“Fairies have a twisted sense of humor. Some say that they’re like eternal children, and everything they do is to amuse themselves or their peers. While that is true, few know and recognize the truth: They are demigods, and they’re older than all of us. Underestimating the cunning of the 4 Courts is unwise and deadly.”

-Fae lesson of The Radiant Garrison, home of the Paladin Order.

Dan pov

“Is she still asleep?” Asked Dan.

His two friends nodded. They met at their usual table in the inn.

“Damn. What the heck did she buy?”

Veliel shook her head. "I think it's not the skill per se, but the fact that she reached her limit…" she trailed off, glancing at Nashariel's room and outside. "And this forest is changing her. I hope for the best, but…"

“But she’s enjoying it here.” concluded Dorel for her.

Ah, so I wasn’t imagining things. “So what?”

Veliel looked at Dan as if he sprouted another head. “Are you not concerned?”

“Not really.” He shrugged. “She always protected our asses, and she still is. Nashariel enjoys hunting?” He snorted. “What’s new? She always did. Why are you worried, Vel?”

The priestess's gaze grew distant. "I simply wonder if she wants to go back. I just hope… that she'll still be with us on the other side of these trees."

“Vel, the first thing she did here was teaching children. She’s not gonna abandon us.”

“I dearly hope so…”

Dorel silently laid a hand on her shoulder.

The Inquisitor chewed on his lips. Damnit Vel, that asshole dug deep, didn’t he? “Changing topic,” Dan crossed his arms behind his head, feigning a grin. “have you also chosen another attunement?” The question was directed only to Dorel, obviously. The boss was the only monster that had so many affinities. Thankfully.

The Defender nodded. “Metal. And Lava.”

Dan smirked. Like father… “Not Flow?”

“Defending you guys takes priority. Enchanting will come later.”

“Veliel?”

The priestess was visibly relieved. "I could evolve right now, but I'll wait for my Light affinity to shift into Healing, and then I need some other skills. It’s going to take a while.”

Damn, being a monster sucks. The Inquisitor glanced at his system. He had an attunement available, and enough points to evolve it. “Since the boss is asleep, what about we also upgrade, and we take a few days of getting used to them?”

The other two nodded enthusiastically.

“I’ll stay with her. I didn’t like how some hunters looked at my feathers.” Veliel shivered.

Yep, being a monster sucks hard.

And, with the last tap, Dan got his Earth attunement. He immediately evolved it to Poison, for the nice cost of another 50 points. After that, he admired his new toys. The inquisitor didn’t regret his choice in the slightest.

After an hour of scrolling, selecting, and de-selecting, Dan rose from his bed. He unsheathed a dagger, focusing his new skill along with it. [Poison infusion] worked wonders, automatizing his manual work with a stretch of will and some mana.

Grinning from ear to ear, he walked to the first ring, sheathing his dagger and bypassing a singing Veliel. Wherever they went, her songs struck the heart. This was also why sirens needed to remain mute until much later in their life unless they wanted to temporarily enslave every listener. Sirens like that didn't live in Varastill.

Dan walked to the Hut, wondering if the elven woman managed to work something from his mother's formulas. She was only a part-time alchemist, but a good one.

As soon as the woman saw the human, she gave him a large smile. “Hello there!”

She definitely did it. “How did it go?”

The woman grinned. “It’s a work in progress, but we’ll probably be done next week. The Willow is thankful.” She bowed.

“Does that come with any additional reward?” It should, right?

The woman nodded. She took out a list of things. “I took the freedom to select for you these bounties. Bring the corpses to me, and I’ll craft their toxins for you. For free.”

Dan took a look at the list. This is… a long-ass list. “And I assume there’s no instant rewards because…?”

“We must earn our rewards from the Huntress.”

He sighed. “Fair enough, fair enough.”

The other chuckled. “Why, already broken by the Forest?”

“Nah, that would be our first day here, honestly.”

“How’s that you’re stuck here, anyway?”

Damn, she’s talkative when she’s happy. Dan told her about their circumstances.

She stood wide-eyed, muttering something in elven. “I think… I think I underestimated you Astillians. My name is Ashelia, and I apologize for my earlier… lack of hospitality.”

The Inquisitor repressed a snort. “Dan. The level isn't everything, you know?" He was just shy of Lvl 110, actually. I wonder how strong Boss is... I bet around 150.

“I’m… starting to believe that, yes.”

They idly chatted for a little longer.

Veliel pov

Twirling one last time, the siren bowed to her small crowd. There was always something in children that made them flock to her songs, even if they were filtered from her mind-controlling racial skill. Is it because children’s eyes are always open to wonder? She mused. “That’ll be all for tonight. Good rest.” She wrote, smiling.

The two dryad maids ushered the army of children to the bath below.

“Do you sing often?” Asked Valar, pouring her some water.

“When the situation allows me to, yes.” Wrote Veliel, before taking the mug with great care. Her claws were growing fast with her levels. I might be able to evolve sooner than I thought.

“You can talk if you wish; I’m pretty resistant to mind effects.” The elf smiled.

Veliel tried a few lonely words. Seeing the innkeeper unaffected, she sighed in relief. “Thank the Goddess I can talk with more than one person!”

“One? Why your team didn’t acquire [Mind resistance]?”

"We sirens can control our voices, later on. Until then, we use this self-imposed mutism to train to resist our… natural impulses.” Veliel flushed. “It’s hard, for the first years after the Awakening.”

“Ah, I don’t envy you. Are sirens common in Varastill?”

“Yes, but we aren’t the only monsters.”

The Innkeeper slightly widened his eyes in surprise. “Astillians live together with monsters? I didn’t know that! How come… can you tell me more?”

Veliel let out a large smile. Thank the Winged Lady he’s not like Father! “Gladly!” The priestess cleared her voice.

"Varastill has a policy to not hunt sapient monsters unless they become hostile. Much like bandits, just to be clear. This caused some of us to mingle within the cities and… someone liked it much more than the wildernesses.

My mother told me that we avian-humanoids had been driven out from our ancestral homes and that our ancestors followed the light of Astill's compassion until they found the Bastion. They had been welcomed with open arms by the Bishop of that time. Since that day we live near mountains of cliffs of Varastill, other than the cities."

“What about the others?”

The priestess shrugged. “As far as I know, mermaids helped with founding the city and are almost as common as the humans. Well, at least their offspring is on the surface. They helped us communicate since they share our Mind affinity and are pretty much immune to it. Other than that? Time has diluted some of the monster’s blood, and their essence has influenced most people, so the cities are filled with –kin people. Our instructor is a sharkin, and one of the teachers at my school was a quarter mermaid, for example. Nashariel’s friend is a leviakin, now that I think about it.”

Valar leaned towards her, still with an incredulous look on his face.

“What about you? We met a wolfkin in a village, but no one else.”

“Most of our –kins are children of the hunters who dedicated too much of their time to hunt a single species, so we command variety on our hunts. We don’t fraternize with monsters, not in that kind of way. No offense.” The man kept his smile.

Veliel was pretty sure that the temperature dropped a few degrees. She didn’t ask what happened to those who did. “N-none taken.” She replied with a dry mouth. I forgot where we were for a moment. Still, I don’t think that the villagers share this opinion… “Thanks for your time, I’ll check my friend.”

Valar nodded. “If you need anything, feel free to ask!”

Just as she took her third step on the staircase, Veliel gathered her courage. "Why no one shot me, then? I'm a monster."

“We aren’t bloodthirsty killers, young one.” The elf chuckled. “Not fraternizing doesn’t mean no talking at all. On top of that, you’re a Templar. You’re safe in here, don’t worry.”

Oh. Veliel thanked the man. She rethought the way some of the best-clothed hunters looked at her. I hope so…

Dorel pov

The human finalized his selection, and Lava was his to wield. He sighed, but then nodded in determination. Dorel loved smiting, but developing his crafter’s skills out there, without his father’s forge, in the middle of a forest? Unpractical at best, harmful for him and his friends at worst.

He already abused the Boss’ strength enough by choosing mostly long-term rewarding skills, instead of buying the right ones immediately. Dorel clenched his fist. And she almost paid with her life for it.

Dorel had wallowed in guilt after the dragons' fight. He limited himself to work in the half-broken forge and suffered in silence. When Nashariel talked to him, it wasn’t her words that gave him some breathing room, but her total lack of accusation. He was determined to properly do his job, from now on.

Hence, the strengthening of his Protection skills and the Lava affinity. Between this attunement and Nashariel’s skill, he should’ve been able to pack a good punch, even while being a defender.

Dorel confirmed the last skill, letting the system do his magic. Then, and only then as Nashariel drilled into them, upgraded his stats. For once, his power and essence were the only ones growing. He needed both for his new skills, after all.

Standing, Dorel grabbed his shield. The metal glowed with heat, and a thin crust of liquid stone wrapped around it. Costly, but effective. I’ll focus on essence for a while. He decided, dismissing the skill.

Never again.

Nashariel pov

The dragokin woke up with the sound of a lullaby. She felt… rested, in the true meaning of the word. Slowly standing up, she was also lighter in body and mind. What the heck happened?

/Primary mind Nashariel has slept for a week/

Nashariel jumped. “Who’s there?”

Veliel yelped. “It’s me!”

The dragokin took a moment. The priestess was near the window, holding her head. Did I make her bump? “Sorry, I thought I heard someone else.”

The siren shook her head. “There’s only me. How do you feel? You slept for a week.”

Nashariel’s eyes widened. “What?” Just as I heard a moment ago… “You’re sure that no one else talked.”

Veliel slowly nodded. “Maybe it was a dream?”

Something nudged Nashariel’s mind. The second one, actually. She facepalmed. “All good, it’s a skill that I bought. [Dual mind].”

“Oh. Knowing you, I thought that you already bought it long ago.”

“Do you have it?”

“No, I focused on my singing. It’s on my list though.” She shrugged. “Anyway, feeling rested?”

“Yeah. I didn’t think I was that much tired. I… don’t need this much sleep, usually.”

“We were all mentally exhausted, but you’re the only one that didn’t rest for a minute. It’s natural.”

Nashariel brooded for a few moments. She sighed. “I guess…” We needed to hurry, though.

Veliel gave her a report of what happened during the week. The humans had chosen another attunement, and she focused on grinding her skills since she had few points remaining.

Nashariel sagged a bit. I wanted to be present for that… still, she was proud of her protégés for not wasting all that time. Mastering another attunement needed time, sometimes years, and learning on the road wasn’t the best strategy.

The two humans were currently sparring versus two young Rangers. They were holding their own.

Dorel was at the center of a pool of glowing lava, while Dan safely darted on top of it. The latter’s lower legs were wrapped in lava.

The rogue kept creating green spheres, throwing them a moment later at his feet. Those fumes look nasty.

The elves kept their distance, raining blunted arrows at the duo. They were utterly useless against the Defender and mostly missed the Inquisitor.

“They’ve improved a lot. You…?”

“I’ve not been idle, but the elves don’t like Mind magic.”

I can see that.

The Astillians barely won. At some point, Dorel exhausted his mana, so the fight became close for a long while. In the end, the Templar’s capability to self-heal was what gave them the edge.

The elves were irritated but took it sportively.

“Good show.” Nashariel said.

“Welcome back to the world of the living, boss!”

“Boss, good to see you awake.”

They chatted for a while about their respective new skills and put together some strategies.

As the group had planned, they remained to powerlevel for a month.

Nashariel shared and enjoyed her improved bodies, while the rest got to try out a different affinity, for a change. Her secondary mind proved useful as a small things helper. She, the mind, wasn't sentient per se, but it formed a personality little by little. Nashariel sometimes had trouble differentiating between self-talk and mind-talk. She was almost sure that the Lvl 20 capstone would be the secondary mind achieving sapience.

Still, the group tackled with easy bounties at first. Unsurprisingly, they needed a few days to properly integrate the new skills into their fighting style.

Except for Dan, who smartly chose an element he had experience with. Seeing him fight, Nashariel thought that her friend was going to be an amazing combatant. Her secondary mind agreed with her about the Illusion choice. Shadow specialized in instant kills, instead of Dan’s tendency to wear down his opponents. Crits were always useful, but they clearly weren’t his favorite fighting style, at least for now.

Veliel was pretty much the same, only that her songs provided a visible buff, instead of being a small passive. When the siren sang, she truly sang.

Dorel’s defense was impenetrable. [Protector fighting style] was his version of Nashariel’s skill, which allowed him to bring his no-go zone close to another quickly and safely.

Nashariel, on the other hand, bought a few skills she desired since a long time ago. Nothing particularly impressive, but still, something more for her arsenal. Her lightning form, on the other hand, became… scary.

The dragokin landed in the middle of the Ice-wolf pack, unleashing her aura. The small thunderstorm poured out of her with a rumble of booming thunder, striking the first enemies in range. Each wolf endured part of the skill, then got hit by the nearby thunderbolts once, then twice, and so on until all the twelve members of the pack got struck by that many lightning bolts.

They lasted a mere moment.

Yeah, lightning is super-effective against groups of people. One on one, though? Metal might be better.

/Mind influence would furtherly weaken opponents/

Also that, secondary mind, but I’ll use that as a last resort. Nashariel had grown with tragic tales of mind-controlled people assaulting their own families. If possible, she didn’t want to add more stories like those to the world.

She felled the pack in Approaching Storm stance, to not incinerate the corpses. Judging by the stench, she barely managed to do that.

The rest of her team coughed.

“Can’t you tone it down?” Asked Dan, waving a hand in front of his face.

Nashariel grinned. “Now you know how your [Poison cloud] feels!”

The other rolled his eyes but didn’t reply.

Once back, they gave their earnings to Ashelia. The elven huntress had opened up since they gave her Dan’s recipes, and gave them some clothes for the cold. They were comfy.

She made them dump all the remains in a Spatial-bag of hers. Still, watching the corpses, she frowned.

“Something’s wrong?” Asked Dorel.

Ashelia shook her head. “No, no. I’m just surprised that so many Ice-monsters woke up this early. They usually start waking up with the first cold.”

“Any idea of why?”

The huntress thought for a few moments, then shrugged. “It’s probably just a weird year. Maybe I’m being too anxious.”

Nashariel paused for a second. Her secondary mind's activity spiked and kept on going for a while.

They chatted for a bit, then went their way.

As it was late, the group took a bath.

/Secondary mind has finished her analysis. Would you like a report, primary mind?/

Go on.

/Primary mind Nashariel has faced strange and powerful monsters, like the Horrors and the Burrowing storm, close to the capital. Primary mind Nashariel has seen many Quests for supposedly rare monsters. Primary mind Nashariel has faced a roaming Warband. Hypothesis: The world is under some strange phenomena that increase rare monster spawn rates or aggression/

That’s… pretty accurate. Nashariel sometimes wondered why named monsters like those Horrors were that near. There was little she could do in that regard but hope for the best. Still…

“Guys, I think we should go soon.” She announced.

“You think so?” Asked Dorel.

Nashariel nodded. “We stopped to get stronger, and we did. Plus, if Ashelia is right, we’re in for an earlier winter. I’d rather move now than catch the snow halfway to the next village.”

“Makes sense. When?”

The dragokin took a moment to think. “The earlier the better. Two to three days?”

Her friends agreed.

That evening, Nashariel looked at her status. This was probably going to be the last safe place for a while, so she had to be extra prepared.

*Poison attunement is now free to evolve!

Lava attunement cost reduced to-> 40

Sound attunement cost reduced to-> 44

Name: Nashariel Holyshield

Race: Omnidragon (young)

Age: 18

Current humanoid form: Human dragokin

Current attunement: -

Level: 110

Available stat points: 12

Available skill points: 196

Strength: 550- 1100

Power: 400 - 800

Resilience: 700 – 1400

Vitality: 700 – 1400

Dexterity: 400 - 800

Awareness: 450 - 900

Essence: 500 - 1000

Endurance: 500 - 1000

Hp: 14.000/14.000

Mana: 10.000/10.000

Stamina: 10.000/10.000

Skills:

Racial:

Omnidragon kin (minor) Lvl -

Omnidragon might (II) Lvl 20-capped

Omnidragon physique (II) Lvl 10-> 11

Omnidragon adaptability Lvl 3-> 5

Draconic breath (II) Lvl 20-capped

Draconic fighting style (II) Lvl 20-capped

Draconic Aura (II) Lvl 12-> 13

Draconic hoard Lvl 12-> 13

Draconic presence Lvl 8-> 12

Air:

Improved flight Lvl 20-capped

Draconic feathers Lvl 20-capped

Decreased air resistance Lvl 2

Improved aerial stability Lvl 1

Water:

Venom Lvl 20-capped

Draconic dive (II) Lvl 8

Identify Lvl 20-capped

Improved grapple Lvl 16

Mana efficiency Lvl 20-capped

Water dragon fighting style Lvl 8

Body of the water dragon Lvl 3

Earth:

Improved burrow Lvl 20-capped

Increased size Lvl 20-capped

Increased body density Lvl 20-capped

Earth armor Lvl 16

Hunter senses Lvl 20-capped

Earth manipulation Lvl 5

Fire:

Fury Lvl 20-capped

Sharpened natural weapons Lvl 20-capped

Improved Aoe Lvl 20-capped

Light:

Improved healing Lvl 20-capped

Light’s refuge Lvl 20-capped

Taunt Lvl 16-> 17

Dark:

Nullify presence Lvl 14-> 15

Improved draining Lvl 20-capped

Shroud of darkness Lvl 8

Metal:

Metal manipulation Lvl 8

Metal creation Lvl 16

Metal armor Lvl 15

Sharpened wings Lvl 2

Manufactured weapon mastery Lvl 6

Metal dragon fighting style Lvl 13

Mind:

Intellect of the Mind dragon Lvl 5-> 8

Mind healing Lvl 7

Dual mind Lvl 9

Mental power generation Lvl 4

Mental empowerment Lvl 2

Body of the Mind dragon Lvl 3

Lightning:

Body of the lightning dragon Lvl 6

Voltage generation Lvl 8

Lightning creation Lvl 3

Lightning manipulation Lvl 2

Lightning empowerment Lvl 6

Lightning infusion Lvl 4

Lightning dragon fighting style Lvl 4

Ease conductivity (other) Lvl 5

Spreading lightning Lvl 7

Paralyzing lightning Lvl 2

Lighting armor Lvl 2

Gray lightning Lvl 3

Curse:

Body of the Cursed dragon Lvl 1

Protection:

Defender’s aura Lvl 4

Body of the defender dragon Lvl 3

Damage storage Lvl 6

Defender’s armor Lvl 3

Improved retaliation Lvl 5

Defender dragon's fighting style Lvl 4

Radiance:

Radiant sight Lvl 1

Aura of Radiance Lvl 1

Radiant light Lvl 1

Radiant infusion Lvl 1

Improved aerial stability Lvl 1

A flier is governed by the currents around her, but a true master of the sky makes the best from the worst. With this skill, you’ll be able to gracefully dance among the clouds or, at the very least, not die while crashing down. It happens to the best of us.

You have a slightly easier time controlling your flight when flying.

This skill scales with your dexterity.

Upgrade cost: 3 points Lvl.

Decreased weight Lvl 1

As someone who can fly, your body must also be able to provide you with the necessary agility. As a dragon, your mass is noticeably above the agile avian, but this skill will help you to reduce that difference.

Your weight is slightly decreased.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl.

Sharpened wings Lvl 2

The wings of a metal dragon are a weapon as deadly as its claws and fangs. Still, the relatively new offensive nature of those limbs and their fragility discourages some. With this skill, I hope you’ll be less hesitant in the future.

Your wings are slightly more powerful when encased by metal.

This skill scales with your strength and dexterity.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl.

Manufactured weapon mastery Lvl 6

Few monsters appreciate the beauty of mortal-made weapons, and you are one of such few. Sword, spear, bow… you have tried them all and found them worthy. May your future as a weapon master be a long song of steel, dragon.

Basic knowledge of all weapons has been granted.

Damage with all manufactured weapons is increased.

This skill scales with strength and dexterity.

Upgrade cost: 4 points Lvl. *

Nashariel had to merge several –x weapon masteries to get the latter skill. On top of the lost points, the damage bonus was weaker. She was sure that the skill would become more powerful with levels, but that stung all the same.

One day, Dan asked her how did she gain new attunements. Once Nashariel said that she could absorb elemental essences, the Inquisitor proposed the team to take the proverbial gloves off. Their efforts in helping her save points were heartwarming, although that was a little too literal in Dorel’s case.

Unfortunately, Nashariel found out something irritating while trying to break the cap of her non-racial skills.

She couldn’t.

Or, more precisely, they needed an appropriate attunement to do so, save for [Identify] and [Improved burrow]. The former was a vital source of information, so Nashariel obviously doubled down on it.

*Do you really wish to evolve Identify for 15 points?

Y/N

Identify evolves into-> Sight of the dragon

Sight of the dragon Lvl 1

Few monsters know the power of accurate and extensive research on a subject, and you’re one of them. Whilst most of the lesser monsters are forced to tackle with trouble to gauge its danger, you can assess that with a single glance. And, more importantly, you’ll know how valuable are the treasures in front of you.

Upon activation, a large number of appropriate information is revealed to you. You may target living beings or items without restriction for numbers.

You know the rough value of the items you identify.

Knowing the subject of your gaze reveals additional, personal information.

Effects that block this skill are weakened.

The range of this skill is your sight.

Other skills that rely on sight are integrated. The power of this effect is reliant upon Omnidragon adaptability.

This skill scales with awareness.

Upgrade cost: 5 points.

Points reduced to-> 181 *

Nashariel felt her eyes tingle. Using the skill revealed the material and value of the surrounding room. Uh, this is all high quality. All in all, a good choice in her opinion.

Instead, the secondary mind was delighted at her impasse, since it proved her first suggestion to be the right one. Nashariel groaned. Seems like my subspecies demand that I become a generalist. Damn, I thought it was my choice, not my instinct. Nashariel was very much grateful that her family had no Dark dragon in their lineage.

When she spoke about it, the others proposed to her to simply buy new attunements and… not use them.

Nashariel stood dumbstruck for a while after that. It made sense, and yet it felt so… wasteful. As of now, she had Poison free, and a few others attunements at a low cost.

She unlocked the free one and saved the others for a later time. I decided to focus on Lightning-Mind-Metal for now. I’ll see about learning new tricks later on. Plus, I might absorb some more essence on the way. Certainly Ice, and I bet all the ducks in this world that Blood will be another one.

*Poison affinity has been bought.

May your enemies writhe and fall under your toxins, young Poison dragon.

Two free skills have been granted.

You can now upgrade Venom. *

As expected. She had no interest in upgrading that skill, but having the option open felt really, really good. Perhaps she could unlock another affinity or two… Strongly shaking her head, Nashariel ignored the itch. Is this what monsters feel when facing their attunement’s will?

Two days later, the group bid their goodbyes to everyone on the entrance floor, and some on the first ring. They had restocked everything that came to mind and something more, so they really had no more reasons to delay.

Most of the kids were sad at seeing them go, but those prideful bunch refused to let the others see them cry. The adults were less emotional but much more respectful that the first time they set foot here. Especially the ones who sparred with them.

At the dawn of the third day, the Templars stood at the entrance, ready to leave.

Surprisingly, the Elder was there to meet them.

"Elder!" Nashariel, the first to recover from the stupor, exclaimed. "What brings you here, if I may ask?”

The old elf smiled. “I heard you were leaving, so I wanted to personally bid you farewell.” He gave them a small bow. “And, even if I don’t like to put this weight upon guests, I have two favors that require the touch of an Astillian."

The Templars gave the Elder a deeper bow.

“If it’s in our power, we’ll assist you.” Nashariel assumed her professional tone. If an Elder asks for help, that won’t be easy. Building-sized-undead-golem soon?

“Thank you, dear. Take this…” The elf gave her a sealed letter, one that Nashariel put in her mantle. “That’s for Antoine, your Grandmaster. We go back ways.”

The dragokin nodded. Most of the powerful people of allied countries knew each other, after all.

“May I have your map?” Nashariel obliged. “Thanks. As much as I’m aware of your yearning to go back home, I must ask you to deviate from it.” He highlighted a village, surrounding it with deadwood. “The forest is scared, and the villagers are silent. Please, see what’s wrong with them.”

“We’ll have a look, Elder. Can you tell us anything about that?”

“The fairies whispered that your aid is required, and nothing else.” He sighed.

Nashariel held back a groan. “That’ll have to do. Elder, you have our deepest thanks for your hospitality and thrust.”

“You too, young Templars, you too.”

With the last goodbyes, Nashariel, Veliel, Dan, and Dorel marched once again into the forest.