RhaegarRRL
patreon
Chapter 457 Worthy Adversaries
🕑 Added 2020-03-26 20:47:25 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all, a new chapter for you :). Stay safe and healthy.
EPUB/PDF: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 457 Worthy Adversaries
Ilea was sure an hour or two had passed already. She would have to leave soon to join her resistance training. The only reason she even considered it was because the date was set. If she was too late or didnt show up, tomorrow there would be fewer people. Fewer potential skills and levels.
The Specters however, would remain down here.
She wondered if they could kill her. If she remained motionless or trapped. Their destructive power, swords and magic against her regeneration.
Her body would regenerate as long as she had mana and the creatures continued to provide it. Stick a sword into my brain, maybe two. Then I cant regenerate it. Secure the head and just keep going until I have no more mana. If that isnt possible, you cant kill me.
She went through the steps she herself would employ if her opponent had the same abilities as herself. Avoiding magic was a large part of potential success. Or magic as overwhelming as the Ascended had possessed.
Teleporting me away might be an option too. I doubt meddling with my mind is an option, considering Sentinel Reconstruction and my resistance to that magic type. Another option would be to trap me indefinitely. Bind or seal me away.
She didnt like that thought at all. If she went out, she would want to go out and not be trapped for a thousand years. Hmm well with meditation it might not even be that bad.
The attacks kept coming and by now she had a good idea about their speed, range and magic. Even if they manipulated their blades with the help of blood magic.
Her Heart of Cinder had been charging for a while now. Longer even than in the core of the Descent. She chose one of the Specters at random and blinked in.
She dodged the blades and punched, all her limbs smashing into the creature. She ignored the blades cutting into her back and the blood magic ripping through her body.
Reversed healing mana flowed into the one Specter as her attacks kept going, culminating in the release of the stored energy.
The blast sent back the blades still stuck in her body, burning through the skin and muscle of the Specter she had chosen.
The others moved in again as she smashed down one last time, fire surging form hundreds of thin orange red veins where Storm of Cinders had accumulated.
A ding resounded in her mind and she blinked out, just as three blades got close to her once more.
Three more blinks brought her out of the cavern and another five farther up through the dungeon.
Ilea stopped and turned around, crossing her arms as she steadied her breathing. Her mana was at half, despite the constant blood magic attacks. It would regenerate.
If they follow, Ill have to kill them all.
She waited. A minute. Two. Five.
When twenty minutes had passed, her focus finally changed and she let out the air she was holding in her lungs.
They wouldnt come.
Defending their cave. Or theyre the boss of the dungeon. Seems pretty ridiculous considering how weak the Abominations were before.
She checked the kill message and frowned.
ding You have defeated [Specter of Rot lvl 621]
Holy fuck theyre strong for that level.
Ilea slowly flew backwards through the tunnels, once more following the traces of ice and earth magic. She could clearly feel the mark moving farther and farther away. It remained stationary and quickly waned in intensity.
Theyre as tough as Praetorians with their shields but have faster regeneration. Plus their movements are multiple times as quick. What a find what a night!
She flew back with the occasional twirl and bob, giggling through the dark tunnels like the madwoman some thought she was.
Turns out the dungeons here are very much dangerous and interesting. If you just dig deep enough.
The rest of her notifications didnt let down either.
ding The Azarinth Sentinel reaches lvl 347 Five stat points awarded
ding The Azarinth Sentinel reaches lvl 348 Five stat points awarded
ding Kin of Ash reaches lvl 347 Five stat points awarded
ding Kin of Ash reaches lvl 348 Five stat points awarded
Ah fuck, cant kill another one or Ill reach three fifty.
She wondered if she shouldnt just get it over with already. On the other hand, she could gain a few more achievements beforehand.
Her skill advancements from the dangerous battle didnt let down either.
ding Absolute Destruction reaches 3rd lvl 23
ding Blink reaches 3rd lvl 21
ding Sentinel Sphere reaches 3rd lvl 14
ding Sentinel Core reaches 3rd lvl 24
ding Azarinth Fighting reaches 3rd lvl 27
ding Azarinth Perception reaches 3rd lvl 13
ding Armor of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 29
ding Aspect of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 26
ding True Ash Creation reaches 3rd lvl 24
ding Heart of Cinder reaches 3rd lvl 17
ding Storm of Cinders reaches 3rd lvl 17
ding Ash and Ember Unity reaches 3rd lvl 22
ding Ashen Wings reaches 3rd lvl 15
ding Eyes of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 8
ding Avatar of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 21
ding Keeper of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 23
ding Deviant of Humanity reaches lvl 2
ding Meditation reaches 3rd lvl 4
ding Monster Hunter reaches 2nd lvl 5
ding Monster Hunter reaches 2nd lvl 6
ding Veteran reaches 2nd lvl 18
ding Blood Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 17
ding Blood Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 18
ding Bone Magic Resistance reaches lvl 5
ding Bone Magic Resistance reaches lvl 10
ding You have learned the General skill: Rot Resistance lvl 1
Rot Resistance lvl 1
With your regeneration and healing, it was unlikely that such a resistance would ever manifest. However you have found a powerful source of unnatural rot. Perhaps fueled by a curse or magic. Congratulations on yet another painful and horrific experience.
Hmm maybe just a few more exciting nights with my new Specter friends. I have a source now for levels, class skill levels and resistances.
Ilea wondered if it even made sense to explore the other dungeons on her map. For training purposes, Ill have to. Especially the ones close by.
It wasnt just about her own resistances but about her students as well. They were progressing fast, even after a couple of days. She saw little reason for it to slow down considerably any time soon. Some combat experiences would help them get the right classes. Perhaps something a little less support oriented.
She herself had only one true healing skill and it was easily enough to take care of herself and everyone around her. A full support healer with a second class to reinforce such effects could maybe heal half a towns worth of people in instants but that wasnt exactly needed most of the time.
The question was also apparent of how to actually get someone to the required level. Questions over questions. Cant say Im not living an exciting life at least, she thought and grinned, her wings retracting as she reached the upper part of the dungeon and with it the exit.
The suns werent out yet but her flight would take some time as well. Not hours anymore, thanks to her third tier wings but enough to endanger her extended breakfast. Definitely her second breakfast.
Ah, forgot about one small thing.
___________________________
Sophia turned in her bed. The benefit of joining an otherwise male party was usually getting her own room. It wasnt always possible but the last two years were good on her purse and her team respectively.
Sean sometimes got a room on his own too, the other two didnt care much. Edgar needed very little sleep and Colt was often found passed out in the common room. Most inn keepers either couldnt physically move him or didnt care to risk it.
Tonight, she would have preferred some company. Even with the annoying comments from the brute. She had been liberal with her drink but her Poison Resistance was just as high as that of her team members. Contrary to Colt, she wasnt about to spend her last coin to keep herself inebriated. Maybe I should have.
Sleep had come but only for an hour or two. Not quite enough for her. A nightmare had woken her up. A healer reaching out her hand, their face suddenly turning into an Abomination before she was swallowed.
It had been a while since an experience had shaken her this much. Half a year maybe? The werewolf, she thought and shuddered. It would take some time for her to recover fully. Its weird really this was much worse objectively and yet, I seem to be able to handle it much better. Maybe Im imagining things. Or Ive grown more resistant to it.
She noticed her thoughts focusing back on the Abominations, their squeals. The ripped apart adventurers in that small cavern. Ilea getting slashed apart, coloring the ground and walls, the wet sound of bone hitting flesh.
She sat up and rubbed her eyes. What a fucking nightmare.
It wasnt worth some levels. Not in a thousand years.
A knock on her window made her yelp out and teleport to the opposite wall. Her heart rate accelerated but her breathing calmed. Ice formed around her as she prepared her spells.
The faint light of dawn shined into the room, barely illuminating a floating form outside her window. Blue eyes and black wings. A glowing smile and a wave.
She rubbed her eyes and relaxed. Im still dreaming.
Hello Sophia, a voice said, the presence now closer to her.
No need to be afraid. Come on, its me. Ilea. Open your eyes, the voice said.
No
Please
Something warm and relaxing entered her body and she yelped a little at the sudden sensation.
She opened her eyes and saw that the healer was here. Here in her room.
Out, she found herself saying, her voice steady and her eyes focused on the woman.
Ilea nodded and vanished, appearing once more outside the window.
What the fuck is this supposed to be?
She shook her head and walked to the window. Lets get this over with before she decides to slaughter this whole fucking town.
The window slid open and she leaned out into the cool morning air. What do you want?
Apologies for invading your room. You seemed scared and highly distressed. I thought I could help out, the woman said, showing genuine concern on her face.
And shes a good actress too, Sophia thought. What an absolute monster.
Youre not human, are you? she found herself asking.
What? No of course I am! Ilea replied, hovering outside a window with ashen wings on her back. Wisps of the element licked the air around her like an omen of death.
Sophia rubbed her temple and sighed. Dont just go around pushing your mana into people. Its borderline rape.
Her eyes opened wide and she hovered back a meter or two. I Im sorry I didnt.
She waved her off. Dont, its fine. You meant well. At least I think you did. Forget what I said. I dont want people to die or go insane because you ask them for healing consent. What kind of world would that be?
One where you can sue doctors for treating you? Ilea said, more to herself really.
Sue? Whatever what did you want? Why has the personification of pain and death come to my window? Sophia sighed. She was tired and noticed it too. Youre taking risks that you shouldnt. Calm down. Choose your words carefully. You know what she is. Dont offend her.
Ilea laughed and floated a little closer again. I thought Id be seen as someone who brings life and recovery. Not pain and death. I suppose both are true.
Keep it fucking down you twats! someone shouted out of an open window.
The woman hovered closer. Should we continue inside?
Sure, Sophia said and closed the window, finding Ilea sitting on a chair made of ash.
Ill keep it short. You are obviously in dire need of sleep, the woman said. A statement of fact, neither insult nor taunt. I found something in that cavern you saw at the end. Well you heard it too. The Specters of Rot, she said.
Sophia opened her eyes wide. Theres more than one? Its unusual for anything below triple mark to paralyze me for that long.
Well, they are triple mark. Around level six hundred actually, Ilea said and scratched her chin.
Six hundred? Wow your identify skill is that high? Sophia asked.
Ah no, Its just at level twelve. I killed one of them. Six twenty. They regenerate and use blood magic as well as bone swords. Quite dangerous. Some of the most powerful creatures in the six hundreds Ive fought, the healer said, nodding as if to confirm her own assumption. The Wyverns might be close if they had regeneration maybe.
I , Sophia started and stumbled backwards. I need to sit down.
Her bed was still miles away but she felt something form behind and under her, catching her stumbling form before she found herself in a chair. A black one, made of ash. It warmed up as she sat there. Comfortable, she thought as it shaped itself around her bum and back. No, focus.
You, killed? Killed one of them? Six hundred? Alone? What? she said.
Yes. I have quite a few skills that make me a good match for them. Regeneration and high defense as well as Blood Magic Resistance in the second tier. Perception helps too of course, otherwise it would be difficult to keep up with the teleporting creatures. Especially in complete darkness, she explained.
Okay, Sophia managed to say. The words were still processing in her mind. How does this relate to me?
Did she just come to gloat? Or is her game still ongoing oh gods shes still playing with us, just another form of torture.
Ah, yes. Of course. Sorry, lost track again. Well, I waited for a while and they didnt follow but I would say this little village is fucked if one comes up to the surface, she said.
Six hundred? Yes we would be, Sophia said and gulped.
Thats why I have a skill to give people a mark, to let them call for me in case of emergency. I thought about the others but you seem just the right mix of apprehensive and smart. Colt would just call me for a laugh or because hed think it an advance on my part. Edgar hates my guts and wouldnt use it even if his life depended on it and Sean. Well it was between him and you but you seem a little less scared of me, the monster explained.
You wish to mark me? Sophia asked. No never make a deal with a monster or demon. It never comes out well.
Yes. I tested it with several of my friends and its safe. Ill know where to find you in case you call for me. Just a precaution. I think if nothing shows up this week, were in the clear. Ill be back tomorrow night anyway but I just wanted to be sure, she said and continued in a murmur. I hope that undead didnt break out of that blight cathedral ah well, might check in quickly before going back.
Blight cathedral undead? Wait a minute.
I dont exactly have a choice here, do I? Sophia gathered her courage.
You do. You just say no. I know its scary to see someone powerful show up out of nowhere and show interest in you in some way. Trust me, I do. However, even though I know the training was nothing for you, did I actually do anything to put you in harms way? Did I break my word even once? Was I hostile towards you or is there any reason why you would mistrust me? Ilea said.
Sophia calmed herself and again marveled at how comfortable the ashen chair was. She thought back on everything and had to agree. They were never in danger, not really. If she could beat a level six hundred creature, the Abominations were nothing to her. It could be a lie but she had seen her fight the beings. As much as she believed the healer, in the end it did not matter if she killed one or not. She had healed Edgar without asking anything in return.
Ilea had rushed to help that adventurer, saved him even. She had helped them get stronger in her twisted and horrific way and she had protected them, even brought them back out after. Despite her interest to go deeper.
If she was Lilith, and there was little reason to doubt it at this point, then the songs supported her too. If she didnt pay for them. Everything just to get this mark on her.
She shook her head and sighed. This woman could just force her to accept anyway. And yet she was giving her a choice here. Her words rang true.
I accept. Under some conditions, Sophia said.
Ilea smiled. Oho how daring of you, she said and leaned forward in her own ashen chair. What do you want?
Gold! Sophia blurted out. Ah, thats so stupid. Why ask for gold? She doesnt even carry a pouch or backpack.
Sure, how does five pieces sound? That would be equivalent to quite a few jobs at your level. For a full team that is, Ilea said.
What?! Five! Is she nuts?
Sophia watched in disbelief as five pieces of gold appeared out of nowhere and floated towards her on a small circular ashen tablet. A storage item, of course! Why did I not think of that? Because she doesnt dress like a noble, doesnt talk like them.
Anything else? I dont want to be annoying but I should leave soon, the healer said and looked out into the morning sky.
Thats it, the sunlight will hurt her! Shes a witch after all. Or something more sinister. Every argument the more cautious side of her came up with was dulled and dismissed by the golden shine in her hands. This would cover her expenses for a year if she was conservative in her spending. Or I could buy new equipment.
Comments
Ghornet
Sophia's got a good deal on her hands. She sounded a little crazy near the end, but I find it fitting with the nightmare she experienced and the sheer absurdity of the situation she's in.
fbt
good catch, i overlooked that. certainly coudn't hurt. Prolly something more leader-y tho, and she's never liked those options, preferring combat-y paths consitently.
Yeah, it feels like the group's view of Ilea have been kinda made to be the opposite end of the spectrum. Some groups that we've seen previously were shocked too, but they still viewed her in a helpful and happy way, but this group is much more hostile. I think that the group is just meant to show what it's like for Ilea to be on the receiving end of animosity (I think, but idk tbh).
Albedo's Ahoge
Gold magic?
I think she should wait until her healing organization starts churning out actual healing classes before hitting 350. I bet a founding something like that would make for a good achievement.
Edy
From the skills level I guess one of the requirement will be having a skills at the end of the third tier (3ed 30). As always thanks for the chapter
Third tier, she already have second tier (makes her immune to the effects)
FunkyCredo
Sophia feels very melodramatic and annoying as a character. Ive really enjoyed seeing Illea from the perspective of other characters throughout the book however I feel like Sophia and her group have not contributed anything apart from some self serving exposition
tibbish
Me neither. They're probably uncommon still and not heard of much given they're likely strong to kill virtually any human (short of someone like Ilea) who goes against them.
Grond (James)
It's a pleasant surprise to find enemies of such a high level in the south. I wasn't expecting that
Ivactheseeker
Ilea: "Oh by the way, do you guys know I'M LOADED." Sophia: "Let's get this resistance training going guys, got no time to waste! Chop chop those abominations!"
sharkattack
I forgot about that. Yeah, Veteran's probably amplifying her fear and paranoia by quite a bit.
Sebastian Prue
Thank you for the chapter!
Venalitor
The people we've seen of such power do tend to be quite nice though. The people of the world, however, tend to have absolutely zero experience with these powerful individuals though. . . individuals.
Venalitor
Anything used to bind or seal Ilea would have to be strong enough she couldn't damage it at all, ash, body, or infusion. When Sophia looks at Ilea, she should consider how she herself might appear to the common villager. Same difference. I doubt she would consider Ilea's actions odd at all if she had a similar strength.
Michael C
Nice. Keep this arc going. Live the world building.
Cadastral
Ilea should definitely get Veteran to the end of 2nd tier before she hits 350, it is so close it would be a waste not to.
Cadastral
I think those potions are usually called "alchohol"
Atlas Dwarf
It should end up being Sentinel Reconstruction since that was the first to 3rd lvl 30. Hopefully it isn't another 2nd lvl 20 Meditation grind.
Zarik0
and yeah i like the turnure of the story now ilea build something instead of random solo adventure i love this when we have this organisation building with slow grow on relation and people around her keep it up author i think its perfect
Zarik0
well a lot of people dont like sophia reaction but i think its pretty logical for the situation (personnaly i like her pov :) and dont forget for some who say her reaction is a bit big well we have all sort of people in the world and dont forget ilea get some new fucking GENERAL SKILL who get some aura (we dont know yet the exact effect) who influence people around her, i guess influence more on low lv people (veteran, sage torment, humanity deviant, etc etc) i guess its trickle the primitive instinc on the reptilien cortex so yeah low lv people get fucking nervous and other shit in the unconscious when close to her (like she a APEX PREDATOR for them now and they feel it :)))))))))))))))))))
Joshua Little
Frankly I'm surprised Ilea didn't do something dumb like offer 500 gold. Glad it was only 5. Thanks for the chapter.
Onathan
I'm hoping we don't lose these guys and the members from the organization (edited changed order to organization). To me this part of the story represents a new beginning for Ilea. She's run around without any real goals, now she's slowing down to do something important that can truly help others, abd these characters add to that experience, I love it. Doesn't mean I'm not also waiting for when she goes on adventures again, either alone or with her friends, either way this story is amazing :)
M. Gunnarsson
Yeah there is. One channel for RR uploads and side channels for the 10, 20 and side story patreon tiers. No idea how to link a discord but you can probably find it through discords website or smth.
I like sophia as a character so far, a side of rationale for this otherwise crazy story
Tron
Is there a AzH discord server?
Rip Woodham
Sophia will come around. I've enjoyed her perspective and character. Remember she was only with Ilea for part of a night, and gains aside it was a horrifying experience. The world they live in is one where people of such power are not nice, and can be quite cruel having seldom or no accountability. Scenarios like she was imagining happen and are more likely than the truth. I like the realistic take.
flssdd
Imagine if Maro still traveled with her :D
Sofia's thoughts are very funny, I don't know how other people take them seriously, at the end of the chapter I had a good laugh when the gold broke any mental barriers haha she needs to get resistance to mind magic~~
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
You know, I noticed that people really dislike Sophia already, and I too, would like to shove a spike through each and every disk of her vertebrae before finally killing her, but that is because I'm a Sadic fuck that practically worships Ilea, so I would like to point out that getting people to reach a level of emotions like (in a more normal way) this over a character, is the sign of the great quality put in the work of our dear author.
Seb
Especially in a world where most of the powerful are rich, possibly inhumaine nobles who only do things in their own self interest. If I met a super powerful adventurer that seemed to take a sudden interest in me, I might be pretty on edge too
"I want you to go back to your realm and cure the corona virus, please."
Or you could buy a potion to cure regrets... but those doesn't excist... luckily for her, Illea isn't a 'bad' person that is after her body, soul, mind, family or friends. Want her and her team to join the sentinels though, she is being getting to much screen time to be a background character.
Endoria
I have to join the nay-sayer for once. I think it is enough with Sophia and her attitude. It just feels wrong at this point. Still like the chapter though.
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
As an earthling, she is somehow still quite attached to the meme culture, in a way that is fairly terrifying for anyone that doesn't have the context.
Cameron S. Moore
Sophia has her priorities in the right place, "Assh-Healer could be an evil witch, but GOLD!!!"
M. Gunnarsson
Eh I don't get the hate for Sophia. She's traumatized, people get traumatized when watching other people get themselves cut up by zombies for fun. Hell, I lie awake at night just from watching horror movies. Clearly this isn't even her first major emotional trauma, why would she be able to just shrug it off? Personally I like her, she's a believable character.
agentjongon
I was about to comment the same thing. I get that Ilea is an outlier and the state of the world and everything but damn. If Ilea wanted her dead, she’d be dead and it’s not like Sophia is hiding anything extreme that would be of importance to ilea, based on her thoughts at least. I’ll admit that Ilea in her ashen armour may look terrifying even on this world. thinking about it longer, makes me realize that Sophia might not be overreacting. I guess she’s just cautious and would never imagine a being of Ileas caliber randomly helping without an ulterior motive lol
Zacle
I thought I should make my voice heard in that fact that I actually really like Sophia. she is what I would assume is a more typical adventurer of this world. especially when you think that its a terribly hidden fact that nobles and other powerful humans have done terrible things to get there power. it makes sense that she is cautious.
BeepBoop
Rhaegar, would you think that the covid19 made your civic duty harder or easier? (I don't know what your civic duty is)
Han Pol
aww hoped she would finally get it over with, well maybe she can find a bigger rewarrd in another dungeon. but I think she did enough.
BeepBoop
I wonder how much calories would be needed to spamm f5 for two hours. And how relevant would be the part spent on brainpower compared to the muscle part...
Boutross
First skill 3rd tier lvl 30 incoming ! We'll see soon-ish it that's really the limit for 3rd tier.
LA
Sorry, I know that this group of adventures are here to give a sense of Ilea's power, but this Sophia character is getting on my nerves. Her constant negativ mindset: Ilea is going to kill her/them, she's a demon and what not. Looking forward to the time when I don't need to hear about her(Sophia) anymore!
‘ding’ ‘Avatar of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 21’ Should be 22, since Avatar of Ash already reached 3rd lvl 21 in chapter 450.
Vin Reisling
I mean a random solo healer more powerful than your whole team who can walk through the dungeon appearing out of nowhere? If this was irl you'd be looking for the camera. I can see why you'd expect something major to be going on, not just Ilea's whim/training.
Bunny Waffles
Not sure if I am annoyedbor amused by Sophia and crews reaction. Sophia has some real paranoia rolling for her, though I guess in the world they live it is relatively justifiable. Really though, for a nigh immortal ashen killing machine of a healer, Ilea is a big old delicious food loving sweetheart, no need to be frightened of her so long as you aren't evil and are willing to feed her.
Osprey36
I think it's hilarious that everything Ilea does to try and put them at ease only makes them more terrified of her
Error25
Her misconceptions about Ilea are amusing. Shadowguard could be a good fit for the group tbh if they wanted something more stable
Boutross
Hey Rhaegar, just wanted to say that I'm very pleasantly surprised by your rate of 3 chapters a week. Half of when you were full time even though you're only writing on your free time now, that's impressive, and it's much appreciated. Take care of yourself !
Straven
Chuckles, I honestly wonder if that ice lady just might find herself joining our girls group. Thank you very much for another great read.
Connor Bruha
This came as a surprise. But a welcome one to distract me from homework.
Ryan Frank
Ah poor Sophia - all that caution gets tossed for some shiny shiny gold.
Sean Ulrich
Ilea smiled. “Oho… how daring of you,” she said and leaned forward in her own ashen chair. “What do you want?” “More chapters please!”
L Pedersen
woooooooooooo I had faith and kept spamming f5! Only took me 2 hours to get rewarded!
