*Drip*
*Drip*
The sound of water droplets falling woke Nora up. Looking around, she found out that she was resting on Evelyn’s lap in a cave.
“Master, you’re awake,” Evelyn said while patting Nora’s hair.
“How long was i out?” Nora got up and asked. Through the entrance of the cave, she could see that it was mid day.
“Master, you were out for half a day. When we landed, you fainted straight away. I carried you to this cave for shelter.”
“By the way, did you find anything from the sailors you searched?”
“Sadly not master, i only managed to search a few before i noticed the sea leviathan. Moreover, those i did search did know much either. I think we should go to the port town for more information. There’s a port town just a few miles away from here, I noticed it while we were flying. If we hurry, we might be able to make it there by night fall.”
Taking note of her suggestion, Nora decided to check her status first. Since she had consumed all the souls she accumulated while trying to escape the sea leviathan, she wasn’t sure of her current level as consuming souls gave her 50% of the experience. If she reach level 50, she would be able to use the achievement shop. Nora couldn’t wait to check it out.
Level : 53
Name : Nora Valen
Class : Death Lord
Health : 760 / 760
Mana : 950 / 760+ 190
Str : 62 Agi : 64
Con: 64 Int : 69
Experience: 1254/1520
Achievement points: 942
Achievement Shop (requires level 50)
Lv10 1st job - Rogue
Nimble body, Stealth, Quick stab
Lv30 2nd job - Assassin
Haste, Shadow cloak, Fatal Strike
Lv10 1st job - Acolyte
mana control, mana shield , mana bolt
Lv30 2nd job - Mage
magic regen boost, mana boost , arcane strike
Lv60 3rd job - Necromancer
Death magic mystery, magic resistance ,Raise undead
Lv100 4th job - Soul fiend
Soul fire blast, upgrade undead, soul mystery
Lv150 5th job - Great lich
Greater undead, army boost, siphon soul
Lv200 Saint - Death lord
Grand undead, Soul world, Shinigami Scythe
Seeing that she reached level 50, Nora clicked the achievement shop tab and browsed through shop. Nora searched one by one. After finding out the costs of the ingredients needed to summon the rest of her generals, Nora became flabbergasted. 10000 points for the soul of a mountain giant? 8000 for skeleton of an adult dragon? 12000 points for the blood and soul of a noble vampire? Why is everything i need so expansive! Sigh, this is going to take me forever to earn all these points. At least the core of a king slime is only 3000 points. I should be able to summon gluttony soon.
“Let’s go,” Nora spoke. Now that she knew how much points she needed, a clear goal formed in her mind. Nora and Evelyn rushed out of the cave and began their journey towards the port town. Despite how comfortable resting her head on Evelyn’s lap was, Nora did not want to sleep on hard ground. She would much rather sleep on a soft bed. Moreover, she wanted to learn more about the world. Only by entering a town, would she be able to become an adventurer and do quests.
...
Randale was a bustling port town situated just outside of the Alla Forest. The large town was a harbour town which heavily relied on the sea as a source of income. The stone walls were thick and tall, but that also accounted for the rooms built into the wall. Thee were furnished with a proper crenellation that one would expect to see on top of a wall.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
This town was popular far and wide for the low-level forest of Alla and the sea side trade that occurred at the port. Young and weak adventurers flocked to the town as the nearby forest provided an easy training ground for youths. While the sailors and merchants docked by the harbour. Even at night, the city as bustling with people.
Arriving at the gates of Randale, Nora waited patiently for the gate guards to greet her, while Evelyn hid inside the horcrux ring.
Nora and Evelyn had decided beforehand that in a place where there was a lot of people, Evelyn would hide inside the ring. It was not worth the risk of running into someone who was strong enough to see her. Even though Evelyn strongest ability was stealth, she was currently too weak. If she was at her strongest state, the people who could see her were very few. Only the strongest heroes or strongly fortified places with powerful wards could sense her presence. However, now that she was weak, there was a strong likelihood of her getting caught if she was flying around.
“Who goes there! State your purpose!” A guard shouted from above the wall.
“Hi.. I’m just a traveller looking for a place to spend the night,” Nora replied and raised both her hands up to show that she wasn’t here for trouble.
“Okay that will be 10 silver to enter, if you can pay, just wait a few seconds, i’m opening the gates,” the guard replied. After a few seconds, sounds of metal rattling was heard. The wooden gates opened and a guard in leather armour greeted her. On his uniform was a crest depicting a lion holding a sword, the crest of the ruling lord of this town. The guard wielded a metal spear and had a crossbow on his back. He was level 43.
“Girl you’re lucky, if you were here just a few minutes later, I would’ve already locked the gates. Hey wait a minute, aren’t you a little too young too be travelling by yourself?”
“Erm… I was with my brother but we got separated. He told me to go to the nearest town in case of trouble and he’ll find me there,” Nora quickly came up with a story. She knew she was a bit young to be travelling by herself. Even if she was a person who awakened her mana from birth and trained her whole life, it was still dangerous of a young girl to be travelling by herself. Normally, people would travel in a group to avoid trouble. Thus, Nora came up with a story that was impossible to disprove.
“You really should beat your brother up when you see him, what kind of idiot is he to leave a girl like you alone. If you were my little sister, i’ll never let you go outta my sights. With looks like yours, you’re sure to bring trouble wherever you go.”
“Erm… Thanks?” Nora didn’t know how to react. She knew she was beautiful due to her noble blood, but hearing someone boldly tell her that was a bit too sudden for her. Is that guy flirting with me or just making a passing statement?
“Master! Master! It looks like you charmed your first man. When are you going to marry? Can i be your bridesmaid? I never been a bridesmaid before.” Evelyn teased. Despite being inside the ring, Evelyn could still feel everything around her. Furthermore, since Evelyn and Nora were spiritually connected, they could talk to each other telepathically.
Nora ignored Evelyn and entered through the gates after paying the 10 silver, taken out from a pocket. Nora had already prepared some gold and silver to be on her body to not draw attention to herself for owning a space ring. Asking for directions and dodging the flirtatious comments from the guard, Nora soon found out that the nearest inn from the gate she entered through was called Hizen Bliss. It was richest inn in the town and was only used by nobles due to it's high prices. Hearing about it’s prices, Nora remembered that she had a few hundred gold coins in her space ring. It was enough for her to enjoy a few days at the inn.
Heading south, Nora walked towards the inn. Since Nora had the gold to spend, Nora didn’t mind staying at Hizen Bliss. In fact, she was ecstatic. After not eating food for centuries Nora wanted to pamper herself. She wanted to try all the delicious food the inn had to offer. Even though Nora only had enough money to stay for a few days, Nora was not too worried about it. She knew she’ll be able to earn it back easily in the future. As a death lord who mastered many different kinds of magic, it wasn’t hard for her to come up with a few ways to make money.
Arriving at the inn, a posh inn with crystal lamps and artistic decor greeted her. Big white stone pillars decorated with phoenixes supported the majestic inn. By the sides of the cobblestone path that led to the door of the inn, a beautiful garden added a sense of life to the place. In the middle of the garden was a majestic water fountain. Arcs of water flew about as magic artifacts shot streams of water into the air. On the top of the inn was a picture of an angel with her arms open. Between her arms held a sign saying “Hazen Bliss”.
Seeing that this was the place, Nora entered through the door, ringing the bell that was by the side of the door. Walking towards the reception table with her dirtied and ragged robe, Nora looked out of place.
Maids and butlers in crisp and tidy uniforms walked around the place, serving the nobles that were seated by the lounge tables. Some of the nobles glared in disgust at her dirty attire while others downright ignored her in contempt. Sensing their gaze, Nora was reminded of her time as a prince. The haughty attitude that nobles had for commoners were quite common thing during her time.
Some things don’t change after all. Dammit! Why did i forget how nobles act, i should’ve changed my attire before coming here. I hope i still remember my training as a prince, or else i’ll end up looking like a fool. If i don’t act properly, there’s no way i can enter. Even if i show them all the gold, they will think that i stole it. Well, the gold isn’t technically mine, so they may be right about that. But screw it, i've been waiting for far too long to try good food again. This petty little problem ain't gonna stop me now.
The receptionist at the counter glared at Nora as Nora reached the counter The receptionist wore a fancy dress that looked pretty out of place in contrast to her old crone face caked with makeup. Seeing Nora’s pitiful attire which was worned out by travel, the receptionist sneered “I do not believe you are fit for this fine establishment. I would suggest seeking lodging elsewhere, peasant.”
“I can pay,“ Nora said quickly. It had been a long time since she last spoke in a prim and proper manner. Nora needed a bit of time to prepare herself mentally. Thus she gave a short response to not give herself away and to gain some time to come up with an appropriate response.
The receptionist sniffed replied “ Oh do you now? Fine! If you insist, then the price for one room will be 60 gold coins.”
Hearing the price, Nora realized that the receptionist was trying to chase her away by giving a ridiculous price. From the guard, she knew that it costs 20 gold for a night. It was impossible for it to be so expansive.
“Isn’t it 20 gold?” Nora corrected her.
“Well it is, however, for dirtying the atmosphere with your presence, this establishment will require you to pay extra,” the receptionist sniggered in response.
Hearing how she was trying to rip her off, both Nora and Evelyn became angry.
“Master, just leave, tonight i’ll kill her in her sleep,” Evelyn commented from inside the ring.
“There is no need, i should have expected this. Don’t worry, i can handle this,” Nora replied telepathically.
After preparing herself mentally, Nora reached into her pocket and took out a small sack of gold. Nora placed the sack on the counter and spoke in a dignified tone, “If this is truly the case then, please accept my sincerest apologies. I concur that this attire may be a bit improper. Please forgive this noble lady for meeting an unfortunate accident along the road and having no time to acquire myself a replacement.”
Stunned by Nora’s sudden change in tone and demeanor, the receptionist jaws dropped. Her mouth so wide a fly could fly through it.
Taking the initiative to continue her attack while she was stunned, Nora placed her right hand on her chin and acted like she was talking to herself. “I should really inquire to the manager if this is truly how the great establishment famed for their high class hospitality treat their customer. It would be quite a scandal if such an act is quite common for a highly respected establishment. This will be of great gossip among the nobles when they find out how i was treated here. ”
Turning back to the stunned receptionist, Nora spoke like a dignified young lady and asked for her keys. The receptionist didn’t know what to say. Despite opening her mouth to speak multiple times, no words came out. Holding the keys out, the receptionist stood there flabbergasted. She could not think of anything to say that might rectify her situation. The only thing that went through her mind was of how screwed she was for accidentally offending a noble.