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Chapter 460 Problematic Conflicts
🕑 Added 2020-04-02 16:53:57 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hello all :). New chapter up and another one hopefully at the weekend. I edited 459 yesterday and it's the real chapter again in case you missed it.
Thanks for all the comments and feedback/criticism for yesterday's posts.
I hope you continue to stay safe and that you have a good week, in spite of the circumstances :).
EPUB/PDF: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 460 Problematic Conflicts
Ilea landed in Riverwatch without being confronted by a squad of guards or arrows and artillery flying her way. To her disappointment really. If she could enter this easily, others could too.
Then again, I cant truly expect Ravenhalls level of defense. They neither have the capability nor a recent mass genocide by demons to remind them of the necessity.
She wore her leather armor and casual clothes, her ashen armor receding to her back, just below her neck.
A passing guard squad supplied her with directions towards the main governmental buildings. A quick show of her Shadow badge convinced them that she isnt a dangerous vagabond traveling their streets by night.
Ilea tried to use her Huntress skill as much as possible, focusing on Alistair as her target. A few more skills would allow her to mark more people, something she definitely wanted. It had been difficult to level the skill during combat, meaning opportunities like this were very much welcome.
A few stores were open still and the occasional worker or adventurer passed her in the streets but the difference between day and night was striking in this city. Compared to Ravenhall where many, especially in the inner two circles or Viscera, went about their business no matter what time of day. Some stores were even closed while the suns were out, knowing business would be better when the higher level people shopped at night.
Mostly inns and pubs were still active. The suns had set but it likely wasnt past midnight quite yet. As spring rolled in, the nights would grow shorter too.
Her skill informed her of a trace of mana. Instinctively, she knew it was her target. Alistair. Dont remember him ever using a skill in front of me. Just his aura was enough? Or can I just feel the mana of everyone Ive ever met with this?
She focused on the Ascended and his magic, not picking up a single thing in her surroundings. A comforting thought. To be able to know at the very least, if her enemy walked amongst humans.
Ilea hoped her assumption was correct and the being heavily disliked these mana starved areas, being of another species and all. One that might have started at a higher level too.
She found Alistair in the city hall, where she had met him before. The same office even.
She mused on how easy it would be to assassinate the man as one of his guards checked her badge.
The request went out earlier today. How come you are already here? the woman asked.
Ilea spread her wings behind herself and flapped them once, a gust of wind moving away in both directions of the corridor. The sound of a violently shutting window cemented her argument.
Lilith, the other guard murmured, eyes wide open.
Its spreading far and wide. Maybe for once the name actually helps, she thought.
The woman knocked on the door, entering upon confirmation. A Shadow is here to see you.
Alistair appeared close to the door and opened it wide. Ilea. It is marvelous to see you.
The man had bags under his eyes, moving a hand through his disheveled hair as he looked at her. Well, let her in. I know her.
The guards nodded and stood aside.
Good to see you too, Alistair. I take it you havent been as well as when I saw you last?
She formed an ashen chair and watched him teleport to his own, slumping down as the doors to the room closed, an enchantments effect activating.
It has been turbulent. Are you here just by chance or because of our request for assistance? he asked, unsure but hopeful.
Claire sent me, Im here to help, Ilea said.
He sighed and got a bottle from one of his drawers, pouring a glass and glancing at her.
Im fine, thanks, she said and instead summoned a bottle of ale.
I am relieved that you are here. And I wont be wasting your time with idle talk, he downed his glass in a single motion and continued without pause. The contract with Ravenhall was a success. Many higher ups in Riverwatch welcomed the security it should provide. Doubts of course were present too.
More came up when operations to save ex slaves from Baralia to incorporate into our city were launched. Quite successfully if I may say so myself. The financial and logistical support from your side was an immense help of course. Many ex slaves have already been employed by shops, smithies, and even the guard.
Ilea took a sip. Whats the problem then? Angering Baralia? I thought everyone is pretty much working together to destroy them at this point.
Exactly. Which means everyone wants a piece of their land and the riches included within. However the doubts and complaints were of a less materialistic nature. Some few individuals simply do not see the worth of slaves and the fact that we set them free. Sadly, their influence and other capabilities far outweigh the impact of such arrogant thinking.
Cut to the chase, governor. I plan to leave again tomorrow, Ilea said and downed her ale.
The man blinked and nodded. Of course. Apologies where were we yes, the operations. You see, Nipha has made offers and requests lately. Their interest in Riverwatch and the western cities has been known for long but the crises in the past years has made them more bold.
It seems they havent intervened in the passing of a rather large group of slavers and lords from Baralia, trying to reclaim the slaves we took from them. They are blocking roads, rile up monsters and outright attack caravans and soldiers, heavily reducing our effectiveness.
We could intervene but the resources we spent on this already make it difficult for me to convince all parties. It is paramount that I keep this city and its most important leaders unified. Nipha and potentially other players are ready to use any opportunity they can get.
Ilea crossed her arms and slumped in her chair. Why the fuck do they care? Isnt Baralia under attack? Why come here and get some slaves back?
The lords and ladies of Baralia are loyal only to themselves. Pillaging rescue operations in a foreign forest suits them more than rallying their troops in their kings defense, Alistair said. It is an easy target and they do hate to be wronged. I hear that all slaves of an owner are punished if a single one escapes or is taken. Now that isnt possible because we take everyone from estates and farms. The only way to punish them thus, is to find them and take them back.
Are they really that bored? With all the things you could do in your life? You hunt down escaped slaves to punish them, she said and shook her head.
To them those people are property. They grew up learning that and believing that such is the way of life. Even now, I doubt many citizens of Baralia truly know in what kind of danger they are. Now they are here, to get back what belongs to them. In their minds, they are righteous, he said.
That doesnt make it better. Just sad too, Ilea said.
The man shrugged and poured himself another drink. War always is.
Humans, Ilea said and rolled her eyes.
We do have a certain charm, Alistair said. Now I wouldnt have asked if it wasnt a precarious situation. For any other Shadow I would have offered twice the normal rate. For you however, I have something else in mind. If you finish the job, it may be possible to finally convince the others.
What are you talking about? she asked.
You will see. It is suffice to say that the worth of the reward will vastly exceed the normal rate. I owe much to you, Ilea. And so does Riverwatch. And I will do my utmost for us to be kept in your good graces. Riverwatch will stand with you and Ravenhall and it pains me that already we are forced to ask for your help, he said and stood up, bowing to her.
Dont bow. Wow, Im really not cut out for this. Sure, I will help you. Just get as many slaves out of there as you can. Id prefer if they worked in stores owned by me, she said.
Of course. I have a squad of highly specialized adventurers prepared to come out with you, as soon as you are ready, he said.
What are their levels? she asked.
Close to two hundred but their abilities are quite extraordinary, Alistair said.
I would rather work alone, wouldnt want any of them getting killed. My tracking spell needs a few levels too. How hard do you think it would be to find them?
There are many. They occupy the area right outside Nipha borders, he said and took out a map, showing her the location. It will be simple to find them. However it wont be easy to avoid open battle without covert experts.
Why would I avoid open battle? Ilea asked and stood up.
I will leave it to you then. Do not overextend yourself, he said and lifted the glass to her.
Ilea wasnt sure if she could trust the man fully. He was a governor after all and as everyone with power, they were playing their little games. She was just a piece on his board as she was a piece on Claires board.
Perhaps more a wildcard than anything else, making them adapt policies through sheer brute force and wealth. Claire owed her but more importantly, she was a dear friend. The same thing could not be said about Alistair.
The owing part, yes. But she didnt trust him quite yet. Alice had used her and there was a high chance that he would try to do the same.
Maybe everything he said was true but Ilea wouldnt just slaughter a bunch of people on the word of one man. She would ask them herself and find out why they were here.
If Alistair had been honest, that would benefit their future relationship. She hoped the man took her for what she was and not someone to manipulate.
Glad Im not a fucking governor, she thought as she landed twenty minutes of flying later. A river flowing nearby let her orient herself. The area Alistair had marked was quite extensive, suggesting either a very mobile force or large numbers.
Making people understand that slaves are just as much human beings deserving the same rights as everyone else seems exhaustive.
Sentinel Huntress and her sphere picked up every movement, scent and living being around her as she strolled through the forest.
Ilea spotted a few wolves that promptly sprinted away upon sensing her. One nimble bear like creature climbed up a tree as if its life depended on it.
Is it the aura? Ilea wondered. She turned it off. Deviant of Humanity.
Another pack of wolves avoided her but didnt outright run for their lives.
She found tracks and magic residue, following the confusing trail until she glimpsed dull torchlight in the distance. Still hundreds of meters away but with her eyes it could have just as well been next to her.
I have special eyes, dont I?
She giggled to herself, noticing movement within her sphere. Oh? Already found? Maybe he was right and I should have taken that covert squad with me.
ding Sentinel Huntress reaches 3rd lvl 4
Niceee, she said out loud.
The person stalking her stayed at a safe distance, shrouded in something that obscured them.
Eve my dear, you would be disappointed, she thought and vanished.
Her hands rushed out and grabbed, finding purchase in thin air before she felt an attack coming.
Useless.
The blade scraped against her armor, a poisoned throwing knife.
Stop it or I will snap you like a twig, she whispered and put Monster Hunter into the mix.
Her captive calmed, the air shifting before a man in dark brown robes appeared, his face covered by a steel mask.
[Rogue lvl 191]
Ilea removed the mask which revealed a man in his thirties, various scars showing on his clean shaven face. He was bald too and didnt have a tongue.
Great. The silent assassins. How fucking original, she said and rolled her eyes. Are you a slave?
The man didnt reply.
Hmm whats that? she said as her healing mana examined his body. Her sphere helped too. Interesting. What do they do? The things in your teeth?
His eyes opened wide and he shook his head slowly.
What? Tell me or Ill just rip them out, your choice, she said.
The man made a noise but talking proved difficult without one of the relevant organs. The injury seemed too far back to be healed.
Do you want to gesture? she asked.
He nodded.
Okay, good. Dont do anything stupid, she said and grappled him with several ashen limbs, letting go of his arms.
The man made two fists and then opened them quickly, moving his hands away.
Explosion? Ilea asked.
He nodded.
Same happens if I remove them?
He nodded again.
How powerful are we talking?
The man shook his head.
Do you trust me? Ilea asked.
He shook his head.
Do you want to be free?
He didnt reply.
Youre with Baralia, right? she asked.
The man didnt deny.
Ah what the hell, if he dies Ill have taken out one of their assassins.
She filled his mouth with ash and hardened it to keep it open. Now this is going to hurt, my dear. I suggest you think of something pleasant.
Didnt think Id become a dentist too, life leads you on interesting paths, she thought as her healing mana flowed into him, two ashen limbs wrapped around the relevant teeth.
On three, one, two- she ripped the teeth out with blinding speed, the explosions muffled by ash, unable to penetrate the encased space. Ilea was sure her Blast Resistance had helped tremendously.
Catching an explosion within a closed off space. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me.
The wounds were already healed, new teeth grown to replace the old ones.
Hah, now youre free. Bet you didnt expect that when you woke up today. Now I want some information or I will have to kill you, she said, watching the man grasp at his jaw with both hands.
His eyes were wide open as he looked at her and the ash holding him in place.
The sound had been muffled enough not to reach the distant light but Ilea thought it possible that someone could show up.
He looked back and once more touched his jaw.
She felt he was in great distress but not because of her.
Scared your master will kill you because the implants are gone? she asked.
He focused on her, tears forming in his eyes as he nodded. He made a pained noise. A request perhaps.
Look. As far as I see, you have two options here, she flowed healing magic into the man. One, you go back to your master, who surely trained and groomed you since you were a wee child. They would likely kill or punish you for taking out the implants, right?
He looked around frantically.
Option two. You cooperate with me, I kill your master and set you free, as well as any other slave that is in that camp, Ilea said.
The man locked eyes with her as his breathing slowed down. The turmoil was clear.
I dont have all night. Do you want to live or do you want to die? she asked.
He closed his eyes, tears flowing down his cheeks before he nodded.
What, die? she said.
He shook his head.
Live. Good choice. I would have chosen that too. Its fun. Living. And now youre free. As soon as you told me what I want to know.
He gestured to his mouth and the obvious lack of tongue.
Tell in a figurative sense. You can write I assume?
The man nodded.
Great! Fantastic.
It soon became clear that the extent of the enemy forces had been underestimated. Not just by Ilea but by Alistair as well.
The camp ahead was just the long reaching arm of one Lord Harken, the noble in charge of Wynehold, which was the southwestern most large city in Baralia. They came to retake the slaves stolen from their lands.
Seems like Alistair didnt lie. So much for not getting massively involved in this war. Eh, were freeing slaves, arent we?
She sat with the freed man, his resolve broken as he wrote down the answers to all her questions.
As if hes just fulfilling an order.
How old were you when your training started? she asked.
He looked up and showed four fingers.
Four years old. Do you even understand the concept of freedom? Ilea said.
He didnt reply.
No master. Nobody to take orders from. You decide on your own, she said.
He listened but it looked like he didnt hear.
The man wrote something and pointed at her.
Master
Ah fuck. Thats exactly what I didnt want to happen, Ilea thought and sighed.
We will figure that out later. For now, well need a plan to free all the slaves in that camp and disrupt these operations. Can you sketch me a layout and tell me how many people there are, if theyre slaves or not and how powerful they are?
The man nodded.
Ilea stopped him for a moment and looked into his eyes. Whats your name by the way?
The pale man just shook his head.
Of course you dont have one. Im Lilith. Nice to meet you, she said. He might still escape or betray her, in which case she preferred him use that name instead of her real one.
He mouthed the word and continued the sketch.
Comments
sharkattack
Ugh, just reminded me of Slumdog Millionaire
Michael scott
They did have a long fight after that. But we don't know just what she was killing because she didn't look, only saying it was to numerous to mention. However she did get 2 levels in both her classes after that.
Michael scott
I went back and looked. Most of the monsters at the beginning we're low level , high 100 to low 300. When she killed the big spice worm it specifically said your group. After that she did solo some weird bears but they we're in the low 400' s . Most her kills we're either low level or group kills. She also did level up when they took out the worm.
Ivactheseeker
Not every time. She also fought alone for hours (days?)
Michael scott
For those who are wondering why she didn't level more at the big battle at the beginning of the descent. It's simple, she wasn't alone. There was a large mob of mages firing spells supporting her. Now sometimes their spells hit her also, but that didn't really matter.
M. Gunnarsson
I wonder what would actually happen if someone had their tongue cut out at the age of four. Something like tongue posture affects stuff like how the skull grows after all, and hearing and vision and the entire posture of your neck. Possibly gonna affect how the entire body develops during growth. ... not that I actually want to know the answer to that question, when I think about it. I think I'm just going to remain in my nice little first world bubble and pretend that no one ever cut off a childs tongue in the history of reality.
Her healing being arcane shouldn't be blocked my such natural reason, yeah I can see it not healing a scar, but if cut open again, she could heal to perfection
Tetsuki
Actually it could just bei said historischen tungue was healed. Since he never learned to speak, it doesn't help him.
Hannah King_10
What about cutting the whole head off and growing it?
Sean Ulrich
She can send, he can’t.
Han Pol
is it just me or does anybody else find it odd that she doesn't use the mental communication with the tongue less scout.
Håvard
Nope that have nothing with blood type, it's the cells that is the problem. The body looks at those cells and goes 'invader!'. So the body treats that new tongue just like an virus/bacteria.
Sebastian Viller
Ilea is the almost-a-doctor, she should just find people with the same blood type as people with old injuries, slice them apart for whatever part is needed to heal old-injury person, then heal the person she just sliced up. Pain tolerance levels for one, a new tongue for the other, win-... win? hahaha
Ryan Frank
Until it is done.
Adam Roundfield
Rip and Tear
tibbish
Yeah there might be 1 or 2 guys at the top of the army who at or over 300 but most everyone else is going to be well under 200 guys. That'll hardly give any xp for her. Most humans were well under 100 and people much over 150 were like the 'elites' or nobles and there weren't many of them at all. That is why a 250-ish elf was able to destroy whole human cities and kill 10's of thousands of humans easily and hardly anything could be done to stop them until the Hand got involved and they didn't seem to lvl much either. Remember the Hand were the super dooper boogey men of the Human lands and they were typically between 200 and 240 with only a literal handful of people near or over 300. I think only 2 others are above 300 actually and they're both basically not there at all so they don't really even seem to count for the Hand. I'm kind've expecting the Barralia leadership to maybe have a few people in the 260-280 range at the top given how strong that other Barralia team was she killed. They obviously thought they were hot shit end all be all and Ilea squished them like it was nothing. Unless the Golden Lily gets involved it'll be a blood bath for the slave army. Certainly the leadership is getting killed I think.
It is weird and I think it's to do with the method. I suspect that healing interacts with a so called astral body which is the current imprint of the real body (not so far fetched since souls exist). That astral body's imprint is modified if the body is 'modified', that is, if an arm is cut off and enough time passes, then the stable and healed wound is written into the astral body as a scar. What normal healing does is forcefully apply the astral body to the physical body as a copy paste, while Ilea reads off the astral body and rebuilds the physical body, rewriting in-corrections. Like editing a comment in a text file and then pasting here, verses editing the comment in the text box by flicking through the lines and typing it out there. The Azarinth way is much more complex but far more efficient. I reckon the highest tiers of healing magic may look beyond the astral soul, per se, and reach into the DNA to combine it with the astral body and perfect or clean up any scars. This would likely change her appearance too if she does it to herself or anyone else, and she could de-age others potentially.
mallix
I don't get why injuries can be too old to be healed. Surely you could cut out a chunk of flesh where the tongue base is supposed to be and then grow it back along with a new tongue
I Dewa Bagus
Now this is what i want to read.. human conflict! Always complicated
Lomie0
Healing old injuries like that would probably take a specialized skill, but without testing it's something that's never come up. In fact thinking about it in this case they probably do it in a way to prevent standard healing methods of restoration so as to better insure their secrecy.
Arnon Parenti
this is completely normal and not at all terrifying
Daniel
I don't see why she doesn't try to force the tongue to regrow from ground up? Doesn't her healing allow for her to treat others as herself in a recent upgrade, and if she can heal whole body parts, would seem plausible to do so with him. NOT that it would allow him to speak since he likely has never done so, but still... Seems more in line with her personality to be annoyed at his lack of speaking or a tongue would be something she'd attempt just to try.
Venalitor
If Ilea is a piece on a board, she's a piece that gives everyone headaches. She doesn't even realize she's got a board of her own. . . and keeps shuffling the poor pieces on it to her liesure. "Making people understand that slaves are just as much human beings deserving the same rights as everyone else seems exhaustive." - Also something to delegate.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Bob
Yeah, Lilith would just be blank gasp or 2 without a tongue.
David Cohen
I dont know why she forgot she can talk to the mind
The whole mouthing lilith thing seems a stretch. Not only are "L"s all tongue, but it's probably safe to assume the man hasn't had his tongue for a long time, and so wouldn't have the natural reaction of trying to say a name, or anything else for that matter. But idk, I've never lost my tongue.
Chad Hagner
Oh boy here comes mamma bear to fuck up barilia! This is gonna be good, let me get the popcorn ready!
Maybe he feels like it's the norm to have a master since he never had freedom. Like an elephant that is tied to a wooden peg on the dirt, when it was a baby it couldn't get it's leg out so when they became an adult they don't botter cuz they think they can't get free so they don't bother.
Isn't he to weak for that? Unless...
Maybe she lost some memories when she gave her head to a vampire?
evilperson41
Looking forward to the next chapter.
She is already making a masochist church, a battle junkie assassins cult could be an extention... hope that vampire cult, the one she rescued from the green demon, joins harem too...
She'd have to kill hundreds between 250-340 to level up... and thousands below 250. It'd be even worse than when she went to the demon realm and was able to level up in the 200's. She's using the huge bonus exp to level. She is only two levels away though, hmm.
Sean Ulrich
I don’t think she needs to worry about over leveling. These guys are mid 200s tops. She would get around two levels if she kills them all. Also might get some levels in monster hunter from the fight. Looking forward to leveling soul magic resistance, cause the soul elf is in town too.
I reckon she should bring the slaves close to level 200 or higher to the shadowshand. They'd be able to use their skills and help those in similar situations, as well as grow to enjoy freedom in Ravenhall and ease any hatred. They could make a pretty terrifying bandit group if left to their own devices.
Itsurmom
I like you're style, it's got pizzazz!
Dominic French
Lol the biggest problem llea is going to have is to try hard not to level up, maybe she should have taken the help
Max R
So GOOD. i love this world 💕
Chase Clawson
Woo! Can't wait for next chapter! Thanks for putting out chaps for two days in a row!
VertigoMonkey
Ugh... but I don't want to wait for the next chapter for the upcoming death and destruction....
Yep seems impossible
Dax
Mouthing the name "Lilith" is really hard to do without using your tongue...
Michael C
Fucking awesome chapter. Always something new
wanderer117
I was wondering if Ilea picked up Flesh Enhancer (or whatever it could be called) as her 3rd class if she could heal old flesh based injuries. Like, not just repair what is broken but replace the missing with a functional new version. i think the system will give her the option at least. "Flesh Magic Resistance – lvl 1 Not perhaps the prettiest of magic schools nor the most sanitary. Its ability to disturb and maim at the same time make it quite effective against those of higher thought. For the same reasons it is rarely found used by humans or those who preach purity. You stood unwavering against its power, unimpressed and with the only intent to learn this skill. Perhaps it would fit you."
Ashywashy
“Why would I avoid open battle?” God, I love Ilea. Just one thing, wouldn’t she know where the government buildings are and not have to ask guards?
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Let's murder evewyone~!
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Would likely take more than just brute forcing it, but yeah
Sebastian Prue
Thanks for the chapter!
L Pedersen
I feel like she should be able to cut the tounge further down and regrow the tounge but honestly the issue probably exists so she won't be out of this world overpowered. She's op don't get me wrong but having healing without any restrictions can make it hard to write a good story
Evan Burns
The only thing I don't like about this story is that there is never enough!
Deinos
Hmmif someone grew up in that kind of society I suppose people would regard their captors as master and parent alike, loyaltywise - but I like his choice of taking her as his new master. Then again I can't imagine what someone like that would truly feel with their foreign mindset, I suppose it depends on the person as well. At the very least I'd assume they'd feel like a colossal traitor.
Caanbo
I think I didn’t get is why can’t she Healing old one. If it’s healed then open it again and it will regrow to its Original organ. It is not like she is add new organ like giving someone a wings
Arkeus
I do wonder if it would be possible for her to surgically attach someone else's tongue to him somehow.
Nodlehs
She needs some loyal followers, this seems a good source :)
Zacle
oh this is nice. looking forward to more, definitely seeing at the minimum a large increase in her organization soon haha
Erdos
Thanks
Alex K
Hm, Alistair is part of the Golden Lily perhaps? If he could "convince the others" to let her join as a reward, that would fit as a big reward in his eyes.
Ryan Frank
Stomping slaver assholes to paste with ease seems like a good way to get the golden lily to contact her. I never get tired of the killing noble assholes parts of the story. :-)
Valter Anunciação
God I hope not. That is not the series I love.
Tsaimath
While it is rather unlikely, this could become a peak-anime moment. As in, Ilea gets beaten down by overwhelming forces (lol) and at just the right moment, she levels to 350, gaining a new class/evolution/whatever that allows her to kick ass and take names. I doubt it'll happen but it would be fun.
Alexander Dupree
Man this is sad :(
Emma Carlin
Oh great, a new companion who doesn't even speak. Perfect for Ilea
Sean Ulrich
Oh boy... I see a potential cult in her future...
Thanks!
