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Chapter 1.56
Erin spars with Toren, knocking his head off and earning the [Power Strike] Skill. The Horns of Hammerad socialize at the inn, where Olesm introduces himself and the adventurers discuss their high-tier gear and past exploits.
Determined to improve her self-defense, Erin Solstice engages in a sparring session with her skeleton companion, Toren. The practice culminates in Erin successfully knocking Toren's head clean off his shoulders. This decisive blow rewards her with a level up and the new offensive combat Skill, [Power Strike].
Inside The Wandering Inn, the Horns of Hammerad spend their time socializing and sharing stories. The adventurers discuss their high-quality equipment and past encounters with formidable foes, such as a Stone Golem and an Undead Lich. Cervial proudly displays his Dwarfsteel Crossbow, a highly advanced, custom-made weapon forged in Deríthal-Vel, sparking conversations about the broader world, including the Five Families and the Walled Cities. During these discussions, Olesm formally introduces himself to the adventurers, revealing his Class as a [Tactician] and his current level.
Erin also contributes to the tactical discussions by sharing her own survival methods, explaining how she used a toxic Seed core to scare off a giant Rock Crab. Meanwhile, Toren continues to be a nuisance around the inn until Calruz loses patience and physically throws the skeleton away. The chapter highlights the growing camaraderie between the Liscor locals and the visiting adventurers as they bond over tactics, gear, and shared experiences in the inn.
Erin practices her combat skills by sparring with Toren, eventually managing to knock his head off.
As a result of her successful spar against Toren, Erin acquires the offensive combat Skill [Power Strike].
An offensive combat Skill acquired by Erin Solstice.
An organization that records and combats monstrous threats.
aka Guild, Adventurer's Guilds +3
A half-Elf mage belonging to the Horns of Hammerad who offers Ryoka a taboo alternative for her leg.
aka Ceria, Springwalker +7
Olesm formally introduces himself to the Horns of Hammerad, revealing his level and his Class as a [Tactician].
Cervial shows off his Dwarfsteel Crossbow, leading to a discussion about high-tier dwarven weaponry and the Five Families.
Erin explains how she previously used a toxic Seed core to scare off a massive Rock Crab.
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 Human whose past racist remarks are remembered by Erin.
aka Archer Captain, the archer-captain +3
One of the [Mages] in the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the wispy-haired [Mage], the [Mage] Sostrom +5
The aristocratic captain of the Silver Spears who seeks out Ryoka Griffin.
aka Yvlon, Captain of the Silver Spears +4
A polite, blue-scaled Drake who is the highest-leveled [Tactician] in Liscor. He is roped into playing a high-stakes chess game against Erin by his uncle, Lism.
aka The Olesm, the Drake +6
A receptionist at the Liscor Adventurer's Guild.
An ambush predator that disguises itself as a boulder and attacks with powerful claws and antennae.
aka crab rock-monster, giant rock crab +20
Jars filled with harvested Acid Fly juice used as makeshift grenades.
aka jar of Acid Fly juice, glass jar +1
A highly advanced, custom-made dwarven weapon owned by Cervial.
aka massive crossbow
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
The ruling human factions of the northern continent.
aka Five Families of Izril
A powerful noble family in Izril.
aka The Reinharts
A massive, bull-like sapient species.
aka Minotaurs, the Minotaur
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A sapient species possessing Elven traits.
aka Half-Elf, half-Elves
A receptionist is a class responsible for greeting visitors and providing information, exemplified by Selys at the Adventurer's Guild.
aka The female receptionist, The receptionist +3
A governing body in Liscor that is concerned with diplomatic relationships, such as the one with Wistram Academy.
aka The Council, Council +1
A class that grants its user Skills related to strategy, giving them a significant advantage in games like chess.
aka [Tactician], [Tacticians] +1
“My what? I don’t have any magic. I mean, I can’t use magic.”
“There is no need to waste any more time with useless chattering and polishing weapons. Tomorrow, we fight. Tell the others I will be ready when the time comes.”
“I believe you, but my [Dangersense] hasn’t gone off.”
“If you can injure me, I will hang up my axe and cease living as a warrior this instant.”
“I know a Human who fights with her fists. She is…skilled. But wild. And she does not understand. She fights with cunning and grace, but she only fights at her limit. She does not think she can go further. Thus—she never will.”
“I will teach you. If you are to protect her, you must fight better. Come. Strike at me.”
“I am not one for speeches. But tomorrow we go into new ruins, and we may find treasure beyond our dreams there or the greatest of enemies. Regardless, we go together. The Horns of Hammerad shall return triumphant.”
“The—oh, yeah. I know. But it’s the north’s Five Families. They don’t have any power here. You’re lucky I recognized it—I don’t even think I could name all five.”
“But I still think you might be willing to take me. I have valuable skills I could contribute, and I—I’d like to improve myself.”
“Just the outer part! I know how to pick ones where the core isn’t broken! Honest! You’re not dead, so I’m right.”
“It means—it means that whenever I got into trouble before, I always got people killed. Or I killed. I nearly died. I can’t do it. Better to just let Toren learn to fight. Teach him instead.”
“Gazi the Omniscient. It would be inconvenient if she were to trouble us now. I will go with you.”
“It’s not a bad idea. I’m still not sure what Pisces was thinking, giving you only one skeleton as a guard, but I suppose that’s all your mana supply could take.”
“Stay right there! If the rock moves, hit it or cast a spell or something!”
“Not as much. But exceptions exist, and they make good mages. But even if you don’t cast spells, you have some mana in you. Enough to sustain basic spells or supply a summoned creature with enough magic to survive if it can’t by itself.”
“We’ll see if anything else needs doing in the city. Calruz, do you still want to join us?”
“I didn’t see it at first, but there’s definitely something odd about that boulder. It looks too—out of place. See how the grass is flattened around it? And it hasn’t sunk into the earth as it should have over time.”
“Not everything trips [Dangersense]. And if it’s a sneak attack, you’d have to be right next to the creature, and by that point, you’d be dead.”
“I mean, why does she need training? You saw how she handled that crab thing.”
“Anyways, the Guild already approved your request, so there’s nothing to worry about. Go right ahead.”
“I didn’t ask. That’s what he’s saying. He wants to talk to someone important. Well, we have a Council, but they’re not going to listen to every Human noble who comes calling. But he’s persistent, and he won’t go away. Is this important?”
“Nevertheless, we respect the art of war in magic, engineering, and all forms. We understand honing one’s techniques, learning systematically. And this—we understand the flow of combat. To learn and use such Skills, you must forget your frailties and strike with heart.”
“You are painfully slow. Move faster! Don’t strike where he is, but where he will be.”
“That…proves you know what it is, if nothing of it.”
“Not just desire. It is the refinement of a single strike into a moment of perfection. But that is something far beyond you at this moment. For now, you must learn to punch.”
“And then when you strike, step forwards and move your hips like so.”
“This is the last resort I speak of. Someday, you will surely be alone and without anyone to protect you. Will you die then or fight?”
“If you break your fingers or cut your skin, there are potions. Keep attacking.”
“The king is smart and uses his head. For if he moves, he’ll soon be dead.”
“Perhaps—yes. There is more honor in you than I thought. Very well. I have little time, so I shall simply teach you to fight. If you practice against your creature, you may learn the basics quickly enough.”
“The skeleton will block. Simply strike at him. He is dead, so it matters little what you do. Forget death and battle for the moment. Simply know the purity of combat.”
“It cost nearly every gold piece we had, but it was worth it. We cracked the armor of a Stone Golem with one shot, and we’ve brought down more shielded enemies than I can count with this.”
“We might be at a disadvantage if we run into tight corridors, but with this, we’ll be able to pull our weight.”
“Beautiful. Crossbow Stan’s got the best ones I’ve seen, and he’ll go green with jealousy when he sees yours. What’s the range compared to a bow…? We should have you and Marian compete for range and accuracy and power.”
“A few [Mages], a Silver-rank with sword and shield…not too many, but better than nothing. I asked the mage you told me about, Gerial, but he turned me down.”
“Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Olesm. I’m a [Tactician]. Level 24.”
“If you’re done beating up my skeleton, does anyone want something to eat?”
“I’m sure Erin was grateful to learn from you, but if she doesn’t want to learn any more, you have to respect that.”
“But really, Calruz, why were you so intent on teaching her? I thought you were going to just show her how to punch properly, not try and turn her into an adventurer overnight.”
“You have potential. But if you are attacked now, what I have taught you will not suffice. You must practice. Train. Remember that for now you are still weak.”
“This isn’t that strong. And besides, we’re heading in later in the morning. If I get really drunk, I’ll get someone to heal me. Or drink a mana potion.”
“One is fine. It may be quite useful, but I’ll trust to my usual preparations rather than rely on it.”
“It may come in useful, Ceria. Besides, it shouldn’t break if I put it in my pack.”
“You Human—no, you’re crazy. Pardon me, Erin, but you are.”
“The longest battle we’ve had was against an undead Lich a while back. We ran out of potions, and half of our group could barely move from healing up. We can’t rely on magic for everything.”
“Mana potions and alcohol don’t mix well. I drink it, everything comes back up. It’s messy, but effective.”
“I’d like to go into the city and collect our share of the supplies. We also need to visit the Adventurer’s Guild to make sure we’re still cleared to enter the ruins. But, ah, we can’t go if that adventurer is still around.”
“Where did you get that from, Cervial? I’ve never seen a crossbow made like that.”
“There is art in this. My kind practices little magic. There are war mages, and we do study in places like Wistram—but we respect martial ability more often.”
“Gregor is busy going through the last adventurers clamoring to join the expedition. He says he’ll probably turn them all down, but you never know who’ll turn up.”
“Stop running! Don’t—don’t crouch like that. If you must retreat, do it quickly and without wasting motion. Never turn your back to the enemy!”
“There’s a limit to how much we can heal. After so many potions the body just—quits. And besides, if we’re taking enough injuries to need more than a few healing potions, we’re already in trouble.”
“Why would you need anything like that? You’re adventurers, right? Just go out and kill monsters and try not to get killed.”
“I’m sorry, but we have enough fighters, and this is a dangerous expedition we’re embarking on. We can’t take rookies or people who aren’t adventurers.”
“Reinhart nothing. Lady Magnolia was the one who fought in the Antinium Wars! She broke the siege of Liscor! Naane—run to the Council! Tell them it’s her, not some random [Lady]! Of all the stupid—she’s like the one Human we’d hear out!”
“I think I know what you’re talking about. Can I see one of those, ah, seed cores?”
“Move aside, Ceria. I am teaching her to fight.”
“Look, I don’t care how the Human cities do it. We don’t give out bounties for beating up [Thugs]. How do you know they were guilty anyways? Did you just beat up some kids? In the future, let the Watch take care of it. Next!”
“I hope he goes easy on her. I’d hate for him to hurt her accidentally.”
“You Humans. Always so worried. She’s survived this far. Calruz won’t kill her by the time we get back. Probably.”
“Evil Goblins? Robbing you? And what are we supposed to do about it? Go and post a bounty if you’re that upset. But they’re Goblins. Go grab a sword and deal with it yourself!”
“Something to look forwards to. We’re heading in tomorrow. So just to clarify—there’s nothing we need to do?”
“Someone who cannot even punch properly would never learn a Skill.”
“That doesn’t mean strike like a pathetic weakling! Hit harder!”
“But it was what you wanted. Keep chasing me and I’ll—I’ll do it again!”
“I was. But she showed me that she had more potential than that.”
“Do you—do you have no sense of danger? Why are you so casual with that stuff? What if you dropped it?”
“Just so long as you don’t forget and drink the acid.”
“Not like that. You will break your fingers if you strike unevenly.”
“That explains why the crab ran off. But why is it afraid of a tiny bit of poison? It’s a lot bigger than we are.”
“That neither you nor your—pet know how to defend yourselves is a shame. Were you never taught how to fight?”
“I’ve got lots more if you want some.”
“It must not have strong resistance to poison. Either that or it has no way to reduce the buildup of toxins like we do. Those crab-creatures might carry the sickness within them for the rest of their lives if they’re not careful.”
“—I know they’re influential, but Liscor isn’t ruled by Human nobility. They literally have no power here, and so if some ‘Reinhart’ wants to talk to the Council…”
“I don’t see it. Is it hiding in the ground?”
“I know it’s good! It’s sort of like…um…a way to fight with your hands? You kick and punch in special ways. And footwork and stuff.”
“The House of Minos learned from [Martial Artists] to create the basis of our hand-to-hand training. I am surprised you know of it. Most Izrilians are ignorant [Brawlers]. What do you know of such things?”
“She lacks vision. I will make her understand that.”
“Strike my palm. I will show you how to attack properly.”
“I am no mage. That was a Skill. It allows me to transcend my hardest strike and turn it into something even stronger.”
“It’s actually not, Calruz. It’s a monster, hiding under the rock. What you’re actually looking at is a shell.”
“Fair point. Well, how do you want to tackle it? Freezing spells and then we charge in?”
“That’s not the same as knowing how to fight. And besides, those seed cores won’t do much good against a group of bandits or even a few Goblins.”
“Apparently, he’s come representing some flower. No—oh! I see. House Reinhart. That makes more sense.”
“The Reinharts, Veltras, Terland, Wellfar, and El families were the first Humans to ever settle on this continent. They were aristocracy—related to kings from the continent Terandria. They’re still very rich and influential today.”
“We don’t want to cause any trouble, being outsiders and all.”
“Well, I don’t know! I’ve never been in a fight before I came here!”
“Your king. In times of need, even he defends himself, does he not?”
“It was, ah, just a thought. We could use all the help we can get.”
“You don’t have any weapons or armor, and you act like a civilian.”
“At least she was able to strike at me, even by surprise. That is good.”
“Very well. We shall try something else. The skeleton shall guard, and you will break through. Punch him, kick him. Destroy your opponent.”
“She is—talented. Very talented. Ceria. In the course of a few hours, she was able to overwhelm that skeleton in a fist fight. And then she unlocked a Skill. She learned one in the heat of training.”
“It’s just that in Human cities, adventuring is a lot more regulated.”
“Oh, I know. I’m not going to do anything stupid, even if I do learn to fight, though. Anyways, if I ever do get attacked, I’ll just toss a jar of acid at them.”
“Well, I appreciate that. Most of you Humans—er, the Humans we get don’t obey many of our laws. If you could clear out those ruins so they all go away, I think the city would throw you a celebration.”
“Only four healing potions? Wouldn’t it be better to, I dunno, take a lot? That way you can just heal up again and again, right?”
“If you swing that thing as hard as you can, how can you somehow hit harder than your hardest hit? Um. What I meant was—”
“I am teaching you a basic truth. You must know how to fight without weapons, or it will be a weakness others will exploit. Besides, you understand nothing of the flow of combat. You must learn to strike your opponent before you are worthy of using a blade.”
“I’m sorry. But if Pisces tested you, it’s unlikely. Maybe there’s a better chance, but…”
“That’s odd. Was that large rock there yesterday?”
“Only Calruz would think about teaching an [Innkeeper] to fight.”
“You’re one of the first non-Drake Silver-rank teams we’ve had in the city in a while. I expected you’d be bigger. And don’t you have a Minotaur in your group? Please don’t let him cause any damage.”
“It’s Calruz. He probably expects Erin to be like Minotaur children. They grow up knowing how to use a blade.”
“Still. Do you think he’s going to teach her how to use a weapon? In a day?”
“You’re fine. Go in whenever you like—just don’t bring any trouble out with you. The Watch is busy enough as it is.”
“See? I knew that. Just not their names. Like—El? What kind of name is that? You Humans and your strange names.”
“Ow! Why do I feel like I’m hurting myself more than you?”
“Do you not even know how to punch properly?”
“Give me your strongest punch. I wish to feel it.”
“Like this. Strike with your knuckles here and here. And keep your thumb outside your fist.”
“Why am I learning to fight with my fists? Shouldn’t I be using a sword?”
“Don’t stop! Press the attack! Your goal is to defeat your enemy. Hurt him. Mercy is a luxury only the strong can afford. Attack until he lies in pieces.”
“And this is your trump card for the expedition?”
“I’m hungry! And tired! I’ve been doing stupid spars all day! I haven’t even had lunch!”
“She must learn to fight an enemy stronger and larger than she is.”
“It’s your funeral. Just don’t walk near me while we’re fighting.”
“It is the act of exceeding one’s limits.”
“…What a crappy thing to be good at.”
“You don’t know the Five Families by heart?”
“How do you know I’m not an adventurer?”
“Listen. They’re your Five Families. Not mine. You want me to name all six Walled Cities? I can do that. Any child could. I think I have them. It’s Reinhart, Veltras, El…no, wait…”
“Well, he already does all the other chores. If he could do stuff like make eggs, stir soup, and flip pancakes, it’d make my life even easier. But, uh, skeletons don’t really understand the difference between ‘cooked’ and ‘burned’.”
“No, there are no more requests available. Sorry. Next! You two, the Human and, er, pointy-eared Human! I’m assuming you’re a half-Elf, but let me know if I’m wrong.”
“What can I do for you? And if it’s about lodging or supplies, don’t bother. The Guild is all out of everything.”
“Okay, your skill is super-advanced. But how do you do it? I mean, is it magic?”
“Yeah, but there are limits. I wouldn’t ever get in a fight with a Minotaur. If I’m ever without mana or any potions, I’ll just run for it.”
“No use fretting about one or two swords now. We’re five adventuring teams. Counting the extras, we’re over forty people strong, and all of us are Silver-rank. If there’s a Gold-rank team better than this, I’d love to see it.”
“No. Consider this a final test. Both of you—spar with each other. You are a good match. Equally weak. Well, the skeleton knows how to fight, but it should be good practice.”
“Sorry, but you’re from the north, aren’t you? There’s an annoying Human [Messenger] in the city, and he keeps bothering people.”
“We’re part of the Horns of Hammerad. We—and four other teams—put in a request a few days ago to enter the ruins as part of an expedition. We were wondering if we had permission—”
“Well, you saved our hides from a nasty encounter. That thing was big, and I don’t relish wasting any more healing potions before we go into the ruins.”
“That’s because this one is made by Dwarves. Custom-ordered. Ever seen one this nice, Gerial? It’s like a bow, but one that you can load and wait until you need to shoot. This one’s a piece of art. Pure Dwarfsteel, straight from the forges of Deríthal-Vel.”
“Oh? And what class are you, then? And I don’t believe I caught your name.”
“Running away will not solve anything. She must hone her instincts. I will let her rest after she lands a proper hit on me. Now move—”
“It is rare, but I have heard of it being done. Never seen it on one’s first day of training. Erin Solstice has a sense for battle. I have met others like her. She is gifted. Talented. It is a shame she never trained before this.”
“It’s time. Yvlon bought supplies, but I’ll hand them out now so you can put them in your packs. We’ve got rations and water and four healing potions and four mana potions each. Torches and flint—all the basic supplies, but we’ll have a few carts we’ll take in with us.”
“So I have magic? In me? Does that mean if Toren wasn’t here I’d—be able to cast spells?”
“Ah. But I wasn’t talking about spellcasting. I just meant your internal mana supply.”
“Um. Excuse me? I heard you were the team going into the ruins. Would you mind if I joined your group?”
“Go, then. I will remain here.”
“I’ve never seen anything funnier.”
“Did we find anyone useful?”
“Oh, uh, I was trying to teach him how to cook.”
“Well then, that makes things simpler. At least for now.”
“What’s the difference? She’s House Reinhart, and it is probably her.”
“Well, we’re all set here. We’ve got a battle plan worked out, and my team and The Horns of Hammerad are set. Menes says his folks have enough mana potions. The only group not accounted for is Gregor’s. Where is he?”
“Hey, I’m not the one handling it! Toren doesn’t have any fleshy bits to melt, and it’s useful.”
“Is there a way to punch right? Don’t you just make a fist and—”
“Oh come on. You all know you have magic inside of you, right?”
“I can’t. I’m no warrior.”
“Magnolia Reinhart? Wait, you think it’s her?”
“Now, the skeleton. Punch it.”
“How’s that, you jerk? Happy?”
“You? Are you insane, Gerial?”
“What? I thought it would be easy. Fun fact: it’s not.”
“Yeah. She told me she was going and looking for something. Somewhere else.”
“Um. We don’t need any seals? Any letters or proof we can enter?”
“So what’s the key behind a Skill opposed to just fighting good? Desire?”
“No worries. I’ve got that securely put away.”
“What about your creature? Surely it knows how to do battle.”
“What about your skill? That [Hammer Blow] attack was amazing! How about you teach me how to do that?”
“Fire! Put out the fire!”
“Really? Who told you that?”
“Stop! Hold it! Don’t go any further!”
“That is a boulder. What of it?”
“There’s a monster down there.”
“I can totally scare it off.”
“Aren’t you going to block?”
“You’re sure I can hit you?”
“It is not a compliment.”
“Fast. Faster. Pull back your arm quickly.”
“That sounds deep. Like a martial art.”
“Striking a downed opponent may be wrong.”
“Only as a last resort.”
“You must. You must learn to fight.”
“Take a good look at this.”
“Calruz! What are you doing?”
“Can you really handle drinking so much?”
“Stop. My ears are burning.”
“Tree kissing rot! Don’t do that!”
“How did you do that?”
“We’ve been drinking this? Are you insane?”
“It’s one of the Five Families!”
“…Can you do that again?”
“Oh. Hi. Um. Anyone want pancakes?”
“Just everything important.”
“Of course. Magic is part of us. It’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat—we all have our own supply of mana, however small. My kind has a great deal of internal magic we generate simply by existing, so we make good mages. Humans on the other hand—”
“Yeah…I still don’t get it.”
“I can’t do this.”
“No, ah, it’s not that, Miss.”
“Gazi? Oh, she’s gone.”
“What was all that about?”
“What are you worried about?”
“I’ll break its shell.”
“See that? That thing?”
“Your form is terrible.”
“Fine then. You asked for it!”
“Try to strike it.”
“You. Thing. Dodge her.”
“Okay let me try. Like—this?”
“Can’t we rest instead?”
“It was underhanded.”
“That—was a dishonorable blow.”
“That was hilarious.”
“To honor and glory.”
“May I buy one?”
“House Reinhart? Which Lady?”
“Never.”
“What does that mean?”
“Hit the rock?”
“Are you sure?”
“Doing what? Sleeping?”
“Is this true?”
“By bullying her?”
“Are you sure?”
“Oh, you’re that lot.”
“Never?”
“Speaking of which…”
“Impossible.”
“Watch me.”
“Here.”
“Mm.”
“Try again.”
“Again.”
“Now—a spar.”
“Ow.”
“Ow.”
“Go. Rest.”
“You’re joking.”
“To honor.”
“Some.”
“Pisces.”
“Here.”
“That’s impossible.”
“What about Magnolia Reinhart?”
“A skeleton…cooking?”
“We do?”
“Why?”
“Next!”
“Ow!”
“Hiyah!”
“Aaaah! Help!”
“Take this!”
“Exactly!”
“Wait! You two!”
“Ow! Hey—”
“Wait!”
“Oh.”
“No!”
“No need.”
“No. Teaching.”
“Oh it’s just—”
“Oh?”
“Thanks.”
“Hey! Fair.”
“Oh.”
“No.”
“What?”
“No.”
“Oh?”