Daniel and Edithe followed me as I led them through the winding roads beyond Viechester. With our farewells said and done, there was nothing left for us to do at the city. We had packed everything we needed beforehand; both their storage equipment carried most of it, so we did not need to bring big bags with us.
I wore a few of my new purchases on me. Nothing too fancy. Apparently, Medium Grade items and above were often hard to come upon. I could always just create my own, so I did not bother getting anything that was not simply supplementary.
One of the items I got was a leg bangle. The merchant had called it a Band of Resistance. Daniel almost mistook it for something in his world when I mentioned it to him, but it was a completely different thing. A single chain was wrapped around my leg, with some inscriptions engraved onto it. And apparently, that would have helped me resist against ailment effects like burning or poison.
And blight.
That was what I especially had to look out for, considering we were going to the Plaguelands. Daniel and Edithe, seemingly enthused at first, began to voice their disagreements with the idea as we marched down the gravelly path.
undefined“Salvos, I don’t think this is a good idea. Look, I know of a few Dungeons around the area. They’re Platinum Rank threats too! Just like the Brilsum Ruins! We can start off there and then maybe work our way up to the Plaguelands?”
“Yeah, I agree with her. This is, uh, not the best idea you have. In fact, it is probably one of the worst.”
I stared at the pair, aghast.
“What’s wrong with going to the Plaguelands? I think it’s a wonderful idea!”
They exchanged a look then spoke at the same time.
“It’s a Diamond Rank area…”
“Exactly!”
I beamed back at them. They still did not seem to understand. So, I began to explain.
“I’ve done a lot of research, since you Humans keep needing to sleep. I’ve stayed up all night reading books from your libraries and stuff. And they all say the same thing! The Plaguelands are full of these creatures called undead!”
My logic seemed to bounce off some thick shell covering the heads of the Humans. They were perplexed. Confusion was evident on their faces. I crossed my arms.
“Skeletons, Ghouls, Wights, Draugrs! They are mindless and wild— even more so than Centinels. And the most important part is: they aren’t even alive!”
Comprehension finally settled into my companions. However, instead of the understanding nods I was expecting, there was a sigh, a shaking of the head. Edithe stepped forward and began to explain.
“Look, Salvos, I’m not exactly… in the best shape to fight right now. I can only cast spells equivalent to someone 10 levels lower than me, and Daniel is just a Level 70 [Warrior]. Maybe you can survive fighting in the Plaguelands, but neither of us can. Even if you prefer this, the fact is we’ll die.”
I frowned. Daniel seemed to agree with her. And then I grinned and started around a nearby tree.
“What are you doing, Salvos?”
“Changing!”
“Wait, here?!”
The Human man hurriedly turned away while Edithe tried to stop me. I waved her off.
“We’ve already left Viechester! I’m done keeping secrets. It’s not fun.”
I winked over at Daniel, and although he didn’t see it since he was pointedly facing the ground, he still tensed up. Edithe however, did not pick up on the cue even as my body started to shift.
I was glad she did not, because that was meant only for him. It was his choice— his secret. However, I have had to pretend to be a Human for so long. And I was getting sick and tired of it.
I stepped forward and placed one of my four hands on the red haired woman’s shoulder. She looked up at me, hesitating.
“This is dangerous. If someone sees you—”
“We’ll move away from the roads and keep away from Human sight. Plus, I can always change back if I sense anyone approaching us! I have [Passive - A Hunter’s Sense], after all!”
Smiling, I spoke reassuringly to Edithe.
“I know you may not think I’m the most reliable person, but I’ve learned a lot since coming to the Mortal Realm. I know better than to get in trouble over nothing. The same goes for heading to the Plaguelands. We aren’t just going to charge in and attack a horde of Level 100 Skeletons! We’ll be smarter than that. Draw them in slowly. Use teamwork to take them out one by one.”
She still seemed uncertain, however my mind was set. She had let me decide where we were going. I had promised Edithe I would make her stronger. She did not want to forego her Class. So, we just had to advance her Class to something even better.
Gesturing at my companions to follow me, I started into the forest and led them through the country of Nixa.
—--
A day later, Edithe and Daniel took charge of directions.
“Aw, why?”
“You’re terrible at directions, Salvos.”
“Yeah, at least I know how to use a map.”
The Human woman did not get what he meant by that, but she agreed anyway. We made our way through Nixa, staying close to but away from the roads where Humans could possibly see me. The Sunmere Republic disappeared far behind us, and even though I wanted to pay a visit to Silvergrove or Hazelbury— just to hear the oo’s and the ah’s from those there who knew me and saw how much I leveled, I knew it was pointless.
We ran into quite a few monsters through our path. However, that was what I had intended; not only could I remain as myself without being forced to constantly wear a Human skin, we could work Edithe’s way up before reaching the Plaguelands.
“Go, Edithe!”
I yelled from the side as she cast spells and flung them at the swarm of [Vurats] attacking her. The monsters flapped their jagged wings and charged her, but droves of them fell from the Gold Rank adventurer’s spells.
She panted, hands clasped on her knees as she cast a glare at me then at Daniel who was playing with his sword’s scabbard.
“You know, you could have helped me, right? Those were fucking Silver Rank threats! Not something that would help me level.”
“That’s the point!”
I grinned back at her. She faced me with a frown as I elaborated.
“We’re helping you refine the use of your spells. Since you can’t rely on half of your Skills right now, we want you to get used to fighting without them. What better way to test that than by fighting monsters below your level?
“That’s… oddly well thought out for you, Salvos.”
“Hey! I take offense to that!”
I feigned hurt.
We fought more monsters and continued through the country. Until finally, a month passed and we arrived at the Vaun Qieur Empire’s borders.
Defeated [Shadow Wolf - Lvl. 43]!
Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!
…
Defeated [Moss Slime - Lvl. 25]!
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