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Chapter 547 Challenger
🕑 Added 2020-08-25 11:01:10 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all. New chapters.
Let me know what you think.
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Chapter 547 Challenger
Modano walked up to the guard. He was about to speak when the man vanished.
What?
He looked behind himself but there was nothing. He gulped and tried to open the stone door.
Need a key.
It was suddenly dark.
Where am I? Did I die?
A torch burst to light to his left, blue eyes illuminated in the darkness.
He staggered back. Im dead.
Dont shit your pants, buddy. You did well, Lilith said as she stepped forward.
Modano saw the outline of two men on the floor next to her. Soldiers. He didnt know if they were dead but they didnt move.
Her form was shrouded in ash. She stepped with confidence, her obsidian armor not reflecting much of the light.
Modano tried to follow her and stumbled on a root.
A few coughs resounded nearby.
Were in the prison. How did she? The guard. She can move people?
He felt something on the ground, something like sand.
It felt warm, energy flowing into him that seemed to calm him. The scratches on his arm that itched suddenly vanished. He didnt see it but he knew.
Healing magic. Its different than what Ive experienced before. Like a soothing song from a bard. Or the sweet taste of Kilproot.
Dont be afraid, Lilith said. Ive come to help, if that is what you want.
People started moving now, hiding before as not to be selected for interrogation, or worse.
The only light came from the womans torch, suddenly replaced by a gnarled wooden staff that started shining with a pure bright light.
The ground was ash, moving through the whole makeshift prison, touching each and every one of the people present. Slaves, farmers, hunters, and even soldiers. Those who would defy Conner.
And who would you be, Shadow? a man asked, his voice steady and calm. He stood up and walked past the many people around, occasionally lending a gentle touch.
Jensen.
The officer had kept his armor, proudly wearing the colors of Baralia. His graying hair and beard did nothing to diminish the order his sheer presence demanded. Even here, as a prisoner.
Modano focused hard on the ground, hoping the man wouldnt spot him. His shame was big enough.
Opposite him stood Lilith. The woman didnt have the same dignity. She felt more like an assassin to Modano, or a predator. Her stance was casual, showing no concern for the gravity of the situation and her position in it.
He feared it was justified.
Im the one they call Lilith, she said.
A few murmurs went through the hall.
Jensen didnt laugh or dismiss her claim. He looked at her with stern eyes. You have fought against Baralia. You have killed hundreds of our men and women. Why should we want your help?
Lord Harken refused to surrender. I gave him an out, and he attacked. Those who fled or didnt fight, I spared, Lilith said.
Cowards, the lot of them, Jensen said, his voice firm. He sounded disappointed more than accusing.
And whats this then? she asked, gesturing around herself. I see farmers, slaves, people scared and imprisoned in a camp that seems to be made up of soldiers. Is that the proud Baralia army you think so highly of, Prisoner? Lilith asked.
Dont think you- Jensen started, a low growl interrupting him.
ding You have heard the call of Lilith. You are paralyzed for three seconds
Atiom, protect my soul
I killed a man, one of your soldiers, who was torturing a woman in a small building nearby. Im sure you heard her screams. I did. He seemed to have enjoyed it. She was barely level twenty. Now Im not sure if she had critical information of army movements or killed a hundred of your company but frankly, I dont care.
Your High King has abandoned you, used the Order to sacrifice whole cities for a chance to enter the Realm of Life. The rituals were stopped, the Empire is laying siege on Baralia as we speak. And you, Officer, have become bandits that hide in the woods. Deserters who shouldnt speak of cowardice.
The officer started moving again. He looked tired now, his mind reeling with the information she had shared.
Rituals, siege on Baralia theyre already there?
Modano had thought Lys would never be able to advance that quickly. He assumed they would fight at the border, in a war that would come to an end with treaties and agreements in a years time.
No more slaves. Everyone here that was one is free now. The prisoners too. Ill bring you all to Gyffold after Ive dealt with whoever is in charge of this band of common thieves, Lilith said.
I cant let you slaughter my men. Conner will pay for his crimes but they fought for Baralia. Im in this prison because I disagreed with his methods and actions, as are others. He cant kill us without facing a revolt. Many are split but the power of him and his closest allies is overwhelming, Jensen said as he prepared for battle, several spells activating instantly.
He charged Lilith with a leap, his hand glowing with power.
Modano hadnt seen the man fight but he felt the heat from where he stood.
Lilith just stood there, his fist connecting with her chest as fire spread on her.
He tried to retreat but found her hand wrapped around his wrist.
I wont kill you, she said. Grinding cracks resounded when his wrist was squashed within her grasp.
She let go of him, the man taking a step back.
His face looked slightly strained but he hadnt even cried out.
Why? he asked. Are you not the Shadow of Riverwatch?
Liliths eyes seemed to sparkle.
Shes smiling.
That was explosion magic, wasnt it? she asked.
Jensen didnt reply.
Not exactly an efficient use, is it? Lilith said. Dont worry, Ill give your soldiers the same choice that Ive given to many before them. I will trust Gyffold to judge those who take my offer.
Modanos view suddenly shifted. He found himself flying, his arms flailing as the wind rushed past.
The lights below shined bright.
His vision shifted again, and again.
He nearly fell as his legs wobbled below him. Shouts resounded in the distance, far away.
More people appeared around him and yet more. Eight, maybe ten seconds had passed.
The sunlight had gone, but the early night was cloudless. He saw the frightened faces of people clad in rags, with dirtied faces, bloodied backs.
Some dared speaking, most remained silent.
Lilith appeared amidst them, Jensen close to her.
I trust you can defend these people from a bunch of wolves, she said.
The man looked around. Form a circle, not too tightly together. Those who can fight at the edges. No light, no noise. Will you return? he looked to Lilith with the question.
Shortly, the woman said and vanished.
Modano winced when Jensen glared at him.
You brought that demon here. Look what you have done, he said. But his voice lacked bite. He felt the same shame that drove Modano to desert his company.
___________________________
Ilea was surprised how many of the soldiers had noticed her quick evacuation of the prisoners. Most people supposedly didnt look up but at least ten of them had spotted her.
Cloudless night doesnt help.
Well maybe it might.
She spread her wings, flying high enough to be out of range of most mid range spells and projectiles but close enough for most of them to see a silhouette, moonlight to her back.
Her comment about common thieves had been a provocation of course. This was a war camp. She doubted that she couldve infiltrated it without space magic. A few people still noticed her passing, just too late to understand the significance.
Shouts resounded throughout the camp by now, torches flaring up all around as the single entrance was shut with a quickly raised stone wall. Teams formed up, weapons and arrows at the ready. She saw the glimmer of a hundred spells amidst the light.
All of them had gathered in a central open area with various stone structures, ready to face whatever foe they faced together.
Veterans, the lot of them.
Reluctantly so.
She smirked.
Perhaps she couldve used the imprisoned officer but she feared he would rally them up against her in the end anyway, causing more meaningless deaths for honor, revenge, or nationalism.
This time she chose to imitate the recent Werebear, charging down into the midst of the nearly two hundred strong group.
Monster Hunter released and washed over the people present, only a few resisting the effects entirely.
Now they know what and who theyre dealing with, she thought and casually landed on the soft earth, feeling the near palpable fear in the frozen warriors close to her.
She displaced them away to make sure they wouldnt be hit by stray magic. She wasnt here to massacre them after all.
Modano had been clear and the officer she had met only confirmed her views on this group.
The head of the snake was the most important. Ah, there you are.
[Mage lvl 182]
The man looked confident in the face of his new foe. A slight smirk pulled his the edges of his mouth upwards but he remained stoic. Long black hair flowed out of his helmet. He was tall and broad but not overly so, armored in what seemed to be normal officer gear. Some of the highest level warriors and mages were close to him, most of them still frozen.
He himself wasnt.
Second tier Veteran? Or maybe something else.
He looked to be in his thirties, tiny arcs of lightning moving away from his body.
Greetings, she said, remaining in a casual stance to make sure they wouldnt run away or charge her in chaotic terror. Her Deviant aura remained off.
An enemy of Baralia, dont let her words poison you. Kill her, the leader spoke and pointed at her.
It was clear that many hesitated but soon the spells came. Most followed suit, group pressure, fear, or uncertainty pushing them to do what was expected of them.
Others downright reveled in the joy of attacking her.
A challenge? Or because Im the enemy?
Ilea didnt mind. Free resistance training was always welcome.
She saw the projectiles coming. Ice, earth, fire, poison, arcane, lightning, light, for each type she saw, one resistance was deactivated.
Her sphere pulled everything towards her, her armor disappearing and replaced by a shroud of ash to keep her dignity.
At least the company didnt let up, their efforts continuing, for some even until their resources seemed exhausted.
She smirked at the laughable effort, the uncertainty in the eyes of those that could perceive her still, within the bright explosions of magic, dust, mist, and smoke. She enjoyed the confidence in those who looked her way with disdain or boredom, qualities she expected from nobility and not from soldiers. Goes hand in hand around here, she thought.
Few of the attacks managed to deal significant damage. With her armor on, she wouldnt even have a scratch.
Her precognition let her decide if she needed more defense. She didnt.
Most soldiers here were slightly above level one hundred. Many waited with their weapons drawn, unable to join the ranged assault.
When the last few spells had hit, she reformed her armor. Ash swirled out in a circle around her, dissipating the smoke and mist, quenching the fires.
Many of the soldiers staggered back. Their resolve hadnt been impressive in the first place, now challenged by the scene presented to them.
Anybody who surrenders will be spared. You will be brought- she started when the officer started laughing loudly.
Dont listen to her! he shouted, taking a step forward. Youre tough, I will give you that.
He walked past his men and cracked his neck.
Are you serious?
A welcome challenge. Its been so booring lately, he said.
Ilea didnt know if she should sigh or laugh.
A duel then? she asked.
To the death, the man said and checked the straps on his bracers.
The soldiers around looked at each other, a few whispering some words in the native tongue.
Lilith. You will pay, for what youve done, the man said as he entered the cleared field around her.
Absolutely delusional, Ilea thought. I guess Id do the same though. Maybe not to the death. Is this how Meadow felt when I challenged it to a bout?
As will you, she said. I will bring you to Gyffold, where you will be judged.
SILENCE! the man shouted, lightning arcing out as his muscles tensed.
Ilea crossed her arms and watched him.
Excited whispers went through the ranks as the mans magic flared up once more.
He smirked and charged.
His speed was quite impressive for someone at his level. Even for someone at two hundred.
He spread his arms and took the last step to reach her, his body freezing as his skin turned to stone.
Ilea chose not to teleport or dodge, instead slamming a few ashen limbs into the ground behind her.
The officer crashed into her, a small shock wave of air flaring out when he came to an abrupt stop.
Ilea cocked her head to the side as she looked at him.
His skin and armor returned to normal, the man staggering back a few steps as blood trailed from his brow.
He looked confused, disoriented.
Wh-
Ilea closed the distance with two quick steps, her fist slamming into his face.
The force sent him flying for a few meters, his head dented inward from the single punch, both his skull and brain mere pulp as his lifeless corpse hit the ground with a thud.
As I was saying, Ilea said, looking at her armored fist. Remain here and we go to Gyffold together. Flee or attack and Ill consider you my enemy.
Commotion broke out as at least thirty people rushed her with battle shouts, ten or so ran away in the meantime and at least five fell to the ground, bowing in terror.
Ilea used Displacement on the attackers, sending them up about fifty meters into the air.
She used the spell again to bring back those who fled, her ashen limbs slashing into their legs. It was possible that terror overwhelmed them. She wouldnt kill them just for that.
Those who attacked however, she looked up and watched them flail and scream.
Some fell more gracefully than others. No matter how injured they were from the fall, they all met the same fate. A swift send off to the Realm of Death. Or perhaps the one of Life. Erendar wasnt exactly a nice holiday destination after all.
Gather chains, ropes, and cuffs, she said and watched the soldiers move.
New officer in town, she thought with a smile.
The next twenty minutes she spend hovering over the group, watching them bind each other. She marked each of them with a slashed cross on their chest plates.
Gather supplies, Ilea said.
The officer looked around, his eyes resting on the dead leader for a moment before he faced her again. You kept your word, Shadow. For that I thank you.
He still stared at her like the stubborn old military man he was.
You wont come with us then? he asked.
Ill bring you there, Ilea said.
Displacement proved quite useful in moving even a group of around three hundred people. The third tier was more efficient when it came to distance but everyone had to actually step through, which made it somewhat simpler to just use the normal version of the skill that allowed her to move nearly thirty people at one.
It took a while but her cooldown was short and Gyffold wasnt too far away.
She brought the group in front of one of the two gates that led into the city.
Her presence in the city was known, at least among the guards and soldiers. A few Imperials were even present on the walls by now.
It didnt take much convincing to get the group inside, a guard captain already talking to Officer Jensen.
His anger at the sight of Imperials was palpable but it seemed he wouldnt start a fight with so little information and inside an otherwise peaceful city.
Ilea smirked as she looked at him, vanishing a moment later.
Quite enjoyable for an afternoon. Though I guess I remained a little too long.
More than a week left nonetheless.
Lets put it to good use.
She appeared in the ritual hall, flying through the gate before anyone even activated a spell.
Im back, she announced and blinked into Meadows frozen hall.
Oh, Ilea. Youre too late. The Daughters have come. What a battle it was! We managed to drive them away but it was close. The Elemental was injured. It seems only the heart of a four mark spirit can heal it now, Meadow rambled.
Come on, stop with the bullshit and give me some anti teleportation to analyze. Ill go hunt again in an hour, Ilea said and clapped her hands together.
You are no fun. Perhaps youre bitter, for not evolving at four hundred? Meadow teased.
Each level and achievement brings me closer, great god of life and space. Doesnt matter if it happens at four hundred, five, or one thousand, Ilea said.
Stone platforms appeared close by, runes forming on them before the magic fields thrummed to life.
The unending greed for power. What will you do once there is nothing left to fight? Meadow asked.
Ilea looked at the tree and smiled. Cooking? Becoming a smith? Riding Dragons? Who knows really. Im sure I wont get bored. Worst case, Ill have to train up a challenge. Starting with your lazy ass.
A chuckle flowed through space itself.
Ambitious words for someone so frail and tiny. Ill look forward to it.
Comments
Rhain
Love when she interacts with low-level people thanks for chappy
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
foldedcorners
I was thinking the same thing. The taleen gatekey would probably pique the interest of a 4mark
Matthias
what we saw of that mage, makes me think he's maybe low 300s, but he might have been holding back, not even trying to kill ilea. I highly doubt he's over 400 and has a third class, as well as over a dozen T3 resistances. and we deffinitely know he's below 500, since he only showed up as ??, not ???. so I'm pretty sure that in a fight, ilea would prevail
Grond (James)
Does anyone else get the feeling that the guy who used to dungeon dive with Maro, the one with the golden barriers, is higher level than her?
Nate
Lol Meadow's such a weirdo, I honestly love it.
‘ding’ You’ve learned the skill Face Puncher. Your ability to punch others in the face is equal only to your dizzying intellect. “I’d be offended by that if my meat brain was capable of knowing when I was being insulted,” commented Sillea as she punched another monster in the face.
meadow should be the ultimate farmer only problem would be the mana density
Sebastian Prue
This 100% if he needs to take time off to enjoy himself I'm totally fine waiting. He's done an amazing job and deserves a real break
Sebastian Prue
Love to see it, Ilea getting back to normal people. It just shows how powerful she really is
M. Gunnarsson
When Meadow gets to Elos, I'll be low-key disappointed if it doesn't somehow get in touch with a book publisher and become a bestselling author of clichéd and snark-filled adventure novels. Preferably featuring an MC who is basically just Ilea, except full of jabs at her intelligence and with a stupid harem that has no reason to exist.
Shin
I am pretty sure that was sarcasm from meadow there...
Alsia
Thank you for the chapters! Wonderful work as always :) Reading your story is often the highlight of my day when chapters are released. I hope your vacation is still going well and that you enjoy the rest of it :) I don't mind waiting at all for chapters for you to take a much deserved break. I appreciate your continued posting during your time off. Looking forward to your next chapter, as always.
Martin
"The Elemental was injured. It seems only the heart of a four mark spirit can heal it now” Ilea's healing is arcane magic based, unlike life based one from Meadow. I hope she will try to heal the Ice Wolf
Mike Murphy
I wish she would show Meadow those taleen artifacts she has yet to decipher. To my knowledge it’s still sitting in her necklace. Or have meadow look over her teleportation research.
Robert Mullins
I know it's unlikely but I kind of want her to be dropped off in eregar's haven. It should still be used as farming land for the city if I remember correctly and is primarily filled with nature mages of some sort and farmers. It has an artificial sun/environment and would be close enough to the city to have influence while not bothering them with her mana. Plus it brings back an area that has mostly been ignored since ilea finished the shadow-team arc. Or thats my thought at least. Also cless already spends her time surrounded by shadows, mad healers, and a sentient centurion. Anything to fuck up her world view even more is just icing on the cake. rofl
ShadeByTheSea
Reincarnator: "Why was truck-kun made of ash?!"
Alexander Dupree
Thirty people at one. - > once? One time?
Michael scott
Thanks for the chapter
I wonder if it would help her training if she put a bounty on herself, since it seems like intent-to-kill is a large factor in skill increases. She'd just have to be careful to not invite collateral damage.
Luciaron
Thanks for the chapters !
Andrew
Thank you!
ChrisW
Or maybe a new magic cloak like the first gear she got :) or a fancy belt. Anything 😅
ChrisW
Thank you so much for your amazing work :) Isnt it time for some cool new armor she can use at least till lvl 500 where she will get armor that is infused into her bones :D The timeless bonearmor just seems useless at this point :/ feels like she has no useful gear at all and thats kinda sad for the LitRPG vibes 😁
Christopher Ozouf
If i remember correctly 3 mark is at level 500 and she's already 400. Right now people still see her as a 2 mark and most people know that people don't really go far past 200. So most assume she's at the high 200's at most which is easily fight-able for a group of people which she often runs into. They just can't image that someone could be in the 300's let alone the 400's like Ilea is. That will all change though once she hits 500 and becomes a 3 mark. There is simply no way to hide or mistake that kind of level and people know without a shadow of a doubt that you do not fuck with 3 marks unless you're a team of shadows.
Ties
When I think back to how she was when she joined the hand, it seems like she was but a child. All grown up now.
MitchyGoodness
Ding you have defeated Connor
MrrC
Didn't Meadow mention that Illea could earn even more points by killing the Spirits of death using her healing (creating real death) vs pseudo death. I'd think she'd still want every level and every point possible with killing both the astrals and the real death spirits
MountainFox
Nah, one day Ilea would become a space cabbie and transport people from realm to realm. Or become Truck-kun. The line is blurry there.
Trakarov was close . . . Kinda
Thanks for the chapter 😊
Relissi
I always love the asides on how others view Ilea. She truly is getting closer and closer to the point where people are going to doubt she was ever human in the first place. Also thank you for all the chapters, they always brighten my day, I’m so glad I found this story.
I'm hoping she actually has a chance to ride a dragon at some point.
Ulbert
Keep up the good work. And relax as you see fit my handsome gentleauthor.
