Chapter 160 - (160) Arcane Archer

Geth had chosen the meeting point at random. He was grateful to find that the wooded area was clear of mobs.

'At least everyone should be able to rest easy tonight.'

Before the vote even occurred, he had contacted Larz to see if Filthy would scout out the next two stops. After that, pretty much the rest of the trip would be a safe zone.

The party was surprised to find that they were the second to make it to the meeting point. A group of six had beat them there.

Few words were shared between the two parties. Geth traveled around the periphery of the intended campsite marking the trees with Detection Runes.

The Runes were drawn in pairs. Geth would be alerted through his Grimoire if anything blocked the sight between the two Runes.

'Albus still hasn't recovered completely.'

Geth sighed. With Albus still worn down, he would have to actively be mindful of any alerts the Runes sent him.

While Albus was still in hibernation, Geth had become used to controlling the Grimoire without him. It was an abnormal feeling at first, but after hours of fiddling, he found that it came naturally.

Geth made his way to one of the upper branches of the centermost tree. He closed his eyes and entered his mental sphere.

"Larz, any progress on that scouting mission?"

Geth could hear the Elven man's voice respond through the small addition to his mental sphere.

"Nothing as of yet. Your subordinate set off approximately ten hours ago.

Based on his Agility, I would expect him back before you set off in the morning. Also, we are having a bit of trouble at one of the Gates."

"What kind of trouble could you possibly be having?" Geth asked with a hint of surprise.

Even an upper-Class Direwolf should struggle to break through the city's defenses. What could possibly be giving them Larz issues?

"It's nothing serious, my lord. I've not told any of your subordinates of the matter. Only some riff-raff that wishes to have a word with you."

Geth thanked Larz and cut the connection.

"I wonder who that could be? I've either killed or assimilated everyone who I've run into so far," He mumbles.

Geth smacked his fist to his palm when a face came to mind.

"Gotta be that young man I made a show of exiling," He shook his head. Some new friends must have given the youth confidence.

He pushed the thought to his side and took a look around his mental sphere. A dozen of his selves were walking around, either noting the Runes that made up his Skills or discussing different theories about the Mana.

Every time his Wisdom made another significant breakthrough, he would have to create another self to slow down his thoughts. The world became sluggish if he didn't.

Geth walked over to the outskirts by his Tame's mental spheres. He still hadn't taken a look at the Skeleton Archer's Class upgrade.

***

Master's presence detected. Would you like to open Grimoire for [Skeleton]?

Yes/No

***

"Yes."

***

Arcane Archer, Lvl 50

HP- 1650 +450

MP- 1590

Strength- 1 +45

Agility- 100 +70

Defense- 2 +50

Wisdom- 20 +35

Intelligence- 99 +40

Skills:

Augment Agility, Accurate Shot, Penetration, Soft Steps, Torrential Downpour, Guided Arrow, Mana Arrow, Frost Arrow, Flame Arrow, Arrow of Entanglement

Equipment:

Straugh's Bow, Quiver of Holding, Helm of Wisdom, Sturdy Boots, Light Bracers, Leather Pants, Leather Jerkin

***

"Hmm? These new Skills are rather interesting. They also vary heavily from the vague Skills given from Levels 1 to 25."

The Skills that the Skeletons started with could have been used in almost any profession. Those after Level 25 were heavily geared toward their Class.

"This Arcane Archer Class is interesting as well. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can achieve."

Geth closed the panel and returned to his body. The sensors had gone off a few times, indicating that multiple groups had arrived.

He climbed down from the tree and briefly conversed with the teachers. Due to their previous experience, they all understood that they weren't to set up any structures.

Satisfied that no one would do anything stupid, Geth took count of the arrivals. Every group had made it without a hitch.

"It seems that you were worrying for nothing," Sindri came up behind him and interrupted his thoughts.

"I wouldn't say that. I won't consider the trip safe until we've all reached tomorrow's checkpoint."

Sindri sat on a fallen branch and looked up at him, "You should relax a bit. There are plenty of people to help carry the burden. 

Everyone here at least has a Class. Some are even Level 30 or higher already. You don't have to do everything all on your own."

Geth looked at the young woman and sighed. He summoned his Skeletons, startling the poor girl.

"The four of you watch the perimeter."

All four Tames bowed to Geth and then took off in different directions. He noted the amount of pressure that came off of his Arcane Archer.

"What the hell was that?!" Sindri finally found her tongue.

Geth chuckled, "That was me not doing everything all on my own."

The girl rolled her eyes and looked towards where the Skeletons had run off. Geth could see the questions already trying to burst out.

"Here," He cut her off before she had the chance to speak. A couple of Uncommon Taming Cards appeared in his hand.

"Start with those. Two cards are plenty to guarantee a Tame if you put some points in the Skill it gives you."

"Thank you!" She started off excited but then scrunched up her nose as she read the card. "What are Tier 2 creatures?"

"For now, they would be either Goblins or Skeletons. Slimes are the only Tier 1 creatures that I've come across so far," He answered.

The girl's face scrunched up a bit more. Geth could see that the thought of having a Goblin for a pet didn't appeal to the girl.

Still, her presence had lifted his mood.

"Come on, let's have a meal with the others before getting some rest."