I am SO VERY SORRY. This one took a lot longer to write as there was a bit of technical stuff to jot down and calculate both for the now and for the later…
Speaking of later… I am very sorry for how this chapter ends… and I'm sorry still that I have to say it's going to take a bit longer for the next one as we'll be going through a boss fight and the Wave.
Anyway… ONWARDS!
Day: 1
"Oi, lad," Bargram called out as we left Melromarc's castle town behind us, "Don't you think we should be traveling on mounts or in a carriage?"
Mounts? Where would we even find a stag above ground? This is not the Nest, my Master. Here, we travel by way of dragons and filiorials. Dragons? Filiorials? Such strange beasts…
"We shall travel these lands first on foot. Once our silver and gold supply has been replenished, I shall see to purchasing eggs to raise."
"Wha- eggs? Lad, I'm all for forming bonds, but at least think about buying a fully grown beast of burden," Bargram argued before straightening out a little, "Uh, no offense lass."
Offense? None taken.
"Regardless, such luxuries will only hinder our growth. When the beasts of these plains cower before us, only then shall we travel by way of these… dragons and filiorials," I replied steadily, preparing my blade as we drew nearer to a population of Balloons… only…
"Now Raphtalia!" I heard Naofumi shout, his charge releasing a savage cry as she threw herself into slaying what appeared to be a massive balloon. Stopping immediately, I bid for my party to back away and observe as the child lay into the beast with reckless abandon.
"Shouldn't we help them!?" Bargram shouted, only to receive piercing looks both from Fera and myself.
"No, even being so close may hinder their progress, come. We shall find another route," My words may have been cold, but Naofumi needed this. We soon left the Shell Bearer to his trial, confident that he would prevail.
It was several minutes and thirty balloons later when Bargram voiced his dissatisfaction, "Lad, I'm not gonna say I understand how the Legendary Weapons work, I only know myths and rumors, but you can't tell me to just walk away from a child in need and tell me to like it," He said as he ran a fist through a purple Balloon.
"It is not our place to like it… were it my choice, I would be upon Naofumi as if a second shadow… but this cruel world has seen fit to test him," I replied as my gilded Nail metalized a set of three Balloons.
"But why him!?" The giant shouted as he took a Balloon in one hand and slammed his free fist upon it, "Ain't fair that it has to happen to the weakest of ya."
I would have spoken further, but there had been a shift in the air. My Master, the beast the raccoon child had fought against. It was a Balloon Queen. A queen? Then…
The king approaches.
Lo, as if rising from below the horizon was a massive red Balloon, a visible golden crown atop its head.
"Ah… well then… don't suppose we're actually going to fight that, are we?" Bargram asked, fists prepared to fight, yet feet ready to flee. Several bolts of Pale Needles flying from my hand had reaffirmed his fears as he sighed.
The beast roared as its body had been struck, the Needles fading as it rushed forth. Bargram had taken point, hands held out to catch the Balloon King as Fera ran to his left with Nail poised.
The King however had stopped its approach halfway to loose upon us a heavy stream of black and orange wild eyed Balloons. Bargram had learned too late of their true nature as he was blasted back from popping one with his fist.
Master, I shall tend to Bargram's wounds. Do what you must to defend us.
[Balloon Blade Rank: 39/50
Damage: 39
Passive: Enemies attacked are repelled instead
Passive: 8% chance of dealing 10X Damage on contact]
Switching blades, I had summoned the Balloon Blade, batting back as many of the explosive Balloons as possible. Some collided with themselves as I weathered the blasts, others had struck the King, eliciting pained roars as it reeled backwards.
So that is how I shall fell you. Using this blade had its own risks of course. Having neared its threshold has made it that much more-
The resulting blast had thrown me back as I felt my body begin to come apart from abuse. Catching the ground, my clawed hand dug into the earth as I slowed my velocity and began to focus my Soul. Piece by piece, my body recovered as the Bomb Balloons had returned with a vengeance.
Looking forward, I took note of the eight encroaching Bomb Balloons moving sadistically slowly towards Fera and Bargram. Forgoing the remainder of my restoration, I dashed forth to bat the three first most Bombs skyward. The remainder of the beasts flinched as their eyes met mine before the rightmost and leftmost Bombs had been jettisoned in their respective directions.
The remaining trio had begun to visibly sweat and shake before meeting the same fate. As they soared upon a collision course with their King, I quickly followed as I switched to the Imperfect Nail.
[Imperfect Nail Rank 14/50
Damage: 42
Passive: Gain 30% more Soul when striking enemies
Passive: Gain 10% more Soul upon successful kill
Active: Gain four satellite blades]
As the King took note of his impending demise, he opened his maw to spawn more Bomb Balloons. In his folly, he had failed to realize that three of his spawn had been returning to their progenitor…
The resulting explosion was magnificent… As the world had seemingly darkened from the flash of light, I had jumped and shifted my presence before landing atop the now winded King. One downward slash had been enough to both flatten the King upon the earth and cause him to combust.
As if deflating, the defeated Balloon King's body had begun to fly through the air erratically before shooting straight into the sky. It was not long until its husk fell gently upon the land… its crown however descended quickly, hooking itself upon my horn as it spun round to rest upon my brow.
[Item Found! Balloon Bomb Crown:
500+ HP
+50% Explosion Resist
+50% Explosion Damage]
Attempting to dislodge the crown had only affixed it round my horns. Query, items such as these.
"Bug Hero!" Bargram called out as he ran to my side, "Bah, all my talk and I was useless to ya…"
"Do not worry yourself, your actions led me to victory," I replied easily as I took the massive red Balloon leather into my Nail.
[Balloon King Blade Unlocked]
[Balloon King Blade: Rank 1/50
Damage 20
Passive: Explodes upon contact dealing 2X Weapon Damage to enemies, 1.5X Weapon Damage to user
Passive: 50% Explosion Resist]
The nail was shaped and textured much the same way as the Balloon Blade only colored a vibrant crimson and detailed with white triangles as if baring a set of fangs.
Master, nightfall comes. It would be wise to venture forth and seek suitable shelter.
"Bargram, are you mobile?" I asked of the still winded giant.
"Aye lad, I can walk…"
"Then we depart."
….
I could not recall when we had fallen 'asleep'. I could only come to the realization that my mind had transitioned from the plains of Melromarc to the derelict caverns of Hallownest… Fera awaiting me patiently.
"Once more we find ourselves upon the stones of your home, my Master," Fera stated as she looked down the entry well of the Nest.
"Then let us not waste time, my Kin no doubt has delved deeper within."
As we fell, my vision had blurred as we fell not upon the entry caverns… but somewhere deeper within the central hub city. It did not take long before we found little Ghost, the Void King walking mindlessly through the carved stone.
"We are near a Stag Station, are we not?" Fera had asked as she observed a telltale signpost. Yes, we had indeed been near a station. I moved to find the familiar site before a strange sight walked before me.
"Nail Master Sly?" I called out as the tiny bug ventured past, flinching as he turned to look at me.
"Must be hearing things…" He said to himself as he continued his passage away.
"Master?" I heard Fera call out, her voice shaking me from my daze.
"Come, let us visit the Stag…"
Day: 5
Our days upon the beaten dirt roads of Melromarc had consisted mostly of the hunt as Fera and Bargram carried the physical need to consume to live. Upon these hunts, I was unallowed to gild the larger creatures we had come across in gold despite pelts roughly the size of Fera would undoubtedly be worth much.
Meat will be hard to come by, my Master.
It was on our travels that I learned of what it meant to 'Master' a Nail's passive abilities. Upon a rank of MAX, a once empty screen had gained an emblem akin to a Charm. Midas' Gold had yielded the face of a smiling king with a golden thumb. The Balloon Blade offered both a cluster of balloons as well as a balloon in the middle of popping.
Originally, I had thought myself unable to wield these Charms as I had no Notches to speak of, but the emblems held no cost and could be 'Toggled'. I had no reason not to have these Charms active, so I kept each active at all times.
"Looks like we're in luck, lad," Bargram called out as we walked, "We're nearing a village, so we might be able to sell the pelts and drops we've… shit."
The oncoming village had no doubt seen better days. Dying crops, disheartened civilians, ramshackle and failing homes…
Mirso Village, what's left of it, my Master.
"Well… no sense waiting around," Bargram grumbled, "Who knows, villagers might even have a job for us."
The villagers cowered before us, not a soul wishing to converse with us. As such, our path lay unimpeded as we found the local inn. The large building had been one of the few to still maintain its form and yet so very few patrons had been found within.
"If you're looking to stay the night, it'll be five silver per room," The innkeeper said sadly, "Don't know why you'd want to stay in a town like this… we've been hit with troubles recently since the dragon started attacking."
A dragon? My Master… Though I have never quite seen a true dragon up close, I am certain in saying that they are no doubt quite fierce.
"Oi, lad… you two are having a conversation all by yourselves again, aren't ya?" Bargram asked curiously.
"Come, let us discuss…"
Day: 10
"I still can't believe you took the job to slay the dragon…" The giant muttered in exasperation, "Lad, I get that we need the silver, but a dragon?"
"Were you not the one to say that we needed a fully grown beast of burden?" I replied calmly.
"I didn't mean a Dragon Emperor!" He shouted with palpable fear, "I was thinking more a Tyrella or a Wyr… not a Dragon Emperor! Lass… what do you think about all this?"
Fera simply stared at him blankly. I believe he wishes for your thoughts.
I believe you to be mad and suicidal, but it is not my place to judge your decisions.
"She believes me to be mad and suicidal," I repeated calmly.
"Aye, thank you, lass," Fera simply gave a nod as we continued our trek along the mountainside.
There had been many bees along the trail as well as scorpions, snakes, and salamanders.
[Stinger Sword Unlocked]
[Poison Fang Sword Unlocked]
[Salamander Sword Unlocked]
I had also taken the time to begin the Rank Up process of several other Nails.
[Bastard Sword Rank: 13/30
Damage: 32
Passive: +5% Boost to all damage
Debuff: Accuracy Loss 8%
Active: Strong Cut, +25% Damage]
[Hunter's Bait Rank: MAX
Damage: 20
Passive (Mastered): Draw in surrounding monsters up to 30ft
Active (Mastered): Jerky Strike, Pacify living monsters]
[Frying Pan Rank: 5/25
Damage: 25
Passive: Add Fire Element
Passive: 8% chance of cooking enemies]
[Rope Sword: Rank 13/30
Damage: 28
Active: Airblast Sword]
The Bait Blade had become a wonderful tool in gathering hoards of enemies, even now, we found ourselves knee deep in all manner of creatures.
"Oi, lad… wasn't this just supposed to be a stake out?" Bargram asked as he struck the earth, three scorpions having been skewered by stone spikes, "Ah… don't tell me you're still using the aggro skill."
"If we are to lay claim to the beast, we must be strong," I replied as Fera and I slew and gilded a salamander and large bee respectively.
We do not wish to draw the attention of the beast before we are prepared. Then so it must be.
My status screen flashed before me, showcasing my few Charms as I chose the image of a smoked piece of meat, toggling it off. The encroaching beasts had soon ceased their approach, some flinched and rushed forward recklessly while others quickly fled as if their lives depended on being as far from us as possible.
"Finally… some breathing room…" Bargram gasped out as he knelt down once the remaining beasts had been dispatched, "These old lungs just ain't what they used to be."
Stay with Bargram, I shall scout ahead.
Without so much as another word, Fera had run off as I stood vigil.
"So… tell me about yourself, ey laddie?"
….
Fera had found an empty cave, or as empty as it could have been after 'aggroing' all that lay inside. Nightfall thusly came, and with it, 'dreams' of the Nest.
Our search for my Kin had taken us to the home of a Soul Shaman. It was not more than a moment when we had arrived that little Ghost had passed us by mindlessly. I had thought to follow, but Fera's curiosity had us meeting with the Shaman.
"Well… isn't this strange," The Shaman spoke as we drew near, "You two aren't supposed to be here… is this…"
Shaking their head, they turned to Fera, "Much to learn about the Soul you do, shall we begin?"
Before she could respond, Fera rose into the air as she was engulfed in light… When it finally diminished, we had been brought to an enclosed arena, little Ghost among us as… no. I could not believe it… One of my Father's personal knights, Hegemol, had fallen from the ceiling to menace my Kin.
Was it not his duty to protect us? Were we not…
As the battle raged, Ghost had stunned whom I had thought to be Hegemol only to find that the creature posing as the legendary knight had been… a grub.
A grub. A grub had seized the armor of a Royal Knight… of Hegemol himself… Little Ghost continued his fight against the constantly jumping and flailing Grub Knight, the massive armor falling down twice more before the Grub within had finally been slain.
What happened to the Nest during my imprisonment? Why was this allowed to happen?
Day: 17
We made periodic trips down the mountainside and back to Mirso throughout the week, the villagers offering whatever healing goods they could in exchange for my gilded pelts and drops. It seemed the added wealth did the people well as many had finally been able to import much needed produce and farming equipment.
This however had been naught but a by-product of our true objective, geographical information.
"Judging by the map of the area and our scouting, the possible locations for the dragon's cave are here, here, and here…" Bargram explained as he pointed out three different points along the mountain ridge. Two high points opposite the other, and a low point on the other end of the mountain.
"Bargram, take Fera to scout the opposite point, I shall review the other two points on my own," I stated firmly.
"Ah, the lass was right when she called you suicidal," He grumbled, "So what happens if you see it before we do?"
"I run outside and hope to whatever gods you pray to, that I can make an explosion large enough to catch your attention," I replied.
Sighing, Bargram gave Fera a slow nod, "Aye, well lass, looks like it's you and me again."
I must argue against this on principal alone, my Master, but if this is what you wish…
"Remember, Bargram. Yes or no questions and orders only. Fera will not be able to converse with you unless I am present," With nods all around we made our ascent once more.
I had opted to run forth on foot while Bargram and Fera had rented use of a pair of Filiorials. The strange birds had their uses… mayhaps it would benefit us to own one or two…
I had no knowledge of their combat abilities however and felt some level of concern for my party… despite this, they were adamant in their desire for me to keep my aggro Charm toggled off as the avians had also been affected by the attraction.
There had been no new enemies of note, only more of the same salamanders and bees. I had however begun the Rank Up process of my Balloon King Blade…
[Balloon King Blade Rank: 6/50
Damage 25
Passive: Explodes upon contact dealing 2X Weapon Damage to enemies, 1.5X Weapon Damage to user
Passive: 50% Explosion Resist]
The explosions rocked the valley, dislodging stone and waking many a beast. It was strange however, before an explosion would have harmed me outright, but now? Now it was little more than a blackened gust of air.
However the built up dust that accumulated had seemed to bother something deeper within the massive cavern as a burst of fire engulfed the world around me. As I lay upon the floor, body steaming from the burning bath, a large beast had rushed from out of the cave and into the skies. So this was a dragon...
Day: 22
"So ya found its lair then?" Bargram asked as we had made camp at the bottom of the mountain, Fera attentively brewing a stew for their consumption, "What's the plan then, lad? We rush in and bring down the cave with it?"
"Would that be considered mad and suicidal?" I asked as I reviewed my Nails.
"Oi… laddie… was that a joke?" Bargram asked with surprised confusion.
"I do not joke, Bargram."
I believe he is proud of you, my Master. I heard Fera's voice echo.
"Regardless, I believe if we strike at night's twilight, then we shall not only have the upper hand against the beast, but a chance as well to claim the beast as our own," I stated calmly as I found the Nail I desired.
"And just how exactly do you plan on bringing a Dragon Emperor to heel?"
"With this," The encroaching dark of night had seemingly been dragged into my palm, even the roaring fire of our camp seemed to flicker as if fighting against its end. Fera had flinched visibly, but had shown no emotion, Bargram had fallen backwards as he crawled away in abject fear of the blackened and writhing mist in my grasp.
[VOID NAIL RANK: #& /%
Damage: ?
Passive: MAY ALL BECOME AS ONE]
"Lad… I trust you… you know that," The giant gasped out as he attempted to steady his flayed nerves, "Now… do you trust me enough to tell me what in the name of the various gods is THAT!?"
"There are those who believe the Void gives way to abilities and feats many would consider… unnatural," I replied softly as if in reverance to that which gave me life, "It is with this Nail that I shall subjugate our Dragon Emperor."
Gulping, Bargram straightened himself out and chose to fill his mouth with stew instead of questioning me further…
As day broke, we began our dread march along the ridge. I had taken point with the Midas' Gold Charm active, Fera having advised me that there was nothing in life a dragon loved more than gold. For this reason, Bargram had brought along a Filorial attached to a large cart which would be filled with gold as we made our ascension.
Whatever gilded creature we obtained that could no longer fit within the cart had been placed within my inventory to be added once we had arrived at our destination. We had obtained two hundred three golden bees, eighty seven golden salamanders, forty three golden snakes, and one hundred thirty six golden scorpions as the moon rose over the valley.
"Bargram, how far have you advanced your magic?" I asked as we neared the still scorched cave.
"Could probably bring this cave down with a bit of time and effort," He replied confidently.
Fera? I'm afraid my own magic will be next to useless against a dragon, let alone surrounded by stone.
I had given my own magic so very little thought… there had been but a few moments until the twilight hour, but I did what I should have done so long ago.
[Spellblade Rank: 1/40
Damage 10
Passive: Increased Spell Skill
Passive: Spell cost -2%
Passive: Spell power +3%]
A faint blue glow shined from my hands as I felt a tug at my fountain of Soul. As my Soul was depleted, so too had something else… a Mana bar as it was had steadily decreased as water seemed to flow from my hands. As it flowed, it soon solidified into butterfly winged flowers as Life Blood essence had formed within my palms.
"Woah… nice lightshow, laddie," Bargram commented as he drew near. It was definitely quite the lightshow, but I only had strength sufficient to create two Life Blood essences.
"It should protect you from some damage at the very least," I said as I offered him an essence. He prodded the bubble of liquid until it popped, his body now coated with a thin blue layer.
"Woah! Wha-" The layer of Life Blood shined for a time before it dimmed, Bargram running his hands along his body rather quickly before sighing, "Ah… magic… never going to get used to it."
"Regardless, the moment of truth is now upon us," I declared as I offered Fera the second bubble before entering further into the cave, my Lantern Blade shining the path and our gold.
[Lantern Blade Rank: 1/10
Damage: 10
Passive: Illuminate caverns and dark corridors]
The deeper we walked, the louder and more prominent the dragon's breathing had become… and the more intense the heat had risen.
"So, what's the plan then, lad?" Bargram asked, not at all bothered by the heat.
"The ideal would be to strike the beast as it sleeps, weakening it enough to exert my will upon its mind," I explained calmly.
That is a poor plan and will end with one or all of us inside its stomach.
I gave this some thought, only to disregard the thought as we came face to face with the beast itself. It had slept surrounded by piles of unknown riches and artifacts… its exhalations burned like acid, its body appeared as thick and as powerful as Pale Ore…
"So… what do we do?" Bargram asked.
"Bargram, stay out of sight and launch gold and stone. Fera shall electrocute the metal whenever moments present themselves," I explained as I readied the Imperfect Nail, it's Pale glow nearly engulfing the cavern.
[Imperfect Nail Rank: 39/50
Damage: 71
Passive: Gain 30% more Soul when striking enemies
Passive: Gain 10% more Soul upon successful kill
Active: Gain four satellite blades]
"Now go!" With a loud roar, I sliced along the dragon's neck as it too roared from the pain of its wound. With that, the battle was on...