RhaegarRRL
patreon
Chapter 298 Fear and Void
🕑 Added 2019-09-10 07:49:34 +0000 UTCAuthor's note September 21st: Hey all, new chapters up :). I hope you're having a good weekend.
Let me know what you think! More hopefully coming on Tuesday.
Author's note September 10th: Hey all, new chapters up. Need to go. More hopefully on Thursday!
Thanks and a good day to you :).
Chapter 298 Fear and Void
Laughter rolled over the square, Well for one thing. Terok said, the steel in his arm reforming to create a razor sharp blade that started at his fist and ended near his shoulder. Appearing before her, he smashed the blade at Ileas torso, the blow cutting into her Veil and breaking through with a bit of a push before it scratched against her armor. He teleported back again, Not good for piercing steel.
Ilea gave him a minute, Well lets just say I could drain Health from you if I could pierce.
Good. Can you do it with projectiles too?
He shook his head, No might be the second tier though. I replaced one of my skills to get this one.
She nodded, We can work on it later. Might be difficult to drain against my second tier resistance.
Thanks. Wait second tier resistance? Ah thats where you sneaked off to every night. And here I thought you had a gambling problem.
She furrowed her brows, Gambling problem? What?
Hey I aint judging. Just thought, you giving away stuff for free you must have plenty of gold lying around. One of my theories on how you got it. He said and chuckled.
Found most of it in a dungeon. Do you have anything else? I would hope you got more from your evolutions.
Well the transformation of my arm is one thing. Still working out the details but my armor has gotten more well flexible might be the closest word I can use to describe it. Plus my mana sight has improved, Im pretty sure I can enchant your stuff with a higher level too now. No teleporting now, just fists. Youll see about the rest.
She smiled and faced him, the dwarf rushing at her with quite impressive speed, his hands changing into fists as big as her head before they smashed into her Veil. The force was distributed well, making him unable to penetrate but she could tell he had gotten stronger by quite a bit, even with her own improved levels. On par with perhaps even Seviir, strength alone. If she assume he had used all he had against her neck earlier and she didnt think highly enough of him to suspect the elf had held back.
Again his arms changed, this time back into blades before he slashed into her, the steel clashing against her own, leaving scratches wherever they struck. Youre too durable damn woman. Attack me instead. Frontal. He said and jumped back a couple meters. Ilea gave him a second before she advanced, her fist delivering a powerful blow towards his chest. Shields suddenly formed on his arms, the two melting into each other before her blow landed on the metal, a dull sound echoing as the energy flowed through both him and her.
A tank now too? She said, her arm moving back again. This time she used all she had. Her fist landed, Terok skidding back a meter. The dent in his shield evened out quickly.
He laughed and released the spell, You pack one hell of a punch. I guess if I can block you then I might as well participate more as a melee fighter. Use the projectiles to get them from behind or when theyre stuck on my shield. The dwarf mused.
Its an idea. Glad you got your evolutions Terok. Youll be at least a little useful to have a around. Ilea commented.
Dont you dare thinking about ditching me woman! He said and chuckled, both of them aware that she hadnt been a part of his team for the past months at all. It was nice to have someone in the north at least somewhat knowledgeable about enchantments and traps but she couldnt think of teaming up with him full time.
I prefer to work alone. Ilea said simply.
And yet here you are. Terok replied. Dont hit me. He held up a finger.
Ilea smiled, Well its the place to be. I killed one of the undead earlier.
We did too. Terok gestured to the corpses.
The ones in the lower zones, not connected to Maro. Three question marks. Level five hundred.
Oh well Im sure youll show me your own evolutions soon then. Now go and get to it woman, I have some elves and their power to exploit. She could practically feel his grin as he started floating, on his way towards where the others had left.
Ilea sighed, her wings spreading as she prepared to take on her next undead. This time perhaps without losing her head.
Four days had passed while Ilea focused on finding and fighting the undead rose knights scattered in the lower parts of the city. Marking them with colors turned out to be helpful but also showed how few of them were actually there. It made them even scarier, knowing the distance in which they noticed battle. Of course the extraordinary violence and collateral damage facing them caused didnt make it that crazy but the normal knights rarely even showed up when a fight was happening a couple streets over.
Forcing herself to abide by the self imposed rule to face one and only one undead at a time, Ilea slowly whittled them down. The damage on their armor as well as lack of connection to Maro made the approach possible. Still, Terok had informed her that if she waited too long, they might recover health as well. Just like any monster or human would. Simply at a rather slow pace. She hadnt asked the king about the specifics of undead health or unhealth regeneration but so far it worked.
Another one down. It was the fifth one so far. She smiled brightly, breathing hard as her wounds closed, bones resetting while she waited and listened to the surroundings. It had been a short battle. The undead was marked on her back, meaning she had faced the same one the day before. Twice even. Not much had been needed to finish the job. Still, it had brought her health down by a third and broke most of her rib cage with the handle of her sword. Fucking ridiculous.
ding You have defeated [Undead Rose Knight lvl 520] For defeating an enemy two hundred and twenty or more levels above your own, bonus experience is granted
Highest one so far. Ilea mused, her health closing in on her max again. She quickly checked through the messages from the past days, the new ones added at the bottom.
ding Azarinth First Hunter has reached lvl 292 Five Stat points awarded
ding Azarinth First Hunter has reached lvl 293 Five Stat points awarded
ding Azarinth First Hunter has reached lvl 294 Five Stat points awarded
ding Inheritor of Eternal Ash has reached lvl 291 Five Stat points awarded
ding Inheritor of Eternal Ash has reached lvl 292 Five Stat points awarded
ding Inheritor of Eternal Ash has reached lvl 293 Five Stat points awarded
ding Destruction reaches 3rd lvl 9
ding Azarinth Fighting reaches 3rd lvl 4
ding Veil of Ash reaches 3rd lvl 10
ding Ashen Warrior reaches 3rd lvl 3
Back to levels getting more attention than skills again. Well I wont complain. Both is helpful.
Fourteen stat points she had put into Vitality, bringing her health to 6500. The other sixteen went into Wisdom, giving a round number of 666. There was an argument to be made to keep it there but Ilea would push both of the stats higher before even hitting three hundred. She saw the difference her Strength brought, each hit crashing into her enemies with a devastating force. Dexterity changed her ability to dodge, use openings to her advantage and to simply have her body keep up with her perception. Intelligence boosted the damage from her spells, all three of these stats letting her win against her enemies in the first place.
Vitality and Wisdom on the other hand, they let her survive. Let her get decapitated without her health reaching zero, let her recover the lost head without taking her out of the fight. Arguments could be made for her investments but the experience was fresh on her mind. It felt right.
A sudden appearance in her sphere made her turn her head, eyes going wide as she breathed out slowly. Checking her resources, she found her health full, mana sitting at two thirds, stamina damn near full already. A drop of sweat rolled down her neck as she looked towards the other side of the street. Both the house she was in as well as the one she was looking at were mostly destroyed, piles of rubble as well as an unmoving knight the only things around.
[Soul Ripper - ???]
It didnt move, simply looking her way. No eyes adorned its head, no mouth to talk or screech. The beast looked the same as the last one she had seen. Elongated legs and arms, it stood on all fours. The thin frontal two limbs had hands with elongated fingers and claws at the end, its body just as slim.
ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 7
Way to go, didnt realize I was shitting my pants. Ilea didnt move a muscle and neither did the beast. The tentacles in its flower like head started writhing a moment later, barely visible in the dim light provided by her buffs. Ilea blinked her eyes. It moved.
Soundless the monster lunged, with a speed surpassing even the undead knights. Perhaps it might have caught her, had it not been for Ileas sphere. She blinked up and behind the monster, her fist and ashen limbs smashing into its spine. A chunk of mana left her, its destructive force coursing through the monster. It didnt turn towards her when she landed, neither showed any injury or notice of her attack. Ilea watched as it lowered its head, right above the undead rose knight. A surge of mana nearly made her stumble, a force dragging her towards the beast for a mere split second.
The undeads head was gone. With it a little of the floor. As well as the very air that had been near the monsters magic. She had seen it before, Ilea realized. Void. The same as Maria, the mage traveling with Edwin. This was more raw, dimensions from the woman who had used the magic against Ileas body.
What the hell are you? She said in a quiet voice, the beast turning quickly towards the noise. Its hand lashed out, nearly grabbing her before she blinked away. The beast held its hand towards its head before it realized nothing was there. Not the brightest are you?
She had no way to tell if there was anything beyond instinct. It fed on the undead or removed its head for some reason. Maria never mentioned if the voids she created put the removed tissue and blood anywhere. Never thought about that. Something dragged me towards it though. Gravity? Or space filling up rapidly? Ilea knew as much as not to get into its claws. That much was simple to deduce and enough for her.
Ashen limbs lashed out, closing in on the creature as it rushed her again. Ilea only managed to blink away because her limbs hadnt reached the beast yet, otherwise it would have gotten her. I dont really feel like finding out what happens if you get me. But I wont fuck off without at least trying to kill you. She said, defiantly. I refuse to be afraid of this thing.
ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 8
Fucking damn it. A grin was on her face when the beast jumped at her again. This time she had waited patiently, blinking and delivering the same blow as before. Her third tier Azarinth Fighting didnt offer her an insight towards the damage she would sustain, Ilea assuming the beast would simply grab her. The real attack would follow afterwards.
The monsters bone was as hard as anything Ilea had met, most of the energy going right back through her arm as she disengaged, at least the physical force of it. I dont think Im doing anything here. She watched the beast turn and jump. Not at her but over the buildings behind her and off, out of her sphere. Left in the darkness, she didnt hear it land, didnt hear a or see a single thing with neither eyes nor sphere. Did I injure it? Maybe it just got bored or frustrated. A shiver went down her back. Stop it body. Get a fucking grip Ilea.
At least her Fear Resistance didnt level again. First time she was happy about a skill not getting higher. Not going to chase it. Her reasons were her own. I need a break. Again.
The undeads head just vanished. Ilea said, shoveling half her portion of fried potatoes into her mouth.
According to your description. How did I do? Elfie asked, showing her the sketch he had drawn into a fancy book of his. Any idea what kind of magic it uses?
The resemblance was eerie, Ilea just holding up a thumb while she struggled not to suffocate. She coughed and struggled, swallowing twice before she spoke, Void I think. No idea why its called Soul Ripper. Maybe theres something else there Im not seeing. Terok you might be helpful with your mana sight.
Holding up both hands, the dwarf chuckled awkwardly, Only if you drag me down there Ilea. Id rather pass. Already nearly died against the crazy knights there, I dont need more nightmares to keep me awake.
Fair enough.
Id like to see it. Heranuur said, fire dancing around his arms.
No. Ilea simply said. Ill go down again soon, shouldnt be more than another ten or twenty of them until I get there.
Elfie chuckled, I had thought you needed years, decades even. His eyes turned hard as he looked towards Heranuur and Neiphato, Dont even think about it. Not before you can heal as fast as she can. Goldie was working on his bone magic at the other end of the cathedral but Ilea was sure he simply didnt want to join dinner at their fire place.
You could do the same. Just go in there and fight. Or use your magic against the miststalkers at night. Ilea suggested.
Elfie shook his head, My advice to them is true for myself. Curses can heal me, yes but compared to the health drain or danger posed by most of the creatures roaming these lands, the risks far outweigh the rewards.
I mean she gets shredded to near death daily. Terok said, pointing at Ilea with his mug.
How would you know? She asked.
Seeing far and flying high. Might want to think about getting binoculars lassie.
She chuckled, Well I might think about it next time I go to Hallowfort. Looking at Elfie, she noted his silver eyes on her, Speaking of which. Did you get your talk with the queen?
His eyes closed and a small sigh left him before he spoke, I did. As did I talk to the fox.
Found what you were looking for? Ilea asked.
A human and a dark one. Both showed extensive knowledge yet ultimately nothing of the like I had been hoping for.
Ilea sighed, Sucks. Well Im sure youll find something in the next thousand years or two. A smile, Terok laughed. To her surprise the elf grinned too.
If that is what it takes. He said. Perhaps the king will have something else to offer too.
What exactly are you looking for anyway? Terok asked but the elf shook his head. You lot and your constant secrets. Youre in the north nobody cares around here. Your people arent here, mine or hers are neither. He added, pointing at himself and Ilea in turn. Still the elf didnt speak.
Aaaah youre a boring old twat. The dwarf added, Neiphato snickering at the comment.
Ilea took a sip of ale from her mug, Thought you wanted to avoid his curses.
I can see them coming a mile away now lassie. Dont have to be able to kill the elf to survive the battle. He said and pointed to his own head.
Youre still constantly inside your machine. She noted. The only time she had glimpsed his real body was when he took the food inside earlier. Perhaps Elfie really was that harsh of a teacher, not even dinner being excluded from possible training. Noting her own sphere and auras constantly active, Ilea couldnt fault them. In a world where monsters lured around every corner, especially the north.
Still want to talk to the king? She asked, finishing her meal.
Of course. Most human kings would have me hunt down before I even set foot into their cities.
Terok chuckled, You overestimate their security. Ilea raised her eyebrows but he just shrugged.
Would actually be interesting to see. If he could enter Ravenhall undetected. I dont know if he will be help where Elana couldnt. She was the true ruler after all. Ilea said.
As much I have been told. Though I try not to judge someone by the opinion of another. The elf replied.
Heranuur grinned, drinking from his mug, a red liquid sloshing inside. Blood of an animal or monster mixed with water or wine. Commonplace among elves Ilea had learned, You really are a lunatic. Elfie looked at the ground but didnt say anything.
Great mood guys. So. Any tips before I go in and level the last stretch?
Comments
Seb
Agreed. At work just hitting f5 every 5 mins
j0ntsa
Third keyboard F5'ed to oblivion..
Robert Mullins
Time for the big 300, both chapter and level wise.
ArturScott
F5 mode activated
Chopper
Finally caught back up after being distracted for over a month. I love this story! So much going on now, so many possibilities of what she will do, or what will happen to her next. The war that's brewing, the potential of her impending class evolution, the possibilities of what her new friends and allies might drag her into, the rumors about the crazy things she might have to do to attain a third class. I love it!
Baka
More chapters today!?! F5 F5
Jonathan Walker
HHaha that is so true lol
Matthew Robinson
Great chap G. I appreciate all the time you put into this story and that you listen to our feedback. Pacing has been great lately. Getting some real action happening. Can't wait for Thursday!
Zachary Smith
So excited!
Jonathan
Ilea after the Undead Knight takes her head: https://youtu.be/1FkVXCCfg2A?t=55
Jonathan Walker
I kind of do lol
Russell Todd
Who cares?
Jonathan Walker
By the way does anyone know if the author is a dude or a woman? Because I honestly don't know and kind of feel like an idiot for not know at this stage. Lol
Alexander Dupree
Might just be whatever is the largest part of her left.
Matthias
y'know, the fact that she could regen her head onto her body while her perception was still partially in her head has some very interesting implications. could she not, in theory, regen the rest of her body from any severed piece of herself? or does this "splitting of awareness" and subsequent choice of where to regenerate only happen when choice parts of her body are seperated from one another? if so, is it the brain and heart as the most vital body parts? in that case, she could take out her heart and grow the rest of herself from there. except that I'm sure that her heart has been completely destroyed before, without her being largely affected by it. anyone else have thoughts on this?
Corwin Amber
thanks for the chapters
Alexander Dupree
Lost her head a time or two...
Tommy Littlefield
Wouldn’t be surprised if here sphere upgraded to let her consciousness spread to here sphere so when she suffers head and brain wounds she can still think normally on the class evolution or if that’s part of its third tier
opunk
The Hype is real. I think the pacing has been good, I like that she found an enemy that she can exploit to get the final stretch knocked out. I also like that there is only a limited number of undead that she can take advantage of, so its not over exploited for leveling.
Jonathan Walker
You right, it does need a whole chapter dedicated to it for sure chapter 300 for level 300
Arkeus
So, thoughts on 'special unlock reqs' she might hit in her classes: - Has brushed death 1000 times in the past week. - got to level 300 before 25 years old. - Has regenerated/replaced every single part of her body. - Has lived a year in uncharted territories that is above human peak levels and fighting alone. - Has killed over 10 000 level 300 enemies alone. - Made rulers of a foreign empire submit to her, as well as people from 3 different races.
my guess she will hit 300 at chapter 300 :P
J H
So I guess this might be it and she'll hit 300 in her next dive, unless there aren't enough undead knights to get her there or the ripper starts showing up during her fights. I was kind of hoping she'd level a few resistances a little more first but I'm sure she will be fine without it. I'm also really glad her two classes are nearly caught up with each other, so it looks like both will hit 300 together. The jump in her power is going to be huge, I can't wait to see her wreck all these monsters she was stuck on before. Blue reaper nest, king's guard, drop saurians, mist stalkers. I don't think she will be able to match the soul rippers yet, but we'll see. Can't wait, the hype is real!
Jonathan Timm
Haha class evolutions at 350
Alexander Dupree
Silence! Ignore this fool!
Cyryl Chołodowski
I don't think many reached 300 through as harsh conditions as she did (not to mention killing multiple 500s before reaching 300... actually considering it's them she is using for the last stretch it should unlock a bonus short term evolution condition, much like she had some for the 200s), while when she reached 200 she lacked experience and there were still people with classes of about equal rarity, with often better understanding of the how and why... she should be a cut above the rest now.
Jonathan Timm
Haha make nothing happen at level 300
Neric
I think the pacing of the story is good.
Yaksher
I wanna see Ilea go back South once she hits 300. "...didn't realize I was shitting my pants." -Just Ilea Things.
Benjamin
Yeh pacing has been great. Her getting to 300 has been like watching someone get a power and then slowly mature and master it on a journey. Let alone the journey we'll have seeing her get to the milestone 100s after this. This stories got potential for much longer.
A good way to do it might be to have the final kill at the end of 299, with all the level up messages and class choices/consequences in 300 - feels like it's worth dedicating a full chapter to it, since we've been anticipating it for so long and the impact of the choices she makes will be so large going forward.
Arkeus
It's cool that Inheritor of Ash is catching up level wise. I would have thought it would much earlier, but I guess she used Azarinth style combat much more so it got more EXP. It also means she can't exactly get the strength boost from one class evolution to help her get acievements for the other class, but that's OK.
Morog T Tiny
I think the pacing has been good. She has to fight harder and harder to get stronger and this makes her a far tougher opponent than her level indicates.
Severin Hans
But it hasn't felt like that though (to me at least) which means bonus style points :)
Level 300 at chapter 300 ??
Jonathan Walker
Yeah I agree just do it at 299 so we can read all the stats and the evolution change and all that cool shit. Please by god please make her lvl 300 on both classes next chapter release, this is soooooooooooooooo annoying at this point
Gardor
If you are going to have her reach 300 at chapter 300 I don't know how I'll feel. On the one hand, serious style points, on the other that means you've been dragging it out.
