It had been three days since Maxine was laying in a recovery bed and she couldn't take it any longer as she snuck out of the medical tents. It wasn't because she was getting restless though or from the countless scans and tests the scientists were performing on her. It was her hydra instincts to feed. Even though she was only in her base form, the smell of blood in the air made it increasingly difficult to keep herself from leaping out of the bed, transforming, and devouring everyone in sight. She had to keep chanting in her head that they were her allies and were not to be eaten.

She was actually grateful for the distraction when the general showed up to debrief her. Still, from the general's attitude, the debriefing had almost seemed like an afterthought. That attitude had left Maxine unsettled, even now as she scanned the area outside of the medical tents before walking outside with a relaxed gait towards the food tents.

"The mighty warrior princess flees from her suitors," Horatio Quay joked just as Maxine escaped the medical tents and she spun around to glare at him. He's not wrong. More than one of the injured mercenaries tried to flirt with me. But it's so infuriating when he says it like that.

"Not funny," Maxine said coldly to Horatio Quay, "And where have you been? I've been laid up for three days. You could've at least checked on me once during that time."

"We both know that a wound like that wasn't life threating for someone with your biology. Now if there was a wound near your heart, that would be a cause for concern," Horatio Quay answered calmly, "I had more pressing concerns while you were recovering. Twelve immortals have took up orbit around this planet since your injury and I doubt it's to only watch this war. I havn't sense any malice from them thus far, but I'm almost positive they are enemies of your father." Oh, joy. Well, at least, I don't have to worry about them attacking me. They would've done it by now if they were going to. Afterall, the difference in our strength is ludicrisly vast. It would utterly ruin their reputation. It would be like a muscular man beating a newborn infant.

"Maybe they're waiting to see if I get killed in this conflict?" Maxine offered, "I can easily see how they would show daddy a recording of my death over and over again to torment him."

"Perhaps," Horatio Quay said, "But why would they leave it to chance?" What now? How would they do that?

"What are you talking about?" Maxine asked.

"They could hire the goblins to target you specifically," Horatio Quay answered, "It wouldn't be that hard for them to buy off the goblins to do their bidding. Any random cultivation resource at their level would be a prize beyond anything what they could get on their own." If that's the case, the difficulty of this contract just went up, but Horatio Quay doesn't seem to be all that concerned. And since the general has been acting oddly, it almost guarantees she knows something about what's going on and wants to stay keep her people out of it. I don't even blame her if that's the case.

"But you're not worried, are you?" Maxine asked.

"I'm not worried in the least. The goblins that pose a threat to you are frightened of you and the rest are hardly a threat," Horatio Quay answered, "This is an excellent scenario for you to sharpen your skills. Those enemies of your father are only helping you in this instance. So let them scheme."

"Alright," Maxine said calmly, "Have you heard any word about Patrick and his troop?"

"They're doing fine. Only a few of their members have been injured and none of them have died," Horatio Quay answered, "Also, Patrick Mason and that young man called Jason Markham were quite incensed when they discovered you had been injured and took it out on the goblin forces." I can see Patrick reacting like that, but why did Jason Markham? I only just met him. Or have I? I think I remember someone that sort of looks like him from middle school, but that was before the rats attacked. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

"I think I should head back to the front lines to show them I'm alright," Maxine said.

"That would be best," Horatio Quay replied, "I'll keep an eye on those immortals. Just in case they decide that it's worth the hit to their reputation to deal with you personally."

Maxine gave him a wierd look before she went looking for Patrick. She found him eating at a table in the food distribution tent and his armor looked like it had seen a lot of use since she last saw him. Looks like he's been taking most of the hits for his team. He always was like that.

Maxine went to get a tray of food for herself before sitting down infront of him. "You look like shit," Maxine commented before she took off her essence armor mask and began to eat. Thankfully, she had a replacement veil already on. She didn't like the incesant attention her beauty often brought.

"Should you be walking around?" Patrick asked in a tone laced with concern, "I heard you got stabbed in the back with a spear."

"Just to clarify, that spear was thrown into my back and I'll be fine," Maxine replied, "And I'm fine to walk around. Although I'm not fully healed just yet." Her kidney hadn't regenerated completely yet. It still needed another week or two for that to happen.

"It's good that you're getting better," Patrick said, "Just take it easy."

"No arguement here," Maxine replied. However an awkward silence followed. It made Maxine uncomfortable and she could tell Patrick was in a similar situation. She started to eat faster to have an excuse to get out of there sooner.

"Hey, Maxine. I'm glad to see you up and about!" Jason Markham said as he sat down next to Maxine.

"Hello, Jason," Maxine replied politely, "I see you've stayed safe. I can't even see a single scuff on your armor."

"I would be surprised if he had any," Patrick said, "He's one of the archers in my troop and tends to stay in the rear."

"Seriously?" Maxine asked as she glanced at Jason Markham's hands, "He doesn't have the calluses of an archer."

"I recently took it up," Jason Markham replied, "I didn't even know I had a knack for it until a few months ago when my sword broke and there was just this bow with a pile of arrows beside it. Next thing I know I'm shooting it like a pro."

"I have no doubt you are good," Maxine said, "But you should see elven archers compete. They are the best."

"How do you know that? And just how good are they?" Jason Markham asked.

"I spent some time with a group of forest elves. The best archer amongst them could put the tip of their arrow through the eye of a small needle that's ten miles away while jumping from tree branch to tree branch at high speed," Maxine replied.

"That's insane!" Jason Markham exclaimed, "I'll never be able to shoot like that."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," Maxine replied, "Most of those elven archers were well over seven hundred years old. Although by elven standards, they are still quite young." And he was silver stage. He could easily live a few thousand years old even if he didn't cultivate any more. It's completely unfair how long they can live. Although, I've got some elven and hydra blood in me. Does that mean I will live longer as well? That's a question that I need to get answered later.

"Jesus," Patrick said, "But that explains why they are so good."

"That it does," Maxine agreed.

"Heads up. Colonel Price just showed up," Patrick notified everyone.

"Congratulations. You've all done a remarkable job and as far as I'm concerned, you're worth the cost," Colonel Price announced, "Because of exemplary performance, certain mercenaries and their groups will be receiving bonus pay, but that doesn't mean you get out of your shift on the front lines. I still expect every one of you to be there. Any questions?"

"Who got the bonus pay?" one of the mercenaries asked.

"Those that got bonus pay already know who they are," Colonel Price replied, "Any thing else?"

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"I got nothing. What about you guys?" the same mercenary asked.

"Good. With that out of the way, I will leave you all back to your meals," Colonel Price said and walked towards Maxine, "What are you doing out of the medical tents? Have your injuries fully healed already?"

"I couldn't stand all of those doctors poking and proding me. It was slowing down my recovery," Maxine replied, "And I admit that my injuries havn't fully healed, but it won't reduce my combat effectiveness by that much."

"In that case, head to the eastern front with the Crystal Knight mercenary group in ten minutes," Colonel Price ordered, "We will notify you once your shift is over."

"Understood, Colonel," Maxine said and returned to her meal. I still wish they put more meat on the menu, but I can always suppliment it with some of the jerky in my dimensional ring. I have enough to last me six months. Although it can get a little boring to eat only jerky for that long. Perhaps, the cooks will let me make a stew .

"You got your wish, Jason," Patrick said just after he ate the last of his meal, "Maxine will be joining us on the eastern front."

"Is that so?" Maxine asked as she raised an eyebrow at Jason Markham and saw that it made him uncomfortable.

"He's had a crush on you since middle school," Patrick announced.

"Oh? Was he that quiet guy that always stared at me out of the corner of his eye?" Maxine asked and saw that Jason Markham's ears had turned red, "He was much skinnier then and definitely not as outgoing. It's not a bad change."

"Thanks, I think," Jason Markham said uncertainly.

"You're welcome," Maxine replied, "But you should already know I have next to no interest in men."

"Yeah, I know," Jason Markham said in a downcast tone, "But you can't blame me for hoping, can you?"

"No, I can't, but you should look for someone else," Maxine said firmly, "Anyways, how is the war front looking?"

"Rough. The regular soldiers are taking heavy casualties," Patrick replied, "Seven of my people have taken heavy injuries that took them out of the fight. You wouldn't happen to have any potions that could speed up their recovery, do you?"

"No, but I can make some later," Maxine answered honestly, "But you better pay me for them. It's not easy to make those things. And that reminds me. I need to talk to Colonel Price about reimbursement for those potions I used on his troops." If he doesn't, it will nearly confirm my suspicions that they know something is going on and this is one of those times I wish to be proven wrong.

"I'll do my best, but we're not that wealthy," Patrick said, "I doubt many of my guys can afford one of your high end potions."

"I'm only asking for the normal price for a healing potion," Maxine replied, "Anyways, it's time for us to head to the front lines."

"Agreed. Let's move out everyone!" Patrick announced and mercenaris from Earth took up positions behind Patrick before they took flight.

Just as they arrived, Maxine saw something out of place. It looked like a small hill on the horizon, but it was moving. "What the hell is that thing?" Jason Markham asked.

"I'm not sure, but it could be the Earth Dragon that the goblin leader was riding," Maxine replied, "It shouldn't be a problem as long as it stays over there, though." Why the hell hasn't that thing left yet? I know earth dragons are dumb, but I havn't heard of them ever hanging around other races unless someone has forced it to do so.

"It must be huge for us to see it from this distance," Patrick remarked.

"Yeah, it's big alright," Maxine agreed, "I saw it up close. That damn thing is easily two hundred feet long without it's tail."

"Let's stay clear of that thing then," Patrick said out loud before he looked around, "Alright, men. Let's get to work." Patrick lead his mercenaries towards an area that looked like it needed reinforcement.

Meanwhile Maxine scanned the area to find anyone that needed help, but she didn't see any groups that needed her help. I can definitely tell the fighting has let up considerably. Regardless, she swiftly flew towards a portion of the battle lines that appeared to be having a harder time than others.

However for some reason, she was becoming increasingly aggitated and felt a strong urge to rush to a specific point to the north. She had a similar feeling when she heard an infant or small child crying. Only it was many times stronger. It caused her to be far more swift and brutal in killing goblins than she would have been otherwise.

When she was notified that her shift was over, she practically fled from the batttlefield at full speed. She barely noticed that several goblins took notes as she left. Shit, I don't know what's going on! But whatever it is the goblins are fucking involved.

Maxine quickly flew back to the base camp to look for Horatio Quay and waved to Patrick and his mercenary troops as she passed them. She needed answered, and whatever was causing her aggitation was quickly fading as she left the battlefield.

"I see something has you riled up," Horatio Quay commented as Maxine landed next to him.

"No shit," Maxine snapped, "I think I'm being watched and not just by those goblins."

"That's odd," Horatio Quay said, "You shouldn't be able to sense the gazes of those immortals. Whomever is watching you is much closer."

"That's what I was thinking," Maxine answered, "Do you think that earth dragon is holding a grudge."

"For what? Killing it's master?" Horatio Quay asked with a small smile, "If anything, it should be grateful to you for freeing it."

"Really? But I saw it on the horizon when I was on the front lines," Maxine commented.

"Are you sure?" Horatio Quay asked with a hint of concern.

"Yeah, why?" Maxine asked, but Horatio Quay looked towards the front lines for a moment before he answered.

"I know that earth dragon," Horatio Quay said, "But I don't understand why it's here. It's owner has no quarrel with your father or myself."

"Could it's owner have been hired to come after me?" Maxine asked.

"Possibly, but if he's here for you, it's not to kill you," Horatio Quay answered, "Kelgar specializes in the capture and transport of highly dangerous beings. But I don't understand why he would risk angering Guan by capturing you. He's normally very careful about choosing his jobs and he certainly wouldn't take a job to capture Poison Emperor Guan's daughter. He enjoys being amongst the living far too much to do something so foolish." Perhaps that's why I saw his earth dragon. He's trying to warn me. Someone of that caliber wouldn't allow his 'favorite' pet to be seen so obviously. It would be too big of an identifier. It also means that the earth dragon let me escape. Shit, I could've been splattered.

"So, it's almost guaranteed that someone is going to make an attempt to capture me and this 'Kelgar' is most certainly being coerced into doing it," Maxine stated while doing her best to keep the nervousness out of her voice after her revelation.

"That's most likely correct," Horatio Quay answered, "But he should only make his move when he's certain that he can successfully capture you and escape without injury. My guess is that he's waiting for the perfect opportunity."

"Or he's waiting for someone to show up that can pin you down long enough for him to make his escape with his prize," Maxine said.

"That's possible. But he would need at least fifty peak immortals to keep me occupied long enough for you to be captured without too many of them dying," Horatio Quay replied, "It's far more likely that he might try to use some sort of bait to lure you out. Regardless, the mere fact that they were able to acquire his services suggest that they possess both great wealth and influence. That greatly limits the number of people that could be responsible for all of this mess."

"That hardly narrows it down," Maxine complained.

"That's where you are wrong," Horatio Quay said with a smile, "The mere fact they want to capture you suggests that they want something from you or want to ransom you for what they want from your father." But daddy doesn't have a lot of material wealth. Most of it was spent resurrecting mom. Wait a second. God damn it. They're after daddy's alchemy notes. It would explain Marcus Quinn's behavior and why so much damn effort was put into making sure I got to this planet. Now that I'm away from the academy, the only one protecting me is Horatio Quay.

"So, a high ranking alchemist is pulling some strings," Maxine stated calmly.

"Precisely," Horatio Quay said, "And it makes for an excellent opportunity."

"WHAT?!" Maxine exclaimed angrily.

"You heard me. With so many powerful beings trying to capture you, it will be an excellent opportunity to improve your ability to both dodge and fight with your blades," Horatio Quay answered calmly, "Fighting a large number of weaker opponents stimulates only a small amount of improvement. But fighting superior warriors that come at you in numbers will definitely improve your skills rather nicely."

"Assuming I survive," Maxine commented while glaring daggers at Horatio Quay.

"Isn't the chance of death the best part?" Horatio Quay said while revealing an excited smile, "Do or die fights are always the most enjoyable. And I seem to recall that you enjoyed yourself in the Kavros clan's junior tournament." For fuck's sake. Not only is this asshole a sadist, he's a fucking battle junkie on top of that. AND he thinks I'm a battle junkie too!

Maxine rolled her eyes and went to the rest area for the mercenaries. She had a lot on her mind to think about. Whoever the alchemist is that wants daddy's notes must have some major connections within the Alchemist Association and they have to have a great deal of wealth. That means a high ranking alchemist and that's probably why the Alchemist Association is so damn slow about updating me on Marcus Quinn. That narrows it down to a few dozen immortal tier alchemists and their descendants. I feel like banging my head against a wall.

When she reached the mercenary rest area, Maxine sat down and attempted to calm herself with breathing exercises. At this rate, I will have a heart attack before those fuckers make their move. Perhaps it's their plan to exhaust me both mentally by keeping me on edge and physically by keeping me constantly fighting. It would make it easier for them to capture me if I was in that state. So, the best thing I can do now is to relax. There is no point in getting excited until they actually come after me. She felt the nervousness ease out of her system, but for some reason, she started feeling rage. It seems my bloodline is getting stimulated by all of this bullshit. But there isn't a whole lot I can do about it right now. All I can do is cultivate while I wait.

She was only cultivating for a short time when it felt like her progress had slammed face first into a wall. What the fuck?! She repeated her previous steps more carefully, but the result was the same. But instead of getting angry, she got excited. This restriction was a sign she was on the verge of a breakthrough into gold stage. This is great! I'll be able to breakthrough earlier than I thought! But Horatio Quay told me hold off on that for at least two more months. I wonder why. The easiest way to find out is just to ask him. Ugh, I should've thought to ask him that earlier. Oh well. However before she could go find him, she experienced that same sensation coming from the north again.