Chapter 444: The True Reach of Shaturein’s Underworld.

Chapter 444: The True Reach of Shaturein’s Underworld.

So, youre telling mewoahthat theres the possibility that another Warbringer is coming at us? I asked in exasperation as I parried a rapier thrust with my tail, giving me a window of opportunity to strike with my glaive.

So many annoying things! I complained to myself as I still felt annoyed from what happened yesterday with the demonkin of envy. Still, I was training right now and my sparring partner wouldnt let my mind wander without any consequence.

Not a possibility! A certainty! Vifi rebuked as her prosthetic arm surged with purple lightning before she molded it into a lightning halberd.

Using it, she tried to block my swing, but her lack of control over her new arm meant I could break through. However, rather than being thrown off-balanced, she used the momentum to send a roundhouse kick at my head, forcing me to use my wing to block her strike, giving her the chance to grab my wing with her free arm. She dispelled her halberd, morphing the lightning into a gauntlet to send a left hook at me.

Before it could hit my hastily made scale barrier, a kick came from below me, hitting Vifis arm out of the way. This gave me just enough time to move my tail, slashing Vifis right arm and forcing her to let go of me.

Staring at the minor scratch, her head snapped up as Sis moved to engage her with [Gale Steps]. As her scaled kimono fluttered, Neill sent a kick at Vifi, forcing her to block it with her lightning gauntlet. The latter quickly unsheathed her rapier, thrusting with it, but Neill dodged it without fail and sent a barrage of fists and kicks at the demonkin.

Sadly, without my buffs, Neills agility wasnt high enough to land a hit, but neither was Vifis high enough to hit Neill. Neither were using their signature abilitiesdragon paths and voltaic lightningas both were wanting to settle this through martial arts. Sadly, the first to be forced into using their ability was Neill.

Mana seams appeared on her leg, spreading them on the ground as she began to slide along it as if she was skating. They then appeared on her scaled arms before she launched an attack at Vifi, forcing the former Warbringer to use her red lightning to dodge. Like a jagged bolt of electricity, she zigzagged around before she ended up behind her, ready to strike with her rapier, only to leave her back facing me.

I slammed my burning glaive on the ground, setting off a chain explosion with my scale-dust and neutralizing Vifis ability to use her super speed due to a conflict of mana. That magnetic force propelling her forward couldnt be activated, allowing us sisters a moment to double team her.

With only a glaive and some fisticuffs, the two of us dueled Vifi as she wielded her arsenal of weapons. She conjured up all six of her elemental weaponsrapier, warhammer, halberd, gauntlet, staff, and crossbowto retaliate before she decided to debut a new weapon Grimnir had made for hera manatech crossbow.

Working like a lever-action rifle, Vifi would knock an arrow almost instantly through a quick hand movement, even able to reload the weapon with only one hand. A bulky bolt holder was attached to the bottom of it, which would have weighed the weapon down if it wasnt for the long metal stock. A normal person would need two hands to wield this weapon, but if you had the strength, then you would be able to use it how the creator intended it to be used.

As the mechanical cogs turned, bolts were shot at us. She even materialized her lightning crossbow for an akimbio style, dual wielding the weapon to send a hail of physical and magical projectiles.

Showing her the same courtesy, my mechanical weapons cogs turned as well, activating the three runes on it as the scale-dust inside the head exploded. Flames gathered around my red catalyst before I raised my weapon and used [Dragoon Jump] to shoot myself up to the ceiling. With Neill preoccupying Vifi, I [Dragoon Dive]d with the loaded weapon, crashing onto the ground like a meteor to send Vifi flying away.

Ahaha, I told you two that neither of you could defeat me alone! Vifi shouted with a wide grin as she landed on the ground. Bits of her black hair were lit on fire as they slowly turned yellow and red, a sign her emotions were rising, increasing her stats and elemental prowess. So, yes! If you cant beat me one-on-one, how do you think you can beat up my senior whos been in service for 30 years! Ever since he was a damn kid, just like me!

You know full well I wont fight all by myself, right? I replied while calming my breathing.

You do your thing, Ill do what I want!

Neill scoffed. Oh, shut it, we know youre doing this for the kick! Donuts not enough?

Donuts are always okay! Vifi shouted. I just need to actually fight somebody here and there. You want me to get all rusty and useless?

Haha! Outside the training field, a woman was laughing. Glancing at her, I saw it was Yorshka. See? Just like you back when we met. No, wait, youre still like that, Asaka.

Shut it! A blue-haired girl scowled as drank some water, looking exhausted and dirty from a morning of fighting. Im more direct than the drama queen over there. Oh, I just need. She really means she finally got the courage to ask people to spar with her after Grimnir did her a good one.

She hasnt asked anybody else, Yorshkas husband, Farron, said. You shouldnt be too harsh, kid. People just need time to get accustomed. Do you think she would have enjoyed the awkwardness or your attitude?

Eh, I guess.

The three of us ignored them as we continued our fight, training ourselves until we finally got hungry. After we settled down, I sighed as I noticed that none of my skills increased in levels. Still, I felt better; the feel of rushing blood was energizing.

As I cleaned myself off, Master came over for my daily magical training, bringing up the custom spell he had made for me. Quartz Fire, he called it, and it was a combination between [Corrosive Fire] and [White Flames], using both empty vessel magic as the foundation for the spell. Just like [Sun, Consume All], it was a double circle spell so I could use the features of my purple and white flames at the same time.

What do you mean you arent fighting? I heard Neill speak as she was eating a sandwich.

You want me to fight my own people? Vifi replied. As I said, Lord Greed probably saw me when we fought Maagneil. They all know I am a traitor at this point; Ive fucked up my chance to live away from everything because I just had to meet all of ya. That brat Franz has some connection with the Yanderu Eluseuss, so even if his threats wont work now that BoleTaria knows Im alive, they can just track me down too easily with their network. You know my situation, and you still want me to fight?

Neill looked up to the ceiling, nodding nervously. I guess thats true. That would be rough. Which just makes me question what you are actually doing, since youre telling us all of this, helping us train, and just being mostly normal, despite being forced into this place. I thought you supported Hestias goal for peace? You dont make much sense to me.

You dont need to know that much.

Fathers horn, of course I do, Neill insisted. Youre confusing, you know. Thats why people dislike being around you. They dont know your intentions and it makes them scared that you might backstab us.

Shes right, Asaka interjected. Youre like some cloaked figure haunting a dark alleyway to all of us. Tamae and the others dont want to be rude, so theyll mostly avoid you unless they need you for something. To make you feel more comfortable, but I guess its more awkward and unfriendly, right?

Seems like you know about it. Outcast? Vifi raised a brow.

Got experience. Feel different from everybody around you, think you cant get along with themthat, right? We cant stop acting like this if you dont do the same. Youre lucky Grimnir is the type of person who doesnt care what others think, and is more concerned about helping us out. She pointed at Vifis prosthetics. You wont use that?

Vifi stared at her left arm, crossbow, and rapierall the things Grimnir made to allow her to fightbefore taking a bite from her donut and cupcake. Drinking her iced fulinoe tea, I couldnt help but complain about how much of a sweet tooth she had. It made me believe she was a stress eater.

Ow! I yelped as I felt a wooden slate hit my head. Massing the spot, I looked over to an annoyed saurian. Sorry, Master.

Dont be, curiosity for others will earn you no chiding from me. God Istari would understand, right? However, as your teacher, I still expect a young scale to listen to me.

He seems so impatient, recently. I noted ever since we had that discussion in the hot spring. Master was a passionate teacher, but even during the Elyonda siege, he never sounded this forceful.

Master, is something wrong?

Master was silent, stroking the plumage on his head. As such, I urged him to speak and turned my party bracelets notepad off to show I wasnt willing to learn until he answered. He sighed.

Do you remember what the goal of the Tide Watchers is? he asked about the order he belonged to, to which I answered that they were wandering justicars, but more similar to bounty hunters. Correct, and I had my party join you as we are doing just that, but with more support. The attack on Elyonda, Maagneils crazed wish, and now to purify the Church of Aurena of somebody who doesnt respect the integrity of faith! I feel fulfilled here.

But?

But I also feel like I am not heeding my gods wish. What Xohulotel wants out of his Saint. Grimnir performs acts of creation in Chihiros name, Asaka is growing as an adult, Saori is going on a path of strength, and you, my dear apprentice, are growing into your role so magnificently! I feel proud to have led you in your journey as a mage, I feel proud that I met you back in Carine village. I am happy you three were my first real students. It is one of my fondest memories Master frowned after his confession. I, on the way, have forgotten about my service to Xohulotel and my people.

I am paying you though, I said, knowing his wish to help his race financially.

Unfortunately, he shook his head, looking even more troubled. The money is sufficient. I always send most of it back to Caedhul. But, I am supposed to be a Saint of Xohulotel. You know I am a priest only in name alone, as Ive never really preached. Ive never led more than my fellow saurians back in our Aelozonia, nor have I spread Xohulotels name and faith.

Master suddenly let out a loud sigh, looking distraught as his tail laid limply on the ground. I must ask myself now, why has he chosen me? What makes me special over the other saurian mages or shamans? I am confused, young scale. Ive never been a proper priest, what am I to do? And now we have an impending war before us, and I feel compelled to fight with you as your master. Everything is moving so fast for my old scales to react to, ha ha ha

Master He was so against how I handled the summit at first. Was he just worried I was trying to do too much?

Good riddance

As such, our channels for everything were kept intact, since the contacts Hamil worked on over the years were still accessible. Nobles and merchants still bought their stuff, so I just took the pay cut for protection services. Helps keep an eye on them. He then pointed towards a group of people. With the channels open, people from wherever can enter the city. It was a haven in the past for refugees and former slaves, although nowadays it just made our home smell more. Too many mouths to feed, and it gets even worse on the edge.

You arent taking care of them? I mean, at least do something if youre complaining about it.

If they dont work, they get nothing. In this city, if you arent even willing to pull up a wooden stick to defend yourself from spawning monsters, then you dont deserve our protection. Thats how Shaturein works. It was a grim answer, but realistic. Well, with our alliance, the mana contamination has been severely reduced, so we barely get any monster spawnings now. We lost a bunch of hedge mages, but we got proper people from the mages guild working down here now. Gotta say, its easier with people with some form of integrity. Damn shame though, since our endless source of meat is gone.

Thought you signed the contract to help your people out. Keep the passageway open so you can send people up to help out. Hows that going, akong? Grimnir asked.

Good, but we only send people we trust. Gotta have worked with one of the pillars, first, yeah? Besides, cant fill Griffonpeak with our dredge, or that king will only get complaints from his nobles.

A food shortage that got worse since monsters arent spawning as often here. I dont serve any free food any longer, but maybe there is something cheap we can offer? So cheap it wont cost us much? How about cut-off bread crusts but fried?

Now that I think about it, I havent had any people from Shaturein join my concerts yet. Its just too risky to leave a set of [Room] runes here. Maybe Ill ask later.

Once we got out of the city, we entered through a tunnel with a stench so impossible to breathe in, I had to cast [Air Shield] around my party to prevent the smell from killing our noses.

This is the way to the sewers, Gale said. Or, better known as the third pillar of Shatureinthe Sewer Maintenance Guild. Rafka Qus is the boss, if you remember that from the first guide, but we wont need to meet him. We just need access to the river.

River? I asked.

He nodded. The Sallorn river.

Oooh, the river running next to Griffonpeak, right? So it goes through the ground.

Right, and its connected with the Vistari river to the north that runs through the Morgiana and Equevanna duchy. However, what were interested in is the one going down south, towards the Olivus duchy. There is a lake right on the edge of it that is connected with Aureoliss border.

Once we went deeper, the smell of the sewage slowly disappeared as we passed through a bunch of mages. Earth and water spellcasters ran past us, cleaning up the area and maintaining everything, in addition to running a potion shop here. When we were about to leave the place, some of those alchemists did come up to us, offering us a weird, smelly liquid.

Fuck off! Gael shoved them away. Offer that swain to someone else!

Swain? Mana Eyes.

Horrible.

We left the path and entered something resembling a small harbor. As Saori warned us, it felt a bit claustrophobic with the seven of us, as only three people could walk forward side-by-side. Stopping before the river, I dispelled the air bubble as the smell had gotten mildly better. Tolerable.

The rest of the river runs above, so we cant make the path larger otherwise well cause flooding, Gale said. This is one of the ways for people to enter the city, but you have to get past the mages guarding the place. There are easier routes to enter and exit which the smuggler uses, but this one was surely the quickest.

And how do you expect us to get through it? Neill asked, looking at the empty docks. Cant say Im a fan of swimming in this mess.

I cant swim, Grimnir said nonchalantly.

Well, he could, but his armor was heavy as hell. Also, being a Taz dwarf didnt make him the best.

Usually, there is a small boat here which the water mages use to travel us down the lane. Sadly, the last one has already departed. We need another method, Vangrim explained. That is why we had Saori pick all of you up.

Speaking of my friend, she tapped my shoulder. I looked up to her and cast, Unheilige Engel.

Purple flames were produced from a brown magic circle, heating itself up until it was yellow before it cooled down, turning itself into obsidian. I raise its temperature until it transformed into a slime and had it turn into a boat small enough for the river. Once everybody was on, I had the boat fly us forward.

Welcome to the maiden voyage of the USS Obsidian Flare! I called out as if I was a ship announcer. I wasnt exactly sure what USS meant but a ton of ships back on Earth had them, so I decided to call it as such. Please stay safe and enjoy the trip. We will soon hand out some snacks and refreshments.

The trip didnt take too long as our destination wasnt actually the Olivus duchy but another undercity close by to Artorias. It wasnt anywhere close as large as Shaturein, but it was still a popular place for black mercs and criminals to hang out as it was one of many slavery operations. The place was just south of Griffonpeak and inside the border of my next concert locationthe Lecartiglio duchy.

Once we got off the boat, Gael gave us a warning, If somebody offers you a swain, dont accept it. Ignore them and go pass. Even if they threaten you, just run

Or punch them, Vifi finally spoke. They will come at us anyways, so why make it harder on us? Beat some bastard up and make him take us to their boss. Crush the headquarters and well have their territory to ourselves as we search for our quarry.

No, Vangrim shot the idea down. We arent here to cause trouble. We dont want people to know we are here. Atadoro informants are here and I dont want more stuff to leak.

Really acting like Griffonpeaks allies here. I shrugged. In any case, you guys havent explained why we are here.

Gael nodded. Our informant recently found out that the leaks around the Theodore were being sold in this place. Those spies you wanted us to find supposedly went down south, so this is the only place they could be. If theyre resting here, well find them, otherwise well track down the leaked information. If were extra lucky, well find some clues on who exactly sent them to us and maybe get some dirt on them for your plan.

Sounds good. A bit more adventurous, then.

With our plan settled, we entered the place only to be immediately surprised by what was happening.

Monster break! We got monsters charging in from the outside!

Rank B! Shit! Shit! Run!

A monster break? This isnt a dungeon so is this just slang for invading monsters? Oh, whatever, we should

No, Vangrim grabbed my shoulder. No saving. We will not fight and attract attention! Havent I just said that?

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