End Hindsight.

Even as dizziness and nausea assail her, even though it’s hard to speak, Lexi knows she needs to tell the knights what she’s learned, knows every second counts as the shapeshifters converge to attack them from all sides while Eric and Ray struggle to hold them back as Lexi lies on the ground, heart thundering in her ears like never before.

“Th...the...” Her neck is butchered, blood leaking out in spurts under her trembling hands, but she can still breathe so she forces the words out, hoping they’re intelligible, and points a trembling finger at the Level 63 monster. “Chi...me...ra.”

As weakness completely overcomes her, Lexi is dimly aware of the snarls and howls at her revelation of the shapeshifters’ secret weapon - a Tier Four monster the leader had semi-devoured, which means it can’t use the powerful form more than once for a few minutes - but Lexi has barely any presence of mind to think now, struggling to apply pressure to her neck, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood as Eric launches a furious attack on the highest ranked beast.

...Ray...?

A burly shape is flying through the air, before the knight slams hard into a tree.

No...that means...

This time the blade goes clean through her chest.

Is this...the end?

----------------------------------------

It’s cold.

Who’s crying?

She sees some sort of figure - is their hair white? - kneeling and weeping.

Who are you?

Her voice doesn’t work, though that’s a given since she’d had her neck slashed.

When she tries to reach out, her hands look like wisps of smoke.

Huh?

The figure seems to have noticed her, since it’s raising its head now.

Your eyes.

Why...

Shadows strike her full force, and Lexi’s flung hard into the abyss.

Why?

----------------------------------------

Where am I?

The corpses, ruined trees, and bloody terrain tell her she’s where they’d fought the shapeshifters.

Was that a dream?

...Eric...?

Why is he kneeling and bowing to her like this? Why are his shoulders trembling so violently, while his voice sounds choked and hoarse?

“I’m sorry, Lexi. It was my arrogance that caused your injuries.”

She’d respond if she could, but she’s badly wounded - dimly aware that she’s barely held together by the spare potions and bandages Eric and Ray had stashed in the packs they’d left on their steeds - while poison slithers through her veins, slowed only by the expensive antidotes Jordan had given her. Lexi just hopes her eyes communicate her thoughts as they usually do when he lifts his bloodied, bruised, and burned head to look at her.

You’re a level 90 Terran warrior, and the youngest Imperial Knight Commander in history. You have every right to be arrogant, Eric - you earned your position through your own effort.

Please...don’t cry.

----------------------------------------

Lexi flits in and out of consciousness after that - feeling too cold yet too hot, so weak that breathing hurts, unable to react to external stimuli - distantly aware of her escorts’ frantic voices, the harsh rocking and thundering of hooves telling her they’re pushing their horses to the limit.

I used to think now and then that it’d be fine to die, coz maybe I’d see dad again. Assuming we end up in the same place when I’m a piece of shit and he’s the best person I’ve ever known.

Those thoughts had whispered to her whenever she floated and sank in the darkness on occasion.

But if I have to linger in this world for eternity, then...whoever you are, whatever you are, please don’t let me die. Please let me see my father again.

I’m begging you. I’ll do anything, just let me see my dad one last time, let me tell him I love him and that I’m so damned sorry.

Just one chance, that’s all I’m asking for. Just one day more, just one hug, just one word. Please.

----------------------------------------

Whispers - words indecipherable but emotions clear through tone - rouse her from the heavy depths, and with an effort Lexi forces her eyes open as much as she can.

“Lexi!”

Eric?

It’s him, but it doesn’t look like him. The Dawn Duke’s youngest child never looks like this - brown eyes filled with terror and guilt, bandages on a handsome face doing nothing to detract from the shock, relief, and pain.

“Lexi! You’re awake! You’re awake!”

Elise?

The older sage is a sobbing mess as she kneels next to Lexi’s bed, pale hands clutching silk sheets tight.

“Lu...Lexi, thank the gods.” Jordan’s shoulders shake as he struggles to hold back tears, gloved hands pressing hard against his closed eyes.

“My lady.” Ray is leaning heavily on a crutch, one green eye covered by bandages as the giant knight limps closer. “Welcome back.”

Thank you, Ray.

The healers check her condition quickly, since Elise is too distraught to use her Sight, then a tearful Mia is feeding Lexi water after Eric has gently moved her into a sitting position.

She can see Vena crying just beyond the door, cradling Hissy in thin arms; she can hear the Dawn Duke and more knights hurrying to her room. All of it makes Lexi wish once again that she wasn’t such a weakling, that she wasn’t such a disappointment.

If only I was a little bit stronger...then none of this would’ve happened.

“Lexi! Thank the gods you’ve returned to us, child.” Duke Tridentia is usually the epitome of politeness with her, but he’s clearly too emotional to control himself now.

“Thank you, your grace.” Her voice sounds rough and weak, but at least it still works. More importantly, she’s alive despite the injury to her neck. I guess Luck activated to save my windpipe and vocal chords that time. “I’m sorry for causing so much trouble.”

“WHAT?!”

“Why would you say that?!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“That’s preposterous!”

Blinking, Lexi realizes everyone around her is indignantly and furiously coming to her defense, even the ever professional Deidre looking ready to throw hands.

“My lady.” The duke has gotten himself under control somewhat. “It’s our duty to protect you, especially when you’re still so new to this world.”

You don’t owe me anything. None of you do. You’ve all done more than enough for me already.

“Lexi...” Eric looks like he wants to hang himself, the orange lights around him making her worry. “I...”

“It’s not your fault, Eric.” When he blinks at her like that, he reminds her of when he was Alric. “You and Ray were handicapped by me, which is why...”

“My lady.” Ray looks angrier than she’s ever seen him, and she tenses slightly, then relaxes when she realizes Intuition hasn’t activated around the tall warrior. “Why would you think so lowly of yourself?”

Isn’t it obvious?

“Ray’s right, Lexi.” Jordan has a hand on Eric’s shoulder as the redhead wipes away tears roughly, lights slowly changing color. “Not only are they inherently stronger than many other types of creatures, from what I’ve heard those shapeshifters were of great ability and experience. It’s difficult enough to fight against a single shapeshifter who possesses the skills of an Imperial Knight AND a monster, but the three of you were ambushed by eighteen powerful shifters.”

So what?

“What he means, Lexi,” Elise has stopped crying enough to join in, though her voice sounds weird. “Is that the only way any of you would have escaped unscathed is if the three of you had been the ones to ambush the targets.”

“...you mean...?”

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“Lexi.” Eric is starting to look more like himself now, though shadows remain in brown eyes. Thank God the lights are fading. “We were at a disadvantage not because of you - but because the shifters got the jump on us.”

“But still...!”

“Lexi.” Welcome back, Eric. “What did I tell you about chimeras?”

Tier Four - the second highest rank of monster species. Head of goat, body of lion, tail of snake. They’re immune to physical attacks, and resistant against aura and magic. They shoot flames from their goat head, spray poison from their snake tail, and can run on the wind for great distances which makes them extremely fast. At higher levels, some chimera even possess the ability to paralyze or instil fear with the sound of their bleat.

“If you hadn’t warned us about the shifters’ plans to use that once they’d worn us down enough, the surprise would have possibly claimed all our lives.”

“But you’re level 90, and Ray’s at 87!”

It’s inconceivable to Lexi that these two would ever lose a fight, if they weren’t being held back by her.

“We’re not invincible, Lexi.” That smug look on his face is both a welcome and unwelcome sight. “Though we’re obviously stronger than you,” Ass. “There are many people, monsters, and demons in this world that would easily give even me a run for my money.”

That’s true - the reason why that quest paid so well is because shapeshifters are around the rare rank power level. How could I forget that this world has many other homicidal creatures apart from humans? Plus level for level and taking rank into account, players are stronger than Terrans. Even though Imperial Knights are considered at least unique rank, and commanders are pretty much the equivalent of legendary rank...

“My lady, please don’t forget that we were outnumbered eighteen to three as well.” Ray is as calm and gentle as ever. “Your skills are what allowed us to prepare somewhat before the ambush, and prevent the shifters from properly executing their strategy.”

When Lexi had used Foresight, it’d shown her they’d be engaged in battle a bit farther away from their location at the time, as well as some of the abilities the monsters had. Eric had come up with a plan in response and they’d been moving towards the area she’d foreseen, before the ambush took them by surprise.

Like Eric said: each future I see relies on a specific set of conditions leading up to it. Deviate slightly to change the outcome, and everything else can change as well.

“Though I hate to admit it, we got lucky.” Eric looks disgruntled, which makes Jordan laugh and Lexi relaxes at that beautiful sound. “If you hadn’t used Hindsight right when you did, you would have exceeded the time limit.”

It’s odd for him to reveal her skill like that, but Lexi chalks it up to the emotional rollercoaster she supposes they’ve all been through. Thinking back to the quest, she remembers only catching the tail end of the monsters’ plans - when the creatures had been using Flash to get the jump on the trio - and somehow seeing enough during the brief time she was in contact with the blade before the viewing was forcibly ended. in order to share the information as quickly as possible.

I guess we did get lucky. But what was that weird dream I had?

The conversation around her pulls Lexi from her thoughts.

“You’re going to need a scout from now on, my lady.” The duke has been relatively quiet, but there’s no denying that after Elise, he’s the most experienced combat veteran in the room - a level 84 swordsman who’d fought plenty of battles over the decades, and had accompanied players to dungeons many times in his younger days. “It’s harder to be ambushed when you have someone trained to look out for threats, even with the abilities the three of you possess.”

True. Eric and Ray have good senses, but Sight, Guide, and Intuition are stronger. Yet despite my skills, even I couldn’t detect the ambush until just seconds before the shapeshifters reached us.

“Miss Vena?”

Huh?

At Mia’s surprised murmur, Lexi realizes the half-elf has slipped into the room unnoticed, and is currently standing on tiptoes with her hand raised high while Hissy leaps onto Lexi’s bed.

“Vena? What is it?”

> ”My lady, I can be your scout.”

“What?! No, Vena, you’re still young and in training.” Don’t snort at me, Eric.

> ”My lady, I am half-elf.”

Those little hands sign to her furiously, as green eyes stare at Lexi beseechingly.

> ”I can hear and see more things than humans, and I know how to fight now that the Dawn Knights have trained me. Please let me be of use to you.”

“That’s...” While it’s true that Vena has advanced rapidly in combat training and currently holds the archery record in the duke’s manor, a part of Lexi hates that she’ll be putting the girl-woman in danger.

I already left you in that hell for longer than necessary. How can I drag you along on quests and into dungeons when this most recent mission proves even Eric and Ray - who’re much more experienced and skilled than you - can be so badly injured?

“Miss Vena has a point, my lady.” Why are you wanting to involve her? Ray has always had a soft spot for those weaker than him - instinctively seeking to protect women, children, and small animals - and is notorious for constantly sneaking Vena treats and gifts, so him wanting to bring the half-elf along is making Lexi’s head spin.

“She has made it clear many times that all she wishes to do is serve you, and has worked very hard to become capable enough of defending herself in a fight. With her natural abilities and the skills she’s gained, I believe you should consider adding her to the party.”

“I...” I know Vena’s good, Ray. I know she’s been leveling up quickly, thanks to her tireless efforts in official and personal training. And I know that her elven blood makes her naturally suited to being a scout. But even though I know all that AND the fact that she’s older than me, she looks like a child and was only rescued a few months ago.

“I agree with Ray.” Jordan steps in as Lexi’s internal debate rages. “Lexi, I know you’ve always felt you could have done more for Vena, and you’re too kind hearted to bring someone who looks like a child along with you.” I’m not kind. I’m just being selfish - I don’t want to feel bad if and when she gets hurt. “But please remember that Vena is already at level 27, and can not only see and hear over great distances, but also possesses night vision.”

“Just accept it, Lexi.” Eric is rolling his eyes at her, and Lexi wants to punch him in the face. “She’s a better fighter than you, anyway.”

ASSHOLE.

“Lexi...” Elise? “I know you don’t want to put others in danger, but you have to admit that Vena would be a huge help.”

The unspoken words hang in the air between them: you need all the help you can get.

Sighing, Lexi’s shoulders slump as she nods, Hissy seeming to purr in agreement.

When she looks up again, Vena is beaming brilliantly at her, and it makes Lexi’s swallow hard.

Please don’t die, Vena. Not for someone like me.

----------------------------------------

Three days later, when Lexi and Ray are recovered enough to walk unaided, they head to the Guild with Vena.

After submitting the official quest completion and party update documents - all the while enduring whispers and snide remarks about how her arrogance had almost cost the empire its two greatest knights as Vena trembles with rage next to her - the four of them head to the dungeon request section of the ground floor.

So these are the nobles who can afford it.

When new dungeons are created, the system assigns ratings to them and notifies the Guild, which then formally contacts the master of the territory and states the fee required to have players dispatched.

I can’t believe that slimy git can get away with positioning the Guild as a non-profit, when he’s charging nobles three thousand gold coins to have players clear the lowest rated dungeon, and only paying out two thousand to players for it. We’re only four in my party, but Ray told me some players have to hire anywhere from ten to twenty adventurers to help them out - and those guys are managed by their own guild, so they definitely don’t come cheap.

Interestingly, Vena’s parents had been adventurers, before her father’s injury and then Vena being conceived had made the couple retire and live off a small plot of land instead. The half-elf had grown up on stories of dungeon raids, and had been told about players and party mechanics by her late parents, which means she’s already aware of some of the common traps and pitfalls of raiding.

She’s also been learning healing magic from the Dawn Duke’s healers, which means Lexi now has more options at her disposal if any of them get injured in battle.

A two-star dungeon? Seriously, Eric?

Even one-star dungeons have claimed their share of experienced players and adventurers.

Sighing when the redhead refuses to back down, Lexi pulls the sheet off the board and heads back to the counter.

“Try not to get anyone killed, Hargreaves.”

Asshole.

Saint Angelus had appeared as Lexi had been finishing up the acceptance documentation, and as soon as she’d turned around he’d snarked at her while smirking.

“That depends on who the person is.” When she smiles sweetly up at the blond, she’s gratified to see navy blue eyes narrow as he clenches a strong jaw in anger.

You’re too dumb to play word games with me, bitch, so go back to your master.

Brienne is thrilled to see her, though less so Vena, and Lexi would roll her eyes at the stereotypical behavior if she wasn’t so impressed with how the half-elf is tamping down on her inherited hatred of dwarves and behaving respectfully towards the blacksmith.

Nicely done, Vena.

It seems the dwarf has been hard at work since Lexi was brought back a bloody mess almost two weeks ago, if the high level items scattered around the smithy are any indication.

This...?

“Brienne made it just for you, my lady!” The chubby dwarf beams up at her as Lexi blinks. “It will keep you safe, Brienne swears on her hammer!”

> ’Boots of flight - level 49.’

“I’ll take this.”

Looking around the shop makes Lexi wonder just how quickly information had spread.

How did she know to make me a whole new set so fast?

> ’Gauntlets of storm - level 41. Gloves of flame - level 35. Mask of wind - level 38.’

These are all in my size, but how did she make them so quickly? Eric and Ray went straight to the duke’s manor once they got back to the capital with me, and the duke runs a tight ship - the servants wouldn’t have spoken about my injuries or my destroyed protective gear to outsiders, and no matter how badly the three of us were injured no one called for oracles or saints to heal us in order to prevent leaks. Jordan and Elise know they have to keep information about me as private as possible, meaning they wouldn’t have told anyone. So how did Brienne know my entire first set was ruined?

And...no matter how high her level is, there’s no way she could’ve made all these in just two weeks. Unless she’d been making them for me earlier, thinking that at some point I’d need replacements?

It’s logical and plausible, but something tells Lexi there’s more to it than just Brienne looking to earn more coins.

Stop it, you’re being stupid. Don’t even think about him. You’re nothing to him.

Shade Raphael had sent a gift to the manor when Lexi had been comatose, though she has no idea what was in the box since Eric had confiscated it immediately.

After purchasing new gear for herself and Vena - including a beautiful bow and five quivers of elemental arrows for the half-elf, some additional protective items for Eric and Ray, as well as more goods to flip, Lexi is bowed all the way out of the alley by a two thousand four hundred gold coins richer Brienne.

Luckily I started that side business, and I don’t need to pay for living expenses thanks to the duke.

Thanks to Eric and Ray, reselling high level weapons and armor has earned Lexi thousands of gold coins in profits, even after she gives them and Elise their cuts, and buys presents for the duke and his staff.

I guess Brienne knows what I’m up to, since her prices are higher this time. Then again, these goods look like they have better stats too, so I can’t really complain.

The Dawn Duke had already given Lexi new armor, and Jordan and Elise had showered her with plenty of high level protective charms and amulets, which means she doesn’t need to spend on replacements for the destroyed light leather armor and protective bracelet. After leaving Brienne’s smithy, they return to the manor and Lexi holes herself up in the library while waiting for Elise to arrive and identify the properties of the new items.

Damn...

Boots of flight Level 49. Provides user with speed boost. Gauntlets of storm Level 41. Protects user from physical strikes up to Level 40, provides resistance to lightning magic. Gloves of flame Level 35. Increases flame resistance. Mask of wind Level 38. Allows wearer to breathe normally in toxic or adverse conditions, allows underwater breathing for up to ten minutes, provides resistance to wind magic. [https://i.imgur.com/8WsxFRR.png]

I guess we’re ready for a dungeon, or as ready as we can be.

Thanks to the time she’d spent unconscious, and the additional days she, Eric, and Ray will need to fully recover despite access to the best Terran healers and medicine, they’ll have just over a month, including travel time, to complete the raid and return a week before Eric’s birthday party - a deliberate buffer the duke had insisted on politely, though they all know he’s expecting they’ll need to recover before the celebration.

We’ll have to make it quick. Even on horseback the journey there will take about a week.

On the plus side, dungeon raids are timed, with the system occasionally giving bonuses to players who set new speed records.

Will I get anything if we finish this dungeon within a week?

The current record for clearing a two-star dungeon is held by Shade Raphael, who did it in ten days as a unique rank dark knight with Dhampir Lily and another adventurer.

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CHAPTER 25 END