RhaegarRRL
patreon
Chapter 463 Quest
🕑 Added 2020-04-09 20:49:16 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hello all. I do hope you are well and healthy. Apologies for the late post, I was rewatching the Shawshank Redemption.
Do let me know what you think. Stay safe and have a good day :).
PDF/EPUB: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 463 Quest
Dale blinked a few times before he burst out laughing.
Whats so funny? Ilea asked.
He shook his head as he calmed down. Its just to attempt fighting a Basilisk, without a plan or preparation, nor a team. For the sheer sake of an achievement for ones next class evolutions. It sounds ridiculous to me and yet when you said it with a straight face, I just accepted it.
Dale lifted the bottle again but decided against it, putting it away instead after he glanced at her with a questioning look.
She declined.
Theoretically, people like you should exist, should be out there. Hunting and fighting, improving so much that they are hardly recognizable as humans anymore. I just never thought I would actually meet someone like that. Now the most dangerous thing Ive met is not an elf anymore but someone I call a friend, he said and sat back.
Life is full of surprises, isnt it? Ilea said.
That it is. As to your question, I havent heard of a Basilisk. Not since your caravan encountered it several years ago. I suggest you check the guild to see if they have anything to offer, he said.
Is it open at this time?
Its always open, Dale confirmed. Youre not the only one who sleeps very little. I for example just dont exactly have a choice, he said and got up.
Youre going too? she asked and followed the man.
To Alistair, yes. I will report your success and the potential issue. I know you hate these technicalities, he said.
Youre a treasure, Dale. Really, Ilea said to him took a deep breath of fresh air, only a tiny bit sullied by the smells of the city. Riverwatch luckily did have a sewer. The marvels of magic.
And you are a monstrous killing machine that I am fortunate to call an ally, he said and sighed. When did you say the slaves should arrive?
A few days. Its hard to say exactly how long they need. My flying speed keeps improving, Ilea said.
Way to make me envious of your power, he said and smiled.
Hey, a few weeks of dungeon training with me by your side and youll be the strongest in town. You say the word, she suggested.
Dale crossed his arms. Thank you. I mean it. I would rather do it the old fashioned way, lest I turn into a creature of ash too.
Are you calling me a monster? she asked, her limbs fanning out.
The man wasnt fazed in the least. Keep your intimidation tactics to people that dont know you. Good luck on your hunt, and stay safe.
Ill do my best, she said, tapping his shoulder before she vanished into the night.
The guild hadnt changed much since she had visited. A few repairs were visible but only thanks to her sphere, otherwise well done. To her surprise, the guild hall was packed. Dozens of people drinking and feasting together, just as many waiting in line to get quests or get rewards.
It felt nostalgic, even though she had barely participated in this type of life. These were the adventurers of Elos, slaying monsters and taking care of the various problems that come with a life near the bottom of the food chain.
Oy, healer! Ya lookin for a strong team!? a very loud patron called out to her.
[Warrior lvl 68]
Adventurers of Elos indeed, she thought and joined one of the lines.
Didnt ya hear me? the man called out again.
Leave her be, dont wanna insult the orders, theyre a nasty bunch, his friend said, a rogue of a similar level.
Miss, I want to apologize for the behavior of my fellow adventurers. My name is Asher, someone else walked up to her and introduced himself. He looked straight out of a romance novel, long blond hair and a charming smile.
[Mage lvl 102]
Hello Asher, what is it that you want? Ilea asked as the line moved forward, the man dancing around her to avoid bumping into the others.
It has come to everyones attention that you are a healer. Your kind is rare within these halls. I was wondering if perhaps you were looking to join a team? he asked, getting straight to the point.
Ilea liked that he didnt try to manipulate her at first. He simply greeted her and asked. How surprising, you actually have manners. she said. Are you from Riverwatch, Asher?
The name amused her.
Not everyone here grows up in a gutter, he said and winked.
Perhaps it would have had more of an effect on her if she hadnt met Elves and powerful Shadows, a few of them rivaling the sexiest men on Earth in looks. Or perhaps it was all the blood and guts, all the death she had seen, that let her ignore his attempt at charming.
I can see that. As much as Im intrigued, I believe Im looking for different jobs than you, she said, arriving at the front of the line.
Welcome. Your badge please, the attendant said, a rather petite woman in her twenties.
What kind of jobs are you looking to do? We can adjust. If we had a healer in our team, Asher said.
Youre , the attendant said when Ilea handed in her silver badge, identifying her as a level fifty healer. Would you like an updated version? You are far beyond silver, she said.
[Mage lvl 110]
Ilea wondered how high the woman could identify. Does she think Im one fifty? Two hundred?
Sure, whatever is the equivalent of this, she said and summoned her Shadow badge, placing it on the counter.
Asher opened and closed his mouth before taking a step back.
The woman nodded and checked the badge. This is real. Let me see if we have any emerald badges. Ah as you are a Shadow, Im not sure how many jobs you did for the adventurer guild. If you didnt reach a certain quota, the badge will cost you one gold piece and thirty silver. Is that okay?
Why do I need an updated version then? Ilea asked.
It may provide entry to certain dungeons, cities, inns and other establishments. Granted, your Shadow badge opens most of those doors but not all of them. Do you wish to have it? the woman asked.
Sure, why not, Ilea said and summoned the money.
More than a few people were looking her way by now, the conversations having died down.
Asher chuckled. Apologies for wasting your time, Miss Shadow, he said and bowed.
Ilea smiled. Dont worry about it. I appreciate the way you asked, compared to the dolt over there, she said and nodded towards the man.
What did ya say!? he said and stood up.
Dont! his friend called out but it was too late.
I said that you lack manners, Ilea said to the low level warrior.
Asher took a few steps back, trying to get out of the way. A wise choice.
I dont give a fuck what shit order youre a part of. Shadow or noh-
A slap sent the man sprawling on the floor, a few teeth missing and blood dripping from his mouth. He was knocked out cold.
Apologies, Ilea said when the attendant returned.
Oh, no worries. Its not the first time he has ended up in a similar situation. I will put the cleaning cost on his tab, she said and handed over the new healer badge.
It looked the same other than the metal it was made of. A dark green that didnt reflect much light. She paid and made the thing vanish.
Anything else I can do for you? the woman asked.
Im looking for information on a certain creature, Ilea said.
Ilea soared through the skies, trying to identify the landscape. Sadly there had been no new information on a Basilisk in the area. The attendant could however pin point the area where Ileas caravan had encountered the creature last on a map.
She would have perhaps found it anyway but the process was much faster this way.
A few skeletons showed that she had found the right place. Nazarks, she thought and kicked a skull away. Not decayed, chewed off.
The ciiiiircle of liiiife, she sang to herself and strolled towards the cavern entrance.
A few creatures moved by in the nearby forest, doubtlessly aware of her. It seemed they deemed her too dangerous to approach.
Lucky for them, Ilea thought and found parts of the caravan still sitting untouched within the cavern. Ripped apart wood, wagons, spoiled goods, weapons and destroyed armor.
Most of the Nazark corpses had little remaining on their bones but it did look like only the brave had come in here to feed.
It seemed bizarre to her, that after all this time, this cave remained mostly untouched. Why would it be any different? Its not like a city was struck by a natural disaster and had to be cleaned up.
She grabbed a sword that had been missed or deemed cheap enough to be left behind, twirling it in her hand as she looked for any traces.
The tracks were old. No traces of magic either, nor a massive winged creature.
Ilea spread her own wings and flew through the cavern, speeding up as her senses didnt pick up a single thing.
She chose the largest rift she could find and entered. The tunnels were large, dozens of ways leading away from the main one, naturally formed or created by the denizens of Karth.
She stayed in the main tunnel, the walls moving farther away by the minute. Bones and a general absence of living creatures gave the area an eerie atmosphere. Not quite as eerie as the presence of rot and Specters.
Ilea found herself in darkness but kept flying, speeding up as time went on.
A hiss resounded in front of her, making her stop in her flight. Her skills were ready, the sound expected this time.
ding You have heard a mighty beings cry, you resist the effect
Not quite the same as last time, she thought with a smirk and moved in the darkness. The buildup of mana was graspable, permeating the air as the spell manifested.
She turned and faced the creature, unable to see it, nor close enough to perceive it in her sphere. Something is wrong.
The spell manifested, a wave of air moving her way.
She saw it come within her sphere and rushed backwards, blinking to the side twice as the powerful magic rushed by.
What is this?
The whole cavern rumbled when the spell impacted the opposite wall a moment later. Quite a powerful attack. But I avoided it so easily.
Ilea rushed at the creature, reaching it moments later.
Large wings and a head that reminded her of a dragon and snake mix. A wide maw with crooked teeth as wide as her head. Scales lined its body like armor, its eyes looking right at her.
[Basilisk lvl ????]
Found you!
And then she was there, ashen limbs smashing into the monsters head, most glancing off but four finding purchase.
It lashed out, the attack avoided with a quick twirl to the side as more limbs smashed into it.
Ilea closed the distance, her fist slamming into its skull with a full load of her destructive spells. She watched as it opened its maw, releasing a lightly charged Heart of Cinder into its throat.
The Basilisk veered back and started charging another spell.
She stopped, floating in midair as she closed her eyes. This is all wrong. It veered back. The Trakorov barely moved. I remember it too, the ice mage injured it as well.
Its spell was charged and released, another wave of air.
This time she trusted Azarinth Fighting, feeling the attack coming and letting it wash over her. It barely scratched her armor, the wind moving to each side as if she split it in half.
Illusion? She sent the thought towards the being. A question. One she did not expect an answer to.
And yet, she received one.
L ea ve
Broken sounds spoken with an inhuman voice that transcended the material.
She felt her very soul shake. Not very reassuring. Maybe I should listen to the ancient creature.
You killed half of that caravan, Im not leaving, she said, quickly realizing that it wasnt exactly the reason she was here.
Ilea hadnt known many of the adventurers that died on that day, nor had she cared much back then, let alone now. No, she was driven by something different than justice or even revenge. Merely curiosity and a potential achievement.
Was it enough to challenge such a being? Perhaps not, but curiosity would find it difficult to kill Ilea, just as everything else did.
She rushed the creature once more but found nothing.
It had vanished entirely, as if it had teleported away. Only traces of its magic remained.
Only one way to go, she thought and continued down the tunnel.
A few more wind magic spells disrupted her journey but the Basilisk itself didnt approach anymore. The charge time for its attacks lessened and the power itself increased with each spell.
The tunnel led into another cavern, this time in a bowl like shape, a few crystals growing from the ceiling providing enough light for her to see.
Hmm, not good, I think?
Ilea reached the center and with it the remains of the largest egg she had ever seen.
Baby Basilisk, no wonder she was so pissed back then. That healer guy was right.
She remembered the druid had sensed something, telling them to flee from the cavern.
Is this worth something? she wondered and broke off pieces of the shell, storing them in her necklace. The egg was already broken, so she dismantled it with her ash and took it with her. Not everyday do you come across a four mark creatures hatched egg.
Now I feel like a scavenger, she thought, wondering if the residents of Hallowfort would look for discarded egg shells themselves. She wouldnt say no to Trakorov shell armor.
A definite exit to the cavern revealed itself when she looked up, a large circular shaft expanding up into the unknown. I wonder if its still here, or if that thing I saw before was just a remnant of its power. A dormant spell to protect its spawn.
Her wings moved and she was taken up, soon back in near complete darkness. A few cracks and tunnel entrances showed up within her sphere from time to time, testament to the intricate underground network that was home to native creatures unknown and dangerous. Many had likely never seen the light of day.
A nightmare to most and yet exciting to Ilea, finding a fascinated joy in exploring the unknown. Something perhaps intricate to any human, muffled by fear and the need to survive. Or perhaps she truly was a deviant, her interests and joys so far removed from human, she could hardly be defined as such anymore.
The question did not have an answer, not one she would accept, even if an all knowing being deemed her worthy of the knowledge. Despite her changes, her power and the experiences she went through and would continue to live out, she knew that she was human. And she would remain such forever, no matter to what twisted forms her body, her magic, and her mind evolved.
The flight was long, considering the speed she was traveling at.
When she emerged out into the open, the air had thinned, the moons seemed closer, shining bright. Cliffs and boulders grew around her in towering shape and size. The way oceans made her feel small and insignificant, the mountain of Karth came quite close itself, formed over millions of years through shifts deep below the ground.
The plateau she found herself on was located far above the clouds dotting the sky below, only faint colors visible of what amounted to forests, lakes and plains.
Bones littered the area, flesh and organs still clinging to some. Creatures larger than most living things Ilea had ever seen or fought. The sheer logistics of bringing these creatures up here seemed ridiculous to her but when she considered the Basilisks size, impossibilities turned feasible.
The gaping abyss behind her led to where its spawn had hatched. She didnt know why the being had laid it deep underground instead of up here, above the clouds.
Ilea remembered that the skies above belonged to beings far above humanity. Those were the words of the librarian she had consulted back in Riverwatch, when she had known nothing of the world. Now, while she silently moved through the graveyard of bones, she felt like she had learned precious little.
Already she could see the green scales in the distance, moving with tremendous ripples of muscle. The creature lay surrounded by stone, its eyes closed, unaware of the ant within its domain.
This was not the Basilisk she had seen. In many ways.
It looked smaller, less vicious. And still, its sheer presence shined bright within her sphere, despite being outside its influence. Like flames whose heat could be felt before ones eyes could find it.
Identify worked from this distance, either because the being was immensely powerful, its aura inhibited or because its sheer size demanded it.
[Basilisk Hatchling lvl ????]
This is probably the best chance Ill ever get, she thought, wondering if she would really kill a baby, for the chance of a better class.
A hiss came as the answer to her moral dilemma. It flowed over the mountain like a wave crashed into the seaside cliffs.
ding You have heard the challenge of a Basilisk. You resist its effects
Ilea found the creature hovering in the night sky, its shape unmistakable and its power unquestioned. She wondered if there were a few Trakorovs and Fae in the area to recruit in her endeavor.
But this time, she was alone.
Comments
Torbjørn Nilsen
Might just be a case of to much power. It intended to scare them of, flapped it's wings in an ordinary threat display, and killed a lot of them by accident.
Johannes Sauer
She won't kill sentients that haven't done her or others she feels responsible for any harm
Johannes Sauer
Don't think its easy for a Basilik to level. He probably has to kill 1000 equally strong enemies for a single level. And its likely that they grow by eating and not by leveling.
Jonathan
That doesn't seem to be a thing with Elos Basilisks, at least so far.
Seb
Yes, but it's also a matter of what you could possibly offer a level ???? basilisk
sharkattack
Some kinda wind clone
Dominic Falcon
Didn’t Ilea day she would fight a sentient being, even if it’s a monster? Between the illusion alarms and asking her to leave via telepathy, this seems to qualify.
M. Gunnarsson
It's probably not a mana-poor environment on the top of the mountain. Just down in the mountain pass where the egg was.
I really hope they don't fight to the death, maybe they relocate to the north.
Boutross
One thing I don't really understand is how a basilisk is surviving and staying in such a mana poor environment
Mike Murphy
Maybe basilisks have babies at or close to their level and that’s how they get to the top of the food chain. That would be a cool racial ability but doubt it. Everyone is worried how she’ll kill the kid and/or the mother, but where the hell is the dad she might have to face three basilisks.
Mike Murphy
I think Shawshank is one of the best movies ever made
Michael scott
Oh, and the Shawshank redemption was a great movie. Also an even better book.
Michael scott
It's a big assumption that the basilisk had no control over it's allusion. But even if it didn't it doesn't matter. It would still be the equivalent of using a land mine at the very edge of your property as a home security system. The basilisk is still responsible for killing dozens of people for no reason. It could've just as easily hissed at them and after they unfroze they would've ran. That's not what it did. As soon as they were all frozen it lanched a wind attack.
Sondre Grøneng
Oh wow, you're right, that scene is literally straight from dark souls. Giant monster, and a tiny human going 'well, shit'
Sondre Grøneng
Honestly wouldn't be to surprised if it took her straight to 400, remember, she was in a team of 6(7 with the fae?) against the sand elemental, one of them being the Trakarov.
Sondre Grøneng
Normally I would agree with you, but we are expecting a third class in two levels and as good as this story is, it IS a story. Though, if she does manage to beat it, I only hope it is convincing. The correct amount of type advantage and outspeeding for instance could work out. It will definitely not be as easy as the illusion basilisk made it seem however. Being high level doesn't necessarily make it fast, I seem to remember the Trakarov being kinda slow for instance though I might be misremembering. He'll just the last kunne in the chapter seems like an ingen for her actually winning, though, with said, only time will tell.
Chopper
Ah, so in the past she just fought construct created by the Basilisk, put there to scare off anything that would threaten its young. Well played sir!
Michael scott
The basilisks intelligence is the reason Ilea will try to kill it. It is intelegent enough to know that caravan wasn't a threat to it. Yet it still almost wiped it out. Don't think for a minute Ilea will forget that. I don't think she will kill the hatchling though. That is if she does manage to kill the adult. She should get a minimum of 18 to 20 levels in each class if she can kill it.
Haha, this seems like a scene from Dark Souls, kind of similar to when you jump into the pit in #3 to hear a shriek and fight the demons/demon prince. Or could she pull a gandalf and fight the Basilisk as they fall into the pit?! Edit: also, that baby is still triple mark, so is the mother over like, 2000 or something? It's gotta be way stronger if that's only a hatchling. They're pretty intelligent too so she should make a friend out of it like the fae, rather than killing a child. And lets not forget she just found the ideal sparring partner!
Han Pol
I guess she will not be capable of killing the two of them, maybe damaging them if she really charges one of her attacks up by a lot. or if she is able to enter the body or nose and go for the brain. But it should still get a few good resistance levels, maybe some more skills, and will maybe even allow veteran or monster hunter to reach the third tier without spending points. Afterwards, she can maybe train a bit or kill a few more beasts for a good class evolution.
Todd Kloos
Maro said that basilisks are relatively peaceful creatures. It also seems like they are pretty intelligent and capable of telepathy. As long as humans can provide something that the basilisks want, there should be a lot of room for cooperation between humans and basilisks. You could have a basilisk providing protection to a human city in exchange for goods or services provided by the humans.
Seb
I say 10, since I believe that she got 2 from the spectre of rot?? so 10 seems about right. Maybe 15
Seb
I really don't wanna see Ilea killing the poor mom!
Seb
Yeah, from what I see it seems that monsters are more about not actually having levels, but assessed with a level as a danger-rating and are born with innate skills (ie innate wind magic) instead of having a class.
Seb
Either tame the baby, or become friends with the mother. Maybe spar a bit
Zarik0
noo hope its just scout why rush when with 1-2 month training in big dungeon she can get some class skill max ans a lot of the new resist max lv, and yeah maybe its a bad idea to try kill now without verified if moma is her and chase her after (because moma sem to be intelligent and have some advenced spell (illusion, def spell) so she surely have track spell maybe not a good idea to go for the kill baby now without scout the situation more
foldedcorners
I mean.. no one said she had the KILL a powerful creature to gain an achievement. There's probably something for befriending one as well :) Similar to her kin of ash requirement
Han Pol
Well also one of the really interesting things about the basilisk is that it was capable to create powerful Illusions that looked like the real thing had apparently a fraction of the fighting power, and was able to use intimidation skills of a high level even as an illuison the power of the hatchling is likely already big and the matured full beast is likely in a league of it's own even when factoring in what she has encountered so far.
j0ntsa
She's soo dead
Roethan
Well, she doesn't have to kill the basilisk for an achievement. She didn't kill the giant psychic squid or THE fae but I'm sure they will both factor in. As long as she gets a few hits in and survives a few in turn it should be helpful. Now if she befriends it or kills it there will probably be better options, but it's not necesary.
Jonathan Timm
Thanks needed something to cheer me up might have the corona virus
SoggyBiscuit
Wait, if it's a Basilisk shouldn't she be able to get Petrification Resistance? Even if it has storm magic in this universe, a petrifying gaze should be one of its inborn abilites.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
自由
Nah, it's time for a basilisk handbag :D
Arcanes
Very interesting setup for this fight. I don't believe Ilea will kill it. If she is even capable of killing a four mark being right now. I hope for a non violent conclusion for this fight.
agentjongon
So you’re telling me that in the next few chapters, we may see Ilea soloing a ????, thus gaining an incredible 3rd class. If she slays this being, I’m guessing now that she’ll gain 40+ levels in each class
Jacob
The real question is if that's how strong a basillisk is can you even imagine the strength of a dragon
Liedral
A hatchling is a quadruple question mark?? Geez.... how OP are basilisks....
Eyes wide
Can we just talk this one out
Atlas Dwarf
Thanks for the chapter. Well I'm starting to doubt Ilea can win this one. Basilisk mom has shown intelligence and can pull off complex magic. There's also another ???? close by even if it should be much weaker than its parent. Then again even if she has to flee fighting a Basilisk alone at her level should be a worthy achievement by itself.
Books McGee
I think that was just an illusion/defensive spell
L Pedersen
So the snake dragon thing was cool and all but I'm more curious about Asher. Did Anita finally get tired of him and had him banished or something... Or is it a complete coincidence?
Max Scherer
I dunno if she really kills it. I mean wouldnt that probabaly push her to 350? She wanted to wait a little longer if i remember correctly.
L Pedersen
People enjoy chicken meat rather than hen meat. We all babykillers yo.
Kalsted
Thanks for the chapter, can't wait for it to resume the regular 2 chapters it's never enough!! Stay safe.
Ruben
LETSS GOOOOOOOOOOOO
Michael C
Momma wipes out humanity. Ilea is last human alive. Story ends.
Battle the mom, be annoying / persistent enough, take the little one on a tour of the lands with Ilea as babysitter.
Michael C
Pet? Mount? Can it shapeshift into a loli that she is lewd with?
Tommy Littlefield
Dope time for the most glorious third class and other future class evolutions
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Well, this defines that monsters are either born in a base level and can grow with time, or the system simply categorizes individuals differently and a species can just Naturally be so op that they are born deserving four marks in the point of view of the system and it doesn't actually work for them like for the civilized races. Honestly think it's a mix of the two considering the enavurin and the elf's examples, which would make humans the outliers, but still, the possibilities are there.
Jonathan Walker
Fuck!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for her to fight and kill it or fight and run this will be an epic battle.
I think that this time, she wants to kill it for her achievements. Even though I would agree with you, she prob will try to get her resistances up if she can even survive one of its attacks.
Astrapor
Guess i will have to stop reading for 2-3 chapers to get the full, uncut fight.
Sean Ulrich
Mayhaps the baby is protecting its mama. Could be sick or injured. Beat down, then heal, maybe get a favor or two like with the fae since they are somewhat intelligent. The mama may be able to speak full sentences...
Alexander Dupree
Thanks for the chapter
Jiri Krivak
Kill, moma basilisk, keep hatchling as pet (the basilisk understood her so it could be trainable)
Alphafenrir401
I kinda want her to tame it I feel that would shock people more lol
Connor Bruha
Thanks for the chapter.
Emma Carlin
Kinda concerned about what momma basilisk is going to do if Ilea kills her baby
Straven
Thank you very much for another good chapter, can't wait to see the battle to come if there is one.
Arkeus
Ilea killing babies :(
自由
I'm hyped for the fight but also really confused why Illea wants to do the fight before leveling up her resistances. Or is she just going to spar against the basilisk and kill it later?
Chase Clawson
Awesome chapter! Been looking forward to this encounter for a long time! Also, every time she interacts with Dale, I like him more. He is just such a good dude
Andrew Jones
im unsure that illea would kill it ngl
Carlo Aquino
Thanks, kinda nice to have Sentinel reconstruction at this time.
G. Harthane
You stay safe too Carlo. I'm glad my writing can entertain you a little in this shitstorm of fuckery. We'll get through this. Hang in there.
Carlo Aquino
Hey Rhaegar, I would like to thank you, really thank you man. Azarinth Healer is the only thing that keeps me on going specially with how severe the case of covid-19 here. I hope your country won’t be hit as hard as it was here. Stay safe.
Bobtur
Thank you
Max R
weeee 🐣
