CHAPTER 125.

Amber’s core took in the Essence from the kill, and now it seemed close to its next level up. While normally these news would’ve greatly excited her. After all, it meant that afterwards there would only be a Core Advancement left, and it also meant she would get a new Essence skill soon.

However, none of that mattered right now, because it wasn’t even in her mind.

She had greatly underestimated her opponent.

Even after concluding that she could take the fight, she had still underestimated her. In the end, level 300 was terrifying no matter how she saw it. It was an extremely good matchup for her and yet…

She almost died.

In fact, if it wasn’t for how runes worked, she would’ve died. If her match up had been anything else; anyone else, she would’ve died. There were so many chances for things to go wrong that it was a miracle that she had even won in the first place. The main reason she had chosen to risk it was because of Accursed Strength; her newest skill, otherwise even with the Ring of Truth, she wouldn’t have risked it.

At least, a lot of her skills had leveled up from the encounter. For starters, Accursed Strength had immediately hit 4th Rank.

[⁠Accursed Strength has reached 4th Rank ⁠— level 1.

You’ve grown adept at using your curses, at consuming them and even grown somewhat used at having them be extinguished and out of your grasp. Now your curses affect your strength, starting at 50% bonus and scaling up or weakening depending on your status to them.

2nd Rank ⁠— You’ve gained an instinctual gauge to what your current strength bonus is.

3rd Rank ⁠— Once every six hours, you can flare extinguished curses, causing them to come back with four times the intensity.

4th Rank ⁠— Once a week this skill can enter overdrive doubling the base effect of the skill. ]

And it was good. It had also gotten levels after the fact. And some Legacy Branch skills had also reached 2nd Rank, and gotten level ups as well.

[⁠Crimson Destruction has reached 2nd Rank ⁠— level 1.

You’ve sensed, learned, and used your own blood to cause the demise of others. It is time you use their own to do so. To destroy them from the inside.

This skill makes it 1.5 times as easy to break the blood vessels of the target, and making it 2 times as easy at max level.

This skill takes twice the time in comparison to normal skills to level.

2nd Rank ⁠— Repeated damage will cause the opponent’s movements to slow down by up to 20%]

[⁠Crimson Break has reached 2nd Rank ⁠— level 1.

You’ve grown used to blood, and now you can manipulate your own to a level that you didn’t think about before. By pushing your blood, you can enhance your physical attributes at the cost of your health. Increasing your stats by 120%. The higher the skill level the higher the stat increase is.

This skill takes twice the time in comparison to normal skills to level.

2nd Rank ⁠— While this skill is active your senses will be sharpened by a large margin.]

And finally, there were all the skill level up notifications that she had ignored.

[Curse Reignition has leveled up from 4th Rank level 5 to 4th Rank level 7.]

[Quick Dash has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Cursed Creation has leveled up from 4th Rank level 2 to 4th Rank level 3.]

[Inexorable Momentum has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Inexorable Body has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Accursed Strength has leveled up from 4th rank level 1 to 4th Rank level 3.]

[Recovery of Curses has leveled up from 4th Rank level 8 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Curse Battery has leveled up from 4th Rank level 5 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Cursed Rage Synergy has leveled up from 4th Rank level 5 to 4th Rank level 9.]

[Inexorable Manipulation has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Crimson Fervor has leveled up from 2nd Rank level 4 to 2nd Rank level 10.]

[Crimson Fuel has leveled up from 2nd Rank level 4 to 2nd Rank level 10.]

[Crimson Sense has leveled up from 2nd Rank level 3 to 2nd Rank level 7.]

[Crimson Destruction has leveled up from level 2nd Rank level 1 to 2nd Rank level 3.]

[Crimson Break has leveled up from level 2nd Rank level 1 to 2nd Rank level 3.]

[Elemental Resistance has leveled up from 4th Rank level 6 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Physical Resistance has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Magical Resistance has leveled up from 4th Rank level 7 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Sharp Instincts has leveled up from 4th Rank level 8 to 4th Rank level 10.]

[Quick Recovery has leveled up from 2nd Rank level 9 to 2nd Rank level 10.]

In summary: a lot of them had reached level 10 and were close to the next tier. All from the continuous battles she had endured. She also was reaching her level 200 Class Advancement, and it was coming a lot faster than what she had initially anticipated.

[You have reached level 193. 10 stat points awarded.]

+5 Vitality +5 Strength +5 Dexterity.]

…

[You have reached level 198. 10 stat points awarded.]

+5 Vitality +5 Strength +5 Dexterity.]

In fact, it was really close.

The prospect excited a lot. Seeing what the higher level individuals she faced were able to do, made her want it more. And while she hadn’t initially come to the Sacred Forest to level, this was the end result.

However, Amber didn’t sit there and stare, she didn’t sit there and daydream about how strong she would become, because she had things to do.

She got up from the healer from the Saints of Truth that she had fought and gave her body one last look. If she hadn’t thought to use rune constructs to blow her head up… she would’ve died. There was no doubt in her mind that level 300s were too much for her, and that this time she had gotten a good match up. But in the end, she had won.

And now, it was time to get out of here.

Amber took the storage ring from the woman, and then she set off to find Remmel and Aveline. And on the way there, Amber saw ruination; the torn farm lands from the destruction her fight had unleashed upon the land. She saw the muddied water, she saw whirlpools and massive chunks of stone littering the surroundings. It was a lot.

She shook her head and finally arrived at the place where she had dropped off Frei, and a moment later she was added to Aveline’s spell.

There she was treated by an anxious Aveline and a rather enthused Remmel.

“You really did it,” Remmel said. “You achieved something I’ve never seen before. You really are something.”

“That… how are you so strong…?” Aveline asked, trembling.

Amber blinked. “I just am. More importantly, where is Frei?”

“She said she had some things to attend to, and to go ahead and run while we can,” Remmel said simply. “So, let’s go, she’ll catch up to us.”

At that, Amber turned serious.

Aveline fidgetted. “She said that this time she won’t abandon you and to please trust her. To trust that she will come.”

Amber took in those words and finally nodded, accepting them.

Then, shortly after that they set off towards their next destination. Her friends. On the way there Amber still made sure to ask if they had learned the reason for Frei’s absence. And they did, but the answer shocked her.

After all, while she had been enjoying herself and studying hard, Frei was undergoing physical and psychological torture. And that, Amber didn’t know how to feel about, but she still shoved it aside to focus on what the priority here was:

Escape the Sacred Forest.

* * *

Frei took a deep breath as she arrived at the now destroyed home. It had been her childhood home, situated on the farmlands belonging to the family, and now it was destroyed. Now, it served as the wake of her dead family. Sure, they were distant family, and sure they weren’t even close to her.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

But even then, even with all of that factored in. It still hurt. A lot. She had her family taken away from her three times. How cruel was that? Sure, she had been hurt even if the reasons for it were questionable, they cared for her. She was well aware it wasn’t done to save the family’s standing or to use it, but rather it was to honor her father’s legacy.

“Though I guess following that logic, it would mean that they’re still just acting to get rid of their own guilt.” Frei chuckled at that thought.

She took in the bloody sight. She didn’t particularly know why the healer from the Saints of Truth had decided to do this, since normally they weren’t as bloodthirsty, but she couldn’t change the outcome. Then again, the woman was the least brainwashed member she had personally seen, so perhaps it had to do with that. Either way, she was dead.

And Amber had killed her.

Frei looked at the corpse, and even though it was an ugly sight, she felt glad. How couldn’t she? The person she had chosen to serve had taken revenge for her ⁠— even if unintentional ⁠⁠— what else was she supposed to feel other than relief and content.

She smiled and then turned, walking through the ruination and what was the wake of something she didn’t truly know how to feel about. And finally, she arrived before the person that seemed the most committed to her. Her uncle, Ronan.

There he was, slumped peacefully. She couldn’t sense anything from him.

“Did you actually feel any love for me, or were your motivations selfish?” she asked. “Guess I'll never know.”

Her voice rang only for her to hear, and then she turned around and closed her eyes. For a moment she felt doubt, she could’ve had a good relationship with her biological family if she hadn’t obsessed so hard on finding out about what the other world was. If she listened to her family more, this perhaps wouldn’t have happened.

Maybe she wouldn’t have become as strong, maybe she would’ve married some other noble and helped her house standing, maybe she would’ve had a happy small family…

But all of that wasn’t possible anymore. The door had been completely shut. Not even the possibility of reconciliation was there. And that, hurt. A lot. The inability to fulfill her fathers and mothers’ wishes hurt.

Frei immediately felt tears welling, when she heard a cough. A very rough one and almost lifeless.

She turned immediately and saw that her uncle was still… alive. And while she still was unsure logically, her heart told her she’d regret not acting now.

And so, she moved to save him.

* * *

Everyone snuck into the Dazdril’s family home, and it was hard. The entire plateau had been closed off and filled to the brim with runes for detection. It was like sneaking into the vault all over again. Except this time, every single level was like the last one.

Amber didn’t know why exactly was the case, but she didn’t like it one bit, because it could only mean one thing, and that one thing was soon found out as soon as they got close to the Dazdril’s family home. The Archmage was standing at the front, talking. And it was to none other than Asil.

“It is my understanding that you know the individual that is Amber?”

Her companion raised a brow. “Yes, she is a friend, why?”

“Well, she has stolen Arkara’s Staff from our possession and injured multiple guards as well as causing general unrest for the rules of the Sacred Forest,” he stated simply. “So, if she comes to you for asylum, do bring her to us, otherwise this could cost the Dazdril family dearly.”

At that, Asil blinked.

“In fact your affiliation to her is already⁠—”

“I got it,” he finally said. “So she’s a wanted criminal and I have to sell her out right?”

The Archmage nodded. “That is correct.”

Asil nodded and then he looked one way, as if looking to see if there was anyone, and then he looked the other way and⁠— he glanced at Amber, seemingly meeting her gaze before turning back to the head guard.

“Just to keep it between us, but I heard there is a big fight happening over on the farmlands of the Lasren’s estate,” he said quietly. “Maybe she is involved.”

“I’m aware, Mr Asil. And I can assure you that my inaction has a more specific purpose. But if she does come to you, your cooperation would be invaluable,” he said simply. “That is all.”

With that, their talk concluded and the Archmage teleported away, leaving all of them to breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, Asil met her gaze and with a light nod he went back into the home.

“Fuck, that was close,” Remmel muttered.

“If he had been alert, he would’ve sensed us,” Aveline said after a moment. “I can feel it.”

Amber nodded at that. Thankfully, the worst hadn’t come. However, the conversation just served to remind them all how serious the situation was, and how urgently they needed to get out of the Sacred Forest.

And so, not a minute later with Aveline’s help they teleported into the Dazdril’s family house. More specifically into the courtyard, where Asil was simply sitting and looking ahead with some fascination.

“Is this Aveline’s doing?” he asked.

The veil was dropped and all of them appeared before him, as he nodded, seemingly impressed.

“How were you even able to sense us?” Amber decided to ask.

“I could only sense you, and I think you know why,” he replied simply before a frown settled onto his face. “More importantly, what is this about stealing Arkara’s Staff? You do realize that that is possibly the dumbest thing you could’ve stolen, right?”

“I didn’t know we were stealing it until it happened,” she retorted immediately. “Anyway, I’ve decided that I’m leaving the Sacred Forest immediately because otherwise the Archmage will kill me, so I came to say goodbye.”

Asil blinked at her bluntness and nodded.

“Then I’ll set up a reunion with Latvar to see if he can assist you in any way, and I’ll also bring Silvette so she can say goodbye.”

Amber nodded at that and Asil smiled.

“I admire how you can be so resolute even while in trouble.”

With those words he turned around, but Amber didn’t like that compliment.

“I really am not.”

At that she got a chuckle but no further conversation was made. Shortly after that, they were guided to a meeting room, and they all took their seats as the arrangements took place. All while Amber waited with some tension.

* * *

The first person to arrive was Cecile, immediately walking in and striding up to Amber, her gaze a mix of worry and confusion.

“Did you seriously steal a divine artifact?” she asked.

Amber blinked. “I did. Not intentionally mind you, but that’s what happened.”

At that the merchant pinched her nose in frustration. “Do you have any idea of how much money I’ll lose since my trades aren’t complete?”

Amber blinked, surprised at what the merchant had said, but also she felt somewhat touched.

“I didn’t think you’d want to come with me.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” she asked incredulously.

Amber took a moment to collect herself before she pointed out what she had in mind. “Because Asil won’t be coming.”

“I can always visit him⁠—”

“You should stay here with him, it’s safer, and also I think you should prioritize him given your shared feelings,” she said.

At that the merchant blinked, flustered.

Amber had a lot of reasons for declining, but one of the main reasons ⁠— aside from what she had said ⁠— was the potential death of Cecile. It was too risky and the Archmage was obsessed with her, something that made her tense. Even if she didn’t show it because she couldn’t exactly speed up the meeting right now, there was still a sense of urgency about the whole situation.

The faster this finished, the faster her friends would be safe.

As Amber was thinking, someone else entered the room. A familiar elven girl, a teenager and someone with a lot of energy. Who immediately piped up when she saw Amber.

“I heard you stole a super ancient artifact, that’s so damn cool!”

Amber wryly smiled given her situation. “Now the entirety of the Sacred Forest wants me dead, so…”

“Yeah but that also means you’re very strong, Amber!” she exclaimed, beaming.

And a cough echoed, and a familiar figure strode in with Asil behind him. It was none other than Latvar and the leading figure of the family in the Sacred Forest. And he came to a stop, crossing his arms and peering at her.

“I heard you got into a lot of trouble, do you want to explain why?”

And a scoff came, from Remmel. “Can we hurry? Not only are you risking your own damn standing, you are also potentially fucking our lives here.”

Amber agreed with that sentiment so she said nothing and looked at Latvar expectantly. And he nodded a moment later.

“Right, this assassin got you into this mess. But we can help you get out.” He took a deep breath as he began to explain. “You see, every noble family in the Sacred Forest has a direct teleportation circle to leave, ours unfortunately leads to the Republic of Mercenaries, but that should also allow you to leave peacefully since our guards are protecting different and more important areas of that side of the forest now.”

Amber nodded.

“That said, we cannot do more than this. But we hope you can visit us in Lathyzia where we will welcome you with open arms.” He smiled.

Amber blinked. “I won’t be wanted there?”

“No,” Remmel snapped and began to walk towards the entrance. “You won’t. Both of them are separate entities from one another, and two different places. Aside from sometimes sharing nobility, there isn’t anything.”

He went past Latvar before looking back.

“What are we waiting for?”

Amber nodded seriously before going over and Aveline gulped. Unfortunately, this time Amber couldn’t have a long goodbye or anything, but perhaps a short goodbye wouldn’t make the next interaction awkward.

Besides, she had had a good journey with her friends already and they all had reached their destination, there were no commitments from anyone anymore.

As for Frei?

Amber decided that she would trust her. That she would indeed show up when needed, and that for now she needed space. After all, what she had gone through wasn’t easy. And Amber was sure that she had only gotten a compacted version of the story.

All of them made their way through the halls, guided by Latvar, and soon enough, deep underground they found a large teleportation circle. There were four mages already prepared to teleport them.

“Please stand in the middle,” Latvar said.

At that, everyone in her party listened, but as she was about to do it Asil grabbed her by the hand.

“There is something I want to give you, but I won’t take much time. If you linger for too long, it may become impossible to escape, for the following months,” he said.

Amber turned and Asil let go as he raised his hand, then a moment later a worn out journal appeared on his hands. Offering it to her.

“While I wish I could’ve stuck to you as your mentor for longer, this will have to suffice,” he said, offering a bitter smile.

“What is this?” Amber inspected it as Remmel tapped his foot on the ground.

“That is a journal I wrote many centuries ago detailing my insights about Essence and the things I learned back then as well as reflections that I had now.” He smiled. “There is a lot that I forgot to teach you, and that should help you.”

Amber blinked, and was surprised. She had never expected a gift from Asil in this situation, but if it really was what he was saying, then it was nothing short of amazing.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Glad to be able to help you.” He pushed her into the circle. “And please don’t die with it, that kind of stuff can’t be released to the outside world.”

Amber chuckled. “I know.”

Latvar nodded.

“Start the circle.”

Following his words, the teleportation circle began to glow a pale blue light that filled the room, the runes around spinning to life.

And Remmel, noticing Amber’s gaze turned serious. “Focus, we aren’t out of the woods yet.”

Amber slightly sobered up at that and nodded. Then, she turned to the circle. It was much more complex than any she had seen before. And from what Amber could tell, it didn’t have a completely set point at the end of the transportation. Which was good for them.

“I’ll miss you,” Cecile said, with a smile.

“Do come and visit,” Asil grinned.

“Amber, come back soon,” Silvette waved.

And Amber smiled, waving at them before pausing and turning to Silvette of all people.

“Tell Maxwell, the academy professor that I’m sorry for leaving but that I’ll miss him. That I’m thankful for everything.”

She grinned. “Will do.”

Amber smiled and soon after, began to prepare herself for the possible last stretch. Immediately resolving herself mentally.And so, she took off all her rings and put them on a thin piece of string that she made as a makeshift necklace. That way, losing them would be a lot harder.

She nodded to herself and a moment later the teleportation circle glowed like never before, its color changing to yellow.

And at that sight, Aveline immediately paled. “This is⁠—”

The teleportation went off and they found themselves at the edge of the forest. And there was calm, the starry night sky present above. But Aveline continued to shake.

“Our teleportation has been redirected,” she finally said.

Remmel cursed and Amber tensed, then a moment later, one mage teleported, then two, then three, four, five⁠— two dozens appeared in front of them. And with a final teleport, the person she dreaded seeing appeared.

The Archmage.

[???. Lvl. ???]

And he raised his staff, thousands of barriers appearing in the air, a familiar spell that she had seen before. A spell in the 4th Tier of magic. A level 400 spell.

“Today is the day you die, Amber.”

And all the mages fired off their spells.