Chapter 617: Slice and Dice (1/2)

Chapter 617 Slice and Dice

Ilea burst out of the ocean before she landed on the shore, rolling onto her back as the mists swirled around her. She coughed up water, her ashen limbs lashing out to slice open her chest, a splatter of blood and water landing on the ground before the wound closed again.

She controlled her breathing as she finally tasted air again, taking deep breaths before she coughed once more. The fight had been messy, her lungs filling with water because she couldn’t keep her armor sealed at all times.

A few miststalkers started to dance closer, their tendrils of magic draining health and mana from the prone figure who had flopped onto the shore.

Aw man, she thought, welcoming the familiar feeling of the creatures’ drain magic. She sat up when the first mist blades dug into her armor, unable to pierce or pass through her. Her ash lashed out, cutting through the creatures until they vanished, likely to reform at some other point on the isles.

Ilea hugged her knees, shivering as she let the heat within her chest dry her body, white flames erupting on her to help deal with the water. She wasn’t cold of course, it would take an Ice Elemental to let her feel that.

Two levels, she thought, focusing on the numbers in her status. More than effective for what? An hour’s work, two? She didn’t know exactly how long she had been down there.

Before she could think of the darkness again, she slapped her own cheeks, a few of her teeth flying through her mouth before they reformed. She spit them out and stood up, cracking her neck as she stretched. “FUCK YOU!” she shouted and threw a few burning ashen spears into the ocean.

Ilea started walking along the coastline, flying onto some of the large boulders as she kept her gaze on the waters. Stars shined above, storms raging in the distance, normal ones at least. Her theory had proven true. She was pretty sure she wouldn’t have gained as many levels if she had fought the same Bluetail out in the open. And she had gained several levels in Fear Resistance, one of the few resistances she couldn’t level easily.

A few minutes passed, two of Keyla’s meals stress eaten, Ilea prepared to jump in once more.

Unending depths.

I’ve faced the Daughters of Sephilon, Taleen Praetorians, the Demons of the Great Salt. I won’t show you my fear.

_____________________

Kyrian had filled his plate again, sitting down at one of the empty tables before digging in once more. He absolutely loved it. In fact, he didn’t remember if he had ever eaten something this good. And I thought I was good at cooking? Laughable.

He had attended two of the Classes, surprised the Sentinels had Classes in the middle of the night, but then again so did the Shadow’s Hand. Most of the students weren’t above level two hundred, but with what he saw of them, he knew they wouldn’t take long. Many of them at least.

Kyrian hadn’t asked Trian many questions, though he certainly was interested. He just didn’t want to bother the man too much. Already he had offered so much.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” one of the Sentinels asked. The man had dark skin and short brown hair.

Most of the Sentinels Kyrian had seen were walking around in Leather armor, likely made for training. Some just wore simple clothes in various styles and colors. This man however wore armor similar to the set he had seen on the first squad that walked past him and Trian back when they arrived.

A well fitting design, mixing steel and bone to create a fierce looking armor. It had small horns similar to Ilea’s ashen defense.

Kyrian had stopped eating, his gaze on the helmet next to the healer.

[Battle Healer – lvl 128]

The man sat down, tapping the helmet he had set on the table with a smile. “Sentinel Armor, first generation. Does as wonderful job at keeping you alive.”

Kyrian looked at the thing before he felt at the steel in the man’s armor. “Lots of repairs.”

He laughed. “Of course. It’s not quite as good as ash. I’ve not met you here before, I’m Luke.”

“Kyrian,” he answered, continuing to eat as he looked at the helmet again.

“Looks fierce, doesn’t it? I love the design,” Luke said as he leaned forward a little. “Almost makes me feel like I’m Lilith.” He smiled and started eating as well.

“It does look like her,” Kyrian said right before two more healers joined them.

Both were wearing armor too. The man showed scarred tissue on his neck, likely caused by fire. He gave Kyrian a vary look before he spoke. “Do you mind if we join you?”

Kyrian gestured them to join, continuing to eat as he looked at the group.

The third one was a woman with short blond hair and a smirk that instantly reminded him of Ilea. “You’re the new mystery guy. Are you even a Sentinel?” she asked, sitting down and starting to eat. The amount of food on her plate reminded of Ilea as well.

“I’m not a Sentinel,” Kyrian answered, continuing to eat as he locked eyes with the woman. Neither of them looked away as they ate, like wild beasts protecting their catch while eyeing the competition.

“I’m Nathan, nice to meet you. What brings you here if I may ask? I saw you took part in the beginner alchemy class,” the other man said.

Kyrian glanced at him. “I’m Kyrian. I… know Trian.”

“What kind of shit answer is that? I know him too,” the woman said. “I’m Celeste.”

Nathan glared at her. “Don’t start a fight again.”

“I won’t fight her,” Kyrian said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Celeste asked. “Think you’re so much stronger?”

Nathan tried to intervene again but Kyrian didn’t mind. He knew the way she looked at him very well. She wasn’t offended, nor did she question his ability. She hoped he was stronger, hoped to get a challenge.

“I do,” Kyrian answered and continued eating. “But I’m sure you have enough people to train with. And you’re wearing your armor, so I’d think you’re about to leave?”

“Can’t share Sentinel secrets with an outsider,” Celeste said before biting into a steak.

“Training mission,” Nathan supplied. “How do you know Trian? I’m curious.”

Kyrian wasn’t sure what he should share with these people. As if he was some senior considering what to tell the group of teenagers who played near his home. Funnily enough, he was pretty sure they were about his age. Maybe a little younger.

“We were in the same team once,” he said. Technically they still were but none of them actually did work for the Shadows anymore. Not directly at least.

Celeste glared at him now. “Wait… Holy shit… you know Lilith? Like… know?”

Kyrian ate another piece of steak, looking at her again as he nodded once.

“Who… what?” Luke asked.

Celeste hushed him before she spoke in a whisper. “They were Shadows. Lilith, Trian, and a few others apparently. I just heard rumors about them but if…,” she said and turned back to Kyrian. “I… I’m sorry.”

Kyrian chuckled. “Now you’re sorry? I don’t mind. Ask away if you’re interested. But I won’t share anything personal.”