Chapter 403: A Heart to Heart Moment.

Chapter 403: A Heart to Heart Moment.

The armguard was for the left arm. To test it out, I put it on, noticing how the blue-yellow armor piece was a bit too large for my arm and how it contrasted with my chestplate too much. It was a fashion disaster. No wonder its description mentioned it needed a reforging.

As I slipped my hand into the gauntlet, I closed and opened it, feeling the armguard out but concluded I couldnt wear it during a fight. It looked like it was made for a stout dwarf or a large beastman, not a human or average-sized dragonewt girl like me. Regardless, it still functioned.

The metal clattered as it lit up blue, only to turn into red a moment later. With [Mana Eyes], I confirmed my mana was surging into the catalyst embedded into the middle of the gauntlet, being focused there. A flame then appeared on my hand which I was able to turn into a dagger even without [Volcanic Blaze].

I shouldnt use it. Its pretty much redundant for me, I stated, considering I had [Volcanic Blaze] and [Battle Frenzy] modes [Light Horizon] to manipulate fire and light into any form I wanted, respectively. Not to mention, why would I need to conjure elemental weapons when I had [Hellblade Edge] and a tail sharp enough to cut through steel? And I wasnt even talking about my dragon form's tail.

Well, I cant use it, Tatsuya grumbled, with Kyouya concurring right away. I mean, I can buy an elemental spell from the SP shop. I even bought [Enhanced Intelligence Growth] and [Enhanced Intelligence Enforcement] despite not being a mage just for such a moment, you know. Futureproofing! In case I ever want to become a spellblade.

Then why cant you buy one? I asked, confused. You have [All-In] to boost up your intelligence, too.

I dont know how to cast spells! I never took a magic course!

What?! My voice broke for a moment, squeaking as I was baffled at his laziness. I can give you the rundown right now, you idiot! Get on the Hestia boot camp for arcane tricks and Ill make you a mage in no time! Not to mention, casting spells is easy enough with the Systems help! Using SP to buy spells is the broken part about this, considering you would need a year to learn it normally, and years to master it!

Tasianna, Master Kush, and then Mom were all my magic theory teachers, and through almost two years of fighting and working as a mage, I should know enough to take on my own students. The principal of the royal university of Griffonpeak even offered me a position as a fire mage professor when I first met her. Technically, I was even Ellaines mage instructor! I could teach either Tatsuya or Kyouya.

Yeah, but can you do it now? Kyouya came to his friends rescue. Were inside this ruin, and we needed to get ready to progress, unless you want to risk getting caught by those dragonslayers.

I went silent. Teaching would still require at least some time, especially for a newcomer to understand how to focus on casting spells while fighting. It did require quite a lot of concentration until you invested a large amount in making it easy.

A quick calculation for the three basic skills you required to be a proper mage would be an investment of 4650 Skill points if you wanted to level [Mana Control], [Arcane Mind], and [Arcane Corruption Resistance] all up to level ten, ignoring purchase price discrepencies due to affinity varying for every individual. Then, if you wanted to use your spells while in melee, [Chant Revocation Lv. 10] and [Concentration Lv. 10] were needed, which added another 2400 SP and 1550 SP, respectively. This wasnt even mentioning buying and leveling your elemental magic skill!

Very high SP investment if you wanted to become a mage instantly. Buuuut

That doesnt matter. I just need to give him the rundown on how to control his mana and let it flow through his body. He already has [Mana Control], all he needs it some more [Arcane Corruption Resistance] levels and an elemental skill, and, boom, he can use this armguard, I argued back. He didnt need to become a mage to use this, meaning it wouldnt even take a day to have Tatsuya master things.

Then, why would I prefer to use it over my own spear? At best, this will become a range option, but that still requires an investment of SP that I could use on my other skills? Leveling up my physical and dodging abilities, he rebuked me, looking almost ill as he rattled his hands as if to tell me he didnt want to. Not to mention, that thing looks so big, itll be loose on me, too. My arms might be thicker and more muscular than yours Hestia, but I dont even think I can fit my arm in it.

He certainly wasnt as huge as Farron or Grimnir, but Tatsuya was still quite muscular.

Then well strap some belts around it and call it a day! Come on, stop being stubborn! Its an objective improvement to your arsenal, you now have a range option. Put it on! I pushed the armguard into his arm, causing Tatsuya to frown before offering it to Kyouya.

Then why not ask Kyouya? He has a better frame, itll fit him better. Not to mention, [Shadowed Martyr] is something like a magic skill, right? Him getting [Dark Magic] wouldnt hurt him?

Kyouya widened his eyes, pushing the armguard back to Tatsuya. I already have a range option, dude. My armor can be shot out. Besides, my role is tank, [Taunt]er, and making walls in general. Besides, I am saving my SP for the defensive options since that is my whole thing! My unique Job wants me to act as the frontline with some offensive options to leech health, but all of them focus on strength. My intelligence and mana isnt good enough, unlike yours.

Tatsuya pouting, looking like he would accept it any second now. Urgh, dammit, thats kinda right Jeez, I dunno, I just feel awkward using anything but my spear.

Dude, you dont need to make elemental weapons, you can also just enchant your weapon with magic. Wind makes thing cut better, fire stops regeneration, or whatever. The armguard is very useful! I reminded him of the enchantments on the catalyst[Elemental Weapons Invoke], [Elemental Magic Absorption], and [Elemental Blessing]. It was a utility monster, perfect for a close-combatant like him. Come on, give it a try, alright? Or, are you telling me youre like those single-minded MMO-players who cant come out of their comfort zone? Try something new, you warrior-only player.

Oi, dont lump me Tatsuya wanted to speak back at my slight, but was interrupted by the fourth person in this discussion.

Em-Em-Oh? It was VifiYok, and she was looking at me in confusion. Is that one of those otherworlder words or terms, or what? Whats that supposed to mean?

Shoot! Right, she shouldnt know Im an otherworlder.

Something I caught from them. Those terms are for little games they had over there, I explained while keeping things mostly vague, only for me to suddenly look over to her left arm. Her missing left arm.

The description of the armguard mentioned how you can move it with mana. You dont need an armWait, no, no. Even if we were working together, I cant fully trust her rig

[Master, all this arguing is keeping everybody restless. Why not give it to Miss Demonkin?] Rajah suggested, causing the boys and me to flinch.

Hey, hey, hey! Tatsuya waved his hand at him. Dont think about giving VifiYok the damn thing! Her being weaker than she used to be is the only reason Im feeling safe around her! Dont suggest something like that, Rajah!

On one hand, giving it to VifiYok would help us, but Tatsuya wasnt wrong either.

The mood instantly soured as Tatsuya let out his complaint, to the point we three could only watch VifiYok quietly chew on her roasted meat. She looked unperturbed while we three couldnt help but be speechless. Poor Rajah was confused, he was practically still a child, so the relationship aspect probably flew over his head.

To diffuse things, Tatsuya and Kyouya volunteered to keep watch so we could get some rest. Once they were gone, Rajah came over to me, looking like he was confused. I stroked him, telling him his suggestion wasnt wrong but that it was complicated.

Hey, I wont take those comments to heart, okay? Ya dont need to worry about me, in fact, if he wasnt distrustful of me, I would think his brain rotted away, VifiYok remarked, explaining her nonchalant attitude. But, the cat is probably right. I would be the best user of the armguard since I know how to use elemental weapons properly. Kyouya should get the helmet, and you can do whatever with the golem core. Its just a matter of trust.

Trust, huh? I let her murmur repeat in my head.

Could I trust VifiYok? No, as she mentioned, we were only working together to survive all of this. With her on our side, getting down here was easy enough and she could take Neills position as the physical powerhouse I could power up with my buffs and songs. That said, there was always this lingering feeling in the back of my brain that all of this was planned by VifiYok and that she was still part of the demonkin army.

I mean, killing me here in this dungeon would be perfect for them. They could place all the blame on the Ankoran King, even if blaming him was unfair since I was responsible for my own life and so on. Mom would destroy Inkoran-Tazul in her icy rage, and she wouldnt even know the demonkins were at fault. Checkmate; perfect plan.

Haaaaa. It was exhausting.

As such, I ignored the situation on hand and just played with Rajah. Pulling out an old wooden comb I had made for Saori and me, back when we were still stuck in the Belzac forest, I began brushing his fur. You like it?

[Mhmmmmr.] He was purring, closing his mind, enjoying this distraction from this wild dungeon dive.

Seeing his pleased face really brought me to a singing mood, but at the same time, looking at us stuck inside this cavern-like floordark caves still gave me the creeps sometimesand the tense moment form before silenced me. I couldn't help but wonder what Tatsuya must be feeling, what Kyouya must be speaking to him about, and what VifiYok might be thinking.

What if she really was a deserter? What was she actually thinking? Behind this cold facade, what did this girl around my age actually think about everything? On the other hand, why was I trying to sympathize with her when she was directly responcible for many deaths during Elyondas siege. She was at fault, no matter how you spun it.

Just thinking of this made my chest swell in anger. I had to take a deep breath Just like Reajaen, she couldnt be forgiven and it didnt seem like she was asking for it. She knew what she did, at least, that was what I caught from her tone and eyes Great, another problematic moral situation.

I must choose, down the road that I wish to walk

That others might condemn me

To not fall flat in hypocrisy

Itll work itself out for now (The future will judge)

I believe this is the way (dont try to appease everybody)

Maybe I am in the wrong (sins stain like blood)

Melancholic and slowthat was how I felt the song had to be sung, while accompanied by an electric keyboard or synthesizer. With the quiet beating of drums to give the song its tact, I also emulated my voice with [Aerokinesis], whispering the secondary lyrics once the fourth line began. Even without understanding the lyrics, the music was calming but mostly sad.

[Music Resonation (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]

Youre singing? VifiYok interrupted me. Not just playing with the wind?

I kept the music going, but I decided to answer her question, Emotional bliss isnt the only source of inspiration, striving and being downtrodden can evoke strong emotions that lead into creative endeavors. Bit philosophical there, sorry, but I just felt like singing. I am a musician, and music is my life.

Your life? her brows were raised, not understanding what I was meaning by that. I heard marching bands, but they are only there as bards and to boost up morale. I thought this whole spell song thing was just part of your combat arsenal.

It is, yes, but I am an entertainer first and foremostan idol, as I like to call myself. A musician who also sings and performs to bring others happiness, I flourished my arms while sitting down, trying to gesture a choreography. I am not a warrior like you. I am an adventurer because it fits with my lifestyle, and this whole blessed business is just part of a deal between me and Aurena. I might be a dragon, but I prefer doing this.

With my two index fingers, I pointed the ends of my mouth up, forming a smile.

Over this. I then pulled them down, making me sulk.

Greeeat. Lost to a minstrel, makes me feel soooo better. I let out a chortle as I heard that, finding it humorous how she was in a good enough mood to make that sarcastic remark. Then again, it did prove she was unfazed by Tatsuyas insult. Well, dont let me stop you. Do what you like.

Just say you like my singing Lost in all those fears (what is right?!)

But somebody has to My eyes burst open, widening itself as I took a deep breath. BREAK FREE! Away from all this pain

What can my life do before it all ends

BURN all the hatred away

Let them all know when I bring this wall down!

The chorus began and my voice boomed just like Rossertos, smacking the silence away in this eerie dungeon. The energy of his soul infused mine, once again allowing me to deviate a bit from my idol-like and anime-like songs to be more alternative rock. Lacing my voice with all the emotions building up in my chest, I bellowed out the lyrics with no care for anybody being around me.

But my heart, I shiver to do the move

Even though I know I must

How could I forgive myself (stagnate in silence)

But this path is filled with spikes (bear these sins like scars)

Lost in all those fears (what is right?!)

But somebody has to

Only to return to the slower singing from before for the second verse and pre-chorus.

Break free, away from all this pain

What can my life do before it all ends

Burn all the hatred away

Let them all know when I bring this wall down!

To return to the explosive singing.

My mind is breaking apart to think right, with those nightmares I see all night

My mind is breaking apart to think right, with those nightmares I see all night

(Whats right?!) My mind is breaking apart to think right, with those nightmares I see all night

(Whats right?!) My mind is breaking apart to think right, with those nightmares I see all night

Break free, away from all this pain

What can my life do before it all ends

Burn all the hatred away

Let them all know when I bring this wall down!

Seeing him walk away like that without finishing what he wanted to ask just made me more curious. Why did it seem like I had no idea what was going on in my companions head? At least Saori, Tasianna, Ellaine, and Grimnir were always truthful to me! These three made it so difficult.

[Master?]

At least, I have you, Rajah! I hugged my virigress before patting his back. When we find a safe spot, Ill have you evolve, alright? But, not now.

[Yes, of course, Master!]

After the floor guardian fight, Rajah had finally reached level 30 as a rank C, allowing him to evolve. Sadly, since it took an entire day to finish, we couldnt afford to do it now.

With that delayed, we continued down the dungeon, facing literally no challenge at all as the paths were clean and hostileless. No traps, no enemies, no treasures. It was barren and dull, but it did accelerate our trip down to the dungeon core. With the map navigating this labyrinth was easy enough.

Meaning, eventually, we made it to the last floor of the [Menagerie of Golems] after taking two sleep breaks. There we entered a humongous battlefield large enough to fit three baseball stadiums. It could be comparable to Moms cave nest in my subspace, meaning whoever the dungeon core boss was, they would be humongous.

We cant scout this like before. Hestia? Kyouya prompted me to set down a [Warp Point: Exit] outside the room, just in case this empty place had a nasty surprise.

And, our expectations were correct.

Woah! Im humanizing now! An earthquake happened, prompting me to transform back into a dragon. I cast [Panzer] on myself, protecting my armor with another set of armor.

[Music Resonation (Moderate)] [Various Spell Buffs] [Blessing of the Goddess of Light (Major)] inflicted on [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]

As I buffed everybody up for this confrontation, I reminded myself I couldnt access my Job skills as a dragon. If I wanted to focus on support, I had to be a dragonewt, while my dragon was for offensive prowess. Even if I couldnt trust VifiYok, I had to rely on her Although, could I even do that?

Incoming! VifiYok shouted as the ground splintered and shattered, revealing two snake-like beings made from rocks.

They reared their heads, shaking the rubble and dust off their body. Upon a closer look, just like the rest of the enemies in this place, it was clearly a golem. Two lizard-like heads, almost draconic, watched us with four blue glowing eyes as the rest of their bodies made it seem like a skeleton.

However, its entire body was definitely made from rock with a metal underlayer consisting of its trunk. Along these two serpentine bodies, multiple blue glowing orbs decorating them as the moveable rock pieces rustled, ready to transform. As the two snake golems opened their mouths, I noticed they had metal tongues moving around with incredible flexibility.

Mana E

Individual [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor] has been offered a Divine Champion Quest. Please, confirm the Quest details before you accept

What?!

Divine Quest: Uncover the truth behind this golem and solve the problem on hand with them

Quest Giver: Origin Goddess of Earth, Craftsmanship, Minerals, and Creation, Crustacia

Description: Yo, Crustacia here on the permission of Aurena, little Hestia! Kinda a bad moment for me to meet you, but I honestly didnt expect to meet them in this dungeon. The earth told me they would return, but this?

Well, me vision through me dwarves told me enough to get the gist of the plan, but I cant tell you! Yeostars intervention made Goddess Plesia veeeery mad and she just put out a punishment I aint wishing to experience. You gotta do it yourself and its not gonna be easy, but I promise ya a big reward. And, trust me, I know how to please an otherworlder quite well! So, accept it, little Hestia!

Reward: A unique skill on anybody you wish, +1 level, reason for why the gods arent speaking, an additional reward depending on how you solve this whole situation

Mana Eyes!

Information Blocked

Oh, come on!

A note from AbyssRaven

Song for today "Lost" from Linkin Park: Rawr

As mentioned above, give Salvos's new webcomic a try! Those things cost a lot of money and patience to finish, and Melas has been preparing it for two years now. The art is well handled and it did a good job adapting the story into visuals for people to experience. If you want proof, here

Pretty decent, right? Once again, take a gander over at tapas for it: Link

Also, while I'm here, he just released a new series over on Amazon. A bit of a power trip with an OP MC right at the beginning. "Amelia: The Level Zero Hero" rawr

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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Monday, May 22, 2023 5:59:13 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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