Storystudying...
Storystudying...
Chapter 1.36
Ryoka's leg is completely healed, allowing her to easily outrun Relc and regain her mobility. Meanwhile, a traumatized Erin ventures into the wilderness to face her fears, ultimately falling into a Shield Spider nest and wiping them out with fire. After the battle, she meets the famous adventurer Gazi Pathseeker and, horrified by her own capacity for killing, resolves to stick to being an innkeeper.
After receiving a strong healing potion and having the numbing magic on her leg dispelled, Ryoka Griffin's mangled leg is completely healed. With her mobility fully restored, she displays incredible acrobatics and running speed, effortlessly outpacing Relc until he finally gives up the chase and turns back to rejoin his patrol. Meanwhile, the Horns of Hammerad set out in their wagon, traveling down the central slope toward the main road.
Back at The Wandering Inn, Erin Solstice has been waking up screaming and crying every night since Klbkch's death. Determined to face her lingering fears, she decides to purposefully explore the wilderness of the Floodplains of Liscor alone. During her trek, she encounters a strange Krakk tree. When she strikes it, the tree's upper branches instantly explode outward like a shrapnel bomb, leaving a shallow gash on her cheek.
Continuing to navigate the nearby hills, Erin gets lost and accidentally falls directly into a nest of giant, heavily armored Shield Spiders. Despite the danger, she manages to survive the encounter by using fire to wipe out the entire nest.
In the aftermath of the fight, Erin is approached by Gazi Pathseeker, an incredibly famous and powerful half-Gazer adventurer who is exploring northern Izril. Gazi observes the carnage and praises Erin's combat abilities, suggesting that a talent for war is never wasted. However, rather than feeling pride, Erin is horrified. She breaks down as she realizes she has become a murderer, haunted by the screams the spiders made as they died. Rejecting Gazi's perspective on leveling and killing, Erin declares that she has no desire to be a killer and resolves that she is meant to simply be an innkeeper.
With her leg completely healed and the numbing magic dispelled, Ryoka uses her incredible speed to outrun Relc, who eventually turns back.
The Horns of Hammerad pack into their wagon and begin traveling down the slope toward the main road.
The geographical region surrounding Liscor that periodically floods.
aka Floodplains, the Floodplains +1
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.as
aka Erin, the traveller +64
A half-Elf mage belonging to the Horns of Hammerad who offers Ryoka a taboo alternative for her leg.
aka Ceria, Springwalker +4
Traumatized by Klbkch's death, Erin leaves The Wandering Inn to face her fears and is injured when she strikes a highly explosive Krakk tree.
After getting lost in the hills, Erin falls into a nest of massive Shield Spiders and manages to survive by destroying them all with fire.
Erin encounters the famous adventurer Gazi Pathseeker, who praises her combat abilities; however, Erin breaks down realizing she is a murderer and decides she only wants to be an innkeeper.
The Minotaur captain of the Horns of Hammerad, who wields a massive battleaxe.
aka the Minotaur, Beriad of the House of Minos +16
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +13
A general combat-oriented class.
aka [Warrior], [Warriors] +1
A class for people who operate vehicles like wagons for transport or delivery.
aka [Driver], The driver +2
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A class of city guards.
aka Guard, [Guards] +10
Small inn where Erin is present; currently occupied by her. Noted by the Watch as having been abandoned years ago but Erin is using it; the Drake and Klbkch enter here to investigate.
aka the inn, Abandoned hilltop inn +27
A massive mountain range that bisects the continent of Izril.
aka The High Passes, the High Passes
A skill that alerts the user to nearby danger or powerful opponents.
aka [Dangersense], [Skill – Dangersense obtained!]
A Skill obtained by Erin, likely as a result of throwing objects during her fight.
aka [Unerring Throw]
A skill that grants a minor increase in physical strength.
aka [Skill – Lesser Strength obtained!], [Lesser Strength]
A spell used to cancel out magical effects.
aka [Dispel Magic]
A magical bag with an interior space larger than its outside dimensions.
aka Bag of Holding, bag of holding
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
A large, competent Silver-rank adventuring party led by Calruz.
aka The Horns, Silver-rank team +6
A Human mage from Wistram Academy, specialized in Elementalist and Illusionary schools, who admits to necromancy.
aka the mage, Mister Mage +35
The Human vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the vice-captain, vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad +10
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
One of the [Mages] in the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the wispy-haired [Mage], the [Mage] Sostrom +5
A massive, bull-like sapient species.
aka Minotaurs, the Minotaur
A sapient species possessing Elven traits.
aka Half-Elf, half-Elves
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +7
An ambush predator that disguises itself as a boulder and attacks with powerful claws and antennae.
aka crab rock-monster, giant rock crab +20
A highly dangerous, explosive tree found in the wilderness.
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A branch of magic dealing with the dead, considered dangerous and illegal.
aka [Necromancer], [Necromancers] +4
A general class for any individual who practices magic.
aka [Mage], [Mages] +3
“I’ve held a dying friend and known pain. Try and kill me. You can’t eat a broken heart.”
“Murder is the sin of taking lives that matter. We who fight such monsters are exterminators. Killers, perhaps; murderers, no. A murderer should not be suffered.”
“Killing? That’s a terrible thing to be good at. No.”
“A talent for war is never wasted. What a shame you don’t see it that way.”
“It’s strange. Up until this point, I never realized I was a murderer.”
“I killed them all. And they—they scream when they die.”
“You guys all say the same thing. It’s always about leveling with you. That’s not what I meant. I—I’m a killer. But I don’t want to be. And I don’t want to be a warrior, either.”
“Come on. I’ll bury you deep.”
“I don’t want to be a killer. So I guess I’m stuck as an innkeeper.”
“Not at all. But I have met many Humans. Many Humans and many races, but never one as curious as you. Many bolder or grander or more dangerous—but never one so oddly as this.”
“I’m not like you. I’m no adventurer. And I don’t want to be. That’s what I learned.”
“…That I’m good at killing things.”
“So I can defend myself. So I don’t get people killed for trying to protect me.”
“The Minotaur is correct, Springwalker. Clean the wound. Too bad you never took that alchemy class, eh?”
“I’d say stop, but you don’t understand me, do you? Last chance!”
“I threw rocks at the trees until they exploded. Then I picked up the branches. It’s not dangerous if you make them explode first.”
“Too bad. This—this isn’t something to be proud of.”
“I am part Gazer. It is in my ancestry. You may call me by the name others not of my race give me. Gazi.”
“…Is that your way of saying I’m an idiot?”
“…Sorry. Really, I am.”
“Bah, it doesn’t look that inviting anyways. It’s got holes in the roof, and if the [Necromancer]’s a customer, I shudder to think what the rest of the guests are like. Let’s go!”
“Or maybe this is like Florida or California. No snow, no searing heat. That’d be nice. No, wait, Florida’s got muggy mosquitoes and crocodiles. Michigan rules. Yep, yep.”
“Hey! Wait! No fair! Let me take off my armor! And my boots!”
“Ah. But you have done more than that. This nest was a threat to many. You eliminated it. You spoke truly: you do have a talent for fighting.”
“If you’re going to run, stick to the road. Monsters around here are fairly dangerous. Stay away from the big rocks. They’re actually giant monsters in disguise.”
“You are a Level 11 [Innkeeper]. I am surprised you were able to accomplish such a feat. Few would be so brave, even ten levels higher. And you are no adventurer.”
“Fast. But that’s why she is worthy.”
“It wasn’t hard. I flipped it and started stomping.”
“What a curious Human you are.”
“Yes—argh! Fuck you! I’ll kill you! You motherf—”
“I wanted to see if I could fight. And the spiders—they were going to follow me.”
“I guess. But I wanted to fight. To see if I could.”
“I wouldn’t. It would bite and consume you first chance it got. Shield Spiders cannot be tamed. Unless you had the [Beastmaster] class, this child will eventually take your life.”
“It’s worth repaying our debt to her, but it’s too bad we can’t stay in Liscor, Calruz. You know those new ruins are nearby. It might be worth getting the drop on the other adventuring teams and exploring it first.”
“I’m no fool, and the Horns of Hammerad aren’t Gold-ranked. Not yet. A proper strike force will take setting up. Let alone the provisioning. We will wait. Now, let us follow the quick Ryoka Griffin.”
“Wash the wound. I know soap is not what you put on a wound—it doesn’t matter if you’ll heal it. Wash any grit straight out. Do hurry, though. The longer the wound is exposed, the sooner it will fester.”
“Murderer? That’s an interesting word. I would not use it to describe you.”
“Not without a full-fighting party. There’s a reason none of the cowards around here have dared breach the upper levels yet. If we come back, it will be after we know what monsters have been sighted there and our wounded have recovered.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Innkeeper Solstice. I am an adventurer wandering through these lands.”
“That’s one of the reasons why adventurers can’t heal everything. That and poison stops healing from working properly. Hey, Pisces—Pisces!”
“Pisces did his work well, then. I thought he would. He might be an idiot, but he’s a competent one.”
“That would not be…a good outcome.”
“Did you do that as well?”
“That would be most welcome.”
“You have talent in killing things. You might be a good adventurer, especially since you wiped out a nest by yourself. Why are you ashamed of—”
“Krakk trees. They do burn well, but you were lucky none of them exploded. They do that quite often, and the shrapnel is deadly.”
“Shield Spiders are considered to be a Silver-rank threat. A nest of them though…I wouldn’t be surprised if a team of Gold-rank adventurers were dispatched to handle it.”
“Nice to meet you. Again. I’ve got an inn nearby. Would you…do you want something to eat?”
“I closed off all the entrances with dried grass and wood. Then I started tossing burning branches into the pit.”
“Few could best a Shield Spider with their bare hands.”
“You have a Skill. [Lesser Strength]. Even so, I see you were injured.”
“If you’d been bit, the potion would have done you little good. Shield Spiders have a decently strong venom.”
“Shield Spiders are notorious for tracking and killing prey across dozens of miles. You were wise not to run.”
“Spawn. They are as dangerous as adults in numbers.”
“Dead gods, he’s right.”
“…There’s a bounty on Shield Spiders?”
“Don’t you want to claim the bounty on the Shield Spiders before you go? Their carcasses will not burn up in the flames.”
“Why? Because I am a Minotaur?”
“I killed them.”
“We’ll follow in the wagon and pick you up when you slow down. There’s over a hundred miles between here and Celum. Even I—you couldn’t run that far.”
“I could inquire within, but the owner is out.”
“[Dispel Magic]. Alright, I’m ready to put the spell back. Ryoka? How’s it feel?”
“I have. Tumblers and performers have those kinds of Skills. Do you have the [Performer] class, Miss Ryoka?”
“Do it. I’ll be fine. This—this is payback, isn’t it?”
“No, because you’re you.”
“There’s a forest over there. Bunch of trees and lots of dead wood.”
“They would have killed you.”
“Babies.”
“They’re babies.”
“Let’s see if our [Wagon Driver] wants a break and get on the road if you want to follow her, Gerial. It looks like she’ll go at least forty miles before she runs out of steam.”
“Who runs an inn with just one person? Nevermind. Uh—thanks.”
“We’ll have to dump it over the wound. Ryoka Griffin, do you need something to clench with your teeth?”
“Don’t burn her leg off. Just get that slime—grab my arm, Ryoka.”
“I can’t feel anything. But it looks good. Go ahead.”
“No, I’ve just got skill. You should see me do parkour or tricking.”
“They did explode.”
“Oh? Then why fight? [Innkeepers] don’t level from fighting monsters.”
“Thanks. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“Ponies!”
“We must clean the wound first. A healing potion can accelerate an infection—”
“Practical, I suppose. I’m just surprised to hear that coming from you, Calruz.”
“A nest. I have heard they are a hazard around here to travellers.”
“It’s a type of running. Or—I guess you could call it a type of martial arts.”
“My apologies. I didn’t want to offend you.”
“If you like, I can end them now—”
“Are you going to pull me up?”
“Dunno. I could raise it.”
“Did you do this? By yourself?”
“Does this building have anyone in it? Can we get some hot water? Or just water? We could boil our canteen water I guess.”
“Looks good. I’m going to dispel the magic now. Ryoka, how does it feel?”
“…Does anyone smell smoke?”
“I don’t want to get in your way. I can probably find my way back on my own if you want to stay—”
“We’ll give the horses a stamina potion, don’t worry.”
“Um, thanks anyways, though. But if you need to rest—I know you were up all night.”
“Yeah. It’d be bad if you fell in without seeing it first.”
“That’s what happens when you move bone around. But now the leg can be healed properly since the bone is repaired. Let’s heal—”
“You are full of surprises, aren’t you? And your leg doesn’t hurt? You don’t feel any twinges or pain?”
“I’m glad. Well, uh, what should we do now? It’s been a long trip, and there’s the inn or Liscor…Ryoka, did you want to, uh, do anything?”
“We have cooking supplies. Calruz has them in his bag of holding.”
“Another day and night of riding. Too bad we couldn’t stay at the inn.”
“Give me the potion. What’s the hold up? Come on—”
“Infection? What? Healing potions accelerate infections?”
“And? What have you learned?”
“You might call them that.”
“Yeah, probably. This was a stupid idea.”
“Then why fight? Why not run?”
“I assure you, it’s merely practicality.”
“How did—I’ve never seen anyone do that.”
“Wanna bet?”
“What are you going to do with that?”
“Oh? I’m Erin Solstice. A…an [Innkeeper].”
“I see it.”
“I take it you’re feeling better, Ryoka?”
“We understand. I’ve broken bones before, too.”
“Where did you get the wood?”
“How do you know that about me?”
“Vinegar. Or soap. Hot soap and water.”
“I’ll be fine. Just pour it on—fast.”
“I’m great. Better than great.”
“I’m going to run back.”
“Enough words. Run already!”
“…Go away.”
“Yeah. I had a healing potion.”
“Okay. Thanks for telling me.”
“Thank you. I really mean it.”
“I’ve gotta run. Sorry but—”
“Okay. Okay then. Follow me.”
“Oh god. Is that armor?”
“Kingslayer Spiders? No—Shield Spiders.”
“May I ask how?”
“I see. Clever.”
“Lucky I wasn’t, then.”
“I’ve heard of that.”
“S-sorry.”
“How’s it feel—”
“Yes, I saw.”
“Ceria—now.”
“It's fine.”
“Hold it.”
“I’m fine.”
“[Dangersense].”
“None.”
“Of course.”
“Nonsense.”
“Marital what?”
“Par—what?”
“Oh yeah? Why?”
“The flesh—”
“I wish—”
“Sure?”
“What?”
“What?”
“No problem.”
“Oh god.”
“What?”
“Hello there.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh?”
“Ah.”
“Ah.”
“Hello.”
“Yeah.”