Kyrie looked at her opponent. She could read their name over them.
Gorona Goodleaf
Level 150
The level did not matter. Everyone was level 150 for the tournament. Gorona Goodleaf was a fire nymph. And it looked as if they were a mage of some sort considering the staff in their hand.
Kyrie’s first match was in one of the outer stadiums of Karzasham. The announcer was talking to the public giving them a brief about the two fighters. The introduction that the announcer was giving about Kyrie was based on what Kyrie had provided about herself to the organizers while registering. It was not long and she had not boasted much.
However, considering what the announcer was talking about Gorona, they indeed had much to boast about. Was this an intimidation technique? Were they trying to scare or displace Kyrie in some way?
Kyrie ignored the announcer and focused on winning the match. After the announcer was finished, the referee beckoned Kyrie and Gorona towards him. The referee was a dwarven warrior, Kyrie was sure of that.
The referee explained the rules to the two nymphs. Kyrie got them. They were similar to normal adventurer versus adventurer fights. Only the stakes were higher this time.
Kyrie nodded to Gorona when they approached the referee and Gorona gave her a nod back. This was going to be a tough match, Kyrie was sure of it.
Once the referee explained the rules, he asked the two fighters to take their position. The referee then stepped out of the fighting arena. Kyrie knew from experience that he would interfere if required.
Kyrie and Gorona were both standing at one of the ends of the fighting arena. No spells were being cast. You cannot buff yourselves before the fighting officially starts. Those were the rules and Kyrie was waiting, her bow ready, ready to start the fight.
The referee blew her whistle and Kyrie started running towards the right. The next moment a large fireball shot from Gorona’s staff, racing straight towards Kyrie. Kyrie jumped over the fireball and cast the spell [Enchant Weapon: Poison]. Her bow became enchanted with poison attacks for five shots.
Kyrie did not have time for [Power Shot] as Gorona cast another fireball, albeit smaller than the first this time. Kyrie notched an arrow and fired at Gorona. Gorona blocked it with a yellowish shield they cast in front of them. Well, that was one shot wasted. Kyrie did not like it but it seemed she would have to close the distance between them and create an opening to attack Gorona.
Both the ranged fighters now started to circle around the fighting arena, waiting for the other to make a move. Kyrie slowly started to walk towards Gorona while circling around the arena. When she was about fifteen feet away from Gorona, Gorona cast another spell and a whip made from fire shot out of their staff. Gorona attacked Kyrie with the whip and Kyrie had to weave through the attacks.
Kyrie shot an arrow while dodging the fire whip and managed to land one hit. She notched another arrow and shot and again it was blocked by the shield. Kyrie noticed that the fire whip had disappeared. That meant Gorona did not have multi casting or was keeping the ability hidden for now.
Gorona shot a bolt of pure magic at Kyrie and Kyrie tried to dodge it. It clipped her on her shoulders and she stumbled a bit. Gorona took advantage of this and cast another fireball at Kyrie. Kyrie grinned. She was expecting this. She jumped over the fireball and shot another arrow at Gorona which hit them straight in the chest. Critical shot. Kyrie was sure of it but Gorona was not down.
As Kyrie landed she got hit with a barrage of small fireballs and was pushed back. Kyrie clenched her teeth as another large fireball shot towards her. It seemed that Gorona had taken the hit to push their attack towards Kyrie. This was not good. One hit of this fireball and there was a high chance Kyrie’s health would drastically reduce.
Kyrie managed to dodge the large fireball at the last moment but she still got grazed by it, taking a considerable chunk of her health. Her health was now down to 300 even with her 25 hp / sec regeneration. She did not have much time to regenerate her health as Gorona was now really pushing their attack. Kyrie had to dodge a series of small fireballs and crackling fire whips. She dodged and weaved through the attacks, countering with her own attacks, but still she got hit and her health was now down to 120.
She thought of using [Fade] but she would not be able to move and Gorona would know where she was. Kyrie wished she had explored other spells for the tournament and now it was too late. At least for this match.
Kyrie took a deep breath and started to run. She ran straight towards Gorona. Surprised flashed on Gorona’s face and then it was replaced with determination. Gorona shot a cone of fire from her staff when Kyrie was quite near them. Kyrie jumped up, notched an arrow, took aim and shot Gorona straight into the head.
Gorona cried and stepped back, their spell cancelling. Kyrie vaulted over Gorona, crouched, took aim and cast [Power Shot]. She needed the three seconds to charge the spell. She got it when Gorona, affected by the attack on their head, turned around, saw Kyrie aiming and jumped back. They started to cast a spell.
Kyrie shot her arrow charged with [Power Shot]. It pierced through Gorona’s shield and hit her again on the face with quite the force. However, Gorona was not down. They did stumble. Kyrie shot again and again, now taking full advantage of this opportunity.
Gorona tried to cast a shield but Kyrie shot an arrow into their hand making them drop the staff. Gorona bent to pick it up fast but Kyrie riddled them with arrows, ending the fight. Kyrie had won.
She grinned as the announcer was back on stage announcing her the winner. Kyrie focused on the noise of the crowd which she had tuned out during her fight. There was clapping and cheering and some boos from supporters of Gorona. However, the crowd loved their fight and were cheering for her. Kyrie felt happy. This was where she belonged. Adventurer versus adventurer. She could not wait for her next fight.
***
Orin looked at Furorin who had no expression on her face. He was waiting for her judgement.
“Are you sure she is better than you?” asked Furorin.
Orin had to control himself from rolling his eyes. This was not the first time Furorin had asked this question. This was not the last time she was going to ask it. Orin wished Furorin saw what he saw in Kyrie but he was sure Furorin could trust Kyrie. She trusted her family members more and that was natural. In the matters of succession, there were very few people that Furorin could trust and it seemed that Kyrie was not one of them; yet.
Orin said, “I have fought with her many times before today. I have never been victorious. And you saw her fight with the fire nymph. Don’t tell me that it was not good.”
“Hmm. It was long. And sloppy.”
Orin spluttered, “Sloppy! Seriously! Are you gorking alright Furorin?”
Furorin silenced him with a look. She could always do so. Orin did not like it.
Furorin said, “Let us have a look at other matches of hers. Then let us see.”
Orin simply nodded. He could not do anything else. He hoped his sister could see his point. Because he truly believed that other than the Ori brothers, Kyrie had the highest chance of winning this tournament.
***
“I need new spells”, moaned Kyrie.
“Do you even have the spell slots for new spells?” asked Oril.
The Ori brothers and Kyrie were sitting in the common room allotted to the Ori brothers. They were celebrating Kyrie’s first win. The Ori brothers also had their fights but they were after some days.
“I have only four spell slots”, said Kyrie, “But that does not mean that I cannot have a repository of spells. It only means that I can equip only four of them.”
“We gorking know what spell slots mean”, grumbled Orik.
“I am sure you do. But I do need more spells. Can someone help me with that?”
“Can you not do that on your own?” asked Orin, “I mean you are the expert on you.”
“What a polite way to say you do not want to help.”
“Oi! Don’t gorking say that. We want to help”, Orin looked at his brothers who nodded with him, “However, I do not know how we could help.”
“I just need a shopping companion. Someone to bounce ideas off”, said Kyrie.
Orin stroked his beard while Orik said, ,”Makes sense.”
“Take Orik”, said Orim, “He is the smartest amongst us.”
Kyrie looked at Orik who said, “Alright. I can help. When do you plan to go spell shopping?”
“I plan to go tomorrow. As soon as the shops open. Are you free?”
Orik mumbled something thoughtfully while Orin said, “Are you seriously planning to go to shops? No, that gorking won’t do. I will get Levene to come here. She has the best spells in Karzasham. You come here too Kyrie. We will get the best spells for you.”
“You mean I will”, said Orik.
“Same gorking difference.”
“Is it okay if I visit her shop?” asked Kyrie, “I will prefer that more.”
The Ori brothers looked at each other. Then they looked at Kyrie and shrugged.
“Gorking done”, said Orin, “I will contact Levene tonight. Tell her you will be there at-”
“Five in the morning”
“Five… Gorking five in the morning! Kyrie do you know when the businesses start in Karzasham?”
“Three?”
“Gork… No! It’s at least six in the morning. I will tell Levene that you and Orik will come to her shop at eight.”
After it was decided what to do about Kyrie’s spell shopping, the Ori brothers and Kyrie discussed in general regarding the tournament and then split for the night.
The next morning Orik was ready for Kyrie when she exited her inn at around seven thirty.
“It will take around thirty to forty minutes to get to Levene’s shop”, informed Orik.
“You did not need to come here”, said Kyrie, “I could have come to the palace.”
Orik looked straight into Kyrie’s eyes and said, “Kyrie. I know I am a prince here in Karzasham. But you also forget that I am primarily an adventurer. Adventurers gorking don’t mind this. You do remember that right. You are an adventurer too. You walk or drive gorking everywhere.”
“Well, I walk or fly, you know. I have Nala”, said Kyrie.
Orik rolled his eyes and summoned his Mechanical Quadruped. They both got in and Orik started to drive towards Levene’s shop of spells and enchantments. The shop was present in the outer area of Karzasham and not in the mountains.
It took them about half an hour to reach the shop. It was in the market district of outer Karzasham and was quite a large shop. Kyrie was impressed with the illusory enchantments outside the shop advertising their products and offers. On the top of the entrance, in an elegant design and script was written, ‘Enhana Enchantments’.
Orik and Kyrie entered the shop and were greeted by a member of the staff in a few moments. Kyrie noticed that the store was quite empty, only a few customers present. It made sense. They had come very early after all.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Orik mentioned to the staff member about their appointment with Levene Enhana. The staff member led them to a private meeting room and told them that Miss Enhana would join them shortly.
Kyrie looked around the room. It consisted of a table in the middle and sofa-like chairs around it. The table was hexagonal in shape with six chairs surrounding it. Kyrie and Orik sat on chairs facing the door, waiting for Levene to come. It did not take long. Some time later a dwarven woman huffed into the room with a rush that startled Kyrie a bit. Orik rose to greet the woman.
Levene Enhana was tall for a dwarf, taller even than Orik by an inch. Her face was round and her blue eyes held all the spark and intelligence. Her blond hair was not tied together and it looked a bit wild as if it had been blown away by wind.
“It is good to see you, Orik”, said Levene, “I have missed you brothers, you know. And you must be Kyrie. It is good to meet you too.”
Kyrie stood up and shook her hand. She saw surprise in Levene’s eyes as she saw Kyrie and Kyrie could guess what it was about.
“So, you are the famous adventuring water nymph”, said Levene.
“Famous adventuring water nymph?”
Levene laughed, “Oh dearie! You don’t even know you are famous, are you? I mean after that performance in the first fight against that fire nymph. It was beautiful!”
“You watched the fight?”
“I was in the stands. I was cheering for the fire nymph though, mind you. Never really expected you to win considering the reputation of water nymphs. But you gorking proved me wrong. I loved it.”
Kyrie smiled. She was starting to like Levene.
“So, what brings you here Orik? Orin messaged something about spells but he was not clear. Was he drunk texting?”
“You know he always gorking texts when he is drunk”, said Orik, “Otherwise he would have called.”
“I need new spells”, said Kyrie.
Levene’s expression cleared as if she had been struck with an epiphany of sorts.
“Ah! That’s wonderful”, said Levene, “We have the best spells in all of Golimath you know, not just Karzasham. You won’t be disappointed dearie. Now sit. We need to discuss a lot. A good spell requires a lot of brainstorming.”
Kyrie looked at Orik who simply shrugged. All three of them sat around the table. Kyrie and Levene sat facing each other while Orik sat on Kyrie’s right.
“So, Kyrie, do you have any idea what kind of spells you are looking for?” asked Levene.
Kyrie replied, “I currently have four spell slots and know five spells. Moreover, my mana pool is not that large. I am looking for spells that have less mana cost and help me fight other adventurers. I am feeling my current spells are more suited for fighting non adventurer enemies. Considering the skill set of adventurers in this competition, I believe I should have spells that aid in the adventurer versus adventurer scenario.”
Levene thought for some time. Then she said, “If it is okay, could you show me your stats and the spells that you already know. It would help me.”
“Do you want the tournament stats or my original?”
“The original one please. If I am going to give you spells, I mean to ensure that they would help you in the long run dearie and not just the tournament.”
Kyrie shared her original stats with Levene.
Name: Kyrie Shiningstar
Race: Water Nymph
Designation: Adventurer - Rank 3
Age: 83
Current Location: Fontaine
Adventurer Statistics:
Adventurer Level: 103
Experience: 8,800 / 32,200
Strength: 20
Dexterity: 82
Intelligence: 10
Vitality: 50
Agility: 50
Wisdom: 26
Luck: ???
Health: 500
Mana: 256
Active Effects:
None
Passive Effects:
Fast Draw - Level 12
Precision - Level 14
Longbow Proficiency - Level 18
Stealth - Level 12
Water Proficiency - Level max
Description: The outcast traveller from Tarados, flowing into Una, taking huge steps now and sweeping demons away is still enjoying herself by bashing other adventurer’s heads. She is the water nymph to watch out for.
Spells known:
[Power Shot] [Fade] [Enchant Weapon: Poison] [Summon Water Elemental] [Detect Magic]
Spells Equipped:
[Power Shot] [Fade] [Enchant Weapon: Poison] [Summon Water Elemental]
Spell Slots: 4
Physical Attack: 543
Magical Attack: 51
Physical Resistance: 238
Magical Resistance: 224
Critical Attack Chance: 45%
Critical Attack Damage: 107%
Status:
None
Levene looked at Kyrie’s stats. Then she looked at Kyrie. Then she looked at the stats and shook her head.
“This won’t do dearie”, said Levene, “I mean, magical attack of 51! That’s downright gorking abominable. You have not been focusing on intelligence at all!”
“Well, I have been focusing on dexterity as my main attribute. My whole build focuses on that. So do my spells. Well, at least [Power Shot] and [Fade] do. I know [Enchant Weapon: Poison] and [Detect Magic] require higher magical attack but I don’t need too high of a magical attack to poison someone or you know detect magic. [Summon Water Elemental] is completely unique and is dependent on my Water Proficiency. So, I believe I am covered in that.”
Kyrie was looking at Levene closely as she explained all this. She saw Levene’s expression shift from smiling to horrified to now full of pity towards Kyrie.
“Has no one explained to you how magic works on Una?” asked Levene.
Kyrie frowned. She remembered having a discussion with Marcus about magic and intelligence and how magical attack would help with her spells but she half remembered it.
“Marcus and I had some discussion. I know the basics”, said Kyrie.
Levene gave an inquiring look at Orik who said, “Marcus is her adventuring partner. Normally they quest together but they have split up temporarily.”
Levene nodded and said, “Alright dearie. It is time for a lesson in advanced spellcasting.”
Levene shifted a bit in her chair and said, “Alright. Please listen to me before you ask any questions. Now, as you said, you know the basics of spellcasting. However, if you had increased your intelligence, you would have found out that as your magical attack increases, your spells get modified too. It also happens on increasing your proficiencies but intelligence and magical attack are the primary modifiers.”
“Now what does this mean? Let me explain by giving you an example. You said [Power Shot] is dependent on your dexterity. You are right up to an extent. [Power Shot] actually takes a combination of dexterity and intelligence to give a mix of physical and magical attacks. However, this occurs only if you have a magical attack of over 200. Till that point, [Power Shot] will only have physical attacks based on your dexterity. [Fade] does not depend on your dexterity. It depends on intelligence and your Stealth proficiency. A combination of higher intelligence and stealth proficiency ensures that you can move while casting the spell.”
Seeing the look of surprise on Kyrie’s face Levene nodded, “Yes, I can see that you did not know that. I am sure your current [Fade] spell description would show that you cannot move while the spell is active. That is because you do not have high intelligence. Your stealth proficiency is decent but it is not high enough to warrant the upgradation of the spell.”
“It is a similar case with [Enchant Weapon: Poison] and [Detect Magic]. Both would be much more effective if you had high intelligence and hence higher magical attack. Now your [Summon Water Elemental] spell is unique. I have not encountered such a spell. I would need to experiment whether intelligence plays a role in upgrading the summoned elemental or not.”
“I am sorry to interrupt”, said Kyrie, “My [Summon Water Elemental] spell is based on my Water proficiency. It also depends upon my level and any water body around me. Marcus and I experimented with it a bit. So, I do know a bit about it.”
“That is excellent. However, that is only one spell and it is a unique spell. If you are comfortable you must tell me how you chanced upon such a unique spell. However, right now is not the time. Right now you need to understand that intelligence and proficiency related to that spell is important for casting higher level, advanced and upgraded versions of the same spells.”
“That being said, all hope is not lost dearie. There are certain spells that do not require high magical attack or intelligence to cast. They make use of your primary attribute. Intelligence would make them effective but it is alright if you use your primary attribute to cast them. However, those spells are usually rare to obtain and will cost you. Will you be okay with it?”
Kyrie nodded. Levene clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Excellent!”
Levene gestured, ringing a bell and Kyrie actually heard a bell ring. Moments later an attendant arrived into the room. Levene asked them to bring some refreshments as this was going to take some time. And she was not wrong.
Levene waved a hand and a list of spells rose from the table in the form of a light blue screen. Levene clicked on one of them and Kyrie could read the description of the spell.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” asked Levene with a grin.
It took them about four hours but they finally decided on spells for Kyrie. Each of these spells would help Kyrie primarily in adventurer versus adventurer and secondarily during normal adventuring. Kyrie was pleased with her selection. Orik helped too. A lot. Kyrie hoped Marcus had been here too. His insights would have been much helpful but she felt that Levene and Orik had done a good job helping her.
Kyrie once again read the descriptions of the spells she had bought from Levene.
[Curve Shot] - Turn your arrow mid air ensuring the arrow reaches its target. Deals normal damage. Speed and curve of the arrow depends on ranged weapon proficiency. Mana cost of 10. Cooldown of 10 seconds.
[Multi Shot] - Fires multiple arrows at the same location simultaneously. Each arrow deals normal damage. Number of arrows shot equals (primary attribute / 8) + (intelligence / 4). Mana cost of 40. Cooldown of 30 seconds.
[Water Whip] - Summons a whip of water which can be used to hit the enemy. Deals damage equal to magical attack. 20% chance of staggering the enemy. Mana cost of 50. Cooldown of 30 seconds.
[Enchant Weapon: Ice] - Enchant your weapon with ice attacks. Enchantment would last for five strikes. Mana cost of 50. Cooldown of 1 minute.
[Field of Ice] - Covers an area around you in a radius of 20 feet with ice. Mana Cost of 75. Cooldown of 1 minute.
[Summon Water] - Creates a puddle of water. The size of the pool varies with magical attack and water proficiency. Mana cost of 20. Cooldown of 10 seconds.
There were a couple of ice spells. Levene had explained that there was a separate ice proficiency but it was sort of an extension of water proficiency, so Kyrie would not have issues with the spells she had bought. Each of the spells was considerably costly and Kyrie found her funds quite depleted. However, she was accustomed to adventuring with low funds. She was not worried.
She changed her current equipped spells to [Curve Shot] [Multi Shot] [Water Whip] [Summon Water Elemental].
Kyrie and Orik said their goodbyes to Levene and exited her shop. Kyrie took a deep breath as she got out of the shop.
After walking for some time Kyrie said, “That was exhausting. I am hungry. Do you want to go get something?”
Orik looked back as if to see whether they were out of earshot and said, “Levene did provide us with snacks.”
“And they were sufficient for you?”
“No.”
“So, food?”
“Food!”
Orik mentioned he was going to take Kyrie to an excellent place and was going to get his MQ out when a huge explosion knocked both of them off their feet.
Kyrie’s ears were ringing as she got up gingerly. She looked around to see Orik doing the same, slowly getting up and shaking his head.
Kyrie looked forward for the source of the explosion and met with an interesting sight. An adventurer had blasted through a shop about ten feet in front of her. Kyrie could tell he was an adventurer because of his name and level that she could see. The ground around him was scorched as if he had been hit with a powerful fire spell.
Kyrie looked at Orik who shrugged. They ran up to the adventurer whose health Kyrie found was low. They helped him get up. He looked disoriented.
“What happened?” asked Orik.
“Gorin supporters are attacking Furorin supporters”, said the elf adventurer, “They do not care who they attack. Adventurers and non adventurers are both caught in the crossfire.”
“These are adventurers who are doing this?” asked Orik.
The elf shook his head, “No. Non adventurers.”
Kyrie looked at Orik as if asking him as to what to do next when a shout made all of them look towards the shop through which the elf had blasted through. Three dwarves stood there, cudgels in hand. They were pointing at Kyrie, Orik and the elf and shouting something which Kyrie could not catch. The next moment they advanced to attack.
“Please do not kill them”, said Orik as he readied his crossbow. Kyrie nodded and notched an arrow. She changed her [Multi Shot] with [Enchant Weapon: Ice] and cast it. The elf decided to scamper out of there not wanting to get anymore involved. Wise decision. However, Kyrie was sure that the three advancing dwarves would give chase if they ran.
Kyrie shot arrows fast at the advancing dwarves. Freezing their feet to the ground. As she could only make five attacks with ice, she was able to freeze five legs. Orik shot blunted bolts knocking the advancing dwarves down.
Orik said, “Use stealth. We will assess the situation and report back at the palace.”
Kyrie nodded and took to the shadows while Orik decided to climb up a building. Kyrie slowly made her way towards the damaged shop and passed through it. No other dwarves decided to pass through it. Beyond the shop was an open central area with a small fountain and lots of space. It looked like a warzone. Dwarves were fighting other dwarves with spells being thrown everywhere. Kyrie could tell they were all non adventurers. The adventurers were either hiding or had gotten out of there. Seemed to be a wise decision. Killing non adventurers unnecessarily was never good.
Kyrie watched as the guards soon came and subdued the commotion. It took some time but the fighting stopped soon. Kyrie helped a bit from the shadows earning her a level in stealth. Kyrie was soon joined by Orik after the commotion subsided.
“We should go”, said Orik.
“What was that?” asked Kyrie.
Orik shook his head, “We will get answers at the palace.”
And Kyrie and Orik left. Kyrie hoped this would not affect the tournament. As she left she saw a glimpse of a shadowy figure which disappeared as she blinked. That was never anything good.
***
Furorin was furious. She had expected Gorin to play dirty but attacking civilians in the middle of the market! He had crossed a line. She was sure that he would deny everything and she would require solid proof.
She called Parric to her office.
“Parric”, said Furorin, “Today’s attack. You know what to do.”
Parric nodded, “It shall be done, your highness.”
Furorin nodded. Then she frowned and said, “Also get me someone from the adventurers' side. Someone discreet. I may have a quest for them.”
“Not your brothers?”
“No, my brothers are not right for what I have in mind.”
Parric nodded and left. Furorin sat down and took deep breaths to calm herself. Gorin was starting to show his true colours. He had made his move. Furorin had to make hers now. She did not want to be reactive but she had no chance as of now.
Furorin smiled as an idea formed in her mind. Gorin was going down, no matter what.