15 Day 71 - 75

- Day 71

We started moving at night. Silently, we arrived near the human army's encampment. Putting together both my blood clones' information and Rou's, we've surmised that they have around 800 men, though the current target was just a platoon. Normally, a group such as ours wouldn't be able to contest with them in a head to head fight, which is why we aren't doing that, instead opting to ambush them during the dead of the night.

When we finally arrived in our correct positions, we found that they had erected a fire barrier to keep themselves safe. Fortunately for us, the barrier doesn't require constant management. In other words it's on automatic. A big wall of fire just waiting for someone with the {Fire Manipulation} skill to come along and roast those that think themselves safe. I equip my {Living Magma Armour} while holding both of my hands out in front of me.

Using every Mana Manipulation and Fire Manipulation skill at my disposal, I begin to alter the flow of the flames. After a large amount of effort, I'm able to slowly close barrier in on the soldiers, burning them alive. When Sei alerts us to the mages inside starting to release the barrier, everyone charges.

A large majority of the humans forces have either been burnt alive or squashed under the weight of Parabellum's onslaught. This was stopped when a small group of elites, led by a female knight, begin pushing back against the skeletons and zombies that Rou had sent in.

This is where I got to shine once again, sending in my pair of {Bone Goliaths} to charge in and wreak havoc. The group put up quite a valiant fight and even managed to take down one of the {Bone Goliaths}. Their moment of valour and cheer was cut short by an impending sense of dread when Rou let out a roar, gaining their attention as my army of clay and Rock golems charged them from every other side.

I lost many good golems in this battle that'll take days to rebuild, but the end result was worth it. The others have been exhausted and injured by the golems and other members of Parabellum. Mi has used her {Charm} skill to turn some of the human soldiers against the others and Sato manipulates the countless amount of blood on the battlefield to annihilate her foes.

By the end of the battle between Rou and the female knight, she manages to make contact once, though dealing no damage. Seeing this as a chance, the mage attempts to use a high level spell. Unfortunately for him, Sigul had something to say about that, dashing in and removing both of his hands with a swing of her guan dao. His spell was still launched though, and the silver flame dragon soared towards Rou and the female knight. Rou held the woman tight and turned his back to the attack, either willing to take the hit or perhaps he had something up his sleeve.

Either way, I figured that this was as good a time as any to repay him for trying to kill him over a misunderstanding and leapt in front of them. With {Flame Manipulation} {Heat Resistance} {Magic Resistance} {Fire Resistance} {Goliaths Resilience} {Goliaths Endurance} and finally, {Counter Magic}, I was able to take on return the full force of the attack towards him, destroying him.

I turned to face Rou and asked him if we were all good now. He simply replied by saying that we already were. I laughed at his comment before feasting on the souls of the dead.

Abilities Learned: {Brave Heart} {Tripping} {Militant Control} {Blacksmithing} {High Evasion} {Grand Rolling Slice} {Cross Cut} {Heavy Breathing} {Light Breathing} {One Sided Justice} {Pure Faith} {Ignorant Acolyte} {Chain Soul} {Speed Reading} {Job: Commander} {Job: Heavy Swordsman} {Job: Minstrel} {Job: Strategist} {Job: Lancer} {Job: Slave} {Job: Farmer} {Job: Monk} {Job: Heavy Warrior} {Job: Light Warrior}.

When we returned to base, the Elf Chief was waiting for us with a few barrels of alcohol and the same elf woman that came to discuss the conditions. She gave me a strange look but I didn't have time to mind it and simply went to restore some of my lost forces. Seriously, Rou thinks that just because they aren't alive that they can be remade quickly and easily. Humph, obviously Rou has never created a Golem before.

Today's results:

Golems: 36 Clay Golems

Synthesis: {Light Breathing} + {Heavy Breathing} = {Controlled Breathing}

- Day 72

We received information today that the humans were planning a pincer attack from all sides against the elves and so, we were to lay traps for them. I got one of the good jobs and ended up going to ambush one squad by myself. I used {Presence Erasure} to hide myself and laid my trap. Once I was done, I hid nearby to watch it all unfold and interfere if necessary.

After a small wait, a large group of armoured knights led by what seems to be a nobleman comes trotting along the path atop their horses. Right into my trap. The horses begin to shake and buck wildly as the ground itself begins to slowly devour them. This is thanks to the 36 Clay Golems I created last night. I gave them the {Corrosion} and {Metamorphosis} skills and had them lay in wait. A few of the knights managed to escape from the tar-like substance on the road but ended up being pulled back in by tendrils that shot out from the ground.

After I dealt with them, unfortunately unable to obtain any new skills from these trash, I received a communication from Cora in the lake cave. She told me that some human soldiers had come, seeking something unknown to her and stumbled across her. She's holding them back and managed to kill a few but she says that she won't be able to keep it up much longer.

After eating the final soul of the nobleman still in my hand, gaining the {Nobles Aura} skill, I alerted Rou that a friend of mine was being attacked by the human soldiers and that, since I was done dealing with the trash, I was going to help her. He told me it was fine since I had finished up already so I used {Retreat} to "run away from the large battle in the other direction" and head towards the entrance to the lake cave.

When I arrived, I found the bodies of a few soldiers lying in the lake, dying it red while the remaining soldiers and an older, burly man with a war hammer commanded them. I used {Quick Slash} to take care of 3 out of 7 regular soldiers and activated {Slaughterer} before dealing with the other 4 with ease.

When I looked over to the burly man, I used {Perfect Analysis} on him which revealed him to be {Flynt Darricks: Ardent Seeker}. I know why he's here now. I lift up my amethyst necklace and gesture to him.

[Kei] "Is this what you want?"

He smiles as his brown hair falls over his face and he lifts his war hammer, pointing it towards me.

[Flynt] "So you're the Keeper? Huh, I thought you'd look stronger. What? Got a riddle for me?"

[Kei] "you want a riddle? Fine. Tell me what I am."

He raises a brow but seems to be playing along with a cocky attitude, though still staying on guard with his weapon at the ready.

[Flynt] "You're a keeper."

[Kei] "close but no. The answer was, I'm a Reaper."

Using {Greater Equipment Materialisation} I instantly switch out my sword for my scythe and activate {Reapers Spiritual Pressure}. This catches him off guard, enough for me to dash towards him and use {Quick Slash}. Unfortunately, he managed to block but that doesn't mean he took no damage. His weapon was cut in two and the Slash went on to slice open a wound in his chest.

He glared at me with eyes full of pure hatred and, while picking up the sword of one of his fallen comrades, he charged. My response was to use {Fire Manipulation} to burn him, stopping him in his tracks before decapitating him with one more clean slash.

I walked back over to his charred corpse and ate his soul, as well as his subordinates, receiving {Job: Ardent Seeker} {War Hammer Mastery} {Stone Skin} {Commanding Aura} {Ardent Sense} {Slam} {Enhanced Endurance} {Job: Guard} {Job: Noire Soldier} {Job: Con-Artist} {Bribe} {Convince} {Charismatic} {Iron Stomach} {Marking}.

I then rushed over to Cora and checked her for any injuries. She had managed to hold out extremely well for someone with no combat experience but as soon as I started to leave, she tugged on the back of my vest and asked me to stay for the night. I made sure I wasn't needed at the settlement by contacting Rou and after confirming with him, I did as Cora asked.

- Day 73

The day started with Cora leaning her head on my shoulder, this time she seems to have kept her clothes on. After some time spent waiting for her to wake up, I received a message from Fu saying that someone claiming to be an {Ardent Keeper} showed up looking for me. I told her I'd be there as soon as I could and when Cora woke up, I informed her that I had to go and she understood, telling me that she was grateful for my assistance.

I went straight back to the settlement without delay and found an old man with a blue cloak examining Dou, about to switch to Fu before I made my presence known. He seemed to notice my necklace immediately, pulling out what seemed to be a light blue stone pendant that gave off a similar feeling.

When both our stones began glowing as they grew closer in proximity, the old man smiled. He explained that these stones are part of a set of seven and that each one held a large amount of power. I was tempted to try to take his when I found out but looking at him again, he emits a sort of presence that makes me unsure of whether or not I could beat him.

He further explained that, had I not been recognised as an {Ardent Keeper}, he would have killed me on the spot and taken the stone from me, placing it in a new hiding spot. Naturally, this pissed me off a bit and caused me to "politely" ask for a sparring match. He laughed but refused, saying the stones wouldn't take kindly to it. I raised an eyebrow to his rejection but considering I still know close to nothing about these stones, I went along with it.

I then asked him about the {Ardent Seekers} and the air suddenly chilled. He then told me that the seekers are abominations, ranging in power from just above the common soldier to hero levels. If I had to say how strong the one I came across was, he would probably be just below the level of a commander in the human army we're currently facing. The old man then went on to explain that the seekers are able to determine the approximate location of the stones because of a strange ritual they partake in, saying that even he doesn't know the specifics. He then revealed his face that was hidden behind his hood and showed me that the seekers were capable of blinding someone as powerful as him, as I noticed the large scar across both of his eyes. Seriously, I want to spar him. Now that I know he's blind however, it might feel bitter sweet if I win.

After he finished explaining everything, he immediately took his leave, saying that should fate permit it, he would like for me to meet the rest of them at some point, noting that it has been a very long time since a Monster was chosen as a keeper.

After the old man had left, I went to talk with Fu and Dou, who had been dealing with the old man before I arrived. They explained that the old man seemed extremely interested in their coloured tattoos, noticing that he kept, somehow, peering at the orange diamond on my forehead. Since I had this mark before I came across the stone, I don't think it has anything to do with it. Besides, it's a different colour. Plus, the whole {Chaos Magic} thing seems to use orange as its' chosen hue.

After we settled that business, I went to check on the others, finding out that they'd taken quite a few prisoners this time, many of whom looking at me with hate filled eyes. One of them though, a man with short blonde hair that seems to be the commander is sitting at the back with a bored expression. I wonder what his deal is?

Today's Results:

Golems: 22 Rock Golems, 3 Stone Golems

Synthesis: {Expanded Vision} + {Dark Vision} + {Enhanced Vision} + {Foresight} + {Enhanced Foresight} + {Total Area Perception} = {Ardent Mind's Eye}

- Day 74

When I woke up this morning, I found out that 8 more goblins had ranked up. We gained 4 regular, 3 mages and 1 cleric. One of the mages even ended up being something called a shaman with the skill to command the undead and bolster their abilities. 3 Kobolds also ranked up, reaching {Kobold Foot Soldier}.

After finding that out, Rou went ahead and spoke with the human slaves, finding out some more information about the humans reasons for waging this war. It turns out that the one sick is their second princess. An intelligent beauty that was supposed to be married off to one of their allies. Rou then came to the same conclusion that I had. The princess is not the only reason that they're doing this. Human greed is the main culprit.

[Kei] "Humans really are a pain in the ass."

When I said that, Rou nodded in agreement.

After all of that was settled, we began to use the new slaves in a different sort of way. Essentially, we played some war games, where two people other than Rou would take command of two sides in a mock battle. Dou and Sigul did quite well while Fu was too busy thinking about what they would all look and taste like after dying. I made sure to give her some zombies after she lost her match.

When my turn came around, I was paired up against Mi. It ended up being a long, drawn out battle where neither side could really gain on the other thanks to Mi's natural intelligence as a Dhampir and my {Job: Strategist}, {War Cry}, {Chivalry}, {Intuition}, {Pack Leader} and my knowledge from my past life. Honestly, Mi is shockingly smart and good with tactics. She tried to use her {Charm} skill on me but my {Mind Resistance} and {Charm Resistance} skills allowed me to cancel out the effects.

In the end, I only won because of {Parallel Thinking} and {Militant Control}. I'm actually astounded by the amount of leadership skills in my possession at this point. The fact that I won means I'll probably be asked to fill more leadership roles in the future which doesn't sound fun. Why did I join then? It seemed similar to chess. It's not that I don't like leading because I'm necessarily bad at it. I just don't like having to deal with the deaths of my subordinates that entrusted me with their lives. Last time I tried, I lost them all and went on a rampage, and that was in my old world. Imagine what might happen now in a world like this where I could lose myself over something small with so much power at my disposal. No thanks.

After the war games were done, I decided to go outside for some fresh air and to test out my {Ardent Mind's Eye}. It was amazing. I could see everything happening around me, from the tiniest detail to the group of humans attacking some elves a few hundred metres north. Hang on, what was that last part? I tried focusing my sight and when I did, I was looking straight into the eyes of a human soldier about to shove his sword through an elf man's torso.

I rushed towards them as fast as I could and separated the human's head from his body with {Quick Slash}, unfortunately I was too late to save the elf man. This did attract the attention of the other soldiers away from the remaining elves however, which was fine by me. I activated {Reaper's Spiritual Pressure} and as they found themselves unable to move, I sliced their throats. They fell to the ground and I gained some souls, which earned me {Shield Bash} {The Art Of War} {Heart of the Sword} {Heart of the Shield} {Shield Wall} {Job: Shield Bearer} {Job: Archer} {Job: Hunter}.

When I turned to see if the elves needed any healing, I saw a familiar face. The short haired elf woman that dealt with the negotiations between us and the elves. After I had healed her and her other escorts, she gave me a polite smile, bow and thanks before heading out. I offered to guard them on their way back to the elf village but they politely declined, saying that they would be fine on their own and that I should take the equipment of their deceased friend as reward. I told them it was fine and left his armour while taking his soul which earned me {Job: Artist}. I guess anyone that can wield a weapon is useful in times of war.

I returned back to the settlement and spent the rest of the day watching the war games continue. At night, the girls seemed to want to relieve some stress and I obliged. It could be because the female human slaves were being introduced to life in the cave, they got a little...excited.

- Day 75

Today, the short haired, blonde commander from the human army asked to spar Rou. Without Rou using any skills, he was able to hold out out quite well, though Rou still came out as the obvious victor. They then sparred a second time with Rou using a few of his skills. The Commander was knocked out and covered in blood by the end although he had an impressive smile on his face.

Apparently after he had woken up, he asked who the second strongest around was and Rou pointed to me. I'm going to have to talk to him about that once this war is over. That's what led to the current situation of me asking him whether he would like a spar without skills or with. He replied saying that he'd like to warm up first without, doing the same thing as with Rou.

Because my speed is higher than Rou's, I was able to dodge his attacks quite easily. Since he came nowhere close to the level of the Golem I fought back when I was a Hobgoblin, the result was just as obvious as when he fought Rou. When I healed and buffed him, he knew exactly what was coming next. I used {Reapers Spiritual Pressure} and knocked him out in one punch using {Sundering Strike}. I buffed him a lot but he still needed some serious medical care afterwards.

When Rou asked me why I did that, I told him that I simply wanted to flex a little. The rest of the day until lunch was spent sparring with Rou. The end result was 2-1 in my favour.

After lunch, I made some more golems including a {Bone Goliath} and some {Stone Golems}. This led to evening where I learned that the blonde commander from before, Rusty, would be joining us permanently as an addition to our forces. A welcome addition, might I add and I shook his hand as a welcome. When he responded immediately while gripping tight enough to crack a normal human soldiers bones, I realised two things. 1, he's a man with few or no prejudices against Demi-humans and monsters and 2, he doesn't plan on staying weaker than us. I look forward to his improvements eagerly.

Today's Results:

Golems: 10 Stone Golems, 1 Bone Goliath

Synthesis: {Heat Resistance} + {Magma Resistance} + {Fire Resistance} = {Fire Nullification}