Canonizing...
Canonizing...
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 +4
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
“…What a crappy thing to be good at.”
“The king is smart and uses his head. For if he moves, he’ll soon be dead.”
“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 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.”
“It is the act of exceeding one’s limits.”
“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.”
“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?”
“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.”
“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.”
“Tree kissing rot! Don’t do that!”
“If you can injure me, I will hang up my axe and cease living as a warrior this instant.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“She lacks vision. I will make her understand that.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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?”
“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 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Why would you need anything like that? You’re adventurers, right? Just go out and kill monsters and try not to get killed.”
“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!”
“…Can you do that again?”
“I am no mage. That was a Skill. It allows me to transcend my hardest strike and turn it into something even stronger.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Olesm. I’m a [Tactician]. Level 24.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Magnolia Reinhart? Wait, you think it’s her?”
“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!”
“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 will teach you. If you are to protect her, you must fight better. Come. Strike at me.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Someone who cannot even punch properly would never learn a Skill.”
“Your king. In times of need, even he defends himself, does he not?”
“I was. But she showed me that she had more potential than that.”
“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.”
“Gazi the Omniscient. It would be inconvenient if she were to trouble us now. I will go with you.”
“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.”
“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 are painfully slow. Move faster! Don’t strike where he is, but where he will be.”
“But it was what you wanted. Keep chasing me and I’ll—I’ll do it again!”
“Do you—do you have no sense of danger? Why are you so casual with that stuff? What if you dropped it?”
“Mana potions and alcohol don’t mix well. I drink it, everything comes back up. It’s messy, but effective.”
“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!”
“Only Calruz would think about teaching an [Innkeeper] to fight.”
“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?”
“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…”
“What about Magnolia Reinhart?”
“That neither you nor your—pet know how to defend yourselves is a shame. Were you never taught how to fight?”
“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.”
“It’s your funeral. Just don’t walk near me while we’re fighting.”
“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.”
“We’ve been drinking this? Are you insane?”
“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.”
“It’s actually not, Calruz. It’s a monster, hiding under the rock. What you’re actually looking at is a shell.”
“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.”
“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.”
“—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…”
“Very well. We shall try something else. The skeleton shall guard, and you will break through. Punch him, kick him. Destroy your opponent.”
“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.”
“Give me your strongest punch. I wish to feel it.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“If you’re done beating up my skeleton, does anyone want something to eat?”
“I believe you, but my [Dangersense] hasn’t gone off.”
“That…proves you know what it is, if nothing of it.”
“Striking a downed opponent may be wrong.”
“That doesn’t mean strike like a pathetic weakling! Hit harder!”
“We might be at a disadvantage if we run into tight corridors, but with this, we’ll be able to pull our weight.”
“At least she was able to strike at me, even by surprise. That is good.”
“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.”
“Just so long as you don’t forget and drink the acid.”
“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.”
“You Humans. Always so worried. She’s survived this far. Calruz won’t kill her by the time we get back. Probably.”
“Apparently, he’s come representing some flower. No—oh! I see. House Reinhart. That makes more sense.”
“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.”
“Hey, I’m not the one handling it! Toren doesn’t have any fleshy bits to melt, and it’s useful.”
“It may come in useful, Ceria. Besides, it shouldn’t break if I put it in my pack.”
“Stay right there! If the rock moves, hit it or cast a spell or something!”
“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.”
“See? I knew that. Just not their names. Like—El? What kind of name is that? You Humans and your strange names.”
“And then when you strike, step forwards and move your hips like so.”
“One is fine. It may be quite useful, but I’ll trust to my usual preparations rather than rely on it.”
“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.”
“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?”
“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.”
“Well, I don’t know! I’ve never been in a fight before I came here!”
“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?”
“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.”
“Fire! Put out the fire!”
“Really? Who told you that?”
“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.”
“If you break your fingers or cut your skin, there are potions. Keep attacking.”
“She must learn to fight an enemy stronger and larger than she is.”
“I’m hungry! And tired! I’ve been doing stupid spars all day! I haven’t even had lunch!”
“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—”
“You don’t know the Five Families by heart?”
“Like this. Strike with your knuckles here and here. And keep your thumb outside your fist.”
“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.”
“It’s Calruz. He probably expects Erin to be like Minotaur children. They grow up knowing how to use a blade.”
“Anyways, the Guild already approved your request, so there’s nothing to worry about. Go right ahead.”
“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.”
“Where did you get that from, Cervial? I’ve never seen a crossbow made like that.”
“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.”
“My what? I don’t have any magic. I mean, I can’t use magic.”
“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’.”
“I mean, why does she need training? You saw how she handled that crab thing.”
“Something to look forwards to. We’re heading in tomorrow. So just to clarify—there’s nothing we need to do?”
“How’s that, you jerk? Happy?”
“That—was a dishonorable blow.”
“Not like that. You will break your fingers if you strike unevenly.”
“I can’t. I’m no warrior.”
“So I have magic? In me? Does that mean if Toren wasn’t here I’d—be able to cast spells?”
“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.”
“It’s just that in Human cities, adventuring is a lot more regulated.”
“Sorry, but you’re from the north, aren’t you? There’s an annoying Human [Messenger] in the city, and he keeps bothering people.”
“Fair point. Well, how do you want to tackle it? Freezing spells and then we charge in?”
“We don’t want to cause any trouble, being outsiders and all.”
“That sounds deep. Like a martial art.”
“Strike my palm. I will show you how to attack properly.”
“Why am I learning to fight with my fists? Shouldn’t I be using a sword?”
“You don’t have any weapons or armor, and you act like a civilian.”
“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—”
“I’m sorry. But if Pisces tested you, it’s unlikely. Maybe there’s a better chance, but…”
“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—”
“It’s one of the Five Families!”
“What’s the difference? She’s House Reinhart, and it is probably her.”
“Yeah. She told me she was going and looking for something. Somewhere else.”
“That’s odd. Was that large rock there yesterday?”
“I think I know what you’re talking about. Can I see one of those, ah, seed cores?”
“Still. Do you think he’s going to teach her how to use a weapon? In a day?”
“I hope he goes easy on her. I’d hate for him to hurt her accidentally.”
“Do you not even know how to punch properly?”
“Okay, your skill is super-advanced. But how do you do it? I mean, is it magic?”
“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—”
“So what’s the key behind a Skill opposed to just fighting good? Desire?”
“And this is your trump card for the expedition?”
“I’ve got lots more if you want some.”
“What can I do for you? And if it’s about lodging or supplies, don’t bother. The Guild is all out of everything.”
“Move aside, Ceria. I am teaching her to fight.”
“You? Are you insane, Gerial?”
“To honor and glory.”
“Um. Excuse me? I heard you were the team going into the ruins. Would you mind if I joined your group?”
“Ah. But I wasn’t talking about spellcasting. I just meant your internal mana supply.”
“House Reinhart? Which Lady?”
“What? I thought it would be easy. Fun fact: it’s not.”
“Ow! Why do I feel like I’m hurting myself more than you?”
“I can’t do this.”
“It was, ah, just a thought. We could use all the help we can get.”
“Just everything important.”
“What about your skill? That [Hammer Blow] attack was amazing! How about you teach me how to do that?”
“We’ll see if anything else needs doing in the city. Calruz, do you still want to join us?”
“I don’t see it. Is it hiding in the ground?”
“It is not a compliment.”
“Only as a last resort.”
“I’ve never seen anything funnier.”
“What about your creature? Surely it knows how to do battle.”
“Calruz! What are you doing?”
“There’s a monster down there.”
“Oh. Hi. Um. Anyone want pancakes?”
“I’ll break its shell.”
“I can totally scare it off.”
“Fast. Faster. Pull back your arm quickly.”
“You must. You must learn to fight.”
“Oh? And what class are you, then? And I don’t believe I caught your name.”
“Stop. My ears are burning.”
“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?”
“Gazi? Oh, she’s gone.”
“Oh, uh, I was trying to teach him how to cook.”
“Well then, that makes things simpler. At least for now.”
“May I buy one?”
“Can you really handle drinking so much?”
“How do you know I’m not an adventurer?”
“Um. We don’t need any seals? Any letters or proof we can enter?”
“No worries. I’ve got that securely put away.”
“Did we find anyone useful?”
“Go, then. I will remain here.”
“No, ah, it’s not that, Miss.”
“Now, the skeleton. Punch it.”
“Stop! Hold it! Don’t go any further!”
“Take a good look at this.”
“By bullying her?”
“That is a boulder. What of it?”
“Aren’t you going to block?”
“You’re sure I can hit you?”
“You. Thing. Dodge her.”
“It was underhanded.”
“To honor.”
“How did you do that?”
“What was all that about?”
“What are you worried about?”
“See that? That thing?”
“No. Teaching.”
“You’re joking.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Watch me.”
“Fine then. You asked for it!”
“Your form is terrible.”
“Yeah…I still don’t get it.”
“That was hilarious.”
“Okay let me try. Like—this?”
“Try to strike it.”
“What does that mean?”
“Can’t we rest instead?”
“Oh, you’re that lot.”
“Never.”
“Now—a spar.”
“Take this!”
“Go. Rest.”
“Never?”
“Hit the rock?”
“Impossible.”
“Doing what? Sleeping?”
“Are you sure?”
“Is this true?”
“A skeleton…cooking?”
“Are you sure?”
“No need.”
“Wait! You two!”
“No.”
“What?”
“Ow! Hey—”
“Exactly!”
“Speaking of which…”
“Mm.”
“Try again.”
“Again.”
“Ow.”
“Ow.”
“Pisces.”
“Some.”
“Here.”
“Here.”
“We do?”
“Why?”
“Next!”
“Hiyah!”
“Ow!”
“Aaaah! Help!”
“Wait!”
“No!”
“Oh.”
“Oh it’s just—”
“Oh?”
“Thanks.”
“Hey! Fair.”
“Oh.”
“No.”
“Oh?”