Chapter 27: A Beast of Terror

Chapter 27: A Beast of Terror

Nathan looked back at the cave that had housed the nest of Ashblood cobras. It looked the same as it had when theyd first arrived - only a few hours ago. Nathan wondered how long it would be before the next Adventurers arrived to clear a threat from the ruined town.

Maybe we should just destroy the place. Might take Stella a few days.

Nathan almost proposed it, but sighed. Maybe Gemore would establish a village here instead. He had been trying to understand his new home, but definitely didnt understand all the intricacies of Davrar and the people who lived within it. At least not well enough to be sure that it was a good idea. He was thinking about raising the point anyway when Stella spoke up, her voice excited.

She had been looking over at the direction the Dusteaters had gone, ensuring they were well out of sight. Then she turned back to the Heirs. I leveled up to 81!

Sarah laughed aloud, then punched Stella lightly in the arm. Freedom and brightness! Have you sent a [Message] to your parents yet? I imagine theyll have some strong opinions.

The red-haired mage looked self-satisfied. Ill talk to them tonight, but I think my choice is petrified in place. One of the classes is [Mage of the Natural Law]. It says that Ill be able to cast magic more aligned with the natural laws of the world, and will make me more powerful when my magic works with the world, instead of against it.

Oh. That sounds powerful with the Insights Ive already given Stella, not to mention the ones that I can keep describing.

Nathan sucked in a breath. Yup, that seems powerful. You should still call Dalo. I dont want him any madder at me.

Aarl spoke up, questioningly. What are the other class choices? If you would share.

Shrugging, Stella read from the invisible screen of Davrar. [Stormlord], [Master of the Elements], [Mage of Lights Color], [Manawell Prodigy], [Electrosavant].

Aarl seemed somewhat shocked. That seems many for a level 81 Development. I was only offered three choices.

Stella raised her hands in a ta-da motion. Multicolored lights shone from her fingers. I am the Dragons Heir, it is no wonder Davrar blesses me so!

Khachi spoke sarcastically. You are the Heir of the most powerful mages of Gemore. And of Nathans Insights. Do not grow arrogant, Stella. Remember from whence your power comes.

She just waved a hand dismissively at him, declaiming with grandeur. I will solve all problems with MAGIC.

Man, I kind of wish that were me.

Stella seemed too excited to stand still, and started talking about some of the trade-offs of her options. Nathan quickly got involved in the conversation, but not before following an errant train of thought.

Were hitting level 81 already, a place that some Adventurers struggle for years to reach. What gives? Well, weve been taking on some challenges that you might say are above our level. And are rather dangerous. I also havent hit 81, but thats probably because I havent been killing things.

Stella spent a good deal of time talking to her parents about her class Development options. It was amusing to watch the silent conversation, and Stella at periods grew frustrated, accepting, argumentative and finally victorious. She had occasional outbursts, but the entire actual conversation was entirely silent.

The Heirs had camped on the side of a sandy hill, almost a dune, a good ways south of where theyd fought the Ashblood cobras. Theyd pushed into the night and covered a lot of ground, though they werent quite to the area where the Terrorghast was. They hadnt been able to find a better campsite - there had been a few dungeons, but nothing youd want to camp in.

Stella quickly kindled a magical fire, warming water out of a waterskin to dissolve a stew packet in. They were all tired, it had been a long day, and Nathan was looking forward to his bedroll. The desert had quickly grown cold after nightfall, and now that theyd stopped moving he was definitely getting chilly.

But first, he and Aarl were setting out the tripwires, driving small stakes into the ground and stretching thin strings taut between them, connected to bells. They laid two layers around the camp. Normally they set a third, but that was usually because there was some kind of natural barrier that protected one side. But this hillside was barren, and there really hadnt been a better campsite out in this desolate land.

There really doesnt seem to be much out here. How are the villages out here surviving?

Nathan supposed hed find out, the next time they approached a village. That might not be soon though. He sat down on the dusty ground next to the campfire, holding out his hands to the warmth. It wasnt warming him up.

Right. Magical fire. Immune to magic. Booo.

Instead, Nathan grabbed the blanket from his bedding and draped it around himself, careful to scoot back from the fire so as not to light the precious fabric on fire.

Sarah started the conversation, voice leading. So. The Terrorghast. Bet you stalker teeth to dragon bones that I can shoot it through the skull before it even knows were there.

Stella chuckled as Aarl stirred the stew, but Khachi was frowning into the fire. He looked up, the fire illuminating his jowls. Much of the value in fighting a Terrorghast is the ability to rank up and Develop our mental magic defenses, while fighting a dangerous foe that nonetheless should not serve to truly threaten us.

Aarl looked up from tasting the stew. And hear me, my dearest sister, but I believe that we are not the ones in need of more levels at the moment. Nor is Stella. We should allow Nathan or Khachi to fell this beast. How close are you two?

Five. Khachis voice was pleased that the conversation had gone this direction. I have mostly fought in a protective role, and not taken many truly standout risks. You have all been the ones slaying monsters and taking risks, like leaping into the heart of an enemys camp. I have merely been a protector. It is the path I have chosen.

Nathan nodded. I havent really killed anything. I think the last monster I killed might have been that Stalker back on our first patrol. With the spear. Which is now out of commission. He frowned around. Ive been psyching myself up to kill for so long, it feels anticlimactic to get in so many fights without landing any deathblows.

The rest of the Heirs were looking at him with odd looks on their faces. Stella looked confused, while Sarah was giving him the side-eyes. Khachi looked expectantly at Nathan, waiting for him to continue. Then Nathan reviewed what hed just said. The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

That does make me sound pretty bloodthirsty, doesnt it. I still have the lowest bodycount of anybody on the Heirs.

I just mean that its weird. Im leveling quickly - we all are, but Ive been told that the way to do that is by killing. And I havent been doing that.

Aarl answered him again, dishing up the soup and starting to hand out bowls and spoons. But you have taken the greatest risks, and accomplished the most impressive things that arent killing. Davrar rewards that as well. He shook his head disbelievingly. I am not sure I would believe the tale of you being thrown into the center of an Agmon camp, destroying their siege-spike and then fleeing with a hundred legionaries in hot pursuit. Or doing the same with those crystals on the banks of the Drakefish. And charging a Giantsrest Archmage is usually suicide. Earlier today you climbed inside the mouth of a Ashblood cobra Matriarch. I am surprised you are not level 81 already. Such feats are the way to quick levels. Or a quicker death.

Khachi looked Nathan in the eyes. I would surrender the kill of the Terrorghast to you, Nathan, if you would have it.

Nathan shrugged. I appreciate it, but Ill get there soon enough anyway. And how would I even kill it? My spear broke.

Aarl reached into his pouch, pulling out the enchanted spearhead. I retrieved the spearhead. But I cant mount it on a new shaft. Not well, at least.

The cable spiraled down from the sky, separating into strands that separated yet again, until it seemed like Khachi was holding onto a magical rope that connected to the entire world above. Now that it was tangible, Nathan could feel the mana radiating out from the object. It was made of divine mana so dense it was solid.

Well, thats new. Lets hope Khachi knows what hes doing

Khachi grasped the cable more firmly, and began to pull. But no amount of muscle would suffice to move this burden. As he pulled, the [Martial Cleric of Deiman] began speaking, declaiming to the sky. I am a worshiper of Deiman, and follow his principle of righteous battle. I fight to defend my home from monster, construct, and empire. I act with honor, dignity, and respect in combat and out. I maintain my resolve in the face of temptation, and take the righteous path over and over. The rope responded to his words, growing even brighter and more defined until Nathan had a hard time looking straight at it.

But Khachi wasnt done. I follow Deimans scriptures, and shall inherit a portion of his Divinity. I will use it to stand against the evil of this world, to judge that which must be judged, and protect that which must be protected. Now the rope was descending, and seemed to be vanishing into Khachis chest as he continued his sermon to the sky.

My team and I undertake an impossible task, but one that Deiman himself would approve of. I follow his teachings in this, and I will have the power to see it through. Grant me this shard of Divinity, that I might protect Gemore and my team from all threats, and fight the Endings themselves. The rope continued to spool from the sky and into Khachi, casting light onto the hillside and across the shallow valley.

His next words reverberated across the hillside, impressing themselves on the fabric of Davrar.

This is my vow, worthy of a piece of the Divine; I will fight evil wherever I find it, and extend a hand of kindness to those in need. I will protect those who cannot protect themselves, and use my power to counter forces that would bring ruination!

The surge of Divine mana coiled down into Khachis form, and his feet left the ground to receive it as his head was thrown back in a silent howl. Nathan hesitated, almost wanting to go pull his friend away.

But no. This is his Class Development. Hes mentioned that he needs to craft his own shard of divinity, and I think this is how it happens. Seems like a bad thing to interfere with.

For all that the moment seemed to stretch on into eternity, it couldnt have been more than thirty seconds before Khachis feet settled back onto the sandy hillside and the coiled mana stopped flowing into his chest. The wolfman almost crumpled to his knees, but caught himself on the haft of his hammer, head bowed.

Nathan looked around. Stella was fully awake now, while Aarl and Sarah both had their weapons holstered. All of them were a bit dazed by the light show that had just occurred. Nathan glanced around.

That was one big damned beacon pointing straight at us, even if it only lasted a minute. We probably need to get out of here.

Khachi? You alright? Was that your Development? Nathans voice was questioning, uncertain if Khachi was done.

But the towering figure in full plate shook himself and looked around as if seeing the world anew. His voice seemed to have a faint reverb effect now. I am well. I have developed my class. I am now a [Divine Justicar].

He smiled at them, the expression somehow beatific even through canine fangs. I would ask that you hold this event close to your heart. This is the greatest of Kias Insights, and the only path left to a wielder of the Divine since the Ending of Deicide.

Nathan nodded. Done. Now we need to move. That light could guide anything or anybody to us. Lets get packed.

Status of Nathan Lark:

Permanent Talent 1: Magic Absorption 8

Permanent Talent 2: Perfected Body 3

Talent 3: High-tier Slow Fall 6

Class: Spellbreaker Juggernaut level 79

Stamina: 729/890

Juggernaut's Wrath

Antimagic Momentum

Raging Thrill

Juggernaut's Inertia

Unarmored Resilience

Utility skills:

Battle Meditation 2

High-tier Earnestness 7

Mid-tier Sprinting 9

High-tier Spellsense 6

High-tier Notice 1

Mid-tier Identify 8

Mid-tier Dodging Footwork 8

High-tier Enhanced Memory 7

Mid-tier Lecturing 7

Mid-tier Tumbling 6