Chapter 188: How Much Is Too Much?

Chapter 188: How Much Is Too Much?

In the far North, the Telvane Empire slowly rotted away. A plague of undead brought ruin and they continued to move with no clear purpose. The only option for most was to flee as any attempt at defense proved ineffective. Only those cities built on mountainous regions were able to withstand the assault. It was lucky since the undead never continued a pointless attack and would move on if no progress was gained within a few days.

The rumor spread that as long as you could hold on for two or three days youd be safe and cities closed their entrances to their fellow countrymen. The unlucky ones were forced to search for shelter wherever they could and one such group was currently on the move.

Haggard and tired faces filled the ranks of the fleeing group. Their eyes were alert but they remained silent, focusing on the slightest of sounds within the still forest.

Hey, Someone spoke.

What? Another answered.

Ive been seeing crows every few miles or so.

And?

And there the only bird Ive seen so far?

If you dont have anything to say Id suggest keeping quiet, A man wearing armor spoke sternly. He had an irritable look on his face that suggested he would lash out at anyone who dragged the group down.

I think were being watched...The crows havent made a sound theyve just been.watching us.

What did I say? The man in armor narrowed his eyes while reaching for his sword.

Im sorry but we should

A twig snapping interrupted the conversation and the group dove into the brush while steadying their breathing.

A putrid smell filled their senses and the source made itself known. An Undead Lord with taut skin which exposed its decayed teeth appeared in the area. It rode on a steed which was slowly decomposing, its dark entrails dragged along the ground but it didnt seem to mind. Lower ranked undead followed the Lord like dutiful servants. They sauntered on under its command without a single thought of their own.

Heeuh, The Undead Lord groaned while surveying the area. Suddenly a crow flew toward him and landed on his shoulder. Its beady black eyes were lifeless but its head swiveled in an alert manner around before flying off toward a branch.

The Undead Lord passed without discovering the ones who were hiding close by. It was miraculous when considering that higher ranked undead could see living creatures. It meant the group had to have some sort of method or item which allowed them to go undetected and one would be right to assume so. Although the Telvians didnt place too much emphasis on religion, the Angel that appeared changed their mind. That paired with the clerics, paladins, and priests that visited in the name of Gavreel before the country ended up in dire straights, their stagnant belief was reawakened. Blessed items became a rarity even more so when the religious pilgrimages lessened due to the unrelenting horde of undead.

Speaking of Raveria, she ran circles around Valeryn while taunting him but he stood with a stoic face while trying to track her movements.

No ones faster than me, Ryn, Raveria taunted. She zipped in and out of sight leaving no possible way to track her. It was to the point where even the enthusiastic Harper had given up on catching Raveria.

Valeryn stretched his hand and pulled his saber from his palms before lifting it over his head.

Be careful, Valeryn, Ira said.

Valeryn nodded and then stood completely still. Raveria felt that her brother was up to something so she increased her speed until she was sure he couldnt track her. A Temporal doppelganger appeared and the two Raverias began poking fun at Valeryn even more.

Try and catch me.

I bet you cant.

They spoke at the same time showing that Raveria was still as proud as ever about her speed. They became blurs in Valeryns vision but the silk-like threads surrounding them remained. The threads that only he could see.

Suddenly, Valeryn grinned and slashed into the air before Raveria could realize what happened. Her speed was somehow cut apart and her clone vanished while the real Raveria tumbled on the ground. She became speechless at once while Valeryn became tired. He stored his saber back inside of his body while his chest rose up and down sweat dampened his forehead.

Caught you, Valeryn mumbled before he fell over but before he could hit the ground, Ira teleported him over. Valeryn gently landed on Iras other shoulder and instantly fell asleep.

...How? Raveria uttered with a look of pure bewilderment. It was the first time someone other than Ira caught her. The only other person fast enough to keep up with Rhys and that was only when Raveria didnt move at her full speed.

Ira brought his finger over his lips and shushed the distraught girl who, until that moment, was untouchable.

But...Dad, Raveria pouted.

Come here, Ira waved her over and she walked with defeated steps.

She wasnt sore about losing but she felt that her duty as an older sister was to be stronger than her brothers. It was quite the dramatic overreaction but it came from a good place. She wanted to be what Ira was to her to her siblings. Raveria walked over and laid her head on Iras chest.

Youll have to be more serious when training, Ira said with a chuckle. He found it funny because he felt a bigger sense of crisis whenever he felt his own strength wasnt enough. When Raveria had her nightmare he felt like the end of his world was in sight and he still wasnt completely sure that he was strong enough. At the current point, all he could was let time decide.

Unfortunately, the point where he would be tested wasnt far off.