The rest of the day went by well for Helo. He finished his enchanting and went back home. Back at the house Helo had a nice dinner with the party and then got ready for the dungeon. Not wanting to press himself so hard this time Helo spent about four hours in the dungeon and got home by midnight.
Checking his status Helo is happy with his progress.
Class: Shaded Predator Level: 12 (849,127/1,026,000) (2000 + 1,024,000)
With this progress he should be level 13 by the end of the week.
That week went by quickly for Helo. His ‘Penetrative Strike’ skill finally tipped over the line and upgraded.
Fang Extension: This skill uses stamina (physical energy) to extend the edge of a blade when thrusted, also extending the use of any skill used on the ‘Fang’ increasing penetration, distance and power. Can be used once per 30 seconds.
This new skill is similar to the old one but it has the ability to channel ‘Crippling Blow’ and even Helo’s bloodline for a brief moment. This skill also follows the curved shape of Helo’s Kukri to mirror the image of a beast’s fang. It is a progression that Helo is happy with. It extends his range, allows him to channel his bloodline and has the potential to be more. Helo is hoping that the skill eventually will act like its own weapon and not just an extension for his blade. He thinks that the skill got its more unique name from his practice in the ‘Twin Fangs of the Beast’ dagger style.
Through the rest of the week Helo’s training goes well and his experience gains are enough the make him content. Working with the rest of the party makes Helo want to cry, but thanks to his opportunities to dungeon dive alone he is making progress.
Helo can tell that with ever level the experience gains are slowly. Eventually he will have to go past level 20. With his team they have made it to level 23. But alone Helo tends to stick to the caverns of the 14th through 19th floors.
It was Thursday night while in the dungeon alone that Helo gained enough experience to reach level 13.
Name: Helo
Tier 1
Class: Shaded Predator (Pseudo Tier 3)
Level: 13 (21,900/1,027,000) (3000 + 1,024,000)
Stats: 191
- Str: 13 (+5%)
- Agl: 28 (+15%)
- Dex:20 (+15%)
- Per: 31 (+30%)
- Vit: 36 (+40%)
- End: 14 (+15%)
- Int: 13 (+5%)
- Will: 36 (+40%)
Friday came and the group was getting ready to head out to a nearby town. Helo is sitting in his room at his desk. He has multiple books surrounding him that explain different runes and their uses. He is looking at a map at the moment. This map shows all the different towns and groups associated with the BrightMoon Clan. To his surprise the valley that he is living in is named after their progenitor Hanwi. Right now, he is looking at the town that they are going to visit.
This is a different town from Valley Reach. The Hanwi Valley or as some call it The Moonshine Valley is north of the town of Valley Reach. If go to Valley Reach and then veer to the west and then north around the mountain that houses the valley you will find a massive forest. This forest sits directly to the west of the valley at the base of the mountain. Within this forest is a town called Thicket.
When Helo read the map, he couldn’t help but laugh for a minute. Thicket is a terrible name for a town. It should have been something like ‘nascosto albero’ to mean hidden tree. Instead, they named it thicket. Laughing a bit Helo looks at the resources of the town. To his surprise the town seems to be quite vital. Not only is the town a prime resource for wood and ore it is also close enough to the dungeon that it can grow magical plants.
Reading through all the resources Helo is impressed with what he can see. He is honestly excited to visit a town that is made to live within a forest with minimal impact.
Finishing his reading Helo heads down stairs and grabs a bite to eat before waiting for the rest of the party. While waiting Helo hears a knock on the door and checks who it is. Standing outside is Micah, Allie’s uncle and her fathers head guard. Which makes him the leader of the entire military force of the BrightMoon clan.
“Helo. Great you were the person I was looking for. Follow me.” Micah says like he didn’t use his aura to find Helo the moment he was within range.
“Good evening, Micah. Is everything okay?” Helo asks while stepping outside.
“Yes and no.” He replies while motioning for Helo to walk with him. “First, I wanted to talk to you about your present. I wanted to offer training for you.” His words made Helo perk up a little. Micah is arguable the most powerful fighter in the entire clan. “Now you already have a busy schedule so we would need to find time but I think that I could come around on Thursday and Friday during your teams training and give pointers to everyone.”
“That sounds amazing. Everyone would love that!” Helo says excitedly.
“I agree. We usually leave everyone to figure out their own paths but eventually your expected to use your resources to hire tutors and training aids. Anyway, I was also thinking that I would enter the dungeon with you on Thursday night.” He says this while leading Helo on a path to the lake near the main house. They are walking quickly due to their attributes.
Looking down the path Helo can see the reflection of sky off the lakes surface. With the dim light of the falling sun it creates a pleasant atmosphere in Hanwi Valley. “That would be amazing. This feels like more of an opportunity than a single birthday requires through?” Helo asks back.
“Your right. It is but Allie is one of the first people in hundreds of years to be born with a bloodline pure enough to have a fate affinity. Most of us have strong mystic and runic attunements. But her connection to the moon and divination is stronger than any in a long time.” He says seriously to Helo.
“She is going to need protection. Your strong. Capable of dealing far more damage than I was at your age. But your abilities are singularly focused and truthfully, Helo your abilities are frowned upon in today’s society. If you need to fight openly before making a name for yourself you should show a different set of abilities.” Micah says with a shrug, like it isn’t a huge deal but is recommended.
“I remember hearing something about that. Stealth and assassin type skills are looked down upon. At least in upper society?” Helo says and asks.
“Correct kid, every clan has people that they train to spy and potentially assassinate. But having those people as your guard is frowned upon.” He says and leads Helo back down the path to Allie’s house. “So, I’m going to train you in our clan’s polearm techniques. The polearm is a long weapon and easy to use but hard to master. It has great defensive abilities especially if you consider the use of skills and abilities. It is weak in extremely close quarters but our clan techniques focus heavily on footwork and bleeding an enemy.” As he finishes explaining they get back to Allie’s house and he stops at the entrance.
“Alright now we need to get the girls.” Micah says while pushing Helo with his hand. “Go. Do you think I am going to run errands for you.”
Running inside Helo quickly gets the girls and heads back down stairs. After the follow Micah to the main house where the enter the sitting room that is connected to the entrance and kitchen. Inside they find Graham and Cheyeene having some light food.
“Ah your finally here. I assume that you had a chat with the boy?” Graham asks Micah. After getting a nod he continues.
“Alright, this next thing pertains to everyone. I am sure you all have forgot by now, but Helo just turned 15. Is here anything that you all need to tell me.” Graham says while looking at the three of them. Allie pauses as she is reaching for food on the table. Looking at her dad Allie’s eyes go wide.
“Um. No…?” She says with a small stutter.
Giving her a weird look Graham is about to speak up before Cheyeene cuts him off and gives her daughter an understanding look. “You all should take a look at this letter.”
She hands over a letter that was sealed with the crest of the Clan Starhaven. Looking at the letter in his hands Helo has Allie on one side and Hinata on the other. Slowly opening the letter Helo asks out loud. “What even is this crest?”
“It is the crest for the Starhaven Clan.” Cheyeene says diplomatically.
“Hmpf.” Graham snorts and everyone looks at him. “What.” He says and looks at his wife with a ‘Is that all your going to say’ look.
“Alright… They are a clan of pompous elves who will probably be killed the moment the integration ends, because they consider themselves royalty when they are actually servant of the real Starhaven faction. They are light elves which earned them some favor from the Starhaven Royal family because the Starhavens are a group of celestial elves. If they fail to become lords over earth they will probably be killed for how they are acting.” She said with a shrug before pulling out her tablet and swiping her finger over to Helo and the girls.
“That is a dossier on them and their larger faction. Essentially everyone has long lives but elves are born with them. So, the Starhaven clan leader is the son of the original elf to be sent to earth about 1,500 years ago. Due to their naturally long lives, and their magical abilities, elves tend to be haughty at best and antagonistic at worst.” She says while shrugging.
“It isn’t as stereotypical as that.” Micah says from behind them,
“Well, we are biased.” Graham cuts in. “They.” He points at the crest. “Are like that.”
“Yeah. A lot of elves are peaceful and caring. Seeing it as a duty to guide the short-lived races. But some don’t, I guess think of elves as powerful humans.” Micah says after nodding at what his brother said. “They live, laugh, love and hate. But their emotions change over the course of a century. Where humans change month to month.” He finishes with a shrug.
“He is right. That is part of the difference between us and them. We have powerful instinct that come from our bloodlines. It makes us more pack focused and nature orientated. Elves can be the same with their affinities. But it isn’t as strong. Just depend on who you meet.” Graham finishes and points to the envelope.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
With a nod Helo opens the envelop and holds up the paper for the three of them to read.
Pack Leader BrightMoon,
You have taken into your employ the most vile of scum. So, I write to you this letter not as a demand but as an offering of support. My sun has encountered this heathen before and he acted no better than a beast. He was snarling and vicious. Your kind are already so close to beasts that it might be best if you don’t allow him to ruin your reputation.
Helo or whatever that mongrels name is should be delved to us at once. I expect to see him by August 23rd. If not, I can only assume that you intend to harbor this dangerous creature.
From the desk of royalty,
Victious Starhaven.
“Is this guy serious? How can you even talk like that and not cringe?” Allie asks while staring at the letter in shock.
“Why does he hate Helo?” Hinata asks.
“First, yes he can talk like that. Second, this second letter should help.” Graham says and hands another letter over. This one looks the same and has the same stamp.
Opening the second letter the three of them read.
Pack Leader BrightMoon,
I see you have chosen to ignore my father’s words. He told me that you were smart enough to listen. But I can see now that you do not posses the wisdom of us elves.
Years ago, Helo struck me at the conclave of the clans. I was minding my own business and he attacked me. I demanded recompense on that moment as is my right as Hier of Starhaven, but that tree hugging dryad got in the way. But as a favor to my fiancé, I allowed him to live for a few more years. So, with my eternal magnanimity I decided to wait until Helo has officially turned 15 before issuing a challenge.
So, in accordance with the dual regulations I am issuing a death dual for Helo. Be at the Grass Valley Resort in three months’ time.
Hier to Starhaven,
Dorimer Starhaven.
“Wow. That is something else. I can’t believe this guy is trying to marry me. It feels like he wants me because others do and that he is going to keep me in a kennel and on a leash.” Allie says while shivering. “Ugh. He is gross.”
“Yeah. I always hated meeting him at any function.” Hinata says to everyone. “I’m thankful that my father has little admiration for the Starhaven clan. I don’t know what I’d do if he was chosen as my husband.”
“You girls don’t have to worry. Yuki and I would never let anything like that happen. You might have responsibilities due to your families. But the benefit of all that is your families are powerful and can’t be pushed around.” Cheyeene says in a sweet voice.
“Yeah.” Graham says while looking at his wife. “Some people are not as lucky. Your mother was almost married to a person. Thankfully I used my position to bully her parents into annulling their arrangement.” He says while holding her hand.
“Anyway.” Micah says while walking around the room. “What do you all have to say for yourselves?”
“Well. I did punch him in the throat.” Helo says bluntly. He doesn’t feel any remorse about it.
“Ha! I didn’t doubt that.” Graham says while looking away from his wife. “Sometimes a guy just has to punch another guy in the face.” He smiles and looks proud before realizing that he is looking at Helo and scowling. “But don’t think that means I respect you for it.”
“Girls, what do you have to say?” Cheyeene looks at them with an eyebrow raised.
“Well. It wasn’t what Dorimer said. He grabbed Helo from behind and Helo acted.” Allie says.
“Yes. Helo-Kun reacted to Dorimer. Dorimer also tried to have him killed but Allie and I convinced him to wait and follow regulations to only allow dueling after someone turns 15.” Hinata adds after.
“So, you are given a choice to accept or decline. Most duals are not mandatory unless issues by royalty.” Micah says to Helo. “So, what do you choose?”
“How old is he?” Helo asks the room.
“He is a little less than a year older than Allie.” Cheyeene says. “His mother was a close friend of mine. Her family was bullied into marrying her to Victious. She left when Dorimer was seven. It didn’t take long for his personality to start showing, and he was his fathers’ child. So, she ran. I think she is working under Jae-Hyun: The South Korea Neutral Family Leader.” She thinks back to how happy her friend used to be and misses her.
“Yes. He is older but due to his elven heritage he takes longer to level. He also has a powerful light affinity. His mother was a powerful fire mage. It leaned closer to heat magic than most fire mages so Victious forced her to marry him. He was hoping that his sons light magic would be more offensive.” Graham gives Helo some more info. “It worked. But like most elves Dorimer doesn’t feel any rush to grow stronger. He is probably in his level thirties. But, most his skill comes from innate control.”
“Ah. Okay. I’ll fight him.” Helo says with a nod. Graham and Micah look happy, but the girls look worried even though all of them think Helo will win. “And ill use the skills that Micah will be teaching me.” Helo says with a nod.
His words cause Micah to reach out a ruffle Helo’s hair. “Atta boy. This will be fun. It is August 24th, so you have until November 24th. We will have you trained up enough by then.” He claps and heads out of the room mumbling about needing to find some weapons.
“Well, that is all we wanted to talk to you three about. The consequences of these decisions can be dealt with later. You three are supposed to be going on a trip to Thicket.” Cheyeene shows them out the door and heads back inside. “Are you sure this will be, okay?”
“Mhm? Oh yeah. If push comes to shove Helo’s aura will keep him alive. That is if he even needs it.” Graham says to his wife. “Someone at that level should be a good fight for Helo. Dorimer might have the right level but his skills won’t be enough.” Now let’s go take a bath.
Outside a similar conversation is happening except the bath. “Are you suuuuuuurrreee! You don’t have to fight him.” Allie says to Helo while hanging off his arm.
“Yes. From everything that every said inside I should be able to win. Plus, it gives me something to train for.” Helo says while feeling excited. He completely forgot about Dorimer, but with his so kindly make Helo remember. He is excited to knock him down again.
“He will be okay. But I am worried about you as well Helo-Kun.” Hinata says from beside him. They are walking back to their house. Not to long has gone by and the rest of the party has been ready to go for a while.
The group decided to eat dinner together in Thicket and everyone is getting hungry. Texting the party Allie lets them know they are walking back. Before she even puts her phone away Allie can see her garage door opening and a SUV come speeding down the road. “Well. Looks like they are hungry.” She says with a laugh to the other two.
They are quickly picked up and go through the same process to leave the Valley. As they are diving down the switchback again Helo stares out the window and admire the view. Being so high up and looking over the world below ignites something primal in Helo and it just feels right. They quickly make their way down and through the trees at the bottom of the mountain.
Entering the plateau that holds the town of Valley Reach Helo admires the view of the waving grass and surrounding forest. In the distance he can see the river and walls around Valley Reach and further past that he can see another tree line.
Taking a branching road that leads to the right Helo and the party drive along the south western face of the mountain. They enter another forest that is much thicker than the one near the switchbacks. Driving into the forest the party soon ends up on a dirt road. Soon after that there is no road left and the party parks the vehicle.
Getting out of the SUV Helo looks around and is surprised by the vibrancy of the forest. The trees are dense and the sky is barely visible but the forest is full of life. His aura sense are only 12 meters but reaching out Helo can feel the life energy that is permeating this forest.
The trees, grass, bushes, and wildlife. All of it is full of life. More than he would expct from any normal forest. Looking around excitedly Helo watches are a family of squirrels chase one another through the branches far faster than any squirrels should be able to run.
“Beautiful isn’t it.” Allie says as she comes up by Helo. “Most other families harvest animals that gain mana. But we let this entire plateau grow and thrive.” She says this with a smile. “Our mountain is to our east. Up that mountain is the Hanwi Valley and if you follow the waterfall up you will finds a spring that leads directly to the dungeon core.” She says while pointing up. Just barely through the tree tops Helo can see the peak of the mountain. But further up he can see where the waterfall rains down into the valley.
“I never really considered where the waterfall comes from. But it looks like there is a peak much higher than the edges of the valley.” Helo says in awe.
“Due to the mist and clouds created from the falling water it is hard to see the peak of the mountain from within the valley. But if you look around us you will see that this entire plateau is just another massive valley that surrounds our mountain.” Allie says at this she pulls out her tablet and shows Helo a satellite image. From the looks of it the mountain that hosts the Hanwi Valley is in the center of a mountain range that goes in a circle around it. In that created circle is a valley that has a large forest and a collection of towns.
“So, your clan owns this entire mountain range? The mountain in the center and the plateau that surrounds it. With your border being the mountain range on the outside?” With a nod Helo doesn’t know how to react. This is far more than he expected.
“When it comes to territory we are expected to control after the integration; it is the west coast, much of central America and most of Canada.” Allie says to Helo with a smug look.
Now his jaw officially dropped and Helo isn’t sure how to react. “So, you’re supposed to protect all of that?”
“What? No. The reality is that in the integration, even though we are supposed to help lead and protect, a lot of people will die. Anyone that survives the initial integration is expected to take care of themselves. We are here to take care of any major issues. Like… A dungeon that is a tier stronger than a community can fight. Or a group of survivors that is looting and pillaging.” She says with a hint of sadness in her face. On her other side Hinata silently hold her hand. For them this is the reality that they were born into. This is the reality they are expected to lead.
As they are talking the party is walking deeper into the forest. “On a happy note, Helo-Kun. Thanks to the natural barrier that is the surrounding mountain range the BrightMoon family is able to let the mana run freely in the area. This makes this entire valley/plateau a great place to raise mana sensitive flora and fauna.” As Hinata says this her hand glows blue and she holds it out to a tree.
As her hand makes contact the entire tree lights up in a vibrant array of colors from the point of contact and spreading outward in a rainbow array. “This is a tree that my family created and planted here.” Hinata explains. “My grandmother loved experimenting with different plants and making unique things.”
“This is amazing” Helo says as he reaches out with his aura. He can see a variety of unique energy signatures all around him. “I could stay here for years and still not understand everything I am feeling.” Looking to his left Helo is surprised to see a massive moose approach with two calves. Allie can feel Helo tense and she holds his arm.
“We are no longer in the dungeon. Within the valley as long as you respect the wildlife, they will not harm you. Even if they are as powerful as the guy.” Allie says while pulling Helo closer. As they get closer, he studies the moose and Helo can feel a vast pressure coming from it. He realizes that this moose has an aura. The moose stands almost ten feet tall and has all sorts of moss and shrubbery growing off it. He uses ‘Identify’.
Forest Walker Moose
Tier 2 Level 85 Rare Variant
This powerful moose has lived and protected this forest for many years. As long as the forest grows so will it.
The moose inspects them all before nodding its massive rack and turning around. As the moose moves it seems like the entire forest moves with it, bending and shifting to allow them moose to pass by easily.
“I think this is the moose that I heard about.” Gabi says to the group as it walks away. “Someone in Valley Reach was talking about trying to make it their familiar. But it is extremely powerful and within the forest its abilities are enhanced.”
The group continues on their way and eventually they all stop. Helo is the first to notice as tens of people are watching them. “Are there supposed to be people here?” He asks the girls.
“Oh yeah we are in Thicket!” Allie shouts with her arms wide.
Looking around Helo can see why it is called ‘Thicket’. They are in the middle of one of the densest forest Helo has ever seen. There place is over run with shrubs and bushes. Looking closely at the shrubs and the ground Helo can barely spot the small concealed path though the thicket.
Taking a step closer Helo looks at Allie and gets a nod. With a shrug Helo continues. “She is the daughter of BrightMoon. Who is going to attack her.” Helo whispers to himself as he moves into the hidden entrance.
Pulling away a thick bush Helo can see a small path behind it. With the rest of the party following behind Helo an hear Kenneth swearing as his clothing get caught. To Helo’s surprise the even larger Cody is have no trouble moving through the dense underbrush.
Following the twisting and curving path Helo starts to get a better feel of the path with his aura. A few times he is able to choose the correct direction based on the flowing vitality all around them. Even more times the entire group is forced to backtrack. This is accompanied by even more cussing from Kenneth and even Gabi.
Twenty minutes and a few heals later the group find themselves entering a clearing. Helo thinks clearing even though there are still tons of trees covering the canopy. This is because the dense thicket is finally gone and the space between the trees is filled with people and houses. In the center of the clearing is a massive oak tree. This is one of the largest Helo has ever seen.
“Beautiful right.” Hinata says. “That tree was a seed from the tree my family lives under. We planted it here hundreds of years ago when the BrightMoon and Kashiwagi clans officially became allies. This happened then our backers in the wider multiverse because factions. The spent a lot of resources sending us that message. But our clans have worked together ever since.” Hinata says while looking at the tree happily.
“This is actually where her family stays while they are here.” Allie says while coming up behind Helo. “Most of these houses are connected to and grown from the trees. Her family lives in that massive tree.” Allie points to the visible houses. Looking closer Helo can tell that they are actually connected.
“Now let’s go met my sensei.” Hinata says while walking directly up to the massive tree in the center.