29 Back to Where it All Began (1/2)
Charles looked expectantly at Liandra, the Elf who had joined in on the hunt, sitting across from him. He had saved her life 50 odd years ago, and against his morals, he had finally called in a favor from her; to tell him what she sensed about the Lord Magus and his group.
He had just finished guarding Tom's team for every Yeti they carried back. He could tell from their mood this wasn't something they previously agreed on. But rather than the Lord Magus punishing them for however they had offended him, this was a far more satisfying conclusion.
Unbeknownst to him, Liandra was beyond nervous. She absolutely didn't want to say a word and could only hope what she planned to tell him would be enough. Her family was from a long line of Elves that specialized in sensory skills and magic. She had left her home decades ago, but not before learning her family's secrets.
”So what level would you estimate the mage to be in?”
”It's...hard to say. His mana puts him at level 11 or 12, but clearly his ability approaches if not reaches a second class mage given the casual nature of his actions.”
Charles had asked this favor because of the Yeti attack being coordinated. It made the Lord Magus' sudden appearance far too suspicious. He wanted to know everything he could about the Lord Magus.
”Is there any way he is hiding his capacity from you?”
”I do not know of a method to only hide part of a mana pool and still use that mana.”
Not that he was using it anyways… She thought. Already telling Charles this much was only because of him saving her life in the past. She in no way wanted to get on the wrong side of whatever existence this Lord Magus was.
Having an ancient undead and a demon, who appeared otherwise, as guards was already more than enough to cause worry. Add in his odd energy that lets him cast magic, and you have a bigger problem.
But a fairy who had been changed by this existence's strange mana, something only a few in the whole world can do, makes the problem, a calamity. A calamity Liandra had no interest in having anything to do with.
”Then how could this mage be so powerful? And he has a spatial ring so there is no way he can be simple!”
A spatial ring, a spatial ring..and here I am giving information about him away, have I lost interest in life?
Though compared to what she initially knew Liandra wasn't able to panic any more than she already was.
”It's possible his magic talent was high enough that his lack of mana talent was overlooked. Though I've never seen such a case.” She responded fully playing into him just being the son of some High Ranked mage. Something she didn't believe, rather she didn't believe he was human in the first place.
Charles sat in thought for a moment before speaking again.
”Is there anything else of note?”
”Absolutely not,” Liandra answered hastily before she realized how suspicious she looked.
Charles was not oblivious to this.
Sighing, she spoke before getting up to leave,”Look, Charles, he doesn't seem to have any malicious intentions, or you and this city would already be gone. Just let this go and take his word for whatever he claims. I doubt he has anything to do with the attack.”
”Liandra if you…” But the fear visible on her face stopped his question, and she continued leaving the room.
”I was never here.” She said before making her exit.
Walking out of the mansion her face froze as she saw the Lord Magus making his way towards her. He paid her little mind besides looking at her ears for a bit too long much to Liandra's confusion. But either way, she hurried past him and decided she'd leave this town as fast as possible.
”Are elves that interesting to you?” Kara asked not because she was bothered by his glance, but whether or not he liked herself, even just partially, for such a reason.
Rainer caught on quite quickly. He was more surprised she didn't have this problem until recently given he explained to her that there were only humans where he used to live.
”Of course your ears and tail are a plus. Just as my increasing charisma and magic abilities seem to be a plus for you as well. As well as certain, skills. But if my only interest were in sleeping with a new and different race I'd pay for it. So don't make such a face.”
”Oh? You'd go pay for it, you say.” Kara said staring at him, though the tension in her body had lessened.
”Ah, no, I mean it was hypothetical, only hypothetical.” But seeing the smile on Kara's face he figured out she was only playing with him.
They were not even questioned as they walked straight into the mansion. Rainer guessed that even if the Baron ordered it the guards might be too afraid to block his path. Especially given the fact such a Baron had previously unleashed his son unto them loyalty likely wasn't very high.
A guard went to notify the Baron as they waited in the foyer. Charles had already retaken his position in an official capacity, but it wasn't as if he didn't have attendants to handle much of the work.
In just a moment the Baron had already arrived to face the group. Sweat was slightly visible on his brows as he recalled how oddly frightened Liandra was.
”Charles.”
”Greetings Lord Magus.” He said bowing,”The money for the Yeti Hunt should be sent once we affirm the value of all the Yeti killed. I shall make sure it arrives timely.”
”So Charles,” Rainer said and then paused causing the Baron to panic a little thinking his conversation with Liandra was found out. Just before he confessed and apologized, Rainer spoke once more.
”We require two of your fastest mounts for borrow. One should be able to hold two people.”
Relieved, Charles responded.
”I have two Nightmares I personally raised with my Aura in the stables. Feel free to use them at your pleasure.” Though, he genuinely hoped he would see them again. They were quite dear to him.
”Good, have a servant bring them to my dwellings now. And I need you to arrange jobs, food, and housing for a few dozen refugees, most likely male,” Rainer said recalling the people he saw in the mine. He didn't even bother explaining and stood to leave. He couldn't think of an explanation that would fit his character, so he just let the Baron figure it out.
And that, the Baron did not. It wasn't even on his mind as he thought what he could do with all these people. Hoping he had enough room to hire them as militia or servants.
Rainer's party left the Baron's mansion and returned to their own before a question that had been nagging Rainer since he fought the Yeti came up.
”How do monsters level?”
Gunthar gave him an incredulous look as if he was the stupidest person in the world until he remembered he wasn't from this world. And as a skeleton, such a look was of course not noticed.
Kara was first to answer.
”The same way as us, but with the exception that they naturally gain experience from absorbing the World's energy. It is a long and slow process, but monsters live quite long. They may not have Aura, but they are still capable of absorbing it. It is not uncommon to raise your own monsters through giving them additional Aura as the Baron mentioned, assuming in the rare case you have Aura,” She said before stopping for a moment and asking Rainer a question, ”How do monsters get stronger in your world?”
”There isn't any…”
A culture shock once more flowed through the group as Gunthar and Kara contemplated how different Rainer's world truly was.
It wasn't long until a servant not only delivered two [Adult Nightmare]s, but also the money for the Yeti Hunt. Due to some crushed bones and damage, each Yeti averaged to 30 High Silver each, 45 as their total participation fee, and 50 for the Horned Yeti. Tom's group rejected their 1% bonus.
[Mammalia, Female, Adult Nightmare lvl 9]
[Mammalia, Male, Adult Nightmare lvl 9]
They were entirely black horses with red hair reminiscent of fire. The servant handed over two strange tokens that both Nightmares seemed to react to, becoming docile before Rainer's party. It was a simple round coin with the Baron's seal on it, simple, except for the faint traces of Aura.
”What's this?” Rainer asked holding the coin up to Gunthar.
”An Aura inscription. The Baron is more skilled than I gave him credit for. They can do various tasks, nothing compared to enchantments. There is little reason for you to learn to use them, Sorcerer. This one is quite basic, merely holding a trace of the Baron's presence of which the Nightmares are trained to respond to. It will only last for a month.”
Before they left the town, Rainer bought additional food to put in his spatial ring for the slaves' return journey.
The party rode fast on their two mounts. The nightmares were truly the peak of horses. For hours they neither slowed nor tired as they continued forward. Rainer sat behind Kara intending to fall asleep while they rode through the night.
But before then he needed to confirm his thoughts on his Aura.
”Gunthar,” Rainer called out during a small break where their Nightmares only walked.
”Yes, Sorcerer?”
”You said there are different kinds of Aura. Are there types of Aura where enhancement isn't such a straightforward thing?”
”I will disregard that you consider any part of learning Aura as straightforward, as I cannot even acknowledge such a thing, to tell you that yes there are few cases of unique aura serving a different purpose than is common.”
”Have you been struggling with Enhancement?” Gunthar then asked with a bit of glee in his voice hoping he'd finally get a chance to teach him properly.
”Rather than struggling, I don't think my Aura works in the same way. In any case [Arcane Rage] is already a superior skill to any form of Aura enhancement. What I need to know is what happens if you use Aura enhancement on your eyes.”
”I would not train such a thing so simply outside of your [Sleep Learning], but with proper usage, it increases your eyesight.”
”Good, last thing, can you overextend your Aura Detection and get a backlash?”
”No…” Gunthar responded confused, but before he could say otherwise, Luna had already finished casting a sleeping spell on Rainer.
Given Rainer's headaches whenever he tried to detect too strongly he started to have another thought. That perhaps he was subconsciously trying to do something he was not yet capable of doing. His [Arcane Rage] has in the past activated without his conscious action so he could only assume that perhaps this was the case here as well.
And so he entered [Sleep Learning] aware of his actions.
While Rainer had an idea for how to gain and use [Arcane Aura Enhancement], he would then switch himself off and try and gain the last 7 skill points to level [Faraan Runic Language].
He activated [Aura Detection] while staring at his own cladded hand. He tried to use his Aura to enhance his eyes as he focused [Aura Detection] to its limit. Once more he was met with a headache and a failed attempt at Enhancement. But he suffered through, increasing the Aura he used before finally, he saw beyond what he had ever seen.
Upon awakening from Kara's gentle prodding and seeing his messages, Rainer noted that after a day and a night of riding they had reached the tunnel.
[Skill Gained: Arcane Aura Enhancement lvl 1/10]
[Arcane-Fire Bolt Armament has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]
[Arcane-Light Bolt Armament has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 2 spell: Rewarding 2 skill points.]
[Spear of Arcane-Fire has reached level 10]
[Reached the maximum proficiency of a Tier 3 spell: Rewarding 3 skill points.]
He found out he could level the Armament spells at the same time as another spell, leaving him with plenty of time to level [Spear of Arcane-Fire].
He looked excitedly at his skills as he prepared to level [Faraan Runic Language].
[General Skills: Magic Detection lvl 1/10, Mana Detection lvl 1/10, Aura Detection lvl 1/10, Crisis Perception lvl 1/10]
[Physical Skills: Long Jumping lvl 2/10, Sprinting lvl 1/10, Bare-Fist Fighting lvl 1/10, Weightless Blade Mastery lvl 2/10, General Blade Mastery lvl 2/10, Spear Throwing lvl 1/10, General Throwing lvl 1/10, Kissing Technique lvl 1/10, Dextral Pleasuring Technique lvl 1/10, Copulation Technique lvl 1/10, Dancing lvl 3/10, Pitch Control lvl 1/10, Humming lvl 1/10]
[Information Skills: Appraisal lvl 2/10, Human Anatomy lvl 7/10, Goblin Anatomy lvl 1/10, Fae Anatomy lvl 4/10, Demon Anatomy lvl 6/10, Muknar Language 3/10, Fae Language lvl 1/10]
[Magic Skills: Sleep Learning lvl 9/10, Faaran Runic Language lvl 3/10, Arcane Rage lvl 7/10, Arcane Weaving lvl 4/10, Arcane Sound Infusion lvl 1/10, Mana Manipulation lvl 2/10, Arcane Energy Manipulation lvl 6/10, Fire Manipulation lvl 3/10, Spatial Manipulation lvl 4/10, Light Manipulation lvl 1/10, Arcane-Light Manipulation lvl 3/10, Arcane-Fire Manipulation lvl 2/10]
[Aura Skills: General Aura Meditation lvl 1/10, General Aura Manipulation lvl 2/10, Arcane Aura Cladding lvl 1/10, Arcane Aura Enhancement lvl 1/10]
[Toggled On Skills: Pain Resistance lvl 1/10, Physical Resistance lvl 1/10, Burn Resistance lvl 1/10, Fire Resistance lvl 1/10, Cold Resistance lvl 1/10, Frost Resistance lvl 1/10, Mental Resistance lvl 1/10, Sound Resistance lvl 1/10, Death Resistance lvl 1/10, Arcane Resistance lvl 1/10, Miasma Resistance lvl 1/10]
[Toggled Off Skills: None]
[Faaran Runic Language has reached level 4]
And so 30 skill points were lost, and the world went dark as Rainer fell from his mount.
Kara reacted and caught Rainer long before he hit the ground and readjusted him. The whites of his eyes displayed themselves as they rolled back into his head.
He awoke a few minutes later as if no time had passed for him. Kara and Luna stared at him worriedly.
”What?” He asked confused.
”What do you mean, what?! Your eyes rolled up into your head, and you started shaking.” Kara yelled at the oblivious Rainer before calming down.
”Luna used her fire, but Luna could tell it wasn't doing anything.” The Fairy spoke right after.
”I guess I took it a bit too lightly given what I was learning.”
”What do you mean?” Kara asked.
”I used skill points to level up [Faaran Runic Language] and then...”
”You what, Sorcerer!” Gunthar yelled out from the side.
”As I said I leveled [Faaran Runic Language] from level 3 to level 4,” Rainer said as if asking what the problem was.
”But...that's 30 skill points! How is that possible when you've learned 3 of your class skills.”
”I get skill points every time I raise a spell to level 10, which is easy enough with [Sleep Learning].”
”Ah...that's right...that's completely right. I hadn't even thought of such a ridiculous notion.”
Kara gave off a relaxing sigh realizing once more just how prepared he'd be for his class advancement and Luna returned to her spot not surprised by anything he ever does ever since she saw his status screen so long ago.
Rainer tried to get a feel for what had changed, but he didn't actually learn anything more. Rather, as he thought over all the spell formulae he already knew, it was as if he was looking at them with a new clarity.
A spell could be compared to a gun. You can know how to assemble and disassemble it, how to reload it, and how to fire it, but that in no way means you have any idea how to build its parts or design your own. Gunthar was such an individual as a Paladin. He may have known a few spells, but regarding actually understanding magic, he was lacking.
Yet with this increase, Rainer improved exactly in that category amongst improving his comprehension for when he'd read Yalin's journal once more.
Having entered the tunnel, Rainer looked around as if it was a whole new world before him. His eyes were under the effect of [Arcane Aura Enhancement]. The entire cave was covered with a light screen of energy, the very one used to generate Aura. Whether it was a mold growing on the cave wall or Kara beside him, he saw different lights unknown to him. Within the Nightmares as well even through the wall and to the outside where they left them. Before he could truly inspect any of it...
His Aura ran out.
”Fuck...that's expensive. Hey Gunthar can you meditate while moving?”
”Battle meditation is possible but…”
”No further explanation necessary, I'll handle it, thanks.”
”Anytime...Sorcerer.”
[Skill Gained: Active Meditation lvl 1/10]
Contrary to expectations their journey went unhindered as they reached the end of the cavern and the entrance to the mine. They had not, however, noticed the Arachne Overseer who upon sensing the Aura of Rainer's two guards rushed back in fear to report her findings.
Dimming his armed [Arcane Bolt]s he carefully peered over the edge. The sound of chipping rock and the occasional guttural yell of a goblin filled the air.
Without any ceremony Rainer was about to rush out there, using [Gravity Domain] to soften the fall before he was pulled back by Gunthar.
”Sorcerer if you only run out there shooting, innocents shall die in the carnage. You and the Little Wolf find what it is you came here for. I shall gather the people here and cleanse this world from the vile filth imprisoning them.”
If Gunthar had at times not seemed as if he was Undead the tone of his voice had given him now such a feeling.
Gunthar, timing his descent carefully and deftly climbed down the cavern wall. Rainer with his arm around Kara and hers around him prepared to jump up and reach the scaffolding directly across from this cave. The very scaffolding he had been chased down.
Gunthar killed the only goblin who had a chance of noticing the jumping pair before he began gathering the ragged miners. They only looked at him in stunned silence and followed as if lost lamb while he slaughtered their masters.
Kara and Rainer jumped and made it to the scaffolding before moving forward.
It wasn't long before Rainer reached the room, but he quickly stopped, hearing voices from the other side of a shoddily made door. A door that had been previously broken.
”You are not fit for such a thing!”
”How can the pitiful be fit for following in the footsteps of the great sage!”
”You are the pitful…”
Their arguing continued, but hearing their words Rainer grew excited that the notes were still here and likely intact. But he could only guess they were all fire mages and fighting them recklessly could end in the tragic conclusion of the notes being burned.
Rainer explained his plan to Kara as she braced herself against a wall directly across from the door. He prepared to open it the moment he'd activate his [Gravity Domain] for Kara.
Kara's enhanced hand gripped into the stone wall. Her feet tensed as she prepared for the feeling of near weightlessness. And then the spell was cast.
Truly like the demon she was she barreled in through the open door and in, but a moment, beheaded two of the goblin mages. Her Aura enhanced blade slicing through the goblins as if thin air.
The third mage hastily prepared to cast a fire spell, but before he could even begin a [Spear of Arcane] stabbed through him launching him away. His coughing of blood would be the last action he ever took as Kara's blade ended his life.
Rainer ran in ignoring the bloodshed around him and hastily began picking up the dropped notes. As if holding a precious treasure he put them into his spatial ring the first chance he got.
”Let's go and see if Gunthar needs any help,” Rainer said after he made sure to gather all of the notes. His mood was beyond improved as he headed outside toward the scaffolding, looking down there was a huddled group of people covered in rags and strewn out goblin and orc corpses that littered the mine floor.
”Sorcerer! I shall continue down here. They said directly following the tunnel behind you there may be more people. Head in that direction.”
Rainer nodded with no complaint. Having found the spells he desired completely intact he didn't consider it a bother helping as many people as he could. His mood had been that good.
But as he ventured in the other direction of the tunnel it wasn't long before he came upon the destined room. The smell alone had told Rainer all he needed to know.
”Kara...stay back here.” Her enhanced senses had long since came to the same conclusion, and she listened to his order.
He took a quick look around using [Arcane Aura Enhancement] and found any sign of life lacking. Any joy over finding the spells had been written over as they headed back toward Gunthar.
A few dozen had been gathered, covered in hastily put together rags. All were in an emaciated state, and all fearful over whether the new people who had come were friend or foe. Gunthar was elsewhere likely clearing out the rest of the tunnel. A storm of undead aura throttling through its depths.
Rainer addressed the group,”Take any clothing you can find off of the dead. We'll be heading through the cold. The closest thing you have to a leader, come forward.”
Slowly an older man came forward, around 50 years of age. His appearance denoted him far older. What hair he had left was completely gray and white. He had a long beard that went down his chest.
”My name is Gram, Lord Magus, how might-t I be of service.” He said nervously.
”Where can I take all of you? Is your home still around?”
”I deeply apologize our savior, but our village is no more…”
Rainer waved them to follow as he headed up the scaffolding.
There was another exit to the mine and likely lead to whatever country these people came from, but now that he had the responsibility he would use his plan of bringing them to the Baron. But for such a mine to exist within the Baron's territory, there was only one conclusion to be made.
Arachne... He thought with venom confusing the people behind him into thinking he was aiming his anger at them.
Up the scaffolding and under the effects of [Gravity Domain], not that he needed it, the returned Gunthar jumped across to the tunnel entrance. Kara and Rainer helped the rest, much to their surprise, as they soared over the expanse and were assisted by Gunthar in landing. Rainer looked on in sadness as the younger ones did not enjoy such an experience.
Not even whispers came from the recently freed people as they headed through the tunnel behind Rainer's party. If a noble had to bow to a powerful mage, to the common people they were as if gods.
The trip back through the tunnel was supposed to be an end to their journey in the mine, yet those waiting for them had other plans.
Rainer looked on in surprise as a row of [Lancer]s stood before him. Yet they were not anything he'd ever seen before.
Their lower body was that of a spider and their upper body human, but with pointed ears. They wore twisted black plate armor with a long lance in hand.
[Arachne, Male, Lancer lvl 12]
Suddenly the line of Lancers split into two crossing spears with the one facing them and opening up a path for their leader.
[Arachne, Female, Warlock lvl 21]
She was slightly taller than the males standing at 9 feet in height, though her upper body would make her 5'7'' in height were she a human. Her eyes entirely blood red with a black Iris in the center. She had pale skin and long white hair that twisted and was tied underneath a simple black tiara, denoted by only a single red gem. Her eight spider legs and lower body was smooth and dark, lacking the rough and hairy texture that would be found on a spider's carapace.
A black silk cloth twisted around her body covering only parts of importance and a light see through fabric was around the rest.
Behind her was exactly the overseer who had been watching Rainer when he first traveled to this place. When she saw Rainer once more entering the tunnel earlier, she had sent a message back to her colony. Princess Serena personally responded.
”Welcome to our home, Lord Magus.” A smooth and steady voice filled the cavern as she stood tall facing Rainer. Contrary to all humans she met there wasn't even a bit of disgust on his face. Only interest. Rather she struggled not to laugh as the woman who seemed to be his mate poked him and stopped him from staring.
”Rainer she is royalty, at least look at the one behind her if you're going to stare,” Kara whispered, but Serena heard it.
”You may call this one Princess Serena Latro,” She said ignoring the entertaining circumstance.
But Rainer's next word ruined her mood.
”And?” Rainer responded thoroughly annoyed and no longer interested in the group blocking his way.
What he saw in the mine put him in a terrible mood. He didn't want to go save the world; circumstances like that happened all over his previous world, and he didn't care because it never affected him personally. He felt it was sad, but beyond that, it was a distant thought, a dirty side of society he'd never look at. But seeing it right in front of him...
Any hint of a threat and he'd just kill the spider in front of him; her people had already attacked him in the past. And given what he was told about the Arachne Tunnels they were hardly what you could call good people. Not only that, but as far as he could tell they had no potential as allies for his goal, regardless of how appealing their princess looked to him.
”I merely wished to personally apologize for the attack on yourself earlier, Lord Magus,” Serena spoke calmly, but internally she couldn't be more furious. Given the overseer's report on the strength of his guards, she knew she and her guards weren't in any position to threaten him. Anyone strong enough was at their capital or out traveling. She was, however, confident in her escape lest she would never have come.
”I accept, now move.”
”Rainer what are you…”Kara started to protest, but was immediately interrupted by an angry voice no longer a whisper of a private conversation.
”Look I don't care princess or whatever. Who's fault do you think it is such actions could go unanswered,” He said while pointing to the people he had saved, ”It's not like they are going to chase us out of here. They wouldn't even be apologizing if they didn't understand our strength. They are worthless, and I couldn't care less about not offending her fucking delicate sensibilities.”
Kara disagreed further, but she kept it to herself while they were in front of another. The only reason she had protested at all was due to how much his words surprised her. She had no intention of undermining him before this Princess.
Rainer could imagine that if it weren't for the Arachne Tunnels, the Baron would never let such a tragedy exist in his territory. The Baron would take care of it himself if he had to. And clearly, the Arachne had no issue with the existence of this slave mine.
If his earlier words angered Serena, his disregard for her while he had a conversation elsewhere utterly infuriated her. The overseer behind her slightly backed up seeing the face of her Princess.
Serena moved out of his path her guards following.
”If the Lord Magus ever wishes to visit our city, merely come to this location or soon to any tunnel entrance and an overseer would be happy to guide you. We always are welcoming to Mages in our land. Might we ask the Lord Magus his name?” She spoke while a vein pulsed in her forehead from anger.
”Francis,” Rainer said walking forward, but he paused slightly.
They are so friendly only to mages? Did I make a mistake...No...they are likely friendly to Mage Guilds. That is only worse.
And so he continued, a scared company in tow, out of the tunnel. Gunthar's laugh slightly echoed behind Rainer as they went beyond the Arachne.