EPISODE 62: SAME FACE, DIFFERENT PEOPLE
— Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
I am beyond speechless. The words I write here are heartfelt and come from a place of astonishment as I step off the first public ride to the Oni capital city. It is…
It is…
It is simply remarkable. I count myself as a learned scholar of our great Edryan society, and I have heard of the tales of such creations outside the borders of our great state. There were times I dreamt of traveling the continent and exploring the world's natural history, but that dream must be paused until His Highness Lawruthian completes his divine quest. Its revelation was one the Abode had waited upon for centuries . Previously, we believed the next… Harbinger for our Goddess Madris to be Princess Carina. It is unfortunate that one of the greatest leaders in Edryan society was betrayed in such a manner.
That is not the purpose of this letter. I must recount my wonderful experience traveling upon the RAIL system. As I’ve stated, the experience is simply remarkable. It was novel watching the world pass by at a speed comparable to that of a [Land Wyrm – ★★★★ ] on the hunt for prey. Yet vehicle travel is nearly silent as only the trum of the wheels on the rail makes most of the noise. The rest came from fascinated nobles and other figures of importance, who quickly were the first to purchase the open seats.
The train itself traveled at a steady speed, only slowing when crossing bridges or curving around other areas of minor difficulty. The trip was only a day and a half in total time spent traveling. With stable wagons and beasts of the silver knight level, such a journey would take approximately two weeks. That excludes any wayward bandit, beast, or monster attack, and finally weather difficulties.
A keynote I’ve noticed is the more roundabout method taken to reach Laguu. The tracks only pass through magical zones that support the growth of copper and silver-ranked beast, else-wise gold rank zones and above are avoided like the plague…
— Excerpt from a reporting letter to the Scholar’s Abode. Written by Maiden Braya.
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The day turned to night whilst the heat surrendered to the cold. Elysium remained at the top of the Elrunian Realm, and its weather was one that fluctuated when magicians weren’t in strict control of the area. Such was the case on the outskirts of the superstate. The group found themselves traveling down a well-maintained road through a desolate flatland. The fading sun flashed one final brilliant red and purple hue as the night came, and a somber silence settled over the group as they settled down to listen to the magi’s tale.
“… we are magi…,” the woman began. Uma growled a deep and rumbling sound that sent tremors throughout their camp and deep into the flatlands. The loose gravel and dirt rose into the air from the demigoddess expression of Power. Wilarax shot her a threatening look, and the rumbling crashed as it choked to a halt. Seemingly not noticing… or perhaps not caring, the woman continued. “…magi-humans who ran from the [Iron-Blooded Queen] and her… purge of the Edryan upper society. I-we… we were from House Enlar,” she stated in a whisper. Gold-red eyes staring off a thousand yards.
“The greatest of Houses underneath the Edryani. We were brothers, sisters, cousins, family , all separated by a last name. Queen Titiana slaughtered my clansmen all the same ,” the woman said in a bitter and resigned tone.
Wilarax listened, the young daughter of the woman sat on her lap and ate voraciously. The young girl held light-brown skin, slightly pointy ears, and gold-red eyes. She ate like this was her first proper meal in days. From the bony posterior Wilarax felt, this may as well have been her first solid meal in a while. “Aniya Enlar, slow down young lady. The food is not running anywhere,” her mother chided. Love and affection in her gaze for a moment, gone the next once her eyes faded from her child.
Each word from the mother caused Wilarax's expression to deepen into a frown. These magi-humans sound like monsters in the skin of men.
The flickering bonfire kept them warm and fought off the chill of the night as they passed the Desolate Border. Guarded by none… for who dared invade Elysium?
Wilarax studied the young mother. This was her first time seeing a magi human, any human really, and from what she could tell they looked just like… regular people. Of course, excluding the white gradient hair, both the magi held. Ilia and Aniya held white hair that faded to black at its tips. It was quite peculiar, but Wilarax saw stranger on her short journey from home. The group finally reached the outskirts of Elysium after several weeks of traveling to her powerful group members’ family compounds. The experience was novel and her first real taste of this fantasy-like world as she met various races and received weapons, armor, and other small cultural trinkets with each visit. These experiences gave her enough to level many times over. Her second class was now underway.
“I was away from home when it happened. Away from Edryan when the conflict began. My father, my mother,” she clenched her fist as tears fell from her eyes. “Gone.”
Fio’s fist clenched. The [Saint of the Blade] seemed to feel a sort of connection with the story. Wilarax knew there was an untold story, as she was one of the few whose family compounds didn’t receive a visit.
“My only brother was only a youth at the time, innocent to the political wars of nobles. Perhaps Aniya’s age when it all began,” Ilia struggled to tell the story. “I…,” Ilia choked. “I don’t believe she even spared him.”
Ahri appeared emotional, the Fox-kin used the end of her tail to dab at her wet eyes.
Wilarax could tell it’d been years, perhaps decades, since this story was spoken. She knew the magi held longer lives than regular humans, but from what history she knew, the conflict took place in Edryan over thirtyish years ago… Ilia would be nearly fifty, if not older. It shouldn’t surprise her that the woman still appeared young, perhaps aged by stress and other factors. Wilarax was once human, and seeing another human for the first time in sixteen years brought a… strange longing and companionship for the young mother. She spoke, she couldn’t allow this to go on any longer.
“There is no need to tell your story if you are not ready. Tell me, where would you like to go? No matter what, we will ensure you make it there! ”
You have gained a level from worldly experience.
Please assign the level to [ Elemental Weaver ] or [ Holy Princess of Elysium ].
“…home. For we are persecuted no matter where. It is better to return to Edryan and face the punishment of my Queen.”
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Simra dodged to the left, a flurry of arrows impacting her previous position. The young woman barely had the time to prepare for the second attack, her large shield pushed forward as she shouted the name of [ Imperius Guard Set – Shield ] only skill. “( Guard Boost )!”
A large blue barrier erupted from her shield as she crouched low. The impact was immediate.
‘CAAAAEW.’
Simra grunted; her feet dug trenches through the dirt as she slid back. Her blue glowing shield accepted the clawed impact of the bird. Victory shone in through her helmed eyes slots as for a moment the large bird remained stunned. Simra’s sharp blade pierced into the [Terror Hawk – ★★ ] in a swift and decisive blow as blood leaked from her mouth. The young woman didn’t manage to block all the attacking feathers. That simple mistake took its toll. This was not an opponent Simra could take lightly, as only a glancing blow did so much damage.
-81 HP.
Nearly a third of her HP was gone for this one final move. A single decisive blow that would put an end to the [Terror Hawk – ★★ ].
“( Imperius Combat Arts: Piercing Strike ).” Her shield was brought back as her sword pierced through the air, white vapor surrounding the weapon and the powerful blow as her MP and SP decreased by fifty points each. Simra’s right arm extended in what seemed like a heroic victory pose.
‘SHINNNNG!’
CRITICAL HIT!
Terror Hawk -459 HP.
You have inflicted a {Mortal Blow} on Terror Hawk.
A large hole appeared in the chest of the [Terror Hawk – ★★ ] and the bird fell to the ground. Simra watched the creature struggle in vain for several moments, its blood and entrails scattering across the flatlands as the black feather human-sized bird succumbed to its wounds.
You gained three levels. Please undergo your class evolution to assign your levels.
Simra’s team of Clearers was deep in the Taloned Forest when they suffered an attack from the onslaught of one and two-starred beasts. As the only student from Class One, Simra took it upon herself to challenge and defeat the strongest of the beasts. Magic, skills, and confidence were what drove her to this dangerous decision. Disregarding the fact she held the best class and attributes to take on the beast, a thumping in her chest, her heart , told her now was her time .
“Now it is time for Simra Enlar to show the world who she is!”
That confidence was what allowed her to overcome her fear and take that step forward to protect her peers as they ventured toward the lands under the Musa rule.
“Huuuue, thank the Goddess that went well,” she spoke aloud before turning her gaze to the rest of the battlefield.
Around her in similar situations were members of her group of Clearers. In their helmed eyes, Simra saw some of the same determination and confidence she held. Confidence in themselves and the power they wielded as they began to route their attackers. The [Terror Hawk – ★★ ] was dead and as the strongest member in the flight, its death ended the resilience of the [Terror Hawks – ★ ]. Those that didn’t flee were swiftly ended.
Once the battlefield was confirmed to be cleared, Simra removed her helmet and wiped the blood from her lips. A glance at her HUD told her of her growing need for rest and replenishment.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
HP: 219/300
SP: 125/270
MP: 286/423
This was the group's third battle in as little as two hours. It would only become worse as they traveled along. There were not many weak magical zones as they traveled west and to the Half-Moon Ocean. That meant the proportion of higher-ranked magical beasts would only increase. No longer would they just be fighting copper rank beast, but now there would be Silver. Hopefully, there’s nothing crazy like what Law experienced.
“Clear the battlefield, dump your kill into your spatial pouch,” Simra began barking out orders. “Let’s return to the base camp.”
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Wilarax stared at the woman with pity. She gently stroked Aniya’s hair as she contemplated her next words. Before she could speak, another did.
“Return home? Only to be killed or worse? Have you lost all the honor you previously held? A scion of the Enlar has stooped this low,” Lucky questioned with interest.
“Since when has the most honorable family of the Magi lost their Intent? Since when did they turn into…,” he sniffed before gesturing in disgust at Ilia. “This… coward .”
“This is not the magi I fought against on the battlefield two thousand years ago. Johanna Enlar would be disappointed in what you’ve become. I should know… I killed the bitch myself.”
“LUCKY,” Wilarax shouted.
“Forgive me Wilarax, old emotions, and… wounds I thought healed uncovered themselves. Allow me to be the first to retire tonight.”
For a moment, it seemed like Ilia wished to lash out. Her face morphed, taking on an expression of unfiltered rage. In the next, it was gone and only defeat remained. If Wilarax didn’t have so many attributes, she may have missed it. “I am not the proud Magi , I once was. My prayers have fallen on deaf ears, and no God wishes to take me in so close to the start of the game… fearing I am a spy or worse, even with my soul laid bare before them.”
“My Light of the End has faded. I only wish to plead my case and perhaps have my daughter spared in a society where she will not be persecuted for what she was born as.”
Wilarax pursed her lips as she thought over the right words to say. She was well learned, whether it was in her previous life as Celina or here… but… she never once had to deal with grief or stress in this manner. It wasn’t just from the first human she met, but there was hostility in the gazes of her party members. What exactly happened? What has caused such hatred? Her thoughts drifted to Lawrence; she recalled the pain in his eyes as he talked about his sickness. The days his energy was low and the times when, regardless of what, he’d always come back fighting. He’d know what to say. Gods above, I miss him. I never received the chance to tell him I love you.
On her lap, Aniya dosed off. The young child's belly was round, and she tightly clutched to Wilarax’s garments… Afraid to let go in fear it was all a dream. Wilarax's heart melted, and she gently stroked the snoozing child’s hair before she gazed at Ilia.
In that gaze, one woman saw despair, defeat, faded anger, and one emotion that seemed dead but always… always a spark remained. In the other gaze, one woman saw strength, resilience, stubbornness, youth, and a single emotion that gave kindling to that seemingly dead spark.
“I will take you home, but first… you’ll have to join my party in accompanying me around the continent. Our first stop is the Nation of Ivory,” Wilarax said with a bright smile. “Regardless of who or where…,” she began. “… I vow that you shall never undergo such experiences as you remain in my presence. No one will treat you as such again. ”
The end was said not for the mother but for those around them.
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“Status,” Simra spoke as she cleaned the blood stains from her armor. She gazed lovingly at the black and dark grey armor and weapon set. It’d cost her ten thousand Imperius Points just to purchase. A defensive set with some of the best armor and weapon skills money could buy. If Simra had to purchase this on the outside… a dozen or so large gold Edri was what she estimated the base cost to be. The annual salary of an Edrya guard. Her family could live off that amount for the same number of years… easily… with more to spare. Now, she was wearing a type of knight armor she dreamt of as a child. On a journey to gain the strength for that very same dream.
Simra Enlar – Level 25
HP: 300/300
SP: 270/270
MP: 423/423
Base Atk: 44 +22
Base Def: 26 +63
HP Regen: 42/Hour
SP Regen: 37/Hour
MP Regen: 59/Hour
Bloodline: [+]
Race:
Magi-Human
Main Class:
[ Imperius Spell-Sword ] – 25
Perks:
Empty.
Power: 145
2nd Class: [UNLOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 100
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 90
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects:
Mind: 141
Affiliation:
Imperius Academy
Equipped:
Simra’s Protection
Imperius Guard Set 1
Self: 70
2nd Affiliation:
Skills: [+]
Intent: 50
Achievements: [+]
Active Quest: -
Magic Affinity:
Attribute Points: 0
She took out a rag and began to polish her set's sword and weapon. Admiring everything about it all the while. She sat alone at a bond fire, her team more or less surrounded her at different campfires, but many were afraid to approach. I don’t look scary, do I?
She gazed around as she polished, and eyes avoided her like the plague. This continued until one youth wasn’t quick enough. Their eyes met and Simra gestured to the spot across from her.
Most of her team were composed of commoners like herself, but they were far from being close in her rank or skill. These students were of the Uncommon bloodline grade. Simra could sense it as her Intent interacted with their own. She did not look down on them for that. Affording a bloodline enhancement potion cost nearly as much as her armor.
The youth, a boy of the same age as her, hesitantly sat. To Simra, he appeared younger and less… developed than the people she interacted with on a daily. “What is your name,” Simra asked.
He’d fought less, did less, and hadn’t taken on as many challenges as Simra or any from Class One did. She could see it in his gaze. He’d hardened and grown confident… but he doesn’t possess the confidence of a noble!
“Jo-Josiah,” the youth stuttered out. A slightly nervous brown eyes met her own now piercing blue.
The realization hit Simra like a charging bull. She still bothered to ask anyway. “Why do you and the rest…,” she gestured to those who pretended not to watch and listen. “…seem to fear me? I am a commoner, just like you.”
Josiah exhaled. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. The evening sun sent glows of reds and purples across the darkening sky. The heat of Central was fading as Color Fading drew near. The change of seasons was neigh.
The young man hesitated before shrugging and speaking. “You’re like them , the nobles, I mean. Aren’t you good friends with the Holy Prince? I know Shira shies from you because of that… and others. What if you said something bad about us to him… You don’t carry yourself like a commoner, either. You look like a noble.”
Josiah said his peace, and Simra stared thoughtfully at the fading sunlight. The youth scampered away, and the young woman continued to polish her armor. Her thoughts wandered.
…
…
…
Do they really believe I have that sort of weight over Law? That dummy… I miss him. I hope he comes back from the Convocation okay.