Novels2Search
The Era Before(Discontinued)
Chapter 28 - Preparation

Chapter 28 - Preparation

  The feeling of nice clean skin after a productive shower/cleaning type deal was an amazing feeling, no one could argue with that. Now I’d like you to try to imagine that feeling, after having been through some pretty fucked up battles, blood, dirt, god know’s what probably clung to my skin eating away at me. After this cleaning, I felt like a million bronze.

Chuckling to myself at my stupidly easy joke, I checked over to make sure my precious goddess was alright, ohh.. She’s very wet. *Cough* Alright alright, I’ll move on. Before I leave to meet Bronzebeard, I’d like to try to spend my remaining stat points, and 2 skill points.

The skill points intrigued me more though, sitting next to the giant bucket, I thought about “Inspecting” my creation as Elzare put it, soon the familiar whoosh of my vision shooting up occurred. There stood Rosie, completely naked, oh my god I forgot to put on clothes, I’m stupidly sitting on the damn dirt right now aren’t I? More to the point though.. This was kinda.. Naughty. I could see her huge breasts cling tightly to her skin. 

It took every ounce of willpower to not look further down, and instead looked for those familiar windows about my skills. Finally stumbling upon them, I closely inspected. It looks like I can gain a few new skills, or level up my old ones, like Cornered Rat which, actually didn’t sound like a bad idea. Let's look at the new ones first.

Passive: Blood Ties Don’t End

For every truly loved person to you, that dies near you, gain 10% of all their stats. You can not have any part in their death, directly or otherwise, and you must truly love them from the bottom of your heart. You instantly lose 50 hope when this ability is triggered, there is no safety measure, you will die if you don’t have enough hope.

Well that’s just fucking dandy, what a way to brighten the day, I’m trying to calm down here, look forward man, I don’t ever want to have this skill.

Passive: Prey’s Armor

Since you can no longer equip anything that is considered “Heavy” armor by normal means, this skill allows you to bypass that exception, as long as the material used to create the armor is from something you’ve killed. The material gained must be used within the next 7 days.

Active: Crimson Boot. 20 Ounces of Blood, 10 second cooldown

Paladin’s boot, becomes Crimson Boot. Consume 20 ounces of blood, and let go a fierce glowing red kick, the tip of your toes emit a strong aura that hardens into something similar to the tip of a sword.

Active: Misdirection. Free. 1 minute cooldown

Let out a primal scream, all things that hear this scream, target you now utilizing fierce mind control. You are their worst nightmare that must be killed right now. This ability only affects those you consider to be an enemy. The level of your voice as you scream effects the range, it cannot become a whisper though, it simply won’t activate.

Thinking hard about the choices that sit in front of me, I finally decided to spec into Misdirection and Prey’s Armor. I chose those two because I’m still going to try my damndest to be a noble and protective person, I was already looking up to Elzare, if I can induce that feeling into others from me, then just maybe I can redeem my past life, my past actions, not just killing those orcs, but failing my mother.

This was my duty now, and I want to pass with 5 stars. I chose the armor thing because I was actually going to go to Bronzebeard and ask for the sturdiest lightweight armor, not considering mobility, maybe we could’ve created it, plus I’ve always wanted to be a blacksmith if I picked a warrior class. I’m meant to get hit, and I finally need some armor that actually gives me defence instead of nothing because of my Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. Finally satisfied with what I chose, I went over to my normal stats.

Crimson Paladin Rosie, Level 10

Name: Rosie

Level: 10

Race: Human

Title: None

Class : Crimson Paladin

Mana: 50/50

Health: 250/250 

Hope: 72%

Blood: 0

Agility : 5

Strength: 10

Wisdom : 6

Intelligence : 5

Luck : 5

Charisma: 5

Defence : 0

Vitality : 5

Thinking long about what would best benefit me and my current class. I decided it would be vitality. I’d have more blood to be absorbed, and I’d stay alive long enough to get the benefits of my passives in greater quality. For each health I lost, I do .1 more damage, so if I have more health to lose, then I can do more damage. Being quick and strong though, was a no brainer for any battle. I decided to put 5 points in Agility, and the remaining 10 into Vitality.

Crimson Paladin Rosie, Level 10

Name: Rosie

Level: 10

Race: Human

Title: None

Class : Crimson Paladin

Mana: 50/50

Health: 350/350 

Hope: 72%

Blood: 0

Agility : 10

Strength: 10

Wisdom : 6

Intelligence : 5

Luck : 5

Charisma: 5

Defence : 0

Vitality : 15

Making my brain go on a roller coaster ride to try to remember my old stats, and look at this back from what I had, my guess is that my health is 100 + (10 * level) + (Vitality * level), so it is now 100 +(100) +(150). It looks like my mana was likely my level * Intelligence. That means Vitality becomes more powerful in later levels, I need to spend a lot of points into that.

Finally satisfied, I swooped back down to the planet away from the floating Rosie. Back sitting on the nasty dirt floor, I jumped up, hopped into the other bucket, and did a quick rinse again. My next plan was to go kill some Erkins(Those deer like creatures Elzare kindly gave me a name for). I figured I could use their hide, or maybe their antlers too somehow? Actually! I could use their fucking bones couldn’t I?

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

That has to be considered a “Heavy” armor by the system standards, and one that I plan to bypass from this fucking Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing using my shiny bright new passive Prey’s Armor. Drying off a bit in the nice air, grabbing another towel, and tossing it aside, I was now ready to go get myself some materials. I started slipping into those old baggy clothes that are far too green for my liking, thinking about how I could build bone armor.

I couldn’t actually get any solid plans in my head, instead I brushed it off hoping that Bronzebeard might’ve already made something like this, or at least something similar.

Heading into the forest that I started to dread with almost every fiber of my being, I needed the resources to make something, and the Erkins are my target. I actually managed to sweep some remaining confidence I had onto the light of day.

First I leveled up a lot, second I spent the stat points, I felt lighter on my feet, swifter, stronger, and third Vitality should play a huge role in all my battles, and now that I have a lot more to spare, those battles should be easier. Besides, I already killed an Erkin when I first got here, and was level 1, surely they are manageable now.

Stalking in the shadows with my sneak skill towards my first target, I heard a low growl. Absolutely terrified of the noise, the few Erkins I had in sight scattered, I myself was startled too at first, until I soon realized, it was my stomach growling. Just my fucking luck. I guess it was a good idea to go hunting first for more than just materials.

After about another hour of stalking around in the shadows like a murderer hiding away from society, I finally landed my eyes on a pair of 3 Erkin Adults, and 2 young ones. I wanted to know what kind of battle I was getting myself into, maybe one of them wasn’t just level 1? Maybe they all are level 10 for christ sake. Staring carefully at the group while I’m hidden behind a tree, a familiar blue flash assaulted my eyes.

Erkin Family, Level 7

A small family of Erkin, they are all aware of each other during all times, they only separate when the young Erkins grow and go their separate ways. No more Information available, Observe Skill is too low.

Passive Gained! Observe(Level 1)

By carefully inspecting something before you, you’ve unlocked the ability to see information regarding said something. If it’s a living thing, you can see its level and some general information. Higher levels allow the ability to show you higher level enemies, and weaknesses.

Finally! I’ve missed the ability to see if I’m walking into a death trap or not. I’m still up in odds if this very situation is one. They may be level seven, but they are all aware, and numerous. Thinking back on my past battles though, I decided this was child’s play. Holding up the new sword Bronzebeard gave me the other day, I charged forward violently.

The look in their eyes gave me confidence I’m not sure how intelligent these fellows are, but their eyes screamed fear. Running towards the largest adult that I figured would give me the biggest trouble, I was met with resistance, the other two adults instantly got in front of him. Not stopping my charge, I moved towards the right and picked the right one up by the throat, continuing my momentum that was slightly interrupted with the swerve, I choke slammed the Erkin straight down onto the other one that was my first target.

Loud bellowing could be heard, along with blood splashing, I slammed the bitch right into the Antlers of this big guy. Killing one of them, and slowing the movement of the other one. The last adult Erkin was running one of her hooves into the dirt, kicking up dust, making a charge motion like a classic bull. The red cape she so desperately wanted to see, was the blood of her family on my face.

A loud dash was heard as she sprung to life, I stood my ground, while the other Erkin tumble over each other, soon her Antlers were upon me. With my new Agility and Strength, I managed to swiftly move my fingers into a safe position into her antlers of the clearly slower being. Small tunnels of dirt were kicked up and moved as her charge was slowed to the iron will she just collided with.

With a firm hold of the antlers, and my newfound strength, I picked her up as high as I could. Aiming my direction to the tangled up mess of the other two Erkin, I slammed down with all my might. I couldn’t stop. Something was ticking in the back of my brain, don’t stop. I kept slamming over and over again. Soon the sight of a small Erkin was approaching, not of curiosity, not of fear, but of sadness. My assault finally stopped and I looked into the intelligent eyes of the creature before me. What have I done.. Why. why do I lose myself so easily? 

Not wanting to be there anymore, but needing the materials,  I grabbed one of the antlers sticking out of the mess I just caused, and dragged the bundle along. I kept going. Covered in blood, a giant sickly mess of what I’ve done. I never stopped either, I had my destination. After what felt like hours of my mind fighting with itself, I was in the village.

“Ma’am.. Can you ple-”

A guard's voice stuttered as I looked back at him.

“Mommy.. What.. what’s that lady doing?”

“Get in the house!”

I carried along the dirt path not stopping, in the background I heard.

“Captain, I think Rosie might be back.. ”

In the next moment, my hand lay pricked, a handsome man clad in the highest quality of armors stood in front of me. The captain. My senses screamed danger.

“Rosalin? What in fucks name are you doing? I guess crazy don’t fall too far from the family tree, for fucks sake you are scaring the entire village. Explain yourself.”

All I could mutter was “Material.. Armor”

“There's a big difference between skinning the hide of an animal, washing yourself after, and bringing the materials here to be processed, and..” Pointing at the mess behind me.

“That. Let alone the fact you are covered in blood with no signs of damage to yourself.”

Not wanting to hear it anymore I kept walking past him towards where I thought Bronzebeard should be.

“I’ll find it in my heart to forgive these actions today, but the next damn time you walk away from me, or not explain yourself, then I’ll have another pike with your name on it right next to your rotten bitch of a sister.” The sound of spit hitting the ground was heard.

Not wanting to think things through anymore, I soon heard the familiar twang of the blacksmith.

“By the gods lassie! I’ve heard of some bad times of the month, but sweet Eldril above! Did you take a bath and forget the facet was set to slaughter mode?”

For some reason his attempt at humor slowly brought me back to the world. I might’ve just ruined Elzare's good will by talking to the captain like that. 

“I’m sorry Bronzebeard, It seems I sorta lost myself.. I uhh. I came here to see if you could teach me to make armor out of bone and hide.”

“Lassie, define lose yourself? Did you get teleported to the blood sea by some elven magic or somethin?”

“No.. I uhh.. lost myself.. mentally in battle.”

I could see deep thoughts on the bronze shined face and hair of the dwarf before me.

“Nevermind lass, theres a tub inside the house, do you know basic water magic mumbo jumbo? Once you are cleaned up we can talk.. and if ya.. uhh. don’t know water magic, then there’s always this dear kind souled dwarf who will gladly help.” He finally replied with a small trickle of water shooting out of his hand.

“Ahh sorry, couldn’t hold myself.” Ignoring the witty dwarf and going inside, I heard another comment behind me.

“Second door on the left lass! I’ll uhh figure out what’a do with this here pile of “Materials” as you call it.”

Slowly opening the door lay a genuine sort of white material tub in a mostly empty room. Albeit a bit too small for a lady of 7 foot. My guess is this was fairly common for people who know water manipulation, sorta a bathroom without the need for plumbing. Fur towels were on the wall hung up. Inspecting the tub I could see a small drain in the center, it looked like it went straight through to the foundation, I guess the water goes back into the ground. There was a small table that held a plug to the tub’s drain, a bar of soap, and a few folded towels.

The room was made completely out of wood and very much village like, inspecting the tub further made me realize just how out of place it might’ve been. I guess benefits of working with materials all day. Not lingering on thoughts anymore, I finally took my clothes off, realizing how rude it was to leave blood stained clothes on the floor, but too late to stop myself. I stood standing in the dwarf like tub, washing myself with the bar of soap, the rinsing with my magical hand that could now trickle water. After a few minutes of getting lost I heard a loud banging on the door.

“Ehh, Lass.. well.. yeah.. sure. There’s some clothes out in the doorway I went an bought. Didn’t exactly have the clothes for a giantess sitting around in a dwarfs modest adobe, now did I? Don’t worry I’ll be back outside near me trusty forge.”

After hearing his footsteps falter I opened the door slowly and took the clothes he offered. They were very much the same clothes almost, green type material, baggy pants. Not complaining at the generosity he just showed, I slipped em on. Not knowing what to do with the blood stained mess I left.. I simply left the room and would go apologize.

“Bronzebeard.. I’m sorry about all this, I even left my blood soak--”

“Ah lass! Don’t worry a thing, life gets boring making the same weapons and armor everyday, consider my generosity as a thank you for breaking up the boring of me life. As for the clothes I’ll throw em away if you don’t wanna attempt to wash those. You could soak em now though, bucket is in the same room you were just at, hanging up on the wall.”

Turning around to do just that, I entered the room again, took a bucket off from the wall, set it down, and started filling it slowly with my hand. Grabbing a nearby towel, and getting it wet, I started cleaning up the blood stains too, then tossed the towel into the bucket. The bucket wasn’t very full though, not enough mana and tinges of pained filled my head.

I decided to go ask Bronzebeard.

“Could you.. Please fill the bucket? I don’t have a lot of mana as it stands.”

“Ohh lass! I thought you’d never ask! My hand is about to burst like the “Great Rain” back in Eldragaurd”

His hobbled little legs ran off to the very same room, within a few moments I heard almost an explosion sound.. Maybe he wasn’t kidding..  I wonder if mental state affects mana manipulation. He soon came out the door completely drenched.

“Ahh, thanks lass, I needed that.”

“I took it upon meself to skin those Erkin there, and separate the bones. I figured you might not be the best skinner around town, and the mess you left was tough to work with”

“Thank you.. You’ve been very kind to me Mr Dwarf”

A small tinge of red could now be seen flourishing his face.

“Can you make bone armor, Bronzebeard?”

“That I can, lass. Might I ask why though? Far as I can tell from the brutality of that mess, you are a fine warrior, why not let me make you some real armor? Bone is brittle and spongy, more likely to break than even iron, not all bone though, these here Erkin might provide more than say a human.”

“I’m a special class, It seems I can’t wear heavy armor unless it’s made by my own hands from a monster I killed. Will you please teach me?”

The rest of the day was spent laughing at his crude jokes, and stitching together what looked like a failed experiment. He assured me though, that a 3 layer system should work. The first layer tough hide from the Erkin, the second layer bones, and the third hide again to hold the bones snug. One of the shoulder pads was a skull of the most intact Erkin, the other shoulderpad just simple fur. I’m hoping that even though I had help, this still counts and is usable. After many hours, and the darkness soon embracing us, he held the finished product in front of me.

Erkin’s Brittle Bone Leather Armor

This armor made from the hide and bone of a family of Erkin, has be made to almost perfection. The bones may need to be replaced for durability, but they will save your life in a pinch, the hide itself proved great resistance too.

Defence: 20

Attack Power: 2

Durability 50/50

Made By: Godsmith apprentice Rosie, and Godsmith Bronzebeard

Before I could question Godsmith, my belly made another loud gurgle.

[http://i64.tinypic.com/rrowf5.jpg]