~Day 156~

Parse gently closed the door to the captain's quarters behind us, no soldiers want to hear me slamming my hands on their captains desk. "This is ridiculous!" I growled. "The Council knows how f*cking serious this situation is right? And yet they're happy enough to shove me in some experimental fleet? At a time like this?" I clenched my fists and tried to control my breathing.

Obedyah took a calculated walk over to his desk and sat down beginning his paperwork. "Calm down Anya. There isn't anything to be done." He replied without even looking up.

I let out a disgruntled sigh. "Your brother should have known better." I complained pointing at the old man in front of me.

Obedyah paused his work and glanced up at me behind his half moon spectacles. "Don't blame Osyrus. He had his hands tied and you know it soldier." He narrowed his eyes. "I can have you demoted even further if you need to remember your place." He warned me.

I shook my head sitting down opposite the Captain. "I'm. I'm sorry Obedyah. I'm sure Osyrus did what he could." I let out a calmer sigh, a lot of my anger escaping me. "I just don't understand what those fools are thinking." My voice came out raspy.

"It's to bring the races together. We need unity now more than ever." Parse replied as he sat down next to me a troubled smiled spread across his lips. He maneuvered his hat awkwardly. "Course, they could have chosen an officer less vital to the war effort." He chuckled.

"Now that I do agree with." I heard Obedyah mutter. My temper had leveled and I gave the old man a wry smirk. It was good to see these two again.

I slapped my knees. "Right then, tell what you can." I resigned myself. If there was nothing I could do to fight it, I can at least learn as much as possible about my new position and who I will be working for.

Parse smirked before clicking the board he held in his hands as if anticipating my request. "What do you want to know?" He asked.

I thought for a moment. "Tell me about my boss, tell me about Commodore Juna Blackale." I replied finger on my chin.

Parse nodded his head as if to say 'thought so' before expanding something on his screen. A projection of the Dwarf flickered onto the holographic display on Obedyahs desk. "Now, what Admiral Oren told you isn't wrong. Miss Blackale passed every officers exam with flying colours. She certainly knows how to lead." Parse began.

"I feel as though a 'but' is coming on." I replied.

Parse nodded his head smirking. "But she has zero experience on the field, failed to pass most of her combat or piloting examinations and has been given command of an entire Pathfinders Company for her first position." He shook his head. "No matter which way you spin it, her family bought her that position. I don't care how much of a good leader you are, being able to handle yourself in a fight is just as important." He shook his head. "Not that I can talk of course." The lieutenant chucked to himself.

I let out another deep sigh. "Great, so we don't even know how well she'd handle herself in a serious crisis." I scratched behind my ear. "I'm not looking forward to this." I grumbled.

Obedyah tutted. "It's not the poor girl's fault don't treat her too harshly Anya." He chastised me.

I rubbed my brow. "It IS her family's fault though." I replied. "Now what else can you tell me?" I nudged Parse.

Parse clicked on a few more pages before raising his eyebrows lightly. "Uhh. It's quite a large company, especially for the Pathfinders. Over a hundred ships." He sounded impressed. That was a lot for a pathfinders company. We're meant to be quiet and quick.

My finger was placed against my lips as I thought. "Anything else?" I asked.

Parse made another impressed expression. "I don't know if it's to try and placate you, but it says here 'Lieutenant Commander Anya is to receive a Class eight Razor Cruiser as her command vessel'. Not as powerful as what the Commodore will get, but it's certainly wont be a bad ship." He marveled.

Certainly, class Eights were ridiculously expensive and rare when I was last in the world of the living. "Do I get to pick the design?" I carried on.

Parse shook his head. "Nnnno. It'll be fresh out of the factory designed by Genu. You can change the interior as you see fit and even name the vessel though." He finished.

I let out another sigh. "It's not a bad start." I mumbled.

Parse gave me a wry smile. "See it's not all bad." He patted my back.

I smiled at him as I sat up. With a steady stride I made my way to Obedyahs observation window. Outside was a docking station. I guess we were refueling for the trip back to Ein. That's where I'll be put into my new assignment.

"I don't think it's quite hit me yet." I said causing both men to look at me confused. "That those creatures are out here." I finished.

Parse scratched his head. "Are they really that bad?" He asked a little shakily.

I kept staring out into the abyss. The beautiful nothingness of space that still sends shivers down my spine. "They are." I replied, a dread growing in my heart. Doom was coming for us and I couldn't even prepare for it.

Another dream. I slowly opened my groggy eyes looking down at my hands. I was definitely back, my hands were green and I could see a certain wolf laying at the base of my bed just beyond them. I wonder if I should tell Venya about this one too? Nothing especially important happened in it though. It was mainly just me complaining.

My eyes were drawn to the one giant window in the room I was given. Morning had definitely come. It was decided last night we would stay the day, Gial was the only one that wanted to move on. No one else had seen such different architecture before and besides the items available in shops are also very different. Venyas clothing hall was unexpected, especially with how unbothered she seemed about her lack of clothes on the way over here.

Odwiff and I planned to spend half the day together and have a look at the weapons and armor shops. However before we met I wanted to check on our friends left outside the city, if they hadn't already left.

I made my way through the slowly waking city towards the gate we came from, the Guards seemed a little wary of my presence, but let Alvir and I through nonetheless. When I got outside however, I couldn't see the Mushmen. I guess they really did leave. It made me feel a little bit sad, I had just begun to get used to them. Especially the big one. It's better than they find better environments for themselves though.

I was just about the head back inside until a guard stopped me and asked if I happened to be searching for the Mushmen. I nodded my head back at him. He gave me a big smile and pointed towards one of the clusters of trees by the side of the path. He also told me they've been a relaxing sight for those of duty. So I guess that means they didn't leave. I'm actually quite happy about that.

It didn't take me long to find them through the trees. Sat in the middle of it was a pond, one of the Demon Oases. Inside it the giant Mushroom was grinning widely. Whilst the Sand Mushmen seemed to either be drinking or napping in the shade. I question whether a Monster that exists in the desert should need shade, but they certainly were enjoying it.

A few guards half in their armour sat in between the Mushmen chatting and smiling with each other. One man had a Mushman on his lap and was playing with it's stumps. I can see why the Guards like the Mushmen, they're hard not to get relaxed round. I've yet to meet one single Mushman that wants to cause anything harm. Well except maybe myself I suppose?

I would guess some higher evolved Mushmen might feel a little differently to violence too, but I haven't met any. The most evolved one following me is the Coral Mushman. The Mushroom in question squealed joyfully as it spotted me walking up. As usual it gave me a big kiss on the forehead.

I settled in and sat by the pond, I had an hour to kill until I was meeting Odwiff. The Mushmen gathered around me playing like ever happy children. I must admit I was a little worried about how Alvir would be with all these Mushmen, but both on the road and now he was very gentle with them. It gives me hope for when I have children. I suppose that should be if I have children, I definitely have no such plans as of yet.

The Guards around us seemed a little put off by the Mushmens odd love for me, but didn't take long to begin to enjoy the sight themselves. I've actually seen less stares and distrust from the Demons than I thought I would get. So far that is, perhaps it's because we're still so close to the coast. It's just I'd heard the Demon were quite isolationist so this wasn't at all what I was expecting.

After my hour was up, Alvir and I wished goodbye to the Guards and made our way back into the city. Once again the Mushmen waited outside, obedient. We found Odwiff with no issue and began our little shop crawl.

I had no plans to buy anything, Odwiffs armor was more than I'd ever need and I had no plan to get any new weapons. I was just accompanying the old dwarf more than anything. He seemed mainly interested in seeing what sort of armour they wore around here, I think he planned to craft some for himself. He also went to many blacksmiths to search for materials, he still wanted to make me a mace and shield.

I really felt like he didn't need to, but it's hard to say no to an insistent Dwarf. They day went by quick, Odwiff decided that once we reach the capital he wanted to design some new 'Demon inspired Dwarven mail' as he called it. Demon armor was the opposite of bulky, it was light and just thick enough to protect the important places. I don't believe that was for any other reason than heavier armor would just be impossible to wear here. You would get boiled alive in anything too thick. Even in my armor I've found it a little unbearable when we were walking through the desert.

After we were done we found somewhere to sit. I couldn't help but marvel at the buildings surrounding us. So many were tall and imposing, yet the city still felt open. Odwiff handed me a sandwich and a warm tea as we sat. It was pleasant enough here , but we were close to the city entrance. So I led Odwiff to the Mushmens pond to eat our lunch.

Odwiff sat against a tree letting out a satisfied groan. "This is the life lass." He said to me as two Mushmen snuggled up to his stout body.

I let out a slight giggle. "The Demon continent isn't quite what I was expecting." I replied.

The old Dwarf nodded his head slowly in agreement. "Aye. I was sure we would under constant attack, ye ken. But then this?" He commented motioning around him.

A small Desert Mushling jumped into my lap and snuggled against my stomach putting a big smile on my face. "This is almost paradise. Of course most of the journey hasn't been like that." I shrugged.

"Aye, but it's still better than I feared. Course I'm sure it'll get worse the further inland we get. We ain't even seen a sign of these supposed rebels yet." He sighed. It's true, we'd been on the Demons Continent for a few days now and no one has so much as mentioned them.

Although for reasons I couldn't tell Odwiff, i was happy about that. Perhaps I can get off this place without getting involved. The giant Coral Mushman bounded over and sat between Odwiff and I rather out of breath. it had been playing with a few Demon children on the other side of the pond. I patted its head gently.

Odwiff nodded towards the Mushman. "Have you thought of a name yet?" He asked with a grin.

I tilted my head. "A name?" I asked him.

Odwiff looked a bit confused. "Oh aye." He said nodding his head. "This big fella ain't going to be leaving anytime soon and we can't just keep callin' 'im 'The big Mushman' can we?" He carried on with a chuckle.

I hummed with a finger on my chin. True it didn't seem to have any desire to leave, but I hadn't even thought about a name. I mean, it's a Mushman, do people name Mushmen? I suppose I might as well give it one at this point. I looked the Mushman up and down and let out a chuckled.

Odwiff looked over at me. "What is it lass?" He asked.

I pointed at the Mushman. "You know that oddly serious expression it has sometimes? It reminds me of Torvinn somehow." I said.

Odwiff looked the Mushman up and down before laughing and slapping his need. "Ya right Ellena. He's the spittin' image." He grinned.

My smile turned more gentle. "Maybe that's what I'll call it." I said. "Not Torvinn, that's seems disrespectful, but how about.." I thought for a moment, before deciding. "Vinn." I said satisfied.

Before Odwiff could say anything to reply a sharp pain pulsated through my mind, a groan escaped my lips. Odwiff sat up startled. "Lass? Are you alright?" He asked his voice filled with concern

I nodded my head as I held it. I'd felt a similar feeling before, back when I first named Alvir. No, it couldn't be, could it? I looked up at Vinn and sure enough, inside my own mind, a brand new stats menu appeared.

[Name: Vinn]

[Age: 58 Years 202 days]

[Species: Goliath, Coral Mushman]

[Height: 11'-8"]

[Sex: N/A]

[Title/s: The Gentle, Pillars Servant]

{Level: 20]

[Health: 2059/2059]

[Mana: 105/105]

[Stamina: 2010/2010]

[Hunger: 2010/2010]

[Attack: 2950]

[Defence: 2150]

[Magic Attack: 92]

[Magic Defence: 508]

[Skills:

[Pain Resistance lvl 2] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 9]

[Iron stomach lvl 10 (Max)] [Protector lvl 2]

My mind snapped back to being my own. I have to say, I wasn’t quite expecting that. Can I just name anything and get it’s stat menu? No I doubt it, looking at this carefully there’s a certain title that makes me think otherwise. The ‘Pillar Servant’ title to be exact. I get the feeling that means that if I name a Mushman it will become my servant? Is that truly what it means? I’ll have to experiment to see if that theory holds out.

Before that though, I’m at a bit of a loss on what to do now. I have a new, pet, I suppose? I feel as though calling Alvir a pet is a bit wrong, so calling a Mushman who is over fifty years old one is just plain wrong. However, it doesn’t feel right calling him a servant either. Vinn itself didn’t seem bothered by it’s new found position, it seemed a little happy actually,

“Ellena, are you alright?” I spotted Odwiff out the corner of my eye leaning in with a concerned look. Ah, I completely forgot he was here. That’s bad, I probably looked really weird just then.

I scratched my head. “Well, I think I just made Vinn my servant.” I chuckled nervously.

Odwiff tilted his head with an expression that clearly said he wanted an explanation. To really explain it, I had to go back to when I first made Alvir my pet. Odwiff nodded his head through all of it before scratching his beard when i finished.

After a few minutes he nodded his head satisfied. “It would seem like to me, you ‘Pillars’ are made to be some kinda leaders. Maybe you’re meant to lead us into battle against this ‘Lavias I keep on hearin’ bout.” He commented.

I also think something similar and I’m starting to see me being a leader as something a little less ridiculous what with my memories returning to me. After than surprising event, Odwiff and I stayed with the Mushmen for a few more hours before we had to head in. We had a scheduled time to leave in the morning, so we had to get to the castle and head to our rooms quite early.

Unfortunately for Vinn, even with its newfound status he still wasn’t allowed in the city. I told the Mushman to wait for us at the gate on the opposite side of the city. It did worry me a bit that it had to make it’s own way there. Although it’s stats aren’t as bad I imagined, especially for a Mushman. I’m not surprised it took Vinn over fifty years to get to that point.

I’m not sure I want to get anymore pets or servants though, I already have three stat menus in my head I have to deal with, I don’t want more. Odwiff laughed when I told him. He said it was just like me to complain about something most people would consider a miracle.

I never really thought about it that way, but it’s true I’ve never met anyone else who could see others stats menu, even dungeon owners can’t as far as I know. So with any shopping that needed doing finished and a short but satisfying stay in Iridiz over, I had my dinner and left for bed.

It was a shame we couldn’t stay for longer, If we had a reason to I would have loved to just explore this odd city. I’m pretty sure Odwiff wanted to get to know the architect a bit better to, but unfortunately we just had no concrete reason to stay longer than a day. Even then we had no reason to stay the whole day, it just seemed a bit silly not to.

Over dinner I told the others about Vinn, Venya seemed the most excited as it meant she could get Frog servants for herself. I guess if it works and she does, that would almost confirm what Odwiff and I discussed. Although it does make me wonder, what else might the Pillars Aura skill give me and is there any way to find out if it does?

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~Day 157~

We assembled early morning, the meeting place was just outside the gate. Vinn was already waiting, a happy smile on it’s face. The other Mushmen seemed to have gone somewhere, or more likely didn’t know how to follow us to the other side of the city.

Also already waiting were Lason, Bear and Kuuli. They were setting up the wagon we’d be taking Lason on. He was rested against a hay bale and given just enough shade to not have to worry. Soon after them. Odwiff arrived after walking with Wrok and Alka, it was an odd group that I hadn’t seen together before. Alka and Wrok greeted me before inspecting Vinn. Perhaps they hoped to find something new or different about it?

After a bunch more of our party trickled through the gate, the last arrive. As in Venya, always a late waker. She was wearing her new outfit she bought in the city. Tight fitting leather with thin cloth underneath. She had strapped leather gloves and boots that reached just under her knees. It also appears like she bought two short swords, she was humanoid now, to fight by biting and scratching would be a mistake.

Finally, Cadiz herself arrived. Just as she had promised she was going to take us to the edge of her territory. She told us that it would take over a week to reach the edge of her territory. She doesn’t go to that side often, most of her dealings are done in Krazakon or Iridiz. So she usually just sticks to that small corner of her territory.

With everyone assembled it wasn’t long before we set off, it wasn’t long until I gained a few more followers in another group of Mushmen. Although there were a lot less this time. The Sand Frogs from before somehow found their way around the city and were with us too. I think some of our party felt a little uncomfortable being followed by so many monsters like that. Despite the fact that half of them were technically monsters themselves.

The foliage slowly disappeared as we got further from the capital, after it had disappeared entirely all that was left was miles of sand dunes, deserts flats and the occasional small cliff. It felt like an alien world to me, so vast yet so empty. Even upon the horizon nothing else could be seen except the occasional monsters. I have to wonder how the Demons managed to settle in an environment like this.

Even by the time we began to set up camp, we had not seen anything new. Yet I wasn’t bored of it, the sheer scale and vastness of it was mesmerizing. Saying that though, I wouldn’t mind a bit more excitement tomorrow.

Perhaps I should take Alvir and Vinn hunting, it would be nice to see if Vinn can fight well. I have to wonder though, is it cruel to make a creature that’s usually a pacifist fight. Will the Mushman understand if I tell it that it has to make it’s own decision?

~Day 158~

As planned, I took Alvir and Vinn off the beaten track a little, Cadiz told me to just make sure I don’t fall behind the group and to always keep them in my vision. Well, it’s not like we had to travel far to find and monsters, despite its vastness the desert wasn’t exactly empty.

I found a particularly hostile looking group of monsters. They had sharps spines all over their body and walked on two sharp limbs that duck into the sand. I wouldn’t have guessed that they were hostile just through appearance though, but they were fighting over the corpse of some sort of bird monster.

Before we tested the water to see if they were hostile, I brought Vinn to the the side. The Goliath smiled and tilted its head waiting for me to speak. I grabbed hold of the Mushman sides. “I really hope you’re as smart as you seem because you need to listen to me” I told it. That seemed to get Vinns attention as it stopped smiling and began to look serious. “I have a very important promise to fulfill, and to do that I require strength. Which is why Alvir and I will be hunting other monsters from now on.” Vinn looked a little disheartened by what I just said as a gloomy look took over it’s face. “I promise you however, we do not hurt innocent Monsters. Only those that show open hostility towards us. We are not here to kill, we are here to level.” Vinns expression softened somewhat but it still didn’t look happy. “Now, if you’re with me you may need to get a bit stronger than yourself. Judging by your level and evolution, you have killed before, correct?” I asked the Mushroom.

Vinn opened it’s eyes wide for a second before looking down to the ground and nodding it’s head. The Mushman clearly was not happy with what it had done. I let out a sigh scratching the back of my head. “I want to ask you to join us, but it is your choice. Do you understand, it is your choice.” Vinn looked me back in the eye and nodded it’s head with a solemn look. “We’ll be off now. Stick close, but only join us if you’re ready.” I finished. The Mushman looked at the ground, as we ran off.

They day passed by swiftly, it had been a while since either Alvir or I had a chance to let loose. Unfortunately Vinn did not join us the entire day, but I couldn’t blame it. I’m starting to feel a bit weird calling Vinn it all the time, since I named it after a guy shall I refer to Vinn as a him? Everyone else seems to, so I suppose I might as well. Maybe I should check with the big mushroom first to see if that’s okay.

By the time we returned to the actual caravan I had managed to gain one level. There monsters around here were quite a bit stronger than those on the Dead Isles, yet they were still not enough to level me by much. Though Alvir gained three levels, which wasn’t much either, but he didn’t seem to mind.

As we set up camp I offered for the others to join us tomorrow, but only Venya and Odwiff seemed interested. I could understand Alka and Wrok, they don’t seem to be the types to kill to train, Gial, however, I was surprised about. His reasoning was fair though, he told me that after everything on the Dead Isles he wanted to refrain from battle where possible. At least for now. As for Bear and Kuuli, they just wanted to sit and chat with Lason, which was understandable.

I can’t say I blame him, I may enjoy fighting a little too much, but that doesn’t mean that I would be doing it if I didn’t have to. I don’t even know how much fighting I’ll be doing once this is all over, maybe I’ll just go back to the Dead Isles and reopen my farm. Obviously I’d go to a dungeon once in a while to let off steam, but only once in awhile.

Before we went to bed, I asked Vinn how he would like to be referred, but he didn’t seem bothered either way. He had no gender, so what I called him didn’t seem to matter. I was worried the giant Mushman would change his mind about coming with us after today, but he had the usual Mushman smile during camp.

I felt bad, but if he was to come with us, Vinn would need to learn to fight. Even if he didn’t enjoy it, if not we’ll have to leave him somewhere safe at some point. I may have accidentally made him my ‘servant’, but that doesn’t mean I won't do my utmost to keep him alive.

~Day 159~

Today was another day spent hunting for hostile monsters, with no foliage it wasn’t hard to spot monsters. It was just hard to tell whether they were hostile or not. I also began to feel bad even for those that were hostile, I don’t know what could be going through their heads as Alvir, Odwiff, Venya and I charge at them. It must be quite a terrifying sight.

We were getting more into the mainland of the Demon Continent now, we still encountered the occasional peddler or group of mercenaries, but it was easy to see we were in the wild. Especially considering how the monsters were getting gradually more powerful, or that could just be that Alvir and I were unlucky yesterday.

Once again Vinn did not join in, but he did come a little closer to us today, perhaps interested in seeing how we fought. The other Mushmen following us stayed well away though. Venya and Odwiff both seemed satisfied by the results of their days, I was quite happy too. I had gained two levels today, which was only one more than yesterday, but it was still an improvement. Alvir got himself 5 levels, so he did a little better too.

Even if I was quite happy with the result, the fact was we were leveling slowly, every day counts and for most of the few weeks, I had been doing very little. My hope was there would be some sort of dungeon we could camp outside of for a day or so. Just so I could get a little more leveling in. So far, however, I had barely seen a cave, let alone one that looked like it led to a dungeon.

I decided to ask Gial about this, he traveled a lot and had been to the Demon Continent before, so if anyone could help me with this it was him. Well, there was Cadiz and her men, but she scared me, just a little. Maybe a bit more than I’d like to admit.

Gial looked up at me narrowing his brows. “Dungeons? Well, of course, there’s dungeons here.” He said like it should be obvious.

“See that’s what I thought too, but I have yet to see one.” I replied arms crossed. We were sitting around the campfire sitting outside of our groups' tents. We had found a particularly scenic spot to camp tonight, sitting on the edge of a cliff. Nearby was a path that led down it to the lower leveled sand far below. The view was quite incredible.

Gial chuckled. “I'm guessin’ that’s cus you’ve been lookin’ in the wrong place.” He replied as he pushed a few sausages around on the fire.

I raised a brow. “Looking in the wrong place? Are you saying that the dungeons here aren’t what? In the ground?” I asked jokingly.

The Elf shook his head. “Obviously there are dungeons in the ground, they just ain’t as common on this continent.” He replied to me eyes fixed solely on the sausage.

I let out a sigh of disappointment. “So you’re saying dungeons are rare here?” I asked dejectedly.

“Well not exactly rare no, you’re just not looking in the right place.” He answered my question by confusing me.

I started to feel a little irritated. “What does that mean exactly?” I asked him keeping my patience.

Gial sighed and turned his head, he began to slowly look around us in every direction. After a few seconds, his eyes narrowed and he clicked his fingers. “There.” He said pointing past the edge of the cliff to the far off distance. “Look over there.”

I narrowed my eyes, I had amplified vision, so whatever he was pointing at I would be able to see clearer. When I managed to lock my sights on it though, I became a little shocked.

I couldn’t make out much detail from where we were, but in the distance was some sort of floating maze. That’s the only way I could describe it. It flew many layers tall and was quite wide. The outside seemed to be surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of birds. I turned back to Gial my mouth agape. “Is that what I think it is.” Gial let off a big grin and nodded his head. “But why is it in the air?” I asked him my eyes still wide with wonder.

“Well, a bird isn’t exactly going to build underground is it?” He scoffed.

My eyes were drawn back to the dungeon in the sky. “A bird?” I asked.

“Mmhmm. Y’see, the Demon Continent has an excess of predatory birds. Way more than anywhere else in fact. And it’s only predatory birds that are gonna go n’ make a dungeon y’know? Just like how it’s only land predators that make normal dungeons.” He explained as he took our food off the fire.

I haven’t really thought about it, but this is the first time I’ve looked at the sky since I got here. Maybe because I’ve been fascinated with the sand and looking for monsters? Either way, I can’t believe that this is the first I’ve seen. “Did we pass any on the way here?” I asked.

Gial thought for a moment, letting out a low hum before shaking his head. “No I do not believe we have.” He replied. “There may have been a few visible in the distance, but none close enough to warrant visiting, y’know?”

I sighed before nodding my head reluctantly. I could understand what he meant. We were already having Cadiz accompany us, to have her lead us so far off path just to go to a dungeon would be rude and kind of unhelpful. I really want to try one of these sky dungeons though, even from this distance, it looks beautiful. I wonder what it’s like climbing up one.

I heard an exaggerated sigh from behind me. “I’ll personally ask Cadiz if there are any we can stop by on the way to her border, alright?” He asked me placing his hand on my shoulder. I turned my head to face him and nodded with a smile. “Good.” He replied. “Now eat your sausages.”

I did as the Elf asked, then soon after went to bed. I decided to sleep with my head sticking out of my tent, they weren’t that big anyway, It was my first time properly looking at the sky today, so not just did I miss the sky dungeons, but I also missed the sky itself. The night sky to be exact.

In the middle of the desert, the night shy wasn’t much different to how it was on the ocean, but there was something about it that made it feel mysterious. The stars somehow had a new charm in this place. I thinking looking at stars as I fall asleep is something I’ll never get tired of.

~day 160~

Before we could set off on our hunting again, we had to get down the cliff. Which meant the oath we camped near yesterday, it didn’t look so bad then. That was before we had to walk it though, not only was it quite steep, but it wasn’t too wide either. The wagon carrying Lason barely keep itself on.

There were a few times where we had to hold on to the side of the wagons to stop them from falling sideways down. Although we managed to get down to the bottom with no serious injuries, the actual trip was mentally exhausting.

The only one seemingly unaffected was Cadiz, whose topless carriage needed no help at all. I don’t know why that was exactly, maybe she just kept pushing it to the right position with her extreme speed. Even if that was the reason, it was still unsettling.

Still, she did allow the rest of us to take a breather. The heat didn’t help with it all, I’m pretty sure if we didn’t have those water mages I would have collapsed by now. Especially with all the fighting, we’ve been doing.

As I was searching for somewhere to sit that had enough room for Alvir and Vinn, I noticed Wrok sitting by himself a little way away from everyone else. He sat cross-legged with his sword in his lap, facing the sun. It wasn’t the first time I’ve seen him in that pose. I believe it’s some form of meditation. There’s always a calming aura around him when he does it.

“He’s quite a fascinating Orc isn’t he? That blade of his especially intrigues me.” I felt my heart almost fly out of my mouth. Out of nowhere, Cadiz appeared at my side. “Then again, most of your group is pretty interesting, wouldn’t you say, my dear?” She said looking up at me with a smile.

I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could she disappeared from my vision. “Gial tells me you wish to ascend a sky dungeon.” I felt the hairs on my back stand on end as the Demon Lord's voice seemed to echo behind me.

I turned around startled to see Cadiz sitting on a brown rock looking at the same dungeon we saw earlier. “I’m interested, yeah.” I replied, keeping my guard up.

Cadiz sighed turning her head to examine her hand. “You don’t need to be so on edge darling, it’ll give you wrinkles.” She replied. I stayed silent, this woman made me uncomfortable. Cadiz pointed ahead of us, the opposite direction of the cliff we just descended. “There are a few sky Dungeons we could stop at that wouldn’t add significant time to our journey. Would you like to hear about?” She asked with a wide grin.

It didn’t need asking, I nodded my head. “I need to level, and a dungeon still seems the best way to do so.” I replied to Cadiz.

The Demons expression turned to one of curiosity. “Oooh? Do dish darling.” Cadiz’ face appeared right in front of mine mid-sentence. “What’s your reason?” She asked invading my personal space.

I backed up a few steps and raised my arms. “I have my reasons,” I replied. For all I knew, Cadiz could be part of the rebellion, she could be my enemy. I may have no reason to keep my goals and duty a secret, but something makes me wary around this Demon.

Cadiz looked a little irritated but shrugged it off. “Oh well, I can’t force you to tell me.” She then reappeared sitting on the rock. “Anyway, the two Sky Dungeons is it?” I tentatively nodded my head. “Very well, there are two to be exact. The first is known as the ‘Labyrinth of Wings’. As you can probably guess by the name, it’s a labyrinth largely populated by, surprise surprise, birds.” She paused rolling her eyes.

“And the other?” I asked.

Cadiz scoffed. “Yes, indeed. The other one is called ‘The City of Owls’, or as the residents call it ‘Wisar’. Unfortunately for you, Wisar and it’s residents are counted as citizens of mine. So you can’t just go and kill them I’m afraid my dear.” She sighed.

I tilted my head. “They’re citizens?” I asked confused.

She nodded in reply. “Oh yes. The king of Wisar is also the dungeon boss. He wanted peace from all the adventurers coming in and killing his people. So he asked for an alliance of sorts. They now sit on the edge of my territory and are under my protection.” She smiled.

That’s unusual. This guy sees the monsters of his dungeon as citizens? Even the ones that just attack people? Or has he somehow gotten rid of them or something? I have to say, whilst I wanted a dungeon to go grinding in, I’m certainly interested in seeing the City of Owls. Although I have to wonder, why did she tell me about the City of Owls when she knows I was looking for a dungeon to level in. I asked her.

Cadiz showed another large mischievous smile. “Because it’s gotten you interested hasn’t it?” She asked with a grin. I gave her a puzzled expression. “It’s in my territory isn’t it? A not insignificant chunk of gold they make due to tourism comes back to me.” She replied looking at her nails.

Oh, so she only wants me to visit so she can make some money? Well, I doubt that’s the only reason, just makes me a little less excited to go. I am however, very interested in visiting this labyrinth of Wings. By the name I’d guess it’s difficult to navigate, so I don’t know how far we’ll be able to get in the little time we have with it. Speaking of which. “How long can we camp at the Labyrinth for? How long will I be able to spend with it?” I asked the Demon.

She raised an eyebrow before placing one of her long green nails upon her chin. “I do have matters I must attend to, but they are not urgent. I believe a day would be reasonable, but perhaps at some negotiation a few more than that.” She shrugged her arms in a flurry. “Maybe even a week, it’s hard to say my dear.”

A week? I was thinking more how many hours, that’s a lot longer than what I had in mind. For some reason I thought a day would be the limit, that’s what Gial was implying. Was he just thinking about my situation? I doubt I’d want to stay a week, that would put another significant strain on my already strained time limit. “A week might be a little too long for me.” I replied.

Cadiz looked up from her nails and smiled. “YOu really are in a rush aren’t you my dear? I wonder what it could be about.” She mused.

Once again, I don’t have any reason to hide my reasons for being here, but I feel as though I should. I mean, it’s not like if she was with the rebels the knowledge of me preparing to fight against a Giant Tree would be useful. It has almost nothing to do with the Queen.

I think I may just be a bit wary of people after everything with the Light Elves. I keep forgetting not everyone is on my side, I’ve been far too careless so far. I heard Cadiz sigh. “You’re not going to tell me are you.” She complained as her body disappeared. I turned around to see her walking slowly towards her carriage. “We should be within a day's travel of the Labyrinth in two days, discuss what you want to do amongst yourselves darling, I’m fine either way.” She told me waving her arm.

I think I may have upset her a little, is she one of those people that like gossip? No matter, she said to talk to the others about it, so that’s what I did.

By the time we had begun moving again, we had already finished deciding. It wasn’t exactly a difficult thing to discuss, we were basically just deciding how much time any of us could waste. So for the time being, two days was the plain. However, if there is any reason to stay longer, say if we find the floor boss or something, then we will stay longer.

Since so much time had been delayed, we didn’t have too long to train. So once again, I only gained one level. Alvir got himself two, so less than last time, yet still more than I got at all. Vinn once again watched from the sidelines, I feel as though I saw him looking somewhat interested a few times though. That may just be because Alvir and I are lovers of battle, so therefore probably look a little too happy slaughtering monsters, but getting him interested would be in our best interests. As disturbing as that is to admit.

We began to set up camp shortly after our training. I don’t know if it was done purposefully by Cadiz, but we were camped in another vert scenic place. She did take us a little off the beaten track for it, but I think it was well worth it. Right next to our tents, was a ravine, dipping so deep into the ground that I could barely make out the bottom, even with my amplified vision.

Everyone took at least one look down, I even spotted Alka taking a quick peek. However, out of everyone Wrok spent the longest with the ravine. I saw him walk away from the camp and find a quiet overhang to meditate on. So I suppose he wasn’t really doing the same as everyone else.

The Orc spent every night alone, or at least as isolated as possible. It wasn’t even that he didn’t get along with the other Orc, most seemed to love. Even most of the Dark Elves at least liked him. Tonight, curiosity got the better of me.

I made my way over to the quiet Orc and sat on a nearby rock. He sat entirely still, the only movement the rhythmic slow rise of his torso as he took slow, deep breaths. “May Wrok help you, Dryad?” He asked in a whisper, without even opening his eyes.

“Oh, uh. I just wanted to know. Uh, why do you always sit on your own? Don’t like people?” I asked. My cheeks reddened slightly as I felt a pang of embarrassment, what a weird question.

Wrok opened his eyes without changing his pose. “People… Are too loud. They fill Wroks mind so he can not think.” The Orc let out a sigh. “At the moment, Wrok needs to think.”

As far as I’ve seen no one is particularly boisterous around camp, especially as late as this. How can they be too loud? Maybe he really doesn’t like people. I think I probably just don’t understand, maybe that sentence would make more sense to an Orc. There is at least one thing I think I understand though. “Are you still thinking about what to do with me?” I asked the meditating Orc.

There was silence for a few moments. I could make out the wind whistling through the ravine as I waited for the reply. “Yes.” Finally I got one simple word as a reply.

I felt a little disappointed, we didn’t have much time to get to know each other, but I’d like to imagine I leave some level of a good impression. “I see.” I replied dejected.

I turned around and began to walk away. “Although. Wrok believes you will like his decision.” He added. I turned my head to look at him, I could not see any change in his expression or his stance, however, I did feel as though the atmosphere turned a little less tense. It’s never a bad feeling to hear someone might not want to kill you.

[Name: Ellena Orcsbane]

[Age: 159 Days]

[Species: Arbor Ferrous, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-6"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother, Slayer.]

{Level: 51] +4

[Health: 47370/47375] +2180

[Mana: 7880/7882] + 301

[Stamina: 35915/35917] +1455

[Hunger: 35910/35917] +1455

[Attack: 31838] +1320

[Defence: 56533 + 22000] +2691

[Magic Attack: 8709] + 282

[Magic Defence: 16950] + 481

[Skills:

[Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2]

[Venom Resistance lvl 8] [Lightning Resistance lvl 5 ] [Paralysis Resistance lvl 4]

[Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 9] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 71}]

[tough stomach lvl 8] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 9] [Polearm Expert lvl 5] Up!

[Demifoot lvl 10] [Warriors Heart lvl 49] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 36] Up!

[Warriors Strength lvl 41] [Greater Regeneration lvl 8] [Guardian lvl 10 (Max)]

[Dryads Charm lvl 17] Up! [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 4]

[Leatherworking lvl 7] [Carving lvl 3] [Earth Magic lvl 9]

[{Wolfmother lvl 14}] Up! [{Pillars Aura lvl 13}]Up!