The Land: Alliances (Chaos Seeds Book 3)

CHAPTER 13

Richter kept following the river east. A small focus of his will made his Traveler’s Map appear in the upper left corner of his vision. It looked like he had only floated about a mile downstream from where he had freed Terrod. He sent Futen ahead to scout invisibly. Alma, still somewhat tired, rested upon his shoulders as he made his way along the riverbank.

While he walked he pondered the mistake that had started this entire cascade of events. First his maiming and death, then his hurried flight through the forest, and finally a life and death battle with two Professional killers. How, in the name of Zues’s BUTTHOLE, had he thought that the Assassin was a level 6 nobody!?! Richter knew he wasn’t crazy. There was no way that he could have misread his own prompt so horribly. He played over his first meeting with the woman again and again, but still couldn’t figure it out.

Richter finally allowed that he wouldn’t find an answer out here in the wild by himself. Besides, his new Tracking skill had made the world come alive. Minor depressions in the grass that before would have been overlooked now spoke of a rabbit that had run from cover, but not fast enough. A few scant drops of blood led to a nearby tree where Richter could see a hawk’s nest. A crumpled leaf showed the passage of a large animal and a small tuft of brown hair revealed that a bear had passed by a day or two ago. Richter didn’t know how he knew these things exactly, but he was fascinated by the proof of life around him.

Before he knew it he had arrived back at the site of his battle with the Warrior. He was so lost in his reverie that he almost stumbled into his own traps! The tell-tale red glow alerted him however, and he was able to recover all four of the dart mechanisms. Then he walked up to Orvin’s body.

The Warrior lay just where Richter had left him. Alma threw her head into the air and roared (admittedly in a very cute and high pitch tone, but Richter wouldn’t tell her that) in triumph at seeing her vanquished foe.

Orvin’s face stared sightlessly up into the sky. The hours that Richter had been gone had been enough to bring scavengers. Luckily, it was only birds at this point. They easily scattered as Richter approached. One that had been pecking at Orvin’s ruined throat stood its ground and cawed at him in defiance. That didn’t last long though. Alma cast Haste and dove in. She hit the bird with a Psi Blast and then latched her jaws onto the bird’s throat and grabbed its body with her four legs. A few beats of the dragonling’s wings brought her prey over to a rock and she dove into her meal with gusto.

Richter gave a smile as he looked at the fate of the black bird. “Don’t start shit, won’t be shit,” he said before turning his attention to the Warrior’s body. Futen phased into view and flared white, indicating that at least one of Orvin’s items were enchanted.

You have found: Steel Kettle Helm. Defense +4 (Max +5). Type: Medium armor. Durability 35/50. Item class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 6.1 kg.

You have found: Orichalum Splintmail. Defense +23. Type: Heavy armor. Durability 113/120. Item class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 44.8 kg.

You have found: High Steel Ridged Armbands. Defense +4 (Max +5). Type: Medium armor. Durability 35/50. Item class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 7.3 kg.

You have found: Steel Armored Gloves. Defense +5. Type: Medium armor. Durability 40/45. Item class: Common. Quality: Average. Weight: 4.6 kg.

You have found: High Steel Chainmail Pants. Defense +8. Type: Medium armor. Durability 37/40. Item class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight 9.2 kg.

You have found: Glass Boots of Shockwave. Defense +10 (Max 12). Type: Light armor. Durability 419/500. Quality: Average. Weight 2.1 kg. Traits: Can cast Shockwave by stomping your boot down. A ripple of force will emanate from your position, propagating through the ground. Chance to knock down anyone in the nearby vicinity. Uses: 1 per day.

You have found: Ring of Axe Wielding. Durability 17/18. Item Class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 0.01 kg. Traits: +4% damage with axes.

You have found: Ring of Health. Durability 8/8. Item Class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 0.01 kg. Traits: +23 health x 4.

You have found: Ring of Stamina. Durability 8/8. Item Class: Common. Quality: Above Average. Weight: 0.01 kg. Traits: +26 stamina x 3.

The health and stamina rings didn’t seem like anything special, but the Ring of Axe Wielding was interesting. Richter had never been an axe man, but if this ring existed then it made sense that an equivalent ring for swords, small blades… and bows! He smiled. Now that would be something worthwhile. He’d have to talk to Krom about it.

Orvin’s large shield was impressive in its stats.

You have found: Steel War Door Shield. Defense +14 (Max 17). Durability 52/70. Item Class: Common. Quality: Average. Weight: 17.2 kg.

The shield seemed to just be a giant slab of steel, a little under and inch thick. Nothing fancy but with that defense, it definitely got the job done. Weighing in at damn near forty pounds, it better, Richter thought.

His axe was even more exciting though.

You have found: Moonstone Hatchet of Goblin Slaying. Damage 14-17. Durability 58/60. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Superb. Weight 9.2 kg. Traits: +24% damage to goblins.

Richter hadn’t fought any goblins since winning his Mastery of the Mist Village, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be fighting them in the future. Also, judging by Krom’s previous comments, the dwarf would be delighted to make weapons that specialized in killing the angry green creatures.

Orvin also had a pouch with a mix of copper, silver and gold coins. All told about 5 gold total or about 500 US bucks. Not too shabby, he thought. The Warrior also had a collection of mid-level health and stamina potions restoring between forty to one hundred points each. There were no other items of note, but every little bit helped. At least that was Richter’s motto when looting dead bodies.

Everything went into his Bag. Richter looked around and took stock of his surroundings. Alma had finished her meal of cocky crow and was now licking her claws clean. He loved a woman who took the time to make sure everything smelled nice. He kept scanning. The river continued to flow past him on the right and several yards down. A few birds called to each other and Richter could see some squirrels scampering about in nearby trees. All of this happened to the backdrop of a soon to be setting sun. Also the rain clouds that seemed to be common so close to the mountains were rolling in from the northeast.

Richter decided to make camp for the night and he remembered a large pine that should provide cover from the encroaching storm. With Futen moving ahead, Richter made his way several dozen yards into the forest. He could barely hear the river at that point. He smiled when he saw that his memory had not betrayed him. A tall pine stood where he remembered. Little to no plants grew for several feet out from its base, the heavy limbs blocking most of the sunlight from making it to the ground. The cover they provided should be more than enough to protect him from the rain. Richter walked over and sat against the trunk. His sated familiar settled into his lap. When he began stroking her scales, she gave a contented purr and closed her eyes. Richter set Futen to scout the area. It was time to deal with the points from his new levels.

Richter quickly scanned his status page. Seeing so many of his skills at ‘0% to next level’ made him grimace in distaste. He looked off in the direction of Sonirae’s body and glared for a few seconds. Wrinkling his lips, he looked back towards Alma and tried to calm down. He just REALLY hated that chick! With a last forceful exhale through his nostrils, he felt his anger begin to ease. Besides, he realized, without having slaughtered the Assassin and her friend, he wouldn’t be at level 20 now! A smug smile crawled onto his face and stayed there.

He had 100% of skill percentages to allocate. Though it didn’t lend itself to being directly useful, he was tempted to invest all one hundred into Herb Lore. He was only two levels away from reaching level 40. The experience bonus of reaching level 40 in the skill was something worth consideration. The only thing that held him back from doing so was the Magic Core in his Bag. His Enchanting skill had shot up after making the Forge of Heavens. If he got another increase after whatever he used the Core to make next, the 100% boost would come in handy! Richter told Futen to remind him when two days had elapsed though. About four days had passed since he reached level 17. He wouldn’t risk having his skill boost randomly allocated. Futen answered with a deadpan, “Yes, my Lord.”

Richter looked at his Characteristic stats. One easy choice was more health. He put six points into Constitution. His Dexterity had been markedly decreased when exploring the catacombs without his enhanced sprite armor so he placed four points there as well. One went into Luck just to satisfy his precocious nature. Richter placed three into Strength, a Characteristic he felt he had been ignoring up until that point. He also put four points into Endurance. There was a battle royale coming with bugbears. It would be just embarrassing to tucker out mid-fight and have to ask Bobby Boucher for a cup of water.

He started to access his status page, and then remembered that he had recently been labeled ‘implacable.’ Playing with his interface, he found the ability to turn on what were called ‘Qualities.’ He brought up his page.

Name: Richter

Age: 24

Level: 20, 17%

Health: 549 Mana: 414 Stamina: 250

Strength: 32

Agility: 28

Dexterity: 35

Constitution: 37

Endurance: 25

Intelligence: 37

Wisdom: 21

Charisma: 20

Luck: 16

Abilities:

Limitless

Gift of Tongues

Fast Learner

Bounty of Life

Psi Bond

Qualities:

Resolute

Honorable

Implacable

Skills:

Herb Lore Lvl 38; 0% to next level

Alchemy Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Enchantment Lvl 28; 0% to next level

Crafting Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Smithing Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Analyze Lvl 5; 9% to next level

Pierce the Veil Lvl 22; 0% to next level

Stealth Lvl 6; 82% to next level

Traps Lvl 21; 18% to next level

Trap Disarm Lvl 20; 27% to next level

Tracking Lvl 10; 7% to next level

Riding Lvl 7; 76% to next level

Archery Lvl 9; 12% to next level

Imbue Arrow Lvl 4; 0% to next level

Focus Lvl 2; 31% to next level

Double Shot Lvl 2; 11% to next level,

Drill Shot Lvl 1; 14% to next level

Swordsmanship Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Small Blades Lvl 4; 45% to next level

Unarmed Combat Lvl 1; 78% to next level

Pressure Points Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Dual Wield Lvl 1; 0% to next level

Light Armor Lvl 8; 13% to next level

Grace in Combat Lvl 5; 61% to next level

Air Magic Lvl 7; 12% to next level

Life Magic Lvl 5; 48% to next level

Earth Magic Lvl 3; 72% to next level

Water Magic Lvl 4; 16% to next level

Dark Magic Lvl 4; 7% to next level

Light Magic Lvl 3; 6% to next level

Fire Magic Lvl 4; 8% to next level

Map Making Lvl MAX

Trade Lvl 13; 0% to next level

War Leader Lvl 1, 0% to next level

Portal Construction Apprentice

Lore Lvl 1

Marks:

Master of Mist Village

Blood Oath

Forge of Heavens

Resistances:

Air 50%

Life 50%

Mental 15%

Spiritual 15%

Race: Human (Chaos Seed)

Reputation: Lvl 3 “You seem like someone worthy of my attention.”

Alignment: Neutral

Language: All

Richter smiled with true joy this time. He’d take it! The next task was to level up his soul familiar. He continued to stroke Alma’s scales. She had definitely earned it! The question was, where should he place the seven points she had earned.

Brain Drain was definitely an option. Richter had absolutely no doubt at all that investing heavily in that skill had been the right thing to do. Alma would most likely still be at level three or four right now without having had the boost from draining her enemies. The fact that she was now level 14 also meant she had access to much more health, mana and stamina than she had at her lower levels. Richter also couldn’t discount the strong bonus of her being able to stun higher level enemies. Yup! He just couldn’t stress enough how SURE he was that investing in Brain Drain, had been the right choice!

It didn’t mean that it was necessarily the right thing to do now, though. It would be a bit myopic to just make her a one trick pony. With seven points to distribute, he had a bit of wiggle room. Richter placed one point into Psi Bond.

You have chosen to increase your familiar’s ability: Psi Bond. Your familiar’s base innate intellect is increased by 25%. She can now communicate in two word sentences. Her Intelligence and Wisdom are also increased by 15%. You will also benefit from this stronger tie to your familiar. Your mental resistance has increased by 10%. Maximum distance of communication increased from 250 yards to 500 yards.

Alma lifted her head to look at him, *Hello master!* Her tone was happy and there was a gleam and attentiveness in her eyes that he hadn’t seen before. Richter had intended to place a point into Psi Blast, but seeing the improvement in his soul familiar and hearing her voice in his mind, he was overcome with feelings of love and affection. He was also pleasantly surprised by the boost to his mental resistance. He immediately invested the two points required to level Psi Bond again.

You have chosen to increase your familiar’s ability: Psi Bond. Your familiar’s base innate intellect is increased by 50%. She can now communicate in four word sentences. Her base Intelligence and Wisdom are also increased by 30%. You will also benefit from this stronger tie to your familiar. Your mental resistance has increased by 20%. Maximum distance of communication increased from 500 yards to 750 yards. You can now each sense if the other is in danger.

The ‘light’ in her eyes brightened again.

*Master! Master! I understand more now! Thank you so much! I love you!*

Richter’s eyes widened in shock! He had never thought of Alma as just a dumb animal. Her ability to communicate and follow directions had always shown her intelligence. Having her express herself in a long string of words and hearing her express strong emotions, though… was something that he hadn’t expected. He sat there for a second as he searched his feelings and he realized that he loved his little creature as well.

He smiled down at her and thought fondly, *You’re welcome Alma. I love you too.*

She closed her eyes and went back to purring contentedly as he stroked her scales.

*You are such a spoiled little thing!*

Her only response was to purr slightly louder. With a chuckle, Richter decided how he would invest the rest of her points. Though he loved the change in his familiar, and though he was interested in seeing how Psi Blast would level, Richter remained a pragmatist at heart. The best chance of her continual survival was for her to level quickly. He invested the remaining four points into Brain Drain.

You have chosen to increase your familiar’s ability: Brain Drain to level 5. Successful kills will now give 5% of total experience to both you and your familiar. Drain occurs faster. Stun can occur on enemies level 21 and below.

Now that’s what I’m talking about, he thought. Being able to incapacitate anyone level 21 and below made her a force to be reckoned with! He examined her status page.

Name: Alma

Level: 14, 28%

Health: 240 Mana: 336 Stamina: 240

(Unused level points: 0)

Abilities:

Psi Bond – Lvl 3, points to next level: 3

Psi Blast – Lvl 1, points to next level: 1

Brain Drain – Lvl 5, points to next level: 5

Can use:

Air Magic

Life Magic

Resistances:

Mental: 100%

Air: 50%

Life: 50%

Race: Psi Dragonling

His little girl was growing up! Richter laid his head back as Alma continued to purr in his lap. The rain had started to fall while he had been allocating points. Just as he had hoped, only a few drops of rain made it through the tree limbs. The sound of the rain around him was relaxing and comforting after the harrowing events of the past two days. Wrapping Alma and himself in his cloak, Richter closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.