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Chapter 472 Expectations
🕑 Added 2020-04-30 16:14:06 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all :). New chapter up and hopefully another one this week. I hope you like it!
PDF/EPUB: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 472 Expectations
Ilea enjoyed the company of the Langstons for the remainder of the evening.
Dale joined her on a short walk through the city afterwards.
You have a lovely family, Dale, Ilea said after a minute of comfortable silence.
Thank you. They definitely liked you, he said. Maybe I should have introduced you earlier.
Might have been awkward, Ilea said. Now we at least had some things to talk about.
How you saved the whole city? Dale mused and laughed.
For example.
Ilea, you have dozens of stories worth talking about, Dale said and nodded to a guard patrol walking past.
The city was on high alert, most of the guards and hunters still working.
A few of them glanced at Ilea but the others either didnt care or didnt make the connection.
Not quite as relatable, she said.
I suppose. I hope you didnt leave too much of an impression on the two, he said. Id prefer if they had a peaceful life.
I wouldnt call my life the opposite. Its dangerous, yes, but I enjoy it.
Safe might be the better word, the man said with a smile.
Ilea nodded. Hmm. It can feel suffocating too and boring. To some.
Dale stopped and looked up. The sky was dark, clouds moving far above. It would rain soon.
I wont stop them if that is truly what they want. It just worries me. With everything out there. Theyre just kids, he said.
Ilea smiled. Now you know how I feel about you.
The captain snorted. Just because Im not at level three hundred.
Would help, she said.
Dale showed her the back of his hand. Ive got this. Summons a powerful beast. I got it from a traveling witch.
Ilea nodded. Hmm, that sounds suspicious. Are you sure its not a curse?
Im not sure. But I have a good feeling about this one, Dale said and continued walking.
They checked on a few groups of mages and guards, cleaning up through the night or stabilizing buildings that might have otherwise collapsed.
The damage to the city was quite low, considering the expected result of that siege.
Ilea said her goodbyes to Dale an hour later, letting the man return to his deserved rest.
She herself patrolled the walls in her black armor, keeping an eye out for soldiers and beasts alike. None of the guards complained.
Soft rain started to fall shortly after, washing away the remaining blood from the battlefield. The event would live on in the memories of the people living here, in history books and government reports. To the monsters lurking in the dark, it meant nothing.
They would continue to prowl the night, looking for prey. A few did show up, scouring the fields in the search of injured beings or a half eaten carcass. They all gave up after a while.
Ilea watched after a group of four legged hound like creatures, slowly walking back into the thicket.
The guards around her gulped but she didnt know if it was because of the monsters out there or the one standing amongst them.
Those who had seen her fight approached her quite different than the citizens who had merely heard about it. The guards respected or feared her. For many of the people who had called out to her that day, she assumed it was still hard to believe.
A normal looking healer. Sure, her level was high but to a level thirty farmer, what did that mean? They didnt understand the difference between a level one hundred adventurer and a Shadow. Not truly.
The name carried weight, fear. They didnt know about the dangers involved in reaching level three hundred, the unlimited potential every human carried within them in this strange magic touched world.
Tea? a man asked, joining them on top of the wall. He was clad in armor, part of the hunters. In his hands he carried a tray with a few mugs and a pot, steam rising lazily as raindrops trailed down the dark ceramic form.
He noticed Ilea then but other than his eyes opening a little further, he showed no visible reaction.
Gladly, thanks, she said and stepped over, pouring herself a cup.
Ill take some too, one of the others said.
They stood in silence for a little while, looking into the night together as they sipped on their tea. A combination of herbs with a note of citrus. It would help a little with staying vigilant and awake.
Do you think theyll come back? one of the guards asked.
Ilea looked over, still clad in her armor. She took a sip of tea, the ash parting at her mouth to allow for the motion. I hope they dont.
They didnt seem to be an issue for you. No offense meant, the woman to her left said.
Ilea sighed.
She turned and continued to patrol the walls, making sure the city was safe well into the night.
Ilea left when the first signs of dawn seeped into the horizon, only a few gray clouds hanging above.
A short stop at the Vultures let her mark Walter after a short discussion. He had a way to comprehend parts of the spell, content to have a way to call for her. Weavy hadnt returned yet and word of the battle would likely reach them in the coming days.
Hours passed as Ilea rushed back to meet her appointment in the arena. Thoughts of the soldiers she had killed were on her mind. There had been better ways to deal with the situation, and worse. She accepted her decisions but allowed herself to think of them. Perhaps to honor them, or to make a part of her calm down, a part that still clung to the idea that murder was a heinous crime, no matter the circumstances.
That part did not know war, the split second decisions that would cost the lives of hundreds of thinking, living beings. It did not comprehend the power she now wielded, the weapon she had become.
It demanded a satisfying conclusion to a complicated conflict, structured and with a redeeming end for both the hero and the villain.
There had however not been heroes or villains. Only people, all striving to defend what was theirs or to take what they deemed as such.
Maybe it had been a mistake to let Lord Harken live. The deaths were in a major part on him and his decisions. She didnt know if he would accept Alistairs demands, didnt know if he would adhere to the rules placed upon him in the coming years. Or if her decision would lead to thousands more deaths.
Ilea knew that questions and decisions like these were exactly the kinds she had tried to avoid in the first place. However, as long as a shred of morality and care remained in her, she thought it impossible to escape them entirely.
She had become a monster years ago. Had fought and killed to stay alive and to gain more power, most of all for the sheer joy of it. The line between a monster that destroyed and one that protected was thin but once more, she decided to strive for the latter.
The marks would help her be free, only to be called upon in emergencies. Hopefully without being involved in petty politics or manipulated as a piece on someones board of conquest.
She was looking forward to breakfast, and the simple joy of having magic crash into her magically empowered body.
_________________________________
Nathan finally came to a stop, groaning as he checked around himself. Luke was moaning in pain somewhere to his right and Celeste was still rolling down the steep decline according to the shouts.
He rolled to the side once more, the pain in his thigh confirming that he hadnt gotten out of this unscathed.
I need light, Lorelei said in her calm voice.
Of course, he thought before a small flame came to life above his open palm. It flickered when Celeste landed, the girl chuckling to herself before she winced.
She had managed to land on her feet and in a crouch but the height had taken its toll.
Status? Nathan asked as he walked over to Lorelei, his hand pressed to his thigh as he felt wet blood flowing from an open wound.
He cut his cheek and hit his head, Lorelei said.
Nathan moved his pack and crouched, wincing as the pain flowed through him. The temptation to deactivate the pain was there but he knew how dangerous that would be. He might just collapse due to blood loss or an infection without even realizing it.
Celeste stepped up, ripping a rag in two before she grabbed the bottle of alcohol Nathan held out to her.
He pointed to his own thigh and Luke, touching his own cheek.
The girl nodded and soaked the rags before handing one to Lorelai.
Nathan grit his teeth through the sharp pain of the liquid cleansing his wound. He let the girl apply a bandage with enough pressure to stop most of the bleeding.
He forced more mana into the flame to provide a better view, glancing at Lorelai who took care of Luke. The man would be fine in a few minutes, if the hit to his head hadnt been too much to handle.
Everyone was quiet, listening, watching. Lorelai worked.
No monster had shown up so far but it would only be a matter of time.
He checked the message he had received halfway down the slope.
ding You have entered the Hidden Gulch dungeon
The second one he had been to by now. He hadnt heard of the Hidden Gulch so far. The Vile Grotto, Ravens Cavern, and the Frozen Peak. Those were the ones other teams had been sent to.
The latter one he had seen too.
At first it had sounded entirely ridiculous. These were dungeons even the adventurers in Ravenhall generally avoided. The monsters remained there and rarely attacked travelers.
If they had been easy to reach and filled with weak creatures, the circumstances would have been different.
Lilith selected one team per night, woke them up and let them prepare for three minutes.
She then grabbed them and brought them to a dungeon somewhere in the mountains of Ravenhall.
Thats at least what most of the students thought. Nathan assumed she could fly much faster than most other Shadows. Others swore they had heard of the dungeons before, knew they were close by.
Either way, it didnt matter. They were there. And they had to survive.
That was the main goal. Others were rare ingredients and metals, observing creatures, and fighting said creatures. The last task was to go back.
So far nobody had managed the last one alone.
Many had doubts but Nathan was certain Lilith watched over them. Why else would only one team go out per night. Why else would nobody have died so far?
He believed the stories however, knew that if she had to interfere, their experience would be vastly worse than if she didnt.
Neither did anybody want to fail the missions. Nor would they want to disappoint the healer.
Whispers from Riverwatch had reached the city of Shadows a few weeks ago, stories of Lilith fighting an entire army on her own.
He believed it.
Every Sentinel did.
They knew what she was capable of. And they were the ones who had been chosen.
Hes fine, and so are you, Lorelai said.
Nothing in the vicinity, Nathan said.
Cant hear anything either. Any info on this one? Celeste asked.
Nothing, Nathan said.
Lorelai shook her head, prepping up Luke as he put a hand to his brow.
I fucked up, sorry guys, the farmer said.
You can rest for a few minutes, Ill check the vicinity, Celeste said.
Lorelai nodded and watched the girl speed away.
Nathan was glad Celeste listened to the knight by now. Their first mission had been rather chaotic and dangerous, despite the few monsters they had encountered. Not creatures they could have fought.
They could outsmart them however and managed to escape whenever it was necessary. Hopefully this one would go better than the last.
The wound on his thigh was healing already, he could feel and see it. His health was recovering, making him sigh.
You rest for a bit too, the knight said and looked at him. Keep the flame up.
I will, Nathan said, glad the experienced woman was their squad leader. This is insane. Entering an unknown dungeon with a few rookies, without preparation or necessary gear.
He couldnt help but smile. They would make her proud. They would make the Sentinels proud.
______________________________
What do you think? Balduur asked as he stood proudly next to his creations.
They certainly look fierce. How do they hold up? she asked.
The man grinned, his booming laugh rolling through the massive forge.
A few heads turned but continued their own work a moment later, only visible to Ilea thanks to her sphere.
Balduurs space was separated from the others.
Ilea assumed the building had been owned by Morhills government or a wealthy noble before. Now it had been repurposed as one of the largest smithies she had ever seen.
The smiths necessary to operate it werent there yet but the town was growing quickly.
The Stonehammer steel you provided is quite durable. Remind me how you managed to get them to that state, the smith said.
I fought monsters, Ilea said, thinking back on the knights in Tremor who had slowly demolished all the armors Goliath provided.
Balduur huffed. Of course you did. Not in the mood for stories then. Well, it is no matter. The bones are quite durable too. Not quite as strong as the steel but its very flexible and Im sure Iana can make up for it with enchantments.
It had been a choice between versatility and durability. Ilea thought her Sentinels could use the former more. Plus the look would make them seem distinct. A name could carry power too.
People clad in black armor would be let into villages and towns without questions, guards assuming them to be Shadows.
Bone armor would make them something different. Something people would know.
Theyre distinctly human, the smith added with a frown.
You saw that? Ilea asked and smiled.
I watched Orthan work a few times. The consistent strength of the bone however I hope you didnt decide to take up torture, the smith said.
Ilea shook her head. Theyre mine, Balduur. Dont worry about it.
He laughed. I knew it. You dont cease to surprise. Ive heard of people using bone armor but without shaping skills or a supply of strong monster corpses, its simply not feasible to supply an entire order with them.
Organization, Ilea corrected.
He waved her off. Whatever you want to call it. Some of the molds you brought were faulty. Maybe I should come and make them myself next time.
You have more important work to do than that. Just tell Orthan which ones and well make sure the next batch is fine, Ilea said.
The man had high standards. That was why she had hired him for this job and why he had been interested in the first place. Supplying Liliths organization with bone armor was not a job you refused.
I asked Orthan before but how are they formed? I hope not in the same way we made yours, Balduur said.
He didnt tell you? she asked.
The man shook his head.
Pain Tolerance and healing were interesting abilities. With enough of each you could cover a man in molten steel without any danger to his health. As long as he could keep his breath for a few minutes.
Then we will keep that one a mystery, Ilea said and smirked.
Balduur was an exceptional smith but he didnt like repetition and boring work. If she could keep him focused on this task with a few unanswered questions, that was exactly what she would do.
She stepped up to the armor and touched the single horn jutting from its forehead. It was rather sharp to the touch. It wont remain like this.
The shoulders on this set were smooth, much like her own. The whole thing made to fit close to the body of the wearer. Made to be light and quiet. Very little steel had been used on this one, only in places that protected the heart, head, and spine.
The armor was closed off entirely. Not as smoothly as her own, instead it was an assortment of pieces that could individually be removed. Balduur really outdid himself with the internal fastening mechanisms, located between and slightly on top of the pieces without sacrificing mobility or much of their defensive capabilities.
It looked deadly. But so did all of them.
Her Sentinels werent ready for these pieces yet but she was sure they would like the small reward for their efforts.
They had grown from scared and desperate refugees, aspiring adventurers without means, or fallen nobles without a remaining family to support their claim, to capable fighters. Veterans that had already survived more than many high level adventurers had dared to face.
Many had already received options to change their classes but nothing exceptional had come up. And so they would wait. Wait and train.
She was proud of every single one of them. The way they faced death in the caverns, the way they stepped in front of their injured allies, to protect them with their own lives.
A few of them had surpassed even that, had fought and killed monsters way beyond their expected capabilities. Just like she had.
I remember you being more fun, Balduur said with a grin.
One of them nearly died last night, Ilea said after a while. But he held on.
The man touched her shoulder. And that is all that matters. A sword cannot be forged without striking it. Time and time again.
She nodded, knowing that it wasnt exactly true. In the case of swords at least.
Comments
Robert Mullins
"Ten spears go to battle,” he whispered, “and nine shatter. Did that war forge the one that remained? No, Amaram. All the war did was identify the spear that would not break.”
Treim
His civil service ends at the end of May. So expect normal chapters in early June.
tibbish
Yeah its pretty slow to me even on a 100Mb+ internet and a very modern fast PC. Or even a fast and modern cellphone on fast wifi too. The website is poorly coded and poorly supported, possibly on purpose to increase profits but it could be good ol' incompetence.
How is your expirience with patreon.com? The web side seems barely usable with the kind of lag I get here. How is something like that even possible in this day and age?
Ghornet
An interesting idea. I'm excited to find out too.
Caanbo
So when are you going back to to our regular schedule posting it is may u know.
Adam Roundfield
What if all new classes (aside from the basic generic classes) are actually the result of someone with a third class trying to make a new class. What if every custom class was originally created by, or with the help of, someone who already had a third class. What if the only reason there is no medic sentinel class yet is because she does not have her third class yet...
fbt
one of my favorite chapters so far...out of nearly 500! :) GJ!
Zarik0
love it, yeah maybe a little skip time with chapter for cover the important point (training rokie, how the organisation form and pov point on character, etc etc) but its a important and interesting time in the storie so little time skip (some days between chapter) because if he continue to write day by day it would take 150+ chapter with boring and repetitive day for "realist" logic in the time she need to form and train the medic knigh bone
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter. Really hoping to see a class from the new sentinels soon.
Chopper
I'm not sure she's trying to re-create her own class exactly. For one thing she has no idea how to go about that. Most of the mechanics have been kept in the background and mysterious (as far as how classes work goes). The logical next step is they each obtain various healing classes and then pick a combat class so they can both fight and provide support. And perhaps after the Medical Sentinels gains some prestige one day a special new trainee unlocks a Medical Sentinel (or something similar) class. It wouldn't be a cheap copy of Azarinth Healer but a new class that fits Ilea's vision. Don't get me wrong Azarinth Healer is a super OP class based around Perception, Enhancement, Healing, and finally movement. I really hope the author goes into detail about how the new class is made and how they work in those different elements, but we'll just have to see what happens.
Daniel McConville
So aren't her tattoos that glow as part of her skill 'body enchantments' being activated and deactivated and rolled into a skill? I can see them having their bones and organs enchanted when she finally presents enough runes to her two and possibly soon to be more enchanter arm of the Order. I think they need to create several sets of interlocking enchantments, inscribe them into the recruits flesh and they can 'build' a new class based on healing/body enhancement. They are already experimenting on how the body reacts to spatial magic - isn't creating their own short ranged blink the next step and letting the class roll from there? That is what I see the blue moon grass doing, directly modifying the body and prepping it for enchantment. The reason so many die is they are not prepared - and they also weed out the people without dedication.
Michael C
The danger of going too fast. I would love more slice of life with dale. Seeing her influence on people
Michael C
Holy shit.
Michael C
I dont mind a slower progression, focusing on some key individuals. I dont really want the story to rush too fast. Great world building here
Michael C
I love how they are seeing themselves as her chosen. I see a future evolution of Ilea being a Az Saint. Become the patreon of a religion..lol
Chopper
I like the direction it's going. They aren't being handed what they want, they have to keep working, learning, training, and experimenting to unlock a healer class. I imagine it would take years of experimentation to end up with a static class and have it named after the organization that it came from.
tibbish
I could see some of them having slaves with some maxed resistances but classes are almost sure to be much worse as are the levels and its quite likely they wouldn't have the sheer amount of resistances she does either. Certainly none in T3. I don't think there has been any hint in story of the Healer Cabals owning slaves of the sort you describe though or even much information about them at all really as a organization. Earlyish in story it was mentioned that at least 1 of them is rumored to be led by a healer who is lvl300+ back when Ilea was still working her way through the Taleen dungeon with that large group
Illea is like State Farm®
Hope she choose her third class next if it happened during the Timeskip I'll be sad...
Chopper
I'm not sure its possible for a person to create a class. Classes just appear as options based on parameters met. What they have to accomplish is first unlocking a desierable class for the order - forgive me organization , then finding a specific way to meet those parameters efficiently as possible, like the orders do.
Michael C
I have been thinking about the healer guilds. They are likely stronger than Ilea. Imagine id they have 10 brainwashed slaves. Max resistances. Raised from birth being maimed and healed. I bet there are healer classes than can raise the recent dead. What sort of classes would a kid get if he was killed every day (in a different way) and then revived and healed up? Burnt to death, frozen, crushed. What if the healers are powerful enough to create near immrtal juggernauts? The have generations of experience, unlimited money and no morals. Do you think they don't know about the powers of resistances? How is it they remain independent when nobel houses could easily snatch then up and enslave them.
tibbish
Not impossible but it seems unlikely. The classes + skills you seem to get are based on intent, actions, and risks. She has shown interest in turning into a dragon (who wouldn't!!) but it hasn't been something that she has really been pining for in general, or worked towards, or risked for either. I personally keep flip flopping between her 3rd class either allowing her mage-esque AoE attacks, or something that allows her to reflect damage (think something like a Diablo II Thorns pally), or something that lets her double down on her resistances somehow. Those are all complete guesses. I don't actually know what it'll be.
Connor Bruha
It will be really cool to see the class that gets produced with all this training. Especially in a Nathan POV. Thanks for the chapter!
Michael scott
I would say this is the perfect spot for a time skip. There isn't much going on next until she gets enough resistance levels before she gets her 3rd class. Once she reaches those levels and gets her 3rd class we will see next arc. Although I don't mind seeing her sentinels getting some power leveling.
Matthew D
They have been learning about anatomy, medicine, and healing in their classes. You saw in this chapter they have learned how to treat others wounds which might be a prerequisite for a healing class. Also experiencing all the healing Ilea provides them during resistance training might also do something for them also. I am pretty sure Ilea is trying to create battle healers like herself
Mike Murphy
I bet her third class will be a deviant class life [flesh former] or something that gives her a beast form
Viria
I would say close to a month if not more. They heard about it a few weeks ago, and the trip to Riverwatch is a month long. So even if the shadows she saw are the ones that spread the info, it's at least 3 weeks. If not, we're looking at a month more than that. So we can expect a major skills/res power up ! HYPE
Todd Kloos
She doesn't know where Iz is. Last time she got there by teleportation and also left by teleportation, so she never found out where it is.
Do you wonna live forever?! it's time a for a decent time skip!
lenkite
Why would any of them get [Healer] classes? Ilea was lucky because she was isekaied into an Azarinth outpost and got a nice cheat upgrade thanks to the moss and induction. But these folks are learning how to fight, not heal. At the maximum, these recruits will get [Self-Healing] and [Regeneration] classes. Also, it would be funny if Ileas third class is a [Leadership] based class - the kind she always runs away from.
I Dewa Bagus
Wow i really love where it's going with the storyline.. from lone healer.. bit by bit try to change the world for better.. someday, ilea becomes a pioneer a new purpose for all races..
Zacle
I like where it's going with the sentinels but as others have mentioned this felt slightly rushed. We have gotten to see some of the training they have gone through but mostly just the resistance/pain tolerance stuff. I would have liked to see a bit more and gotten to know more of them better. Or atleast the main core of the sentinels as side characters. I know some people are getting impatient to get back to more Ilea adventures but I'm enjoying the build up we are currently getting
Erdos
Thanks
Straven
Oh I'm loving this future armor set! Don't doubt the trainees will love it too. Thank you very much for the chapter.
Maximilian Hübner
This is definetly not the time for a timeskip... I want know more about what's going on
BeepBoop
For a moment I thought the 'ding' was for a class gain
Rip Woodham
Disappointed we didn't get more with Dale's family. :( And this seems like a significant time skip. We still don't even know what kind of combat classes they've had, what kind of weapons they use, what their style is, etc. Seems important to me. This felt rushed, but I guess that's what most want.
Chase Clawson
A good chapter, starting with another peaceful scene, some timeskipping training, and little peeks at what's to come :)
Arcanes
Ilea in my opinion should get something for creating a class. At least a notable achievement. Maybe something kinda different from this novel system, like a title? Let say ‘founder’ and it gives some special bonuses.
Some Total Kretin
It's the good type of pander. The kind who eats all the bamboo and has sex once in a while! :)
Corax
Great Chapter, really looking forward to more from the sentinels
Some Total Kretin
And we're back to the tantalisingly teasing glances at things going on. And I love it. Well done.
Thought the same, isn't about time for her to try move that thing, iirc that Armour was made for her not only train but had a powerful defense
Okay, now this reminds me of her armament trial Armour, what happened to itz and why didn't she try it again now that she is so powerful than before?
sharkattack
Pain Tolerance 2nd already, nice. <i>Hype<i></i></i> Worse comes to worst, they could try that Vampire Claw after getting their Blood & Mental Resistances up there
Mike Murphy
Can’t wait for the first sentinel to gain a class
Some Total Kretin
We now have the "This is my body, take it and eat from it all" part paraphrased. Now for the "This is my blood, take it and drink from it all" and we'll have the complete Messianic biblical allegory.
Max Scherer
Uhh nice a little time skip is pretty good right now, because it is pretty repetitive right now.
Benjamin
No Rush. But I'm still hankering for some third class pandering ;)
Sebastian Prue
Thanks for the chapter! Can't wait for more
MountainFox
She threw them into the wild just like when she first came into this world. The only differences being that they are not alone and have premium insurance coverage.
Emma Carlin
I liked the time skip. Right now is a good time for some time skips I think, she's just grinding her own resistances and power leveling the recruits. It'll be exciting to see all the progress come in
Osprey36
I can imagine it now, stories of the medic sentinels begin to spread about their characteristic molded bone armor. The true test of a sentinel will be when they can supply the materials for their own personal armor.
Michael scott
Thanks for the chapter. So we got a minor time skip. Can't wait for her minions to get their armor.
Bunny Waffles
Seriously, I dont know if I've said this before but the concept of a healer-warrior order clad in the bones of their founder is goddamn amazing.
Morzul
Thanks for the chapter : ) Btw what has happened to that Armor the smithing dark one gave her?
Alexander Dupree
All of them are hilariously tough mentally now. I love it.
Alexander Dupree
Thanks for the chapter. I really liked that short Nathan break. It really showed what was going on without an Ilea, Tyrion (lighting noble dude) exposition conversation.
Michael C
Awesome. Very emotion inspiring
Bobtur
Thanks for the chapter. The sentinels are about to become more than masochists.
