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Chapter 552 Tourist Guide
🕑 Added 2020-09-01 11:05:39 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey there. New chapters up and more hopefully on Thursday. I'm a little behind so it might be Friday. We'll see.
Thank you for reading and of course for the continued support!
PDF/EPUB: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter Index: https://www.patreon.com/posts/37813894
Chapter 552 Tourist Guide
So that is one of your towns? Meadow asked.
Ilea nodded. I havent actually been here before. Its not that large compared to some of the places Ive visited.
Its quite impressive. The buildings that is the walls are not enchanted? it asked.
Probably not, no. Most creatures arent quite as high level as that Werewolf. And even that one might not approach the lights and noise of a town, she said.
Fascinating truly, Meadow said.
Do you want to go in? Look around? Ilea asked.
Is that not too much of a risk? What if were discovered? There are powerful humans out there. They may not be as amicable if they find out you are carrying a four mark being, Meadow said. Also know that I wont expand here. My mana would kill most of the humans in my vicinity.
Would be exceedingly unlucky to get discovered here, let alone by someone who could actually oppose me, Ilea said and walked towards the town walls.
They were somewhere in Lys. Probably.
She decided it was safer to just enter, blinking and displacing herself before they both appeared on a dirt road.
A single drunk man in shoddy pants and without a shirt on yelped.
Greetings, Ilea said.
He gulped. Ah greetinsh, my lady.
Manners at least, she thought and flung a piece of silver towards him.
You didnt lie this man is level eighteen. How did he survive so long? He looks at least a decade old! Meadow said.
Hes at least thirty years old actually. The walls are your answer. Walls and lack of predators in the area I suppose. He wouldnt go out into the wild without protection or in a large group, Ilea said. Many of the monsters around arent far above him in level by the way. Its not just us humans.
I didnt mean to insult you. I hope you understand. Its just that I havent seen something quite like this, Meadow said.
Ilea chuckled. Dont you worry. Im quite aware of my species limitations. And our potential.
Killing Astral spirits when you started like that? Youre starting to look more and more impressive, Ilea, Meadow said.
Dont flatter me. Im happy to accept compliments once Ive bested you in a bout, she said and entered the local inn, putting Meadow into the pack she summoned.
There were plenty of patrons around, her casual adventurer look not standing out quite as much as she had thought.
Ilea tried identifying the Meadow but failed, the spell unable to pierce the simple fabric.
Good. Wouldnt want the Lily to find out quite this early.
Is this bread? And some kind of meat? When did you last clean this thing? the creature asked.
I havent used it in a while. Shouldnt be too bad. Stored items dont spoil, right? she asked.
Hmm. Yes. I suppose it could be worse. But a mundane pack instead of spacial storage? Meadow said.
Ilea ordered two mugs of ale before sitting down near a corner of the room. Most of the large space was lit by oil lamps fastened to the wooden beams and walls.
Most of the patrons looked like farmers or simple townsfolk, two groups more the adventurer type. A single man played lazily on a lute, not singing at the moment.
There are so many people what are they drinking? it asked.
Ale, whiskey, beer, gin, and a bunch of other beverages. Mostly of an alcoholic nature, she said.
Alcoholic? Meadow asked.
Its poisonous to humans. Dulls our senses. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy, or sad and terrible, maybe angry and bold. Depends on who you are, how much you drink, and how youre doing, she said.
Why do they do that? Meadow asked.
To have fun. To celebrate. Maybe to forget. Could be theyre addicted, or its just the only thing they have that brings a resemblance of joy. I like the taste mostly. But the alcohol itself isnt working on me anymore, Ilea explained.
Fascinating. So many facets and possibilities. Humans are very cute, Meadow said.
Eh. Not sure if I share that opinion. I do think youre quite cute, to be honest, Ilea said and thanked the girl who brought her ale, taking a sip and sitting back. She casually rested an arm on the pack next to her.
Im flattered. But I like Meadows, Meadow said.
You dont even have reproductive organs, do you? Ilea asked.
Way to be insensitive, Meadow said with a huff.
Sorry. Didnt mean to tread on you, Ilea said and patted the backpack.
I was kidding. Though I do appreciate the sentiment. Remember that Im a millennia old being. Ive had plenty of time to think about existence and my place in it, it said.
Its still okay to be insecure or hurt about things. Age alone doesnt change that, Ilea said and took another sip.
Excuse me, miss? a man clad in decrepit leather armor asked. He was armed with a simple shortsword.
Hmm? Ilea asked as she took another sip, glancing at the man.
We been wonderin a healer like yerself. Mayhaps you may be lookin for a group to do jobs with? he asked, sweating by now.
Ilea saw the group of badly equipped adventurers at the table nearby, averting their eyes a little too obviously.
Whats your name? Ilea asked.
Ah Marry, miss, he said.
Sit down Marry. Why dont you tell me about yourself and the last job you did with those four? Ilea said.
He looked back at the group, sweating even more. Ehm, miss. I didnt mean no offense.
Ilea looked up at him. I wasnt offended. I just asked about you and your last job. To get an idea about what kind of team you are. How would I make a decision to join you otherwise?
Are you actually going to join them? Meadow asked, sounding intrigued and a little confused.
[Warrior lvl 29]
The man looked young, eighteen maybe. His hairline was already declining. For a warrior his physique wasnt too impressive but that could be misleading. His eyes were quite striking, a deep brown. Otherwise he wasnt exactly blessed with beauty.
Probably not. Because Im bringing you north. Otherwise. Maybe? They seem like they could use some pointers, Ilea said.
Marry gingerly sat down, nearly tripping on the chair.
He gulped.
Well me and the lads and Ceril, well. We thought ta take up fightin ourselves kill some pests and beasts. Hard ta find work round here otherwise. With the war an all, he explained.
Ilea didnt interrupt him, just drinking from her ale. She moved on to the second mug.
Ah right our last job. We were tasked to search a farm nearby. Boy had come runnin, talkin about monsters. Moles they were massive ones with teeth this big, he said and gestured with his hand. Took us a few hours but we foun em all. Killed the buggers with steel and spells. Maul is good with fire.
Two of us got injured. Hurt like a cun- like a really bad. Had ta let it heal for a few days. Me leg hasnt looked that bad ever but now tis fine again, he said and laughed awkwardly.
Is this a local accent? How many different ones have I heard so far? I dont remember anybody in Lys speaking like this. Hmm well its not for me to question how people talk.
She smiled and put down her mug. That sounds like an adventure alright.
He smiled too, the gesture sadly not helping his looks.
Thanks miss. So whaddaya think? You been around ere long? he asked.
Im just passing through, Marry. I do believe my missions are generally aimed at stronger opponents than moles though. Im a Shadow after all, Ilea said with a smile.
He made a surprised quipping noise, staring at her with confusion.
Tell you what, why dont you take these and bring them to a smith who can handle them. Maybe get some better weapons as soon as you have the funds to pay for them, she said and summoned five Niameer steel ingots. Half of her supply.
He made another noise before he looked around nervously.
Most of the patrons hadnt given them any attention. That didnt change now.
I cant miss, I cant pay for that, he said.
Its free. Take it as a gesture from one adventurer to another, Ilea said. Thanks for the offer.
She put down a few copper coins for the ale and vanished to avoid another conversation. Meadow was displaced into her hand again, her pack stored once more.
You like a mysterious flair, Meadow said with a giggle.
I dislike extended conversations with people who think me some kind of monster, hero, or goddess, she said.
I feel you, Meadow said.
Where did you get That expression from? she asked.
A romance novel Michael provided. There were interesting uses of language in that one, it said.
Maybe an author that came from my realm, Ilea wondered, strolling through the town.
You just became the mysterious stranger to start their story. Funny, Meadow said.
Until they realize most smiths around here cant handle those ingots. Or it gets stolen. Or their party falls apart because they cant decide what to do with it, Ilea said.
I didnt say a happy story, Meadow said. Though I suppose you are a little pessimistic.
Reality is often disappointing, Ilea said.
Why the deep voice? Meadow asked.
Dont worry about it. Hey maybe youre right and it actually jump starts their crew. Might hear from them in a decade or two, she said.
If youre continuing like this, youre not going to be alive to see that, Meadow said.
Now youre the one being pessimistic, she said. I can heal pretty much anything.
Not overconfidence and death, Meadow said.
Not yet, Ilea corrected.
They both laughed, already reaching the other side of town.
SHUT THE FUCK UP! someone shouted from an open window.
Apologies, wondrous dreamer.
Everyone is asleep. Do you need that much of it? Meadow asked.
Mhm. It lessens as you level of course and depending on skills and Classes but yes. Humans do sleep a lot, she said, displacing both of them out of the town whose name she hadnt learned.
Thank you, Meadow said.
Hmm, for what? Ilea asked, spreading her wings before she lazily flew through fields. A few trees started to show by now, thin patches of forest visible in the distance.
For letting me see all this. I know you just want to go back to killing monsters, it said.
Just because thats all I did in Erendar, doesnt mean its representative of what I do. Well it kiiind of is but not fully. I do enjoy just exploring, Ilea said.
How did the ale taste? Meadow asked.
Not that good to be honest. The hygiene in the kitchen didnt impress me either to be honest. Maybe it was just the mugs, she said.
You didnt have to drink it, you know? Meadow said.
It fit with the whole atmosphere. Meadow, you yourself have reduced me to a bloodied and pierced through head. Some dirty mugs dont bother me, she said with a smile.
I suppose, Meadow said. I wouldve still complained.
Now I want to see that. Though I guess youd make them burst with arcane energy just being in the same room, she said.
Id have to request the manager of course, Meadow said.
Ilea laughed, speeding up a little now that she knew the Meadow had seen much of what could be deemed interesting in the surrounding areas.
Gyffold remained where it stood, undamaged from a quick aerial view.
Seems like it worked, Ilea said and descended to the shoreline. Ill quickly go check inside. Can I leave you here for a minute?
Please, mother! Dont leave me alone in the wilderness! I will be eaten by wolves! one of the most powerful creatures she had ever met said.
You have your mark. Call for help if critters start mangling you, Ilea said.
You heartless wench, Meadow said.
Says the tree. Literally no heart, she said.
How would you know. Never seen my innards, have you? Too weak for that, the creature said.
True, that I am, Ilea said and vanished.
She quickly entered the city, appearing in the gate room a moment later.
Only two guards had remained, playing cards on a chunk of rubble.
Attention! Ilea said, covered in her ashen armor.
The gate was gone, the surrounding space and mana returned to its normal state.
No residue, nothing.
She wondered how the city would look if they had closed it from this side instead.
Floating rubble.
The guards scrambled up and saluted, their heartbeats nearly exploding.
I was kidding. I have no authority to command you, Ilea said and displaced the fallen cards back onto the chunk of stone. Enjoy your game.
She vanished again and joined the Meadow.
Whats that? Ilea asked, looking at the fox scrambling away at her appearance.
We will not talk of this, the Meadow said.
It smelled slightly sour.
Did it? Damn. Well if that isnt an achievement for some insane evolution down that foxs life.
She displaced the ball of stone into the lake, retrieving it a few seconds later.
I nearly drowned, it said.
Sure you did, Ilea nodded.
How did it look? Meadow asked.
Everythings normal. Gate is closed and already half forgotten it seems, Ilea said. As Velamyr intended.
As I told you. No reason to question my grandeur, Meadow said.
Trust but verify, Ilea said.
I feel like thats a contradiction, the creature said.
Human failure is always a possibility, she said and spread her wings once more. The third night had fallen since they had returned, dawn on the horizon.
Im not human, the Meadow said.
Grassland failure is always a possibility, Ilea said.
Absolute certainty is likely impossible, so I suppose youre not wrong, the creature said.
Heh, Ilea said, speeding through the lands by now.
I wish I could move like this, the Meadow said.
Youre a space mage. Im sure youll figure something out. Couldnt you form some kind of bird imitation with stone magic, make it live with life magic, and then teleport it around while you see through its eyes? Ilea asked.
There is so much to unpack here. I dont even know where to begin explaining the difficulties of such a task without a related spell, Meadow said.
Youre the ancient super mage. Figure it out. Ilea said.
Ill give it a shot. I always believed remaining at one positing wouldnt be detrimental to my abilities but now well this realm is quite different. Much more diverse. There are so many creatures here I will never reach, it said.
Sounds like an idea. Mind if we speed up a little until were in the north? Ilea asked.
I dont mind, no, Meadow said.
Thats a change, Meadow said when they had crossed the Naraza mountain range.
Yeah. Its only going to increase from here, Ilea said.
Its such an extreme change, the Meadow said.
You sound contemplative. What is it? Ilea asked.
I suppose I dont know enough about this realm yet. It just doesnt seem like a natural occurrence to me, the Meadow said.
I see. Well people have meddled plenty. One sun is even missing, she said.
Thats true, Meadow said.
How is your defense looking by the way? See those storms? Ilea said.
Unstable arcane energies wont be a problem for me, even in this form. Do not worry, Meadow said.
Good. Then we can fly during the day too, Ilea said and charged her wings. Theres little on the way that you wont be able to see from Tremor or Hallowfort either. On the surface that is.
That sounds agreeable then, Meadow said.
Ilea smiled and shot off into the distance, vibrations and shock waves from the closest arcane storms brushing past her.
Can spend my stats while were at it, she thought.
Ilea went with fifty points into Vitality and Wisdom each.
When am I getting a ten times boost to either of those? she wondered.
The Meadow pointed out a few things as they were flying but it seemed even the four mark had trouble perceiving everything at the high speed while in its subdued form.
Alright, here we are, Ilea said and slowed down, arcane lightning striking her directly.
The energy flowed through her with a bright purple spark. It left one of her eyes injured, some of her organs slightly singed.
Alright there? she asked the slightly smoking ball of stone.
Quite some power in those storms, it admitted. You really need a third tier resistance for that.
It helps, yeah, she said and displaced them through the stone and into Tremor.
They landed in the ancient cathedral, Ilea placing the creature on a random chair.
What do you think of the Mana density? she asked. Could you stay here?
Its much, much better than your house. Not just the interior design, from a mana standpoint too, it said. I could stay here, yes. Its not ideal but acceptable. My presence would increase the density a hundred fold however.
That makes sense. How much more would be acceptable? Same as in Erendar? Ilea asked.
That much is not necessary, no. My abilities allow me to be a little more flexible. Specifically my life magic abilities, Meadow said.
Hmm, alright. I dont know if Hallowfort is any denser than this but maybe you can stay in the Descent. Not like the Ascended could do much against something like you, she said.
Wherever there are beings and here there are already thousands. Are you aware of the species living within this cavern? it asked.
Soul Rippers, yes. Theyre from another realm too apparently, summoned here by someone or something, she said.
They are very peculiar. Devoid of a mind. I may be wrong, it said.
Maybe they were part of a hive mind before? Something that controlled them wherever theyre from? Ilea asked.
A hive mind? Do you mean a shared consciousness or a controlling entity? Meadow said.
Either could work. Though the latter makes more sense if you say theyre devoid of a mind. They still move around and attack if you get too close, she said.
They are not moving, Meadow said.
Comments
fbt
On reread, the dialog in here is even more fun. I especially like Marry and Meadow's dialog; nice work! The bit w/ Marry trying not to offend the new healer he hopes to recruit was just perfect.
fbt
honestly, the updates are one of the main highlights of my week. Admittedly, I don't get out much :) ...but I love a good story. And, rough edges aside, this is one. If it weren't for Meadow's time limit I was happily imagining Ilea taking it on a longer tour (as exploring is kinda Ilea's thing, too). Maybe a stop by the sentinels (both a discussion on making friends, training, and more), maybe introduce Meadow to Claire and the kiddo. :) As it is, tho, it really was a fair sample of Ilea's life; going to new places, meeting folks, helping the nice ones/smacking the bad ones, trying the booze, banging the waitstaff... :) she already did plenty of fighting, so it's nice to have this little interlude. And nice to see Meadow's joy as a formerly sessile sapient seeing a whole new world (and in a whole new way). (fixed pronoun; sorry Meadow!) :)
We already have the big possibility for next monsters to extend leveling. After all has to be a historical reason just making Dragons is feared.
tibbish
I think the solution to the levelling issue you pose is the other continent that has been mentioned briefly offhand and has much stronger monsters and stuff stomping around in dire need of smooshing As for other 3 mark humans they're probably out there but also probably super suuuuppperrr rare and at least a few might be in other realms or other continents and stuff. The ones hanging around 'locally' are probably just chillin' and want to be left alone if they're in the human lands It was mentioned though by the Superfae that Ilea is pretty exceptional for a human and he hinted he hasn't seen many at her level (this was back when she was in the lowish 300's I think) or level so fast in a looong time out of his multi eon lifespan. Soooo yeah Ilea-equivalent-ish/3 mark humans are out there but they're going to be damn rare I would think to not expect seeing them any time soon. Remember too that Ilea has that cheaty self healing class and that out of nearly ALL the classes we get see few have any sort of self heal or relatively fast regen to keep themselves alive in a fight. And stuff like healing potions appear to be far to weak to matter outside of very low levels. Same thing for any magic items that might heal too. Look at how few make it to 'only' lvl200 much less lvl300+. The fatality rates are nuts and I don't think you're properly giving that the due consideration here
As Illea gets closer to 500 I’m starting to wonder about the name of the Ascended and what it might imply for realm travel and leveling. The big thing is that it seems like the category of “powerful but mass farmable” creatures on Elos (and even on her recent realm travel) caps out in the 700-800 level range. Even if Illea farmed everything we’ve seen and looked further afield, she’s going to severely slow down around 600-700. At that point she could kill four marks, but those are 1) pretty rare, and 2) generally sapient/friendly enough that I think she might balk at killing a lot of them. What she really needs to keep her leveling speed, post-500, is trash four marks - somewhat powerful, but also plentiful and non-sapient. I guess it’s possible there are other zones like the North but more so (denser mana and higher level creatures), but another option would be “higher” realms. This would match up with a lot of game logic where a new realm starts at a higher level. It also fits with wuxia logic, and Azarinth Healer has a lot of traditional wuxia characteristics in terms of fighting above her weight class, power curves, and the like. In this case maybe “Ascended” isn’t actually a singular group, but a term for sapients of sufficient power who ascended to a higher realm - one where, for example, maybe the minimum level is 500, and there are the equivalent of four mark drakes running around that Illea can kill with impunity. This also solves another issue - namely, where are all the three mark humans? They’ve had 3,000+ years since the last war and are basically unaging with 200 vitality, that’s plenty of time to hit 500 even with very safe, slow leveling. There should really be a bunch of them running around, dominating the human plains and being well known. There are a couple of obvious problems with this theory. First, Superfae and Meadow have both never mentioned it, which seems odd - you’d think they would know. Second, presumably ascending would mean Illea has to abandon her lower level friends. There’s other possibilities here - an overall organization of Ascended that enforces rules, for example - but now I’m really getting into crazy speculation territory.
tibbish
I'm gonna be disappointed if Ilea doesn't try to tickle Meadow while he is in 'hunker down' mode at least once!! She'll never get this opportunity again! If nothing else it should cause Deviant of Humanity to go up a lvl too and maaaayyyybbee give her a Core point
Rip Woodham
Hmm, unlikely but. What if Meadow helped Ilea farm them? If they have nothing in their head, no potential of becoming sentient. Their numbers and habits had held Ilea back before. If they were to be partitioned however, or if Meadow just 'attacked' Ilea to give her mana I wonder if she could kill them with her flamethrower technique. Be a hell of a farm. Anyway, since she doesn't need to fear being overwhelmed or grappled anymore they're definitely on the menu again.
Michael scott
So when Meadow meets Cat, I bet she won't know how to act. The last time she talked to a fox it didn't end well for her.
Joe ?
Peeing on an ex-god gets you nine tails at least right?
how does "they are not moving" sound so ominous? i this a cliff??? Gj ^^
Rip Woodham
Hopefully Ilea finds somewhere teeming with life to leave Meadow. She should be happy. Maybe the lizard dungeon near Hallowfort would be best after all.
Michael C
I agree. I like the personal growth as she realizes she is not all powerful. She thought she was better sitting in one location. When obviously building an avatar or golem to control would be best
Michael C
Why? They literally could not touch her.
Chad Hagner
Great chapter, love the banter between the two. Do you think meadow could take over the mindless beings then? Could be a personal work force/army.
Straven
That fox.........!!!!!!!!!!! Oh that for darn sure going to be an achievement! Thank you for the great laughs and chapter.
Alsia
Thank you for the chapter! It's so cute how Meadow is enthralled with everything in Elos. It really adds depth to the character, in addition to the character evolution already present in the story :)
Chopper
I think Meadow would be bored in most dungeons. But perhaps putting it close to the Euhuvi (the brain kraken in the descent) I think they would get along nicely. Heh.. Ilea could build a menagerie of god-like beings someplace.
fbt
Ty for the chapter! I think the banter is getting better (clearer, more natural, more amusing) over time; practice makes perfect and all that. Although maybe Meadow just lends itself to it more easily, idk. GJ.
Chopper
They never move unless something comes close to them.
Hayden Pech
Whaaat!? You stop there!? Whhhyyyyy??
Martin
With arrival of Meadow Ilea got herself a great foil for snarky and funny conversations. That is a major plus apart from obvious benefits. Maro was close but not good enough, Elfie is generally tolerating her antics while grinding his teeth, Catelyn could be upset and Hector is a jerk. Interaction with new adventurers was great, very respectful and helpful attitude from Ilea. Wondering what village smith will make of those Niameer steel ingots. If Meadow stays in abandoned cathedral, won't it open a possibility of new cult rising in Elos?
Alexander Dupree
Thanks for the chapter
Mike Murphy
I wonder if meadow will learn to divide like the fae. Or meadow and the fae become best friends. Can’t wait for ilea to clear this dungeon. Maybe meadow will become the soul toppers queen bee.
Strange Loop Sleuth
The stuff she used before getting the upgraded steel in Tremor from the knights. I believe she got it from the dead elf in the taleen dungeon and it was better than most humans could damage. Goliath thought of it as flexible/soft and made for stealth.
Ranzbart
what was niameer steel again?
Luciaron
Oooh did someone else come kill the reapers ?
Michael scott
Thanks for the great chapters. The star was the fox. It's funny, when your a pacifist you get pissed on in any world.
Michael scott
Definitely something weird about those things. Weird and creepy.
Cadastral
Thanks for the Chapters!
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Joshua Little
Kyuubi.
Rhain
Fire fox version 2?
It's a meadow. Pretty sure it ain't a desecration to water the plants, as it were... :P
Nate
Lol Im not super down for putting the pacifist on top of the Soul Ripper nest. Though I guess he'll defend himself as long as they aren't sapient... Also it's going to be pretty difficult to get Team Portal out to visit Meadow in either location, haha.
Ivactheseeker
‘ding’ Requirements met for class evolution: Would you like to evolve your class [Common Fox] to [THE DESECRATOR] ?
Connor Bruha
Thanks for the chapter!
Connor Bruha
That would be funny.
I really want a side story of the fox when it gains sentience and it reads through its achievements....
Johannes Sauer
Imagine the class update a lrvel 9 fox gets for pissing on a lvl 2700 being. Likely an op class focused on his acid gland.
Thanks for the chapters. Don't know why, but the last line gave me bad vibes.
Johannes Sauer
The portal the soul rippers came through might still be open. I would be scared of aliens getting lured in/investigating the 100x higher mana density.
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Other people seem scared of letting meadow in extended contact with the soul reapers, but I'm really looking forward to seeing if he can create a species of nosferatos, think of them as twisted death elves, even if just because they'd be so edgy it'd be fun. And those are actually killable with kindness, so there's that.
ciaran mullen
If you get core points for rescuing creatures from other realms maybe that is why the ascended brought the soul reapers to the world
Sebastian Prue
Oo, they are not moving. I wonder if something happened to them?
MrrC
thanks
Dominic French
I'm kinda scared for meadow lol those things are creepy. Ilea talking about them and then meadow just casually mentioning they aren't moving creepy as hell
Dominic French
For some reason I feel like it would be a bad idea to put meadow in a cavern of souls reapers
Connor Alexander
Thank you for the chapter, yet again!
