It took nearly an hour to reach the edge of the haven. Ezekiel and Riley ended up crossing the full diameter of the mountain enclosed region. Apparently, due to the nature of the Spirit’s politics, they couldn’t just catch a ride on Spina’s back. Wild Spirits took such things as a state of subservience if a Spirit wasn’t bonded to the human being carried.
Fortunately, once they reached the edge of the haven, they had a straight shot through yet another tunnel. Though, this time the Cavern Spirit in question was more helpful. So, it only took one more hour before they managed to get out of the haven. At which point, now that they weren’t in the haven, Spina was able to lift Ezekiel and Riley in her talons. Bringing them away to the territory of the blacklisted Spirit.
“So, other than being a sign of weakness to ask for help, why can’t a bunch of Spirits team up to take out this ruler? They’ve teamed up with the Cult of Light, right? Wouldn’t that warrant a collective decision to take them out?” Ezekiel asked as Spina carried him and Riley.
Riley was holding onto Spina’s talon tightly, using her entire body to do so. Spina had enlarged herself to the point that each talon could comfortably hold both Ezekiel and Riley in a single talon. Leaving a bunch of space for them to sit comfortably in a talon by themselves.
“It’s partially a matter of pride, partially a matter of how Spirits deal with things. This ruler has never fought another Spirit with the aid of these cultists. As such, because they are an official ruler of a territory, we Spirits will not team up against him.” Spina explained. “If they received direct aid in their battles, then there would be no issues taking them out as a group. But the cultists only act as territory guards. They haven’t moved to push into other territories, nor have any of their Legendary Hunters remained in the territory on a permanent basis. Only temporarily, to check up on whatever it is they are working on.”
“Then, where are the weaker Spirits being taken from? Is this ruler not aiding the cultists in their efforts to capture Wild Spirits?” This part confused Ezekiel, as he was under the impression that the situations were one in the same.
“The poaching is occurring everywhere, so long as it is near the edge of the mountain. Not just in this specific territory. Akland will be able to tell you more about the outcast ruler’s crimes. But for now, the poaching will be a concern only if you succeed in obtaining the herb.” Spina suddenly banked to the side, a large ravine getting larger and larger as the group moved closer.
As they got closer to the ground, Spina dropped Ezekiel and Riley without any fanfare. The two Hunters landed just fine, but Riley still gave the Flame Spirit a glare for the rude drop. Though she looked away in fear when the Legendary glared at her out of the corner of her eye.
Looking around the ravine, Ezekiel couldn’t see anything special about the area. But before he could ask anything, the water began to bubble and churn. A large figure caused the river to crest as it rose from the depths.
A massive carp with reeds and seaweed growing off of it now looked at Ezekiel and Riley from the water. It looked over the two with a discerning eye before turning to Spina.
The two silently conversed back and forth for a little while. The two Hunters were quietly standing to the side. But it was apparent that Spina and the Spirit had come to some sort of conclusion.
“Akland has agreed to take you to the outcast’s territory. You will not need to do anything to the outcast directly, but if you fail to obtain the herb, then he will leave you to rot within the outcast’s territory.” Spina explained aloud for the Hunters to hear. “If you wish to get ahead when it comes to eliminating the Cultists, however, then feel free to do so to your heart's content.”
Akland shifted in the water a bit as Spina finished speaking.
“Ah, yes. Akland will also be willing to directly converse with your bonded Spirits. So as to ensure that you can understand what he tells you as you travel.” Spina held out one of her wings as Akland opened his mouth. “Now, please get inside. Akland will not be able to bring you into the territory above water.”
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow in confusion. While Riley looked terrified and disgusted.
“How will we be able to breathe?” Ezekiel asked.
“As a Life Spirit, Akland will be able to ensure you don’t die while traveling.” Spina explained. “Despite his appearance, Akland is not a Glacial Spirit. Even though he is far more effective in fighting beneath water than fighting above water.”
That made some sense to Ezekiel. Life was a fairly neutral element when it came to different environments and biomes. So, a fish-based Life Spirit was more than possible. Though, Ezekiel now wondered if it was possible for there to be a fish-based Flame Spirit.
“Well, that’s somewhat comforting.” Ezekiel strode forward, taking a cautious step as he entered Akland’s mouth. Looking back at Riley, who was still standing on the shore. “Are you coming?”
Startled at the sudden question, Riley nearly jumped in fright, but managed to keep calm and step into Akland’s mouth alongside Ezekiel.
“Good luck, young Hunters. Do not forget that your pack’s time within our haven will depend on whether or not you succeed in your tasks.” Spina then took to the air, flying away in the direction they had come from.
The two Hunters waved their goodbye, before immediately being covered in darkness as Akland closed his mouth. A sudden movement nearly threw Ezekiel to the ground, but he managed to hold himself and Riley steady.
“Shine, please help us with the information we need.” Ezekiel said. The sword on his waist shook silently as they conversed with the Life Spirit carrying them into enemy territory.
Turning to Riley, Ezekiel could sense that she was physically interacting with Celia. Likely to also converse with Akland.
Seeing that things were well in hand, Ezekiel allowed himself to focus on his mana. Slowly doing his best to smooth out the channels he was reconstructing. This continued for several more hours, as they got further and further away from the Spirit’s haven.
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By the time Akland opened his mouth once more, Ezekiel and Riley were fully informed of the situation. In particular, they now understood why this herb was so important.
According to what Akland had told them, the outcast had originally been a simple flower Spirit that had once looked to Akland for aid and protection. Due to the relative weakness of Life Spirits at lower Tiers, many of them would team up and look for protection from more powerful Spirits.
The outcast was once Akland’s favored underling, to the point that Akland had actually raised them up to the Adept Tier when they were still loyal. But that changed when Akland obtained a special herb that appeared one day within his territory.
Such herbs were incredibly rare, even more so than mana crystals. To the point that it sent countless Life Spirits into a frenzy to obtain. To the point that Akland nearly lost his life several times, defending it from other Legendary Life Spirits.
Only to have the outcast steal it from under his nose when he was recovering from a battle.
At this point, the outcast hadn’t become an outcast yet. But they had managed to climb to the top of Tier three, and by using a leaf from the herb, broke through to Tier four. Though the process nearly killed them due to the amount of power they obtained when their soul was not quite strong enough.
The outcast survived, however, and managed to obtain a small territory well beyond Akland’s. All while keeping the fact that the herb that they had stolen hadn’t been entirely used up.
It was only recently, when several Legendaries had come to the outcast’s territory regarding the cultist’s activities that they had found out about the herb. Which had been used to forcefully elevate the outcast further along to the higher Steps of Tier four.
By this point, the outcast had surpassed Akland, who was no longer able to make and impact in a battle against the outcast. Hence, the need for assistance. To ensure that Akland’s right to obtain the herb remained intact. Something that, if used properly, could allow him to reach the peak of Tier four.
“Hopefully this won’t be too difficult.” Ezekiel muttered as he and Riley stepped out of Akland’s mouth. “I’m sorry to say that I’ll mostly be relying on you, Riley.”
Riley turned to him in shock. She didn’t hadn’t thought that she would be too important. Only doing what Ezekiel told her to do. To ensure that she didn’t get in the way of any Legendaries fighting.
Behind them, Akland slowly sunk back into the water. But Ezekiel called out to him before he could get too far away.
“You as well, Akland. I think we’ll need your help too.” Akland stopped his dive to listen to Ezekiel.
Keeping it simple, Ezekiel explained his plan as a basic distract and grab. Akland and Riley would distract the outcast, who would likely be overconfident. But they would still rise to the challenge, nonetheless. Without a Legendary supporting Akland, then it was possible that the outcast would focus entirely on killing Akland directly.
All while Riley’s presence created the impression that Akland had gotten overconfident since he had gotten assistance from a peak Adept Hunter. Thus, removing any suspicion that anyone else was there to take the herb while the outcast was fighting.
Initially, Akland wasn’t too happy about this plan. Not liking the fact that they were relying so much on deception. But Ezekiel reinforced the fact that the outcast wouldn’t fall to honorable tactics. Worse yet, they had allied themself with a faction that was poaching young and weak Spirits.
The outcast didn’t deserve to be fought honorably, because they wouldn’t accept an honorable fight. Instead, it was more likely that they would try to run away, taking the herb with them, rather than fight, if they believed that there was an actual threat present.
Finally, Akland agreed to the plan, and ensured that Riley was safe while they waited for the outcast to arrive. All while Ezekiel headed out in the direction that Akland told him he could sense the herb in. Akland also told him the coordinates of where they could meet up if this spot was unavailable.
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The last thing he gave Ezekiel was a special wooden box that he plucked from his own body. It would be able to safely contain the herb for transport. Even allowing it to remain in a Void Pouch for roughly an hour before it needed to be taken out and allowed to breathe fresh air.
“Stay safe and run if you need to. Your life is the most important thing for you right now.” Ezekiel said to Riley just before he left. “Akland has promised to protect you, so make sure you don’t get too far away from him. He’ll get you out of here if things go badly. I’ll make my own way out when I’m done.”
Riley looked reluctant to let him go, but ultimately didn’t say anything when Ezekiel left.
“You ready, Shine?” Ezekiel asked as he dashed through the forest at his fastest pace. All without disturbing the area around him, as Shine applied their Shroud to Ezekiel.
“Ready!” Shine shook with excitement and anticipation.
For the first time in over half a year, they were once again on their own. A situation that they had only just realized was something they had grown used to.
A circumstance that they found themselves feeling right at him in.
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It took Ezekiel several minutes to reach the area of the territory that Akland had indicated the herb was most likely stored in. Behind him, in the distance, where Akland, Riley, and Celia remained, Ezekiel heard a loud and mana filled roar roll across the land.
One that was reciprocated by a separate, higher pitched, call that came somewhat from the direction Ezekiel was headed in.
“Jump us to the side a bit.” Ezekiel whispered to Shine. A sudden change of scenery was the only indication that Shine had heard Ezekiel. Not a moment too soon, either, as a humanoid figure made of twisted ivy rushed past where they had previously been. The Legendary Spirit made haste to Akland.
As the outcast ruler Spirit got further and further away, Ezekiel finally felt it was safe to once again head in the direction of the herb. Which, as he got closer, he could now sense as the air itself seemed to be filled with Life.
Passing by several Spirits of lower Tiers, Ezekiel was surprised to see that many, if not all, of them were not Life Spirits. But as he moved, he figured that this was to prevent any Spirits from being tempted to steal it like the outcast had.
Suddenly, Ezekiel stopped. Shine also ceased vibrating in excitement. They could both sense something. A lot of things. Specifically, of the Hunter variety.
Hidden under Shine’s Shroud, Ezekiel could tell that there was roughly a dozen or so Adept and Apprentice Hunters not too far away from where the Herb was apparently located. All of them seemed to be waiting for the outcast Spirit to return.
A smile spread across Ezekiel’s face. The only Hunters that would be here would be Cultists. Which, for him, at this moment, meant guilt free targets.
“Shall we hunt the hunters?” Ezekiel dashed through the forest even faster as he drew Shine from their sheath.
“Let’s do this!” Shine seemed to glow as they channel mana through their blade.
It took barely a minute before Ezekiel and Shine broke through the underbrush. Six Hunters and six Mages stood before them. Each one was unable to see the duo that was now coming for their heads.
Usually, Ezekiel and Shine wouldn’t be so blatant with their intentions. But, given Ezekiel’s Legendary status, even if he couldn’t cast spells, and Shine’s near Legendary status, they felt confident in taking down these much weaker numbers.
Of the twelve, Cultists, each one robed in bright white cloaks with golden highlights and different colored trimmings, only three were Adepts. The rest were Apprentices.
Ezekiel beheaded two of the Adepts in an instant. He took them down with a single swing of Shine. Their Spirits immediately followed. Not having the time to react given the sudden sneak attack.
The Apprentice nearest to them let out a startled scream before Ezekiel could continue. But it still didn’t give the Cultists enough time to defend themselves. Jumping in the direction of the last Adept, who appeared to be the group leader, as he wore enchanted armor that was much more powerful, Ezekiel cut them down diagonally, slicing through their Spirit, which was sitting on their shoulder.
Though he was forced to pause for a moment as Shine got caught in the leader’s armor. The shattered enchantments had failed, but only after they stopped all the momentum Shine had when they were halfway through the Adept’s torso.
From there, Ezekiel almost felt guilty as he cut down the rest of the Apprentices. They tried to defend themselves, but Ezekiel saw them moving as if they were in slow motion. They simply weren’t a threat as Ezekiel cut through them all.
Standing over the dead Cultists, Ezekiel felt a rush of excitement, having now experienced the true power of a Legendary over those of a lower Tier.
It was intoxicating, and Ezekiel had to take several seconds to calm himself down. He could feel his blood pumping in his ears, and something else as well. But it faded away as Ezekiel relaxed. The feeling of superiority left his body as he focused once more.
“... Shine... Remind me, when we get back, that I need to speak to my parents again.’ Ezekiel looked down at his free hand. It was shaking, and he felt somewhat disturbed.
Using the little mana that he had available, Ezekiel focused his Void into his mind. Immediately numbing his emotions. Forcing away the rest of the rush he had felt when cutting down the Cultists.
“... Agreed. That wasn’t right. I know we hate the Cult. But we’ve never felt true pleasure or enjoyment from killing them before.” Shine was also spooked as they thought about what had just happened. It was something they had never experienced either.
“... Do you think it could be a side effect from the Ichor?” Shine tentatively asked. Their voice was slow and quiet. “The Cruor are obsessed with killing humans and Spirits.”
“Maybe, but we killed plenty of Kindled Hounds over the last few months. So, we should’ve felt something at that point.” Ezekiel doubted that the Ichor was really the cause of this. “Perhaps it’s due to the herb? We know that it’s practically addictive to Life Spirits. It’s supposed to have weird effects on other elemental Spirits, I doubt that Many Void Mages with open Chakras have ever been so close to such a thing before.”
Ezekiel felt that his suspicions were correct as he and Shine moved closer to the herb. He could feel a sense of excitement growing within him. His blood was pumping faster and faster. He wanted to move, and fight.
But the worst thing he felt was a tightening in his pants.
“Yeah... this feeling is definitely coming from the Life herb.” Ezekiel’s face was red as he checked himself over. He was happy that there was no one else here but Shine. He was certain he’d die of embarrassment if anyone saw him right now.
“Shit!” Ezekiel just remembered that he would be getting very close to Riley once he got back. They were on this mission together, after all.
Forcing himself to calm down, Ezekiel channeled him mana into his mind once more. The emotional numbing wouldn’t last long, but it would allow him to focus.
“When we get back to Riley, I need you to make sure I don’t try to do anything to her. Understand?” Ezekiel instructed Shine to hold him back once they returned. He figured he could control himself well enough but wanted a contingency.
There was no guarantee that his mana would hold out for long enough once they got back.
As they reached the herb, the pair could see that it was sitting in the middle of a hill that was completely surrounded by poisonous plants. But rather than cut through, Shine just ‘Jumped’ past them.
The herb was roughly a foot tall, with over a dozen leaves that spiraled up towards a green, crystalline, fruit that was shaped like a dew drop. It hung down a couple of inches, making the herb look shorter than it was.
It seemed to glitter in the light. The fruit being slightly translucent.
Carefully, Ezekiel dug out the roots from the ground. Slowly extracting it from the dirt. Then, Ezekiel placed it into the wooden box that Akland had prepared for them beforehand.
Immediately, Ezekiel felt the pressure and hot-bloodedness leave him. Allowing him to let up on the mind-numbing effects of his mana. Though he was still shifting his legs uncomfortably.
Their job now complete, Ezekiel turned to leave. ‘Jumping’ past the poisonous plants once more, Ezekiel began running towards the alternate coordinates that Akland had given him.
But as a shrill scream reverberated through the air, Ezekiel changed his course. Instead heading right back to where he had left Akland and Riley.
Something had gone wrong.
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As the humanoid figure composed of countless twisting roots and ivy dashed towards them, Riley couldn’t help but feel that she was in over her head.
Yes, she was fighting alongside a proper Legendary Spirit, but the pressure and mana she could sense from the, relatively, smaller Spirit was much greater than what she felt from Akland. Given this intensity, she couldn’t help but feel like this was going to be a fruitless endeavor.
The scream that the ivy Spirit let out was enough to nearly knock her on her ass. She barely stayed on her feet, and even that was an almost impossible feat. Her legs shook as she nearly dropped her weapon. A collapsible spear that had faintly glowing lines running up and down its length.
The ivy figure looked directly at her but stopped for a moment before focusing on Akland. The two Spirits shifted posture in several ways. Most of them Riley interpreted as being threatening. Whatever the outcast was saying was clearly riling Akland up.
Finally, whatever they were discussing became too much, and Akland became the first to initiate combat. Releasing a deluge of grass and vines from the edge of the water. Using their mana to float as they attempted to tear the outcast Spirit apart.
But an even larger wave of vines and thorns pushed him back. Riley barely had the focus to jump back and out of the way. Letting loose a stream of fire that distracted the outcast Spirit ever so slightly.
A gurgling growl from Akland made Celia flinch and dig her claws into Riley’s shoulder. The little Flame Spirit conveyed Akland’s words. Riley paled as the information changed things for all of them.
It seemed that, with the help of the Cultists, the outcast had had another breakthrough. Years earlier than they should’ve. Firmly entrenching them at the seventh Step of Tier four. Making them three full Steps higher than Akland in power.
“This was not a good idea.” Riley muttered as she let out another stream of flames. This time, much hotter as it glowed nearly white with heat.
This time, the outcast Spirit actually flinched back. Noticeably singed and hurt by the flames that Riley was using. Grinning nervously, Riley couldn’t help but feel a slight bit of accomplishment in her achievement.
The fact that she could harm a Legendary Spirit at all meant that she was making significant progress with her magic. To the point where Akland also noticed. Which led him to let Riley take the lead when it came to offense. All while he did his best to take on defense. Protecting Riley with his body and magic.
For a short time, it seemed like things were going well for Riley and Akland. Celia was also helping a lot, as she kept some of the vines and thorns that Akland had missed away from Riley.
But it was apparent that the two Adepts were running out of mana.
“Akland, we need to go. I can’t keep this up much longer.” Riley was sweating from exertion as she forced out every drop of mana she could.
Akland, finally noticing that Riley was running on fumes, realized that they needed to get out of there. He was also starting to feel the pressure, but it was apparent that the outcast was only slightly winded. They needed to leave. But it seemed like the ivy Spirit wasn’t about to let them.
Exuding a massive amount of mana, the outcast Spirit created a net of vines and ivy that stretched across the expanse of water that Akland tried to retreat towards. Causing him to be badly cut up as the thorns on the vines dug into his underbelly.
Riley ended up being launched away as Akland crashed into her. Her own body rolled away as Akland tried to keep up his defense. But the outcast ivy Spirit wouldn’t have it. Using nearly a full Step worth of Legendary mana, Akland found himself wrapped up and bound as the outcast Spirit began walking towards Riley instead.
The strange noises that the ivy Spirit was making made Akland struggle harder against his bindings. But a vine whipped around and lifted Riley into the air. Hanging upside down, Riley and Celia were both now at the outcast Spirit’s mercy.
Somewhat dazed and confused from the blow that had knocked her away, Riley could only see the Spirit that was now holding her in front of its face. Unable to do much, Riley knew she would only have one more shot to do anything.
So, taking a deep breath, she channeled all of her remaining mana into the smallest and most focused point that she could. Releasing the mana that she had built up in a single massive burst. She screamed as loud as she could.
The desperation mixed with the focused and compressed mana, on top of being superheated from her minor Understanding, had an interesting effect on the fire she breathed at the ivy Spirit.
No visible flame was emitted from her mouth, as the fire flashed so brightly, and with such excessive force, that there was only a bright white light that would’ve blinded anything that happened to be looking at it at that moment.
As the flame passed through the ivy Spirit’s body, burning a significant chunk of it, due to not properly defending itself, it let loose an ear shattering screech of pain. All while Riley went flying as the ivy Spirit threw her and Celia away.
Flying through the air, she was barely able to make note of Celia growing to a larger size, just to catch her before she hit the ground.
Things went fuzzy for her after that. She distinctly heard a yell of rage as something returned to the area where Akland was at. All she could hope for at the moment was that Ezekiel was alright.
But as she closed her eyes, falling unconscious, Riley’s last thoughts went back to the flames she had just used. Different uses flashing through her mind at incredible speeds as her Understanding grew from the practical use she just went through.