Victor woke up to sunlight peaking through the trees and bustling around him. Serena called out with a chuckle. “You’re up right on time. Yriada left already.”
“He’s slow to rise. I will correct that tomorrow.” Forala scoffed.
Victor stretched noticing the roots forming a small hut had receded into the ground. “Good morning Serena.” Jenora and Emilie were packing up.
“What is our destination?” Forala asked.
“I think we’re headed back to the town nearby where I found you. It should only take a few hours.” Victor noted.
Emilie laughed. “It would take a few hours on the cart. We’ll arrive around dinner time.”
“Are the four of you that slow?” Forala asked.
Emilie nodded. “I am.”
“Well then we will arrive by lunch.” Forala insisted.
“What?! That’s impossible!” Emilie protested.
“Jenora can you jog with that injury?” Forala asked.
“If I put my shield on my back and don’t have my armor on. You’d have to carry my armor.” She nodded.
“Very well, all of us will proceed at a brisk pace I will carry your armor. I am going to pull one hair from your head every minute you are not traveling fast enough. You all have ten seconds to get moving before you lose your first hair.” Forala clapped her hands.
Emilie protested “This isn’t fair! I can’t move quickly!”
“If you accept the loss of all your hair I will accept your excuse.” All of them took off jogging through the forest. Emilie scrambled to her feet and started jogging with her arms flailing. Forala followed her at the back leisurely.
Swordie called out. “Finally, a physical education instructor arrives.”
The light jog felt shockingly reasonable to Victor after having moved with such zeal he felt the need to ask. “What about movement consumes stamina? This doesn’t seem to consume much if any stamina.”
Swordie explained. “Movement using closer to your maximum speed uses more stamina. Strikes using more of your maximum strength take more stamina. If you gain 10 speed but move like you only had gained 3 you’ll barely have any stamina cost if any for movement. It’s why Serena was able to carry you as far as she did without dying. You should maintain speed boost if you can.”
Serena turned to Victor. “Sometimes I wish you had lived at a mage tower.”
“That’s why this doesn’t feel so bad. Speed boost.”
Jenora turned to Emilie already panting. “Emilie are you alright?”
“I’m dying! This is pain!” Emilie cried out.
“You have been jogging for less than 15 minutes. If you complain again I will take a hair off of that pretty head of yours.” Forala smiled at her menacingly. “You can’t have to use your stamina to move around in combat and lunging to heal people at the last second. Stamina, strength, and speed can be increased for those that don’t use them as primary stats. Even a small increase would make a world of difference in many cases.”
“This is pointless! We’d just stand and fight enemies if they attacked us!” Emilie protested.
Jenora nodded. “That is generally how the two of us have handled combat until now. Face whatever comes. Neither of us are quick on our feet.”
“Very well, would you like to demonstrate this to me, against me?” She asked.
Emilie pointed at her. “That’s totally unfair! You’re way too high level for us we’d never encounter someone like you! You’re only here because our mage is the most trusting mage in all of Verdan! He’d recruit a devil if they didn’t immediately attack us!”
“MY MAGE IS THE MOST TRUSTING MAGE IN ALL VERDAN!” Cawthorn proclaimed happily.
Victor looked at her. “Well if the devil was nice to us and a good fit for the group I don’t see why a devil couldn’t be in our group.”
“SEE!” Emilie protested.
“How are devils any different from humans? Both live in cities, have families, and fight monsters.” Forala shrugged.
“That’s an oversimplification.” Jenora spoke up. “Devils are cruel and serve the two great archdevils Vazgal and Ezali. They wage wars to expand their territory at all times ever since they escaped the hells. Demons are like devils but even more monstrous and can’t be reasoned with. Devils ill be forced to serve them even if they don’t want to. They live forever, or at least until killed. They have natural shapeshifting and their blood also has powerful regenerative properties.”
Victor noted. “You know a lot about devils Jenora.”
She seemed shocked her shoulders tensing. “It’s just what I learned about them when I was studying the Golden Goddess.”
“Speaking of which can’t pure heal fix your arm?” Victor asked.
“Yes if my rank on the skill was higher. Mine is too weak right now to do that. I can’t fix missing body parts or broken bones only holes, slashes, blood loss, and other damage.” She explained.
“Your diversion won’t prevent this training. You can run until you can’t. Then you wait until you can and you start running again. You will gain 1 speed and 1 endurance today then tomorrow, then the next day and so on. As a priest you may not need the strength but speed and endurance may be the difference between you dying and living, or worse between them living and dying. You complain about an opponent which is beyond your skill, how would your mule complain? Prey does not get to complain predators outclass them. You live or die later based on the choices you make today and tomorrow. All of you are weak but at least they are training.”Forala seemed angry by the end of her explanation. “If you want to live leveling up isn’t the only way to do it.”
Jenora laughed. “Besides I love seeing you work up a sweat sweetie.”
“THAT’S NOT FUNNY JENORA!” Emilie yelled.
Jenora just couldn’t help but laugh. “Lets just do it. Use your boost skills as much as you can but let’s go.”
“My boost spells won’t last long on myself. Not even a minute.” She sighed.
“Just do what you can. Forala if she collapses we wait and then start jogging and repeat. Leave the hair on her head. Is that acceptable if she doesn’t complain anymore?” Jenora asked.
“Very well, you will only lose a hair every time you complain. Do you have any complaints?” Forala bent over to the priest collapsed on the forest floor with a devious smile.
“No.” Emilie answered sheepishly while thinking ‘How did I get in this mess?’
They began jogging again and Cawthorn shouted words of encouragement. “YOU CAN DO IT FASTEST PRIEST TO EVER LIVE!” He ducked in front of her face. She swatted at him running after him. “CAW CAW HAH YOU’LL HAVE TO BE QUICKER THAN THAT!” Emilie angrily kept rushing forward. This persisted for almost an hour before Emilie fell to her knees.
“That was better. It seems spite and frustration are the best motivators for you. I will remember that.” Forala noted.
“I… can’t… breath…” Emilie panted.
Victor working up a sweat answered. “It’s a lot less than I expected to do this but it’s not easy. Pacing ourselves definitely has helped.”
Serena didn’t seem to be exerting herself at all. “This is pretty easy. Forala, could you give me Jenora’s armor? I could actually benefit from that.”
Forala laughed handing it over. “At least one of you gets the point of training. Though considering you thought to claim him it doesn’t surprise me you are the most driven of the group.”
Jenora said nothing until Cawthorn turned looking her dead in the eyes. “HOW IS YOUR ARM?”
Jenora turned to the bird. “It’s fine.” She said holding her arm to her chest. Her uneasiness caused her to step away from Cawthorn before following up. “It’s not a big deal.”
Forala clapped. “Alright breaks up stand up.”
Emilie panted rising from her knees. “WHAT A SHORT PRIEST! SHORT OF BREATH TOO CAW CAW HAH!” Cawthorn flapped in front of her slowly taking off as she chased. Cawthorn taunted her constantly over the next hour as the group jogged watching her distraction all of them rather entertained. She collapsed again after another hour. This repeated twice more before the town came into view.
“FINALLY!” Emilie collapsed.
“No, one more hour.” Forala stood in front of them. “All of you will circle for one more hour. The sun is overhead it must be a while longer.”
“NOOO!” Emilie screamed.
Forala plucked a hair from her head to her grunt of pain. She pointed around the town. “No complaints. Get moving.” Emilie pressed on and all of them completed the training.
As they all stopped to take a breather before entering the town Victor asked. “Would everyone like to take a moment and level up?”
Achievement Daily: Short Run: Run 5 miles. Gain 1 speed maximum 100. If not done every day begins decaying at the rate of 1 per day. [ Claim ]
Achievement Daily: Moderately active: Be physically active for at least 5 hours. Gain 1 endurance maximum 100. If you have performed this activity two days in a row reduce endurance cost for movement and abilities slightly. If not done every day begins decaying at the rate of 1 per day. [ Claim ]
‘Looks like against all odds is a one time achievement. That’s unfortunate.’ Victor caught his breath and claimed the achievements. Pulled out Swordie and said “Status Sheet.”. ‘Oh I have to select titles so I can only take one at a time. I also have a free rank up, two rank ups for a Luzuzal skill, and 20 stat points to spend.’ Victor pondered for a moment. ‘I will use it to pick it Luzuzal’s Delusion Rank 5 . I should rely on the points I get for free and exercise for speed, endurance, and strength baseline stats. For now maximizing flow has to be my priority but first the rank up points. I should rank up the familiar skill. Cawthorn will be pleased. All 20 in flow, hopefully I will finally be able to maintain multiple boosts indefinitely so I don’t have to keep letting them lapse in fights.’
Selected Title: Angelic Knight
Race Human: Victor Vance Vogal
Class, Specialization : Mage 9, Spellsword 3
Level : 12
Base Health : 190
Stamina : 17
Mana : 15
Vitality : 19
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Speed : 23
Strength : 22
Prowess : 33
Endurance : 12
Rigor : 2
Willpower : 17
Flow : 67 (+70%)
Luck : -42
Resistance : 50% Resistance to mind control and manipulation.
Title: Angelic Knight
Skills: Speed Reading Rank 2, Academic Rank 2, Familiar Rank 2, Speechless Spellcasting Rank 2, Improved Buffs Rank 2, Rogue Skills Rank 2, Fighter Skills Rank 2
Hidden Skills: Memory Retention , Luzuzal’s Delusion Rank 5 , Luzuzal’s Devout Rank 2, Luzuzal’s Promise Rank 7,
Spells: Barrier shield Rank 2, Jolt Rank 2, Speed Boost Rank 2, Magic Writing Rank 1, Vitality Boost Rank 2, Rigor Boost Rank 2, Prowess Boost Rank 2
Current Exp to Level 13 1.0%
‘The Luzuzal’s Delusion skill seems to give me 5% more flow per rank, that’s not a lot now but if I do get more ranks in it then I might be able to maintain 4 or 5 buffs indefinitely.’ Victor smiled. “Who wants to go next?”
Serena took Swordie “Status Sheet.” She tapped a few times and handed the book to Emilie.
She took Swordie. “Status Sheet. At least after all that I leveled up.”
Jenora urged Emilie. “At least put some points in speed. It’ll make this easier Emilie.”
“No. I just have to exercise every day. I need those points in vitality, prowess, and flow. I really do HATE that this half-drake is right but she is. We should sell whatever we can and claim the quest reward then spend a month doing this.” Emilie handed the book to Jenora.
Jenora held Swordie close and said “Status Sheet. Half in vitality half in Strength.”
Jenora handed it to Forala. “Is this a tome?”
“He’s something like that. If you say status sheet while holding him you can bring up your character sheet and level up.” Victor explained.
“Status sheet.” Her eyes lit up. “I’ve never seen my own stats before… It appears I have a level up to use. How long can I use it?”
“30 days from when you get it. If you want to ask Swordie questions I’m sure he can offer advice.” Victor added.
“Princess Forala Medot how may I help you?” Swordie asked.
“What skills could I get with my 160 available status points?” She asked.
“160!?” Jenora asked astonished.
“It says I have 160 available status points. I reached level 60.”
“LEVEL 60!” Jenora stood aghast. “I Knew you were stronger than us but that is a level approaching a national hero.”
She smiled up at Jenora. “Don’t forget it!”
Swordie poked in. “Your basic skills have increased naturally as you tiered up. Given most skills don’t work in both of your forms I strongly recommend maximizing your stats. Your strength and speed are exceptional but your health is low for your level.”
“How much health does she have?” Victor asked curiously.
“3,520 health.” Forala replied. “Allocate all of those points to vitality. Thank you for your assistance.” She tapped accept and handed Swordie back.
“3,520 health is low?” Victor asked not really considering just how much lower he was on the totem pole.
“For her level most characters would have at least 5,000 to 7,000 health. Some go with much more.” Swordie noted. “After spending those points on vitality she has a much more balanced stat array.”
Emilie looked at her realizing despite her stature. “She has more health than all of us put together.”
“It’s because she is such a high level.” Victor noted.
Forala put her arms on her hips. “That’s because I stand and fight any enemy that attacks me one on one. I only back down when I’m hopelessly outnumbered. Even though I’d almost definitely die to their leader, I would fight that dragon one on one. I know that I can’t win with more enemies than just him in the battle but there is a chance the size of an ant I’d still fight him.”
“That’s incredibly risky.” Serena noted.
“It is, I die or win. That’s all there is to it.” Forala nodded.
“Is that the best way to live?” Victor asked.
“It’s not the best way to live. It’s the best way to get stronger.” She corrected them.
“If you want to be strong don’t back down from any fight which you have a chance to win. If you want to live back down from any fight you have a chance to lose.” Forala pointed at Victor. “I hope you choose to be strong. Few people like you do, and if this world had more of them my family might be alive right now.”
Serena shook her head. “Wait a minute you can get incrementally stronger over time, even if you fight things just a bit weaker than you.”
“How has that faired you for the past years?” Forala asked.
“I’ve been a slave for the past few years.” She shot back.
“Fighting against those enemies hasn’t even gotten one of you to tier 3. All of you want to fight enemies far below what you can actually defeat especially as a coordinated group. How many of you have gotten 6 or more levels in a single year?” She waited.
Victor raised his hand. “I was level 4 earlier this month.”
“Goddess why do you have to already be claimed.” Forala closed her eyes and ran her hand over her face.
Serena glared at her. “He is already claimed.”
“I am painfully aware.” Forala sighed. “Victor can you explain to them why you’ve gained 8 levels in a month!?”
“Well I’m low level so I’m sure it is easier to level up.” Victor noted.
“I meant specifically what did you do? Most people at low levels don’t hit level 10 in 18 YEARS let alone 18 days.” Forala noted.
“Well I went to a goblin den alone and found Serena enslaved and dying because two slavers were using her for bait. I killed them and rescued her.” Victor noted.
“You murdered two people to free a slave?” Jenora asked.
“They had a slave. Really all I needed to know about them.” Victor shrugged.
“You had no idea what level they were and just killed them?” Jenora continued.
“It just felt like the right thing to do.” Victor noted before continuing along. “I tried to save people when we arrived at a town under attack by bandits. I failed miserably and cowered. It felt so wrong. The next day I went to a keep with a lot of undead headed by an undead mage. I pulled out undead after undead killing them before one of those 4 armed giant skeletons came out and nearly killed us. Someone saved us and cleared out the keep. Then we convinced him to go back and help us with the bandits who attacked the town and save those they kidnapped.”
“You missed the part where you only went to kill those undead because you wanted to save those the bandits kidnapped.” Serena smiled.
Forala sighed. “I bet on your travels toward the border you encountered monsters far stronger than you that you could easily avoid and yet you still fought them.”
“Well yes Gargrim helped us with them but I probably would have tried to fight at least the troll, it would have killed someone else if we didn’t clear it out.” Victor noted.
“You would have tried to fight a troll?” Jenora looked as though she had just been witness to the dumbest man alive making the dumbest choices in history.
“Well the troll would have been suicide without Gargrim so I would have picked him up and ran but I believe he would have done that.” Serena slapped Victor on the back.
Forala held up a hand. “Enough the three of them get the picture. His reason for fighting wasn’t to be stronger, but he had a reason for fighting. He wouldn’t back down unless it was absolutely impossible and even when it was impossible he went to look for another solution. Victor, choose strength. This method of training isn’t merely intended to keep you away from danger it’s intended to keep him away from choices that would put him in danger while making him stronger because it is clear to me he just cannot control himself.”
Serena nodded. “That is undoubtedly true. He saw slaves being traded across the border in Tinik and it took a lot of restraint for him to not immediately attack the slave auction house.”
Jenora marveled confused and asked. “You know it’s illegal to free slaves right?”
“Is it not illegal to kidnap them?” Victor asked.
“Well it’s illegal to kidnap your own people and sell them into slaves in most countries but it is not usually illegal to enslave people from other countries.” Jenora answered.
“That’s bullshit.” Victor shook his head. “Would any of you own slaves?”
“No.” Jenora answered. Serena laughed at such an absurd prospect.
“I wouldn’t. I don’t want to be one.” Emilie noted.
Forala scoffed. “Slavery is for those who aren’t brave enough to die for their conviction. I wouldn’t need someone like that serving me.”
“If it’s illegal for me to free slaves I don’t mind being an outlaw.” Victor nodded. “If you are traveling with me expect the law to chase us at some point.”
“What about devils?” Jenora asked.
“What about devils? I don’t know much about them.” Victor asked.
“They are usually deemed to evil to even take as slaves so people execute the ones they come across.” Jenora pressed.
“If the devil wasn’t violently attacking us or innocents and we can reason with them I don’t see why that shouldn’t be the first thing to try.” Victor shrugged. “Being a race doesn’t automatically make you evil even if it somehow makes you inclined to evil.”
Jenora eased back. “I see.”
Emilie shook her head. “No way, just like with that skeleton any devil you encounter would be horrifically evil. They might have slain hundreds, or been a torturer, or even worse.”
Forala stepped forward cutting off the conversation. “Regardless. His drive, his goals, force him to act. If he gains half as many levels every month for the remaining 11 months of this year as he gained this month he will be level 56 in ONE YEAR! That’s even more aggressive than me.”
Serena noted. “If he acts like that all year he’ll be dead.”
Victor stepped up. “I was hoping to hit level 100. It’s become clear to me that without powerful artifacts and a high level you can’t make any real change in this world. Would the two of you like to accompany us on that journey?”
Jenora looked at Emilie. “They’re serious.”
Emilie laughed. “Yeah let’s try to reach level 100.”
Forala smiled. “What an inspiration. Let’s go into town and get some rooms. I will require you pay for my room and food. Consider it the cost of my training.”
“Deal, and a great deal at that thank you Forala.” Victor replied.