EPISODE 80: UNCERTAIN FUTURE
— Ivory Nation, Year: 7291. Season Color Fading.
There are several famed Titled throughout the land of Edryan. [Light of the End], [Chosen of Madris], [Templar’s Might], [Judge Supreme], [Saintess], [Mother of Magi 1st Daughter], and more. Some are more recent such as [Judge Supreme],while others are nearly as old as Edryan herself. [Light of the End] is one such Titled. A Titled that usually appears in those of the Enlar bloodline, the [Light of the End] symbolizes courageousness and hope. One who possesses this title must establish themselves as a symbol of the Edryan State. A powerful warrior that shocks the battlefield and provides the strength Edryans need when they falter.
It is unfortunate the Enlar bloodline has come to an end, and thus most likely a title such as [Light of the End] may have difficulty appearing once again in the Edryan State. The events and undertaking Queen Titiana underwent must have been phenomenal for her to slay the three Great Clans. The Scholars Abode dearly wishes to uncover the full story, yet only those close to the queen truly know of the horrors that caused the falling out between our nation’s rulers and the Great Clans.
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…
— Excerpt from the Journal of Maiden Braya, A Scholar of the Abode.
Wilarax dodged left, and her elven single-edge, saber sliced through the neck of the [Jager Cat — ★★ ]. The cat was a dungeon monster from the early stages of the [Beast World Compendium — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ], a true dungeon of significant strength. On her journey to explore the Elrunian continent, Wilarax was tasked by her father to retrieve several items from different parts of the world. That was precisely the task the young True Elf was focusing on presently in the form of a quest.
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Chain Quest: Primary Ten — (Divine) |
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Quest Details: |
Demigod Quinarax — The Sun, has tasked you with a quest to retrieve ten items of from each of the primary ten elements. Three of these items, [Black Earth Diamond — ★★★ ], [Emerald Air Gem — ★★★ ], and [Indigo Water Sapphire — ★★★ ] can be found in the [Beast World Compendium — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]. |
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Rewards: |
Soul Bound Weapon — Divine |
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Failure: |
Locked in the Temple of the Sun–300 years. |
The small party around her kept her protected from any unknown dangers and anything they deemed she couldn’t handle as she began her quest. Unfortunately, none of the demigods who accompanied her could enter the dungeon, which left them on the surface with Ilia and Aniya. The young magi-human mother and halfling child Wilarax picked up just as she began her adventure.
Instead of her usual demigod and Prestige class protectors, accompanying Wilarax were the high-levelers who followed behind them.
“What did you think of that [Sword Saint — Jassoon],” Wilarax questioned as she flicked the remaining blood from her blade.
“Wonderful Princess Wilarax. Your swordsmanship skills are outstanding and will momentarily catch up to mine,” Jassoon responded in a cordial, respectful manner.
“You should show me your swordsmanship style, I wish to know what makes one qualified to be considered a [Sword Saint],” she responded curiously.
Titles such as [Sword Saint] were classed as mythical titles that gave a significant boost to the capabilities of its recipient. Fio held one, but she too refused to show off her swordsmanship.
“My style is far beneath you Princess, it is not worthy to be learned or shown to you,” he responded.
Wilarax pursed her lips. She did her best to make conversation with her other protectors, but most deemed themselves far too inferior in status to speak to her outside a cordial and respectful manner. When it came to anything else, she’d received responses just like that. Wilarax moved to skin the slain beast, but another of the high-levelers moved before her.
“Allow me, Princess Wilarax.”
The young elf didn’t even bother arguing. She just turned and began walking to their base camp set up on this floor. As they journeyed outside of Elysium and into the Ivory Nation, Wilarax began to notice more and more how only a certain group of people would speak to her on the same level basis. Demigods, and those who didn’t know of her status… else… responses, and actions as the aforementioned would take place.
‘ I hate it… ’
‘ This isn’t like the Temple of the Sun where I was a kid and everyone was an adult… now that I’m outside, the treatment is still the same. ’
Her future strangely felt uncertain but the feeling quickly dispersed. A forlorn half-smile appeared on Wilarax’s face as she settled comfortably into her tent. They’d have to dive to the tenth floor of the dungeon to find the necessary components Wilarax needed.
“Status,” she called softly.
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Wilarax Joi Simra Indrius — Level 35 |
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HP: 690/690 (+300) SP: 600/600 (+300) MP: 1200/1200 (+300) |
Base Atk: 150 (+50) Base Def: 74 (+40) |
HP Regen: 34/Hour (+27) SP Regen: 29/Hour (+27) MP Regen: 58/Hour (+27) |
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Bloodline: [+] |
Main Class: |
Perks: |
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Power: 300 (+100) |
2nd Class: [Holy Princess of Elysium] — 10 |
Core Skills: [+] |
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Vitality: 230 (+100) |
3rd Class: [LOCKED] |
Racial Skills: [+] |
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Endurance: 200 (+100) |
Faith: God EL |
Status Effects: [+] |
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Mind: 400 (+100) |
Affiliation: |
Equipped: |
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Self: 180 (+100) |
2nd Affiliation: |
Skills: [+] |
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Intent: 200 (+100) |
Achievements: |
Active Quest: [+] |
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Magic Affinity: Primary Elements — 25% |
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Attribute Points: 0 |
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The game-like elements of this new universe she found herself in never ceased to amaze her. It was nearly mind-boggling how she could accurately adjust her strength to a new level. Wilarax calculated, and she roughly determined a single point of Power equated to almost five pounds of force. Yet, that value was only because of her [Heroic] class. Mages hit weaker, but their multiplier values rose exponentially with their skills and other abilities. As a [Hero], the same went for Wilarax.
It was the same for her magic affinity, but unlike most mages, Wilarax was not limited to boosting the damage to a single element. All primary ten were boosted by 25% before her skills were even applied. That meant whatever element she was using would receive a 25% buff before any damage multipliers came into effect.
“I don’t feel like a hero… I’m not even sure why I have the class,” Wilarax muttered aloud.
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The night and days passed uneventfully as Wilarax accomplished her goal whilst gaining several levels.
Wilarax didn’t hesitate to step through the glowing portal that would return them to the surface and outside the dungeon. Her delve didn’t bring her the excitement she thought it would, and the constant guarding and stale conversation from her protectors left Wilarax in a terrible mood. The moment she exited the dungeon, a bustling sight greeted her eyes as she came into the trade hub that surrounded the [Beast World Compendium — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]. Her expression brightened immediately and the hustle and bustling of adventurers, many of whom were elves, brought Wilarax a sense of relief.
‘ Now this is an adventure! This is what it’s supposed to be like when you’re isekaied! Hopefully, they don’t notice… me. ’
She emerged with a shawl covering her head and, specifically, her hair. She’d slightly morph the appearance of her [Mana Flow Set] into something a bit less… flashy. It didn’t matter all the same.
The moment Wilarax stepped through the portal and into the bustling area surrounding the dungeon's entrance, a shiftseemed to emerge in the people and, specifically, its elf inhabitants. Nearly at once, like they could sense who she was, eyes turned and mouths whispered. A charged, excited energy entered the air as the citizens of the Ivory Nation turned to stare at her.
Wilarax sighed, and then the singing began.
“ Oh Joy, ” a single elf close to her exclaimed. Her voice was light but carried into the wind and caused the surroundings to quiet down.
“ OH JOOOOOOYYYYYYYY, ” came a choir of responses in perfect sync.
“ She of Purity! She of Truth! ”
‘ Fuck, I hate it here. ’
“ SHHEEEE OOFF PURRRRRRRRRRITY! SHEEEE OOFFF TRRRRRUTH! ’
Wilarax palmed her face as they continued, her steps quickening as she hurried to reach the inn. Her memories of the time she spent in church back on Earth came flooding in as the choir sang. She smiled calmly, but internally a suspicion of hers was confirmed.
‘ Either they can detect me or someone has eyes on me. No one should even know I’m here. ’
Wilarax didn’t know which it was and right now all she wanted was a hot bath and a fresh set of clothes. If the singing could stop as she made her way toward her party… then it would bring her day to a completion.
For five insufferable minutes the singing continued. Wilarax kept a tight, reserved smile the entire time. The small party around her easily kept with her pace and the singing seemed to do the same as it was passed down the street.
It wasn’t until Wilarax entered her inn and made her way up to the third floor, the level entirely reserved by her party, that the singing finally halted. An excited buzz was in the air as she entered the Tall Dwarf, an inn under the ownership of said dwarf.
“Welcome back,” Uma greeted with a warm smile. The centaur lounged on a chair built specifically for her kind. Across from her was Lucky as the two tossed cards back and forth.
“We have to leave here as soon as possible,” Wilarax groaned as she joined the pair. At least the demigods allowed her to complain but not only that, they responded like a normal person.
‘ Being a princess has its drawbacks. ’
“Well I have good news and bad news,” Uma responded with a small chuckle. “Which do you want first?”
“Bad news, always start with bad news!”
“Well the bad news is the High Council of Iveri has heard news of your arrival to the nation and is currently preparing for your arrival to the capital, they’re expecting us in three days.”
Wilarax groaned and stood in preparation to shower and clean herself up. “What’s the good news?”
“We get to leave sooner?”
“Ugh,” Wilarax groaned and left.
Starlight glittered across the night sky — an endless expanse of brilliance that radiated the divine domains of the Gods. Above the Nation of Ivory, Loha, Ivory, and Juno showed their radiance over their people. The gazes of their constellations set northward and toward the five Gods of Elysium. The eyes of Ivory seemed to focus on one God in particular.
Wilarax gasped as the Capital City of Iveri was revealed before them. On her lap Aniya, daughter of Ilia, let off excited squeals of joy at the radiance before them. The pair of mother and daughter Wilarax rescued were in a far greater state than what they were the month previous. Aniya was finally beginning to fill the cute outfits Wilarax had tailored for her. The young girl wore a small cute floral print dress that only enhanced her cuteness in Wilarax’s opinion. Although her mother, Ilia refused the cuter dresses Wilarax picked out for her, she hadn’t refused a new set of general clothes. She wore a pair of semi-tight pants that allowed ease of movement and access to the small dagger she kept at her waist. The pair appeared far healthier after a few decent meals in them.
Above, within, and below Lake Iveri was the city filled with people. The EL’anni Elves were a derivative group of the True Elves, much like the magi-humans were regarded as a derivative of regular humans. Wilarax recalled her history lessons on the EL’anni as her perfect memory allowed her to recall a specific passage she read years ago.
From the textbook: Of Races and their Branches .
The True Elves of Elysium are known to have several branches created through a series of events. The Wind Elves of Kairro are one such branch. They were created from a group of True Elves who took their wind magic to the extreme, nearly becoming one with it.
Such is the case for the EL’anni, who are in essence the creation of Goddess Ivory. A gift, a dedication to God EL. The EL’anni are a race that are strict when it comes to bloodline purity and possess an innate connection that allows them to understand how close one is to what they consider perfection. How close one is to the God EL but more importantly for them Goddess Ivory and Her sisters.
The group found themselves traveling toward the city in a large flat ferry that held enough room for them and several dozen more. Yet, the moment they arrived at the queuing station all activity halted as the elves turned to stare at Wilarax. She groaned as once again she felt the singing about to emerge.
“ HMPH ,” Uma snorted and the choir that was preparing themselves choked on their own words. The power of the demigoddess washing over them.
“Thank you,” Wilarax silently mouths toward her caretaker.
Uma winked and the party boarded the ferry. Aniya and Ilia stuck close to Wilarax. Not that she minded.
“Is there anything I should know about the leadership of Iveri,” Wilarax asked once they settled down comfortably. Slow, gentle waves lapped at the side of the boat. A cool breeze softly landed on the party.
“Well,” Lucky hesitated. He glanced at Aniya and Ilia. “Well, you’ll see.”
“You’re not going to like it here,” Ahri stated. “The EL’anni are a bunch of xenophobes. You two need to stick close to Wilarax and just ignore anything you may hear.”
Ahri’s kind gaze settled on Aniya and her mother held the star-struck girl tighter. “I know of the EL’anni. Her father…”
Aniya left the rest unsaid but the message was clear. For several seconds the conversation died down and the group enjoyed the atmosphere as they traveled.
“It’s so pretty,” Aniya exclaimed. Stars shined in the eyes of the halfling as she gazed over the edge of the boat into the lights underneath. Above and below, the inhabitants of Lake Iveri lived. This caused the internals of the lake to shine just like the stars in the sky above.
“The EL’anni are known for their extreme water manipulation. They are ruled by three major clans and several dozen minor ones, each major clan has a demigod in charge,” Fio began.
“The Kolax are regarded as the current leader of Ivory, their demigoddess Innai proclaims herself the daughter of Ivory since the previous Great War. It is well known she holds the Law of Purity and is strict when it comes to bloodlines.
The other two do not acknowledge this and each has claims of their own tied to the Goddess Ivory as direct bloodline descendants. The Goddess has never made any claims to correct or dissuade them.”
Wilarax continued to listen as her protectors began to give her a small but detailed view of the political situation in the Iveri nation.
“How long have they governed through a caste system,” she questioned.
“Since their establishment,” this time it was Uma who answered. “Their race is as old as mine, only emerging in during the calamity that was the [Knowledge Breaker]… previous [Chosen of Madris].”
Uma spoke the ending with clear hostility and Wilarax gave her a clear pointed stare. There was a deep hatred for magi-humans, one that Wilarax couldn’t fully understand. The only history she knew of between the magi-humans and centaurs was that written in the books. When it came to first-hand knowledge as someone who lived the experience, Uma was silent when questioned.
Ilia ignored the words of Uma as she focused on keeping her daughter from going overboard. The young girl constantly reached over the edge to touch the water, gigging all the while. The conversation died down as they approached a docking pier.
“Change your [Mana Flow Set] into something more… Princess-like,” Ahri began. “Although they will not say anything, it’s best to make your first impression impressive.”
Wilarax nodded and her adaptive set of clothing began to morph into something more ‘princess-like.’ Black steel-toed spiked boots, tight black jean-like pants and a jacket to accompany it finished off her set. For the finishing touches her shirt said ‘Princess’ upon it.
Everything she heard made the people of Iveri sound like some sort of bloodline elitist group, and Wilarax wanted no part of that. The only reason she was meeting with them in the first place was because they held the prestige to meet with her. Although it was unofficial, as Elysium was not a monarchy, Wilarax was still regarded as the princess. When visiting another country there were small traditions to upkeep. That didn’t mean she had to play by anyone’s rules. The only one who could order her to do something was her father.
The party stepped off the ferry and onto the dock. Their arrival was not unnoticed as a procession was already waiting.
“ Oh Joy… ”
Wilarax groaned. Next to her were the mother and daughter pair who kept close under the warning of Ahri. Ilia’s eyes narrowed at her surroundings and she kept a tight hold of Aniya’s hand. The child’s eyes shone and the innocence Ilia once thought loss began to reemerge. She was grateful to Wilarax even if she never said it.
“Oh, we’re going to have a blast here,” Lucky said with a wide grin. “Ahri perhaps you should pay what you’ll owe me now.”
“It’s not over yet. I still have a chance at winning,” the foxkin responded.
Wilarax ignored them and the singing continued. With each step forward a second and third elf seemed to join the growing procession. It wasn’t until they officially stepped off the dock that the singing stopped.
A large elf in white, nearly thrice as tall as Wilarax appeared. Immediately, Wilarax could sense the feeling of divinity from the woman as she did not suppress her status as a demigod. She wore a long flowing and loose v-cut dress that rippled like the waves of Lake Iveri. On her head was a crown made from white carnations. Her neck was bare, holding no jewelry but her ears held two diamonds that shone with radiance.
The moment she appeared two other demigods showed up right after. Each represented one of the three clans in charge of the Nation of Ivory. They weren’t as large as the head demigoddess but Wilarax could feel the power radiating from them all the same.
“What a grand a pure bloodline,” the demigoddess began. Her voice was filled with a majestic sense of pride and a hint of supremacy. “…what a beautiful example of our race, of us Saphens,” the woman said as she stared at Wilarax.
“ Hmph ,” Uma snorted as a hint of her Law was released.
“I am forgetting my manners I am Innai Kolax — Daughter of Ivory and Purities Truth. It is my great pleasure to welcome you and your,” Innai frowned as she glanced at the party around Wilarax. “…guardians.”
“Allow me to guide you to Lojuno Palace. A place much more suitable for your stature. Unfortunately,” Innai glanced down at Aniya and Ilia. “…pets are not allowed.”
Wilarax’s eyes squinted up at the demigoddess. A frown emerged onto her face at the words of Innai. Her years of training at the Temple of the Sun kept her composure cool and calm but internally she quickly became disgusted with Innai.
“People are not pets… and Aniya and Ilia certainly aren’t mine. They are my companions and will be treated as such,” Wilarax stated with finality.
“Oh darling,” Innai began.
“Humans. Especially magi… humans are not companions. Allow Aunty Innai to teach you such,” the demigoddess responded. Her magic was in the air as she spoke.
