To Lanek’s surprise, he actually didn’t pass out this time. This was quite a pleasant surprise for him as he was getting extremely tired of passing out every time the System made him update something. Rather than passing out, he was presented with a simple message confirming his transformation. However, shortly after the confirmation, he received a notification from the System updating him as to the change that had occurred.
You have evolved into Dranrid (Purestrain).
Huh, I’m a purestrain, now? I’m not sure that I like the implications of that… The only other time I’ve heard that term was not in a very pleasant context. Hmm, guess I don’t get anything for the change. Could it be because it was kind of a formality at this point and I’d already become a dranrid once?
Lanek looked over his skills and abilities, looking for any change, but without any luck. However, after a few minutes of searching, he finally found a difference. His [Dranrid Rejuvenation] skill had been buffed. While the description of the skill had not changed, he could see his mana ticking up much faster than it used to. It seemed to be twice as fast as it had been. I’ll take it, I’ve been burning through mana like crazy recently.
He stood and waved at the new/old guardian beast after receiving a pulse of emotion from Kazuma. “Hey, don’t want to break up the reunion, but my friends just got back and are waiting in the valley with some centaurs and kelpies that have been living in the surrounding mountains. I figured that you and Elspeth might want to be the ones to welcome them. Apparently, Eldros has already secured their aid in protecting the restored domain.” Lanek explained as Eilidh approached.
“Wonderful, we will meet them at once! I can’t wait to make this place lively once more!” The guardian beast said happily. “Will you be staying with us for a while?”
“No, sorry. I was only planning on staying until I was sure that Elspeth wouldn’t be alone, but with the centaurs and their kin getting here so quickly and your return, she’ll be fine. I wish we could stay a bit longer, but I think Liv and I need to get some sleep and leave first thing in the morning. We have a long way to go and I don’t want to be away from Caelis for too long.”
“I understand. I wish I could help you on your trip, but I must stay here and I had little knowledge of the places outside of these mountains during my first life as a guardian. With all of the changes that Eldros has been filling me in on, my knowledge would be worse than useless.” Eilidh said quietly.
“No worries, Eilidh. You are doing more than enough by restoring this pocket of life and power. If possible, I want to see many more of these little outposts springing up and fighting against the gaunts and the Void. I just wish I knew more ways to protect this place.”
“You have done enough. I don’t know the full power that my daughter and granddaughters have in their current forms, but they are stronger than they were in life. As am I. Add that to the centaur clan waiting above, and I am confident that we can hold. In fact, I don’t plan on being as complacent this time around.” She said with a determined look on her face.
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“How do you mean?”
“With the centaurs returned and the fact that they’ve lived in these mountains so long, I will have access to scouts that can roam these lands and let me know of threats early on. Also, with their speed and knowledge of the land, I am hoping to find others to join us, whether they be more centaurs and kelpies or something else entirely. Eldros’ groves had a habit of attracting the wildlife and any creatures with an affinity for nature, so hopefully that helps bolster our numbers. However, enough talk of these future plans. Please, join us in greeting our kin and let us all thank you properly before you leave.”
Lanek agreed and spent the rest of the night sharing stories of Caelis and his adventures. Liv also shared tales of her homeland in the north and their beliefs. Somehow, their hosts were able to coordinate with their centaur brethren to create a simple, yet delicious, feast for the party before everyone made their way to bed.
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The valley was a bustling with activity as Lanek and his companions departed. The kelpies were busy within the lake itself, performing activities that Lanek assumed would purify the waters. Meanwhile, the centaurs were fortifying the entrances to the valley. Sharpened stakes that would soon make up palisade walls and gates were being assembled at every entrance with plans for elevated archery platforms with ramps that were large enough to accommodate the bulk of a centaur.
He had wondered why they needed the platforms but was able to discover the answer after observing the centaurs for a few moments. Every third centaur seemed to be equipped with a truly monstrous bow that was far too large for a normal human to wield. It wasn’t a matter of strength either, as the stat system in this world meant that most creatures could get strong enough to draw the bow, the bows were simply not designed for those of a human stature. Or an orc’s for that matter. The centaurs clearly knew what they were about as the range from that thing, especially from an elevated position, would be devastating.
In another area of the valley, Lanek spotted kelpies and centaurs preparing the land for growing, although he wasn’t sure what crops would be suitable for this climate. However, he didn’t doubt that they would thrive as work was also beginning on irrigation ditches that would extend from the lake.
Lanek had already spoken with Eilidh about keeping communication open with Caelis as he hoped that they would one day be able to support one another. While the centaurs and kelpies would no doubt fight bravely, their weapons were primitive and they would greatly benefit from the arms and armor that could be provided by the dungeon or Ivan and his artificers. However, Caelis wouldn’t be able to provide that gear without raw materials, which the centaurs may be able to provide. Also, Lanek wanted to make sure that his new allies knew that they were welcome in Caelis whenever they liked and especially if they needed to fall back to a safer location.
Liv waved behind them as they finally left the valley behind and turned northeast, hoping to reach the coast and resume their path. Lanek still had his reservations about being that close to the water, but it would be the fastest and easiest path to the north. Besides, a lot of cities, towns, kingdoms, and empires tended to be founded on the coasts, so following it would give them the best odds of discovering something.
Both Liv and Lanek hoped that they would find a town with living inhabitants, but they both knew that it was more likely that they would find more ruins. However, even that would be beneficial to them in a morbid way as they would have the opportunity to look for loot. Additionally, remnants of cities or towns would make good places to potentially build outposts in the future, especially if he was able to find more people.
The sun was beginning to set as Lanek and Liv finally came back into sight of the ocean in the distance and began their descent from the mountains. Leaving the mountains behind was a godsend for everyone but Pharaoh and Kazuma as those two very smug-looking furballs didn’t have to contend with the rough terrain. Despite the ease of travel promised by the plains stretching out to the north, Lanek and Liv resolved to not let their guards down as any campfire they created would make them visible to potential foes and predators for miles around.
Thankfully, those fears could be mitigated a bit by Lanek’s fortified campsite and the fact that Yuri and Maximilian were both very alert and intimidating. This night found the entire party settling down for sleep after having eaten a simple but filling meal. However, Lanek would not be sleeping just quite yet as he had a plethora of reward stones to spend, both from eliminating the Void presence and restoring Eldros’ domain.
Not only did he have a skill to buy that would allow him to buff his perception and resilience every time he increased his constitution, he also had a few ideas for some new skills and equipment to purchase. He had decided that now was the time to trust in his furballs and their abilities while he took a bit more of a support role. As such, he needed to give them the tools they needed to fulfill their roles of tank, assassin, and warrior.