Speeding Too Much (Part 3)

We went to the guild to get another quest. We found a quest for Iron Rankers like us.

<Quest Type: Subjugation>

<Rank: Iron or above>

<Description: A stray Skeleton Guard has been spotted near the Nuen Mines and is soon evolving into a Skeleton Knight. If left unattended, it could threaten villages.>

<Reward: 10 Silver Coins and 430 Copper>

Ah, it's where we killed Grundel and his cronies. Another simple quest.

We went to the receptionist to accept the quest and she did. We immediately went to Nuen Mines.

We got on Zala and went our way to warp our way to Nuen Mines.

*Vzoop!*

We warped our way to Nuen Mines and managed to see the Skeleton Guard.

I summoned a spear of Light Magic and threw it at the Skeleton Guard.

*Shwing!*

*BZ-SHWWM!*

The spear hit the Skeleton Guard in the torso, scattering the remains. The undead was instantly destroyed.

[E rank target slain. 20,000 EP acquired.]

We head back to the guild with the proof of killing the Skeleton Guard, we were paid.

"If we keep this up, we'll reach Steel Rank soon." I thought.

And the thought of creating a base for myself in one of the most dangerous forests excites me so.

CUE SPEEDRUN ANY PERCENT!

{4 hours of speedrunning later...}

We did plenty of quests for killing an infestation of Red Bees, a colony of Giant Slimes, a stray undead army, and killing invading goblins.

When we finally turned in our last quest as Iron Rank, the receptionist told us something.

"You have completed enough Iron rank quests to be promoted to Steel Rank." the receptionist said.

I grinned as Hyoran and I will get paid even more than Iron Rank, but...

"However, you cannot be promoted, due to your age." the receptionist said with a hint of regret.

"What? But we did quests and got out perfectly." Hyoran said.

"We are aware of you two's efforts and how you got them, but in the rare cases young adventurers reach Iron Rank, they must be at least 13 years of age." the receptionist explains further. "It is to lessen the deaths of young adventurers."

"But..." Hyoran tried to protest, but I stopped her.

"What if a child is a S rank?" I said.

"I...never seen or heard a child becoming an S rank. Even if they did, we still can't let them through until they become that age." the receptionist said. Hyoran's ears drooped.

"Thanks for the info." I said. We began walking out

"But we're 10 years old...3 years is too long!" Hyoran whined.

"We'll do the quests from time to time, but we have a bigger goal in mind." I said. "But first, let's find a place to rest."

I looked at the sky and the sky begins to go darker. We find a tavern where Ezo first found it. We went inside and booked a room for two.

We wash up and make ourselves comfortable on the two beds. We began talking about our big goal.

"Okay, what I'm about to tell you, please don't freak out." I said.

"I promise."

"Hyoran...we'll be heading to The Great Dystoark Forest." I said.

Hyoran's widened, ears spiking up, and her tail shooting up the sky. She gasped, but before she screams, I covered her mouth.

"Mmmph!" Hyoran voice was muffled, but she was screaming no doubt.

"Shhh! I said don't freak out!" I said in a whispering tone.

"But that's beyond the Telgrin Mountains where the Adolescent Flame Dragon came from!" Hyoran protested.

"Dragons don't usually reside there, even a Young Dragon leaves to find bigger caves." I said. "Besides, we'll be safe as long we don't stray from the path."

"What will we do once we get to Dystoark?" Hyoran said.

"We'll create a base there and grow. Also, it'll be our secret for now." I said.

"When will we leave?" Hyoran asked.

"Tomorrow. We need to be well rested." I said.

I also ordered Groza, Burya, Vampa, Viri, and Schwarze to through the Telgrin Mountains and head to Veldiar Meadows. That way we can cover distance much more and reach our destination faster.

"What about mama and papa if we managed to make one?" Hyoran said.

"We'll tell them...eventually. Let's sleep. We got a big day tomorrow." I said.

We soon went to our respective beds and Hyoran slowly goes to sleep. I used my Allsight to watch Schwarze's view at night.

Schwarze flies through the sky at night where large mountains, jagged terrain, and steep hills are littered across the landscape. However, a simple path goes through the landscape, relatively safe for travel as long as none strays from this path.

"System, how long will they reach Veldiar Meadows?"

[3 hours until Schwarze and company reaches Veldiar Meadows.]

That's plenty of time and the only one that doesn't need sleep is Viridesca. Although the Adolescent Fire Dragon flying across the Telgrin Mountains was unexpected, but I doubt they'll come here again.

Although it is a shame as we can't get to Steel Class to get paid even more, but there are something worth more than just completing quests.

I look at Hyoran at the bed next to mine and see her sleep soundly. I look up and gaze to the ceiling and have to get stronger.

"System, my basic elements to Tier XX." I said.

[Acknowledged. 5,000,000 EP deducted.]

[All Basic Elements reached Tier XV. Veteran Elementalist acquired.]

[All Basic Elements reached Tier XX. Master Elementalist acquired.]

It's getting expensive when it comes to Tiers. However, I better get prepared.

"System, Holy, Curse, and Blessing Magic at Tier X."

[Caution, this may significantly increase the threat of Hellkins. Do you accept?]

"Yes."

[Acknowledged. 15,00,000 EP deducted.]

[Holy Magic is now at Tier X.]

[Blessing Magic is now at Tier X.]

[Curse Magic is now at Tier X.]

[Conditions met. Unique Skill acquired. Title skill acquired. Beginner Celestine, Novice Celestine, Intermediate Celestine, Expert Celestine.]

[Notice, Heavenkin threat reduced to 0%.]

[Caution, Hellkin threat increased to 44%.]

Wow...the reason I didn't get the titles is because I didn't get Blessing Magic. Also, the threat of Hellkins are much higher now.

However, I must go further.

"System, I want Inferno Magic."

[Caution, improper use of Inferno Magic will cause damage to your soul. It is recommended you have Soul Regeneration, Inferno Resistance, or become a Hellkin.]

Just like when Saeva used Inferno Magic, it slowed down Zaneth as it is a soul-damaging element.

"Okay, Soul Regeneration, Inferno Resistance, and Inferno Magic-I."

[Acknowledged. 30,000 EP deducted.]

[Unique Skills acquired. Soul Regeneration, Inferno Resistance, Inferno Magic-I.]

[Hellkin threat decreased to 39%.]

[Conditions met. Title Skill acquired. Beginner Infernian.]

[Hellkin threat decreased to 31%.]

The reason I didn't go to Inferno Magic-X like the rest is because it is not like Fire nor Scorch Magic. Inferno Magic can burn endlessly until the target is dead, hit with Holy Magic, or the user is dead. But a sub-skill called Infernal Festering allows the user's Inferno Magic to burn constantly even if the user is dead.

But first, I should get used to it and then work my way up with that element. I also gotta be careful using that element because nobody except Saeva is resistant to Inferno at the very least.

In the end, Inferno Magic will be used as a last resort.

Dystoark is ever so closer.