Archivizing...
Archivizing...
Chapter 1.55 R
Ryoka reaches the edge of the deadly Bloodfields but is immediately ambushed by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska. When the predatory flora violently awakens, Persua sacrifices her companions to escape, resulting in Toriska's death. Amidst the chaos, Ryoka's magical geas breaks, and she risks her life to rescue the betrayed Claudeil before fleeing toward Liscor.
Ryoka Griffin reaches the perimeter of the dangerous Bloodfields, a lethal zone filled with predatory flora like Watchertrees and Sporemines. Nearby, a mixed-species merchant caravan—which includes the renowned human noble Ysara, Drake merchants like Tellgre, and a group of Silverfang Gnolls—struggles to navigate the hazards of the region's edge.
Before Ryoka can safely retreat from the boundary, she is ambushed on a ridge by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska. Claudeil reluctantly shoots Ryoka in the shoulder with a crossbow, Toriska engages her in close combat using her [Slashy Storm] Skill, and Persua casts the [Ice Spike] spell from a wand. During the brutal confrontation, the Bloodfields suddenly awaken, transforming the environment into a deadly trap for everyone present.
Down below, the merchant caravan is violently attacked by Watchertree roots; Ysara breaks her heirloom sword defending herself, and Tellgre suffers a severe leg wound. Up on the ridge, Persua ruthlessly sacrifices her companions to ensure her own survival. She shoves Toriska directly into an attacking Watchertree, which impales and kills her, and shoots Claudeil in the kneecap to serve as bait for the predatory plants.
Amidst the chaos and near-death trauma, the powerful [Geas] spell binding Ryoka finally shatters, granting her a profound sense of freedom. When the System attempts to reward her with a level up and the [Indomitable Will] Skill, Ryoka rejects the offer. Instead of fleeing immediately, Ryoka charges back into the awakening death zone to save the betrayed Claudeil. She successfully pulls Claudeil to safety, where the surviving merchants treat her wounds, before continuing her long run toward Liscor.
Ryoka reaches the edge of the Bloodfields and is suddenly ambushed by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska.
A mercantile Skill that compels a target to stop and listen to the user's offer or statement.
aka [Hear Me Out]
A Level 34 human [Merchant] with a noble background and formidable swordsmanship skills.
aka Silver Merchant, Merchant Ysara
An anti-social, barefoot runner from Earth who works as a messenger in Izril.
aka City Runner, Miss Runner +15
The predatory flora of the Bloodfields violently awakens, attacking both Ryoka's group on the ridge and a nearby merchant caravan, wounding Ysara and Tellgre.
To secure her own escape, Persua pushes Toriska into a Watchertree to her death and shoots Claudeil in the knee to use as bait.
Amidst the chaotic struggle to survive, the magical Geas binding Ryoka breaks, and she subsequently refuses the System's offer of an Indomitable Will Skill.
Instead of fleeing to safety, Ryoka runs back into the deadly Bloodfields to rescue Claudeil, bringing her to the merchants for treatment before departing for Liscor.
A rival runner whom Ryoka suspects holds a grudge.
aka Miss Persua, a fellow City Runner
A dagger Skill that unleashes a rapid flurry of slashes.
aka [Slashy Storm]
A portly Drake merchant leading a caravan through the South.
A Level 22 Drake [Trader] known for forcing customers to buy multiple items.
aka Twodeals
A tribe of Gnolls from the Great Plains known for trading and silversmithing, of which Krshia is a member.
aka Silverfang, Silverfangs
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A System class for those who buy and sell goods.
aka [Merchant], [Merchants]
A Skill that reduces the weight or strain on wagon wheels, preventing them from breaking on rough terrain.
aka [Lightweight Wheels]
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
A high-level Gnoll [Warrior] leading a group of Silverfangs toward Liscor.
aka Chief Warrior Rometh
A deadly plant in the Bloodfields that releases lethal gas.
A massive, resilient beast native to the Bloodfields.
A high-speed sword Skill.
aka [Quicksilver Cut]
A spell that fires sharp, frozen projectiles.
aka [Ice Spike]
A mental resistance Skill offered by the System.
aka [Indomitable Will]
A rare hybrid species possessing multiple magical eyes.
aka Gazer, the half-Gazer +1
“I know, I know! Alright, let’s not spook the newbies. I’m surprised you came, though. You hate this route as much as I do.”
“I am no fool to fight legends, Gazi Pathseeker. If you should push your will at Liscor, who could refuse you? No one with sense, and I have sense.”
“Then you owe me nothing. Just hear me out. Friendly advice. I don't want anything from you. Frankly, I don't need a City Runner's help. If I need to, I'd hire a Courier.”
“Can't a traveller try to help another on the road? It's the oldest give and take in the world. Now you've calmed down a bit—will you accept I just want to help, Miss Ryoka?”
“Then go and apologize to them. Then—when we meet, you can thank me in person. I will see you again, someday. Next year or later. [Merchants], like Runners, go everywhere.”
“Forget it. I never liked it, anyways. It’s just a sword. I used it for something worthy. I think even my father would be proud.”
“I don't know! They were both threatening the other, but then they fell silent, and I thought—then she got up and cut one of their heads off! Keep your heads down! Protect the goods!”
“If you insist and we insist, we must give way. So I shall give way and admit I am the lesser of us by far. But do you know what is coming next year? The Meeting of Tribes.”
“Celum? I know the area quite well. Have you been to Wales? Remendia? Do you live there?”
+278 more quotes →“I am trying to stop you from getting killed. Listen to sense!”