Book 9: Chapter 37: HO

Book 9: Chapter 37: HO

[I am on my monthly break! Thanks for giving me all this time to rest and work behind the scenes. I will be back on the 25th for Patreons!]

The greatest [Martial Artist] in the world is a [Spearmaster].

Mm. It may be true.

Orjin sat cross-legged on a pillow in the most beautiful pavilion he had ever seen. Three Lanterns of Significance hung overhead, each placed such that the three lights overlapped in the entire mansion that sat at just the right remove from the Light-City of Meneretorre.

Well, it had just been called Menere once upon a time. But it had added the second part and constructed this mansionand been gifted three of the greatest lanterns in the citys possession.

Even now, the first Lantern of Aegis was keeping away the fireflies and other pests buzzing towards the water-filled gardens, another richness Orjin was unused to. He would have drunk from the water, but it was filled with expensive fish from around the world.

Besides, the Lantern of Dew collected water and, like the lesser stones that performed the same function, dripped constantly, a blue light streaming water to feed the ponds and this mansions wells. The last lantern was simplest.

The Lantern of Vigor made Orjin restless. The weary muscles he hadfrom sparring, the cut on his right armwere all healing at a rate beyond even his Skills. In real-time, he could see the cut closing.

It did not save the Fury of Skies from needing to lie-down with a compress over his head. But it would bring him back up sooner.

As he sat upon a silk pillow, Orjin saw a long toothpick stab a piece of what looked like filament-candy. It was a wrapped, delicate piece of spun sugarpale topaz, like the gem itself. Two cracked lips tasted the sugar, nibbling it, then put it down.

Somethings in the center of this. What is it?

Toffee, Father. All the children like it.

I dont. I dont care for it at all. Give me a scorpion in syrup instead.

Yes, Father.

A woman appeared, rolling her eyes. She looked matronly, like any number of [Innkeepers] or motherswhich she herself wasnt. Of all of this mans daughters, she alone had no children. She dressed herself in an apron; shed been cutting bamboo shoots, another luxury, and the toothpick snatched one off a plate and inserted it into his mouth.

It was the kind of thing you could chew for ages: just roasted bamboo shoots. Patiently, the daughter put down the platter, and Orjin bowed his head to her. She was stout with thicker legs and plumper than most people in poor Pomle, and her hair was just black, her skin tanned.

Unlike the man sitting across from Orjin, reclining barefoot, she did not resemble a mass of calluses and scars. Her hair was not still seared a semi-reflective sheet of lightning-yellow from where magic had scarred it.

Her eyes were faintly orange, but not like his, like the boiling heart of a volcano. The daughter of Torreb the Unbreakable was named Itkisa, and she took care of him and managed the servants who helped keep up this mansion where he had retired.

Orjin liked her. Itkisa had seemed normal compared to the aura he had felt miles out from this city. Normalbut she spoke to Torreb like that.

Dont eat the entire plate, Father. Or youll have no room for dinner.

She slapped his hand as it reached for a second shoot. The old man grunted. He waited until Itkisa was in retreat.

[Generals] have not dared to speak to me so, much less slap my hand. You see what a chore family is? The greatest [Martial Artist] also has no children. No weak spots.

I do not know if that is true.

This time, Orjin objected. Torreb switched the bamboo shoot to the other side of his mouth as Orjin took one and gently began to chew.

You do not believe that? Why?

The question was blunteverything Torreb did was either blunt or sharp. Even meeting his eyes could be a challenge. When he was angryand Orjin had not yet seen him truly angryhe could hit you just by staring at you.

The Fury of Skies, Solosomethinghad made the mistake of arguing with Itkisa when she had joined their discussion about his cult. He still refused to understand why Orjin held it against him so.

I do not believe your cult made it easy to simply walk away after women and men gave you everything, Fury of Skies. Nor were they all equals, even under you. At best, they were akin to those who follow warcamps and armies about. If you think that is equal to [Soldiers] or they cannot be mistreatedyou are wrong.

Like her father, she had no fear of speaking eye-to-eye to even a pair of Level 40 warriors. The Fury had insulted her lightly.

He was lying down. Orjin had never seen an aura manifest as strongly as Torrebs. It was likebehind the withered form of Chandrars greatest [Warrior]seeing a giant sitting there, cross-legged.

Torrebs strength could manifest without him having to lift a hand. An auras blow had been enough to send the Fury of Skies flying through one of the paper-thin walls in the mansion. And Torreb hadnt even lifted his blade.

Or ratherthe long, edged club that he kept at his side, even now. It was seven feet long, made of some dense iron metal that looked like rustand reminded Orjin of how people spoke of Gazi of Reims armor.

It was also, curiously, edged on one side while keeping a crushing side on the other. So a kind of mismatch between the two. Not that youd do any traditional cutting with this hammer of a weapon. It weighed seventy pounds, and Torreb could swing it like a reed.

It was a Relic-class weapon they called Torrebs Fist. The real name of the weapon was only known to Torreb. He had let Orjin lift it, a true honor.

Even being in his presence was an honor. Outside the mansion, Orjin knew, the city had aspiring apprentices, warriors who came to beg Torreb for lessons. His two other daughters and six various sons occupied roles as [Warriors], rulers of their own cities, and Torrebs dynasty was flourishing.

He was eighty years old. A Stitch-man; Itkisa was a Human daughter, but most of his descendants were Stitch-folk. He was a Level 69 [Warrior]; the highest on the continent. Only Mars the Illusionist came close to his achievements, and she was younger than he was by decades.

Somehow, the Strongest was sitting next to him, so close that if Orjin stretched out his feet rather than sitting cross-legged, they could touch toes. Orjin knew he was no longer Pomles Strongest and Vandum had that role. But he couldnt help it. Torreb kept treating him like that, and it was how Orjin thought before he caught himself.

Torreb lay on his side, chewing on the bamboo while he drank purified water out of a cup. Carelessly; it was crystal that didnt match the style of this home, which he claimed was inspired by Drath and Chandrarian architecture both. Torreb noticed Orjins glance at the cup.

Want one? Its one of the cups I was given when I was in Terandria. Crystal clean enough not to taint purified water. I forget which kingdom gave it to me.

No. I was thinking.

What is the greatest [Martial Artist] to you? Mine would have no family.

It should not matter. Children or notit is about perfection in style.

Torreb grunted.

So a spear.

Orjin half-nodded.

A spear has a reach longer than a sword. It is adaptable. But to me, the ultimate [Martial Artist] is even more universally capable. If you lose a spear, you lose your strength.

Fair enough.

Torreb spat half his bamboo shoot into the pond and watched as the water turned into a cloud of fish fighting for it. He smiled, licked his cracked lips, and sipped from the water cup.

It amazed Orjin that Torreb had something as mundane as chapped lips to contend with. But thenhe was old. He could repair his hair; no Stitch-man went bald unless he wished to, but he had turned his hair white to acknowledge his age. He could have built his body strong and huge, like his aura.

Yet his lifestring was fraying, and it seemed that the string that defined the Stitch-man affected his body. The Lantern of Vigor was here to make Torrebs rest easy.

He had scars. If he turned and the loose robes he wore shifted, you could see a scar like wings across his back where an Adult Creler had laid him open. His marked hair and flesh were scarred from fighting one of the last [Archmages] to die after Zelkyr disappeared.

Here sat a legend. And here they were, discussing martial arts. Torreb gently touched the great club-blade at his side.

You are not wrong, Orjin. I should have known any Strongest would be bold enough to say that to my face.

His eyes flashed, and Orjin felt a wave of pressure on himbut he ignored it. Then Torreb relented. He sipped moodily again and spat. No fish erupted in a flurry this time as the spittle landed in the pond. If someone had done that in the oasis, Orjin would have kicked them.

He had the desire to do that now, unconsciously, as any Chandrarian from dry lands did to someone who sullied water. Just for a second

The club rose and fell. Orjins kick back would have carried him out of rangeof anyone else. But he saw a blurand two eyes burning like a molten core.

Orjins arm was raisedhe caught himself, and Torreb halted the blow on the veranda outside. The fish had vanishedthe blade of that club hovered a foot from Orjins raised arm.

Then the Named-rank grinned.

You thought about it.

I meant no offense.

The club rose lightly. Torreb went back to recline on his side again. He had gotten up with the club in hand so fast from that position

It will happen again. I felt it, you know.

I will try not tothink of such things. I apologize, Torreb.

The great warrior just waved a hand moodily. Orjin himself was unsettled. He could read someones muscles moving, sense the intent of a blowTorreb felt even the desire to kick him like a physical touch.

Sit, sit. I do these things for fun, Strongest. Tell me what the greatest [Martial Artist] to exceed you or I looks like. Barehanded, really?

His lips curled, and Orjin defended himself as he went back to chewing on his own strip of bamboo.

No. Merely adaptive. You were saying you were defined by the Relic.

Sure enough. Take it away and I can kill a score. But it is a Relic-class weapon. I see your point. I am beholden to this weaponbecause it is better than any I have ever found. You know, I used a strange axe for an age? Nineteen years I carried a hookaxe which I hated. But I bore it because the edge could slice mithril and I had naught better. I gave it to my first son, and he is besotted with the thing. I? I would toss this weapon aside if you handed me anything better. So I agree, then. Not a spearmaster.

Torreb grinned. Perhaps the question was a test. After allthe two were trying to solve an age-old question.

What was the greatest [Martial Artist] like? It was a question Pomle had tried to solve for decades, pitting warriors and styles against each other, and it was a silly question because it had been around since the dawn of time.

But the philosophizing between the former Strongest and Torreb, the greatest [Warrior] of Chandrar, had a point. It was the pretext to something elseand Torreb indulged Orjin.

So the next thing Orjin said was controversial.

The ultimate [Martial Artist] is a Garuda.

Torreb paused, frowning.

Because they can fly.

Yes. I know Xil

I know him too. He can fly. Therefore, he is out of the reach of many of us if he needs to be. I dislike that answer.

Does it not make sense? I saw the Death of Magic

Torreb jerked, and the scarred flesh on his arm, criss-crossed from blocking countless blades with his skin, shivered. He waved it away.

Dont say that. Dont

Orjin fell silent, and Torreb shook his head, bared old, yellowed teeth.

If the ultimate form of combat is adaptivethen the greatest [Martial Artist] isa [Mage]. For what is more adaptive and powerful than magic? Silvenia, the Death of Magic, or a Djinni is the greatest warrior, and we are insects waving steel and copies of that power around.

Thathurt Orjins pride as much as Torrebs. Orjin countered.

But a [Mage] is not trained in the body.

Ah, but they could be. What if you had a warrior who honed their body and magic like a blade? Then the ultimate [Martial Artist] is a [Spellsword].

Torrebs eyes glowed challengingly. The former Strongest rested his hands on his knees as he thought. Itkisa came back with scorpions baked in syrup. She offered them, and Orjin took a bite as Torreb took three and was scolded.

No. This is wrong. Your premise is correct, Torreb. If it were possiblethe greatest [Martial Artist] might use magic and exceed any other. You, with your Relic, would exceed the same Torreb without. Yetnot everyone can practice magic. I was born without the gift.

I have only a drop of talent. Go on.

Torreb leaned forward as Itkisa went to feed the fish from a basket. But she was listening. Orjin searched for words as he stared at the sky.

The greatest [Martial Artist]regardless of what weapon they use, what styleshould be achievable by anyone. And they must practice a style that does not fall to the difference in enchanted blades. If they fight with their hands, a novice [Martial Artist] must be able to best a [Swordsman] of the same rank.

Itkisa turned her head, and Torreb snorted softly.

Impossible. A sword puts the advantage in a new warriors hands. Weapons advantage those with over those without.

Perhaps more than he knew. Orjin thought of how Iratze had described guns. He exhaled slowly.

If that is sothen Pomles entire method is worthless. If that is sowe should all pick up weapons. If levels equalize that by giving us bodies like diamonds and wings of our own, that is one thing. But if what we practice is useless or inferior, that is one flaw.

He looked up, and Torreb bared his chest. He pointed to a long scar under one rib.

Collos gave me this one. Before he died, when Pomle revolted, he defeated me, Torreb the Undefeated. My name, you see, only came when I was older. I outlived him, but he bested me with his hands. You want a warrior at Level 5 to best someone barehanded who holds a weapon. That is impossible, I think. But I tell you that your hands will threaten even the Deaths of Rhir in time.

This was the answer that Orjin had come here to see. He saw the scarred fleshlike a winking eye of pale skin. Knife-hand. He bowed his head to Torreb.

That is half of the answer I have come here to find, then, Torreb.

And the other half?

I do not know how to ask it yet.

Orjin confessed. Torreb laughed, then rose. Itkisa looked up, and Torreb stretched.

My sons and daughters and their children and spouses and more will be coming for dinner. Thanks to your [Secretary], they have all been lured in by these toffee-treats. Dine tonight with me, Orjin. Is that weak warrior still sleeping? You have time to find your answer.

He picked up the club and walked across his mansion. Itkisa smiled at Orjin as the warrior rose, and he nodded to her.

Would you care to use our baths or anything else, Strongest? We have clothes, bedding

You are generous.

The woman shook her head and gave the wandering legend a wry look.

No. My father is rich enough not to care. And I think he finds your quest intriguing. Youll have his attention some time yet. Especially because you are the Strongest of Pomle.

I am not any longer.

Itkisa gave Orjin an appraising look, and he felt a light tingle run down his spine. She put the basket against her hip. Torreb claimed that she had taken the hardest job, caring for him rather than marrying. Itkisa in turn had claimed that no one would see her as anything more than Torrebs daughter, an alliance to be won.

Orjinwondered. But all the woman did was shake her head.

That is not how he sees it. Come, youll lose hours to introductions, and my brothers may want to challenge you. They always do to warriors who win our fathers interest. Your [Secretary] truly did do a fine job, by the way. You would have had to wait in the bars or streets until Torreb went wandering.

To that, Orjin could only agree. Salii had done what some people, Gold-rank adventurers, even Named-ranks of their own, [Warriors] and [Generals], all desired.

She had won him an audience with Torreb such that within a day of reaching this city, Torreb had personally told Orjin to meet with him, having already known his name.

The methods of Salii were simpleand unintuitive to many idiots. But idiots were everywhere. In any distribution of any nation of any species in the worldyou had smart, clever people and dumb people and a lot of averages.

Someone had to fill the wide margin of people who fell for a trick or who didnt reach the top. They were all the people who ran to the city of Meneretorre and expected, magically, to win an audience with Torreb.

In the same vein, these were the people who went to the Merchants Guild, heard they were now in possession of thousands of gold coinsand believed it. They would celebrateeven [Merchants]and immediately send off goods or sign over deeds to land and property.

Not because they were stupidwell, not because they were that stupid. A clever [Merchant] who had made fortunes in good business could still be gullible because they trusted the Merchants Guild. If they backed the number, all was well.

So, for instance, you had a [Yellat Magnate]yes, that was a real classsending twenty thousand bushels of Yellats to a handsomely rich buyer in Illivere. The funding was arranged, after all. They were paid in advance, so they used their own [Guards] and wagons and horses to transport the goods because it was money they had already been paid. Same for the goods.

If, in the course of disaster, Pomle and foreign powers were to seize the goods, well, that was terrible and a lossthough Pomle had ransomed the [Guards] offbut the seller was out all those goods. But the [Yellat Magnate] had all that sweet gold that had been paid to the Merchants Guild.

Right until the Merchants Guild realized that the gold they allegedly had in their coffers was an agreed-upon contract that drew from an existing, very rich account that had lots of gold in it.

Definitely. There was nigh on seven hundred thousand gold pieces in the account of one of Nerrhavias [Emirs]. They drew from the account to pay for a number of expensive purchases said [Emir] was making.

Food, water, even precious Healing Potions purchased at a dear price given the lack of Eir Gel. The [Emir] spent and spentand that was fine because the gold was there. It was in the books.

But what it wasnt wasin the vaults. As in, the tangible vaults where gold was actually, concretely piled up and guarded by Djinni. See, that was the problem with understandable idiocy.

The gold was all there, on paper, in neat notes that someone had written into their private books. You could follow a train of money going in, recordsespecially if the first entry had been written there by a certain Drake when she passed through Nerrhavias Fallen. Then all she had to do was, oh, [Remotely Write Ledger], [Copy Magical Seal], and so on. And then you had a definite trail of a very real [Emir] with tons of gold.

And that [Emir] would buy and buy until someone finally went to withdraw all that goldand they would find no Vault #1157. They would realize there was no [Emir]. And all the happy [Merchants] and sellers who believed in the Merchants Guild would realize that their faith in the unshakable could be well and truly shook.

Salii would never have done this in Salazsar. It gave her a kind of guilty pleasure to do this here. She had been on the other side of erasing this kind of scam in the City of Gems, but she was in a warand financial war was something she was good at.

Actually, it was sort of boringly easy. Nerrhavias Fallen was already a fairly corrupt nation with lots of embezzlement, so the Merchants Guild wasnt nearly as stringent as it should have been. Dead gods, hadnt they learned anything from the Golden Triangle scam?

Seven hundred thousand gold pieces vanishing wouldnt kill a nationonly some business and peoples livelihoods, which she did feel bad about. But she did pick and choose targets. Nerrhavias Fallen had millions upon millions of gold pieces flowing through its veins daily. One fake [Emir] would do little.

A hundred would be a problem. Happily for Nerrhavias Fallen, it had at least a few sharp minds. A certain [Great Sage] had ordered all the Merchants Guilds to cease transactions not made in actual coin immediately.

Andat least one [Merchant] had avoided being completely divested of their assets. The thing about a good assistant was that the smart ones double checked the money was there.

To Emir Defin Atlyreal, on behalf of Merchant Boiregon.

I regret to inform you that your requested purchase will not be approved. I would appreciate it if you refrained from your fraudulent transactions and schemes regarding my masters business.

Cognita Truestone

Salii twirled a quill as she rolled her eyes. The crisp [Message] in the Golems own hand was disapproving, but a lot of people just assumed Emir Defin was a real name. House Atlyreal sounded close.

Locking horns with another expert in the field was more fun. Cognita had avoided and canceled the last eight attempts on her masters property and apparently gotten so sick of Saliis incursions that shed found the [Secretary]s direct [Message] scroll and sent her a warning.

Slowly, the Drake wrote on her scroll as she rode with Pomles warriors across the desert. The fighting was continuing under Vandum, and they were pushing Nerrhavias borders. No longer with a homePomle had gone to war, and Thelican had realized a roving force of [Martial Artists] was far worse than one committed to defending a stationary target.

Vandums [Martial Artists] destroyed Nerrhavias assets. They set fire to farmsteads, halted trade. The only question was how long they could poke Nerrhavia until the great kingdom decided to retaliate.

The first army was moving at them. Salii was counting how much actual gold shed stolen that she could use to hire [Mercenaries]. A shame she couldnt just buy out the Empire of Scaieds armies, but she was working on multiple fronts.

It was engaging enough work, busyif boring. The Drake yawned, then she wrote a slow response to Cognita on her [Message] scroll.

[Secretary] Salii in service of Pomles Strongest to Cognita Truestone:

Im bored. What are you doing over there?

Cognita Truestone to Salii of Salazsar:

We each have our masters to serve. You find service in your work. Do not lecture me on how I choose to spend my time.

Salii to Cognita:

A correction to you. We dont need to be defined by our owners. I never was. I just like to see my chosen gemstones shine. Whats your reason for polishing a rock?

She never got a reply. So Salii went back to consulting her notes on Orjins progress. She had convinced the town hed fought not to go after him by suggestingquite amicablythat they did not want to go to war with Pomle. She hadnt said that he was the Strongest or that posting a bounty on Orjin would result in that. Because that wasnt true. Shed just hinted.

However, sometimes you had to produce actual results with actual gold, and to get to Torreb, Salii had invoked her knowledge of how you met with powerful people. The secret was

You never went to them directly. Unless you were, yourself, a Named-rank adventurer or a legend, it was a stupid idea. Especially if you were a [Secretary] trying to get Zel Shivertails attention on behalf of the Trisstral Alliance, for instance.

You never went to them. You went to their own [Assistants], their [Secretaries]. And if you thought Torreb didnt have any

You went through his daughters. It was not hard for Salii to find that one of his daughters, the one who managed his mansion and, thus, Torrebs visitors, liked sweets. She especially liked Terandrian sweets like the cake, gelato, and so on that were coming out.

Now, finding a new product that hadnt hit Chandrarian markets wasnt hard. Tracking down a shipment of the stuff meant for, again, Nerrhavias rich nobles and courts wasnt that bad.

Paying the [Merchant] to sell you the goods at a premium price, organizing a Courier to run it over to Torrebs daughtera mountain load of her sweets with a note about Orjin that was calculated to make Torreb interested in meeting Pomles Strongestshe neglected to mention that it was a previously-held title.

That was a job for a [Secretary]. The Drake calmly filed away Cognitas [Message] scroll. The Truestone Golem might move, but Salii had a feeling she had sent that personal correspondence through a [Message] scroll Cognita owned.

It was always nice to build a contact list. She had the Blighted Kingdom, thirty-two Terandrian kingdoms, all four Great Companies, and in her spare time, she liked working up the chain of command to get more contacts. But what Salii was really doing waswaiting.

Waiting for Orjin to come back.

Visiting a great warrior was an honor. A privilege. The goal for any supplicant was to learn something they would never have the chance to gain otherwise.

That depended on whether said great warrior was also a great teacher. Interning with Lehra Ruinstrider, for instance, might only give you a crash-course on how many engagements you could ruin in a city and how high you could run your food bill.

But sometimes you learned a valuable lesson. For instanceYvlon Byres, a Level 40 [Silversteel Armsmistress], learned two things today.

The first was that [Aspect of Iron] made her skin change color. Or ratherit looked as if she had been dipped in a coating of iron. Her nose, her eyes, her flesh covered by a layer of armor perfectly molded to her features.

It was not just a cosmetic layer, either. For the duration of the ability, she was as tough to cut as iron. Not steelbut iron was damned tough. Any wound her metal body took would revert to a flesh-and-blood wound later, but it made the already tough woman into a force of war. For youd have to wound iron to give Yvlon a cut that remained once the Skill ended. And that was one of the abilities she had gained from reaching one of the great capstones of a warrior in this era.

Level 40 was the true mark of accomplishment for many. Most would never rise higher. Level 50 put you on the level of a national assetin that most nations had one. Level 60? You had reached the point of a continental legend.

Level 70 was unheard of save for world-renowned names from older times. They had said Azkerash was one suchthe Deaths of Rhir were rumored to be that level. Orhigher?

Yvlon Byres had already summited a point higher than her entire family had reached in the last hundred and sixty years. She deserved a partya wild celebration if she chose to reveal her level. She was a candidate for Named-rank, in time.

And the other thing she learned this day was this: the Level 40 [Silversteel Armsmistress] could also fly.

She was soaring overhead, arms swinging wildly like the flapping of a great iron bird. If she looked down, she could see them below her. Gnolls with their mouths open, staring up at her.

Gireulashias own mouth was agape. Pisces head was slowly turning as Ksmvr ran after her, all four arms raised, as if the silly little Antinium were going to catch her. Ceria was laughing, as per usual. Yvlon wondered if this was another lucid dream. But the rushing air around herthe Gnolls gazing up at herit was all so real.

Including the blurring ground beneath her. Growing larger, largerthen Yvlon hit the ground. In her iron form, she had probably doubled or even tripled her weight, and shed been wearing armor.

The flying woman landed and left a crater in the earth. The snow cushioned her fall; it was a white veil over the land, feet deep in places. Yvlon went straight through the soft layer and embedded herself into the dirt.

The [Armsmistress] lay there, stunned. Then she sat up and heard the howling as the Gnolls ran towards her.

I think I broke every bone in my body. But she did sit upwhich proved her [Aspect of Iron] worked. Yvlon Byres stared backand she saw a figure four hundred feet away with dirty blonde fur, turning grey, throw back his head and laugh.

The Gnoll, who had thrown her farther than Gireulashia could dream, laughed as Yvlon stared at him. Merrily, as the other warriors around him flocked around that famous name.

Berr the Berserker. The woman of metal had reached the Great Plains of Izril at last, to learn from the warrior who knew how to control her temper. She got up, feeling fizzing in her veins. Adrenaline in her blood. She looked at Berrand he stopped laughing. Yvlon saw him beckon her with a paw.

What am I supposed to learn from this?

Yvlon spat some blood from her mouth. Then she was running, heaving herself out of the wet snow and charging towards him. Her arms morphed into bladesand she saw him coming at her. A small Gnoll, shorter and reduced compared to the brawnier members of the Wild Wastes tribe.

Until he grew. ThenYvlon felt the tingling on her metal skin. She felt her blood pumping through those metal arms. She shoutedheedless of the fact that she was a dangerous, living weapon.

[Sword Art: Arc of the Moon]!

Her arm rotated, and Yvlon activated the Skill without a sword. She cut the air as Berr charged at her. And he slowedlet the blade-arm cleave the air in front of himand merrily grabbed one arm. Yvlon changed her skin into deadly pointed quills, like a porcupine, but the Gnolls paws danced away. Then he grabbed her legspulled as he rotated her in a circle before she could morph her metal foot into

And then she was flying again. Yvlon flapped her wings and thought Bird would literally call her Silverbird or something silly li

Then she hit the ground.

Is she dead?

Ceria stopped laughing in a kind of awe and horror as she saw Yvlon thump into the grass and snow of the Great Plains beyond. She shaded her brows, concerned, but Yvlon sat up after a second. This time, she didnt stand back up. She just lay down as Ksmvr ran frantically over to her and began to shovel snow off her.

Dead gods, shes tough.

Wil observed in a kind of awe. Merrik had two handfuls of his beard.

Shes tough? Berr just threw her like a toy! Shes Level 40!

And hes Berr the Berserker. If Yvlon Byres beat one of the greatest Gnolls living so easily, wed all be dead, Merrik. Its a good lesson for her if hes to teach her, eh?

Someone put the Dwarf in a headlock. Merrik struggledbut Feshi was so happy to see her friends again that she only gave him a quick rub of his hair. Then she realized she was in the presence of guests and hurriedly tried to straighten up and introduce herself.

Chieftain Feshi? Im Captain Ceria of the Horns of Hammerad. And here is Colth the Supporter. Delighted to meet you.

Ceria liked Feshi on first meetingshe was young, had a good sense of humor, and like the studentsa [Strategist], sharp and progressive.

However, the Gnoll Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe looked like she knew full well the weight of responsibility, so she shook Cerias hand seriously, then turned to Ksmvr and Pisces. Without hesitation, she greeted bothand she had another interesting quality.

I am humbled by the Horns presence as warriors who fought so bravely to save my people. You are all honored guests, and I give you freedom to walk the campwith the exception of the grand tent. Please, be welcome.

She was direct and smiled at Colth, who bowed and presented her with a small box that turned out to contain treats and sweets from Liscor and First Landing. Another touch of a Named-rank adventurer meeting important potential clients.

However, Feshi was either humble orshe would bow her head and stare at the ground as if ashamed or shybefore meeting Cerias eyes and speaking directly. Then, if not talking, she would stare downat the frozen ground and grass underfoot.

She didnt seem that introverted, and Wil wrinkled his nose, but the Horns were amidst a flurry of people wanting to introduce themselvesand Yvlon was calling for Ksmvrs help so she could make a good impression on Feshi. Then again, the flying woman had attracted a bunch of Gnolls to meet the Horns to begin with.

Whats the lesson hes teaching her? Anger management?

Wil looked dubiously at Yvlon as Ksmvr helped her to her feet. It looked like her new Skill had run outhe clocked it at about fifteen minutes. Pretty good for Level 40. Fifteen minutes of being the toughest warrior around?

Humility even at her new level?

Venaz suggested. He was watching with Peki. The Garuda scratched her head.

Dont let a [Berserker] grab you?

Everyone laughed at that. And that included a light voice that came from a Gnollor rather, a Selphid using a Gnolls body. Yerranola was here, and she was standing right next to Wil, arm on his shoulders. She was sort of leaning on him, and she looked as cheerful as he remembered.

But more worn, perhaps? She still looked like the same old Yerra, even smelled like the Selphid preservatives, and she had the same energetic grin.

Surviving the poison made her lookolder. The Selphid looked like Feshi, aged. She gazed around.

Anyone want to take on Yvlon or Berr? Id be all for charging in a year agoright now, I think its better if we just watch and take notes. None of us are going to ever do that kind of thing. Even you officers had better keep away from those two in a melee.

She meant Peki, Merrik, and Venaz. As officers who combined both leadership and direct combat classes, Yvlon and Berr were their worst nightmares.

Interestinglyonly Peki opened her beak to object.

I could fight them. So could Venaz with his greatsword.

Everyone turned to Venaz, but the Minotaur, for once, didnt extol the virtues of his personal attributes and species. He just exhaled.

Id rather hire them. Even if we clashed and survivedtheyd tie down any officer they ran into. Then again, how do you stop one of the two?

Well, you can clearly throw Yvlonor Id bet trap her in a [Mud Pit] spell or something. Not sure what youd do with Berr.

Wil was surprised by Venazs change of tune, but he would believe Erin Solstice could do anything. The students broke into an interested chatter until someone interrupted their discussion.

I am all for you children speculating, but as someone who has to deal with that kind of threat directlythe answer to Berr is an [Archery Captain] with [Volley: Piercing Arrows]. You keep the [Captain] back and hold off his charge with it. Sometimes, you go an entire battlefield without using the Skill. He doesnt come at youyou dont use the Skill. Its like a counterbut if you use the Skill, you are then dead because he will charge and tear up any back line he wants.

Every head turned, and Wil bowed respectfully to the Centaur watching Berr stroll over to Yvlon and help her up.

Professor Perorn, you make it sound easy.

Merrik grumbled, amused. The Centaur rolled her eyes.

Easy? Merrik, the temptation to use a powerful Skill like that is something you have to hold onto the entire battle. Learning not to use a Skill is as vital as how to manage a Skill effectively. I have seen the Titan scare his opponents stiff thinking hell pull [Charge of the Strategist] out an entire battle. But hell just sit on it and threaten it the entire battlewhich you have to take seriously or he will use it. Thats how you use and oppose a Berr.

Like a queen piece in chess.

Wil murmured. All threatyou could bluff out an opponents hand. Then he felt someone else grab his head and give him a noogie as well.

I knew Wil would make a chess analogy! Ive missed you!

Yerra laughed loudly as she clasped Wil to her chest. The [Lord] turned red, and Venaz nodded to Perorn.

For however long we can staythis feels like the Academy. Professor, we didnt know if youd be here.

Ive riled up the Walled Cities. Ill back off and come back. Theres a logic to how you work as a [Mercenary]. I wanted to meet the Horns of Hammerad anyways. Niers wants me to go to Liscorbut I would much rather support the tribes.

And we are grateful for your support, Professor Perorn. Or is it Commander now?

Feshis grin was weary. Perorn looked at her, and the stern Fleethoofs expression softened.

Chieftain Feshi, that would be appropriate. I am a foreign [Mercenary] on Izrils soil. Im grateful for the Gnolls hospitalitybut there may be times when the interests of my company clash with your peoples. Im not looking forwards to that.

Everyone quieted, and Wils smile and blush faded. Yerranola let goand they looked at Feshi. The student would not be going to Zeres and on to Baleros.

The Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe ducked her headthen seemed to raise it with an effort. She looked at the Horns of Hammerad, Gireulashia, Nailren, and even Colth the Supporter, who was respectfully hovering behind Berr, who swatted at him like an annoying fly.

Not as a fan of them or as a visitor, but as someone who had to weigh their lives and their goals. It was the weary look the teachers had. No more theory, no more practice.

Wil felt a part of the uncertain fear and nerves Feshi had to be feelingand he wasnt even in her shoes! She looked at him and smiled.

Lets make it fun while were here. Now, come. The Great Plains have changed a lot since you were last here.

She pointed, and every head turned to the distant gathering of Gnolls. The plains were still torn up. The bodies had been burnedbut Wil still thought he could smell the scent of death. He saw the grass had turned to mudlands in a vast swath before it reached a hill. A depression had formed around the hill as well; the product of magical blasts and a literal volcano opening.

The hill was the remains of Khoteizetrough, the Earth Elemental of the Gaarh Marsh tribe. It was flowering, and the depression in the ground around that hill had turned into a small lake. The water had been filled by the rainand by the Skill that Zeres had unleashed that had turned part of the Great Plains to mud.

The First Tide Skill of Zeres and their army.

Wil still remembered the sight of it. A hundred thousand Drakes marching over landpulling the sea with them. Water, rushing past Zeresian [Marines], and a roar like a tidal wave. He thought he had seen how great armies fought.

They had been about to rush over Gnollsenemies and allies alike. Sweep forwards and engulf the battlefield in a chaos of water. Only two things had halted them.

A line in the sand. The Beriada hundred Antinium [Crusaders] who held back the City of Waves for minutes. Fighting, surrounded on all sidesfalling into the surf. Andthe King of Khelt, charging into Zeres with an army of the dead who feared nothing at all.

After that day, Wil could claim he had seen great and terrible war. He had seen scrying images of Terandrian wars between kingdoms[Knights] jousting each other, valor and virtue on the battlefield as entire regiments surrendered or a [King] was forced to yield in single combat.

It seemed to him that the Professors constant ridicule of Terandrian warfare was deserved. For Wil had seen a real monster on the battlefield. And Belavierr did not yield.

The fighting had continued, tearing up the ground so that it seemed not even grass would grow from the dirtwhich had absorbed bodies and buried them deep. And amidst it allthat woman stood, casting down hails of needles that tore through flesh and bone and armor. She killed with a twist of her fingers, snuffed out lives by the hundred.

And still, he had seen people rising up to meet her. Risinglike the Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe. A ray of sun shining down from the skies, and a Gnoll blazing with sunlight taking on the Witch of Webs. He had thought she would winuntil the ground itself opened and dragged her down.

This battle had taken Chieftain Torishi, sending her down to her doom at the hands of the Stitch Witch. The fighting had spilled up the hill, around a fortress of wood and dirtthe place where the Doombearers allies had made a stand.

All of thisand Wil had been there. Hacking down a Gnoll with his hands covered in blood, seeing one of his clonesfeeling a spear going through his neck. Shaking and shaking as he used his Skills. He had been right here. It felt like a dream.

Later, far later, Wil felt goosebumps as he rememberedbut there were no more bodies. The ground was ripped up, and he saw how this land might never recover. Yet beyond this, despite it allhe saw one mote of true color besides the hill where the Earth Elemental lay.

Beyond this terrible battleground, something rose. A few holes had been put in it, but the colorful grand tent was still massiveand it overlooked a kind of permanent settlement of Gnollish yurts. Yet even now, Wil saw evidence of wood and even stone buildings going up.

The Meeting of the Chieftains tent still stands.

Venaz observed. Feshi shook her head.

We call it the Meeting of Earths now. Visitors think its some kind of [Shaman] or [Druid] term.

She smiled crookedly. Wil looked at her and knew partly what lay beyond there. He felt a thrill. Out of the ashes of the last eracame a new one.

The Meeting of Earths? Thats a big tent to have a bunch of laptops. Maybe theyve got a bigger version of that diorama of the solar-thingy?

Solar system. It probably has lots of drawings. We should check it out. Didnt Inkar mention it? Maybe shes got some of those pictures on her phone drawn out.

Pisces whispered back. The two [Mages] knew that some of the Gnolls could hear them. Gire began giggling, and Ceria raised her brows.

Of course, they both knew about Earth. More than the Gnolls, no doubt. The big tent to hide the secret of Earth was appropriateif slightly obvious.

The two Horns were missing a tiny bit of context. But they didnt get the sly grins on the faces of some of the Gnolls, including Feshi herself. They were watching Yvlon and her introduction to the Wild Wastes tribe.

Pisces Jealnet watched as Yvlon Byres had to be half-carried by the Wild Wastes warriors to the settlement. Burly Gnolls, many [Berserkers] or [Barbarians] of one of the Great Tribes of Izril, were joking and complimenting her.

Stop feeling my arms.

She growled, but weakly. A merry Gnoll was marching them all forwards. Berr himself. He looked calm and friendlyand he had thrown Yvlon like a discus.

Forgive my apprentices, Yvlon Byres. They admire anyone they think is toughand you have a reputation. The Silver Killer of Izril. And friend of Mrsha the Doombearer! Mrsha the White! Mrsha the Infinitely Cute!

I can see youve met her.

Ceria grinned, and Berr winked one yellow eye at the half-Elf.

I was glad to hear she was well and with her mother, yes? But I was so sad to not meet Zeladona I nearly wept. Then again, she seemed intense. My apprentices would have lost too many limbs in the trial.

But Honored Berr, the chance to meet a legend is worth an arm!

A younger Gnoll protested, and Berr skipped over. The Gnoll covered his headso Berr punched him in the stomach. It looked light, but the Gnoll winced and clutched at his stomach.

Thats what someone whos never lost a limb thinks! Zeladona is a momentyour arm is forever! I dont think Pallass warriors are as happy about their limbs. Besidesall that one knows is the blade. Miss Yvlon has much more than that to learn amongst us. By the way, the first thing to remember is that even a Troll could throw you like I just did, Yvlon Byres.

What? I must weigh

Berrs eyes glinted.

Yes, yes. Youre heavy and dangerous. All they have to do is be able to lifthalf your weight? Then they just spin and spin and toss.

Centrifugal force?

Pisces was impressed Berr understood the concept. The Gnoll frowned at Pisces. Then he laughed and slapped Pisces on the shoulder so hard the [Necromancer] winced.

Ah, [Mages] and their words. Yes, call it that. Theyll centrifugal you, Yvlon. And if I was them, Id centrifugal you off a cliff or into a spell.

Thats, er, not how you use the word, Honored Berr.

Pisces hesitated. He was tempted to sniff. But the old Gnoll was slightly intimidating, even to one of his academic credentials. The Gnoll just slapped him on the shoulder harder.

Its fine, its fine! Were Wild Wastes Gnolls. Barbarians. You [Mages] are very funny about words, yes? I suppose I should expect more now magic is upon us again. Well, never let it be said that the greatest good in the world comes without any downsides!

Pisces blinked. That sounded like a complimentthen he saw one of Berrs pale yellow-brown eyes wink at him.

Every Wild Wastes warrior in earshot laughed at this. He wasclever! Pisces was so flustered he fell silentbut then they passed by the place that had been the battleground where so many had died, and all fell silent.

The Gnolls stared at the dirt, the wound on the Great Plains, and Berr kept smiling, but silently. The Gnoll settlement was at least four miles away; only the intense flatness of the Great Plains made it possible to see so far.

ErHonored Berr. I wonder if Chieftain Feshithat is, whoever is in charge here understands that the battlefield yonder isfilled with death magic?

Pisces grew even more nervous. Honored Berrs head turned as several Gnolls glanced up sharply.

Chieftain Feshi is not in charge. But she is among many equalsyes, we know, Adventurer Pisces. Dead keep rising from there. We have saved most Gnoll bodies, and each one we find as undead we lay to rest. But I think it will unearth Drake bones and perhaps even long-buried ones for times to come, eh?

It will. And, erit may attract undead for ranges up to a hundred miles.

A Gnoll groaned, and Pisces hurried to clarify.

Not all at once! Slowly! But any buried corpse, animal or otherwise not properly disposed of, might gather here. This is a phenomenon in necromancyI dont quite know how you would stop it

He was afraid Berr would grow angry or demand an answer Pisces didnt have. The [Necromancer] had never actually thought of how youdde-magic an area like this. He hadnt cared.

What a shallow [Necromancer] he was, as Azkerash had said. No formal training. Pisces pointed weakly at the mound that had been Khoteizetrough.

The earth magic and more plants might counteract it, but so much deatheven plants will struggle to grow here.

Berr listened in silence, scratching at his furry chin while staring at the wasteland.

Yes, I know. Khoteizetrough is also lying there. Earth and death. The Gaarh Marsh tribe claims that even if they go back to their swamps, this mound will produce a bounty equivalent to parts of the heart of the swamp.

What will be done, then?

Yvlon looked at Berr, who had agreed to teach her the instant she had presented her case. The first thing he had done was challenge her to that spar, and if he wanted to impress his credentials on herPisces supposed he had done that.

But Berr seemed relaxed. He looked at the death magic, the memorial to the Earth Elemental, and gave the Horns a very Gnoll-like answer.

Why, nothing. Gaarh Marsh will keep some apprentice [Shamans] and some of their tribe here. They shall harvest the hill, help it grow.

But the death magicthe undead might try to tear down the hill. And they will threaten your people here.

Yvlon pointed uncomprehendingly at the tents in the distance. Berr nodded.

They will. So we shall send young [Warriors] here to quell the undead nightly. I think it is already something of a custom. What was the terrible necessity of patrolling this place to find the dead and stop the undead now becomes a way of life. In a hundred years, perhaps the Nightwalk of Xherws Folly will become a rite of passage or a habit of any warrior who comes from here.

Struck, Pisces looked at the old Gnoll and saw Berr staring ahead. The old legend of the Wild Wastes looked forwards in timethen back at Pisces.

It is good to think ahead, you see. I am glad my Chieftain does it. But if we endure, I think we will take this place and make the best out of it we can. Who knows? Maybe Gnolls will run around raising dead bodies for fun like you.

He nudged Pisces again. The [Necromancer] blinked.

[Necromancers]? Are the Gnolls going to train mages, then?

Are we? Are we?

The Gnoll raised his voice, and the warriors around him laughed. He slapped his chest.

I am lazy, and I hate reading books. I would rather have stories told over a fire or them read to mebut are we going to train [Mages]? You are funny, Horns of Hammerad. You speak of the future as if we are not already in motion. Come.

He pointed ahead, and Pisces saw in that growing place, that city, that Meeting of Tribes permanently enshrined here? Perhapsa kingdom in the making? Or just a gathering that would not convene once every twenty years.

The [Mages] of the Gnolls were already here.

This was the place where tradition had met with lies. History and fact and tribes had taken sides. Truth and necessity.

Good and evil reduced it too much. That was how some people might tell the story, but Xherw had believed he was doing the best thing for Gnolls. There were certainly winners and losers, but the tribes had decided on more than just the fate of Doombearers here.

From the war in the Meeting of Tribes came magic. Magicreturned to Gnolls after so long. The new landsand also

The knowledge of Earth. So three things were hereGnollish tradition, Earths knowledge, and magic, and they were creating something new in their place.

Each tribe will send representatives here. I think that is the best way. We will not give up our old grounds to Drakes, for they will never return. But Gaarh Marsh will keep its [Shamans]just as other tribes send their warriors to learn, young to mingle. Plains Eye was too powerful on its own. We must mingle at all times, not every twenty years.

Chieftain Feshi Weatherfur told Gireulashia the conclusion the Chieftains had reached. It was not a consensus among all; many tribes were shattered or had simply left never to return. But the ones who had stayed had decided upon this.

Will we call ourselves a nation?

Gire asked the obvious, and Feshi avoided the answer immediately.

We will need unified laws, at least. Rules for armies passing through this land. But it should be a trading place. Wallsthat sounds too much like Drakes.

They have a point. Walls are nice. They keep most monsters out.

And have sewers? Gnolls whose entire job is to clean such things? [Landlords] who are paid just to own and upkeep land? I think that goes too far, Chieftain Gireulashia. A permanent gathering appeals to me more. Far more.

Chieftain Perale of the Wild Wastes was one of the greatest [Chieftains] present along with Feshi. He wrinkled his nose at the thought of becoming City Gnolls, and Feshi agreed hesitantly.

Perhaps more Gnolls will make citiesbut here we should keep to the old ways. We have pushed forward many steps, Girebut too far and we will lose the tribes that change slower. Theikha has said this, and I agree. Azmuzarre will never accept a city, and we do need their help.

Azmuzarre?

Gire snarled reflexively. She looked aroundthen realized she had seen some of the famous tribes warriors in the distance. Feshi raised her paw.

I know they took Xherws side. They are in disgrace and have lost much, Gire. I was the one who offered to let them stand sentry along the Great Plains. We cannot push out the other tribes. We are too hurt.

Even Plains Eye?

The [Paragon] was angry, but Feshis rebuttal was swift.

Plains Eye did not know what Xherw did. They have all been marked as Doombearers. That is painful enough for what they believe. And Chieftain Merishwould you wish him poorly? He has had to quell constant fighting, and he is taking his tribe to the new lands; they will never co-exist here. It is a difficult journey that he has already begun. Will you say he deserves worse?

Gire hesitated. Merish had helped save Mrsha, even if he had been a Doomslayer before that. She kicked the ground.

That wouldnt be what Id say, no. Fine. Fine. Wheres the magic?

She changed the subject, and Feshi pointed ahead. Gire looked and sawthe first part of this new gathering. In the center of a wide plaza in the midst of all the tentsand, it seemed, trees being grown by Gaarh Marshwas a gathering of excited Gnolls.

They were surrounding, arguing over, studying, and occasionally turning the pages of something in the open for all to see. In factit was attracting a certain [Necromancer] and a half-Elf, who practically sprinted over to seeNewW novels updates at novelhall.com

The spellbook of the Silverfangs.

It was right there. Gire couldnt believe it. She dashed over herself, leaving a trail of wind behind her. And the first thing she heard was

Waaaaaaaaaaaaard of Preservation! Ward of Preservation!

A Gnoll was shouting as he waved a wand over a hand-carved wooden box with a lid. Some Gnolls were clapping their paws to their ears.

Shouting it doesnt make it work, fur-brain! You drew the ward wrong.

Did not. I have copied it perfectly!

The Gnoll shot back. Another Gnoll was painstakingly drawing the rune straight off the spellbook as Gire, Pisces, and Ceria all stared. The young Gnollbarely fourteencompared it to the one the adult Gnoll with the wand was drawing.

Yes, see? You have a crossed line here

Oh. Damn. Let me try again. Ward of Preservation

Gires tail began to wag as Pisces peered at the pages of the spellbook. On one huge, glossy page filled with magical writings was the spell the Gnoll was presumably trying to cast. On another

[Ward of Purity] and [Ward of Preservation]? What? This spellbook has wards? No way!

Ceria exclaimed as she read the magical instructions. Pisces stared at the box the Gnoll was trying to enchant, then turned.

Are you trying to cast this spell, sir?

The sweating Gnoll raised his wand and swished it back and forth as if to make the spell work.

Humans? WaitI know you! And yes I am! I think Ive nearly gotten the hang of it.

It took all of Pisces power not to smirkGire noticed his muscles straining with the effort. He turned it into a cough.

Im sorry, Sir Gnoll, but I have to inform you[Ward of Preservation] is an exceptionally difficult spell for anyone outside of an [Enchanter] class to justcast. Let alone learn! As you can see, its a triple-layer spell circle.

He pointed at the wards insignia, which were, in fact, laid out on the page in three different spotswith an arrow connecting them. In shortit was how you wrote the ward down.

First one magical circle that you connected to a more complicated rune on top. Then anotherthen another. It was how you drew magicof course, more complex variations existed which required more than two-dimensional space.

Gire, from her studies, understood that some [Mages] had to take advantage of multiple layers to create a working conduit. Get one thing wrong and at best the spell didnt go off. At worst, something unpredictable happened. Ceria frowned.

I cant believe this book has [Ward of Preservation]. I thought it only went up to Tier 3 magic!

The Gnoll gave her and Pisces a blank look as the [Necromancer] tried to save his time.

This is Tier 3. The book says you can go up in power, but the base spell is Tier 3. And I think Ive got it. I just had the rune wrong. Waaaaaaaaaaaaard oooooooooof

Some of the Gnolls were rolling their eyes, but the bemused Pisces looked offended. Not that he thought Gnolls were incapable, but Tier 3 magic was something a Level 20 [Mage] would struggle to learn.

Sir, I could help you with a lesser ward. But in my experience, you work up to it. One does not simply cast [Fireball].

The Gnoll obligingly stopped again for Pisces. He had a big top-hatno relation to the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetingsand a [Trader]s coat with big, purple pockets and faux-gold trim.

I know that. If I was learning the spell, Id be more cautious. But Im not.

ErI dont follow.

Gires eyes lit up as she, true to her nature, figured out what he was doing in advance. The Gnoll flicked his wand, and she thought she sensed his weak mana poolproduce a spark more mana, and it flowed into the inactive ward.

Im just copying it outright. Far simpler. Duh. I wont know how to cast it, but[Ward of Preservation]! Hey, I got it!

The ward flared into power, and Pisces nearly leapt into Yvlons arms in terror, thinking the ward had backfired. But it hadnt. The magical activation made Gires own burgeoning [Mage] senses tingle. Then it justglowed with innate power, sucking in magic around it.

Aha! I did it! Iooh. I feel woozy. Maybe it was too high-level after

The Gnoll looked around, put a paw to his head, then toppled over. Ksmvr helped catch him with another Gnoll, and they laid him down gently.

Hehehe

Pisces gobbled with his eyes wide. All the Gnolls clustered around, oohing as the little box was inspected.

Lovely work. He was shouting the spell all day, but he chose a nice box.

Careful, you idiots! Dont disturb the rune or Vormll throw a tantrum! Rightly so! Hell want to put some varnish or protection over that right away or itll rub off.

The Gnoll, Vorm, was coming around. Vorm, or Vormhir as he was known, sprang to his feet, lifted the box up, and crowed.

Here it is! Here it is! Ididnt realize how much mana it took. I poured three days of it into this damn ward. I suppose my emporium wont spring up overnightyet! But if I get eight Gnolls producing it

How did you do that, sir?

Yvlon was fascinated. Pisces and Ceria were terribly offended for some reason, but Vorm was only too happy to explain.

I copied the spell, of course. Straight from the book. Its so easy even I can do it. Me, a Level 7 [Copycat Spellcaster]! Well, it wont be Level 7 tonight. Heh. Heheheheheh.

For answer, Perorn sipped from her bowl.

There is a saying among Forgotten Wing when it comes to responsibilities of rank. We have fine discipline, but Niers has always had a policy in our books on warfare that allows a subordinate to overrule a commander even in battle. Its highly rareI can count on one hand the number of times its happened. We investigate and form a tribunal if anyone survives, but its not an immediate death sentence like Drake or Dullahan military law would have it.

I like that. Gnolls would let it happen. Merish opposing Xherw is a rare example of that too. However difficult.

Feshi murmured. Perorn nodded.

That was how the Forgotten Wing company formed. Bad orders that got everyone killedexcept for one detachment under Niers. He refused to lead them into a slaughter and took them into the dungeonwell, you know that story. Our doctrine is the same. If you are qualified and know ityou must step up. I think youre the only person who can fill Torishis place.

Yes.

The Gnoll was warm from the liquor, the fire, and from something else. On this cold nightshe looked at Perorn.

Do you have high hopes for me, Professor Perorn? The Titan told me he doesand I want to believe him. But I cant help but notice

She too had realized there was some repetition to how Niers spoke. That, perhaps, he said this of all students. Perorn looked guilty. She stretched out her lame hind leg, sighing.

Thats the problem with teaching brilliant students. I think he sincerely hopes the Gnolls will regain their footing, and I am certainly on your side, Feshi. The Drakes would have to pay me a lot for me to even consider attacking the tribes. But I am a [Mercenary].

She was honest, at least. Feshis smile was painedbut it deepened. She sat there.

I hope in time I will prove I was worthy of what the Professor said. I just fearwe study high-level rulers, Perorn. Like the King of Destruction and how his ambitions made him so famous. I thought, when we heard of how ego both helped and brought down such great empiresI thought I would be a logical leader if I had to be. Now? I fear Im mad like them all. Is that a good sign or bad?

How so?

Perorn stopped with one arm lifting her cup of clear liquor up to her lips. She turnedand the ordinary Feshi, fur painted with colors, but not engulfed in a ray of light or moonlight like Torishi, sat there. She was no heroinenot yet.

Her class had not yet defined her to the naked eye. Yet she had one quality that might place her with Torishi or even ahead of her. One thing

If Niers could have seen Feshi now, he wouldnt laugh. He would have looked at herlike a rival, perhaps, or as someone on his path to madness. The wind blew Perorns greying hair as Feshi pointed down.

I do not know whether I will save Weatherfur or lead it to ruin. But already, PerornI suspect the Titan sent you here as a kind of gift to the tribes. The bow I thank him for, but he might offer a bit more, wouldnt he?

He wants boats and allies a continent away. So yes, if theres something he can give you within reason, he might consider it for a pact.

She was sharp. Perorn saw Feshi staring down. Downthen the Gnolls eyes rose. And there it was.

A bit of madness.

Then tell himI would like experts. Not warriors. But artifacts. Tools. We have some knowledge, but I have called upon the Antinium. In time, I will want his company, himself, because he is an expert. Adventurers. But I want[Diggers]. I am going down, Chieftain Perorn. My tribe will settle this land, but Weatherfur will remain here. Right here, where Torishi fell. I saw it. She fell perhaps miles, perhaps mere hundreds of feet. But I will find where the Stitch Witch sent her. The Kingdom of Gnolls.

The hair rose on Perorns flanks.

That place is surely a great treasure trove. And the most dangerous place I could imagine digging up. A Named-rank dungeon.

Feshi just nodded.

I will find Torishis remains. It will be my end, Perorn, or the salvation of my tribe. Is that mad enough to impress the Titan and Commander Foliana?

Slowly, the Centaur raised her bowl. She touched it to Feshis and smiled sadly and distantly. The Gnoll was younger than her by farbut as she sat, her eyes tracing downward, as if trying to see through the seam of the earthPerorn thought of a Squirrel Woman and the Titan whom she had seen so many times. Then at Feshis expression.

I think it is.

And she felt remorse. For all the people she loved and respected?

They were all a little insane. Feshi smiled absently, and she stared down.

Dig. Dig into her homeland. Into the heart of what was lost. No matter what she unearthed.

[Conditions Met: Strategist Chieftain Strategist Chieftain of Reclamation class!]

[Strategist Chieftain of Reclamation Level 33!]

[Skill Tribe: Shovels of Archeology obtained!]

[Skill Epochal Earthworks Rise obtained!]

[Vow I Will Find Her Bones, Or Perish Searching sworn.]

[Skill Eyes: Guiding Light obtained!]

Chieftain Torishi fell under land, by the Stitch Witchs eye. She found the Kingdom of Gnolls. There she waited. To show her people what they had forgotten.

In the halls of their past. Before she diedChieftain Feshi would find Torishis bones and bring that entire lost chapter of her peoples history under the suns light.

That was the new Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe.

Yvlon Byres found the old Gnoll, Berr the Berserker, sitting by a fire outside the main Gathering of Tribes. He had no fear of monsters, and he had lit the fire to keep warm. He was tossing bits of something into the flames, and Yvlons nose wrinkled as she approached.

She had not realized this, but the Great Plains, being so grassy and tree-less, meant that Gnolls needed alternatives to wood. Some would harvest the long grass and burn it liberallybut another method that the Wild Wastes tribe used was traditional, if disgusting to the northern Human.

He was burning cow pats. Once dried, the poo was actually a very good fuel source. It stank, though the Gnoll seemed not to care. He looked up as Yvlon approached.

Ah, good. Are you willing to pay me? Ill charge youhma thousand gold per day.

A thousand gold per day?

He bared his teeth.

I know youre rich. Gold-rank adventurers are. Its cheap to you.

It probably was, but it offended Yvlon. She sat down, cross-legged, and took a breath. That was a mistake; the smelly fumes made her cough.

Ten days would put me up to the cost of an artifact!

Hrm. Cheap, to master your own powers. Ill even teach you one of my Skills.

That made Yvlons head snap up.

You can teach Skills?

Berr flicked some grass into the flames.

Yep. What kind of a famous [Berserker] would I be, to have pupils coming from Terandria and all over, if I was not good?

Yvlon had seen the huge Human [Barbarian] that Berr had taken on as a student. He was drinking and dancing with Gnolls in good spirits at the fire. Berr nodded at him.

He will be done soon, I think. Hes mastered one Skill.

What Skills do you have? That you can teach, I mean.

Berr counted on his paws.

Lets see. I taught him [Divert Rage]. The best way to do it, I think. He will never be whole again, though. He slaughtered his family and friends in his fury. War will call him, and maybe, I think, he will meet his end there. I hope he will balance it. I cannot fix your life, Adventurer Yvlon. Only teach you how to manage this.

He looked up at her. The Human shifted uncomfortably.

II know I have to work on my emotions, Honored Berr. But I maintain that I am not a mindlessI have a Skill.

Yes. [Berserkers Rage]. Its bloody, isnt it? The Skill?

The Gnolls eyes seemed to glow by firelight. Yvlon glanced up, and he grinned.

You have a different problem than that grieving man when he came to me. He knows he enters furies. He is a warrior like me who needed control. You? The first thing I must do, it seems, is convince you that you have a temper to begin with.

I know I do. Im just not

Like him? Like me?

Yvlon bit her lip as Berr pointed at the bare-chested man laughing as he danced and then at himself. The Gnoll exhaled.

Let me put it to you another way, Yvlon. When you enter your furywhen you fighthow does it feel?

Like I lose control. I forget pain andattack.

Yvlon flushed just saying it. It was embarrassingBerr shook his head quickly.

No, no. How does it feel? Does it feelfun? Good?

He eyed her, and she recoiled instantly.

No. Of course not. Im ashamed by it, truly. Its a loss of control. No one should have that happen. Ive just hadreasonsjustifiable, I think, when I was angry. I fought an Adult Creler, and my arms were practically falling off. Its a crutch Ive relied on, and Colth pointed it out for me. I attacked my team. Thats why Im here.

Berrs lips moved as he stared up at the night sky. He seemedexasperated. Unlike every [Sword Tutor] or other instructor Yvlon had ever had, he didnt have the professional veneer.

My, my. I hear you saying things like a child. Repeating what you think it is good to say. Are you claiming to me unleashing your anger does not feel good? Is it not right to be angry?

Yvlon was getting annoyed, and knowing he could probably sense it, she clamped down on the emotion hard.

Not at all. But it is a weakness any opponent can exploit. Its a vulnerability. Some anger is justified

But you would never fight angry if you could? Is not every warrior angry in battle? I have seen Golems fightbeaten them. Fury is what makes us different from them.

Not just fury, Honored Berr. Thats soprimitive. Theres also determination, valor, discipline

You dont respect anger, though. Humans sometimes act like that. Yet you are the angriest of your entire team by far. To hear stories of you attacking a Creler with your own arm, beating down thousands of [Guards] in Nerrhavias Fallen

Thats an exaggeration

The Gnoll ignored her.

You did that when angry. If I took that away from you, you would be half the warrior you are. You are strong because you get angry. You just lack control. Or do you disagree?

Yvlon did. She did not like that characterization of her. Especially because elements of Berrs statements were hard to refute.

Rage should not feel good.

Why?

Its a moral failing.

Is it?

The Gnolls blank face looked so unhelpful that Yvlon snapped.

Honored Berr, your approach to wisdom doesnt seem to have much nuance.

At that, Berr began laughing so hard he rolled onto his back. He nearly laughed himself into the fire as he slapped at his sides and held his chest.

Wisdom, she says! What am I, a [Sage]? I am a warrior, Yvlon. A warriorI am not here to tell that [Barbarian] how to live well! I teach you how to fight. Youare a poor fighter because you attacked your team. If you want wisdom, go poke Theikha! Go ask Deskie if shes found it, or anyone but me. Is there wisdom in charging into enemy lines? Is a [Berserker] wise? Did you come here to master your rage or not?

His head rose, and he gave her a semi-annoyed glare. Yvlon hesitated. She had thoughtthis was akin to meeting some kind of [Monk] orsomeone who would teach philosophy along with control of her emotions.

But it was not. He was literally Berr the Berserker. The morality didnt factor inin fact, she had the distinct impression she was annoying him with her quibbling about whether anger was a useful emotion.

ThI apologize if Ive offended you, Honored Berr. Control of my rage will do. I just dont think I have the same problems as some.

He sat back upright and frowned at her.

No. You do not. It is different with youlook yonder at my latest apprentice. Hes about to lose his temper.

He pointed back over at the Human [Barbarian], and Yvlon saw the huge man, seven feet tall himself, taller than the average Gnoll, no longer dancing.

It seemed in the minute shed taken her eyes off him hed found a reason to get angry. Or rather, someone else had.

It wasnt hard to figure out. The social dancing around the bonfires could get intimate. Which was fine, and this traveller and his companions had probably stayed around the Gnoll tribes for months, long enough to develop close bonds with the Gnoll people.

Unfortunately, flirting with a fianc, spouse, or whomever one of the [Barbarian]s dance-partners was had gotten too intimate, and someone was objecting. Another Gnoll roughly the same height as the [Barbarian] had interrupted the dancing and was shoving the man away.

And the [Barbarian] was getting pissed. It was a hair-trigger. Even Yvlon herself, who had a bit of an anger problem, hadnt ever seen someone go from laughing to snarling that fast. Wild Wastes Gnolls were watching, and two womena daughter and wife?were talking to him.

He brandished a fistbut the Gnoll was either stupid, fearless, or made the mistake of assuming just because they were the same height, that was all that mattered. Yvlon saw how much muscle the [Barbarian] had packed on and guessed he might outweigh the Gnoll by sixty pounds of fat and muscle.

Anyways, the brandished fist earned him a shove that sent him stumbling back. The [Barbarian] stared at the Gnoll, who raised a fistand lost his temper.

Hmm. Time to see if hes learned his Skill yet.

Berr was watching. He looked calm, but he had gotten onto one leg, resting on a knee, ready to move. The [Barbarian] threw his head back, howled in furya shriek of rage that had every Gnoll jumping back in alarm. He turned on the Gnolland then as Yvlon watchedbrought his fists down.

Damn you! Damn you withmists-damnedhunting horns call youCreler eggs in your eyes! Coward! Ill

His voice was a stream of insults as the Gnoll and his partner stepped back fast. But the charge of the [Barbarian] and bloodbath didnt come. To Yvlons surprise, he turnedand began to punch the ground.

He kicked at the soil, brought his arms up, and slammed them down, and a shower of dirt sprayed up. The [Barbarian] went kicking and punching, literally tearing up the soft earth. A cloud of dirt sprayed up as people stepped back, and Berr snorted.

There. See? [Divert Rage].

Hes throwing a tantrum on the ground.

It looked like that to Yvlon. Berr just smiled at her appalled expression.

He is an angry man. He angers fastlaughs loud and comes out of it quick. It is a useful trick. That was one of his final tests. See?

He pointed, and Yvlon saw, to her amazement, the Gnoll who had been pushing the [Barbarian] come over and clap him on the shoulder as the panting man knelt there. The [Barbarian] looked upthen leapt to his feet with a wild laugh.

Honored Berr! Honored Berr, you tricked me again! Damn you! I did it, you see?

He turned and shouted loudly. Yvlon glanced at Berr, and the Gnoll laughed.

Wait, was that staged?

Mm. We are not stupid enough to let him go without making sure he knows how to catch himself, yes? You see, you and he both need my help. But he just needed to learn how to turn his anger aside. Youyou get as angry as he does, but you dont let it out as fast.

Berr was analyzing Yvlon, and she folded her arms defensively.

Definitely not. I might lose my cool in battle, but not that fast.

No, you keep it inside. Like a [Knight] in his armor until its so much you pop. Not better, just different. But you have some control. I spoke to your team. They tell me your temper has been getting worse. The straw for you was when you attacked them in a practice session. And a frienda Goblin?

He was referring to the Numbtongue incident. Yvlon turned red.

I was provokedbut I have no excuse. I did attack them all.

Numbtongue worst, but shed hit Pisces and Ceria, and Colth had been spared only because hed managed to take her down before she tagged him. And yet, there was a reason she still claimed she was better than the [Barbarian]. And that was

You did not hit the Antinium, Ksmvr, though.

No. I never would.

Even when raging, Yvlon had not punched Ksmvr. Berr sat there, head cocked to one side. He nodded.

No wonder you do not quite want to be here. You have more of an ego than that [Barbarian].

I just

No, shut up. Hrr. You think you can maintain control without my help or with just little lessons. To first begin teaching youit seems I first must convince you that you need to learn.

Im here, arent I?

She was getting really tired of this back and forth, but Berr just rolled his eyes.

You are here because you feel you should bebut you do not exactly come to me begging, Adventurer Yvlon. You do not want it as badly as you should. I will now convince you.

Please.

Berr stood up. He pointed to Ksmvr, who was running around with a wand in his handsall four of themwith some Gnoll children. Yvlon squinted, and her mouth fell open with delight. Had he picked up a Tier 0 spell already? She wanted to go to him instead of wasting her time here. Right up until Berr whispered to her.

Youll kill him some day. With your own hands.

Yvlon twisted around slowly. The flash in her pale blue eyes was far, far more dangerous than the [Barbarian]s short-held rage.

Never.

Berr walked around Yvlon.

You are angry. But believe me when I say it. I have seen this before. You will not hit Ksmvr if you break out into a fury against me. I believe it. He can calm you down. You love him like a great friend. A lover?

Hes like a brother to me. A little brother. I would never harm him.

Mm. And so let me tell you what will happen if you walk away from me. You will get angry. You will lose yourself in battle, and Pisces and Ceria will either stay with you, or not, or learn to avoid you in the heat of your anger. But Ksmvr will not. He will realize he is perhaps the only person in this world who can calm you, can shield others from your wrath. He will do it again and againand one day, in your blindness, you will kill him. Maybe not with your own hands, maybe by accident, when you mistake him for a foe. Perhaps in your fury you will just leave him to be cut apart by the enemy.

Yvlon felt a chill on her metal arms. She felt sick at the ideaand a creeping, cold fear in the heat of her anger made her truly afraid, because she could see it happening.

I dont want that.

No. So there is your reason. Now, do you want my lessons or not?

Berr faced her across the fire, and Yvlon Byres shook slightly. She clenched her hands, stared down at the silverand then burst out.

Honored Berrwould you listen to something shameful? Would you hear me out? I havetheres a reason this is hard.

She was red-faced, but the old Gnoll just walked around the fire.

Im listening. Whatever you say to me I will never repeat.

Yvlon searched for words.

She was afraid to tell him what lurked inside her chest. Yvlon looked back towards the campfires, but all the Horns were far out of earshot. She hesitatedbut the Gnoll who sat there was the greatest warrior she could hope to confide to. She could have talked to Colth

But something in her said that Berr might understand. There was a connection therebe it in Skills or something else. That he was a stranger helped in some perverse way to lay out her true feelings that she was afraid to tell her friends. Perhaps because he could judge her impartially. Yvlon hung her head, and the words spilled out. A confession.

IIwant your lessons. I want control over my furyand at the same time, I dont want it. I thought I could be this perfect warrior like my brother is. Like my sister! But Im not. I always had a temper, but I never showed it.

She remembered the great desire to punch Ryokas face in, even back when she had been in the Silver Spears. Berr nodded. Yvlon stared at her arms.

But every achievement I have madein Albez, against the Adult CrelerI have been angry. Im afraid that if you teach me control, youll make me weak. Im afraid thatI wont have the strength to put myself in the way of an enemy. Someday, our luck will run out. When it happensI should be the first to go out fighting.

Tolveilouka. She was shaking with the admission, breathing hard.

Im afraid that if you take it away from me, Honored Berr, or temper itI wont be brave enough. Im not, on my own. When I faced Skinner, I ran away. I fear I need it.

The [Berserker] heard her out, the confession Yvlon was too afraid to tell even to Ceria or Pisces or Ksmvr. She stood in silence, the cold wind across the plain blowing as the flames blew into embers. And what Berr said next was this:

It is well I am not teaching you a lifestyle like a [Sage], Yvlon Byres. Because I will not take your anger away. What I will teach you will let you live longer, I think, and save your friends. But take away your rage? No. No, no, no. I am Berr. Do you think I, of all people and classes, would make you weaker?

He tapped her on the chest, and Yvlon saw his smile, reassuring, through yellowed teeth. He was missing a few. She stared at him.

Then what?

The old Gnolls eyes gleamed. It was beginning to snow now, and the cold grasses picked up a few snowflakes falling from a shower over the Gnoll plains. Yvlon shivered; her metal arms made her more susceptible to the cold. But Berrs voice drew her in.

We are warriors. To the death. If you wanted to not be angryI couldnt help you. I would say, seek out the Healer of Tenbault. Use potions. Meditate or something. Our anger is an all-consuming thing. We will use it to killand kill great foes. I am only teaching you how to make it stronger. I think I know what I must teach you, now. Not to divert it, like I do to some. For youyou will learn to do what I do. Which is to stop yourself from lashing outand to store it. I will teach you [Catch Yourself] and [Banked Fury].

Yvlons ears pricked up. Two Skills? She looked at the old [Berserker] and realized he had never actually gotten more than a bit snide or annoyed the entire time shed talked to him. Odd for his class.

Would that work?

He grinned wider.

You want to be stronger, Yvlon Byres? I hear a lot of talk about control. But you are not like that, are you? You hit Level 40 days agoand already you wonder, what will Level 50 be like? Hrm. Yes. I should have led with that. I will make you stronger. Stronger, such that your foes will fear you. Let me teach you the first lesson. No one fears a [Berserker] who is always mad. That is likea dog who always barks, you see?

Yvlon blinked at him. The Gnoll tapped himself on the chest.

There is a saying among Humans, isnt there? Fear the ones who are always kind? That is what you should embrace. Your friends know you to be angry. Your foes, too. So when you rage, does it scare them or do they think ah, now I can use that against her?

He was making sense. Yvlon whispered.

So youre telling me to save it. Is that what you do?

Berr, the kindly old man, looked at her. And his eyes were bright.

Its all within me, Yvlon Byres. I get angry. Very often. But I am a master of itso I store it. Right here.

He tapped his chest.

All my rage. All my hatred. Sadness, too. It will never come out around the young of my tribe or even in sparring. But when I need itit is there. And the foes of the Wild Wastes tribe, of Gnollseven the Walled Cities fear it. That is what control will give you. When you rage, your enemies will flee or shit themselves enough to fuel a thousand campfires. When you use itit will kill any foe.

Yvlons eyes opened. Her reluctanceher nerves about Honored Berr teaching herfor the first time, became desire.

Yes. Yes. Please teach me that. Can you? DoesI cant even tell youre angry, Honored Berr.

He cackled with amusement. Then looked morose.

Ah, I forget I am old. So stories of my youth are faded. Maybe I should show everyone more. I am angry right now, Yvlon. For youI will show you it. If you truly want to see. So you know that you and I are made of the same flesh and heart. But I warn you

His cheerful eyes froze over a bit, as if with the cold.

It will not be pleasant. Even for a second. Do you want to see?

Yvlon did. She dideven as her internal sense of danger began to spike. Somewhere distant, Ceria Springwalker looked up as her [Dangersense] began to ping softly. Berr inhaled and exhaled.

Then stand right there. Ohand use your [Aspect of Iron].

Ialright. [Aspect of Iron].

Yvlons skin turned to metal. She felt heavierand strongbut she was reminded of how Berr had tossed her. And he hadnt even been mad, then. Her heart picked up, and her skin, metal, erupted into goosebumps.

It was just a second. She thought she even saw it. Likea man opening a dam. Or a door. It wasnt like drawing a bucket from a well. It was opening a door that led to a sea waiting to rush in.

You couldnt harvest a tiny bit of it. It was all-consuming. The snow falling on her cold arms, her shiveringstopped. Yvlon Byres looked up a secondand rain fell on her face. Wetbut warm, no longer snow. It drizzled over the Gnolls around the fire, and they yelped. The [Barbarian] looked up and twisted around.

Honored Berr stood there for just a second, and the smiling Gnoll reminded Yvlon Byres as her head snapped down. Reminded her of something that was still in him, even months later. That he would never let go of.

My son is dead.

Yvlon Byres saw the old Gnolls face begin totwist. His arms shookand the grey fur still bearing hints of blonde rippled as he snarled. A look of rage over his facean anger so fierce it made her heart jolt.

A fathers grief. A warriors rage upon seeing his people slaughtered. All his fury at Xherw. Everythingexploded out of Berr, and the falling snow turned to rain. Then steam.

His lip curled. Tendons stood out on his neck as his yellowed teeth came together. His snarl grew widewideshe thought it would tear the skin of his face. His eyes bulged and

His face kept changing. Yvlon backed up, the woman made of metal staring. She had never seen

Someone snarl so much his face distorted. His writhing muscles bulged as if flexingbut they kept growing. As if the contortions of rage were literally pulling his body, making it grow.

His face. That look of grief and rage cracked with the sound of his jaws opening, and he was taller now. He had been shorter than Yvlonnow he was an inch taller than she was. Still growing. Risingas if the smaller Berr could not hold back whoever stretched out of him, clawing at the sky. Then she realized who this was. A name for a different Gnollthe terror of Drakes and his foes. This silent scream that tore the airthis face, twisted with fury such that she could not recognize the merry Gnoll in it

This was Berr the Berserker.

Her bones were shaking. He had not howled yet, but the growl of fury vibrated her bones and organs and ears. That furyYvlon had no [Dangersense], but she knew she was in danger.

That fury had to have an outlet. She was braced for the charge. His paws would tear her metal arms off her body. Slaughter his foes in armor with his bare claws.

Hewas going to kill everything. Gnolls, adventurersColth was on his feet and shouting, and the other Horns and Gnolls were staring.

It couldnt happen. Yvlon was terrified. She felt part of Berrs rage baking her metallic fleshhow could he halt it? How were you supposed to control that fury?

Two eyes red with blood, like a Minotaurs, fixed on Yvlon, and she waited for violence. Berr stood there, and in the heartbeats between furys outlet and carnageas that growl rolled over the Great Plains and echoed under the winter sky, he turned his head.

Thenthe [Berserker] stared out across the tribes of his people and focused on something. Yvlon lunged to catch himbut the Gnoll did not move. He just looked out with the rage of a lifetime and the desire for nothing but destruction.

His eyes lit upon a Gnoll cub staring at him, one of the Wild Wastes Gnolls. One of thousands, gazing at Honored Berr in his fury.

Sinew to crush mithril moved as Yvlon grabbed his armfeeling fragile and waitingbut then she looked up and saw it.

How did you hold that much fury inside you? How did you not let it vent out like it did in her rage that had killed an Adult Creler? The answer was

Ksmvr stood in the Meeting of Tribes. And as Berr had saideven if she had the rage of Berr in hershe could not hurt him.

Would not. Berr did not look at Ksmvr. He looked at the young of his tribe, his Chieftain Perale, and his other sons, who watched him with trust. Honored Berr.

Yvlon saw the mountain of fury not vanish but compress. He grabbed it, that Gnoll, and pulled it in him. Into a box. Folding it into his frame as he shrunk and as that snarl slowly undid itself. Shrinkingwith the willpower to hold it. The determination not to let them down.

And one more thing.

Berr shrank and relaxeduntil he was light as a feather, and Yvlon realized she was holding him in a bear hugand he was smiling and patting her head with a gentle paw. Then she saw him fully.

A great warrior, sitting. Sitting in the laughing Gnoll rubbing her head and asking her to let him go. Waiting. Waiting and waitingfor the moment he could let himself out.

Let himself existand that existence was pure destruction. On a battlefield, with no one but foes around him.

It will be hard to learn. But they will fear you. There is no limit to this, Yvlon Byres. No foe I fear. Do you have the rage to bring Dragons out of the skies and crack the High Passes?

He looked at herand Yvlon Byres stared at Berr. She took one shuddering breath as the snow began to fall and felt just a hint of that being within Berr before she let go. Then she touched her own chest and said

Yes.

An aura could split clouds in the sky. Torreb showed Orjin that as they sat outside on the second day. He grimaced, then showed Orjin another scar.

He had legions. His body could have been re-sewn, but Torreb trusted so fewand he claimed that his cloth body was stronger than any material he could want.

My Skills change my cloth. It would take years to make this body as strong againand I do not have the time. You see these marks on my shoulder? They ache. They do, now and then.

They werebite marks. A circular scar. Torrebs grin was toothy as well.

A Gnoll gave me that when I fought in Izril. It hurts sometimes, and I thinkBerr is raging. I have fought so many legends. He gave me that when I killed his Chieftain. Another legend. Now dead. The ones that survive are not the ones who are most famous. Collos defeated mebut I outlived him. Which is greater?

Orjin shook his head.

Fame does not matter to me.

It matters to me.

Torreb snarled. He touched the great club at his side and looked at Orjin.

Do you know why I sit with this here? Do you know why, Strongest? Not just for you. I earned my name Torreb the Undefeated after I passed Level 60. Collos was deadthen I named myself that, and I never lost again. I swore I would make the name Torreb echo in Chandrar. It is why I was gladthat the King of Destruction waited so long to come back.

They had been drinking late into the night. Or rather, the Fury of Skies had; Orjin was not much for the thick liquor the Lantern Lands produced, which they called Soul Oil after the look and the way it seeped into your body over minutes after imbibing it. Torreb had continued into the day, and he was either maudlin, still drunk, hungover, or all three.

Iwas afraid of him. Afraid theyd call me to do battle against him and his Seven. MarsI met her as a [Gladiator], not as the champion she is. I could kill her. She could kill me. I am afraid of that struggle. I am glad I am an old man, scarred and wounded. So old that they only dare hint to me I might return but let me retire.

His pride was there, but there was a crack in it. Fear. Orjin had seen it sometimes, in warriors of Pomle. He poured out his heart to Orjin, as if the former Strongest were the only person who might get it.

Perhaps that was true. Torreb still had the thick, viscous, dark purple liquid in a cup. He drank from it.

I will not reach Level 70 before I die.

It is only one level. You may live for a while yet, Torreb

I. Will not. Reach it. Do not tell me how levelling works, Strongest. Do you know what the requirement to reach every capstone is?

Orjin bit his lip. Torreb dispensed this wisdom along with reminiscing without care. He looked up, his eyes unfocused, and exhaled a plume of fumes that Orjin swore he could almost see.

Achievement. Perspective. Do you see? It gets harder the higher you gobut the secret I realized is that it requires a change in yourself. At earlier levels, it is small. Learning a new form of blades. Overcoming a great foe. But to reach Level 50where you now areyou will need to reinvent part of yourself.

How so?

Torreb shrugged.

A great loss. A change in your body. Realizing what your martial art is. But you will change, Strongest. The Skills will shape your entire being. Vandumhas taken Colloss mantle. His body will break magicbut that journal you found. Let me see it again.

Orjin proffered the copy Salii had made for him. She had copied even the age of the pages, and Torreb handled it reverentially.

He was Level 59. Before me. You see? I was Level 58when he beat me, the last defeat I ever took. But I found my way forwards. Collos was stuck. He could not understand where to continue. So he never levelled. When I reached Level 60, my entire world shifted. I stood upon the body of a Jaw of Zeikhal and screamed that I would die if I was ever defeated again. I vowed it upon my lifeand so I am terrified and was granted the power to change. How will you change, Strongest?

He looked up, and Orjin did not know.

This is why I have come here, Torreb. But could you not change again to reach Level 70? It might give you another decade.

The old man was silent. Then he shudderedand that look of terror passed over his face.

No. No. You see? Ive failed. I am too afraid to try. I do not want to throw myself against the King of Destruction or risk facing Mars. I am incapable of that change. I could slay a million lesser foes and never level once. You, thougha great achievement could make you Level 50. Defeating the greatest warrior in Chandrar, for instance. I am old. That is why I sit here, retired, in safety. Im old and weaker. You are the Strongest. Despite the difference in levelsif you grabbed me and I had not this weapon in hand, there is a chance.

He glanced at Orjin as the bladed club lay next to him. The [Superior Martial Artist] made no move. He had no intention. Torreb grinnedthen he leaned over, and the air turned hostile. The fish fledthen turned belly up and rose to the surface as they fainted. The lanterns shining overhead twisted as their light seemed to avoid him.

Do you want to try?

He was ready to kill Orjin in that moment. Terror, a killing intent so great it was making pedestrians in the city below pass out or run, screaming, and the weight of his aura like a half-Giant, pressing Orjin down, all struck the former Strongest. Orjin said nothing, did not move, as sweat beaded on his back.

Father! Enough!

Itkisa shouted, and Torrebs fury abated in a moment. He sat back, and tears sprang to his eyes.

If you find your answer, Orjin, Strongest of Pomle, do not come back. Not at Level 50. Dont touch my legacy.

I do not want to touch it, Torreb.

The man furiously drank from his bowl again as his daughter strode over. The fish wokeand dove in a panic as Itkisa looked at the pond. Some kept floating, belly-up, dead of fright. But Torreb just nodded, emotional now.

Thats why I like you, Strongest. You and Collos both never cared for thatwhat is a [Martial Artist]?

And they were back to square one. But Itkisa interrupted the two.

Father. Why dont you rest a bit? You have disrupted the entire city, and youre drunk.

I only drank

A barrel, Father. A barrel of Soul Oil.

There was a time when I could have drunk three and pissed it. I wandered Chandrars Great Desert for a week and a half with not a drop to drink. Yet the ground quaked like my heart when the Jaw of Zeikhal roseand I beheld a foe I could not defeat. So there I forged Torreb, like heroes of old had. Every day since then has been less glorious than that moment.

The old man muttered. He drooped, but never fell asleepnot with Orjin nearby. And the warrior of Pomle looked at Torreb and had one conclusion.

The greatest [Martial Artist], Torrebis not one such as you. We have made a mistake. I have. I am not searching for a person. I am searching for a path. It is not I who am flawed; my martial art has no purpose other than strength. If we follow it, I, Vandum, we will all stop where you are. I must find what Collos was missing. I see it now.

Torrebs head roseand he stared blearily at Orjin. Then his eyes brightened.

Yes. Yes. I want to see it. Find it, Strongest. Itkisa. I will rest now.

She helped him up, sighing. Then she turned to Orjin as Torreb walked unsteadily towards his quarters to rest.

My father has always had a poor temper, Orjin. I hope youll forgive him. Its a mark of respect, in his way. Your friend, the Fury, has finally roused himself from his own slumber. He claims he is dying. Perhaps you could fill a few hours until evening? Torreb should be up by then and in a better mood.

I understand.

He ducked his head in thanks, and she followed her father. Yes, he had more to learn here and the war called to him. Salii told him all was well, but he felt restless.

Still, he was not entirely wasting his time. Or so Orjin believed. Itkisa interested him and the Fury of Skies was another element along with Orjins quest.

Besideshe thought it would be worth staying for one more reason. He had seen more than one legend of Chandrar. Orjin had lived in Pomle all his life. He had seen new stars like Nsiia, knew some like Xil, and now Vandum, and Salthorn by name. He had known Collos.

If he was rightTorreb did not have much longer to live.

The Great Plains sang that night. Gnolls singing Nailrens new verseand celebrating. It was not an entirely joyous event free of worry or pain.

They had lost so much. What they had gained, the tome, the knowledge of Earthit could not mend those wounds. But it was a road forwards, and these people were great travellers.

Onwards.

There was something that Ceria admired in that. They were adventurers in spirit, these Gnolls of plains, who had travelled around the world. Perhaps, though, this was the knell of their species. Perhaps this age would be their last.

But they were going to go into it pushing for something new. Searching, digging down, travelling. Learning.

She had now visited one of the Walled Cities. Ceria had not had the time to view all of Chandrars great empires, but she had seen the strength of their history that was longer than Terandria.

Ceria had grown up in the Kingdom of Erribathe. She knew the foundation of Terandrias traditions and customs and kingdoms. Balerosnot yet. Someday, she vowed, Baleros. And Rhir too.

The House of Minos where Calruz came from, the Empire of Drathshe wanted to see it all. A half-Elfs life felt short for all of it, but she had seen Wistram and glimpsed the door that locked the true mysteries above.

In all her long travels, it seemed to Ceria that what defined something about the Gnolls was that air ofpossibility. They had customs. They had traditions. But especially now, if the world changed such that stone became cheese, it might bring down a Walled City like Pallass. If Earth collided with this world in a literal sense, the Drakes might cling to their cities until they were brought low.

But the Gnolls would probably step off their worlds firmament and march onto Earths soil and go exploring. Not all of them, maybe, but they were reaching out. So the last proof of that was in her hands.

Dead gods. Dead gods. Dead gods. Dead

Yvlon. Youre drawing attention. Please stop.

The [Armsmistress] had punched out a [Gladiator Champion] in the arenas of Nerrhavias Fallen with her bare fists. Right now, she was quaking in her sneakers. Her hand shook so badly she could barely take a bite of tiramisu.

Ceriasipped from the latte and licked at the whipped cream on top. She felt at her ears again and encountered rounded skin, not the points she was used to. Then she glanced at her hands, or rather, the one that used to be bone.

Somewhat to her annoyance, it was a prosthetic one, not a fun skin-and-flesh one, but she rather liked that Yvlon had gotten lucky.

The simulation had apparently decided that instead of fake arms, Yvlon instead had a very fetching silver coat on with long sleeves and some trademarked logo on the back in the shape of House Byres crest.

They were rolled back right now, revealing her flesh-and-blood arms, which had tattoos in silver, and silver fingernails. Her pants were plain black and businesslike. She also wore sneakers, but that was because she hadnt known how to dress herself leaving her apartment.

Pisces Jealnet looked like he normally did, with those square glasses, half-moon and so pretentious that Ceria couldnt stop laughing about it. He had some too-white designer clothes that made him look like this worlds version of a fashionista, expensive.

The glasses werent even prescription.

Ceria had been wearing high-heelsand just like the [Prankster] and chaotic half-Elf, she had torn jeans and a t-shirt with some bands logo on it. She also had a beanie. The heeled shoes were hard to work in, but Ceria had pulled up a chair and was putting her feet up with the heeled shoes dangling off themwhich was getting her a look from the servers.

Ksmvr? He looked like some kind of student, with a blue jacket over a cardigan sweater, and he had on a tie. He beamed with all his teeth like a Drake or Gnoll and he had frizzy hair he would occasionally wrinkle then sniff at his hands.

He kept feeling at his nose, too.

Comrade Pisces, Comrade Pisces. My sniffer-thing is leaking. This is disgusting.

Ceria rolled her eyes with great fondness.

Ksmvr, its a nose. Youve seen noses the entire time you were with us.

I have never had one. I hate it. It is gross and full of things.

Please dont show us.

Dead gods.

Yvlon kept going, but she did manage to eat the tiramisu. Her hoodies sleeves were rolled back, and the barista who stopped with a second order of drinks looked down.

Oh, wow. That is an amazing tattoo.

Yvlon jumped and almost went to cover her arms, but the silver tattoos ran all the way up and down her arms, ending on her shoulders. They looked suspiciously like the strange forms her arms had taken during her fever dream.

Umthank you!

Whered you get it? I have one myself

The smiling barista tried to chat up the nervous Yvlon, but to Cerias amazement, the man seemed to sense how wildly nervous Yvlon was and backed off after a moment.

Theyre almost like real people.

She muttered to Pisces, and he looked up from reading a newspaper. He pushed his spectacles up and sniffed.

That would be theentire point of this Skill, Ceria. And I might addwe have our powers, even if we look objectionably Human in Ksmvrs case.

The Antinium blinkedand then nodded. He pointed up at one of the too-tall buildings.

I believe I could climb all the way to the top with judicial hops. Should I attempt this, Captain Ceria?

Nope. The Gnolls will throw a fit if we interrupt their researchapparently you can destabilize the simulation if you fight enough. Berr apparently got the entire thing shut down for a day. Lets enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride. Alright, whos got the most money?

Obligingly, the Horns emptied their pockets. Ceria was disappointeduntil Pisces brandished something.

Youre so behind these times, Ceria. Credit card. Im told its the key to everything here.

Oho. Then I think I have a plan. As your fearless leaderthe first thing is one of those movies Kevin cant shut up about. Then I am going to find the most entertaining thing on the list that Deskie gave me. Umpaintball? Warriors like that, Yvlon.

I would rather sit here for a second. My stomachs upset.

Yvlon shuddered, but Ceria nudged her.

Yvlon, youre in another world. How often will you get this chance? Come on, look around!

She pointed around the city at all the Humans and beamed so hugely the Horns all smiled at it. Ksmvr raised a hand.

In that case, I would like to fly in a plane. I shall now line up and purchase a ticket whereupon I believe I must wait for at least three hours. And apparently, you may be inappropriately touched or shouted at if you bring any edged weapons with you.

Ceria hesitated.

Is that fun, Ksmvr? It sounds boring.

I am having a Human experience, Captain Ceria. If I get boredhmm. Maybe I will do this alone. Comrade Pisces, I have a plea for our time after this movie.

I could indulge you, Comrade Ksmvr.

Pisces was delightedly tapping at an iPhone. He wasCeria saw a very explicit image, and Pisces slapped the phone as a decidedly inappropriate video began playing.

Pisces, you rogue! Stop that!

The Humans were staring in great disapproval, and a barista came over to tell Pisces that was definitely not allowed. Red-faced, he apologized then hissed at Ceria.

I didnt mean for that! I was looking up anatomy! I was told they had excellent documentation and gotI just typed in intimate anatomy and then I was here and

Whats the app-thingy Im supposed to open? Which one did you use? So I can make the same mistake.

Ceria ignored Yvlons glower as she innocently prodded at her phone. Ksmvr was tapping Pisces on the shoulder.

Comrade Pisces, Comrade Pisces. After we are done with the movie, may we please go together?

Yvlon raised one hand, peering at her fingernailsalso painted silver.

Ill do it, Ksmvr. These two are going to be arrested by the Watch. What would you like to do?

He happily took her hand and seemed amazed at the feeling of his fingers touching hers. Ksmvr wrinkled his nose.

I would like to drive a car, please. I believe I have the requisite documentation.

A car?

Yvlon eyed the speeding things nervously, but then she shrugged.

We cant die. Why not?

Now youre getting into the swing of things. And heytheres something about a convention. With swords and everything. Some fantasy story. You should go there and see if anyones got a sword.

Ceria saw Yvlon brighten up at the familiar concept. Ksmvr clapped his hands happily.

Then we shall go to a movie! Then I shall drive us to this convention, whereupon Yvlon can see how dueling is practiced.

I, uh, may spend some time on this internet.

Me too.

Ceria and Pisces stared at the phone. Yvlon and Ksmvr gave them a look, and only one of the two had the decency to blush. Ceria rubbed her handsthen spread them and laughed. Moments before they were ejected from the outdoor cafshe laughed and looked around this new world.

She had somewhere else she wanted to visit. The Horns of Hammerad got up.

They went to see a movie. Somewhere in the middle, Ceria got ejected for laughing too loudly whereupon she was found later being kicked out from a library. Pisces found a coroners of all things, and they tried to arrest him for inspecting dead bodies.

But it was hard to arrest a man who could quite literally vanish and [Flash Step]. By the time Pisces caught up to Ksmvr, he found a very sad Ceria being ferried around the city. She was sad mostly because Ksmvr had learned how to drive and spent an hour teaching himself, and he refused to crash a car into anything. She brightened up when she got to the convention center, though.

The Horns of Hammerad had no idea where Yvlon was for three hoursmostly because they had no ability to locate her since they had forgotten to register each other as contacts via phone or any other service. They only found out where she was when they saw a bunch of posts online following a certain young woman.

Yvlon Byres, holding an American football like she had no idea what to do with it, body-checking someone into the ground was all over the web, in video clips. After all, she might look frailer, but her arms and body were still tough as metal, and she was stronger than any Human thanks to her Skills.

It wasnt even entirely her fault; some idiot had let her onto a football field. When she emerged, trying to dodge cameras and questions, Pisces, Ksmvr, and Ceria were waiting with ice cream cones stacked so tall she spotted them even in the crowd. Each one had ten flavors.

There was more to this simulation of another world, of course. Practical things, like Gnolls taking apart pianos in music schools and getting in trouble or ones busy searching up anything they could think of on the world wide web. But they let the Horns have their moment. After all

If only they could be here in reality. SomedayCeria shaded her eyes, pointed up, and shouted at the Horns as they ran past some very angry men who wanted a word with Yvlon the impossibly strong. Local law enforcement or this worlds version of the Eyes of Pallass.

That thing! I want one! Horns of Hammeradlast one to the airplane doesnt get to fly it!

Authors Note: Despite the week off, I spent most of it writing. Volume 1 is nearing completion. There are still more edits to be made, including line-edits if I ever want to organize this to go to print.

Polishing something like the Volume 1 up to that standard is pretty hard, but I made good progress. I even wrote ahead a bitbut I will save that chapter for a good while later. Mostly, though, I am looking forwards to a break-break. This is the last chapter before I can take time off and those are always hard.

Taking reasonable time off helps with an ongoing project more than working every day. It feels counterintuitive, but it is the lesson I have learned from writing this story so long. So apologies if this month feels lighter on chapters you are reading but it beats working in secret during my break.

What else? Well, I played that new game that everyones talking about. Hogwarts Legacy! The conversation about boycotting the game makes me glad Im not on social platforms. But its a shame that the debate is around playing the game to begin with. Because I think that kills the conversation about how terrible the game is to play.

If you like nostalgia, its fun. But I think its not actually a good game on its own merits. It could just be that the relationship with the author and other factors make this a biased experience, though. Another reason for writer anonymity! Anyways, that is all from me. I will see you in a week and will wait for Silksong. Were all just waiting for Silksong. Thanks for reading.

Stitchworks Catalogue by Enuryn the /enurynTwitter: /Enuryn_Nat

Ceria by AnnaP!

I drew a fanart with Ceria Springwalker from @WanderingInn by @pirateaba , which I'm reading non-stop right now. It's not my favorite character in the book, but there's so little art with her It's not fair. /06yKOwlpfZ

Anna P. (@GR8AP) February 5, 2023

Duel and Animated Shaestrel by Lanrae!

Orjin vs the Siren by Brack!

DeviantArt:https://www.deviantart.com/shurkin/gallery/

Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/brack

Twitter:https://twitter.com/Brack_Giraffe

Rotation by LeChatDemon!

DeviantArt:https://www.deviantart.com/demoniccriminalKo-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/lechatdemonStash with all the TWI related art:https://sta.sh/222s6jxhlt0