Azarinth Healer

Chapter 616: Fear

Chapter 616: Fear

Chapter 616 Fear

Ilea appeared alongside Neiphato and Feyrair. Finally, she murmured.

You couldve found something closer, Fey commented.

She hissed, displacing the group outside. The Miststalkers were dancing around mistily. Who the fuck knew that dungeon would be so far underground? Doesnt matter. Were here, Ilea said and looked around. Bluetails, bluetails, bluetails. Plenty of groups around.

We will want to hunt alone, Feyrair said.

Ilea went to Neiphato and grabbed his hand. Ill leave a mark on you too. Call for me if youre about to die.

What if You are about to die? Feyrair asked.

Against a Bluetail? Worst that can happen is them ripping off my head and eating it, she said.

You dont die from that? Neiphato asked with a straight face, looking at the mark on the back of his hand. Thanks.

Thats not even a scratch for her, Feyrair said. But seriously, dont be too arrogant.

Too Elvish you mean? Ilea asked.

He smiled. Exactly. Come Neiphato, I will show you the spot Kyrian used in his hunts. I will hunt nearby too.

Good luck you two, Ilea said.

Where will you be? Feyrair asked.

She looked around as they ascended, moonlight illuminating the mists below, dark swaths of smoke rising from one of the distant isles. She gulped and nodded to herself. Gonna have to face my fears if I want to get stronger.

What could you possibly fear? Feyrair asked.

Ilea looked at the waves crashing against the stone shore, ripples going through the mists form below. Plenty of things, my dear Elven friend. Were not all blessed with a draconic ego.

Good hunting, she said and moved her wings, her body carried towards the ocean.

Oxygen repository will help, Harmony of the Drowned as well, she thought and summoned the Drowning Bear ring she still had. Displacement if I get caught in pressure similar to Hectors. That should lessen the risks somewhat. And I have a third tier water and wind resistance.

Ilea still wouldve preferred to go face the high level creatures in the caverns below some of the other isles that Kyrian had mentioned. Getting stuck under a few metric tons of falling rock may be more difficult to get out of than water, but she still very much liked the idea more. It just felt more grounded.

The mists parted where she dove into the water, her wings retaining their magical ability to propel her through the liquid, her water resistance allowing her to move nearly as if she was in the air. Her Light Magic Resistance allowed her to see in the darkness of the ocean, pretty far actually when coupled with her Eyes of Ash.

It didnt alleviate the fear she still very much felt but that she tried to lessen with her constantly active Meditation and healing. Her mind would simply be hammered by magic, not allowing her to fully experience the unknown.

For a few minutes, Ilea simply drifted in the water, feeling the coolness around her, observing the currents and spying for Bluetails. Her body wouldnt have issues without air for quite some time. Indefinitely, according to her Oxygen Repository, though she would supposedly be weakened significantly, however that would manifest. Either way, she didnt exactly plan to stay down here for days on end.

No creatures showed.

She sighed, a few bubbles of air floating up from the gesture before she looked down to the darkness, the depths an unending abyss even to her heavily enhanced sight. Fuck it. Want to improve? Then you have to do the work.

Ilea slowly descended, her wings nearly floating in the water as she felt the pressure build. She wondered when her ears would pop, already she was dozens of meters deep. Perhaps it wouldnt happen for another few kilometers, her body simply too strong at this point.

How would I compare to a submarine? Im probably faster.

She turned her head when she noticed movement. A single Bluetail. Large. Ilea locked eyes with the creature, the reptile smoothly flowing through the water, even faster than she had seen them flying before.

It circled her a few times before it stopped, opening its beak.

Ilea couldnt see the spell itself but she saw the ripples in the water. When it reached her sphere, she could see the magic like a bright underwater freight train barreling straight at her. And she remained, crossing her arms and wings in front of her as she waited for her precognition to activate. When it did, she grinned slightly and remained, letting the wave push her back.

She felt her wings and body tense up, nearly buckling against the immense pressure. Ilea coughed, her blood floating in the water ahead of her as she opened up her wings again.

The Bluetail swam in smooth small circles, its eyes on her at all times.

My turn.

ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 14

Ilea sped up, using her wings as if she was flying through air, the pressure on this depth barely noticeable now that she was in motion. Her spells would be just as damaging, except perhaps Heart of Cinder, but she would try nonetheless, already charging up heat.

[Northern Bluetail lvl ???]

Eight fifty. A worthy opponent, she thought, hoping it would do more than send a few waves of water at her. Grapple and kill.

___________________

Kyrian tasted the tea, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the warmth spreading through his body. He really did appreciate Ileas storage ring she had gifted him a few years past. Everything he had stored in there came in handy during his long time on the Krahen Isles, but well, everything was cold.

Like it? I assume you didnt set up an herb garden on your island, Trian said.

Kyrian sighed, twitching slightly at the taste he didnt realize he had missed that much. No talent for gardening. Especially when the ground is frozen and made near entirely of stone.

The mage smiled, putting his boots up on the table as he crossed his arms. Understandable.

Still the noble after all, Kyrian thought.

What is it? Trian asked.

Kyrian wasnt wearing his helmet anymore. He knew he had always been somewhat easy to read but after years without human contact, everyone might as well have been mind weavers.

He looked down, moving the metal spoon with his magic to stir the reddish liquid. Just thought that you were different. Last time I saw you,

Trian lightly tapped the table with his heel. After the Birmingdales. Yes. I was lost in a way.

Did it help? Kyrian asked, his gaze moving up to meet his friends. Killing them.

He remained quiet for a few seconds, the smile gone from his face now as he pondered the question. It felt right. Back then. It was the only thing that mattered, he said and paused. I dont think it was wise. We killed people who probably had little to do with what happened to my family and yet its difficult, to care. To regret it. I know I should, but I dont. What they did,

Kyrian grunted, sipping on his tea. I wanted to kill him. Arthur.

Redleaf? Trian asked.

He nodded. I had agreed to help I blamed myself, sure but it was his fault, his spell, the Taleen gate. I know its not comparable, I know. Im I dont know.

Youre pissed that you didnt get the chance to stomp his face in? Trian asked.

Kyrian looked at him. Maybe. Yes.

Isnt it poetic to know his daughter was the one to kill him? She had her reasons too, Trian said.

It is. Of course. And Im glad they resolved the matter, Kyrian said.

Trian started laughing. Oh dont give me that look. I get it. You promised to help, you were sent away and they still finished it. Without you there. And then youre stuck on an island for several years.

Isles.

Isles, sure, Trian said. And now theres nobody left to aim all that anger at. You know Im not sure if it really helped, doing what I did. What I do know is that I was still angry. I was still bitter. I looked and looked, to find someone responsible, a person, a system, something to punish for what I had experienced.

Kyrian just looked at him.

Im sorry to disappoint you, but no, I didnt find anything. Well thats not true entirely. I realized that what had happened to me, happened to others too. I realized that in the war alone, so many people lost their families, loved ones, their sons, daughters. And why? Because a faraway king they didnt know needed a war to keep his country from falling into a civil war. The king never knew them, never cared for them. Its just some sick twist of fate.

Maybe they died to a monster attack on the way to a safe haven, maybe they were even killed by Imperials, deserters who chose to rob their own instead of fighting in the war. Or they blamed the Shadows Hand, who summoned the demon plague whose few survivors happened upon their camp of refugees, Trian said.

The two men remained silent for some time.

The one you couldve blamed is dead. And killing him wouldnt have given you back the years you lost. Killing them didnt, Trian said, his voice getting stuck for a split second before he continued. Didnt bring them back.

What did you do? Kyrian asked, his hands shaking ever so slightly.

I meditated. I cried. I wrote down my thoughts, focused on my magic, trained, and thought some more, Trian said and laughed in a bitter tone. I hated it. Hated every day. But with time, my anger lessened, the guilt I felt lessened. There was no sudden change, no easy solution. It just took time, and work. Claire set up a few things for me to do, and as the months went by, I got assigned more duties, then we founded the Sentinels. I still have days where it feels suffocating, when something reminds me of them. And I dont think that will ever stop. I dont want it to stop. But I want to live too. Im proud of what we built here, Im proud of what Ravenhall has become, Im proud of my own progress, and I wont stop there.

Kyrian chuckled. Ive been waiting for two years.

You didnt just wait. Look at your level, Trian said.

Kyrian just snorted.

If you were Ilea, Id suggest a good hunt, maybe on the very isles you were stranded on. Shes probably there now, taking on the strongest of the beasts she can get her hands on, losing her head over and over, Trian said, the last words a murmur before he refocused. Theres power in self improvement, be it working on skills and Classes, or just learning about what you enjoy, learning about tea.

You suggest I should cultivate herbs? Kyrian asked.

Trian shrugged. Why not? Plenty of space in the Haven. Plenty of mages ready to show you the ropes. But not just that. Youll be among people. You can even start here, with the Sentinels. We have Classes on Alchemy, enchantments, monsters, and various training exercises. I dont think its herbs you need, I think you just need to be with people, and let time do its thing. And write a journal, Trian said.

A journal. She did teach me to read, didnt she? Maybe I should try.

And tell your story. Tell of the monsters you have fought, how you did it. Show the Sentinels what a member of team thirty four has to offer, Trian said with a grin.

Ilea was here too, wasnt she? Im not exactly impressive compared to her, Kyrian said.

Trian laughed. Youll know how impressive you are when a team of level two hundred Sentinels have fought against you. When did you last fight another human?

Im not interested in a bout against your students, Trian, Kyrian said.

I wasnt talking about a bout, Kyrian. They stand no chance against you. I stand no chance against you. I doubt the whole council of Ravenhall could do much to stop you, not the way you are now, Trian said with a dark smile. I see that you dont exactly believe me. And thats okay.

The man removed his boots from the table and leaned forward a little. So, Kyrian. I can offer you a room here, food, and company. You can enroll in whatever Classes you like, train with the students, or teach them if you like. And of course you can come and go as you like.

Kyrian thought about it, relaxing in his chair as he finished his tea. Ill go back to the isles.

I told you, you can come and go as you like. But you should stay some time at least. Lest you turn into another Ilea, Trian said.

He smiled. I fear what I will find when I return.

I stopped trying to imagine it. Im just pleasantly surprised whenever she returns and tells of her exploits, Trian said.

You dont mind how strong she is? We were in the same team. You, me, Claire, Ilea, and Eve, Kyrian said.

The vampyr smiled. We all excel at different things. And we all make our own choices, he said and paused for a moment. The only thing we cant forget, is that well have each others backs. You know, Ilea wasnt the only one looking to get you back. But while me and Claire have considerable resources, we didnt exactly have a way to use the Taleen teleportation network.

Thank you. I didnt mean to waste your efforts, Kyrian said.

No efforts were wasted. Whats important is that youre back. Alive, Trian said. So, a few weeks with the Sentinels? Maybe some visits to the city if you have a good day?

Kyrian nodded slowly. Ill have to take care of my birds.

Sure, Trian said with a smile and stood up. Great, let me show you around then. Or just to your room if you want to be alone?

Kyrian snorted and stood up too. Trian thank you, he said and looked at the ground.

Im glad youre back, friend. Lets see what Classes are coming up and what rooms are available, come on, Trian said and walked to the door. He didnt react when Kyrian reformed his thick helmet, the emotion on his face likely not lost to the high level mage.

___________________

Ilea sunk her ash in even deeper. Her right wing was reforming, all her focus on the injured and struggling Bluetail. Its blood flowed past, mixing with hers as she tasted both. They were deep now, the pitch black ocean around them dark, the sinking duo alone illuminated by white flame clinging to both.

The pressure slowed her movements but she knew the same was true for the monster. It had dragged her down in a hope to get rid of her, its spells and talons ineffective against the constantly regenerating human clinging to its armored body. Many of the scales were gone now, deep cuts showing on the being that healed only slowly.

Ilea didnt dare let go. Not because the creature would flee, she knew it wouldnt, but because she didnt want to be down here without reason. She knew deep down that the end result would be the same but for now she ignored it, focusing on the next punch, the next strike of her ash, her constant flow of destructive mana that continuously overwhelmed the creature. Or so she hoped.

It was difficult to tell, all sound muted, their battle frantic as the Bluetail swerved from side to side, twirled and formed spells of water and wind, sometimes both at the same time.

Ilea lost parts of her armor many times, her organs ruptured by the forces summoned by the creature. It didnt matter. She clung onto it with everything she had. Her ash kept her close when her hands slipped, her wings readjusted her when the creature cut through her magic limbs. She felt no pain, could recover from most injuries in seconds, and she absorbed mana from whatever spell the monster threw at her.

Her resistances and healing made the fight possible in the first place, the powerful magic still enough to deal significant damage to her body. But nothing the Bluetail could do was enough. It couldnt pierce her skull, or it simply didnt attempt to do so. It couldnt destroy her brain, not in a way that would stop her. And it didnt understand that its spells were fueling hers in turn.

As time went on, Ilea could tell the monsters movements were slowing even more, its magic packing less of a punch. The fight was almost over. She didnt relax, didnt slow down, her ash and magic continuing to pour into the creature with all the might she could conjure. Until finally, the creature went still.

ding You have defeated [Northern Bluetail lvl 862]

ding The Azarinth Sentinel has reached lvl 478 Five stat points awarded

ding The Azarinth Sentinel has reached lvl 479 Five stat points awarded

ding Kin of Ash has reached lvl 472 Five stat points awarded

ding Kin of Ash has reached lvl 473 Five stat points awarded

ding The Faen Valkyrie has reached lvl 427 One stat point awarded

ding The Faen Valkyrie has reached lvl 428 One stat point awarded

ding Flare of Creation reaches 3rd lvl 24

ding Body of the Valkyrie reaches 3rd lvl 21

ding Deviant of Humanity reaches 3rd lvl 2

ding Harmony of the Drowned reaches lvl 10

ding Harmony of the Drowned reaches lvl 11

ding Oxygen Repository reaches 2nd lvl 2

ding Veteran reaches 3rd lvl 18

ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 15

ding Fear Resistance reaches lvl 16

ding Water Resistance reaches 3rd lvl 2

Ilea tried to calm herself, ignoring the messages floating somewhere in her mind. She still clung to the creature, the two now floating nearly motionless. Her flames subsided, leaving her in darkness. She couldnt hear anything and closed her eyes. Her body tried to breathe but no air came into her lungs, making her hyperventilate for a moment before she managed to stop herself. No water entered her lungs either, her ashen armor preventing it from flowing into her mouth.

Up, she thought, opening her eyes. Wheres up?

Before she started to panic, she remembered her marks, focusing on Feyrair and Neiphatos as she started to teleport as quickly as she could.