It is day 201 and I still haven't found a solution. The option of using leyline energy seems even more impossible than using frost magic. The biggest problem is the nature of magic. After magic is cast, its primary effect will disappear after the mana supply disappears.
I created a sword out of frost magic. Anything I came up with would have to be a fancier version of this. I swung the sword and cut some monsters into pieces. It disappeared when I stopped the magic. It does stay intact after multiple uses but it's just magic, that's all. I had completed over a hundred commissions by now but none gave me inspiration on how to solve this problem.
I tried getting ideas from reading fantasy books in Gittrian's library, had talks with various magic weapon blacksmiths, and even had some chats with Barusu. Nobody had an idea of how to create something similar to what I was planning. I was to blame for this too because I couldn't tell them that I can use frost magic.
Is what I'm trying to make impossible?
I made a prototype of something similar but with fire magic. It was a crude fire sword. It wasn't a magical weapon or anything, it was way too weak and simple. But my idea worked with fire because the oil could take fire magic, I can forge with fire magic, but I can't do all this with frost magic. Greg's race skill [elemental inversion] could come in handy but I don't think he can get something to change to frost magic.
I wonder when he will learn that, it seems to be a royal pain to learn, and he also doesn't have anyone to teach him. I can alter reality but only for 8 minutes and it's not permanent. [Transmute] doesn't work on mana and I don't know the skill. What other options do I have left?
I had gathered most of the ingredients that I was missing besides mistflowers and this flower that blooms once per year. Vinny said that encasing it in frost magic is the best way to store it since it's also sensitive to mana. One of the reasons is that it's endangered. It doesn't like the portion of unusable mana present in the ambient mana.
I brought up the correct filter and studied the composition. 12% of the ambient mana was unusable. Quite low by today's standards. I had to find an area that has 6% or less and I will most likely find this flower growing like weeds. The problem was that finding a place like this is extremely hard. The hole I blew into the mountain near Boshi town seemed to have 0% unusable mana according to Greg but the light mana corruption corrupted it. Stupid tomato goddess! Vinny told me that the Aquini kingdom has areas that are quite pure but he wasn't if it goes as low as 6%.
The Aquini Kingdom is quite far, south of Igrini Kingdom. I will have no problems getting there but I don't know where to look. It is home to the southern elven forest. I could try and ask them but was unsure that would be a good idea. I could also use some exercise however.
Nilah, we're going to the Aquini kingdom! Nilah seemed excited to finally go out again. I stepped outside and the villagers acted like they saw a ghost.
"He's still alive!" Come on guys, you buy stuff from me all the time!
"We thought the sun would turn you to ash!" I'm not a vampire… I am going out for an undetermined amount of time.
"Ooh, finally taking a holiday."
"Yes, it's good to relax."
"Take your time, we will be fine" All these villagers think I need a holiday… I made sure to indicate that I will be unavailable for commissions. This tablet is so convenient. Anything that needs to go to Gittrian?
"Yes, but we will manage, go take your deserved break!"
"Yeah, don't worry." I guess they want me to do my thing.
Uhh ok then. For the first time in forever, I left Girai in a way normal villagers would leave; I took the road. I always left using the river or the mountains up north. I took a safe distance and then covered myself in illusions and started running. I had to travel quite far so I went Mach 3 and went southeast. It was possible to get there by passing through the Igrini Kingdom but I would have to go around a small mountain range for that. I will have to northeast then get to where Ainahs is and then head south or I could go southeast and enter through a gap in the mountain range and get to the south of Aquini Kingdom. I am unfamiliar with the geography of the Aquini Kingdom but I at least know how to get there.
It took me 30 minutes to arrive after I reached Mach 3. I was still in Hjuva but I was near the border. I could see a large city in front of me. I don't know if this city is still in Hjuva or is over the border in Aquini. I don’t have the convenience of seeing borderlines like on maps. I should locate a map of Kaledon one day and memorize it. The city was called Hiena, pronounced as Hyena. I found a shop and got a map. It seems the Aquini kingdom is divided into 2. It is split in an east and west side by a branch of the Aurelia river that is called the Aquini river. The river splits up and creates a delta and enters the ocean to the south.
The river is surrounded by a thick forest of which the northern part is the elven forest. The west side, the side I will enter, has some plains and lakes. There is a big city to the northeast. To the south, there are some more mountains and a jungle. On the east side of the river is another large jungle and an enormous lake. The capital of the Aquini Kingdom, Alledra, is built in the middle of this lake.
Huh, that is interesting, I should visit it someday. More mountains in the northeast of the country. It borders Hjuva on the west and Lopahz and the Igrini Kingdom on the north. Lopahz is sandwiched between Hjuva, Igrini, and Aquini, it’s just forests and a little bit of Aquini river. I decided to go to the big city near the forest, it was called Nelfim, but first I have to cross the border. I heard that there might be some issues.
I could easily teleport over the border but there might be situations like this in the future with escort missions or something, let's find out how to solve this as a human. I joined a group of people that seemed to want to cross the border. Hey, what's going on?
I had addressed a random person and he turned around.“Aquini’s policies have changed recently concerning who gets into the country as a response to its crumbling relationship with the Igrini Kingdom.” Wait so this is what they meant that Igrini was in a dispute?
“Yup, it doesn't look like they will go to war yet but I wouldn't be surprised if they do in the future, unfortunately, this affects nobodies like us the most. Some of us have families there, want to trade, or just want to visit as tourists, it's a beautiful country.” I see, but we're from Hjuva can't they let us in?
Randomdude shook his head. “Well, Igrini could send people over to Hjuva to enter Aquini from this side. Some got caught with fake IDs” Oof, that's a problem yes.
“The king, or I should say leadership in Igrini have been making a lot of questionable choices for the last 10 years. It is supposed to be a kingdom and it poses as such but it feels as if more than 1 person is calling the shots and multiple decisions conflict with previous ones or seem to be incohesive, it all is just a mess. There has been a rumor popping up recently that the king sent a young boy to an extremely secure prison just because he talked to the princess. I don’t know if I should believe this but I wouldn't be surprised if that was true.” I see, that is very concerning. I will keep that in mind if I ever find myself in the Igrini kingdom. So, anything we can do to get into Aquini kingdom faster?
“Probably not. Some people have found a loophole but it’s not one anyone can use.” What is the loophole?
“These rules only apply to humans. Elves, dwarves and other non-humans can pass easily, probably because it has a good relationship with Lopahz and Lopahz has a bad relationship with the Igrini kingdom.” He showed me a map. “Lopahz does border Hjuva but…” He pointed at Lopahz’s border with Hjuva or more accurately, natural border, it was a mountain range. Hmm yeah, I see the problem, if the non-humans want to go or return to Lopahz they either have to go through Igrini or Aquini. Lopahz was the country that’s predominantly non-human right?
“Yeah, and the Igrini kingdom isn't so big on non-humans so that is why this loophole exists.” He put his map away. Well, since you were quite helpful, how about I help you out? I dabble in illusions you, see?
“Not so loud!” He came closer and talked softly. “How many layers can you make?” I can make 12 layers now but this is quite abnormal for humans, I think 4 layers should suffice. 4 layers.
“Whoa, dabbles he says, that’s pretty good, better than average but not quite a pro. I am confident in my dwarf impression!” But dwarves don't act that much differently from humans…
“That is exactly why! What are you going to disguise yourself as?” Uhh a wolf beast kin, I guess. I got my ears and 1 tail out and used illusions on them to make them look like a wolf tail and wolf ears. Honestly, I didn't see a big difference but those familiar with wolves might notice. Walking around as a wolf guy with a small blue pet fox might look weird but hey it’s something. I cast illusions on this friendly guy and he looked like a dwarf.
“Whoa, I would start to believe I am actually a dwarf! Thanks!” We were at the back of the line so nobody seemed to have noticed us. I did make sure nobody was watching prior to changing our appearance. We waited for 2 hours but it didn't seem the line was moving and people joined the line behind us.
“Hey, you two there? What the fuck are you standing in line with the humans?! You guys can just pass don't wait!” A tall human spotted us and was clearly addressing me and the friendly guy. The line made way for us and we passed the border. Nobody asked us anything, no checks. We just got through. I sensed someone who was looking for deception but 4 layers was above average so unless he was extremely skilled or had a special skill, he wouldn't be able to see through this. “Have a nice time in the Aquini kingdom!” Thanks!
“Thank you!” Fake dwarf and I started to walk. After an hour he told me that I could drop the illusion. Are you sure?
“Yeah, my family lives in the capital, I can't appear in front of them looking like a dwarf hahaha! Thanks, lad, where are you heading off to?” Nelfim.
“Ahh, I guess we will have to split up then. Also just know that the closer you come to Lopahz and the elven forest the more you will be looked down upon as a human. It isn't as bad as how humans look down on non-humans in other countries but I assume you might have never experienced being looked at as a human as if you’re a stranger, just so you know! Bye!” He waved and walked off.
This side of Aquini is like most of the other countries but humans take the place of the non-humans in being discriminated against or just being looked down upon. I guess that happens when humans push most other races to their limits. From my point of view, humans have done this to themselves. I decided to keep my illusion up and continued walking toward Nelfim.
I met some beast kin on the way but also humans. I wasn't really walking as myself here but it felt good walking around with at least 1 tail out. I could also run quite fast in the open because wolf beast kin can run quite fast. I like this country so far.
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I ran north. Some beast kin joined me in running for a bit and we had a nice talk. I had to slow down for most but there were also some that ran faster than what I think a wolf beast kin can run for. I could match their speed but I tried to pretend I was still struggling.
I arrived at Nelfim utterly exhausted 6 days later. Nilah seemed to be implying that I did this to myself. She might be right, nobody told me to run at almost wolf beast kin full speed for almost 6 days straight. Running this slowly is quite energy inefficient for me. I dragged myself to the Adventurer’s Association. I had to pretend to be a human to get inside though. The Adventurer’s Association knows me for being a human. One… room please… huff. Everyone was watching me and rightfully so, I was making a fool out of myself.
“What happened to you?! Do I need to call a healer?” No! No healer! I… I thought it was smart to… race a beast kin… Everyone laughed. I didn't lie here; the context just changes when a human tries to do that. 90% of adventurers here were non-human.
“Ah... I can imagine how you ended up exhausted like that then, can I see your ID?” I gave the cat girl my ID. “Oh, Mr. Silver Torrent, I’ve heard that you are quite fast, did you win the race?” Ugh, barely, 0/10 would recommend this as a human. People laughed again. The non-humans here didn't seem to have anything against me. I got a comfy room and slept for 2 days.
I have 23 days left to find this flower so I can't afford to laze around. I got up refreshed and prepared to head for the forest. Nilah was still sleeping so I put her on my head and headed out. I checked personal requests but there weren't many, I had a few but they were all cantered around Gittrian or near Texiha. That is too far. I headed into the city and bought some food that I was unfamiliar with. I spent 2 hours shopping for food and then headed northeast which I reached it at noon. I walked through the forest and remembered the weird jellyfish seeds I collected when I was in Cnidaria forest. I took some out and threw them at a chunky bird and caught it. I prepared and fried it and had it for lunch with Nilah. What strange plants would this place have? I bet nothing strange else Vinny would have warned me. Although he never told me to go here so maybe there are some strange plants.
I walked around and checked the purity of the ambient mana. 16% unusable mana and slightly elevated wind and earth element but a normal balance for a forest. I guess I won't find it here now how do I find the elves? I assume they would find me but I fried a bird and walked around for 2 hours and they didn't find me. I realized that I might have made a big mistake. The dragons couldn't find me for this same reason. I sent a pulse of nature energy out and sat down. Silhouettes appeared 10 minutes later. There were 4. I dodged 17 arrows flying at me. I guess they found me. Hey! Wait! I’m here to talk!
“We don't talk to humans!” Right, I forgot about that. What if I’m not a human?
I dodged more arrows and various wind-based magic. I also saw an elf cast something funky so I messed with the magic circle and interrupted the cast by throwing a rock infused with mana and knocking a mana rune out of the magic circle. I had to resist the urge to run after I saw their purple eyes which returned to blue and green shortly after. Phew, I haven't interrupted casts in a long time.
“Stop lying, we can see you're a human!” Oooh, I didn't know elves were known for their exceptional sight.
“Stop mocking us human!” the two elf guys seemed triggered but the 2 elf chicks started to calm down. I dodged more arrows and wind magic and thought about a way to get out of this situation.
“Hey Géor, don’t you think this human smells… nice?”
“Isn't this your smell? You always smell nice! Although, I don’t remember you smelling like an autumn shower, Human what cologne are you wearing? And where can I get some?” Uhm, I see at least your noses are working and this is not cologne…
“Stop cockblocking me human! Where did you get that cologne?!” I started to get pissed off by this Géor guy. Oh, you want some? Are you sure about that?
I opened a vial and the scent of an autumn shower or however they call it, wafted through the area.
“Ooh! Give it to me!”
“Géor wait! He is one of us!”
This Géor guy pointed at me. “Huh, he is certainly not an elf! Give me that cologne!” He even tried to steal my vial!
The other elf chick smacked him on the back of his head and knocked him out. I was slightly disappointed that I don’t get to turn this guy into dust. I am well aware that elves can get old but if he applies the whole vial to himself, he will turn into a raisin.
“Hey, instead of fooling around how about you show your true identity, it is very hard to tell if you’re a human or not.” Ah right, my bad. I took 1 tail out.
“Is that all? I don’t remember fox beast kin smelling like this.” A smart one or at least one with experience. I took the other 8 tails out and stretched.
Haven't been able to walk out in the open with these in a while. The 3 conscious elves dropped their bows in surprise.
What? I thought you knew.
“No… we didn't, we just knew you might be some type of immortal, not an extinct one.” Hey, we’re not extinct!
“Yet.” Fair point, hanging on a thread.
“So, what are you doing looking for trouble in the elven forest.” Just doing what my race does and I came to ask you guys if you know of a flower that only blooms at this time of the year and in places where the ambient unusable mana is lower than 6%
“Huh what? Can you repeat that again?” I repeated what I said but they still didn't get it. I’m sorry, I don't know any Elvish…
“We can understand the words you’re saying but not the meaning it's that 6% that confuses us.” Géor was still knocked out and the other guy was poking him with a stick. Ehhm, where the air and ambient mana is clean. The elf chicks looked at each other.
“You might want to ask one of our elders. Come with us” Aren’t they going to kick me out?
“They might, let’s still try. Géor wake up!” She kicked Géor and he woke up.
“Huh, what? Where is my cologne?”
“Géor, it wasn't cologne, that is just how he smells naturally, hi I’m Fynn don’t pay much attention to my brother, he got dropped when he was a kid.” The other elf guy held out his hand and I shook it.
I’m Agnis Hourai, this here is Nilah, if you pet her, she will steal your mana so beware. Géor picked up Nilah from my head with both hands and got a lot of mana sucked out of him. It seems Nilah doesn't like him either.
“Ooh, ooh, I feel weak…” I took Nilah back before he wobbled and fell on his ass.
“Géor! Get up! I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself I’m Nnym, and this here is my sister Gwynn. Oh, so this was a double date? Géor seemed to be the only one happy with the mention of a double date. I guess I was wrong.
“Nono! You were right! Gwynn and I are dating!”
“No, we’re not! In your dreams!” I took the vial out and opened it. Hey, want some, it will make you more mature.
“Oh really?!”
The Fynn dude stopped his brother. “I want to know Agnis, if I remember correctly, your race are quite the pranksters, this isn't one, is it?” Ehh, maybe I should save this for another time.
“I guess I need to study more of the rare races, I saved you there brother be thankful.”
“You cockblocked me too Fynn! I’m not thanking you!” We arrived at a huge tree. What do these tree races have with big trees. An elven village surrounded the tree.
“Right here this way." The elves of the village looked at me out of curiosity. We entered the big tree and I caught an arrow.
“What is this unfamiliar presence!” Whoa, that was some deep voice for an elf. “Wait 9 tails, are you a relative of Neia?” Uhm no, but I know her brother.
“I see, I’m sorry for that arrow.” It’s fine, I'm immune to that poison anyways. I burnt the arrow to ash.
“Elder!”
“Ahum, I’m sorry, so what do we owe this visit to?” Deepvoice elder said after clearing his throat. Owe? What? Oh, that's how you talk ehm I’m looking for a flower that blooms this time of the year and grows in clean and pure mana.
“I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” What is the point of those ears if I have to repeat everything… I am looking for a flower that blooms once a year and only grows where the percentage of unusable mana does not exceed 6%.
“Ooh, why didn't you say that before, We have some of those stored, we collected them earlier this week.” You guys are impossible…
“We can give you some but we would like you to help us out.” Hoo boi, here comes another impossible request, what do you need?
“Well, we suffer from ehhm low numbers and we want to bring them up, we want your help with this.” What? I’m sorry, I don't think I got that, can you repeat that?
“What is the point of those ears if we have to repeat things?!” I looked at Géor, who stole my line. Géor, I swear, I’m so close to kicking your ass.
Deepvoice Elder ignored Géor and continued. “Our community is experiencing an imbalance in a male-to-female ratio that is preventing our community from increasing in population, we request your aid.” Impossible!