EPISODE 47: Underneath the Tiger’s Den 2
— Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
Fire blazed through the boss room. The once tall trees were now ablaze with red flames filling the room. Thick, choking black smoke and sweltering heat were the least of my worries. My [Eternal Set] pulsed with power as the red gem on my chest let off a brilliant red hue. Both my blades were set aflame, yet they hadn’t tasted the flesh of my enemies. Shortly, that would change.
Just as I was giving up hope and certain, my first hand-crafted golem was finished. The [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] seemed to take offense at my language. Or perhaps it was because the golem was down. Its shield arm was bent and twisted from the big cat's previous blow. I was sure there was more damage, but the huge body boss monster blocked me from seeing more. The [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] suddenly turned on me. A quick activation of its vibrating skill brought it before me as it swiped its claw down in a decisive blow.
“Right where I want you, you overgrown tabby!”
“( Elemental Harmonization: Fire ).”
“ Burn , you stupid bitch!”
Fire surged and was upon us instantly. The flames of the attack surrounded the boss monster in a flood of power while disrupting her attack.
Mothering Tigress of the Den takes continuous burning damage.
-33 HP per second as long as the spell lasts.
The force of the attack forced me back, the spell becoming far too large for me to control safely. (Elemental Harmonization) was a spell I developed on my Third Step in [Goblin Den]. The artificial dungeon was much like [Tiger Den] but far inferior in the strength of its opponents. Yet for an unclassed individual, every battle was a fight for my life. A fight that left my body scar riddled as I fought against the humanoid creatures. It wasn’t until a critical moment when I was deprived of nothing but my magic that the spell came to life.
I recalled it now, my left eye slightly glaze over as the memory came to the forefront. The emotions of terror I felt at death's door. The coldness of the blade as it slid between my ribs. The terror of true death and the Goddess who waited for me after.
The principles it worked off were simple. The only requirement for (Elemental Harmonization) to work was spreading your mana out in a wide range and harmonize with a single element. Attacks did not just dissipate after they were dealt. Your mana would permeate the area and make it harder for other mages to cast as they tried to communicate with the world. (Elemental Harmonization) took advantage of the spread of your mana and converted the area into your domain of sorts. It worked best on small battlefields and against unsuspecting opponents. It’s what I did to the boss of [Goblin Den]. Furthermore, it’s what I did to Ade Travax Oni. Now, the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] was just another victim to the growing list. The only downside of (Elemental Harmonization) was the time it took for your magic to affect the surrounding area. That, and the intense concentration it took to hold the magic active, as well as, the ability to only use a single element.
The biggest issue out of the three was the time. It was a problem as most battles on the Prime Plane were high-energy, high-intensity clashes that wouldn’t last more than ten minutes. Unless two opponents were evenly matched, it was simple when most high-intensity battles were fought.
Either you died or they died.
I tightly manipulated my mana's continuous damage flowing to the boss of the dungeon. Although she was by far the strongest beast I’ve faced, she was still a water-down version of a gold-rank beast. She possessed no greater intellect, nor did she have opposable thumbs. Human ingenuity could still outclass such monsters.
Fire continuously stuck to her in a surrounding inferno. Her high defense of 150 only lasted a few moments before she began taking true damage. The large cat thrashed, knocking over trees as I manipulated the inferno to continuously surround her and do damage. It was here that I noticed a small autumn red horn. It became obvious when began to glow ominously, inky black cracks on the small horn seemed to grow deeper, darker. Likewise, it was the only part of her body that remained undamaged, which is how I noticed it.
One hundred mana was gone in ten seconds, and the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] was far from dead. Of the 100 mana, 25 was returned to me from the skill itself. My bloodline ability couldn’t affect (Elemental Harmonization) as it was not structured spell casting but a form of raw manipulation, but the spell rewarded me in other ways.
Skill Name:
(Elemental Harmonization)
Description:
You have tuned yourself to the four base elements and their natures! Allowing you to harness their powers in a fruitful manner.
Function:
Reduce the casting cost of all free forms of magic related to the element harmonized with by 25%. Increase elemental damage effects by 10%.
A glance at my Life Points told me I was unable to keep this up for much longer. Too many sources drew on my mana. Just as I was contemplating on using the skill I gained when Mind reached 200, Minerva landed on my shoulder.
HP: 311/780 (+0)
SP: 560/780 (+0)
MP: 219/1200 (+0)
“ That was intense! For a moment, I thought I’d have to use another one of my core skills. ”
I cut off the connection to Adam before responding to Minerva. “That was… a lesson. If she was more than just a wild beast or if she was maxed as a gold knight… I’d probably have lost.”
The [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] screamed in pain and fright, while Minerva continued the conversation. I calmly removed a high-grade mana potion and downed it. I should have brought more than one of each… at least I have that skill.
Together, we approached the suffering cat, my concentration as I manipulated the giant inferno never decreased. The overgrown tabby was completely furless now, and her skin was exposed. Chunks of it were missing as the flames burned through. Desperate, the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] began to dig with her claws, throwing chunks of dirt around and on her body in an attempt to halt her suffering. I watched on, the flames flickering in a beautiful display against the crystal lens that protected my eyes.
“ Poor Adam, I think it’s broken. It looks like a lot of the runic scripts have been damaged. His chest is caved in from that last blow. ”
“Don’t worry, I already have plans to build him bigger and better! Next time he’ll have siblings to support him,” I responded before I focused. I wanted to take this time to fully kill the boss.
“ Drill ,” I said. Power in my voice as I harmonized with the flames.
Since the big cat wanted to dig so much, I would help her. The inferno surrounding her began to spin. Slowly, but the speed quickly increased as I concentrated on controlling the flow. My connection to the fire mana that made up the flames grew.
Dance!
Spin!
Play!
The flames whispered to me, I could hear it, hear them . The inferno picked up until it was shaped like a drill. The highest flames licked the ceiling of the boss room, while the fire burned the earth around the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ].
“ You should end her quickly! She must be in horrible pain. ”
“I’m trying, but the spell is doing continuous damage instead of one big outburst. It should only take another ten seconds.”
My mind already ran the calculations, it should only take roughly 33 seconds to kill the boss. Running and understanding these numbers were a basic requirement for the combat students of Imperius Academy. Just a little over twenty of those precious seconds passed. The total battle time was probably five to seven minutes. Now… it was finally coming to an end.
Even until the end, the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] did not stop digging. It no longer looked like she was trying to escape or cover herself. The moment she raised her half-melted paw and activated a skill to smash through the floor, I knew something was wrong.
“Minerva, analyze her! See what skills she is using and see if you can pick up more detailed information,” I said worriedly. I drew stronger on my connection to the fire element, and the mana turned into a raging vortex.
“(Keeper’s Eye).”
Skill Name:
(Keeper’s Eye)
Description:
Analyze, record, and access the records. Display them.
Function:
Analyze, record, and access the records of a targeted person, place, or thing.
Minerva activated the skill. Red-gold light shined from her eyes and projected onto the boss monster.
“Age: 47… hmmm no, species created by [Dungeon of the Guiding Lights] , no not what I want. Ahh, here it is… skills! (Chaos Shift) no, that’s her movement skill…, huh? That doesn’t make sense, she should have (Tiger’s Dash). That doesn’t make sense. (Call of the Tigress) no, no, that’s the one that put you in {Fear}. I got it, (Battle Body) , a rare skill that amplifies all of her attacks by a degree… but why is she hitting the floor? ”
Minerva’s eyes turned to gaze at the specific spot the boss monster hit. A pondering expression plastered on her face. Her eyes squinted as she focused on a particular spot. Before, she slowly spoke.
“ Ruined… Temple… of… Elrunian… ”
The ground rumbled and for a moment, my concentration faltered as I lost my footing. The inferno vortex around the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] flickered as the magic became erratic. That seemed to renew the dying cat as it gave one final blow, opening an entrance to the darkness below. This time she directly smashed her horn into the floor and the world seemed to go silent for a split second as Minerva finished her sentence. A pulse of red and black spread from the impact of the horn. Igniting the raging inferno in a brilliance of red, blue, and black flames and removing my control from it.
“ Architect of Genesis. ”
“ Shit! Law, you might want to move, ” Minerva chirped and took flight.
The blow seemed to spread as the floor collapsed. My concentration was fully disrupted as the floor gave away far faster than I could react. Darkness consumed me as I fell into the depths. An ebony-gradient owl followed behind.
----------------------------------------
Wilarax – Daughter of the Sun settled herself into a meditative position. Her body hovered a few feet from the balcony’s floor as she did so. Excitement coursed its way through her veins as she began interacting with the external mana of the realm. The more she meditated on the mana, the greater her control. To freely control the magic of the world without spending a single drop of her own.
When she opened her eyes, Celina saw the vast sea of the Elrunian Realm in front of her. Just over the horizon, she could make out the end of the world and where the blackness of chaos began. The young elf sat on a raised platformed balcony that overlooked the Sun Sea. In the waves below the balcony were sweltering waves that would swallow anyone who slightly miss-stepped and fell below.
‘Status,’ Celina thought as she absorbed the mana of the world and leveled up. Quickly distributing her attributes as she gazed at the screen. Can’t believe I got isekaied.
The process of leveling brought an ecstasy like no other, and Celina found it hard to describe with words. It was that cool drink on a hot summer day. The kiss of a loved one after missing them for an extended length of time. A mother’s hug. To some, the pleasure of leveling was described to be better than the physical pleasure of a loved one. To Celina, it was the hug of a man she missed dearly. A friend, but more. He was an inventor, a mentor, and a confidant, and he was the man who died to save her.
The thought shook itself from her mind as she reviewed her status. Contemplating on what her second class was going to be. As the daughter of a demi-god, she was offered a wide range of classes and skills that could propel her to the highest levels of this world. All of that while giving her the current maximum attributes attainable for this realm…
“At least until I change that.”
Wilarax Joi Simra Indrius – Level 25
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
HP: 600/600 ( +300 )
SP: 450/450 ( +300 )
MP: 1050/1050 ( +300 )
Base Atk: 125 (+50 )
Base Def: 60 ( +40 )
HP Regen:36/Hour +27
SP Regen:
27/Hour +27
MP Regen: 63/Hour +27
Bloodline: [+]
Race: True Elf
Main Class:
[Hero of Elysium]
Perks:
Last Daughter of Earth
Power: 250 ( +100 )
2nd Class: [UNLOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 200 ( +100 )
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 150 ( +100 )
Faith: God EL
Status Effects: [+]
Mind: 350 ( +100 )
Affiliation:
Imperial Family of Elysium
Equipped:
Mana Flow Set
Self: 150 ( +100 )
2nd Affiliation:
Temple of the Sun
Skills: [+]
Intent: 150 ( +100 )
Achievements: [+]
Active Quest: [+]
Magic Affinity: -
Attribute Points: 0
Her large eyes hovered over the UNLOCKED text for a moment, and she hesitated to select it. She just didn’t feel ready yet . She dismissed her status and continued to gaze over the Sun Sea. It seemed faster than a blink, but sixteen years went by since the True Elf was reborn. Sixteen years and-.
“Wilarax – Daughter of the Sun. Your father summons you.”
Celina sighed and turned to look at the young true elf who timidly stood a few feet behind her. One of her large bushy eyebrows rose as she gazed at the youth.
“Oi, Jin-jin can’t you be a bit bolder? If you’re supposed to be my ‘betrothed,’ then I’ll need you to start acting like a man!”
Jin-jin cowered even more, and Celina rolled her eyes. The mana slowly and gently let her to the ground. Celina stood up; the True Elf stood at 193 cm tall, which was on the higher side for her race, but not substantially so. If there’s anything I love about this new world, new body, new everything, then it's my height for certain!
She looked down at Jin-jin and gestured for him to lead the way. As they walked they passed plenty of bald monks, some True Elves like herself, others were True Humans, True Dwarves, and more. The click and clock of a horse’s hooves made Celina roll her eyes as the centaur showed herself. Pulling up next to the young true elf and accompanying the small group as they made their way through the Temple of the Sun.
“Wilarax, how goes your training? Have you reached the first advancement yet? Are you ready to undergo your test? I remember my first advancement. That was 3200 years ago after the last great Magi-War-.”
Celina hurried and interrupted the centaur, knowing if she allowed her to start, the demi-goddess would never halt. “Uma, you told me that story before, it's your favorite to tell… and yes, I just reached level 25.”
“It is how the centaurs became part of Elysium as we sought protection from the horrors of the Magi. They are fierce beasts whose Goddess is a warmongering bitch . If you ever see a magi-human…”
“…Don’t hesitate to take your saber and slay them, yes, Uma, I know.”
“Rabid beast, sick destroyers, if only your father and God El would permit me. Half…, no, a full million of the [Heavenly Soldiers], and I’d slaughter the lot of them.”
Jin-jin cowered from the ferocity Uma showed and pulled closer to Celina. Who rolled her eyes but allowed the elf to hide next to her. A demi-goddess might be not something most mortals could handle, and Uma tended to… relax the hold on her power when she got animated like this.
As they walked, the conversation continued. Uma recounted some of her glory days that caused Celina to roll her eyes but gaze affectionately at the talkative centaur. The memory of her being a young toddler and riding around on Uma’s back brought an even bigger smile as the young woman indulged Uma. Thousands of monks moved out of their way, bowing respectfully as they passed. Simra felt the fluctuations of some, allowing her to know who was a demi-god and held a higher status than the others. Those she would give a faint nod of respect as they passed.
The Temple of the Sun was a wonder, it was Celina’s home and a giant, singular complex that held close to ten million people within. The grounds were vast, just like the might of her father, and the Temple was constructed in several layers. The Outer Temple, where disciples who wished to study under the leader of Elysium first entered. It did not matter if you were a human king, elf nobility, or more, all would begin from this stage. The Inner Temple is where things became a bit more serious. Those who sought enlightenment leveled and fought through several thousands of dungeons as they comprehended their path. Some would choose to Prestige ; others would walk the path of Godhood.
The Core is where the truly strong resided, and it is where Celina made her way toward. Waving her hand in acknowledgment as Jin-jin halted and bowed. His path and comprehension were far from enough to enter the Core Temple. Only Uma continued to escort her, stopping once Celina began to walk the Steps of Enlightenment. Only a few dozen of the monks from the temple remained. All of them are either Prestige or demigods. Each step to rise higher was a task of monumental difficulty as they basked in the radiance of [Eldest Elf] . His power nurtured them yet was also a force that could sweep them away like dust in the wind.
Her father smiled warmly as she skipped up the last step and arrived before him. Celina chose to take a seat next to him as his gaze swept over the continent.
“My little moon, how goes your training? It has only been a few days since the system unlocked for you. Tell me, have you had any complications?”
Celina looked at her father with a complicated gaze on her face. In this world, he was her only parental figure. For Quinarax Indrius beseeched God El – The Adventurer for a successor, one who would walk like no other, talk like no other, and cannot walk amongst others…
…and out came Celina. To the world, she was Wilarax – Daughter of the Sun. Yet deep down she held clear memories of who she was, where she came from, and more. That person was Celina Morales, a daughter to a loving family, an older sister to two annoying brats she missed dearly. A friend to someone she would consider a brother, especially after the first six months since the death of…, a man who stole her heart.
“No, father, but when will I be allowed to put these skills to the test? I’m tired of these fake scenarios and meditating. I want to fight!”
She spoke up as she talked. Her tone is heated and confrontational. It took years, but Celina finally came to accept the name Wilarax. Not because she gave up believing in whom she once was, but because of the gentleness of the True Elf next to her. Her father was a patient man, but he was also wise from his years and a generally good person. One that helps Wilarax heal from the trauma of her death and move forward with a thirst for the knowledge of a new world and new life.
That didn’t mean her stubborn tendencies ran away to hide in a corner. Once Wilarax accepted who she was, they’d only grew stronger. Even before the moment her system unlocked, Wilarax was thrust into training routine after training routine. All things she was familiar with since her youth but at a higher extensive level. Every single skill and ability she chose was analyzed by countless experts, Uma – Demigoddess of Bravery at the forefront. This allowed her to have excellent flow when casting, as all ten of her main class skills and three core skills flowed smoothly to create wonderful combos. Her natural spell casting and manipulation of the elements were said to be levels above where she was currently at. Knowing all of this, Wilarax couldn’t wait to actually dive into a dungeon or go out to explore.
Quinarax pursed his lips, his long silver-grey hair shifted as he turned to look at his only daughter. As he did, the True Elf held bushy silver-grey eyebrows with matching eyes that held tints of gold. She could appear to be a beautiful younger version of himself yet with more feminine features. Bright eyes with thick lips painted silver with hints of gold to match her eyes. Long hair that extended past her waist was tied up in a ‘ponytail’ as the girl called it. Her nose was sharp but broad like his own, and Quinarax couldn’t help but reach over and pinch his daughter's large cheeks. Wilarax attempted to resist, but the effort was futile. Quinarax held nearly half a thousand levels on her.
He looked into his daughter's eyes and saw the clear signs within them. The trauma from her previous life had all but faded. The girl's outlook for her new life was full of vibrant energy, like a blooming flower in an open field. He smiled, a rare feat for the Eldest Elf, but one that caused his daughter to pause in her struggle.
“You are ready.”
“You may leave the Temple of the Sun, but you may not journey to the Low Kingdoms. Great Evil lies there.”
Wilarax frowned and spoke in protest. “That is where the magi live! They’re supposed to be backward barbarians who cause chaos to the realm every few thousand years. I heard their young prince is planning to start a war. Perhaps I coul-”
“No.”
That single word put a stop to Wilarax’s protest. To Quinarax’s eyes, Wilarax was barely not considered not to be a child to the True Elf populace. Their race's natural longevity was thousands of years. Far outclassing the High Races of the continent who resided in the Middle Kingdoms, and even outclassing other ‘True’ races of the same level.
What father would let their toddler journey into the monster’s den?
“Tell me what you learned of the Magi-Humans.”
“From Uma? They’re a vicious race of monster-like humans who revel in war. They’re the only other race on the continent to naturally be born able to wield magic because of the crystal heart that pumps their black blood.
From the All Truth and ancient records within? Much of the same but much more detailed. They are a people driven by their Goddess, who chose to wage a continental war every few thousand years. If rumors are correct, a third war will happen soon. Much of the realm's resources have recovered, and the magi are said to be led by what might become their greatest ruler to date.
From you…, nothing but to stay away from them.”
“Don’t you know that only makes me more curious! I’m a soul from another world, one in which only humans exist. Where elves like you-”
“Like us,” her father interrupted.
“Like us,” Wilarax corrected before continuing. “…existed as fantasies and stories. How could I not be curious and want to see all this world has to offer.”
Her father sighed heavily. His bushy brows wrinkled before he spoke. It seemed the [Elder Elf] came to a decision.
“I understand my little moon, and that’s why Uma,” her father said, calling the demigoddess over with the last word. The centaur appeared in a blink. Wilarax found it extremely difficult to track her movements, but it seemed like the centaur just walked up the stairs extremely fast. Before Wilarax began leveling, she wouldn’t have seen when Uma moved. She clenched her fist and felt the might of the attributes within her. One day she too, would have that sort of strength.
“You shall be accompanying Wilarax as she travels. Ensure she does not deviate nor accidentally ‘stumble’ into forbidden areas as she has in the past. You know how she likes to wander,” Quinarax said, causing a chuckle to rise from the both of them. “You have my permission to bring any you deem necessary, however, limit the group to no more than ten.”
“As you command, Eldest Elf,” Uma responded as she bowed. Smiling gently as Wilarax stood in excitement at the words of her father.
Wilarax turned to her with excitement in her eyes that was infectious. Uma scooped up the young elf and placed her on her back. Wilarax's eyes widened in surprise as Uma took off. Calling a few names to those who sat on the stairs as she made her way down.
“Uma, you…,” Wilarax began.
“If I want to carry you, I will carry you, who is to question me? Who is to stop me!”
Uma’s booming laughter echoed as they journeyed through the Temple of the Sun. Figures of all shapes and races join them at the call of Uma.
Wilarax pursed her lips, but a smile couldn’t help but make its way to her face as she leaned into Uma’s strong and wide back. Uma smelled of grasslands and bravery. It was taboo for a centaur to have someone not injured, a child, and a few other circumstances on their back. It was not just frowned upon in centaur culture, but those who did it were heavily mocked and driven from the herd. Wilarax stopped riding on Uma’s back the moment she learned this. Uma was someone who was always there for the Daughter of the Sun since her birth. A friend, a sister, and more. Someone Wilarax dearly looked up to and needed in her life.
Who would dare question the Demigoddess of Bravery?
A hand reached back and patted Wilarax's head as they made their way through the temple, gathering members for her first outing.
‘This World… These People! This Life…! I Love It!
I only wish you were here with me to experience it.’