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Chapter 464 Thresholds
🕑 Added 2020-04-11 13:25:15 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hello all :). New chapter up and more next week. I hope you're doing okay.
Do let me know what you think!
PDF/EPUB: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 464 Thresholds
Lightning surged from the being, yellow and bright like the suns. Thunder did not follow, the power sneaking through the sky without so much as a whisper.
Ilea was ripped out of her amazed stupor when the lightning crashed into the stone, ripping through with little resistance as she blinked away.
Not far enough, she thought as the shockwave sent her flying, residue lightning slowly flowing through her body as the damage was healed.
A wave of mana washed over her as she floated with her ashen wings, locking eyes with the being.
Le ave
Its voice rumbled through the vicinity like a spell of sound and air, broken by Ileas resistances and her mental fortitude.
Ileas own aura marked her as a human of not quite the ordinary sort, her second tier Veteran skill keeping her moving, despite the level difference. And yet the creature seemed unimpressed. Still, it gave her a chance to flee, asking her to leave them in peace. Or perhaps it was asking her to die.
Not until you make me, she said with a smile, ashen spears forming around her, looking pitifully small against the thing they were supposed to injure.
Battle, she sent and charged the being.
It floated, without reaction, moving its wings before its mana manifested.
Lightning and air surged out, homing in on Ilea as she twirled and moved through the air with all the speed, precognition and maneuverability she could muster. The spells were dodged and still she was seared by lightning, its sheer proximity enough to burn through her armor.
Slowly, the magic spread through her, leaving heavy damage that was instantly healed, the magic cost more than replenished by the spells themselves. The waves of air did nothing but push her further, her form circling the Basilisk as she was pushed away and closed in again.
The spells that missed her slammed into Karth itself, leaving deep gashes in the stone, the magic sending debris and boulders flying that would surely result in catastrophic avalanches.
When the lightning elemental was a machine gun, this creature was the orbital artillery.
Ilea knew very well that a direct hit would be catastrophic to her but the intervals made her confident that her third tier healing could keep her alive. She wondered if this creature too was holding back, like the Griffin had.
The fact that it hadnt obliterated their caravan on their first meeting spoke for such a theory and yet there could have been other reasons entirely.
Doesnt hurt to play a little, Ilea thought as she circled the massive being. She narrowly avoided the attacks coming at her without pause, realizing shortly after that they were increasing in number. At the same time they came at her far quicker, the power in each bolt however reduced compared to before.
Clever girl, she thought and pushed forward, a wave of air pushing her back and towards the mountain side.
A blink let her avoid a swath of lightning projectiles, only to make her realized thirty more had already reached her.
The spells broke into her ash, spreading slowly as she counterhealed, using the third tier a few times as she was pushed back into the mountain.
Fuck
The spells subsided only to let through a massive beam of lightning, aiming at her exposed torso.
Ilea knew what to do, happy to see her perception slowing down to allow for an easier maneuver.
Lightning hit, the power surging through her, now even further slowed down as she focused on the energy. First to her core and out of her right arm. She couldnt aim it, barely holding it away from herself.
The arm swelled up as the lightning spread through it, exploding in a splatter of gore and bone, the energy rushing out and into the night, most of the damage mitigated.
Her arm reformed as she pushed herself out of the stone, ash covering her once more, her bone set back inside of her necklace.
The Basilisk moved its wings lazily, yellow eyes looking at her from hundreds of meters away.
Ilea looked back.
Okay, she sent and let herself fall down. I got the memo. The Basilisk is a no no.
She couldnt help but summon her bow, sending one last arrow at the creature as she descended down the side of the mountain.
A few bolts of lightning came as a response, moving after her like living beings before she dodged and weaved through them, using blink to avoid the last one right when she entered a sea of clouds.
Her sphere let her maneuver through without any fear of collision. She broke out below and slowed down, letting herself fall towards the dark landscape below.
The small excursion was most definitely worth it, not only because of her quick test of strength against the being.
ding Sentinel Reconstruction reaches 3rd lvl 30
ding Blink reaches 3rd lvl 22
ding Sentinel Sphere reaches 3rd lvl 16
ding Sentinel Core reaches 3rd lvl 25
ding Azarinth Perception reaches 3rd lvl 14
ding Armor of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 30
ding Ashen Wings reaches 3rd lvl 17
ding Eyes of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 9
ding Avatar of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 23
ding Deviant of Humanity reaches lvl 3
ding Deviant of Humanity reaches lvl 4
ding Deviant of Humanity reaches lvl 5
ding Heavy Archery reaches lvl 7
ding Veteran reaches 2nd lvl 19
ding Veteran reaches 2nd lvl 20
She checked while falling, moving her wings from time to time to make sure she wouldnt splat against the mountain side.
- Veteran
You have faced creatures completely out of your league, since arriving here and up to this very moment. Not just that but you mostly faced them alone, even managed to get two four marks to fight each other. Its hard to say if youre a veteran or just a plain lunatic. Either way, you may unlock the third tier of Veteran.
Damn right I can!
ding Veteran reaches 3rd lvl 1
Veteran - 3rd lvl 1
You have experienced the shouts and spells of beings completely out of your range of imagination. You will not survive but at least you wont be completely immobilized while you get eaten. Good luck warrior.
2nd stage: You are immune to the fear of facing that which you do not understand. Be wary, some might sense your arrogance in the face of power, others might fear it.
3rd stage: It seems you dont just happen upon impossible fights, you outright look for them. Your confidence and experience is obvious, not just to yourself but others too. Your second tier now extends to allies within a fifty meter radius, should you allow for such to happen. Additionally, your ability to gauge an unknown enemys power is vastly improved.
Most definitely worth it, she thought with a smile. The buff to allies was welcome but she was more intrigued by the second part. Might just check again. Should I?
Ilea smirked and changed directions, flying up once more and through the clouds.
The Basilisk was flying close to the mountain, not immediately taking note of her.
[Basilisk lvl ????]
She knew instinctively that the creature was at least a thousand levels higher than her but anything more than that was a mystery.
Thousand three hundred at least, interesting. I wonder what I can tell about the Hatchling.
Ilea decided against checking when the monster turned her way once more, instead blinking away and down back through the clouds. Its just that Im not interested. I couldve easily sneaked past. Easily. Definitely.
She respected the Basilisk, knowing most importantly that it had given her several chances, likely not killing her intentionally. To think that caravan nearly got wiped out by the warning of an illusion. Lets not tell that to the relatives, she thought on her descent.
I wonder what Id get from the Fae with the third tier, she thought and pushed on, realizing that she had little idea of where exactly she was on the mountain. Could check on Dawntree. Claire said they had a revolution or something going on? Ah, this was enough human conflicts for tonight. Maybe Iana and Christopher are done with their research.
She used Dales mark to find Riverwatch and continued on from there, once again flying low and through the forest until she reached the Azarinth temple.
A blink brought her down and to the two enchanters. Back, she said and waved.
Good, Iana said. I believe this has been frustrating enough. We can leave, she added with a sigh.
That bad hmm? Ilea asked.
The fountain is in some way connected to the grass that should grow on the walls. Without it we cant reproduce its effects, not that it would be easily possible with the grass present, Iana explained.
Both enchantments are quite interesting however, they should help with our research, Christopher said.
Yes, but we cant just copy them. Why would they use such overly complicated layouts? And this azarinth type of arcane magic is just frustrating, Iana said.
I could demonstrate it, Ilea said with a smile.
The woman held up a hand and rubbed her temple. No thanks, Ive seen it enough already. Your class changed up your body to an extent where the study of your mana wont provide anything. Either the enchanters of this order were extraordinarily stupid or brilliant.
Often goes hand in hand, Christopher said.
Ilea laughed, the enchantress didnt.
Come on, its funny, Ilea said.
Do you have anything else that you wanted to show us? Iana asked, clearly tired.
Show? Hmm, well more someone you two could meet, she said. You can sleep there too but I plan to leave again a few hours before dawn.
That doesnt leave much time, Christopher said.
Exactly, so lets move. His name is Weavy and hes a master of mind magic as well as a user of demonic runes. Some other people there could also be of interest to you two, Ilea explained.
Where is there? Iana asked, the three of them back out in the open.
Ilea formed cocoons of ash around them, leaving their heads uncovered this time. The Vultures Brotherhood of course, an order of necromancers and dark mages.
Great, Iana said.
Great! Christopher confirmed, a broad smile on his face.
Thats the most terrifying thing Ive ever seen, Iana whispered, not able to take her eyes off the creature in front of her.
Good! Not all of you humans are lost, Weavy said into their minds. Mistress Ilea you have, changed once more, he said, looking at her with an apprehensive air about him.
Dont worry, demon. I still dont eat your kind, she said.
No you merely slaughter us, he whispered, not afraid but inspired.
From time to time, she said and walked past the being. Be so kind and teach them something about demonic runes and the Ascended stuff.
The secrets of my kind so easily pried from my claws, he said and looked at his hands with the two abyss like holes within his skull.
She has that effect on people. Christopher, nice to meet you. A mind weaver? Fascinating. Im sadly just a boring human, the enchanter said and laughed.
Weavy laughed as well but he had some work to do on that front, the sound more demonic gargle than anything else.
Hey Eyn, Ilea said, waving to the boy.
He bowed. Mistress, he said with respect, joining his teacher after she had passed.
Ah, its you. With visitors, again, Walter said as he stepped out of his inn.
I flew here. Shouldnt have left a trace, dont worry, Ilea said.
Your expedition to the north went well then? he asked and walked back inside.
Everybody else seemed to be out.
So and so. Maro didnt come back yet? Ilea asked. She was sure the necromancer would join them.
He came in, chose a room and left again. Said something about needing some sea air for a while. Ah, Ilea. The red haired elf really wants to meet you again, said something about his evolution. He is eager, Walter said and poured two mugs of ale.
Theyll have to wait. Ill have Elfie meet them soon enough but I should avoid the north for a little while at least, she said.
Want to tell me about it? the man asked.
Sure, the others are busy for a little while. Hey, youre a dark mage, right? Can you attack me while we talk?
Still working on those resistances, hmm? he asked.
Yep. Plus third tier general skills by now. Each level is helpful, she said.
You dont cease to surprise. Do tell. Maro only mentioned some annoying orange goo. He seemed a little down, Walter said.
Do you think hell be alright? Ilea asked.
He patted her back and sat down. I think so. Dont worry too much about him. He was a king, wasnt he? Im sure he has been through worse. Now tell me. Its been dreadfully negative lately, with the war and all.
You found them. And theyre still alive four mark. That is dangerous, really dangerous, he said and shook his head. To think we fought a war against them thousands of years ago. And nobody remembers.
Im sure some do, Ilea said. Not like most humans would care about a war fought so long ago. Speaking of four mark, I found the Basilisk again.
You did? The one from that caravan you traveled with years ago? he asked.
Mhm turns out they have some kind of mirage or illusion ability. Its real form completely destroyed me. Might even have managed to seriously injure me if it wasnt for my third tier lightning resistance.
The man shot a dark projectile at her arm and smiled. Good thing you had that then. You know if I wouldnt meet elves from time to time, Id forget how ridiculous things are out there.
Walter you live with a mind weaver and a literal skeleton. How does that surprise you? Ilea said, downing her ale.
Those things are normal. Fighting Basilisks, ancient corruption, Griffins and Sand Elementals those are stories of legend. Do you mind if I write some of it down? Id change the name of course.
Ilea stood up and smiled. Just call me Lilith. Plenty of people already do, she said. I have a training course to catch. Hope you dont mind us leaving again.
You are always welcome, Walter said, opening his eyes wide. Wait, Lilith from the songs?
That one, she said and winked, leaving the inn in search of her companions.
That makes a lot of sense actually, Walter grumbled to himself.
She found them puzzling over a few runes scratched into a wall.
Eyn, Iana and Christopher were staring at it, blood dripping from their noses as Weavy watched them intently.
A capable bunch, he said to her when she entered.
Of course they are, Ilea said. Guys, were leaving again. Or should I get you in a few days?
Iana shook her head and turned. No no I believe it is best for us to get back to work. I will lose my mind if I continue this study. The world is a dangerous place, she said with a sigh.
Vast and full of possibilities, Christopher said with a grin. Dont worry, well figure it out in time, he added and patted her back in a supportive manner.
It came so easy to me and here these ancient ruins trip me time and time again the Azarinth, Demons, Ascended what can a mere human do? Iana asked, seeming lost.
Weavy just pointed a clawed finger at Ilea. She is human too.
Barely, Iana said and looked up. But I suppose youre right. We will figure it out. Just need more time Ilea, we will have to reach level two hundred soon. To extend our lives.
You want to extend your life just to study runes? Ilea said.
Of course. What other reason is there? Iana asked.
Lets not get into this discussion right now, Ilea said. Come on, lets go before the suns rise.
I didnt sleep, Iana said.
Ill accelerate quickly again, youll be out for the duration of the flight, Ilea said and patted her shoulder. A higher level might help with that too.
True Christopher, we will join a few combat lessons. Killing monsters will become a part of our routine. Our bodies are not prepared for the power of these runes.
Did I just create a monster?
I see. Ill follow your lead, Christopher said.
Two monsters.
Eyn chuckled. They finally understand. Lady Ilea has saved my master and set him free. Now it is our turn.
Look what you did, Weavy whispered to her in an accusing tone.
Hey, take some credit, mind demon, Im not the monster here, Ilea said.
Ah, but you are. Look at me, how could anyone think Im a monster?
Ilea did and could very much see the resemblance. She did however not comment on it, unsure if he was developing sarcasm. Either way it seemed he was mocking her.
Demon, she whispered, monster hunter rushing through the room as she froze everyone.
She proceeded to pick up her companions and waved at the others. Have a good time. Eyn, dont forget that youre human. Go and play with some peers sometime. And dont kill or eat them.
She was already out in the forest when the two enchanters could move again, her wings carrying her through the tunnels in seconds. Ready?
Yes, Iana said and relaxed in her ashen cocoon, closing her eyes as she yawned.
Christopher nodded.
Good, then off we go, Ilea said and sped through the forest, emerging a few minutes later as she charged her wings. Good night.
The shock of near instant acceleration to whatever speed her wings could manage knocked the two out.
ding Dark Magic Resistance reaches lvl 19
That was a nice change of pace. Back to the boring old training then, she thought, wondering how long it would take for Baralia to strike back. She hoped to get in a few days of training at the very least.
Comments
Ghornet
Ahhh closure feels nice. Four marks really are something else then.
The fairy said the same thing, lol
TroubleFait
So Ilea just doesn't know any better than to challenge unfathomable beings. Seems like she will find an early demise in fact. First that Ascended, but there were circonstances. Now a Basilisk. Well, good luck in the future, it will be necessary.
Osprey36
I think Weavy started calling her that shortly after they were on the way to be introduced to the Vultures, Eyn just tries to follow whatever Weavy does so he likely copied him. Surprised Ilea didn't check him with her healing to make sure he was doing alright physically from being trained by a demon though
Alsia
Thank you for the chapter. When did Weavy and Eyn start referring to her as Mistress? Is that specific to just them, or do others in the brotherhood also refer to her as such? Also, I feel like there should've been at least one level in lightning resistance. Tanking a massively powerful lightning spell from a level 1300+ monster should tack on a level, especially since her lightning resistance level isn't that far progressed into the third tier. I'm not saying it should add a ton of levels, but at least one or two token levels for something that caused her to use third tier regeneration several times to survive when she already has a 3rd tier resistance to that element.
Scruffleupagas
According to the rumor she heard she doesn't even have to kill a 4 mark, she must needs to hit and (and maybe do any damage)
自由
Let's get Veteran to 3-30 :D
fbt
I liked this chapter a lot, ty! Of course, I like them all, so... ;) These last few are interesting. It seems she's recalibrating her understanding of her place in the world (well, just the little area really), while smartly trying to help her evolution yet stay true to her beliefs. And touching on a lot of personal relationships. All stuff that makes me happy :) And it's a nice balance to her "Mongo punch!" grinds, as useful and necessary for her survival and growth (and, for her, fun) as they are. Great story!
Seb
Maybe when she goes to see the level 300 elves again, but I think that it will be a while before she gets more gear. She'll need to go adventuring somewhere first, but I think that she'll be in Ravenhall for atleast a little while forst
Seb
Time for a re-read!
Connor Bruha
Just wait until your first re-read.
Connor Bruha
Thanks for the chapter.
Jed Wolfgang
Ahhh. I am caught up and now I am sad.
Bobtur
The Hatchling is sleeping in a rock formation. The mother attacked Ilea.
Straven
Thank you very much for the new chapter.
MrrC
Could someone help me with this - was she fighting the Hatchling or the Mother the entire time. This line - "[Basilisk – Lvl ????] ........ and this " I wonder what I can tell about the Hatchling. " makes it sound like she was fighting the mother while the hatchling was there. Previous Identity skill only said "Basilisk Hatchling" vs "Basilisk" ....
MrrC
No increased lightning resistance?
Blaublue
Yeah, glad that a legendary creature such as this is still beyond her
Chase Clawson
This Drake is still too much! Too bad, hopefully she can find another 4 mark to kill for her achievement ;) and 2 more have been inspired to level, gotta pump up those numbers!
Grond (James)
I was wondering the same thing. Now that she finally leveled a skill to 3-30, what does this mean? Will she have the option to create a fourth tier?
Veteran Level 3 looks like it'll synergize with Monster Hunter pretty nicely if she's ever grouped. She can just petrify enemies and attack at will.
Songs about terrify beasts coming right up... and running away really, really fast! I also hope Ilea gets some new enchanted items soon as her gear is lackluster.
Sean Ulrich
Great chapter! Everyone stay safe!
M. Gunnarsson
Great chapter. I like this pace you've had the last few chapters with the balancing of fighting and people interactions. Only thing is you might've forgotten to add lightning resistance levels? IDK just seems odd that she didn't get any.
Sebastian Prue
Thank you! Hope you're doing well and we appreciate the chapter!
Knyko
I agree, identify was useless against pretty much every creature she has fought, but now she finally has a way to approximate their power
Chad Hagner
Wow, it's a nice reminder that there are some true monsters still out there but that just means Ilea still has far to go! Thank you for the chapter!
Veteran could also be like a millestone for extreme evolutions meant for level 400 or 500, like her evolutions are so powerfull that her next one, acording to the Fae, is at level 500. There has to be a skill check for higher evolutions that requires that specific skill just to unlock it. Monster Hunter too, hope she levels it to third tier before her third class that will then need to level considerably, assuming it will unlock at level one, hoping for something like Dimentional Kaiju Hunter or Flesh Enhancer,
MountainFox
Thank you, this chapter is a milestone. We've come full circle.
She should have yelled at the Basilisk with Monster Hunter while she made her tactical retreat.
Benjamin
Solid chapter G. Definately need some lightning res lvls in there though. First skills to already hit 3-30. I remember the grind for 2-20. What will fully 3-30 maxed class skills mean? Can we naturally unlock 4-1 or does it need a class change/ LVL up. Keep me guessing.
I like that Veteran was the solution as both identify and question marks was going to be completely useless when she could start hunting monsters in the very low thousands.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
T.Tandstad
Now we just need John Williams for the music
Thanks for the chapter.
Ryan Frank
Now I really want to see the lyrics to those songs
Chopper
Baralia Strikes Back! Return of the Slaver! Rise of Ilea...
Seb
Only a couple more months!
Seb
Ah, what a welcome throwback to the times that we got to wake up to Ilea
Solarlancer
fun chapter, weavy has changed since the last time
Viria
Agreed
Hornblower
I do enjoy this story so much. Though I do long for the two-a-day releases again
Arkeus
Monster Hunter 3rd is a good boy.
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Ha! And I woke up 10 minutes after release. Better use the energies of awesome now so I can properly pass my ray. Edit: shame dark resistance is still so far and so close of the second tier, been wondering what that would do for some time already. Veteran on the other hand... Not gonna lie, I expected more, but it is still mighty useful. Also also, did someone notice we got four chapters instead three this week? Is the author forcing themselves or getting some free time again? Either way I am both very happy and very concerned.
What a great thing to get off of work to. Thank you! Stay safe Edit: first lol
