Chapter 13

Sitting across from Lord Vulas in his home that sat in the center of the village it was time for Orion to begin the talks of supplies for the Labyrinth. [Calm Mind] had leveled up to level 63 with the events of the last few days but as it was only the lowest rank [Basic] it did not help with the man sitting in front of him. With now a prolonged look Orion could tell the robbed Lord Vulas wore in its shades of green covers cloths under that looked similar to what the squad that escorted him in and the other military forces. He wore a light smile on his face, long slivery hair covering his ears going past his shoulders.

“Not all Elf’s hair is this color, mix breeds and the Barren Elves hair color is similar to yours”

Lord Vulas said still evenly but the smile that was on his face before slightly grew. At first Orion was surprised that Lord Vulas had noticed but after realizing that they were the only two people in the house nothing Orion could do would endanger him.

“Barren Elves?”

“They also are called Mountain Elves and it refers to the rather lack of plant life in the areas they inhabit”

Orion nodded to the answer, hearing about the different types of elves would be helpful in the future to know what groups would be more receptive to any problems he may have in the future.

Well let’s see how this goes

“I have come here today in order to secure supplies for me and the people I am with, also the number of people will most likely greatly increase”

[Calm Mind] Has Leveled up

Orion Ignored the scroll popping up, looking away from Lord Vulas now and his powerful look now would make it impossible to look back at him the same way he was now. If he tried to picture what it was like in his mind an image of a rushing river and just standing where he was taking everything.

“Even with things are now with the Beastmen I believe my village could handle such a request, how will you pay for these goods?”

Lord Vulas gaze seemed to increase in intensely while keeping the same face as before.

I want to know his stats

Of course the person that Lord Vulas was a part of the intimidation he felt but Orion suspected he had some passive that caused the effect he was experiencing now. In turn an ability like [Calm Mind] would normally counter it but his rank of the skill was far too low.

“In the area that our camp is in are the creature called the Legged Vulture, the feathers and hide that drops from it I propose in exchange”

Lord Vulas leaned forward and rested both elbows on the table they were in front of, he held both his hands together. A short time later he returned to his earlier position and took a sip of the tea in front of him.

“Your core stats compared to your level is irregular to the point that I have never seen anything quite like it but it seems combined with the abilities you possess what you say should be possible”

Orion gripped his chair tightly after hearing Lord Vulas comment since he was not sure what to say in response.

It may not be as bad I think, based on what he said there are no plans to capture me

“Is it really that much of a surprise that a person used [Inspect] you or is it that you did not expect it to work?”

“You just caught be off guard, I should have known something like this was possible”

Lord Vulas seemed to agree when a woman appeared to Orion’s surprise and set a small bundle of parchments in front of him. Looking down at them he noticed goods alongside numbers of quantity then there given value. With just a glance Orion could see the numbers were not equal

“Given that Legged Vulture hides and feathers are not worth that much to my people with just that I do not believe we can come to an agreement”

To Orion Lord Vulas did seem truly displeased about the outcome so far but he had to make this agreement go through.

“If I can’t give you something is there something you need done?” Orion pleaded

Lord Vulas seemed deep in thought then waved over the woman from earlier, he spoke to her quietly enough that Orion did not hear. She left then returned quickly with a large parchment that when spread out reveled a map of the surrounding area including two settlements.

“Tell me right now how important is it to you that you get these supplies?”

The tone in his voice told Orion that only someone who was desperate enough would take what was about to be offered.

I am that desperate

“It is important enough that I already agree to whatever you’re going to ask me so tell me where I have to go and what I have to do”

Lord Vulas rose from his seat and motioned Orion to follow him to stand in front of the map.

“How thing are now I don’t know who will win this conflict between my village and the Beastmen. Peace must happen before that question is answered and you are our best shot in asking it.”

“Have you not tried this before?”

The laugh that came from Lord Vulas sounded eerie enough that answered his question.

“We were the ones that started this conflict when we thought it would be easy and when that was proven untrue every time we sent peace envoys they were killed”

The reason that started the conflict did not surprise Orion, making someone else’s lands when you were stronger yours is the reason most wars were fought.

“What would make me the difference compared to the people you had sent before?”

“You’re not an Elf”

[Calm Mind] Has Leveled up

Orion was then given the details of his quest: the next day he and a squad would cross over into the Beastmen territory while acting as a spokesperson for the Wood Elf village. If he was able to get the Beastmen to agree to meet for peace then the supplies would be his.

“Considering what you are going to go do its only right as the person sending you to help. Head over to the training area where we met and learn our style of combat, from what I saw you still need to learn one”

Orion thanked him and left Lord Vulas home and noticed there were still hours of daylight left. Due to the overpowering presence it had seemed like a much longer amount of time had passed. The people outside seemed visibly different from when he first entered, his guess was meeting the lord and leaving without an escort meant that he was a person who would not endanger them. Even the guards from before had left his side and now could explore more freely.

This is the first time I have been alone in my entire life

There was now no one to look after or protect him in anyway, this new reality unsettled him slightly. Thinking back on what he had experienced so far it was only natural this happening and quickened his pace to the training area. Coming to its location he saw dozens of people training as before. Some held huge shields large enough that an average sized person could hide behind it swinging it around. When they blocked an attack a short sword popped out from where the shield use to be. A woman talking to others stopped what she was saying and walked over to where Orion stood.

“My name is Lierin I was told that you would be coming in order to learn our style of combat there’s an issue with the request”

Orion frowned at the unexpected troubling words coming from Lierin. Slightly shorten then him with the usual sliver hair tied back. A shield of normal size at least compared to his was hanging on her back, two of the same sword also stuck out from behind.

“Am I unable or no longer allowed to learn it?”

Lierin walked over to his side and started pointing at separate group’s training.

“You need to pick what style of combat you want to learn, if you want to learn how to take a hit or dodge it or maybe learn to attack from the shadows. In the end you should make the choice for yourself, after all you’re the one that will be using it to protect your life.”

If anything Orion was glad the choice would end up being his and started to look closely at what each group was doing.

I don’t trust a shield to always be able to protect me since with that style of combat if it breaks it over and I don’t have a patience for complete stealth

The decision came from wanting more or the same or just doing better of what he already did.

“I would like to learn that combat style”

Orion pointed to the group of people moving around blocking with a shield and quickly returning the attack.

“Come with me then since you have picked swiftness style I will be your teacher”

They walked a short distance to an empty patch of land that had long since lost the lush grass that the rest of the village had. A history combat could be seen under his feet and now he would add to it.

“Watch closely then copy what I am doing, we will practice this until I believe you have copied it to a sufficient extent”

Lierin turned sideways and backed up in preparation, quickly she jerked her shield up and with a swinging motion from grabbing one of her swords came down with a wide arc. After she repeated the form serval more times than Orion was told to try it by sparring with her.

“Your sword is bigger than either of mine so there will be a difference in speed, try it like this”

Time and again he repeated until she cleared him to move on to the next attack. It was clear there was a difference in their physical abilities when he was tried already with Lierin stood there not much different from before.

Understanding of Common Wood Elf style Combat has increased

Orion smiled at the progress and pressed on with the lessons. This style of combat seemed to share some parts of the other two style when he brought it up Lierin agreed putting down for a moment while he caught his breath

“Actually there are four common types: Shield, Foot, Shadow, and Mounted. Beyond that are for people much greater then I but now is not the time block my attack!”

Her sword quickly came down to where his head was. Orion raised his shield blocking the attack and already pulling out the Mold Sword. Before his attack could connect with her body Lierin’s other sword was quickly pulled out and easily blocked his.

“If not for our difference physically that attack would have hit me. Be proud, you have passed Lierin’s one day training camp”

Common Wood Elf Foot Style (passive) basic 1/100 (Uncommon)

Your goal is not to prove how strong you are but to only take the hits you need to in order to come out alive. A style of combat honed after many years that offers the best of both worlds. (Uncommon) you are able to understand better than most are and in turn a bonus to perfecting this style of combat. Also you have a higher chance of taking sword forms from other combat styles into your own,

10% increase attack speed

5% increase armor piercing

“I already learned it?”

It surprised Orion even with his ability to have acquired the skill before leaving the next day.

“It’s true you were unusually fast in learning it but remember that this is only at the basic form and is missing both attack and defense forms. In the end you are stronger then when you came which is most important”

Even if it only a little Orion was glad that he received any help to protect himself.

“Thank you for all you have done for me, what you have taught me will surely save my life many times over”

Lierin raised her hand and Orion grabbed it, shaking it with a smile on his face

“My pleasure, for all the help you are about to do for the village I-“

With a crushing sound a person flew overhead, emitting from there body came a red mist. It had happened so fast that Orion could not make out any details of the person and in seconds they disappeared. The red mist fell on everyone including Orion but caused no damaging effects. When he inspected himself there was a states

Effected by Red Mist

Lierin Quickly ran from his side along with all the other troops and manned the walls. Confusion and worry gripped the village as children were rushed inside in order to protect them from what may happen next. Lord Vulas was seen in front of his home so Orion went up to him after the people had left him and some time had passed.

“Lord Vulas what happened Do you anything about this red mist?”

Lord Vulas seemed tried even if it was only mentally due to the worry of the entire town and directing hopeful relief efforts.

“Our mages are unable to dispel the effect from such a high leveled person but he do know that it does not negatively affect you rather it marks a person”

“So not the Beastmen, why would someone mark everyone?”

They both sat down on the bench as the watched the large number of troops on the wall. There was even dozen of Troops riding Legged Vultures waiting in case someone suddenly broke through the walls or gate.

“The Beastmen have no one that can fly rather its most likely due to the war that started a short time ago. These marks will be used to wipe out towns who will resist joining them.”

Lord Vulas turned too directly to face Orion with worry in his eyes for the first time.

“You need to leave early tomorrow, this village needs to free itself from the Beastmen danger so we can sound out our people to remove the Red Mist effect. You must complete this quest or else this village will be burned to the ground”