The conversations with Alfred went smoothly. Most of it had already been worked out with Mort, and Alfred was just clearing it with Tormash to make sure nothing was promised that would hurt his position in the orc city.
Trillia finally took the time to look over the notifications from the ambush. She had put it off for the remainder of the trip, mostly because she didn't want to face what she had done.
Now that she was done with all of the things she felt obligated to be around for and had delivered the letters to Tormash, she felt she could relax.
She was sitting back in her tent. Ialu was munching on some small animal that hadn't been quick enough to escape. Amelia had stopped by briefly, saying she needed to speak with Tormash as well concerning some issue or another that Mort had discussed with her at Rift City. Trillia took that as a sign to give everyone another day to rest after the ordeal they had gone through.
Your group has defeated [Minotaur]
...
Your group has defeated [Orc]
Species: [Mortal]; [Orc] Level 74 -> 75
Subspecies: [Mana-Infused Orc-Adolescent:Runt] Level 68 -> Level 70
Class: [Monster Slayer] Level 71 -> Level 73 (MAX)
Class: [Mana Sage] Level 54 -> Level 58
With [Monster Slayer] reaching its maximum level for medium duration again. She was at a crossroads. The other deities had told her to take [Runic Scholar] and [Mana-Sage] to their mid-two hundreds. But that was a long journey.
She closed her eyes and reached out through the connection to Arlyss. She hadn't spoken to him in a couple of weeks. It was a good chance to check in and also get some advice.
A few seconds passed before a portal opened, and Arlyss stepped into the tent. Heavy crimson robes with golden embroidery seemed to fit his frame better by the day. The staff he clutched in one hand was a dark green gnarled wood with a glowing blue orb on top. Trillia smiled and felt a little relieved and a little safer. "Sorry to bother you, Lord Arlyss. I just wanted to see how things were in D'Jamu and ask you for your advice."
Arlyss happily returned the smile and sat in the air next to her. Trillia didn't even feel his power anymore like it had been hidden in a place far from her. "You're never a bother, Trillia. I was happy to see your group emerge victorious from the ambush. I worried that I may have to get involved or get someone else involved."
That caught Trillia by surprise. Apparently, the look on her face said as much since he continued. "I try to check in on all of my pact-bound from time to time. I also wanted to give you room to grow. If I get involved, you learn much less, and you get no experience for it. I know your personal growth is important to you, and I wouldn't want to stifle that because I'm overly worried."
Trillia gave that some thought. Would she rather he have just swooped in to save them?
She contemplated it for a few minutes before shaking her head. "It's better for us to learn and suffer the consequences. There will come a time when you aren't available to save us. If we rely on you too heavily, we'll never stand on our own. Is the city doing well? Has there been any word on the Sage?"
Arlyss shook his head. "D'Jamu is fine. Thriving actually. The crops are growing well, and with the portal open, food isn't as severe of an issue. There's been some civil unrest with the arrival of orcs and minotaur. But I think that's just people fearing for the culture of the city and holding in old prejudices. From what I saw of that town hall meeting while looking through Ralrouk's eyes, you all are suffering from the same. That's to be expected. The sage hasn't been able to push back as of yet. Maldoun has begun training many soldiers in the radiant arts to fight off the undead. You focus on your own progress. I will call you if a crisis arises, don't worry. What is it you needed advice on?"
Trillia was relieved to her things were going mostly smoothly in the city. It was odd, feeling like she had so many homes that she cared about. Once more, she shook her head and tried to focus on the task at hand. "It's about something the other deities told me." She briefly retold the story again so that it was fresh in his mind. "[Monster Slayer] is maxed out again. Should I take their advice and immediately jump into [Runic Scholar]? It was a rather difficult class to utilize properly years ago when I first tried to take it."
Arlyss thought for a moment. Suddenly his power rushed back into the room, Trillia's breath caught in her throat, and she stared wide-eyed at him. "Forgive me. I'm still getting used to having multiple focal points and bodies. It supposedly gets easier the more I use it. But for now, I can't evenly distribute my power. So whenever I am tasked to do anything except the most basic of functions, all of my power floods into the avatar I focus on."
That only caused her more confusion, and she shook her head. Telling herself to ask him about it another time. "Why did you need your power here?"
Arlyss blinked a few times as he stared at her. "Oh, I'm going through your status window and looking over your skills and stats. It seems I'm still not capable of seeing what options you have for classes or class evolutions. For now, let me just ask what [Monster Slayer] can evolve into. If it can evolve."
Trillia nodded and pulled up the relevant information.
Class: [Monster Slayer] 2 Evolutions Available 1 Mastery Available (Medium Rank)
Orc Champion
Duration: Long, Extendable
Requirements: Species or Subspecies must be Orc. Raise an advanced class to Mastery no less than 2 times. Have at least one base stat be at or above 500.
Orc Champions differ greatly based on which stat was the first to reach the requirement. Brawn stats focus on physical melee combat and survivability. Dexterity stats focus on ranged combat and stealth. Charisma stats focus on negotiations, leadership, and tactics. Orc Champions will get advanced skills based on which stat reached the requirement first. But will gain access to all skills of any basic combat classes you have access to. Up to the maximum level you've reached in any given basic class.
Further bonuses hidden until the class has reached its maximum level.
Orc Champion has 5 active skill slots.
Orc Champion has 5 passive skill slots.
Orc Champion has a very large array of skills. (Conditional)
Orc Champion provides 1 stat every level to the first stat to have reached the requirement. (Wisdom)
Orc Champion provides 1 stat point every third level.
Trillia rattled the first option off before re-reading it to ensure she understood it fully. "Stealth would be a good option. Amelia and Layla are both capable front-line combatants. Being able to sneak up behind an enemy and unload [Shattered Bolt] or a magic spell would be invaluable. It would also give your group a much-needed scout. The wording is a bit odd. I don't think I've seen anyone reference advanced classes. Only basic and specialty. Though I've also had minimal experience with the class system mortals use. The system I have is...a mess at times. Mostly because of my inexperience and the sheer wealth of information at my disposal. What is the other option?"
Dungeon Scourge
Duration: Long, Extendable
Requirements: Must have the Dungeon Addict Trait.
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Must have the Core Destroyer Trait.
Must have at least one stat that is at or above 500.
Must have delved at least five different hostile dungeons to their core.
A Dungeon Scourge specializes in fighting in dungeons. Whether that is as someone delving into the dungeon or as a defender. It offers unique skills meant for dealing with how a dungeon operates and allows the user to tamper with some of those systems. A built-in passive skill that requires no slot for all Dungeon Scourge is a 50% increase in all damage dealt while in dungeons. This includes friendly fire, be careful!
Further bonuses hidden until the class has reached its maximum level.
Dungeon Scourge has 4 active skill slots.
Dungeon Scourge has 1 passive skill slot.
Dungeon Scourge has a very small array of passive skills.
Dungeon Scourge provides 1 stat point every even level.
As she finished repeating that one. She paused and looked at Arlyss. "They say further bonuses hidden until the class has reached its maximum level. [Monster Slayer] didn't show me anything extra?"
Arlyss nodded as he pondered that option. "It's there exclusively for the extendable duration. Many classes get exponentially stronger the longer you are in the class. I believe Mother has been in the Queen of Kadessa class until level twelve hundred or so. The buffs she provides to her subjects extend nearly three hundred miles in every direction and linger for up to two years after she leaves the realm. It's how she keeps gaining so many levels. She used to adventure with my Father in other realms for a year or two and return to the kingdom. It's also why she's so beloved by the people and difficult to usurp."
Trillia squinted her eyes at him. She couldn't imagine being in the same class for that many levels. How on Alirast did Queen Alliyah not get bored. "Thoughts on my classes? I was also debating whether or not I should take [Rune Fencer]. I'm interested in the class itself, and I know it's potent. I stumbled on it during my tenacity ritual."
"You've probably got quite a few rather potent and interesting classes available to you at this point. Not only have you done a rather significant amount of travel, but you're also a pact-bound creature. You're going to be doing a lot of dungeon delving, right? With your group into Red River?" Trillia gave him a nod as she poked and prodded at the system. "I'd say evolve into Dungeon Scourge. It will make sure your group makes serious progress. I know it's a long class which could be progress you make towards [Runic Scholar] being in the two-hundreds. But I think having the front-loaded power now, while your entire group is learning and progressing, would be a greater boon."
"Thank you for your time, Lord Arlyss. I'll give it some more thought and seek a few other people's opinions before making my choice. If you need me, please don't hesitate to call upon me." Arlyss smiled and gave her a hug before leaving through another portal. As this 'body' stepped through the portal and the power left, it left Trillia trembling. He was out scaling her rapidly in power and capability. She felt a little angry at that. Shaking such nonsense from her head, she stood and gave Ialu some scratches before exiting to seek out her other party members for their opinions.
The next one she came upon was Layla. Layla asked her about her stats, skills, etc, and asked her about her evolution choices as well. But came to a very different conclusion. "You're magic is really powerful. You also have near-endless mana to use. I'd suggest Orc Champion if you're set on evolving this class. Or looking at other magic-based classes you have available to you. I know you've invested a lot of time with the rapier, and you're very skilled with it. But if we can keep you in the middle of the group or the back line. You'll be far more valuable. I feel this is especially true if you can access a class that gives you more potent healing or a wider array of buffs or debuffs."
Trillia sat on a stool near the orc girl. Both were in the healing hall of the dungeon at present since Layla often spent time there healing. Apparently, healing wounds as a cleric actually got her a fair amount of experience. Gobbinz was eavesdropping and came to sit next to them. "[Dungeon Scourge] is a class Father is very interested in. I don't think it's the right choice for you personally. But, Father feels as though it would be valuable if your intent is to stay and clear his many layers."
Trillia sighed and rubbed her eyes. At times like these, she wished she could speak to her mother. Or one of her uncles. Someone who has been alive for centuries and has a large selection of classes to choose from. "I'll give it some more thought. We aren't delving until tomorrow, anyway. Thanks for all the help, you two." Layla and Gobbinz offered nods and began chatting about various classes themselves. By the time Trillia made it to the door, almost everyone was in on the discussion.
As she wandered the city, meandering toward the tent that she and Amelia shared, Layla's words sat heavily with her. It was the first time she could remember that an orc had suggested she be a mage and sit in the back of a group. It held more weight than usual since Layla was the one that was patching them up. Maybe if Trillia could find a suitable healing class, the group wouldn't be at such risk. [Restorative Chant] only got her so far.
With a heavy sigh and the grumbling of her stomach, she set off to instead find food. Trillia brought up her full status page for the first time in a long time. Hoping something would give her inspiration as to what to take.
Name: {Trillia Demonsbane}
[Status: Alive; Scorned Divinity]
Species: [Mortal]; [Orc] Level: 75
Available Stat Points: 0
Subspecies: [Mana-Infused Orc-Adolescent;Runt] Level: 70
+5 Wisdom Per Level
Class: [Monster Slayer] Level 73 (MAX) (0 Stats Available)
Class: [Mana Sage] Level: 58
Stats:
[Brawn: 295] + 50%
\Strength: 95 + Vitality: 200/
[Dexterity: 919] + 50%
\Agility: 139(+263) + Wisdom: 517/
[Charisma: 211] + 50%
\Intuition: 95 Presence: 116/
Traits:
Pact-Bound (Deity)
Runt
Limitless Mana
Thirst For Knowledge
Divine: Unwavering Determination
Alchemical Blood
Spawn Seeker
Dungeon Addict
Tongues
Remain Standing
Core Destroyer
Racial Skills:
[Orc Savagery - Passive]: - Level
[Orc Constitution - Passive]: - Level 1
[Orc Tenacity - Passive]: - Level 10 (MAX)
General Skills:
[Alchemy - Hybrid]: Level 2
[Cooking - Hybrid]: Level 4
[Herbalism - Passive]: Level 4
[Lesser Corrupt Mana Resistance - Passive]: Level 7
[Lesser Fire Mana Resistance - Passive]: Level 5
[Lesser Ice Mana Resistance - Passive]: Level 3
[Lesser Mind Mana Resistance - Passive]: Level 3
[Lesser Wind Mana Resistance - Passive]: Level 2
[Mana Obfuscastion - Hybrid]: Level 10 (Max)
[Mana Sight- Passive]: Level 10 (Max) [Currently: Off]
[Minor Health Regeneration]: Level 15 (Max)
[Minor Telepathy - Hybrid]: Level 10 (Max)
[Monster Taming - Active]: Level 7
[Rapier Mastery - Passive]: Level 15 (Max)
[Runic Scripture - Hybrid] Level 4
[Stalwart Mana- Reactive]: Level 8
[Sustained Travel - Passive]: Level 3
[Universal Mana Manipulation - Hybrid] Level 9
Class Skills:
[Monster Slayer]
Active: Abomination Bane Weaponry - Level 10 (Max)
Active: Tools For Abominations- Level 10 (Max)
Active: Abomination Titan Hunter - Level 10 (Max)
Active: Brutality (Hybrid) - Level 3
Active: Slayer's Aura - Level 1
Passive: Obfuscation Override (Status) - Level 10 (Max)
Passive: Obfuscation Override (Health) - Level 10 (Max)
Passive: Undead - Level Max
Passive: Goblin - Level Max
Passive: Abomination - Level Max
[Mana Sage]
Active: Searing Rend - Converted
Active: Storm of Bolts - Converted
Active: Mana Rift - Level 9
Passive: Overcharge - Level 8
Passive: Mana Warped - Level 4
Mastery:
Minstrel- Restorative Chant - MAX
Minstrel- Astra's Amazing Agility - MAX
Fencer- Fleet Foot - MAX
Fencer - Weapon's Path - MAX
Swashbuckler - Disarming Charisma - MAX
Mage - Magic Dynamo - MAX
Mage - Augment: Extended Range - MAX
Mage- Augment: Blast Radius - MAX
Monster Slayer - Mental Bestiary - MAX
Bound Artifacts: 2
[The Shattered Bolt]
[Red River Resonance]
[Sliver of Fate]
Mentor: Amelia Shatterhoof (Minstrel/Alive) Skill: [Marching Cadence] -MAX
Mentor: Maldoun Mostafa (Radiant Blade/Alive) Skill: [Radiant Lance] -MAX
Health: 4425
Stamina: 2000
Mana: 51,082,112/-