hold out against Scholl?”
“Not a chance,” I confidently tell Camden. “Everyone of importance is fleeing the city as we speak.”
I tell everyone how I witnessed the guards taking bribes and how all the merchants were either running away or shoring up their businesses. Everyone becomes shocked, the more I tell them just how bad the city was while I was there.
Camden leans back into his chair and ponders over everything I just told him. “If you talked to the branch manager in Drey, did he mention how Silver Herd is handling the situation?”
“Silver Herd is taking the same approach we discussed earlier and pulling back their people for the time being. I bet they’re waiting to see how Scholl manages the city after they take it and what their plans are in general.”
"So, you think we should wait for the city to fall?" Camden asks me for my opinion.
"More now than ever," I respond. "Probably in less than two weeks, Drey and its surrounding villages, which includes us, will be under new leadership. If our loyalty is questioned in the future, we just have to say we sent a cart of supplies, but by the time it reached the city, Scholl had already taken over. If that wasn't enough, Mr. Grey gave me the impression that he thinks our village should stay secluded and avoid what's to come altogether."
“That might be our best option,” Camden lets out a deep sigh.
"You should call for a village meeting later today or tomorrow morning," I offer my thought on the matter.
“Do we even need to tell the village?” Brandon asks. “Wouldn’t it be better if they stay ignorant of the situation? People might panic if we tell them Scholl is invading.”
“That’s all the more reason to tell everyone,” I flatly respond to Sandra’s second brother.
“Why?” Braddon gives me a challenging look for an explanation.
“She’s right,” Nicolas cuts in between us. “The village needs to know what’s happening. No matter how you look at it, Scholl will be our new ruler soon. If they come to the village and no one is aware of what's happening, we could have a major problem on our hands."
“People could die,” Camden looks up from his chair at his two sons.
“And we’ll lose all the trust we’ve built over the years,” Sarette points out to everyone.
“Plus, there is the long game we have to think about,” I add. Everyone gives me a puzzled look, not understanding what I mean. “All your reasons are important for the short-term, but I'm thinking about what might happen in the future. What if, in a few years, Olebert retakes everything? If any of the villagers are questioned why they didn't support Olebert, it will become quickly apparent they had no idea what was happening."
"All the blame would go to," I look at Camden, who's gone a little pale. I don't need to finish my sentence.
Camden clears his throat. “Aaliyah is right; we need to tell the village what's happening. We'll keep it a secret that we plan on dragging our feet until Scholl conquers Drey. But we'll still have the village prepare supplies that we'll 'send to Drey.'" Camden stresses the last part.
Everyone in the room nods in understanding.
"Nicolas, Braddon, I want the two of you to spread the word that there will be a village meeting first thing tomorrow morning and that attendance is mandatory." Camden gives orders to his two sons, who both nod in understanding.
Camden turns his attention to me. "When I explain everything to the village, I'll mention your experience in Drey. Is that alright?"
“Do what you have to,” I tell him.
“Thank you for everything,” Camden bows his head towards me.
"Oh, stop," I tell him, feeling a little bashful. "We're practically family, and I love this village as much as you do."
“Awwww,” Sarette gets up from her seat next to her husband and moves over towards me, and wraps me in another hug.
“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day,” Camden remarks with a smile. “Is there anything else you can think of before I send my boys off to notify the village?”
"Anything else?" I stop and think. Have I forgotten anything? I informed them of Scholl, Drey, and when Sandra should be back; does anything else matter? My deal with Mr. Grey is my business, and I don't plan to do anything about it until Kervin drops off my last delivery.
Oh, shit! I forgot to mention Silver Herd will be pulling back their deliveries for the next few months.
"What is it?" Camden notices I thought of something.
“Well, there might be one thing I forgot to mention,” I sheepishly reply. “Kervin is delivering a large supply of materials for me around the same time Sandra and Richard are supposed to return to the village.”
“And why is that something I need to be concerned about?” Camden raises an eyebrow in suspicion.
“I told you how Silver Herd is recalling their people, well, the delivery Kervin is bringing me will be the last one for a while.”
"Come again?" Camden doesn't look too happy to hear the village is losing one of our best assets. Having a merchant regularly come to our village has played a significant role in everybody's lives. It was thanks to Kervin that we were able to get enough meat when the chameleon spiders drove the local wildlife away.
"Silver Herd doesn't want to draw suspicion towards our village. After Kervin drops off my supplies, we'll need to send people to Drey if we need to purchase anything like every other village."
Camden brings his hands up to his face and rubs his temples. “That’s just great.”
Sarette releases me and moves back over to her husband to offer her support. “It will be ok; didn’t Braddon just tell you a few nights ago that the hunters noticed fresh game tracks near the village?”
"That's right, dad," Braddon helps to relive Camden's worries. "Now that spring is here, the animals the spiders scared away are returning to their hunting and grazing grounds."
“And don’t forget our fields are rapidly expanding thanks to all the trees being cut down. This year we’ll have our largest harvest ever,” Nicolas exclaims.
Not wanting to feel left out, I offer my own words of encouragement. "Our village has overcome everything thrown at us this year. You think not seeing Kervin for a few months is going to break us?”
Camden looks up at me, and I can see his mood brighten up. "You're right; not having a merchant visit our village isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Our village will do just fine by ourselves. It's good that you told me about this now so that I can cover it during the village meeting tomorrow."
“Sorry I forgot to mention it sooner,” I apologize for my oversight.
“It’s fine… but that is the last thing, right?” Camden hesitantly asks.
Everybody in the room turns to look at me like they're daring me to give them any more bad news. I wave my hands and shake my head, "that's everything, I promise."
It’s funny to see Sandra’s entire family let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Now that all the important stuff is taken care of, would you like to have some tea with me, Aaliyah?" Sarette gives me one of her beautiful smiles.
It's tea time already!? I need to get out of here before mom shows up. "That's very generous of you, but I still need to visit Master Del and let him know I made it home ok." I move to leave the room.
Sarette frowns for a moment before she starts smiling at me again. “Maybe tomorrow then with your mother.”
“That sounds nice,” I lie through my teeth. I face Camden, “thanks for having me.”
“It should be I thanking you,” Camden chuckles. “I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow.”
"Of course, and I'll tell master about it, so Nicolas and Braddon don't need to walk all the way out there." I wave goodbye to everyone and quickly exit the drawing-room.
I take brisk steps until I'm at their front door, and as soon as I'm outside, I take off towards the nearest tree line. Thank goodness I didn't accidentally run into mother; I'm not ready to know what she thinks my proper punishment should be. Mother is usually quite fair, but she can be vindictive at times, and she knows me well enough to come up with a punishment that takes into account my skills and status.
No, I shouldn’t think about that right now.
I walk along the village's edge until I reach the path that leads to master's house. As I walk along the small trail, I think about how well Kervin's cart will fit through here. Kervin's cart is slightly bigger than the one master, and I use to move ore around, and it's already a tight fit getting it through here.
I have no intention of transferring every bit of ore Kervin is bringing me between our two carts and hauling it back and forth. It will be much easier to expand this pathway and just have Kervin drop my ore off in master's clearing.
If I ask dad for some help and convince master to get up from his bench, I’m sure the three of us could widen the path enough in two or three days. Just another thing I need to talk to master about.
Despite this being the third meeting today, I find myself looking forward to this last meeting the most. When I reach the edge of master’s clearing, my eyes immediately fall on the stone kin who appears to be sleeping.
Making my way over to master, I know he has already noticed my approach, but I decide to play along for the fun of it. "Master, you asleep?" His eyelids don't even quiver as I call out to him.
Is he really asleep this time?
I decide to test my prone master the best way I know how, with a bucket of water.
Like a ninja, I move over to the nearby well and fill a bucket up with water. Before I walk over to master, I clear my head of any ideas involving dumping water on him. After some experimentation, I've learned master's Danger Sense skill doesn't activate until you commit to an attack. If I walk over to master thinking about throwing a bucket of water on him, his skill will warn him before I ever get close. But if I say I plan to set this bucket of water down next to him, his skill won't be alerted.
It's hard not to think about something you know you want to do, but I always enjoy a challenge. I slowly make my way next to master with the intention of setting the bucket down next to him. Right before I set the bucket down, I change my grip and prepare to dump its contents all over master.
As a savage smile crosses my face, in one swift movement, I see master’s hand reach out to the bucket and flip it backwards on me.
“Damn, why do you always have to have that blasted skill on?” Master sits up and complains that Mana Skin kept me from getting wet.
It takes me a moment to realize what just happened; master flipped my prank on me at the last second!
“You never know when it’s suddenly going to rain,” I give master a gloating look.
“Or when your apprentice will try and mess with you when you’re sleeping,” master grumbles.
“Oh, come on. Were you really asleep?”
"Maybe?" Master doesn't sound very convincing. "Why are you here?" He asks, standing up.
“Because I thought my master would like to know if his apprentice made it back safely.” I grin at master.
"And why would I need that? I have a monster as an apprentice, and I'm sure she can handle herself." Master crosses his arms in front of his chest.
I move in and hug master. "I missed you too," I tell him.
Master grumbles like a cranky grandpa, but I see the smirk he's trying to hide.
"Alright, get off of me," Master gently pushes me away and sits back down on his bench. “How did your trip go? Did you get the materials you were after?”
I move over to the closest bench and sit down with a huff. “You have no idea.”
For the third time today, I explain what happened during my trip. I know master doesn’t care too much about how I found Sandra and Richard in the forest, so I gloss over most of everything until I get to my talk with Mr. Grey and everything that resulted from it.
"I told you time and time again; merchants are the true monsters of this world." I let master rant and tell me how he told me so.
"You were right, ok! You think I haven't heard all this from my mom already," I complain.
“Does that mean you’re starting to listen?” Master levels a challenging look at me.
“Hey, if I wanted to listen to someone yell at me, I would head home right now. I thought you would be more interested in the big ass shipment of materials I have coming in."
“Got a scolding waiting for you at home?” Master asks curiously.
“More like my punishment for using my skills on my parents before I left.”
"Then I guess I don't have to worry about you bothering me for the next few days," master jokes.
“What does that mean?”
"Think about it, brat. Does any of your mother's punishments leave time for you to come to work?"
Oh, gods, he's right! "But we need to…"
“Wait for you to return,” Master interrupts me and laughs so hard he grabs his stomach.
I feel my face starting to blush while I wait for master to calm down.
I hope master's prediction isn't correct. The path needs widening, and I still need to test my physical limits before I start crafting for real. I spent most of my resources crafting the general's arrow and couldn't do much else until I got more. That left me with little to do, so I've only crafted a few spears and arrows for the village.
I’m ready to get behind the forge again and push my skills further. And once Kervin brings me my kaglese, the first thing I’m going to do is make a new sword and knife.
“Can we get back on track now?” I ask Del as he starts to calm down.
"What do you feel we need to discuss?" Master lays back down on his bench.
"The first thing that comes to mind is where are we putting all the ore that's coming, and how are we moving it here?" I place my hands on my hips, but master has already closed his eyes again.
“I’m assuming you already have a plan in mind,” master remarks without looking at me.
Fine, if you want me to get to the point, I will. "We need to widen the path that leads to your house." Finally, master cracks an eye open. "This probably won't be my last large delivery, and neither of us wants to shift around a whole cart of ore. It will be easier if we make room, so Kervin can drive up and drop off or pick up whatever we need."
"You want to bring the merchant to my house?" Master looks at me like I've gotten into his special drink.
"It makes the most sense," I point out to master. "You can wait in your house when they come by, but it's getting to the point moving all the goods I make to Kervin's campsite is getting old. Silver Herd has already told us they know who you are, so it's not like you need to remain mysterious. Besides, having a scowling stone kin behind me might make negotiations easier."
Master Del doesn't exactly appreciate my joke, which I can understand why. Master is used to remaining out of sight, but I think it will be good for him to see more people, even if those people involve Reel.
"Do what you want," master reluctantly agrees and rolls onto his side, facing away from me.
His pouting makes me want to tease him. “Cool, I’ll ask my dad to help us after I appease my mother.”
Master quickly sits back up, “who said I would be helping?”
“Because if you leave me to do it all by myself, I’ll cut down trees until your house can be seen from the village.”
“You wouldn’t!”
“I would!”
“Why did I have to pick such an annoying disciple?” Master hangs his head and shakes it back and forth.
“Funny, I remember deciding to make you my master, not the other way around.”
Master sighs in defeat. “Alright, so what happens after we widen the path and you get your materials? What’s your plan going forward?”
I'm about to make a joke about kicking ass and taking names until I notice master is asking with a serious expression. I discard my playful banter and layout what I want to do. "My first goal is to research the kaglese and find out the best ratio to mix it with steel and mithril. Then I need to forge myself a new sword and knife."
“And after that?” Master Del asks.
“Then we finish making the rest of those special arrows. And with the rest of the kaglese, I'll make some magic weapons.”
"To sell to this, Mr. Grey?" Master brings up a good point.
“I’ll worry about that in the future. We have four months to craft what we want before I have to deal with him,” I tell master the short version of my plan.
“Is that all?” Master looks at me like he knows I have something else in the works.
I look master straight in the eyes. "I plan to start making short trips into the magic dense zone."
Master stands up from his bench, looking like a concerned parent. “Why would you possibly want to go there?”
"The same reason anyone ever goes into magic dense regions," I reply. "I want to look for new ore samples, magic ingredients, and I want to see the creatures that call the region home."
“Just because you can probably face a chameleon spider on your own doesn’t mean you can hunt every magic beast.”
"I didn't say I wanted to hunt magic beasts," I correct master. "During my trips away from home, I realized I want to see more of this world. I don't plan on leaving yet, but I owe it to myself to start expanding my horizons, and that includes seeing what lies deep in the forest.”
“Have you told your parents this yet?”
I scoff at the idea. “Do you think I’m that crazy? I know I’m not ready to travel into the magic dense area yet, let alone tell my parents my plan. I need to get a handle on my stats and skills, and that's not even considering the gear I'll need to make."
“Why did you have to tell me this?” Master rubs his face.
"Because you asked," I tell him. Master lowers his hands and meets my gaze. "I know master has my best interest in his heart, and I want you to know my plans, all of them."
“Torrow’s forge! How am I supposed to yell at you after that?” Master sits back down on his bench. “I can’t condone letting you go into the magic dense region of the forest… not without me.”
"Sounds good to me," I happily exclaim. "I always wanted you to join me, but I didn't know how to ask. Thanks for volunteering.”
Master Del looks at my happy expression in shock before a reluctant smile crosses his face. “I guess I walked into that one.”
“Would it make you feel better if I said you were the best master an apprentice could wish for?”
“It might.”
“Well, you are,” I tell Master Del with the biggest smile ever.
"So that's what a demon's smile looks like," master jokes.
"Does that mean you're selling me your soul because I've seen it, and it looks delicious?" I lick my lips, and master goes silent. "Too far?" I ask.
“Too far,” master quickly agrees. We both share an awkward laugh before we sit in silence together. “Do you plan on staying here for the rest of the day?”
“No,” I groan, standing up. “I need to go home and face a real demon.”
“Good luck with that.” Master lays back down on his bench and closes his eyes. “I’ll see you if you survive.”
“Thanks for the words of comfort,” I say sarcastically. “I’ll probably be back in a few days, so be ready to remove some trees by then.”
Master grunts in confirmation and waves his hand like he’s shooing me away.
I guess now's a good time to tell him about the village meeting tomorrow. "By the way, we have a village meeting tomorrow morning, and attendance is mandatory. Make sure you're up in time.” I playfully chastise master as I walk away.
I don't look back at master, but I think I can hear him swearing under his breath.
**********
Did our door always look this intimidating?
I stand outside my house, contemplating my life choices that got me to this point.
"Ok, that's enough drama for one day." I reach out and pull our front door open. It's fun to exaggerate to an extent, but there is a time and a place for everything. I made a choice to use my skills on my parents, and I accept responsibility for it.
I know mother would never hurt me, and the only reason she still scolds me is because she's a good mom.
Deactivating Mana Skin and switching out my shoes, I confidently walk over to my mother, who is stitching one of dad's trousers in her sewing corner.
“Back all ready, sweety?”
"Yeah, I finished talking to Camden, and Master Del. Figured I’d come home and see my beautiful mother.” Overexaggerating doesn’t include brown-nosing.
"That's good to hear," is all mother says, and silence falls between us.
I stand in place while mother’s hands dance across father’s pants, sealing any and all nicks and tears.
Finally, mom speaks. “I want you to clean the whole house.”
I can't help but be a little shocked by her request. Sure, cleaning the house might seem challenging, but with my skills, I could do it in half a day if I hurry. Heck, I can get most of it done before dinner if I start now. "I understand, mom. I'll get started right away."
As I turn away to get the cleaning supplies, mom says, “I don’t think you do.”
I turn back to face mom as she sets dad’s pants down. "I want you to clean the house using that spell of yours. I want everything to look brand new by the time you're done." Now that sounds more like one of mom's punishments.
I want to complain, but I know that will only make things worse.
“And then when you’re done with our house, I want you to clean your brothers.”
The sudden doubling of my work is too much, and my mouth moves before my brain catches up. "Why!?" I whine.
Mother answers me with a cold smile. “Do I need to have you clean Sarette’s house as well?”
"No," I hang my head, knowing when I'm beaten.
“Good, you can start tomorrow after the village meeting,” mother picks up dad’s pants and finishes her work. I know this is where I should walk away.
I move to my room without saying anything else and gently close my door behind me. Flopping down on my bed, I groan into my sheets.
Once again, my mother found a way to punish me in a way even I would find challenging. My extended cleaning spell uses up a lot of mana, and I'm not sure if I could cover our whole house in a day before my mana pool runs out.
If that wasn't the worst part, my brother's house is even bigger than ours! I remember him bragging about his design and how he was preparing for the future. I'm going to strangle him when he finally makes it to the village.
I feel the spring breeze blow in from my high window, and I realize I'm feeling a little tired.
I didn't do anything physical today, but I still find my eyelids feeling heavy. An afternoon nap sounds better the longer I lay face down on my bed.
Screw it, I kick off my slippers and get comfortable. I feel my consciousness slowly slip away as I fall into a deep sleep for the first time in a while.
**********
Author’s Notes:
5,200 words.
A little late but much quicker than my last chapters.
How do you think things are progressing? Tell me what you think below.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and as always, stay safe.
Comments
Gregory Preston
People are just jealous
Tomer Yud
wow this is the first patreon story im following that the comments are so brutal
Crackafilenight
Is it strange that her mother would punish her for using a skill that on everyone in that room? Im surprised she hasnt gotten some stealth skill yet.
Lorraine V
Surprised she didn't at least clean her own room
bob barker
all talk, no action. It's getting difficult to enjoy the story at this rate of progression. On the plus side, it seems like I'll be able to get my sleep schedule shifted 6 hours earlier than it has been...
Timo Immig
She used Soul Manipulation in order to amplify shout of valor. Messing with another soul is no laughing matter.
John Koor
She hasn't used any mana today, she should use some to get part of the house clean before resting. Makes no sense to go to bed with a full mana bar.
StonedKnight
I honestly don't get her mother. She used shout of valor (tier 2 lvl 2) skill before she left. The punishment for that seems extreme, considering the circumstances. Not to mention if the invading army went to investigate where the arrows came from, the spotless cleaned house(s) will stand out like a sore thumb. It could even indicate to the high tier skill because she isn't a apprentice of any mage. Furthermore her mother is angry because she got scammed by the merchant (Mr. Grey), but didn't taught her how contracts work, and which basic rules it should include. She is a daughter of a influential and big merchant group (don't remember which one). Even Reel (bodyguard from the main branch) got scared when she mentioned it. At least she could, and in my opinion should, teach her children how merchants work and which details are important. If she wanted to let her daughter figure it out her self, with Kevin that seemed no problem, but ever since she got involved with the army her mother should have taught her. And that Aaliyah is so scared of her mother is also confusing. Except the bond which is shared between the family, nothing indicates that she should have another reason. She didn't share or indicate that she is very knowledgeable, or got any particular strong skill(s). Which both would earn respect and justify the whole fuss. I hope we'll see Aaliyah mature in the next chapters. I'm looking forward how the issue with Grey will be handled, there are many ways she can get out of the contract, depending on the party's involved. I'm looking forward for the next chapter.
Timo Immig
Personally I would like to go back to crafting, training. Like magic lessons with her friend where they are honest about their skill level. Flightschool etc. What I love about this story is the realism of the crafting. Many stories forget how complex the process of metal working is. just the process of cooling is a science in itself. Different rates of cooling create different metal states that change properties from ductile to hard and brittle or even elastic. (TTT-Diagramms and glassy metals). Further potential lies in the realm of the metals grain and defects. Examples are particle hardening, alloy strenghening, recrystallization, cold forming, fine grain hardening etc. This should not be seen as critisism, but as ideas for further improvement of herself. Skills should not improve or break the barrier without fundamentally improving the understanding or utility. i.e. running shouldn't break the barrier just because you ran a milion miles. I would like to keep this story partialy grounded in realistic metalurgy with the added magic element. Furthermore just get better materials feels cheap as progression.
Josh
Yo.
Ranyaws Bluefire
I don't know what everyones big problem is with the mother teaching a child consequences. The fact that Aaliyah used sens sould on the two people in her age-group that she actually has a connection to shows that she's still quite impulsive and high on her own power. In these situations it's just social consequences, but if she messes up like that against monsters or enemy forces, she might put herself and others in danger. I find it extremely heartwarming from both sides, because the Mother shows that she cares, and while we see most stuff from Aaliyah's side, I'd imagine that quite a few of her actions look like "ugh, teenagers, just can't behave" from the outside. And from Aaliyah's side, it's nice that she still respects her parents and their opinions so much. Also, her Mothers punishments are always fair, and if you think about it, actually helpfull. I can't remember a punishment from her that didn't actually help Aaliyah level sometthing. This time it will probably be her spell enhancement, which is really quite powerful, as we have already seen. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mother actually thought about that when she thought of her "punishment" for Aaliyah.
Kazith
I really appreciate all your time and effort into your story, but the mother/daughter drama is just tiring now. It doesn’t feel like any progress or goal is achieved, and if anything just detracts from the rich environment you’ve created.
Ragnarok of the Rage
Can we please get the mother under control she is why to up in her shit she needs to start giving control back or we will never see any growth from our Mc
Lesley Douglas
Thanks for the chapter. When most of the past chapters reviews are taking up with the conflict of Mother/daughter interaction instead of the actual story it's time for the author to speak or act. I would say that what it's missing or needs re-announcing is the rules of adulthood/independence for this world. There is a place in any world or relationship for a worried parent; but an overbearing or intrusive parent is another thing. Every action that MC wants to take her mother opposes, if MC does something she thinks is wrong she yells and screams, yet she doesn't take responsibility for her mistakes. And that is tiring for me as a reader. The fact that her mother has not self reflected, why her level headed, 99% obedient daughter would use a skill on her to get her way, should have given her pause and forced her to confront herself and then have a conversation with her daughter instead of imposing punishment (which I think she just wants a magically cleaned house) Plus it is clear from her being able to enter into regular/magical contracts, face repercussions for breaching them, as well as face the kingdom's justice for issues like the bargaining of levels requirement in her contract then the world considers her an adult. So this mother mini arc, should be resolved or fade away and also MC needs to grow a back bone, as while she loves her family, I think her/his baggage from earth of 1) being parentless & 2) she/he would still be a child under his parent's rule at her age make her bow to her mother instead of speak up and set boundaries. After all didn't her mother run from her family to be with MC father? Is her mother trying to do the same to her daughter. If it was not so dangerous with an enemy army bearing down on them, which one of its general's having vague knowledge of a talented local blacksmith, I would advocate MC needs to form her own house but if this plot point keeps going then I will revisit. But onto the main storyline, I am confused about this whole invasion thing and what is taking King Olebert so long to respond to a foreign invasion? There is obviously a major shift in the monster world where high valued beast are making themselves known in the human world, the dragon and spiders to name a few. But the kingdom is not at war with anyone, so how hard is it to call upon his vassals to have sent reinforcements to the Fort long before it fell, the invasion occurred long before Kervin first visits and it has been months since then. How can a Kingdom that shares a borders with a war crazy country not have something more than one flimsy fort and no way to activate troops at a moments notice or a few weeks to start marching. General Emily held them off long enough for the Kingdom to mobilize and why are towns like Drey to unprepared for the campaign. This Kingdom whose King is not dying is more unstable that they one where the King is dying, maybe they need new management. Can't wait for the next chapter, I hope the plot moves forward.
IJustWannaRead
Except this oh so calculating mother, with a merchant background-ish, forgot to teach her daughter, an upcoming master smithX about contracts, even tho she’s been dealing with merchants for months...very calculating, very logical, just like giving your daughter mana exhaustion, forcing her to not go to her job, and keeping her away from much more important things than a clean house. Most logical!
Zap
In my opinion the chapters are starting to get just a teeny-tiny bit boring but im sure action is right around the corner. I love your work and hope you're doing well. Please keep it up because as soon as I finish reading a chapter I always want to read the next chapter right away and can't wait for it to release.
GingerClanger
But no; *Mother recives Noob Package +50 Levels* I don't wanna see the mother getting a Huge boost just to justify her being a control freak..
Bonobo
I like the interaction with the family and the environment, it gives the impression it does affect the mc and it's not there just to fill the story. I am more action oriented but i love your novel! Cheers 😁
Timo Immig
No the punishment is for bring careless and stupid by signing the contract. To give you context it's like selling your kidney when you 17 years old. She is in the eyes of the village not an adult until the annual feast. Most people would get house arrest, a beating or something else. She meditates so "jailing" her is not an option. Beating even lese (level). One Thing that Mother knows she feels like it is a chore is cleaning.
Sondadir
Petty Revenge ? Aaliyah did use a mind- altering skill on her mother ! Of course she will be pissed !
Dax
This should be the point where Aaliyah denies her mother her petty revenge. This time its not just taking valuable time away from much more important things, leaving her low on mana for 2-3 days just to power-clean 2 houses is just downright dangerous. What if something happens that requires Aaliyah to defend the village from something? The whole schtick was getting tired anyway. Her mother is more caricature than character at this point.
Carl Mason
I want to see Aaliyah have a moment of I situation and use mana manipulation to coat the house in mana before using empowered spell and clean the house. It would be a pretty genius move on her part, and present a really good opportunity for her to advance her skills. Maybe on the second one she realizes it and tries to do it. It would be so much better than trying to push her spell's mana field out like she did around her parents, especially with nothing in the bubble to clean. I don't expect she will, though.
Gray Gillespie
The relationship status between Ayaliah and her mother seems to be repeating too much/ overemphasized. From the story thus far I’d say Ayaliah should be a young adult, not an adolescent, and should have inclinations to not be dealing with her parents shit. At the same time she lives in a small village while still living at her parents house with no new major interaction with unknown/less interacted villagers so it might be valid just not blatantly told. It’s just very uncommon for Ayaliah to have this attitude when she/he previously had a male conscience and most likely would be doing something bigger about it then just letting it happen. Either there’ll be event regarding this in the near future or it’ll get resolved when Ayaliah eventually leaves the village which I don’t expect anytime soon. There could be no change either but it’d just solidify her character more in a direction I wouldn’t prefer. I’m saying this because it seems like a major plot point. There’s also so much stuff going on and enough agendas revealed I’m excited to get to them. If/when Ayaliah goes on her expedition into the high mana zones hopefully she’ll find some Allshine sediment; the ore I suggested.
Limbus
Does Aaliyah's mom view her as a little child playing with rocks? Aaliyah crafts items that could buy her whole village many times over and mom says "no you're grounded." I don't know a parent that would keep thier kid from thier job no matter how old. I think mom needs some character focus to be more than she's perceived in these comments.
Ray Johnson
I think The mother’s actions are fine. She’s a woman who is clearly highly intelligent and comes from a background where you had to constantly make calculating moves. It makes sense that she’s continuing to apply that same kind of logic to raising her children
IJustWannaRead
I personally think she’s a bit too controlling. Maybe I had lax parents, but it wa never “you cannot leave the house” when I was in high school. Yes there are monsters, but aaliyahs killing massive spiders, what’s a goblin gonna do, she’s been killing them since she was like 6. The overprotectiveness of a child that could probably kill her in like 3 punches, while motherly, is a little over the top. She’s supposed to be experienced (at least it’s hinted), she should know exactly what her daughter can do, and yet she tries to control her every action it seems. Of course she gives in sometimes, but all parents do that when the child asks enough. The worst part tho is how scared Aaliyah is of her. She knows her mom won’t hurt her, she’s double her level, she has more combat experience, she practically her moms age (mentally), and yet she is so scared of her mother her muscles tremble in fear...at age 16 (15?)....like really...do you know one 16 year old that literally cowers in fear when their mom is angry? I sure don’t, I knew a whole bunch of 16 year olds 2-3 years ago.
Brad
I do to!
Ungrave
As a side note, anyone mind giving me a refresher on what Ayaliah looks like? I've basically lost my mental image of her physical appearance besides being slightly muscular.
Ungrave
I'm curious what her mother's skill roster looks like to continuously be able to control someone so much higher leveled than herself. I wouldn't be shocked if there were actual mothering related skills that she uses passively on her children. Just gotta wait until Ayaliah's soul sense skill allows her to read her opponent's skills as well. Thanks for the chapter!
White Neko Knight
I'm still of the opinion that Ayaliah's mother is acting perfectly in line with a mother raising a child that's stronger than she is. She doesn't come off as abusive or overly controlling, she comes off as a parent trying to figure out how to raise an exceptional child.
Straven
I honestly think things are progressing quite nicely, not too fast and for sure not too slow. Love her families interactions along with everyone's clear 'know all' in regards to her fear of her mom! Thanks for another great read!
LapisLazuli
Well regardless of what anyone says I really like the relationship between Ayaliah and her mother!
Mist of Shadows
To be fair, she used a less than nice spell on her parents, they want her to clean the house to call it even, it's decently fair as far as emotional balance goes. It's also a chance to push things with her magic and honestly, it's probably a decent learning experience for her magic. So, honestly, just going along with it, is pretty cheap rent all things considered.
Forestfire
looking forward to how Silvia will react to Aaliyah running off to the deep dark woods. Roland will most likely quietly go along, I think he'll like the chalenge. How Darius is going to get drafted will be amusing.
Vyktor
It feel too much for me too, and a big part of the chapter was describing the Demonic being her mother is... It feel less satisfying that pthe previous chapters 😢
IJustWannaRead
I’m starting to agree as well. I didn’t mind the mother before, but stuff like this is starting to get old. She is double her level, and is practically an adult. In fact, she is probably, considering the world, and age at which nobles would be married. It’s getting ridiculous. Yes, she is still her mom, but the trope is getting old and I really can’t wait for her to leave. Either leave or the mom takes a step back, it’s a little over the top. What is her mother going to do if she just says no? Kick her out? She can probably outrun deer anyway...and it’s not like she’s never slept outside. The mother holds no power except being the mother, and despite acting like a teenager, Aaliyah is missing the rebellious streak simply to continue the overbearing mother trope. It’s frankly unrealistic.
Vyktor
Okey, so her mother decide tu punish her because she didn't slave herself all days long to clean the house when she discovered that she could clean with it around herself? Motherly logic... 😑 I can understand she love her mother and want to make her happy, but accepting a punishment like this? Nop!
Jywert
How old is Aaliyah ? 15 and Mother's other child has left the nest. Do enjoy the presence of a loving family.
ZCochraine!%
I bet her won house, one she learns and then exceeds her brother, will be utterly amazing.
GingerClanger
Ok? The mother jokes are starting to became cringy.. She can't do anything, and is weak.. but? has full control over any and everyone? Our MC has spent this day doing nothing really.. apart from constantly reminding how scary her mother is.. Also.. for a punishment.. if Mana Exhustion is bad then her mother is really horrible.. and the MC is acting soo? exagerated.. P.S: The MC's life being threatened and all her muscles being tense and such!? Over double leveled but life is threatend by what? a glare? Tone it down.. or just rebel.. It's starting to look like child abuse.. (Scared of her Mother as if her life depends on it)
Andrew
Thank you!
Seth Richter
"frost" should be "forest"
Alteron
Thanks for the chapter, enjoyable as always
Mike G.
Good chapter, welcome back!! Hope you're starting to feel better.
Pagemaster
I still really dislike the mother as a character. In my opinion, the mother is by far the worst part of the story. If she was at least a high leveled person, I would understand her controling micro-managing nature. I agree with comments in previous chapters. Time to leave the nest and get your own place away from her mother.
Kosnik4
Corrections
