Chapter 18
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Sorry this took so long to get out. Just had my first exams last week. I am going to try and put out a chapter every week for a while here since now I have some extra time.
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Gathering Flowers in a Swamp can be Dangerous
Reid murdered? This is bad Reid was a level 77 priest capable of healing major wounds, we were relying on his skills. The other healer Mabel, is only level 63 and can only heal moderate injuries from what I have seen. I suppose if someone wanted to cause the most damage to our group Reid would have been the obvious target. Its common knowledge in mmo pvp to target the enemy healer first, and that strategy works here too.
With us unable to heal major injuries there is a decent chance that Diana will have to force us to withdraw for this expedition. For moderate and light wounds we should be able to manage with Leon and Basu both able to help out on a limited basis. Obviously our healing situation is secondary to the elephant in the room, the sudden murder of a comrade. Siena and I went up to group surrounding Diana. To the side there was a group of people surrounding Leon who was crying his heart out, from what I could tell Leon was very close to Reid. They both were believers of Tyr a god of light and justice, I imagine they have been on several adventures together.
“As I am sure you all know by now our priest Reid was murdered last night. I have entrusted the investigation to Basu. Our enchanter Oliver had set up a barrier to alarm us when it detected a different presence then the members of this group He informed me that no foreign presences had entered the camp last night. That means that there is a murderer among us.” Diana had just opened a can of worms.
“Its obviously the demon whore, her kind is responsible for countless others deaths” Rictor claimed with out putting much thought into it.
“I doubt that she was with me all night.” April her tent partner stood up for her.
“Yeah but were you awake the whole time? Perhaps she slipped out when you were asleep and returned before you could notice she was gone. Or maybe you are in cahoots with her” Rictor countered.
“We will not turn this into a necromancer hunt. Until we find credible evidence everyone is innocent. Basu could you give us your finding from your investigation.?” Diana turned to the monk standing to her right.
“It appears Reid had left his tent about 5 hours ago, his tent partner Melinus noticed him depart before falling asleep again. After leaving his tent he came to the the campfire and filled his mug with ale, Long fur and Grimblee noticed him depart to the river which he assumed was a morning wash. When he was at the river he was alone with the culprit, his ale was poisoned with a paralyzing agent. The agent was probably of super quality if it was able to subdue a priest almost level 80. After incapacitating the priest the culprit slit his throat making sure to severe the wind pipe to prevent and casting of the priest to heal him self.” After this Basu sat down.
“Until further notice all party members will be with at least 2 party members at all times. Mabel you are unable to heal injury's at the fatal level?” Diana asked the priestess.
“Unfortunately no, I am not far from that point but I still have a bit to go.” Mabel confirmed Diana's suspicion.
“Well obviously this dangerous of a mission deaths are a serious possibility but with no way to cure major injuries I am afraid I have to seriously consider withdrawing the raid until we can recruit another priest.” Diana reluctantly stated.
“Withdrawing is exactly what the murders want, its probably Eclipse behind this. They probably want to raid the ruins first.” Leon who was silent till now had spoke what he was feeling. Eclipse now that's a familiar to me, I remember overhearing that the assassin's guild refused to do any marks for them. Eclipse is sort of a shadow organization like the assassins' guild but they have a specific agenda and hierarchy. Most people don't even believe they really exist and think people who do are conspiracy theorists. I guess they are like the Illuminati of this world.
“Even if that is true, it still doesn't change the situation we are in. If someone was to get hurt real bad we would have no way to heal them. Trust me I don't like it anymore then you.” Diana countered.
I really don't like to play my cards but I guess I don't have a choice, I cant afford for this mission to fail. This plan I am thinking of is definitely risky, but I think it will work. I reached into my spacial ring and pulled out one of my 4 high potions I had crafted I go up to Diana and hand it to her.
“I made this potion, the herbs I would need to craft more are blood-thorn, water poppy, and fox root which conveniently grow close to the lake. I have a huge surplus of blood thorn, but I would still need the other two. Fortunately Lake Malia is best place to get these herbs especially the water poppy which is good because I need more of that then fox root. It would be about a half a day venture if I had a party helping me.” Diana inspected the potion and even tasted a drop. Her expression became extremely surprised.
“This is a high potion and a high end one at that. Only a master alchemist could achieve such a masterpiece. You made this?!” Sort of figured this would happen but I don't care this venture has to succeed no matter what. I will deal with all the annoyances of people knowing that I am able to craft miracle potions latter.
“Yes my alchemy is level 8. I will let everyone know right now thought that this is a one time thing. I don't craft for other people and I certainly don't do orders. I am not a merchant or a craftsman, just a simple hobbyist. After this adventure if anyone approaches me to make them potions I will simply decline them. Money is not a problem for me.” When I said level 8 alchemy people including Siena gasped.
“Can you prove that your skill is truly what you state I can't detect anything with information magic. Perhaps you could share your status?” Diana why cant you just believe me? I cant share my status with you I would become the prime suspect in Reids murder if I did that.
“I am against sharing my whole status” I decline her.
“She is hiding something perhaps she is the one who killed Reid!” Dax using his idiot reasoning skills came to that conclusion.
“If I was here to sabotage this mission, why would I offer my services to keep it going? Logically it doesn't make sense no? I simply have personal things in my status that I don't want to share.” I don't believe his 90 intelligence on his status.
“Well when you put it like that I guess it would be pretty dumb of you. Even still I don't trust you.” Dax added
“Then perhaps you just share your alchemy skill with me, I don't need to see anything but that.” Diana just said something that I just now realized to be true. When sharing information I can choose what I share. I guess the fact that all my information I get is from gods information so I don't really have much practice in information magic. I think in my head Skills Alchemy and I can see a window pop up
Skill Alchemy
Level 8
I grab Diana's hand and send this over to her. This method is surely going to become handy down the road.
“Remarkable to think that such a young elf is a master alchemist and in the party. Why would you even risk your life with your skill in alchemy you could become very wealthy.” Diana was still amazed about it.
“Like I said money does not motivate me I didn't learn alchemy to make money from it, it is simply a hobby of mine like my singing and reading. This is my life so if lose it going on some dumb adventure at least it was my own decision. Regardless of what you feel I should be doing with my 'skill' right here, right now I am offering to help us with it. As I see it this is the only other option other then total withdrawal” Diana looked like she was thinking really hard about something finally she came to the same conclusion I did. She leaned down and whispered in my ear.
“You do realize that this will make you a target for the assassin, you sure you want to put yourself at risk?”
“The assailant is more then welcomed to try. As a alchemist I have the uncanny ability to sense poisons. As for ambushes and acts of subterfuge I welcome any attempts against me, it will make finding the traitor easier.” I confidently boast.
“You are willing to be bait? I don't like this at all but if you are willing to do it I cant flat out turn it down” She stopped whispering in my ear and talked to the group.
“Me and Lara are going to go in my tent and organize this party and figure out what we are doing.” Diana dismissed everyone. She had me come with her to her tent. Siena strong armed her way into coming with us, using Diana's 3 person rule against her as her reason.
“So how many do you think you need for this party?” Diana inquired.
“I think 6 to 8 would be good I would like the two scouts, and one of the tanks in case we encounter a tough monster. The other members I will let you choose, I have surplus potions to cure moderate injuries so taking the healer is not necessary.” I tell Diana who I need.
“Well I am going with you obviously miss secret master alchemist.” I think Siena might be mad at me.
“For the mage take Oliver, for the tank take Basu. I think Mabel should go too. The main travel group shouldn't run into anything more serious then bandits past the crossroads village. Lets draw up the plan on a map.” Diana pulled out her map, I was able to use earth magic to make a copy of it. This somewhat surprised them me casting a level 3 earth magic spell, I used an incantation even though I didn't need to. I must admit earth magic is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, just from sheer terms of versatility. I am also partial to fire magic, as Taiko I may have been a bit of a pyromaniac. I quickly whipped together a basic plan on the parchment using my knowledge of where the herbs were located.
Spoiler :
https%3a%2f%2fs21.postimg.org%2f8pdevcxgn%2fherb_map.png [https://s21.postimg.org/8pdevcxgn/herb_map.png]
“So the gathering party will split off as we break camp this morning we will cross the river and follow it down to the lake fox root likes to grow by where the river meets the lake. This river isn't that big so if we don't gather enough there is another spot close to the rally point that we can go to that will get us what we are lacking. Water poppy grows in swamp area's, fortunately there is a swamp right by the lake that would be an ideal place to gather it. Unfortunately the swamp also has the most dangerous monsters in the area. I believe monster can get up to level 80 here we will be relying on our scouts to steer us from danger.” I would be in charge of the herb gathering team I explained our plan.
“And I will lead the main group to Jaminton. We will briefly stop to pick up some extra rations and supplies and then travel north. Then veer off towards the rendezvous point the Serpent tree.” It seems we have everything in order.
“Diana watch your back I feel like we are walking into a trap.” Whoever is behind this is obviously doesn't want us to complete this raid I have a feeling that us continuing this raid is going to cause them to try to counter our movements. Its most likely either Eclipse or it could potentially be Sanite's Champion or possibly they are both working together.
We explained the plan to the others, gathered our groups and split up. It seemed everyone was apprehensive about this whole operation because of the traitor in the group. I honestly have no idea who the traitor is but there is a 40% chance they are in my group, I will have to stay vigilante.
We traveled down the river without problem. When we arrived at its mouth there was plenty fox root, I also found some water poppy too but I would need a lot more to have enough to make the high potions we needed. There was tons of fox root here, we were able to gather more then enough for the quantity of potions we wanted we wouldn't have to go to the second gather sight for fox root.
“The Ki of this place is foul even sinister, yet we have yet to encounter any monsters, this can only be the result of monster predation. I can sense an extremely powerful monster's presence to the north we must tread carefully. Basu said something that I had almost overlooked myself.0
“I must agree we should send out the scouts and Basu out to figure out where this monster is so we can avoid encountering it at all costs. A monster capable of wiping out everything here is possibly a level 80 or higher and perhaps even a special monster” I sent out the to scout ahead if they aggro it all 3 of them should be fast enough to run away. The rest of us took a small break before we started to gather the all important water poppy flowers. About a half hour latter the 3 of them came back with details of the unknown presence.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“It is a lot worse then I first thought, the abnormality is from an colossal abomination. This is likely the work of a high level necromancer.” Basu reported obviously this is a lot worse then we all thought.
“A necromancer? It is our duty to purge him and all of his creations!” Leon enthusiastically claimed.
“We will do no such thing. I will report this to Diana and then we will figure the best course of action.” I am not going to risk our mission on an issue the church or monarchy should be dealing with.
“You are just a little girl I don't take orders from you. If you guys wont help me I will eliminate this evil presence myself” Leon was not in his right mind he was still upset from the death of his best friend. He tried to walk towards the swamp but I stepped in front of him.
“Little girl or not I am in charge of this group, if you want to resign from this mission so be it but I cant allow you to go and die and rile up this abomination into either of our groups while we are not full strength. I will fight you if necessary.” I really didn't want to resort to this but I cant risk the mission on one person, this is all bigger then one person. I moved very swiftly into the path Leon was taking and assumed a battle position.
“Leon please come to your sense, we know that Reid was a very good friend to you. You are not in your right mind.” Siena was trying to help.
“Youngster or not her words are wisdom. We cannot fight as well separated as we can together. Please back down my friend.” Basu was backing me too.
“Well I expected her elf friends to listen to her but you too Basu? She is just a child that only got on this mission because her friend was the one who found the book. She is only B rank. Now get out of my way Lara before I hurt you it the duty of a paladin to purge corruption like this.” I just remained where I was my hand at my blade totally focused on Leon's movements.
Leon sprinted at me with his shield in front of him in an attempt to bulldoze me over. As he approached I used earth magic Earthen Wall to block his charge for me. Incredibly Leon was able to completely demolish the wall with his charge. His momentum was greatly reduced though and I took my first swing with Taichi at the paladin. A loud clank noise rang out and I realized that we were making to much noise I looked over at Oliver who was still in shock that we were fighting.
“Please can you put up a quick barrier from the sound?” Oliver quickly realized what I was asking and I could feel a barrier go up around us. With the new barrier up I was able to go all out Leon never once budged from his position, he truly was a tank in all meanings of the word. His own strikes were very poor and easily dodged, his best attacks were often with his shield.
“Please Leon be reasonable we cant waste anymore time here we need to continue the mission and regroup with the others” We had been fighting for over 20 minutes now. When I say fighting I mean me attacking and him blocking everything. Even spells he was guarded against my only effective weapon for such an opponent right now was reason and logic. Unfortunately Leon was immune to both of those at the moment. At that moment something very disturbing caught my eye in my peripheral I could see birds escape the tree line from afar. I honed in my senses and I could feel a slight vibration on the ground every few seconds.
Shit our scouts are to busy watching us fight one another to notice it. It doesn't help there is a sound barrier to prevent the sound of trees getting knocked over. I am left with two options now. The first is probable the one I should do, and leave this idiot paladin to die. We would have to rely on basu tanking which is sketchy but somewhat feasible. The other option is to rally our members here and fight it. This group is strong even our scouts are no slouches. I have confidence that we can kill this but there may be casualties. My inner battle maniac telling me to fight, while the logical part of me was telling to run away.
Fight, if I had listened to only logic I would have never became Jennifer's apprentice, I would probably be still in Lorrington bottled up forced to entertain nobility that often disgusted me. To be frank I would probably still be Taiko not that it would be a bad thing.
“Looks like you get your wish Leon, everyone battle positions. I want the scouts and mage providing cover fire from atop that hill protect Mabel up there she is our lifeline. Leon and Basu you will fight over there where the ground is soft this should have no effect on us but his movements will be impeded. Siena we will assault his flank once those two encounter him.” I explained the battle plan as best as possible.
“So we are going to kite him back here?” Leon was wondering why we were setting up here.
“No you idiot” I pointed to place where the birds were flying up from the horizon. “He is coming to us”
We all got into our spots, the abomination was close by.
“Lara we have a problem, I cant find Mabel anywhere. Its weird because I didn't notice her disappear” Oliver said very dejectedly. Mabel gone? I found it weird that the abomination would hone in our area just from one clash. So she is the traitor after all, I had serious suspicion about her and Mason our rogue. Well to be honest I always suspect a rogue even if he is my friend. Without a healer in the backline our chance of success just dropped dramatically. She perhaps is working with the necromancer with the abomination taking such a direct course to us its master must be close by. If I am able to kill the necromancer then the abomination's becomes a lot less of a threat.
“I am going to go and dispatch this guys master Oliver you are in charge while I am gone.” Before anyone can object I vanish and head into the swamp. I can now see the abomination it is a level 95 with over 30k health. This thing is going to be hard to take down. It is heading to the party and should be there in a minute. Just hold on over there guys, I just have to find this guy's master. Once I kill him the abomination will lose a lot of his buffs and will be less coordinated.
I hone in my senses and try the best to block out the 20 foot tall mountain of flesh moving towards my party. I pick up a familiar voice, its Mabel's. I zero in where I detected the voice, staying hidden When I get close I see Mabel next to a guy in black robes his name Eanton a level 79 necromancer. He must have some really good equipment if he is able to control a abomination like this one.
I pull out my daggers, it is time to make use of my class skill's. A shadowblade has the ability to travel in between shadows. The move is called a shadowstep, I have used it in my sparring sessions with Jennifer so I know how to do it effectively I just never have had the opportunity to use it in a situation like this. It uses a lot of mana for being a class skill but fortunately I have a surplus. I think the incantaion in my head. 'I move among the shadows, a passenger of the darkness'
I shadowstepped behind the Eanton with my right hand I stab into his collarbone area aiming for the clavian artery, with my left hand I stab into his chest slipping in between ribs to hit his heart. Eanton lets out a gasp as he must be quite shocked to be stabbed in two vital places simultaneously. He crumpled to the ground in shock as blood gushes out of him. I turn to Mabel and smile.
“Its too bad for him you are unable to cure fatal injuries like this.” I taunt Mabel.
“An assassin, I would have never guessed that. I couldn't get a reading on you so I was curious. So what now you kill me too?” Mabel knew she didn't stand a chance against me this close to her.
“Well I would like to know why you are working for Eclipse.” I asked her daggers still out.
“It is simple Lara because this world is sick, order needs to be brought to it. We need to be unified under one banner.” She seemed very sold on this notion.
“Well you are coming back with me don't try and run away either it wont work.” I warn her and gesture my head back to the group.
“I don't run from anything especially fate.” She started walking to where the party was.
When we got back everything had gone smooth apparently after I killed Eanton the abomination had lost balance and fell down to the ground and was easy to kill at that point. We bound Mabel's hand and sat her down in the one tent we had set up to be interrogated by Basu, me, and Leon. The rest of the party was going enjoy a quick meal with some ale that we brought from the wagon back at camp.
“Who is the leader of Eclipse and where can we find him?” Basu would do the questioning since he had the most experience doing this kind of thing.
“Well god of course the one true god I however can not say his name to outsiders.” Mabel had a huge smile on her face as she thought about this god.
“Then who is the person who is in charge of the followers? Who gives orders in this god's name?” Basu continued.
“I am not allowed to discuss that either with outsiders.” She smiled back at him. I sort of wish I had done my own interrogation away from onlookers.
The interrogation continued for a while. We were able to get very little information out of her. Finally Leon spoke up.
“Friend we need to leave soon we still have to pick water poppy and meet up with the other group before sunset.” Leon was right this whole fiasco had put us behind schedule.
“I wouldn't worry about that.” Mabel said very ominously.
“And why is that?” I asked her.
“Oh because they are all dead. That town we were heading for was a trap. We had enough forces to handle your full 20 and you Lara did us a favor by splitting you guys up. The only alive members now are just us four.”
“Us four? We have another four outside.” I was getting extremely angry right now.
“Well you see that damn dwarf was always inspecting the ale so I could never poison the whole party but once we split off from him I was able to poison the ale we brought with us! Don't worry they just went to sleep permanently it was not painful.” Mabel is now laughing uncontrollably.
I shot out the tent and saw the four members all lying down on the ground. I quickly ran to Siena I used analyze on her and her status was dead. The moment I looked at her lifeless face anger welled into my like never before. My whole body felt like it was literally on fire, my whole vision started to bleed red swallowing up everything in sight. SNAP I blacked out.
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When I regained my consciousness everything was still red, no wait that's actual red from blood. In front of me there a corpse that is so thoroughly mutilated you would have trouble identifying what creature it belonged to. I looked around and see Basu and Leon both heavily injured looking upon me in sheer horror. What have I done? I cant believe I lost control like that.
My vision now turned white and everything around me started to fade away. My senses come back to me and I am standing in front of a statue and it is nighttime.
“Lara! Wake up.” A familiar voice calls out me. I turned to the voice and saw a sight that brought tears to my eyes.
“Jeez you know you just sleep walked about 2 miles from the campsite? Somehow subconsciousness you had made a barrier around you so I was unable to get you. You came all the way out here and kissed some statue tehe. Fufufu I had a feeling you liked girls based on how you don't take interest in boys. Come on lets go back. The others will be concerned” Siena expression had changed when she saw my tears. A blue window popped up
Skill: Dream Vision
-Able to dream about future events involving the person
I ran up and hugged Siena my tears just kept coming right now I am so happy she is alive.
“Lara your hug is hurting me.” I don't care Siena I am going to hug you anyways.
“Don t you ever drink ale without asking me if its OK again.” I cant believe that was all a dream. It was real.
“Lara you are scaring me is everything alright?” She could tell something was wrong with me, I mean I guess it is pretty obvious huh.
The whole event was just a vision, a part of the power that Grena possesses I assume. Siena's death, the party splitting up, Reid's murder all had been a vision. Wait Reid's murder!
“Siena we have to get back to camp now!” I grab her hand and drag her with me as we hustle back to camp.