Chapter 400: The First Event Quest.

Chapter 400: The First Event Quest.

Good Morning, to those in Anko-Naztas Inkoran-Tazul! Regardless of where you are or who you are, the Origin Gods wish all of you a fine WaterDay. Today marks the beginning of the first Event Quest after the implementation of the unique Job System. Participation in the rank A dungeon [Manethalas Nest] will yield many rewards and bonuses. For the grand prize for those able to complete this challenge, you will be eligible to gain a unique Job.

Rules:

Your participation will be registered through your party the moment you enter the dungeon. You may not change members mid-way through, even if you lose a member by any means.Betrayal of your group through any means will be scrutinized by the Goddess of Order, Plesia. In this revelry, punishment shall be the reward reaped for those willing to break the concept and theme of this Event Quest.Victory goes to the party able to reach the last floor of the dungeon, where you will confront the rank A drake, Manethala. Your challenge will depend on the drakes mood and decisions, scrutinized by Goddesses Crustacia and Chihiro.The designated party leader may surrender at any time, meaning the party will give up further participation and be automatically transported out of the dungeon for their safety. You will still acquire a reward. The party leader will be scrutinized under rule 2.Individual members may leave the party at any time by either leaving the dungeon through the front entrance, emergency exits within the dungeon, or through space-time. You may also call out your surrender, forcing the dungeon to expel you automatically for your safety. Your rewards will be determined by how far you made it.Everybody has one entry. Once you surrender or leave the dungeon, you forfeit your right to continue in this Event Quest.

Event:

[Manethalas Greatest Gambit] is the name of the Event Quest and involves parties to forge themselves through 15 floors of trials ranging from the physical to mental challenges monster subjugations and puzzles.Each party will face the same trials during this Event. You are allowed to help other parties.Your reward will depend on how many floors your party manages to clear before Manethalas last challenge is completed. The hard time limit for this Event will be this years New Years Eve.Each member of a party will receive their individual rewards after the Event is over. Those with a unique Job already unlocked will receive a different reward if they become the victors.

This Event Quest is very difficult. The recommended level for the participants will be level 100, but during the duration of the Event Quest, anybody will be allowed to enter the dungeon as long as the rules are followed.

May you be blessed by the Origin Gods. Let [Manethalas Greatest Gambit] begin!

And so, the day has come.

Raucous cheers coming from the filled streets of Inkoran-Tazuls Hub entered my ears. The whistling of the wind was replaced by this tumultuous storm of sounds, ranging from shouts, to music, to just general fanfare. The sharp prickles of winters snow did not deter any of them for an obvious reason. The day of the Event Quest had finally begun.

Meaning, it was also time for me to fulfill my duty as Princess Hestias only [Hestias Imperial Guard]. As her second retainer after Miss Saori, it was my responsibility to lead our expedition force and make sure everybody survives in her stead!

My name is Tasianna Marina Silverpond, and I will not fail Princ

Tasianna.

Eyyyyaaah!

I snapped away from the window overlooking the streets, turning my body around in a panic. Once I realized who it was, I calmed down, trying to slow down my breathing and heart. Princess Fargryneill.

Sorry for scaring you. My illustrious ladys half-sister scratched her black lion mane-like hair as she apologized. Since Princess Hestia considered her an important person, I did as well. I didnt think you would be this worried about the Event. We got enough hard-hitters in the party after the diplomatic leaders handed us their representatives that we should have no problem. Relax.

T-that isnt what I am worried about, Your Highness. My mind is more occupied with Lady Hestias absence

It had been over a week now since Princess Hestia went into the [Menagerie of Golems] dungeon with Tatsuya, Kyouya, and Rajah. While I had full trust in my lady, it still felt weird that I wasnt by her side. No, it was worse. The fact she hasnt visited us through her subspace made me worry. I wanted to serve her some tea again. Not being able to be her maid was making me anxious.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

Princess Fargryneill, understanding this, couldnt help but sigh at my response. My hatchling sister isnt weak. In fact, shes far too strong for her age! If we were in Kargryx, she would be ruling over all the rambunctious whelplings of her generation. We still have [Hestias Retainer] and it hasnt warned us about anything yet. Shes fine.

I understand, but why hasnt she come to visit yet?! She hasnt taken a shower for days now! Oh, Depth Goddess has mercy on her body odor! What is a mistress without her retainer?

I have been serving Princess Fargryneill during Princess Hestias absence as a substitute, but it didnt feel right. Nothing against her, she was a good mistress to serve, but not being by my ladys side made me feel incomplete. I understood I was worrying too much, but I couldnt help but compare her to Princess Schuri at this point. If something were to happen to Princess Hestia, I would never be able to forgive myself.

[We understand your plight, Tasianna. We, too, struggle.] A females voice entered my head as I heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

[However, as her retainers, we have a duty to become stronger in her name.] A new voice, this time it was a males. [We have to rely on Svena, Haati, and Lorena to keep the Empress safe for our mission. You must, too, Tasianna. Rely on Tatsuya, Kyouya, and Rajah that they will keep our Princess safe.]

It was Shay and Beth, the twin snow wyverns!

Once dragonkins we mistook for enemies, now they were loyal retainers to Princess Hestias mother, Empress Melloxtressa. Just like me, theyve been worrying about our young mistress from a retainers perspective. Now they were telling me I should stop worrying?

Shay, seeing me frown, continued, [Our mistress told us she wouldnt be entering the subspace during her adventure. For the authenticity, correct? If she was in trouble, she would have entered the subspace already.]

But what if she ran into one of those anti-mana areas Grimnir mentioned? Or, what if her [Room] runes broke! I tried to argue, but Princess Fargryneill brushed it aside.

The Ankoran King gave her maps for every single floor. State-controlled dungeons rarely change, since the governments control them as money-makers, and that is especially the case for monster rooms and any trick areas. The maps will guide them unless Hestia and the boys are completely dumb and decide to recklessly charge forward. The princess massaged a temple, looking annoyed at the thought of that. The [Room] runes getting broken is a concern, yes, but Hestia is smart enough to handle things. I believe shes smart enough, at least.

Well, that is true. She has her moments, but Her Highness would rarely risk the lives of her friends.

[Also, werent there just some random adventurers and black mercs in the scout's report?] Beth brought up. [Aside from those otherworlders and Imperials, there shouldnt be any issue for our lady. There's no hint of any dragonslayers entering.]

Thats also true.

With the dragonewts and levianewts clear antagonism and constant patrols, any dragonkin slayers either had already fled the city or were hiding before the Event Quest today. We even made absolutely sure no dragonslayers would enter the [Megenarie of Golems]. Well, at least the Ankoran King made sure everything worked out.

Speaking of King Fugnarus, he has been quite stressed out recently. The big reason for this was due to all the representatives within the city and how he kept noting how he wished Princess Hestia would come back safely. The representatives of Loatryx have been pestering him how irresponsible it was to send our young Princess into the dungeon without a proper guard. Well, not like I could argue against that but they also complained to our faces about it.

I sighed when I had that thought before shaking away my worries. The Event Quest had begun, so I had to start doing my job as this expedition forces leader. I walked down the stairs with the three people I spoke with, while also noticing some gnomes flying around.

They were the earth elemental lesser fae, and these yellow little buggers were just as dutiful as their dwarven cousins. Cousins since they were created by the same Earth Elemental King who created the dwarves. Since I was a faemancer, I could see and interact with these little guys.

Any problems? I asked them.

Little, weird sounds inaudible to non-faemancers entered my ear. At first, they were indecipherable, but the System interpreted it for me to understand.

Much action happening in golem farm. Much action and destruction. One of them kept repeating a message Ive been hearing ever since Princess Hestia entered the dungeon.

Scaly, scaly always barely therie. Always scary, scary for scaly, scaly, another answered, probably speaking about the dragonkin slayers inside the city.

This was one of the challenges of speaking with these faefolk. You rarely got any clear or concise information, but since they could exist everywhere and be undetected to the normal person, they made perfect spies. If only they could speak properly, instead of in these riddles.

While gnomes were less of a hassle to interact with compared to spirits and spriggans, they were still quite mischievous. I guess it was the nature of all faefolklesser, fairies, or elementalsto be a bit of a bother.

Well, I guess they will be useful once we enter the dungeon. They should be everywhere there.

Whether they would answer me was a different question.

Nevermind them, we were currently relaxing inside the Loatryxian embassy. We were scheduled to meet everybody here due to the safety of the place, especially for Princess Fargryneill. We were still worrying about some extremely strong dragonslayers, especially the rank S slayer called Galg, finding our two dragon princesses. As such, the dragonewts decided to host us here as we prepared for our trip.

Once we reached the lobby, I couldnt help but smile as the rest of our group greeted us. Grimnir was making the last few equipment checks, Ellaine was checking on the manatech equipment she made for our members, and the students kept reviewing the possible trials, or gambits as they called it, and what to expect.

Ellaine, Grimnir, Nishio, Misaki, Kazumi, Kohaku, Shay, Beth, Princess Fargryneill, and I; we were the first to be chosen for the party. Meaning, we already had ten people going from the get go. Afterwards, we got confirmation from Saint Kushlekzar, Krim-Slak, Grazlahta, and Akasht, bringing our crew up to 14.

Now, the issue was that, while we all wanted for us to win and gain a unique Job, the same could also be said about everybody else. Specifically, the different countries stated to join the summit. In addition, we also had nobles and people from outside of the summit, like Atadoro, Astraford, Rakatheen. Surprisingly, there werent officials from the Folschreck Empire, the Alliance of Carmaniate, or the church of Aurena. You only had randoms from those latter three.

Regardless of the reason, seeing so many political parties visiting Inkoran-Tazul for the Event Quest was a sight to behold, even to me. The tension between different countries and factions, though, was quite severe. Artorias and Atadoro were mortal enemies, the elves of Saelariel were not fond of humans, and vassal countries from the Empire were hostile with any non-human. Well, at least the vampires of Purchigchia werent here, or we would have some problems with Aleistunum, too.

Nevertheless, the point of these quarrels was the Event Quest. Monarchs and leaders wanted their people, their country, to benefit the most from this Event. And since the rules clearly stated there could only be one winner, everyone's competitive nature was heightened to the point the Ankoran King probably had a headache keeping it all from boiling over at this point.

As such, to accommodate people and make sure we didnt anger Princess Hestias future political allies, we had to leave room open for their representatives. Due to modern party bracelets allowing up to twenty people in a party, we still had space for six more members.

I stepped towards the side of the room, where the reception of the embassy was located. Due to our presence, the lobby was kept mostly empty for our, or rather Princess Fargryneill's, usage. Along with Ellaine, Grimnir, Saint Kushlekzar, and the princess, I walked towards the people waiting there for us.

These six people were not only their country representatives, but also our bodyguards. Honestly, I couldnt help but be nervous in their presence.

The first to greet us was a tall, but slim, high elven man in a beautiful, silky green-white suit. He bowed, letting some golden hair strands fall onto his face. Honor to the Wind Mother, Tasianna Marina Silverpond, my na

Princess Fargryneill! However, the poor man was immediately interrupted by a strongman-built, black-scaled dragonewt knight. He shoved the elven man aside and kneeled down before our kirin-dragon princess. Tis an honor for a dragoknight like me to become your shield, my princess. Allow this body of mine to bleed in your stead as we journey into the depths. As a member of KaryGrwwah!

Shut it, you idiot. Out of nowhere, a dragonewt woman with white-snow scales kicked the dragon-headed dragoon, pinning him on the ground with her foot. The snow-haired dragonewt smiled at Princess Fargryneill, grinning mischievously. Not as bad as Pradreo or Skardrvo, but still pretty annoying, right, Your Highness?

She nodded to the woman, looking already exhausted. Always is, Yorshka.

Artorias, Saelariel, Ankor-Nazta, Loatryx, and Caedhul, had all sent their representatives. Estralia and Yeos were allies as well, but the former rejected joining our group since they had no strong fighters, while Yeos could not spare anybody, even if they had somebody equally as strong as the people before us.

However, that left one spot open, meaning the remaining five could bring one more person on. Decided by a very anti-climatic game of drawing straws, the one who drew the longest one was the Loatryxian. As such, they decided on bringing another dragonewt and that was Yorshka. Although she hadnt visited her home country in years, she was still considered one of their best dragoons. In addition, she had synergy with the rest of us already, so that helped her case amongst her countrymen.

Still, I presumed this was more a political move from the Loatryxian, not due to foreign but inner diplomacy. As this party was organized by Princess Hestia, having one black-scaled Kargryxian dragonewt and one from Nordor was to essentially appease the latter clan. Well, I wasnt too privy to all the political details, so that was just my presumption.

Regardless, that wasnt why we were here.

Oi, we aint got much time. Get the introductions over with, bladdarg.

From the side, a Taz dwarf came forward with heavy steps, practically creating small quakes with each step he took. On his back was a large tower shield and a polearm with a curved cleaver heada voulgethat looked far too broad and stocky that no normal person should be able to carry it. This, however, didnt surprise me too much as I had seen such a warrior already in Gazahan-Orn; this person was an Earthshaker, the dwarven term for a warrior who wore armor so heavy and imposing, they looked more like golems or mobile foretresses.

Rudigan Vagunyga. Earthshaker and Champion of Crustacia. The Taz then grabbed the facemask of his helmet, causing his manatech armor to create mechanical noise as the metal plates pried themselves open. He stared at us before he glared at Grimnir. Grimnir Ya aint here to besmirch your new mistress, right?

Welcome to [Manethalas Nest]. The Event Quest [Manethalas Greatest Gambit] will begin in a moment Welcome to my lair. For our first contest, let us cull some of these numbers.

As the robotic voice of the Divine System changed to that of a mans, a chill went down my spine as I took a step into the dungeons stairs. In the next moment, my vision blurred, turning blue as that same voice continued.

How about some hide-and-seek? Try to find your party members inside a giant forest with a bunch of enemies. Not only monsters, but your competition. Only groups who assembled their entire party may proceed dont worry if some die, that is just a minus one to your total count! Huuuuhahaha! LET THE GREATEST GAMBIT BEGIN!

In the next moment, I was all alone in the middle of lush green trees. I looked around, unable to find anybody familiar, only to suddenly notice the look of three dirty, rancid-looking humans I had never met before. They glared at me, grinning with greed as they pulled out their weapons.

White flag? Until after we fuck her? one of them suggested.

Sure!

Tch. Humans.

An ice age upon humanity!

A note from AbyssRaven

We begin. General Tasianna time.

If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 20 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!

For two dollars, for the cost of a coffee, you can read up to four chapters! You will have my eternal gratitude for any support you can give me! Please.

Thank you for reading this chapter.

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Friday, May 12, 2023 3:46:42 AM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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