Chapter 437: Ancient Mentor (1/2)
“Why murder everyone in a bunch of cities then?”
“Perhaps something was revealed to them that forced their hand. We do however not believe an oracle would want the death of so many humans for a reason disproportionate. It has been long since one of ours has visited them. A chance exists that their control is slipping or merely that many of their young have decided to strike at humanity on a whim of their own.”
Ilea didn’t doubt the Fae knew a lot about the Oracles and elves but she trusted Elfie more on the subject.
“Anything interesting you can tell me about the Azarinth Order? I found one of their temples when I arrived here. The Ascended suggested he hunted down some of the members. I assume many died in the war as well.”
“What interests us and what interests you may differ greatly. None of us who visited them have ever returned, which tells us some things about the order. They were one of the most powerful healing orders at the time, three and a half thousand years ago and up until the war. They were secretive and near religious in their dealings. Much of the human plains would have potentially fallen into their hands if their numbers hadn’t been culled in the war. Great risk is required to attain the class, as you surely know.”
“Hundreds of possible suspects existed back then that would have gladly rid them off this plane. Their teachings and believes led to few of them escaping in the end. Healing orders were disdained long after, forbidden from acquiring political influence. Funding and public opinion of healers was low. Some of the human healing orders that exist today were in their infancy during the war, most did not exist at all. Had you arrived here three thousand years ago, you might have found more animosity upon entering human settlements.”
“Now that is interesting… I’ve been wondering why healers seemed scarce.”
“Many other reasons exist of course. Humans like their individual power, few healer classes providing as much versatility as the Azarinth. Before reaching level two hundred, it would be rare to find a competent healer capable of fighting for themselves. Many need to be forced or paid well to even consider such a class, despite the demand.”
“Weird that none of the librarians I talked to remembered any of that,” Ilea said.
“Victors write history, as is well known. The Azarinth and their accomplishments were stripped from records far and wide. We remember only stories, bits and pieces from the time long past, weaving together bits of evidence to form the tapestry that may come close to truth.”
“What’s so special about my class anyway? I’ve had many people talk about my healing.”
“It is arcane in nature. Closer to true restoration than most healing abilities. Usually such power is not found in humans. Only few of you choose the path of the truly arcane, fewer still able to bend it to their will. The Bluemoon Grass is the pinnacle created from centuries of work, alchemy and magic. It changes the body of a weak and classless human to allow for arcane attuned healing to be used. You are beings of light, sun, water and emotion. Not of control and arcane. Outliers always exist however and you are one of them. Or perhaps you accidentally stumbled into becoming one.”
“You even know about the elixir,” Ilea said and laughed. “Are there some that might help me get a better third class? Do you have any details on that?”
“We strongly suggest you do not chose a class unlocked through an elixir. Though it would be highly unlikely for you to find one as powerful as would be required. Not any class can be chosen as one beyond one’s species usual limitations. Only those truly extraordinary are even an option. We simply thought it possible that you unlock one thanks to the experiences we shared in the Descent. Maneuvering a Trakorov to fight a Sand Elemental while you are amidst it all surely should quality for something extraordinary.”
“I guess it should. But why at level three fifty?” Ilea asked.
“Humans have two classes. You were awarded third tier skill points until now, were you not?”
“You mean I’ll get something else now that all my skills are in the third tier?”
“Precisely. There are ways to find other paths, to break through with achievements otherwise unrelated. Both for third and higher general skills or more classes and even levels but time is usually of essence. You are many things but old is not one of them.”
“True,” she said and smiled. “Does that mean there are forth and fifth tier skills as well? As well as fourth and fifth classes for me somewhere down the road?”
“Perhaps. The magic flowing through your body, mind and soul is part of you. Trust it and nurture it and you shall evolve and grow, as we all do.”
“Great. Well, guess I’ll find out myself. One step at a time.”
The Fae giggled in her mind.
“Thanks for all the information and advice by the way.”
“Of course, human. You have provided us with magnificent stories and knowledge that would have otherwise been lost.”
Ilea nodded.
‘ding’ ‘Space Magic Resistance reaches 2nd lvl 18’
“Two more levels then I’m there. Maybe you can get me a couple levels in the third tier as well,” she said and smiled.
“You are welcome to stay for however long as you wish.”
“But once I leave I can’t return? Would be quite handy to have your knowledge available when I need it.”
“The one of us you met might visit from time to time but it is against our self imposed rules not to share this location with those not of the Fae. We merely invite from time to time. You are the first human in several centuries.”
“And here I thought myself special,” Ilea said with a smile.
The Fae giggled. “We meet many creatures. It is meant as a great honor to converse with you and to share knowledge.”
“Ah, I didn’t take it as less. Just thought I’d be able to see the little guy from time to time.”
“Perhaps there will be a way. We shall allow it should both you and it agree to cooperate. We will leave it to the two of you.”
“I see. So I can talk to him before I go?”
“Of course. This is not a prison. It is tired and requires sustenance only we can provide. Another three hours it should remain with us.”
Ilea nodded.
“Can you tell me about class creation in the meantime? I want to start a healing order and we need a class.”
“Achievements can become requirements met to allow for powerful classes. You know that well already. Humanity as well as many others have found cruel and unforgiving ways to force the emergence of strong classes, both in their young as well as slaves and soldiers. The knowledge you gathered as well as the abundance of healers your order will have should provide good results.”
“But I can’t create something like the Azarinth Healer class?”
“Not without an elixir that would apply changes to the human physiology.”
“Ah, fuck. I thought I could make something cool.”
“Your ashen side however, might be able to be helpful here. Your ability to create and control the element could show and force a connection for those not yet initiated. Usual requirements of risks and near death experiences would prove hurdles in your goal. It is possible of course but certainly a challenge for you. If our assumption is correct that you would refrain from killing or torturing recruits.”
“Hmm… I mean if they don’t know I would kill them, would it still work? Or would the magic know the person wasn’t actually in danger?”
“If your deception is successful, so might be the emergence of a class. Should they know that death is not truly an option, they will not meet the requirements necessary. Should near death be a requirement at all.”
“This is going to be a headache. Ah well, we’ll figure something out that isn’t exactly traumatizing but should come close to all that. Is arcane healing always touch based by the way?”
“No. Of course not. For humans however, it should be. Outliers always exist however but we have not encountered one for this so far.”
“But we can still use destructive healing?”
“Healing usually used by humans is not easy to form into a destructive weapon. With you as a teacher and the Azarinth magic to observe, a chance exists.”
“Alright… I’ll try different stuff then. Wanted to focus on resistances, combat training and medicine anyway. Observing my magic and ash would have come up anyway. Thanks for the advice.”
“Of course, human. We hope that you are aware of the competition between healing orders among the human nations.”
“I know, I know. Do you really think any of them could stop me?”
“Potentially. You personally, certainly difficult. Your order however is not established yet. We suggest backing, moderate secrecy and political allies.”
“I should have most of that. Secrecy isn’t exactly my strong suit. Speaking of which… would you mind if I told people of this meeting? The Fae and all?”
“Your knowledge is yours. We cannot and will not influence what you share and what you do not. We share with you what we think appropriate.”
Ilea nodded. “Don’t really see a reason to share anything about you guys anyway. Maybe I could even find some more of you that were captured.”