Azarinth Healer

Chapter 567: Decisions

Chapter 567: Decisions

Chapter 567 Decisions

Milena checked her leather armor, making sure everything was in order.

You checked three times already, its fine, Seth said with a frown on his face.

The two of them were waiting in one of the many training halls down in the Sentinel headquarters.

She gulped, thinking about the upcoming evaluation. It wasnt the normal one they usually had. Why is he here too? Did we do something wrong?

Both of them turned to the steel gates that opened up.

Trian walked inside followed by a woman wearing white robes, most of her face shrouded by her hood.

Milena couldnt identify either of them but she knew Trian was powerful. She felt like the same was true for the woman.

Milena, Seth, please join us, Trian said, gesturing them towards himself.

Seth rolled his eyes lightly and walked towards the two.

Milena followed a few steps behind him, her eyes focused on the ground.

Today we welcomed a representative of the Corinth Order into our midst, Trian said, gesturing to the woman beside him.

[Healer lvl ??]

We have heard much of your powerful Classes, the woman said in a casual tone. As I understand, you can remain or leave freely, which is why weve suggested an offer to the Medic Sentinel Corps. A student exchange program. You will teach what you learned here to our members and those of us will do the same here, she explained.

Seth crossed his arms. And why would we leave this place? Would we have to join your Order instead?

The woman smiled lightly. You would join our Order for the duration of the program and if you wish, beyond that. As to your compensation, you will receive five gold coins immediately and another five for each year you remain with us.

Seth glanced at Trian before he looked at Milena. Make it six gold and I accept, he said.

The woman smiled, Five gold and thirty silver.

Fifty, Seth said. The things taught here are surely quite valuable to you, if you came all the way from wherever your Order is located.

Very well, the woman said. And what about you? she asked, turning her head towards Milena.

I, she said.

Come on, this deal is too good not to take, Seth whispered to her. And we can stay together.

Im not sure, she said and looked to the ground. Five gold pieces is a lot but my parents wanted me to be here, not with some other Order.

Im sure shed be happy to join, shes just shy, Seth said.

Let us talk in private, girl, the woman said and glanced to Trian. Would that be acceptable?

Of course, Trian said and nodded to Seth. Come on, well wait outside. You can already pack your things.

The two left, Seth giving her a last glance and nod.

You seem unsure, the woman said.

Im just theres a lot I dont know about. I couldnt stay in Ravenhall? Milena said.

No, but we would provide lodging much more luxurious than what you have here, the woman said.

Milena bit her lip. I have to talk to my parents about that.

Didnt you come here on your own accord? the woman asked.

I yes no of course. But changing to another Order is not a decision I want to make lightly, she said, trying to avoid looking at the woman directly.

You dont have to hide that from me, girl. But if your parents are to be consulted, I could talk to them directly as well. It may help convince them, she said.

They yes. But Ill talk to them alone first, Milena said.

The woman looked towards the door before she stepped a little closer. I heard the training here is painful.

What

It yes, I suppose thats true, Milena said, rubbing her arm.

And yet youre staying? Our Order wouldnt demand that from you, she said.

Milena looked away. I suppose if I could convince my parents I could maybe accept.

So your parents were the ones who asked you to join the Sentinels? the woman asked.

What? I mean yes. But if your training is good too, Im sure they would agree, Milena said.

Youre fidgeting, the woman said, smiling lightly.

Oh yes, Milena said and stopped herself.

You dont want to be here, the woman said.

Milena looked up. No no I do want to be here its just hard. I was always one of the more talented students but its so much and the training hurts. You always have to fight other students and the teachers, she said, tears coming to her eyes.

The woman came close and hugged her, a flow of warm healing calming her down.

Its okay, she said and patted her back.

The woman let go and stepped back, Milena catching a glance at the black strands of hair and blue eyes under the hood.

She started giggling, tears now rolling down her cheeks. Youre her arent you? Youre not from the Corinth order at all,

The woman moved back her hood and smiled. You figured it out. Nice to meet you, Im Lilith.

Milena looked at the woman and smiled bitterly. I failed then? You found out that Im a fraud what will you do?

Hmm what indeed. Well, for starters, I want to tell you that youre not a fraud. You participated in most Classes, did your homework, and even excelled in some areas. I heard from Lyza that you have great intuition when it comes to treating injuries.

Now you obviously didnt want to participate in the resistance training and constant battles. Why didnt you speak up? Did the faculty not provide an opportunity to do so?

Milena wasnt sure. She felt the healing mana still flow into her, somehow calming the many thoughts that came to her mind. I I didnt want to be kicked out,

Did somebody say you would be kicked out if you didnt participate in the training? Lilith asked.

Milena thought back. The other students Seth it just made sense.

They told you youd be kicked out if you didnt participate? Lilith asked.

N no Seth did think so the others they just looked at me sometimes or made a comment. I didnt want to disappoint, Milena said.

You didnt want to disappoint the expectations from the other students? Or from your parents? Lilith asked.

She stayed quiet.

What about yourself? What do you want? Lilith asked.

Milena looked at her. I want to explore magic. I want to fight monsters and I like the Class I got here. I really do but,

Theres no need to be ashamed. Alright, listen. Youre a Sentinel like everybody else here, Lilith said and carefully touched her shoulder. But we Sentinels share these concerns with each other, so that we can help. For now I think its best if you take the day off and think about what You want. You got a Class and that makes you one of us. If the training is too much, well find something else you can focus on. Not everybody has to be a regenerating battle maniac and monster hunter. Okay?

Milena nodded lightly.

Whos your favorite teacher? Lilith asked.

Wh I theyre all great, Milena said.

Lilith smirked. Come on. Everybody has a favorite.

Milena thought about it. Lyza.

Alright. There you go. So you think about what we talked about today and you think about what you want to do. And tomorrow youll talk to Lyza and youll figure something out together. And if you dont want to stay with the Sentinels, thats okay too. We dont force you to stay here and neither should your parents. You have the Class and plenty of knowledge. If you want to be an adventurer, Im sure youd do very well. So, give it a good think, okay Milena? Lilith said.

She nodded a few times before balling her hands into fists. I will.

Good, Lilith said with a smile and turned towards the door.

Miss maam what will happen to Seth? Milena asked.

Seth just proved that a few gold pieces is all that is needed to get him to leave. We dont force people to stay but neither do we want those who have no interest in this organization and what it stands for, Lilith said. Dont worry, he will simply not be a Sentinel any longer. Though I suppose it depends on his reaction.

But the Class everything he learned here, Milena said.

What about it? Lilith asked as she glanced back at her. Do you think we gave you those Classes?

She turned around and shook her head. We only showed you the path. You did the actual work. You fought monsters and put yourself in harms way to fulfill the requirements. If Seth wishes to share what he learned here, I believe it would be beneficial to whoever listens. But after hearing him, I doubt he would. Perhaps he can sell it to an information seller and thats that.

But all the techniques the classes first aid.

Whats our main goal, Milena? Lilith asked.

To train more healers that can fight monsters themselves and help adventurers or Shadows with their missions, she said immediately.

And how does keeping secrets help with that? Lilith asked. If anything well be getting more healers and students. The only reason the Sentinels arent public knowledge is for protection. But soon that wont be necessary anymore, not with level two hundred Hunters.

Milena looked at the woman before she focused on the ground. Thank you, she stammered out.

Thanks for being honest. And do let us know if others are in a similar situation. Youre only here to suffer on your own conviction, not because someone else wishes it. Ill see you around, Lilith said.

Li Lilith may I see your wings? I heard no Im sorry. Forget about it, Milena said, stumbling over her words as they slipped out.

What did I

She watched as the woman smiled, ash forming around her until her armor was complete. I looked smooth and dangerous, more so than even Gaels. Dark gray wings spread on her back, flapping once to show their size and power.

Milena couldnt help but squeal lightly, her hands before her face as she looked at the woman leave the hall, her ash vanishing instantly.

The gates were left open and she had the day off. I like her.

_____________________

Ilea welcomed Seth in the adventurer guild, a room rented for the day.

Im glad you made it, she said.

The young man looked around. Milena didnt come?

Im afraid not. Now I want to ask you a few questions before we discuss the rest of our agreement, Ilea said.

The boy gestured for her to continue.

Why did you join their Order? Ilea asked.

What does it matter? Im with yours now, Seth said.

It matters because I need to understand if you can be trusted, Ilea said. The Corinth Order wouldnt part with its secrets easily. You will be living within our facilities and you will learn things. I dont want you to walk to the next Order to sell ours.

The boy smirked. They never set up rules. I dont think anybody told me to keep any secrets. Its really quite funny. I just pretended to be interested in their teachings to get access to the free lodging, food, and information. I endured the training and got my Class. Thats all I really wanted. Im willing to follow your rules as long as I receive what you promised.

Perfect, Ilea said with a smile. Your status as a Sentinel is thus revoked. You can use this room for the day, she said and summoned a silver coin. Its not quite as much as promised but Im sure a resourceful young lad like yourself wont have any trouble getting into an adventuring group.

What does that mean? Seth asked.

Im not with the Corinth Order, Ilea said.

He frowned. You played me? Lied to me?

Yes. Just like you did, Ilea said and smiled.

Milena, he murmured before his eyes met Ileas. You bitch.

Ilea displaced him in front of her, grabbing his neck with her hand. Now, now. Seth. I think youre smarter than that. Stop it and leave with your life.

He considered for a moment and stopped his movements. Okay. Ill go just let me go.

Ilea did so. And think carefully about what you do in the future.

Seth glanced at her and nodded, grabbing the silver coin before he left, slamming the door behind himself.

He walked down into the common room and went to one of the registers immediately.

Seth ground his teeth before he put down the silver coin, talking to the receptionist.

He received an adventurer badge soon after, sighing as he glanced at the patrons of the inn.

Ilea waited upstairs, watching his moves with a slight smile on her face. The first ex Sentinel to join an adventurer group.

Ilea thought about the conversation she had with Trian earlier, glad no further actions had been necessary.

The boy would surely feel some resentment, but at the same time they had provided his Class and all the other benefits for free. In time, he would understand that and hopefully appreciate it.

She made her way back to the Headquarters and informed Trian.

He remained silent for a while afterwards.

Im glad he took it somewhat well. Should we inform Milena? She might want to join the guild with him. Trian asked.

Ilea thought about it for a moment. Ill leave it to you. He acted a little manipulative towards her. Maybe its best she doesnt know his whereabouts.

He nodded. Ill let her make her decision first anyway.

Sure, Ilea said and stretched.

More ash training for you? he asked.

Later maybe. I have something else in mind. See you around, she said and blinked upwards.

Ilea reached the experimental teleport facility a few minutes later, making sure nobody had followed her. She stepped onto the platform and pushed mana into it, deactivating her space magic resistance in the process.

Bright light flashed before she found herself in Meadows cavern.

Its you, welcome, Meadow said.

Christopher and Iana glanced at her but focused back on their work a moment later.

Say, Meadow. The Blue Reapers living in the nearby caverns you dont suppose theyre mindless beings unable to awaken? she asked.

Hmm you intend to hunt them. Ive found that theyre perceptive when it comes to the mind but they have treated me as an enemy the moment my telepathy has touched them. At the moment, Im focusing on other beings, Meadow said.

Thats about as much of an okay as Ill get from it, Ilea thought. Then Ill go visit them. Its been a while since I was there. By the way, I found my four mark. And killed it.

Congratulations on your achievement of murder, Meadow said.

Ilea ignored the remark and teleported towards the Reaper caverns.

It took a few blinks to reach the deeper sections of the nest.

Now, lets see what you have, she thought, reaching the first group of creatures.

They attacked instantly, both lightning and powerful mind magic hitting her in quick succession.

Neither of the respective defenses yielded.

The lightning flowed over her armor before she redirected it out into a nearby wall, a finger pointing at it.

She used Monster Hunter on the creatures, smiling when she saw them freeze up. Yeah, Im back. Remember me?

Ilea blinked next to the three creatures, using her ashen limbs to smash through the two by her side. The one directly ahead, she squashed with a single and powerful stomp.

Blood, bones, and guts flowed out, the tunnel returning to a serene calm now that the creatures were dead.

Ilea continued through the nest and soon reached a more populated area.

The Reapers attacked her mind before she could even say hello. This time however, she wasnt overwhelmed by their efforts.

Her sphere revealed that there were around thirty of the creatures in the cavern ahead.

Their mind magic is pretty good. Feels like theyre combining their power for a more coordinated attack.

Her defenses were quite powerful however, too much to crack for the creatures. In a short time at least.

Ilea calmed herself and sat down, focusing on the powerful magic attacking her mind. She didnt think the low level reapers were everything hidden inside that nest, nor that their numbers would remain at thirty.

It was a prime opportunity to level her resistance. She focused on her breathing and Meditation, thinking about the past week with everything that happened.

Ileas meditation was interrupted by the first Reapers walking into the tunnel.

Lightning flared up in front of their heads. The bolts slammed into her with blinding speed, their energies spreading over and through the ashen armor.

She grinned, unimpressed with the display of power.

Their mind magic is the only thing that seems dangerous at all, she thought and disabled her Lightning Magic Resistance. That way, she might actually get a level or two out of it in the end.

She kept an eye on the monsters with her sphere, spreading her ash in a perimeter around her. None would be allowed to come closer but she did welcome their spells. For now.

Your mind is quite impressive, Meadow said.

Thanks, trained it with the best of them, Ilea replied. And my arcane healing lets me take care of damage to my mind.

I can perceive that, Meadow said. Was the four mark you killed awakened?

Ilea turned her head slightly to glance back. No. It was before becoming a monster. Human I think. Something corrupted her mind or she went mad. Maybe she even died and the dungeon took over. I have no idea how that works.