[ - Author's Note - ]
Well, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas (Or related holiday) and I hope we'll have a nice, better new year! 2022 is right around the corner!
Endwalker is also being a fair bit of fun... And a bit of a distraction... So, yeaaaah, writing might slow down a bit.
Anyway, if Act One was about establishing James and the people around him Act Two will be about establishing a... Fair number of things, really.
One; the Seven Shield Princesses themselves. A common criticism (And not a fully undeserved one, I admit) was the lack of focus they got in the first act. This one will have them around a lot more during the road trip as we get to see them in action.
Two; character development for Miria and Aeris. Aeris in particular, I feel, is one of my least developed characters and she is in need of some love, I do think. And I do have a little arc planned for Miria. Riri should get some time to shine. While I don't have an exact idea of what to do with Makoto I'm sure I'll have something by the time we get to Thorn.
Three; establish potential threats. While everyone and their (black) dogs knows who the real villains are there are other problems and threats out there; hell, Celestine and the Shields spent sometime talking about them. This chapter even dips a toe into it softly. And that's not to say an old threat won't crop up in a new way...
Four; adventure and sexy fun! I think this is a large part of why people come to the story and I hope to add some variety to it all.
Since I know someone will ask, the Dark Elf Duo of Olga and Chole won't be showing for awhile yet; but they will have their roles to play before the end is up.
On another note; we have shot past one thousand follows and four hundred reviews on FFDotNet, as well as one hundred and sixty thousand views and favs has cracked nine hundred. It does me well to see the story receive such a warm reception. Yes, some people dislike the odd thing that happens in the story, but I do have my idea of where it'll go.
So, let's get it on.
[ - Act II - Chapter IV: I Make My Ret-Ur-n - ]
Some aren't fully aware of the origins of the name Ur. In truth it's origins stretch before the days the Dark Emperor would conquer what we know as Eostia. As the Age of Magic was now on it's way a series of spell stones was found in a quarry of what was then called 'Dhal' but was also known as 'The Land of Magical Ore' because of this.
After the land was freed from His grip and Annabelle began to what is now the Grand Duchy she sought a new name when an aide called it the 'Land of Ore'. However he spoke with a thick accent created from a once broken jaw that was ill mended so 'Ore' came out as 'Ur.'
As for why a Grand Duchy as opposed to a Kingdom, it is simple. Annabelle did not think herself equal as a leader to Joanna, now High Queen Joanna, but needed to hold herself over the currently bickering territories and therefor lowered herself to Grand Duchess. Within the city of Stonewall she would found the first of the three great magical academies, The Stella Magus Schola; often called the Magus Academy.
Despite her worries Annabelle would prove herself quite able at statecraft and wiser then she once thought. Her legacy lives in all those who call Ur home and enjoy it's freedoms.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
The day after the Fair we had breakfast, loaded up to head out, suffered Mom's usual farewells and hit the road. Prim insisted we make time and so the drivers were instructed to push the horses harder then normal. On the one hand we'd arrive in the evening as opposed to the next morning. On the other hand it would be a bumpier ride and we'd need to be careful we didn't push the horses too hard.
On the table between the two seats I laid out a map of Eostia. This one was a fairly basic one; no drawn borders and with only nine real landmarks set to it; the Seven Great Fortresses of the Alliance and the two most notable ones in Garan.
Garan had two major strongholds we knew of; the one north of our borders and closest to us was the Black Citadel, Queen Olga's seat of power. The other was known to us only as Eisenschild; a named dubbed by Dominious although it had names given to it by other people, which laid in the west of the nation, sitting near the Halcyon Mountain Range. Our understanding of both strongholds were limited but Eisenschild was more of a mystery. What we could only guess was that it was built as a counter to the Harpies living in the Halcyon Mountain Range.
Harpies were... odd. Technically they were Aberrant but they were very different then their goblin and orc cousins; while orcs, goblins and their ilk were male only races that required female races to breed (Even if only cows or dogs. Yes, we knew that Garan stole, bred and raised cattle and dogs to ensure they could always breed their beasties. Ugh...) Harpies were a female only race and were more then happy to rape a goblin to lay an egg. And then kill the goblin and any of his buddies, and maybe even eat them. In fact the Harpies were more then happy to just hunt down goblins, orcs and the like not to hunt or mate, but just some feud they had.
On the other hand goblins hated Harpies in turn; mostly because sex with other races produced more goblins but sex with a Harpie just resulted in a Harpie egg. No matter what you bred with a Harpie all you got was another Harpie so while a goblin could have their 'fun' with them breeding was otherwise pointless. As for Harpie/Human relations I knew it was poor once upon a time and a bit of a conflict occurred some thousand years ago but it was sorted out and there was either a treaty or agreement between the Harpies and Feoh; who also bordered the Halcyon Mountain Range.
"Reconsidering your booster placement?" My thoughts were jostled as I looked across the table to Prim who smiled back at me. Miria, Aeris, Ur'Akara were in the carriage ahead of mine, Makoto riding with the wagon in the rear. I nodded to her as I gave a soft groan...
"Hmm, no. I just wanted to get an idea of the best path to take. We ride to Ur first, but after, mmm, that we have to decide the best route." I replied simply. For Ur there were only three boosters to place; The Grand Duchy, Greenwave and Classa. The bulk of the boosters were going to go to Feoh and Thorn; while the other kingdoms had a north and south border to worry about but Feoh had the west to deal with and Thorn the east. On the opposite end Geofu had the least; the Dominion itself and Forestside. Sadly that would mean I wouldn't spend that much time with Claudia who, being married, is one of the few women I never wondered if she's looking to bone me or not.
Although to be fair... Would you refuse to tap that ass?
All joking aside, I had a big job ahead of me, and that wasn't going into my secondary goal; trying to work out who was behind the Black Storm.
The main issue wasn't so much that I was searching for a needle in a haystack. The issue was I was looking for a single object in a house full of clutter with only the vaguest idea of what I was looking for. Who was the guy behind this all? A nobleman? A foreign leader? Some cultist? Aliens?
Again, vagueness is coming and it is bad. The only thing I knew was that someone reached out to Halbert; to invite him, warn him or, hell, just gossip about it. I don't know how but if Halbert knew about it then the threat was local or at least local enough to stumble over. But I could assume that means people who were or close to the nobility would be the ones a part of this or be approached to join. And I had one, major tool no one else had on this world.
Observe.
The question marks that came up in place of a title had warned me twice of someone looking to visit trouble upon me and mine; Mandeville and Halbert both. And while I was aware both were trouble in their own way until Victor dropped I wasn't aware of how far Halbert would go. That missing title was my biggest key indicator to who was trouble and looking to cause problems in the near to far future.
That said I had to consider it wouldn't be fully reliable. It was possible that I could scan someone a part of the Black Storm who was considered questionable to start with have their title show and someone who was hiding corruption could have a title hidden but be unrelated to the the very same. Case in point; Mandeville likely wasn't a part of it (Or at least not yet, he might get his invite into the 'Club of Ultimate Evil' sooner or later) but is also someone who's not in it for the common good.
Regardless I was in a key position to meet not only the Shields and those around them but the leaders of the Kingdoms and States and those around them. Even if I couldn't do anything then and there I could start to put together a picture and maybe point people to the right place. Place casual doubt on someone, keep tabs on them or investigate them. It wasn't a perfect plan; the booster job meant I had to keep moving place to place; I'd be around for a day or two at best.
I had a lot to focus on... A lot to worry about... A lot to do...
I groaned deep for a moment. "Prim..."
"Yes Dear?" The princess across for me said, smiling sweetly. Too sweetly.
"Why did you tell her to suck me off while I'm planning?"
"You were getting too serious; you need to relax a bit more." She said smiling as I leaned back to look under the table...
Kneeling down, under the table was Riri who was riding in my carriage as well, half my cock in her mouth as she slowly bobbed up and down my shaft, making me groan out once more. And yes, Prim suggested (Read: Told) to her that I need to be relaxed with some 'lip service'.
Neither asked my opinion on it for better or worse...
[-]
While the sun was on it's way down we arrived in Stonewall and Fortress Ur behind it. I already told Riri to relay to the drivers to make sure the horses were both well rested, well fed and well groomed for their hard work. I was planning to stay the next day for the work and leave the next. There would be more then enough time for other things of course; namely shopping.
While the Unicorn's Horn was still a great weapon I needed to see what else was out there, and I might find better armor. Sure, I was limited to rapiers and gambeson (For the most part) but Stonewall had much more variety and selection when it came to weapons, armors and equipment. If I would put it into RPG terms if Argon was the starting town then Stonewall was closer to a mid-game/late-game region. As such better arms would be for sale and even if I couldn't afford them right now it would give me an idea of what I could get later.
Either way that was a worry for later. Our convoy arrived after the long ride between the three fortress walls and stopping before the main keep. Unlike last time two dozen guards flanked the keep's gate, moving to attention as Prim stepped out. Between the lines of guards were Samuel and Primrose Fiorire, flanked by Carmen Shard and Captain Miles Zeragon. In addition there was another figure standing there at attention, standing next to Miles.
She stood at around five-seven and wore sturdy looking, light gray armor with some light brown/tan trim. A helm with a full visor was at her right hip, long sword sheathed at her left. Hanging off her back was a blue cape with tan trim at the bottom. Also on her back was a shield. A circular emblem was placed under the armor's neck; a pale pink ring outlined with gold trim on both sides contained a white background within it.
At the bottom was a green laurel trimmed with gold. At the top was a pink rose with a single green leaf, it's outline gold as well. Between the two and with the green leaf overlapping on it on the right side was a crescent moon, the open end facing up. It was yellow with a pink outline trimmed with gold on both sides and along it's inner curve was a aeries of circles and half moons in pink outlined with gold, mostly matching the lunar phase.
The woman herself bore slightly tanned skin with some freckles around her nose and inner cheeks that contrasted her bright, sea blue eyes and short, dirty blonde hair cut short over the ears and a pair of blue, jewel earrings on each ear. There was only one other thing to note that her armor didn't hide...
Girl be thicc in the hips. In the right way. I didn't know how large her breasts were given the armor, but based on what I could tell 'sizable' was a safe bet.
(-)
Name: Troya Zeragon
Title: Lieutenant of the Blossoming Moon
Class: Warrior
Level: 26
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 46
Status: Healthy, Dutiful, Relaxed
Romance Rating: 77
Corruption Rating: 6
Known Traits
[?]
[Ironclad] You wear any metal armor like you were born in it. +10% bonus to all Resistances for Chain Mail, Scale Mail, Splint Mail and Plate Mail.
[Strong Legs] Your legs are powerful giving you greater kicking strength, running speed, jumping height and so on +10% Str for all activities with your legs.
Daughter of Miles Zeragon, she trained with the sword since a young child. While lacking the magical affinities of her father her martial skills clearly have great potential. Having proven her martial prowess against Aberrant and bandits alike, as well as leading a small detachment during a brief skirmish with Balanar forces she was suggested then appointed as the second of command of the Knights of the Blossoming Moon; formed to follow the newly appointed Shield Princess Prim Fiorire into battle by her father.
(-)
"Mom! Dad!" Prim let off, running off and jumping at her father, hugging her about the next as the rest of us climbed out of the carriages, walking over as I tried to not let surprise show on my face. Since when did Prim have her own private force?
"Oh, my daughter is home once more. It is good to see you, my little Prim." Samuel let off with a big, warm smile to her as he hugged her back. As soon as she was let go she would hug Primrose and Carmen in turn. She would the hug the armored woman for a moment and offer Miles a curtsy as we got to them. "James, my boy! Welcome back!" He then let off as we shook hands. Primrose offered a hug which I returned and I shook hands with Miles before offering my hand to Troya.
"And you are...?" I prompted to 'learn' her name. She shook my hand before saluting.
"Lieutenant Troya Zeragon of the Knights of the Blossoming Moon, the Princess' Second in Command for the order." She said formally but smiling as she nodded to me. "I've heard much about you, M'Lord. A pleasure to finally meet you."
"Glad to hear it. Wish I heard of you..." I said giving Prim a look as she 'eeped' and half jokingly/half seriously ducked behind her bodyguard. "Since when did you have your own army Prim? And you never told me?" She blushed as she peeked around a chuckling Carmen at me.
"It's a... Knightly order really..." She let out giggling at me as Carmen tried to not bust out laughing. "I was going to mention it, it's just... Well... I'm still getting used to leading them and all..." She let off as I chuckled and moved closer, reaching out to pat her head... Only to have her duck behind a snickering Carmen. Shrugging I just reached around her bodyguard and pulled her into a double hug as she yelped in surprise; Carmen's yelp joining in as she was suddenly trapped between two people.
Both broke into open laughter as I let go, turning back to Troya. "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant."
"Thank you. Myself and the Blossoming Knights will be joining you as an escort, so I do hope we become friends." The blonde said, nodding as Miles laughed and moved to clap a hand on her shoulder.
"Ha! My daughter is as tough as they come!" He boasted with a grin. "Worse comes to worse, hide behind her and watch the weapons break on her armor!"
"Daaaaaaaaad..." Troya let off as she blushed and sighed while looking down and slumping her shoulders before straightening up once more. "But he's not wrong. As you do your work I'll be protecting you; from aberrant, bandit or worse." She said with a nod, hands clamping onto her hips.
Samuel chuckled and moved over to me, clapping a hand onto my shoulder. "You've quite the job you've got on your shoulders, my boy." He told me as I nodded. I did, more then he knew. "Who's paying for it all?"
"Celestine stopped by the manor with Prim, Maia and Claudia; she'll be footing the bill; as well as providing support and funding to make it cheaper for territories we don't get to to install their own on top of the support the Adventurer's Guild is giving me." I told him, nodding. "Starting tomorrow they'll be going up with Ur being the first."
"I'm quite glad. You've quite the quest ahead of you, hmm?" He said nodding as I nodded back.
[New Quest Gained: Need A Boost?]
[New Objective: Fulfill all Quests with 'Boosting' in the name]
[New Objective: Bed At Least One Woman Per Kingdom (That's Not an Escort)]
[New Objective: Bed Ten Women Total (That's Not an Escort)]
Wait, this pops now? Why now?
[-]
"Ughhh..." Benterra let off a long drawn out groan as he set the golden D20 back down. "Damned glitches..."
[-]
Oh well, whatever... Least I'll get XP for doing what I'd do anyway. I'm not surprised at the need to fuck women during this given what I know of this world now, but what the hell does it mean with 'All Quests With Boosting In The Name', I don't have any-
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Feoh]
[New Objective: Place Booster in The Kingdom of Feoh]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Arafe]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Ironside]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Cauldona
[New Objective: Place Booster in Pulca]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Ur]
[New Objective: Place Booster in The Grand Duchy of Ur]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Greenwave]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Classa]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Geofu]
[New Objective: Place Booster in The Dominion of Geofu]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Forestside]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Ken]
[New Objective: Place Booster in High Kingdom of Ken]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Caul]
[New Objective: Place Two Boosters in South Point]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Rad]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Federation of Rad]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Longroad]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Xenera]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Ansur]
[New Objective: Place Booster in The Principality of Ansur]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Yerical]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Perrious]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Brell]
[New Quest Gained: Boosting Thorn]
[New Objective: Place Booster in The Magistracy of Thorn]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Coppic]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Ferrosica]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Eastport]
[New Objective: Place Booster in Hol'canna]
...
Wow, it looks kinda daunting when put like that, huh?
"Come friends, my daughter." Samuel let off, smiling to us all. "Dinner awaits us! I'd like to hear what has happened since we last spoke, even if it wasn't so long ago."
[-]
Dinner was grand and long. Sadly we had to talk about the zombie circlet once more to the horror of those who hadn't heard it before and Prim still seemed disturbed from the tale being retold. I handed out a Voxlux to each of Prim's parents, Miles and Carmen and as I had extras I gave one to Troya as well.
I invited Prim over to my room once more for another night of good old fashion love making and she accepted. She'd warm my bed until the morning and once up we ate breakfast and left to install the booster. Miria and Aeris would break off to go shopping themselves and Ur'Akara went with them as Riri (In her maid uniform but with her blades at her hips) and Makoto accompanied me along with Prim, Carmen and Troya, in addition to six, plate armored knights with the emblem of the Knights of the Blossoming Moon (I would learn they were usually called the Blossoming Knights for short) acting as escort.
Unlike in Argon the Princess' face was well known in Stonewall and she had various well wishers call out to her. People knew to keep their distance, of course, but they were openly friendly with her. The placement of the booster would be a building near the center of the city and while not on the main road was on one of it's most notable branches with the building being the mayor's office. He was an older man who, himself, mentioned he was close to retirement. The building was well made; from what I could tell it was once a small, three story fort complete with a tall tower on the east side of the building that had been repurposed to what it was now. The top of the tower was where the booster would be going; attached to a wooden roof that was retrofitted to shield anyone on it from rain.
Troya had offered to carry the booster to the building and would refuse allowing me to do so, but now that it was time to install the thing I gently took it from her and used Levitate to fly up to the roof. Prim and Carmen cast matching spells on themselves and flew up to assist me.
Well, Carmen helped by holding it still, Prim mostly just watched.
It wasn't just a matter of securing it with good screws and making sure it went into sturdy wood; a bit of tar was added to the screws to waterproof the holes; after all we didn't want drips going down. And with a lack of power tools I had to use a normal screwdriver; no big deal really. I choose screws as I felt they would hold better for the years to come. Extra tar on and around the bracket's base would further secure it in place and waterproof it. Once secured I shook it lightly to ensure nothing would shake loose. Once I was satisfied I flew back down to the ground, followed by the girls.
Once on the ground I called up Samuel with my Voxlux, watching it ping in my hand before his face appeared over my device. "Ah, James. Is it ready?"
"Just got it done and installed. Give it a test!"
"I shall then!" His face vanished as I pocketed the device and turned to look up at the device. After a moment it came to life, shooting a beam of light upwards; unlike the one in Mungale this one reached seventy feet up; Stonewall was a far larger city then Argon after all and it would be need to be seen from further away. Soon, as people turned to face the odd-light lancing upwards Samuel's face appeared overhead to the gasps of people around us.
"Greetings, my subjects!" He let off, smiling to the people who gasped once more, some pointing upwards. "Thanks to a new invention I, Grand Duke Samuel Fiorire, can address you quickly and directly!" He smiled and you could see his hand come up as he waved. "Now, in the event we need to rapidly inform the populace of a new event or make a decree you, the people, can be addressed much quicker. Please, carry on with your lives and duties and be well!" And just as sudden as his face appeared overhead it was gone, people chattering and whispering to one another over the scene.
[(⸜∕ ) Place Booster in The Grand Duchy of Ur]
Nice.
I ended up getting a little more money from ice cream maker orders so, it was time for something that was overdue: shopping!
"With that done to satisfaction, I'm overdue to see what the stores of Stonewall has to offer." I said, turning to everyone as I rested my left wrist on the handle of my sheathed blade. "I'd like to see what equipment and spell books and scrolls I can find."
"Mmm, a new set of knives sounds good as well." Riri said, patting her knives.
"Ohhh, I heard there was new bakery with pastries too!" Prim let off, clasping her hands together. "We can go and split up and meet back up at the Fortress! Troya, mind showing James around?"
"As you wish." The knight replied with a jaunty salute and smile as, after a last, brief exchange, we went our separate ways with Troya leading me, Makoto and Riri off to the local weapon and gear shops (With two Blossom Knights breaking off to escort us) as I looked around the city a bit.
If Argon was at best called a rustic city then Stonewall was a grand one; lots of stone buildings that were whitewashed, although I could see window frames, door frames and doors were painted nearly every color in the rainbow with some doors having a brass emblem or design on them. Troya would point out various things along the way; notable stores or buildings before leading us down another street. It was still close to the main road and the traffic was fairly decent. Finally I could see some signs with swords, armor, needles and thread, anvils and so on. I moved to the weapon's store first. I had twenty platinum to spend after all!
Once inside I began looking at the rapiers on sale. I still had the throwing knives on me, so I wasn't worried about that; my focus was on a good rapier... Although I noted other swords as well. While my old world's fencing skills had served me well up until now I was starting to notice a minor issue in that I was being somewhat limited by my weapon; mostly in my sparring with Gregory.
The rapier was, despite what some people might think, wasn't lighter then a normal sword; it just had more of it's weight back to the handle and pommel. This made it easier to control and more precise and easily let you put all it's weight behind a thrust and was perfect for punching into chain mail and cloth armor. The downside was that meant since it's weight was back at the handle there was less at the tip and along on blade so it sucked at slashing; I could cut someone but even thick clothing could cause issues with that.
Compare and contrast something like the katana Makoto used; a sword with more of it's weight in the blade itself and curved to make slicing easier, plus with a long enough handle to use both hands for extra leverage... But that curved blade meant it was horrible for stabbing and basic chain mail would ward it off almost perfectly.
By further contrast; the hand and a half sword like what Alicia would use was made to be used with one hand and was meant to be coupled with a shield or it could be used by both hands if a shield wasn't available. It wasn't quite as good at slashing as a katana, nor as good as thrusting as a rapier but it could do both quite well.
In addition when it came to upgrades I was leaning to Mage Knight for two reasons; one better armor. Rune Blade, cool as it sounded, was stuck with gambeson armor and while armor weave made that more attractive I couldn't help but think the protection of plate armor would be better in the long run. The second reason was while Rune Blade could use bows and buckler shields Mage Knight could use all one handed swords and shields plus short spears and javelins. The ranged options were less appealing to me; after all I had magic missile, scatter bolt and throwing knifes for ranged combat.
I had been working to meet the requirements as best as I could. Training had gotten both Adrenaline Rush and Reflex Boost up to level three, so that knocked off two more requirements. The only issue I had now was stats; I had to get Strength, Dexterity, Accuracy and Mana Capacity to one hundred each plus Constitution, Endurance, Agility and Magical Power to sixty each. To put it into numbers, I need roughly twenty more Constitution, Endurance and Agility, fifty five more Strength, fifty one Dexterity, forty two Accuracy and thirty nine Mana Capacity. As of now only Magical Power met the requirements.
The issue was getting them. My stats were high enough now that stat XP grinding was a waste of time; not unless I could figure out some way to boost it. Leveling up was the main way to both get all but Constitution and Strength (Directly, anyway) and to get Stat Points to spend but that would be difficult right now. Training was still on the table, at least until I capped that out for the week, but I couldn't take Guild Jobs right now.
Thankfully I had a wealth of quests dropped on top of my head and hey, I could get more on the road. These quests, though, often came with stat points so I hoped to get those tasty, tasty Stat Points.
However there was one little conundrum I had. As I took sometime to find some different or useful Traits to by I came by one interesting one.
[Multi-Melee Master]
Your training includes melee weapons of all kinds! All one handed melee weapons become secondary weapon options for you. Additionally you can choose between 'swords', 'axes and hammers', 'polearms' and 'flails' and add them to your list of primary weapons.
Upgrade: You may now use two handed melee weapons in addition to one handed melee weapons.
At forty Trait Points I could just barley afford it (Although not the upgrade) but I was a bit... reluctant to do so. After all, my class upgrade would expand my potential arsenal and while not all weapons would be open to be enough would be. More over if I spend Trait Points on this then it wasn't Trait Points going to something else; something to further boost my stats or with other useful effects.
For now I'd hold off on it. Even so none of the swords here was better then the Unicorn's Horn as a weapon; while there was a rapier with two more piercing damage it lacked the Horn's magical empowerment.
Riri, however, got a pair of nice, combat knifes that had straight, dark blue blades and came with a matching colored guard and black wrap over the handle; perfect for a sneaky rouge halfling girl like her. Then she showed me something interesting; both had spell stones set into them on the pommels; matching blue ones. They had no enchantments on them; they would be bought for cheaper then an enchanted weapon because of that but having them imbued would usually cost far more then the weapon itself.
Of course Riri knew an enchanter (That would be me) so that meant she'd get them on the cheap, in the end.
By contrast Makoto saw nothing of interest to her which was understandable; katanas were rare in Eostia outside of Thorn.
Next we moved off to the armor shop and I had a look around. This one boasted metal and gambeson armors so I had a selection to pick from.
In comparing gambeson to plate it was night and day; my custom made mage robe/leather gambeson hybrid was a match for any of the gambeson here on physical protection and handily beat them all in magical defenses, but the basic plate armor had four times the physical resistances with forty resistances to slashing, piercing and blunt or better. The one downside was the lack of any magical resistances but I could imagine some means to counter that.
And then I finally found what I wanted to find; Armor Weave.
It was just one suit of it though. Well, one male suit; aside from not wanting to wear a leotard the female suits were too small for me anyway. This one was nearly full white in color and came in two parts; a tight looking set of pants and long sleeved shirt with gloves and boots in near pure white. Nothing fancy looking as I used Observe on it.
(-)
Armor Type: Undyed Basic Armor Weave
Slashing Resistance: +25
Piercing Resistance: +18
Blunt Resistance: +18
Magical Resistance: +12
Weight: Light
Agility Penalty: 1 (-0.2 Per Con)
Other Bonuses: None
Buy Value: 22 Platinum, 40 Gold
Sell Value: 5 Platinum, 20 Gold
A basic suit of Armor Weave for a male, it has yet to be dyed and can easily have a pattern stitched or inked onto it, or have clothing worn over it. It's the most effective non-metal armor known.
(-)
Gaaahhhhhhhhhh!
Um, yeah. I couldn't afford it just yet; not without breaking the bank! No wait, I was two platinum short, I just can't afford it!
Yeeesh, I knew it would be pricey but still... I mean compared to what I had now it had two and a half times the slashing resists, over four times the piercing and blunt and three times the magical... But the costs were so much higher...
I then stumbled over a set of Mana Armor; it was more or less a metal bikini; although the bottoms was more of a metal belt with some cloth to keep the naughty bits hidden. Out of curiosity I used Observe on it as well.
(-)
Armor Type: Basic Low Level Mana Armor
Slashing Resistance: +42
Piercing Resistance: +42
Blunt Resistance: +42
Magical Resistance: +35
Weight: Light
Agility Penalty: 3 (-0.2 Per Con)
Other Bonuses: +4 Magical Resistance on first Magical Attack every five minutes. Skin level climate control.
Buy Value: 575 Platinum, 20 Gold
Sell Value: 135 Platinum, 80 Gold
The most basic type of Mana Armor for a female warrior; using modern forging techniques and spell weaving, it can heat or cool the body wearing it to keep it from being too warm when fighting in the summer or too cold when fighting in the winter while still protecting the user with it's magical shielding. This is considered a cheap suit of Mana Armor.
(-)
That's cheap for Mana Armor!?
Yikes!
Yeah, I wasn't rich enough to consider that yet either.
Moving on...
None of us bought anything from the armor shop, for better or for worse, as we moved on to various other shops for gear and supplies. I bought a small bag of mid-quality spell stones and found a bronze piece that would hold a single stone. I had a plan in mind to mitigate my lack of heavy armor; at least until I could upgrade my class.
Next was what I was waiting for; a shop that sold spell scrolls and books.
I was curious as to what spells and abilities I could find and get access to and felt a bit giddy as I moved to browse and peek about. I would grab two books for reference; one on crafting your own spells entitled 'Basic Spellcraft and Mana Theory' and another speaking on advanced enchantments 'Theories of Greater Enchantment and on the Lost Spell Weaves', both of which I hoped would help my enchanting a bit more.
On scrolls I ended up grabbing a few; Earth Shaker, Thunder Lance, Blazing Weapon, Shocking Weapon, Arcane Lance, Earth Mover, Telescopic Vision, Conjure Water, Aqua Stream, Flame Thrower, Flame Guard, Hammer of Smite, Arcane Weapon and Aqua Breath.
It was a nice little selection and I vowed to learn each and everyone of them once I was back in the fortress. Once I had paid the fifty three gold for it all and we had left for another store, then another, browsing and now and then buying the odd item or nick-knack. Finally we finished our shopping and turned to head back to the rear end of town where our carriages were waiting.
Forget the travel time to the fortress from Stonewall; the travel time between the three walls was a trek and a half!
I was expecting a nice, quiet, post shopping walk back... but of course it couldn't be just be that.
"Heathens! Heretics! You... You proditores!" One man let off, glaring at a group of four others, two men flanking him. The building they were standing in front of was a two story church; white washed walls, black, sloped roofs, a short bell tower with a large banner hanging off of the front, under the bell's window. Said banner was simple enough; it was rectangular and taller then wider with four points at the bottom; the two inner points slightly shorter then the outer ones. The inside was a nice blue color trimmed with dark gold with two hands colored yellow and trimmed with dark gold reaching upwards to the object between it; the Divina Crucis or divine cross.
The Divina Crucis was to the followers of the Goddess Larentia what the crucifix was to Christianity and Jesus Christ; this one was colored yellow with a gold outline; the top bore a circle with many spikes to represent the sun and under it was a crescent moon; it's opening upwards and half surrounding the sun, a simple, long rectangle connecting the two and long enough to be a handle. However this one had a four pointed star cut out in the middle of the sun, outlined with gold. It was the emblem of the Anima Lux Church, aka: The Faith.
"Better a 'proditor' then a deceptor, you annoyance." The lead man standing before the building let off, snorting. I sighed. For the record proditor translated as traitor and deceptor translated as (As one might guess) deceiver.
The four men standing in front of the church were wearing matching black outfits made of loose fitting pants tucked into brown boots and a long outer shirt with wide sleeves, trimmed with a dark gold color. Around each of their necks was a scarf, rich blue in color and trimmed with the gold color, The Faith's version of the Divinia Crucis on it.
"Bah! Know your place fool, the Pope has no power when compared to our Archbishop!" The man I'd originally heard cry out let off, glaring at the man. By contrast he wore a short, long sleeved robe that was white in color and trimmed with gold but bore large red panels that started at the shoulders and dropped half way down the front and back, with a second version of the Divina Crucis on the front. This version had a circular cutout in gold with two vertical lines and two horizontal ones connected to an small circle in the middle of the cut out, filled with yellow. Just under the half way mark of the Crucis a laurel of matching color was set, arcing upwards to surround all but the very top of the emblem; the Una Verita version of the cross, aka: The Church. Black pants were tucked into white boots with red trim as he huffed.
"The Archbishop holds no power here, we both know that!" The man in black let off. Some people stopped to watch but most people sighed and walked past the confrontation.
"What's going on?" I said, turning to look at Troya, letting my confusion show. She sighed as she shook her head.
"The Faith and the Church have been butting heads recently. Well, more then normal. Both run orphanages and accept donations from both of their flocks." She began to explain. "The issue is Anima Lux has built and operated a school for the last five odd years to educate the populous' children; not just their orphans. They want to expand into a plot of unused land. The Church, however, wants to build upon it for their own ends; they want to build a large library on the land. As the Faith made the first offer they bought it before the Church could get involved, so they are protesting and claiming they never had a chance to bid on the land and, therefor, were treated unfairly."
"So in other words, another pissing match between the two faiths." I said with a sigh, shaking my head.
"Please! You proditores will likely get a fire started at your precious 'school of the unenlightened' before the day's out!" One of the Una Verita men as he glared, making me hum a bit to myself. I didn't like the emphasis on the word 'fire'. I shared a look with Troya who nodded to me.
"And what pray tell is that supposed to mean?" The Anima Lux priest let off in reply, crossing his arms. I frowned a bit at the possible implications.
"Just that the... less favored may find themselves with more... misfortune. Nothing more, nothing less." The white and red clad priest said before starting to walk away, his fellows following. "Remember that..."
"Tsk. Damn deceptors..." The Anima priest let off before walking back to his church, his fellow priests following him. I gave a look to the men walking away and looked to Riri.
"Follow them. I want to know if they're planning anything." She nodded and turned into an alleyway to my right... Before jumping up and off the walls to reach the roof of the church, moving to follow the batch of priests. Once out of sight I looked to Troya.
"So, where is this school of which they speak?"
[New Quest Gained: Trial By Fire]
[New Objective: Go To The Disputed Lot]
Ohhh, new quest too!
Guess something is about to happen then, huh?
[-]
Rather then go right to the school grounds Troya first took us to another street and we went down it a fair bit before, after about five or six blocks, we reached a second church and this one was, well...
"Wow, I'm a bit impressed..." I admitted. By both height and footprint this one was twice the size of the other church and was white washed as well, but it's roof was red in color with gold colored trim. It's bell tower was shaped like the Divina Crucis, with the cutout at the top being open and with a bell visible in it. Hanging over the wide, red, double doors was their own banner; the Una Vertia Chruch's Divina Crucis, laurel and all, was on it on a red background and a curved bottom, but with the same gold colored trim around it's edges.
Troya nodded as she jerked her head, leading us away. "The two church's have always been at each other's throats. The Faith always preferred to try and co-exist with the Church, but that's never been easy; the Archbishop hasn't been secretive about that he wants a reunification of the Larentian Churches under his leadership."
"Well the Pope wants the same thing under his leadership; he's just more... Polite about it." I replied with a sigh.
"If I may ask..." Makoto began as she looked to me as we walked along. "What is the cause of this feud between these two churches?" She asked as I sighed.
"That's the thing; no one really knows." I said with a shrug. "They were once part of one church, the Church of Larentia's Light. Both sides have their own stories of what happened, but after the fall of Verlangen it's said then Archbishop Harson Albertson assisted Joanna to build what would become Eostia. One night he summoned two of his highest ranked Cardinals into his office, Tomas Grandia and Victor Mars and hours later Grandia came out, claiming Mars killed the Pope and nearly killed him as well before he fought back and ended him. He claimed the title of Archbishop for himself but many of the Cardinals thought it was Grandia that killed both for the sake of claiming power."
I sighed as Troya led us down another street. "There was a lot of debate, accusations and so on before many of Grandia's supporters gathered in the Lux Clama Cathedrial along with many of his opponents to debate. Before any decisions could be made a fire broke that killed most of those assembled. How it started isn't known, arson was suspected and both sides, of course, blamed one another. The bulk of the church stood behind Grandia and named him Archbishop but there was enough doubt that a sizable chunk broke away, led by seven Cardinals who named Candice Accord the first Pope."
Another turn was made as I looked to her to keep speaking. "Since then the two have been at odds and while both acknowledge the Primum Verbum and the Biblica Lux as their holy texts the Chruch, Una Vertia, prefers the Primum Verbum and Anima Lux, the Faith, prefers the Biblica Lux."
"Here we are." Troya said as we stopped. There before us was an academy for students; it wasn't large but it was well built. Made with red brick and boasting a flat roof, I could see something akin to a playground outside and children through windows. Behind the school was a large, four story building and a fair bit of unused land with grass growing tall and unchecked. Walking closer I could see it used to be some form of factory; of what I didn't know.
[(⸜∕ ) Go To The Disputed Lot]
[New Objective: Wait]
"That used to be a large textile factory." Troya carried on, unaware of the update I just got. "However the merchants moved their operations to Ferra to be closer to the cotton fields as the northern farms suffered a massive drought and the southern farms had a number of bumper crops in a row. That sort of killed the textile industry here." I nodded after a moment; made sense.
"Right. Let's hang out someplace out of the way; at least until Riri checks in." I said as Troya and Makoto nodded, the three of us and our two Blossoming Knight escorts moved into an alley and moved to the shadows to keep watch. As I wore dark blue I was the one who stood closer to the alley's entrance to see what was going on.
There was some idle chatter as we waited before finally my Voxlux started to ping. I pulled it out and answered, Riri's face popping up. "Sorry Master, but he just gave a glance to some rough looking types. He said nothing, but those thugs took off running down the alley." I could see things moving in the background of the view as she looked down. "They're going westwards of a red roofed church."
"Got it. We're waiting by the school now." I said as I frowned. "How many are there?"
"Ten total; they don't look too tough." She said before I tried not to groan; she jumped and rolled over her shoulder on something; it was a bit odd to watch and gave me a brief moment of motion sickness watching it. "I'll be there soon."
"Right, we'll see you here." I said as the Voxlux turned off, as I turned to look to Troya. "This is your town; how do you want to play this?"
"We should take them alive if at all possible." She said, hands moving to her hips. "Kill them if they turn into too much of a threat, but I want them alive. If they're coming from the west then Carl and Vince should move to the alleys either side of the street. I'll wait here with Makoto, and you should go to the top of the building.
I nodded to her and walked out of the alley, followed by the knights who moved to two other alleyways, both across a street as I used Levitation to fly up to the roof of the old textile building; there was no traffic here so we were currently alone. I then moved to kneel down; it was a flat roof so once I crouched down low enough I couldn't be seen easily from the ground level. Finally I could see Riri in her maid's uniform, hopping roofs to reach the building. I gave a brief wave but she showed no sign of seeing it. Soon she vanished from my view; the building blocking my sight of her for several moments before she came up over the edge, landing on the roof and rushing to my side, skidding to a stop before kneeling next to me.
I gave her a smile and nod and she nodded back as we looked at the way she came. It was about two minutes but I could see them; a group of ten men. All of them were wearing black pants and the bulk were shirtless save for vests made of leather or fur. They all had some emblem on their vests on the front; a red gauntlet from what I could tell. Observe told me they were levels nine to thirteen so I wasn't that worried. Two, however, were magic users; both being Mages. As subtly as I could I drew mana to my hand and waited as they moved to stand before the building I was on. The two mages held back and turned to keep watch on the empty street as the rest moved towards the building as I took my Voxlux out and set it to record, passing it to Riri.
[(⸜∕ ) Wait]
[New Objective: Stop the Arsonists]
"Think it'll spread to the school?" I could hear one of the thugs ask as they pulled flasks out. They would open them and start pouring them onto the building or toss them into an open window. I had to guess it was oil or some other accelerant they were pouring out onto the building.
"Who cares. Not like the brats will do anything by learning a few words." Another said, shrugging. "If it burns down, well, it's not our problem."
"Eh, they're all just dumb brats anyway." Another added with a chuckle. "It won't matter. Come on, let's get it lit up." The men backed up to stand behind their mages as both stopped standing watch and started to channel fire magic to their hands as they moved to the building. I decided it was now time to act, standing up and throwing my own spell; Arctic Orb. Just before they threw their own attacks mine impacted the ground sending a bit of a thermal shock into them as it froze the ground and made the mages yelp out and slip, their spells sputtering out as I used Levitate to step off and float down to the ground. All but three of them had slipped as the rest of my group rushed out; two knights on either side moving to block them in.
"Hey, what gives!?"
"We're under attack!"
"Wha-what the hell!? There weren't supposed to be guards here!"
"Stay right where you are!" Troya barked out as she drew her weapon and shield with Makoto right behind her pulling out her own blade. Riri was still recording things as I drew my own weapon as I landed on the ground. "You're all under arrest, you hooligans!" She bellowed out.
"What!? How!?" One of them let off, drawing his own sword; the rest drawing weapons; clubs and swords mostly although the mages drew crude staves. Those on the ground tried to use their weapons as a means to stand up.
"Who cares!? There's only five of them!" One of the still standing morons let off as he tried to charge me... Only to slip on the ice under him, his feet rocketing upwards as he landed on his back, hard. Most on the ground had crawled towards the edge of the ice and a couple got back to their feet but I just stepped in and used a wide Gale Burst to knock all of them back save one towards Troya, most of them losing their grips on their weapons. The one remaining man raised his club to charge at me but before he could get more then a step a throwing knife came from the top of the roof into his thigh. He dropped his weapon before dropping to the ground, clutching his leg.
The knights and Troya were already pulling rope out to start binding the batch I knocked over, the two knights working on them one by one. Of course some of the idiots would still try and resist despite the situation, but Makoto would knock their weapons away or club them with the backside of her katana as Troya did the same with the flat of her blade. It wasn't long before they were tied up and I had dragged the man with a knife in his leg over. Once he was bound I removed the knife and healed his wound. I, of course, passed the knife back to Riri, who had clambered down to join us.
"Eh? What is going on here?" We heard as four men walked over to us; the three Una Vertia priests from before, but also what looked to be a constable who was the one speaking; confirmed when I used Observe on him. "I was told there was a fire out here!" The constable (Terry Hickok, according to what Observe had told me) wore a suit of leather gambeson armor that was colored red with a skull cap and short sword at his hip. An outline of the Fiorire Family Emblem was over his left breast with a series of stars set around it; what showed he was the constable. He was a middle-aged man with a black mustache long enough to dangle next to his chin.
"Huh, funny." I said, pointing to the bound men. "We found a bunch of arsonists here. Coincidence that."
"Hmmm..." The lawman said as the priests looked about in a shifty manner.
"You claim them to be arsonists." One of the priests let off (Daven Surcoat, according to Observe), an elderly man who seemed to lead the lot. He had a half halo of white hair on his head and a beard that would impress Santa Claus with a mustache to match. No, really. He was even in red and white like Jolly Old Saint Nick. "But I see no torches or flints on them."
"Well..." I began as Troya huffed. "You have the word of a Knight of the Blossoming Moon-" I said, pointing to Troya. "Myself, heir to a barony... And this." I said, holding out my hand to Riri who gave me back my Voxlux. I held it up for them to see. "Play last recording."
"Huh!?" Daven let off as my device lit up, showing a video of what was recorded, sights and sounds and all. Including what they said and when they started to channel fire magic. "Wha-what is that!?"
"Something that'll become more common, in the coming days." Troya said hands on her hips. "After all, part of it's function was shown earlier today."
"You mean when the duke's head appeared over the city and spoke to us all?" Terry let off, rubbing the back of his head. "Well now, how did you end up with one then, your lordship?"
"Oh, simple. I made them. But we're off topic, aren't we?" I said with a shrug as the man and priests looked at me. I pointed to the ten thugs, now bound. "Arsonists."
"Right, right..." Terry said as he turned to look at the priests who seemed to shrink under his glare. "It's awful funny how you came running to me when there's no fire, but a buncha caught arsonists..."
[(⸜∕ ) Stop the Arsonists]
[Quest Complete: Trial by Fire]
[Gain 1000XP]
[Gain 2 RSP]
[Gain 1 USP]
Defeated List
8 Stonewall Street Thugs x 140=1120XP
2 Stonewall Street Casters x 160=320XP
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 2112XP Total
Hmm, nice chunk of XP and a handful of Stat Points! I'll spend those later.
[-]
In the end the shifty priests weren't able to fully talk themselves out of their shifty situation but there was no real proof they did anything wrong (We could say they looked at the men and little else) but plenty that suggested they were shifty with the constable openly telling them they were shifty and he'd be watching them if they were shifty once more because they were shifty. Troya told me that the Anima Lux Church would be informed about what just happened as well. I had been aware of the... Rivalry between the two factions, but I wasn't aware either side would go that far. Then again, I had heard rumors about how corrupt the Church was...
Maybe I'd need to keep an eye on them... Even if they weren't the source of this 'Black Storm' they could still be a problem...
Once we got back to the fortress and had a late lunch I returned to the quarters I would be using and laid out all my new spell scrolls with a bit of giddiness. It had been awhile since I learned a new spell, let alone so many of them! I read them one by one, absorbing their information and having each one pop into my mind as I learned each and everyone.
Earth Shaker [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Arcane
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Moderate
This spell will send powerful shock waves through any surface the user is touching, sending most people off balance if they are standing on. If used with enough power it will even damage buildings.
Thunder Lance [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Lightning
Cool Down: Low
Mana Cost: Moderate
This spell creates a spear of physical lightning that can be thrown. It will turn into normal, mana generated electricity upon impact and cannot be diverted by lightning rods.
Blazing Weapon [Lvl I] (0/2000)
Magic Type: Fire
Cool Down: Low
Mana Cost: Moderate
Imbue a weapon with the Fire Element; the weapon gains Fire Elemental Damage equal to half the weapon's damage (Rounded Up)
(This Combat Art is also considered a Magic Spell)
Shocking Weapon [Lvl I] (0/2000)
Magic Type: Lightning
Cool Down: Low
Mana Cost: Moderate
Imbue a weapon with the Lightning Element; the weapon gains Lightning Elemental Damage equal to half the weapon's damage (Rounded Up)
(This Combat Art is also considered a Magic Spell)
Arcane Lance [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Arcane
Cool Down: Low
Mana Cost: Moderate
Fire a piercing lance of arcane mana at a foe; highly effective versus armor.
Earth Mover [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Earth
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Low
You can move the earth under you to form holes, ditches and divots. Useful for making fire pits and traps however the speed of this spell's effects are slow.
Telescopic Vision [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Arcane
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Minute
Allows you to zoom your vision in on a far off sight, not unlike a telescope.
Conjure Water [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Water
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Minute to Moderate
Draws water from the air to a single location; cost and effectiveness depends on the moisture in the air.
Aqua Stream [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Water
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Low to Very High
Draw water from the air or a nearby source to blast a stream of liquid forcefully at a foe. Cost varies on how much water is available in the area.
Flame Thrower [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Fire
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Moderate
Blast a stream of flames out to a target in either a tight, focused stream or wide, covering wave.
Flame Guard [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Arcane
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Moderate
Renders the user immune to natural flame and heat plus resistance to magical flame and heat.
Hammer of Smite [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Holy
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Moderate
Fires a hammer shaped burst of holy mana at a foe for sizable damage. The mana is blunt and can be used to knock out opponents.
Arcane Weapon [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Arcane
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Moderate
Summon a weapon formed of mana into your hand. It's offensive capabilities are +2 Damage for every 10 in Mag
Aqua Breath [Lvl I] (0/1000)
Magic Type: Water
Cool Down: None
Mana Cost: Minute
Allows the user to breathe while underwater. Requires Lvl II to be able to breathe salt water.
Fourteen new spells was quite a lot, but the extra flexibility and variety of elements would be useful. The downside was I wasn't in the best position to train in them.
As much as straight grinding could be useful it was also impractical at best and more impossible then I'd care to admit. I had limitations after all; time, mana, physical needs such as rest, food and drink, mental needs such as social interaction and mental rest and other responsibilities. This trip would make it worse; I could still easily train something like Telescopic Vision on the road but not Arcane Lance. Sure, I expected enough stops to spar and practice while riding to install the boosters, but it wouldn't be as efficient as a training area.
Still, the Voxlux would pay for the trouble a hundred times over, I was sure of it.
In addition I was planning on what else I could make after this was done; after all I had a couple of ideas that would also help and if I could pull it off, well, it would be very handy once shit started to hit the fan. That would be on the back burner for the time being, but I could lay the groundwork for it while on the road. After all I didn't have much more to do while on the road then read, train when able and plan.
That was something I'd worry about when I got home. In addition I recall the production of something I saw on an old 'How It's Made' episode that would help quite a bit in making it... But that was a ways off right now... For now I had a job to do; installing the boosters and trying to get a picture of what I was up against on the whole 'Save Eostia' mission.
Having read all of my spell scrolls and one of my books for a bit I decided I needed to wash up. Grabbing a towel and some soaps I moved to one of the bathrooms to get nice and clean. I knocked once at the door, then twice and getting no response I walked in and while in the changing area stripped down. I brought my towel and soaps with me into the bath... And paused to blink.
Troya was seated in the tub; one larger then the one at my home and shaped like the Fiorire family emblem (With the upper corners rounded a bit more) with the floor of it painted to match. She let off a snort then a snore stating to me that she was out like a light. She was, of course, nude and with a set of D-Cups on her chest... And looking under the water at her hips I could say, yes indeed, she was thicc. A bit more thicc then Sora even, which was impressive.
Sighing I wrapped my towel around my waist and moved to kneel next to her, setting a hand on her shoulder, rocking her softly. "Troya." I called out to her. "Troya! Wake up." I called out as she snorted, shaking her head as she blinked her eyes taking a moment to yawn deeply.
"Ahh, wha..." She let off as she blinked and turned her head to look at me as I smiled and waved to her. "Wahhhh!" She let off as I chuckled softly as she moved to cover her ample chest with her arms.
"Sorry, sorry." I said as I waved my hands slightly. "I knocked before I came in, but got no response. I didn't expect to see you in here."
"Ughhh... S-sorry..." She let off, squirming as she blushed looking away. "I tend to, ugh, doze off when I get in the tub... The warm water just gets to me..."
"It's fine, it's fine." I said, waving my hand. "...If it's not too bold, mind if I join you?" Now that I thought about it, this was the first time I walked in on a girl in the bath; it was usually the other way around. She let off a 'huh' as she blushed at me as I stood up fully.
"Ah, I don't mind, but are you sure about-" I answered by just pulling my towel off and setting it aside before turning to the side of the room. I heard her making a choking sound as I moved to wash outside of the tub. I didn't take my time but I didn't rush, feeling her eyes on me the whole time. Finally I rinsed off and stood moving back to the tub; I could see her eyes locked to my groin.
"You're staring." I said with a chuckle as she yelped. "I figured you'd have a few lovers; it shouldn't be anything you haven't seen before." I said to tease her softly, setting into the tub and moving to sit next to her. She seemed a bit surprised as I leaned back, sighing softly.
"Ah, w-well, n-no... R-really, your the first guy to see me like this..." She admitted hands in her lap as she squirmed beside me.
"Saving yourself then?" I asked blinking as she shook her head. "...Shy?" I asked then as she nodded slowly. "Huh? Why? I think you're quite cute."
"Ahh, y-yeah, some guys... Say that..." She said, blushing as she looked about nervously. "But... Um well... I sort have a b..." Whatever else she was saying was cut off by her mumbling as she looked away.
"I'm sorry?" I let out. Maybe this was a mistake; she didn't exactly seem comfortable with this. I should-
"...I have a big butt, okay..." She let off, squirming next to me as I blinked.
"Okay. ... So what's the problem?" I replied with as her head snapped to look at me.
"But... You know don't guys like butts on their girls a little... t-tighter?" She let off as her hands came up and made motions, as if pressing something together.
"I can't speak for all guys but we tend to enjoy butts of all sizes. Some like them smaller, some larger, it kinda varies." I told her chuckling. "I mean the head maid of my home is quite wide in the hips and everyone finds her sexy as hell." Also, she was a dark elf and that gained her exotic points.
"R-really?" She let off, biting her lip.
"Really." I said with a nod. "No need to be shy." I said and waited. If she wanted to show off anything then she would If not then she wouldn't. As I watched her ponder over things it occurred to me that most of the sex I had gotten was initiated by my partner at the time. Sure there was... That one maid who's name I forgot, and after the first time I had asked Prim, Riri, Sora and Miria for more fun but I think this was the first time I had really tried starting something. I never really thought about it much, really, as I tended to be more focused on training, making the Voxlox and adventuring.
Of course, this world's women were more willing to engage in casual sex compared to the ones of my old one. It stood to reason the seduction thereof for simple fun was, as such, easier as well. Really, if I had more tits and pussy thrown at me I'd drown in it.
As I was thinking I heard the water slosh as Troya rose up, sucking in a breath and taking a step ahead, back turned to me and...
Wow... What an ass.
It was large and round and plush. Not to the point of being too ridiculous, and in truth a bit larger then I'd prefer, but it was still a nice ass. I moved my hands to cup her buttocks, hearing her yelp as she looked back at her. "Hmmm, this isn't a bad looking butt. Kinda nice, really. Bit larger then Sora's..." I said in a half teasing tone. I gave her ass a squeeze before rubbing it in long circles with my palms. "Very soft..."
"Ah, ge-geeze, now I feel embarrassed..." She let off, squirming and rocking her hips side to side... To the delight of my eyes. Her thighs were quite thick in their own right, but I could see some firm muscle under the layer of fat. I moved one of my hands between her legs, rubbing along her upper thigh and approaching her pussy slowly, testing her reactions. Her response was to part her legs slightly so I turned my hand and with three fingers softly cupped her sex and stroked her slowly and gently and was rewarded with a light, soft moan.
She moaned further as I pressed my fingers upwards, two digits parting her lower lips and slowly driving my fingers up into her, giving her ass a soft yet crisp slap. She would lean over, setting her hands on her thighs and started to rock herself back onto my hand as I pumped with a bit more force. Soon I was giving her a nice, firm finger fucking as she panted and moaned before me as my cock rose up to full mast. She moaned deeply as we moved around in a slow, half circle, letting her lean over and set her hands on the outside of the tub, quivering a bit as I kept working my fingers into her sex.
She looked back at me over her shoulder as her hips quivered for a long moment before she gave a long, drawn out cry as she clenched down on my fingers. I pumped her sex as she rode her high before finally sliding the fingers free before moving behind her and set my stiffened cock to her sex. I stroked myself to her sex as she panted, not pushing in; just teasing her gently as she recovered.
As her panting calmed down she looked back to me and bit her lip before nodding once. Consent acquired I pressed myself forwards into her, groaning deeply as my cock entered her tight folds. I held onto her wide hips firmly as I kept pressing in. Once my cock bottomed out in her I leaned over her, panting softy. I didn't encounter a virginal barrier; likely ruined by the rigorous training of a knight. "How's your first dick?" I asked as I let her adjust to my size in her.
"Wonderful..." She let off as I moved my arms around her, cupping a breast in each hand as she mewled under me. Once I was sure she was ready I started to thrust into her. I pressed some of my weight onto her, trusting she could bear it with ease and she did. I humped into her, feeling her shiver as I pinched her nipples, smiling as I kissed her neck softly, rocking firmer and firmer over her as I groaned into her skin.
She panted as I worked myself into her as I toyed with her breasts before moving to stand, holding her hips once more. Now was when I started to pump into her with more force and vigor. I watched her ass; seeing the flesh ripple and jiggle as my pelvis struck her plush backside with each push into her. It was quite the pleasant sight as I rammed into her firmer and harder. I found myself ramming into her harder if only to see her rump ripple more; which also spiked our own pleasures. I moved one hand to give her ass a firm smack before rubbing it with my palm.
"Harder..." She let off as I smiled and gave her ass a harsher smack with hand. "Harder!" She let off as I gave her other cheek another harsh smack, a little more force set to it. "Harder!" She mewled out as I gave her ass a harsh, crisp, loud smack. She shivered hard and cried out as she came, her pussy trying to milk my cock as she came and came well. I shivered and held back, wanting to hold out a little more before unleashing it all into her. At least that was the plan; instead she pulled away and turned on me, kneeling down in the bath.
Rather then let me come in her she wrapped her lips on my cock and sucked as hard as she could; more then enough to send me over the edge and pump my load into her mouth as she started to taste and drink of me directly. I groaned deeply shivering for a moment before moving to sit down on the tub's edge. Even after swallowing it all she sat on her knees, bobbing softly and sucking in a more gentle fashion before looking up at me. "W-well, M'Lord... You know how to give a girl a good first time."
I chuckled softly and reached down to ruffle her short hair playfully.
[Fucked List]
Banged Troya Zeragon=100xp x 5 First Time Bonus=500xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 600xp Total
[-]
The day after we had an early breakfast and began to ride for the next location. Troya had stayed with me for the night for... Additional fun. All I'll say on it.
Our next stop was the Duchy of Greenwave in southwest Ur and we'd be riding through the Barony of Pinewall to get there. As we did I did my best to recall all I could of the two regions. At the moment not too many knew of the Voxlux but that would change soon. Celestine, Claudia, Prim and Maia had a series for themselves and their aides and lieutenants and the ones meant for Alicia, Lulu and Kaguya were on route; with Maia vowing to deliver Lulu's and Kaguya's and Alicia's sent by the Grand Duke as we brought it with us to Ur.
However as the Shield Princesses started to use them and hand them out to those under them knowledge would spread. I imagine it wouldn't be long until all of the nobility knew of what was coming as I arrived.
For now, however, I was focused more on something else.
Looking over my maps in the carriage... as I pondered things... And tried to ignore that both Riri and Prim had clambered under my table...
We couldn't just play Chess, could we?
[ - Author's Note - ]
Well, James has started on his job and is considering some plans. And we've gotten a chance to see some of the tensions between the two sides of the religion of the realm between the Church and the Faith; although this incident was little more then a small skirmish to highlight the issue. With luck the adventures on the road will be more then a little entertaining.
Also, I plan on having a lot of Pencraft bits at the start of the chapters as a way to add bits of lore here and there that would be difficult to organically add. Some of these bits will be important, some will add flavor and some will be just for fun. Let me know what you think.
As stating, next time our heroes are riding southwest and will first be passing the Barony of Pinewall.
The Pick Your Class poll is still up at (slash) x88gp91x6 for those who wish to partake. No wrong choice to it!
As always feel free to leave a comment, critique and so forth on what you liked, didn't like and hope to see. I'm always glad to read more.
Until next time.
~~Eostian Scribe